A Dry Rainy Season so Far

Part Two: Forward six years...

Four lions sat atop of Pride Rock, staring up at the sky with silent, worried eyes. A pair of two-toned blue lowered to gaze upon the kingdom that stretched out beneath their feet, faintly surprised by the faint patches of greenery that could be seen despite it being the end of summer...and no rains had come this time. The two younger lions, both males who now had their manes sprouting on their heads and around their necks, watched the parents carefully. Mufasa was studying their father closely, trying to mimic the solemn expression and furrowed brow of the King. Taka was watching the lionesses. A hunting party had just returned, dragging a dead wildebeest between them. The other lions, who were basking in the shadows of the huge mountain, got up to greet them. Their voices were too faint for him to hear, but the younger prince knew that the other lionesses praising them. "Looks like the hunting is still well," Uru commented to her mate, her own gaze on their pridesisters. "Yes...but how long will it last?" Ahadi questioned and the Queen could not answer.

Taka walked with Mufasa, following on the heels of their parents, as the royal family went to join their pride at the feast. Bright green eyes flicked from lioness to lioness, seeking out one pelt in particular. From the corner of his eye, Taka could see Mufasa brighten, the golden lion's tread quickening. The sight of his brother warmly greeting Sarabi made the younger lion's coat twinge slightly with envy. "Hello, Taka," that voice made Taka jerk his head around, his eyes widen in delight as he gazed upon the object of his search, the object of his affections...Sarafina. Her creamy pelt was covered in dust, much like everyone's coats were these days, but somehow she still looked good. While Sarabi had grew larger, more compact and muscular, Sarafina was lithe with a long back and legs, she was a hunter through and through, although, like her friend and Zira, Sarafina had yet to complete her Rite of Passage. That would be in another few weeks. Sarafina was looking at the carcass, her apple-green eyes blinking in delight. "That was a great hunt, was it?" Taka blinked out of his stupor, mentally kicking himself for staring at her like a lovesick baboon. Had anyone else saw? That last thing that the younger prince wanted was for the pride to gossip about him, combined with light-hearted teasing about young love...Mufasa and Sarabi had received enough that Taka wanted no part of it. But Taka did want some of what his brother had, a lioness who was always happy to see him, who was always ready to listen and give advice. The young lion would give anything to have Sarafina give him those same tender gazes and small smiles, like what Sarabi gave to Mufasa whenever the older prince happened to look her way. Oh how much did he want that same feeling of love. "It was," Taka replied, giving what he hoped was a sheepish smile. Sarafina wasn't looking at him, her gaze was on the kill that was now surrounded by all the members of the Pridelands, then her gaze lifted to the sky. Finally the tawny-pelted lioness looked at Taka, her eyes were troubled. "I hope it rains soon," Sarafina murmured as she moved to stand at the red-brown lion's side, Taka took a moment to enjoy the sweet scent of her fur. "I'm sure it will," Taka assured her quickly, without a thought. From the corner of his eye, Taka spotted Zira. The striped lioness was sitting a little ways from the rest of the pride, her ruby-eyes flicking from the carcass to gaze out upon the open savanna. While the princes and Grass Whispers girls had grown closer, Zira had grown distant from the pride. Despite her royal status due to her mother, Zira was one of the last to eat from the kills. She also slept a little ways from the pride during the rest periods. Her body was with the other Pridelanders, but her eyes and heart were somewhere out in the world, it was little doubt that she would probably go rogue or choose a solitary lifestyle upon completing her Rite of Passage.

"Hey Taka! Guess what?"

Taka jumped as a large ball of tan fur barrel its way into his stomach, making the red-brown prince grunt with a slight wince. He looked down into the wide eyes of his younger brother. Nunka giving him a huge grin in return. "I'm not really one for guessing games." Taka said, trying his hardest to be stern, but couldn't help the smile that came to his lips. "I caught a mouse today!" Nunka declared, bouncing around his older brother's front legs, his tail flicking in excitement. Taka's eyes brightened up quickly, "Did mom help?" "Nope," the cub shook his head. "I did it all by myself." Nunka puffed out his chest, looking extremely pleased with himself. "Mama said that I could have it all to myself. It was delicious." "Well, then I guess you're too full to have some wildebeest?" Sarafina asked, her eyes and smile showing that she was just kidding. The cub's orange eyes went wide. "Of course not, I LOVE wildebeest." Nunka's large front paws kneaded the ground. "It's my favorite food!" "I thought zebra was your favorite?" Taka raised a brow. Nunka looked between the two older lions and let out a small huff.

"I changed my mind."

Potential Heirs

"What's going on?"

Mufasa and Taka watched the shaman in confusion as Kandoro carefully opened a melon, using her thumb to smear the reddish juice over the cub's tan forehead. Nunka gurgled, his large paws churning slightly as his eyes with solid black pupils looked up at the aging mandrill. "He is going to be presented to the kingdom," Ahadi said, though he was watching as Kandoro carefully scooped up some sand and sprinkled it over the robust hairball's head, causing the cub to sneeze as was expected. "But...I thought I was going to be the future king," Mufasa said, his brows furrowed. Did his parents plan on replacing him with Nunka? Uru gave the golden cub an affectionate lick. "Of course you are, little ruler," Uru replied with a warm smile, her gray-blue eyes still sparkling as they had the moment the Queen called them into the birthing chamber. "Then...why?" Taka looked up at his father, then over at his mother. But it was his aunt who replied instead, coming to join the happy little family with Zira peering out from between her front paws. "As the oldest child, Mufasa is indeed the future king, but this presentation is not about who will be the next ruler." Erevu paused a bit, smiling warmly down at the new arrival. "This is going to let the kingdom know that Nunka can be a potential heir, just like you are Taka."

"I don't get it."

Erevu's brows furrowed a bit as if she were collecting her thoughts. "Mufasa will be the future king, but you would be next in line for the throne, Taka. But if Mufasa were to have children, then they would inherit instead. Of course if Mufasa's children are unfit to rule then Taka would still be king. If Taka became king, then Nunka would be next in line, unless Taka has children." She paused as the two cubs seemed to be getting it, the brown lioness smiled. "This is more of a way to assure the kingdom that they will have a heir no matter what the future brings." Before the two princes could reply, Kandoro lightly shook her staff, the dried melons gave a rattle that commanded silence. "It is time," the old mandrill declared, setting the staff down before she carefully picked up Nunka. "Come along, you two," Uru said as she nudged her two cubs. Mufasa and Taka exchanged a glance with each other, then trotted eagerly after their parents, excited for what the future would bring.

End of Part 1.

The First Change of A Path

"Is everything alright, my heart?" Uru asked her husband one day. It was an off day of sorts for the Pridelanders, though this time was so that the pridesisters could have the opportunity to try for cubs or their own. The three royal cubs and two Grass Whispers cubs were growing fast, soon they would not be cubs anymore. The pride needed new cubs in order to keep going. Ahadi was lost in thought while his mate had been dozing contently at his side, but Uru obviously knew that something was on her husband's mind and her voice pulled the King from his thoughts. Ahadi sighed, his two-toned blue eyes gazing to where the five cubs were sitting before Ua, playing some new game that the yellow lioness had just introduced, before looking away. Uru was quiet, waiting patiently for her mate to speak. After a while, her patience was rewarded. "Taka is not going to be the next Lion Guard Captain." Uru gave a slow nod, but was not too surprised. Despite the best efforts of his parents, the young males were still just as cruel now as they were when the red-brown cub was first introduced to them. Taka was a good lion, but not the right lion. "I think that would be for the best," Uru said, gently licking one of Ahadi's ear. "I'm sure there might be a better position for our youngest son." Ahadi only gave another deep side and laid his chin on his paws, not looking too hopeful. Uru's let her gaze drift over the pride, the few lionesses who had chosen not to head for the borders in search of male company. Erevu was resting close to Ua and the five cubs, with Tatu at her side. The young teenager licked one of her creamy-tan paws, swiping it over her head tuft. The young lioness looked so at ease with the world, even if she was the youngest of the lionesses. But youth didn't make her a pushover. Perhaps... The blue lioness nudged her mate's shoulder, the scar no longer brought such intense feelings of guilt. Ahadi lifted his head and turned it towards his Queen, noticing the bright light that made her gray-blue eyes sparkle. "What is he?" He asked her, when Uru had that look, the King knew that Uru had something in mind. "What about Tatu?" Uru nodded to the young lioness. Ahadi followed her gaze, watching his oldest niece for a long time, but didn't get what she was implying. "You could train Tatu to be the next Captain. And please, don't use the old gender-related excuses." Ahadi stared at his mate in surprise, his mouth working, but no sound came out. "We don't know if she'll want that kind of life," Ahadi protested. "Do you think that Taka wanted that life when he was only a day old?" Uru inquired, raising a brow. She had a good point there, so the King only nodded. "I'll talk to her later." He told his blue Queen, giving her cheek a gentle nuzzle.

Uru didn't have to wait for her mate's confirmation, Tatu's loud cry of delight was enough to confirm that the creamy-tan lioness had liked the idea. That was one less problem for them to worry about for now. But now there was news that the Queen felt that her husband would appreciate now, an bonus to the possible idea that the guard will continue on long after Ahadi's circle completed. Ahadi walked up to her and smiled. "I take that you heard her response already." Uru nodded with a smile of her own as she saw the relief in her love's eyes. "I'm sure that Tatu will handle the guard with no problems," she replied, then stepped forward to rub her nose along her King's cheek. "But I have more pleasant news." Ahadi looked at her, his expression puzzled now.

"What is it?"

"I'm pregnant, again."

There's Always Tomorrow...

Uru was watching for Taka, Ahadi and Sarafina had already been home for a while now, but the Queen hadn’t seen Taka since this morning. The look on her mate’s face had told her that today had not went well and the lioness had to bite back a sigh. After several hours and still no sign of her youngest son, the Queen set out to find her missing cub.

The sky was painted with the colors of twilight when Uru found Taka, not that he was really far from home. The cub was sitting a little ways from Pride rock, looking glum as he stared at his paws. As she moved nearer, the lioness saw that his cheeks were stained by tears, though now the cub was silent and the tears were gone.

“Taka?”

The cub didn’t respond. The Queen sat down beside her son, gazing down at him with concerned eyes. When he still didn’t say anything, the lioness decided to try again. “Your father and Sarafina had been back for a while now, and they said you came back earlier,” she frowned. “Where had you been?”

“Here.”

Uru tried not to sigh at the simple answer, but she was a patience lioness and she was willing to wait for as long as it took for the red-brown prince to talk. After a while, Taka gave in and spoke. “Mom…the guard males were mean to me.” “What do you mean?” Uru asked, her voice both gentle and comforting. She knew that adolescent lions could be difficult to handle, especially young males, but she wouldn’t blow off her youngest cub’s words so easily. If there was a problem, then Ahadi had to know before it could escalate into something far worst. “They were picking on me,” Taka replied, with a small sniffle. “Calling me names and stuff.” The Queen reached out a paw and drew Taka closer to her, the cub pressing into his mother’s colorless belly. “Were they being mean to Sarafina?” Uru asked, knowing that Sarafina had become a close friend to the little prince, she wouldn’t let anyone talk down about Taka, neither would Mufasa or Sarabi. For a moment the Queen felt a small flicker inside as she saw Taka’s green eyes flash with a light that she never saw in them, his voice was bitter as he said. “Of course not! They’re loved her!” Taka spat as if it was something nasty in his mouth. Seeing his mother’s confused expression, the red-brown cub continued. “They were nice to her, joking and even let her spar with them.”

“Did you say anything to her?”

“Yes…but she said that they were just messing around and I worry too much.”

Taka paused, looking shyly up at his mother. “Do I?” he asked her. “There is nothing wrong with being worried,” the lioness replied. “However, there is a difference between being worried and having your feelings being hurt.” As she spoke, Uru made a mental note to speak to Ua in the morning tomorrow. For a while mother and cub were silent, listening to the sounds of animals settling down for the night. On Pride rock, the Queen could see the faint outline of Ahadi with the smaller form of Mufasa, the two keeping a lookout for them.

“Mom?”

“Yes, Taka?”

“I…I don’t want to be a Captain to the Lion Guard.”

Uru blinked and looked down at her son. “Why not?” she asked curiously. “It’s fun and…I know dad wants me to succeed him since Muffy is going to be King...” Taka paused, dropping his eyes back to his paws. “…I don’t think I will be good enough.” Uru was quiet for a while, her mind spinning as she tried to both process the words and come up with a suitable response. “Taka…just because you had trouble today, it doesn’t mean that it will be the same later.” Taka looked up at her, his green eyes round with confusion but also sorrow. “I don’t think it will,” he murmured and pawed at a small beetle that scuttled close to his paw. “There’s always tomorrow, for dreams to come true.” Uru told her son and turned her gaze to look out across the savanna. “Believe in your dreams, come what may.” She stood up and motioned for him to follow. The blue-fawn lioness looked up to see Zuzu fluttering down, checking up on them. “Tell my husband that we’re just going for a walk, we won’t be long.” The hornbill frowned, but nodded and flew off.

Taka walked beside his mother, listening as she spoke. “With so much to do, and so little time in a day.” Uru lifted her gaze to look up at the sky, during their walk the stars were starting to peek out from their dens, filling the sky with bits of bright light. The Kings and Queens of the Past, Taka remembered. Uru smiled as she sat down by a small waterfall, the spray making a faint rainbow in the. Uru nodded at the stream that would later form a river.

“You'll be there my friend someday.”

Later the Queen smiled as she felt Taka nestle in beside her and Mufasa. But the Queen found herself remembering the expression that had been on her son's face. The fire that blazed, turning the soft grass pools into the color of snake venom. The look had...scared her? She hoped that it was just a one time occurrence, but Uru knew better.

"Oh Goddess, do not let him take that path." The lioness murmured.

Spirits in the Stars

It was two weeks after the arrival of Sarabi and Sarafina that Ahadi roused both his sons one night. Taka opened his eyes to peer up at his father, wondering what was going on. Ahadi didn't speak as he turned his attention to judging the golden cub that was snoring against Uru's flank. Taka poked his brother in the tummy and Muffy opened his eyes with a grunt. "Come, there's something I need to tell you." Ahadi said as he turned to the entrance of the cave, pausing to glance over at Zira who was peering out from between her mother's frown paws, her red eyes blinking sleepily. "You can come too," he told the small striped cub. Zira looked up at her mother for permission which Erevu gave by a nod, although the three royal cubs noticed that their mothers had exchanged a knowing look. What was going to happen, they didn't know, but all three cubs got up to follow the king.

Ahadi led the cubs onto the savanna which was fairly empty as the herds had settled down to sleep. A few were still awake, but they didn't give the lions much thought. Mufasa, Taka, and Zira moved closer to the King, wary of being out in the dark even though there was a huge white moon and billions of starts. The small party came to a stop on top of a grassy hill. Ahadi lying down while his sons sat on either side of him, Zira sat down beside Taka. For a while there was silence as the three cubs looked around, waiting for the King to speak. But Ahadi was still quiet for a while longer, then finally he spoke. "When I was your age, and Erevu too." Ahadi added with a glance to his niece. "Our parents brought us to this very spot." Muffy's eyes were wide in awe and Taka lifted a paw to look under it, as if expecting to see anything to make it special. "Look at the stars," Ahadi continued, lifted his two-toned gaze to the sky and all three cubs lifted their heads to stare at the small twinkling lights above their heads. "Up there is the Kings and Queens of the past," the lion explained. "They have left their physical bodies behind, but their spirits watch over us and guide us.

"Is Grandma up there?"

"Yes your grandfather too. He is that star right there."

Taka looked to where Ahadi was pointing and blinked at the sight of the star that seem to be brighter than many of the others. "Do they miss us?" he asked in a little voice. Ahadi nodded. "They miss us as much as we miss them. But be there for you, when in doubt, just look to the stars."

Zira listened to Ahadi in her usual silence, but her eyes were fixed on the stars and she was wondering. Was her father up there as well? Her mother had said that he died before her birth, but Tatu had described him a grim and strict lion who was often grumpy. Did all lions become stars when they died? Or only good lions? Zira wanted to know, but she was too nervous to ask.

Uru sat on another hill, watching the lion and cubs with warm eyes. She was too far to hear what was being said, but she didn't mind. As the cubs lifted their gaze to peer at the sky, Uru lifted her gaze as well. Amongst the net of twinkling stars, she saw the seven small stars that she felt were the spirits of her lost cubs. "Goodnight my little ones." She said with a smile, then turned to return home.