[Closed] Trials in the Pridelands

[KingKovu44]

Simba sighed. "We won't know until we get there," he said, looking to be sure that Nala, Vitani and the others were with him. Sure enough, they were.

[Kopalover]

Vitani ran beside Simba. Kamili beside her. "I hope something's not wrong." Vitani buffer between breathes. "Daddy, let's go!" Cried Kamili, "You too, Saffy!" As they ran through the pridelands to the Monkeys tree home.
~~

Kiara stayed behind, she had to prepare her vows for the wedding. "Give him regards from me! Hug hum for me too" Yelling to her family as she walked back into the den, where many other lions and lionesses perched on the rocks above. It was then, she remembered her old friend Dyanna. Sweet Dyanna, her best friend for life. She remembered they played on the rocks the lionesses were perching on and ran through the Pridelands.

[changa]

"Wait up! I can't... keep up..." Bianca huffed.

[Kopalover]

Vitani stopped and ran too Bianca. Picked her up, and put her on her back. "Hold on dear." While continuing to run to the monkeys tree.

[changa]

"Thank you, mama."
At last, they came to the tree. They listened for the sounds of Rafiki's songs, or anything really. "Rafiki?" Bianca called.

[KingKovu44]

Rafiki emerged, followed by a younger male mandrill. "Greetings, friends. This is my apprentice, Hodari. Anyway, thank you for coming," he said.

Simba stepped forward. "So, is something wrong?" he asked.

Rafiki chuckled. "Unfortunately, yes. You see, my time here has ended," he said to the royal family.

[changa]

"You mean... you mean you're..." Bianca's eyes began to moisten. "Don't die, Rafiki!"

[KingKovu44]

Rafiki smiled. "Death is a natural part of life, young one. Rejoice for those go into the realm of the great kings. My apprentice will now guide you," he said. With that, Rafiki raised his hands and looked towards the heavens. He was then surrounded by wind-blown flower petals. When they passed, he was gone.

Simba stood there with a stunned look on his face. "Ok, what just happened?" he asked.

[changa]

Bianca lowered her head and began to sob into her mother's shoulder. "It's not fair," she said softly.

[Kopalover]

Vitani nuzzled Bianca. "Everything in life if fair." Licking her tears away. "When you are born, that's when the sun rises. And each year you get older and the sun moves, and when you die.. the sun reaches the horizon and sets. The night ready's for the new era. And Hodari's peak is now." Nodding at the younger monkey and throwing him rafiki's old stick. "It's your peak."

~~

Kamili's tears were gone when her mother finished the speech. "So that's what happened to Papa 'Fasa and Na 'Rabi... Nana 'Fina, and Papa 'Jaa..." Trailing off, then looking up at the skies. "Is this true?" Screaming up, then the wind blew almost strong enough to blow the young cub down. "I.. take that as a yes?" She laughed.