A New Tale of the Pride Lands (Julie and Adofo)

[Carl]

"Many primates aren't exactly kind to those from other tribes, your majesty," Zazu added, "And this one is from a very peculiar species, as this metal bird alone shows."

Sarabi pondered it, not sure what to do. It was ultimately her mate's decision, as king, but there were some things that concerned the lioness. Finally she responded; "Alright... if you're sure Mufasa. But what if he doesn't eat as we do? How would we care for him?"

This whole thing was most irregular, and the lioness wondered what the rest of the pride would think. They already knew that Scar disapproved, but then, he disapproved of everything they did. He was very bitter about his lot in life, though Sarabi wasn't entirely sure why. It wasn't as if he'd had a bad life or anything. The lioness took a step closer and peered down at the little creature. It wasn't as if it could hurt them at this stageㅡand if it grew dangerous they'd be able to do something about it. She would just have to be careful that it didn't crush her young prince in their sleep.

[Adofo]

Mufasa: .....I'm sure! And we'll figure it out as we go. But we'll raise him as our son. And no matter what...we'll always love and protect him!
As Sarabi was moving in close, the little ape lunged forward at Sarabi. He hugged her face and giggled as he said "Mama!" Almost as if he knew from the moment he saw her, she was his mother

[Carl]

The lioness chuckled slightly and gave the small creature a gentle lick. It was strangely appealing to her to raise it, and the lioness couldn't help but smile warmly at the hairless ape below her. For a few silent moments she just let the creature hug her and play with her whiskers, but soon she returned her gaze to her mate, cocking her head to the side as a new question formed in her mind.

"What should we call him? If we're going to raise him he will need a name," she said softly.

[Adofo]

Mufasa pondered for a moment. He wanted a name that felt right. Something tough but gentle.
Mufasa: How about.....Adofo? It's strong and tough but has a slight gentleness to it.

[Carl]

Sarabi grimaced, but replied, "Yes, that will do nicely, I think, my king."

With that, she grabbed the cub by the fabric around its body, lifting it from the seat carefully and making her way back towards the exit. Getting out of this thing was proving difficult with the ape-cub in tow, however, as the loose fabric kept trying to slide off of the creature, and the lioness had to keep stopping and readjusting her grip to prevent him from falling. Once or twice she was forced to use a forepaw to catch him, then hobble another step or two and arrange him again. Carefully, she crept over some crumpled and broken bits of this thing it had arrived in, hopping over a knocked over seat when it became necessary. Consequently, her teeth tore through the fabric, causing Adofo to droop towards the ground, and Sarabi quickly threw up a paw to stop his descent. A low growl issued from her throat in the frustration of rescuing the ape-cub, but she pressed on, as slowly as it was, finally arriving at the entrance and clambering out of the warm wreckage and onto the grass of the savanna once more.

Here she placed the cub in the soft grass for a moment, turning to watch her mate, his majordomo, and his advisor following suit. She studied the strange thing, noting that it was still emanating a lot of oppressive heat, and she knew that could not bode well.

"Mufasa, we can't leave that thing at the back of Pride Rock like that. It will cook our cubs alive," she murmured.

"She has a point, sire, but how would we ever dream of moving it?" Zazu pondered.

[Adofo]

Mufasa: Hmmm.....I'll assemble some of the elephants and rhinos. We'll take it apart piece by piece. And we'll bury what we remove. I don't think we'll be able to fully take it apart, but I think we can do enough to were it'll be safe to be around.
The little "cub" then looked towards his new father and again said the word "Mama". The king raised and eyebrow then chuckled at his new son.
Mufasa: Well now...looks like I'm the mama now, Sarabi!

[Carl]

The lioness chuckled, pushing the ape-cub across the ground towards her husband with her nose.

"Then you won't mind taking care of him for a while, right? I've got my paws full already with little Simba. Speaking of, now that it's safe, I should take him out of my sister's paws, before she gets fed up with watching a cub that isn't hers," she said. Sarabi started trotting back around towards the front of Pride Rock, turning her head sideways over her shoulder before disappearing around the crags and boulders to say, "I'll let you explain this to the pride, my dear. As the beloved king, it is your duty after all."

Her face wore a large playful grin as she bounded out of sight and began her ascent of Pride Rock.

[Adofo]

Mufasa picked up his new son by the little white thing on his lower body and carried him up Priderock and into the den. As soon as he entered the cave there was a mix of feelings from the pride. Most seemed a little surprised seeing such an unusual creature while some others were thinking the little thing looked delicious. One of the lionesses bound up to the king, her mouth salivating from seeing the little ape as she said "Nice catch my King! I've never seen anything like this before! You think we could all get a little taste!?" The king immediately turned and handed his son to Rafiki to hold and turned back towards the lioness with an angry look in his eye.
Mufasa: NO! No one is going to lay a paw on him! And you should show some respect for your new prince!
All the lionesses started mumbling to each other trying to figure out what their King had meant. Until he spoke again.
Mufasa: Everyone! The thing that landed behind our home is of no threat. We found this little guy as the sole survivor. And...a sign was given to us. The heavens shined a beam of pure light onto him.....I'm afraid he lost his parents in the accident. So...Sarabi and I have taken it upon ourselves to adopt this little boy! Just like Simba, he is your new prince! And I want to be very clear on this and I will only say this once! Even though he is different, you are all to always treat him with the up most respect and dignity! .....And if any harm shall be brought to him.....the punishment shall be VERY harsh!!! Understood!?

[Carl]

The lionesses were not happy with this development. Many of them weren't interested in eating the ape-cub, but they were wary of it being among them. Strange creatures could pose a threat, and they were concerned as to what the future might hold on this new path, but they trusted their king, and so they accepted his decision, hoping it did not backfire. It the back of the cave, however, there was one lion who hoped quite the contrary. Scar felt this could be the break he was looking for. With this ape-cub around, there were all kinds of opportunities for things to go bad, and that could provide Scar with a chance to take the throne. In fact, judging by the disgusted looks on the faces of the majority of the lionesses, the dark male might be able to use this royal fumble to make the pride loyal to him, at which point, they could oust Mufasa "democratically" or even forcibly if necessary. Scar couldn't help grinning to himself at the thought.

"Yes, we understand," Sarafina said in answer to Mufasa. Naanda nodded.

"Same," she added.

"No harm will come to your adopted son," another lioness assured the king.

[Adofo]

He walked over to his mate and laid down beside her and Simba. Rafiki came over and laid the little ape in Mufasa's arms and backed away.
Mufasa: His name shall here by be...Adofo! .....We love you, Adofo!
He gave his new son a lick and the little boy giggled. He then looked next to him in his new mothers arms and saw his new brother.
Mufasa: Adofo, that's your little brother, Simba! Simba, this is your big brother, Adofo! I hope you two become the best of friends!!!
Adofo reached over to hug his new brother. The duo both had big smiles on their faces and even started to "play" with each other. They were just poking each others little faces and tickling each other. Eventually after they both grew tired, they huddled together in their parents arms for a hug. And as they were drifting off to sleep together they each gave each other a little kiss on the cheek.

(Even I have to say, Awwwwww!)