Note: This chapter is a tribute to Robert Guillaume, the original voice of Rafiki.
We looked away from each other, thinking of what to say. Human and lion. Lion and lioness. Commoner and royalty. Ever since I came to this world, me and Kiara never liked each other...let's see if that changes.
''You first.'' I heard Kiara say as I blinked and looked at her. ''Tell me more about you.''
''Oh…'' I said, then sighed. ''In my world, we do have monarchs, yes, but it's rarely presented the same way yours is. Our monarchies are more of convenience and position, but they don't hold full power like your parents do.''
Kiara's intrigued look prompted me to continue. ''My world is the definition of divided. In my country, The United States of America, we have a president, a vice-president, secretary of state and other positions. But let's just say that the president is...divisive.''
''Really? How come?'' She asked raising an eyebrow.
''He takes a rather...hostile stance towards public news outlets. Most of the time, he calls them 'fake news' because of their details and words directed at him. He frequently takes golf, a sport popular in my world, trips, leading thousands to millions of cash.''
More alarming to your population that he frequently makes threats of war towards that North Korea country.
Oh, don't remind m-
''Okay...then what about you?'' She blinked. ''You told me about the positions and status of your world, but what about you yourself?''
''Well…'' I struggled to find words to describe my lifestyle. Considering I was mainly lazy and prone to hanging on video games and writing while occasionally hanging out in my garage watching war documentaries, I can't really find a good description. ''I'm rather lazy in my world. Not because there's nothing to do, but I have other passions than running outside. I usually do stuff regarding these things called video games. In human years, i'm sixteen years old.''
''In your world, how old would I be?'' Kiara asked, curious.
''You'd be roughly around fourteen to fifteen.'' I shrugged. ''Give or take.''
Then an idea sprung to mind.
''Hmm…'' I rubbed my chin, staring at the cream lioness. ''You seem quite proud of your title.''
''Oh, did you just figure that out?'' Kiara asked with a smirk.
''Very funny.'' I rolled my eyes with a slight smile. ''But seriously, I have one thing to ask. Are you really proud of your place among the pride...or are you hiding your own insecurities?''
Again..a period of silence. So silent that you could hear the wind outside and the talking of animals.
''...Insecurities.'' She seemed...doubtful. ''Yes, I come to understand my place in the pride, but i'm not really proud of it. Never was, to be honest.''
''I know that feeling well.''
''But you aren't royalty...I am.'' She looked at the ground, a more sad tone to her voice. ''I am required to act regal, act my title, act the way the great kings would have wanted. But I always wanted to be my own self, not what they want me to be. Despite that.''
I noticed her choking on her own voice, tears starting to come out.
''..I'm scared.''
I blinked. Sure, she seemed that way, but I didn't expect her to be this open.
Well, you two did say you wanted to do this. It's her fault.
I walked towards her slowly as she continued.
''I was mocked for my title when I was younger by some of the male cubs, called 'Daddy's little girl' by them and other verbal insults. The bullying caused me to become scared of what would happen if I did take leadership role directly. But you wouldn't understand that.'' She cried.
''Actually, I do.'' I said, causing her to look at me, her cheeks wet from the tears. ''I understand that.''
I sat next to her for what seemed like an eternity, Kiara leaning against me in order to cry into my fur, which at first I didn't appreciate, but just let it go and let her do it.
For an hour we sat there before Tiifu and Zuri came in.
''Shujaa! Kiara! The Ukumbusho is star-'' But they stopped in their tracks at us. ''..Ting.''
''Oh! That silly tradition Simba told me about?'' I raised an eyebrow as Zuri nodded. ''Well, i'm coming.''
''Yeah...see you there when you two stop nuzzling each other.'' She said and I blinked in confusion.
''Nuzzling? What do you mea-'' But I stopped myself when I saw Kiara's head was against mine. Oh boy…''Oh.''
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The surprise and embarrassment was visibly in Kiara as we were walking towards the location of the ukumbusho. Lionesses and elephants alike gathered in the grove, The Guard at the center, standing together...painted as lions...with fake manes. Okay, that's only the second weirdest thing i've seen today.
''Okay, so explain to me this ukumbusho.'' I whispered to Kiara, who obliged, whispering back at me.
''It's an old tradition established when the first Lion Guard was around. It's more than a 'silly tradition', Connor.'' She explained. ''It's to recognize the friendship between elephants and lions established during the reign of Mohatu.''
Scar?
She is correct. My grandfather first established The Lion Guard in order to protect the pridelands whenever he wasn't able to, as he was too busy with his royal duties. Askari, the first leader, made a peace pact with the elephants in a time of turmoil and distrust. Back then, it was an admirable feat, but these days, it's so easy to keep the peace that it's disgusting to watch.
Only for you. Though I do wish there was more action around here.
''Glad you could join us.'' I heard Simba say as I sat next to him, Nala, Tiifu, Zuri and Sarabi, with Kiara being in front of Simba, having sat in front of her dad. ''Didn't think you'd come.''
''Tch. Tiifu and Zuri made me.'' I said, shrugging. ''But I would have come regardless out of curiosity.''
Then...the presentation started. Hey, Scar, can I ask you something?
Is it just to block out the upcoming song?
The upcoming so-
''So many paths to peace.''
Yeah, sure.
Very well. What is there to ask?
What happened during your stint in The Lion Guard?
As leader?
Yeah.
I felt like the strongest being in the pridelands, since I most likely was. I led my team through thick and thin, victory after victory, but then they started to turn against me, saying that because I felt like I should be king and wanted to kill Mufasa with them in order to do so, they couldn't out of loyalty to that fool.
So you killed them…
…
Why?
It's not a topic i'd prefer to discuss at this time, Connor. Just focus on the presentation, the mushy as mud song is wrapping up.
Ah, so it is.
''During King Mohatu's reign.'' Kion began, looking at Ma Tembo. ''Askari, the leader of the first Lion Guard, noticed the tensions between elephants and lions. He decided to approach both groups and get them to acknowledge a peace pact. And after this peace pact, the Circle of Life was in balance.''
I raised an eyebrow at the story. Surely there should be more to this, right?
Not even I am aware of anything additional to all that Kion and I have told.
''And tonight's Ukumbusho, we will celebrate the peace!'' Kion and Ma Tembo shouted together as the crowd cheered. Every animal seen cheered except me, as I was paying attention to the proceedings more than cheering my lungs out of my body.
However, a sound in the distanced caused my ears to go down and my eyes to widen. Buzzing...oh god, BUZZING! BEES! OF ALL THE INSE-
But before I had time to rant in my head, the bees swarmed the elephants, causing them to panic and run off in a stampede. Oh fabulous, the second stampede this month!
First one being caused by you.
I'll admit, wasn't the best thing i've done.
''Lion Guard!'' Kion ordered. ''Go after the elephants and make sure they don't hurt anyone!''
The Guard ran off as I followed them..rather reluctantly, might I add.
I say this because I freaking HATE bees. In terms of insect species, they are the bane of my very existence and i'd rather be dipped in lava than suffer at the hands of the black and yellow demons.
Hmm...would it help to know today is Halloween?
It is?
Indeed. Maybe you should try to use this day to do something for your pathetic human tradition.
Nice advice, Scar…
"Kion, I have an idea that doesn't involve living bug repellant." A confused glance was sent my way by the prince. "Why don't we try washing the paint off of the elephants?"
"But that might ruin the-" Kion was about to retort, but was surprised by my growl.
"Getting the bees away from the animals is more important about preserving this damn tradition!" I shouted. The ignorance…
Your arrival shifted some of their personalities, though not as much as I would have wanted.
"I-If you say so." He said, taken aback by my outburst. "Though the elephants wouldn't want their paint ruined."
"Would they rather get stung endlessly like Zuri said you lot did while Kiara was playing pretend queen?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. "We both know that life won't always go the way we or others want."
Kion was silent for a few momenta before looking at his team. "Beshte! Ono! You two get the elephants to a water source! Fuli! Bunga! You try to keep the bees away from them!"
"And what about you?" Fuli asked and Kion blinked.
"I don't really know…" He admitted. "We've dealt with bees, but it being on such an important day makes me unsure of what to really do except what I just told you guys."
"You can go." I told the rest of them. "I want to have a chat with Kion."
The others reluctantly did so before I grabbed Kion's cheeks, making him look at me. "Kion!"
"Huh?" He blinked. "Something wrong?"
I pushed him away before frowning. "This is a crisis that jeopardizes your world's traditions and populace, but you're too worried about the ukumbusho to do anything sufficient with yourself."
"I just want the animals to be happy." Kion sighed. "I once told Zira that friendship and kindness will always guide us."
Hm. He's like a mix of Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy in that regard. Whatever.
''But THAT'S the problem.'' I pointed out with gritted teeth. ''It WON'T! Sometimes, you need to accept that no world is sunshine and rainbows! You can't expect a world where flowers are blooming, teddy bears are dancing and every animal is cuddling! It doesn't work like that!''
I really hate how hard i'm being with him, but I need to get my point across.
As Kion looked down, I panted before sighing.
''Kion, I was born in a world at war with itself. I KNOW that life doesn't accept goodness as much. What I want you to do is trust me on this and don't let your own desires hold you back from doing the right thing.'' I turned around and walked away from the brother of Kiara, who just sat there, scrambling through his thoughts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hurried back to the Guard, who were at the watering hole trying to get the elephants cleaned off...only to stop in my tracks when I saw the state of Fuli and Bunga. Cringing at the seemingly hundreds of stings on them, I walked over.
''Looks like you've had a rough time.'' I smirked at the fuming cheetah.
''What gave it away?'' She asked sarcastically. ''The bees weren't exactly accepting of our attempts to drive them away.''
''Well, bees tend to be like that.'' I shrugged before walking over to where the water was, splashing water on the paint of the elephants, which slowly started to wash off. Looking at the grateful elephant leader, who I assume is Ma Tembo, I smiled. ''There you go, mam. Your elephants will no longer be bothered.''
''Where's Kion?'' She raised an eyebrow.
''I gave him a little...pep talk. Don't worry, he'll be okay.'' I said as the Guard looked at me. ''Relax, it'll be fine.''
Sighing, the Guard, the elephants and I began making our way back to the grove.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Suffice to say, the celebration was...odd. With the paint off, the celebration went on as per normal, but I still got this gut feeling that I went too hard on Kion. But, since said celebration was over, Kion came over to me and smiled.
''Hm?'' I raised an eyebrow. ''You seem a bit cheery.''
But what I didn't expect was Kion embracing me.
''Thanks for helping us out…'' Kion said. ''And I promise, i'll heed your advice.''
Hearing that, I wrapped one arm around him before he walked away with his friends.
Tch. These fools are far too forgiving.
Ah, stop being pessimistic. At least you got your first exposure to Lion Guard action directly in years.
I suppose...still doesn't change the fact that I am stuck in this cursed body for now.
You hop between the volcano and my mind, so it doesn't make it so bad.
You make it seem like a GOOD thing!
Shaking my head in amusement, I made my way back to Pride Rock.
Next: When a monitor lizard pops up in the Pridelands with a devastating bite, Shujaa works with Bunga, Zuri and Kiara to get to the bottom of it. Will they find a way to beat the monitor lizard or will he run rampant across the Pridelands?