Tree Of Life: The Next Generation

Chapter 7 Trust Your Instincts

The journey to the Pride Lands was thrilling, all day the upcoming guard was wondering, guessing what test they may come across when they enter the Cave Of Secrets, that thought led into the night and now into the early mornings. Waking up Carlos yawned to the sound of the breeze flowing into the cave, whistling through small gaps in the guards' lair of Pride Rock. Looking around everyone was still fast asleep, Ahren was in Ono's old nest high on the ledge while Grace was sleeping on the rock where Fuli loved to lie in the sun, Karla and Rafi was bunched up against him, slowly moving trying to not wake them up Carlos made his way out of the lair, the sun just peeping over the horizon, stretching his back Rafi decided to go speak to his great grandfather, he was a little nervous, he has a big role, it's his duty to protect his guard and everyone from others who doesn't follow the circle of life, what if he fails? This became like deja vu all over again, the same situation when Kion was his age, questioning and asking himself if he was ready.

"Great Grandfather Mufasa?",

"Yes Carlos, I am here", Mufasa said appearing out of the orange clouds,

"Am I ready to lead the guard yet? I know I've been chosen and I am truly grateful but I don't know what to do. I know my father was in the same situation and he went through it but what if I can't do the things he did?",

"It's okay to feel this way, every leader goes through the same stages you're going through now, the only way Kion did the things he did was because he believed in his friends that stood by him and not only that, he believed in himself. I know you can do the same",

"How would I use the roar?",

"Like I told your father, trust your instincts my dear boy, no one can take that away from you, if you trust yourself, your friends and every decision you make, you'll be a great leader, don't try to be something or someone your not, just be yourself and you'll be fine".

"Asante Great Grandfather Mufasa", Carlos said pricking his ears up feeling better about himself,

"Hakuna Matata Carlos, good luck today, I know you can and everyone on the guard can do it, remember to trust your instincts",

"Will do Great Grandfather, Asante".

                                                                                           ......

Reluctantly getting up, Kion did his usual routine, stretch roar and give his family a morning hug, but this morning was different, he was all alone, the cubs were in the Pride Lands and Rani was visiting her brother but it was all good as Rani would be home today, just in time to head off to see how the new guard is coming along. Walking out the birds were chirping, praising for the beautiful day ahead,

"Morning Kion", Fuli announced walking over with the rest of the guard,

"Morning everyone", Kion said walking up to them,

"Rani not home yet?", Besthe asked,

"Not yet, she'll be home later this afternoon",

"Oo maybe we should throw her a surprise party?", Bunga excitedly shouted,

"She was only gone for two days Bunga, I don't think that's necessary",

"Oh, too bad. It would've been nice though",

"Maybe next time; anyways, today's patrol is going to be short as I got to head off to the Pride Lands, so for now we'll just do our rounds and make sure the herds are doing well and prepared for winter". Kion announced, leading them to the south entrance.