It had been almost a week since Kion, Kopa, and Kiara left for the Jungle Kingdom to form a stronger army against Mshindi and his threat. A threat not only to the Pridelands, but to kingdoms everywhere. Rafiki tended to the paintings in his tree and sighed. A breeze flowed around him, and he embraced it.
RAFIKI: "Yes, my old friend, it is finally time."
He looks at a new painting of Kopa, Kiara, and Kion as young adults.
-----------------
ELSEWHERE
-----------------
Vitani led Bunga, Beshte, and Baliyo as the group patrolled the lands. Vitani looked back at the group and stopped suddenly.
BALIYO: "Um, Vitani? Is something wrong?", he asked.
BUNGA: "Yeah! Why'd you stop, is there danger! Because if there-", he offered.
VITANI: "No!", she shouted.
Vitani realized her outburst, and she sighed.
VITANI: "No... There is no danger, I am sorry... it is just that I am not really... it... this has been the first time leading since...", she continued.
She trailed off, but the group understood plainly and was silent, even Bunga.
BESHTE: "Vitani, you don't need to apologize", he replied.
Baliyo walked up to their current leader.
BALIYO: "Vitani, I know how you feel, and if-", he tried.
VITANI: "Really?! You know how I feel? My guard is dead, my mother, who already did such heinous acts and had been dead, is alive and working alongside their killer, and-", she babbled before stopping.
She looked at Baliyo, who looked down.
VITANI: "And... you understand... You also lost someone close..."
She looked to Beshte and Bunga, who also looked to her. In their sad eyes, a mutual understanding.
VITANI: "We all have... I am sorry...", she continued, "I shouldn't say such things. I am not worthy of being a leader for a guard... how do I know if I can protect you guys... I couldn't protect them, and-"
After a moment, Baliyo spoke.
BALIYO: "Vitani, we understand. Bad things have happened, but right now everyone is counting on us to hold out until Kion, Kiara, and Kopa return", he said, reassuring her.
Vitani still wasn't encouraged, but Baliyo continued.
BALIYO: "Vitani, you hold the roar of the elders; you are as worthy of leadership as ever and as much as any leader in our ancestry. We need your leadership, just as they needed theirs then."
Vitani thought for a moment and sighed. The wind picked up and circled her.
VITANI: "That is enough patrolling for now, you three go meet with Anga at the usual spot. We'll patrol again at dusk...", she ordered.
Vitani started to walk off.
BUNGA: "Hey! Aren't you coming back with us?"
VITANI: "I am going to speak with someone.... just go on... I'll catch up."
YOU ARE READING
The Lion King: The Three Rulers
FanfictionEvil has returned. A great threat long thought to be gone has returned stronger than ever. Past enemies have returned. Not only is the Tree of Life in peril, but also the Pride Lands and the Circle of Life itself. How will this evil be defeated? Can...
