The First Heir(A Lion King fanfiction)

Chapter 2

A few weeks had gone by. Zahara had grown out of the newborn stage and was a regular cub now. Very soon she'd be able to go on a hunting trip with her mother and the other lionesses. During the evenings, Zahara loved to be outside with her father, looking at the stars. Or the great kings of the past, as her father would say. But unbeknownst to Zahara, whenever she eventually fell asleep, Mufasa would take her inside the den.

Zahara woke up and saw her parents were still awake.

"Daddy, wake up." She said, tugging on his ear. "Time for our walk."

"Your daughter's awake." Sarabi said.

"Before sunrise, she's your daughter." Mufasa said.

"You're the one that takes her on your patrols with you." Sarabi countered back.

"Daddy, come on!" Zahara continued to get her father's attention. This woke a few of the other lionesses up.

"You better get up before she wakes the whole den up." Sarabi said.

"Alright. Alright. I'm up." Mufasa said yawning. "Quiet down a bit."

Zahara ran out of the den with her parents following behind her. Mufasa always took Zahara with him on his daily morning patrol. He uses this opportunity to teach her things about the Pride Lands. Zahara enjoyed the time with her father, but always got bored with his talks and lessons. She was more interested in playing and running around.

"Zahara, pay attention." Mufasa scolded.

"But, Daddy." Asha whined. "Royal lessons are boring."

"Zahara, one day my time will set on this earth and you will be the next ruler." Mufasa said. "You need to learn about the Pride Lands for the future."

"What if I don't want to be the next ruler?" Zahara asked.

"It's your birthright, Zahara." Mufasa said.

"Can we please have some fun?" Zahara asked.

Zazu appeared. "Good morning, sire." He greeted as he perched on a rock.

"Good morning, Zazu." Mufasa said. "Do you have the morning report?"

Zazu started listing off the morning report.

"Time for your first hunting lesson, Zahara." Mufasa whispered.

Zahara smiled.

"Zazu, turn around for a moment." Mufasa said.

"Of course, sire." Zazu said. "But, what's going on?"

"Zahara's first pouncing lesson." Mufasa answered.

"Pouncing lesson! You can't be serious, sire." Zazu said.

Mufasa motioned for Zazu to turn back around. He crouched down closer to Zahara's level.

"Stay low to the ground and stay very quiet." He whispered.

Zahara did as instructed.

"Whenever you're ready." Mufasa whispered.

Zahara moved around, so Zazu wouldn't know where she's coming from. After a few seconds, she pounced on him.

Mufasa laughed. "That was very good, Zara." He said.

Zazu pulled up from Zahara and flew away.

Just then, they heard something behind them. They looked to see an orange lion with a black mane and a scar running down his left eye.

"Daddy, who's that?" Zahara asked.

"That would be your Uncle Scar." Mufasa replied. "He's my brother."

"Morning, brother." Scar greeted. "Who's the little hairball?"

"Your niece, Zahara." Mufasa said. "Speaking of, we need to have a chat." 

"And I so look forward to it." Scar said.

"Zahara, go play. But, stick close." Mufasa said.

Zahara started to play around.

Mufasa moved off to the side with Scar.

"Sarabi and I didn't see you at the presentation of Zahara a few weeks ago." He said. "Your presence was expected."

"My apologies." Scar said, turning around to walk away. "Give my regards to the little runt."

Mufasa roared. "Don't turn your back on me, Scar." He said. "That's your future Queen you're insulting."

"Once again, my apologies." Scar said before walking off.

"Let's go, Zahara." Mufasa said, turning towards his daughter. But, he didn't see her.

"Zahara?" He said. "Zahara!"

Out of nowhere, Mufasa felt something nip at his tail. He looked back to see Zahara, hanging onto his tail with her mouth. Mufasa couldn't contain his laughter as he how muddy his little girl was.

"Your mother's not going to be happy when she sees you." He said. "Come on."

Sarabi gasped when she saw her daughter. "Zahara, look at you!" She said. "Come here, so I can give you a bath."

Zahara sighed, but walked over to her mother.

"Can I go play with Johari now?" Zahara asked, once her mother had finished bathing her.

"I suppose so, as long as her mother's alright with it and Zazu has to go with you." Sarabi said. "And don't get all muddy again."

Zahara nodded and ran off to find Johari.

AN: Johari means "essence" or "jewel" in Swahili. She is Asha's best friend. Also, I might add a unique birth mark on Zahara. If anyone has any ideas, i'd love to hear them.