Julien's Wake: Chapter 1

Sometimes, things happen. Things that you just can't explain. Things you had absolutely no control of. And when they happen… you don't really know who you are. Sometimes… things are so much different then you ever thought they would be.

"He's… He's… he's waking up! Oh my god he's waking up!"

"That's impossible! It's been 2 years!"

"He's waking up!"

"Uuuuuh…" Julien groaned. "What a strange dream" Julien said. But as he sat up he looked around. He was in a hospital. "Julien! Julien you're awake!" A voice said. Next to him was Maurice, and Marlene. Marlene gave him the biggest hug she'd ever given, "Julien I can't believe it! You're awake!" Julien removed her, confused out of his mind. "What are you talking about?" He said. Maurice and Marlene exchanged a glance. "You don't remember anything do you?" Marlene said. Julien gave her a blank stare. "Julien. You've been in a coma for the past two years, we've all been hoping for you to wake up" Julien's eyes shot out. He got out of the bed and looked out the window. This wasn't the zoo. It was a town of some-sort. He turned and faced them, Marlene was leaving hurriedly, and Maurice had a face filled with concern. "This doesn't make any sense Maurice! Where is my thrown?" Maurice had a surprised face, "you're thrown? You're a noble not a King, Julien!" The lemur looked taken back, but all of a sudden Marlene came back. "I called the castle, they're on their way." She said. Julien gripped his head trying to take it all in. "What is going on here? And where are Kowalski and the rest of the silly penguins?" Maurice's face took a frightening change, "Julien! Don't talk about the higher class like that! They'll have you be-headed!" Julien rolled his eyes, "Kowalski wouldn't have me beheaded, he and I are very close and- wait WHAT! Higher class? I am the king!" Marlene and Maurice had a small side chat. Julien sat back on his bed. Totally zoned out and confused. "Julien, as I said before, you're only a noble, not a king!" Maurice said. Marlene shook her head, "I wonder what went on in his head while he was out…" Julien gave her a scornful look. "It's true! He is awake!" A familiar voice said. Julien looked to see Private and Rico. Rico rolled his eyes, with a look of hatred in his gaze. "He's confused. Maybe a trip to visit his friend will help jog his memory." Marlene said. Rico growled, and Private smiled. "Come with us Julien!" Julien hesitated but followed the young penguin, Rico followed closely behind.

They soon made it to a castle, it had walls of stone and as the doors opened, Julien widened his eyes in astonishment. It was beautiful, the furniture, and everything. Private smiled, "you really did lose your memory, you look like you've never seen this place before." He laughed. They went up a staircase and stopped at a door. Private knocked. "Come in!" A voice said. As they opened the door, Julien smiled, as he saw Kowalski. Maybe things weren't so complicated now; Kowalski would surely help him get through this! Private smiled, and him and Rico left, and closed the door. Julien walked up to Kowalski and hugged him. Kowalski laughed, "Julien, your back! I missed you so much, and you really seem to have missed me! But if there's one thing to remember, it's that we can only be friends ok? Do you remember a bit of that?" Julien laughed, "What are you talking about silly Kowalski!" Kowalski sighed sadly. "They were right; you really did lose your memory…" Julien gave him a confused look, "I didn't lose my memory, I am King Julien!" Kowalski's face grew sad. "Julien. You're not a King. You're a noble. During a raid on our town you were put into a coma due to an injury to your head. You've been in that coma for two years Julien." Julien took a step back. "But… but Madagascar… and the zoo, and you and I…" Kowalski shook his head, "you must have imagined a whole second life during your coma. But this is your real life Julien. Whoever you think I am, I may be very similar to… but I am not them. You are Julien, one of the nobles in our town. And I am Prince Kowalski, son of King Skipper."