The Apprentice

Chapter I: the Changing Wind

The sun slowly rose over the Pride Lands, casting its wondrous rays across the fertile grasslands. At this time, the animals are (for the most part) still asleep, the dew still lies on the green leaf, and the air is as fresh as the purest water. At this time, everything seems young and new.

It is at such times that wise old Rafiki, the resident shaman, will stand at the head of the mighty river, cast his mystical staff into the stream, and seek guidance from the Great Kings. Murmuring incantations and swaying his staff through the water in intricate patterns, the baboon would pray to those distant orbs in the dark sky.

Of course, he did not always expect to receive a message every morning, but this method had served him well during his time in the Pride Lands.

With a deep inhale of breath, Rafiki took in the crisp air of his beloved home. Smiling, he felt a presence, one of an old friend. Raising his eyes to the sky, Rafiki let out a soft chuckle.

"Ah, Mufasa, de day is young, and yet I am so old," the monkey murmured.

Indeed, Rafiki was aging rapidly. He had already lived through three different kings' reigns; Mufasa's, Taka's, and Simba's. Now, the young Kovu was preparing to take over for the aging Simba.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept through Rafiki's shaggy beard. Flower petals circled the shaman's head, and Rafiki felt the friendly touch of Mufasa.

"I know I can make it through da dry season, but afta dat… who knows?" Rafiki whispered.

Wait, what's dat in de air?, Rafiki thought, What is happening? The winds continued to swirl, and the trees swayed strongly. Puzzled, Rafiki looked to the sky once more.

"What does it mean?" the shaman asked, "Why are de winds acting so strangely?"

"It means change is coming…" whispered a deep, but soft, voice in the monkey's ear, "You have served this land well, my friend, but even you must someday continue on the Great Circle of Life."

"I know, I know!" Rafiki muttered irritably, "Who's de mystic here?"

Mufasa's chuckle came as a sweet breeze on Rafiki's face. "That as it might be, Rafiki, you're time is coming. Be ready… you must… prepare…."

And with that, the winds died down, the trees stood still, and the Pride Lands returned to its slumber.

A few hours later, the rest of the kingdom began to awake. With a mighty yawn, Kovu rose from his sleep. Blinking, he surveyed his surroundings. He was lying in the den alongside his beloved mate, Princess Kiara. Kiara, smiling softly, looked up at him from the ground.

"Morning," she said, "I think we slept in a little."

"Yeah, well… it's a big day for us, so I'm sure everyone will be fine with it," Kovu replied with a broad grin, "How long have you been awake?"

"About 5 seconds," Kiara whined playfully, "Some jerk yawned right in my ear…"

"Oh, umm, sorry?" Kovu tried with a big smile.

"Yeah, well, just keep it down next time," the lioness replied with a laugh.

With a smile, Kovu looked down at Kiara's growing belly. Gently, he nudged her tummy with his nose.

"And how did he or she do?" he asked softly.

"The cub's kicking a lot more often, Kovu," Kiara answered with a wince, "I mean, I can't wait to have this cub, but I really wish they'd just be patient and stop making such a fuss."

Kiara had been pregnant for several months, and Rafiki had predicted that the new prince or princess would be arriving very soon.

"I know, but just think about how great it'll be when he or she finally gets here!" Kovu encouraged.

"Well, let's just worry about the ceremony," Kiara answered.

Today, Kovu and Kiara would replace King Simba and Queen Nala as rulers of the Pride Lands. It had been a year and a half since the Outsiders had integrated into the Pride, and the transition couldn't have been smoother. Now, you could hardly tell the difference between the average Pride Lander and Outsider, except for maybe the Outsiders were slightly thinner due the Outlands' lack of food.

During that time, Simba had taught Kovu everything the King would need to know—resolving disagreements, keeping track of the amount of food and water, and (most importantly) protecting the Pride Lands. Now, Kovu was ready.

The couple stepped out of the cave and into the sunlight. Everywhere they looked, the Pride Lands was a whirl of activity. Zazu had successfully spread the news of the coronation, and waves of animals had converged in front of Pride Rock. Lionesses were busy helping Zazu supervise the huge crowd.

"Good morning, you two," a creamy-furred lioness said from their left.

"Vitani!" Kiara greeted with a grin, "How are you?"

"I'm fine," Kovu's sister answered, "I was waiting for you guys to get your lazy butts up. I've got a message for you."

"You do?" Kovu asked, "From who?"

"Simba," Vitani replied, "He says to meet him at midday at the top of Pride Rock."

"Ok, thanks," Kiara said, "Will we see you later?"

"Oh, definitely," the other lioness smirked, "I wouldn't dream of missing the after-party."

At midday, the current King of the Pride Lands was waiting for his daughter and son-in-law to meet him. As they approached, he smiled. His fur was still it's golden hue, but his maine had began to turn grey from old age.

"Daddy!" Kiara called as she ran forward and snuggled into his embrace.

"Good morning, Simba," Kovu smiled, "Vitani said you wanted to talk to us…"

"Yep, I just wanted to go over the final details with you guys and Rafiki." Simba answered with a soft smile, "Ah, here he is now."

As Simba spoke, Rafiki slowly walked up the steps leading to the ledge. With a smile, he wrapped his arms around Kovu and Kiara in a big group hug. Then, he turned to Simba and hugged him, too.

"Good day, your highnesses," he let out a chuckle, "So, after Simba gives his farewell speech to his subjects, he and Nala will turn around and look your way. Then, Kovu, you will help Kiara approach Simba and Nala. Be careful, dis one's gotten big!" He laughed and patted Kiara on the head affectionately.

"Hey! I'm eating for two people now!" Kiara shot back defensively.

"Just kidding, Princess. Now, you two will stand alongside Simba and Nala, and I will say a Prayer of Initiation, welcoming Kiara and Kovu into de Pride. Den, Simba and Nala will join de entire Kingdom in bowing to der new king and queen. Has everyone got it?"

Everybody nodded in agreement. Rafiki smiled and let out a crazy laugh.

"Aha! Well den, shall we get to it?"