Chapter 7: Mr. Womba
All of the animals that you could imagine - except cockroaches - had gathered outside the gates of Mr. Womba's Insect Factory, knowing that in just a few moments they would get their first look ever at the living legend.
At the front of the line sat Pumbaa with Simba, Kiara with Zazu, Bunga with Fuli, Kion with Nala and Timon with Uncle Max.
Much like the rest of the crowd, all 10 of them didn't know what to expect when Mr. Womba walked out of those doors.
What kind of animal was he? How old was he? What did he look like?
Finally, after a long period of waiting, the clock struck 10 and the doors cracked open to reveal…
"Rafiki!?" stated Simba, stunned.
"Seems legit," said Timon.
Rafiki started walking slowly down a brick path over towards the gates, where the crowd was eagerly waiting. However, rather than walking briskly, Rafiki was putting most of his weight on his stick and he was hobbling along with a severe limp.
Simba rolled his eyes. "You're not fooling anyone, Rafiki. We all know you can walk."
"Aha, just testing!" exclaimed Rafiki in reply, lifting his stick up and running over toward the gates. As he approached, the large gates magically opened.
"Yes, everyone, it is I!" the mandrill continued, presenting himself to the crowds. "I am Mr. Rafiki Womba, inventor of many insect bars such as de Cockroach Crunch, Termite Toffee and Butterfly Cakes.
"While it is lovely to see you all, I insist dat only the five holders of de golden tickets and deir one guest step forward inside de gates. Please present your tickets now."
"Hi Rafiki," stated Pumbaa, walking in with Simba at his side. "I must say, I never knew it was this that you were up to in your tree all the time!"
"Indeed, I do a lot of paper work and planning up in de old baobab," Rafiki commented, "but all the production only takes place in dis factory."
Bunga went up with Fuli next to him.
"Bunga, t'is no surprise to see you here," stated Rafiki, "however, I am surprised to see Fuli. I t'ought she didn't like bugs?"
"I don't," Fuli replied. "I was forced to come here."
"Ah, you'll get on well with my workers then," Rafiki replied. "T'anks for de ticket, go on in."
Kiara and Zazu were next, with Kion and Nala right behind them.
"Rafiki," called Kiara, "Mom and Dad said that they didn't think Mr. Womba, which I guess is you, would be very happen with them because they found his prized zeb…"
Nala pushed her daughter out of the way.
"Stop holding up the line Kiara," she commented hastily. "Come on Kion, give Rafiki your ticket and let's go in."
This left just Timon and Uncle Max.
"Ah, Timon!" greeted Rafiki. "I read all about you in de papers dis morning. Congrats on finding de last golden ticket… and here it is, t'ank you. Alright everyone, on we go!"
The large black gates closed behind them as the elephants began trumpeting in celebration as Rafiki and the 10 lucky winners made their way inside the factory.
(A/N: So now the real story starts. Hope you've all been enjoying it so far. Reviews appreciated!)
