The night was surrounding Pride Rock and the whole pride was sleeping. Simba was beside Mufasa, but couldn't get any sleep.
"You see, here is what we do. You are going to help me to be king instead of Muffy. And we are gonna ruin his life piece by piece…"
"But…I could never do that!"
" Well, if you don't cooperate…I will make sure you will never see your real home again. Got it?"
Rubbing his eyes, Simba felt really helpless and scared. He knew, that Taka would do anything to get his paws on that stupid throne. And he had to help him…by causing troubles to his own father. If he refused…everyone would know.
This isn't getting anywhere…what can I do?
Turning his head, Simba watched as Mufasa slept calmly. He really missed his own father…but he was far away.
It's been so long I've seen them…how are they?
Last time Simba saw Mufasa was when they were having an argument after the elephant graveyard. Seeing his father being attacked…was so horrible. Young cub didn't know which was worse…seeing Mufasa falling into the stampede or seeing him ripped off by hyenas.
I miss you Dad…
After his miserable life, Simba finally managed to have a second chance to save his father. But…now he had to help his uncle to ruin it. Mufasa was always in the trouble…no matter how old he was.
Why history always repeats itself?
Young prince began to wonder…what this really worthy of it? He didn't want to ruin Mufasa's life…he loved his father too much. But he couldn't tell who he was…it was way too risky.
Lifting himself up, Simba walked out of the den. He needed some fresh air to clear up his head. But someone nodded his leaving.
Heading outside and sitting down, Simba gazed towards the kingdom. Oh how much he once wanted to rule it, but now…he felt that this title was nothing, but a burden.
Sometimes I wish I never were a prince…
Closing his eyes, Simba couldn't help but sob. Seeing his parents falling in love, his father's happy teenage years surrounded by love…was all going to end up like last time.
He does not deserve that…I don't wanna do it!
"Chitundu?"
Lifting his head, Simba turned to look and saw Uru gazing at him in concern.
"Uhh…hi grand…I mean, your majesty."
"Oh honey, you don't have to call me that. Uru is just fine", Uru smiled and sat down beside Simba.
"Oh…okay", Simba nodded.
Uru nodded and then, her face turned sad.
"Is there something which troubles you, sweetie?"
Simba sighed. He gazed over the kingdom.
"I'm…I'm just so happy how you all have been so nice to me. And I don't deserve it…"
"Why not?", Uru looked confused.
"Well…"
"But the king is dead…and if it weren't for you…he'd still be alive."
"And what will your mother think?"
Suddenly, hysterical crying took Simba over. He grabbed his head with his paws.
"Oh, honey!", Uru pulled Simba to her paws and rubbed his back. "It's okay."
Simba sobbed…but soon was able to relax. Rubbing his eyes, he pulled himself away.
"I…I'm sorry. I'm such a loser…"
"Look, Chitundu…I don't know what happened to you…but whatever it is, it's not your fault. You are just a child…and children are always innocent", Uru smiled.
"Really?", Simba lifted his gaze.
"Yes…and I can see that you have been through a lot. I'm really happy that you came into our lives. Ahadi is happy and…especially Mufasa seems to be enjoying your company."
Simba smiled a little.
"And between you and me…I have never seen him so happy since you came to the picture. Ever since Taka changed…Mufasa has been lonely. I can't even remember when was the last time he actually laughed" Uru told.
"Oh…how come?"
"Well, my sons were always close to each other. But then…Taka suddenly changed. I can't figure out why…he shuts everyone out."
Simba's gaze narrowed. What if…what if there were another reason why Taka hated Mufasa…than his scar? After all…according to Rafiki, two brothers grew mostly apart because of that accident. And since now it didn't happen…
"I see…"
"Mmm-hmm…", Uru smiled. "And as a matter of fact…Ahadi and I were talking about something. But I want him to be with me…how about we three take a stroll tomorrow?"
"Oh, okay. I'd love to", Simba smiled.
Uru smiled. Then, she looked at the stars.
"You know Chitundu…have you ever heard a story about The Great Kings?"
"Umm…no", Simba lied. "What's that?"
Uru smiled and told the story which Mufasa did once. Simba hid his wet eyes…it was their last conversation before that day…
"Such a beautiful story. So, former kings are watching you?"
"Yes…that's what Ahadi taught our sons. But I believe that they are watching over everyone…especially children", Uru rubbed Simba's head.
Simba smiled back. Those warm eyes…were so beautiful and powerful. Just like Mufasa's.
"You have very beautiful eyes Lady Uru", Simba smiled. When Uru heard that, she laughed.
"Oh, why thank you, sweetie! You are so lovely!"
Simba chuckled. These happenings were his medicine for those burning wounds which surrounded his soul.
"But I think we should get some sleep. You are tired I bet", Uru nodded and stood up.
"Yeah…just one moment. I'll be back soon", Simba smiled.
Uru smiled, gave a nuzzle to the cub and walked to the den. Simba gazed after her and then towards the sky. Stars shone…and somewhere else, was his family.
"So whenever you feel alone…just remember. Those stars will always be there to guide you. And so will I."
Straightening his position, Simba's gaze turned sad but serious. A conversation with Uru gave him a new spirit. He was not going to let his uncle hurt Mufasa. No way…he didn't come this far just to fail again.
Don't worry Dad…I will save you from your fate. You are not gonna die…I'm gonna make sure of it. I miss you…I hope to see you soon.
As Simba walked back to sleep, he decided to grow stronger and follow this new idea what came to his mind. And that thing would lead him towards a very dangerous path…with full of threats and surprises.
TBC...
