"Dad! Dad!"
"Uhh...", Mufasa blinked his eyes. His head hurt...
"Dad, are you okay?"
Opening his eyes better, Mufasa saw Simba's face. The cub sat in front of him, looking worried.
"Where are we...?"
"I think we are finally back in the normal world. At least all of the signs let understand so."
"I see...what happened back there? All I remember is some bright light and..."
"The portal. Mosi and Jengo guided us through it. But you fainted during the fall and almost lost us. I was worried.", Simba said.
"I'm sorry. I guess...", Mufasa tried to sit up but he was too weak. The stampede still affected his body.
"Don't try to move. Timon and Pumbaa are gathering some food and told me to wait here."
"Oh..."
"I don't know where those foxes went, though. They disappeared as usual."
"Uhhh...", Mufasa managed to mutter. He thought about asking Simba some things but he decided to let them wait for now. He was feeling horrible and he wanted to get things back together before speaking with him.
But I'm gonna do it.
"Wow, look at the sky! It's so blue", Simba gazed up. "This must be the oasis."
"If it is, it won't change anything. Don't you remember what I told about it?"
"Oh yeah...", Simba's expression changed. "But if we can't go back, then what do we do?"
"We will think of something. Don't worry about it now. But how are you feeling, son?"
"Me?"
"Yes."
"Well good, I guess. Why?"
"I simply want to know. You have been through a lot."
"I'm fine, Dad. Don't worry about me."
"Simba", Mufasa began. The cub sighed.
"Okay well, I'm very tired. I just want to sleep..."
"I promise you will. But are you sure that you aren't injured or anything?"
"Nope, see for yourself if you don't believe me", Simba whipped around. "See?"
"Yes", his father smiled back. Soon Timon and Pumbaa appeared from the forest and the conversation was stopped.
"Hey, you came back! Did you find anything to eat?"
"Yep! Not much, but something. Pumbaa makes sure there is food for everyone! Right, pal?", Timon smiled at him.
"Of course", the pig smiled back. Simba giggled.
"So, you two are friends again?"
"Yeah. Sure we fight but true friends will always make peace. That's why we are such a great duo!", Timon put the leaf to the ground. "Here, dig in!"
"Okay, here we go...", Simba was about to start, until Mufasa cleared his throat.
"Hold on a second! Before we do anything, I want to know a couple of things. Tell me what happened after we disappeared into the portal."
"I remember a bright light and suddenly we were back here. I was sure we're never going to make it", Pumbaa told. "Those gorillas almost caught us!"
"What happened to them?", Mufasa wondered.
"I guess they stayed behind. That place where we saved Timon, Mosi, and Jengo from was pretty creepy", Simba answered, shivering.
"I owe you my life, kiddo. To all of you. You saved me at the last minute. Thanks", Timon said.
"No problem! We didn't actually save you, but..."
"But of course you did! Without you, I would be a dead meerkat. So as a reward, I'm going to make some of my specials! Pumbaa, relax, and let me do the cooking!"
"You're sure?"
"I insist."
"Well, I don't have the heart to say no...", Pumbaa stepped away from their "kitchen" while Timon started making food.
"I'm happy to see you two on good terms again", Simba said when Pumbaa joined him and Mufasa under the tree.
"I hate fighting. Timon can be difficult, but it's part of his personality. I must learn how to handle him."
"That's not an easy task", Mufasa smiled. He was still worried about things, but he didn't want to ruin this happy moment.
"I wonder...what happened to Shanira? Did she make out of that place?", Simba said, thinking.
"I don't know, son. But it's not our concern."
"Sure it is! She saved you and me and led us to Timon and Pumbaa."
"He mocked me and kidnapped you. Those are bigger sins."
"Oh come on, Dad! You said we must respect every creature. And now you are speaking differently."
"Yes, but life is not always about straight things. You have to remember that."
"Hah! Where is your respect, then?! You are just like Uncle Scar if you won't give her a chance!", Simba spat, jumping up. Mufasa's eyes widened.
"W-what?!"
"You heard me! What has happened to you?! Once you were so strong but now, you don't seem to know anything!"
"Simba...", Mufasa started. "Listen..."
"No! I miss home! I miss Mom! I'm never going to see her again! Everything I knew is gone forever! And I can't deal with this pain!", the cub sprinted into the woods. Mufasa was ready to run after him but Pumbaa stood up.
"Hey, you shouldn't stress yourself out. If you allow, I can talk to him."
"If you would. He is mad at me for leaving him alone so irresponsibly. He barely even looks at me."
"I see what I can do", Pumbaa nodded and ran after Simba. Mufasa sighed - what could he do to get along with his boy?
What?!
"Here we go", Timon walked to him a moment later. "Hey, where are Simba and Pumbaa?"
"They umm...they have something to take care of, but they will be back. So, do you have any food? I'm starving."
"Sure! Snails or cockroaches? If you're still into bugs."
"Why not. I take both."
"Okay!"
*Elsewhere*
"Simba!", Pumbaa yelled. He didn't want that the history repeats itself and the cub gets lost again because of him. Mufasa would eat him alive.
"Hey, kid! KIDDO!"
*Sniffing*
"Hmm?", Pumbaa stopped. Someone was crying.
"Simba...?", the warthog pushed some leaves aside, revealing Simba sitting on a rock above him. He walked under it and began talking.
"Hey...you're okay there?"
"Dad is so stupid...he acts like a dumb! Why is he talking like that?!"
"Mufasa has been through a lot lately. You should understand him."
"I have tried, but he speaks strangely!"
"Uhh...could you come down, perhaps? I think you need to lighten your heart. I would come up, but I'm not a very good climber..."
"Fine", Simba muttered and jumped to the ground. His ears were droopy.
"What's the matter, kid? You sure aren't doing well", Pumbaa looked concerned.
"I'm not", Simba sighed. "I keep seeing nightmares about that cave and..."
"Have you told Mufasa about them? I'm sure he would like to know."
"No...I don't wanna worry him."
"You are only making things worse by hiding. He..."
"What?! He has never told me what you went through. How am I supposed to understand if he doesn't tell me?!", Simba spat angrily.
"He is trying to protect you. But trust me, he was so worried", Pumbaa answered.
"If that's so, then you can tell me what you experienced. Otherwise, I don't."
"I'm not sure should I..."
"Pumbaa, you have my permission. Dad can't get mad at you."
"Okay well...", Pumbaa gave up and told about their adventures. Simba listened and started realizing things from Mufasa's perspective. His father tried everything to save him.
I'm just too stubborn to see it.
"And Simba, remember what you both have been through. Your father nearly died and it's a miracle that he even lives. You were forced to leave your home and leave everything familiar behind. Then you go missing and it took forever to find you. Think of how Mufasa must have felt. He was devastated and mourned. It took great courage to tell us about your uncle."
"Yeah...", Simba muttered, being ashamed of himself now. The fact that his father lived was already a miracle like Pumbaa notified. And then he had to protect his son despite his wounds and condition. He wasn't the only one who struggled. And maybe he wasn't really allowed to.
I'm so selfish.
"Thanks for telling me. Now I understand Dad a bit better. I guess his personality changes scare me. I have always admired him and thought that he can do nothing wrong. He is so strong and fearless all the time but when he's fragile, he is so different. I know it's hard to understand what I mean, but..."
"It's actually not. I have learned many things about you two during our time together. Mufasa can be scary and vulnerable at the same time. Just be easy on him and don't push him away. It's what he fears."
"Really?"
"Yes. He fears that you blame him for his failures. It's horrible to watch...", Pumbaa shook his head. Simba's ears went droopy again.
"Oh man, what have I done?! I should be thankful that Dad made out alive and Uncle Scar didn't find us in the gorge. And since we can't go home ever again, he's the only family I have now. All I do is mocking him..."
"Well if you feel that way, maybe you should tell him. I'm sure it would make your relationship better and stronger after all of these happenings."
"I will. Thanks, Pumbaa", the cub smiled. "Should we go back to others?"
"I agree. I bet they have already eaten", Pumbaa answered. While the duo started walking back, Simba had lots of things to think about.
I need to speak to Dad. But can I do it?
*At the same time*
"Are you still hungry?", Timon chewed his fingers. "Ah, I'm full!"
"Thanks, I'm good", Mufasa smiled back. Even though bugs didn't fill his hunger completely, it was better than nothing.
"Good. Come on, where are those two slowpokes?! Bugs are getting cold."
"I'm wondering the same thing...", Mufasa's worry began to arise. What if Simba and Pumbaa were in danger? What if his little cub is snatched again?
Trust them, Mufasa. You have to...
"Hey, we're back!", Pumbaa appeared into sight, Simba right behind him. Mufasa sighed deeply.
Good grief...
"There you are! I was starting to worry", Timon said. "Are you okay?"
"Yep", Simba nodded at him, the turned to Mufasa. "Dad, can we talk?"
"Now?", Mufasa got surprised. His son didn't sound angry anymore.
"Well if you aren't too tired..."
"No, no! Sure we can talk. But it's almost evening so let's find shelter first."
"We saw a very nice meadow nearby. Would that do?", Pumbaa asked.
"Why not. Let's go before it gets too dark", Mufasa got up. "Son, it's better that I carry you. You look exhausted."
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
"No, I insist. Don't argue now."
"Fine", Simba murmured and climbed onto his father's back. With that, the group headed towards their upcoming resting place.
"I could use some sleep", Timon yawned.
"But it's a beautiful sky for stargazing! Have you ever done that?", Simba asked.
"Stargazing?"
"Yeah."
"Uhh...what is a star?", Pumbaa asked in confusion.
"What?! You don't know what a star is? Those bright little things in the sky?"
"Oh...hey, Timon!"
"Yeah?"
"Look, have you ever wondered what those sparkly dots are up there?"
"Oh, those?", Timon looked up. "Pumbaa, I don't wonder, I know. They're fireflies. Fireflies that uh - got stuck up on that big bluish-black thing."
"Really? Oh, gee...I always thought they were balls of gas burning billions of miles away", the warthog sounded embarrassed.
"Pumbaa, with you, everything's gas. Please, think of something else for a change."
At this point, Simba giggled uncontrollably while Mufasa shook his head. He didn't know what to say.
"I try...but Simba here said that those lights are stars."
"Stars? Is that what they're called? Oh, now I remember! Stars! Right..."
"Ummm...yes. How about we all have a nice, peaceful moment under them?", Mufasa suggested. Others agreed without complaining.
*Later*
The group had finally arrived in the meadow just in time to witness a beautiful full moon. While Pumbaa and Timon lay on their backs in the grass, Simba rested between Mufasa's forepaws. He had yearned for his warm fur for days and felt safer than ever before.
"Wow, you were right. The sky is magical", Pumbaa said.
"Told ya. Those...stars are nice", Timon answered, pointing his finger towards them. "I never knew they had an actual name."
"Well, now you know. Hey, wanna share the story with Timon and Pumbaa, Dad?", Simba asked.
"What story?", Mufasa asked back.
"The story about the Great Kings. It's so awesome."
"I don't know...now it's not a proper moment..."
"Oh come on! Don't let us live in darkness. Let it out!", Timon persuaded.
"Yeah, you can tell us. Are those kings your relatives or something?", Pumbaa asked once more.
"Our ancestors. My father told me that they are watching over us from the stars. It was so long time ago...", Mufasa looked sadly towards the sky. Simba leaned tighter against him...the world sounded so big and scary when his father was unsure or sad.
"You mean a bunch of royal dead guys are watching us?", Timon asked and burst into laughter, soon joined by Pumbaa. Their lion friends turned to see them.
"What's so funny?!", Mufasa's tone was clearly insulted.
"Nothing...oh my stomach! Hah haha!", Timon kept laughing.
"Hahahahah! That's a good one!", Pumbaa agreed.
Mufasa didn't even bother arguing with them. He wasn't in a mood.
They will soon sleep anyway...
"Man, I'm tired...", Pumbaa yawned. "Are you?"
"Yeah", Timon crossed his hands under his head. Seconds later, he and Pumbaa slept, snoring.
"Those sleeping skills...but now that we have some privacy, I want to talk to you, son."
"Yeah, what is it?", Simba rubbed his eyes. So warm...
"I...I just want to say how sorry I am for what you went through. I...I admit that things have changed my habits but deep inside, I'm always the same. I love you and I wanna make it up to you. I just wish you won't shut me out. Tell me if something bothers you and I do my best to understand. And since we can't go back to The Pridelands..."
*Sleeping sounds*
"Hmm?", Mufasa gazed down. Simba had curled himself into a ball, lying safely against his father's big paws. Smiling, the former king pulled his cub against his chest.
You're safe. And I make sure to keep you in my sight. We'll talk later...
As Mufasa continued watching the stars, he didn't notice a group of glowing eyes in the bushes.
"There they are! Why did you say we must leave them alone?!", Jengo asked angrily.
"Things have changed, idiot. You should be thankful that I'm taking you two in. You wouldn't stand a chance against you-know-who", Shanira answered, annoyed.
"We didn't ask you to save us! We can take care of ourselves! Jelani needs to be avenged!"
"Shut up, Jengo", Mosi slapped him. "You know we need her. We can't go back."
"So our brother is simply forgotten?"
"I didn't say that. Jelani is always with us but now we can't do anything. We have bigger problems to worry about than those dummies."
"Finally one of you is speaking wisely. Well, are you coming or not? We have a long journey ahead", Shanira got up.
"Where are we going?"
"Wherever the world takes us. Now, move it!"
"We're so gonna regret this", Jengo shook his head when he and Mosi disappeared into the darkness. Before Shanira went after them, she looked at the group.
Good luck, idiots...till we meet again.
Retreating quietly away, Shanira disappeared into the darkness as well. But no need to worry, this isn't the last time Mufasa and others see them. And not just them...
TBC...