Chapter 8 Lasting Impressions

Mohatu understood that the success of the newly founded Lion Guard rested heavily on the promises made to the young rogues. It was best to get them settled with mates before the next wet season. It was also due time to find matches for his two grandsons. Zuzu was sent to the neighboring Great Prides to organize a group meeting for all the local young lions to meet and greet each other. It would take place on neutral lands, not far from Pride Rock. Mufasa had already been to a few such gatherings and was eager to introduce the others to all his friends.

"It is going to be so much fun!" Mufasa boasted. "You'll get to meet all the young Princes and Princesses from the neighboring prides! They are all such great company…"

Mufasa continued to go on and on about it during the daily patrols. Scar could see that the Lion Guard was quickly getting sick of him…

"Oh and I have to introduce you to Princess Sarabi!" Mufasa exclaimed. "I really do think she's quite smitten with me! And I with her… She just has such a lovely voice, I could listen to it for hours…"

"We've been listening to you for hours…" Dejen complained.

"Yes Mufasa really you're going to ruin all the fun of it for us if you don't shup up…" Scar agreed.

"Alright then!" Mufasa huffed. "I'm going to go check in with the hunting party. I trust you five can manage on your own?"

"Yes, please!" Enu begged.

"Ungrateful cubs…" Mufasa muttered as he ran off to find the hunting party.

Stone shook his head as Mufasa ran off.

"He doesn't get out much does he?" Stone asked.

"No, he doesn't," Scar laughed. "Then again I don't either…"

"Obviously he's a virgin!" Enu laughed. "I haven't had much tail but is he even aware of what sex is?!"

"Ya, as if you can say much," Dejen chimed in. "Being fast isn't everything…"

"It sure helps though when the King starts coming your way!"

"Licking yourself while watching doesn't count does it?" Ifa asked sarcastically.

"If it did would we even need mates?!" Stone laughed.

"Ture," Dejen agreed. "I've only been with this one lioness. She was probably old enough to be my mother, but still, she showed me a good time! I don't think she had a King…"

"There were these two young lionesses chased out of their pride by their father," Ifa added. "They hadn't been picked up by a King yet and had just gone into heat… I tried so hard to keep up with them but they nearly killed me…"

"I'm into the sneaky sex," Enu explained. "You wait till a King is busy with some other rogue then you come in and help yourself to one of his lionesses! They get a kick out of teasing their Kings…"

"They all sound like amateurs…" Scar commented to Stone. Stone gave him a hard stare back.

"What do you mean by that Scar?" Dejen inquired. "You got some fancy tail to tell?"

"Well," Scar laughed. "The one's I have witnessed are not truly mine to tell, are they Stone?"

"Stone you've been awful quite…" Ifa realized. "You're holding out on us!?"

Stone rolled his eyes and groaned. Scar chuckled happily.

"In my opinion he is…" Scar stated.

"Hang on," Enu interjected. "I thought you took Scar back home before the wet season?"

"He did but then we went back out again…"

"He took you with him?!" Dejen exclaimed. "How'd you end up not being killed?"

"You should ask him... Prince Bitrus, the lioness killer…"

"Wait!" Ifa growled. "You stay around here for the wet season! In the land of free sex!"

"What the hell?!" Enu exclaimed.

"I thought we were your friends?!" Dejen moaned.

"Okay stop it!" Stone yelled. "Yes, I stay around the Great Prides during the wet season. You would too if you'd know about it…"

"That is no excuse!" Ifa roared.

"Okay Stone you kind of have to tell us now," Enu pressed. "Otherwise the three of us are going to beat the crap out of you!"

"Fine!" Stone said begrudgingly. "Every year I service about three to five lionesses…"

"What?!" Dejen growled.

"For several days…"

"Oh, he gets to enjoy himself…" Enu moaned.

"I have five cubs that I know of…"

"You dirty bastard…" Ifa teased.

"Tell them of your secrets," Scar cooed. "The ones that make the lionesses long for more…"

"Haha," Dejen laughed. "I don't think we're going to be back by sun set at this rate…"

"Now," Mohatu explained. "Just so the Lion Guard is clear on the rules of this party. Zuzu will be your escort. The other prides will also be sending their majordomos to escort their young lions to the party. They will report back to the Kings. There is to be absolutely no going off on your own, you leave as a group. Got it?"

The Lion Guard groaned in agreement.

"See I told you it wasn't going to be that kind of party…" Scar whispered.

"Ahadi and I will be patrolling tomorrow morning with the lionesses, so feel free to stay out as late as you like," Mohatu continued. "Any questions?"

They all shook their heads.

"Good! Now go have some fun!"

The walk to the meeting place was not too long. The young lions and a few of the young lionesses of Pride Rock set out with Zuzu. Once at the party, Mufasa insisted on introducing everyone to Sarabi. She was a nice young princess but once she and Mufasa started talking they completely ignored everyone else. The Lion Guard quickly dispersed to chat up every lioness in sight. Scar sat back and watched the rogues try flirting. It was painful, but hilarious to watch. Without his friends for confidence, Scar reverted back to his long lost nature of being shy and reserved. He didn't want to make a fool of himself, so he thought he would just watch and learn for a while…

On the other side of the meeting place a young lioness watched the large group arrive. She recognized Mufasa and some of the lionesses, but the five young males were new. She had heard of the rumors of a Lion Guard headed by the younger prince. This must be them. They all quickly scattered, leaving one alone. He watched, but did not seem confident in joining in any of the conversations. This intrigued her, as most young lions were constantly running in circles for female attention. I should go introduce myself…

Scar watched as a young tan lioness crossed over from the far side of the party. She had her beautiful amber eyes set on him. Who is she? He wondered…

"You must be a part of the new Lion Guard of Pride Rock," the lioness stated to Scar.

"Yes," Scar replied. "I founded it…"

"Then you are the Prince?"

"Indeed I am. Prince Taka. And you are…?"

"My name is Chipo," the lioness replied.

"Princess Chipo?" Scar asked.

"Oh, no," Chipo laughed. "Just Chipo of the Savana Pride…"

Scar nodded, smiling.

"Let me introduce you to some of my friends!" Chipo beckoned to some of the lions to come over to her. "This is Princess Sarafina of the River Valley Pride and her betrothed: Prince Izem…"

After introducing Scar to about half a dozen or so friends Chipo quickly inquired about Scar's inspiration for the Lion Guard.

"You must tell us all about it," Chipo insisted. "All the Kings have been driven crazy with this idea of needing such a force. Some love the idea, others hate it… But either way, it seems to have gotten lots of attention…"

So Scar told of his adventures with Stone and the other rogues. All the young lions were intrigued and more came over to listen to his stories. So Scar told of all his adventures at the Great Lake. He deliberately failed to mention his stories of the wet season. After talking for what seemed like ages he inquired more about Chipo.

"Well I'm just a low level lioness," Chipo stated. "But I have had a few minor adventures…"

Chipo told of her tree climbing skills, or lack thereof. Her first hunt, a few times she got bested by her prey…

All of her friends had odiously heard her stories before and began to wander off to find new company. But Scar was enthralled. He felt like he had known Chipo his whole life. She was so fun and easy to talk to. She wasn't some intimidating Princess sitting off with her nose in the air. She was real and present. Her stories, while not the most interesting, were told with great detail and given the feel of an epic adventure, even though she was just talking about boring things, nothing was boring about her….

"Come on Prince Taka!" Zuzu called. "It's getting very late. I'm sure your new friend needs to get home too…"

"She's right," Chipo sighed. "It was a pleasure to meet you Prince Taka…"

"Please, just call me Taka…" Scar replied. "And likewise it was a great pleasure spending the evening with you, Chipo…"

The young lions attended several more parties with the other prides. At each one, Scar sought out Chipo. She eventually introduced him to everyone. But with so many names, and not very many interesting lions to go with the names, Scar was hopeless in remembering them all. Scar introduced her to his Lion Guard. They were all a bit tongue tied still, but Chipo happily greeted each of them. Mohatu then told the young lions to invite a date to a feast at Pride Rock, so that he might meet some of their new acquaintances. Mufasa was going to invite Sarabi, of course. The Lion Guard was arguing who was going to ask which lioness to the dinner. Scar had his heart set on asking Chipo…

"A feast at Pride Rock?" Chipo asked. "I don't know…"

"Come on," Scar pleaded with her. "It will be so much fun! Yes, my boring brother will be there, but he's easy enough to ignore with Sarabi around…"

"Still, it might give the wrong impression to your family…" Chipo continued. "I mean, I'd love to go, but I'm not a Princess…"

"So?!" Scar scoffed. "Sometimes nobles marry commoners!"

"Well…"

"And I do have very strong feelings for you… more than just friendship. Do you feel the same way about me?"

Chipo couldn't help but smile at the young prince. "Of course I do Taka… I just don't know if this is the right time to meet your family… They might think I'm with you for the wrong reasons…"

"Nonsense!" Scar insisted. "Once my parents and grandfather meet you, they cannot possibly resist your charms!"

"I hope you're right…" Chipo said tentatively. "Okay! I'll go!"

On the night of the feast, the young lions headed to the Pride Lands' boarder to escort their dates to Pride Rock. Scar was so happy, he felt as if he were the King of all the world. Chipo though seemed nervous. She had never been nervous before, so Scar was a bit surprised by this. She'll settle down once she gets to know everyone….

Once at Pride Rock, Scar starting introducing Chipo to everyone. Starting with his parents, and some of the hunting party. Mohatu saw who Scar had brought as a date and recognized her from across the den. Chipo tentatively glanced at the King, but quickly looked away.

"Scar!" Mufasa called out to his brother. "Come help me carve out this gazelle…"

"Forgive me Chipo," Scar told her. "I'll be right back! And then I'll introduce you to my grandfather…"

"Okay great!" Chipo said hesitantly as Scar dashed off across the den, leaving her alone in a corner.

Mohatu got up slowly and moved over to where Chipo was sitting. Chipo tried not to notice him, staring down at the floor, she could feel her heart begin to race. Mohatu casually sat down next to her. His imposing frame looming over her. He bent down and whispered in her ear:

"You are not suitable for him," Mohatu whispered in a low growl.

Chipo sat frozen in place. It took every nerve in her body to keep her composure.

"Do I make myself clear?" Mohatu growled.

"Yes, sir…" Chipo squeaked out a reply. She then turned to look up at the King who hung over her, trying to be brave, but her chin trembling.

"So sorry about that!" Scar exclaimed as he bounded back over to Chipo.

"I was just introducing myself to your little friend," Mohatu said calmly.

"Oh, that's great!"

"Y…yes," Chipo replied. Scar could tell something was wrong. Chipo was trembling. Could she really be that nervous about meeting his family?

"Taka do you mind if I speak to you for a moment?" Mohatu asked.

"Um, can't it wait…?" Scar questioned. "I don't want to leave Chipo alone again…"

"She won't be alone… Dejen! Can you get some food for Chipo here…"

"Um… sure?" Dejen said with obvious confusion.

Chipo happily raced away from Mohatu. Scar grew more concerned for her. Maybe this is too much for her?

Scar accompanied his grandfather just outside the Pride Rock den, out of earshot from the others.

"Okay what is it?" Scar said with irritation.

"How much do you know about Chipo?" Mohatu questioned.

"Um… well she's from the Savana Pride…"

"I meant her past?" Mohatu clarified.

"Some. She's an orphan…" Scar said confused. "Do you know her, I thought you just met…"

"I know of her…"

"How do you mean?"

"Taka, you know what is expected of you, don't you?"

"Well yes," Scar said defensively. "I am to protect the pride, take a mate, and have cubs…"

"Not just any mate," Mohatu interrupted. "A virgin princess! Chipo is neither of these two things…"

Scar was taken aback. "Royals have married commoners before! I'm not in line for the throne…"

"That is the least of her offences…"

"Okay then how do you know she's not a virgin?!"

"I'm the King! It is my job to know everything…" Mohatu spat. "Has she told you of this?"

"No…" Scar admitted, his head spinning.

"See! My point exactly. She is hiding the truth from you! Trying to weasel her way into our royal family with her devious morals!"

"That is not what she wants!" Scar growled.

"You don't know what she wants!" Mohatu roared. "If she hides the truth about this from you, what else could she be hiding?! You can't trust her…"

Scar glanced over at the den. A few heads had popped out to see what the commotion was about.

"I'll ask her myself," Scar snapped. Scar raced back inside to find Chipo. She had heard the arguing outside but had not dared to look. She was pretending to be vaguely interested in what Dejen was talking about when Scar suddenly appeared at her side.

"There you are!" Dejen exclaimed. "I thought you had abandoned us…"

"Yes, I'm sorry," Scar said hastily. "Chipo, may I speak to you privately for a moment?"

"Of course…" Chipo replied. Scar lead her outside to the base Pride Rock so there would be no chance of them being overheard.

"Please forgive me for asking this," Scar began. "But are you a virgin Chipo?"

"Your grandfather told you…?" Chipo asked nervously.

"Well he didn't say very much. He just said he somehow knew you weren't a virgin…"

Chipo sighed. "Well it is true… I'm not…"

"Were you trying to get pregnant?" Scar reasoned.

"Ah, no," Chipo said nervously. "I had an affair. Last year, during the dry season…"

"An affair?"

"Yes, and I deeply regret it," Chipo said genuinely. "It was a mistake. And I will have to live with that mistake for the rest of my life…"

"Why didn't you tell me?" Scar asked. "Did he abandon you?"

"It was a casual affair. No promises were made…"

"Was it someone I know?"

Chipo looked away, Scar had his answer.

"Was it Mufasa?!"

Chipo laughed at this accusation and Scar saw the Chipo he adored come back to him briefly.

"No, it was not Mufasa," she said. "He has eyes only for Sarabi…"

"Then who was it?" Scar pressed.

"Please do not make me tell you," Chipo pleaded, looking into Scar's eyes. "It will only hurt you. But I was wrong. I should have told you about it before coming to your home…"

Scar sighed and held Chipo to his chest, hugging her. Being close to him calmed her. Scar looked up at the stars of the Great Kings. Why did everything have to be so rigid?!

"My grandfather expects me to marry a virgin princess," Scar groaned.

"I figured as much…" Chipo replied.

"Honestly it's stupid," Scar growled looking down into Chipo's soft amber eyes. "I'm not even sure if I fit the bill as a virgin…"

"What do you mean?" Chipo chuckled. "You either are or you're not, silly?"

"Don't say anything…"

Chipo nodded in agreement.

"But I followed Bitrus during the wet season as well. I observed him with quite a few lionesses…"

Chipo chuckled. "He must have hated that…"

"He did," Scar continued. "But I think I've learned a few secrets of his… I also have, um… licked myself…"

"Oh Taka," Chipo smiled. "All lions do that… lionesses do too…"

Scar's eyes grew wide. "Really?"

"Yes," Chipo nodded. "Have you ever been in sexual contact with anyone?"

Scar suddenly realized just how close he was to Chipo. "No…"

"Then you're still a virgin…"

"Okay then," Scar said mischievously. "Then what exactly is my brother?"

"Oh, he's extra virgin!" Chipo laughed. "Did your parents forget to have the talk with him? I know he's trying to be polite, but I mean really?!"

"He does seem very oblivious," Scar laughed in agreement. "I don't want to stop seeing you…"

"I don't want to stop seeing you either," Chipo said happily.

"Okay then," Scar said confidently. "Let's sneak out and see each other. Periodically. Away from everyone. You know those bent over trees just off the Pride Lands? You passed them on the way here. We could meet up there…"

"Okay," Chipo replied. "And what if Mohatu finds out?"

"Then we'll fight to the death over it or something," Scar said sarcastically. "I can't imagine not ever seeing you again…"

Chipo reached up and kissed Scar. Scar was initially surprised but returned her kiss. The pair then returned to the feast, avoiding Mohatu for the rest of the night.