Cubhood: Chapter 13
Taka adjusted to his new role within the Pridelands with a remarkable speed. It was as if the land had been waiting for him, and to a certain extent, Taka couldn't help but feel that were true. It wasn't long before the entirety of the Pridelands had heard of the Lion Guard, and of Prince Taka who led them. Though they remained cubs, it was clear to Taka that some time had passed, for each of the male cubs sported in some form the beginnings of a mane about their heads. Distinct darkening and colourations about their tufts and tail tips that gave way to more obvious signs of individuality. It made them look older, certainly, though in a number of cases, the effect was somewhat spoilt by the rest of their youthful features. Scar almost snorted in mockery when he saw the severity with which the young Taka surveyed the world around him from beneath the black tuft that hung over his eyes. Taka was leading the guard, and behind him, Imani ran after him. Both had some muscle growth, enough to make the prey animals and smaller predators of the Pridelands wary. But they were young still. Scar could hardly believe he'd ever been so young. As if to confirm Scar's dismissal of his younger self's attitude, Imani spoke to dispel the tedium.
"Are we there yet?" Imani asked Taka, who smirked.
"You always ask that question…" He muttered. "We just need to wait for Zuzu to arrive with the afternoon report. I wonder what's taking her so long… She's usually here ahead of us." Taka noted.
They didn't need to wait long though. Within a short time, Jicho's eyes narrowed, and squinted up at the sun.
"Look. Here they come now." Jicho said. Taka couldn't see, but he took Jicho's word for it. Sure enough, in a few more moments, a pair of hornbills began to spiral down towards them.
"Hail, Lion Guard!" One called. Taka smiled in greeting as the two birds landed before them, their landings transitioning to bows with a fluidity that could only be practiced.
Zuzu hadn't aged much in the intervening years, though her feathers were perhaps not as vibrant as they once were, the hornbill's eyes were still alive with good natured humour, and enthusiasm. Next to her, her blue feathered, wide eyed son, landed.
"Good afternoon, sire. My Lords." Zazu said in greeting.
"Good afternoon, Zuzu. I see you have your son with you today." Kasi said. Zuzu beamed. She was immensely proud of her Son. For a long while, Zuzu had had terrible luck when it came to hatching eggs, with a number being laid and never hatching. Zazu might have been from a single clutch, but she was the Pride of Zuzu's life.
"Indeed, Your Highness. I have been, for the last few days showing him my duties as Majordomo. I have been speaking with King Ahadi, and your father hopes that, in time, my own son may come to serve you and your brother, and your cubs, just as well as I have served he and his." She smiled. "If he shows the aptitude. I am not expecting a symbolic title, nor special treatment." She smiled, as Zazu looked up shyly. "But I am confident he will not disappoint." Nguvu gave a nod.
"I am sure he will be excellent, though I dread the day where your own services are no longer available. The Pridelands could fall!" He said. Zuzu gave a flattered sigh. "He would have big feathers to fill. He would need to earn such a title. Nobody is merely given one." He said.
"Well. Nobody except Princes…" Imani quipped. There was a pause, as Taka turned to Imani, with his eyebrow raised. Imani retreated, hastily.
"Ah, meaning no offense. You've certainly earned your place as leader of the Lion Guard. You know. Where you make a difference." Imani added.
"So you're saying Taka was only given a symbolic title?" Kasi asked, conversationally, but his eyes were alight with undisguised mirth.
"Umm…" Imani trailed off.
"Imani…" Taka said. Imani nodded.
"Yes Your Highness. Shutting up now." He chirped. Taka shook his head, and turned to Zuzu and her Son, who was staring at him in surprise.
"Well then, Zuzu." He said. "Seeing as you're showing your Son the Kingdom… Let's see how he does as Majordomo? Would you like to give us the Afternoon Report, Zazu?" He asked him. Zazu's chest puffed up in pride as his mother gave him an encouraging nod.
"Go on, Zazu. Don't leave anything out." She smiled.
"Well…" He breathed in. "I spent this morning flying between the herds, and as of this sunny season, the most populous of the various fauna that form the most abundant of the herd animals traditionally regarded as fair game or prey among the carnivorous denizens of the Pridelands would be those creatures considered Antilopinae; that is to say, the various and multitudes of oryx, gazelle, oribi, dik-dik and grysbok, living within the boundaries of His Majesty's Kingdom. They have enjoyed remarkable success, owing in part, but not without certain degrees of uncertainty, the recent rains having overstimulated their usual feeding grounds with the anecdotal observation of an unprecedented intensification of their annual reproductive replacement of herd mates lost to the dangers and hazards of savannah existence: the chief among them your own species apparent prolific predation and subsequent consumption of their kind over the last year. Most notably, the wildebeest herds in particular have experienced an exponential expansion of their numbers since the formation of your majesty's leo tutator, and its profuse and courageous defence of the creatures from the illicit hunting, one might say poaching, perpetrated by the unwanted and unsustainable actions of such predators of the most mangy and slobbering variety that persist in interloping from the Shadowlands in order to exploit and take for granted the plentiful and generous nature of both the Pridelands and its incumbent monarch, your father; in spite of which, it is my belief that this desirable state of affairs will be reflected by said proliferation that will, in the fullness of time, likely result in a proportional escalation of success resultant from your Pride-sisters efforts in the hunting parties.
At least, as far as I have been able to determine and pending the supply of additional information regarding the continued growth within the herds." Zazu said, exhaling. Taka stared at Zazu. Next to him, Zuzu's beaming smile hadn't wavered. However she did lean down to her son's ear, and whisper softly.
"Well done, Zazu. Although perhaps, condense it somewhat, next time? The Lion Guard is very busy after all." She commented, as Imani and Jicho stared at one another. Kasi's brow was furrowed as he attempted to make sense of the noises and sounds coming out of Zazu's beak. Taka, for his part was staring blankly.
"What did he just say?" Imani asked after a moment. Zuzu smiled.
"Since the Lion Guard has been making efforts to prevent the hyenas and other poachers from the Shadowlands from feasting on the Antelope herds, most of them – especially the wildebeests – have boomed in numbers. Your hunting parties will have a much easier time of it this season, if nothing changes." Zuzu summarised. Imani brightened at the good news.
"Thank you, Zuzu. You've made things quite clear." He said.
"I said that…" Zazu muttered, and looked a little cross and miffed at the same time.
"The same can be said of the wildebeest and other herds that wander the savannah." Zuzu finished. "Things seems to be going well." She said. Taka nodded.
"Good to know, Zuzu." He said. "Do one last round of the eastern plains. We've just got one last stop today. See you back at Pride Rock." He said. Zuzu bowed low, spreading her wings, and her son quickly followed suit.
"As you command, Highness." She said, and swooped up into the air.
The Lion Guard looked to Taka.
"So, Your Highness," Imani asked in imitation of Zuzu, "What is our last stop?" He stretched in preparation for the inevitable run.
"Nowhere exciting. I just wanted to stop by the Southern watering hole before we made our way back." Taka said. Nguvu nodded, and just like that, the Lion Guard was off again.
Ammit watched the display with undisguised contempt.
"So… This is you as an adolescent. I didn't think you could get more annoying, but oh no. Even I am not immune to your persistent penchant for disappointing people." Ammit said. Scar merely shrugged in frustration, rubbing his shoulder slightly as he watched his younger self go about his duties in the Pridelands. He watched as Nguvu, Kasi, Imani and Jicho followed his lead. The strongest, fastest, bravest and keenest of sight.
"They follow you, Scar. I guess you weren't lying. You really are a natural leader." Kivuli said.
"Pah." Ammit snorted. "He's only the leader because he's the king's son. At least the others earned their place." Ammit said as Scar bristled.
"Shut up." Scar hissed. "You don't know what you are talking about. I led the Lion Guard, and I was good at it. I protected the Kingdom. I protected the Pridelands. I protected Ahadi and Mufasa and their precious circle of life." He smirked. "And look where it got me? The Lion Guard is finished." Scar said.
"And whose fault is that? The guard wasn't finished then." Kivuli said. His brow was furrowed. "Don't you have an ounce of pride for what you did? For what you accomplished there?" Scar shrugged.
"Do you think, in a few years, anyone will remember the guard ever existed?" Scar asked, a trace of venom leaking into his voice. "No. No one will remember the Guard. No one will remember Jicho or Nguvu or Imani or Kasi. Barely anyone will remember Taka. But they'll remember Scar. They'll remember me as Scar. Always." He snarled. "What does it matter what I did as the ruler of the guard when nobody is left who might care to remember it?" Scar said. Ammit grinned in malice, but Kivuli merely shook his head sadly.
"You are wrong if you think that only the deeds that are remembered matter. Do you think that every small kindness you did was unimportant, or every act of compassion was worthless because they will not talk of them in hushed tones for years to come?" Kivuli asked him. "Scar, such things make a world of difference to so many people…"
"Well I am not one of them. I do not care to remember such things. They don't matter. They never mattered. They never made an ounce of difference." Scar said. Kivuli gave him a sad look and shrugged. They looked back at the Lion Guard, and saw that they'd come to a halt at the watering hole. Scar paused as he studied the memory, a vague recollection stirring in his head. It was difficult to remember the early years, there had been so many, and many of them were overshadowed by the brutal and horrific battles and savageries that had come later.
Imani gave a leisurely sigh as he leant down deep and drank a mouthful of the cooling water.
"That hits the spot…" He murmured.
"Oi! You! What are you doing here? This is our watering hole - Oh! It's you! Uh…. Hello, Your Highness! Didn't spot you, I thought you were those cheetahs again…" A voice said. It was a rhino, and the great grey hulking creature was staring at them with eyes wide.
"Huh? We don't look a thing like cheetahs… Can't you see the manes?" Imani asked, pointing towards his own tuft that was even shorter than Taka's. The rhino followed his paw and squinted in puzzlement, then nodded quickly. The shade of Scar was struck yet again by how young they all were at this point.
"Uh, Oh yes, Lion Guard. I can't see how I made that mistake, please forgive me." The offending rhino said, a little unconvincingly. However, as much as Imani looked annoyed, it was Kasi that spoke, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"What did you mean, your, watering hole? This is one of the four great watering holes in the Pridelands. It isn't for anyone. It's for every Pridelander. That's the decree of King Ahadi!" Kasi said, firmly. Taka paused, and Jicho and Imani stepped up to stand beside their friends. The rhino opened his mouth a couple of times, clearly trying to think of an appropriate response before the Lion Guard.
"Well, umm… You see…" He trailed off.
"Hey! Kubwa! What you doing? I told you to get rid of those – ah, oh!" A second rhino had come barrelling towards, them, a look of stern consternation on his face. The first rhino was frantically shaking his horn in warning.
"I knew it." Kasi said, frowning with disapproval. "You're just bullying away other animals looking to drink from the watering hole, aren't you?" The rhino blinked in surprise, but the older bulkier rhinoceros narrowed his eyes, fixing his gaze upon the Lion Guard, weighing each of them up. He licked his lips.
"So what? What's it to you!" He asked angrily.
"Yeah? Were you planning on forcing me from the water as well?" Taka asked him, his eyes also narrowing dangerously. There was silence.
"Uh, no, of course not, Your Highness. But what do you care if we take our share of the water?"
"Hey! That water is exactly that. A share." Jicho interjected, annoyed. The rhino scowled.
"Oh, why do you care? Aren't you supposed to be chasing jackals or hyenas or wild dogs or whatever it is you do, instead of harassing innocent mammals? I could complain to your father, Prince Taka." He said, angrily now, clutching at that power. His ugly, pig like face gave a grin of excitement as he obviously decided that he'd got the stronger argument. Clearly he wasn't very bright. Even the other rhino was glancing about nervously. Taka however, couldn't help but laugh.
"Ha! That's a good one. Firstly, my father wouldn't notice. Or care, what you have to say. Secondly, I am upholding his laws, and you can take it up with him, or my Brother, if you don't like it! I don't make the laws, I just make sure you follow them!" Taka said clearly. His eyes flashed dangerously. "And thirdly, the Lion Guard guards against all threats to the circle of life. Not just threats to you. You aren't to drive away animals like that! If animals can't water here, then they won't roam here. If they can't roam here, then we can't hunt here. The circle of life breaks apart. And that is more important than bull-headed, stubborn, idiotic morons like you, clamouring for the land's resources like a greedy maggot." Taka said, insultingly, as the rhino's eyes bulged with anger and fury at the barrage of insults Taka had thrown. He gave a grunt of anger, and lowered his head slightly, bringing the point of his horn to point directly at Taka, even stamping the ground in anger. Taka saw the movement, and gave a low growl, his claws flashing out in warning. That didn't seem to deter the rhino, and Taka let loose a louder growl. It resounded with a terrifying bass that made the others pause and look to him in concern. On his shoulder, his Mark of the Guard was proudly and prominently displayed.
"Don't even try it." Taka growled suddenly. The Rhino stared at him uncertainly. Taka bared his teeth, and he took a threatening step forward, inhaling deeply. The offending rhino backed away.
"You can't use that roar on us! You're supposed to use that to chase off hyenas!" The other rhino protested angrily. Taka arched an eyebrow.
"Or really? And what law was passed that decided that? I decide how I use my gifts, just as I decided how to use the Lion Guard. And If I decide to use it against you, it will be because you deserve it. You know who I am and what I am capable of. Are you sure you want to play games with me?" He said, with only the faintest trace of threat on his tongue. There was pregnant silence.
"No. Sire. I apologise." He grunted.
"Are you prepared to share your waters with the rest of the Pridelands?" Taka asked him. The horned creature gave a noncommittal grunt, and at Taka's expression rolled his eyes.
"Fine. Yes. Your Highness." He said.
"Good." Taka said brightly, now suddenly looking cheerful again. There was a palpable wave of relief from among the other Pridelanders who all went for the waters to cool their thirst. Taka gave a smile to his friends, and indicated to them that they should stand down. Kasi and Nguvu went to the waters and Jicho and Imani came up to him as the rhinos grumbled amongst themselves but, thankfully, kept their word.
"Nice job, Taka. I thought for a minute you were going to use the roar on them!" Jicho said. Taka shrugged.
"I might have, had they not seen reason. I have used it for less, and they know it. They don't want to risk it, when all they really needed to do was to share." Taka said. Imani grinned.
"Ah well. They'll be grumpy about it for a while… Then they'll probably want your help dealing with the crocodile floats when they want to cross the waters.
"Did you know this would happen?" Nguvu asked Taka carefully. Taka shrugged.
"I'd heard rumours… Sarafina mentioned something about the rhinos getting agitated recently so I decided we should check in. He just wanted a horn measuring contest to impress a few females I think." Taka said.
"Prince Taka!" He heard a voice cry out in alarm.
"What now – Zazu! Is that You!?" Taka called up. Flying high above them was the familiar blue streak of Zazu, the majordomo's son. He was swooping and diving in obvious agitation.
"Prince Taka! You have to come quick! We were going one final sweep of the savannah as instructed, and I saw them! Hyenas! In the Pridelands! They're after the Zebra herds!" Taka looked to Nguvu.
"Hyenas? During the day? I thought we'd seen off Caliban again!" Taka growled.
Scar smiled ruefully. Caliban might have been terrified of Taka the first time he'd summoned the roar, but since then, he'd grown bolder, making frequent and blatant attempts to poach in the vast resources of the Pridelands. Often Caliban had taken to attacking the herds, killing as much as for sport as to poach the Pridelands' more plentiful supply of prey. Sometimes they simply lay in wait till the hunt was over, and then tried to steal the kills of the leopards or cheetahs as they had once tried with the Lion Guard and their friends all that time ago. It seemed like they never learnt their lesson. But then again, what was the Lion Guard for if not to guard the citizens of the Pridelands?
"Lion Guard? Break's over! Come on guys, we've got some slobbering, mangy, stupid poachers!"
Zazu grinned. "Slobbering poachers. That's a good one! Hey! Wait for me!" But Kasi had already sped off in a blur, the rest of the Lion Guard following at a rampant pace.