Chapter 7: Road to Recovery
Part 2: Learning the Basics
A/N 1: And here we are at part two of "Road to Recovery". As Part 2 implies, this chapter is going to be about Connor learning how to walk again, along with with other things on the way. What things you may ask? Well, you'll just have to read and find out.
Not to self: Do NOT take mom's and Aunt Fina's words for granted.
With the way things are going now, it feels like at least an hour has past since we began our journey, and it probably would have been a lot longer if I tried to walk myself…or in my case hobble, since my right leg is still in a cast. That's the other thing though: I STILL have no idea where we're going. I tried asking Sarabi again, and she gave me the same cryptic answer.
"We're going to see an old friend."
Well, whoever this "friend" is, I hope it was worth the trip. Luckily, I didn't have to worry about using my own feet for now, since my aunt Sarafina was giving me a ride on her back. That's right: I'm riding on a lion baby. Anyway, since it was going to take a while to reach our destination, we decided to chat idly amongst each other. I was currently telling Sarabi and Sarafina a funny story revolving around my family before I came to Africa.
"So my dad just came in from outside, and wouldn't you know it: a giant green beetle is perched on his shoulder. My mom starts screaming 'Ah! Trevor! There's a giant bug on your shoulder!' My dad is flipping out trying to get it off, removing his shirt in the process, and TJ and I are just laughing our heads off; we have never seen our parents act so silly."
Once I finish, we all share a laugh at the humor of it all, with Sarafina being the first to speak, after catching her breath of course.
"I can't believe your dad got scared over something as small as a beetle. That IS silly." She chuckled once more before Sarabi spoke up with a coy grin.
"I wouldn't be one to talk Fina. Remember when we were cubs, and you mistook a worm for a snake?"
At this, Sarafina immediately shuts up as the fur on her face stands on end; I'm guessing a comparison to blushing.
"Hey! I'll have you know that that worm was MASSIVE; easily the size of small branch." She tried to retort, but it proved futile as Sarabi continued to giggle at her best friend's past experience. Even I was trying not to giggle at her expense.
"Ugh, anyway, whatever happened to the beetle Connor?" Sarafina asks me, turning her head so her eyes could meet mine, while Sarabi calmed down and gave me her attention.
"Well, during my dad's little freak out, I saw it fall onto the floor without a scratch on it. Since I didn't want the little guy to get squished, I quickly and carefully picked it up and brought it outside where it flew off." Once I finished, I saw both my aunt and mom smile at me with pride.
"You really do have a kind heart Connor." Sarabi said as she strode over and nuzzled my arm.
"I couldn't agree more. Anyone else in your position would've just killed it then and there." Sarafina responded with a neutral, but honest tone.
"Well, it really didn't do anything wrong. It just didn't feel right to kill it for no reason." I retorted with a sympathetic tone for the choice I made that day. "I don't like killing things just out of spite; unless the creature in question posed a threat to those around it, there was no reason for it to die."
"Well, I believe you made a wise choice, my son. One we're both proud of." Sarabi said happily as she and Aunt Fina gleamed at me.
Before anything else could be said though, Aunt Fina looked straight ahead and gestured for mom and myself to do the same. What I saw in front of us practically took my breath away.
"We made it." Aunt Fina spoke.
By "it", she was referring to the massive baobab tree the stood before us. It's trunk was as wide as a city bus in diameter, and as tall as a 3 story building, with a top filled to the brim with green leaves. All in all, this natural piece of flora was a beautiful sight to behold.
"Whoa, man...this thing is HUGE!" I spoke out as I gazed up towards the top, using my hand to shield my eyes from the sun.
Both lionesses smirked at my reaction before nodding to one another.
"Alright Connor," Sarafina said as she crouched down as best as she could. "Hold on tight."
"Hold tight?" I asked her, scratching my head in confusion. "What for-WHOA!" In a rush of motion, Sarafina started to climb up the tree alongside Sarabi, with me instinctively latching onto Sarafina's neck tightly, like she warned me to.
As soon as we reached the top, or at least the top interior of the tree, I practically slid off of Sarafina and into a heap on the wooden base of our destination. While the initial climb did spook me a bit, hence the slight paleness in my face, I was more worried about losing my lunch on the way up.
"You know, a heads up would be nice before you go and do something like that." I say as I sit up and rub my cheek, only to see my mom and aunt smiling smugly at me.
"Now where would the fun in that be?" Sarafina said as she brought her head close, only for me to playfully push it away as I chuckled. They may be older than me, and ready to have cubs, but my mom and aunt certainly know how to have fun when it matters. Not to mention it helps me feel better in the process.
After finally recollecting myself, I sat up and looked around at the interior of the Baobab tree, quite surprised at what I found. For starters it was very spacious, like it was hollowed out a long time ago; almost as if it was meant to house something, or someone. Hanging from the high branches above us were numerous vines, each one dangling down low and holding what I could only imagine were a variety of gourds and fruit. All along the walls were numerous hand paintings of different animals, from elephants and hippos, all the way to the lions themselves. Against one of the larger,outlying branches rested a large tortoise shell, or the top half of one, which was also hollowed out like a large bowl. Seeing all this made me think that we were in a place that highly resembled an old hermit's hut.
"Rafiki?" I heard my mom call out as she looked around.
"Rafiki? Are you here?" Aunt fina did the same as she climbed up one of the branches.
As they looked for this Rafiki guy, my eyes soon fell upon something interesting: a long, thin stick leaning against a far wall with a few fruits tied around the top of it. With curiosity getting the better of me, I scoot over towards it and carefully pick it up, giving it a little inspection. However, as I was doing this, I feel something tap my shoulder, causing me to look back in alarm, only to see noone there, except for the lionesses that were still searching for that Rafiki guy. Before I can turn back however, I feel something else tickle my side.
"Gah! What the?" The moment I turn to see who tickled me, the sticked is swiped out of my hands and used to bonk me on the head.
"Ow! What the heck was that?" I exclaim as I look around for the being responsible for hitting me.
"You know, it is very impolite to touch someone else's possessions without their permission." A new voice is heard hidden within the canopy; a voice that was male, but old as well...not to mention a bit kooky as a crazy sounding laugh echoed throughout the inside of the tree.
"Oh, good. You ARE still here. For a moment I thought we missed you." My mom directed her speech towards the voice.
"Ah, but of course my dears. After all," Out of the thick leaves of the canopy drops an old mandril, yet he lands in front of us with ease far past his years. "I've been expecting you. All three of you to be exact." The mandril directs his speech towards me, giving me a good look at his face. Off hand, I could easily tell from the white mane that grew along his features like a beard, that this monkey has been around for quite some time. I also noticed the trademark blue wrinkles along his red snout, almost like tribal markings as they became a darker blue around his yellow eyes. But the one thing the was most distinctive about him, was the air of mild insanity around him; it was as though his senility blended well with a wisdom deep within his mind.
"Connor, this is Rafiki: shaman of the pridelands, and old friend to our family." Sarabi came over as she introduced the mandril to me, who gave me a polite bow.
"It's nice to meet you Rafiki." I return the nod respectfully as he makes his way over to me.
"Heeheehee, come now boy. The pleasure is all mine...One more thing though:" Before I can lift my head, I feel something hard whack it lightly once again. "That was for touching the stick."
"Ow...Aha!" After rubbing my head from the hit, I point an accusing finger at the old monkey. "So YOU were the one that hit me earlier!"
"Ohoho, my dear boy, THAT is what happens when you forget your manners." Rafiki retorts as he shakes his pointer finger at me. "When you are polite, you will find that making friends and trying new things will be that much easier, and much less painful."
Upon hearing his words, I start to calm down...the mandrill was right. Wow, talk about words of wisdom. Taking them to heart, I let out a sigh and proceed to apologize to Rafiki.
"I'm sorry Rafiki. I had no idea that stick belonged to you, let alone that you needed it to help you get around. I hope you can forgive me." I hang my head solemnly as I finish, but soon feel a rough-skinned hand on my shoulder.
"Ahhh, a heart filled with kindness and love, yet clouded by grief and doubt… I can see you have had a very troubled past child. Perhaps you can tell me more after I check on my other two visitors, hm?"
With a quiet nod, I feel him pat my shoulder before hopping over towards Sarabi and Sarafina, who had laid down comfortably as introductions were being made between myself and the Shaman.
I can only faintly hear them converse before I decide to move closer, since I didn't want to feel left out, nor did I want to start feeling alone again. Once I got close enough, I started making out what they were saying much more clearly.
"I truly am glad he's doing better Rafiki. Though there are times where it feels like he's slipping, we always manage to find a way to help pick him back up." I heard my mom speaking, smiling at her honest words.
It's true that there were times that I felt like I would fall back into a depressive state from the painful memories, but luckily I had my new family to help bring happiness back into my heart so that I could focus on the present and future.
"Indeed, and I have a feeling that having these cubs around will help him feel better too; something else to focus on instead of the grief." Aunt Fina said, smiling at her middle.
"Ohohoho yes. So many new lives to help bring light to a troubled heart." Rafiki says with a smile of his own, placing a hand on his chest. "Now then, why don't we start with you, my queen?" He offers as he sits down in front of her, resting his palms on her swollen middle, humming a little tune as he rubbed it gently.
Oddly enough, as he was performing his "inspection", I soon felt a breeze enter the tree as it glided around me, bringing a comforting warmth to my mind and body before it made its way over to Rafiki, who breathed deeply then sighed with content.
"Ahhh, I see...A strong, healthy boy. A perfect heir for our king." Rafiki spoke as he removed his hands from from Sarabi's middle. A boy...the cub was gonna be a boy...I'm gonna have a little brother again.
"And a fine young girl we will have here. I see the makings of an excellent huntress in this one's future." I heard Rafiki say as he examined Sarafina. Wow, a boy AND a girl cub. I can see the impending shenanigans already.
"That truly is wonderful news. Thank you very much Rafiki, we appreciate it." My mom spoke as she stood, with Aunt Fina following suit.
"Of course my dears. Should you need anything at all, do not hesitate to call for old Rafiki." he bows to the lionesses politely. "Now, if you could wait at the base of Rafiki's home, I can get started on the young lad here." he gestures to me behind him. Man, for an old mandril, his ability to sense his surroundings is amazing… That, or he knew from the get go that I was right behind him.
Regardless of the circumstances being what they were, mom and Aunt Fina both smiled at me before taking their leave and climbing down the tree. Meanwhile, the shaman made his way over to me and stared intently into my eyes...uncomfortably close I might add.
"Wh-what? Is there something on my face?" I asked him as I rubbed my cheek to make sure nothing was on it.
"Only the signs of a grieving child." Rafiki responded as he pulled back, sat on his haunches and set his stick down next to him. "Now, let's have a look at that leg of yours."
He then proceeded to pull the vines away, and I could instantly feel the pressure from the stiffness give way. I gotta say: It felt good to have my leg loosen up like that.
"I could see that you have a strong spirit, built up by bonds you have recently forged since your time here." He started to talk with me as he set the branches holding my leg in place aside and began to peel away the leaves covering my skin.
"Yeah...it's like I have a family again. The pride has been a big help in getting me through my time of grief." I respond in kind, looking away longingly as I thought about them.
"I see. That only begs the question then:" He plucked a fruit hanging from a nearby vine, splitting it open easily and taking a bite out of one of the halves. I noticed right away that it had a rather sweet and tangy smell to it. I should try and find some myself once I can walk again.
"Why is your mind still plagued by doubt?" I was brought out of my thoughts as the old mandril asked me that question. How did he know that I was still having my share of doubts? Could it be from when he looked into my eyes earlier? Was it really that easy for him to distinguish feelings like that?
As I questioned myself, I looked down sadly and sighed. "I guess...I guess I'm still worried about my place here in the pridelands, in Mufasa's pride, and as his son. I mean, how will I know what to do once I can walk again? How will I be able to contribute to the pride? How will I-"
THWACK!
Once again, the old monkey had brought up his stick and sent it down on my head. Only this time, it was much, much harder.
"OOWW!" I yell out as I hold my head. "Seriously?! Was that really necessary!?" I then direct my yelling at Rafiki, now in anger, who stares at me sternly.
"Your mind is far too clouded by doubt and negativity. When your mind is clouded, you will never be able to see what lies before you, or what comes next." He leans on his stick for emphasis as he speaks to me with his words of wisdom.
"Only by clearing your mind of all wrongful distractions, will you be able to see the path that's been laid out for you."
"Oh really?" I say with aggravation as I continue to rub my sore cranium. "And how EXACTLY am I supposed to do that when you just hit me over the he-"
Thwack!
He hit me over the head with his stick...again. Man, what is with this monkey and hitting people?
"OUCH! Oh come on!" I proceed to pout stubbornly as I see Rafiki set his stick down, then take a seat in front of me.
"Sometimes emptying your mind can be a painful process." He then crosses his legs, closes his eyes and puts his thumbs and pointer fingers together… A meditating monkey. That's a first.
"But, the moment you finally let go, and allow peace to govern your thoughts, you will finally see the correct path in a much clearer perspective."
Deciding to follow Rafiki's example, I groan before taking a similar pose to his and closing my eyes. At first, all I could see was darkness, but after steadying my breathing and calming my mind, I was soon met with a warm light. It's illumination gave way to an open field of green grass, as far as the eye could see. As I look around, I soon see the same white lion from before, smiling wisely as he stood before me.
"Aiehu…" My voice was breathless as I admired the great spirit. For the second time in my life, I was visited by a supreme being who governed over all. Yet, as I spoke his name, he gave me a nod, turned and began to walk away. What surprised me however, was that the grass in front of me quickly parted away...to reveal a dirt path.
"The correct path…" I speak to myself as I take a step forward and look ahead, soon seeing the familiar kopje that was Pride Rock appear before me. With the sight before me, the answer became obvious: My path lead me Pride Rock...it lead me home, to my family, where I belonged.
Before I could take another step however, I sensed something amiss. I opened my eyes just in time to see a thin stick coming right at me. But this time, I was prepared, and easily ducked out of the way, hearing Rafiki's crazy laughter as a result.
"Hah! You missed!" I shout triumphantly.
"Exactly! And do you know why, my boy?" He smiled as he asked me, while I was just caught off guard by his unusual reaction to me dodging his stick.
"Uh...should I?" I ask with a light chuckle.
"It means that your mind was clear and you were able to see the path laid out for you. With a clear mind you are able to anticipate things much easier. And now that you have found the peace that you were looking for, you are ready for what comes next:" He then bounds away to the other side of his home. "Taking the first step."
Hearing him say this made me look down at my right leg, and I saw that it was officially cast free. Aside from the tooth-shaped scars on it, my leg looked untouched and it felt strong. Steeling myself, I slowly stood up and after three long months, I finally took a step with my right foot. And I gotta tell ya: Aside from the slight pressure, that comes from the healing, it felt good to be on two feet again. Taking steady breaths, I slowly stepped towards Rafiki, being careful not to land on my foot the wrong way, or bump into anything. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally reached the old shaman, who opened his arms up for me, allowing me to bend down and let him wrap his arms around me in a proud hug.
"Thank you Rafiki...for everything." I say as I return the hug, grateful for what he taught me today.
"Oho, it was no problem at all, my young prince. Just try not to push yourself too hard; you may be able to use your leg, but it will take time and practice for you to walk properly again. Now, run along; your mother is waiting for you."
Shooing me away playfully, I saw Rafiki make his way over to a wall covered in paintings before dipping his fingers in a red powder like substance in a bowl made from a hollowed out gourd and started to draw. What he was drawing, only he would know as I proceeded to climb down the tree, where two members of my family were waiting for me. Once my feet touched the ground, the two lionesses got ready to approach me, only to receive a hand indicating them to stay where they were. Looking at each other curiously, they complied and sat down a few feet away from me. That was when I took the opportunity to walk towards them, and the looks on their face could only be described in one word: Joy.
Once I finally reached them, I carefully kneeled down so they could fill the gap between us and nuzzle me happily while I held them close in a hug.
"I love you mom...Aunt Fina…" I say with tears in my eyes. With my doubts cleared away, I could finally be happy to know who my family was and where I belonged, and I wouldn't give that up for the world.
"We love you too sweetheart." Sarabi...no...mom, said comfortingly as she licked my tears away.
"Very much so." Aunt Fina performed the same action before they both pulled away and smiled at me proudly. "You ready to go home?"
Home…
"Yeah...let's go home…" With a quick nod, we all made our way back to Pride Rock...the place where I now belonged...with the new family I loved with all my heart.
Back in Rafiki's tree, had I considered staying to see what he was drawing, I would have seen what looked like a lion cub…being held by a human.
"Oho Connor...I do believe your path will be one that leads you towards a fate far greater, than you could ever imagine."
A/N 2: Hah! Took a bit longer than expected, but I was able to finish part 2 before the weekend. It certainly took a different turn than what I was expecting, but I am happy with how it turned out. In the next chapter, Connor will finally see the Pridelands with his dad as he continues to practice walking, and braces himself for some "new arrivals". More will be revealed with the next chapter, which I'm hoping to get started on and posted soon. Until then, don't forget to read and review.