Chapter 9: The Presentation of The Two Princes
(The Circle of Life)
A/N 1: This is it ladies and gents. With this chapter, we'll finally be getting in to where the movie starts. And what better way to present the chapter, than to include the song that started the movie. Other than that, I'll see y'all at the end. Enjoy!
"Phhbblltt!"
Infantile giggling is heard.
"Phhbblltt!"
Followed by more giggling.
"PHHBBLLTT!"
And even more.
This was how this particular morning in the pridelands was starting off: Me happily blowing raspberries at my new little brother Simba as I held him up over my body, while he giggled happily every time I made the hilarious sound. Hey, as long as it's making the little fuzzball happy, I'm not complaining. Oh yeah, that's pretty much my nickname for him now, but more because when I first held him, he felt like a little ball of fuzz; a very adorable and huggable ball of fuzz that I loved very much.
After his birth, I pretty much spent the whole week in the den with him and my mom. I wanted to spend every moment I could with the little guy, because to me, it was like making up for lost moments I could've shared with TJ, and I was not about to make the same mistake twice. This also gave me the opportunity to watch Simba finally open his eyes for the very first time, and my dad was right: his eyes were a brilliant ruby red, just like his mother's.
"How are my two favorite boys in the pridelands doing this morning?" Sarabi asked as she made her way in with a smile as she watched her sons play.
"Just fine mom." I say to her from my spot on the ground, slowly setting Simba down on my chest as he looks around. "You know, you were right: Spending some quality time with Simba was just what I needed to calm down before the-"
Unfortunately I couldn't say much else as my curious little brother decided to climb up my chest and right onto my face, turning my words into muffled jumbles as he started to mew to our mom.
"Oi, Simba!" I finally say after I manage to get his tiny paw off my mouth. "I'm trying to talk with mom here…Also, do you think you can get off my face?"
Meanwhile, Sarabi laughed tenderly at the antics of her boys before reaching over and picking up her youngest by the scruff of his neck, freeing my face from the fluff that was my little brother.
"Man, now I know what a rug feels like." I rub my face as I sit up, watching my mom lay down not too far from me as she sets Simba in between her paws, the little cub letting out a quiet yawn as he got comfortable. What first started as a grimace eventually turned into a soft smile; I could never stay mad at the little fuzzball. He was WAY too young, cute AND innocent for that. So instead I just scooted over towards my mom and rested against a nearby wall, watching her as she gave little Simba a bath.
"So, how are you really feeling son? Are you still a little nervous about today?" My mom asked me, taking a moment to pause from bathing Simba.
"Honestly, yeah. I mean, this a presentation we're talking about mom; Everyone in the kingdom is coming to Pride Rock just to see us." I say as I gesture to Simba with my hand, my voice carrying a hint of worry in it.
"You sure that's not all?" My mom asked me with a raised brow, trying to get more out of me. I wasn't making it easy for her though.
"W-well...I…" I start to stutter as I look away sadly. I wasn't sure how she would react if I told her the truth.
"Connor, sweetie," She said to me in her sincere voice, leaning over and licking my cheek tenderly. "You know you can tell me anything; that's what I'm here for." She then nuzzles me, purring with motherly love which finally gets me to open up to her.
"I guess I'm just afraid of what the herds will think of me being a prince. I know many animals still have troubles trusting humans, but will they be able to trust me like my family does?" I say with concern as I returned the nuzzle. While it's true that dad and I have patrolled the pridelands many times in the past and visited many herds, there were still many more along its outskirts, and even more beyond the pridelands, and they were all coming to Pride Rock.
"Then I guess it's a good thing you are not like other humans." My mom said as she pulled back, giving me a wise smile. "Like your father and I have told you before: you have a very kind heart, and the desire to help those around you. That not only makes you different, it makes you special." She says as she nuzzles me once more. "It's what makes you, you…my son."
With these words of kindness spoken, I smile as I hug my mom as she nuzzles me. Never was I happier to have her in my life and help chase away my fears and worries. I'll admit that after Simba was born, I was concerned that all the focus would be on him, because let's face it: nothing grabs more attention than a baby. But luckily, those concerns were dashed away when both my dad and my mom kept me close. They didn't want anything to happen to our family…and neither did I.
"You also won't have to worry about the other herds Connor." Mufasa spoke up as he made his way towards us, nuzzling Sarabi first, then me. "I made sure Zazu would inform them of your presence, so they'll know what to expect."
I nod silently as the nervousness returns, making me look towards my bare feet, before I feel dad's paw on my shoulder.
"You're going to be fine Connor. I promise." He says with a confident smile as I do the same and hold his paw.
"I hope so...thanks dad." I say to him before our attention is brought towards the sky as it starts to turn that familiar orange color.
"It's almost time." My Dad said knowingly.
Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba
(Sithi uhm ingonyama)
Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba
(Sithi uhm ingonyama)
(Ingonyama)
Siyo Nqoba
(Ingonyama)
(Ingonyama nengw' enamabala)
"Alright, I'm heading out to make sure the herds arrive and know where to place themselves for the presentation." Mufasa says as he gets up and makes his way to the promontory rock before looking back at us with a smirk.
(Ingonyama nengw' enamabala)
"In the meantime, I want BOTH of my boys to get cleaned up; need to be sure you're ready for when it's time for you two to present yourselves." He says as my face sports a light frown. Like I said before: It's not that I don't like the baths my mom gives me. It's just that I already cleaned up today down at the stream; I scrubbed my hair and washed my body and everything. Though, since this was a special day, I really had no room to object...and my dad knew it.
(Ingonyama nengw' enamabala)
"Okay, but mom's working on Simba right now. How am I gonna get cleaned up in time?" I asked as I glance at my mom and brother. Before I can say more however, a familiar voice enters the den.
(Ingonyama nengw' enamabala)
"You can leave that to me." Sarafina says with a smile as she makes her way over and nuzzles me lovingly.
"Hehe, hey Aunt Fina." I respond with a smile of my own as I press my head against hers, returning the nuzzle, then laying down on my stomach. "I'm surprised you're still here." By that, I was of course referring to the fact that my aunt was the last lioness who had yet to bear her cub. Not that it bothered her of course; she simply used it as an excuse to spend more time with me, my mom and the cubs.
(Ingonyama nengw' enamabala)
"What? And miss your big day? Not a chance." She says as she lays down in front of me, allowing me to rest against her paws. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."
(Ingonyama nengw' enamabala) (se-to-qwa)
After a quick nuzzle, she begins to clean me, starting with my back. It's funny: even when I try to avoid bath time, I still can't help but appreciate the comfort it brings me. It not only takes away any bad sensations in my body, but it also feels like it brings me that much closer to my new family. Hmm, maybe getting baths from them won't be so bad after all.
(Ingonyama nengw' enamabala) (asana)
Meanwhile, out in the pridelands, animals of all shapes and sizes could be seen making their way to Pride Rock to attend the presentation. From monkeys, zebras and jaguars, all the way to elephants, giraffes and cheetahs, creatures from all walks of life were coming together for this one special moment.
From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
From a bird's eye view, it would seem as though a great river was slowly making its way in one single direction. But the truth of the matter was that it was a grand collection of herds and numerous beasts. Any nature journalist worth his salt would no doubt give anything to see such a movement, let alone a culmination of different animals in one place.
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
As the massive group of animals were on their last leg of their journey, Zazu could be seen gliding through the sky, observing all the herds before his gaze was set on the final destination: Pride Rock.
It's the circle of life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
As Zazu finally reached the kopje of his king, he saw the lion he served honorably and landed in front of him, bowing low with utmost respect. Mufasa, in return gave Zazu a grateful nod for his services on this day, before returning his sights to the mass of animals in front of Pride Rock, looking for the one individual needed to begin the presentation.
Till we find our place
Then, like Moses and the red sea, the herds parted to allow a familiar shaman to make his way up Pride Rock.
On the path unwinding
In the circle
Once Rafiki reached the base of Pride Rock, he happily opened his arms to Mufasa, who in turn pulled him into a hug, before they both look back to where mom and I were resting. My Aunt had long since finished cleaning me and moved back to where the other lionesses were so I could be by my family for when the moment finally came.
The circle of life
Mom and I both smiled as dad came back over to us, nuzzling the two of us happily before pulling back and putting his attention on his youngest son, while my mom gave him one last lick on the head.
As little Simba turned to look at the old mandril curiously, my sights were set on both him and Rafiki as he smiled at the little prince, then at me. Taking his stick into his right hand, Rafiki began the blessing ceremony by shaking his stick over Simba, who gazed at it with wonder as he tried to paw at it. I chuckle lightly at my little brother before Rafiki does the same with me, the only difference being that I close my eyes as he does so, honoring this process.
For the next step, Rafiki pulled off a fruit from his stick, ripped it open and dipped his thumb into the juice so he could glide it along Simba's forehead, leaving a single red mark on it. When it came to my turn, he had both my parents cover a paw with the juice then press it gently against my bare chest; my father's right paw on my left, and my mother's left paw on my right. Rafiki then finished by adding the same red mark on my forehead, along with two more on each cheek. This would signify my position as prince of the pridelands.
To finish the blessing ceremony, Rafiki scooped up some sand from the ground around us then sprinkled it over Simba's and my head. While it didn't get in my eyes, it did however go up my nose. Before I could get a sneeze out of my system, Simba let out one of his one, cancelling mine out, allowing me to exhale with relief.
With the ceremony complete, Rafiki picked up Simba, carrying him securely before gesturing to me that it was finally time. With a nervous gulp, I slowly stand, watching Rafiki take the lead. I look back at my parents as they stare at me proudly.
"You'll do just fine." My dad whispered to me as my mom nudged me gently, giving me the strength to slowly catch up with Rafiki. Everything was silent; not a single peep could be heard, except for the beating of my heart. This was it…this was the moment where all the animals would see me…and know that a human was now part of the Circle of Life.
It's the circle of life
As soon as we reached the reached the edge, Rafiki held up Simba for all to see, and every animal present erupted in a cavalcade of roars, trumpets and cheers.
And it moves us all
I couldn't believe it…they were cheering…Not just for Simba, but for me too. Everyone in the pridelands was cheering for us.
Through despair and hope
As Simba looked down at the crowd curiously, I couldn't help but smile as a single tear of joy fell down my cheek. This was a wondrous moment, and I didn't want it to end.
Through faith and love
With a clearing of the throat, my attention was brought towards Rafiki, who smiled knowingly as he performed the one action I was preparing for this whole day: he passed Simba over to me, and with strong, firm, comforting hands, I held him up towards the sky.
Till we find our place
As if in response to this display of trust, the clouds opened up, allowing a single ray of sunlight to shine down on the two of us: The Pridelands' new princes. It was as though Great Kings of the Past were watching over us and blessing us this day.
On the path unwinding
As I looked back down at the audience, I saw them all perform the same action and sign of absolute respect: They all bowed to us. Never had I felt so honored to gain such an ovation, but I knew deep down that I deserved it.
In the circle
No, I didn't just deserve it. I earned it. I braved the African wilds and survived. I was overcome with grief, but conquered it with the help of a pride of lions. I lost one family, but gained a new one through my ordeals.
Today, I'm not just some lost and lonely human boy.
No…today, I'm a member of this pride.
Today, I'm the son of King Mufasa and Queen Sarabi.
Today, I'm the older brother of Simba
Today...I am Connor Geigns: Prince of the Pridelands
The circle of life
A/N 2: Chapter 9, done and done. To be honest I wasn't sure how including the lyrics would work with this chapter, better after writing it out, it felt like it blended in really well, in my personal opinion at least. Either way, I hope you guys liked my personal touches for the presentation. Coming up in the next chapter, Connor will face his greatest challenge yet: Cubsitting. Until then, read, review, and I'll catch y'all later.