Holy muffiiiins this took too long*rubs face in shame* okay, so a few things about why this has taken me longer than usual, I had totally forgotten that school was starting up for my husband. He takes his classes online and we share a laptop together, so I'm sure you guys understand that he gets first priority over it for a while.
Also, you remember how I like to write chapters down on paper first before I start typing? Well, sometimes when I'm going through what I have written, I think I could do a better job on something or I'll want to add more to it and I'll end up needing to make changes to what I already had written -_-; Does anyone else ever do this to themselves?
Lastly(and I'll come clean too), probably the biggest reason from the previous two on why this took longer to finish up is because I've recently watched a movie and I've fallen so hard for it that when I did have my laptop back, I was trying to get my fix in the form fanfiction and fan art.
...Sad, Toony is a sad, sad fan girl T3T
But, before I tell you what that movie is, let me use this time to thank my wonderful reviewers first!
Jestalnaker94000: Eee! Thank you so very, very much hun, I'm happy that you enjoyed the chapter :3
Dave Bennett: Aww, thank you! X3 X3 X3 You know, I have debated about whether or not to add Kion or even throw a little something in there that Nala and Simba might be expecting another cub later in the story. When I first started writing, I originally planned to just keep it within the two movies, but 'The Lion Guard' is such a wonderful adaption and I love all the characters, especially Kion T3T. I'll just have to think about it a little more and see where it goes, either way, I hope you'll still enjoy it :)
JJChandler: Lol, I'm glad you got excited for this chapter hun, I'm sorry it took so long to give it to you XP
Samguti729: Haha, well, gotta end chapters somewhere XD but apparently I'm one of those writers who end them in worst places(or so I've been told, lol!) and I'm sorry to say that I don't think that's going to change any time soon T_T; Oh yeah I love that stuffy, prim and proper bird! I just had to give him a bigger role in the story! Thank you so much for your words of encouragement hun!
I-Love-Trunks1: YAAAAY! I'm so glad that you like it! Lol, yeah, I put that poor boy through so much already, he needed to have a break XD I'll try and get more written up for you to read as soon as I'm able!
Steelcode: Haha, Really? Yaay! I actually felt the same thing as I was writing it, now I don't feel so lame for it if I managed to make other people get the same way! *dances*
gwencarson126: Lol, I promise I shall continue with this story, cross my heart and hope to cry X3
Aster's Descendants: Oh nice! Thank you so, so much for the tip hun! X3 Sorry about that, it kinda developed into my style when someone's telling a longer story or if I want something that's being said to seem more...is 'deeper' the word I'm looking for?*shrugs* Anyway, it just always felt right for me to keep on doing it that way...thooough I probably do that too often now in places that don't really need it and I'll have to fix that ^^; But I'm glad you seemed to like the story okay regardless, I hope you continue to do so as it progresses and I'll try my best to keep your advice in mind:)
Just A Visitor: Oh you're so sweet! :3 it's been going okay, a little crazy at times, but overall fairly good, thank you so much for checking in :D:D:D*blushes* Holy muffins you staaahp! Lol, there's TONS of writers on this sight with much better and creative stories than I have who's more deserving of attention and praise like that XD XD XD. But to answer your question, I'm trying to be a more responsible writer and stick to one story for now until I get some completed or close to completion because I just started posting so many new stories all willy-nilly because I'm an idiot*hits head on desk* This story is currently at the top of my list of stories to finish followed by 'Adventure of a Lifetime'; And oh my gosh, do you know how much it means to me to hear you ask about 'The Healing Path'? lots! I wholeheartedly assure you that story is just too special to me to ever abandon. I currently have three chapters that still need a little work to finish putting together and polish, and I've also been reading through old chapters here and there making notes of mistakes that need fixing. So when I do eventually get back to it, you can expect that it'll get a total make-over along with new chapters :)
victoria: Aww, you're the one who's awesome! X3 Thank you so much hun, I'll get right to work on another chapter soon.
And there we go, thank you guys soooo much! My readers, my reviewers and brand new followers, I seriously can't tell you how undeserving I am of such flipping wonderful people like you! *hugs you all* Oh, and before I forget, the movie that I have become so obsessed over... is the freaking fantabulous 'Coco'!
I'm sorry! Have pity for I am weak-willed and it was just so amazing!
Lol, yeah, I know I'm a few months late to jump in that bandwagon, but holy muffins you guys! The characters, the story, the color and animation, the amazing voice acting and the freaking SPECTACULAR songs(which I'm not ashamed to admit that I have almost memorized by now XD)! Seriously, 'Coco' just blew me away and it has now become my most favorite movie of all time :D:D:D
XD Anyway, I'm sure you don't wanna hear me gush anymore about it as you've got a story you want to read and I have to get my tail back in gear and work on the next.
I hope you enjoy the new chapter!
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Chapter 10: A Heavy Loss
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"Ow!" Ryan yelped as the claw marks on his arm stung terribly from being washed.
After he and Kiara had been rescued from Zira's plan kill them and returned to the safety of Pride Rock, Rafiki had stayed with them to check over the injuries that both Ryan and Sarabi had sustained before Simba, Nala and the pride arrived to help. Sarabi's checkup ended fairly quickly, but when the old baboon got to Ryan...he wasn't so lucky.
"Apologies." Rafiki said with light chuckle as he finally finished cleaning, and picked up some herbs and a melon. "Patience now, I am almost finished."
The young man glared at him, still pretty peeved at the crazy monkey for running off and leaving Ryan to fend for himself with Kiara before, but it didn't last long as he let out an exasperated huff when the shaman began mashing up the items in his mouth once more.
"Ugh, and here I thought I was finally done with this stuff..." Ryan muttered, grimacing as Rafiki slathered the gross pulp over his whole arm before he wrapped it up with a couple of big leaves.
"Tut tut, you have been through quite the ordeal." Zazu commented, waving a wing at him. "And surely you know the old saying, 'it is better to be safe than to be sorry'."
It was a little strange for Ryan as he looked down at Zazu, because before now, the blue feathered hornbill never wanted anything to do with him and all but made it clear that he wanted him out of their lives. But he was sure glad that he did end up having a change of heart, as it was thanks to him that Zira's treachery was finally brought to light.
"Hey, thank you for what you did." Ryan finally said, a grateful smile on his face. "But...why? Not that I'm complaining or anything, I just thought you hated me."
"That I did, but for Sarabi, I'm willing to make exceptions for just about anything." Zazu informed him, a rather regretful expression on his features for his past animosity towards the young man before. "It was she who asked that I venture out to follow you in the first place; though, if I may be completely honest...I almost turned down her request."
"Then why didn't you?" Ryan asked curiously. "I mean, it's not like she's the queen anymore, so..."
Before Zazu could respond, their talk was interrupted by Rafiki who announced that he was finished up with Ryans' treatment and he gave the young man a fond pat on the shoulder before he gathered up his things and headed out of the den to who knows where. the young man didn't understand why he had to go, but he just decided not to think about too hard as there probably wasn't a single soul in the world who could guess what was going on in that mind of his.
Besides, he was grateful to have his arm free again.
"Sarabi may no longer be queen, but she is no less as dear a friend to me as the late Mufasa was." the majordomo continued, answering Ryans' question as a smile appeared on his long beak. "So really, young Ryan, it is she you should be thanking."
Ryan watched as Zazu gave him a respectful nod before spread his wings and flew to another part of the den, and he turned his gaze over to where Sarabi lay.
She had hardly moved from that spot since they arrived which kind of worried him a little bit. She wasn't a young lioness anymore; she must have pushed herself far beyond the limits her old body was used to when she came flying in to save the day, and even though she didn't look like she was in serious pain, she still seemed so tired.
Getting up to his feet, Ryan began walking over to her as Sarabi open her eyes and slowly lift her head to look at him upon hearing his approach.
"So, uh, a little bird said that you were still looking out for me even after I left." He told her with a grateful grin. "Thank you Sarabi, I don't know how I'm ever gonna pay you back for all you've done for me."
"The fact that you and Kiara are safe and with us is the only payment I need, Ryan." the older lioness told him, returning his smile with one of her own; but she laid back down on her paws while giving a sigh that made it sound like it was tough to hold her own head up for just a short while.
"Sarabi, are you okay?" Ryan asked, kneeling beside her. "You got roughed up pretty bad back there."
"I'm alright, dear." Sarabi answered, though her husky voice seemed even lower than usual. "I just need to rest."
Ryan frowned, not believing her for a second as he scooted closer to her; even though Rafiki gave her a good bill of health, he wanted to see for himself. He gently began to run his hands along her neck, shoulders, and back to check the areas where he saw the wild dogs had savaged her.
He was relieved to see that they hadn't broken through skin, at least not too badly as he did happen to see a one or two shallow punctures marks, but they had already long since scabbed over. Though as he pushed back more of her beige fur, he noticed that there were large bruises in every spot, which were so dark, it actually made him wince a little to even think about how sore they must have been.
And he could imagine it with clarity as he felt a phantom twinge from his hyena bite.
"Oh I'm fine, don't fuss over me." Sarabi chided, giving him slight smirk "Believe it or not, I've been worse shape than this in my time."
"You're my friend, it's literally impossible for me not to worry." Ryan retorted, returning the smile only for a moment before he gazed back to her wounds with concern. "Does it hurt?"
"No." Sarabi answered, but after Ryan gave her a look, she gave a soft chuckle of amusement at how the tables seemed to have turned as she was usually the one to fret over others like this. "It's just a little tender, but I'm going be okay...I promise."
Even as she said that, he noticed that the old lioness wouldn't meet his eyes, which made him get the feeling that she was hiding something from him. But before he could question her further, a loud voice ringing through the cave walls stopped him short.
"Hey all, guess who's back! Did'ja miss us?"
Everyone looked over to see none other than Timon and Pumbaa strolling through from the mouth of the cave...had they been out there still collecting bugs this whole time?
"Oh good, Ryan's still here! We were worried we mighta missed ya." Pumbaa stated cheerfully as he trotted over and placed a large leaf that was covered in an assortment of water logged insects at Ryans' feet. "Sorry it ain't exactly the feast we promised, but this huge fire started up outta nowhere and it was hard to find much of anything because of the rain."
"Yeah, not ta mention pretty much every herd in the Pridelands took off running at the first sign of smoke before the unexpected water works." Timon chimed in, jumping off of Pumbaas' back before he shook himself off and sent water flying everywhere. "Almost became a warthog scramble with a side of meerkat pancakes more times than I care ta remember."
As Timon began to brush himself off, his suddenly stopped when he took notice of Ryans dirty and disheveled appearance. His arm that was now wrapped up, his cargo pants crusted with mud, his hoodie missing, and his white tank that was now filthy, frayed, and stained in a few places with dried blood...so very different from how they left him this morning.
"Wow, kid..." the meerkat finally began. "You look terrible.
"Oh, well thanks Timon, thanks a lot." Ryan said in a dry tone with a roll of his eyes as Timon looked around the den, paws on his hips and his nose wrinkling as a dissatisfied expression fell over his furry face.
"Yeesh, what's that matter with everybody? It's like there's a funeral going on in here." the meerkat commented, completely unaware of how much those words stung everyone within ear shot until he paused and peered at all the lionesses a little more closely with squinted eyes.
"Hold on, I think I'm missing something," he said before he started counting heads under his breath." Weren't there more of you before?"
At that, Ryan reached over and flicked Timon right on the head with his finger, making the little animal yell out in surprise and pain before he turned and glared up at the raven-haired teen while he rubbed at the sore spot.
"You seriously need to read the mood!" the young man told him before a wavering sigh coming from his right made them all look over at Nala.
After they had returned, the queen had taken Kiara from him and padded over to the platform she and Simba usually slept on by herself, cleaning the mud Ryan had put on her cub and keeping her securely within her paws. The little princess had almost instantly fallen asleep, exhausted after all of the excitement she had gone through.
But after she was finally clean, Nala had just laid her head down and stared at the far wall. Completely motionlessness save for when she would slowly blink her teal blue eyes after they were too filled up with tears.
"Nala?" Timon asked in concern as he and Pumbaa went over to her and started speaking to the lioness in soft, hushed tones that only they could hear.
Ryan could only watch as they talked, a bit surprised himself to see that she was crying; he didn't really understand what was going or why she seemed so heartbroken, especially when Kiara was safe and sound with her. He briefly thought it was because of the shock of almost losing her daughter, but...there seemed to be more to it than that.
"She's grieving." Sarabi suddenly said, almost as if she knew what he was thinking. "Grieving for him once more; as we all are."
Ryan looked at the other lionesses as they lay around the cave, some were talking among themselves and nursing light wounds while others simply hung their heads in silence. But much like Nala and Sarabi, they all wore the same expressions on their faces
Expressions that were so filled with sorrow.
"I have no doubts it's why Simba hasn't joined us back inside, as well." the former queen added in a softer tone.
Ryan still didn't understand, but after thinking about it for a moment more, something suddenly came back to him...something Zira had said before she was banished from the Pridelands.
'I have before.'
It was her answer when Simba asked if she thought she would have gotten away with hurting his daughter...I have before. The more the words replayed over and over in his head, the heavier his stomach felt as if there was an ice-cold stone inside of it.
"What happened?" Ryan finally asked. "Who're you talking about?"
"I'm sorry dear, but I'm not the one you should be asking." the elder lioness told him. "If you truly wish to know, Simba should be at the peak of Pride Rock; You can find the path to the outside through there."
The young man looked over towards the back of the den where a there was a back way out of Pride Rock. He had seen Simba come and go through that way a few times during his stay, though he had never been up that way himself as he never really saw any reason to; while he would much rather not bother Simba, mainly because the events that had went on between them when he was chased out were still fresh in his mind, he knew that he wouldn't get answers from Sarabi and he didn't want to upset Nala more than she already was.
Plus, on a far less important note, it would be an excuse to avoid the "feast" Timon and Pumbaa brought if he went up there.
With an anxious sigh, Ryan stood to his feet and walked over to the back exit, hesitating only once to gather his nerve before he continued on until he was out of the shelter of the den and back outside. The land looking gray and miserable from the stormy dark clouds that covered the skies like a thick blanket while they pelted the earth below them with rain.
Stepping out further, Ryan gazed up that towering stone column.
He couldn't see any sign of Simba as it was way too high, but looking to the side and saw the narrow path that Sarabi told him about, he started up; the higher he went with the rain falling and giving the rock he stood on that wet, slick looking sheen, the more his resolve to keep dwindled away until he almost decided to stop and go back. But the need to know what was going on was stronger, so staying as close as he could to the stone wall and away from the edge, he just focused on putting one foot in front of the other.
When he finally made it to the top, he saw that Simba was sitting near the edge with his back to him; his faced turned upwards to the skies and his mane dripping wet from just sitting there even as the rain fell heavily upon him.
"Simba?" Ryan finally asked.
There was a pause that went on for so long that Ryan began to wonder if he had even heard him, as his ears didn't even twitch when he addressed him. Was he too lost in thought?
"You should be inside." Simba finally said without turning around, his voice was quiet and hoarse.
"So should you." Ryan meekly retorted as he began wondering if this really was a good idea, but he wanted so badly to understand what happened why everyone was so sad.
"Simba, what did Zira mean when she said that before?" the young man asked, deciding against beating around the bush and getting it out there, licking at his lips as they felt bone dry despite all the rain. "About...about getting away with it?"
Silence fell between them once again, making Ryans' heart race as it felt he was treading on dangerous ground and pressing into matters that would be better left alone as the tension in the air felt so thick, he could have sliced through it with a knife, especially when it looked like Simba wasn't going to answer him this time. Though as Ryan began to think that he should to just drop the whole thing and leave him be, Simba began to speak again.
"Kiara wasn't my only cub." he said, his head slowly bowing down to face the land as though he had heavy weights hanging around his neck. "She would have had an older brother...Kopa."
Ryans mouth dropped open slightly in disbelief, a brother? Simba and Nala had a son?
But where was he? He had never heard anyone even mention him before. The more he thought about it, the more that knot tightened in his stomach as another question entered his mind...what happened to him?
"Things had been going so well." Simba continued, bringing Ryans' attention back to him. "The land was healing, the herds were returning, Nala had just given birth to our first-born son. I never thought I could be so happy the way I had been before Scars betrayal.
"One day, I was making my rounds through the Pridelands, mother was on her last hunt with the other lionesses, but then-" He stopped abruptly, his amber eyes closing at the memory before he forced himself to continue. "It was so hot that day, Nala had stepped out only for a moment to get a drink, but when she returned to the den, Kopa was gone."
Ryan said nothing as he watched Simbas' broad shoulders lift and fall from a deep breath he had taken.
"There were no witnesses, no clues, we scoured every inch of the Pridelands for days and we never found any trace of him." The king said, raising his head once again to glare up at the clouds as the rain continued to fall. "We thought it could have been hyenas who had taken him, perhaps as retaliation for Scars fall, but without proof we could do nothing about it; but now...now I finally know what became of him, who it was that took him away from us."
Upon hearing this, the young man couldn't help but think back to Ziras' face when the truth was finally let out. How she smiled, laughed at the terrible thing she had done and used the mercy Simba had given her to her own advantage.
"I knew...I knew Zira had been close to Scar, but thinking of her cubs, I so badly wanted to believe that she would have come to see how terrible and cruel he truly was if I just gave her a chance!" the red maned lion sucked in a breath, growling a bit in anger before he just let out a defeated sigh and bowed his head again, lower this time in his sorrow. "But my mercy, my ignorance cost me my sons life; it almost cost me my daughters."
The heaviness that fell in the air made it hard to breath, but it explained a lot; why Simba and Nala never wanted Kiara to be alone for even the littlest amount of time, why Simba had been so quick to believe that Ryan had been the one that roughed her up before he chased him away...it wasn't only because he was human, but because he had been through that unimaginable pain of losing a child.
The raven-haired teen numbly looked down at his feet, feeling ashamed as he didn't know that Simba had already lost a cub to Ziras' hate, feeling ashamed as he truly no idea when he stepped in and convinced Simba to spare her life after she put him through such a heavy loss already. But before he could apologize for interfering in matters that really didn't at all concern him, Simba spoke up again.
"Did I do the right thing?" the lion asked. "Banishing Zira, allowing her to keep those cubs, was that the right thing to do? Or was it just...selfish?"
Ryan couldn't answer at first, the question had taken him by surprise just as how lost and shaken he appeared be. But he couldn't blame him for all the uncertainty, not after everything he had been put through.
What would Ryan have done if he had been in Simbas' position? If he had lost a child, gone so long wondering about what happened them until he finally found the one responsible for their disappearance...would he have been able to stop himself from taking a life in vengeance? To let them walk away with their lives after everything they put him through?
Would he have been able live so close to their little ones knowing how much their parents had hurt him?
"I don't know." Ryan answered after he finally found his voice while he walked over to stand by Simba. "And I don't know how Nuka, Kovu or Vitani would have turned out when they got older if you had let them stay, either; Zira...she's the only mother they'll ever know, and Nuka practically lives to do what he can to please her."
He wished he could say otherwise as he really liked Nuka, and Kovu and Vitani were so young, it wasn't fair at all for them to be held with any responsibility for the sins of their parents; but even with that in mind, there was still that heavy 'what if' he couldn't push away. How could he look Simba in the eye and tell him that he should have let them stay if there was still a possibility that he could be betrayed again for showing mercy?
"I can't tell you whether it was or wasn't the right call to make, Simba, I'm sorry." The young man continued, getting braver as he took a seat next to him. "They're cubs, maybe they would have turned out okay, but I can't say if Ziras' influence would have eventually grown out of them; I wouldn't put it past her to have done everything she could to take them back by force even if you had them stay here, anyway."
He said that with a little more confidence. If Zira had the nerve to hurt the royal family not once, but twice, then there was no telling what she would have done if she had been denied her cubs.
"But even still, what's done is done; you're just going to have to live it now." Ryan added with a downcast expression, wishing that he could do a better job in giving some sense of closure in his actions.
Simba only nodded, closing his amber eyes for a few seconds before he turned and met back with Ryans' gaze
"I'm sorry Ryan." He said, regret thick in his voice. "For what I did, for what I tried to do to you; looking back, I can't believe I was so convinced that you had attacked my daughter after you had been nothing but gentle towards her for days."
"Hey come on, stop!" Ryan quickly said, waving his hands to keep Simba from saying anything more. "You're a dad and your daughter was hurt, It's okay-"
"It's really not!" Simba interrupted, his muzzle wrinkling in disgust of his actions. "I'm the king, everyone depends on me to make the right decisions, to not act in anger or spite, and I actually took the word of a killer over that of the one my father chose to help us...some king I've turned out to be."
This whole thing really had shaken him.
"Look Simba, no one's perfect, not even kings. You're going to slip and you're going make mistakes." Ryan said. "Wisdom isn't something you automatically get when you're a leader, you learn it slowly day by day, and you have your family and friends right here to guide you through it all for better or for worse; sometimes it'll be rough, but you just have to keep trying and you need to have faith in yourself."
He placed an encouraging hand on Simbas' shoulder, to which the lion looked down at in in mild surprise before he finally met Ryans' gaze.
"Listen to people you trust if you need advice and never give up on what you feel is right." Ryan added, offering him a smile.
Simba still held an expression of uncertainty and hurt as he stared at Ryan with those amber eyes, but after a few moments passed, it was like he finally relaxed a little and a soft, sincerely thankful smile appeared upon his face.
At that very moment, Ryan began to feel more at ease, and he was suddenly aware that it had stopped raining and both he and Simba looked up just as the clouds began to part and let out the shimmering golden rays of sun shine that began to warm them. Minuets passed with them just watching as everything began to clear up, the dark clouds allowing them to have even more light and give glimpses of the beautiful sapphire blue sky.
He didn't know who was the first to snap out of it, probably himself when he realized that he still had his hand on the kings shoulder in such a familiar way before he quickly took it off while Simba cleared his throat and stood up to his feet, Ryan following in suit.
"We, uh...we should head back." Simba said, a little awkwardly.
"Yeah, Timon and Pumbaa are here, they were saying something about the herds eariler." Ryan agreed, feeling just as stiff.
The young man let Simba lead the way down from the peek and back inside the den where every eye fell upon him as they silently watched as first thing he did was walk over to Nala, holding her gaze before they pressed their foreheads together and nuzzled each other comfortingly before he pulled back and turned to his two best friends.
"Guys, Ryan mentioned that something happened to the herds when the fire had started." He said.
"Oh yeah it's just like we told 'im," Pumbaa started. "We were trying to find all our favorite bugs ta bring before he went home, but when we were almost done, a big fire started up and made everybody take off runnin'."
"Didn't look like they were gonna be stoppin' any time soon, either." Timon added.
"This is a problem, then." Nala suddenly spoke as she pushed herself up into a sitting position as Kiara still slumbered away. "Many of the herds had already moved on due to the dry season in search of water, and if the fire scared the rest out of the Pridelands, there's no way of knowing when they'll come back."
At that, Ryan felt a stab of guilt.
"I'm sorry, the fire started because of me." he confessed, his voice filled with regret. "Kiara and I, we were surrounded and...it was they only think I could think of."
"Well, why don't we all go to our jungle oasis?" Timon suddenly chimed in. "There's plenty of water there, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's where some of those herds have gone, too; and if they ain't there, then Pumbaa and I got lots of grub ta share!"
"Timon, that's a great idea!" Simba exclaimed.
"But that's a long trip to go on without food or water, even for a grown lion." Nala said, a worried expression on her face as she looked down to their daughter. "Kiara's still so young, what if she doesn't..."
She couldn't bring herself to say it, but that was when Ryan got an idea of his own.
"We can carry water with us!" Ryan said, eager to be of some help as every one looked over to him. "My pack, I'll have to go get it because it's still back at that tree, but I have a pouch that I can keep drinking water in and two extra water bottles, there'll be enough for us all to share; And I should still have a bag of beef jerky that we can keep that on reserve for you, Nala."
The queen gave a shake of her head, trying to protest his offer. "Ryan, I can't ask you to-"
"I can go a few days just fine without food." Ryan insisted, refusing to hear it. "You, on the other hand, need every bit you can get."
He smiled down at the slumbering little bundle of fur between Nalas' paws, reaching out and gentle stroking along Kiaras' back. "You're still eating for two, you know."
Nala could only give Ryan a grateful smile of her own at his generosity before she moved her eyes to meet with her mates who gave a nod of understanding as he turned to address the rest of the pride.
"It's settled then, we shall use this time to prepare and turn in early to gather our strength." Simba announced. "At first light tomorrow, we all make for the oasis."
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Later That Evening
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The first thing Ryan did once everyone had set out to prepare was go back to the acacia tree to get his water pack, he was happy when even ever found his hoodie along the way, but the pack was the most important thing as he climbed up and pulled it from the branches he had hidden it in.
It was a little unnerving to be back here when it wasn't that long ago where he almost died, as the evidence of the fight that took place was still driven in the wet earth, but he didn't have time to linger in his thoughts as he had to inspect the contents inside the pack.
He was thrilled to see that there was still an unopened bag of jerky, and even half of a power bar. He wasn't sure if Nala would even like it, but it was still something.
There was also one unopened water bottle, but the other one and the water pouch needed some refilling which the two lionesses Simba had asked to join the young man had him follow them to water hole that still had some fresh drinking water in it. And he made sure to fill the empty bottle and pack until it was so filled up with water it looked like it was going to pop.
And when they returned to Pride Rock, there was even a bit of good news.
While he was gone, Simba had taken some of the other pride members out to look around and see if there might have been something left behind, as the fire started before they were able to make a successful hunt. And by an amazing stroke of luck they came across a small, young gazelle that had passed on due to an injury because of stampeding herds.
It was unfortunate that it had died so young, but at least it would give the pride the nourishment and strength they would need for the long trip that awaited them the next day.
All of the lions took turns eating from it, making sure that everyone got an equal portion.
All except Sarabi, who still seemed to be resting in the same spot where Ryan last saw her. But thankfully, a tawny lioness from the pride who had noticed this as well, was kind enough to bring her a little something and Ryan relaxed a little more as she thanked the younger lion while he watched her eat it all.
By the time they were finished, the sun had set and everyone had laid down to rest and build up their energy.
But it wasn't very restful for Ryan, it was hard from him to get comfortable as his pants and hoodie still weren't completely dry and he would shiver himself awake whenever a cool breeze wafted in from the opening of the den. At this rate, it felt like he wasn't going to get any rest whatsoever.
Especially when a noise that sounded like padded feet walking on stone reached his ears. Sure enough, when he opened his eyes, he saw the retreating back of Sarabi just before she limped out of the den and disappeared from sight around the side.
Ryan sat up, looking at where he last saw her in confusion before he looked to Simba, Nala and the rest of the lionesses as they slumbered away. Just where was she going at this time of night?
Well, he wasn't getting any sleep anyway as he slowly eased himself up to his feet and began to tiptoe across the cave floor until he made it to the mouth of the den. Looking back only once to make sure everyone was still fast asleep before he walked out into the black, starry open and peered over the hushed land.
If it wasn't for the full moon, he never would have spotted the old lioness as she slowly made her way to wherever she was going. And making sure to keep her in his sight, he quickly hurried down from Pride Rock and ran to catch up with her.
"Sarabi!" he finally called out once he was close enough, making her freeze in place almost instantly while he slowed to a stop. "Sarabi, where are you going? It's not even close to morning yet, why're you just sneaking off like this?"
For a long while, Sarabi didn't answer him, or even look at him for that matter as she just kept her orange eyes trained on the path before her with this thoughtful silence. Ryan felt an anxious knot tie in his stomach because of it, but before he could think of something else to say or repeat his question, she looked over her shoulder to meet his gaze
"Come with me." She said, a smile on her feline features. "There's something I want to show you."
Ryan hesitated, not really sure if he trusted that smile she gave him...something was up.
"Can't it wait until later?" he finally asked. "We head out at first light, and you're still limping, you should be resting more than any of us."
"I'm sorry, dear, it really can't." the old lioness answered as she continued on her, leaving him with the choice to either come with her or go back.
Ryan wanted to stop her... but deep down, he knew that would be impossible. So instead, he just let out a sigh of defeat and hurried over until he was walking right beside her, letting the older lioness lean against him again while she lead them along.
A couple of times he asked her where she was taking them, but she would only answer his question with a 'you'll see' and 'we're almost there'. And they actually didn't have walk for too much longer after that when he caught sight of a small, gently sloping hill that had a lone acacia tree resting at the top.
Whose branches dipped down with a graceful arch and had patches of orange and yellow flowers that were growing on the ground all around the its skinny trunk.
Sarabi gave a soft sigh of longing and relief as she left Ryans' side and started for the tree, gazing down at the pretty flowers with a fond, but rather sad smile as Ryan waited for her to explain.
"This is the spot where Mufasa formally asked me to be his queen, even though we had already been betrothed since cubhood, he still wanted to ask me for himself." the lioness finally said as she ran a paw gently over the delicate little petals. "Rather pointless as he had already long since won my heart, but he was quite the romantic."
"This is a very special place to me." She added, glancing up at the tree for only a moment before she turned around to take in the majestic figure of Pride Rock, the place that had been her home for so many seasons. "...and it's where I wanted to come when it was finally time."
"Time for what?" Ryan asked as Sarabi laid down heavily among the flowers. She didn't answer his question, but she didn't have to as she gave a long, tired sigh and he took in her exhausted form before a wave of ice-cold realization hit him like ton of bricks.
"No!" he exclaimed, a bit more forcefully than he meant to. "That's not true!"
But as Sarabi only looked at him with a silent, apologetic gaze, Ryan felt so lightheaded that his legs began to wobble terribly before he eventually collapsed to his knees...she was dying.
"This is all my fault!" Ryan hissed angrily.
His fists clenched tightly into the earth as the images of her running across the Pridelands to save Kiara and himself, trying to fight off the wild dogs and being attacked trying to protect her granddaughter, it had all been too much for her. She was dying because of him.
"I knew Zira was bad news and I still left Kiara alone!" He continued. "If I had just stayed put-"
"If you had stayed put, Zira would never have become exposed, and Simba and Nala would have lost another child." Sarabi said, firmness returning to her voice as she refused to hear him put any fault on himself. "Don't ever blame yourself for doing what you felt was right for innocent cubs."
"But Mufasa asked me to protect you!" Ryan insisted, his eyes stinging as he felt like a complete failure. "All of you!"
"My sweet boy, I'm not as young as I used to be; and I've become so very tired." Sarabi said, her features softening as she offered him a gentle smile. "Even if I hadn't used what little strength I had left coming to your aid, I still would have passed on anyway."
Ryan looked up at her in surprise, wordlessly demanding to explain what she meant by that.
"I've known for a while now, that my journey in the circle of life was coming to its end." She admitted. "But I'm glad I spent it with one last fight; that I spent it saving my granddaughter, that I spent it saving you...I can pass on knowing that everyone I love is safe."
Ryan only stared at Sarabi, feeling as though he had been paralyzed. Though his chest moved up and down at a quick pace nearly on the verge of hyperventilation before he stood back up to his feet so fast that he even managed to startle Sarabi a little.
He needed to get Simba!
"Ryan, stay with me," Sarabi started, slight urgency as she saw that he was getting ready to run back to Pride Rock. "Even though I've already accepted it, it frightens me to be alone."
"But Simba, Sarabi, he should be here with you!" Ryan insisted as he started backing away. "I can get over there and back with-"
"Please." Sarabi said, though her voice was soft and wasn't quite like a demanded, Ryan was still taken aback by how desperate it sounded. "Don't leave me."
He wanted to protest some more as he took another step back and looked behind him to Pride Rock while a million thoughts raced in his head. He shouldn't be the one to see her off like this, she should be with her family, with her son. But when he turned back around to Sarabi and looked into those bright eyes as they silently begged him to stay...he somberly relented with sagging shoulders and a nod of his head.
She had done so much for him already without asking for anything in return besides his friendship, how could he deny the only request she ever made to him?
With a heavy heart, Ryan walked over and sat down at her side, just looking at her silently for a moment before he reached down and took her great head in his arms and let it rest in the crook of his right elbow while he rested his arm upon his leg for extra support. Then he began to run his hand from over her brow and down her neck in slow, soothing strokes.
Returning the favor she had given him the very first night he spent among pride.
"You lied to me." he suddenly mumbled out. "You promised you'd be okay."
"I suppose I did, didn't I?" Sarabi asked as she let out a tired laugh. "Forgive me dear, I didn't want to burden anyone with this; and I hardly expected that you would chase me down...but I'm glad you did."
He didn't say it, but he did forgive her, and he adjusted himself so that he could sit as close as he could while keeping her comfortable. It felt like hours had gone by with them like this, sitting there in silence and taking comfort in each other's company. The ground was still wet from rain and it had long since soaked through his pants, but Ryan hardly cared.
All that mattered was that he was here with Sarabi, and he continued to give her whatever comfort he was able to offer in her time of need.
Little did he know how grateful she was to him for that as she relaxed in his embrace, how thankful she was as his moving hand took her mind off of her fears and instead allowed her to think back to happier times in her life. How she would play as a cub with her parents, sisters and brother, the day that her son was born and how proud she was when she first looked upon her grandchildren.
But most of all, she thought about her one and only love; remembering his handsome face, his voice, his scent and the many wonderful seasons together so filled with devotion and joy alongside him. A blissful smile appeared on her muzzle while she drew in a slow breath and let it out a single, quiet whisper.
"Mufasa..."
Ryan paused mid-stroke when he heard Sarabis' voice, but it had been so soft that he didn't really catch it. Was she trying to tell him something?
"What was that Sarabi?" he asked, but she didn't answer.
Concerned, the young man bent his head over to get a better look at her face where he opened his mouth to repeat his question, but the words got stuck in his throat and his eyes widened; She looked so peaceful, as though she had only fallen asleep, but Ryan knew better as her head bore that lifeless weight and her steady breath no longer warmed his arm from its place by her nose...she was gone.
Ryan sat there, frozen...breathless as it felt as though someone had just taken their fist and punched a million cracks right in his heart as he struggled to wrap his head around this. Out of all of the lionesses within the pride, Sarabi was the first to show him kindness, the first to not only listen to his troubles, but also gave him solace; she protected him, saved him, she had grown so special to him after all this time and now she lay dead in his arms.
She did so much for him, but all he could do now was agonize over the cold hard fact that he did hardly anything to repay her. So with a choked sob, Ryan clung to her to her thick neck and pressed his cheek against the fur behind her ear while his body trembled with his cries. He just didn't know what else to do.
He was so caught up in his grief as he hug her tightly to him, that he never noticed a soft light glowing before him.
'Ryan.'
He gasped at the sudden voice that met his ears, his crying stopped and his head snapping up while his hazel eyes widened to see a beautiful young lioness standing before him. Her back straight and her head proudly held high while her thick, powerful and almost translucent figure glowed with a soft, golden light; smiling while her eyes gazed endearingly into his own.
Eyes that were as brilliant as topaz.
"Sarabi?!" Ryan exclaimed in disbelief when he finally recognized her, and he quickly looked down to see that he was still holding her in his arms. Okay, so he wasn't going crazy, but then just what was he looking at right now? "I don't understand, how-"
'Shhh.' she gently hushed, walking around behind him before she laid her glowing head over his shoulder and nuzzled his cheek.
It was a strange feeling as her touch wasn't exactly solid, but he could feel this comforting warmth wash over him the longer she stayed next to him. And while he still didn't fully understand what was going on, he just closed his eyes and allowed it to happen until she was the first to pull away, gazing up at the starry sky before she looked back down with that kind smile she never failed to spare for him.
'Watch over our family.' she said to him. 'Make sure they will be safe.'
"...I will." he quietly promised.
With a satisfied nod, Sarabi looked back to the sky before she began bonding across the grassy land with such youthful vigor until she jump high in the air...and kept on going.
Up and up she ran, like she was ascending a long flight of stairs as quickly as she could, her form growing smaller and smaller until she partially disappeared around a dark fluffy cloud whose edges were bathed in silver light of the moon. And when she came back into view on top of it, it was then that the young man noticed that another figure was standing there waiting for her.
A figure of a large glowing lion with golden fur and a red mane.
When Sarabi finally reached him, there was this pause as they gazed at each other before they closed the rest of the distance and nuzzled lovingly as slowly faded out of sight. The sound of grasses being rustled made Ryan finally look away from that impossible sight he had witnessed in the clouds, and his teary eyes soon met with the amber gaze of Simba.
How long he had been there or how much he had seen or heard, the young man couldn't say for sure, but the expression on his face made it clear that he knew enough.
"Simba!" Ryan exclaimed as he maneuvered his legs out from under Sarabi's before he gently laid her head on the ground and rubbed at the tears in his eyes. He wasn't sure what to say to him, what he could say to him? He had lost a son, he had lost his father, and now his mother was gone too...
"Is she..." Simba started, but he stopped, almost as though he was afraid to say it and make all the more true.
"Y-yes, but she went peacefully." Ryan answered weakly, trying to give him some sort of closure. "She's with Mufasa now, I saw it!"
"That...that's all I could have hoped for." Simba said, his voice wavering a bit. "Thank you, Ryan; for being with her."
Ryan looked at Simbas' face, taking in the fact that he was again avoiding his gaze while trying to hold his own emotions in...like he was trying to act strong as a king would; he didn't have to do that, not here, not now!
This time, not caring if it was awkward or if it was proper, Ryan completely disregarded everything as reached over Sarabis' still form and threw his arms around the unsuspecting lion before he pulled him into a great, tight hug. Simba was surprised upon Ryans' sudden action, not really knowing what to do at first as the young man held him like there was no tomorrow.
It left him speechless, after everything, Ryan had no obligation to comfort him like this. But even as he thought that, he didn't push the him away.
Instead, Simba slowly rested his large head heavily upon Ryans' shoulder, closing his eyes and finally let go as he allowed his tears to fall while his chest heaved with quiet sobs. Ryan silently let him weep for a moment before his own water works started up again, tightening his hold around Simbas neck as he buried his face in his thick red mane.
The both of them grieving together over the loss of a wonderful mother and an amazing friend.
...
...
...
The Next Morning...
...
...
...
Ryan didn't know how long they had been like that, or remembered exactly when he had fallen asleep when he was awoken by the warmth and brightness of the sun as its golden rays started to peek over the horizon. He was aware of breathing, other than his own, and he looked down to see that Simba had laid his head over Sarabis' neck while Ryan had apparently fallen asleep over her back and used the kings mane as though it were a fluffy pillow.
The young man's face reddened slightly at that as he quickly pushed himself up and off of him, waking Simba up in the processes.
They said nothing as the lion slowly sat up, holding Ryans' gaze for a moment before he looked back down to his mother with a heartbroken expression before he bent down and nuzzled his nose against hers.
All the while Ryan watched with respectful silence.
"We should get back, mother wouldn't have wanted us to linger here." Simba finally said softly. "And...and Nala and the other lionesses will want to pay her their last respects before we leave."
"I can bring them" Ryan offered as he got to his feet. "She was your mother, you...you should spend more time with her."
Simba only nodded as Ryan slowly walked around and started back towards Pride Rock.
He was already dreading having to be the one to break the news to Nala and the others, especially after so much had happen in such a short amount of time. Sarabi was loved dearly by everyone, it was going to be so hard to move on without her right there with them.
"Ryan."
The young man stopped when he heard his name being called and he turned and met with Simbas gaze as the king of the Pridelands looked over his shoulder at him. And even though he was clearly still so upset from his mother's passing...there was a grateful smile upon his muzzle.
"...thank you." the golden furred lion said before Ryan gave him a smile of his own.
"You're welcome, Simba."
...
...
...
*sniff* uuuugh, don't look at me, I'm awful! I'm the worst! *hides my face in my arms and cries*
Holy muffins this broke my heart so much to write, incorporating Kopa in a way that was somewhat inspired by other fan stories of what happened to him, and I knew Sarabi must have passed on at some point as we never really saw her again after the first movie. It was fun to have her in this story, she's such an amazing character, so I hope I did her justice all up until the end.
Now I tried reading through to fix mistakes before I posted this, but I'm positive that something must have slipped by me, so please feel free to let me know if a sentence seems like it's missing something or just looks weird.
Thanks for reading guys, you're welcome to yell at me for making such a sad chapter...I'm just gonna go lay down and cry and re-read some sweet 'Coco' fanfiction until I feel better T_T
