Zira smiled lovingly at the little male in her paws and began to stroke his
fur, claws extended. At her side, she felt the female, Vitani begin to mew
in rub up against her, searching for warmth. Zira snarled and with her pack
leg, pushed the cub away from her. She then returned to crooning over Kovu.
"Little Kovu," she whispered as she smiled down at him. "Scar's chosen heir. You are very lucky to have been taken in by the King and Queen of the Pride Lands. And one day, when you're big and strong, you will be a King!"
Scar entered the cave and smiled down at Kovu. "Yes, he is the perfect one to be the next King."
Zira smiled and they both looked down at their wrongly adopted son. Scar turned his head to see Vitani whimpering and mewing a few feet from Zira. Scar turned his head back at his mate and eyed her disappointedly.
"You are in charge of taking care of both cubs," Scar said flatly. "Why did you push away the other?"
Zira looked over at the other cub, then back at Scar. "Shouldn't our focus be on Kovu, the next King?"
Scar snarled. "You sound just like my parents! Fawn over the next King and neglect the other! In my kingdom, my children will be treated with EQUAL respect! I don't want Vitani treated with any less love and attention than Kovu would receive!"
Zira pinned her ears and narrowed her eyes angrily. She then looked over at Vitani, who had curled herself into a ball for warmth. She sighed, then looked back at Scar.
"I'm sorry my love. Yes, Vitani will receive the same love and attention Kovu gets."
Scar smiled, then walked over to Vitani, picking her up. He placed her in Zira's paws and watched as the cub curled up with her brother and the two fell into a fitting sleep.
"Such a shame Kala is not here to see this," Scar sneered as he looked at her children.
"Permit me to ask a question, Sire," Zira said looking up at her mate. "We are now sure that Sarabi is pregnant with your child. Why is it that you named Kovu your heir, when Sarabi is the one who might produce an heir of your bloodline?"
Scar looked at her. "A good question Zira. I got Sarabi pregnant because I wanted her to suffer the long months of carrying my cub. When it was born, I did not truly intend to make it my heir, under the circumstances that half of its personality would be like that bitch herself," Scar replied haughtily. "No, I came up with another plan. After seeing Kovu, I knew instantly that he would be easier to bring up as a leader, considering the weakness of his mother. So, when Sarabi's cub is born, it shall be dealt with accordingly."
"Meaning?" Zira asked curiously.
Scar smirked. "The cub shall be disposed of under my command."
"You mean...kill the cub?" Zira asked.
"Exactly."
"Why do you intend to kill the cub?" Zira asked.
"Because my dear, like I told you, the cub is of Sarabi's blood as well. It will be strong, a rebel, and even behind my back I know Sarabi would bring the cub up against me. I intended to kill Sarabi from the very beginning, but the only reason we've had any food at all is because of her superb hunting skills. Once the cub is dead, Sarabi will have lost yet another child! I know that after this, she will bow to me in complete loyalty!"
Zira grinned and licked Scar on the cheek. "Such a wonderful plan my beloved."
Scar nuzzled her, then looked back down at the two cubs. "Tomorrow I'll organize Kovu's presentation and blessing as the next King."
Suddenly a roar echoed throughout the cave, snapping everyone up. Nuka, who had been asleep at the other end of the cave shot forward and next to his parents. At the entrance, the family saw a lioness come forward. Scar grinned when he saw a very pregnant Sarabi enter the den, teeth bared menacingly.
"You murderer," Sarabi hissed between her teeth. "You filthy, blood spilling murderer!"
Scar just chuckled, and began to encircle Sarabi.
"Murderer eh?" Scar said with a laugh. "Oh Sarabi, I couldn't have done it without your help! Johari, Zalika, Sanjo, and Sarafina are dead because you rebelled and killed Taalib. Kala is dead because you inspired her to escape and fight back! The many lionesses of this pride are dead because you gave them a renewed hope that 'big bad Scar' could be defeated. YOU INSPIRED REBELLION!"
"I inspired hope!" Sarabi roared. "I encouraged the lionesses of this pride that you discouraged! I saved who you condemned! The lionesses of this pride died fighting for what they believed in! And what I continue to believe in!"
"And what is that?" Scar hissed in his low, snake-like tone.
Sarabi glared, then flashed an ugly smile. "That evil, no matter what form it's in, can be defeated with a little hope and determination."
Scar glared with intense hate at Sarabi and rose on his paws to strike her. Sarabi roared back and prepared to strike Scar with all her might.
"NO!" came a shrill cry.
Suddenly, the two lions stopped to see Nuka jump in between them. The cub skidded to a halt in front of Scar and looked up at him with a pleading gaze.
"Please father! No more fighting! It only makes things worse and Sarabi is gonna have a cub-"
"SHUT UP FILTH!" Scar roared and struck Nuka hard in the face.
Nuka yelped and slid across the ground, hitting the wall hard. He whimpered a little and his body shuddered as he remained where he was.
"NEVER TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I AM THE KING!" Scar roared at the top of his lungs as he stood over the little body.
Nuka pressed his ears shut as Scar screamed at him angrily, and Sarabi could see tears sliding down his cheeks. Scar never loved him because he was weak and unhealthy. As Scar prepared to strike him again, Sarabi leapt in and snatched him by the scruff. She leapt away from Scar, and placed Nuka on the ground in front of her, putting a paw protectively in front of him.
"You will not touch him again," Sarabi growled angrily. "He did nothing to you!"
Scar bared his teeth angrily at Sarabi and growled low in his throat. "How DARE you tell me how to treat THAT?" Scar growled pointing at the trembling ball.
"You will not hurt him again," Sarabi growled. "He was right. Fighting only makes it worse. You should listen to your son. You could learn a lot from him."
With that, Sarabi licked Nuka on the head, and took him out of the cave. She walked up to Yetunde, a lioness of the pride, and asked her to watch Nuka for the night. It was not safe for him to be with his family on that night.
After a moment, Sarabi saw Nala making her way off Pride Rock, and off towards where Kala's body lay. Sarabi gasped and took off after her. She followed closely behind the young lioness until at last, she reached Nala weeping sorrowfully at the body of her friend. Sarabi shook her head sadly, and walked up alongside Nala, nuzzling her gently.
"Nala, I'm so sorry. For everything," Sarabi said as she licked Nala's forehead. Nala just shook her head in disbelief as seeing the body of Kala lying silently in the moonlight. It enraged her. How could Scar do something that cruel? To a lioness of his own pride!
Sarabi pressed her eyelids shut for a moment, then looked over at Nala. There was no choice. She realized Nala could not keep living like this. The almost daily tragedies and hardships were cutting deeply into the young lioness, and Sarabi began to fear that she too would loose her will to live.
"Nala," Sarabi began. "You must listen to me, and listen carefully."
Nala looked up at her, tears streaming down her muzzle.
"You have to get out of here. You must leave the Pride Lands."
Nala looked up at her nervously. "What?"
Sarabi focused hard on the young lioness. "The lands are just too dangerous, and they're infested with death and destruction. We can't keep living like this. You should go, find a new pride, and prosper away from all this tragedy."
Nala shook her head. "I can't Sarabi! Not without you! Can't you come with me?"
Sarabi sighed, but shook her head sadly. "I can't Nala. I'm needed here. Without me, the lionesses of this pride would fall into despair. I'm all that's left to keep them going. But you have so much life left in you. You have so much left to live for, and to do, and so much to see. It is best if you go."
Nala just shook her head softly. "I grew up here Sarabi. I was born here. I was raised here. Even if my life has been a hard one up until now, it would be wrong of me to just abandon you all. I can't do that."
Sarabi sighed. "I'm worried about you. You can't live under this hardship the rest of your life. I know your will for life is leaving you."
Nala looked at the ground, then back up at Sarabi. "I'll leave here Sarabi, but only to find help. I'll go find someone to help us. There must be someone out there who will deliver our pride. I can't go much longer, but neither can the others."
Sarabi smiled. "I think that's a great idea. Good luck to you sweetheart."
She nuzzled Nala and the two shared a brief embrace.
"May the gods protect you and keep you Nala, daughter of Kito and Sarafina," Sarabi said as she nuzzled Nala.
"I will return Sarabi," Nala said. "I promise you."
Sarabi smiled, then looked out beyond the boarders. Seeing no sign of the hyenas, the lioness glanced over at Nala. They snuck off to the boarder, and Sarabi gave a slight nod to Nala.
"Go. I'll cover for you."
With that, Nala burst into a sprint, and ran as fast as she could off the Pride Lands, and into an unknown land. In her heart, Nala kept the earnest hopes of finding a deliverer for the pride, and someone to save them from the monster that was Scar.
As the moon fell over the western hills and the sky turned a lavender blue before dawn, Sarabi made her way into the commoner's den for sleep. She was exhausted, and the events of the day, and the tragedy at its end had drained every ounce of strength the old lioness had in her. But even after lying down, Sarabi was unable to sleep. Kala's cold, empty stare still haunted Sarabi's thoughts, that final look of death etched into her memory. She shut her eyes and tried to rid herself of the thought, but it was useless. She knew in the morning when she had the attention of all the lionesses, she would have to inform them all of her death and prepare a burial.
Suddenly, Sarabi felt a sharp pang in her stomach. She winced for a moment and gritted her teeth. Had that last field mouse she'd eaten bothered her stomach? Suddenly, her mind snapped awake as another sharp pain surged through her abdominal area. She rose to her feet in shock at the realization. It was time? Already? But the cub hadn't been due for several weeks! She realized she must have miscalculated the distance between she and Kala's pregnancy. As another contraction came over her, Sarabi buckled down in agony and moaned painfully. She had to leave, and fast. The cub couldn't be born at Pride Rock...Scar would be alerted. Using the best of her strength, Sarabi hobbled off Pride Rock, and went in search of some small place for privacy.
After an age long search, Sarabi came across an abandoned cave about a mile off from Pride Rock. She walked inside and inspected her surroundings for a moment. As she went further in, she realized how deep the cave actually ran. She concluded it must've been the home of some animal clan from long ago. As she neared the end of the cave, she could just barely make out the entrance, just enough so the light could get in. There she lied down and waited.
Suddenly another strong contraction came over her, and she just lay there gritting her teeth as tears welled in her eyes. The first time this happened, she was doing it for the one she loved. She was lying inside Pride Rock at peace knowing all was well. Now, she was lying in a cave away from home, bearing the cub of the one she hated most. There was no peace, and the land was dead. How could she even raise a cub here?
The lioness cried out and gritted her teeth. She clawed the ground furiously, and buried her head in the dirt. As tears streamed down her cheeks, she remembered Mufasa and Simba. She could still see them so clearly, and she knew they were watching her. She raised her head from the ground, gritted her teeth, and cried out in agony. She roared loudly, and at last collapsed into the dirt in exhaustion. Suddenly, she heard loud mewing sounds behind her, and she weakly raised her head to see the cub. She sighed deeply as she saw the whimpering ball of life behind her. Scar's cub. Nonetheless, she picked up the new life, placed it in her paws, and licked it clean. Upon closer inspection, Sarabi discovered its gender.
It was a male.
Sarabi shook her head sadly, then ridded herself of her worry. She smiled down at the cub and nuzzled it.
"Hello there my little one," she said warmly as she licked him. "Hello my son."
The cub just mewed continually, so Sarabi rocked him, and sang him to sleep. Then she looked him over more carefully. He had a very interesting pelt color. It was an interesting blend of his mother's color, and his father's. He was a creamy rust color, not as dark as his father was, and certainly not as dark as Kovu. It was almost an earthy orange color, not too bright. He was an average sized cub, not the skinny and small size his father had been as a cub. Sarabi could tell he would be a very strong, and healthy lion as he grew. A tiny spot on his head told the story of how his mane would grow, and Sarabi smiled. It was not the jet-black color of Scar, but a dark chocolate, like that of her own father.
"You will never grow up like your father," Sarabi said nuzzling her cub. "I'll see to it that it never happens."
The cub just slept soundly, purring quietly.
Sarabi smiled as tears welled in her eyes. He was Simba in a darker pelt. A thought hit her, as to how she would name her son.
"You are my silent warrior," Sarabi said as she nuzzled him. "Your name shall be Kamau."
Sarabi felt entirely at ease now, but she knew that this tender moment would not last. Her absence would eventually be noticed, and Kamau would be discovered. And she knew Scar would kill him, considering he had already chosen his heir, and would do anything to make sure Sarabi would hurt. As her heart filled with sadness, and the thoughts of more tragedy filled her mind, Sarabi made the most difficult, and heart breaking decision she ever had to make in her life.
Kamau could not stay with her. He could not stay in the Pride Lands.
As tears streamed down her muzzle, Sarabi made up her mind. She knew Yetunde was leaving the Pride Lands soon to start a new life. Perhaps she would ask if the lioness would take Kamau with her. Give Kamau a life he could not receive if he stayed with her. A place where he could grow, and have something to live for. A place perhaps, where he would never have to go hungry. And where he never would have to learn his father's name.
"As your mother, it's the best I can do for you," Sarabi said as her tears trickled down her muzzle, and onto his sleeping form. She kissed him, and laid her head protectively over him.
It was another hardship the old lioness had to face, but in her heart, she knew it was something Kamau would thank her for later. If she ever got to see him again.
"Little Kovu," she whispered as she smiled down at him. "Scar's chosen heir. You are very lucky to have been taken in by the King and Queen of the Pride Lands. And one day, when you're big and strong, you will be a King!"
Scar entered the cave and smiled down at Kovu. "Yes, he is the perfect one to be the next King."
Zira smiled and they both looked down at their wrongly adopted son. Scar turned his head to see Vitani whimpering and mewing a few feet from Zira. Scar turned his head back at his mate and eyed her disappointedly.
"You are in charge of taking care of both cubs," Scar said flatly. "Why did you push away the other?"
Zira looked over at the other cub, then back at Scar. "Shouldn't our focus be on Kovu, the next King?"
Scar snarled. "You sound just like my parents! Fawn over the next King and neglect the other! In my kingdom, my children will be treated with EQUAL respect! I don't want Vitani treated with any less love and attention than Kovu would receive!"
Zira pinned her ears and narrowed her eyes angrily. She then looked over at Vitani, who had curled herself into a ball for warmth. She sighed, then looked back at Scar.
"I'm sorry my love. Yes, Vitani will receive the same love and attention Kovu gets."
Scar smiled, then walked over to Vitani, picking her up. He placed her in Zira's paws and watched as the cub curled up with her brother and the two fell into a fitting sleep.
"Such a shame Kala is not here to see this," Scar sneered as he looked at her children.
"Permit me to ask a question, Sire," Zira said looking up at her mate. "We are now sure that Sarabi is pregnant with your child. Why is it that you named Kovu your heir, when Sarabi is the one who might produce an heir of your bloodline?"
Scar looked at her. "A good question Zira. I got Sarabi pregnant because I wanted her to suffer the long months of carrying my cub. When it was born, I did not truly intend to make it my heir, under the circumstances that half of its personality would be like that bitch herself," Scar replied haughtily. "No, I came up with another plan. After seeing Kovu, I knew instantly that he would be easier to bring up as a leader, considering the weakness of his mother. So, when Sarabi's cub is born, it shall be dealt with accordingly."
"Meaning?" Zira asked curiously.
Scar smirked. "The cub shall be disposed of under my command."
"You mean...kill the cub?" Zira asked.
"Exactly."
"Why do you intend to kill the cub?" Zira asked.
"Because my dear, like I told you, the cub is of Sarabi's blood as well. It will be strong, a rebel, and even behind my back I know Sarabi would bring the cub up against me. I intended to kill Sarabi from the very beginning, but the only reason we've had any food at all is because of her superb hunting skills. Once the cub is dead, Sarabi will have lost yet another child! I know that after this, she will bow to me in complete loyalty!"
Zira grinned and licked Scar on the cheek. "Such a wonderful plan my beloved."
Scar nuzzled her, then looked back down at the two cubs. "Tomorrow I'll organize Kovu's presentation and blessing as the next King."
Suddenly a roar echoed throughout the cave, snapping everyone up. Nuka, who had been asleep at the other end of the cave shot forward and next to his parents. At the entrance, the family saw a lioness come forward. Scar grinned when he saw a very pregnant Sarabi enter the den, teeth bared menacingly.
"You murderer," Sarabi hissed between her teeth. "You filthy, blood spilling murderer!"
Scar just chuckled, and began to encircle Sarabi.
"Murderer eh?" Scar said with a laugh. "Oh Sarabi, I couldn't have done it without your help! Johari, Zalika, Sanjo, and Sarafina are dead because you rebelled and killed Taalib. Kala is dead because you inspired her to escape and fight back! The many lionesses of this pride are dead because you gave them a renewed hope that 'big bad Scar' could be defeated. YOU INSPIRED REBELLION!"
"I inspired hope!" Sarabi roared. "I encouraged the lionesses of this pride that you discouraged! I saved who you condemned! The lionesses of this pride died fighting for what they believed in! And what I continue to believe in!"
"And what is that?" Scar hissed in his low, snake-like tone.
Sarabi glared, then flashed an ugly smile. "That evil, no matter what form it's in, can be defeated with a little hope and determination."
Scar glared with intense hate at Sarabi and rose on his paws to strike her. Sarabi roared back and prepared to strike Scar with all her might.
"NO!" came a shrill cry.
Suddenly, the two lions stopped to see Nuka jump in between them. The cub skidded to a halt in front of Scar and looked up at him with a pleading gaze.
"Please father! No more fighting! It only makes things worse and Sarabi is gonna have a cub-"
"SHUT UP FILTH!" Scar roared and struck Nuka hard in the face.
Nuka yelped and slid across the ground, hitting the wall hard. He whimpered a little and his body shuddered as he remained where he was.
"NEVER TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I AM THE KING!" Scar roared at the top of his lungs as he stood over the little body.
Nuka pressed his ears shut as Scar screamed at him angrily, and Sarabi could see tears sliding down his cheeks. Scar never loved him because he was weak and unhealthy. As Scar prepared to strike him again, Sarabi leapt in and snatched him by the scruff. She leapt away from Scar, and placed Nuka on the ground in front of her, putting a paw protectively in front of him.
"You will not touch him again," Sarabi growled angrily. "He did nothing to you!"
Scar bared his teeth angrily at Sarabi and growled low in his throat. "How DARE you tell me how to treat THAT?" Scar growled pointing at the trembling ball.
"You will not hurt him again," Sarabi growled. "He was right. Fighting only makes it worse. You should listen to your son. You could learn a lot from him."
With that, Sarabi licked Nuka on the head, and took him out of the cave. She walked up to Yetunde, a lioness of the pride, and asked her to watch Nuka for the night. It was not safe for him to be with his family on that night.
After a moment, Sarabi saw Nala making her way off Pride Rock, and off towards where Kala's body lay. Sarabi gasped and took off after her. She followed closely behind the young lioness until at last, she reached Nala weeping sorrowfully at the body of her friend. Sarabi shook her head sadly, and walked up alongside Nala, nuzzling her gently.
"Nala, I'm so sorry. For everything," Sarabi said as she licked Nala's forehead. Nala just shook her head in disbelief as seeing the body of Kala lying silently in the moonlight. It enraged her. How could Scar do something that cruel? To a lioness of his own pride!
Sarabi pressed her eyelids shut for a moment, then looked over at Nala. There was no choice. She realized Nala could not keep living like this. The almost daily tragedies and hardships were cutting deeply into the young lioness, and Sarabi began to fear that she too would loose her will to live.
"Nala," Sarabi began. "You must listen to me, and listen carefully."
Nala looked up at her, tears streaming down her muzzle.
"You have to get out of here. You must leave the Pride Lands."
Nala looked up at her nervously. "What?"
Sarabi focused hard on the young lioness. "The lands are just too dangerous, and they're infested with death and destruction. We can't keep living like this. You should go, find a new pride, and prosper away from all this tragedy."
Nala shook her head. "I can't Sarabi! Not without you! Can't you come with me?"
Sarabi sighed, but shook her head sadly. "I can't Nala. I'm needed here. Without me, the lionesses of this pride would fall into despair. I'm all that's left to keep them going. But you have so much life left in you. You have so much left to live for, and to do, and so much to see. It is best if you go."
Nala just shook her head softly. "I grew up here Sarabi. I was born here. I was raised here. Even if my life has been a hard one up until now, it would be wrong of me to just abandon you all. I can't do that."
Sarabi sighed. "I'm worried about you. You can't live under this hardship the rest of your life. I know your will for life is leaving you."
Nala looked at the ground, then back up at Sarabi. "I'll leave here Sarabi, but only to find help. I'll go find someone to help us. There must be someone out there who will deliver our pride. I can't go much longer, but neither can the others."
Sarabi smiled. "I think that's a great idea. Good luck to you sweetheart."
She nuzzled Nala and the two shared a brief embrace.
"May the gods protect you and keep you Nala, daughter of Kito and Sarafina," Sarabi said as she nuzzled Nala.
"I will return Sarabi," Nala said. "I promise you."
Sarabi smiled, then looked out beyond the boarders. Seeing no sign of the hyenas, the lioness glanced over at Nala. They snuck off to the boarder, and Sarabi gave a slight nod to Nala.
"Go. I'll cover for you."
With that, Nala burst into a sprint, and ran as fast as she could off the Pride Lands, and into an unknown land. In her heart, Nala kept the earnest hopes of finding a deliverer for the pride, and someone to save them from the monster that was Scar.
As the moon fell over the western hills and the sky turned a lavender blue before dawn, Sarabi made her way into the commoner's den for sleep. She was exhausted, and the events of the day, and the tragedy at its end had drained every ounce of strength the old lioness had in her. But even after lying down, Sarabi was unable to sleep. Kala's cold, empty stare still haunted Sarabi's thoughts, that final look of death etched into her memory. She shut her eyes and tried to rid herself of the thought, but it was useless. She knew in the morning when she had the attention of all the lionesses, she would have to inform them all of her death and prepare a burial.
Suddenly, Sarabi felt a sharp pang in her stomach. She winced for a moment and gritted her teeth. Had that last field mouse she'd eaten bothered her stomach? Suddenly, her mind snapped awake as another sharp pain surged through her abdominal area. She rose to her feet in shock at the realization. It was time? Already? But the cub hadn't been due for several weeks! She realized she must have miscalculated the distance between she and Kala's pregnancy. As another contraction came over her, Sarabi buckled down in agony and moaned painfully. She had to leave, and fast. The cub couldn't be born at Pride Rock...Scar would be alerted. Using the best of her strength, Sarabi hobbled off Pride Rock, and went in search of some small place for privacy.
After an age long search, Sarabi came across an abandoned cave about a mile off from Pride Rock. She walked inside and inspected her surroundings for a moment. As she went further in, she realized how deep the cave actually ran. She concluded it must've been the home of some animal clan from long ago. As she neared the end of the cave, she could just barely make out the entrance, just enough so the light could get in. There she lied down and waited.
Suddenly another strong contraction came over her, and she just lay there gritting her teeth as tears welled in her eyes. The first time this happened, she was doing it for the one she loved. She was lying inside Pride Rock at peace knowing all was well. Now, she was lying in a cave away from home, bearing the cub of the one she hated most. There was no peace, and the land was dead. How could she even raise a cub here?
The lioness cried out and gritted her teeth. She clawed the ground furiously, and buried her head in the dirt. As tears streamed down her cheeks, she remembered Mufasa and Simba. She could still see them so clearly, and she knew they were watching her. She raised her head from the ground, gritted her teeth, and cried out in agony. She roared loudly, and at last collapsed into the dirt in exhaustion. Suddenly, she heard loud mewing sounds behind her, and she weakly raised her head to see the cub. She sighed deeply as she saw the whimpering ball of life behind her. Scar's cub. Nonetheless, she picked up the new life, placed it in her paws, and licked it clean. Upon closer inspection, Sarabi discovered its gender.
It was a male.
Sarabi shook her head sadly, then ridded herself of her worry. She smiled down at the cub and nuzzled it.
"Hello there my little one," she said warmly as she licked him. "Hello my son."
The cub just mewed continually, so Sarabi rocked him, and sang him to sleep. Then she looked him over more carefully. He had a very interesting pelt color. It was an interesting blend of his mother's color, and his father's. He was a creamy rust color, not as dark as his father was, and certainly not as dark as Kovu. It was almost an earthy orange color, not too bright. He was an average sized cub, not the skinny and small size his father had been as a cub. Sarabi could tell he would be a very strong, and healthy lion as he grew. A tiny spot on his head told the story of how his mane would grow, and Sarabi smiled. It was not the jet-black color of Scar, but a dark chocolate, like that of her own father.
"You will never grow up like your father," Sarabi said nuzzling her cub. "I'll see to it that it never happens."
The cub just slept soundly, purring quietly.
Sarabi smiled as tears welled in her eyes. He was Simba in a darker pelt. A thought hit her, as to how she would name her son.
"You are my silent warrior," Sarabi said as she nuzzled him. "Your name shall be Kamau."
Sarabi felt entirely at ease now, but she knew that this tender moment would not last. Her absence would eventually be noticed, and Kamau would be discovered. And she knew Scar would kill him, considering he had already chosen his heir, and would do anything to make sure Sarabi would hurt. As her heart filled with sadness, and the thoughts of more tragedy filled her mind, Sarabi made the most difficult, and heart breaking decision she ever had to make in her life.
Kamau could not stay with her. He could not stay in the Pride Lands.
As tears streamed down her muzzle, Sarabi made up her mind. She knew Yetunde was leaving the Pride Lands soon to start a new life. Perhaps she would ask if the lioness would take Kamau with her. Give Kamau a life he could not receive if he stayed with her. A place where he could grow, and have something to live for. A place perhaps, where he would never have to go hungry. And where he never would have to learn his father's name.
"As your mother, it's the best I can do for you," Sarabi said as her tears trickled down her muzzle, and onto his sleeping form. She kissed him, and laid her head protectively over him.
It was another hardship the old lioness had to face, but in her heart, she knew it was something Kamau would thank her for later. If she ever got to see him again.