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FROM THE AUTHOR

    Like Rhodesia, Kigali is also a lioness already mentioned in Book 1, but the scene was edited out.

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Entry 210: "Advent of the Devil"

    As the days rolled past, my rule over the Pridelands continued its slow progress. As I continued my training, my ferocity is growing along with my strength. While I trained, Sarabi was taking her role as queen more seriously and started to put the pride through an intense training regimen. She had them exercise, race around the kingdom for several laps, had them climb steep walls, and anything else to make the pride better. But, she still wouldn't approach me and let me talk to her. She was scared of me…again. I didn't understand why, but I was too busy to worry too much about it. At least Taka keeps her company in helping the pride. But, Vumi has still yet to show himself. Where could he be? Is he still alive? Or is he plotting something?

    I was running at my highest speed all around the Pridelands to further develop the strength in my legs. I ran quite a while, and I began to slow down until I came to a complete stop. I panted heavily as sweat ran down my face and my body. I shook my mane free of the sweat and sat down with my head bowed down. My eyes were shut as I continued panting. As I calmed down, I quickly and unintentionally nodded off…

    …That song again. It's that lovely lullaby Sarabi hummed to me. I saw her from behind. Then, I heard her urgently cry out, "Mufasa! Mufasa!" She twirled around at me with that lovely smile. But, a pool of blood raced by and obscured her away from my sights. "Mufasa!!" I could see nothing but red. It was all blood. Then, the pool splashed around the black space until it made the form of an evil face of a lion, and it flew at me speedily with the most frightening and familiar pair of eyes!…

    …I opened my eyes and lifted up my head the moment the face touched me! I calmed down and exhaled a deep breath as I looked down. Someone was nuzzling under my chin: a lioness. This is what touched me. "Kigali," I purred. "Wh…what are you doing here? You should be with the pride training."

        Kigali purred back, "We're taking a break now. And I got away…just to see you."

With that, I sat down while she settled down next to me. My relationship with Kigali was one of the more important ones I have with the other pride members. Although Sarabi always has top priority, I sleep with Kigali the most. I grew very close to her over the years. She was like a second mother to me; she always listens to me. She also tries her best to help me anyway she can. She has the most brilliant suggestions and attack strategies. Like Mother, she also was Sarabi's hunting teacher when she came to the pride, so she did learn from the best. Her strength is very surprising; she could easily pin me down. I think she just catches me off-guard when she does that, but I digress.

    Kigali was always eager to talk about anything. So, I decided to ask her. "Did Sarabi…ever say anything about the two of us?" I wondered.

        "Not at all. Sarabi has been very silent about it. Whenever someone asks about you two, Sarabi would just walk away. She wouldn't even talk to me about it," Kigali answered.

        "I see."

I know she doesn't hate me. We've been together, side by side, for a long time now. I would know if she hated me. So, why? What could be wrong? Is there something about me that she can see…that I cannot? "Did you do anything to her?" Kigali wondered.

        "Of course not," I quickly answered. "At least…I think I didn't."

        "You men just love to think that you're always innocent of everything when a woman's mad with you. Believe me; you know what you did to push Sarabi away from you. Take a moment to think back. Then…you'll know. But, just remember: Sarabi still loves you. Never think otherwise."

Kigali then gave me one more loving kiss in my lips. She pulled away and purred, "Think about it." Then, she stood up and walked off. I rolled over to my side and watched her go. Think about it? Yes, that sounds like what I should do. How else will I figure this out?

    I was walking around the Pridelands in one of my brooding manners again. I thought about all the things I've done thus far. But, I still can't figure it out. That Kigali; women always assume that men always know what makes them sad. The gap between the sexes is too great. Maybe I should just apologize to her. But, I could never bring myself to apologize if I don't know what to apologize for. Then, I thought that maybe it wasn't something I physically did to her. Maybe something about me changed. But, I don't feel any different. But, then, there was that dream before. What made me think of such a disturbing thing? As I thought, I looked over to see a pool of water at my side. I looked into it to look at my reflection once again. I saw my eyes. They were still the same. I snarled in frustration, "What could be wrong with my eyes?" Angry, I pawed the pool and started off again. Then, I stopped the moment a rabbit and a hyena ran behind a boulder! I growled. I was already frustrated, and a hyena trespassing once again is only making it worse.

    I quickly padded toward the boulder and leapt on top of it. I looked down to see the hyena with a rabbit that was still kicking about in his mouth. The hyena looked up and spotted me. The hyena gasped and let go of the rabbit. I leapt down at him and met face to face with him. He bent down his ears and uneasily greeted, "Oh, hi, Mufa…er, King Mufasa."

        I pushed my nose against his and growled, "What…are you doing here? Haven't you learned anything? Was my warnings something for you all to spit at?"

        "Please, please, I'm sorry," the hyena quailed. "I'm famished; I haven't eaten anything in days. Surely, you understand."

I pulled away and looked at him suspiciously. Then, I thought of something that worth asking him. "Then, answer me this. Have you seen a lion by the name of Vumi around?"

        "Vu…Vu…Vumi? No, I haven't even heard of him before, never mind seen him."

        I snarled with a menacing expression, "That's funny because Shenzi happens to know him, and if she's your leader, she would have told you all about him. You wouldn't be trying to lie to my face, would you? If you are, I'll be very disappointed."

To make my point, I took a step with my right paw with my claws unsheathed. He quickly jumped pitifully with fear. "Oh no! No, I could never lie to you! Shenzi told us to stay clear of Vumi if we ever crossed paths." I believed him. The hyenas would never side with a lion for anything; we were mortal enemies for generations past. Why, the very reason these hyenas were banished to the Elephant Graveyard was the result of a long war from long ago. It was King Mohatu, my grandfather, who put them there after a brilliant surprise assault on their home base. But, Mohatu was once a good friend to the leader of the hyenas when they were young; the lions and hyenas even once shared this home after we came along. Even after she betrayed him for total control of the Pridelands, he still wants what's best with everyone in his kingdom, even the hyenas. That's why he banished them in the graveyard that holds little food or water instead of chasing them away. These hyenas lived here longer than we lions have, so they never learned how to adjust anywhere else. As much as we hate to admit it, this was their home as well, never mind the fact that we dominate nearly everything. But, if only they didn't succumbed to their greed…

    The hyena gulped, "Am I free? Please let me go."

        I snarled, "How do I know you won't just go back to hunting your fill?"

        "You can trust me."

He's trying to dig deeper until I'm not such a bad cop and more of a good cop. Immediately, I roared, "You lie!" The hyena crouched down and shivered as he saw me hover over him. "You damn hyenas have done too many crimes for me to trust you," I hissed.

        "You have my word! I'll go back to the graveyard; I'll let you chase me there, if you want!" he cried.

To make sure he was serious, my right claw rose up and brushed over his neck threateningly. I felt him shake like the coward he is. Could I be enjoying tormenting this hyena? "If you lie to me, I'm very liable to become very upset," I threatened once last time.

        With crocodile tears in his eyes, he begged, "I swear to you! I'll go back without any trouble! It's the truth, King Mufasa; please believe me. Please don't be angry."

        I murmured to myself, "If you were lying, I would have divulged the truth of you by now."

I sighed, letting go of my frustration. I looked down at him and shut my eyes briefly. I made up my mind. I rose up my paw and swiped! The paw slapped the ground on the right of the hyena's head, making him gasp out and cry some more, scaring him witless. "Next time, I won't miss on purpose," I said sternly. "I'll follow you to the graveyard; I like a word with Shenzi."

        "You can have a word with Shenzi right now!" someone called in a mocking manner.

I turned around and spotted none other than Shenzi!

    I frowned once Shenzi came in my sights. She was trespassing as well. Shenzi barked at her fellow, cowardly hyena, "Get up, you wuss! Go back to the graveyard with that tail between your legs; I'll deal with you later." The hyena yelped and quickly ran off. I followed him and saw that he was running a straight path toward the graveyard. I turned back to Shenzi and snorted, "Hmph. How many times will it take for you to learn? You have a home, so stay put."

        "Is that what you want to talk to me about?" Shenzi snarled back. "I don't have to listen to you, you know."

        "I don't have to listen to you insult me either. I can just swat you, and you would run off with your own tail between your legs. But, I'm not that kind of lion."

        "Hmph! Oh really? Who were the ones who pushed us out of a home that was once ours?"

        "The same ones who wanted to share. But, your greed cost us our trust in you."

        "Bull! You were the ones that were greedy!"

Both of us were searing under each other's skin, and we growled fiercely. It appears she wanted a fight; so be it. I'll finish it quickly. Then, suddenly, someone laughed in amusement. Shenzi and I both stopped and looked over to spot a familiar figure walking to us. It was Vumi!

    Vumi laughed at us with an amused grin over his face. I frowned and snarled quietly to myself. So, he's alive, after all. But, why would he appear now? "Now, do you see, Mufasa? See how imperfect everything is?" he grinned. "Lion and hyena are diverse and argue needlessly over a land so large." I twitched and looked toward Shenzi. She shared the same expression. We both began to walk away. I had to walk away; I still wasn't ready to face him. Then, Vumi called out, "Stop right there, both of you!" Shenzi and I stopped and looked back to him. He walked in between us and looked back and forth with a suspicious grin. "I know the both of you tire fighting each other. Am I mistaken?"

        "And what if we are?" Shenzi replied.

        "The both of you lead the lions and the hyenas. Do them all a favor and lead them to a life more worthwhile to pray for. Believe me, true happiness is within your grasp if you consider my proposal."

        "'True happiness?' With the slaughtering you name purification?" I said.

Vumi doesn't answer. He doesn't deny it. "You aim to kill us all for your ambition?! I don't even pray because hyenas are heretic!" Shenzi cried.

        "You speak craziness, Vumi! How can death bring happiness?!" I roared. "There is nothing wrong with our lives now!"

        "You speak lies, your majesty," Vumi snorted. "Are you happy with the hatred you bare toward the hyenas? Is Shenzi happy to be raised by a freak that called herself her 'mother?' Are you happy with what you been through while growing up, Mufasa? Nothing is happy and peaceful in this damnable world. Give me a defense against that."

The both of us couldn't answer right away. In a way, he speaks the truth. I've gone through so much, and I'm still getting over it. But, it's just so hard. Is it really worth living like this? I don't want to die; that's the reason why I stand against Vumi. But, that reason is not good enough.

    Suddenly, Shenzi barked out and charged Vumi! I cried, "Hey, stop!"

        "This is my defense right here!" Shenzi cried as she attacked.

But, Vumi grinned, not moving at all. "You've both stand against me again. Do not worry; you all shall see the truth." I raised an eyebrow once I spotted a strange purple-like aura outlining him. Shenzi suddenly stopped and stared at him suspiciously. She took one step back, unsure about what Vumi plans to do. I stepped forward and stopped once I caught a familiar scent in the air. Fire? Perceptively, the memories of the crematorium catastrophe replayed in my mind. I gasped! Vumi is going to do it again! "Shenzi! Get out of there!" I roared. I quickly ran to Shenzi and grabbed her by the neck with my mouth. Then, I turned around and ran as quickly as I could. The adrenaline exploded within, and I traveled far as my legs can possibly carry me. Then, the scent of fire fumed the air. I looked back and saw that horrible sight again. A huge explosion erupted! A huge wave of fire blazed quickly behind me. It was coming fast; I could not get away. Then, I looked up ahead and spotted a hole in the ground. An abandoned warthog pit! It was my only chance. I tossed Shenzi away toward the hole where she fell in perfectly, and I hopped in after her. Now underground, I lied still with Shenzi under my belly. Then, I felt the rumbling of the explosion rush over me and gust of dirt and sand blew into the hole we were in…

    …I was underground, buried with Shenzi. I couldn't open my eyes, but I knew I was still alive. The rumbling stopped, so the explosion must be over. With all my strength, I clawed and dug desperately to the top. Not too long, I pushed one arm through the surface. I dug some more until I was able to burst out of the ground. I pulled out my other arm and pulled myself out the hole I made with a bit of difficulty. Then, I poke my head down the hole again to pull up Shenzi. I dropped her on the ground, leaving her to cough. I shook my mane and body free of the dirt. "How about a bit of a warning before you do that?" Shenzi complained. I opened my eyes and gasped at the sight before me. Shenzi gasped after me, "No…way." It was the same as before. The land around us was completely barren, deprived of any life. This land is dead. Dirt-covered mist surrounded us as we looked around. "I can't believe…I survived that," Shenzi awed. "Mufasa, you…you saved us."

        "I told you I wasn't that kind of lion," I said.

I looked over to the left and gasped the moment I spotted a bundle of rib cages on the ground. Those are the remains of a nearby group of antelope! I couldn't believe it. This is the first time I saw actual death I warned Vumi that will happen if he carries out what he sets out to do. My jaw trembled. Then, I gasped softly as something strange happened afterwards. The bones began to break into dust, and it magically dispersed into the air, evaporating. This happened to all the bones around until there was nothing left but the dead surface they once stood on. I was left speechless; their bones don't even remain afterwards. Not one single body will be left behind by their souls after death. This is…unorthodox. "Here he comes," Shenzi snarled. I looked through the mist to see a silhouetted figure walking to us. I knew it was Vumi, and the more I think of him and what he has done, the more my anger began to swell up. "…that very hate makes you strong; hang onto it. Embrace it." Zira's words echoed in my mind. Rage. I felt it building inside me. Utter rage. How dare he do this? How dare he? How dare he?!

    Vumi slowly and barely appeared from behind the coat of dirty mist. He stopped walking and stood there with an unreadable expression. "You survived," he purred. "Disappointing. You would be so happy being purified."

        "Damn you!" Shenzi cursed.

I couldn't say a word. My rage kept me from saying anything. I was staring directly at Vumi with an enraged look in my eyes. "Do you see this 'blessing' I have? Do you see how powerful I am? Even if you won't join me, you have no chance of stopping me," Vumi declared.

        "If you want to hide behind those powers, then you're nothing but a coward," Shenzi retorted. "Now then, where was I?"

        "You're going to stand back!" I suddenly roared.

With adrenalized speed and strength in my legs, I ran at Vumi! I didn't care if I wasn't ready to fight him yet; I want him to pay for what he has done. I swore I would make him pay!

    My battle cry echoed around me as I charged at Vumi. He just stood there, watching me come at him. I was insane with rage. As I got close enough, I leapt up a bit and swiped at him. He dodged. I kept attacking Vumi with my claws and with my hind legs if he ever twirled behind me; he was so fast for someone so big. But, I couldn't stop until I finish him. I had to make him pay! I delivered a hard slash across his jaw! Vumi tilted to the right after I hit him. Did I manage to bring him down? I landed on my feet and watched him fall. But, he immediately recovered and only staggered a few inches! I blinked in frustration and jumped away from him. Was I really this weak compared to him? Vumi looked toward me with that same look he had already and purred, "Mufasa, you…struck me." I stared at him again, my rageful expression not leaving me. Then, he licked his lips and said with a delighted smile, "Wish to try again…with that look in your eyes?"

        I scowled, "Don't jerk with me!"

I was provoked. I roared once more and went to take another swing at him. Deciding to put more adrenaline in my strike, I went for it. I swung as hard as I could, but suddenly, Vumi swung at me as well or rather the arm attacking him. I swiped my arm as a counter! I bellowed out in pain. That strike not only broke my attack, it left me with a broken right arm!

    I roared as I stepped back weakly, limping with my right paw. I couldn't move it; it hurts too much. I shut my eyes and knelt down briefly, trying hard to shake off the intense pain. I couldn't believe a simple counter would damage me this badly. I was immobilized. I heard Vumi laugh, "I love seeing you in pain like this. It makes you all the more beautiful." I looked up and gasped once I saw Vumi charge at me with a strike of his own! He struck me from my chest to my face hard. With blood flying from me, I flew backward into the air by the powerful force behind his clean and bloody strike. "MUFASA!!" someone cried. As I flew across the ground, I briefly spotted from upside down with Shenzi Busara, Rafiki, Zazu, and the one who called me. "Sa…Sarabi…" I crashed onto the ground and darkness was all I could see…

    …Fire…I smell…fire again. Weakly, I opened my eyes. I looked left and right to see the ruined land I fought Vumi on. No, wait! This place is different and colored in nothing but red. Flame blazed along the ground and burning trees. There were walls of fire scattered around the land. Suddenly, I felt the strength to stand up. I gasped at my movement and examined myself. I was healed; it was as if my fight with Vumi never happened. But, once I looked around, I was even more confused. I was…somewhere else. There were still trees, although they were burning in the flames. Then, I spotted a temple up ahead, also on fire. Where is this place? And how did I get here? Wanting answers, I proceeded ahead toward the temple.

    I climbed up the small hill until I was at the floor of the temple and gasped in horror. Several burnt and dismantled lionesses were lying all around. Blood ran over the ground, past my paws. I felt its hot wave touch me. This sight…just adds on to my sorrow for those antelope. Then, I heard sniffling nearby. I looked toward the left of the staircase leading to the temple to see another lioness sitting there. I heard her sniffling while her head was bowing down very low. I quickly ran to her. "Hey, what's…?" I started. But, once I came to her right side, I stopped once I caught a glimpse of her sad face. I know her! She's the white lioness of the Forbidden Pool! She looked up at me with tears crawling down her eyes. "I'm…afraid," she sobbed. "Am I…going to die here?" I didn't know what to say to her. I was still pretty shaken that I'm here to see this tragedy. "Help me…please," she begged. She circled around and wrapped her arms tightly around my neck. She rubbed her face in my mane and sobbed, "I don't…want to die." She is the same white lioness; she is the one who was afraid to die like I am. "I…don't…want…to…die…" Then, I felt her life slip from my grasp. I took my arms and clutched her tightly. "So…this is how you died…like this?" I murmured. Then, I looked up and spotted him. That wretched, accursed Vumi! The crimson element blazed around his body as the shadows hid away his face. But, I saw the same crazed stare in his emerald eyes and a wild smile over his muzzle. My rage welled up again. As I held the poor lioness, I shook with as much fury as the flame around me. "Vumi…you did this…There can't be…any forgiveness," I snarled. "I…I…I…" I heard laughter. That set me off. I exploded. I snapped. I roared, "I'LL KILL YOU!!!!!!!!"

    …I awoken and leapt back on my feet! Spotting Vumi in my sights, I dashed with adrenalized speed with my beastly roar echoing around me. I struck him before he knew what hit him. My powerful blow struck a larger wound than mine in his arm. Vumi yelled out in pain and fell onto his side. He fell. I saw him fall to me. I landed on the ground and quickly circled around to see Vumi struggle back onto his feet. My arms shuddered tensely as I cracked the bones in my unsheathed claws. Blood from my wound still ran, but I no longer feel my pain and agony. My broken arm did bother me, either. I feel no pain. I snarled savagely and spoke with a more gruff and somewhat evil sounding tone, "Yes, Vumi. You fell. You finally fell to me." Vumi stood up and stared after me with a shocked visage. "Inconceivable. How can you still have this much power left?"

        "Hmph. I've always had this much power. You sound jealous, though."

        "That look in your eyes…you're thinking about…"

        "Your day of judgment? That is correct. Welcome to Paradise Lost."

With completely rejuvenated power, I pushed with all my legs and dashed with a loud roar. This time, Vumi was ready. We met in combat.

    I quickly took the offensive and swiped at Vumi with undying strength. I didn't feel any growing fatigue. Any time Vumi meekly managed to hit me, especially in my broken arm, I didn't feel pain. All I felt was the power surging through my veins…and the unwavering hatred for Vumi. Reminded of the tragedy he caused, my rage amplified through my roar once again and I swung my left claw at him. The blow connected again and sent Vumi hard into the ground! I settled down and growled, not panting after that little skirmish. Thunder rumbled as the lightning streak across the sky behind me. It began to rain. The rain was cold, but I didn't shiver. I still felt hot and fiery. I sniffed the misty air around me and grinned, "Vumi, do you like my eyes now?" God's tears pounded on me as I sauntered toward the still struggling Vumi. Before he could get up, I took my left paw and slammed him back down to the ground, pinning him. Unresistingly, I sunk my claws into his back, pulling them hard down it. Vumi roared out as I pulled out my claws. It was completely wet with a mix of water and blood. I licked my paw lustfully. "This dirty blood…I find it delicious. Why is it that I feel this way?"

        I answered myself with a coy smile, "Because I want Vumi dead. Yes, that's why."

Suddenly, I was struck in the face! I took one step to the left. I didn't feel the pain at all still. I stood back up and saw that, after a gust of wind went by, Vumi disappeared. He's gone! I had him! He was at my mercy! Angered again, I roared to the leaking sky, echoing once again.

    I finished roaring, but I was still angry. I had to take my anger out on something. Then, I picked up a sound behind me. I swung around quickly and spotted a startled Sarabi! The moment I laid eyes on her, a powerful sensation mounted on my shoulders. Was I thinking of using her? I…can't do that! But, I couldn't shake off the temptation to do so. She looked her absolute best in the rain. Water makes her so beautiful…and sexy. No; what was I thinking?! I then felt like…I couldn't trust myself, even though I want to do it. I was deaf to anything else for a moment ago when I woke up except to Vumi's voice and movements as well as my own. I couldn't see anything else either. But now, I can see…and I can hear. "Mufasa?" Sarabi purred to me.

        I stepped forward and snarled, "Stay…away from me."

But, she didn't stop. She continued walking slowly toward me. I stood my ground as she neared me. I grew excited. One step closer and I'll take her. No! I won't do that! Yes, I will. No, I won't! "Mufasa…please. It's over now…" Sarabi called to me in a pleading tone.

        "I said…STAY AWAY!" I roared.

But, she still didn't stop. She got too close to me. Temptation to take advantage of my wonderful spouse rushed through me. Yes. No! I love her too damn much to do anything like that to her! I stepped back from her for her safety. But, she leapt at me and hugged me tightly. Suddenly, the temptation disappeared upon her touch. I still felt like the very inferno of Hell, but Sarabi felt so soothing and cold like the pounding rain. I looked down at her to see her eyes seemingly crying as the raindrops rushed down her face. "Please…don't be angry," she whispered. I blinked at her in confusion. What is going on? Why is she looking at me like that? She never looked so frightened for me. What's wrong with me now? Then, I grunted as soon as I spotted something to my left. I looked over to see a small pool of water in a hole in the ground. I looked at my reflection. I gasped! What the hell is this?! My eyes…my face…my body…it's NOT the same! My mane was pitch black like my brother's. My fur coat is dark brown. My pupils were red as blood and my eyes were a devious emerald-like color like Vumi's are. Do I look like this now? I finally see what Sarabi sees. The very reflection of me was too disturbing for me to bare. I shook in shock and fright. My real voice came back to me and anger quickly disappeared. "What…have I…?" I stammered. Then, I felt a crash over my head! I fell to the ground, blacking out once more…

    …I awoken again. I rose my head and looked around. I was in the den of Pride Rock again. I looked down to see that I was wearing a sling made from vines around my neck, holding my right arm. Rafiki's been here. My wounds don't hurt that much anymore, but now I felt them sting again. The feeling of pain has returned to me. Then, I looked to see that Sarabi was resting next to me, sleeping peacefully. Then, she reminded me of how much I frightened her…and myself! Do I still look the way I did before? I stood back up or rather I tried. I groaned as I got on all three feet and limped out of the den.

    Outside, I hopped toward the descending steps of the promontory. I turned around and proceeded to walk backwards down it since I was short one front leg. Then, someone called to me, "Your majesty, you're up!" I looked up to see Kigali watching me go. "Kigali," I murmured solemnly.

        "Are you sure you need to be walking around in that?" she wondered in concern.

        "I felt worse. But, you were right all along."

I then proceeded to walk off toward the watering hole. It's true; Kigali was right. I did know what I did to scare Sarabi the whole time: my very soul when angered. The 'beast' within me.

    I made it to the watering hole and looked into my reflection. Now, I look like what I should be. My red mane and golden fur were in sight again. I sat down and sighed. How could I have let this happen, I thought? Zira was too much of an inspiration. I took my rage too far. I almost defeated Vumi with enormous adrenaline but for what? Am I to be feared by all, even myself? My hatred for Vumi blew way out of proportion; I lost control. What kind of lion am I? "You shouldn't be out here," someone said. I looked to my right to see Sarabi with a similar look over her face like mine. But, she nuzzled close to me and rested her head on my shoulder. "It appears that our relationship has much to work on," she said.

        "You're not scared of me?" I replied.

        "Mufasa, forgive me. Maybe I should've said something about what's wrong with you; maybe things wouldn't have come this far."

        "No, I should've known how I was acting. I am responsible of my own actions, and I scared you again."

        "Well, that 'Black Mufasa' is creepy. But, I knew that you were still you, no matter what attitude you have or appearance you may take on. It was just…too big of a change for me."

Suddenly, a hand felt over my head while a mischievous chuckle was heard behind me. I turned around and saw Rafiki walking to my left. "Rafiki," I murmured.

        "I see that lump's gone down," he joked.

        "Oh, so you hit me over the head back there," I scowled.

Rafiki sat down and lied down his walking stick. Now, in a serious tone, he said, "So, you let your dark side on the outside at last, the one you call the 'beast' within you. That's what anger will do if you let it go out of control."

        I bowed down my head and sighed, "Father wouldn't have done that."

        "That, he didn't. I understand where this feeling came from, but desiring Vumi's horrible death isn't…well, the smartest idea."

        "You're right as always. Father's thought me better than this."

Suddenly, a bird fluttered down to Rafiki; he held up his hand and let it perch on one finger. I looked in wonder. Rafiki let the bird down on the ground and looked back up to me. "Try to catch it under your paw," he said. I raised an eyebrow, but I was too tired to question him. I raised my left paw and quickly shot it down at the bird. It fluttered away before my paw could hit the ground! In frustration, I pawed at it to catch the bird but couldn't. I soon stopped as soon as Rafiki snagged the bird in its panic swiftly! My mouth was hanging open while Sarabi awed. "Wow," she purred. "He caught while it was frantic like that."

        "You sound surprised. It's very easy," Rafiki laughed in glee.

        "'Easy?' You must be joking!" I exclaimed.

        "You're only making it harder, and do you realize why? The same reason you let anger go out of control. You have no patience."

        "What?"

        "Patience is a virtue, my friend. And it's the virtue you lack. If you have equanimity, your senses are one."

        "I'm not sure I follow you," I said in confusion.

        "Sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. If you have equanimity, those senses will become one. But right now, you have a primary example of a scatterbrain."

He further rubbed it in by patting me over the head with his knuckles. I frowned, but I thought about what he said. It sounds right although I still don't understand. Rafiki laughed again and let the bird fly off. "I'm sure a scatterbrain like you will figure it out."

        "May you teach me?" I asked.

        "What's that? Teach you?"

        "Please. That may help me in my training. I don't know what else to do."

        "What you can do now is to rest and let that arm of yours heal. Afterwards…I'll see what I can do with you," Rafiki agreed with a warm smile.

        "Oh, thank you so much!"

I hopped to the monkey and gave him a big hug. He hugged me back and soon pulled away. "Bye," he said. Then, he leapt up onto the boulder and hopped down it, where he would usually disappear.

    Sarabi and I were alone again. "He's gone," she purred. "Are you really going to train under Rafiki's teachings?"

        "Why not?" I said with a smile. "Maybe he's right. Submitting to my rage didn't work. So, this is the next best thing. Maybe it will make a difference."

        "It already has, my love."

        "It has?"

        "Yes. That regal valor has returned in your eyes, and it feels even stronger."

I smiled at her comment and stood up to turn around. Sarabi quickly walked to my right to support me. With her help, I made my way back to Pride Rock to rest.