Entry 211: "Mirage of Deceit"

    …A shining star in a black void. That was all there is. A white star full of burning life…in a black and empty space. "The light…" an old-sounding voice called. "Walk into the light…" The light grew closer…and closer. In split seconds, a flash of a figure's visage with long tusks, large ears, and a curled nose beamed. It looked old, wrinkly, wise, mysterious, but mostly…spiritual. As the light glowed completely in my eyes, the face appeared to be the face of a…

    …I woke up. "An elephant," I purred. I rose up my head and shook it. It was a new day. I yawned. "Now, why would I be dreaming of an elephant?" I wondered. Then, instinctively, I rose up and started to walk out the den. Then, I stopped for a moment. Something wasn't right. I looked down and yelped in shock. My right leg…I was walking on it! "What in the…?" I gasped. I walked in a circle. I could walk on all four feet again. And the wound over my chest…it had disappeared! I was completely healed. But, how? This is impossible! Rafiki's little spells and stuff couldn't have been this effective. Then, I thought about the dream I just had. "That elephant…could he have…?" I was confused. How was I healed like this? Everyone's going to be surprised. I sure am.

    I walked out the den casually and stopped to look around. Someone gasped, "Sire!" I looked to see Zazu quickly flutter to me with wide eyes. "Zazu, what are you doing here?" I wondered.

        "I came to check how you were doing, and here you are walking around like nothing happened!" Zazu cried. "I thought you were worse than this; you look just fine!"

        "I was worse before, but…"

        "Mufasa!"

I looked behind Zazu to see Sarafina make her way to me. She blinked in utter amazement. "My God, Rafiki is a healer. Look at you," she awed, rubbing over my once-wounded arm with her paw.

        "No, it wasn't Rafiki. But, I don't know how this happened. It's like I never had a fight with Vumi at all."

        "That's…strange."

        "Then, who did this?" Zazu wondered.

        I sighed, "Never mind now. I might as well take advantage of this 'gift.' Zazu, let's get going on patrol."

        "Oh! As you wish, sire!"

        "See ya around, Sarafina. Oh wait, Sarabi! I can't worry her; I have to tell her."

        "She's gone right now. She took Little Zuhura and Kayura out to play. Maybe you'll run into her out there," Sarafina said.

        "Okay then. Bye."

        "Bye!"

Zazu and I then set off to begin our patrol.

    It was still the same around the Pridelands. Even though Vumi is here to destroy it, my home still remained ever so peaceful. The zebras continued to trot across the land like the antelope. Birds soared in the sky. The grass still grew. It seems strange. Something right now came to mind. Why is Vumi wasting all this time to let us get stronger? He could be trying to purify our home right now if he wanted, but he hasn't done anything yet. It's been weeks before I saw him again yesterday. What could he be waiting for? This just…doesn't feel right. I heard sighing. I looked to see Zazu with a silent, solemn look over his face. He was looking at the sky, so I looked only to see a flock of birds fly by. I grinned and teased Zazu, "Homesick, Zazu?"

        "I…have no idea what you're talking about," Zazu pouted, flying off my shoulder.

        I stopped walking and continued, "Now, now, it's all too clear. Were you thinking of going back to your home to visit?"

        "I have no time for such trivial matters. It doesn't matter that my family's so far away."

        "You were fussing that Kweu went back home years ago."

        "Argh!"

        "You don't have to be upset. At least you still have your parents around."

        "Oh, your majesty, I forgotten. I'm sorry."

        "Aw, don't worry about me; it's all right. But, why don't you get a day off just to visit your family? I'm pretty sure there's a woman waiting for you back there, right?"

        "Oh yes. My mother," Zazu murmured, rolling his eyes.

        I chuckled, "You know what I mean…"

        "Oh, now that's even worse! I don't have time to be tied down by the old ball and chain."

        "Heh! Why? What else do you do that you can't have a mate?"

        "Every species of animal has a leader, and I have to speak with every one. I have to go back and forth to report to you what's going on in the Pridelands. Oh, where is that gopher with the latest news?!"

        "Whoa, whoa! Calm down! My God, you really keep yourself busy. You shouldn't be doing all this for me; you've got to relax. Have fun once in a while."

        "Oh…I don't know," Zazu murmured, fluttering to the ground.

        "Surely you know how to have fun."

        "Well…I always enjoy flying around the skies. I don't know; it's just a powerful feeling to just fly, you see? I never felt freer once I soar past those clouds; it's like the skies were mine. I never want my right to fly anywhere taken away for anything."

        "I see you have a lot of pride in those wings," I smiled.

        "Believe me, I would never take these wings for granted."

I felt like I understood Zazu a bit more at this moment. This is practically the first time Zazu opened up to me. I always knew him to be over-serious and flighty most of the time, especially annoying. But, I now see more of the real feathered partner I see before me. "Come on; let's get going," I purred, growling softly for him to perch on my shoulder.

        "Yes, sire!"

He quickly fluttered onto my shoulder. We smiled at each other for a moment, and I turned and walked on, continuing our patrol. "Now, Zazu, promise me you'll relax."

        "Whatever makes you happy, sire," Zazu replied.

        "That's not an order. I'm saying that, not as your king…but as a friend."

    Later, Zazu and I traveled onto the lands Vumi first destroyed before Father's death. There was still no trace of life on this ground; it was devoid of it. It was infuriating, but I managed to stay calm. Zazu commented, "Will life ever come back to this land?" I couldn't reply at all to his comment. What is there to say? I really didn't believe it would. This land can never be considered part of the Pridelands anymore. Because it contrasts from the Pridelands, it was hereby dubbed…the 'Outlands.' Then, Zazu gasped, "Look, sire. Over there." I looked over toward the right where Zazu was pointing. We both caught the sight of a large gray figure. "An elephant?" I murmured.

    I approached behind the elephant cautiously. They tend to threaten lions when we came close to them. Zazu flew off my shoulder and was first to greet him. "Excuse me? We mean no harm." I walked to the left. "Are you feeling okay?" I asked. Finally, the pachyderm turned his face towards me. I raised one eyebrow once I saw the wrinkly face, long tusks, big ears, and the long curly nose. He was the same! He looked exactly like the elephant in my dream! The large but old animal stood up from his rump and looked down toward me. "This land…is purged," he groaned sadly and elderly.

        I nodded, "Yes. I'm sorry; I'm king, and…I couldn't protect this land."

        "All things fall, even nature, young one. But, sometimes…"

        "Sometimes…"

        "Sometimes, a generation after tends to grow better than the generation before…when given the chance."

Then, he gently placed the tip of his huge right foot on the ground. Suddenly, after he drags his foot away, emerging from the ground was a small green stem of grass! I softly gasped and blinked at the interesting sight. Zazu fluttered down to it and looked at it. "Amazing! How did you do that?" he asked the old elephant.

        "I did nothing, young one. It was life," he answered. "Excuse me; you said you are the king, right?"

        "Yes," I replied.

        "Then, would you be so kind and show me the way to Rafiki's baobab tree?"

        "You know Rafiki?"

        "An old friend, he is."

        "From here, head far to the northeast. You'll find a forest. Once you make it through there, you'll find his tree."

        "Thank you so much for your kindness. Brekyirihunuade."

        "Excuse me?" I blinked, caught aback from that strange word.

        "Brekyirihunuade. I thought you might want to know my name. 'Nuade,' for short, if my name gives you trouble. Farewell, King Mufasa and Zazu."

Then, the old elephant stomped off gently and silently, following the directions I gave him. I watched him go in wonder as Zazu hovered over me. "That's strange; he gives us his name, but he knew ours. He's the strangest elephant I ever saw."

        "If he is the same elephant…" I thought.

    Back in the Pridelands, I walked over the grass. I stopped and frowned down at the ground for a moment. The grass…it's moist. It was raining here. But, there was no cloud in the sky, and I was only in the Outlands for a short while to see if the land tried to grow. There should be still rain clouds still in the sky. But, there is none. "It looks like it has been raining, sire," Zazu said. I typed my claws into the grass, feeling the wetness of the blades. "It must be just a little shower."

        "But, shouldn't there be a cloud in the sky?" I asked.

        "Hmm. You may be right. It's very strange."

This can't be a good sign. This…just couldn't be natural. Wait, unnatural? Could it be…? What's this? …This sound…this annoying, vibrating tone…it hurts! I shut my eyes and tried to shake my head, but the noise wouldn't go away. It got louder. Louder. Louder. Then, I felt myself become drowsy…

    …It's gone. Yes, that infernal sound is finally gone. I awoke and raised my head as I lied on the Pridelands. Wait, this isn't the Pridelands! But, it feels like I am. I could feel the tranquil security I feel when I am home, but it also feels…quite stronger. But, the land was far more prosperous than my home. The grass grew tall. There were flowers, and there were more trees. As I looked around, several animals walked about happily. The antelope was grazing in bigger numbers than before. A huge flock of birds cloaked the sky. Hippos splashed playfully in the clear waters. This was like a dream come true. I often dream of the Pridelands to look like this. My breath taken, I went to walk through this fruit-filled land and experienced its pleasure. I wanted to…before I wake up.

    I felt the warmth of my Father sunbathe me. I felt so peaceful, so more than I ever did back in reality. Then, I stopped and gasped at the most shocking sight I've ever seen. It's Pride Rock! This place is my home! I blinked and dropped my jaw, stunned at this live picture before my eyes. Now, I was confused. "You must stop!" someone cried. That voice sounded familiar. I looked up ahead and spotted two figures before Pride Rock. It was that white lioness again…and Vumi?! I stood my ground and listened to the two confront each other. "Understand, Ombwiri," Vumi said in a much different, more sensitive tone of voice. "That strange place may be the key of lifting the curse of hyenas from this land. The war can end, and we can be in peace again."

        "'Ombwiri?'" I thought. "So, that's her name…"

        The white lioness, Ombwiri, argued, "You try to understand! We may no right to utilize what we don't understand! We must rely on our own powers to get through life! Placing our fate in the paws of God's creations will further make us insignificant! Please! Leave the 'Forbidden Area' be!"

But, Vumi ignored Ombwiri's plea and walked away in silence. She yelled after him, "Vumi!" But, the lion refused to listen and disappeared from sight. I watched in wonder as I murmured to myself…

"The 'Forbidden…Area?'"

        "Mufasa! Mufasa!"

    I woke up again! I quickly rose up and shook my head wearily. I looked up to see my brother. "Oh, Taka!" I gasped.

        "You actually scared me for a moment," he purred. "You look fine."

        "Yes, I'm…okay."

Taka. I haven't thought about him for quite a while. So much is going on, and Taka is mostly gone with Zira somewhere. He never seemed to change his appearance. He was always the same. Sometimes, I'm grateful, but deep down, I want him to develop into a better self. I can't acknowledge Mother's judgment about him, no matter how true it may sound. He's my brother.

    I looked around for Zazu and saw him right next to me. "Are you sure you're okay? You looked odd and passed out rather suddenly. Maybe you should go back home."

        "I guess. Zazu, remember what you promised me."

        "Y…yes, sire," Zazu loyally nodded.

Then, Zazu fluttered off back home.

    Taka and I watched Zazu go. After he faded from our sights, Taka nudged me. "Mufasa…"

        "Yes?"

        "Well, I've been thinking a lot about what's happened."

        "And?"

        "I mean nothing against you…but I don't think you're cut out to be king."

I raised my eyebrows slightly at this. What is this all of a sudden? "What do you mean by that?"

        "You've been neglecting your duties ever since Father died. You were missing for a few days afterwards when we needed you, and, when you did come back, all you did is sulk around, doing nothing. Then, there's this 'Black Mufasa' business going around. The Pridelands doesn't need a time bomb for a king. That's why I think you should step down right away. I promise you, I can be a much better Lion King, one that our parents wanted."

I slightly frowned incredulously at Taka. I just can't believe he said that to me! I turned away and snarled. But, Taka went to me and nuzzled against me. "I just thought you might want to know the truth. Step down now, and let me take care of Vumi." Then, he began to walk off. I thought for a moment. I quickly analyzed what has happened since Father died. Is Taka really right about me? Am I a bad king? After all I said about not letting anyone's opinions get to me, I fall victim to Taka's.

    No. I do not agree. I feel like I'm a fine king only to get better with time. But, I just couldn't keep silent about this criticism Taka of all lions came and said to me. I had to say something back. "So, what makes you better than me?" Taka stopped in his tracks. I stood my ground, waiting for him to answer me. He turned his face at me and replied while pointing at his forehead, "With this, I can do anything." He was referring to his intelligence. Yes, he surpasses me in that area, but I found that comment…insulting. "Are you insinuating that I'm stupid?" I said.

        He laughed, "I think you said it for me. That would explain your behavior these last few days."

        "You ran away from home without any word. No king is that irresponsible. At least I was near my home when I was gone. You were beyond the boundaries."

        Taka shot back angrily, "You were, too, once. And what happened while you were gone? Mother was killed! If you were only there around that time, I knew we could've prevented that!"

        "I know. I should've been there. But, I wasn't, and I have no regrets."

        "What?"

        "Mom wanted me to cherish the life I had; that's what she truly wanted from me. Would she really want me to save her life if I never felt the way I feel about life now? Anyway, do you know why she died? She died to save you. If you could take care of yourself, she might not have died that day."

        "Don't you dare say it's my fault," Taka snarled, walking at me.

        "It was no one's fault. It was Mother's decision to save her child. She did that because she knew you couldn't take care of yourself. You always needed me. It's nice to have strong friends and allies behind you; you always need them. But, if you're going to be king, I also have to fare for yourself! If you can't go through life without depending on anyone, it will be a cold day in Hell before you become a better king than I am! You understand me?"

Taka and I were nose to nose, exchanging frowns and snarls. Then, he made this odd expression over his face. He still frowned at me, but he almost looked as if he was about to cry. "What is it? I know when you look at me like that, you have something on your mind. Speak up." He didn't answer. He was holding back his emotions again. Why won't he open up to me? Does he think I wouldn't understand again? "Hmph. If you can't speak, then we have nothing more to discuss. Grow up and you will be a fine king. If you stay as you are now, you will always be a child." Grown tired of lecturing him, I turned to walk back home.

    As I was walking home, I heard Taka's footsteps following me. I looked back briefly to see him bow down his head, scowling to himself. "Damn…damn…damn…"

        "If you think any different about what I said, you can fight me anytime," I said.

        "You sound like our father."

        "At least one of us does."

I hope he doesn't misunderstand my words. I know Taka has a lot of potential; he just doesn't seem to want to persevere. But, I still love him very much; he's the only brother I have. I want him to accomplish great things and prove those who doubt him wrong, even me. We are both the sons of Ahadi and Uru, and we both must act like it. "Sire! Sire!!" a voice cried. I stopped and looked up to see Zazu frantically fly to me. He stopped and hovered before me. "What is it, Zazu?" I wondered. "Weren't you going home to rest?"

        "I was, but I could never rest when the queen and the princess is in danger!"

        "Sarabi and Zuhura?" I twitched.

        "I spotted them in the gorge with some strange creatures I didn't recognize. We have to hurry now!"

        "Right! Taka, you rally the pride and have them on standby. You will lead the pride to the gorge when you get a report from Zazu. Let's go, now!"

****

    Zazu soared quickly through the skies as I ran after him. Whatever could be happening now? I hope those two would be okay when I get there, wherever they are. As I followed him, Zazu took me across the Meadow of Dreams. I stopped for a moment and stared in shock at the drooping flowers. Petals fell from a few of them. They were all dying. How could this be happening? How can all these flowers be dying all at once? "Sire! Hurry up!" Zazu called. I had to find out about this later. My girls come first. So, I continued after Zazu for a few more yards. Finally, we made it to the huge gorge of the Pridelands. Something was happening here? Why would Sarabi be here or even take our daughter here? The wildebeests often march and stampede around here to get to other places to graze and rest. So, why are they here?

    After I walked down a pathway down into the gorge, I slid down the smoother side of the wall and jumped from one level of ground onto the gorge floor. Zazu flew down in front of me and whispered, "Shhh." I nodded, and I slowly followed him down the gorge. I looked up the huge, tall, and dusty walls. Father once told me that no one knew when this gorge came to be. So, this was a very old place. He also told me stories that great warriors of the past fought their last battles here, even those in the war between the lions and hyenas. This would be my first adventure here, as I never stepped foot on the gorge floor before now. "Mommy!" a small voice called.

        "Zuhura!" I gasped.

They were nearby. I ran to the left wall of the gorge as the gorge was making a left turn. Zazu flew onto my shoulder as I looked from my hiding place to see what was going on.

    I gasped as soon as I saw a scraggly, old lion with a tannish fur coat standing over a fallen Sarabi! And behind them was Vumi with Zuhura caged behind his arms and Kayura trapped in a warthog's rib cage against the wall. The old lion chuckled and looked back towards Zuhura. "Don't worry, little one. She's just fine," he said in an elderly but evil tone of voice. Sarabi stood back up on her feet and snarled, "I'll…say it again: I will not."

        "Foolish girl," the old skinny lion scoffed. "You can't run from the real life you were meant to live forever."

        "Can't I? That life never felt so empty as it does now. That is because I love the life I have now. I would never have found a lion as great as my Mufasa in that life. I wouldn't have my little Zuhura, either."

        "Ah! But, what if he would happen to know what you did before he met you? Or does he know already?"

Sarabi didn't answer, or rather she couldn't. She never spoke about her past before. She wouldn't tell me, but I always respected that. But, it looks like I'll finally find out soon enough. The old lion laughed, "Just as I thought. You're scared that he won't love you anymore if he knew the truth. But, haven't I always taught you never to lie? Lies grow strong over time and tend to inflict more damage once one finds out about them."

        "Be quiet!" Sarabi growled. "You're wrong. He would still love me."

        "Then, what was the harm in telling him? Why keep such secrets about your past? Can you tell your friends? Can you even tell your daughter?"

Sarabi still couldn't reply. I think I should step out of hiding now; I had an idea. I whispered, "Zazu, listen to me."

        "Yes, sire?" he wondered quietly.

        "I have a plan, so whatever happens to me, do not worry. Otherwise, this assignment will be the most important one I'll ever give you."

****

        The old lion laughed, "Face it. You know your mate will never understand."

    We'll just have to see about that, I thought. Then, I stepped out of hiding and called out, "Try me." Everyone looked over to me. "It's Daddy!" Zuhura cried.

        "Uncle Mufasa!" Kayura called.

Sarabi looked shocked to see me while both Vumi and the old lion grinned in intrigue. "Well, well, if it isn't the lion I've heard so much about," the old lion said.

        "Greetings, Mufasa," Vumi smiled. "I see your wounds are healed."

        I walked up to them and replied, "As are yours, Vumi."

I stopped and looked toward the old lion as he laughed. "Sarabi, I'm glad you chose such a big, strong lion."

        "I am King Mufasa of the Pridelands. Who might you be?" I asked calmly.

        "What a proper greeting. My name's Legba. And this pretty lady here is my granddaughter."

I raised my eyebrows slightly at this revelation. This is Sarabi's grandfather? Sarabi bowed down her head in defeat. "Yes, he is my grandfather. He's the one I ran away from."

        "Yes, that's right," Legba added. "We were just talking about that. Is it true that you know nothing about Sarabi's past?"

I nodded in reply. I normally wouldn't care about listening. But, I had a plan. Also, I really wanted to know. "So, you didn't know that Sarabi was once a trained slayer?" My eyes widened in surprise. "A 'slayer?' What do you mean?"

        Legba explained, "A slayer is a trained warrior whose purpose in life was to kill. They are like mercenaries; they are hired to kill in exchange for food they never have to hunt for themselves or even a mate. They were used a lot during times of war. I'm sure you heard stories. Have you heard the one about a very recent war: the War of Forgotten Memories?"

        "The War of Forgotten Memories? I believe that's the war that started between two prides because both kings were over-ambitious and plotted to take both prides for their own. They were once friends, but they forgot their friendship and wanted nothing but power, earning the term 'Forgotten Memories.' And the war ended with no victor; both prides killed each other in battle and not one survived," I answered.

        "Ah! You're very knowledgeable as well! You're right. Sarabi's beautiful mother, Bahari, was once one as well. But, before she left in her final mission, she left her baby with me to raise her. She died soon after. So, I raised young Sarabi to her adolescence, and by then, she was an awesome slayer. You know how her name translates to 'mirage?' It meant more than just a pretty name. She was so cutthroat and swift in her kills that, when you caught one glimpse of her, you'd think you was seeing things. That is how good she was: a real, murderous, and hellish wildcat. She takes after me; I was a great slayer as well, and I taught her the best. It was near the end of the war, and Sarabi soon disappeared. It was then that I found out that she ran away, away from the path she was meant to follow."

Incredible. This was very hard to believe. I looked toward Sarabi, however, and she looked away from and shed a tear, sobbing softly. It was true; Sarabi couldn't deny it. "Wow!" Vumi awed. "Sarabi seems much more attractive with this knowledge." I snarled at him and looked back to Legba. "So, you're here to retrieve Sarabi, is that it?"

        "Exactly. I found Vumi one day, and he told me that Sarabi was the mate to a recently crowned king. I suspect that it will be a lot easier now."

        "What's that?"

        "Legba's right, Mufasa," Sarabi said sadly. "I'm nothing but a filthy murderer. I'm not who you think I am. I don't deserve you at all. I thought I could run away from the world where everyone hated me and start anew. But, now that you know, hate is right in front of me. You hate me now! Everyone hates me!"

Then, she began to sob. Legba was looking as if he enjoyed this moment. I sighed, "You're right." Sarabi looked up at me with a stunned look over her face. "You're not who I thought you were. You cheated me once and now you kept all this a secret from me. I never would have expected that from you." She bowed her head in defeat as I walked up to her. "But, I don't appreciate you saying what you assume I'm thinking," I added. Sarabi looked up in confusion while Legba raised an eyebrow. "You're a stupid woman if you think any of this changes how I feel about you. If your grandfather wants you back, he'll have to go through me," I said, guarding Sarabi from Legba.

        "What?" Legba gasped.

        "Mufasa, you can't be serious," Sarabi sniffled. "I lied to you about everything about my past."

        "You deal with this problem the only way you knew how. I understand that. But, I thought it would be nice if you at least told me."

        "Mufasa…"

        "I know, I'm a sentimental fool. But, I really don't mind if I am."

        "Don't forget about me!" Zuhura suddenly cried.

        "Zuhura?" Sarabi purred.

        "I don't care who you was; you're still my Mom!"

I smiled at Zuhura warmly, glad she wasn't effected by Sarabi's disturbing past. "You would continue to love a murderous she-hyena?" Legba wondered incredulously.

        "I see Sarabi as she is now: my darling lover. And I won't let you take her away from her daughter, her friends, and especially me," I answered defiantly.

Legba frowned in light frustration. But, Vumi was still smiling. "I knew he would answer this way. How boring. Well, there's still…this one." Vumi was referring to Zuhura. Legba regained his composure and laughed, "Yes, her. She will do just as well."

        "You will do nothing of the sort! Give back Zuhura!" I roared.

I started after Vumi but Legba leapt in my way. "Not so fast, your majesty," he taunted.

        "I'll say this once: move out of my way."

Legba only grinned in answer and crouched down, ready to attack me. "So be it," I snarled. Then, I attacked first.

    I swiped at Legba, but, at my surprise, he dodged and went to swipe me back at great speed. I barely managed to block and retaliate. We jumped and wrestled around each other until Legba managed to strike me across the face, leaving me to stagger backwards. I was overwhelmed. But, it was not because of the hit; it was because I was surprised that he could hit like this. He appears to be an old lion, but he fights as if he has a lot more youth left in him. This cannot be possible. As I recovered, I charged at Legba and avenged myself for that last blow. Legba staggered back as well but soon recovered. He grinned and rubbed over the chin I struck. He takes blows like a young lion, too. How can an old lion with practically no muscle in his bones muster this much strength? "You look surprised," Legba said. "That's why they call me, 'the Trickster.'" I looked over to see if Vumi was getting away, but Sarabi was in his way thankfully. Then, before I attack again, someone cried, "Stop now!" Legba and I stopped fighting and looked to see a huge figure stomping toward us. It was that elephant again, Brekyirihunuade. The old elephant stomped to us and looked down at us sagely. "You should not fight here, your majesty. You will surely lose," he said.

        "Nuade, are you concerned for him?" Legba laughed.

Suddenly, Legba went at me with my guard down. One strike flew across my face and I fell to the ground hard.

        "Stay back, Sarabi, if you want him to live!"

    My brief deafness from the blow disappeared. I wasn't knocked out. In fact, this was all playing into my paws. I stayed down and kept my eyes shut to give off the impression that I was unconscious. "Oh, Legba!" I heard Nuade moan. "That was unnecessary."

        "You are concerned. Are you with us or not?" Legba scowled.

        "Never mind!" Vumi roared. "I've got what I want. Here, I have no need of her anymore."

Now, I imagine that Vumi threw Zuhura to Sarabi. Now, I felt Nuade's trunk slither under and around my belly before he picked me up. I felt movement. We were leaving. "Daddy!" I heard Zuhura cry. "DADDY!!"

After that, I didn't hear her cry out anymore. I hoped she wouldn't worry too much about me. "So, what do you have planned with the king?" Legba wondered.

        Vumi answered, "I would like to negotiate with him…one last time."

I took the moment to open my eyes slightly down at Vumi and Legba. We were heading out the Pridelands. I shut my eyes again, and decided to drift off to sleep and rest. When I wake up, I will find myself in Vumi's 'base.' Everything was going according to plan…