Growing Up Cubs
The days past; Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter flew by through the Pridelands. Skadu and Usiku lived under the waterfall with their new born cubs. They were only a few days old and were all girls who were named Sarafina, Sarabi, and Sanri. Ahadi and Uru were celebrating the birth of their sons, Mufasa and Taka while also saying goodbye to Ezra who past away before the night before the cubs were born. Zazu stood at the tip of Pride Rock standing tall and proud as the King's majordomo. Skadu and Usiku brought their children to Pride Rock hoping that one of their daughters will be chosen to marry the new prince. "On behalf of King Ahadi and Queen Uru, I welcome you to the presentation of the new prince of the-,"Zazu said before he was interrupted by Rafiki. Rafiki came to the top of Pride Rock and stood forth to bring a gift to the newborns. Skadu had never met Rafiki and jumped in front of her brother to defend their family. "Its okay Skadu,"said Ahadi. "Rafiki is a friend." "Yes, Yes, Rafiki means no harm. Rafiki hear to give a blessing, no harm, no harm,"Rafiki explained. Skadu stepped back towards her cubs and just watched as the shaman reached out and touched each infants head. "Which son is new prince,"asked Rafiki. Ahadi and Uru stared at each other and then back down at their new cubs. Ahadi examined the two cubs different figures. Mufasa had a big body with strong bones and big shoulders compared to Taka who had a thin, small body with signs of intelligence. "Mufasa,"said Ahadi. "I don't think we'll need the other cub. We should just kill him." Ahadi leaned down to grab the cub but Uru swatted his face so that he could not grab her baby. "What are you trying to do,"Uru demanded. "You are not going to just kill my baby like this." "Look at him Uru, he is not going to be able to live long or even be strong enough to feed. Even if he does live, what kind of an adult do you think he will become,"Ahadi argued. "I don't care what you think Ahadi. He is still my son and I will love and cherish him just as I will love and cherish you and Mufasa. Taka deserves a chance to live and he will make a leader. Even if he not king, he could still start his own Pride and live a life of prosperity and happiness,"Uru stated as she held her cub closer in her paws. Ahadi looked back down at his cubs again and at his wife. "You may keep him,"said Ahadi. "Mufasa is still going to be my heir to the throne and if anything happens to him your scrawny little cub will take his place." "Ahadi, I know will be a good son,"said Uru. Rafiki reached down and rubbed the juice of the gourd onto each cubs head and then a sprinkle of sand to Mufasa's head. Rafiki took the young cub to the tip of Pride Rock and held him high. Taka tried to crawl after his brother but his father would not allow it. Uru pulled Taka close to her and gave him to Hodari to take back into the den. Skadu and Usiku took their cubs into the den followed by Hodari who held onto Taka in her jaws. Taka watched as his brother got all of the attention and his parents standing proud of their other son. Hodari laid Taka down on the floor of the den and just watched as he curled into a little ball. His tears soon put him to sleep. With Mufasa being the heir to the throne, it was decided that he'd be betrothed to Skadu's daughter Sarabi and that Taka be betrothed to Sarafina. Poor Sanri was the excluded sister and had nobody to be with. Leeu walked into the den carrying a small cub in her mouth. She and the cub were soaked in water and cold. "Leeu, what happened,"cried Jua. "I found this cub drowning in the watering hole. The water was freezing cold. I knew I had to save him or else the cold water would have either frozen him or drowned him,"said Leeu. Liefde and Jua ran over to help their sister and the cub get warm. The little cub just shivered while he lay in Leeu's paws. "I named him Maji after I found him in the water,"said Leeu. Sanri crawled over to the cub and looked at him with big eyes and amazement. She leaned over and licked his paw to make him warm. Little Maji kept shivering and was having a hard time getting warm. "I don't know how I am going to take care of him,"said Leeu. "I don't have any milk to feed him and he is to young to be weaned." "I could take care of him,"said Skadu. "Or Uru could feed him. She has two boys of her own already and I have my three girls. I am sure we can help this cub live." Rafiki walked into the den with Ahadi and Uru at his sides. In his arms, he still held young Mufasa. Uru was astonished at the sight of young Maji and Leeu. "Are you alright Leeu,"she aksed. "I'm fine its just that I found this young cub at the watering hole and he almost died. I couldn't stand to see him drown, so I saved him,"said Leeu. "Is this the reason why you missed the ceremony,"said Ahadi bitterly. "I didn't intend on missing the ceremony,"cried Leeu. "I went out for a drink and saw the cub in the water so I jumped in and saved him. The water was extremely cold and by the time I got to the cub, my body was so num it was hard to move at all. You should be happy that I even made it out of the watering hole alive with this cub in my grasp. Maji is a miracle cub Ahadi and you know just as well as I that every life is precious. This cub could have drowned just as easy as I could have. You should be happy I am even here right now and not with the Great Kings. Let me ask you something brother, wouldn't you have been disappointed if I drowned today in the watering hole? I know you would and then you would have one less sister in your family." The room fell quiet and nobody said a word for a long time. Ahadi watched as his sister began to cry and all of the guilt she made him feel became real. Ahadi approached his sister and looked down at the two of them. "I didn't mean to be so judgmental,"he said. Rafiki placed Mufasa onto the den floor and walked over to where Ahadi stood looking down at the two. He took some leaves which laid on the floor of the den and gently stroked them over the cub. Maji looked up at Rafiki with bright eyes while his body still shook. Gently, Rafiki rubbed the leaves onto Maji's body and watched as his shaking subsided. The cub was warm again and looking better than he was. Rafiki carried Maji over to Uru and laid him against her body. Maji started to suckle and felt the warm milk go down his throat. The cub was finally feeling better. Night began to fall over the Pridelands and the Pride settled down. Skadu and Usiku took their cubs back to their den and Mufasa snuggled next to his father and Taka did the same to his mother in search of comfort and compassion. Maji crawled back over to Leeu and looked at her with bright eyes and hope. Leeu smiled at Maji as he watched a single tear fall from Leeu's eye. The Pride settled down and everyone was asleep.
Another season flew by Africa's savannah and hit the Priedlands. The hot summer was upon them and the cubs often spent time at the water hole. Sarabi and Sarafina spent much of their time together and watched as their sister Sanri refused to hang out with them. Sanri just stared out at what seemed to be the never-ending Pridelands. Mufasa stayed by Ahadi's side as Taka watched jealously at his brother hogging all of the attention. Taka just wandered back to the den and watched all of the others having fun. Uru strolled out and picked up Taka by the scruff and carried him back to the den. She placed him onto the floor and noticed he began to cry. "Why are you so unhappy Taka,"asked Uru. Taka looked up at his mother and still sobbing managed to tell her his problems. "Father hates me,"he wept. Uru looked at her son in shock and then grabbed him and held him close to her heart. "He doesn't hate you Taka,"she said. "Then why does he spend more time with Mufasa. I never get to spend any time with him because he is always with Mufasa. I just want to be able to spend some alone time with him, without Mufasa,"cried Taka. Uru was amazed at the things her son was telling her. "Taka, I know your father may be preoccupied with Mufasa right now but that is just because he wants Mufasa to be a great king and is trying to teach him everything he knows. I will talk to your father tonight see if you can do something fun with him tomorrow,"said Uru. Taka stopped crying and knew that his mother would do anything to defend him. By nightfall, Taka could not wait to play with his father the next day. That night, Uru had a difficult time convincing Ahadi that Taka neede more attention. "I won't do it,"demanded Ahadi. "I am taking Mufasa out special tomorrow to teach him all about pouncing and then at night I was going to explain to him all about the Great Kings of the Past." Uru looked scornfully at Ahadi. "Ahadi, you don't understand that Taka is your son to and needs attention just like Mufasa. Whether you like it or not, Taka is your son and he loves you. All he wants is to play with his father. Is that so much to ask,"Uru demanded. Ahadi looked at her with a blank face. "Its not that I don't love Taka,"he said. "Its just that I don't think he is leader material." Taka started to stir in his sleep and awoke to his parents argument. He didn't move around so they didn't know that he was awake but he listened to the conversation since it was about him. "Taka looks like a very intellectual cub but he is not muscular enough to be king,"said Ahadi. "What does that have anything to do with spending quality time with your son,"Uru demanded. Ahadi just stood there with a blank face and dropped his head. "Your right Uru,"said Ahadi. "I can't just exclude Taka because he is not like his brother. Tomorrow I am going to spend some quality time with my boys." Taka was so happy that he was going to spend time with his father tomorrow and even though Mufasa was going to be with them, he was still happy. Uru laid on the floor with Ahadi and soon fell asleep.
Early in the morning, Mufasa sat next to his sleeping father patiently and awaited his attention. Taka awoke to see Mufasa sitting next to his father. Taka got up anxiously and sat next to his brother. Ahadi started to stir and yawn while Uru stood up and started to stretch. She looked at both of her boys and smiled. Uru exited the den and left for the water hole while Mufasa and Taka waited patiently as Ahadi stirred and slowly awoke to see his sons shining faces. "Good morning boys,"said Ahadi. "Good morning,"said Taka. "Good morning Dad,"said Mufasa. "Are we gonna practice pouncing today." "You bet we will but first there are some things my boys need to learn if you are going to be a member of this pride,"said Ahadi as he walked out of the den with both of his boys trailing behind. They walked out to the end of Pride rock and stared out at the ongoing Pridelands. "Everything the light touches, is our kingdom. This sets limits for you boys. Wherever the light does not touch is off limits,"explained Ahadi. Taka looked around and looked out to the shadowed areas. "Why can't we go into the shadowed areas?"asked Taka. Ahadi approached his son and put his paw onto his shoulder. "All I can tell you young Taka is don't go there. It isn't safe." "How do you know if it is safe or not. Have you been there,"asked Taka. Ahadi wasn't sure if he should answer his sons question or not. Mufasa walked over there and stared out at the same shadowy land. "Yes, I have been there. You see Taka as king, you go to many places and explore many types of land. Your Grandfather, Mohatu, discovered the Pridelands. This is an important lesson for you Mufasa and you Taka. Since you are going to be the new king Mufasa, you need to understand that a king's time as ruler, rises and falls like the sun. When the sun sets on my time here, it will rise with you as the new king,"said Ahadi. Mufasa stared out at the land that would soon be his while Taka kept his eyes fixated on the shadowlands. "I want to see for myself what's out there and when I do, I am gonna prove to Dad that there is nothing bad about the shadowlands,"muttered Taka as Mufasa and Ahadi started to walk down off of Pride Rock to continue the journey. Taka slowly followed behind them and continued to look behind him at the shadowlands. Once off of Pride Rock, Ahadi took his sons to look at the different sites in the Pridelands. Ahadi didn't pay much attention to Taka who was trying his hardest to impress his Father. No matter what Ahadi told the boys to do, Mufasa did it better. While out in the tall grass, Ahadi felt an uncomfortable feeling; somebody was spying on him. Sure enough, there was an adolescent cheetah cub in the brush. He was starving and aimed towards the young Mufasa. Taka noticed the stalking cheetah in the grass and ran over to protect his brother. The cheetah pounced and let out a loud roar. Taka pushed Mufasa out of the way and the cheetah grabbed Taka by the scruff. Ahadi checked to make sure Mufasa was okay but then ran after the cheetah to save his younger son. Ahadi caught up to the cheetah and smacked right across the jaw with his paw sending Taka into the tall grass. Ahadi pounced onto the cheetah and then slashed him in the eye. The cheetah writhed to get out of Ahadi's grasp and managed to scratch Ahadi's face and get away. The cheetah limped away and yelled back to Ahadi; "King will not live long. Baya will return and Baya will kill King and family. Baya put a curse onto you and your family through the wounds on your face. Baya will be remembered! Baya will return!" Once Baya was gone, Ahadi ran back to check on Taka who lay in the tall grass with Mufasa hovering over him. Taka laid unconscious in the brush with his head rammed against a rock. The cheetah left a brutal mark on his neck and a large bruise on his head from when he hit the rock. Ahadi had a slash mark on his face from where the cheetah had hit him. Mufasa put his paw onto his brother and then started to cry. A single tear drop fell from Mufasa's face and touched the wound on Taka's neck. Ahadi began to walk back to Pride Rock leaving his sons in the bushes. "Dad, aren't we going to help Taka,"cried Mufasa. Ahadi turned back around and looked at his sons and then continued to walk. Mufasa ran up to his father, abandoning Taka in the bushes momentarily. "Dad we forgot about Taka,"said Mufasa. Ahadi stopped and looked at Mufasa. "He's gone son." Mufasa didn't want to believe his father and ran back to the bush crying but as he turned around, Taka managed to crawl out of the bushes and crawl towards Ahadi and Mufasa. "Dad, he's alive,"cried Mufasa, rushing over to his brother to assist him back to Pride Rock. Ahadi turned around and saw Taka trying to walk. Ahadi ran back over to his son and tried to help him but Taka refused to allow his father to help him. "Taka let me help you up son,"said Ahadi. "Why don't you want to help Mufasa,"said Taka in a harsh tone. Ahadi looked at Taka strangely. "Why do you think that son,"asked Ahadi. "Admit it,"barked Taka. "You hate me! You never even wanted me to live because I was so scrawny and helpless and you almost killed me today! You ran over to help Mufasa as that cheetah was carrying me away by the scruff. Then you whacked the cheetah in the mouth and sent me flying and nearly killing me." Taka didn't speak and neither did Ahadi. Ahadi just walked back to Pride Rock assuming that Mufasa would follow but he didn't. Mufasa was attempting to carry his brother all the way back to Pride Rock. Taka stood up and Mufasa lifted his brother onto his back and carried him. Mufasa limped most of the way back to Pride Rock while Taka lay on his shoulders unconscious. When Mufasa arrived back at Pride Rock, Ahadi was awaiting their arrival with Rafiki next to him. The minute Mufasa stepped foot onto Pride Rock, he collapsed. Rafiki managed to snatch the cubs before they fell off of the ledge and became more injured. Rafiki took both of the boys and laid them on the rock hard surface of Pride Rock and looked at the two boys. Rafiki took his cold human like hands and stroked the cubs from head to toe. Taka flinched away when Rafiki came close to his skull. Mufasa just laid there and relaxed while the shaman rubbed his body. "Mufasa will be fine. Give the cub rest and water. He be better in a few days,"said Rafiki. Mufasa managed to stand but collapsed when he tried to take a step. Hodari walked out of the den and saw as Mufasa struggled to walk. She walked over to the cub, grabbed him by the scruff and took him back into the den. Mufasa looked back at his brother and just watched in horror as Taka lay on the floor motionless except for when he was touched. Rafiki tried to stroke the cub again but Taka flinched as he felt the cold air from Rafiki's palm reach his skull. Taka opened his eyes and watched as Rafiki cracked a gourd over his head and rubbed it over the young cub's head. Taka relaxed and let the shaman rub the warm gourd juice on his bruised skull. "Taka is going to survive but he will have to rest for a long time if he wants his bump to disappear,"said Rafiki. Rafiki carried Taka back into the den and handed him over to his mother. Rafiki then turned to the scars on Ahadi's face. He took the stick he carried and opened one of the smaller gourds filled with spice sitting at the tip. He took a small pinch and sprinkled it onto Ahadi's face. "Your wounds will heal,"said Rafiki. The old baboon turned around and walked out of the den leaving a trail of scented spice from his stick. Uru looked at her sons and then looked at her mate in astonishment. Uru was speechless and didn't say anything to Ahadi or to her sons the rest of the day.
The next morning arrived and Mufasa had regained enough strength to begin walking again compared to Taka who still stayed in the den and rested. Ahadi never even acknowledged the fact that Taka was injured and just continued to train Mufasa to become king. Taka knew he no longer wished to become a follower of his father and stopped trying to get Ahadi to notice him.
When Taka and Mufasa made a full recovery, the cubs began to play with Sarafina and Sarabi much more often. Mufasa took on a more king type of personality and stayed around Sarabi, his future queen much more often. Taka loved to hang out with Sarafina and really began to love her. Sanri just laid in the den for most of her days and Maji stayed with Leeu and Jua often because he was still to shy to go out and venture on his own. Taka went to the waterfall den and looked for Sarafina but all he found was Sanri laying in the den. "Sarafina,"he called. Sanri looked up and saw Taka standing in the doorway. "She isn't here," said Sanri. "She went with Sarabi and Mufasa into the shadowlands. They were looking for somebody named Baya." Taka froze there and then darted out of the den. He looked at Pride Rock and then looked at the shadowlands. Taka knew his brother was in danger and had to save him. To make things even worse, Sarafina was with them and Taka knew he had to save her as well. Without hesitation, Taka raced towards the shadowlands at full speed.
Meanwhile, Mufasa, Sarafina and Sarabi were in major trouble. Baya was chasing them throughout the shadowlands with Shenzi, Banzai, and Edd on her tail. Baya chased the cubs into a corner with no escapes except for a high ridge. "My revenge on Pridelands will be complete after you cubs are eliminated,"said sinister Baya. Sarafina and Sarabi quivered at the sight of Baya. Mufasa stepped forward slowly trying to be tough but his tries were futile compared to Baya's sinister behaviors. "What do you want from us,"cried Sarabi. "Revenge,"shouted Shenzi. "Your father killed our mother,"said Banzai. Edd just stood still, growling at the faces across from him. "Ahadi killed Lelik. I know he is strong and Baya can't stand that. Baya found the only way to make king weak is to hurt cubs and that's what Baya try to do to make revenge of Lelik complete,"said Baya. Mufasa walked forward and tried to act tough again. "If you're a cheetah why didn't you just eat Lelik? Don't cheetahs eat hyenas,"said Mufasa with attitude. Baya took a snap and Mufasa and barely missed the tips of his fur. "Lelik was Baya's best friend. Baya grew with Lelik. When we grew to big Baya's family move to other side of Africa. When they die, Baya come back to see Lelik. Baya came here as told by a monkey and found three cubs sitting alone. Baya raised cubs and now they are Baya's cubs and live with Baya. Baya won't stop trying to kill cubs until Lelik's revenge is complete,"Baya screamed. Suddenly, a small noise came from behind everyone; it was Taka with Zazu hovering overhead. "Mufasa,"he called. "Are you okay?" There was now response; only the sound of Baya's furious roar could be heard. Taka charged towards Baya and swiped her leg leaving only a brutal scratch on her spotted fur. Zazu flew to get help as Taka hoarded off the enemies away from his brother and the girls. Mufasa watched in horror as Taka struggled to save everyone. Mufasa looked at the opening at the top of the ridge and decided it would be best to get the girls out of dangers way. "Run up the ridge,"he cried. "Run up the ridge and stay at the top until we come get you." Sarabi and Sarafina nodded and started to climb up the steep ridge. Mufasa turned around and ran after the hyenas. He chased them out of the area and into the elephant skull. Just then, Zazu flew overhead with Ahadi, Uru, and Usiku following him. Mufasa jumped back out and ran after his family. Taka could barely hold onto Baya's back as she tried to shake the cub. Baya lifted her paw and clawed Taka and flung him to the ridge wall. Ahadi appeared through the shadows and roared the mightiest roar he had ever done. Baya turned around abruptly and looked at the enemy. Her eyes lit with fire as she saw Ahadi. Usiku tried to run past Baya but the overly-angered cheetah pounced onto the back of her mortal enemies mate. Ahadi ran after Baya and whacked her down low. Usiku could not stand and past out on the floor. Uru ran over and tried to console Usiku until she noticed Sarafina and Sarabi on the ridge. Ahadi had Baya pinned on the floor and wasn't about to let her get away. Uru ran over to the ridge with Taka by the scruff and started to run to the top. Mufasa now stood in the shadows and watched as Ahadi was clawing Baya. Baya looked up at the ridge and saw Uru struggling to reach the top with Sarabi and Sarafina. As soon as they were spotted Baya clawed Ahadi in the eye and ran to the ridge. "Noooooo,"cried Mufasa as he ran over to save his mother and friends. Usiku finally gained some consciousness and began to stand. Usiku noticed Mufasa darting towards Baya at full speed and took off after him to protect him from Baya's harsh claws. Usiku was not quick enough to catch up to Mufasa after he started to run. Mufasa jumped onto a small rock on the bottom of the ridge and grabbed Baya by the leg and bit her on the leg as hard as his little jaws would allow him to. Baya screamed out in pain when the cub latched on. Baya tried to shake him free but was unable to get rid of the cub. Baya tried to hold onto the wall and was unable to get a grip and the only way was to grab a hold of Uru's leg. Baya dug her claws deep into Uru's leg as she struggled to continue up the wall. Ahadi watched in awe at the whole dramatic spectrum was unfolding. Usiku tried to grab a hold of Mufasa but Mufasa had a grip on Mufasa and wouldn't let go of her leg. Even if Mufasa did let go, Baya would fall from the loss of grip and then Uru would come down as well and both would be severely injured. Usiku just left Mufasa there and hoped the best would come. Baya started to become tired and weak and as she started to dwindle, she pulled Uru down lower. Taka started squirm and he realized where he was at and what was going on. He had been unconscious the entire time when he was in his mother's mouth. Taka looked down and saw Baya had her paw attached to Uru's leg and wanted to help her out. Taka writhed to get out of his mother's grasp but every time he moved and inch, the rocks became loose and fell to the bottom of the cliff. Taka bounced out of his mother's grip and started to run to where Baya stood. Taka started to run faster and faster once he knew he was getting to Baya. Rocks kept tumbling down the ridge becoming faster and faster after each new step was made. The tired and weak Baya looked up and saw as young Taka came tumbling down the ridge with all of the rocks falling faster and faster. Taka lost his balance and started to fall down the ridge towards sinister Baya who held her paw out to try to catch the cub who escaped from her once before. Baya held her claw out and caught Taka by the scruff of the neck. Mufasa was becoming weak and could not hold on much longer. Usiku tried to climb up the ridge to save Taka but the rocks were coming down to fast for him to even try to reach Taka. Baya stared at Taka's scared face and couldn't resist trying to kill him. "Revenge will be complete today,"she cried. " You got away before but you have nowhere to go now." Baya laughed at Taka as he cringed in fear and the larger rocks began to tumble. A large rock whacked Mufasa on the leg causing the cub to plumate to his side crying in pain. The rocks could no hold any longer. Uru lost her grip and began to slip with the rocks. Usiku and Ahadi grabbed Mufasa and ran out of the cave. "AHADI,"Uru cried. Ahadi turned around to find Uru getting crushed in the avalanche of rocks and there was no hope to save her in time. Usiku ran out of the cave with Mufasa by the scruff of the neck. Ahadi tried to get to Uru but the rocks were getting stuck in the current. "DAD,"screamed Taka. Ahadi did not notice the cub and just wanted to get to Uru. Rocks and dust filled the air and buried everyone in its path making no exceptions for anyone. Baya got buried in the rocks quickly as Taka struggled to get out of her claws. Uru was getting pounded against every rock that came her way and could not hold onto any rocks. Ahadi felt like he was in a nightmare that he couldn't get out of or change the outcome. Rocks kept falling and everyone kept struggling. Sarafina and Sarabi were struggling to stay at the top of the rock pile but soon got caught in the rubble just as the others. Dust soon filled the cave as the last few rocks fell from the cliff.
When the dust lifted, Ahadi was in panic mode and uncovered as many rocks as he could to find the ones he loved. Sarabi and Sarafina burst out from underneath some rocks and crawled down to where Ahadi stood. Usiku and Mufasa came back in to find Ahadi digging in the rubble and Sarafina and Sarabi shaking uncontrollably. Ahadi climbed further up the ruble and kept moving rocks as he went along until he unburied Uru's face beneath a large stone. He ran back down and looked at his mate; she wasn't moving or breathing and was embedded deeply in so many stones. Ahadi sat there next to Uru and cried a river as long as the Nile. "If only I could of protected her more,"he muttered. "If I was with her...this all could have been avoided. If only I was there." Ahadi walked down the ridge slowly, still crying and walked past everyone without saying anything. "Dad,"said Mufasa quietly. "Dad,"he said louder. "DAD,"he screamed. "Where's Taka?" Ahadi looked back and started to walk towards his son. Mufasa started to cry as his father got closer. Ahadi sat down next to his son and hunched his shoulders over. Ahadi didn't even need to say anything before Mufasa screamed out "Taka,"and ran over to the ruble and started to dig in the ruble. Ahadi walked out of the cave with Sarafina and Sarabi trailing behind. Usiku climbed to where Mufasa was digging and put his hand on the cub. Mufasa turned around abruptly and cried his eyes out onto Usiku's leg. Usiku grabbed Mufasa by the scruff and carried him out of the cave. Mufasa didn't understand why anybody wasn't caring about Taka. Mufasa writhed to be get away from Usiku but Usiku wouldn't let the cub go. When they reached the end of the cave, Mufasa looked back at the ruble and whispered silently "I'll miss you Taka."