Taka's Alive
Night fell over the Pridelands as fog filled the shadowlands. In the cave, the mountain of ruble stood quietly as the three hyena cubs entered the cave looking for Baya. "Baya,"called Shenzi. There was no answer. Banzai looked around, feeling insecure. Edd bounced up to the piece of rubble and touched it gently with his paw and watched as the rocks began to move. Taka burst out from under the rocks with Baya's claw still stuck in his neck. Taka slipped out of Baya's claw and watched as her dead claw fell to the side. Shenzi looked at Taka and stared at him with wide eyes and a sick look on her face as Taka stumbled down from the pile of rocks. "What happened to Baya,"she said. Taka couldn't utter any words for he had nothing to explain and was still disoriented from the incident. "Well are you just gonna stumble down or are you gonna say something,"cried Banzai with an angry look on his face as well as Edd growling in the background. "Where...where's my family,"asked Taka. "They all left,"said Shenzi. Taka couldn't believe his family left him behind. "Yeah, they all thought you were dead and left awhile ago,"said Banzai. Taka couldn't believe what he was hearing. He didn't want to believe it. The hyena cubs enjoyed tormenting Taka and continued to harass the poor cub. "They said they weren't gonna miss you and were happy you were dead,"Shenzi continued. "They said that they're better off without you,"said Banzai. Edd just started cackling at poor Taka who was trying to cover his ears and drown out whatever the hyenas were saying. The hyenas continued to say mean things. All of their mean words circled around Taka's head and made him extremely angry inside. Ed's cackling kept disturbing Taka as if he was an uncontrollable child constantly causing mischief. Taka finally had enough and let his anger explode out and when it did explode, it landed right on top of Edd in an angry pounce with a claw held up high. Taka stared down at Edd and Edd watched in fear as Taka's paw started to shine with a beam of light. "Don't you ever say things like that about my family,"Taka raged. "My family loves me and they never would do anything like that to me no matter what happens. Do you understand!" Shenzi and Banzai stood back with Edd still on the ground and Taka's claw up in the air ready to slash. "I don't care what happens, you guys don't get to say anything like that about my family not loving me. I won't believe what you guys are saying and I won't say anything I am going home and I am going to prove to you that my family loves me,"cried Taka as he began to run out of the cave. "You don't have to believe us lion,"cried Shenzi. They really think your dead." Taka began to slow down and wonder if they were actually telling the truth. "They won't miss you but we can act
You here and we will live together and nothing will stand in our way,"cried Banzai. Taka stopped abruptly and turned around to focus his attention on the hyenas. He walked slowly back to Shenzi, Banzai, and Edd to see what they had to say. "What are you hyenas talking about,"asked Taka. Shenzi looked at her brother and winked then they all started to circle Taka. "You want your family to remember you right,"said Shenzi. Taka nodded while the hyenas continued to circle. "We can help-you do that,"said Banzai. "We want to complete Baya's revenge and you can help us do that," said Shenzi. "We will let you live and you will live hear with us until you are old enough to help us complete our revenge. Once we have completed Baya's revenge, We will begin to take over the Pridelands,"said Banzai. "And we'll do you one better, you will be in charge of the hyena clan and you will be our ruler,"said Shenzi. Taka was beginning to feel comfortable with his position in the hyena clan. "But, if you really don't want to be with us we will understand and you can just go back to your pride,"said Banzai. The hyenas walked away and were almost at the exit when Taka shouted "Wait, please." The hyenas turned around as Taka approached them. "I'll do it,"proclaimed Taka with a sigh. The hyenas smirked at each other and then all four walked out of the cave.
Meanwhile, Mufasa laid in the corner of the den. He hadn't stopped crying since he left the shadowlands. Ahadi sat at the tip of Pride Rock with Liefde at his side. "I could have saved her...the whole event could have been prevented,"Ahadi muttered. Liefde drew closer to her father and sighed. "You did what you could,"she said. "You can't change the past. What happens in life happens for a reason. It was unfortunate that she died but there was no way for you to control it." "If I could just take everything back, said Ahadi. " I would rather of it of been me that got killed." "You mourn Uru all you want Ahadi but I think Mufasa needs some comfort,"said Liefde. Ahadi looked up at his sister and then looked back down. "You have to be strong Ahadi, you have to be strong for not only your family but especially for Mufasa,"Liefde continued as she began to walk back into the den. "Why is Mufasa so attached to Taka,"asked Ahadi. Once that was said, Liefde turned around immediately and with a look of disgust on her face walked back over to her brother. "Why would Mufasa not be attached to his brother,"Liefde exclaimed. Ahadi just looked at his sister and didn't understand where she was coming from.
"What are you talking about,"he asked.
"Don't you get it,"Liefde asked. Ahadi nodded his shoulder and still was lost.
"Mufasa loves Taka because he is his brother Ahadi! If you paid attention to Taka, you would be able to understand what a unique cub he is."
"He was to unique for his own good Liefde. Taka was one of those cubs where he was happy just being alone and never craved any attention from me. That cub was only attached to you, your sisters and Uru. He never wanted to be around me.
"Let me tell you something Ahadi, Taka loved you more than you would ever believe he would. He often wished to play with you alone without Mufasa. He wanted some father son time and he just wanted attention; he craved attention from you especially because you never noticed him! For once if you actually got the time to play with Taka, you would realize how special he was and how much he loved you."
"Taka never came to me and told me this and neither did Mufasa."
"Taka was jealous of Mufasa and he didn't want his jealousy to show."
"I never even wanted Taka to come along with Mufasa and I when we had our little rendezvous."
"Why did you never want Taka to come along. Tell me the truth Ahadi." Ahadi paused for a moment and wondered if his sister would understand him.
"Do you really want the truth,"he asked.
"Yes,"Liefde replied.
"I was afraid of him,"Ahadi said. Liefde didn't respond to her brother immediately.
"You were scared of your own son,"she asked and Ahadi nodded. "Why were you scared of Taka?"
"I know it sounds crazy but I was afraid of him. His appearance wasn't what I thought it would be and he never acted like a normal cub,"said Ahadi.
"What do you mean 'normal cub'? Taka was a normal little cub and I admit he was moody sometimes but we all are moody once in awhile."
"Its hard for me to explain why I was scared of him and I don't even know completely why I was scared. Whenever he was around me, I felt insecure and like I was going to seal my fate with Duiwel; the devil sometime that day. I only wish Taka was still here so I can give him another chance."
"You may feel guilty about all of this now Ahadi but there is nothing you can do to change the past." "Your right, I should probably stop thinking about the incident and start caring for my pride. I am king and have to think about the others."
"You don't need to think about everyone else right now. Right now, you need to take care of Mufasa."
"I will. Thank You Liefde."
"Anytime Ahadi." Ahadi walked back into the den and approached Mufasa who was huddled in the corner. Liefde looked up at the sky and watched the stars appear like magic, one by one in the sky. Poor Mufasa sat in the corner surrounded by his tears which were forming a river around his body. Ahadi grabbed Mufasa by the scruff and sat down with him in a dry area. Mufasa didn't want anything to do with Ahadi and continued to cry. "I think we need to talk Mufasa,"said Ahadi. Mufasa didn't reply and he wouldn't even look at Ahadi. "I am very sorry about what happened today and I didn't expect it to happen either. I guess we can't control what happens in the world. Unfortunately, we lost two pride members today." "Where's Taka,"asked Mufasa. Ahadi didn't know how to explain to Mufasa that his brother was dead. Mufasa looked up at his father with wide, teary eyes of innocense. Ahadi sighed and then walked outside with Mufasa trailing behind him. Liefde turned around when she saw the two approaching and smiled. Ahadi sat at the tip of Pride Rock with Mufasa at his side as Liefde walked back inside the den. "Mufasa, look up at the stars and tell me what you see,"said Ahadi. "I only see stars,"Mufasa replied. Ahadi smiled at his son and looked back up at the stars. "You know, a wise king once told me that all of the Great Kings of the past are up there, watching over us,"said Ahadi. Mufasa was still looking up at the stars and gazed at the glistening light they shone. "Each Great King is a star. You Grandfather, Mohatu, his star is right there, over Rafiki's tree." Mufasa stared at his Grandfather's star and looked upon it in amazement. "Your mother is up there as well watching over us,"Ahadi continued. "Taka is up there to." Mufasa looked at Ahadi and was shocked with the news he was receiving. He held his head low and began to cry again for his brother. Ahadi put his paw on top of Mufasa's back and held him close. Soon the wind began to pick up shaking the leaves off of the trees. The leaves flew through the sky and around Ahadi and Mufasa. Mufasa became frightened as the leaves came closer to him. As the leaves circled around, Mufasa heard his Mother's voice. "Taka lives,"she said. "He will return." Mufasa looked around but couldn't find the source of the voice. "Taka's alive. He will return,"it spoke again. The leaves flew away and drifted off into the heavy wind. The wind died down soon and Ahadi and Mufasa felt like nothing had happened. Mufasa didn't tell his father that he believed he heard his mother's voice. When the wind completely died down, Mufasa and Ahadi went back into the den and fell into a deep sleep.
Seasons flew by in the Pridelands without a trace. Taka stayed with the hyenas and was trained to be a killer while Mufasa was turning out to be a great future king. Mufasa still never spoke to Ahadi about what happened that night after Uru's passing and often awaited Taka's return. He was convinced by his family that Taka was dead but he knew in his heart that his beloved brother was still alive. Sarabi and Sarafina were growing into wonderful lionesses but Sanri wasn't the lioness she ever dreamed of being and often thought of her self as an exiled member of the pride. Maji never left Leeu's side and continued to remain his shy self. Taka loved being with the hyenas and was almost a full grown male lion. The hyenas had a hard time training Taka to become a villain; he just didn't have the right personality. Taka always tried to please his hyena family but they weren't always thrilled by the way Taka was training himself to be good and bad.
"I'm ready Shenzi,"he said one morning. Shenzi looked at Taka unsure about what she was talking about. "For what,"she said. "To complete Baya's revenge on the Pridelands,"said Taka. Banzai and Shenzi were so happy with their little trainee. Ed began to cackle with excitement as Taka pleaded Banzai and Shenzi to allow him to complete the revenge. "I'm want to show my family the monster I've become and that will show them to underestimate me." Both Shenzi and Banzai agreed to let Taka finally complete his revenge but only if it was on his brother. "Will you do it,"asked Banzai. Taka hesitated for a moment and then nodded his head yes. The hyenas rejoiced and immediately began to prepare Taka for his assignment.
The hyenas and Taka snuck into the Pridelands and watched as Mufasa was preparing to stalk an antelope. "This is your chance Taka,"said Shenzi. "Your brother is distracted and he won't notice you coming up behind him and attacking. Just do what we taught you and you will do just fine." Taka nodded and got into position. Mufasa was unaware that Taka was stalking him. Without hesitation, Taka pounced onto his brother and flipped him over. Taka had Mufasa pinned and was about to slash his neck. "Taka,"asked Mufasa. Taka looked down on his brother and looked at him with a puzzled face. "Your still alive,"said Mufasa. "Where have you been." Taka brought his paw down and stepped off of his brother. He held his head low as Mufasa came closer. "Taka I know its you,"said Mufasa. "So...what'cha gonna do about it,"said Taka. Mufasa didn't understand what his brother was talking about and wasn't even sure if he wanted to know. "Taka, don't you remember me,"asked Mufasa. Taka was about to answer Mufasa when the hyenas launched out of the bushes and pinned Mufasa to the ground. Taka wasn't sure what to do. His mind was telling him to fight for the hyenas because he has lived with them for a long time but his heart was telling him to save Mufasa because even though he hated his brother, blood will always be thicker than water. Taka pounced onto the hyenas and smacked them all off of Mufasa one by one. Shenzi got up off the ground as Taka assisted Mufasa getting up. "Taka, what the heck are you doing,"asked Shenzi in an angered voice as Taka boosted Mufasa to his feet. "Yes...I never wanted my brother killed. To tell you the truth Shenzi I never wished to one of you. I won't help you complete Baya's revenge because I am not one of you,"screamed Taka. The hyenas were furious and pounced onto Taka which pinned him to the ground. The hyenas scratched Taka and bit him ferociously. Mufasa sprinted over to the hyenas and pulled them off of his brother one by one. Mufasa and Taka ran further out into the Pridelands with Banzai Shenzi and Edd trailing behind them. Banzai caught up to Mufasa and grabbed him by the leg causing them both to collapse. Taka turned around and smacked Banzai off of Mufasa. "Taka, I thought you were one of us,"cried Banzai. "I was one of you. I'm no longer a hyena brother,"Taka screamed. "I used to be one of you but I am not really a hyena. I am a lion and I am Mufasa's brother." The hyenas stormed away and left Taka in the Pridelands with his brother. Mufasa looked at Taka"s scarred face. His eye was all swollen and bleeding down his face. "Taka, are you alright,"asked Mufasa in a worried manner. "I'm fine Mufasa...just sore,"replied Taka. Mufasa was still concerned for his brother and knew in his heart that he wasn't fine. Moments later, Taka collapsed.
When Taka awoke, he found himself on top of Pride Rock with Rafiki hovering overhead. "He's alive,"called Rafiki. Taka sat up and looked around with blurred vision in his left eye. Ahadi walked towards Taka and sat down next to him. "I am glad you are still alive Taka,"he said. "Rafiki said your eye will stop swelling after a few days but you will have a scar over your left eye which will never fade." Taka held his head low in shame as all eyes from his family looked down upon him. "We're glad your still alive Taka,"said Skadu. Taka didn't respond and started to walk away. The pride looked at each other in a puzzled manner while Mufasa ran after Taka.
"Taka wait up,"called Mufasa. Taka slowed down and let his brother catch up. "What's wrong with you,"Mufasa asked. "What do you mean what's wrong with me,"asked Taka. "I'm still the same lion you grew up with. I haven't changed." "You just seem different,"replied Mufasa. "Besides the fact that I have this scar over my eye that I have to live with for the rest of my life,"snapped Taka as he stormed off again. Mufasa raced after his brother again to try and find out what was wrong. "Taka I...I don't understand what your talking about. I just want to know if your okay,"cried Mufasa. Taka stopped and turned around facing the concerned Mufasa. "You of all creatures should know why I am so upset Mufasa,"cried Taka. Mufasa didn't understand where
his brother was coming from in the conversation. "Taka what do you mean?"asked Mufasa.
"Nobody has ever understood how I felt and nobody has ever been able to help me."
"If you tell me what's wrong, maybe I will be able to help you."
"I have always been such a loner. Only mother has ever been able to understand me. Everyone else ignored me and abused me. All I ever wanted was to be with you and spend time with you, to get more attention and love like you………….Father likes you best anyways." Mufasa was baffled with the things his brother had to say. "Taka, I………I really didn't know you felt like that about me,"said Mufasa. "It's not that I don't like you Mufasa. I just don't like it when you spend so much time around Father. He loves you more than he loves me and he never cared about me,"Taka complained.
Mufasa looked at his brother with the deepest sympathy and only wished he could make it up to his brother. Taka sat on a hill of grass and held his head low as the stars began to appear and shimmer. Mufasa kept staring at Taka and wondering if there was anything he could do. Finally, an idea came to Mufasa so fast it was as if he had been struck by lightning in the head, jump starting his mind. "Taka, you need a special day with Dad." Taka looked at Mufasa disdainfully. "Do you not remember what happened last time I had a special day with Dad!"he snapped. "I nearly got killed by Baya and Dad didn't even care if I was dead or not." "This time it will be different,"Mufasa said trying to convince his brother. "How do you know it will be different,"cried Taka. "Because I will Make sure it goes just right. I will tell Father and explain to him the situation and make sure that nothing goes wrong,"said Mufasa. "Are you sure it will work?"asked Taka. "I'm positive Taka,"said Mufasa. "I think you just need some quality time with Father to get to know each other better and to get along with each other." Taka smiled at his brother with a sign of hope in his eyes even though the left was still swollen. The brothers looked at each other with a sign of hope that their individual dream would come true. Mufasa wished that his Father and his brother would become closer and their relationship would grow to be as strong as Mufasa and Ahadi's. Taka only wanted to get to know his Father better and understand why he was never respected as well as Mufasa. Walking back to Pride Rock, Taka knew his brother would do whatever he could to make everything perfect when Ahadi and Taka have their special moment together.
When the brothers returned to Pride Rock, not a single member of the pride said anything to either Mufasa or Taka. Ahadi stared at both of his boys and sighed. "Are all differences settled?"asked Hodari as she lay on the floor with Maji in her arms. Mufasa looked at Taka and smiled while Taka held his head low and made no eye contact. Hodari had a look of guilt on her face.
"Why did I even ask that stupid question,"she thought to herself. Maji awoke from his sleep and looked up at Mufasa and Taka. Maji recognized Mufasa but couldn't recognize Taka with the Scar over his eye. "Scar,"he muttered. Leeu came out from inside the den and saw Hodari sitting with Maji and Mufasa and Taka standing above them. Maji stayed close to Hodari and wouldn't go any closer to Taka but inched his way over to Mufasa. "Scar...The lion from my dreams...Scar...has come to get me,"he muttered again. Leeu rushed out to Maji's defense. "Taka, do you remember Maji? The cub I rescued from the watering hole when you were all little cubs. He was almost like you younger brother,"said Leeu. Taka nodded his head and then looked back down at Maji. "This is him?"Taka asked pointing at Maji. Leeu smiled and nodded then focused her attention on Maji. "Maji, don't you remember Taka?"asked Leeu. Maji didn't respond and continued to hide behind Mufasa. "Maji, what's wrong?" "That's not Taka,"said Maji, quivering in fear. "That's Scar...Scar the menace. He has been haunting my dreams for the past few nights. He kills Mufasa and he kills Ahadi and then he kills me and the rest of the pride until there is no lion left except for him and the rest of the Prideland animals. Animals flee to other areas of Africa and the Pridelands die without a care. I fear Scar will only bring bad luck to the pride." Everyone stared at Maji and then stared back at Taka. Taka was frightened by everyone's look of suspicion. "Maji, you have to understand that I'm not that kind of lion and would never do anything like that to harm anybody. I only came back to be reunited with my family. I just wanted to see if anybody remembered or still cared about me. I missed my family and...and the only way I could come back into the Pridelands and not be recognized as an outsider was to have the hyenas bring me in,"said Taka. "Maji slowly crept out from behind Mufasa and approached Taka still with fear but with a slightly bigger confidence level. "I didn't mean to give you the wrong impression,"said Maji. "I just always have these weird dreams and they-." Just then, Taka thought up a brilliant plan. "I have an idea,"he said. "Why don't you come out hunting with Mufasa and I tomorrow." Maji was flabbergasted with the offer he was given and didn't know how to take in this breathtaking news. "I appreciate the offer Taka but I don't think I am suitable for hunting. I have never even learned how to properly pounce a mouse. I have always been inside the den, too cautious to even step outside,"he replied. Taka looked at him in shock and then looked at his brother to confirm the information he had just heard. Mufasa nodded his head while Taka stared at him in disbelief. Taka looked back down at Maji and smiled. "Don't worry,"he said. "By this time tomorrow, you will be a hunting pro." Maji smiled and walked back into the den with the rest of the family. Ahadi stayed outside, looking out at the sunset. "Now is the time for you to talk to Father,"Mufasa whispered into Taka's ear. Taka stood still and hesitated to get closer to Ahadi. "Will you go with me?"asked Taka. As he turned around, Mufasa was no longer in sight and had already gone inside the den. Taka looked back at his Father and then bottled up enough courage to approach him. Taka sat down next to his Father and looked back out at the same sunset. Ahadi looked over at Taka and then turned away. The night was silent for a long time and nobody had spoken up. "I only wished we could have gotten closer when I was a cub,"said Taka. "I never meant to be such a hassle for you to get along with." Ahadi looked over at Taka and smiled at his son's honesty. "I just hope there is still time for us to become close...like...like a Father and a son. I love you Father,"Taka said with a sigh. "It is never to late for us to become close Taka,"said Ahadi. Taka smiled at his Father as they exchanged their feelings about each other.
Stars began to fall into the sky once the sun disappeared. Taka walked back into the den and approached Mufasa with happiness in every step he made. "Father and I spent a lot of quality time tonight Mufasa. I am so happy with the way things worked out and how well we are getting along,"Taka said filled with glee and expression. "I'm glad everything has worked out for you Taka,"said Mufasa. Taka told Mufasa everything Ahadi had discussed with him. Taka told about when Ahadi was as a cub and how they resemble each other in many ways. He also told about Ahadi's true feelings towards himself and how life around the pride changed after the incident in the shadowlands. The most depressing thing Ahadi spoke of towards Taka was how the pride's atmosphere changed after Uru's sudden departure from the pride. Taka went on all night talking about how wonderful his discussion with Ahadi was and how close he is becoming with him.
When morning shed its newly risen light onto the Pridelands, Mufasa and Taka woke up to find Maji hovering over them, awaiting his hunting lesson. The three walked outside welcomed the new morning with open arms. Ahadi once again planted himself at the tip of Pride Rock and over viewed his surroundings. Liefde came out of the den and approached her brother. They both watched as all three cubs marched off together into the savanna. "Have you changed your mind about Taka,"Liefde asked. Ahadi smiled and looked back down on the three. "Yes,"he replied. "I believe Taka and I have become closer and I am welcoming all of his unique qualities and different outlooks on life with open arms. I am very pleased that he is so willing to learn all of the lessons that I taught to Mufasa when he was a cub." "When are you going to teach him the most important lesson?"asked Liefde. "Soon,"replied Ahadi. "Very soon." Liefde snuggled next to Ahadi and watched the day begin in the Pridelands.
Maji leaped about in the tall grass like a newborn wildebeest taking his first kick in the air. Taka and Mufasa jumped about in the tall grass with Maji and taught him how to pounce, sneak up on prey, become camouflage in the grass, and most importantly; Mufasa and Taka taught Maji how to have fun. After frolicking in the tall grass, Taka and Mufasa lead Maji to the water hole to teach him how to swim. "Thank you Mufasa and Taka for teaching me all of these exciting games,"said Maji. "We're glad your pleased," said Mufasa. Taka smiled while secretly rolling his eyes. "These may seem like games to you now Maji, but they are really skills. These things we taught you today, pouncing, becoming camouflage, these are all skills you will need to know if you are ever going to live on your own,"bossed Taka. "So have your fun now Maji because when you're an adult, these skills won't be considered games anymore." Maji looked at Taka in fear as he bent forward to get a drink.
Meanwhile, Skadu laid in the den under the waterfall with Usiku beside her. "Sanri doesn't get out much Usiku,"said Skadu. "It worries me that our daughter doesn't get enough interaction with the other cubs." "Sanri doesn't wish to interact,"replied Usiku, yawning out of laziness. "If Sanri doesn't wish to play with the other cubs, than we should not force her to something against her will. She will become more social we just have to give her own space and let the spirits guide her." Skadu relaxed to some extent but was still concerned about her youngest daughter. Skadu got up and walked away from Usiku who still remained on the cave floor sleeping like a baby. Skadu looked outside and found Sanri sitting on a rock next to the waterfall listening to the serene sounds the water created as it gently struck the rocks below. "Sanri,"said Skadu. Sanri turned around abruptly to find her Mother standing behind her. "Can we talk?"asked Skadu. Sanri nodded her head while Skadu came over and sat down next to her. "Are you okay Sanri?"Skadu asked. Sanri didn't reply and stared into the water. "Why would anything be wrong with me,"replied Sanri. "My day is as normal as any other day. I stay here in the den and don't get to socialize with anyone. My day is always the same. I don't speak to anyone unless I am spoken to. I live a life of solitude until family return home for any reason. Most of my time I spend alone although I do enjoy watching the others frolic around outside."
"Wouldn't you ever wish to play out there with them,"
"I would never fit in."
"Why won't you fit in Sanri? You are just the same as every other cub out there except you have a different perspective on the world.
"I am not the only one. Maji has a different perspective on the world. He sees the world coming from his dream. He dreams of all of these strange and wonderful ideas and thinks that's how the world is."
"Maybe you should play with Maji."
"I'll try."
"Great. Sarabi and Sarafina are down by the water hole. Why don't you go see if Mufasa, Taka and Maji are there with them?"
"Okay."
Without any hesitation, Sanri leapt off of her rock and headed out towards the water hole. Skadu watched her bright young daughter race off towards the Pridelands. Skadu went back into the den while Sanri's body disappeared in the distant savannah.
Back at the water hole, Mufasa and Taka were teaching Maji how to swim without sinking. Maji stared into the water and could see his past in the flowing ripples. Memories of that day haunted his memory; a lioness dropped him into the water and watched as he struggled to stay afloat. Maji's body had gone under the water and all he could see was the light from the sun shining down onto the surface. He fought to stay afloat once he finally broke the surface of the water. Maji tried to hang to life but could feel it slowly slipping away. He began to sink lower and lower until he felt a sense of security grab onto him by the scruff. His savior was Leeu.
"I don't want to have my past repeat itself again,"he cried. Mufasa looked at Maji with a heart full of sympathy. "I won't let your past repeat itself Maji,"said Mufasa, leaping into the water. Mufasa began to swim around in the water, trying to show Maji how fun swimming could be. Maji stood frozen at the waters edge, determined to jump in but to scared to take a step. Mufasa began to splash water onto Maji's face while Taka noticed Sarabi trying to ambush Mufasa in the bushes. Taka tried to hold back his laughter but he knew Sarabi was going to nail him as she sneaked closer to her target. Sarabi reached the grass by the waters edge and leaped into the air landing directly on top of Mufasa, creating a big splash. Right out of nowhere, Sarafina came from behind Taka and knocked him along with Maji and herself into the water. All of them broke the surface at once and laughed at each other. Mufasa started splashing everyone and the others retaliated. Sanri was almost at the water hole when she spotted everyone in the water. She stood still in her steps and stared at the others. Watching everyone splashing around in the water hole gave Sanri a strange feeling inside. She didn't move for a while and continued to stare at the water hole. Sarabi looked up from her playing and saw Sanri on the hill. "Look who decided to come out of the den,"said Sarabi. The others looked up and saw her just sitting there. The water was silent as well as everyone else. Sanri began to get closer to the others and was getting even more nervous with every step she made. She finally reached the waters edge and just sat down. Once again, everyone was silent. Maji swam closer to the waters edge and made eye contact with Sanri. "My dream,"whispered Maji. "Are you the mystic Zira who has come to assist me in my travels?" Sanri looked at Maji with a strange look on her face. "No I am Sanri, sister of Sarabi and Sarafina,"said Sanri. Maji was afraid to look at Sanri. He remembered his dream and Sanri resembled a lioness named Zira who accompanied Maji on a trip across the savannah. Zira eventually had cubs with Maji when they returned to the Pridelands but Zira did kill Maji after Scar had a feeling the cubs were not his own. Maji looked back at Taka and then back at Sanri. "Its true,"he said. Maji started to panic and leaped out of the water, running deeper into the savannah towards Pride Rock. "I am very sorry I made your friend run off,"said Sanri. "Maybe I should go too." With that said, Sanri ran home, leaving a trail of tear behind her. Taka looked at Mufasa Sarabi and Sarafina, feeling guilty after the misunderstanding with Sanri. "I don't feel like swimming anymore,"he said and jumped out of the water. Sarafina followed behind Taka with Mufasa and Sarabi trailing behind.
When Mufasa and Taka arrived back at Pride Rock, they immediately looked for Maji. "Maji,"Mufasa called as he walked into the den. Mufasa and Taka looked around for Maji but there was no sign of him. "Maji? Where are you?"called Taka. There was still no sign of Maji; only the sight of lazy Pride members, sleeping in the den. Mufasa and Taka were beginning to feel worried. "Where could Maji be?"asked Taka. Mufasa thought for a moment but then it occurred to him that Maji had said something earlier that would lead them right to him. Mufasa ran off of Pride Rock and ran as fast as he could. Taka had no idea where Mufasa was going but followed him anyway. "Mufasa, where are we going!"yelled Taka. Mufasa didn't respond and just kept on running. Mufasa ran all of the way to Sarabi and Sarafina's den. Mufasa and Taka sprinted inside and found Skadu crying on Usiku's shoulder. Skadu looked up and stopped crying momentarily. "Do you boys know where Sanri is?"she asked with a whimper. Mufasa looked at Taka, realizing what was going on. "His dream,"muttered Mufasa. Everyone stared at Mufasa with a clueless look on every face. "Maji mentioned something today at the water hole. He said that Sanri was the one who would accompany him on a journey. He must have left with Sanri to a far part of the savannah." "Is Maji missing too?"asked Sarabi. "Yes, we looked everywhere,"said Taka. "Is there anyway we can catch them?"asked Sarafina. "I think they've gone way too far for us to catch,"said Mufasa. "All we can do now...is pray,"said Usiku. "Pray for the best and hope they find what they want wherever they may be." Skadu leaned over and started to cry again on Usiku's shoulder. Taka and Mufasa exited the den and walked slowly back to Pride Rock. Leeu sat at the top of Pride Rock, awaiting the arrival of Mufasa, Taka and Maji. She rushed down off of Pride Rock to greet the boys but was surprised to see Maji wasn't there. "Did you boys have fun today?"she asked. "We had plenty of fun,"said Mufasa. "Did Maji have fun?"Leeu asked. "He really enjoyed himself,"said Taka. "Where is he?"asked Leeu. Taka and Mufasa didn't respond and held their heads low. Leeu was worried for Maji and tried to pry the information out of Mufasa and Taka. "Where's Maji?"she asked. The silence continued and Leeu grew more and more anxious. Mufasa finally stepped forward and spoke the truth. "Maji...Maji...he ran away,"said Mufasa. "He ran away with Sanri. At the water hole he kept telling us about his dream and said that Sanri was the one who would travel with him. He ran away after that and we think Sanri went with him." Leeu began to cry tears of sorrow joy and love. "This is one of those bittersweet moments. I am sad that Maji left me but I am happy he has gone out to pursue his dream. I really loved Maji and will miss him dearly but I need to learn how to let go,"said Leeu. As she cried her eyes out, Leeu walked back up onto Pride Rock and into the den. Mufasa and Taka followed behind as the sun fell down on the moon rose up. The night was silent but filled with hope. At Rafiki's tree, he drew a picture of Maji and Sanri traveling together towards the sun. Both families sent many prayers out to the young travelers with words of hope, wisdom, and love.
Many years have past through the Pridelands since Maji and Sanri disappeared. Mufasa and Taka grew into adult male lions and Sarafina and Sarabi grew into adult lionesses. Ahadi grew older as well as his sisters but they were all doing well. Ahadi and Taka were expanding their father son relationship with Mufasa alongside. The three often had fun together and found no difficulties getting along. Ahadi taught Taka everything he taught Mufasa about being King. He taught Taka all about the circle of life, what it means to be King and how to rule the land with love and peace. Ahadi had been waiting for a long time to teach Taka a very important lesson. Ahadi was waiting to teach Taka all about The Great Kings of the Past.
"Taka, I am going to take you out later on tonight with me,"said Ahadi. Taka was very happy and couldn't wait to spend time with his Father. "What are we going to do tonight Father?"asked Taka. "I can't tell you until tonight,"said Ahadi as he exited the den. Taka ran to the water hole to find Mufasa and tell him all about his excitement. Taka ran faster and faster until he found Mufasa at the water hole. "Mufasa! Mufasa!"he yelled. Mufasa thought there was something wrong and ran over to help his brother. "Taka, what's wrong? Are you hurt?"asked Mufasa. "No,"said Taka. "But I have great news." Mufasa wiped off his concerned face and trotted back over to the water hole.
"Father is going to take me somewhere tonight! I don't know where he is going to take me but I know it is going to be a special moment for the both of us."
"Did he say where he is going to take you?"asked Mufasa.
"No, he said he can't tell me anything about what we're doing tonight."Mufasa rolled his eyes at his brother and continued to lap up water. "Mufasa...I don't understand. Aren't you happy for me?"
"I never said that I wasn't happy for you Taka, but you probably shouldn't get your hopes up to high because Dad could surprise you with anything."
"I'm sure it will be a great surprise. Why don't we play for awhile Mufasa; just like when we were cubs." Taka pounced onto his brother and started to wrestle around with him in the grass. Mufasa kicked Taka off and watched as his brother landed in the water. Taka just laughed but didn't realize that Mufasa was being serious with him. Mufasa stared at Taka with a stern look. "Mufasa...I don't understand. Are you jealous that I am getting more attention from Father?"
"NO! I...It's not that I am not happy for you and it's not that I am jealous. I just don't think your ready for this kind of lesson from-"
"Go ahead and continue brother. I'm listening."
"I know what Father is going to teach you tonight. He thinks your ready for this kind of lesson but I don't think you are ready." Taka didn't understand what his brother was talking about.
"What do you mean Mufasa. I'm ready."
"Taka, you're almost an adult lion and need to start acting like one. Tackling and playing like we just were isn't being adult. Father told me the other night that I have to be more mature because I am going to be king soon. You need to grow up." Taka felt bad for the way he acted. The brothers were silent for awhile, nobody said a word.
"Mufasa...what is Father going to teach me tonight?"asked Taka. Mufasa hesitated to answer his brother.
"He is going to teach you about The Great Kings of the Past,"said Mufasa.
"Is that all?"
"He is going to be very serious with you Taka and ask you questions about where you lived before you returned to us and he wants to know about your scar."
"I guess I could talk to him about those things."
"The most important thing he is going to talk about is the day Mother died." Taka was silent for awhile and didn't say anything to his brother. "Father hasn't been the same since Mother past on and he just wants to know what really happened that day in the elephant graveyard."
"There is nothing to know!"snapped Taka. "He was there when it happened. What else does he want to know?" Mufasa didn't respond to his brother and continued to listen to what he had to say. "I should have known Father was to good to be true. He must really hate me. He was only getting to know me so he could get what he wants out of me. He doesn't love me; he never loved me. Now I know the truth. I might as well go live with the hyenas again then he won't have to see me all of the time. Thanks for telling me the truth Mufasa!" Taka ran back to Pride Rock in tears and slept in the den until night fell. That night, Ahadi sat outside of Pride Rock and waited for all of the stars to appear before he took Taka out. "It's time,"said Ahadi and walked into the den to wake up Taka. Taka woke up slowly and followed his Father outside. Ahadi lead his son to a quiet place in the savannah where the grass lay low and the trees were green. Ahadi stood next to Taka under the moon light as they observed the stars shining above them. "Taka, I want you to observe the stars,"said Ahadi. Taka looked at his father in a clueless manner. "What's so important about the stars,"asked Taka. "What's important is that I am not always going to be around and if you ever need me you have to know where to find me,"replied Ahadi. "Where will you be,"asked Taka. Ahadi looked back up at the stars and sighed. "Every Great King that has ever lived is now a star in the sky. My Father is a star as well as his Father and all who came before us." "I know about death and dying Father but what I don't know is how much longer I will be here with you,"said Taka. Ahadi looked at his son with eyes of curiosity. "What are you talking about Taka,"he asked. "When I lived in the shadowlands, I was trained to hate……..I thought that you………You wouldn't understand. You never were able to understand me,"cried Taka and began to walk away. Ahadi ran after his son, hammering questions into his sons mind that was causing him become angered and confused. "Taka, you can talk to me about anything,"said Ahadi. "I was never able to talk to you about anything,"snapped Taka. "You never paid any attention to me,"yelled Taka. "You were always occupied with Mufasa and never even cared for me. You were always occupied with everyone else and were never concerned for me." Taka paused and just stared at his father. "I have really enjoyed the past couple years with you. We have gotten to know each other really well and we have become so much closer. I just want this relationship to continue and I don't want it to end when you die." Ahadi got closer to Taka and sat down next to him again. "So you say you know all about death,"said Ahadi. "I can't speak for you Taka but I felt very bad when your mother died so suddenly. Your Mother's sister, Meisie died suddenly as well. Both of my parents didn't die as suddenly as your Mother but death will always hurt. The worst part was, I could have saved your Mother. I could have jumped up on those rocks and saved her. I would have died for her." "Were you this sad when you thought I was dead?"asked Taka.
"There is always sorrow whenever there is a death. It doesn't matter who dies, there will always be someone who is sad. That someone was Mufasa. Your brother really cares for you Taka. He wasn't the same after that day until you returned,"said Ahadi.
"Did you ever love me?"
"Of course I loved you but I was intimidated by you. I was very nervous being around you. There was something about you as a cub that scared me. I don't know what it was but you reminded me of the devil."
"Is that why you were always avoiding me?"
"Yes...that's why."
"So is that why I always got the cold shoulder from you?" Taka turned away from his Father and didn't even try to say anything. Taka whimpered as tears feel down his face.
"The truth is Taka...I blamed you for everything that I was scared of facing. You may not know this but-"
"NO!"yelled Taka. "I can't stand listening to you anymore! Your excuses are everlasting and I can't stand listening to them. If you never wanted me you should just say so! Maybe I should just go back to where I came from and stay there! I hate you and I know you hate me so let's just do each other a favor and stay away from each other!" With that said, Taka ran away. He ran fast, leaving his Father behind. He ran far away from the Pridelands into the elephant graveyard in the shadowlands. Taka ran so much and so fast, that he collapsed once his feet touched the soil of the elephant graveyard.
Ahadi walked back to Pride Rock slowly while holding his head low the whole time. Ahadi arrived back at Pride Rock, where Mufasa sat and waited for his Father's return. Mufasa ran down to greet his Father and Taka but was shocked to see that Taka was no longer there. "Father, where is Taka?"asked Mufasa. Ahadi didn't answer and just went back into the den. Mufasa crawled back up onto Pride Rock and sat at the tip looking out into the far distance of the night. "We will meet again Taka and when we do, I will be the new King,"said Mufasa.
When Taka awoke in the elephant graveyard, he was surrounded by the hyenas, who thought he was dead. Ed was sniffing around Taka's supposedly dead body trying to find a good place to take the first bite of raw meat. Ed was about to move in for the kill when Taka swiped his paw across the hyena's jaw. Taka stood up immediately to avoid becoming hyena chow. He stared at the hyenas and looked at them carefully. They were scrawny, smelly and had the same looks as Banzai, Shenzi and Ed. "Banzai, Shenzi, Ed? Is it really you guys?"asked Taka. The hyenas looked at Taka and without any hesitation knew it was him. "Hey look boys, Taka missed his old buddies and has come back for a little family reunion,"said Shenzi. The hyenas just laughed at Taka amusingly. "So Taka, have you come back to join our little family?"asked Banzai. "Indeed I have,"said Taka. The hyena's stopped laughing and looked at Taka seriously. "Fine,"said Shenzi. "You can be back in the gang but you have to be more loyal to us and you can't defend your brother and family like you did before. Do we have a deal?" "We definitely have a deal,"said Taka. The hyenas lead Taka inside the elephant skull and showed them where they would stay. Taka was very pleased with his new family and never wished to return home. He never wanted to see Mufasa or his Father again. "My Father will die soon and once he is out of the way, I 7will kill Mufasa. I feel bad for leaving Sarafina all alone but she will have to go on without me. She was expecting a cub and I can't say that I wasn't proud to be a Father but I would rather stay here than be somewhere with a hateful family,"said Taka. "Taka-"said Shenzi. "No...Taka is no more. My scar is where all of my hate is and I can't bear to hear that horrid name, 'Taka' anymore! Call me Scar,"said Taka. "Well then Scar, this looks like the start of a wonderful family,"said Shenzi.
Ahadi wasn't the same after that night with Taka. He lay inside the den for most of his days and would refuse to do anything except stroll around Pride Rock. Time passed slowly for Ahadi and he became ill. A strange growth grew on Ahadi's paw and ruptured after a day of walking slowly around the perimeter of Pride Rock. Ahadi licked the wound hoping it would heal and he dipped it in a gourd of water Rafiki gave. Unfortunately, Ahadi's paw only got worse. After many days of pain and misery Ahadi was unable to get up from where he lay in the den. "I can't get up Mufasa,"he said. Mufasa lay over his Father and watched helplessly as Ahadi began to dwindle each day. After four season cycles past, Ahadi died in the den with his sisters and Mufasa by his side. Mufasa assumed the throne and took Sarabi to be his mate. Mufasa stood at the tip of Pride Rock with all of the animals surrounded at the base. Sarabi stood next to Mufasa and Zazu flew in from above the crowd and bowed before the new King and Queen. Sarafina watched all of the excitement from inside the den. "I wish you were here Taka,"she said. "You would have been a great Father to our new cub. Please return to me soon." Sarafina looked down on the cub she had in her paws. "I will call her Nala for that name reminds me of you Taka. You would have been a great Father." Sarafina held little Nala close in her paws and nuzzled the little cub. As Sarafina continued to look at Nala, she kept thinking about Taka.
Ahadi had been in the spirit world for quite some time. Mufasa was becoming a great ruler. The Pridelands flourished with greens and creatures of all shapes and sizes. Taka no longer called himself Taka for the name was to painful to remember. The name Taka brought sadness to his eyes and anger into his heart. Taka renamed himself Scar and renewed his soul with darkness and evil spirits. The hyena population grew in the shadowlands with Shenzi, Banzai and Ed as the alphas and Scar was their ultimate leader. Sarafina grew more depressed everyday. The hole in her heart was never filled and never would be filled until Taka returned. To Sarafina's surprise, Taka did return. She leapt down off of every rock and made it to the ground. Sarafina started running across the savannah until she stood in front of Taka. "Taka you have returned to me. It is a miracle,"she cried as she nuzzled her mate. Taka didn't move a muscle or say anything to Sarafina. "Taka where have you been? There is so much I have to tell you and-." "Stop!"screamed Scar. "I am not here to stay Sarafina. I am just here to say good bye to you and good riddance to the Pridelands."
"But Taka, I-"
"I am no longer Taka. That name holds too many bad memories. The memories of my Father treating me scornfully and of my brother always being better than I. I am now know as Scar for all of my anger lies deep in the wound from the past."
"Okay Scar...but if you are really going to leave me for good. Let me at least tell you that you have a daughter. Her name is Nala."
"I don't want anything to do with parenthood."
"Than I guess you don't want to know that your Father has also died."
"It's a good thing he's dead.
"And your brother has assumed the throne."
"This is something Mufasa has always wanted all his life...I must find a way to destroy his dreams." Scar turned away and walked in the other direction. Sarafina ran after him.
"Scar, what has happened to you? You aren't the same Scar I grew up with."
"Because you didn't grow up with Scar. You grew up with Taka. Scar and Taka are two different people."
"Why have you changed so much?"
"Because of my new outlook on life."
"What exactly is that outlook Scar?"
"To be as far away from my brother and not get involved with my family. As far as I am concerned, I don't care if my Father is dead and I am glad he is because he only caused me pain."
"You really aren't the same Taka. You should just be called a killer because that is who you really are and will be!" Sarafina ran back to Pride Rock and into the den. Scar walked back to the shadowlands and stayed there with the hyenas.