"Welcome to the Council's Forest, Kovu. You will be here many more times before you ascend to the stars."
Kovu breathed a soft sigh of relief, walking up to Mufasa. I'm not dead…
Mufasa smiled to the young king.
"I am the escort for the Kings. Sarabi and I have become their attendants."
Kovu didn't dare ask about Simba's fate, but it was again something he was sure he'd discover at the Council. He followed Mufasa into the dark forest, listening for the rustling of leaves and twigs as his guide when he could no longer see. The darkness was something unnatural, and when he asked about it Mufasa was explained.
"The Goddesses are appointing a new deity for Death, and to make her sacred it must be done in darkness. The Princess of Nightmare, she is to become."
Kovu gasped out, "Vitani?"
Mufasa nodded. "Yes. The Goddesses, although upset with her intentions to put the Pride in danger, were impressed and touched by her ultimate sacrifice to protect her son. However, they acknowledge that she is wicked at heart, so it is a mixed blessing for your sister. A Princess yes, but not a being with more power than required to do her appointed tasks."
A howl of pain reached his ears, and suddenly the forest lightened. Kovu tried to rush forwards to see Vitani, but Mufasa halted his charge with an outstretched paw.
"It would be wise not to make your first appearance before the Council a bad one, Kovu."
Reluctantly, he held back and fell into step behind Mufasa again. When he came to the semicircle, the Pairs were seated comfortably on their stones. Before them two robed figures kneeled deeply – Death and Vitani. A pain filled Kovu and he averted his eyes, lowering his head. She died young, and it's my fault… She'll never forgive me.
He sat where Mufasa indicated, and after the two robed figures stood his eyes met the familiar blue glow of Vitani's. Neither spoke a word, and soon Death and Vitani vanished. Mufasa took his place next to Amber and Sarabi was already seated next to Aime. The Shadow King looked to Kovu, speaking quietly.
"We welcome you to the Circle of Kings, Kovu. You will be summoned here often during your reign to come before us."
Kovu nodded slowly, not sure how to respond. This was as if they were officially marking him the king of the Pride, and he was somewhat humbled at this thought. He was also distraught over Vitani's death and could not find the words to express a fake emotion.
Pyrina jumped off her stone and strode boldly to his face, staring into his eyes. He met her gaze fearlessly and after a moment she smiled and laughed, something rare for her to do.
"You are indeed the rightful king for the Pride, Kovu! You are sensible and caring."
"I will make that judgment, Pyrina."
Pyrina returned to the stone and Amber stood up slowly, walking in front of Kovu. Again, his eyes met hers with no fear. She studied him for long moments before she spoke flatly.
"Maten escaped. The lionesses you sent to chase him are all dead now."
Kovu started, his mouth falling open.
"But… They were some of the best hunters in the Pride. How could…"
Amber roared into his face.
"I told you to kill him! He has met up with Saga, and Saga brings a greater danger to your Pride than anything we can imagine. Ruthless hunters and merciless killers they call humans!"
Kovu looked down, almost shame-faced. Amber remained silent for long moments before she turned to the others.
"They have the power to wipe out the Pride in minutes. They carry strange weapons and come in a pack. I…"
"Hush…"
Yura's head was bowed and her eyes closed, but her voice rang out in the sudden quiet. Yura rarely spoke, and when she did it was obviously something important.
"The humans carry weapons which breathe fire and stone. The spirits tell me they are called guns. They ride on strange animals and can outrun a cheetah in them. They kill with no discrepancy; males and females, young and old alike fall before them."
Aime spoke up as Kovu's form began to vanish, a sign his body was being woken from unconsciousness.
"Amber, I would like to suggest an idea involving Arina…"