Chapter Two: Mufasa

The antelope ate the grass quietly. Mufasa crouched down behind the tall grass, watching them intently. He glanced at his father, who was huddled beside him. He was motionless, except his eyes. His dark eyes darted from antelope to antelope, sizing them up.

"Yet, Dad?" Mufasa whispered.

"No, not quite," he answered. "Just a little longer."

"Sire!" a high-pitched voice cried through the silence.

The antelope jumped and ran off in a stampede. Mufasa's father sighed heavily before straightening up. He looked to the tropical bird flying above them with an irritated expression.

"This had better be important, Zolo," he said quietly.

"Sir, it's your wife!" Zolo exclaimed as he landed hastily beside the lion.

"What about her?"

"She's hurt, Sire. She was found not long ago with Miru at the pond. We need to return to Pride Rock as soon as possible, sir."

He turned to look at his son with urgency. "Come along, Mufasa. Stay close to Zolo."

He raced off across the Pridelands, disappearing in the grass. Mufasa looked to Zolo questioningly.

"What's the matter?" he asked.

The bird was quiet for a time. "Let's go, Mufasa. I'm sure my Zazu would love to see you."

Mufasa walked slowly as Zolo flew above him. He could tell something was horribly wrong. His mother and Miru were both hurt, maybe even . . . He shook his head forcefully. No, he wouldn't allow himself to think about it.

Pride Rock slowly appeared in front of him, dark, forbidding clouds surrounding it. The air felt heavy with rain. As he walked up, he noticed all of the pride outside of the small cave to the side of the sleeping cave. Everyone had solemn faces as he wandered past them and nearer to the entrance.

"No, no, young prince," Zolo ordered, landing in front of him. "Let your father handle matters in there. Come with me."

Mufasa reluctantly turned away from the cave, trying to squint in. He followed the bird away, his head down. Several of the lions and lionesses whispered to one another as he passed.

"Poor little one," one whispered.

"The queen's dead," another muttered.

"Did you see Miru's face?" a voice asked.

"His eye looked like it was bit out," one lioness grimaced.

"The queen looked horribly torn up," the one beside her commented. "Poor Mufasa."

Mufasa looked at Zolo's bright tail, trying to ignore them. He felt tears slowly run down his cheeks. Zolo stopped after they passed through the mass of the pride. He turned and looked at the stressed little cub.

"Mama is dead?" he asked, hoping the answer would be what he wanted.

"I'm so sorry, Mufasa," Zolo shook his head.

"What about Miru? Will he be okay?"

"We aren't sure yet, prince. Come on, now. You've had a rough day."

He wordlessly followed Zolo into a small den-like area where his family lived. Zolo's young son, Zazu, hopped off of the little nest he had and waddled/ran to Mufasa's side. Mufasa ignored the young bird and flopped down on a moss-covered rock.

He closed his eyes as his tears continued to stream down his face. Zazu settled beside him quietly. They soon fell asleep that way.