Sitting on a lone tree outside of Pride Rock, Zazu sighed sadly at watching his king and queen try to replace him with someone younger and more powerful. It was making the poor hornbill feel left out, although he knew it wasn't like that. Alas, he was weak and definitely not as young as he used to be. Yes, being the king's majordomo was a true purpose for him in life, and he didn't have any other calling or other kind of dream job he wanted (nothing he would be aware of anyway).
One one hand, it kinda satisfied him to see many birds failing to replace him as the new Majordomo for the royal family. On the other hand, he was worried with how the kingdom might run if Simba and Nala did find the perfect candidate to replace him.
He pouted and sighed. "It's not fair. Whay would Mufasa think about this? After all, his son is nothing like him at all." Zazu thought to himself. "Gah, Simba's probably ate some rotten meat or something. His brain must... slightly malfunctioning. Gah, but i can never question his leadership... much. Not like how i questioned Scar in his rule."
"You are overthinking yourself, Zazu." said an old man's voice. "One mustn't overthink so much, for it is not very healthy for your mentality."
The hornbill looked to his left to reveal good ole Rafiki himself. "Oh. Hello Rafiki." he greeted him flatly.
"Simba tells me that you are retired from serving him."
"Yes." said Zazu begrudgingly. "But with no choice at all! I mean, i have done everything for Simba, and his father during his life. Is he not grateful for everything i have done?"
"Do not take it so badly, my feathered friend."Rafiki sat next to him on the rock. "Simba only wants you be alright and not hurt yourself. He is only doing this because he cares about you very much."
"I know. I... i just can't believe it." the hornbill sighed.
"Change can be hard to accept, but change is mostly a good thing. Believe me. You will feel better about this one day."
"But what if the Pride Lands fail without me? I mean, what if my successor messes everything up in a humiliating and miserable fashion?"
"I'm afraid you are overthinking again, Zazu." Rafiki pointed to him once more. "You should not have to worry about it. After all, you are not the only one keeping the peace in the Pride Lands."
"True. Very true. But Timon and Pumbaa are... what is a nice way to put it? They are... simple-minded creatures. For Kion and his friends. They are still children after all."
"Age does not always matter, depending on how strong one can be. But you gave been hurting yourself with your royal duties, Zazu. Didn't you feel your bones aching and being more fragile as you fly now?"
Zazu tried to protest, but he ultimately said: "Yes. I admit it. I have been feeling pain in my wings. I just want to play my part."
"I understand perfectly. But I'm afraid those days are over for you, considering what you are going through right now."
"Well, you've been around longer than I have, Rafiki." Zazu protested. "Who knows how long you've got, too."
Rafiki made a laugh and said: "I have my ways, my bird friend. Take a look at me, I might be an old monkey, but I am still feeling young. Baboons live longer than hornbills anyway."
"Point well-taken." Zazu rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry, i know i should be relieved, but... i just feel a little... lost right now."
"Perfectly natural feelings. But you will feel better later on. I know you will." Rafiki smiled. "And since you are retired, you can do anything you always wanted to do when not working for the king and queen. Take a dip in a lake or a river, or enjoy the fruit in the trees."
"Ok. I will try to enjoy retirement. But... is this the right thing for me to retire?"
"I talked to Mufasa about it, and he says his son has absolutely done the right thing to perseuade you to retire. He does not want you to hurt yourself either."
"Right, I forgot you communicate with him, even after death."
"Yes. It's a gift I have in me."
"I'll take his word for it then."
"Have I ever lied to you before?"
"No." said Zazu with his eyes closed.
Kion, Maurice, Zoe, and the Lion Guard were still fighting off the jackal family together. "Don't you idiots ever learn to give up?!" said Maurice
"Never when it comes to our food!" said Goigoi.
"What we jackals want," Reirei added, "We will take.
These canids were rather a nuisance and Kion managed to bite Reirei's tail.
"Oh! you'll pay for that, twerp!" she said while growling. At last, the family has had enough and they were baring their teeth and growling like dogs.
They charged at the kids at full speed but Maurice and Zoe stood in front of the Jackal family, and sprayed their scents on them all, making them all gag and cough from how awful it was..
"That is disgusting!" said Goigoi.
Kion and his friends covered their noses, for the smell of a Zorilla's stink was so powerful enough even to make them throw up.. This family of Jackals were going to have to find a way to get rid of the hideous odor.
"You win this round, but we'll be back!" said Reirei. "Come on, family, let's find some way to get rid of the smell." even after running away a few miles, the Lion Guard can still smell the awful odor.
"Never mess with a zorilla." said Zoe.
"Oui, some animals around here don't understand our power and abilities to defend ourselves." Maurice added.
"Thank you so much, guys." Zoe smiled.
"It didn't look like you needed our help." Kion smirked
"Oh we did. Trust me." said Maurice.
