Hello everyone! So Mufasa is BACK! Find out why and how in this other chapter! Please review for more cause this is getting very interesting... in other words close to the juice!

ENJOY!

The flowing morning, Sebek woke up first. He wanted to see Vitani, tell her how much he was interested in her and how close they had become. When he came out of the den, glancing back at the beautiful female, he saw a shadow stretching to right before his front paws. The lion was standing at counter day.

Simba?

No.

Oh, I apologize Sir. I didn't recognize you.

It's fine. We look alike a lot my son and I.

Indeed you do.

Would you join me in watching the sunrise? I could use the company.

Sure. You seem preoccupied, Sir.

Do I? I have been away for such a long time…

All the pride seems very happy to see you again, Sir.

They are indeed. You are new here aren't you?

I am. Simba found me half dead in the desert a few weeks ago. The lionesses took care of me and I was eventually accepted.

Yes. I see.

Silence fell between the two male, stranger to each other. Mufasa's thoughts were not with the sunrise, but somewhere else. Somewhere Sebek sensed no one could reach him. Mufasa looked at the sun and didn't blink. He stood there, motionless and seemed as if he wasn't breathing.

Darkness has come, Mufasa said, as I have.

Pardon?

There is no need to pretend Sebek, you saw me right through.

I don't understand Sir.

You know I am not really alive don't you? You noticed I look as young as I once was, you noticed my thoughts were only half here and the other half is somewhere else. You noticed I am not breathing. You know Sebek.

Caught by surprise, Sebek knew not what to say. He of course knew all what Mufasa had mentioned but he never gave into believing it was true. Now that he had heard his doubts confirmed he saw that indeed the former King's chest didn't heave with the rhythm of breathing.

What are you? Sebek asked forgetting all the politeness of earlier.

Not alive, not dead. A materialized memory of sorts.

Whose memory?

Simba's. My son's last souvenir of me.

What are you here for?

Help. The darkness I was mentioning earlier is coming forth. The shadows are spreading south to north and will eventually reach the Pridelands. If nothing is done my son's kingdom will fall to his enemies paws.

Who brought you back?

You mean what brought me back. I suppose I should know.

You don't?

I actually don't. Do you know what is laying ahead, Sebek?

I don't dare saying.

The Racuna… IT is coming forth, crusading across the land, sweeping them all into blackness one by one…until it is stopped.

You mentioned Simba's enemies. Who are they?

Think Sebek. IT brings upon a land an enemy of the past that is a dark thing because IT is ITSELF a dark thing so whatever brought me back here was the Light side of IT. I am the light side of this enemy that is threatening to appear any time now. Think Sebek. Who might this enemy be?

Scar… The Racuna is bringing Scar back from the dead to fool a prey! Simba is the prey!

Exactly.

But the Racuna brings back only an enemy not a helper. So I don't understand what brought you back… and even so why? Why would this Prey's land be so special for any other force to intervene?

Those are questions I cannot answer.

A loud yawn brought the two lions back to reality. Sebek had a whole lot of questions but they'd have to wait or either find answers in due time. Sebek heard Simba's familiar steps echoed by the width of the den.

Promise me Sebek, that you will not tell my son nor anyone before I do.

Sir, I…

Please promise me!

Sebek looked into those pleading eyes, lifeless eyes but eyes full of love and care for Simba and all he represented. Sebek knew a secret that everyone would ignore until the proper time. He had to keep it a secret. For Mufasa. For Simba. For the pride's very sake.

I promise.

After seeing Mufasa's grateful expression, he knew he had made the right choice. As he turned around though and saw Simba's joyful expression, he thought the opposite. "What about my vow of loyalty…" Why wouldn't life be simple? Simba stepped out, followed closely by his mate.

Father! Did you sleep well?

Of course Mufasa wasn't going to tell his son he needn't to sleep.

Yes son I did. How are you Nala?

Great Mufasa thank you.

Sebek, escort my wife to the waterhole; I have to talk with my father privately.

Yes Sire.

And so Sebek took off with Nala to the waterhole. Him and Nala had gotten quite closer since she talked with him before he left to settle things with Rafiki. They chatted animatedly as they proceeded to the waterhole. Nala drank as Sebek stood guarding her. When she was done she said:

Would you like to come with me for a walk?

It would be my pleasure.

So Sebek, I see you have gotten quite close to Vitani.

Is it that obvious?

She's a nice girl.

She is. I guess I can't hide that any longer.

You see Vitani has no living parents left besides Kovu, since their older brother Nuka died, and Simba and I have begun to consider ourselves her parents. Being of the same generation, Kovu has no say on his sister's choice of a mate but I feel Simba and I do.

I understand your Highness. Is there something I did wrong?

No, of course not. I wanted to tell you that we were very happy for you two. Simba and I think you make a fine couple.

Thank you Majesty.

Sebek. There is something else I wanted to tell you.

Be free to do so your Highness.

You have been irreproachable since your arrival here. You healed Sarabi, saved Simba's life, given Vitani a new blow of hope, settled a political problem with the zebras and not to mention your unflinching loyalty. You came to me this day when I reminded you that you had to go to Rafiki saying that you felt useless. Is it still the case?

Unfortunately it is. Your pride seems more then full already.

Well may I suggest you something?

Why not Madam.

Why not start by being my friend? And Vitani's mate for example?

Your friend?

My friend.

It would be an honour.

It's settled then. You should go see Vitani now.

And leave you out there alone? No your Highness I can't do that.

I'll be fine just run after your love. I'll catch up with you.

Thanks your Majesty.

TADAAAAAA. That is why Mufasa is back but will Scar be back too? And if he is where is he? Why is Prideland threatened? Who sent Mufasa down to earth? Why is Sebek so implicated already?

READ&REVIEW to find out why!

KeirMcJulian