The past year has gone by fast for those who live in the Pride Lands. Zira hasn't attempted to invade since Kopa became king. Occasionally hyenas were spotted, but they were quickly chased out by Shujaa and the rest of her hunting party. It was an easier time being a king when time passes on without much action. Most of the kids have grown up into immature young cubs, constantly nagging their dad to death.
However, it has also been a tough year for the pride. Most of the herds that lived in the Pride Lands have left the savannah due to lack of vegetation and food. This forced all of the lions, even Koba and the kids, to go out and hunt for food. In the past, the king usually only protected the lands from invaders such as the hyenas but never really did any hunting. That was left to the rest of the pride, whom were mostly female. It also didn't help that there was still uncertainty of who was going to be Koba's heir. All throughout the year, Koba was absolutely torn up because he knew that there could only be one king. He often tried to seek advice from the Great Kings of the Past, but never received an answer back. He also knew that his time was starting to run out. His body was becoming more worn each day. "The choice," he kept thinking to himself, "will have to come soon. Now I know who will succeed me as King."
On a bright, clear day in the middle of the summer, Koba told his sons to meet him outside of the cave after the morning hunt. For breakfast they had a fairly large antelope with a little bit of grubs on the side. To avoid a long story, the kids "got use" to having grubs as a meal. All throughout breakfast, everyone was completely silent, even Kimba who was usually the life of the party remained quiet. With every minute that passed by, Koba was feeling more and more sad because of him favoring one son over the other two. After breakfast, the kids did as they were told and met their father just outside of the cave. "What do you think he wants to talk to us about Tojo?" Chumvi asked.
"I don't know Chum," Tojo answered, "I really don't know." Being the oldest child of Koba, Tojo was constantly asked for advice from his younger siblings, especially from his three younger brothers. He was always there to help them or clarify things for them. This time, however, he was as confused as the rest of them.
When they came out, all of them sat down in front of their father silently. Koba looked them all in the face with a serious but depressed look in his face. The decision was still tearing him apart because he knows that it possibly sever the relationship between them. "I hate to tell you guys this," their father said shamefully, "but the final decision has been made." The brothers looked at each other in fear. They knew right away what he wanted to tell them. "Kimba, my son, I am going to name you as my heir to the throne!" Kimba was shocked. He didn't look at his brothers faces because he didn't want to see their sadness. To be honest, he felt a bit sad too because he wished that they could all be king. "I know that it is hard on you guys, I know. It wasn't an easy decision for me to make."
"That's easy for you to say." Tojo said angrily. He ran back into the cave, waking up everyone. He was completely mad at his father. Koba was heartbroken. He never expected that kind of behavior, especially by his oldest son. This also hurt Kimba, who was stunned by Tojo's actions. They have never seen this side of Tojo before.
"He always wanted to be king." Chumvi said while looking at Kimba, who was still in a state of shock, "He always talked about someday he would be king and that he would continue to make things better for all of us. Maybe it kind of overwhelmed him when you were named the heir." He then went into the cave to try and smooth things over with Tojo. However, Tojo didn't want to talk to any one of them. He shouted at them to leave him alone. Out of respect, they did. For the rest of the day, Tojo was left in the cave with Shujaa, who tried to calm him down.
To distract the rest of his children, Koba took them out for a long walk across the Pride Lands. "I never expected Tojo to be that way," Koba said under his breath, "I should've known that this would happen." He didn't realize that both Kimba and Chumvi could hear him.
"He'll eventually get over it." Chumvi stated.
"Well I hope so," Koba said as he exhaled, "I hope so." They continued on as if the conversation never existed.
They eventually did go back home. However, by the time they got there, the sun had lost its fire and looked very cold on the surface. The stars were starting to pop up in the sky as if they were pieces of popcorn inside a microwave. The winds were whistling in the bushes while the owls were howling in the trees. The mosquitoes were buzzing while the lions were snoring.