The Only Child
In the Pride lands there was a new king seated at Pride Rock. No not that evil Scar. But the one true king Simba. After about 5 months into his reign Simba and his queen Nala welcomed the new herds into the Pride lands. But also welcomed a new generation of pride rocks royal bloodline. Rafiki carried the young cub up the rock, just as he had carried Simba years before that. With Simba, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa by Rafiki's side. Rafiki lifted the new next in line for the throne of Simba's fathers. His name was Kopa. The crowd rejoiced, the pride lands now had been redeemed and now had a future. The first few months of Kopa's life were just like any young cub. Trying to figure out the world around him. He heard stories from Rafiki, Zazu, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa. He had everything he could ever want. His future was destined before him. The path was laid by the paw prints of the kings long forgotten. His grandfather's mark would never be forgotten in the surrounding area. Many other lands, and migrating prides knew of the great king Mufasa of the pride lands. His laws were fair, honest, and just. He allowed the lionesses of his pride mate with other males that came through during the mating seasons. Because Mufasa had his queen her name was Sarabi. Of course most of you know this story, but many don't know the story of the day that the pride lands stopped. Not because of Scar. When the destined path is wiped away in an instant, you can't help but stand in shock.
The sun rose on the pride lands. It was a glorious day. All the herds leaders were coming to give updates to King Simba about their herds. Zazu reminded Simba days before of this tradition. And while Simba wanted more time with his family, Nala and Kopa both knew that the duties of the king often times came first. Simba didn't want it that way, but the price of the crown is no easy payment.
"Good morning royal family," Zazu joyfully said as he circled Simba, Nala and Kopa.
"Morning Zazu. The herds are coming correct?" Simba asked still reeling from Kopa waking him up not long before.
"Yes sire. They are all on their way. But I have to inform you of something though," Zazu said looking concerned.
"My son," said Sarabi as she greeted her son and his family.
"Zazu, just make sure the leaders get here safely. Until then I have some family time to enjoy," Simba replied to Zazu.
"Yes your majesty," Zazu replied reluctantly.
"Dad. Before your big meeting can you come watch me race Afua and Beba?" Kopa asked.
Simba looked at Nala with concern in his eyes. Realizing he had blown his son off a lot lately. Nala just smiled letting him know what he needed to do.
"That sounds like fun. Come on, besides they can't start the meeting without the king anyway," Simba replied putting his paw on Kopa's tuff of hair and messing it up.
"Yes!" Kopa joyfully responded leaping up in excitement.
As Simba and Kopa ran off together, Sarabi could tell something was bothering Nala.
"Nala, are you okay?" Sarabi asked.
"I wish my mother could be here to see him," Nala said as her eyes welled up with tears.
"Ah, well Sarafina was my best friend. She knew that you would be a terrific mother and a great queen. You balance it well," Sarabi said.
"How did you do it?" Nala asked.
"Well I was queen longer then I was both at the same time," Sarabi replied with a a bitter delivery.
"Of no fault of your own," Nala responded hoping to make Sarabi feel better.
"Sometimes I believe that. But you can't live in the past, or at least I can't. I knew Scar was a jerk but that son of a bitch took away the life I had. The family I had. Now that I'm old… And I see Simba all grown up and my last memory or him is when he was the size of Kopa. That's hard Nala," Sarabi emotionally replied.
"I'm just glad that Kopa has a grand mother now. And hopefully this new cub will have you too," Nala exclaimed with a child like smile.
"Oh my! Your pregnant again? That's amazing Nala. But another cub Kiara isn't that old." Sarabi said while hugging her.
"I just haven't told Simba yet. I need to tell him before todays big meeting. So he can arrange with the leaders a ceremony for Kiara," Nala said.
"Well I'll tell you what. Unless prince Kopa needs to be front and center I'll take him and some of the other cubs to the old lair and watch them," Sarabi said.
"Thank you Sarabi, for everything. I hope that you know how much you mean to me," Nala said.
"Nala. You're stronger then I ever was. Both physically and emotionally. I just have the advantage of years gone by," Sarabi said hugging her again before she walked away to the old lair.
"You mean the old guard's lair?" Nala asked.
"Yes the lair that will be Kiara's to rule someday," Sarabi said.
Meanwhile Simba and Kopa were trying to find Afua and Beba but they couldn't seem to find them.
"Dad. I'm sorry," Kopa sadly said.
"Kopa, there's nothing to be sorry about," Simba replied.
"Yes there is. I wanted to show you how fast I was. But I guess Afua and Beba are somewhere else. I hope all the herd leaders aren't upset with you because of me," Kopa said shedding a little tear.
"Oh Kopa. Listen pal, you and your mother are the most important animals in my life. Sure I'm the Lion King here, but that doesn't mean that is my priority," Simba replied to Kopa trying to cheer him up.
"I know Dad. But I really wanted to show you how fast I've got," Kopa said.
Out of the corner of Simba's eye he saw Mbali the cheetah. She was stalking an impala.
"Hey Kopa stay right here, I'll be right back," Simba said as Kopa was staring down at the ground watching the little bugs crawl around.
"Mbali!" Simba called quietly spooking the impala.
"Yes King Simba," Mbali irriatably replied.
"I have a task for you. And in return I'll make sure you have a kill waiting at your den that will feed you for the whole week," Simba said.
Her eyes got real big. But she was also apprehensive, she had never been asked to do a favor for the king.
"Kopa, you want to race?" Mbali asked lining up next to a tree.
"Oh I don't know," Kopa replied still feeling a bit down.
"Come on Son. You wanted to show me how fast you are, what better way than to run with the pride lands fastest?" Simba encouraged his son.
"Oh alright. And Miss Mbali don't take it easy on me," Kopa said.
Mbali looked at Simba as he nodded his head to her.
"Alright prince. Your dad can say go," Mbali said.
"Sire," Zazu said swooping down to Simba.
Kopa stopped worried that his dad would have to leave right then.
"Zazu unless Nala is in danger I honestly don't care what is happening at pride rock. I am going to see Kopa race Mbali," Simba sternly shouted at Zazu.
"Yes your highness," Zazu said knowing Simba's heart. But still wanting to let him know of the situation that was occurring.
"Ready, set, go!" Simba roared.
As Kopa ran as fast as his little legs could carry him, Mbali was merely coasting but breathing hard as if she was truly running. In the back of Kopa's mind he wondered if he truly was beating Mbali, but hearing her breathing he thought he was surely doing it.
"Go Kopa!" Simba cheered as Zazu stood on his shoulder.
"Now Zazu what is it?" Simba asked.
"It's Zira she is demanding to speak with you before the meeting today," Zazu said.
"Go Kopa! Tell her I will meet with her after today's proceedings and if she doesn't like that. Then go sleep with a stink bug," Simba annoyingly replied having been fed up with Zira's demands.
Zira had been demanding more and more things ever since he had become king. She said that she was captured by Scar to be his queen, so Simba took pity on her and her kids Nuka, Vitani, and her youngest born Kovu.
Kopa raced with all his might toward the finish line having made a complete circle with his father cheering him on the whole way. But suddenly Mbali started to catch up, but then she stopped as Kopa raced passed her. Mbali seemed like she was hurt, but Kopa didn't care he ran as fast as he could then he crossed the finish line.
"Dad, did you see me I beat Miss Mbali in a race," Kopa joyfully said while also trying to catch his breath.
"You did a wonderful job," Simba said hugging his son, but then Simba realized that Mbali was hurt.
"Mbali. Are you okay?" Simba asked.
"Yes your majesty, just a little tired is all," Mbali said.
"I don't think so. Mbali let me take you to Rafiki you don't look like you are okay," Simba said concerned.
"Well you're the king. Great race Kopa," Mbali said as she fell to the ground before their eyes.
"Oh my gosh, Zazu go find Rafiki bring him to the fields," Simba commanded.
"Dad is she going to be okay?" Kopa asked concerned about his new friend.
Simba looked down at the cheetah who seemed lifeless feeling like he was responsible.