Chapter 4: Guilt and a promise
The afternoon was falling as the animals tried to rebuild the entire grove after the stampede. On the trees, none of them had their white flowers anymore: the impacts of the wildebeest had accelerated the fall of the leaves and no one could prevent it, not even the lion's guard. On the other hand, Rahisi's (formerly Rafiki's) tree was only slightly damaged, but antler marks were visible.
The worst (at least, for Simba and Haki) was when Dan had to talk to the leader of the wildebeest herd.
"We were calmly grazing until some cubs fell on us and stabbed us with their claws," he explained, "And there were also some hyenas."
Dan sighed in disappointment, imagining what happened.
"I will fix the things, I promise you," he replied, "As for the hyenas, the lion's guard has them in custody and is now taking them to the Outlands"
Having an agreement with the wildebeest herd, Dan returned with the other guests to the center of the grove.
"Dear friends," he announced to them, "I regret this disastrous event in such a beautiful celebration. Also, thanks for helping rebuild the place. However, night is falling and we are all tired. "Let's go rest"
At the announcement to rest, the animals thanked the king and left there. When the guard returned, Dan, Shany, and the cubs joined them and made their way back to Pride Rock. When they were close, Koda told Dan:
"Those evil hyenas have returned to the Outlands and Jasiri will ensure that they do not come close again for a long time"
"Thanks brother. Now go to Haki, Salma and Lea. "After a day like this, you need a moment with your family."
"Heh, did you forget that we are family too?"
"Not at all," Dan replied, shaking his head in denial, "I just want you to work things out with your son... because I have to talk to my son too."
"I understand... Well, see you later."
Koda came forward with Haki, Salma and Lea; and Dan waited for his wife and his puppies.
"Simba, Amira," his mother told them, seeing Dan's attitude, "Wait here a moment. "Your father and I must talk... in private"
"Yes, mom…" they both said, a little shy (especially Simba).
Shany stepped forward until she was face to face with Dan.
"I don't want you to be hard on him," she told him calmly.
"You know I never would be," he replied, just as calmly, "Even so, he has to learn that he is still too young to face danger in that way"
"You weren't afraid when you saved me, were you?"
"I must confess that I was at the beginning. However, the danger came to us; we did not go to it. Besides, he had a reason for doing it: he didn't want to lose someone so important to me... now, I not only have you, but also my brother and our kids..."
"Okay, talk to him. But just make him see your reasons" she replied. She turned to the cubs, "Come Amira, let's continue. Simba, your father needs to talk to you for a moment"
Simba felt pretty bad when he saw his mother and sister walking away, leaving him alone with his father. When they were far away, Dan spoke to him:
"Simba…"
"Sorry, dad…" he said, interrupting him.
"I accept your apology. But still, you shouldn't put yourself in danger like that. You know I don't want anything to happen to you or your sister. I made a promise to always take care of you"
There was a moment of anger on the part of the cub.
"Why?" he asked him, "Just because of what happened to great-grandfather Simba?" Ugh! Sometimes I wish you had given me another name!"
Little Simba's words reached Dan deeply. However, he did not become angry: he had learned to control his instincts or emotions.
"I want to tell you something," he told him, "The reason I want to protect you now is because I feel like it was my fault for what happened to your great-grandfather. "Not only was it an accident to save me, it was my fault for being there that night."
Simba's anger had disappeared at such a revelation, now, he felt that he wanted to hear everything in detail.
"I have to tell you that... I am adopted," he told him, "Before your uncle Koda was born, your grandmother Kiara found me and together with your grandfather we formed a family bond. When I found out that Koda would be born, I thought that being with me couldn't be the same as having a real child. So, I ran away and the hunters tried to catch me. And, as you know, your great-grandfather was injured saving me... I know he didn't die at that moment, but... to think that he could have died... it's not something you forget... Now that you know this, are you sure "You don't want to take his name?"
Simba was speechless at such a memory of his great-grandfather, while it was getting dark and the stars were beginning to shine. Meanwhile, Dan put his paw on his son's head.
"I know you are very brave, but think before you act. And don't listen to your mind, but to your heart. Well, enough sermons for today. We must go to sleep"
Author's Note: If you want me to post faster, I have to know if you're really enjoying it. Leave me at least one review and I'll publish a new chapter tomorrow.
