A/N: Will Simba survive to tell the tale about how he was bitten by a snake? I don't like his chances. This could get ugly. If the worst happens, don't blame me, I'm not a doctor. But before we can find out if Simba can be saved, I will respond to your reviews.

Jestalnaker94000: Thank you, I'm glad you liked it. And yes, it does seem that way, but peace isn't always a good story. We'll soon see if Simba can be treated in time.

Alex's POV

The words of Nala's voice filled with terror echoed in my mind like a siren of dread.

'Simba was bitten by a snake'

This was bad. This was very, very bad. What if the snake was venomous? For all I knew about animals, Simba's internal organs could be shutting down as I think, so I decided to think no longer. However, another debate started in my mind. Rafiki's tree, or Pride Rock? Pride Rock is nearer, but it would take longer for Simba to get vital treatment, as Rafiki would have to be sent for, which itself would spend precious moments that Simba, nor anyone, might not be able to afford. I decided that going directly to Rafiki's tree would be the most efficient for Simba's survival. I don't even know if he is at a point where survival is at risk. This is precisely the type of situation in which my brother's knowledge of animals would come into use. I amiably lifted Simba and retained him close to my chest... as I would do for a sibling. I hurried in the bearing of Rafiki's tree, and I found that my legs moved at a greater pace than what I exerted. I only intended to jog but my legs moved as if they were sprinting. Was it out of a dedication to my duty as the Guardian of the Royal Family, or was it a concern for Simba's welfare as someone I cared about? If the latter thought was there, it must have come from somewhere in my heart and mind. I could only think so much on it, and Simba said what he must have thought would be his last words.

"Alex, tell my Mom and Dad that I love them," he requested, but I shook my head and smiled tenderly at the cub.

"Don't worry, Simba, for you shall live to see another day yet," I promised, but I myself wasn't without a doubt. What if Simba was about to enter a state of anaphylactic shock, or descend into a coma that he would never wake from? I once watched a video on Facebook that showed snake venom turning blood into a solid substance, but that's just the internet, right? It's filled with fools and packed with pricks.

This is no time for immaturity, I have to rid myself of this juvenile personality. I often used humour as a coping mechanism for stress ad grief, but in this situation, it was hardly appropriate. I am destined to be the Guardian of the King, defender of the Pride Lands, and I would have to learn to behave accordingly. I don't like not being taken seriously, just like Simba disapproved of my trivial attitude to his worries, so it is only right that I hearken and respect other people. This is not a game where I can respawn if I die, this is not a childhood fantasy that you can escape, it is the noblest duty a man can hold.

By the time Rafiki's tree had come unto my view, I noticed that Simba was awfully silent. He wasn't wailing in pain and lamenting his sorrow and fear, he was unconscious. My mind first thought that he had died, and a rush of irritation up my spine caused by my grey shirt sticking to my sweaty back caused Simba to twitch, and I sighed in contentment. He wasn't dead.

The tree was cloaked with sunlight, and the broad trunk was a colour of light brown, and behind it was a mechanism that could be compared to a lift. It was the only method in which I could ascend the tree without compromising Simba's safety, so I boarded it and I shook the vine that was hanging from above, positioned next to the mechanism, assuming that it acted as the 'button'. It seemed unyielding sufficiently, and it jolted into life, for someone was operating the elevator made of wood, string and vine, and that person was Rafiki, who bore a mask of shock and concern when he saw me with Simba in my arms.

"What happened to Simba?" he interrogated.

"He was bitten by a snake," I responded, pointing to the small holes where the snake's fangs had penetrated the cub's skin, and a small trail of blood that soaked a few strands of fur.

"Do you know if the snake was venomous?" Rafiki asked, and I shook my head. Even if it turned out to be venomous, could he do something about it? I hoped and trusted that Rafiki would indeed find a remedy or antidote. Rafiki was what we would call a doctor, after all.

He motioned that he wanted to take Simba from me, and I held the unconscious cub in front of me unhesitatingly before Rafiki took possession of the cub. He placed him on a small platform for medical examinations and put his ear to his chest, and Rafiki's sigh of satisfaction told me everything I wanted to know.

"His heart and breathing are both normal," he announced. I exhaled in relief as my body relaxed and I leaned on a branch.

"Why is he unconscious?" I asked about Simba's reaction.

"Simba is known for his drama; when he once sprained his leg, he believed he would never walk again," Rafiki chuckled, and I joined him in doing so.

Rafiki was finishing cleansing Simba's wound with water that glistened in the sunlight and applying healing ointment, the mix of a sickly aroma and a heavy stench made my chest feel heavy as it moved up my nose, so I decided to move closer to unclouded air, and that meant edging closer to where I could see the turquoise sky, filled with sparse but great clouds, and one, in particular, caught my eye, one that seemed to linger over Pride Rock - which was a small needle penetrating the cloud, and as I watched the cloud tardily move across the ceiling of the Earth, it...moved. Not as in drifting across the sky like a block of thick ice in a river, but the shape of the cloud changed in a manner and speed that was not natural. The cloud itself resembled the shape of a great lion, and I don't know if it was the heat of the sun interfering with my perception of reality, but the lion-shaped cloud looked as if it was bowing its head.

I drag my eyes around to Rafiki, who had finished wrapping a leaf around Simba's lower leg as his dressing.

"There we go," Rafiki concluded, and as if on cue, Simba's amber eyes gracefully revealed themselves.

"Hey, buddy," I said tenderly, stroking Simba's cheek. He nuzzled my arm generously and tried to hug my arm, but his injured arm had other ideas as he seethed in pain.

"You will have to rest that paw for a day or two, then I will check if it has healed properly," Rafiki said, and Simba nodded in understanding. He then turned his amber eyes in my direction and nuzzled my thigh as I sat down next to him.

"You saved my life, thank you so much!" he continued to display his magnificent gratitude.

"Oh, it was just a silly old snake bite," I reassured Simba. He began to purr on my lap, returning me to the land of memory, when my cat would do the same, just without the kneading. I felt a twinge of guilt nag somewhere in my mind as I had to disturb Simba, who I predicted was about to fall into slumber. It has already been a long day for this young cub.

"Right, let's get you back home," I declared, gently rising up onto my feet, and Simba bore an expression of reluctant acquiescence, and he yawned as I reached down to pick him up and take him on the return journey.

"Thank you, Rafiki, I know not where we'd be without you... and I hope this doesn't become too frequent of an occurrence," I chuckled as I look upon Rafiki for what I hoped (in a good way) the last time today, now standing on the elevator, and he pushed a lever that sent us down less than gracefully. We land on the floor with a thump, and I asked Simba if he was okay, but no answer came through his mouth, just purring. As I stroked his back and gently leaned my head on his, a surge of satisfaction ran down my spine and my heart began to beat proudly.

The sun had passed behind an enormous, pale cloud as I carried Simba back to Pride Rock. On the way, I spared one of my eyes scanning the floor for any other threats, and other than stones as sharp as needles, and malicious horticulture, I found no more snakes. That was a frightening experience for all involved, I welcomed the prospect of informing the cubs that Simba will make a swift and complete recovery, given that they were clearly worried for his welfare and distressed that he was injured, particularly Nala. I look down at the cub, who appeared to be in a slumber as deep as the sea, and I longed for sleep as deep as his. More often than not since my arrival, my sleep was plagued with pain and negative memory, and I hope that perhaps some mental training provided by Rafiki (he seems the type to offer psychotherapy) will help reduce these dreams, and why I am having them so often. I wonder if it was some sort of warning, to prepare me for suffering. Have I not endured enough pain in my short life? In my twenty-one long years, I have lost my mother, lost a sister before she was even born, survived a terrorist attack that triggered P.T.S.D., and countless other things that I have not yet recalled through dreams.

I continued to gaze at Simba, who looked ridiculously cute, and I felt something when I spent time with him that I had felt with only a few other people; my family.

I felt fondness, affection, trust, and dare I say it, love when I had the pleasure to come across and play with Simba. This was the second time I saved Simba from the clutches of adversity, and even though I did them out of duty, I also did them because I really didn't like the idea of him coming to harm. I had a protective instinct toward the golden-furred cub, and it must have come from love rather than duty. I still don't know why he was the first cub to meet me, out of all his friends, and the apparent extra cubs. Was it that he was the most curious? Was he destined to meet me first? I don't know what it means, but I cannot deny that I have an emotional bond with Simba, I would hate to see him get hurt, and he obviously trusts me to help him, even after our dodgy first impressions.

By the time my thoughts end, I am greeted, on the slope of Pride Rock, by Nala, who bore a face of relief, and I gently alerted Simba to our arrival. His eyes revealed themselves, and he yawned again. I smiled as I lowered his body to the ground so he wouldn't have to spring out from my grasp and hurt his paw. He limped towards his friend and they...nuzzled. Well, I suppose he took my advice after all and he finally admitted that he loved Nala. This caused a great deal of pride to beat strongly in my heart.

"Thank you, Alex," Nala said gratefully.

"Ah, it's the least I could do," I played it down humbly.

"We told Sarabi about you taking Simba to Rafiki's tree," Nala said. I nodded in understanding. Well, at least I don't have to tell them and risk any misunderstanding.

I encouraged Nala to tell Simba's friends about his arrival and condition and as I gently picked up Simba I was tempted to 'fly' him through the air, and that is exactly what I did, and he giggled as I lifted his body high and low, swooping in all directions until I released him on the floor and placed him on the floor in the cave.

"Again, again!" Simba requested. I wagged my finger.

"No, that was just a one-off, I can do it as much as you want when your paw gets better," I promised. Nala returned with Simba's closest friends, Tama, Tojo, Chumvi and Kula, who asked if Simba was okay.

"Yeah, I'm fine, thanks to Alex," he responded, to which I waved my hands.

"Nah, it's nothing, it's just my job," I chuckled, but immediately found myself regretting what I said when I saw that Simba's smile of pride and gratitude faded upon my words of dismissal.

"Wow, so humble!" Tama exclaimed. "If I saved the future King, I would have shouted it from the top of Pride Rock!" she added enthusiastically. This made me wonder if it was indeed possible to climb the towering peak of Pride Rock.

"Wait, but we did save the future King, remember?" Nala perked up.

"Oh, yeah, that's right!" Tama gasped. "We saved him after he followed us into the Hidden Valley," she explained.

"Huh, yeah, sorry about that," Simba said meekly.

"Well, if I remember correctly, Simba also saved us from the snakes by knocking them into that waterfall," Nala defended the Prince. As she recalled Simba's side of the story, she walked up to the son of Mufasa and nuzzled him affectionately. The cubs could only look on in astonishment.

"Uh... wh-what is... what is this?" Chumvi asked with an expression of disgust.

"You were right all along guys, I do 'fancy' Nala, and I told her as such, and it just so happens that she loves me too," Simba said.

"By Mohatu's mane..." Kula exclaimed. The cubs giggled at this. I guess it was a phrase used to convey astonishment. I wonder who this 'Mohatu' was, and figured that one of Mufasa, Sarabi or Rafiki would teach me. I then left the cubs to continue their gossip and ventured outside. At that moment, Mufasa and Zazu were climbing the slope. Mufasa stopped as a proud grin grew across his mighty face.

"Zazu was informed that you helped Simba after he was bitten by a snake," he said. While I retained a smile of pride, I cocked a brow in confusion.

"How did Zazu know?" I asked Mufasa. The bird was with the King from the time I saw them leave. Which posed another question: where did they go? Was it something to do with the negotiation that was expected to turn into a battle?

"The message was passed beneath the earth rather than above it," Mufasa replied.

'Fascinating', I thought. That could prove quite handy during times of conflict, where every advantage matters.

"The message was that the human saved the Prince once again, and at that moment, I decided that I would make him an offer," he declared.

"G-go on..." I hesitantly encouraged him. Mufasa smiled.

"Patience, Alex," he said. "Let us take a walk."

Mufasa led me to the side of Pride Rock. While I just managed to match his pace, I saw that between what looked like buttresses rising to the canopy of the trees, shrubs and ivy that crawled up the stone until the level of the promontory, there were what looked like small arches that seemingly led into a system of caves. It reminded me of a cathedral, but it gave no indication of anything other than a naturally occurring formation. To my light relief, we weren't going into any of the arches, but relief turned to excitement as I concluded that we were going to climb the entirety of Pride Rock, starting where the gentle slope from the peak met the ground in a lush green forest.

It was 20 minutes before the energy I needed to fight for the next breath took strength from my legs. I lay down on my back, facing the remaining azure in the sky being swallowed by the golden rays emitted by the setting sun behind Pride Rock, my chest rising and falling to its fullest extent. I could swear that the air was thinner at this altitude.

"Oh... just... give me five," I requested between breaths. I normally had excellent stamina, but I wasn't used to climbing large hills like this.

Mufasa chuckled. "We are here," he announced. I rolled over onto my stomach and leaned on my arms and knees before looking at Mufasa, but what I saw beyond him truly stole my breath.

The darkening sky extended into infinity, like an ocean of peace above us and met the ground in turmoil. A navy sky collided with grey, rugged mountains, with the atmosphere between us and the mountains causing a haze that obscured the horizon further.

"Everything that can be seen from this point is territory that you will one day help to defend and uphold," Mufasa said. Having got onto my feet and walked to stand next to him, I looked at him incredulously before looking at the vast expanse once again.

"Holy crap..." I breathed. Mufasa chuckled.

"Before I convey my offer as a King, I wish to convey an offer as a father," Mufasa added. I looked at Mufasa in confusion.

"Simba has noticed that you have had troubling dreams, and he... he hears you crying," Mufasa explained. I looked down at my feet in slight embarrassment. The point of crying is where one was most vulnerable, a person who can't pretend anymore, and it is never nice to be seen in such a way, especially by someone whose respect you have to earn. "I wish to offer you help in conquering that which haunts your soul," he added.

"You couldn't begin to understand what I've been through... what I have been cursed with," I said solemnly and cynically, shaking my head.

"But we wish to help you, we want to understand what happened to you so we can help," Mufasa responded.

"Why?" I questioned.

"Because I am offering you and Morgan a place in this pride," he announced. "That is my Kingly offer."

I could only stare at Mufasa in astonishment. Not only out of gratitude for his offer but also a realisation that this was the start of my defining story, as in the stories that my parents would tell me.

My mouth opened for words to come up, but I could not convey them. I looked at the fertile plains, before looking at Mufasa again. I got on to one knee and bowed.

"I am truly grateful... Your Majesty," I said. Mufasa laughed merrily.

"You may call me Mufasa even during private formal discussions like this," he said. I nodded before I got back up to my feet and wrapped my arms around Mufasa, stroking and grasping at his mighty mane. I felt one of his giant paws pat me on my back.

"Thank you for taking us in when we were alone in the world," I expressed my gratitude before ending the embrace.

"That's quite alright," Mufasa smiled. "I think it was inevitable, to be honest," he added.

"What do you mean?" I asked for clarification.

"Well, given your services to this pride, you more than deserve a place in it," he said. "And Rafiki says that you are a herald of... interesting times," the King added.

"He would say that," I chuckled.

"Speaking of which," Mufasa began. "Rafiki wants you to meet him at his tree tomorrow morning to prepare you for the ways of the Pride Lands and for the ceremony welcoming you to the Pride," he said.

I nodded. "Of course, I'll be there and then," I confirmed. Mufasa nodded before failing to stop a big yawn escaping from his enormous mouth, which my head could probably fit. In doing so, a blast of air that smelled of old meat hit my face, causing me to puff out my cheeks and step backwards.

"Ooh, excuse me," Mufasa apologised. "I think it's time we headed down," he said. He turned to walk down the spine of Pride Rock, but stopped and turned to face me.

"There was something I needed to talk to you about...ah, it can wait until tomorrow," Mufasa shook his head before proceeding to walk back down Pride Rock. I had a sneaking suspicion of what the subject was that he wanted to talk about. And even if it wasn't, I may as well confess. A simple way of repaying this family for what they have done for me and Morgan was to be honest with them.

"Do you mean the negotiation with the jackals?" I asked.

Mufasa stopped in his tracks and quickly turned to face me.

"How would you know of that?" he asked accusingly. Oh, shit.

"You know when you and Sarabi were talking about it in the cave?"

Mufasa lowered his head slightly.

"I... kinda pretended to be asleep only," I admitted, pursing my lips after the fact.

Mufasa looked to the side in disappointment. But then he smiled.

"Ah, that's my fault, really, we should be careful where we speak," he said. I nodded.

"As I said, we'll talk about it tomorrow," he said before resuming his return journey.

I exhaled in relief as I followed him down, having spared a moment to look at the glorious sunset, emitting bright colours of gold and orange.

The next few days were going to be interesting.

"This alliance will bring about freedom for us and destruction for our oppressors!" Chukua cried, followed by a chorus of yips and barks of elated jackals.

"Alex!" Simba yelled in between pants. "Please come back," he pleaded. The roar of a humongous torrent of water rushing through a canyon made the cub's voice almost inaudible.

"Simba, run!" Mufasa exclaimed with panic strangling his strained voice.

"You abandoned us!" a girl's voice accused angrily.

I stood before a cave with an entrance in the shape of an isosceles triangle at the foot of a white cliff surrounded by mist. The floor that I stood on was firm on my feet. I looked up to the top of the cliff, and the only way I could tell that the cliff went as high as it did was the thin layer of grass that topped it, for the sky was as white as the chalk below it. I looked behind me to see a white horse with a silver mane and it... nodded at me. I slowly turned to look at the cave again but instead of at the bottom of the chalk cliff, I saw that I was standing on the layer of grass, several hundred feet above where I had previously found myself. I edged closer to the edge and saw that, instead of a rocky floor, the cliff was above a vast ocean. The waves were like mountains fighting over and swallowing each other.

I was then pushed by some force behind me, sending me falling straight down the cliff, with a silent scream escaping my throat. My ears were filled with a burst of wicked laughter as the cliff disappeared and morphed into the peak of Pride Rock and fire began to engulf it. I then hit the surface of the water.

"Alex."

My body jolted and my respiratory rate immediately increased as I recovered from the slightly traumatising vision. My eyes adjusted to the darkness in the cave. The first light of the sun was starting to reach over the horizon and eat away at the darkness within the cave.

"Alex?" a deep voice whispered. I quickly turned my head to the direction from which the voice came and to who it belonged. It was Mufasa, whose amber eyes were almost glowing in the dark.

I exhaled, and my breathing became slower. I then looked to see if I had disturbed Morgan. He was still fast asleep, his expression remained untroubled and cute.

"Sorry to wake you like that," Mufasa apologised. "Are you okay?" he asked. I turned to look at him again.

"Yeah, yeah," I nodded. "Just... had a bad dream," I admitted. "I don't even know what it was about," I added honestly after a few moments of silence.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Mufasa said sincerely.

"Thanks, why did you wake me up this early?" I asked quickly after my expression of gratitude.

"I wanted to take you on the morning patrol with me and then take you to Rafiki's tree," the King explained. I thought that to be a splendid idea, one that would help me to understand the ways of the peoples of this kingdom and perhaps engage in some more personal discussions.

"Yeah, nah, that would be great," I said before stretching and yawning. "Oh, excuse me," I chuckled having mirrored Mufasa's actions from the previous evening.

"Would you mind if we talked about your dream?" Mufasa asked as we reached the bottom of the slope to Pride Rock. I sighed.

"As I said, I don't even know what it was about, there were jackals, there was a flood in the canyon, there was a cave in a cliff and then... Pride Rock was on fire," I recalled my vision.

Mufasa scoffed. "Considering what is about to happen in the coming days, that's totally not concerning," he said sarcastically.

"So... what is the plan with the negotiation?" I asked.

Mufasa looked around before motioning me to follow him under the promontory and behind the rock that it rested on.

"We're expecting the jackals to use the negotiation as an opportunity to disrupt the Circle of Life elsewhere or even an attempt on my life," he whispered.

"So you're bringing your own backup to stop the other jackals," I surmised. Mufasa nodded.

"While we owe you for your acts of courage, this will be your first act as a citizen of the Pride Lands and as a member of the pride," Mufasa said. "And, if what Rafiki says is true, it is another step to becoming the Guardian," Mufasa chuckles.

"What does Rafiki say about this 'Guardian' figure?" I asked with a smile. I was sceptical that Mufasa would give the answer I was expecting.

"He says that the Guardian is a warrior who protects the Pride Lands and the Circle of Life from those that seek to undermine them," Mufasa responded. "I'm sure he'll give you a deeper lesson on the matter," he added before walking off to commence his morning patrol.

My smile faded at Mufasa's answer. It couldn't be a coincidence, could it? I stood on the spot for a few seconds while I mulled the thought over, and Mufasa noticed this.

"Are you okay?" he asked having stopped and turned to face me.

"Yeah, it's just... it reminds me of the stories that my parents would tell me about my ancestors," I responded solemnly.

Mufasa looked at the floor with a thoughtful expression.

"What did you say your second name was again?" he asked of me.

"Maximilian," I replied duly. Mufasa's eyes widened.

"Of course..." he gasped. "This is not the first time that humans have come across these lands, and every time it happened, it is believed that they all had one thing in common: Maximilian," Mufasa said.

I also widened my eyes at this revelation. Both my family and this pride had traditions of the same story passed down the generations.

"You are the heir of the First Guardian!" Mufasa proclaimed with apparent excitement before it drained away from his face.

"You must have endured so much grief," he said sadly. Did this mean that my grief and adversity was not exclusive to myself? Did each of my predecessors go through the loss of a mother and sister? Were friends taken from them so cruelly? Did they face discrimination based on who they loved? Were they driven to believe that death was a preferable option to facing the day?

"He shall come from across the sea,

He shall come from beyond the mountains.

He shall be a herald of woe,

He shall be a portent of peace.

He will be the shield against the storm,

He will be the sword that lights the way.

His is the coming of doom. His is the coming of victory.

He came from a source of grief, he will lead us on a path of hope."

"That was lovely," I smiled.

"It is what Rafiki once said about the Guardian, about you," Mufasa said. "For some reason, try as I might, that has always stayed with me," the King admitted.

"Well, I did come from across the sea and beyond the mountains, and I've felt that my presence has had pros and cons, and I did come from a life of grief," I said.

"If you don't mind, I wish to learn more about your old life, and about humanity," Mufasa requested. "There may be no better time," he smiled.

I acquiesced to Mufasa's request and went on to tell him how I lived in a city called London, where millions of humans lived, and that it was within a country on an island thousands of miles away, where tens of millions of humans lived and was just one country of over 200. Some were big, some were small. Some had many humans calling it home, some had fewer. Above all else, seven billion people shared this planet with animals across the world, though they didn't always live harmoniously.

"Utterly fascinating," Mufasa shook his head in astonishment. I guess that the biggest number he could visually comprehend was the stars in the sky, of which none now remained apart from the increasing light of the nearest one to this planet.

"What was your home, your family like?"

"I lived in a house, like a big cave but with multiple floors instead of one," I explained.

"Oh, you think Pride Rock only has the cave we sleep in? It has all sorts of caves, from the birthing cave, the nursery, the old, um... " Mufasa trailed off as if he was distracted by a bitter memory. "And even then, there are caves that are not fully documented," he eventually finished.

"Blimey, I'd be worried that Pride Rock would collapse in on itself," I said jokingly. Mufasa chuckled.

"But yeah, I lived in a nice house, I lived with my father, my brother," I listed. I didn't think he would quite understand the concept of humans keeping animals as companions, and it was excess information in the grand scheme of things.

"And I had a mother... and a sister, but they both died," I said at length. It was probably because I was admitting it to not only someone who was a stranger but a few days ago, but a lion, that my throat became quite heavy. It was as if I was fulfilling my mother's vision that she once told me.

'One day, you will be taken on an adventure, and on that adventure, you will do things you wouldn't think were possible, and you will change the world,' she would say to me often. I thought it was an inspirational speech to motivate me to pay attention and work with intelligence at school and never give up on making the world a better place to live in. For most of the time, I honoured her words in the way that I had initially interpreted them, but now I am recalling them from an entirely elevated perspective.

"Oh, I'm truly sorry," Mufasa's eyebrows turned upwards.

I nodded before my facade broke. I cried like I hadn't for years. But I couldn't decide if they were tears of the memory of grief or tears induced by the epiphany.

I fell to my knees, I felt Mufasa advance towards me and put his left paw around me, and I couldn't help but weep into his mane.

"There, there, it's going to be okay," I could hear his voice. Not from his throat, but from his chest. It was as if his heart was speaking the words with a voice as gentle as the air that was moving across my neck.

I don't know for how long it lasted, but the sky was a shade lighter when I pulled away from Mufasa but remained in a crouching position.

"I'm sorry about that," I sniffed. "I don't know what came over me, I've probably ruined your schedule," I laughed.

"Nonsense," Mufasa dismissed. "There must be no delay in addressing the pain in one's heart, and it looks like you've been ignoring it for too long," he said.

"You're probably right," I admitted. "I think Rafiki has a big job on his hands," I said as I stood back up.

"Are you okay to continue?" Mufasa asked, placing a paw on my shoulder. I looked at it for a moment. It covered the top of my shoulder and most of my breast. It was enormous, but it barely weighed anything. Its grip was firm yet gentle.

I looked at Mufasa and nodded. "Let's go."

We were about halfway through the patrol. The sun was unobscured by the horizon, climbing through the sky gracefully.

"We have entered Kilio Valley, the territory of the elephants, who are led and governed by my old friend, Aminifu," Mufasa announced. We were standing on a rocky outcrop on a ridge looking down at a lush forest of trees. One of the largest elephants in the entire herd seemed to notice and began to make his way toward us.

We waited patiently and silently for the bull to come into our earshot. I remember my brother telling me about how elephants had excellent hearing, almost human-level emotional intelligence and, as a result, a remarkable memory, so I decided against making a comment about their appearance or speed. Eventually, we were able to have a conversation.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," Aminifu greeted the King with a respectful bow.

"Good morning, Aminifu," Mufasa replied with a nod.

"And good morning to you, Alex," Aminifu smiled.

"Likewise," I replied with a nod.

"I hear you saved the Crown Prince once again," the elephant commented.

"Ah, it was nothing," I said meekly.

"Aminifu," Mufasa interjected. "May I count on you to spread the word of a ceremony to welcome Alex as a citizen of the Pride Lands?" he asked.

"I certainly will, Your Majesty, you've found a good one, I can tell you that for sure," the bull replied, causing me to look at the floor.

"I've heard good tales and bad tales about humans, but this one is worthy of being a Pridelander," Aminifu added with a grin.

"Thank you, Aminifu," I replied.

"I didn't know there was going to be a ceremony for me," I said with anticipation lifting my voice.

"It was going to be a surprise, but I felt it was more important for you to get to know your fellow Pridelanders," Mufasa responded.

We had now passed the sinkhole that was caused by the jackals. Mufasa stopped to look at it broodingly.

"You know, if it wasn't for Simba and Morgan, this sinkhole would probably have been worse," I said in realisation. If it weren't for Simba disrupting the jackals' plan, they would have gone on to cause more destruction and probably bury them all under tonnes upon tonnes of soil.

"I wish to tell you something, a secret tragedy of my own," Mufasa said softly. "Simba is not yet old enough to know this, but I believe you deserve to know it, having told me about your own grief," Mufasa said. I immediately composed myself in an appropriate manner, standing next to Mufasa, who was now sitting on his haunches.

"Sarabi and I... before Simba finally came along, we had two cubs; twin boys," the King said. It sounded like he had a weight on his throat as I had earlier. I was afraid of where this was going. I had my suspicions, but already I could feel my tear ducts engaging.

"They were called Xolo and Thando," Mufasa choked. "They were beautiful, kind and intelligent. Both were worthy of being Kings, but..." Mufasa's breathing was becoming unstable. "Kings they will never be, for they died... th-th-they're d-dead," he then collapsed to the floor with his paws over his head. A far cry from the dignified statesman he presented himself as not half an hour before.

I almost expected it, but it still floored me. The only thing for which I had the strength, having fallen to my knees, was to crawl over to the weeping lion and return the gesture from earlier. I placed my arms around his mane and rested my head on his back.

I wanted to say anything to comfort him as he had done for me, but at that moment, I felt like I had lost a close friend... a sibling, almost, that I had known for many years, even though I had never met them.

It was as if his grief was also my grief.

Mufasa eventually recovered from his spell of grief and we managed to continue the patrol. The sun was at such a height that it started to radiate the air around us.

"I apologise for my... episode," Mufasa said. "It must have weighed on my heart more than I imagined," he admitted. I shook my head.

"It's alright," I assured him. "I have come to understand that it is a mark of wisdom and courage to know when to let your guard down, to... stop pretending," I said.

"You're right," Mufasa admitted. "I've just had so much before me these past few days, and now I realise that, if I kept on lying to myself, I would probably end up making a mistake," he added. "And with Simba nearly coming to harm for two days in a row... I... I don't know how we could go on if we lost him as well," he only just managed to stop himself from crying again.

"But your coming has stayed these fears somewhat," he said, having regained his composure. "Every time he's gotten into trouble, you've been there to get him out of it," he added.

I was speechless. The idea that I had inspired security in Mufasa's heart because he knew I would help keep Simba safe made me feel a sense of fulfilment.

"Simba wishes for a brother... but I think he already has a brother figure in you," Mufasa said with a smile.

"What are you getting at, Mufasa?" I asked suspiciously.

Mufasa chuckled warmly. "All I'm saying is that you would make a fine Guardian," he said vaguely.

When we finally concluded the patrol, the cubs and the lionesses were at the foot of the slope up to Pride Rock, preparing to go about their daily activities, whether that was exploring the Pride Lands as it was or building on it with their imagination, whether that was the lionesses looking after their cubs while they played or sunbathing on the rocky outcrop beside Pride Rock.

Simba noticed our arrival and bounded toward us.

"Hi Dad, hi Alex," Simba greeted us excitedly as he rubbed his body against Mufasa's front legs.

"Good morning, son," Mufasa nuzzled his heir.

"Alex, my mom said that you and Morgan are going to be staying here, is that true?" he asked with increasing excitement. I looked at Mufasa and we shared an expression of amusement.

"Yes, it is true," I said. Simba practically combusted in excitement and began jumping up at my legs.

"Everyone will want to hear you confirm it, come on, let's go," Simba quickly exclaimed with fervour before he began to run off towards the group of cubs who were waiting by the sunbathing lionesses. I went to follow him but remembered that I had to go and see Rafiki after I had finished the patrol with Mufasa. I sighed as I had to confront the prospect of disappointing Simba and possibly killing his mood.

"Simba, wait," I sighed. Simba turned to face me and his expression melted away when he detected my tone.

"I'm sorry, but... I have to go and see Rafiki about the ceremony this evening and about my future duties," I said with a regretful tone.

Simba just stared at me blankly before his eyes fell to the floor with a cloud of disappointment growing in them. He nodded slowly.

"I understand..." he said before running off back to Pride Rock. It wasn't a run of excitement, but one of betrayal, of escape. I had seriously underestimated his feelings toward me. Perhaps Mufasa was right, Simba did see me as a brother. And who he saw as a brother just rejected him, and chose his duties over him.

I looked at Mufasa mournfully. "Go and talk to him," he suggested. I nodded.

Simba's POV

It was as if my heart had been punctured.

Alex was clearly more interested in his duties than playing with me. He only saves me because he sees it as his duty, not because he truly cares for me. Well, he can go to his stupid ceremony while I will wait here in this cave with a bruised heart.

But what would that help? And why am I even reacting like this? It's not as if I want or need to earn his affection, just his respect. Sure, he is a fascinating creature, and he saved my life, but he only just stopped being a stranger. Why do I feel as if I have known him for many moons? Over the last few days, the coming of Alex has been like an empty space in my heart that I didn't know was there being filled once more. It was a different type of space than the one that was reserved for Nala. That space was for a companion to see me through the rest of my life and create a future. But this other space was for a best friend that I wouldn't choose, a mix of the wisdom of a parent and the fun of a friend. It was a space that felt like it was meant to be filled, but for some reason, remained empty. Until Alex arrived.

While he didn't take my troubles seriously at first, the advice that I followed led me to be successful in admitting my love to and securing the love of Nala. After he saved me, I was grateful, but beyond that, I think that's when I began to see him as a brother. Someone who cared for me, who would give me advice, who would help me grow into a wise, fair and strong ruler, and who would protect me from things that might hurt me.

I wandered aimlessly through a cave that I had entered. It was obscured by a curtain of vines which meant little light was able to penetrate into the cold, dark cave. It wasn't stuffy and there was a bit of a draught hitting my face, causing tears that I didn't know that had fallen down my cheeks to dry. My nose detected the scent of water and I followed it until I found a pond with a rock looking over it. I climbed the rock and sat on my haunches, my head hanging low as I stared at my faint reflection.

What would we go through, Alex and I? How much adversity would we endure? Would it test our bond or make it stronger yet? My thoughts trailed on to thinking about what kind of King I would be. I'm sure that Alex and Nala would help me make the right decisions, but I would like to think I would get it right the first time. I wanted to do what was right for my family, my pride, and my kingdom. I wished to rule with honour and fairness but also with authority and respect, like my Dad. Everyone does what they're told and those who stray beyond the rules or their roles are punished fairly and in accordance with the severity of their crime or misdemeanour.

I wanted to make him proud, but I would have to learn a lot. I'm beginning to understand the basics of the Circle of Life, but if I was put in charge for a day, everything would descend into chaos. I wish for the day I become King, the day my father completes his journey in the Circle of Life, to be as far away into the future as possible, but not so far that I am unable to serve and rule for many years myself.

But at the moment, I just wanted to be by myself. I lay down on the rock and attempted to fall asleep, but I was disturbed by the sound of paws walking on the stone floor. I looked into the darkness and saw a silhouette of a lion that looked to be drinking water from the pond below me. The sound of water being lapped up by the lion's tongue echoed in the cave, but it stopped before a pair of bright green eyes stared at me.

"Oh, Uncle Scar," I chuckled nervously. As if any other male lion had the knowledge or temerity to enter one of the caves beneath Pride Rock.

"Simba," Scar said. "What brings you here?" he asked. It sounded as if annoyance and displeasure seasoned his dry voice.

"Oh, uh... I just wanted to get away from everything for a moment," I admitted. Scar then began to stretch.

"Oh, I know that feeling," he commented. "Very well." He then walked beside the pond before sitting in front of the rock I was laying on, his green eyes looking up at me.

"I used to come here with my... friends," he said the last part with particular bitterness. "We used to go on all sorts of adventures until they... disappointed me," Scar explained. He got back up on his paws and began to walk around the pond.

"Now, when I come here, I am reminded that I am here, and they are not, and everyone paid a price for their errors in judgement, including myself," he said. From his words, I guessed that his 'friends' were now dead. I would have thought that he would be more... emotional and upset that his friends were no longer alive, but he spoke in a neutral tone.

"May I ask what it is that is troubling you, nephew?" my Uncle asked. I then found myself looking at the rock as I debated whether to reveal my turmoil to him. I didn't talk that much to my Uncle as I didn't see him around that much, and when I did see him, he was usually found on a ledge beneath the promontory of Pride Rock, but he seemed to be intelligent, even though his demeanour was sometimes insincere and unbecoming.

"Well... it's just... I think Alex is more concerned about his duties and I think we have a bond that goes beyond duty, and I'd just like him to acknowledge that," I explained.

"Oh, humans!" Scar exclaimed, shaking his head. "They will always disappoint you," he claimed.

"Well...that's not what I've found. Alex has always been there to save me when I'm in trouble or give me advice when I need it," I said. "He's almost like a brother I didn't know I had," I added. This made Scar form a thoughtful, slightly troubled expression.

"Hmph, brothers are overrated anyway, and where is your 'brother' when you need him most?" Scar questioned.

"Simba?" a familiar voice travelled through the cave, acting as a warm front that banished cold air and cold thoughts.

Alex's POV

"Damn, where did he go?" I sighed under my breath, wondering where Simba had run off to. I wanted to tell him how much I regretted my attitude towards our bond. Initially, I thought it was a fascination of a stranger of a species that he might have heard intriguing stories. But now I realised his was brotherly love, and after the conversations with Mufasa, I now understood why this was the case, but I had to be sure that I kept the secret of Mufasa's deceased sons behind my teeth.

The first place I looked in was the cave where we slept, but it was now completely empty. I decided to ask Sarabi, who was sunbathing with the other lionesses beside Pride Rock if she had seen where her son had run off to. She said she had not and asked why he had run off. I sighed.

"I just... need to talk to him about something, and... I need to apologise to him," I said. Sarabi cocked a brow.

"When he gets upset or needs a moment to himself, he will find a cave beneath Pride Rock," Sarabi gave me a hint. I nodded in acknowledgement.

"Thanks, Sarabi," I smiled before I went to inspect the caves beneath Pride Rock, as Sarabi suggested. The first cave I looked in was a small crack under the promontory which I couldn't fit. The second one was one of the first arches after the rock began to jut out. But then I stopped and turned around.

On the part that jutted out, there was a curtain of vines that looked as if it was disturbed and had not yet settled in its natural position. I poked my head through the vines and could hear Simba's voice, as well as that of Mufasa's brother, Scar. I decided to investigate what they were talking about, and as I delved further into the darkness, I could hear Scar saying how humans would always be a disappointment. I was determined to prove him wrong. If I did bring trouble, I would endeavour to extinguish it. If I made mistakes, I would do what it took to correct them.

I finally entered the main chamber of the cave and I could see the shapes of the narrowly-framed lion and the cub who was sitting on a rock above the lion.

"Simba?" I called out. Both lions looked in my direction. Simba then exchanged attention between me and his uncle before he jumped down and padded his way towards me, stopping exactly between me and Scar.

"What do you want?" Simba said with a hurt voice. I winced as it reached my ears. I really didn't want to hear more of that tone.

"I wanted to talk to you about something, I think you'll like what I have to say," I said with an encouraging grin.

Simba cocked a brow and looked to the floor before behind him at his uncle.

"Think about what I said, Simba, now off you go," Scar said before he slinked off into the darkness. It came off as him planting a thought in the impressionable cub's head but giving the impression of giving him agency.

Simba walked into the light and I followed him out of the cave, moving the vines out of his way. We walked up the slope to Pride Rock and settled in the middle of the promontory.

"What did you want to say to me?" Simba asked as I sat down. I sighed, thinking of what wording would win him over.

"So... I went on the patrol with your father this morning, and he told me that you thought of me as a brother and that he noticed a bond that went beyond what formal relationship we might have in the future, and... looking back, I was an idiot to not see it," I said frankly. Simba chuckled at my self-deprecation.

"And now that I think about it, I believe that the bond is reciprocal," I said. "I do regard you like I would regard a sibling, and I do have a good deal of love for you," I added.

"Really?" Simba's expression that suggested his excitement was about to climatically erupt had returned.

"Simba..." I began, putting my hand on his cheek, catching his whiskers. I moved it down his neck and then his spine, a motion that was aided by Simba moving towards me. I could feel the purring emanating from his neck area as he nuzzled my knee. I then put my forehead against his. I wanted to say it. I knew it to be true.

"I love you."

Unseen by my eyes, Sarabi was witnessing the conversation between me and Simba with a proud smile on her regal face.

A/N: Don't you just love a happy ending? To the chapter, that is. We're not even halfway through the first half of the first part of this epic saga yet. Anyway, Alex had better get his arse to Rafiki's tree before he gets hit on the head with his staff!

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