Rafiki, Royal Mjuzi for the Pridelands

[Rafiki]

RAFIKI

Nicknames: Old Monkey
Age: Seventies
Gender: Male
Species: Mandrillus Sphinx (Mandrill)
Homeland: Pridelands
Allegiance or Pride: Prideland Pride's/Simba's Pride
Custom title: Royal Mjuzi

GENERAL INFO
Personality: Rafiki is wise, due to years of learning from both those before him and personal experience. Throughout his years, he has learned to read the signs and omens of the world around him and since before the birth of Simba, able to convene with the Kings of the Past. He is able to understand the world around him, allowing him to handle it calmly and clearly. He is always able to be at the right place, at the right time. Such as when the humans came into the Pride Lands. Though he had never seen one before, the Great Kings of the Past told him of something coming, though he was still trying to understand it before he was able to tell Simba.

Though he is a respected figure, he does not demand respect as others have done. He is respected because he has shown great wisdom and knowledge beyond his years. With his wisdom, he can pin-point if someone will be good a leader and will mourn when that leadership is destroyed. Because of his wisdom, he was able to survive the many seasons that Scar ruled the Pride Lands, without being bothered by those destroying the very home he had watched thrive. He has a high sense of responsibility to the Pride Lands and the Circle of Life in general, traveling many miles in order to save his home.

Though he is wise and insightful, he is also loud-mouthed and outgoing, every much an extrovert when it comes to others. He has no fear of judgement from others, because he is true to himself and is known to be a little annoying and energetic, though can also be very soothing and calm in tough situations. His methods can very very bothersome to other animals and he has no issue crossing social barriers in order to nudge others in the correct direction. Though his energy is known to be positive and exciting, it can also be used to vent out anger, which can make him a dangerous foe to those who are against him. Though his personality can be dangerous, he uses it for good more than bad.

He is a loyal friend and can be a gentle caretaker, especially to the young of the Pride Lands. He respects all whom he comes across, even if they sometimes do not earn his respect. He is courteous of others and builds strong relationships in different ways with different personalities. He is loyal to the Pride Lands, a loyalty that had grown even more since the time of the Kings before Mufasa.

Likes: Pride Lands, The Royal Family, Helping, Spiritual Connection, The Tree of Life, Circle of Life
Dislikes: Evil, Scar's Memory, Those Against the Circle of Life, Death, Bad Fruit

PERSONAL INFO
Family

• Ano - Father, former Mjuzi
• Dhakiya - Mother
• Imo -Brother
• Elewa - Brother
• Lunanga - Brother

Mate: N/A
Offspring: N/A

History: Rafiki was born before the time of Ahadi & Uru's reign. He was young when Ahadi was born, but remembers the celebration of the Pride Lands. His father and mother were both wise mandrills that even the king at the time respected, but they were not considered advisors. They had a deep connection with the circle of life and with the Lions of the past. They raised the children in the same manner. The royal Mjuzi at the time, quickly took favor with Rafiki, the eldest of their children, and requested that he join him as an apprentice. Both of his parents agreed, as long as he still visited them, which the royal mjuzi at the time was fine with.

While the old royal mjuzi was very serious, Rafiki quickly showed he was much more energetic and active. This did not deter the old mandrill, but only strengthened his means to teach Rafiki. Over time, he did teach Rafiki how to control himself and when it was appropriate to act as such. These lessons were well met and soon, Rafiki was conducting ceremonies for the Royal Family and the Pride. As he became more active, the old mandrill became less active and one day, Rafiki discovered that he had passed on. The King and Queen at the time were both broken hearted and he was mourned by the whole land.

Rafiki was still learning, but his connection with the Lions of the Past continued teaching him and leading him. It was he who first heard the roar of the elders by one of the Lions of the Pride Lands and he rushed to Pride Rock to explain the gift. The lion chosen was not of royal blood, but he was a strong Lion who took the role seriously. When Ahadi and Uru became Queen and King, Rafiki performed the ceremony with great pride and then introduced the two young Princes, whom had already been born.

With Mufasa being the eldest of the two brothers, he was trained by his parents to be King one day. Rafiki noticed that Taka, the youngest, seemed left out and so, he would include the young cub in his little walks around the Pride Land, telling him stories of the Kings of the Past. It was during one of these walks that they got the word that the leader of the guard had died and Rafiki and Taka rushed to find out what happened. It had been found that another band of lions had crossed the border and he was badly injured before he used the roar of the elders, but it was too much.

The Pridelands once again, mourned the loss of someone well respected. This was the first time that both Mufasa and Taka had witnessed death in this manor and both of them began to spar and train more to protect the Pride Lands. It was during an attack by some jackals, that Taka became Leader of the Lion Guard and gained the use of the Roar. Rafiki was glad for the cub, since it gave him a meaning and Taka took the honor seriously. For the next seasons, Rafiki continued his services to the King and Queen of the Pride Lands, as well as the Pridelands as a whole, including the place of a healer. Ahadi and Uru soon stepped down in their older age, both soon passing while Mufasa took the throne.

One day while he was painting in the lair, he received word that Taka was injured and rushed to see him. The scar over his eye was a mark that he felt was a bad omen, one that pointed to evil... Though it was a scar, he did begin his work of healing, but realized his medicine was doing nothing to truly help. He told Taka about a place known as the Tree of Life, that they could go and reach it in a few weeks, but Taka refused in anger... This worried Rafiki, especially when he found out he took the name of Scar. A few weeks later, he heard the roar suddenly and rushed to the area, only to see four lion badly injured and Taka standing away and looking off... Rafiki tried to saved them and while doing so, heard one tell him what happened, before he succumbed to his injuries. Taka had used the roar on the Guard and in doing so... Lost the Roar of the Elders...

Rafiki reported this to Mufasa, who was shocked and angry at his brother for not only going against the circle of life, but also killing four of his subject. But, Taka was his brother and he could not remove him from the Pride. Taka, now known as Scar, stayed in the Pride Lands, but remained an outcast to many lions. No one wanted to associate with him, because of what he had done. During the birth of Simba, Scar became even more isolated and Rafiki saw him go to the outlands many times, though he never followed. Rafiki told him of his concerns, but Mufasa merely said he would keep an eye on the situation. There was no more that Rafiki could do.

Rafiki gained the new about the death of Mufasa and Simba, causing him to pull himself into mourning and depression. His state was to the point he could not connect to the spirits for a time. He refused to hold the ceremony for Scar to become King of the Pride Lands, which angered Scar. It also caused many animals to not trust Scar. If Rafiki did not do the ceremony, because he did not trust or respect Scar, then how could they? Over time, many animals came to speak to Rafiki during Scar's Reign and he told them that Scar did not adhere to the Circle of Life. Many herds abandoned the Pride Lands on Rafiki's advise.

With the Pride Lands becoming ruined, Rafiki did not leave like the others, but stuck around to watch over the lions still loyal to the Circle of Life. Sometimes, Sarabi would come and see him or Nala. During one of these visits with Sarabi, he mentioned how someone needed to go and find another Lion like Mufasa or Simba, who respected the Circle of Life, to come and overthrow Scar. Though he did not know if Sarabi would act on it, she left in disheartened agreement. Sometime later, he heard from Sarabi that Nala had left the Pride Lands, he was glad, but sad as well. Had things had worked out, she and Simba would have been paired as mates and married, but Simba was dead. After another few nights, he was shocked to pick up some leaves and dandelion seeds with a strong scent... It was the Scent of Simba!

He made his way out of the Pride Lands late at night, crossing the desert as quickly as he could, before coming upon a beautiful jungle. It had been many years since his parents had brought him to this Jungle, but he knew it well enough. After taking to the trees, he soon found Nala and a grown Lion who he quickly saw Mufasa in. It was than that his hope was secured once more and he reached out to the Lions of the past. He was greeted by the welcoming voice of Mufasa in his mind and he was filled with joy, sadness, longing for his old friend. But one thing they both knew... Simba had to come home.

The mandrill kept his distance while Simba and Nala reconnected, but soon made his way to Simba when the two parted ways. After a while, he was able to learn Simba to a calming Pool and showed him how Mufasa lived in him. Simba was finally able to connect with his father and for this, Rafiki was glad. While Simba rushed to the Pride Lands, Rafiki informed Nala and the others whom knew Simba what had happened. He also rushed back to the Pride Lands, though after Nala had left. He went first to his tree, in hopes to get anything he needed for the victory that he knew would come. It had to come!

He rushed to Pride Rock not long after the battle started and quickly took on the Hyena's that had helped destroy the place he called home. He was fierce in battle, but also took time to check on any wounded when he could. Luckily, the Lionesses only had a few cuts and scraps on them, but they needed attention when possible. As he looked up high at the peak, he could see Simba and Scar battling, but knew there was nothing they could do... This had to be done... When he suddenly saw Scar sent over the edge, he rushed towards the location. Even as evil as Scar was, he was still the Son of Ahadi and a Prince of the Royal family... The fires around Pride Rock were too fierce though and when they died down, all he saw was blood and Hyena tracks with something being drug... Scar was gone, killed by those whom he once trusted. For a moment, Rafiki mourned the loss of the lion who had once had such promise and friendship...

He returned to the Lions of Pride Rock and welcomed Simba as King. With order being established again, he helped Simba connect more with the Spirits of the Past, as well as advise him on things. Though he tried to explain to Simba about Zira, he was too late to stop the banishment. Since then, Rafiki has worried about the Lionesses of the Outlands, but also wondered about the children Zira bore, especially since he knew they might not of been born of Scar. Though, that detail did not make it to Simba.

He taught Simba about everything he needed to know, including the Guard. He told Simba that it was likely that anyone could became part of the guard, but that his son needed to be made aware and taught the ways of the circle of Life. The herds returned to the Pride Lands and soon, the Royal Family was welcoming Kiara as their new Princess. He was glad to see a new cub born. It was good to see the birth of cubs again, something many Lionesses in the Pride had refused to allow happen to them. Not long after Kiara came Kion. Rafiki has since been his normal self, learning the ways of the world as things are always changing.

With Kion taking over the mantel of Leader of the Lion Guard, Rafiki was there to teach those who took on the needed roles. When evil came in the form of Scar, Rafiki was there to help and give advise. The attack on Kion that caused him to journey to the Tree of Life was dreadful and watching as the Guard left the Pridelands, it broke his heart. But, he had little time to dwell upon that, as the Great Kings of the past called to him again. He also said farewell to his young apprentice, who journeyed with the lion and his guard.

When the Princess went on her first true-hunt, Rafiki watched from a distance in horror when the grasslands caught fire. The arrival of Kovu sealed the knowledge that the great kings were planning something, so he fought on the side of Kovu and Kiara.

Things progressed, the ambush happened and Rafiki was unable to make it to Pride Rock before the exile was given to Kovu. A choice he felt to be foolish, arrogant, and too harshly given without giving the young lion time to speak. When the battle started, Rafiki had already returned to his home, speaking to the great kings in silence. When it was over, he received word of a few injuries and returned to Pride Rock to help those who needed him. He also married Kovu and Kiara a few days later...

The discussion of a new Lion Guard formed when Vitani and a few other lionesses found the lair of the Guard. Kiara, worried her brother would never returned, told Rafiki they needed the guard. It was not a choice he liked, but he respected the young Princess' choice and allowed her to select a lioness she felt worthy. That was Vitani, who then worked to collect her guard. The group was mighty, even he had to agree they were good at their job. When the return of Kion happened, Rafiki was glad to see him, but saw the trouble that came. The battle of two guards would happen and when Kion finished it with giving up the roar, Rafiki was proud.

When Askari came and granted the roar to Kion once more, Rafiki celebrated as he did. Together with the royal family, Rafiki journeyed to the Tree of Life, to witness the marriage of Rani and Kion. He returned to the Pridelands in search of a new Royal Mjuzi and to watch the Pridelands thrive.

ABOUT YOU
OOC Alias: Renea
Age: 30
Preferred Pronouns: Her/She
Timezone: Central USA