Always There to Guide You (Mufasa)

[Simba]

Simba was just done with his patrol but before going back to Pride Rock, he sat down next to a pond because he wanted to be alone a little. Simba had many thoughts swirling in his mind about Sam, about the problems with humans, about the lionesses Kiara had told about. He had so many questions and he needed answers.

The lion was still unsure about allowing Sam to stay. What if he makes a wrong decision? What if other humans find this place and starts destroying it? However, there was one thing Simba was very curious about: the voice the boy keeps hearing. Even Rafiki couldn't tell him who it was.

Simba was worried about some Outlander lionesses as well, the ones who had decided to stay away from the Pridelands. Kiara wanted to invite them, however, the lion had doubts about it. They belonged to Zira's pride and their cubs were Nuka's descendant. Scar's bloodline. What if they want to take revenge for Zira's death?

The male looked down at the pond, scaning his reflection on the watersurface. Maybe he looked like Mufasa as they said, but was he like his father inside? Was he following in his pawprints? 

"Father," now he looked up at the clouds above. "Father, you said you would always be there for me," came the soft reminder. "Please help me. There are so many issues around and I don't want to put my kingdom in danger. What should I do?" - because one thing he feared the most was disappointing his father again.

[The Spirits]

As the clouds above the Savannah parted. Simba would no doubt hear a single, loud voice. ”Simba, your kingdom will change in ways even you might not understand now…” came the soothing baritone of Mufasa’s voice.

As his visage appeared in the clouds, soft features examining his son. He was silent for a few moments before continuing his words. ”Samuel is not here by accident my son, none of it was an accident. Neither the human’s presence here, nor his arrival in your kingdom,” he said firmly. ”It was I who sent him to you - for I have sensed the kindness in his heart. And the strength of his resolve. Two qualities you will need in the journey that lies ahead.”

Thoughtfully, he elaborated as far as he could on the matter. ”Heed my words carefully, Simba. The boy must be protected and cared for. Something I know you will see to, as I know my son. For there will come a time where you will know his purpose here,” he explained. Trying not to sound demanding, but instead, affirming his own choices. ”There is a far greater threat that now looms in your kingdom. A bloodline not seen for many years. But the boy is not the threat you seek…”

He then added. ”But I sense it is not only the humans that trouble you, my son. Tell me…”

[Simba]

The male closed his eyes, waiting for any signs that could come from Mufasa. A soft breeze, a whispering voice, a warm sunlight, a suggestion - anything. And finally, Simba could hear that voice. The voice he had been waiting for so long to speak. The lion opened his eyes and looked up to the sky again. Mufasa was here, just like he once promised he would always be. 

The answer finally came: it really was his father who had sent the boy here. Simba was surprised how Mufasa could trust Sam so easily, but from that moment on, he knew he had no other choice but start accepting the boy. This was his father's wish, so it needed to be so. On the other hand, the threat Mufasa talked about made Simba worried. What bloodline was he talking about? Maybe it was Inyere and her cubs? He felt an urge to talk about them.

"Yes, it's... it's about some Outlanders. They refused to join us after the war, however, Kiara wants to bring them here. I ... don't think it's a good idea. They stay away for a reason. They may still accept Zira's leadership and if so, it can be dangerous to invite them. They may think that Kiara killed Zira on purpose, thus they might want to take revenge on her. Especially because one of the lionesses has a child. Nuka's child. Scar's descendant..."

[The Spirits]

Mufasa could read his sons features.

He knew that Simba still felt a fair bit… Strange toward his actions with the boy. But he also knew that in time, Simba and the others would understand. They would have to. ”I know that it will be strange to accept such a new creature at first. But you will understand in time,” he explained. ”I was reminded much of you the day you left this land. Lost, alone, in search of purpose. But underneath it, a confidence. A strength he knows not he has yet. He may stand without a Pride of his own, though I’m sure he will find, ar least he now he stands a chance of becoming what we know he can. I assure you, my choice was not made lightly. We have watched him for some time.”

When Simba spoke of the cubs, Mufasa elected to listen closely first.

It was a far more delicate subject because Mufasa also understood his fears. And yet… ”In order for our land, and Pride to heal. We must be open to change,” he explained honestly. It was the truth. ”I would agree to extend caution. But also remember - the cubs are not their father. They should be judged upon their own merits. As should the mate.”

He hummed quietly as he spoke his next words. ”Perhaps the lesson I may pass on about all of them. Samuel, the lionesses, and the cubs is… Second chances in life must be given,” he explained. ”Whether it be a home; life and family. Or perhaps even peace… All of us deserve these things. With our pride or elsewhere. No matter what we came from.”

He added. ”The enemy I speak of comes from none of these, however, son. And perhaps the enemy may not know what threat it holds yet,” he explained. ”But there were many demons our past has created, Simba and you must tread carefully. Lest the mistakes of our ancestors be repeated.”

Then came his most ominous warning yet: ”Know this my son, when the time comes that the Earth shakes. You will know it’s time to seek the heart of this land,” he explained. ”Find the heart, and heal it or I fear for the future of both our world and theirs.”

[Simba]

Simba looked down at the ground when he was reminded of those days of traveling. Those days had been the worst days of his life: he had never felt as abandoned as then. He had to admit his father had a point here, he and Sam had much in common, just like he and Bunga had, which Simba didn't see at first.

Deep in his heart the lion knew Mufasa was right. He shouldn't judge too soon, however, his fears stopped him to do so. Evil was there in Scar's blood, therefore it could be present in the cubs as well. Simba didn't want a new disaster for the kingdom. Although, it seems even if he tried to do everything against it, yet, threat was coming - according to Mufasa's prediction. An enemy Simba couldn't imagine. His father words sounded scary and hearing the news concern moved into the lion's heart again.

"So is it not Scar and the Evil Lions? Is it something bigger?"

[The Spirits]

Mufasa was silent a moment.

What more could he say without interfering? He wanted so badly to tell Simba everything. But at the same time, he could only speak so much on affairs. Some things had to play out how they were destined to after all.

”I can only speak on the matter so much, Simba. And my time grows short,” He explained quite honestly. ”All I may say to you, is this. The answers you seek lie in the tomb of the lost prince of our land.”

As the clouds began to quietly part, Mufasa’s last words were: ”Until then, you can only trust me.. Trust us…” he explained. ”Trust the kings know the way…”