Nakala

Chapter 92

The sun had long since set when Nakala followed Rafiki back to his hollow. The long journey to get the Pride Lands and all the walking through the land on top of that left the lion's legs feeling weak. His legs gave up upon reaching the tree and the rest of Nakala was happy to lay there as well. There was a strange feeling the lingered over him. Being back in the land of his birth as an Oultander brought about conflicting feelings. That comfort of coming home after a long journey was clashing with the unease of being stranded in enemy territory. It was made none the easier by his mother, sister, and Rafiki being nice to him while Zazu, Simba and most of the Pridelanders wouldn't stop glaring at him.

"I'm sure it has been a long day. After you get some sleep we can work to get rid of that corruption," Rafiki assured the yawning lion. In response Nakala gave small nod and closed his eyes. Rafiki couldn't help but chuckle. It seemed that aside from where he lived and his appearance, Nakala hardly changed from when he was a cub. Even now, the mandrill could sense the courage and resolve in the former prince's heart. With a yawn and stretch of his own, Rafiki soon retired sleep the rest of the night away as well.

Soon most of the Pridelanders big and small were fast asleep under the full moon and glittering stars. But there were still a few awake. Namely, the king and queen of the land, locked in another argument concerning their son.

"You should have been there, Simba," Nala said firmly. "You should have heard what he said. He's seen and been through so much out there."

"And what if he made all that stuff up?"

"Simba!" Nala snarled. "He is our son and I believe what he said. Why can't you do the same?"

Nala waited for a response but all she got in response was silence. With an angry huff, the lioness turned around and prepared to storm off.

"Nala, you can't forget that he is an Outlander. I know he is our son but things are changing everyday. With us losing Kion at first and Zira taking Kiara... It's a risk I can't take, Nala," Simba sighed. Nala's anger melted away and she looked back at her mate.

"We're the royals of these lands and everyone is looking to us. If something happens to you or Kiara... But I won't stop either of you. Just be careful, Nala. Please," Simba said carefully.

This time Nala was the one to be silent. She turned her back on her mate and walked into the inner cavern. Simba said nothing either and turned his gaze on the expanse of the Pride Lands.

Before he even knew it, dawn was upon Nakala and so was Rafiki, already nudging him awake. Nakala groaned from being woken up. His legs still felt a bit sore and it was clear that they were up very early. Unless he was on the dawn patrol, the lion had never been woken up so early in the Outlands.

"Ugh, why? Can't it wait just a little bit longer?" Nakala whined.

A small chuckle came from Rafiki, amused by the lion's complaining. "The fate of everyone and everything cannot wait. Come on. The sooner we complete your exercise, the sooner you can go back to sleep. Now come on!"

Another annoyed groan came from Nakala but the lion rose to his paws. Giving his pelt a shake, the lion followed the mandrill's lead. But he was soon regretting his choice upon being led away from the hollow and down a long path towards the Hakuna Mattata Falls. Upon reaching their destination, Nakala was wide awake. His paws ached and he had yet to eat anything.

"We are here. Just a little further," Rafiki said in calm tone. It wasn't hard for him to pick up on the lion's annoyance and discomfort. But he was certain the whole trip would be worth it. Following the mandrill's lead once again, Nakala pushed past leaves and ducked under branches. It had been a long time since he stepped foot near the Falls and unlike the Outlands, the environment had changed a lot in his absence. He could hardly recognize this as the place he and Bunga used to play daily.

Rafiki soon stopped and waited for Nakala to join him. The lion caught up and looked past the mandrill, his eyes landing on a small, shimmering pool just a foot in front of them. The high treetops blocked out most of the light, covering the jungle floor in shadows. But the small pond seemed to glow as if it contained a small or sun within itself.

"Rafiki. What is this? I've never seen this here before..."

"Shh..." the mandrill said slowly. He placed a hand on the lion's shoulder and pointed out towards the pond. "Look at the water..."

Nakala was confused but did what he was told, looking into the calm, glowing water. Staring back at him was his own reflection. Somehow seeing himself brought a feeling of calm to his being. While Nakala was gazing into his reflection, Rafiki reached out to the water and tapped lightly against the surface, causing a series of small ripples.

The lion continued to look into the clear water, feeling rather relaxed. The small ripples in the liquid surprised him but the lion's gaze remained on the waves. Right before his eyes, Nakala's own reflection started to shift and morph. The water stilled and staring back at Nakala was none other than his grandfather, Mufasa.

"You see?" Rafiki said quietly.

"You have inherited a problem that has been around since the reign of your grandfather. But you have the chance to put an end to this conflict."

Rafiki tapped the water's edge a second time, bring motion to the surface. Once the ripples reached Nakala's reflection they began to change just like before. Still in awe, Nakala kept his eyes on the water, not even daring to blink. And just like before his image began to change. The ripples were stronger than before and the image was changing into something drastically different but familiar.

"Is that?" Nakala asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes, it is," Rafiki nodded. "You great uncle, Scar. He was the first lion to help the hyenas. When he failed that was the beginning of his downfall from the leader of the Lion Guard, a hero. Now he's known as the worst villain in Pride Lands history."

Nakala nodded and watched as another ripple stirred the image. When the water stilled, Nakala tore his gaze away. Just from a glimpse his heart was pounding and the fur along his spine rose. Rafiki put his on the lion's shoulder just like before. Caught off guard, the feline nearly jumped out of his fur.

"Right now the current king, your father, is on a path to repeating Mufasa's mistakes. He has been through a lot in his life, starting when he was just a cub. In his heart is the fear that the horrors of his past could be repeating," Rafiki elaborated. Nakala nodded and looked back at the pool and a smile spread across his muzzle. Staring back at him was his own reflection.

"You are a very lucky lion," Rafiki explained. "The Roar is said to disappear when used for evil. But you've been in the Outlands for years and there it is. You know what that means, Nakala?"

"It means..." Nakala thought for a moment and gasped. The answer was simple and it made his smile grow even wider. "I'm doing the right thing."

"You must follow your grandfather's advice. You have those from the Pride Lands and the Outlands who care about you. Somehow you must bring them together," Rafiki grinned.

"Thanks, Rafiki. I think I know what to do now," Nakala sighed. "So... Can I go back to sleep?"