Like Water and Rain (Chapter 19)

So this is the life of a bodyguard, huh?

I say this because I was currently with Kiara and Simba, who, like yesterday, were doing royal training. I guess in peacetime, you can have the chance to do this, but the scavenging yesterday set me off a bit. I had explained everything that happened in detail to Kiara and, while concerned, knew that The Guard and I could take this…

I think.

Such low esteem is reserved for my thought of you, not your thought of yourself.

Thanks…

‘’When you’re Queen, you have to view The Pridelands as it views you. Don’t view them as subjects, but citizens you must protect.’’ Simba told the lioness as I listened in. ‘’You may not always agree with them, but through compassion and kindness, wisdom and support, you can unite them.’’

Kiara looked at me with a smile before turning back to her father, who continued. As he did so, I cleared my throat at Kiara’s look, returning a smile. ‘’Although I do feel that in the past week or so, you have proved to understand this, your lack of experience leaves you with some work you need to improve on.’’

‘’I know…’’

Simba then looked at a bird who was struggling to fly, lifting it up on his finger. ‘’The tweets of birds to the roar of lions, you must understand any and all sound.’’

‘’Simba, if I may ask.’’ I interjected. ‘’Who was the first king to come up with these lessons?’’

‘’The First King.’’ Simba answered. ‘’Mohatu.’’

Grandfather…

‘’He had a feeling that if lessons were not passed down the next generations, they would abuse their power like Scar did.’’ He explained as Kiara looked at me again. ‘’It’s great to see how the new generation is handling things, but I wish Scar didn’t act like he did.’’

‘’But Simba.’’ I blinked at the king. ‘’You said it’s great how the new generation is handling things and I agree with that, but...are you trying to do what your father would have wanted...or do you want to BE Mufasa?’’

The question caused Simba to raise an eyebrow. ‘’What do you mean?’’

‘’Some of your laws seem like ones that Mufasa would create. Instead of carving your own legacy, you’re using your fathers.’’ I shrugged.

‘’I mean...I guess.’’

As he kept talking to Kiara after answering me, I looked down. Was it really the right thing for bringing my family here, then killing Kovu and Zira?

You brought your family back because you couldn’t choose between this world and yours.

I could have just made the choice to go back.

'''Then this ‘Kudanganywa’ would be free to run wild if he were to come. Judging by how Janja described him and the fact he was carrying out orders for him tells me that we have more issues on our hands.'''

True…

‘’Simba.’’

My call to the king, combined with my sudden stop, made both him and Kiara look at me. ‘’You two keep going. I have to talk with someone.’’

Kiara, knowing exactly who I was talking about, gritted her teeth in concern, but sighed and walked off with her father.

When they were out of sight, I sat down. Alright, Loki, let’s have a small discussion.

Unfazed by the name, Scar appeared in front of me.

‘’Kudanganywa is a name meaning ‘manipulation’.’’ He began. ‘’Making me believe that this is all just a small part of a greater plan.’’

‘’And something tells me this one is going to be harder to deal with than Zira’s plan because we won’t know who he is and how to stop him.’’ I raised an eyebrow. ‘’Should we inform Simba of the severity?’’

‘’Tch. What would be the point?’’ Scar scoffed. ‘’It’s clear that Vitani would be far more useful in this situation than Simba. The latter has more time spent on training Kiara and ruling the kingdom.’’

‘’But Simba knows the kingdom needs protection.’’ I pointed out. ‘’With The Lion Guard now journeying to foreign lands, their peacekeeping force is out, leaving either the two of us or the pride.’’

‘’Indeed…’’ He rubbed his beard. ‘’The Guard has turned into a foreign peacekeeping force, leaving us to pick up the pieces when trouble arises. This is something we must face.’’

‘’I know…’’ I sighed. ‘’But it’s just…’’

‘’Hey, Shujaa!’’

I blinked rapidly as Vitani came over to us.

‘’Hey, Vitani.’’ I smiled at my friend, who had a serious face. ‘’Something wrong?’’

‘’A new lion has appeared at Pride Rock.’’ She said, causing me to look at her flatly.

‘’That’s nice.’’ I said. ‘’But I have more important things on my mind.’’

‘’In particular, that Kudanganywa fool.’’ Scar growled at Vitani’s rolled eyes.

‘’But he wants to see..’’ She said before pointing at me. ‘’You.’’

‘’Me?’’

‘’Yeah.’’

‘’For what?’’

‘’I dunno.’’

‘’...Fine.’'

Scar disappeared as Vitani and I ran towards Pride Rock.

We reached the rock and that’s when I noticed not one...but TWO new lions.

‘’You told me there was only one!’’ I whispered to Vitani, who shrugged.

‘’There was before I left to get you.’’

‘’Ah, so you’re Shujaa?’’ I heard one of the voices say as I looked up. He had black fur, but an orange mane...looked kind of ugly, if you ask me. The lion smirked as he approached me. ‘’Name’s Tashi...and this is my friend, Ni.’’

Behind him, the older of the male lions, looking to be older than Simba and Nala, came up. ‘’Salutations.’’

‘’Uh-huh.’’ My nose twitched...something seemed...off. ‘’How do you know who I am?’’

‘’We were taking a trip through The Pridelands in order to get to the other side and to the desert when we overheard some animals talking about you.’’ Ni explained. ‘’We came to Pride Rock in order to ask who you were...odd being back here after all these years.’’

‘’You’ve been here before?’’

‘’Oh, yes.’’ Ni continued. ‘’I came here during Scar’s reign, assisting Nala.’’

‘’Ah, so you’re a friend of hers.’’

‘’Essentially.’’

But a cough from Tashi incited our looks. ‘’Point is, we need a place to stay for the week before we can continue on our journey.’’

‘’Talk to Simba and Nala about that.’’ I shrugged.  

‘’And I am eager to see the Princess.’’

The Pri-

‘’What about her?’’ I asked with a raised eyebrow. ‘’She’s taking royal lessons with Simba.’’

‘’How unfortunate.” Tashi sighed. “I was hoping for a meeting with her.”

He certainly doesn't seem right.

Vitani, as if hearing my thoughts, nodded at my skeptical frown. My eyes followed the two males as they were talking.

“Connor, who are they?”

Kiara came up to me and, noticing my horrified face, had a face of fear. “Is something-”

“No, Kiara, i’m-”

“Ah, Princess Kiara!” Tashi beamed as he came over and raised my Princess’ right paw up, licking it as I snarled and Kiara blinked in curiosity. “It's a pleasure to finally meet you!”

“Uh..likewise.” Kiara stammered. “I didn't know you wanted to see me.”

“Oh, Princess, I have always wanted to do so.” He smirked before rubbing the side of Kiara’s face. “It is an honor to meet someone of such royal background. The name is Tashi.”

As I snarled louder, this caught both of their eyes. Kiara, in a panic, knowing how angry I could get, ran over and nuzzled me. “It's okay, it's okay! He's not doing anything!”

“Sure he isn't…”

“Uh...can you excuse us?” Kiara asked Tashi, who turned away and  walked off with Ni, causing Kiara to breathe a sigh of relief and turn back to me. “Connor, what's your issue?”

“He's trying to seduce y-”

“Seduce me? He hasn't done anything that would involve seduction.” She incorrectly pointed out. “He's just being polite.”

“Kiara, licking your paw and rubbing the side of your head hardly classifies as being polite.” I scoffed. “I've seen enough of this to know he's trying to use you...I just don't know what.”

“If you don't know, why care if he's trying to be friendly?”

“Kiara, he's not doing it to be-”

“Maybe you're just being paranoid and making assumptions.”

“Kiara…”

“Your paranoia and rush to assumption sours others sometimes...you're lucky I've put up with you this long because of how INFURIATING YOU CAN BE! NO WONDER I NEVER TRUSTED YOU FULLY!” Kiara said with gritted teeth...before her eyes widened. “I-I didn't mean t-”

But I ran off as Kiara cried out with tears. “CONNOR, WAIT!”

--

I'm not paranoid. I'm not assuming things, I can tell from miles away what Tashi wants, but if I tell anyone, it's unlikely they'd believe me. Vitani, maybe. Possibly even Sarabi and Zuri...but this situation, this Tashi...is obviously hiding darker intentions.

“Brooding here, again…?” I heard Vitani say as she sat next to me. “Seriously, ever since the battle of the prides, you've become more...broody, angry and other stuff.”

“I don't know, Vitani…” I sighed. “Tashi was making advances on Kiara and I got irritated.”

“And I know it's not of jealousy. You're simply wanting to protect her because you sense the danger like I do.” She shrugged. “All you have to do is explain it to Kiara and she'll understand.”

‘’Will she, though? Why understand what is not supposed to be understood?’’

‘’If you refer to yourself, then i’d buy it, you’re not exactly the most readable.’

‘’That makes me feel so much better…’’

‘’Sorry...anyway, try telling her the whole ordeal and WHY you don’t trust Tashi.’'

I looked into the distance at the sobbing Kiara, who was with Zuri, and looked back down. ‘’This is a bigger threat than any of us understand...I just feel it.’’

‘’Shujaa…’’ Vitani put a paw on my shoulder. ‘’There’s one thing larger than any threat to The Pridelands...and you taught me this...it’s a bond…’’

She smiled and walked away.

‘’I am inclined to agree.’’ Scar appeared before me. ‘’We would certainly need Kiara’s assistance in this.’’

‘’I mean...we could, but..’’

‘’It’s just a simple act of anger.’’ Scar coughed. ‘’It’s happened to both of us, Connor...you know it and I know it. Nobody is perfect and Kiara realizes it. You need to go and make up to her before this entire situation goes haywire. We NEED her for this.’’

I gritted my teeth with closed eyes. ‘’...Fine...let’s go.’’

Scar disappeared into my head as I walked off.

--

Odd. I don’t recall Kiara ever hanging out here.

Yes, Scar’s direction led me to the former Lair of The Lion Guard, which was rendered dusty and old after being unused since I left for The Outlands, nature starting to take over the cave again since it wasn’t by the absent Guard.

‘’Kiara?’’ I whispered, walking through the entrance and into the main area, which wasn’t in much better condition than the entrance. Looking around, I sighed at the sight. Everything was messed up because of a lack of use. ‘’Kiara, come on…’’

No response...until… ‘’What…?’’

I looked behind me and saw Kiara coming out, face drenched in her own tears, the sight of it causing my own heart to wrench. ‘’Kiara, listen to me.’’

‘’Why are you being like this? I know you ended up changing after Zira and Kovu died, but you’re taking it out on others?’’

‘’Kiara, it’s not like that…’’

‘’Then what is it like?!’’

I looked into her fuming, tear-filled eyes. ‘’I don’t trust him...neither does Vitani. His mannerisms, the way he talks, especially to you, it gives me an odd feeling.’’

‘’I mean...a bit, but…’’

I walked up and nuzzled here. ‘’Listen...i’ll give him a chance for now. But you’re my Princess and I will come to protect you no matter what. Besides, what’s a good bodyguard without his goal?’’

‘’Or a human without his lion?’’

‘’Pretty much. Now..’’ I started while wiping her tears off. ‘’Why don’t you say we go and tell Tashi i’m giving him this one chance.’’

‘’Sure..’’

--

We approached the main part of Pride Rock, where Tashi was, basking in the sunlight like an ego-driven fool. Kiara noticed my snarl and patted my back.

‘’Come on, let’s just get this over with.’’ I said after sighing.

We approached Tashi, who looked at us. ‘’Why, if it isn’t the lion with a grumpy personality.’’

‘’Shut up, Tashi.’’ I scoffed and got right into his face. ‘’I will be giving you this ONE chance….this one...but if you do ANYTHING to Kiara or any of the other animals of this pride...well..’’

I extended a claw and slowly dragged it across his neck, not enough to cause any cuts. ‘’Might want to consider it.’’

I walked off at Kiara’s surprised look of me going that far and Tashi’s smirk.

I am not joking this time...I nearly lost Kiara twice against Zira…

No way i’m having it happen here.

Note: Chapter 2 of Season 3 up and running..but I will take this chance to send out my saddens over the recent passing of Hiromi Tsuru, who was the voice of Bulma in the Japanese version of Dragon Ball content up until Dragon Ball FighterZ.

 

NEXT: When Shujaa reluctantly agrees to go with Kiara to show Tashi and Ni around The Pridelands, as always, problems arise between the human-turned-lion and Tashi, but Shujaa manages to get along with Tashi’s older companion.