An Unforgettable Summer

Chapter 11: Magic In The Pride Lands - Part 2

After a long day visiting the kingdom, the sun is starting to set and it's time for Vitani to guide Tayarinne and her daughters to their temporary lair.
“The Pride Lands are wonderful.” Tayarinne comments.
"True. But you haven't known the whole kingdom yet.” Explains Vitani.
“The Pride Lands are huuuuge.” Says Maine.
“Hehe. Yeah. Tomorrow I can show you the rest of the kingdom, if you'd like. There's a big, wonderful place that I think you're going to love. Mbali Fields are close to the border.”
“We would love to visit those fields.”
They continue walking until they find a cave.
“Well. It's here.” Says Vitani. “You can stay in this cave. It's big enough for your family and comfortable too. I'm sure it won't be cold during the night.”
“Thanks again, Vitani.”
"You're welcome. It is my duty to help animals in need. Until tomorrow, girls.”
“Until tomorrow, Vitani.” Taya II and Maine smile at the lioness.
Mother and daughters watch Vitani leave. Then… “Let's go to the cave, girls. Your father and sister will be back soon.”
The three enter the cave, after a long and tiring, but interesting day. Once inside, Maine and Taya II sit down to rest.
“Do you think dad and sis will take long to return, mom?” Taya II asks.
"I'm sure they won't be long."
Suddenly, Askaru's voice comes from outside the cave. "Girls. Are you in there?”
“What did I say?” Tayarinne talks to her daughters, all smiling. Then she answers to her king. “We're here, honey!”
Askaru and Lilikiki enter the cave.
"Sis!" Maine and Tayarinne II run to hug their sister, who hugs them too.
“Hehe. I missed you too.”
Askaru and Tayarinne nuzzle each other.
“How did you know we were here?” She asks.
“We were flying over the kingdom and we saw Vitani leaving. We deduced that you had entered this cave.”
While Lili plays a little with her sisters, Tayarinne and Askaru chat a little.
“The Pride Lands are so beautiful. And the animals are all so friendly.”
“Glad you like it, dear.”
“Tomorrow we'll continue to visit the kingdom with Vitani. This time, you and Lili will be able to join us.”
"Well..."
“What is it?”
“I was thinking of talking to Vitani tomorrow. Maybe she can show me some more of the Roar's power.”
“Couldn’t you get the information you wanted yet?”
“Actually, Rafiki told us much more than what we expected to hear. Literally the entire history of this kingdom and the Lion Guard.”
“That's amazing, honey. But... Then why do you want Vitani to show you more?”
“You know how much I enjoy learning about magic, my queen. After everything I've heard, I'd like to see for myself what someone with that much power is capable of."
“Alright, my king. Just promise me you won't bother Vitani too much, okay? You know she has a duty here in the kingdom.”
“Don't worry, my queen. Everything will be fine."
The couple nuzzles each other again. Soon, Askaru goes hunting, and after everyone has eaten, it's time for them to rest and sleep. As usual, Askaru sleeps with his queen Tayarinne, while Lilikiki embraces her sisters with her wings.
The next morning, after waking up and eating something, the flyons and the lioness are ready for a new day. As promised, Vitani returns to continue showing visitors the kingdom. However...
"Wait. You want me to show you more things I can do with the Roar?” Vitani is surprised by the flyon's request.
“It would be great if you could.”
“The Roar is not something I should go around showing off for fun or just to satisfy your curiosity.” She looks a little upset now.
“Come on. I would really like to see it.”
Maine and Taya II play a little with Lili and Tayarinne, while Askaru talks to Vitani.
"Really? You know you'll never get the Roar, right?"
“I didn't ask you that, did I?”
Vitani thinks for a while. "Very well. I can show you a few more things. But I have one condition.”
"What condition?"
"You'll have to show me what you can do with those wings." Vitani smirks a little.
“O-Okay. Deal."
Then Vitani talks to Tayarinne. “Tayarinne?”
“Kids. Calm down now, please.” The lioness stops playing with her daughters now to focus on Vitani. “Yes?”
“Since I'm going to be busy, you can go to Pride Rock. I'm sure someone will offer to take you to Mbali Fields and other places you haven't visited yet.”
"Alright. Thank you, Vitani.”
"No problem." She looks back at Askaru. "Let's go?"
"Yes. See you later, girls.”
"Bye, dad." His daughters say goodbye.
“Have fun, dear.” Tayarinne watches Askaru leave with Vitani. Then she smiles at her daughters. "Let's talk to the king and queen then, girls."
“Cool!” Maine exclaims, leaving for Pride Rock with her mother and sisters.
Some time later, Kovu, Kiara, Simba and Nala are talking in the Pride Rock's cave.
“I know, dad. Soon Queen Dhahabu will come to visit us to see how things are going.” Says Kiara.
“The agreement between the Pride Lands and the Back Lands is very important. Queen Dahahabu should be treated well and respected.” Simba warns.
"Dad. Please. I know this is my first year as queen, but you and mom have trained me since I was a cub. I know what I'm doing.”
“Simba. Our daughter has proven again and again that she's an excellent queen.”
“I know, Nala. But..."
“You worry too much, Simba.” Nala nuzzles Simba, calming him down.
“You don't have to worry. Kiara is the best queen in the world.” Kovu kisses Kiara's cheek, making her blush.
“Kovu...”
“Majesties?” A voice calls from outside.
“Looks like we have visitors.” Says Nala.
"Who's there?" Asks Kiara.
“My name is Tayarinne. I'm Askaru's wife.”
“Oh. Come on in." Kiara remembers when she met Askaru the day before.
Tayarinne enters the cave with her daughters behind her. “Good morning, your majesties.” The lioness bows and her daughters do the same.
"Good morning. What brings you here?” Kiara asks with a smile.
“Me and my daughters Maine, Tayarinne II and Lilikiki would like to know if someone could continue to show us around the kingdom. Vitani showed us a lot of places yesterday and we met a lot of wonderful places and some nice and interesting animals.”
"Well. I was with my father, but we also saw wonderful things.” Lili explains.
“The kingdom really is big.” Kovu says. "My sister probably didn't take you to the most remote places of Pride Rock, like Mbali Fields."
"That's right." Tayarine confirms. “That's why she suggested we come here, in hope that someone would show us the places we didn't visit yesterday.”
“And why can’t Vitani keep guiding you?” Kiara asks.
“She’s teaching my king a few things about her Roar and I believe she’ll be busy with her duties too.”
“Interesting...”
“That’s my sister. Always determined, focused, but with a kind heart inside.” Kovu comments.
“Maybe Simba and I can help.” Nala suggests.
"Mom. You don't need to take that job. You are no longer king and queen.”
“Come on, Kiara. Surely you and Kovu have more important duties.” Says Simba. “Besides, your mother and I like to help other animals. And... We also need to get busy.”
“Alright, dad. But please, if you need anything, call me.”
"Don't worry, sweetheart."
Simba and Nala nuzzle their daughter, the three of them purring. The others watch them with an “awww” face.
Then, Simba and Nala approach Tayarinne and her daughters. "Let's go?" Asks the former queen.
"Yes." Tayarine responds. Then she bows to Kovu and Kiara. “Thank you, your majesties.”
“No need to thank us, Tayarinne.” Kiara responds with her usual smile. “Have fun with your daughters.”
“It will be awesome.” Maine comments as she walks out of the cave with her family and Kiara's parents.
Outside the cave, Lili whispers to her mother. “King Kovu is very handsome. But I bet Kion is even more handsome.”
“It really is a pity that he's not here.”
“Yeah...” Lili remembers the map that Rafiki showed her and her father yesterday, remembering the path to the Tree of Life.
Meanwhile, Vitani guides Askaru to a remote area of Pride Rock, close to the border, with no inhabitants, just a few rocks and scattered trees. It also has a small stream that runs into the Outlands.
“Here I can use the Roar without hurting anyone.” Explains Vitani. “But I warn you that this is no joke. So try to stay behind me, okay?”
"I'm not scared. But you know the Roar better than I do, so... I'll do that.” Askaru stays behind Vitani, but always alert, waiting for her to start showing him what the Roar can do.
“You have seen me lift a rock with the power of the Roar. But... Actually, I can do more than that. Watch.”
Once again, Vitani lifts a large rock, using the power of the Roar. However, this time, she manages to levitate the rock and move it around in the air for some time, eventually landing it far away from where the rock initially was.
“Wow. Not bad." Askaru is amazed that a roar can do something like that.
"Thanks." The lioness smiles. “But I can do more than levitate rocks.” She goes to a tree. “This took me a long time to learn. I was only recently able to do this without any problems.”
“What are you going to do?” Askaru asks curiously.
“Observe.” Vitani roars at the tree, but this time her roar is soft, and instead of making the tree levitate, she plucks a fruit from one of the branches, carefully, without breaking the branch or knocking the tree over with the Roar. She makes the fruit levitate and lands it near Askaru. "Hungry?" She jokes.
“You… You really are very talented, but… I was hoping to see a little more besides seeing you levitate stones and fruits.” Askaru provokes her a bit.
“Oh really? Well. There's something else I can show you. Come with me."
The lioness approaches the stream and Askaru follows her, always behind her, as promised.
“What are you going to do? Levitate the stream's rocks?” Askaru jokes.
“Haha. Very funny." Vitani ironizes. “Imagine that this was a big river and that it was impossible for us to cross to the other side. Well. With the Roar's help, I could easily create a path to the other side.”
“You mean… Can you remove the water?”
"Kinda. Check it out.” Again, Vitani uses the power of the Roar. This time she roars to the stream and the water starts moving, rising to either side, opening a passage between two walls of water.
Askaru is stunned by what she has just done. If she really manages to do this in a big river... It's amazing.
After some time, Vitani stops roaring and the stream gets back to normal. Askaru can tell that she's tired when he sees her panting a little.
“I can see that magic makes you tired.” Askaru comments.
"A little. Some of these tricks turn out to be more tiring than others. Opening a passage in a river is not the same as levitating a rock or a fruit.”
“I understand what you mean. Some spells are more powerful than others.”
“Do you… know about magic?”
"Of course. Watch.” Now it's Askaru's turn to show Vitani some of his magic. He decides to show something simple since he doesn't know this lioness well and he doesn't want to reveal too much. So Askaru just uses some magic from the El'dra crystal to turn the fruit that Vitani levitated into a small piece of meat.
“Hevi kabisa!” Vitani is completely stunned by what she's just saw. “H-How did you do that?”
"Magic." The flyon smiles.
“Is it... edible?”
“Why don’t you taste it?”
Cautiously, Vitani approaches the piece of meat and takes a bite, tasting it. “It really is meat.” Now she smiles.
“You can eat it.”
Vitani eats the piece of meat. "Tasty. You are very talented, Askaru.” Vitani smiles. She's loving meeting this flyon.
“Like you, I also know some tricks. But I can't reveal too much. El'dra's magic, like CiAr's magic, is quite powerful and should not be handled by any random creature."
"Don't worry. I'm fine with just the Roar."
"I know." Askaru remembers what Rafiki told him about everything Kion did when he was leader of the Lion Guard. “Vitani. Can you make it rain with the power of the Roar?”
“Kion already taught me how to do this, but… I shouldn't do it just to satisfy your curiosity. Making it rain is something I should only do in emergencies.”
"I understand."
“I can also use the Roar to send something or someone away huge distances. But this is something I can also only do in emergencies. Of course, there's more that Roar allows me to do, but... I'm still learning.”
“However, you can already do great things. You are a powerful lioness.”
“Asante. Thanks, Askaru.”
"You're welcome."
Vitani gives Askaru a quick lick on his cheek.
“Vitani. What was that?"
"Nothing."
“I have a family, Vitani.”
“I don't know what you are talking about.” She smirks a little.
"Okay..." Askaru knows what she wants, but she'll never get it.
“Hey. Maybe it is time for you to fulfill your part of the promise.”
“You mean…?”
“Show me some flying tricks.”
"Ok then. Get ready."
Askaru puts himself in take-off position and quickly starts flying. Vitani watches him, surprised. The flyon starts flying normally and looks down, noticing that the lioness is focused on him. He smiles and starts to twirl in the sky. Vitani's mouth widens open at what she sees. For a while, Askaru starts hovering with his majestic wings spread. Vitani blushes when she sees the beauty of the flyon in the sky. Then, not wanting to waste too much time, Askaru decides to go down next to the lioness. He goes back up, but flying in a spiral and, as soon as he's very high, he does a somersault in the air and starts to descend in the same spiral, until he lands next to Vitani, smiling.
“Did you like it?”
“Wow, Askaru. You were magnificent.” Vitani smiles widely. “You must have trained a lot to be able to do those things.”
“Of course it took training, but… also commitment and determination.”
“You are… so amazing.” She blushes a little again.
“You don't need to exaggerate.”
“Hey. Would you like to see me training with my team?”
"Yes. Why not?"
"Good. Come with me, Askaru.”
Askaru follows the lioness.
Simba and Nala are walking with Tayarinne and her daughters.
"We're glad you're enjoying the Pride Lands." Says Simba.
“This kingdom is wonderful.” Tayarine smiles. “It's very different from CiAr, but just as beautiful.”
“You know you can stay here as long as you want.” Nala suggests.
“We know and appreciate the offer, but… We've been gone several days. Soon we'll have to return to CiAr.”
“Yeah... I miss our delicious food and our comfortable beds in the castle.” Says Lili.
“Maybe someday we'll visit your kingdom.” Simba suggests.
“That would be nice.” Tayarinne likes that idea.
“So what about you? Are you enjoying the Pride Lands?” Nala talks to Maine and Tayarinne II.
"Yes." They respond with joy.
“This kingdom has many beautiful places.” Taya II comments.
“And there are lots of nice animals. Some funny ones too.” Maine adds.
“Does Kion usually come visit you?” Lilikiki asks Simba and Nala.
"Sometimes." Simba answers. “But we used to visit him more often, because we know that it's not easy for him to come here, due to his royal duties at the Tree of Life.”
“I see...” Lili gets a little thoughtful, again remembering what Rafiki told her and her father yesterday and the map he showed them.
“Alright, girls. Welcome to Mbali Fields.” Nala speaks as the group finally arrives at Mbali Fields, a large grassy territory with a few scattered trees. A herd of zebras and a herd of gazelles are scattered across that territory.
“Wow...” Maine and Tayarinne are in awe of the beauty of these fields.
“Why are these animals mixed up?” Lili asks, amazed to see zebras and gazelles interacting with each other, unlike other herds she has seen elsewhere in the kingdom.
“The leaders of these herds, Swala and Muhimu, are very friendly. That's why their herds live in these fields together.” Simba explains.
“Would you like to meet them?” Nala asks.
"Yes, please." Maine and Taya II respond with enthusiasm.
"Very well. Let's go to them."
Nala and Simba guide Tayarinne and her daughters to Swala and Muhimu.
Throughout the morning, Askaru accompanies Vitani and her team of lionesses and observes their training. Tazama trains her eyesight, trying to spot small animals at great distances. Imara trains her strength, lifting logs and large rocks with her head, throwing them as far as she can. Shabaha tests her agility and balance, jumping between tall rocks and tree trunks. Kasi tests her speed and agility, running through the forest trees as fast as she can without harming any animals. Vitani leads the group with seriousness and confidence, but Askaru can also see that, more than an excellent leader, Vitani is also a great friend.
After training, Vitani lets the group rest for a while and she returns to Askaru, smiling. “Did you like what you saw?”
"Yes. You really are a fantastic group.” Askaru smiles back.
“Did you… enjoy seeing me?” Vitani blushes a little.
"Well. Yes. You are a great leader, Vitani. And a mighty lioness.”
"I'm happy to hear that." Vitani nuzzles Askaru, purring.
Askaru is a little surprised by her attitude and backs off a little. “Vitani? What are you doing?"
“Askaru… You are… different. Special. I thought…” She lets out a sigh, feeling a little disappointed now. "Forget it."
“Vitani... You are an amazing lioness, okay? You are strong, smart, determined and very beautiful.” She blushes hearing this. “But you know I can't give you what you want.” Now she lowers her head, embarrassed. “I'm from a kingdom very far away and very different from the Pride Lands. Also, I have a queen and three wonderful daughters. A family that I love more than anything in the world.”
"Sorry."
"You don't have to apologize to me." Askaru helps her lift her head with his wing. “Like I said, you are an amazing lioness. I'm sure one day you'll find someone."
Vitani smiles again. “At least... do you think we can be friends?”
“We are already friends, Vitani.”
“Thank you, Askaru. Would you like to join me and my team for lunch?”
“Actually, I'm going back to my family. I want to take the opportunity to spend more time with them before we leave.”
"It's fine. If you need me, you know where to find me.”
“Of course, Vitani.”
“See you soon then.”
“See you soon, my friend.”
Askaru starts flying away. Vitani watches him with great admiration. Despite him rejecting her love, the lioness knows they will be friends forever. Maybe soon they'll cross paths again to share their knowledge of magic and, who knows, maybe a little more than that.
Tayarinne and her daughters continue walking with Simba and Nala after leaving Mbali Fields, where they met Swala and Muhimu.
“They were both very nice.” Comments Tayarinne.
"Yes. Everyone in the kingdom is friendly.” Explains Simba.
“I loved playing with Hamu.” Says Tayarinne II.
"Me too. He's so cool.” Adds Maine.
Lilikiki watches her father approach in the sky. "Dad!"
They all look up to the sky and watch the flyon king land next to them.
“Dad!” Maine and Taya II run to hug their father, purring, happy to see him.
“I missed you too.” Askaru also hugs them.
“Have you seen everything you wanted to see, honey?” Tayarine asks.
"Yes. The Roar really is powerful and Vitani really knows what she's doing.”
“Did you find out anything else about Kion?” Lili asks with great curiosity.
“Only that he taught Vitani a few things and that he can do even more complicated and dangerous things with the Roar.”
"Yes. Our son has learned a lot over the years.”
“Maybe one day we can meet him.” Askaru says. “But... For now we are going to enjoy our last day of vacation before we return to CiAr.”
"What? Already?" The cubs look surprised and a little disappointed.
“Well… Maybe we can stay another day or two, but then we really have to go back. After all, we are the royal family.”
“Oh how I understand you.” Simba comments, remembering his past as king.
“Now it's time for lunch. Then we can continue to enjoy this beautiful kingdom.”
“Good idea, my king. And this time, with the whole family.” Tayarinne kisses the flyon's cheek, making him blush a little.
“Sh-Shall we?”
"Let's go."
The family goes hunting with Nala and Simba and the whole group ends up having lunch together. After showing the visitors a few more places, Simba and Nala head back to Pride Rock, leaving the royal family of CiAr to enjoy their family time.
Over the course of two days, they talk to the royal family of the Pride Lands, walk through the kingdom, enjoying its beautiful landscapes and even visit some of their new friends, such as Vitani and the inseparable Timon and Pumbaa. Askaru's family also knows Kiara's friends, the lionesses Tiifu and Zuri. Lilikiki doesn't seem very pleased to meet them, especially Zuri, who's always bragging about her beauty. Askaru's family also takes the opportunity to rest in some quiet places in the kingdom, such as Maji Biridi Falls or Ukuni Woods. On one of these days, they also take the opportunity to go to the Outlands to visit their hyena friends.
After two quiet days in the Pride Lands, it's time for Askaru and his family to return to their kingdom. They decide to leave in the morning. Simba, Nala, Kiara and Kovu meet them near Pride Rock.
“It was a pleasure to have you here these days.” Kiara smiles.
“The pleasure was ours, your majesty. Your kingdom is wonderful and I'm sure none of us will ever forget it.” Tayarinne praises.
“Maybe you can come back someday soon.” Simba suggests.
"Who knows? It is possible." Askaru says.
“Uh… Where is your eldest daughter?” Kovu asks, noticing that Lili isn't with them.
"What?" Askaru and Tayarinne are surprised. Lili came out of the cave with them.
"I'm here!" Lili returns from Pride Rock.
“Where did you go, Lili?” Her mother asks.
“I needed to go see something. Everything is fine." Lili smiles, showing her parents that they don't have to worry about anything.
"Okay. Once again, thank you for your hospitality.” Askaru thanks the royal family.
“No need to thank us.” Says Queen Kiara. “Have a safe return to your kingdom. This is not a "goodbye". It's a "see you soon"."
“Of course, your majesty.” Then Askaru looks at his family. "Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Let's go home. Farewell, your majesties.”
"Bye." The cubs say goodbye with their cute smiles.
"Bye." The Pride Lands royal family also say goodbye with a smile, watching their new friends leave.
Askaru's family decide to walk instead of fly so they can stop in the Outlands and say goodbye to their other new friends, like the hyenas and jackals.
As they walk through the Pride Lands, Lilikiki looks back one last time at Pride Rock. Before going back to her parents, she was in the cave of the paintings to observe the map that shows the way to the Tree of Life, wanting to memorize it.
From a good distance, at a high point in the kingdom, Vitani watches Askaru's family leave. She really enjoyed meeting them, especially Askaru, and she hopes to see them again one day.
“Dad? When do we get home?” Taya II asks.
“First, we're going to stop in the Outlands to say goodbye to our friends there. Then we can cross a portal to go back home.”
“It'll be nice to go back to our castle.” Says Tayarinne, nuzzling her king a little.
"Yes. It will be nice." He agrees and purrs a little, feeling his queen's love.
They continue on their way, Askaru and Tayarinne in the lead, while Lilikiki walks along with her younger sisters.