Over the next few weeks Scar was hardly seen in the Pride Lands. He spent his time with the hyenas and the only odd time he came in to the Pride Lands was after dark to meet Zira.

Mufasa however was always walking around the Pride Lands, checking that everything was alright and, some of the time, Sarabi came with him. If he wasn't walking round then he was sitting with Sarabi at the edge of Pride Rock, looking out over his soon to be kingdom.

One night Mufasa and Sarabi were sitting at the edge of Pride Rock. There was a cold breeze and Sarabi shivered and moved closer to Mufasa. She sat there a minute and then got up. Mufasa looked at her. "It's too cold out here," she said to him with a smile. "I'm going in. Night".

"Night," Mufasa said and watched her walk in to the cave before returning his gaze back to the Pride Lands.

The King was in the cave and he noticed Sarabi come in alone so he struggled to his feet and slowly walked to the edge of the cave. He saw the dark shadow of Mufasa sitting at the edge of the rock so he went outside and stood next to him.

"It's a beautiful kingdom," he said. Mufasa didn't reply, he just kept looking forward. "I'm sure you'll keep it that way. You'll be a great king." Mufasa glanced at him.

"What if something happens?" he asked quietly "What if I don't know what to do?"

"Mufasa let me tell you something," he said looking up. Mufasa looked at him and then at where he was looking. "Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars."

"Oh," Mufasa said surprised "really?" The King nodded with a smile.

"Just remember those kings will always be there to guide you and so will I."

The King sat for a minute looking at the stars before he slowly got up and walked back to the cave for the night. Mufasa sat looking at the stars for a while longer and then took one last glance at the kingdom before he also got up and went in to the cave for the night.

Early the next morning Mufasa woke up and looked around the cave. He was alone so he looked outside. It was cloudy and looked like it was about to rain, but this didn't bother Mufasa. He walked outside to see if he could see anyone and he saw Sarabi at the bottom of Pride Rock with a group of other lionesses so he went down to see her.

Sarabi turned round when she heard Mufasa and went up to him. She had tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said "he died last night in his sleep". Mufasa looked down as tears came to his eyes and Sarabi nudged him gently, wishing there was more she could do.

Suddenly a baboon came out of nowhere. "It's a great loss," he said "I knew the King well". Mufasa looked at him.

"It's Rafiki – right?" Mufasa said slowly and he nodded. "My Father mentioned you. You helped him a lot".

Rafiki nodded again. "And now I'm here to help you," he said and bowed quickly before disappearing as quickly as he had come.

Later that day Mufasa walked off by himself. He went to the watering hole and sat staring in to the water. His reflection started to change and he saw the face of his Father which caused him to stand up in shock.

"No need to look so shocked," came a voice from behind him. Mufasa turned round to see Scar behind him and was annoyed. "I heard the news," Scar told him and Mufasa turned back round, sat down and looked back at the water. This time he only saw his reflection and he sighed sadly. "I guess that makes you King," Scar said coldly. Mufasa nodded slowly, not really caring about that right now, then got up and left Scar standing by the water.

On the way back to Pride Rock Mufasa saw two lion cubs playing with something. As he got closer he saw they had a bird. The bird looked hurt so Mufasa ran up to them and moved the cubs out the way to help the bird.

The bird realised who had helped him and was surprised. He told Mufasa his name was Zazu and thanked him. He was grateful for being saved and told Mufasa he would help him however he could whenever he needed it. Mufasa smiled and said he was glad to have helped him. They then made their way to Pride Rock.

By the time they got to Pride Rock the sun was just starting to set and the lionesses were all gathered at the bottom of Pride Rock. Mufasa jumped up on to the first rock and was greeted by Rafiki.

"It is time," he smiled and nodded towards the top of Pride Rock. Mufasa nodded and glanced up before jumping up the rest of the rocks. He stood and looked forwards to the end of Pride Rock and took a deep breath. He looked down at Rafiki who nodded and then at Zazu who was now next to Rafiki. He looked forwards again then started to slowly walk.

The lionesses below and a few of the other animals that had gathered around watched him, smiling and making sure not to make a sound.

Mufasa got to the edge and looked out over the kingdom. The sun was setting and the kingdom was in a golden light. This caused Mufasa to smile before he then remembered why he was up there. He took a deep breath and roared deeply.

The lionesses below roared back and Mufasa was about to roar again, but stopped as he heard a noise. He turned round and saw Sarabi coming towards him. She came and stood next to him and he smiled at her. They looked at each other lovingly for a moment before roaring loudly together.

In the distance Scar stood watching. He growled, but for now there was nothing he could do. Mufasa was King and Sarabi was the Queen.

The Circle of Life continues…

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That's the end. It now carries on in to the Lion King 1.

To metal.lamp-silvertongue

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