Upendi, take one By : Rob "Mr. Bananabeak" Driessen Rafiki's talks with Mufasa were never the same since the great king died. The first difference was of course the fact that Rafiki couldn't see Mufasa anymore, but more important was the new tone of their conversations. In the early days they exchanged jokes, had nice informal chats and talked about current events in the Pridelands. But it seemed like Mufasa's death made him more serious. More devine and less leonine. All Mufasa cared about nowadays was the well-being of his son, his granddaughter and his former pride. Rafiki could understand Muffy's feelings but he really missed the fun. And their latest chat didn't end too friendly... Stupid lion.....head in the clouds......an idea that'll never work. And still Rafiki fell for it. How on earth could he get Simba's daughter and Zira's son together ? Especially after that first encounter in the outlands ! Hah, Mufasa with his great idea's..... But just when Rafiki thought it couldn't be done, it seemed fate helped him a bit. A big fire scorched a part of the Pridelands and in that fire Kovu rescued Kiara. This was Rafiki's big chance. Kovu was now a part of Simba's pride ! He couldn't let this opportunity pass. He made a tour past all the animals to see if any of the other animals were willing to help him. He managed to gather quite a large group. Together they worked in secrecy, because it was obvious that Simba had to be left out of the idea. Rafiki became a sort of project-leader while "his" animals worked 'round the clock to finish their project. The site they chose was a small lake with a waterfall. A perfect location to fall in love. Rafiki knew this because Simba once explained to him how he met Nala in the jungle. Because Rafiki was well known for his discretion Simba didn't leave any detail out. Another thing that worked to Rafiki's advantage ! In a few days, the lake changed into an idyllic spot. Beautiful plants were planted, the river was redirected so the current wouldn't be a problem and everyone rehearsed the song Rafiki wrote for the occasion. And two weeks after Kovu first joined Simba's pride, it was time to put the plan in motion. All the animals waited by the lake, while Rafiki tried to lure Kiara and Kovu to the spot. The old monkey found them under a tree watching the stars. He silently moved through the grass untill he was right under Kovu's nose. He easily got their attention and waited on a high cliff until the lions were curious enough to follow him. Once at the lake, everything fell into place. The animals sang, Rafiki moved the two lovebirds through the river and it all went perfectly smooth........ Until the spotlights popped and the amplifiers refused to do their job. The music quickly faded away and Kiara and Kovu looked puzzled at Rafiki. The smile left the old face and Rafiki's confidence started to turn into fear. He quickly tapped a small com-badge located on his chest. "Engineroom ! I need more power" A voice replied : "I cannot do it, captain. I do not have the power ! If I give her any more, she'll blow !" "Dammit, Gopher, get a maintenance crew up here stat ! Lives are at stake !" "Ay ay, captain", Gopher replied before he cut off the com-link. He put on his hard-hat and walked to the door. His distinctive whistle could be heared through the corridors while he mumbled :"*s*tupid monkey, I knew I *s*hould have *s*tayed in the Hundred Acre Wood." *** The End *** Rob, who'll probably never write one serious story in his whole life. That is, until someone asks him to.......... <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> * "There's one in every family, Sire. TWO in mine actually......." - Zazu "........I'm one of them ;)" - Mr. Bananabeak * Honorable member of the Pride Keepers "One thing nothing can destroy, is our pride deep inside, we are one!!" * TLK-Code : TLK+++ A B+ D+ C L++ M Pzs+++ W++ S++++ Tzsr+++ ver 1.51 : RLBM>RB a21 cdnw+++ e+>++ h+ iw+++ lcmntxz p- sm# * Visit my forum : http://www.delphi.com/bananabeak ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com