The Lion King 4 WE ARE ONE Chapter 1

Once upon a time, there was a family that lived in a small village. For generations, this family gathered gems from a sacred cave. When made into a necklace, the gem would give the wearer the ability to talk to animals. One such couple had a daughter, named Akayla. When she reached her first birthday, she also received a necklace of her own. It was a square yellow stone with a painted lion symbol on it.

Later, she and her mother were under a great mango tree while the father was at work. The mother was gathering the delicious fruit, when she heard a twig snap, making her turn. Behind her was a mandrill holding a walking stick. The mandrill seemed a bit uneasy, but approached the young woman. She kindly held a mango to him. He took it gratefully. After a quick introduction and explanation of the necklace, she introduced the mandrill, by the name of Rafiki, to Akayla.

For four years, Rafiki would meet with Akayla and her mother. Even Akayla’s father would visit once in a while. For that long while, everything seemed at peace. Until it all ended.

One night a fire arose inside their home. Akayla’s father rushed her out of the house, only to later hear his wife’s scream. In attempt to save her, he left the five year old girl and ran back into the house. Only to meet his fate underneath a wooden beam.

The next morning, Rafiki came to visit, only to see a half-destroyed house. He was about to investigate the rubble, but instead turned to five year old Akayla, who was crying. When he walked towards her, she was a little frightened, until he shook his staff over her head.  She laughed and smiled. Rafiki was surprised to find Akayla on her own.  

After discussing the matter with Akayla’s aunt Kathrine, it was settled that Akayla would live with Rafiki. Now, most would think Akayla would live with her aunt, but in truth, she couldn’t take her in because she didn’t have the environment or money to raise her.

Rafiki brought Akayla to his tree.  When they stepped inside, he made a small bed of branches inside a large tortoise shell. As he was making the bed, a familiar bird was landing on one of the nearby branches.

“Rafiki, what are you doing?” Zazu asked then turned to see Akayla playing with one of the dangling fruits “WHAT IS THAT!?”

“This is my new daughter, Akayla” Rafiki replied. “She has lost her family and her home, so I’m going to adopt her.”      

“I see. But I have come here to inform you of Sarabi’s new cub, prince Simba.” The bird told him.

Rafiki was happy to hear about the new prince. He realized it was almost sunrise. He would soon have to present the new cub.  

“I will meet you there.” He said. With a nod, the hornbill flew off.

Before Rafiki left, he placed Akayla in the tortoise shell to take a nap. After he did so he made his way to Pride Rock.

That night, Rafiki was painting on his tree. There was a thunderstorm outside, but he didn’t seem to mind. He looked at the drawing, a beautiful lion cub. He chuckled.

“Simba” he said, putting the final touch on the cub’s forehead. He looked over to Akayla, who was a little frightened of the thunder.

“Don’t be afraid” he told her, stroking her slightly “I’m right here. I will never leave you”

And with that, he slept soundly next to his new child.