Nguvu

Nguvu shuffles his paws and tries not to look nervous. The male looking him up and down, with another male already accompanying him home from the trading grounds, holds himself with the air of a king. And indeed, a king Arizuma is. Lord of his dominion and sure of his ability to pick and choose which lions call that land home, he is considering Nguvu with a glint in his eye.

"Your name - it means power, does it not?"

"Yes, sir."

"How would you like to come home with me, too?"

And just like that, Nguvu has a home - and though he does not yet know it, a huge responsibility thrust upon him. Arizuma takes him aside later, when most everyone is sleeping, and the two share a long, companionable walk. Though he's easily more than four times Nguvu's age, the old King still has a spring in his step and matches the cub's pace.

"There's a reason I've asked you to accompany me," Arizuma rumbles some time later. "I must choose an heir before my time is up, Nguvu. It will not be long, now."

Nguvu doesn't know what to say to that.

"I have decided to name you the next ruler of my pride."

Now that's a surprise. Before he can stop himself, Nguvu is blurting, "But Meeku is - " Older, stronger, more experienced. He wants to say all of these things, but Arizuma doesn't give him the chance.

"Meeku will be your advisor when I am gone. You will learn from him and I both in the meantime. He has agreed to take you on his patrols." The old King stops and forces Nguvu to look at him. "You are humble, Nguvu, and it will serve you well. I will teach you as best as I can in the time I have left."

Stunned, and maybe a little touched by the faith Arizuma is showing in him, Nguvu can only lower his head. "I'll do my best, sir."