In a matter of hours, the great mountain was twice its size when they first saw it. Barely a sound in the air. Just the heavy footsteps of the numerous animals, and some crickets chirping. There was a small pond in front of the travelers, strangely lit a neon blue. Mgobu ran up to it and stopped. So did everyone else. "Go on, keep going," he said. "Where will we go?" asked Mokoti, now a little scared at the thought of his King leaving his subjects to fend for themselves. "Just keep going forward. You can see the light, so follow it. Whatever you do, do not go anywhere but that light." Mokoti and some others nodded. The small messenger flapped up into the air, and the others kept moving. Mgobu turned back at the pond. Tiny, soft ripples floated around the area of the water. He stared deeper and deeper, and remembered the river at the waterfall. He saw his majestic reflection shining bright. Sighing, he looked into the water like he did back then. Too his surprise, his reflection here was not the same. He looked just like any other Raptor back there. Gone is the golden light that showed his Kingship. Now there's just a regular face of a regular Raptor. He didn't know what happened, but this "transformation" was irregular. What happened, he didn't even have an idea. Maybe the river played a trick on him. Perhaps back there was when Lisara showed her love to him. He just sighed, and got up to catch up with everyone. Mokoti caught him in the corner of his eye, and swooped down to land. Mgobu took over as the leader once again. Soon, it was midnight. Everyone was tired from walking. Even the children weren't in a very playful mood anymore. But the great light of the mountain shone brightly, telling them they must go on and that it's right over the mountain. Mgobu was wishing that he could go faster, but something held him back. Something made him get tired for some reason, and he did not know what. It was most likely the long journey, but it wasn't a feeling of tiredness in his feet. It was in his heart. His heart seemed to slow down. It was like he was running out of time to reach his and everyone else's destination. But he didn't care fort his strange feeling, for they will reach the end finally. And they will stay for a very long time in this valley, until their Kingdom is flourishing once again. The light shone ever more brightly with each of the traveler's steps. They became more confident, and soon, in a matter of short minutes, the great peak was towering above them. "How will we climb that thing? It's awful tall," said N'geru, scampering up for a closer look. His parents took heed of their son's words and stared at the great height. Kisha, N'geru's mother, walked over to Mgobu to ask him. "King Mgobu, how are we going to cross that...mountain?" she asked. Mgobu sighed and looked up. It was taller than anything he had ever seen. "Well, we will have to figure out a way," he replied. Kisha ran back to her family nervously. Mgobu took some steps, and proceded to inspect the mountain. He walked up a few feet, and noticed that the rocks are extremely loose, and one might fall easily. He slipped a few times, and soon the mountain became higher. This was the dangerous part, perhaps the most dangerous task of this whole expedition. "All right, parents! Listen attentively!" he announced, stepping down. All the parents of the group turned to Mgobu, ceasing their chattering. Mgobu made sure he had everyone's attention, then began to speak. "If your children are very small and young, you must either carry them on your backs and have them cling on very hardly, or you have the option to carrythem in your jaws. If they are older, like Sahala over there..." He pointedto a young male Raptor, who glanced at him surprisingly. He was a slightshade of orange, not red like his parents, showing his young age. "...they can be held on to by your paws. If your children are as tall oralmost as tall as you are, then they can head onward without your help. Butplease, hang on to young children, even if they are not yours, stay together,and be careful!" With that, Mgobu proceded to climb up the mountain, his sharp claws digginginto the rock. Everyone, hesitant, watched him. It was a long way up, andMgobu was just starting the way. Raptors had special claws on their feetdesigned to attack, defend, and in this case, to climb. The Dragons decidedto fly over, but they and everyone else knew that the King would always befirst to see new land. Koopas like Bowser and Kisota would have a harder timewith the rock. Soon, one Raptor started climbing, then two more, then five,fifteen, and then everyone started climbing the very steep hill. Dragonsstarted their flight, and flew very slowly as not to beat Mgobu to the top.They weren't afraid for their children, as they knew how to fly as well. Nudari, being the energetic Raptor that he is, swiftly and powerfully clawedhis way to the top. He panted and was getting tired of slipping a few feetdown. In another part, Weshi and Buka were carried by Harusha over the hill.He was a very strong Raptor, for he and some others were chosen as the huntingparty, and efficiently climbed the hill. Then, suddenly, his claws slipped,and he slided down very quickly. "AAAAAAHHHH!!!" yelled the two Raptorlings on his back. They hung on to eachother, closing their eyes, trying to keep it inside, but couldn't. Harushascreamed, and he slid so quickly that soon, no one was under him. Dalsoti,who heard the scream, stopped in her tracks, and turned around. She looekddown and gasped. Harusha was her best friend, and the Royal children's liveswere also at stake here. She practically leaped off of the rock she wasclimbing and skidded down the mountain toward them. If Harusha lost his grip,he and the children would plummet to their deaths, and there would be no moreheir to the throne because Weshi would die. Dalsoti leaped over other Raptors, swirled in loops, and avoided the tumbling rocks that she caused. Suddenly, Harusha's claws tore off the mountainside, and just as he was aboutot fall to his doom, Dalsoti snatched his paw. "HOLD ON!" she yelled. Harusha was relieved, but noticing that no one elsebut Dalsoti was around, he panicked again. Luckily, Weshi and Buka weresafely frozen in fear on his back. Their sharp little claws dug into his necklike a shovel into the ground, and their teeth could not come apart because ofthe fear. Harusha didn't mind though, he just smiled and went up the mountainagain with his best friend. They were both getting very tired, and, right infront of them, there was a small platform, just big enough to hold all four ofthem. "It's a miracle," said Harusha. The children finally came to their sensesand sighed the biggest sigh they have ever made before. Dalsoti helpedHarusha onto the platform and they flopped onto the ground, finally catchingtheir breaths and relaxing. Mgobu, who was almost at the top, looked down. He wondered what everyone wasso stunned about. Nudari, who was right behind him, told him about hischildren and Harusha and Dalsoti. Mgobu gasped with shock, but was horriblyrelieved when he found out everyone was all right. Soon, after resting for afew minutes, the four on the platform climbed back up the mountain. Finally, after about two hours of climbing, Mgobu had reached the top. Hishand grasped the edge of the rock, and then the other. Struggling to pullhimself over the edge, he gritted his teeth and moaned. When he pulled hiswhole body over, he fell on the ground, panting his lungs out. It was a longclimb. His eyes were closed at those last seconds, and slowly, he opened oneof them. The great light that shone high above him had disappeared now, andall became silent. He lifted his aching head, and opened his other eye. A sudden surge of bothexcitement and overwhelm broke loose in his body. Nudari, who was rightbehind him, pulled himself over. "So, we there?" he asked, but then, when the great sight caught his eye, heforgot all about the question. Soon, more and more animals crossed over, until finally, everyone was there. Bowser, who probably had the hardest timeof all, thought his eyes were tricking him. Kisota grabbed his hand andalmost started to cry. In front of the crowd was a magnificent, lush, and absolutely wonderfulvalley, filled with trees, green grass, waterfalls of every sort, and all theGolden Flesh one could eat in an eternity! As everyone marveled at the sight,Mgobu quietly turned around and said, "Welcome, to Paradise Valley."The Raptors, Dragons, and the three Koopas(remembering Mibura), ran as fast asthey could down the mountain, some sliding down for the fun of it. Yelling,screaming, and crying filled the air as every Raptor found itself a new home.Hodi, the dinosaurs who supply the Golden Flesh, ran this way and that, but some were killed immediately because of great hunger. Mgobu ordered for noone to overhunt, and to eat nothing more than they need. Soon, Mgobu found out that this valley had no King. So, he decided to takeover the now-what-he-calls-it throne, and married Lana, a young and verypretty Raptor whom he had kept an eye on this whole trip since Lisara's death.A Royal wedding ceremony took place at an abandoned rock, which was big enoughto house the "Royal family." This rock became the new "castle," and was thencalled "King Rock." It was called this because after Mgobu, every next Kingwould live at this rock. And everyone was so happy, they decided not to goback to their old Kingdom. A while after the wedding, Weshi and Buka walked up to Lana while she waspolishing her claws on a smooth stone. She looked just like Weshi. The sameblue eyes, orange skin, and the same red striped feathers on her neck. "Are you my mom now?" asked Weshi, with a tear at her eye. Lana looked ather sweetly. Buka almost started to cry and wiped a tear rolling down hischin. "Yes. I am. From now on, you can call me "mom." Lana replied. She scoopedup both of them in her arms and carried them outside to Mgobu. "Look at them, Mgobu, look at them. Now I am their mother. But I am soyoung! How do I take care of them? I've never parented before," Lana said,putting her children down.Mgobu thought for a moment, then looked at the sky. Then he turned to Lana. "Lana, I know you are young. Very young and beautiful. And Lisara, well,she was older. She felt exactly the same way with her kids when she first hadthem. All you need to know is to hunt for them frequently, be veryprotective, and most of all, you must love them and care for them. When theyare happy, be happy with them. When they are sad, comfort them. When theyare angry, let them bring their inner feelings out. Just remember these wordsand have faith." Lana listened closely, and looked at her disinterestedchildren. She smiled.In that same day, Lana was busy with her kids. This was harder than shethought. She had to hunt twice a day, had to take them to the waterhole everytwo hours, and had to give them attention when needed. She was tired, butthis was a part of raising one to become a healthy adult. Lana just wentalong with it.Later in that same month, Mgobu started to feel tired for extended periods oftime. Maybe from the stress of the journey. It was like nothing most Raptorshad ever seen before. Mgobu got weaker and weaker every day, and soon couldbarely walk. His vision got screwed up, his feathers were broken and raggedy,and he had frequent headaches. Takaru, the Raptor shaman, examined Mgobu. "Oh...I have seen this before. It is an awful disease," Takaru said, runninghis claws down Mgobu's side. Lana and some others gasped at the news. "Is it curable?" asked Lana, pressing her hands together.Takaru shook his head. "I'm not sure. It is, I'm horribly sorry to say, commonly fatal."Lana stepped back in shock. No, she thought. I am NOT losing my King. Weshi and Buka looked at her, and then at Mgobu. Weshi walked over to him andlooked him over. "Will you be all right?" she asked.Buka hid behind Lana's legs and covered his ears. Mgobu looked at everyonearound him, and tried to get up, but fell down again. "I don't think so," he said.Weshi put her hands over her mouth. "But-but...but I already lost my older mom, I don't want to lose you!" shecried.Mgobu looked her. He then watched the clouds over him. "You will never lose me. Ever. I will always be with you," he said. Weshi suddenly got very happy and scampered around the grass. Lana shook her head, knowing Weshi did not get the point. Mgobu looked at his wife. Shestared at his broken body, then turned around and left. She couldn't take itanymore, it was just too painful. Buka turned around and followed his mother.He was confused. Soon, he finally caught up with her. "Um...mom? What is happening? I don't understand," he said, trotting byLana's heel. Lana froze. She turned to him. "Well, we have a problem. A very big one. Your father...well..." shestopped in midsentence. If Buka heard what she was about to say, he wouldprobably be horrified and run away or something. The young Raptorling waitedcalmly for an answer. "Well, we'll wait and see," said Lana, as under control as she could. Buka,not being the brightest bulb of the family, went along with Lana. He trottedoff to play around near a stream nearby. Lana sighed and lumbered back toKing Rock to discuss this with her friends. "What? Are you sure?" asked Kala, another female Raptor who was restingunder a tree, but now is perked up by Lana's explaining of Mgobu's illness.Lana turned to her sadly and nodded. Kala was rather shocked. Lana juststared at the ground, letting out her breath onto it, making the dust fly inall directions. Nahalia, an older Raptor that was always attending to herselfusually, was now stunned by the story. She looked at Lana, who was stillstaring at the ground. She crept up closer to her, and rubbed against herhead. "It will be all right. Do not worry, for this may be just a temporarything," she said, trying to comfort her friend. Lana looked at herdoubtfully. "Maybe, but why so soon! We just arrived here! In less than a month, when Ibarely had enough time to attend to the children that are mine now, why whenwe just got here? It's just not fair!" she cried. Nahalia winced at herfriend's agony. "Not many things in this world are fair, dear. These things happen, and oncethey do, there is nothing you could do about it. Please try to understand,Lana." Lana raised her head and looked at Nahalia. "I understand. It's just too hard."Nahalia and Kala glanced at each other, then back at Lana. They knew how hardit was for her, marrying someone who has been her proud husband for just amonth. Lana stood up and walked back inside the cave.After a while, thunderstorms began to break out in the valley. Great big greyclouds blanketed the sky, while buckets of rain poured onto the already-lushforests and rivers, which are now overflowing. Lightning struck the groundwith a powerful blast, and caused a show of blinding light in the dark sky.Mgobu was with Takaru in the healer's own cave. Takaru thought that Mgobu wasimproving, but he soon worsened again. There isn't much hope, thought Takaru.After watching the rain drip from rock to rock, he continued to try to helpMgobu. Lana, Weshi, and Buka were in their cave in King Rock. Weshi was starting tomiss Mgobu's welcome presence. She walked to the edge of the cave, and lieddown, almost as if she was waiting for him. Lana stared at her daughter withvain, sighing deeply. Buka lied next to his mother, looking at her, then atWeshi, then back at Lana, and so forth. They looked so much alike. Thethunderstorm was a sign of Mgobu's weakness. Meanwhile, Bowser and Kisota, who were in another cave up higher, were discussing what to do if anything happens to Mgobu. It seemed that Lanaturned to them for advice, but Bowser just kept saying, "Have faith." Kisota was always speechless. "So anyway, if anything happens to him, maybe I can become King," saidBowser.Kisota gasped, and looked at him in surprise. "B-b-but Bowser! Don't you remember your last rule in that...what was thatplace?" he asked. "The Mushroom Kingdom. Well now I know better. Kisota, this Raptor helpedme, and invited me to his home and family. I must do this for him." Kisota thought for a moment. Bowser was right, because after all, Mgobuhelped both of them by letting them live in his castle. And by being his mosttrusted friend, he would allow him to take over the valley. "All right, whatever you say. But for now, this is only an ‘if,'" saidKisota, sighing. "I know! Let's go talk to him about this!" cried Bowser, grabbing Kisota'shand and racing out of the cave. "Bowser, don't you think this is stupid? I mean, what are you going to say?‘Mgobu, can I take over the kingdom if you die?' Come on!" said Kisota as hewas dragged by his hand on the way to Takaru's cave. "Something like that," replied Bowser, although Kisota thought he was joking.When they reached Takaru's cave(which happened to be nearby), the rain hasgotten more severe, and they needed shelter fast. "Takaru!" yelled Bowser, cupping his hands. "Yes?" said an elderly voice from inside the cavern. "May we come in?" Bowser asked. "Yes, you may," replied the voice, which was Takaru himself.The two Koopas ran into the cave, covering their heads from the cold rain.Inside, the walls were very dry like any cave in this valley, and down a long,tall hallway, the two saw Takaru and Mgobu. Takaru was sitting cross-leggedin front of Mgobu, who seemed to be sleeping on the floor. Bowser and Kisotaslowly approached them. Takaru turned his head, and seeing the two Koopasmade him smile. "Welcome. He is sleeping," he said. Bowser groaned and sat down next toTakaru. Mgobu seemed to hear Bowser and opened his eyes. "Bowser? Is that you?" he asked in a very weak voice. He smiled as hard ashe could, but he was so weak, his best smile was little more than a quirk inthe side of his mouth. Everyone felt so much pity for him at that moment. "Oh, I am so weak. I do not think I can live to see anything. I have beenKing of my old Kingdom for SO many years, but we just barely got here, and Ibarely had a chance to rule this wonderous place. I don't think I will liveto see my children grow up, or to see you two live together happily. And Idon't think I'll ever see my beautiful Lana, or see Lisara in the sky. Whatwill this Kingdom do without me?" Mgobu asked so agonizingly. "Well, that's why I came here to talk to you," said Bowser.Mgobu lifted his head quickly. "Really?" he asked. "Yes, really," replied Bowser.Mgobu listened. "Well, I was just wondering. If you...umm...oh, how can I say this?" startedBowser, trying to come up with the most undisasterous words. "Whoa wait! Did you come here to ask me that if I die, can you be the newKing?" Mgobu asked. Bowser shuddered, thinking of what to say. He turned toKisota. Kisota just shrugged. Bowser had no choice. "Yeah, that's it," he said meekly.Mgobu was very surprised. He thought and thought. "Well...if I die...all right. If I die, you will be my hand-picked heir.You can live with Lana, and raise my kids," he said. Bowser was very shocked, but also very happy. "Your...kids?" he asked. "Yes. You have to take care of them, and help Lana in doing so. Just teachhim the ways of the lands, about life and death, things like that. But remember...if." Bowser was quite glad...after all, he already raised seven of them. "All right, I'll remember," he said. He and Kisota got up and left the cave. "Why, Mgobu?" asked Takaru. "Because he is my most faithful subject. He is used to being a King too,"said Mgobu. Takaru looked at him fearfully. "But you said he was an awful King. He hated everyone!" he exclaimed. "I told you he changed! I know I can trust him. If my family can, I can,"replied Mgobu.Takaru just sighed and left the cave to get more things, like leaves andcertain grasses.Mgbou didn't know what to do just then. He was very weak, but the trust inhim was more powerful than anything. Suddenly he wondered if he really SHOULDtrust Bowser. He was a ruthless King before, is it possible he wants revengeover those who hated him? But there are none here who hate him. There ispeace and tranquility among the animals, with no wars, shortages in thefuture, and enough members of both genders to continue the races. He must bea good ruler. This was the right thing to do, because no matter what Takarudoes, he will not get better. Soon, the rain died down, and only the clear water from leaves dripped to theground. Rivers were flooded, and that meant more water for everyone. Lanawas still staring out the edge of her cave, waiting for Mgobu to return.Weshi was pacing around back and forth, stopping every now and then to stareout the window and see if her father will come back. Buka was asleep.Soon, Bowser and Kisota returned. Lana excitedly trotted up to them. "Where were you guys?" she asked. "Well, I asked Mgobu some stuff," replied Bowser.Lana suddenly got serious. "What did you ask?" she questioned worriedly. "I asked that if he dies, could I take over as King," said Bowser, suddenlywishing he didn't say that straight into Lana's face.Lana gasped and stepped back. Weshi and Buka stared at the conversation, abit frightened. "If he dies?" she asked, putting her hands over her mouth.Bowser and Kisota shook their heads sadly. Lana started to cry.Kisota turned to Bowser. "Maybe you shouldn't have said that to her," he said softly. "Maybe not, but she would know somehow anyway," replied Bowser.Weshi and Buka watched in terror. "Die?" asked Weshi, turning to her brother. "No! It can't be! I don't want to lose both of my parents!" cried Buka.Lana was still crying, looking at the cave where Mgobu was in the shortdistance. Bowser tried to comfort her, but she just got even sadder. "No...it was too short, I..I can't take this! He was ruler for such a shorttime, it..it's not fair!" she cried. "I understand, Lana. Please, this happens. Happened to me," said Bowser.Lana stopped crying and turned to Bowser, surprised. "What?" she asked. "What I said. It happened to me. My wife died, and it was hard," saidBowser.Lana broke out crying again. "Why does everyone die so much? The ones we love..." she asked in tears. "I don't know. I wish it was different," said Bowser, and he and Kisota ledLana home.Nudari was pacing back and forth throughout his private clearing. He too wasworried about Mgobu, and could see Takaru's cave a rather short distance away. "Oohh..what are we gonna do? Who will be the new King? Will there be a newKing? Even if he lives, Mgobu's not gonna be able to rule in his condition!" It was obvious Nudari didn't hear about Bowser becoming the hand-picked heir,as many of Mgobu's subjects didn't hear about it either. Nudari himself was avery faithful subject, and served Mgobu for many years(even thoguh most of thetime he was fooling around and playing games). He finally stopped increasingthe size of the ditch he caused from walking and settled down to rest.Sighing, he lied on his side and thought and thought about the all-to-nearfuture.Mgobu's condition was worsening, and Takaru had no choice but to give up. "Oh, it's hopeless, King Mgobu. Hopeless. There is nothing I can do. I amdeeply sorry," said Takaru, shaking his head in grief. Mgobu groaned and sighed continuously. "I know. I wish this would have never happened. I don't know what causedit, or why it happened...but it's awful," he replied, using his still-strongvoice. Takaru nodded. It has been many years since he had seen this disease, andonly a few survived and lived well. He looked out the cave's entrance. Itwas night. A cool, fresh breeze swept through the valley, causing even Mgobuto smile. The stars twinkled brightly, showing that the sky is going to be aclear one tonight. Only soft sounds of crickets echoed, because no one wantsto trouble their King, even if they are far away from the cave. Mgobu closedhis eyes, thinking that this night would be his last.The next morning, tradgedy struck. As the dawn broke its gentle rising of thesun, and the stars faded into the orange sky, Mgobu slowly passed away. OnlyTakaru knew. He opened his wrinkled eyes, and stared at the motionless bodyof the King. He gasped and crept closer. "Oh no!" he yelled, so loud some others heard him and woke up, surprised.The echoing voice scared birds out of their acacias, causing them to flutterover the foggy hills. Lana was thankfully still asleep, with her children resting quietly. Bowserheard the scream and ran to his window. He stared at the cave. A shadowblanketed the cave area, showing signs of bad luck. Kisota was sleeping likea doornail, and Bowser frantically woke him up. "Kisota! Get up! Something happened!" yelled Bowser in his friend's ear.Kisota opened his eyes and yawned. "What?" he asked. Bowser's voice sounded both happy and sad, and Kisotacouldn't decide which to follow. Bowser practically dragged Kisota behindhim. Not again, Kisota thought as they neared the cave. The two looked in slowly. Takaru was stunned, sitting next to Mgobu. "Uhh..what happened?" asked Bowser. "He's dead," said Takaru.Both Koopas gasped with horror, and scattered back to King Rock. Kisota woke Lana up, and Bowser woke Weshi and Buka. All three family members woke up surprised, and a bit agitated. "What's wrong, Kisota?" asked Lana, scratching her head. Bowser and Kisota gritted their teeth, and whispered about what they should say. Lana waited impatiently, and got a bit suspicious. Bowser grabbed Lana's hand, and petted it. Weshi and Buka didn't understand this. Lana's eyes filled up with shock, but she still didn't get the picture. "Lana, he's dead," broke out Bowser, lowering his head.Lana almost screamed and skidded back against the room's wall. Weshi and Bukafroze. "NO! You're lying!" Lana yelled. "I am not lying, Lana, he died this morning," replied Bowser, trying to explain.Lana exploded into tears and fell on the floor. Weshi and Buka did the same. The two Koopas stared at each other, then at the broken down Raptors. Kisota ran to Weshi and Buka and wrapped his arms around them, trying to calm them down. "NOOO! Now we are orphans!" screamed the two Raptorlings. "Well of course you're not orphans. You still have your mother!" said Kiosta.The two stopped crying, and stared at Lana, who was almost swimming in a puddle of tears. "Yes, but if she wasn't here for us, we WOULD be orphans," said Weshi. "That's true," said Kisota. Bowser was calming the young Raptor Queen down, or at least trying to. He felt her awful pain, and started sobbing. They stood together for hours, and then, after gathering enough bravery, Bowser and Kisota, with Lana and the royal children behind them, they announced the death to the valley. Everyone, espacially Nudari, gasped. Some fainted, some ran off into the secluded jungles, some were literally paralyzed. Lana and her children were still crying their broken hearts out, and soon Bowser and Kisota joined them. They held a ceremony throughout the day, and buried Mgobu right next to King Rock. Evening came, and a vow of silence was attended. Suddenly, Lana felt a strange gush of midnight wind soaring past her. Weshi, Buka, Bowser, Kisota, and many, many others felt it too. And they knew exactly what that was. It was Mgobu's soul. Just like what happened after Lisara was gone. Bowser softly smiled. Weshi thought the cold air was touching her face in a strange form of love

Comments, suggestions, stories, or story ideas? Email me!
Go back to Lemmy’s Fun Fiction.
Go back to my main page.