[1st POV]
"I think it's time for me to leave the pride," he said.
I was not going to lie to myself. I was surprised when I heard him say that.
By all means, I should not be surprised. I've mentioned this before, too. The plan was always to kick him out of the pride after using him to defeat Scar's army. He had crossed the age of 2 years old quite a while ago; for reference, Scar kicked me out around that time.
I think the reason for my surprise was that it came from him and not from me. He decided that it was time for him to leave the pride without me doing so.
And to be honest, I had forgotten to do it. It slipped my mind somehow. Zael had been in my pride for a long time, and perhaps I had gotten attached to him. His splendid performance in the war only increased my favour.
Had he not challenged me or shown dominance, I believe I was more than fine with him staying in the pride as my right-hand man or some sort.
But that was just delusional thinking. The idea contradicts itself. I wanted a capable lion under me, but all capable lions had their own ego and wanted to form their own pride. A lion that was fine to stay under another would only be an incompetent, weak lion.
"I see," was my only response while looking at his eyes.
Now I knew the reason why he decided to sit beside me. It was his way of saying his final goodbye and a way of showing final affection to the lion who was his king for a year.
Silence.
A long silence where I processed his words. Then I asked, "When do you plan to leave?"
"And where would you go?"
"I'll leave right now," he said, "I've said goodbyes to my mothers."
"And for where I am planning to go. I plan to stay in this region while you and the rest return back to the Serengeti. This land is fertile and good enough for a pride to thrive. I've also caught the scent of a dominant male around here, so my next goal would be challenging him and ruling this land for myself," he said.
I raised an eyebrow. I had not even caught such scent. But I guess that was because I was not searching for it. I was a king with two kingdoms; I leave scents, not search for one.
"So at least you have enough pride now to leave before being kicked out," I said with a smile.
That was my initial thought as to why he decided to leave. If not for that, I see no reason why he wouldn't stay with me as long as possible. I provide the ultimate security and tons of food which he could use to grow even stronger.
Kind of like how I stayed in the Pridelands for as long as possible even though I wanted to lash out on Scar more than once. The Zuri incident was merely my last straw.
But he shook his head.
"It's not because of that. I did not want to leave on bad terms but on my own accord, with your blessing and permission," he said.
That surprised me once more and made me realize one thing. The other lions were not like me. Perhaps I had been too self-centered in my thinking that I compared every other with myself. That was a clear sign of too much pride.
Using yourself as a scale to judge everyone else.
His voice also held weight where his words shouldn't. At first, you would think that he didn't want to be on bad terms with me because I was this strong, invincible lion in his eyes. But there was something more, like a son wanting to preserve a good relationship with his father even though they might go different paths.
"You have those, my permission and blessing. Did you eat your fill in our meal? Had I known that was going to be the last time I feed you, I would've felled a giant and not settled with an antelope the lionesses hunted," I said.
"There is no need," he said, "I can handle myself from here on, my Lord."
"Can you?" I asked, completely out of reflex.
He gave me a smile, "I can. You've taught me well and raised me better."
I reeled back at the honesty in his eyes before I quickly looked away and at the dark sky with stars. I did not teach him like how you would think. But I've shown him things, I've set him example, that was the same as teaching for lions who learned through copying the adults.
"If that is your decision then I will respect that. Not as a king to his subject but as... a fellow lion," I said.
"Thank you," he said and continued, "Thank you for sparing my life when you should've killed me. Thank you for feeding me and protecting me when I was not even your own blood."
"It was my duty as king," I replied simply.
"You've set a high bar for me. I hope to become as great as you one day," he said.
A silence yet again and though this was long, it felt short. I wanted him to stay by my side a little longer.
But such was not how nature worked. Zael stood up, his posture tall and ready. I knew right then that he was going to leave.
"This is goodbye, my Lord," he said and simply walked away.
Just like that.
It seemed rather casual for an event so impactful. My eyes lingered on him as he walked away from me and I couldn't help but notice some unsavory things.
I shouted at him.
"Zael!!"
He paused and then turned his head.
"Why are you walking like that? That is not how a lion should walk," I said to him.
His posture and walking had been adapted to a lion living under another. It showed no dominance, pride, or ego. His head was always low, at the level of his shoulders, and his chest was retracted as if in the presence of someone mightier.
That was good when he lived under me but not anymore.
"Walk with your head held high and a chest so proud. Remember who you are. You are the son of the fierce warrior Makali, you have the size and strength of Baraka and the sharp mind of Roku," I said, "And most importantly, you were raised by me."
"You have every reason to be proud. Set out and thrive in this land, for it wouldn't see a more remarkable lion," I said.
That was my goodbye.
Zael immediately fixed his posture. Now his head was held high, his chest broadened, and shoulders planted firm. Had I seen his form on any other lion, it would piss me off. The form was basically asking for a challenge.
And he decided to really act on my advice, and as always, he surpassed my expectations. Because as he walked away, he made a bold sound.
*ROAR!!!*
A roar. It was the first time I heard him roar.
The roar was loud and distinct. It was not a roar of dominance or challenge but more like a bold declaration of individuality.
And yet strangely enough, I did not feel a wounded pride but a swelling pride seeing him and hearing his roar.
He walked away, this time I did not stop him. I continued looking at his direction as he slowly disappeared from my view.
And when the sun rose and the light made it easier to see, I no longer saw his form.
He was gone, really gone. And my pride had lost a remarkable member. There was silence, but this time it was not a silence of peace but a silence of something missing.
I hope I see him again.
Zael. I will remember his name, his scent, and the sound of his roar.
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[IMAGE]
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Author : It's not the longest chapter but I don't want to add anymore. The departure deserves its own chapter and adding stuff will only dilute the emotion.
Goodbye Zael indeed. We might be in for a surprise when we see him again.
Image is supposed to be Leo watching him walk away and stuff. I edited an air generated pic because for some reason, it can't understand what dark mane means.