– "The Storyteller"

The breeze danced through the leaves of the savannah trees as Rafiki, with his cane on his back, watched the three little lionesses playing near his tree. Kiara, Tiifu and Zuri were agonized by a mystery that no one seemed to want to tell.

Kiara: — "He existed, didn't he? That... Kopa? Why doesn't anyone talk about him?"

Rafiki (with a wide smile): — "Hehehe... Aaaah, so many questions for an old baboon like me! Do you want to know stories? Then listen... one of the oldest of all!"

The three of them sat down curiously, their eyes shining. Rafiki settles himself on a rock, twirls his staff between his fingers and looks up at the sky.

[Rafiki begins the story:]

Rafiki: — "Many moons ago... when the grass was greener, and the trees were taller, the Kingdom was ruled by a wise and kind-hearted king: King Mohatu. The grandfather of your father's grandfather, Kiara."

Rafiki: — "But not even Mohatu's kindness could stop the shadows from trying to take the light. A different lion... with fur as white as snow and eyes of ice... named Kiros, wanted all the kingdoms to bow before him. Together with his son Shaju and their allies, they marched against the Pride Lands."

Rafiki: — "Mohatu... concerned for the well-being of his people, summoned the noblest of protectors: Askari, the first to possess the Roar of the Ancestors, and leader of the first Lion Guard."

Rafiki: — "With courage, honor, and unity, Askari and his guard faced the invaders. As fire consumed the edges of the kingdom and the drums of war echoed through the mountains, Askari did what no lion had ever done before: he used his roar with all his might—not to destroy, but to restore balance."

Rafiki raises his arms as if the wind had returned at that moment. The eyes of the three lionesses were wide with admiration.

Rafiki: — "With his Roar, he summoned the Great Lions of the Past, who appeared in the clouds and descended like thunder! They put out the fires, drove back the invaders... and thus, the Kingdom was saved."

[After the story...]

Tiifu and Zuri look at each other, excited about the ending, and run off to play near the hill.

Tiifu (shouting): — "I want to be like the leader of the Lion Guard!"

Zuri (laughing): — "And I'm going to be the fastest lioness in history!"

But Kiara stays behind. She approaches Rafiki, now more serious. The wind blows slower.

Kiara (in a low voice): — "Rafiki... who was Kopa?"

The baboon's smile disappears for a moment. He lowers his eyes. Silence. He taps his staff on the ground once, and then closes his eyes. He murmurs words in the ancestral language of the Rafiki.

Rafiki (whispering): — "The roar of the past echoes where longing dwells. Not all who leave, disappear from history. Some... live in silence."

Kiara looks confused. But before she can ask again, Rafiki pats her lightly on the head and says:

Rafiki: — "Now go, young princess. The past is strong... but the present is where you live." Kiara looks back, sees her friends laughing in the distance. With one last curious glance at Rafiki, she runs to catch up with them. The wise old man watches her go... and for a brief second, his eyes shine with something between longing... and secrecy.

🦁 Note for Players: You can play Rafiki, a character from the scene, or an original character.