CHAPTER 58: FACE TO FACE

As Rafiki and Makaka reached the border of the savanna, Makaka felt apprehensive. “Will they like me?”

“Sure they will. I liked you from the moment we met.”

“It’s so open here--all this grass.”

“It exalts the spirit. You must see the sun rise from Pride Rock.”

“Is that your house?”

“Yes.”

“Can I have my own room?”

“If you wish.”

“Can I go home to visit once in a while?”

“Sure you can. I wish I had. But after a while you will realize you are home. Home is where you are loved.”

“When will I meet a real lion?”

“In a few moments. I see her coming now.”

“Where? Where??”

“Over there. Don’t be afraid. You’ll become use to it.”

Makaka looked up, way up. His knees began to buckle. Rafiki put his steadying hand behind his back to keep him from falling over.

The large head of the huntress drew near. Makaka could smell the warm moisture of her breath, the mild scent of her fur. The large eyes were fixed on him.

“Please don’t hurt me.”

“I won’t.” Uzuri smiled and pushed forward, nuzzling him gently. Then she touched his cheek with her large tongue.

Makaka gathered a little strength and took a good look at her. “Isn’t she beautiful!” he told Rafiki. He was almost afraid to make the remark directly to her. Then when she nuzzled him again, he asked, “May I?”

He realized his hope, putting his arms around her strong neck. “Oh, your fur is so soft! Oh, this is so wonderful! You even smell good! Can I come home with you?”

Uzuri looked at Rafiki. “Got any more like him?”

Rafiki chuckled softly. “I think you’ve made another conquest.”

Without fear, Makaka looked right into Uzuri’s soft eyes. She smiled gently and so did he. “What’s your name?”

“Uzuri.”

He bowed awkwardly. “Makaka,” he said. “Glad to meet you, Uzuri.”

“So I gathered.” She rubbed his cheek with her paw with surprising gentleness. “And I’m very glad to meet you, Makaka.”

“Can I see you again?”

“Any time.”

“Where can I find you?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll find you.”

With only a mild rustle, Uzuri disappeared into the grass.

“Wow,” Makaka said. “I was right next to a real lioness!”

“You were right next to seven real lionesses.”

Makaka looked around nervously. “Seven?”

“That I counted, anyhow. Don’t worry. You’re safe. In fact, you’re safer now than you’ve ever been before.”

When they departed, Makaka was talking non-stop about her. “Are all lions like her?”

“No two are alike. Just like us, they are all different.”

“I mean nice like her.”

“Well, more or less. Fact is, if you were an antelope you might not like her as much.”

“I should think not,” Makaka said with a nervous laugh. “Those were really big teeth. Big!”

“Yes. But when she carries cubs by the nape of the neck, she doesn’t leave a scratch. It’s not what your mouth looks like, but what you do with it that makes you dangerous. My old teacher was killed by a single word from a mandrill just like you.”

“Was it a magic word?”

“No. It was a thoughtless word. That is the worst kind.”

“Does Uzuri like me?”

“I think she really likes you,” Rafiki said.

“That’s nice. I’d hate to mess with her.”

“I don’t just mean you’re safe. I mean she really likes you, and she will miss you when you part. She doesn’t usually take to someone right off. Maybe you’re special.”

Makaka grinned broadly. “I’m glad. I really like her too. She’s really special.”

“When you stop to think about it, everyone is really special,” Rafiki said. “But you made me very proud today. I took a great risk turning down the council’s choice. The gods pointed to you.” Rafiki stroked his whiskers. “But don’t let it go to your head, you hear me? The gods did not choose you so much for what you have done, but what you are expected to do.”

“And what is that?”

“What you did today. Spread your love around. I’ll tell you friend, there are herbs I give out in small amounts. A little bit will do wonders. Too much may kill. But love is always best given in large doses and often. I can teach you how to use herbs, but only God can teach you to love. That’s why I did not pick your brother. Among other reasons.”

Makaka was now part of Rafiki’s job so he would have to meet everyone. Pride Rock stood before them like a monument to nature’s immense power. The sheer size of it took Makaka’s breath away.

“Can we get closer?”

“We’re going to climb it.”

They took the winding path up to the cave. At the door, he met Zazu who said, “Greetings, Master Makaka. Welcome to the Pride Lands!”

“Thanks. Who is the big lion?”

“That is King Simba and next to him is Queen Nala.”

Makaka fell to the ground and crawled toward Simba face down the way he would before the chief elder saying, “Unworthy am I! Unworthy am I!”

Simba smiled. “Little one, you can’t be that unworthy or you wouldn’t be here.”

Makaka kept his forehead to the floor waiting for the signal to rise. Simba did not understand.

Finally after several awkward moments, Rafiki came forward and whispered something in Makaka’s ear. The young mandrill looked up timidly and said, “I touch your mane.”

“I feel it.”

“Really?” Innocently, Makaka came forward and reached out to feel of the long, soft fur. He looked at Nala and smiled. “Gee, you’re pretty.”

Nala purred and touched Makaka’s cheek with her paw. “You’re cute.”

Makaka smiled, embarrassed. But as soon as he felt he’d paid his respects, he went back to Uzuri, putting his hand on her shoulder.

Later, he went out on the promontory. “Here is where the great kings come in to their estate.”

Makaka went to the tip of the rock and looked down. The height scared him for a moment--it was much higher than any tree he’d ever climbed. Then he gathered his strength, drew in a deep breath and went, “Rrrwawwrr!”

Rafiki said, “You’ll have to do better than that if you want to be King of Pride Rock someday.”

Makaka set his eyes. He drew in a very deep breath and opened his mouth. Suddenly an earth-shaking roar nearly sends Rafiki into a panic. He looked around and saw Uzuri, a mischievous grin on her face.