Date: August 16, 2012

A fanart for The Lion King I made back in 2012. I once wondered where Rafiki had been during Simba's cubhood, since Simba doesn't seem to know him until he's already an adult. I thought that Rafiki might have embarked on a journey away from the Pridelands, and this scene, along with the short story below, depicts the last time Mufasa and Rafiki saw each other in life.
I hope you enjoy it :)

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Rafiki had been travelling through the Pridelands during the first hours of the morning, only few days after the Prince had been born. As the Sun began to rise, he could feel it providing him with the energy and spirit he needed for his journey. He had just reached the edge of the Kingdom when the King himself, Mufasa, caught up with him, he had been following the old baboon's scent after his steward, Zazu, told him the news. The King looked silently into Rafiki's eyes with a long hidden sadness, then he lowered his stare and sighed.

"So... you have made your decision" he said. Rafiki returned his stare towards the land beyond the Kingdom's border. Then he spoke.
"My cousin at Grass Walls is in need of my advice and knowledge in herbs for healing. The time has been tough for my people... I'm on my way there to teach."
"If that's the case, then I understand very well, Rafiki. I know you'd prefer to travel alone, so I'll respect your wish. You have my blessing for your journey", Mufasa said, with no expression other than a worried look. After a silent pause, Rafiki adressed the old lion's concern.
"What troubles you, my King?"

Mufasa took a minute to answer. "Rafiki, you have been the most trustworthy friend of the Royal Family since my father's reign. More than a friend, you are a brother to me, even more than my actual brother, I dare to say. Seeing you depart and not knowing when the Pridelands will see you walking on its fields again makes me feel a void in my heart. Besides, I was hoping you would be Simba's teacher in the law of Pride Rock and the Circle of Life. You deserve that honor."

Mufasa felt Rafiki placing his hand on his shoulder, and he looked back at him, seeing the smile that drew on the old baboon's lips.
"Mufasa... my dear Mufasa", he said. "Why would an old monkey like me fulfill the task of a father? To my eyes, you are the best ruler the Pridelands has ever had, and the perfect role model for your son. Right now, Simba needs his father more than anyone else, including myself. But at least I will make this promise to you: When the Prince has turned into a fine young lad ready to master the law, I will come back and become his mentor in the same way I became yours when you had that age. You have my word."

After listening to Rafiki, the Lion King smiled and knew in his heart that he was right. He surrounded Rafiki in a hug, warmed by the morning Sun.
"Farewell, my old friend... thank you for everything." Rafiki then hugged him back.
"Good bye... brother."

Little did they know that would be the last time they would ever see each other in life. When later in time Zazu found Rafiki and gave him the news of both the King and the Prince's passing, he knew it in his heart... he had failed the King.