rights and permission to live in the kingdom. Given the recent past Simba was keen to speak to their leader so that past mistakes might be avoided.

“Dad can I come with you?” Kopa asked bounding over to his father.

“Kopa I don't think that would be sensible,” Nala replied.

“I'm brave. I'm not scared of going in and I'm not scared of spirits either,” Kopa replied, boldly gazing at his parents.

“Kopa we just want you to be safe.........” Nala began causing Kopa to groan.

“Nala it would be better if Kopa came with me,” Simba began causing Nala to shoot him a stern look. “I understand your concerns but if he come know then he is less likely to pull the stunt we did.”

“You're the best Dad,” Kopa roared pouncing on his father.

“Promise me that you will do exactly as I tell you, if you misbehave Zazu will bring you home,” Simba said sternly.

“I promise.”

Saying their goodbyes Zazu, Simba and Kopa set off into the savannah. Simba and Kopa ran side by side through the lush tall grass. Delighted shone from the faces of father and son, delighted by simply being with the other. Zazu skirted above their heads, flying low enough to entice Kopa into pouncing at him. Trying to pounce on the bird Kopa landed upside down in an ostrich nest. The ostrich chuckled at the sight, exchanging a grin with Zazu who was chucking in the air. Climbing to his paws Kopa shook the feathers from his fur and rejoined Simba who was stood watching.

“I remember the time your Mother and I rode ostriches,” Simba said smiling at the memory.

“When was that?”

“Your parents were on the way to the Elephant's Graveyard, managing to slip way from my eyes and land themselves in trouble,” Zazu said slyly.

“You and Mum snook out, what happened?” Kopa asked eagerly.

“We were a lot younger,” Simba began, a very embarrassed and guilty look in his face.

“Now now Sire the young prince deserves to hear the tale, if memory serves you were no older then him at the time.”

“Would you tell me what happened Zazu?”

“Certainty young prince,” Zazu replied a rather smug look in his face.

Settling onto Kopa's shoulder Zazu relayed the events of years gone by, telling each detail and embellishing a few parts much to the chagrin of Simba. As much fun as he had at the time, Siimba didn't relish the idea of his son being aware of his misdeeds, after all there was always a chance Kopa could try to do outdo his father is terms of mischief.

Reaching the border between the two lands Simba felt a wave of sadness and

nostalgia as he gazed upon the land. Taking a deep breath Simba crossed the border followed by Zazu and Kopa, who shot his Dad a look that showed a spark of fear. Catching the look Simba smiled down at his son with encouragement. Walking through the land the trio reached a gorge filled with bones, in the centre stood the wild dogs. At the groups head stood a large male next, to him a female and between stood a pup with a while strip over his right eye.

“Greetings Simba King of the Pride Lands, I am pleased you have come,” said the male.

“Greetings Paki (witness) leader of the wild dogs, I am glad we have the chance to discuss your request to live in my kingdom,” replied Simba proudly.

“My mate Amadi (rejoicing) and our first born son Dumisa (causes thunder). The handsome cub must be your son,” said Paki looking at Kopa.

“Hi I'm Kopa, its a pleasure to meet “ Kopa said stepping forward.

“Hi Kope they call me Dumisa,” Dumisa running over. “Dad can I show Kopa around?”

“Provided King Simba agrees.”

“Its fine by me,” Simba replied smiling at Pika and Dumisa.

“Thanks Dad,”

“See you later,” Dumisa yelled as he led Kopa into the bones.

“STAY OUT OF MISCHIEF,” Simba and Pika called simultaneously, causing both to laugh, breaking the tension.

Free from their fathers Kopa and Dumisa started talking to each other, talking about their parents and their favourite things. Both shared a love of adventure with Dumisa have a mischievous streak and took rules as something to be broken. Through and under the bones the pair explored, jumping over gaps and bravely venturing into a large skull.

While this was going on, Simba, Zazu, Pika and Amadi were busy discussing the business in hand. The wild dog were eager for peaceful lives, to live within the laws of the kingdom without fear. Their story was similar to that of most immigrants, a mixture of drought coupled with an overpopulation had forced the pack to seek a new home. Their journey had been far from trouble free, Pika had come to blows with a dark brown male lion over food then the pack had been forced to hide from a small pride a few days later. It was shear chance that had guided them to the Pride Lands at just the right time .

“I am happy to accept your pack as subjects on the proviso that you abide by the laws which govern this kingdom,” Simba said after listening to the tale.

“Provided the laws are just my pack will abide by them,” Pika replied, meeting Simba's eyes with a firm gaze.

“My laws are just,” Simba replied, explaining the laws of the kingdom with emphasis on fact that hunting for sport was prohibited.

“I deem those laws just King Simba, my pack can abide by them.”

“Tell me though, what of those who lived in this area before us, on what grounds were they expelled?” Amadi said stepping into the conversation.

“They were complicit in the murder of the rightful king which resulted in the rise of a tyrant and the near destruction of this land.”

“Interesting, I need an assurance that we will not be judged on their actions?”

“How dare you suggest such a thing!” Zazu stammered.

“I dare to ensure the safety of my pack,” Amadi snapped glaring at Zazu.

“Zazu relax, I can see why Amadi asked,” Simba whispered to Zazu. “Do we have an agreement?”

“We do King Simba,” Pika replied while Amadi nodded.

“If you are willing to watch its borders and allow my pride access, you may have this area as your own.”

“We live in your kingdom, the land is yours to do with as you choose,” Pika replied smiling happily.

“We will guard this land, thank you for granting us a place where our cubs can grow up in safety. Speaking of cubs ours have been alone for a while, I suggest we find them before they land themselves in trouble,” Amadi said smiling.

In a different part of the Graveyard Dumisa and Kopa were stood in a long tunnel of bones. Walking through the tunnel the two cubs looked up at the maze of bones in front of them. They were firmly in a pickle. Things had gone well enough until they had fallen through a large hole. Then voices drifted into their ears, the sound of their parents and Zazu. A moment later Amadi, Simba and Zazu appeared above them, looking down at the scene with amusement.

“Hi Dad, how was the meeting?” Kopa asked looking up.

“What have you been getting into?” Simba asked laughing.

“Just a slight er.......”

“Mishap?” Amadi asked with amusement.

“That's it Mum a mishap, we didn't intend to get into trouble,” Dumisa replied innocently.

“Well we had better get you out of trouble, I'm not sure where the tunnel leads,” Amadi replied looking down.

“I can fly down and guide them out,” Zazu said from Simba's shoulder.

“Smart bird Zazu, we can help them from up here,” Amadi replied as Zazu flew down.

Flying just in front of Dumisa and Kopa, Zazu listened keenly to the guidance from above. The tunnel was a true maze, weaving and winding its way through the graveyard, full of spiders and hidden crevices. From above Simba and Amadi were able to keep track of the cub's progress . Watching his son below Simba though back to the time he had explored the Graveyard, a wave of relief washing through him at the fact that the place would now be a safe place to play. Looking down he caught Kopa looking up, his son's eyes filled with courage and just a hint of mischief. At last the the cubs emerged from the tunnel, climbing out an old ribcage.

“Well the pair of you had quite an adventure,” Amadi said looking at the dust covered pair.

“It so fun Mum, could Kopa please come play again?”

“I am sure that can be arranged.”

“Dumisa you have to come play in the Pridelands, you can meet Akil and Sudi and we can play by the river.”

“You can make plans another time,” Simba said softly. “Now we have to head home. We have been out all day and your Mother is likely to be wondering what has gone off and if you have stayed out of trouble.”

“Do we have too?”

“Yes, come on rascal, home.”

“Bye Dumisa,” Kopa replied waving his tail at his new friend.

In the sunset Simba, Kopa and Zazu headed home, the light turning the sky above them a beautiful shade of pink and orange. As they walked Kopa's feet began to drag. Stopping to yawn Kopa looked down to see his small paw in a paw print of his father.

“Would you like a ride son?” Simba asked looking down at the tired cub.

“Yes please,” Koa yawned in reply, climbing onto his father's back.

In the sunset Simba and Zazu arrived home at Pride Rock. Seeing Nala waiting for them Simba