members of Simba's pride. It had taken some quick action to avoid Imoo being spotted.

One day Kopa was out with Nala on border patrol, walking side by side through the grass they soon reached a large rock known locally as Border Rock. The previous evening Pumba had reported a dark shape moving along the Outsiders side. In the fading sun he had been unsure of the creatures identity but strongly suspected it to be a lion. Kopa had never seen the Outland before, as Nala's keen eyes scanned the land for signs of the lion Kopa thought about how different the land was.

“Mum how come the Outlands is so different? Its just across the river but the game is less,” Kopa asked catching sight of some prey, though the herds seemed smaller.

“When Ahadi ruled there was a dry spell, when the rains did come a lightening storm hit the ground. It was dry so the fire spread easily, the river stopped the fire spreading any further. The land recovered but weaker, there is enough game to live on, but for a small pride. Why do you ask?” Nala asked thoughtfully.

“I was just thinking it must be hard for the Outsiders to get good meals.”

“They can manage. Remember they can hunt elsewhere the furthest border backs onto unclaimed land with game. They are not forced to stay there Kopa, they were banished there but they could leave,” Nala replied.

“I guess so.......”Kopa replied looking at the land sadly.

“I understand if you feel sorry for them. No matter how much your Father tries to distance them, they are part of your family, Scar is your Great Uncle and his son's are your cousins,” Nala replied nuzzling her son.

Before Kopa could reply the sound of a commotion drifted through the air. Looking into the Outlands they saw a lion running into the water pursued by a group of Outsider led by Aina. In his month the lion carried a young female cub. Both were terribly thin, their ribs clearly visible and a mixture of dirt and blood caked into their fur. Seeing them a strange look appeared in the lion's eyes as he entered the water. On the opposite bank Aina and other Outsiders snarled angrily, by entering the river the lion had managed to escape them. Without thinking Nala jumped down onto the river bank, know that as long as she stayed on her side of the river she was safe.

Walking out of the river the lion collapsed, his breath coming out in long laboured gasps while the cub trembled next to him. Looking down at the lion Nala tilted her head to one side, in the depth of her mind she was sure she knew the lion. Feeling her presence the lion opened his eyes, green met red, in that moment the years seemed to go backwards, back to a time long since passed.

“Ni is it really you?” Nala asked in a half whisper.

“How do you know my name?” the lion croaked in a broken voice.

“Ni don't you realize who I am? The cub you saved all those years ago?”

“No it can’t be, Nala?” Ni asked in disbelief.

“Yes Ni it’s me what happened to you and who is this?”

“I need help Nala, please my daughter......we haven't eaten,” Ni coughed gasping for breath.

“Ni relax nothing will happen to you,” Nala whispered. Looking up she saw Kopa looking down worriedly.

“Kopa run home. When you see a herd of elephants you trust tell them to come here, tell them we have an injured friend who needs a lift home. Then go to Rafiki, tell him that Ni is here and that he is hurt. Rafiki will understand, you won't have to explain anything else. Have Rafiki go to Pride Rock, stay with him, help him if needed. Kopa its very important you tell Rafiki, Ni is desperately in need of his medicine. Go now, run fast, as fast as you can for help,” Nala said, a slight edge of panic in her voice.

“Mum will they be all right?” Kopa replied, his voice shaking slightly.

“I.....I hope so Kopa, go now.”

Taking to his paws Kopa ran through the savannah, his heart beating wildly with anxiety. Running through the herds Kopa come to herd of elephants that he and Nala had spoken to less than an hour previously. Running up to them he let out a loud roar to attract attention. Seeing him the proud matriarch looked down, concern in her eyes once she saw the look in Kopa's eyes. Before she could speak, Kopa repeated what Nala had told him along with the location.

“I will personally make sure your Mother and the lions are safe,” replied the matriarch.

“Thank you,” Kopa replied as he ran off.

Relief washed through him as he ran, the first part was complete and his mother would be safe from attack. Under a tree he stopped to drink from a large pool the cool water bringing welcome relief from the heat. The sound of hooves reached his ears, the granddaughter of the elephant matriarch he had just spoken to was walking towards him.

“My Grandma told me to take you to Rafiki.”

“Thank you,” Kopa replied as the female gently lifted him onto her back.

Together the pair travelled across the savannah, travelling much quicker than Kopa could have managed along. Soon they arrived at the large tree in which Rafiki made his home. Standing on the elephant's trunk Kopa was able to climb up into the branches. Seeing the cub Rafiki looked at him in concern, placing down his paints.

“Rafiki I need help. My Mum said to tell you that Ni is back and he is injured,” Kopa said before the wise baboon could speak.

“NI!”

“She said you would understand, he was attacked by Outsiders. Elephants are going to take him to Pride Rock.”

“I understand Kopa. Let me gather my medicines than we can go together to Pride Rock.”

A short time later Rafiki and Kopa arrived at Pride Rock on the back of the elephant to find that Nala and Ni had already arrived. Setting down his medicines Rafiki set to work on Ni and the female cub, binding their wounds and spreading a green paste on them that caused the cub to call out in agony.

“They are both badly malnourished, make sure they eat plenty for them to recover. In time the physical wounds will heal but keep an eye on the cub, I fear she has seen much more than one her age should,” Rafiki said at last.

“We will, how old is she?” Nala asked softly.

“A month older then Kopa, she appears younger from starvation.”

As Rafiki left the cave Sarabi, Sarafina, Tama and Kula appeared all dragging large pieces of meat. Seeing them relief entered Ni's eyes, wolfing down the food while ensuring the cub ate her fill. As he ate Ni told the pride his story. After leaving the Pride Lands he had met other rouges, establishing a pride in a kingdom not ruled by lions. He fell in love with a lioness called Katlego, over two years previously their daughter Majani was born with. Drought hit the kingdom as it did in many parts of Africa, at the same time Katlego had discovered she was pregnant. Around the same time Marjani left with a small pride led by a male named Wanderer. Aketch was born in a time of turmoil. Three months after Aketch's birth the land was still suffering, despite some rain it was to little to late, tragically Katlego died. That was the motivation for Ni to leave his some for the sake of his daughter. At the edge of the jungle a flock of flamingos had alerted him to Scar's death and Simba's accession to the throne. The news had given Ni a path and a place to aim for.

“I am sorry for what you have bee through Ni, you are both welcome to live here, we will help you,.” Simba said sombrely, sadness in his eyes.

“You are not alone Ni, we can care for both of you,” Nala said, placing a paw over Ni's.

“Thank you, as long as Aketch is safe,” Ni whispered, clearly exhausted.

“Get some rest my friend,” Simba said looking down.

“I will Simba,” Ni replied, looking down at a now sleeping Aketch.

Looking at Ni and Aketch, Simba and Nala saw that they had suffered, as the pride gathered outside that night all vowed to help their friend recover. Having never met Ni before, Timon, Pumba and Simba listened to Nala as she explained the circumstances of his arrival during Scar's reign.

“Ni sounds like a good lions who has been through a rough time,” Pumba said. “I'll do what I can to help him.”

“I agree Pumba, Ni has been through a terrible time, he will need our help over the coming days,” Simba replied heavily.

The days passed, slowly Ni and Aketch began to put on weight, the emaciated haunted look slowly receding. Ni was often in the company of Nala, Simba and Kula and Sarafina, sharing the pain of recent months. After months of isolation and events she could barely understand Aketch was withdrawn and silent, falling into terror if Ni left for long periods and clinging to waking screaming in the night. To the relief of Ni, Aketch formed an attachment to Kula who was more than happy to care for cub. The presence of Pumba seemed to help as well, his caring and thoughtful demeanour allowed Aketch to talk to him without fear being judged.

_____________________________________________________________________

A month after her arrival Aketch sat a the cave entrance watching the rain, waiting for her father to come home. Seeing her sitting there alone Kopa walked up to her, his fur wet from playing underneath the base of Pride Rock. Kopa was slightly nervous about speaking to her, as he had been told be be gentle with her.

“Hi Aketch what are you doing?”

“Oh hi Kopa, just watching the rain, its so nice,” Aketch replied shyly.

“If you like it so much come