listen to their parents...”

“Just what I needed, teenagers causing problems,” Simba groaned. “Nala I'm sorry about all this.”

“Simba you do not have to apologise, I understand,” Nala replied licking his cheek.

Climbing to his paws Simba left his family with his heart yet safe in the knowledge that Kopa would protect Nala if any trouble happen. Watching Simba disappear into the distance Nala gaze suddenly fell on a pair of green eye that glinted in the foliage. Seconds later Imoo stepped out from his hiding place. Instantly Nala tensed, fear running through veins.

“Imoo what are you doing here,” Kopa asked in awe.

“Kopa what is going on?” Nala stammered in disbelief.

“Imoo is my friend, has been for years, he won't harm us, I swear,” Kopa replied.

“Kopa is right, I would never lay a paw on Kiara, on any of you. Kopa, Queen Nala, you must be on your guard. I have come here to warn you of a plot my parents have involving the cubs,” Imoo whispered, sorrowing filling his eyes. “Think what you like about me, believe me if you want.”

“Mum we have been friends since I was a cub, please see past his looks, give him a chance,” Kopa implored.

Hearing the words Nala looked closely between both young lions. Sincerity mixed with shame shone through the eyes of Imoo. In those of her son, determination and confidence. Her mind slipped back to events of years past when she too saw past the surface of a cub of Scar too the lioness underneath. Though time had passed the memory of was fresh, the similarities between both events clear. Unknowingly Kopa had followed his mother's paw prints. Just as Nala had been Scar and Zira's daughter Zola for who she was, so Kopa had seen their son.

“We are more alike than I realized Kopa,” Nala said after a length pause. “Imoo thank you for this information. I am willing to give you this opportunity to prove who you are. Tell me, how are relations between your parents?”

“Not great, not as good as when I was first born but better than they have been recently. They went through a terrible patch, arguing, fighting. Mum kept on blaming Scar for something. A lioness called Zola is always mentioned, something about when Simba returned and that Zola vanished. Mum would get upset.”

“I had a feeling things might have gone down hill,” Nala sighed.

“Mum do you know who this Zola is?”

“Scar's reign holds many untold stories of pain and suffering combined with hope. In the final days of his reign the borders were barely guarded, many things escaped his eye. Zola's story belongs to that time of turmoil. I dare not tell you her story at this time, if it were to be heard than the fragile stability between the prides could be threatened. In time, if by some miracle the wounds are healed then I will reveal the truth to you. She is safe and hopefully happy, you would both like her ” Nala replied smiling softly.

A plot's revelation

Three weeks had passed since the birth of Kiara and Nassor, in the shadow of a baobab tree Sarabi lay next to the young cubs. Sarabi had offered to mind them so Kula and Nala could have a break. Without warning Scar and seven of his pride attacked, the former king attacking Sarabi personally. Rage against the past fuelled his attack. In that moment two former friends faced one another both consumed by the events of past. A mighty blow send Sarabi to the ground, a cry of agony escaping from her throat. Opening her eyes she gazed up at the triumphant face of Scar, a look of hatred in his eyes. Intense pain coursing through her blood Sarabi slipped into unconsciousness. Such was the precision of the attack that the pride barely had time to react before the Outsiders were gone, taking the cubs with them.

Standing in the cave a couple of hours later Simba listened to the events. Shock, utter rage and sadness mingled inside him. Though Rafiki had treated Sarabi's injuries she lay in a critical condition, he had gone so far as to warn that she might not recover. Ni, Kula and Aketch gathered together, all distraught at the loss. Close by Nala was being comforted by her mother, despair in her heart. Both lioness blamed themselves for what had happened, seeing that their need for a break had provided the opportunity. Standing next to his father Kopa listened in utter disbelief. Akil and Sudi stood by Kopa, their presence comforting their friend. Timon, Tabia, Zazu, his mate Mert and Pumba gathered near to Simba. A shadow fell across the cave entrance, Aina and Nuka appearing, looks of satisfaction on their faces.

“What are you doing here?” Simba roared with rage.

“We’ve got a request from my parents. If you give back the land then we will not harm our captives” Nuka replied.

“If you refuse............… your cubs will suffer,” Aine said with a smirk.

“You disguised me, Kiara and Nassor are innocent,” Nala cried. “To think I once trusted you Aina, you have your own cub.”

“You are not one to talk Nala about harming cubs, Masika vanished the night you returned with her best friend. Strange........ I though Kopa and Aketch would be happy we have taken their siblings.”

“Lay a paw on my sister's head and you will suffer severely,” Kopa snarled. “You do not want to push me.”

“I second that Aine. Hurt Nassor and I will make you wish you had never been born” Aketch said glaring murderously at Aine who stepped back.

“You have two days then those two will get it,” Nuka said stepping forward.

“Get out of here now,” Simba said lunging at Nuka.

In a flash the pair fled, laughing with mad glee as they went. In the cave the lions tried to process what they had been told. Arguments erupted over the best course of action, some arguing for an immediate attack while others urged caution. In the midst of the debates Imoo appeared, shame, sorrow and utter agony written on his face. Simba moved to attack yet was stopped by Kopa who jumped in between his father and friend. Quickly he explained to the pride that Imoo had indeed given a warning of Scar's plot. The pride had been aware of a warning but had been told that a bird had overheard a discussion between Scar and Zira, the truth stopped them in their tracks.

“I swear to all of you I was unaware of my Father's full plan. I played no part in this, had I known the full details you would have been told.”

“Imoo how do you expect us to trust you after this?” Kopa snapped.

“Kopa, Aketch please believe me I did not want this. When he came home with them, I tried to convince him to return them. He is mad. I tried to find a way to bring them to you, it was to much of a risk alone. All I have to offer you is who I am. I am not him,” Imoo said hanging his head before walking away.

The pride turned to face each other. The friendship between the youngsters was at last revealed to the anger of their parents. Accusations of being irresponsible, foolish and even traitors were thrown around. When Rafiki spoke up in support of the youngsters the anger increased, the parents furious that he had supported them. The four present argued their case well, in part shaming their parents in their blindness. In the end the arguments returned to the matter at paw, how to deal with Scar's threat. Despite the threat Simba was reluctant to assault the Outlands directly.

“Then what do you say we do? We can’t just sit here Dad. You heard the time limit,” Kopa shouted furiously.

“We need to plan how to react. Getting angry will not help us!” Sarafina snapped.

“Well then what plan!” Aketch snarled springing to her paws. “I am not going to sit here until you come up with one.”

“Aketch is right. I will not leave Nassor's nor Kiara's fates to chance,” Kopa snarled, running out of the cave with Aketch without a backward glance.

Consumed by rage they ran through the savannah, fearing for their siblings yet enraged at Simba's apparent indecisiveness. Reaching the Gorge they skidded on an abrupt halt at the edge of the cliffs. Looking at each other in pain they sat down overlooking the very place where the fighting had begun. Her heart breaking Aketch curled up on the rocks, one paw dangling over the edge while her eyes stared into space. Slowly a plan began to form in Kopa's mind. Some time later Imoo sat down next to them silent, he too lost in thought and aware of the significance of the location.

“I’ve got a plan,” Kopa said, breaking the heavy silence at last. “Only its risky thought but it might just work.”

“What is it Kopa,” Aketch replied pricking up her ears.

“We go into the Outlands, the three of us together,we go get Kiara and Nassor. Imoo if you help us..........”

“I can do that,” Imoo replied proudly. “My Mother is taking care of them, she does not agree with what Scar has done. She has a line that she will not cross , harming innocent cubs..........she just won't do that. She would be willing to help you.”

“Imoo can you be certain, if we go in there..........” Kopa replied searching his friend's face for any hint of deceit.

“I know my own Mother well enough Kopa, she was sickened by Scar's actions.”

“So then we go in?”Aketch said looking between the two cousins. “Do well tell your parents or not?”

“We tell them, we might be able to guarantee Zira's reaction but if we run into anyone