wrong. In their minds both remembered the fun times as cubs, the mischief as teenagers, all memories filled with joy. Then they saw their recent past, arguments and tension as they tried to adjust to their new relationship. Tear fell from their eyes as each saw the part their actions had played, in their hearts both deeply regretting what had happened.

“Oh Kopa what have we been doing to each other? It all fell apart on the day of ceremony. Our parents expect us to fall in love like yours did. I love you but I don’t want to lose my friend either.”

“It happened to soon Aketch. I know I haven’t acted the best. This thing. I’ve not been able to handle it. Can we just go back to being friends?”

“I like friends,” Aketch replied smiling for the first time.

            Standing together Kopa and Aketch felt the tension evaporate into the morning sunlight. That afternoon as they hunted together the subjects saw two best friends on a hunting trip.

_____________________________________________________________________   

         A week later Kopa, Imoo and Bakari stood together in front of the pride and their friends in the cave at Pride Rock.

“The time has come for me to return home. Tomorrow I will leave this kingdom,” Bakari said, his voice brimming with confidence.

“Your time has come Bakari, I believe the three of you together will be successful, go with our blessings,” Simba said nodding gracefully.

       Standing up Kopa let out a mighty roar, one by one the pride joined in, proclaiming their strength for the world to heal. In the midst of the pride Kiara felt a wash of sadness. As the gathering broke up Kiara walked over to the young leopard. 

“Bakari can we go for a walk?”

“Of course Kiara, where would you like to go?” Bakari asked kindly.

“Over to the waterhole would be nice, if it’s not too far?”

“The waterhole is fine, besides it is only mid-afternoon.”

“Ok, great.”

         With a nod to Nala and Kopa the pair set off side by side through the rich grass. For a while they walked in silence, happy to simply enjoy the day and each other’s company. Nearing the waterhole they reached a small pool of water surrounded by flowers partially shaded by a large tree. Stopping among the flowers Kiara looked directly at Bakari, her eyes filled with innocence.

“I love you,” Kiara whispered.

“I care for you too Kiara,” Bakari said gently. “I’m not going to tell you you’re feelings are silly or that you are too young as you know your own mind.”

“I love you a lot, since you came here, I know I’m young….”

“Kiara how do you love me?”

“You mean everything too me.”

“Do you love your parents, Kopa and your cousin Imoo, would you help them if they needed it? Would you do anything for me?”

 “I love them, I’d do anything, whatever it took to help them, even if it mean my giving life. I would do anything for you Bakari, if I was old enough I’d come with you to the jungle.”

“If I asked would you leave your family, leave your home never to return, would you live a life apart with me?”

“Live away. Too never come back, to leave forever……I’m not sure if I could…..”Kiara replied, her eyes filling with pain and confusion as the reality of Bakari’s question began to hit home.   

“Think about how your love feels for your family then think about your love for me, tell me how it feels….” Bakari asked gently.

       Time seemed to slow down as Kiara looked deep into her heart, her love for her family and her love for Bakari. Unfamiliar feelings passed over the young princess, love mixed duty, confusion mixed with clarity. For the first time Kiara began to see her true self and understand her own feelings.

“It feels the same, I love you like I do my family,” Kiara said softly, looking up at Bakari with eyes filled with affection.

“I feel the same way about you Kiara, the past few months when I’ve been with you, it’s been like being with the little sister I never had,” Bakari replied placing a paw on her shoulder.  

“I’d be happy to be your little sister, thank you for not treating me like a cub or telling me I’m being silly.”

“I would never do that Kiara, you have as much right to love as the next lion, love takes no account of age. One day you will find your true love who will return your love in return, when you do you will your feelings now will seem small in comparison.”

“How will I know my true love?”

“When you meet a lion for who you would sacrifice everything, for who you would be willing to live a life apart far away from the Pridelands if needs be. In return that lion will be willing to sacrifice everything for you. When you do Kiara send me a message, I would like know who earned your heart,” Bakari replied, a brilliant light shining in his eyes and words filled with warmth.

   In the circle of flowers Kiara and Bakari smiled at each other their hearts uniting in the love of family, brother and sister in love if not blood.

_____________________________________________________________________

       At dawn the following day Kopa, Imoo, Bakari and all their friends and family gathered together at the bottom of Pride Rock. Sadness mingled with fierce pride was written across the faces of Simba and Nala, their hearts breaking at the thought of letting their son go.

“Do what you must. Remember not all participants are willing, fear of death can force creatures to do things against their will. I am proud of you Kopa,” Simba whispered embracing his son.

“Stay safe my heart, we love you,” Nala whispered tears in her eyes.

“Be careful Kopa, please come back some day,” Kiara pleaded as Kopa placed a paw around her.

“I promise Kiara I will see you again,” Kopa replied looking at his sister. “I will return home, I swear, no matter how long it takes I will come home.”

“Kopa, I…..” Aketch whispered, tears in her eyes. “I love you, please be safe and come home to me. I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

“You won’t lose my Aketch,” Kopa whispered.

“When you come back both of you will be married,” Simba said softly. “I have never been prouder. When the fighting is over, do me one favour.”

“Anything Dad,”

“Take some time to explore.”

“I will Dad,” Kopa replied nuzzling his father.

 

 

      Watching his family Imoo turned away without speaking, shards of guilt and darkness in his eyes. Despite the passage of time he had to overcome the shadow of his birth, the fact he was Scar’s son laid heavily on his heart. A darkness and a legacy that he felt at time would consume him. Walking forward Rafiki laid a blessing on them.

“Go with the blessing of this land. Wherever this journey may lead you let our prayers be guide your and always remember your pride.”

     With the wind blowing through their fur Kopa, Imoo and Bakari bounded away into the morning light. Reaching the border they stood on a rocky edge from which they could see the entire kingdom. Unknown to them this was the very same place that Simba had stood years previously. Standing there Kopa felt a pain in his chest. With a final look at his homeland Kopa turned away, in an easy bound the three friends crossed the border.

 

 

Gathering Storm  

        Two weeks had passed since Kopa, Imoo and Bakari had left the Pridelands. After travelling through the harsh desert they now stood next to small pool of water under a tree on the border of the desert and jungle. After heat of the desert the water and shade was welcome. Guided by Bakari they walked to a small waterfall that caused Kopa and Imoo to gasp in shock. To their surprise Bakari guided them along a narrow strip of rock around the side of the cliff. Walking under the water they closed their eyes, when they opened them they found themselves facing a small cave network with three different chambers.

“We can hide here. I don’t think the lions will know about this place as the path is fairly well camouflaged.”

“That’s good to know. We need a few days to recover our strength,” Imoo said laying down.

“That is my plan. This area is outside my kingdom in a neutral area, even if the lions met us they could not attack,” Bakari replied.

“We have a plan for now. Well I’m not sure about you guys but I am getting some sleep,” Kopa said yawning.

“Sleep is what we all need, relax Imoo, we will be safe here,” Bakari replied laying down next to him.

     In the dim light of the cave a look of uncertainty passed over the young lion’s face, his parents training ringing his ears. As the afternoon head increased the cats fell into a deep sleep their weary bodies delighting in the sleep.

             In the silence of the jungle night Kopa, Imoo and Bakari stepped out of their cave. Well rested they were eager to hunt, with Bakari’s

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