subjects need to see security is returning, your marriage will give them that. You and Aketch have barely spent any time together during your betrothal.”

“That’s not my fault!”

“No one is blaming you Kopa. Please see it from our point of view. Aketch needs you to show the mate you will be,” Nala said angrily.

“Kopa please don’t hate me. I was so happy when you came home. Every day I’ve been looking forward to our wedding. Please I love you,” Aketch pleaded desperately.

“Aketch this isn’t personal. I’ve changed alright. I’m in shock that our parents have arranged it so soon,” Kopa replied smirking. “You’d think they’d at least give us chance to hang out as friends.”

“I guess that make sense,” Aketch replied smiling slightly.

“Exactly. I mean no wonder I’m not leaping for joy. I’ve barely gotten over the idea my little sister is engaged to my cousin’s half-brother.”

“It appears you have changed Kopa………….”Simba said looking at his son.

“That smart mouth has come from somewhere,” Ni said dryly.

             Looking at Kopa and Aketch the adults shook their heads in exasperation. Walking down the rock the lions prepared to face their friends. Hearing the news the pride gathering around to congratulate the couple. Stood at the edge of the group Imoo and Kamaira gave Kopa sympathetic looks, they alone aware of how he was feeling.

___________________________________________________________________________

      That afternoon Kopa, Imoo, Akil, Sudi, Dumisa and Aketch gathered in the Elephants Graveyard. It was the first time the children of the savannah had been able to catch up since Kopa and Imoo returned. Standing in the place they had once played all were aware of how much had changed since those magical days. Laying on bones they were busy catching up and exchanging stories. Time had changed them all, adulthood had brought responsibilities meaning they were unable to see each other as they had done as cubs. Now all of them played vital roles in the kingdom. As one of Zazu’s chicks Akil was being trained to follow in his wings. As Timon’s son Sudi spent time with other meerkats while also trying to fit in with the lion pride. Future leader of the wild dogs Dumisa’s life was spent learning how to rule and taking an active part in security of the kingdom.

“I’m not sure about the rest of you but I’m having a strange sense of déjà vu about this whole thing,” Akil said from his position on Kopa’s shoulder.

“You’re not the only one. Its history all over again. All of us had parents whose lives were changed by Scar,” Sudi said from his position on Imoo’s back.

“It seems you guys live with his shadow despite all the time that’s passed,” Dumia replied thoughtfully.

“I wonder if we will ever be free,” Imoo sighed.

“None of that matters guys. It’s been years since Simba took control and a few since he died,” Sudi replied in a laid back tone.

“He nearly destroyed everything so much that we are still living with the consequences,” Imoo snarled.

“Look we’ve all heard the story of Mufasa and Scar,” Kopa said. “If we are their heirs then let’s all make a pact. Together we will rebuild the kingdom, we will not be bound by the past nor follow the same path as they did.”

“Great idea Kopa,” Dumisa said wagging his tail.

      Looking at each other the children of the savannah swore an oath of loyalty and friendship to each other, too never betray each and to remember the lessons of the past. By the Great Kings they swore an oath unbreakable. Standing together they felt a strange sense of history. The kind of feeling that comes on a hot day right before a thunderstorm is due, when the air is filled with tension that is just waiting to break.

___________________________________________________________________________ 

     While the friends were making their oath, out in a different part of the kingdom Kiara, Kovu and Vitani were hanging out. Kiara had not spent much time with Vitani having left for the jungle within days of Zira’s death. Both lioness were a little unsure what to make of each other. As they walked Kiara told stories from the kingdom’s past and all the latest gossip. Listening to the gossip Vitani gasped at parts, laugh at others, commented about narrow minded and controlling parents. Listening to them chatter on Kovu smirked, adding his own two pence worth for good measure.

    After a while they spotted Pumba, Timon and Nassor stood in deep discussion. Turning around Nassor spotted them. Contempt shone from Nassor’s eyes as he looked at Kovu. In spite of all that had happened Nassor hated Kovu. As cubs he and Kiara had been kidnapped by Scar. As a result Nassor had developed a deep hatred of the Outsiders and was highly suspicious of them.

“Hi Nassor it’s great to see you, how is your day going? Kiara asked brightly.

“It was going well. I had to give some of the usual trouble causing suspects a going over. I hope you are keeping those two out of trouble,” Nassor replied, suspicion in his eyes.

“Nassor that wasn’t fair. I accept your finding at a little bit difficult with all the changes that have happened,” Kiara replied, disappointment evident on her face and in her voice.

“Kiara, you caused all this upset then you ran off to find your brother. In the meantime we are left to clear up another one of your messes. To make matters worse you fall in love with the lion trained to kill your father!”

“You hypocrite! Last time I looked you were delighted to have Kopa and Imoo back. Explain to me how you can be friends with Scar’s son yet not Kovu,” Kiara snapped.

“Call me hypocrite all you want I couldn’t give a monkey’s uncle. Imoo proved who he really was a long time ago.”

“What is the difference between him and Kovu? Is it the Outsiders you hate or the fact I am in love with one? You never had a claim on me,” Kiara hissed, her eyes blazing.

“You are a princess, I just think you can do better than him. Did you forget he was raised with the sole purpose of killing your father?”

“Nassor we didn’t know any other life,” Kovu said jumping in. “Vitani and I regret what happened. Zira brought us up……”

    In a split second Nassor’s patience snapped. With without warning he sprang at Kovu catching him of guard and landing a direct blow to his left side. Weeks’ worth of anger and tension fuelled Nassor’s attack. This way and that the battle went. Blows rained down on both sides, claws slicing fur and flesh, blood littering their fur and the ground. On the side lines Vitani, Kiara, Timon and Pumba watched frozen. At the moment it the fight had reached its climax two shapes pounced into the fray. Nassor was pinned down by Ni while Simba stood blocking Kovu’s path. Rage was written across the adults faces as Timon, Pumba, Vitani and Kiara hurriedly explained what had happened.

“How dare you attack a fellow pride member,” Ni snarled furiously at his son.

“I don’t regret it, that Outsider nearly murdered Simba,” Nassor spat, hostility blazing in his eyes.

“Zira nearly killed Simba, Kovu was simply her pawn. Now apologise,” Ni demanded, glaring down at his son

“Not to him.”

“Nassor the hatred has to stop,” Simba implored. “While I understand why you attacked I cannot condone it.”

“He was trained to kill you, how can you forgive that?”

“If I don’t the war will continue leading to more suffering. Let go of your hatred. I will let this pass without punishment this once but if it happens a second time you will punished within the bounds of our laws.”

        Shaking with rage Nassor muttered an apology. Looking at him Simba nodded signalling to Ni that he could allow Nassor to get up. Standing up Nassor shot a murderous look at Ni and Simba. Totally ignoring the others Nassor stalked away without a backward glance leaving the others angry and confused. When the lions gathered at home later on all gasped in shock at what had taken place. As Nassor’s mother Kula was particularly upset as she could not believe her son was capable of such a thing. Hearing her son slink into the cave in the small hours of the morning, Kula had a sense for foreboding.

                    Healing the rifts

  As the days passed there was a noticeable change in the air. Both prides seemed to blend seamlessly into one. Pumba, Timon and Zazu acted as mediators in any inter pride disputes with great success. Pumba had a well-known talent for being able reach a solution that pleased both parties and held the position of Kingdom Judge. He judged all minor crimes and advised Simba on serious cases.

       Under the shade of tress the lions rested after finishing their dinner. Full to bursting they were lethargic. Laying there with Nala, Tama, Kula, Vitani, Kiara and Aina, Kamaria felt the weight of the past.  

“What was my father Malka like as cub?” Kamaria asked hesitantly.

“He was a little arrogant,

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