Vitani truly felt lost. Looking at his sister Kovu felt utterly helpless. All his life Vitani had been the one lioness who could always count on. Strong, smart and a fantastic fighter Vitani had always been sure of herself. Seeing her so helpless made Kovu feel utterly useless.

“Vitani it is only natural you will feel confused. In time things will get easier,” Imoo said gently.

“How can it Imoo? At least you have Kamaria and Kovu you have Kiara. I am all alone.”

    Her words broke her brother’s hearts. Kovu felt guilty for spending so much time with Kiara that he failed to notice how the changes were effecting his sister. Gently nuzzling her cheek Imoo understood some of her pain. A while later the trio were joined by Kamaria. Seeing the pain of Vitani she placed a paw on her shoulder as Imoo explained what had been said. In an instant the white lioness’s eyes filled with understanding.

“I know how it feels to be alone. My early life was far from ideal. You are my sister Vitani. While I, Imoo and Kovu are here you will never be alone.”

    Tear fall from Vitani’s eyes on hearing the words. Looking at each other Imoo and Kamaria realized the young lioness was struggling with some major issues that would take time to resolve. Still the legacy of Scar and Zira hung over the Pridelands.

 

                   Aketch and Kopa

     A month had passed since Kopa and Imoo had returned. Tomorrow Kopa and Aketch would marry. The ceremony was planned to take place at Pride Rock in front of the entire kingdom. At Pride Rock Aketch was running over preparations with Nala and the other lionesses. Kopa sat on the side-lines watching events unfold with a clear disinterest and apparent apathy.

       Noticing his son’s lack of enthusiasm, Simba walked over to Kopa’s rock determined to whip his son into shape.

“I am not happy with your attitude or how you are treating Aketch. Rafiki tells me you have only attended to three out of nine of your pre marriage classes. I expected better,” Simba said harshly. 

“You expect! That’s all I’ve heard since I got home is what you expect. Not once have you asked how I feel or what I think,” Kopa snapped in reply.

“You are an adult with responsibilities.”

“I am an adult who can make my own decisions. Like it or not I’ve spent over a year living my own life. If you think things were going to go back to how they used to be than you are wrong.”

“Adult or not I expect you to have respect for your elders.”

“I have respect but that works both ways,” Kopa retorted glaring at Simba.

       His son’s words caught Simba off guard. Looking up at his father Kopa felt as if the world was about to close in on him. In a flash Kopa leaped over the rocks just as Nala appeared, having heard raised voices she had come to investigate.

“What happened to our cub in the jungle?” Nala said, concern evident in her voice.

“I wish I knew!” Simba replied with exasperation. 

“If he only he told us we could help him.”

  Unaware of his parents’ concerns Kopa was running out of blind fear. He was furious at being forced into a marriage while part of his heart cried out for Enitan. After a while he reached a small mountain area. It was where Malka’s pride had once lived. The area was overgrown, two medium size crave were cut into the rock and two large ponds gave the area water. Walking over to one of the ponds Kopa looked down at his reflection.

“What am I thinking marry Aketch? The truth would break her heart if it came out. If we marry she is condemned to a life without love. Arranged marriages in the past have never led to love between those involved. That doesn’t make arranged marriage right. Perhaps I should leave. Even if Kiara cannot rule Imoo could be king, he is Ahadi’s grandson.”

    Looking at his reflection Kopa saw a fraudster who would selfishly marry a friend he didn’t love simply to ensure the direct line of kings continued. Not motivated by any noble ideal, not sacrificing his happiness to save a life or a healing a kingdom. A selfish lion who knowingly broke a sacred vow yet did not have the courage or honesty to admit his guilt.

    Soft sounds of paws on dirt caused Kopa to look up, coming towards him were Kamaria and Imoo. Silently they sat down next to him their presence reassuring Kopa that he was not alone. Glancing sideways at their friend the pair saw his pain and guilt.

“Kopa if you want to go back to Enitan than go. If marrying Aketch will make you so unhappy it would be kinder to tell break her heart now then condemn her to a life of unhappiness,” Kamaria said delicately.

“You’re not telling me to go through with for the good of the kingdom?” Kopa asked in disbelief.

“Why would I do something so stupid?” Kamaria asked cynically. “I know first paw what comes from being forced into something you don’t agree with. Trust me Kopa trying to please someone else isn’t worth the pain.”

“I agree with Kamaria. Go back provided you are willing to accept the consequences,” Imoo replied indifferently.

“Part of me wants to but my parents expect so much, it would be wrong to.”

“No Kopa it would save a lot of pain,” Kamaria retorted.

“Kopa we are not to tell you what path to take,” Imoo said lightly. “You have to be happy with whatever you decide. Marrying Aketch would either work out or it will be the worst decision you ever make.”

         Sitting silently Kopa looked up the clouds desperately praying to the Great Kings for a sign. Then out of a patch of sunlight Akil dived towards them. Breaking sharply he landed on a rock breathing heavily. A look of anxiety was on his face.

“You have to come quickly Kovu had been attacked by two snakes,” Akil said gasping for breath.

“Attacked!” Kamaria gasped in disbelief.

“Why Akil?” Imoo snarled.

“They wanted to punish Kovu for what Zira’s crimes. Before you returned a pair of eagles attacked Kovu. I will fly back to tell Simba you’re coming,” Akil replied talking to the air.

       Taking to their paws the trio set off on the journey home with a million fears and questions running through their minds. Fear forced them to run fast. Dust clouds swirled around them. Blinded by emotion they barely noticed where they ran or what animals they send flying in the process.    

        Arriving home the trio skidded to a halt outside a small cave knocking Aine and Vitani over in the process. Groaning the lions climbed to their paws. Looking inside the cave they saw Rafiki’s grandson Bohlale (African name meaning wisdom) treating Kovu’s wounds. Bohlale had arrived in the kingdom a year previously having travelled from his birthplace to study under his grandfather.

     Outside the cave the tension was sky high as the former Outsiders raged about what had happened. Vitani and Aine were incensed, both talking about taking revenge. Simba was utterly furious promising swift punishment to those who broke the law. Jumping into the fray Imoo, Kopa and Kamaria tried to calm the lions down in an attempt to prevent anyone doing anything stupid. Snarling and cursing the snakes Aine and Vitani promised not to do anything rash. Breathing sighs of relief Imoo, Kamaria and Kopa turned their attention back to Kovu. Luck had been on Kovu’s side, he would make a full recovery though he would feel weak for a few days. Breathing a sigh of relief the older lions turned the talk back to the coming wedding, stressing how it would help allay the concerns of the kingdom’s subjects. Slowly the tension was dispelled, attention turning back to the wedding and ensuring the snakes felt the full weight of the law.

            Watching the events unfold Kopa saw his path ahead.

“For all peace reigns old wounds run deep. Kovu will never be accepted as king and Kiara will not be queen without him. Today proves how fragile the peace still is. I have to take the throne if there is any chance of healing. I have no choice but to marry Aketch.  We’ll have our friendship. We can try to be happy. She can never find out about Enitan, I have to put that time behind me. Great Kings I hope this is the right thing.”  

___________________________________________________________________________ 

      The day had arrived. In the middle of the afternoon the entire kingdom assembled at Pride Rock. On the rock Kopa and Aketch were married by Bahlale. In front of the witnesses both said the marriage vows. Bedecked in flowers Aketch looked every inch a queen. Standing next to her Kopa’s fur shone brightly. Ending the ceremony Bahlale presented the pair to the witness who cheered in delight.

“Kopa do you knowledge Aketch as the future Queen?” Bahlale asked in a serious tone.

“I do and I promise to knowledge our cubs are heirs to the kingdom,” Kopa answered solemnly.

“All here have witnessed the union of Kopa and Aketch, I present them as our future king and queen,” Bahale said.

    One by one the assembled animals bowed to the

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