Okay, this is a long, long, long, long, long overdue update. But, i've being busy, what with going off to university and well... generally forgetting about the story. I apologise but i'm back now and hopefully things should start moving along more swiftly.

Chapter 9 - Clash of Cultures

Kane having learnt much from the lioness called Nia was shocked to suddenly see more lions.

The biggest of the lot stood before him and roared threateningly. Kane raised his gun and pointed it at the lion. Seeing this, Nia ran over from the lion and lioness she had gone to and tried to defuse the situation.

'Granddad, no!' she shouted.

'Who and what is that?' growled the large lion.

'I just rescued him from hyenas, he's not a threat.'

Another lion came over and joined the conversation. 'I don't know Simba, remember what Rafiki said about omens. Maybe this is the danger that was coming.'

'Yeah, maybe. It's a good thing we came out to find you Nia,' said the lion known as Simba.

'I can take care of myself,' Nia said haughtily.

Kane suddenly remembered something Nia had said.

'Wait,' said Kane turning to the larger lion again, 'Is what he said true? Are you King Simba that Nia told me about?'

'I am. What concern is it of you?'

Kane lowered his weapon. 'Because protocol demands I make diplomatic ties with whoever is ruler of the lands I come across. On behalf of his majesty's government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and its dependencies and overseas territories I would like to extend diplomatic ties to these lands you call the Pride Lands. I come in peace, I do not wish to be of any danger.'

The lion pride seemed taken aback by the sudden formality. Kane could here whispers amongst the lionesses whilst the two males just stared at him as they contemplated.

King Simba eventually backed down from his aggressive stance. 'If you come in peace, then I will not force you to leave. However, be that as it may, I do not wish you wandering around the Pride Lands.' He indicated towards the other lion, 'Kovu here will keep an eye on you. And be warned, step out of place and you'll be dealt with severely.'

The king walked off followed by the rest of the pride. Only Kovu, Kane, Nia and another lioness were left. The other lioness and Kovu started talking to each other in whispers. Nia came over to Kane. 'I don't know whether you were brave or stupid then.'

'What do you mean?'

'You lowered your defences in front of my grandfather. He could have killed you in an instant.'

Kane thought for a moment. 'Ah, who cares, everything turned out alright. Now where's this Rafiki guy, my wounds are getting more painful.'

On cue, a baboon jumped down from the tree and landed in front of Kane.

'Hey you,' it said, 'what and who are you?'

Kane was peeved by the monkey's rudeness. 'My name is Kane and I am a member of the human race,' he said. 'And you are?'

'I am not important,' said the monkey. 'What is important is that you are here when you are not supposed to be here.'

Confused, Kane continued, 'I am where I have been sent, to do a job I am required to do. I ask again, who are you?'

'I am Rafiki,' said the monkey.

Kane turned to Nia, 'You could have told me this was the guy I needed to see!'

'Hehe, sorry,' said Nia, 'You kind of get distracted by his… eccentricities.'

Rafiki had disappeared but seconds later appeared with a crudely cut wooden bowl and what appeared to be some fruit. He crushed the fruit together in the bowl whilst mumbling to himself and handed the finished product to Kane.

'Here, this will take care of your injuries. Eat, eat!'

Kane ate the fruity mixture and noted its sour taste. The pain of his wounds dulled noticeably.

'There you go,' said Rafiki, 'Now leave me! You're arrival here has made things confusing. I need time to think.'

With that, the monkey climbed up the tree and disappeared into a hollow at the top.

'Well,' said Kane, 'It's good to know that I'm being welcomed here.'

'Yeah? Well don't overstay that welcome, you got that!'

Kovu had sneaked up behind Kane while he was dealing with Rafiki.

'I have no way of returning to where I came from,' said Kane. 'So for now, you're stuck with me.'

Kovu just glared at him, so Kane continued,

'Give me a chance, I can at least make myself useful to your pride.'

'We'll see,' replied Kovu. 'Come on, let's all get back to Pride Rock.'

Following the lions, Kane knew he was in for a tough time over the next few days. The pain in his wounds however, was enough to push those thoughts to the back of his mind. When they arrived at Pride Rock, Kane only realised in passing that it was the same rock formation him and his squad mates had being marching towards. Ignoring the stares and whispers from the lion pride, Kane found a secluded corner in the cave and fell into a deep sleep, wondering whether anyone else had survived the hyena attack.