The Lion King: The Secret Prince

Chapter 12

The days training had gone well and Ayari was satisfied at what he'd accomplished with them today. Boga and Babu both appeared to have good skills but they needed to be refined more. Tama was pretty good and took on most of his suggestions, which worked particularly well when she went up against Tojo. She didn't admit it but he could she'd enjoyed herself. The others, Sabini, Kula, Mega and Chumvi needed a lot of work but they'd been eager to learn and he's confident they'll be up to a satisfactory standard soon enough.

He looked over his shoulder at Kovu, who still seemed pretty down on himself. Ayari sighed and walked over to him. He needed Kovu's help with this so he's not going to let him just sit there like a useless piece of meat.

"Kovu come on, it's about time you moved past this. I really need your help on this one." he said, but Kovu ignored him and refused to face him.

"This is all my fault, I never should've left her alone like that. My parents have her right where they want her and I can't do anything about." he spoke.

"Parents?" Ayari questioned, frowning.

"Yeah, the one who took control of Pride Rock is my father, Vitani's too. He saved Zira from her fall and they're now working together to take Pride Rock and extract revenge on your father." he explained, without realising what he'd said.

"My father?" Ayari replied, walking up to sit beside Kovu.

"Sorry I didn't mean to say that, it just-"

"You're talking about Simba right?" Ayari asked interrupting him. Kovu nodded a bit relieved he didn't care much about what he'd said. Ayari looked up and realised why Kovu hadn't moved from this spot. In the distance you could just make out the shape of Pride Rock.

He sighed and asked "What's he like these days?" and Kovu was more than happy to answer that.

"Like any king, kind, loyal, generous and forgiving." he said.

"What do you mean by that?" Ayari wondered.

"Well I was in a bad place a few months ago. My mother trained me to kill him so I could take back what rightfully belonged to Scar. But in the process I fell in love with Kiara and suddenly I saw how wrong everything was. Even after what happened Simba still gave his blessing and let me join the pride." he said, with a smile. He suddenly laughed and said "But I don't think I could've ever replaced you."

"Me," Ayari scoffed. "I'm really starting to think I don't know who me is anymore." he revealed.

"You must know by now. Haven't you remembered enough to admit you're the prince?" he asked. He must know everyone else knows who he is by now so why has it been such a struggle for him?

"Kovu you have to understand how hard this is for me. Every single memory I've had is telling me who I am and yes I know I'm Kopa, but I'm just afraid of what that means." he told him, looking very serious. They both looked back towards Pride Rock and Kovu grinned.

"You're afraid of all the responsibility. You've lived a life where you don't have to worry about that kind of stuff and where you can just do what you want. But to have the lives of others and a whole kingdom depending on you, it's just too much right?"

Ayari stared at him, completely taken aback. The grin on his face told him he was rather proud of that comment but now that he thinks about he probably has a point.

"Well aren't you Mr know it all." he laughed.

"So I'm right?" Kovu wondered.

"As if I'm going to tell you." he scoffed, walking off back towards the others. "Come on, like I said at the start I need you on this one Kovu. Besides Vitani you're the only one I trust to have my back on this."

Kovu rolled his eyes and decided he'd been convinced. They both walked back over to the others to find Babu and Afua in a bit of a struggle. From Ayari's point of view Afua was winning but Babu was definately putting up a fight.

"Your handy work I'm guessing?" Kovu said, glancing at Ayari.

"What no, this is all them." he insisted before running in between the two lions to break it up. "Ok guys that's enough save that energy for the enemy." he instructed and Babu and Afua gladly, separated for the time being.

"Who would've thought Afua would be, well violent." Tojo commented, putting it plainly.

"It just shows how little you know him Tojo." Tama said and Tojo thought that maybe, in the future he should make a little bit more effort to get along with the kid. Up until now he really hasn't bothered to make him feel welcome. He can see now how bad that was.

After parting Afua and Babu Ayari returned to Vitani who comfortingly nuzzled him when he approached her. Afua rolled his eye as he sat down. Kula and Chumvi we're bad enough but to watch them as well was just too much.

"Hey lovebirds you mind going somewhere else if you want to do that!" he yelled at them.

"Big mistake Afua." Ayari laughed as Vitani glared towards him, not looking very happy.

Afua smiled nervously and said "Just forget I said anything." he really didn't want to get on her bad side anytime soon. Afua wasn't the only one watching them, both Mheetu and Koko seemed to be observing their companions affections towards this lioness.

"I don't believe it, it doesn't matter where he is, he always gets the attention even from the lionesses." Koko complained.

"Koko I thought I told you to stop being so jealous of him. You'll get that one day maybe sooner rather than later." Mheetu said.

"What are you talking about?" Koko asked.

"Well I may be getting on a bit but I do know when a lioness seems to be interested in a lion. That Boga's been eyeing you up for a while and she seemed pretty grateful earlier when you showed her how to defend against a male. You should go and talk to her." he suggested.

Koko looked over at her. She was sitting with her family and he had to admit that just looking at her made him slightly nervous. But he can't, he'd only make a fool of himself if he tried to say anything.

"No I don't think that's a good idea." he refused. Mheetu sighed and shook his head. He'll never learn, he thought.


At Pride Rock that afternoon, the mood in Simba's pride was somewhat, mixed. Upon finding out from Kiara that Kopa is alive, all the lionesses were the happiest they'd been since being confined to the den. The thought of their prince, coming to their rescue excited them. However, Simba and Nala haven't been as forthcoming as the other members tof their pride. They've refused to talk to anyone, including Kiara, about this heart wrenching revelation. She can she her father's having more trouble than her mother and she'd expected it.

"So, Kiara what's he like?" asked one of the lionesses. "He must be fully grown by now."

"And handsome." giggled a younger lioness.

Kiara turned away from her parents and looked at the lionesses.

"He is, we kind of met by accident. Vitani attacked him thinking he was the enemy but I could see he clearly wasn't." she explained. "He looked too kind." she smiled, thinking back to when they'd first met. Before continuing she looked over at parents. She knew they were listening so she didn't hesitate to continue. "He's actually a lot like my father, resembles him too. But he has mothers eyes and her attitude." she laughed.

"Does he remember his home?" Simba asked, speaking for the first time since that morning. They all looked over at him and Simba slowly made his way towards Kiara. "Does he remember?" he said again.

"I'm not exactly sure what he remembers but I know it's him father, everyone does. I believe the great kings brought us together." she said, softly. "You have to believe me when I say he'll come for us, he promised me he would."

"He can't do this on his own Kiara." Nala said and Kiara smiled.

"He won't be alone, trust me. All we need to do is wait." she said, looking towards the front of the den, at the visible sunset. "He'll come." she repeated, with absolute certainty.


This is the first time he's ever been out at night. His father wouldn't exactly tell him why they were out here but he's not going to complain. He followed his father as they walked through the grass, remaining close to his side. He glanced up at the night sky, admiring the thousands of stars decorating the night. Then his father stopped and too, looked up at the sky.

"Alright Kopa, we're here." he said.

"Why are we here dad? There's nothing out here." he noted.

"I wouldn't say there's nothing. Look up." he instructed his son. Kopa glanced back up at the stars and wondered what his father was talking about.

"What's so special about the stars?" he wondered.

"Kopa, I'm going to tell you something that my father once told me. Those stars represent the Great Kings of the past. When they die, a new star forms in the sky and they watch over us." his father explained.

"So grandpa Mufasa's up there?" he asked, trying to guess which star represented his grandfather.

"Of course. My father's up there with his father and his father before him. You see the Great Kings give us guidance when we are lost. When I was lost my father came to me and reminded me who I really was. You never know, one day they might do the same for you."


Ayari woke with a start. His eyes shot open, wide with shock. He finally remembers the story about the stars. No wonder he always felt like there was something he should know about them. It was extremely dark out but he noticed the moon was still shining brightly above him. Everyone was fast asleep including Vitani who slept soundly beside him. He got up slowly, not wanting to disturb anyone, and quietly disappeared.

When he was satisfied he'd reached a suitable distance (one where he wouldn't be overheard), he sat down and immediately looked up at the stars.

"You know, my father told me about you once, how you helped him when he was lost. Is that what you're doing for me, did you bring me here to show me who I was?" he asked and he didn't expect a response.

He wasn't one for superstition but he had to admit he must've had some help. It wasn't just simple coincidence that he happened to come across Vitani and Kiara that day. Both are too significant to Kopa to just be a coincidence. All of a sudden he heard running water, which was strange because the rivers a good distance from here. But that wasn't all, the wind started to pick up, blowing violently in the space around him. The tree's howled and the grass rustled.

"Wait, what's going on?" he asked before he suddenly felt quite drowsy. He tried to stand up but his legs collapsed beneath him. He hit the ground and the darkness closed in around him.


3 years ago...

As he made his way to the front of Pride Rock, he couldn't help but wonder how Timon and Pumbaa managed live off bugs for so long. He get's that it's appealing to them but still, it was just a little too gross for him to handle and he had to leave. He looked up and noticed his father conversing with Zazu. Whatever it was it didn't look too good. His father looked extremely concerned. The mischievous cub hid behind a small rock so he could eavesdrop on his father's conversation.

"Are you absolutely sure Zazu?" asked Simba.

"Yes sire the herds have reported several disturbances and they all seem to mention a lone lioness." Zazu said.

"Doesn't mean it's Zira." Simba concluded.

"No but what lioness do we know that happens to be an exile living near the outlands?" Zazu reminded the king and Simba sighed heavily.

"Gather the remaining lionesses." Simba ordered and Zazu quickly flew off to gather up the lionesses. Kopa couldn't believe it. His father was going to be away from Pride Rock today. Now this could be his chance. The lionesses soon returned with Zazu, unsure what this was about.

"You asked to see us?" said a lioness.

"Yes, I have to go and investigate some disturbances among the herds, so I need you three to watch over Kopa while Nala and I are out. He's not to leave Pride Rock unless one of you goes with him." he instructed.

"Of course." replied the same lioness.

"Zazu, let's go." he said and soon after both Simba and Zazu departed from Pride Rock. Kopa groaned as he watched them leave. Great, even when his parents aren't around he's being babysat by the other lionesses.

"We better go find Kopa." noted one of the lionesses. "Has anyone seen him this morning?" she asked the others and they all shook their heads.

"I'm sure he's around. He's probably up to mischief like always ." replied another. But their voices soon faded away, as they went looking for him in the complete opposite direction.

Kopa could not believe his luck. If he was quick he would make it back before his parents even got home. He crept out from behind the rock and quickly ran off, making sure no one had seen him. As soon as he was away from the base, he ran excitedly through the grass, eager to finally get away.

He remembered the path to their meeting spot perfectly. After their first encounter he couldn't forget it. Since then they've used this spot as their meeting place before they venture away. He hoped she wouldn't be too disappointed at having to wait for him. Whenever he's shown up late she's always been so worried. He couldn't tell if it was about him or the fact that her mother might be back soon and she might have to go. It was clear to him how dangerous their friendship was but despite all the danger she's the best friend he's got and when they're together the worry just disappears.

He neared the clearing now and he made his way through the grass with an apologetic smile on his face. Only thing was, when he emerged Vitani was nowhere to be found. Even the playful, energetic Kovu wasn't there. He looked around, just encase she was hiding somewhere, planning to surprise him. She wasn't and he frowned.

"Tani, hey Tani where are you?" he called out, venturing away from the small clearing. He continued to look for her until he realised he'd come as far as the Zuberi River.

His dads told him about this river many times. It runs all through the Pride Lands and beyond the border. He walked beside it, glancing at his own reflection until suddenly, he spotted a small figure pacing to his right. He knew it was her the moment he saw her, besides, he doesn't know any other lioness cub with the same, scruffy tuft of fur atop her head.

"Hey Tani!" he called, running over to her. She turned towards him but for some reason didn't look happy to see him. "What are you doing out here, I thought we were meeting up at our usual spot?" he wondered.

She didn't say anything and he knew something was wrong. "Tani what's the matter?" he asked.

"I-I can't see you anymore." she replied, shocking him. "It's getting too dangerous. My mother's starting to notice and I don't want her to hurt you." she said. Kopa backed away from her slightly, feeling a little upset already.

"I thought you didn't care what your mother thought, I thought you said-"

"Well I was wrong to say that ok. I have to be loyal to my mother and you need to do the same. We're on two different sides and the next time we see each other we'll be enemies." she explained, interrupting him.

Kopa, stood there, confused and hurt. He couldn't believe she would say that after everything that's happened between them.

"Well spoken Vitani. You really got him there." spoke a cruel female voice.

Both Vitani and Kopa looked around and Vitani's expression said it all. Zira crept out from the grass looking extremely bloodthirsty. However, she wasn't alone. A small Kovu was behind her looking quite frightened himself.

"I'm sorry Vitani but she followed me." he apologised but Vitani was speechless.

"I will deal with your betrayal later Vitani, but for now I'm going to deal with you prince Kopa." she cackled and Kopa was overcast with her dark shadow. For a moment everyone was still and there was silence, until Vitani made a bold move.

"Leave him alone!" she shouted placing herself in front of Kopa and her mother. "I won't let you hurt him mother, I won't!" she cried.

"What do you think you're doing Vitani? Move out of my way or you will join him." Zira snarled, looking extremely serious. But she'd been too focused on her own cub to notice the prince had managed to slip away. Vitani had created the perfect distraction.

"Run Kopa, run and don't look back!" Vitani shouted.

Zira growled angrily before moving past Vitani and running after the young prince.

Kopa ran frantically through the grass, not daring to look back. He could hear her though, her feint growls and footsteps. He stopped for a moment to catch his breath when suddenly he heard her speak.

"There's no point in hiding from me. You're not going to get away from me prince Kopa." she laughed.

He ran off again and in his panic forgot which way he was running until he realised he'd run in the complete opposite direction. He was inches away from the most dangerous part of the Zuberi River. He slowly backed off, getting ready to run again until Zira came out from the grass looking very, very pleased with herself. He didn't know what to do. There was nowhere for him to run now. If he tried he didn't want to know what she would do.

"Nowhere to run now my little prince." she said, slowly moving closer towards him. "I'm sorry I have to do this but your father took something that was precious to me so I'm going to take something that's precious to him." she snarled.

All of a sudden they heard a deafening roar and both Simba and Nala appeared, along with Zazu and two other lionesses.

"Ah Simba, Nala, right on time." Zira said, looking unconcerned over their arrival. Kopa on the other hand had never been so relieved to see his parents."Come to watch your son die."

"Let my son go Zira or I'll have no choice but to attack." Simba threatened.

"Kopa, come over to me." Nala encouraged, gesturing for him to move. Kopa took one step towards his mother but Zira blocked his path, pushing him back.

"Don't even try Nala. There's nothing you can do to help him now."

"Zira, leave my son out of this he has nothing to do with it." Simba said, keeping a very close eye on Zira's proximity to his son.

"Oh yes he does. You took Scar away from me so I'm going to take your son away from you. You need to feel the pain I felt when Scar was taken!"

"No mother stop!" shouted Vitani, distracting everyone. She appeared with Kovu by her side, the two cubs looking as panicked as everyone else there. Simba and Nala were a little surprised to see them. When they'd banished Zira she'd only had one cub with her.

Vitani saw Kopa trapped behind her mother and gave him an apologetic look. She hadn't meant for any of this to happen, but she knew if her mother had ever found out it probably would. This was all her fault, she knew that and she wished she could tell Kopa how sorry she was but she'll never get the chance if they both survive this. They are enemies now and it'll have to stay that way.

"Please, please don't kill our mother." she pleaded to Simba. "Mother please, just leave him alone. We'll come back with you and I promise I'll never see him again, just let him go." she pleaded to Zira, distracting all lions present, including her mother. With Zira distracted Kopa tried to move over towards his mother again and Nala noticed. She encouraged him to keep going but Zira had realised what Vitani was doing.

"Enough Vitani! I will not be given orders from you. This is for Scar!" she said and before Kopa reached a safe distance, she kicked him with her back leg and he fell into the Zuberi River. The water was too strong and there was nothing for him to grab on to. The last thing he heard before he was rushed downstream was his mothers scream and his father's agonising roar.


Ayari opened his eyes, panting heavily. The air was calm now and he stood up, his breathing returning to normal. He looked up at the stars and thanked the Great Kings for showing him the truth. After all this time, he finally knows who he is. That memory was all he needed, it had been enough to awaken something inside him.

"I know who I am now and I know what I'm meant to do." he whispered into the night sky. "I was lost for a very long time but you all showed me the way home. My father was right, the Great Kings will always be there to guide us. I promise you I will not let Jitu and Zira take my home." he vowed. "I will not let them win." he said with confidence.

He went to leave and turned around to find Vitani standing there, grinning at him. He was less than surprised to see her there, in fact he'd been expecting it.

"How long have you been standing there?" he wondered, slowly walking over to her.

"Long enough, I was awake when you left. Considering your past I didn't think I should let you go off on your own." she said.

"You're always trying to protect me Tani. It's about time I returned the favour, you don't need to protect me anymore." he told her and the two began to nuzzle each other affectionately. Words could not describe how he felt in that moment.

"Well, that's what you do when you love someone. Thought you would've guessed that by now." she said, happily. She's waited for this moment her entire life. This is the moment she never thought she'd get and now, after everything she's done she finally going to get the chance to be happy and to be with Kopa.

Kopa (as he now accepts who he is) laughed and said "I Love you too Tani. I always have."


Koko made his way to Pride Rock that night, feeling no remorse whatsoever. It had taken a while for everyone to eventually fall asleep, wasting his time yet again. He wasn't too concerned though. Jitu understood the lengths he had to go to to keep the trust engrained within Mheetu and Kopa. He'd forgive him without a doubt. Approaching Pride Rock, Koko immediately noticed the two lions Jitu had guarding the entrance. Both noticed him and stood up, blocking his path.

"Who are you?" one of them asked.

"What's your business here?" asked the other.

"Jitu is expecting me." Koko said rolling his eyes. "I have some important information for him."

"Well it's about time." Jitu said, making his way down towards Koko. "You've been testing my patience quite a lot lately." the lion said, not amused by that fact.

Jitu dismissed the two guards, leaving him and Koko to talk privately.

"I can assure you it's not my intention to keep you waiting." Koko said.

"Yes well, you better have something useful to tell me after you failed to inform me the prince was returning to the Pride Lands." Jitu said, reminding him of his first failure.

When the lion was young it had been easier to manipulate him into doing his bidding but as he grew older he started to do things his own way and only if it suited him. Still, his loyalty remained untouched.

"How could I have done that without it being noticed by Mheetu?" Koko defended.

"Whatever, just get on with it."

"Fine. Kopa is planning to free his family and take Pride Rock but he has the assistance of another pride." Koko revealed. "He's been training them to fight but honestly, they're pathetic. They'll be no match for your lions." Koko informed him with a gleeful smile.

"I see, if this is true we will attack in the morning and trim his numbers down to size." Jitu grinned.

"Good, I can lead you to them." Koko replied.

"Well then, that's settled. You will stay here tonight and attack with us in the morning. I think it's about time prince Kopa knew you'd been working for me since the day he met you." Jitu cackled.

"I can't wait." Koko said, imagining the scene before him.