"Whoa," Kovu surveyed the lush upspring of green before them. He'd felt the humidity increase as the rocky ground had revealed patches of life even before he'd seen the jungle on the horizon. Now that they stood before it, Kovu felt small. It stood before them, tall and dark. The thick tangle of vines and leaves was unlike anything Kovu had encountered.
"Looks exactly how I left it," Simba commented as he led Kovu into the foliage, leaving the clear open sky above the desert behind them. Within moments of entering, it became darker, as the leaves choked out the sun. The drone of insects was a loud, harsh whisper in his ear. His stomach twisted in hunger. They had stopped for water at a small oasis that had sprung from the earth, but the water had been hot and Kovu's throat was already sticky and dry. He didn't just want water, he wanted blood. Flesh. Satiation. Lions could go for days, even weeks in dire cases, without food, but it was painful to do so.
"So," Kovu's voice quieted as he felt wary of potential eyes and ears. He immediately felt closed in and watched. "Where are we going?"
"Rais' pride used to be about three days from here," Simba explained, his voice quiet as well. "Do you hear the river?"
Kovu paused, furrowing his brow. "Yeah," he nodded. "Barely."
"We're going to follow it upstream for two days, then break off and head towards the valley. But first, we're going to drink, then eat."
"How do we know that we won't encroach on anyone's territory?" Kovu asked nervously, acutely aware of how seriously Simba had always treated his own. To his surprise, Simba looked conflicted, his gaze darting away. "We...are going to stay out of someone else's territory, right?" He prompted. Simba sighed.
"Here's the deal, Kovu," Simba met his gaze firmly. "I need to go in, find Qabi, ask her where Chaka is if he's not with her, then take Chaka home. I need to do all of that within a month, I am not wasting one day. I need to get back home to Nala. We can either eat bugs in neutral territory as we find them, because I know for a fact you've done it, or," he lowered his voice further, "we can hunt without getting caught. But we don't have time to seek out neutral hunting ground, if there is any. We either eat bugs, or we take a little risk. I'll let you make that call."
Kovu's mind raced as he struggled to wade through the screams of hunger and process what Simba had just said. Was this a test? Was Simba testing him? If he admitted that he wanted to make a kill, no matter whose kill it was, would Simba become angry? Or reject his request to propose to Kiara? Kovu couldn't take that risk.
"I'm a law-abiding citizen now," he answered. "It sounds like bugs are our only option."
"So it seems," Simba led Kovu forward. Kovu was unable to read his tone or expression. "So, crunchy or slimy? What sounds good to you?"
"Err," Kovu made a face, "whatever sounds good to you, sir."
"We'll scrounge up whatever we can near the river, I guess."
"So," Kovu looked around as they walked, stepping over fallen logs and under the thick swaths of branches, "do you, you know, still eat bugs?"
"Um, no," he heard Simba snort. "Not by choice, anyway."
"What does that mean?"
"Means I'll do what it takes to survive. Same as you, right?"
"Right."
They walked in silence until finally, they happened upon the river, the sound of rushing water a tantalizing and alluring sound that drove them both to a run, skidding to a stop along the mossy bank. They both dunked their faces in, though after one gulp, they both brought their heads up, each waiting for the other.
"Well?" Simba asked.
"I-I was gonna keep watch while you drank," Kovu explained. It was dangerous for them to both drink at the same time in unfamiliar territory. The only time an animal was more vulnerable to attack than when they were drinking was when they slept, something they would also no doubt do in shifts.
"I'm older, you drink first."
"But you outrank-"
"Kovu, drink before I push you in." Kovu needed no further prompting, lunging for the water to both show his submission and to quench his thirst. The water was cold, colder than in the Pride Lands, and tasted sweet, with a hint of algae. The minerals were unique, creating a taste he'd never experienced before. He couldn't tell whether or not he liked it, but he was too thirsty to care. After he was satisfied, he brought his head back up, muzzle dripping, and nodded at Simba to take his turn. As he scanned the jungle around them, still catching his breath, he noticed that there were no tracks in the dirt around where they stood. In the Pride Lands, animal tracks were everywhere, especially high-traffic areas that provided access to water. Paw prints blended with hoof prints, as the animals all gathered to take what they needed. Here, there wasn't a trace of other animals. Though the sounds of insects was loud in his ears, he saw no birds or rodents, much less herd animals. When Simba finally rose his head, Kovu's anxiety about his observation had grown enough for him to mention it.
"Why is nobody here?" He whispered. Simba glanced around before shrugging, seemingly unbothered, leading Kovu deeper into the foliage.
"Could be a number of things," Simba answered. "Poisonous plants would be my guess."
"Oh man, really?"
"Relax, just don't eat any plants, you'll be fine. It'd be good news for us, if the herd animals are dead or avoiding the area, it means no unsavory company."
"That's kinda cool though. How poisonous are we talking?"
"Some plants will just make a lion hallucinate, some will kill an elephant, just depends. I'll point one out if I recognize it."
"Nice."
"But, on a more serious note," Simba slowed his pace so that he was beside Kovu, matching his stride perfectly. "I need you to promise me something."
"Of course," Kovu's heart skipped a beat. He didn't like the tone in Simba's voice.
"If I screw up and get us in trouble, I mean real trouble, promise me you'll make sure you and Chaka get out. If I tell you to run, swear to me that you will."
"I-I can't do that, Simba."
"You can and you will. It's very simple, Kiara is the queen now and she needs you, you have to come home to her. This isn't about you or me. You're doing it for Kiara, so am I."
"...Fine," Kovu relented, though he knew in his heart he didn't want to. "I promise that I'll run if there's no other way. Will you promise me that you won't put me in that position?"
"I promise."
It occurred to Kovu that neither lion had a pure history when it came to keeping their word and acting honestly. But at that moment, all they had was their word. It would have to do.
"Here," Nala dropped the shoulder at the mouth of the cave, the cool waters of the mysterious fountain beckoning her with an energy that made her wary. She wasn't like Simba, she'd never felt comfortable with the afterlife, nor did she like it crossing into her life. "I brought you something to eat."
"I'm surprised to see you," Surani emerged from the shadows, the glowing reflection of the water wavering across the stone walls. "Animals are still dropping like flies, the pandemic is wiping out most of the large animals, and you show up at the base of the mountain pregnant? Simba's not going to like that."
"The base of the mountain is far enough from the sickness, most of the ill are near the peak, it hasn't spread this far down, at least not yet. And who told you?" Nala kept her voice cool. "We haven't announced it."
"You're showing," Surani looked Nala over. "Just enough, anyway."
"I'll thank you in advance for your discretion," the queen mother answered stiffly.
"Who would I tell?" Surani smiled coyly as she nodded at the meat. "Help yourself, I'm not hungry."
"You failed to mention that you've been hunting to Ono," Nala sat, more exhausted than she wanted to admit. The one symptom she couldn't ignore was fatigue. It had hit her fast and hard, it was as if each breath of energy was drained into the ground through her paws, leaving her lightheaded and foggy.
"I'm not hunting, the locals are bringing me gifts," Surani settled comfortably before Nala. "Turns out some of them really like hearing from their dead loved ones. It's nice, seeing them have closure. Have you ever lost anyone?"
"A few pride sisters, years ago."
"Well, it seems to help, what I'm doing. I haven't been keeping track, there are so many, but...I don't know, I feel a little better each time I help one of them. It's the first time I've really felt like I had a purpose. I don't know," she shrugged the thought off. "Anyway, why'd you want to see me?"
"Kiara asked me to come."
"No, she asked someone to come, but you did. She's obsessed with keeping the peace and you don't like me, she never would have sent you."
"I want to talk about Chaka," Nala admitted.
"What is there to talk about?" Surani demanded, continuing before Nala could open her mouth. "Let's look at the facts, alright? Simba's married, I'm single. Simba's got two perfect children, I've got one dead one that ran off and got pregnant the moment she became of age. Simba lives in a nice pride in a good territory that his daughter controls, I hang out in a ghost cave talking to dead animals all day. Exactly what is there to talk about?"
"I," Nala stuttered. "I thought you'd-I mean, he's your grandson. I wanted to give you the opportunity to have a say."
"Oh you wanted that for me, huh? There's only one right answer here, it's not anyone's choice."
Nala let the tension sit between them for a moment. She wasn't sure why she felt hostile towards Surani, nor was she certain why Surani was angry at her. She took a deep breath.
"Surani, what you're doing here at the fountain, it's really going to help my daughter. It's going to help a lot of animals. It doesn't seem easy, and I'm grateful that you're doing it."
"Thanks," Surani didn't seem to believe her. "So, feeling shitty, huh?"
"I'll manage."
"I was so sick with Aisha," she shook her head. "But, easy birth, so I guess it balanced out. You?"
"The opposite," Nala admitted.
"I can't imagine doing it again. It's not for me."
"I never got to tell you I'm sorry," Nala's voice softened. "I can't imagine what you're going through."
"It's hellish," Surani admitted. "But, for now, it's not all bad. She's still here, in the fountain. Waiting. I hope Simba takes his time, I don't think she'll stick around once she knows Chaka is safe."
"She might," Nala offered halfheartedly. Nala didn't like Surani, she was angry at the way Surani had treated Simba, and she didn't care for how aloof and haughty her attitude was. However, as a mother, Nala felt her grief. She couldn't imagine losing a child, and she had seen what it had done to Sarabi.
"This whole thing is kind of nice, though," Surani admitted. "We know that after we die, there's a good, peaceful place. And that's where she'll be. And hopefully one day, I'll be there too. Before, I didn't really believe that stuff. Simba always said he didn't either, but, I think he was lying about that. And like, a lot of other things. Secret prince," she made a face. "I still can't get over that."
"He's...a unique lion."
"You can say that again. Hey," she looked up at Nala. "I haven't heard from that dark dead lion in a long time, the one with the green eyes and two names."
"You mean Scar?"
"Yeah, Scar, Taka, whatever. Have you seen him?"
"In life and death, yes."
"Creepy bastard," Surani shivered. "I don't know how he's not in the fountain. There's a younger lion in there that looks kind of like him, though."
"Who?" Nala frowned.
"This kid named Nuka, he's waiting for his brother and sister, but I think his brother is with Simba, if I remember right. They don't look related at all."
"Nuka's in the fountain?" Nala was taken aback.
"Mhmm," Surani nodded, clearly not aware of the significance of this information. "Kovu's actually got two lions waiting for him, poor kid."
"Something tells me he's not ready to talk to Zira," Nala stood.
"Who's Zira? I'm talking about his mother, Huzuni. What, does Zira have two names, too?"
"...No," Nala answered softly. "She doesn't."
"I still can't believe I'm watching you eat grubs," Kovu commented as Simba gulped one down with a wince.
"You're right here with me, pal."
"Yeah, but I'm not the former king. It's different."
"If you say so," Simba reached up and tore more bark away from the tree, revealing several white, plump insects that had been feasting on the damp bark from the comfortable cover of darkness, picking them off the trunk with his teeth. "So," he swallowed and began rooting for more, not bothering to make eye contact. "Why'd you volunteer to come with me?"
"I wanted to help."
"Why?"
"I can't just want to help?" Kovu couldn't help but feel defensive. He wasn't ready to have the conversation with Simba about wanting to propose to Kiara just yet.
"Let's see," Simba thought aloud. "You volunteered to spend a month away from your girlfriend just weeks after her coronation, so it was more than just being a good guy, you'd need a pretty heft reason to do it, so let's look at the other factors," he continued as he dug at the base of the tree, exposing a rotted root full of beetles and worms, passing over most of them as he talked. "If you'd stayed, you'd be able to stay with Kiara and your sister, who I hear just might be the next leader of the Lion Guard. Both your sister and your girlfriend are going through some very significant life changes right now, but you don't seem like the type to run from responsibility. So let's keep thinking, if you'd stayed, you'd be helping Surani, Kion, Malka and Tojo put souls at peace," he stopped and looked at Tojo. "Are you afraid of seeing Zira in the fountain?"
Kovu narrowed his eyes, slightly surprised at Simba's guess. Being exposed to Zira in the fountain hadn't even crossed his mind. But Simba was smart enough to sniff out the truth eventually, unless Kovu threw him off his trail. He decided to take a risk and affirm something that wasn't true in order to buy himself some time. But, he didn't want to lie directly. Simba wouldn't like that if and when the truth did come out. A lie of omission was in a gray enough area that Kovu was able to sit with the idea.
"You didn't exactly love seeing Scar, did you?" He asked darkly. Simba seemed to buy it.
"Interesting comparison there," he turned back to foraging. "No, I didn't."
"So," Kovu was eager to move away from the subject, "Um, you knew King Rais?"
"I've had a few run-ins with him."
"The phrasing you just used makes me think that they weren't exactly friendly encounters."
"They were not."
"Wait," Kovu frowned. "Are you-I mean, is Rais not gonna want us to visit?"
"Yeah, I wasn't planning on him finding out."
"What? Are you kidding me?" Kovu hissed. Simba looked at him with surprise.
"Calm down, it'll be fine."
"I didn't realize this was a stealth mission!"
"Oh," Simba cocked his head sarcastically, "is that suddenly a problem for you?"
"I-you-but-" Kovu sputtered angrily. "W-with all due respect, when were you planning on telling me this? Is that why you made me promise you that I'd leave you if you got us into trouble?"
"Kovu, Rais is probably dead, and if he's not he's too elderly to pose a threat."
"How do you not know?" Kovu fought to keep his voice low. They were alone, but if they made too much noise, that might change. "Wasn't Surani here just months ago? Did you not ask her?"
"Yes, I asked! She was absolutely no help at all, I am literally working on memory and guesswork here," Simba was now audibly frustrated. "It sure would have been nice if she'd told me anything, but she wouldn't, so we're stuck with what I can piece together."
"Why not? I thought she sent us on this whole mission, why would she undermine us like this, is she crazy? How are we supposed to do this!?"
"She's not crazy, she's just," Simba sighed heavily, "she's grieving. Aisha's in the fountain, but she'll probably leave once we come back with Chaka and Surani's not ready to let her go, she wants this to take as long as possible, so she wouldn't give me any information. At least," he shook his head, "God, I hope that's why she wouldn't talk. I just am hoping that Surani's cousin Qabi is still around and that she helps, Surani mentioned her in passing once or twice so I think it's likely."
"Normally I wouldn't ask this, but given what I've just learned I'm going to." Kovu took a deep breath, "Is this 'Qabi' going to help?"
"Yeah, I feel pretty confident that she will."
"Care to share why? I mean, Surani isn't exactly cooperative."
"They're very different lionesses, Qabi's...she's different, it's fine."
"Okay, so, what, are we just going to sneak up to the territory and hope Qabi is around the border and not with the rest of her pride in the center of the territory?"
"No, I was actually going to call to her."
"Call?! Like, like roar?"
"Not a confrontational one, just a, you know, a rogue's roar."
"What, like those stupid, desperate mating calls they make when they want a piece?" Kovu was bewildered.
"Yes," Simba rolled his eyes. "I suppose you could call it that, Kovu. With any luck I can still remember how I used to do it, and she'll recognize it."
"Whoa whoa whoa, you used to actually do that?" This was new information. "There's no way."
"Kovu," Simba looked irritated. "I have never been shy about the fact that before I challenged Scar, I was indeed one of those dirty low-life scum rogues everybody hates so much, why exactly are you so surprised?"
"I never said dirty or low-life, I just, you know, you seem above all that, is all."
"I'm flattered you think so highly of me." With that dry comment, Simba straightened his posture. "I think we're done eating, let's keep moving. You're right, this place is creepy."
Kovu watched from above as Simba struggled to reach him in the branches. Just a mile or so beyond, the tree line dipped as the valley lay spread below. Simba grit his teeth as he used his upper body strength to pull himself up, using his rear legs to stabilize himself. Neither Kovu nor Simba had brought attention to it, but it was clear that Simba's leg was not completely healed. It was painless, at least as far as Simba let on, but he avoided putting weight on it, and as he climbed, it was clear that he wasn't able to use it very well, nor was he used to compensating for its inadequacy. The joints were stiff, and Kovu couldn't tell if this was something that would be healed with time, or if Simba would always have the stiffness.
If it didn't heal any more, he might never be able to hunt well, if at all. If he was even a hair slower, he would only slow the other hunters down, he'd never be able to hunt with the pride again. Kovu wondered if this was actually the reason Simba hadn't pressed hunting on their first day in the jungle. Perhaps Simba wasn't ready to know.
When Simba did manage to steady himself on a limb near Kovu, the branch wrapped in thick vines, he opened his mouth and let out a soft roar. It was high and gentle, almost melodic, neither aggressive nor taunting. It wasn't like the mating calls of the rogues that Kovu had heard growing up, it was something a bit different. It was more submissive, polite. If Kovu hadn't been watching Simba, he never would have believed it was him. The former king's roar could send shivers down animals' spines, it had always been a call of dominance and often danger. This was something else entirely.
There was no answer. This was a good thing. A lioness would venture quietly out to seek them, only an angry alpha male would roar back. The quiet in the air was indicative of peace.
"Now," Simba settled down on the branch, "we wait quietly."
They did, but not for long. Both of them tensed as they heard the sound of something moving towards them, crunching falling leaves with each step, their ears leaning forward. Whoever was approaching was moving swiftly. The hairs on the back of Simba's nape stood on end as he held his breath. Kovu's teeth bared silently. Then, from a few dozen or so paces away, a feminine voice called out.
"Red?"
Kovu looked to Simba, who looked relieved.
"I think she's alone, you stay up here, don't scare her," he murmured before he hastily climbed down. "It's me, Qabi," he answered more loudly. Just as his paws hit the forest floor, a sleek, dark lioness stepped into view. Seeing Kovu, she snarled. "He's a friend, he's with me," Simba reassured her.
"Is that you?" She turned back to Simba with wide eyes. Unlike Surani, Qabi's accent was thick.
"Yeah, it's me."
"Red," she looked upset. "You don't understand what you've missed, Surani-"
"Where's Chaka?" Simba asked in a quiet voice. Qabi froze.
"How did you know?"
"It's a long story, but, I know. I know about Aisha, as well. I'm sorry."
"Is Surani safe? She left months ago, and I never knew where she was going, she just left."
"She found me, she's fine."
"Are...the two of you..?"
"No, we're not."
"Red," she looked him over. "You are full of surprises, did you know this?"
"I've heard that once or twice." Simba looked up and nodded for Kovu to come down. He did, watching Qabi over his shoulder. She looked at Simba with a softer expression. Up close, he realized that she was striking. Her face was softer and kinder than Surani's, with the same beautiful eyes and sleek, flawless build.
"Did you come for Chaka?"
"I did."
"Rani must have known what would happen after Aisha passed," Qabi looked at her paws. Simba didn't correct her, as the truth was far too complicated and strange. "Rais' sons, Almanii and Hasaan, won't let him into their territory because they are not his father. After Aisha passed, it has been very difficult to keep him safe. They do not like that we are helping, and I worry about him getting into trouble."
"That's why I'm here. I want to help."
"How can I trust you?" She lifted her gaze back to him. "You left all those years ago without saying a word, we all thought you were dead, and now you return, and it doesn't make any sense."
"I know, I understand why you don't think I'd be fit to take care of him, but-"
"I never said that," she shook her head. "You act tough, but you were always soft. I knew that. I was sad when you left. At first I was angry, but, then I was sad."
"I'm sorry, I wish I'd handled it differently. A lot of things, actually. But listen, my mate and I are committed to-"
"Mate?" Qabi seemed surprised. "So, Red, you finally settled down, did you?"
"You know, you could have toned down the surprise," he chuckled. "Yeah, I finally found someone, we've got two children."
"Aww," she smiled sadly. "I'm happy for you. Truly. But, how do you know your king will allow this?"
"My queen gave me her word, and I trust her with my life," Simba answered genuinely. Kovu smiled. If there was one thing he knew about Simba, it was that he was a good father.
"Red happily taking orders from a strong female, oh that is a surprise," she commented sarcastically.
"I-" Simba closed his eyes. Kovu did his best to bite back a grin. "Anyway, Qabi, how can I earn your trust?"
"I don't think you ever lost it. You're strange, but you're a good lion, Red. I can see it in your eyes. You wouldn't hurt a fly. Come on," she nodded. "I'll take you to talk to Chaka. We'll see what he thinks."
"'Wouldn't hurt a fly?'" Kovu whispered to Simba, who elbowed him.
"Just go with it," Simba hissed between his teeth before following the lioness deeper into the jungle. Kovu noted several things.
First, that there was an odd energy between Qabi and Simba, one he knew but couldn't place. Second, Simba had intentionally left out that he was the former king, much less that he had arrived at the request of his dead daughter's spirit. Keeping his explanation simple and believable didn't seem to be the entire reason behind this omission, but Kovu wasn't sure what other reasons Simba might have. But, Kovu had no choice but to follow Simba's order to follow his lead.
Author's Note,
Huzuni is the creative property of Silver-Wolf-17, check out their art on deviantart, we are truly not worthy, many thanks for permission to use this amazing character, Silver!
I hope everyone is taking care of themselves whether they're going to work or staying home, and I hope you all have the security and peace of mind you deserve. You're all such sweet, kind people and I wish you all the best now more than ever.
Corderbollie [AO3]: As always, you are TOO MUCH! I'm glad you liked the change of pace, I honestly needed one.
little_sloth [AO3]: Yay! I'm glad the change of pace worked well, it's always nice to hear that confirmation. I think walking the line between 'interesting/exciting' and 'exhausting' is hard for me and it's important to slow down every once in a while. Plus, writing funnier scenes is a ton of fun. I am still considered 'essential' in my county so I am still working, but doing my best to keep myself and those around me safe, please take care and I hope you remain strong through this!
veronicatoon7 [FFN]: Thank you so much, I'm glad they fit the story! And I'm sure her fuck marry kill would be something like, 'fuck Kovu, marry Kovu, kill Tojo,' because she loves Kovu enough to bend the rules and use two points for him, and while she'd never want to kill Tojo, he's the weakest member of the mountain guard and if she had to off someone, it would be him without question.
Guest [FFN]: That means a lot to me, thank you for leaving such a lovely comment!
LadyKeren [FFN]: The tone of the fic is absolutely dark, but I'm glad it works! I agree if the movies had been for an older audience they would have been much darker as well, I guess my fic takes place in a universe where the movies were PG-13/R? And I know, the chapters when Simba couldn't walk were harder to write, it's sad! And absolutely, Simba should have had more screen time dedicated to him being a father, not just a stoic king, that would have made the show better. Where's my footage of him being silly and wrestling the kids? But thank you, I love feedback like this!
I'm still accepting voting submissions for my next oneshot, voting ends March 31, 2020, the link is the most recent post on my Tumblr, dierentumbls for anyone who hasn't voted but would like to. As an additional sidenote I just made an Instagram account, , there's nothing much posted yet but that will change as I shift my social media focus from Tumblr to Instagram, if you'd like, give me a follow and I'll follow back!
Cheers!
- Dieren
