•
If I could reach the stars, pull one down for you,
Shine it on my heart so you could see the truth.
That this love I have inside is everything, it seems,
But for now I find it's only in my dreams.
—Eric Clapton, "Change the World"
From beneath the shade of a mnyasa tree, Kopa observed the cross-legged chimps in the grass before him, trying to mimic their upright position the best he could. Noticing how the primates rested their hands on their knees, palms facing up toward the sky, he attempted to do the same — and immediately toppled face-first into the dirt.
A couple of chimps turned and glared over their shoulders at him. He hastily righted himself and grinned sheepishly. "Sorry," he whispered. The younger ones snickered to themselves.
"Twendeni safari," intoned Tanzu, the old chimp at the front of the clearing. "Moja kwa moja." He sat facing the same way as everyone else, and did not open his eyes as some of the chimps behind him shifted with discomfort. "You may sit however you wish. The body must be attuned to the mind in order to align with the spirit."
A few chimps uncrossed their legs. Kopa drew a long breath and sat up a little straighter, using his front paws to balance his posture.
"This morning we will focus on water meditation," Tanzu explained. "Water is the salve with which time heals all wounds. It guides us in reconciling the past with the present. Close your eyes, everyone."
Kopa did so, letting the surrounding ambience slip into the periphery of his senses. The leaves rustling overhead faded from his mind while the Zuberi River's softly lapping current came into focus.
Tanzu waited for the others to settle once more before continuing. "Just as water gives life to this river, the past is the lifeblood of the future, and the present its endless heartbeat. It cannot be disrupted or separated, this singular entity we know as time. And the river is our quiet and enduring reminder that every present inevitably becomes the past."
Kopa became aware of the faint shadows flitting at the edges of his consciousness, almost invisible against the dark. For a moment, he thought he heard the distant echo of pattering rain, and struggled to draw closer to its source.
"Relax, Kopa," Tanzu said gently. "Recollection is a delicate process. Let it come to you."
Kopa obeyed, realizing his shoulders were clenched. He let his breathing even out, inhaling and exhaling in tandem with the river's ebb and flow.
"Very good. A lion's ferocity should be matched only by his restraint."
The shifting shadows were forming shapes now. The sunlight permeating Kopa's eyelids gradually materialized into a hazy image; a savanna, sprawled beneath a bright, sunny sky. He tried to look around but found that he couldn't see more than the memory would allow.
Kopa held his breath in anticipation as two shapes morphed into the unmistakable forms of lions. Their faces blurred in and out of focus, but Kopa could make out snatches of their features — a pair of thoughtful teal-green eyes, a red-brown mane against a vibrant golden pelt — but to his frustration the images refused to focus themselves. Just then, a bizarrely tall formation in the distance caught his eye; what it was exactly, he wasn't sure. "I... I see something..."
"Shh," Tanzu murmured soothingly. "Be patient. Just observe."
"Am I supposed to see something too?" interjected Chamba, one of Tanzu's younger grandsons. "Because I don't."
"Shut up, Chamba," grunted Kima, his adolescent older brother.
"But I want to know what Kopa saw."
"Then try sticking your head in the river."
Chamba could be heard blowing a raspberry. "Or I can light yours on fire. Then we'll see who sticks their head in the river."
"Grandpa, Chamba's being a nuisance," Kima complained.
"What?" retorted Chamba. "Maybe it'll help with your fire meditation."
Kopa let out an exasperated noise, eyes snapping open as he gave up trying to tune out the chimps. "I'd stick my head in a tree trunk if it gets me some peace and quiet."
"Remember, Kopa," chuckled Tanzu, "patience must be learned before it can be taught."
"I can't learn anything with all this chatter, never mind patience." Kopa irritably got up to leave.
Tanzu smiled wryly but did not open his eyes. "Then go forth and find your peace, my child. Sisi ni sawa. We are one."
A bead of glimmering sunlight fell from the overhead mnyasa leaves, and Kopa looked up in time to feel a water droplet spatter against his snout, and then—
A flash of lightning in the dead of the night. A pair of gleaming red eyes watching him through a raging downpour. Razor-sharp claws reaching for him, a crash of thunder, and then he was falling—
Kopa flinched when he felt something press against his foreleg, and became aware that he was lying prone with both paws pressed over his head. He opened his eyes and saw Tanzu kneeling beside him. The others were also staring at him in concern.
"Are you alright, Kopa?" asked the old chimp. "What did you see?"
"It... it was her." Kopa realized that he was trembling.
Tanzu grimaced. He turned his attention back to the other chimps, whose consternation had subsided into curiosity. "Thank you, everyone, that will be all for today. Give us some privacy, please."
The chimps immediately rose, climbing up into the trees and swinging away. Chamba and Kima were the last to leave, their stares lingering on Kopa before they joined the others in clambering up the nearby trees. He said nothing, feeling his frenzied pulse slowly settle while trying to chase the images from his mind.
Tanzu waited until the sound of the chimps' movements faded before turning about to face Kopa again. "Tell me what you saw. Even the parts you did not want to."
"It was the same thing I always see," Kopa mumbled, eyes downcast. "It was dark, a-and stormy, and... her claws, reaching for me."
Tanzu resumed a cross-legged sitting position across from Kopa. The old chimp gestured for him to go on.
"She somehow always finds me in my nightmares. And I know I'm safe, that she isn't here to hurt me." Kopa sighed. "I know I shouldn't be afraid."
"'Shouldn't be'?" repeated Tanzu.
"I'm tired of being afraid, Tanzu," Kopa told him quietly. "I don't even know who she's supposed to be."
"Hmm. You are so fixated on her, but what about who you are?"
"Who I was got shredded and thrown into a river. I just want to know why."
Tanzu's weathered features crinkled sympathetically. "I understand, my child, but what I asked was who you are — not who you were. Remember, the present—"
"—inevitably becomes the past," finished Kopa absently. "I know, I was listening." He let out a whistling breath through his nose, his thoughts now dwelling on the initial memory. "I saw something else this time. Two lions, though I couldn't make out their faces. The more I tried, the harder it got."
"Because we do not conjure our thoughts," Tanzu reminded him, one finger raised. "We merely respond as the mind presents them to us." He patted Kopa on the shoulder. "Kopa, do not be disheartened. What you saw today may hold promise, but keep your mind and your heart open regardless of what awaits."
Kopa finally managed a smile in return as he got up. "I'll do my best, Tanzu. Thanks."
"Be well, my child." With that, Tanzu hopped to his feet and nimbly leaped onto the side of the mynasa tree, swinging up and away with remarkable agility. The old chimp was quickly swallowed up by the ambience of the forest, leaving only silence to hang over the clearing.
Kopa trotted off in the opposite direction, heading further into its depths away from the Zuberi River's winding path. With the sun now steadily climbing in the morning sky, he could hear more inhabitants up and about, chittering busily in the canopy overhead. Every now and then a zebra or a duiker would appear out of the sprawling undergrowth; a few would nod politely before going on with their morning routine, albeit while keeping their distance.
Kopa wasn't offended. Although he abided by the Maelewano Forest's no-hunting laws, he had no intention of adapting a non-meat diet like Tanzu's chimps, something the others were well aware of. As far as he was concerned, the fact that they didn't run the other way whenever they saw him was already a considerable show of trust.
The undergrowth up ahead was split by a well-trodden dirt path, and just past the shrubbery Kopa spotted an okapi he recognized as Kiri. She was ambling up along the path behind a calf, who squeaked in terror upon catching sight of Kopa.
Kiri ruffled her enormous ears in greeting. "Good morning, Kopa."
"Morning, Kiri," he called back. "I haven't seen you since you were—"
The okapi calf scrambled to hide behind Kiri's striped legs.
"—pregnant. Is this who all the fuss was about?" Kopa smiled at the diminutive creature, hoping he wasn't showing too many teeth.
Kiri nodded. "This is my son, Hoji. I'm teaching him how to forage now that he can walk." She crouched down over her trembling offspring to reassure him. "It's okay, Hoji. He's not going to hurt you, see?"
"W-what is he, mommy?" stammered Hoji.
"A lion, sweetheart," she explained. "Kopa and his friend live in the forest, just like us."
"Don't... don't lions... eat other animals?"
"Not in this forest," Kopa assured him. "We hunt in the mountains, where the other carnivores live."
The calf blinked in confusion. "But those animals have families too, don't they?"
"They do, but..." Kopa faltered, not sure how to best answer this.
Kiri cleared her throat. "Let's keep moving for now, son. Stay goodbye to Kopa."
"Bye," mumbled Hoji.
"See you." Kopa held an awkward smile, watching briefly as the two okapi disappeared into the trees before crossing the path and heading on toward the river bend. As he weaved back into the thick of the forest, he wondered if his own mother ever stopped thinking about him, wherever she was now.
"You are never far from my sight or my protection..."
Kopa gasped as the words surfaced from the depths of his mind, instantly coming to a stumbling halt. My mom said that to me. I'm certain it was her. Absently leaning against a large rock, he clasped his front paws against the side of his head again, trying to connect a face to the voice.
"Oh no, not again. We found this one first, Kopa, so you can buzz off."
Startled, Kopa peered down to see several chameleons shimmer into visibility atop the rock he was leaning against. Their pointed glares told him they were not keen on sharing. He tilted his head. "Hang on, this isn't your territory."
"And our rock wasn't yours to take," snapped Ficha, their leader, "but that didn't stop Tumaini from nearly flattening us, did it?"
"He did what?" Kopa yelped.
"You heard right. I had to relocate my family here for their own safety. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm about to give Tumaini a piece of my mind."
"No, let me handle it," Kopa said, resigned. "It must have been a misunderstanding — you guys blend in too well sometimes."
"And you lions ought to be more mindful. Even if Tumaini didn't mean any harm — and I'm sure he didn't — the two of you are big enough to be dangerous for us."
"You're right, Ficha. I'll see about getting your rock back." Kopa hurried off, listening for the sound of the Zuberi River once more. Its frothing rush grew louder as it came into view beyond the treeline, its rippling surface sparkling in the sunlight.
Tanzu once said the river was named after a great lion king. The first ruler of a kingdom called the Serengeti Pride Lands. Now out on the open riverbank, Kopa broke into a steady sprint, hopping and bounding over the familiar crests and dips he had navigated countless times before.
"The river can be fearsome and wild, much like a lion," the old chimp used to tell him. "But its gentle nature endures, despite the storms it has weathered. And like this river, I believe you have a place among the animals in this forest."
Kopa was soon greeted by the familiar sight of a crude stone den hewn out of the side of the riverbank. Home.
A boulder the size of a small elephant sat a few paces from the mouth of the den, and perched on top was Tumaini's slender black-maned form. As Kopa approached, his attention was drawn to the trench the rock was sitting in; one end connected to the den, while the other end was pointing toward the river.
Kopa cleared his throat to get his friend's attention. "Didn't you always tell me not to take what wasn't mine?" he asked in bemusement.
"If it already belongs to someone else," Tumaini said tersely, sounding just a bit breathless. He jumped up and down, wedging the boulder further into the densely packed dirt. "This was just... sitting... on top of a hill."
Kopa suppressed a groan. "And let me guess, you rolled it off the side of the hill?"
"Sure did. It got pretty far into the forest before I had to start pushing." Tumaini huddled over for a moment to catch his breath, then hopped down into the trench. "Speaking of which, help me get this into the water, would you? We gotta divert some water into the trench."
As Tumaini strained to push the boulder toward the river, Kopa pressed one paw against the other side, prompting his friend to give him an inquisitive look. "No, we actually have to do something a lot less fun."
"What do you mean? What's wrong?"
Kopa sized up the rock, feeling its hefty weight against his paw. He was already dreading the prospect of having to roll it back uphill. "Nothing we can't fix between the two of us. I hope."
•••
"Kupatana community,
One day for unity.
Gather together in peace,
Our Kupatana community."
Having finished their song, the choir was met by rousing cheers as they stepped off the elevated stone slab and rejoined the crowd gathered around them. Zazu, the choir conductor, lit from where he was perched and swooped up over the lions stepping to the front of the stage. Simba took a moment to admire the thick, sturdy baobab trees surrounding them as Zazu circled over Mizimu Grove in a wide arc.
The hornbill landed on his shoulder, and Simba smiled at his majordomo before turning his gaze to the throng of animals crowded within the grove. "Hujambo, everyone," the king greeted warmly. "We've had an eventful year, haven't we?"
"That's an understatement and a half," remarked Nala from beside him, eliciting a few chuckles from the crowd.
Simba couldn't help chuckle as well. "It's good to see new faces among the familiar ones. Some of our friends have travelled a long way to be with us today." He gave a respectful bow of the head to Dhahabu, standing at the forefront of her herd. "We are honoured to be joined by Queen Dhahabu of the Back Lands."
The animals cheered for the golden zebra, who beamed graciously and bowed to Simba in return.
"We would also like to extend our gratitude to Ma Tembo and her herd for their diligent work in restoring Mizimu Grove," said Nala. "Thanks to their perseverance, this place has been reborn from the fire that ravaged it more than a year ago."
Ma Tembo and her elephants lowered their heads modestly as the animals broke into more cheers.
Simba waited for the clamour to subside before continuing. "Many of you have been curious about the recent developments these past few moons, especially those of you living on the fringes of our borders. I'm sure some of this must seem... strange."
"If you're referring to the hyenas, then yes," declared Swala, a gazelle leader. Her tone was level but noticeably sharp. "First Zira's lions and now this? Do you mean to invite all of the Outlands into our home?" A ripple of murmurs passed through the animals, many of whom stared at the small gathering of hyenas off to one side.
Zazu glared sternly at Swala. "That shall be discussed in the upcoming summit, and not a moment bef—"
Simba held up a paw, noticing the way the hyenas looked nervously to their matriarch, Madoa; Jasiri, however, appeared entirely unfazed. The king gave Zazu an imploring look, and the hornbill promptly hopped off his shoulder. Clearing his throat, Simba proceeded to elaborate. "We invited Madoa and her clan here as trusted allies. And Jasiri, who oversees all the animals of the Outlands, is a close friend of Kion's."
"Not many Outlanders accepted our invitation," added Nala, "but in light of our peace agreement, we hope to see more in attendance next Kupatana."
"Where is Kion anyway?" asked Mjomba, an aardwolf leader. "No one's seen him or his Lion Guard in ages."
Simba faltered. More murmurs bubbled forth, and many of the animals looking his way had now noticed Kion's absence. His eye caught Nala's, and without hesitation she stepped forward to speak in his stead. "Kion and his friends left the Pride Lands on a... personal journey. He has found his calling at a faraway place called the Tree of Life, where he now rules alongside its queen."
The few animals who were present at Kion's coronation did not look surprised, but the rest were visibly taken aback upon hearing the news. Nala gave Simba a wistful smile, which he found he couldn't quite return.
Masikio, a brown hare, hopped into view from the confines of the crowd. "So we don't have a Lion Guard protecting us anymore?"
Simba shook himself out of his reverie. "Yes, we do. Some of you have met them already, but for those who haven't, it is my honour to introduce to you the Lion Guard."
•••
To Vitani's surprise, she recognized a fair number of animals reacting favourably as she stepped into view with the Lion Guard, directly behind the royal family; the rest, however, had fallen into an unnatural hush. She spotted more than a few looks of wariness and even fear among the crowd.
"As many of you are aware, the union of Princess Kiara and Prince Kovu has made our pride whole again. And when my daughter called to end the conflict that divided us so long ago, Vitani was the first to mend the rift between us."
"And how do we know she can be trusted with the Roar of the Elders?" challenged Tumbili, the aging colobus leader. The other animals murmured once more, many in agreement.
The Lion Guard were whispering among themselves as well, and a couple of them bared their teeth. "Quiet," Vitani hissed at them.
"Before returning to the Tree of Life, Kion wanted to ensure that Vitani could put the needs of the Pride Lands before her own," said Nala. "She challenged him to a Mashindano without the Roar, boldly declaring that she didn't need it to lead the Lion Guard."
From amidst the crocodiles, a rumbling chuckle was heard from Makuu. "Now that was something to witness," he drawled, looking Vitani straight in the eye. "You've got backbone, I'll give you that."
The other animals looked taken aback by Makuu's endorsement. Even Simba seemed surprised as he addressed the crowd once more. "For six moons our Lion Guard has performed their duties vigilantly and tirelessly. It is a testament to their devotion that many of you have not even been aware of their presence. If anyone is a worthy successor to my son, I believe it is indeed Vitani."
No one was more astounded than Vitani, however, when Simba turned to face the Lion Guard directly.
"Kion trusts you to protect the Pride Lands, Lion Guard. And so do I." The king's expression was solemn.
If Vitani was supposed to answer, she was spared from having to do so. At that moment, the baobab trees began shedding their flowers, and many newcomers were entranced at the sight of the shimmering leaves gently drifting down from above.
"Happy Kupatana to you all," Nala announced exultantly. "Please enjoy the festivities, everyone."
As the animals broke off into smaller groups to mingle, Vitani noticed Kiara leading Kovu off the stage and made to do the same. "Stay close," she muttered to her team.
"Lion Guard, a moment?" Simba called. Seeing Vitani's hesitation, Kovu gave her an encouraging nod.
"It's alright, Vitani," Kiara assured her. "I'm just going to introduce Kovu to some people."
Vitani gave the more suspicious-looking guests the once-over. "At least take Tazama with you."
"We'll be fine, sis," insisted Kovu. "Go have some fun."
"'Fun'," Vitani muttered, watching as her brother hopped off the stone slab with Kiara. She scrutinized the nearby animals again before joining the rest of her team.
The Lion Guard were on the secluded side of Mizimu Grove with Simba, away from the hubbub and the main cluster of baobabs. The king waited for her to approach before speaking. "Takes some getting used to, doesn't it? Seeing all the animals getting along like this."
Vitani scoffed. "Strange doesn't even begin to describe it. I saw a few of them at each others' throats just yesterday."
"I can believe it. But we put that all aside on Kupatana. It's why carnivores have been forbidden from hunting these last few days. I hope you aren't hungry, the fast ends at sunrise..."
"It's fine," said Kasi tersely. "We've gone longer without food before."
Vitani suppressed a smirk upon seeing Simba wince. "Yeah, I guess I knew that," he mumbled, chastened. He turned back toward the heart of the grove. "Some of them will have misgivings at first. Don't take it personally."
"Couldn't care less," grunted Imara. "We're here to do our jobs, not make friends."
"I'm sure they'll come around once they know you better. Which is why you're all relieved of duty tonight."
"I would advise against that," Vitani said, stepping to the front of the group. "With all due respect, everyone knows who we are now. We don't get the luxury of making mistakes."
"I'm not asking you to let your guard down," Simba told her firmly. "In fact, the five of you could keep a better eye on things if you mingle."
She relented. "Okay. If those are your orders."
"You don't have to take orders from me tonight," he insisted with a hint of forced patience. "It's your first Kupatana."
"Second for me," recalled Shabaha. "The first one I attended was when Mufasa..." She trailed off when she noticed Simba and her teammates staring at her, taken aback by all the sudden attention. "...when he brought you around to meet everyone. You probably don't remember, we were both cubs at the time. But all the others would talk about was him and Sarabi — how different they were from his parents. You were the envy of every animal there... not because you were royalty, but because you three were the real deal. A family."
Simba's eyes shifted to Sarabi, who was having a lively conversation with the elephants not far off. "I forget that not everyone I banished was born after my father's death." He sighed heavily, and guilt entered his expression. "Our history has been an uneasy one, Lion Guard, but I meant what I said. Kion was right to put his faith in you."
"You put your faith in us, even before he did," Tazama pointed out. "Why?"
"Because I saw you for who you really were," the king told them plainly, "the night you turned your backs on Zira. You aren't afraid to stand up to anyone when you see they're wrong — Zira, Kion, even me — and that's what I'm counting on."
"Simba?" Nala popped out from between the trees, shaking off some baobab flowers that had landed on her pelt. "There's a certain something Jasiri wants to discuss with us."
"The Outlands restoration project," Simba realized. "It's nearly ready."
Nala grinned. "Sure is. Zazu's giving her the rundown on resources right now."
"I'll be right there," he promised. To the Lion Guard, he said, "Go on and enjoy yourselves, all of you. Please."
As Simba hurried off with Nala, silence fell between Vitani and her team. She saw the others' blank stares and shrugged. "You heard the king, Lion Guard. Talk to some strangers. We'll reconvene at the end of the night."
Kasi nudged Imara playfully. "Let's go, Imara. Maybe you can find a hippo to lose a rock-pushing contest to. You know, once the sun goes down."
"Ha ha," said Imara, unfazed. "Like you're one to talk."
One by one, the Lion Guard split off in separate directions. Not particularly eager to engage with the rowdier animals, Vitani scanned the guests from where she stood, looking for someone she wouldn't have to make small talk with. She spotted a young dark-maned lion standing by himself away from the crowds. Wait, that one looks familiar. He doesn't talk much, I don't think. However, she barely took two steps in his direction when she was obstructed by something orange, and she found herself staring down electric blue eyes that were identical to her own.
"Tani! I knew you'd come!" The straw satchel slung around the lioness bounced up and down as she practically bobbed with excitement.
"Tamika, hey." Vitani relaxed a little upon recognizing her. "Yeah, Simba's given us the night off."
Tamika gave a tinkering laugh. "You don't sound happy about it."
"It wasn't up for discussion."
"Of course not. No one here's interested in assassinating your brother if that's what you're worried about."
"You know that for sure?" Vitani asked darkly.
"I know everyone here. Some of them are on the nervous side, but they're harmless really." Tamika paused as something occurred to her. "First Kupatana for you, right? How about I show you around?"
"I—actually, yeah, that sounds great."
Tamika's face broke into that smile Vitani knew so well, the one that was just a little too big for her face. Vitani fell into step with her, thankful that the orange-furred lioness was sociable enough for them both.
"I thought your mother didn't want you talking to me," said Vitani.
Tamika rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Yes, well, one of these days she might notice I'm an adult. Hey, try the baobab flowers. They're quite sweet."
Vitani snatched one of the baobab leaves out of the air and chewed on it. The texture was delicate and surprisingly pleasant.
Tamika picked a few leaves off the ground and stuffed them into her satchel. "Did you know Kion let a bunch of jackals into the Pride Lands on his first Kupatana? I like jackals, but those ones were bad news."
"I think I know who you're talking about," muttered Vitani, remembering her own troubles with Reirei's pack in the Outlands. "Probably best that they're not here."
"Yeah, I don't think Simba extended them an invitation this year," Tamika said. "He was not happy about them trying to eat the other animals. Kion took full responsibility, of course."
Vitani smirked as she pictured Kion scrambling to fix the mess he made. "Wish I got to witness that particular disaster."
"He meant well, and no one was badly hurt. That's the important part."
"There will always be people who'd take his kindness for weakness. I'm not sure he's gotten that into his head."
"Hmm. I find some people are worth taking a leap of faith on." Suddenly, Tamika stopped in her tracks. Following her gaze, Vitani could see Tamika's mother Tama straight ahead, though her back was turned to them at the moment. Vitani made a startled noise as Tamika hastily steered her into the nearest crowd.
As the two of them waded through the bustling animals, Vitani raised an eyebrow. "And I thought I had parental issues."
"Oh, it's not like that, Tani," insisted Tamika bashfully. "You and I don't get to talk enough, and... this is nice, right? You're having a good time?"
"Yeah, I actually am." Vitani was a little surprised to discover she meant it. "But it's better we don't cause a scene — even Simba's scared of your mother sometimes."
The orange-furred lioness snorted. "Simba's a big softie. And not even my mom gets a say if I want to spend Kupatana with my sister."
"Half-sister, as she never gets tired of pointing out," reminded Vitani. "Have you thought about bringing this up with her?"
"Thought about, yes," Tamika sighed. "I'd hate to give her a hard time when I know why she's like this. And it'd be simpler if she was the only one... but she isn't."
"I noticed," Vitani conceded. "I don't want to get you in trouble though."
Tamika's troubled expression reshaped itself to one of mock skepticism. "You're afraid of getting me in trouble now? Who are you and what have you done with the real Vitani?"
Vitani actually laughed. Tamika's mouth twitched into an irrepressible smile, and it was then that Vitani realized just how much she had missed this. "I've been doing my best to stick to the rules ever since we rejoined the pride," she divulged. "Don't want to mess up a good thing, right?"
"Right." Tamika peeked out of the crowd, checking if they were still in Tama's line of sight. "So, you up to anything tomorrow?"
Confirming that they were clear, Vitani stepped out into the open. "Patrolling, keeping an ear out for trouble. The usual."
"And if there isn't any?" probed Tamika as she squeezed her way out from between the animals. The two of them continued their walk around Mizimu Grove.
"Then I'll be in the Lair with the Lion Guard, for when we're needed."
"When, or if?"
Vitani scowled. "'If' is part of the job, Tamika."
"I know, it's just..." Tamika sighed. "How long are you going to sit in that cave, Tani? You take your duty as seriously as Kion does, but he still found time for himself."
"I don't have anything else." Vitani winced a little as she said the words, but immediately shook it off. "This is what I'm good at."
"But it's not the only thing you're good at," the other lioness reasoned. "Kiara's leading a hunt tomorrow afternoon — you and the Guard could join us after your patrol."
Vitani snorted disdainfully. "With those pampered snobs Tiifu and Zuri? No thanks."
"At least talk it over with the Guard," insisted Tamika. "You don't have to come if you don't want to, but the offer stands. Besides," she added with a grin, "you and your team could show Tiifu and Zuri how it's done."
Vitani couldn't help but return the grin. She doesn't give up, does she? Not even on me.
"Think about it, alright?" the orange-furred lioness pressed.
"Alright, Mika."
A wistful expression crossed her sister's face. It was then that Vitani realized she hadn't called her "Mika" since they were cubs.
"We've lost so much time we can't get back," Tamika said solemnly. "I just don't want you to miss out now that you're home."
I've lost a lot more than that, Vitani reflected. She dispelled the thought, knowing that Tamika would never fully understand what she had gone through. It's probably better that way. Being cast out, growing up in the Outlands... No one should know what that's like — what it does to someone.
"Yeah," she murmured, more to herself than anything. "Home."
•••
Kopa slumped against the side of the boulder, panting from exertion but satisfied with their success. Tumaini was similarly winded, but he pushed himself upright nonetheless as the chameleons scuttled over to them.
"I am so, so sorry, guys," moaned the black-maned lion. "Was anyone hurt?"
"No," replied Ficha. "Some of my kids are still a bit rattled, but we got out of the way in time." The other chameleons scuttled under the opening between the rock and the ground, and Kopa sat up a little to give them more space.
"Thank goodness." Tumaini exhaled. "I'm such an idiot. Can I make it up to you? How about you all join us in the pool I'm making?"
The chameleons instantly turned pale. Ficha scowled. "One day you're gonna kill us completely by accident, Tumaini, and that terrifies me. No hard feelings about the rock, alright? Now get outta here."
Tumaini winced and opened his mouth, presumably to apologize yet again. Kopa got up, tired of baking under the sun, and said, "Come on, let's finish that pool before it gets too hot to work."
As he walked over to the edge of the hill, he saw his friend give the chameleons a sheepish smile before hurrying to join him. The two of them dashed into the woods below together.
"Thanks for the help," said Tumaini. They slowed their pace as the ground levelled out beneath their paws.
"Of course," Kopa replied. "No harm no foul, right?"
Tumaini shuddered. "Could have been a different story."
"Stop," grunted Kopa irritably. "Why do you have to do that?"
"What?"
"You always beat yourself up over what could have happened."
Tumaini frowned. "No, I don't."
"You're right," Kopa deadpanned. "You only consider the worst-case scenarios."
"Yeah, well, maybe I've seen a few worst-case scenarios," muttered the older lion.
The two of them trotted along in silence. Kopa gave his friend a prompting look. "You're not going to elaborate on that?"
"Nope," Tumaini replied shortly.
Kopa sighed but said nothing. They were nearing the den now, and to his surprise, the trench was already finished, along with extra passages to help mitigate the flow. A steady stream of water was slowly running into the mouth of the den, the process supervised by a dozen rabbits.
The alpha, Sungura, peered up upon noticing the two lions' approach. "Good afternoon, lads. We came to see what you've been up to all morning. Hope you don't mind but we thought we'd lend a paw."
Tumaini laughed in relief as he took in the rabbits' handiwork. "Mind? You guys are the best! I thought I'd have to dam half the river on my own."
"You mean the whole rock thing could've been completely avoided?" huffed Kopa indignantly.
"Shhh," said Tumaini. "No harm no foul, remember?"
The rabbits filled the trench back up with dirt, effectively keeping the water from trickling back out of the den. Kopa and Tumaini clambered inside with them, splashing water on one another as they hopped into the pool with wild abandon.
Sauti, Sungura's mate, eased herself into the refreshingly cool water with a content sigh. "Brilliant idea, you two. The blasted heat is inescapable, and my kits didn't want to coop up in the burrows all day."
Kopa smirked. "It was all Tumaini. He has a way of making our lives more exciting than we'd like."
Tumaini splashed a pawful of water at him. "Like you haven't taken years off my life since I found you." Turning to Sauti and Sungura, he asked, "How do you take care of all these kits? I can barely put up with having one mouth to feed besides my own."
"That's why you find someone to suffer with you, my friend," Sungura replied with a wink. "Your fur won't go grey nearly as fast."
Kopa, who had stuck his head under the water, instantly resurfaced when he realized something. Dripping wet with his fur plastered to his body, he shook his mane away from his mouth and somberly said, "Tumaini, this is where we normally sleep."
Sauti and Sungura shared a quiet chuckle as Tumaini's eyes turned down to the pool they had worked so hard to make. He said nothing for a moment, then shrugged. "Then it looks like we're sleeping outside tonight."
•••
Tumaini laid cozily by the riverbank, watching the water slowly drain from their den. The sun had gone down a while ago, and the rabbits went home once the evening chill set in, leaving only the crickets to keep the two of them company.
Kopa was sprawled on the other side of the reopened trench, shivering a little with his fur still damp. The younger lion got up for the umpteenth time, and taking a few steps away, tried in vain to shake himself dry yet again. He plopped himself back down and scowled upon catching Tumaini's look. "Don't say it."
"I didn't say anything," Tumaini replied nonchalantly, biting the inside of his cheek.
"Well, you're definitely thinking it."
"No, you're definitely thinking it."
"'You should've gotten out of the water when I told you to, then you wouldn't be cold right now,'" mimicked Kopa, in what Tumaini assumed was an impression of him. "Yeah, okay, but when are we ever gonna do this again?"
This time Tumaini did grin. "Hey, I don't have any regrets. But I get the feeling you do."
"Whatever, I can put up for a little while," the brown-maned lion muttered. "The present is always the past or something anyway."
"What?" laughed Tumaini.
"Nothing, just some meditation philosophy Tanzu said this morning." Kopa peered at him thoughtfully. "You could join us sometime, you know."
The smile quickly slipped from Tumaini's face. "No thanks. I'm already in my own head too much as it is."
"Let me guess, your family?"
"You even gotta ask?"
"No, I know that's what you're talking about," Kopa sighed. "Tanzu's not gonna make you share something you don't want to."
"I know. That's not what I'm worried about."
"Okay." Kopa turned his gaze forward, staring directly at the ever-present river before them. "You remember when I was afraid of the Zuberi?"
As relieved as Tumaini was that his friend didn't press the issue, he wasn't sure this was what he wanted to talk about either. "How could I forget? The sound of the current used to frighten you, even from far away. You had it the worst during thunderstorms."
"I still don't like them," Kopa admitted, shuddering a little.
Despite his reservations, Tumaini's eyes drifted to the faded scars on Kopa's torso and abdomen. The images of the battered, bloodied cub Tanzu brought to him had been burned into Tumaini's mind that day — along with the gruesome lengths the two of them had gone to in order to save Kopa's life.
"I can't remember when I stopped being afraid of the Zuberi," murmured Kopa absently. "Or when I stopped counting the days I've been here."
Tumaini peered at him. "I didn't know you did to begin with."
"At first I thought someone would find me and bring me back," the younger lion recalled. "Eventually it was to remind myself that I was someone else before this. That the life I had was real, and it didn't just... exist in my dreams."
Tumaini was a bit flummoxed at this, trying to work out the words he wanted to say. "The... heart wants what it wants, I guess. Sounds to me like yours wants to forget."
Kopa frowned. "I'm not so sure. I saw something this morning."
"You saw something?" Tumaini immediately sat upright. "Like what, like a memory?"
"Maybe. There was a savanna, and some big shape in the distance, and..." Kopa hesitated. "My parents. I think."
"Are you sure?" asked Tumaini. His pulse began pounding frantically in his ears.
"Not at all," the brown-maned lion admitted. "But I had this feeling when I saw them. It felt like... home."
"And the lioness with the red eyes?"
"I saw her too, but not in the same memory." Kopa's brow knitted once more, this time in frustration. "I wish I could figure it out. What did she want? Why did she come after me?"
"Cruelty comes natural for some people," muttered Tumaini. "Better not to dig into that rabbit hole."
Kopa rolled onto his front with a groan. "I just want to know, even if it's something horrible. It's not like she can hurt me anymore."
"There are worse kinds of pain than the ones you remember, kid," Tumaini told him, turning on his other side with his back to the trench. "Now get some sleep, it's your turn to hunt tomorrow."
Tumaini listened to the crickets in silence as Kopa slowly drifted off to sleep, dwelling on the day the younger lion had ended up in his care. I hid in this forest because I wanted to be alone. I thought that was all I had to look forward to for the rest of my life. And then the kid changed everything. He had taken it for granted that Kopa would never remember his past, and with no small amount of misgiving, Tumaini realized that the thought terrified him.
What do I do, now that he is remembering? What will I do if he remembers everything?
