Chapter 1: Troubled Times Ahead
In the stark, unforgiving landscape of the Outlands, the Unseen clan of vultures gathered eagerly. Aamadu, their wise and solemn leader with a scruffy pelt, dark brown feathers, wings tipped with light grey at the end, a scruffy mohawk on his head, yellow beak with a red orange spot at the end, yellow eyes with light blue lower lids, and perched atop a jagged rock formation, surveying the assembly with a knowing eye. His feathers, once gleaming with the pride of his former Wake clan, were now dull from years of exile. The air had anticipation as the shadows grew longer, hinting at the arrival of a new life that would soon enter their desolate world.
Kamau and Makena, young and hopeful parents-to-be, stood anxiously in the center of the gathering. Their eyes met, sharing a silent promise of protection and love for the little one who was about to join them. The caws of the vultures grew louder as Makena's labor pains intensified. The clan's healer, an ancient vulture named Shona, fluttered around her, offering comfort and guidance with her gentle, reassuring croaks.
Finally, with a final, powerful push, Makena's egg cracked open, revealing a tiny, squawking vulture chick. Chima, as they would soon name him, emerged into the harsh sunlight, blinking away the dust that danced in the air. A collective gasp rippled through the assembly, followed by a crescendo of welcoming calls. Aamadu spread his wings wide, casting a shadow over the newborn. "Behold, the Unseen Clan," he announced with gravitas, "a new member has arrived! Let us greet him with the hope of a future that knows not the tyranny of the past."
Kamau's heart swelled with pride as he looked down at his son. He felt the weight of their secret history, the sins of the Wake clan that had led them to this desolate land. Yet, in that moment, all he could feel was love and the fierce need to shield this innocent life from the shadows of their past. Makena, exhausted but radiant, nudged the tiny chick closer to her, whispering sweet nothings into his downy ears, her eyes filled with a mix of joy and apprehension.
Aamadu descended from his perch, his gaze softening as he approached the new family. He knew the tale of the Wake clan all too well, having been there when the treacherous pact with Scar had been forged. He had seen the destruction it had brought upon the Pride Lands and the lives it had claimed, including their rightful place in the Circle of Life. With a heavy sigh, he bent his head to meet the chick's eyes. "Chima," he murmured, "you are born into a world of secrets and exile. But remember, my young one, that it is not our past that defines us, but the choices we make in the present."
Kamau and Makena exchanged a concerned glance. They had hoped that the day would never come when they had to reveal the dark truth about their ancestry, but as Chima grew stronger and more inquisitive, the whispers of the past grew louder. "Is it truly for the best, Aamadu?" Makena asked, her voice wavering. "To keep him in the dark about his heritage? He deserves to know the full story, to understand the weight of our history."
Aamadu's gaze remained steadfast. "The Pride Lands are a place of danger and betrayal," he replied solemnly. "Our kind is not welcome there, not after what the Wake clan did. The lion monarchy, especially Simba, would see us as the enemy we once were." His eyes searched theirs, filled with a quiet urgency. "We must protect him from that. Let him grow up in the safety of ignorance, free from the burdens of our past."
Kamau nodded slowly, his heart heavy with the knowledge of their history. "But what if he finds out?" he asked, the words barely a whisper. "What if he discovers our connection to the Wake clan, to Scar, and what we've kept hidden from him?"
Aamadu's gaze never left them, his expression unwavering. "Then we will face that day when it comes," he said firmly. "But for now, let him grow as a member of the Unseen, a clan that has chosen to leave its past behind and forge a new path. The Pride Lands are not our home, and we cannot change the past. We must ensure that our future is not destroyed by it."
Makena nodded reluctantly, her gaze lingering on the eggshell fragments at her feet. She knew Aamadu spoke the truth, but she couldn't shake the feeling that keeping Chima in the dark was a temporary solution at best. She looked up at her husband, her eyes searching his for reassurance. "We will tell him when he's ready," she murmured. "But we must be the ones to choose that moment."
Kamau met her gaze, his own filled with a mix of determination and fear. He knew the risks of their son discovering the truth on his own, unprepared for the anger and bitterness that awaited him. "We will guide him," he said, placing a comforting wing over Makena. "We will teach him the values of our new clan, and when the time is right, we will explain the past without burdening him with guilt or hate."
Aamadu nodded in approval before turning his gaze to the horizon, where the Pride Lands lay in stark contrast to the desolate Outlands. "Remember the last time outsiders ventured into the Pride Lands," he began, his voice a solemn reminder. "The hyena clan, under the command of Scar's puppets, brought nothing but death and destruction. They were driven out, but not before they had scarred the lands and the hearts of those who lived there." He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. "And do not forget the fate of Mzingo's flock," he continued, referring to the group of birds who had been seduced by Scar's promises of power. "Their loyalty to the wrong cause cost them dearly. The Lion Guard, now under Simba's rule, are vigilant in maintaining peace and order. They are not as forgiving as the king himself might be." His eyes searched the young couple's faces, ensuring his message was clear. "Their presence is a stark reminder of the consequences of our association with the past. The Pride Lands are not a place for our kind, not anymore."
Makena felt a shiver run through her feathers at the mention of the Lion Guard. She had heard whispers of their valor and the swiftness with which they dealt with any who threatened the Pride Lands' newfound harmony. Yet she couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity about the lions who now ruled so close to their desolate home. "What of the other Outsiders?" she ventured. "Surely they have stories to tell, a perspective on the world beyond our own?"
Kamau tightened his grip around her, his eyes reflecting the same concern. "We must be careful," he murmured. "The Outlands are unforgiving, but we are not without our own alliances."
Aamadu nodded in agreement. "Indeed," he said, his gaze shifting to the horizon once more. "The hyena clan, once loyal to Scar, have been scattered and weakened by the Lion Guard. They are a reminder of the fate that awaits any who dare to challenge the new order." His eyes grew distant, remembering the fierce battles that had taken place not so long ago. "And as for Mzingo's flock," he continued, "their loyalty to the old ways cost them dearly. They too were cast out, their numbers dwindling as they sought refuge in the Outlands."
The vultures grew quiet, the only sound the distant call of a hyena echoing through the barren landscape. Chima, still snuggled against Makena, looked up with curiosity, his bright eyes reflecting the last glimpse of the setting sun. The warmth of his mother's embrace was the only thing that seemed to matter in his young life, but the whispers of the past weighed heavily on the hearts of those around him.
"We shall keep our distance from the likes of Mzingo," Aamadu said, his voice carrying a warning. "Their fate serves as a stark lesson. The Pride Lands have moved on, and we must do the same." Yet, his words were filled with a hint of sadness, knowing that the vultures of the Outlands could never truly be part of the world they once knew. The Unseen had carved out a meager existence here, living in the shadow of their former glory, their numbers dwindling with each passing season.
Chima grew days later, swiftly under the watchful eyes of his parents and the clan. His curiosity was a flame that could not be extinguished, and soon he was exploring the vast expanse of the Outlands with the same reckless abandon that had driven his ancestors to the edge of the Pride Lands. His curiosity was met with caution from the elders, who knew that the secrets of their past could not be contained forever.
The young vulture often found himself peering over the jagged rocks that separated their world from the lush savannah beyond. Stories of the Pride Lands, of a time before the great exile, had been passed down through whispers and hushed conversations. The tales spoke of a place of plenty, where water flowed freely, and prey roamed in vast herds. It was a world that seemed to exist in a dream, a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the Outlands.
One morning as the other young chicks played, Chima felt the itch of curiosity in his feathers. He watched them frolic in the dusty clearing, their laughter echoing off the distant rocks. His eyes wandered, drawn to the horizon that promised so much more than the barren landscape around him. Before he knew it, his tiny body had propelled him over the edge of the nest, eager to join the games.
But as he spread his wings to glide down, a firm talon closed around his neck, pulling him back. It was his father, Kamau, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and caution. "Not so fast, little one," he murmured, his voice gentle yet firm. "You must not go too far."
Chima squawked in protest, his eyes shining with the excitement of exploration. "But why, Father?" he demanded, flapping his wings. "What's wrong with playing beyond the rocks?"
Kamau sighed, his gaze lingering on the distant Pride Lands. "The world beyond our borders is not like the games we play here," he explained, his voice carrying the gravity of the unspoken truth. "It's a place of danger and secrets, Chima. Aamadu has forbidden us to go there for a reason."
The young vulture's feathers ruffled with confusion. "But what's out there, Father?" he pressed, his eyes wide with wonder. "Why can't we go?"
Kamau's gaze fell to the ground, the weight of his words heavy on his heart. "The Pride Lands are not our home, Chima," he began, his voice a low murmur that seemed to resonate with the very earth beneath them. "Our ancestors made a choice, one that led us here. Now, we live in the shadow of that decision."
Makena watched the exchange from the safety of the nest, her heart torn between the desire to protect her son and the need for him to understand the truth. She knew that the time for secrets would soon come to an end. "Your Father is right," she called out gently. "But one day, you will learn about our history, and why we live here."
"But why do we have to stay away from everyone?" Chima's voice was filled with innocent confusion.
"Because not everyone in the Outlands is like us, Chima," Makena interjected, her voice carrying a gentle but firm tone. "There are others who hold onto the past with anger and spite."
Kamau nodded gravely. "Zira and her pride dwell on the far side of these lands. They are not like the hyena clan, seeking only to survive. They are filled with a venom that seeks to destroy any who oppose them, especially those who dare to live in peace with the lions of Pride Rock."
Makena's eyes grew serious as she added, "Zira was once a part of Scar's pride, Chima. After he was defeated by Simba, she was cast out along with her followers. They blame him for their exile, and their hearts are filled with a bitterness that has only grown with time. They cannot see that it was Scar who brought this fate upon us all."
Kamau's grip tightened around his son's neck, his gaze intense. "The Outsiders, as they call themselves, are a dangerous reminder of what we left behind. They cling to the old ways, seeking only to regain power and enact their vengeance. They would see us as traitors, just as they see the Pride Landers as their enemies."
Makena nodded solemnly, her gaze never leaving Chima's. "You must listen to us, my son," she said, her voice carrying a gentle urgency. "Your curiosity is a gift, but it must be tempered with wisdom. The Outlands are vast, and not all who dwell here wish us well."
With a final, loving nudge from his mother, Chima reluctantly joined the other chicks, his thoughts still racing. He watched as they played, their shadows dancing in the dust as the sun climbed higher into the sky. Yet, his eyes kept straying to the horizon, where the tantalizing promise of the Pride Lands called to him. Makena and Kamau shared a knowing look, their hearts heavy with the burden of their secret. As they watched him play, they couldn't help but recall the tales of their youth, the days before the Outlands had become their prison.
The chicks squawked and giggled as they played tag, their clumsy wings fluttering with each leap and bound. Chima was the most agile of the group, his curiosity driving him to explore every nook and cranny of their limited world. The games grew more daring as the day wore on, the chicks pushing their boundaries closer and closer to the forbidden lands.
A sudden gust of wind picked up a loose feather, sending it spiraling out towards the Pride Lands. Chima watched it, his eyes narrowing with determination. He spread his wings, feeling the warmth of the sun on his back as he took flight. The other chicks watched him, their games forgotten as they held their breath.
The air grew tense as a figure emerged from the dust, a vulture scout sent to keep watch over their borders. His ragged wings beat heavily as he approached Aamadu, a look of urgency etched on his face. "A lion approaches," he panted, his eyes wide with fear. "A young one, with a strange scent, not of the Pride Lands."
"Young?" One of the lions had spoken, later revealing herself as the lioness named Zira..."As a mother of three, I'm not as young as I look... Oh, where were my manners?" The cruel lioness would say, partially approaching the territory with each slow step. "Hello..."
Aamadu's eyes narrowed at the sight of her. "Zira," he said through gritted beak, his feathers bristling. "What brings you to our lands?" The question was not one of curiosity, but of challenge. The tension in the air grew thick as the Outsiders gathered behind her, their eyes gleaming with a mix of anger and desperation. "You're not welcome here."
"Oh! How could you ever say that to me...? I am but a mere "ambassador" sent on behalf of the king. And you know who I mean..." Zira's voice was filled with malice, a stark contrast to the gentle breeze that had brought her scent to the vultures' keen nostrils.
The mother vultures took to the air, their wings beating a frantic rhythm as they swooped down to gather their young, herding them away from the approaching lioness and her entourage. Chima felt his heart racing as he looked to his parents, their protective stance unmistakable. Makena's eyes were sharp with anxiety, while Kamau's were cold with a silent warning.
Makena hovered at Chima's side, her feathers ruffling in the dust as she whispered, "Do not engage, my son. Stay close to us." Her eyes never left Zira, who was now standing mere paces from Aamadu, her own entourage of Outsiders fanning out behind her like a shadowy crescent moon.
Kamau stepped forward, his wings unfurling in a show of both protection and defiance. "What brings you to our lands, Zira?" His voice was firm, the years of pain and anger coiled within him, ready to strike if provoked.
"I have been given orders by the king himself. Simba believes that there will be a time of order and chaos that not even the Lion Guard would be strong enough to prevent it. So, I am carrying out his noble orders, fair and simple... ... Your time has come to an END." Zira announced with a smirk, her eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "Unless, if I am to show mercy... I can correct myself. Ahem... Your time HERE living in these outlands have come to an end. The king does not want you all to be around here, closer to where he reigns...So it is simple... Move out of your territory and find somewhere else to live, or ELSE... Heed this as a word of warning, Aamadu..."
The vultures looked at each other in horror and confusion. This was a side of Simba they had never heard of, a side that seemed too cold and unforgiving for the lion they knew about. Chima felt his heart racing, the feathers on his neck standing on end as he tried to make sense of the words that had just been spoken.
Aamadu's eyes narrowed, his beak tightening into a grim line. "You speak of the king as if he would send his own kin to do his dirty work," he spat, his voice filled with disgust. "I don't believe your lies, Zira. Leave our lands now, before we are forced to make you." His stance was unwavering, his wings spread in a challenge that was as clear as the skies above them.
"Oh really...? Then why is it that I hear Jasiri also agreeing to this decision? It would be a shame if there was any... "competition"." Zira sneered, her eyes flicking to the vultures with a predatory glint. The mention of Jasiri sent a murmur through the vulture clan. The hyena queen was known to have a strange alliance with the Outsiders, but her true intentions remained a mystery.
The vultures huddled closer together, the air thick with tension. They had always managed to coexist with the other inhabitants of the Outlands, sharing in the scarcity and hardship of their exile. The idea of being driven away from their only home by their own kind was unthinkable.
"We are not your pawns, Zira," Aamadu spat, his beak curling in disdain. "We take no orders from a lion who knows not the price we have paid for his uncle's sins. If King Simba wishes to speak with us, he can come himself. But until then, these lands are under my protection."
Chima shivered under his mother's wings, watching the tension unfold between Aamadu and Zira. The very ground beneath them seemed to quiver with anticipation of the clash to come.
Aamadu's eyes did not leave Zira's as he spoke, his voice as sharp as a beak. "If this is truly the will of your king," he said, "then I shall seek counsel from our own queen, Jasiri. Perhaps she can shed some light on this... proposal."
"She already has... I spoke with her on this behalf. Now... What is your decision?" Zira's claws were beginning to unsheathe...
Aamadu's gaze didn't waver. "If your words hold truth, then I shall seek her counsel," he said firmly. "But you will not dictate the terms of our meeting. I will find my own way to Jasiri's domain."
"Oh, no no no no no... She already made it clear, so there is NO point in seeing her. Consulting with that hyena won't work... So I suggest that I'd help with the "escort" out of this place, or... you can escort yourselves OUT right now." Zira's voice was like a serpent's hiss, and Chima could feel the hostility in the air as if it were a physical presence.
"Is that a challenge?" Aamadu squawked, his neck feathers bristling. He knew the Outsiders had no respect for the vultures, but he would not let them bully him or his flock in his own territory. "We are many, Zira. Do not think you can intimidate us so easily."
"I will give you the count of three. You know you're all outmatched... ... One... Two..." The lionesses behind her had prepared to strike, unsheathing their claws as well.
But before she could say 'Three', the leader of the vultures took off into the sky, his wings spread wide and powerful, cutting through the dusty air like a knife. "Protect the young ones!" he shrieked, and the air was filled with the frenzied beating of wings as the vultures took to the air, a dark cloud of feathers and claws rising to meet the Outsiders.
Makena and the other mothers hastily gathered their chicks, their instincts screaming for them to flee. But Chima felt a burning in his chest, an inexplicable need to stand with his clan. He watched in awe as Aamadu led the charge, his beak sharp and his eyes gleaming with a fierce determination.
The Outsiders roared in surprise as the vultures descended upon them, their sharp beaks and claws tearing at fur and flesh. Chima's heart raced as he saw the strength and unity of his kin, a stark contrast to the life of fear and caution they had always led. The sight of his clan fighting back filled him with a fierce pride, and he knew that he could not remain hidden while they faced danger.
"Stay here with the others," Makena whispered urgently, her eyes flicking to the skies where the battle was escalating. "Your father and I will protect you." Chima did what he was told, but he could feel the anger bubbling within him, his feathers standing on end. He watched as Zira's pride closed in, their eyes gleaming with a hunger that was all too familiar to the vultures of the Outlands.
The first volley of feathers and beaks met with roars and snarls, the Outsiders unprepared for the vultures' fierce defense. Aamadu dove and swooped, his sharp beak striking at the eyes of the closest lion, while the other vultures tore at their manes and paws. Chima's heart swelled with a fiery determination as he saw his clanmates fighting for their lives.
"Graaaaaah!" Zira had hastily avoided some of the vultures that tried to peck at her flesh, but she did not hesitate to leap and bite into one of their necks. There was no longer any room to talk. She was focused on eliminating all of her foes... no matter what it cost.
The sky was a chaotic dance of feathers and fur as vultures and Outsiders clashed in mid-air. Chima watched, his heart racing as the battle grew fiercer. The sound of snapping bones and tearing flesh filled the air, mingling with the screeches and roars of combatants. Above the fray, Aamadu led the charge, his powerful wings beating a warrior's rhythm as he dove and struck with unbridled ferocity.
Suddenly, a howling wind tore through the dusty landscape, and from the horizon, a stampede of hyena shapes emerged. Chima squinted, unable to believe his eyes as the creatures grew closer. It was Jasiri, the hyena queen, leading a pack of her kin. The vultures took a moment of pause, unsure if they were to expect more enemies or allies. But as Jasiri approached, she bared her teeth in a fierce smile, not of malice, but of camaraderie.
"What!?" Zira spat out, her eyes widening at the sight of Jasiri and her hyena rebels. The hyena queen's fur was mottled with dirt from her swift journey, but her eyes were alight with a fierce resolve that matched the vultures'. The Outsiders' confidence faltered as they realized they had been outflanked, their superior numbers now rendered moot by the sudden appearance of new adversaries.
"Did somebody need some help? We're on it!" Jasiri led the hyenas to charge forward towards Zira's pride. The two clashing rivals of predators had fought each other, buying a little more time for some of the vultures who couldn't fight a chance to escape.
"Nooo! This is not happening..." Zira felt that she and her pride had a disadvantage against the sudden emergence of Jasiri's allied pack of hyenas. Of course, the trio was not seen among them, since they kept to themselves... "THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING!"
The hyena rebels collided with Zira's pride, their snarls and laughter echoing across the barren Outlands. Jasiri's fierce howl sent a wave of energy through the vultures, and even Chima felt a surge of hope as the Outsiders stumbled and retreated under the relentless hyena onslaught.
Urgggh! We'll be back... I SWEAR IT!" Zira had shouted as she and her pride had retreated back to the outlands-skirts . They couldn't beat the combined forces of the hyenas and vultures today, but maybe...someday.
"Phew! There they go... ... I wonder if that big furball was even lying about me at all!" Jasiri turned over to the vultures that had survived the onslaught from before. "You guys alright?"
Aamadu descended from the skies, his breath heavy with exhaustion but his gaze sharp as ever. He stared at Jasiri, his eyes piercing through the dust. "What was the meaning of that... deceit?" he demanded, his voice strained yet commanding. "Did King Simba truly send you and Zira to force us from our lands?"
"No... Like I said, she was obviously lying. I don't know for what reason, but maybe it's because she wants no competition... erm, well..." Jasiri had looked over to the far reaches of the Pride lands. "Because of what she intends to do."
Aamadu's gaze grew even more intense, his feathers ruffling in the aftermath of the battle. "And what exactly does she intend to do? I almost lost half my clan who are now wounded and struggling because of her falsehoods!"
Chima watched as Aamadu landed before Jasiri, his powerful frame ruffled from the battle but his stance unyielding. The hyena queen met his gaze with a look of solemn understanding.
Makena hovered over Chima, her wings trembling with a mix of fear and anger. Despite the danger, she had remained steadfast, ready to protect her chick from the unfolding chaos. As the dust began to settle, the clan's relief was palpable. The Outsiders had been repelled, but the echo of Zira's retreating roars lingered in the air like a dark promise.
Suddenly, Mzingo, the leader of the white backed vultures from the other side of the Outlands, swooped down with a grace that belied the chaos of the battle, his sharp eyes searching the ground below. "Aamadu! Aamadu! Zira has retreated!" he called out, his voice cutting through the air. His wings spread wide, he landed with a soft thump next to the vulture clan. "Her pride is gone, and they've returned to the Outlands. But beware, she's not one to be underestimated!"
"I don't know if it really is safe to be here, but hey... If you ever need me, then I'll be there for support!" Jasiri offered before trotting away with her pack of hyena rebels, leaving the vultures to ponder over the recent events.
The vultures gathered around Aamadu, their leader's voice a beacon of strength in the tumult. He looked around at the faces of his clan members, noticing the bruises and bloodstains that marred their feathers. His gaze lingered on Chima, who stared back with a mix of awe and fear. Aamadu knew that the truth had to be told.
"We must stay," he announced firmly, his words cutting through the murmurs of the clan. "If we leave our territory now, we give in to Zira's threats. We must stand our ground, for if we do not, we concede our home without a fight!"
The vultures exchanged nervous glances, their fear of Zira's wrath warring with their loyalty to Aamadu. They knew the risks of confrontation but also understood the price of running forever. The Outlands was vast, but it was not without its limits.
"But what if she returns, Aamadu?" a vulture in the crowd spoke up, his voice quivering with fear. "The Outlands are vast, but they are not infinite. If we keep moving, we may find ourselves with nowhere to call home."
Aamadu nodded, his gaze never leaving the horizon. "You speak truth," he said heavily. "But to leave now is to concede defeat without a battle. We cannot allow fear to dictate our lives. We are the Unseen Clan. We survived the tyranny of Scar and the betrayal of our own kind. We will not bow to Zira's threats."
The vultures murmured among themselves, their voices a cacophony of fear and uncertainty. Then, a young vulture named Tano stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with a fierce determination that belied his age. "But what if we take the fight to her?" he suggested, his voice clear and strong. "What if we show Simba the truth of what she seeks to do?"
The clan fell silent, the gravity of Tano's words hanging in the air. For a moment, no one moved, the only sound the distant calls of animals echoing across the landscape. Then, Aamadu nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "It is a risk," he admitted, "but perhaps one worth taking. If we can appeal to the lion king's sense of justice, we may find a true ally in our quest to maintain our home and our peace."
"But what about the Lion Guard?" Makena spoke up, her eyes searching Aamadu's for guidance. "Would they just chase us out like Zira wants?"
"I don't think they would... From what I know, Kion isn't like that at all. But maybe they could understand the situation..." Jasiri spoke up, her voice calm and measured.
Mzingo nodded in agreement. "The Lion Guard is not currently in the Pride Lands. Their leader, Kion, was injured in a battle against Scar's allies. They're on a journey to the Tree of Life to seek healing and guidance from the Great Lions of the Past. I've heard that the Pride Lands are currently under the watchful eye of Simba, Nala, and their daughter Kiara. They should be more reasonable than the pride that ruled before."
"True... Well, if you guys need anything, then let me know! Or we could use the Lion Guard's help once they're available... Hopefully." Jasiri offered, her tail swishing as she spoke.
Makena looked to Kamau, her eyes filled with a newfound hope. "What should we do, my love?" she asked softly.
"We stand with our clan," Kamau replied, his voice firm. "We've kept the truth from Chima long enough. It's time he knows the full story of our exile."
Aamadu nodded gravely. "Very well. I will fly to Pride Rock and seek an audience with King Simba," he declared, his gaze sweeping over the gathered vultures. "I will tell him of Zira's deceit and our unwillingness to leave our lands. Perhaps the truth will bring us understanding and an alliance." Although Aamadu did say he and his clan would steer clear of Mzingo, he felt that he had no choice but to trust him this once and hope that he would not turn his back on him.
Mzingo spread his wings, ready to take off. "Let us be swift," he urged, "the longer we wait, the more time Zira has to manipulate the situation to her advantage."
Aamadu nodded, his gaze steely with resolve. "Chima, you must stay here and help protect the clan," he said, placing a firm wing on the young vulture's shoulder. "Your time for adventure will come but now is not the time for recklessness."
Mzingo, understanding the gravity of the situation, offered his own encouragement. "Fear not, young one," he said with a small smile. "Your chieftain and I will bring back news, and perhaps, an ally in our quest for peace."
With that, Aamadu took to the skies, Mzingo following close behind. Their wings beat in unison, a silent promise to the clan left behind. Chima watched them go, his heart swelling with a mix of pride and anxiety. He knew that his future, and that of the clan, hung on the words spoken at Pride Rock.
Chima watched them fly off as he stood between his parents, feeling a mix of emotions. His curiosity was piqued, and he desperately wanted to know the truth behind their exile and the feud with the Pride Lands. Makena's gaze was filled with hope, while Kamau's was tinged with the shadow of the past.
"Your father and I will tell you everything," Makena whispered to Chima, sensing his turmoil. "But for now, you must be strong and protect the clan."
Kamau nodded solemnly, his gaze reflecting the weight of his words. "We will not let Zira win," he promised. "We will face this together, as a family and as the Unseen Clan."
A little later way over at Pride Rock, Simba and Nala were sitting there, watching over the lands, ensuring everything was peaceful. They had been discussing about their daughter Kiara, who was growing up to be quite the adventurer like her parents. They both hoped she would be safe, wherever her curiosity led her.
"So... Is our daughter doing alright?" Nala asked, looking up at Simba with a gentle smile.
"I believe so. Timon and Pumbaa should be checking on her right now." Simba said, his eyes squinting against the sun.
"Heh... they're really great parental figures for her. I mean, we did conceive her, raise her, and yet... your "uncles" are having a lot of fun and-" Nala chuckled.
"Ahem! Don't forget trouble and struggles..." Timon, Pumbaa, and young Kiara had returned from the valley. "We're just gonna tell her an interesting story, that's all!"
"Uh-huh! Just to keep her mind from that very scary place!" Pumbaa chimed in, causing Nala to roll her eyes playfully at Timon's dramatics.
"Right..." Kiara said, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Well, it is for the best. Kiara, you didn't go too close to the borders, right?" Simba asked, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity.
"No, Daddy... I wasn't." Kiara lied, her heart racing as she thought of her encounter with Kovu in the Outlands.
"Okay... I'm just making sure. You have to be in a safe spot so we can see you. Alright?" Simba had said, his gaze looking at his daughter with both love and worry.
"Sire!" Zazu had flown in to inform Simba some important news. "There's a couple of vultures flying towards your way... What shall we do?"
"Hmm?" Simba turned around and saw the vultures Mzingo and Aamadu fly from the distance. Maybe there could be something they would want to say, or... "We'll have a brief conversation. Whatever it is, I hope it's not suspicious..."
"You're tellin' me! Flight of the V's, y'know?" Timon quipped as Aamadu and Mzingo grew closer, their shadows stretching over the rocky terrain.
"Exactly. Now, Kiara... You go with both Timon and Pumbaa. I'll take care of the conversation from here." Simba said, his gaze on the approaching vultures.
"Alright, Dad... I will." The three made their way inside of the den as Simba, Nala, and Zazu remained present outside to meet with the two vultures that flew in.
As Aamadu and Mzingo descended, the air grew tense around the pride lands. The vultures were not common sights around here, and the last time they were seen was during the reign of Scar. The vultures felt the tension as the lions below watched them with a mix of caution and curiosity.
"Hello..." Simba greeted them, his tone a mix of curiosity and caution.
Aamadu bowed his head respectfully. "We come in peace, great king. We are Aamadu of the Unseen Clan, and this is Mzingo, our emissary. We seek your wisdom and assistance in a matter most urgent."
"What is happening in your land, Aamadu? Mzingo...?" Simba asked, his eyes narrowing slightly at the mention of the Outlands.
"King Simba," Aamadu began, his voice carrying the weight of his words, "our clan, the Unseen, has lived in the Outlands since the dark days of your uncle's rule. We have remained hidden, not wishing to stir the ashes of the past." His gaze was unwavering as he recounted the recent events. "Zira, the leader of the Outsiders, came to us under the guise of an ambassador, claiming she bore a decree from you."
"Zira...? Her again..." A concerned look emerged on Simba's face, knowing now that Zira had something to do with this. "What did she say about me? I had nothing to do with this... if that was part of her plan."
"That's why we're here," Aamadu continued, his voice growing stronger with each word. "Zira claimed to bear a message from you, demanding that our clan leave the Outlands to make way for her own pride of lions. She said that you, the great Simba, had deemed it so. Worse is that she claimed Jasiri has turned her back on the rest of us."
Mzingo stepped forward, his gaze sharp as he spoke. "But Jasiri never had any visitations from the Outsiders, not after she and her hyenas rushed to help chase Zira out."
"Well, that's some relief... I can't believe Zira would lie about this. If there's anything you need for me to do, then we'll help however we can... Zira must not get away with this." Simba's voice grew firm, his eyes flashing with determination.
"She never will..." Nala whispered to herself, her gaze fixed on the horizon, where the Outlands lay. She knew the history between the vultures and the Pride Lands all too well. It was a tale of treachery and exile, one that had painted a grim picture for any creature unfortunate enough to be born in the barren lands beyond their borders.
"I'd advise that you take good care of your clan, Aamadu. Again, if you need help, then fly to us when the time comes." Simba said, his gaze turning towards the Outlands.
Aamadu nodded solemnly, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. "Thank you, King Simba. We shall consider it." With a flap of their wings, Aamadu and Mzingo took off, leaving the pride of lions behind them.
As they soared over the vast savannah, Aamadu's thoughts grew heavy with the words of Jasiri. The Outlands had always been their refuge, a place where they could live in peace, free from the tyranny of the past. But if Zira had indeed turned her sights on them, then nowhere might be safe.
Mzingo, ever observant, noticed the furrow in Aamadu's brow. "What troubles you, Chief?"
Aamadu sighed heavily. "Jasiri's words... They echo in my mind like the cries of a thousand forgotten souls. What if she's right? What if Zira's ambition knows no bounds? If she turns the Outlands into a warzone, where do we go? We are already outcasts, living on the fringes of what was once our home."
Mzingo flew alongside him, his gaze thoughtful. "The Pride Lands may not be ours to claim, but perhaps we can find refuge in the lands between, the territories untouched by the paws of lions or the hooves of our kind."
"But where would we find such a place, Mzingo?" Aamadu questioned, his voice carrying over the wind. "The Outlands are vast, but so is the shadow of Zira's wrath. If she truly means to conquer, she will leave no stone unturned."
Mzingo nodded, his gaze scanning the horizon. "True, Chief. But there are lands beyond the horizon that even the most ambitious of lions have not yet claimed. We must find such a place, a sanctuary for our clan."
Back in the Outlands, Chima waited anxiously, his feathers ruffled by the wind. The clan's whispers grew louder with each passing moment, their eyes full of hope and fear as they awaited their leader's return. The young vulture couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. He knew the story of the Pride Lands, the tales of his ancestors' treachery, but he had always felt a pull towards the lush lands beyond. Now, with the mention of Zira's false decree, the curiosity within him grew into a roar.
The other vulture chicks huddled around, their whispers a symphony of speculation. They talked about the Pride Lands, the great lions that ruled them, and the mysterious queen who had once been their ally. Some spoke of Zira, their voices hushed and fearful, sharing stories of her fierce reputation. Chima listened, his curiosity piqued even further by their words. He had heard of the Pride Lands before, but never of the lions who lived there with such power and authority.
The sudden silence was deafening as Aamadu and Mzingo's distant figures grew clearer against the sky. The chicks looked up, their eyes wide with anticipation. Makena felt the tension coil around her like a python, tightening its grip with every flap of their wings. The clan gathered around as the two vultures landed, their eyes weary but determined. Chima rushed forward, eager to know what transpired.
"What did they say, Aamadu? Will the lions help us?" Chima's voice was a mix of hope and anxiety.
The leader looked around at the vultures who had gathered, his expression solemn. "Simba knows the truth now. He was as surprised by Zira's deceit as we were. He's offered his support should we need it."
Makena and Kamau exchanged a look, their relief palpable. The clan erupted into a cacophony of squawks and flapping wings, their spirits briefly lifted. Chima's heart raced as he thought of the possibility of a future free from the tyranny of the Outsiders. But his excitement was short-lived as Aamadu's tone grew serious once more.
"However," Aamadu began, his voice carrying a gravity that made the chicks fall silent, "we must be prepared for the worst. Zira's treachery knows no bounds. We cannot rely solely on the goodwill of Simba. We must stand together as a clan, strong and united."
AN: I have written my very first Lion King fanfiction as I thought this day would never come. At least not until I heard about the tragic passing of James Earl Jones, that I have decided to dedicate this fanfiction to. May he rest in peace along with the other Great Kings of the Past. As for this story, since all the other fanfictions are focused on lions, not that I have anything against them, I have decided to do one where it tells from the point of view from one of the Outlanders, the vultures for example, since there are not enough stories of them being related to the same ancestors that hold responsibility for Scar rising to power and conspiring to overthrow Mufasa, according to a comic miniseries of Scar. More of that will be mentioned in the next few chapters. All other characters, except those not mentioned in the Lion King are property of the Walt Disney Company.