Chapter 3: First Visit to the Pride Lands
The months that followed saw Chima's feathers transform from the dull brown of a chick to the sleek black and white of a young adult. His wings grew stronger with every beat, carrying him higher and farther across the vast expanse of the Outlands. His flying lessons with his father, Kamau, had become a daily ritual, each practice session a silent promise that he would one day soar above the lands that had cast them out.
Kia's growth mirrored his own, her feathers shifting from downy gray to the vibrant purple and blue that marked her as a member of the Unseen clan. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing moon, their shared history and dreams of a better future weaving an invisible thread that connected them.
As Chima's flying skills grew, so did his sense of purpose. He was no longer just a curious chick; he was becoming a formidable vulture with a fierce determination to forge a new path for their clan. His eyes, once filled with innocent wonder, had hardened with the understanding of the harsh realities of their exile. Yet, there remained a spark of hope that burned brighter than the sun over the Pride Lands.
Years had passed since the Unseen Clan had fled their ancestral home, and the horizon had become a canvas of unexplored possibilities. The clan had carved a new life for themselves in the uncharted lands, building a community that thrived in the shadow of their past. The young vultures grew stronger, and with each passing moon, their numbers swelled with the arrival of new chicks.
Yet, the silence from Zira and her Outsiders was as deafening as the roar of a lion. The clan had grown complacent in their seclusion, their fear of the vengeful lioness slowly fading like the scars of battle. Still, the memory of her wrath was etched deep within them, and the vulture scouts maintained their vigil, eyes peeled for any sign of the enemy that once pursued them.
Chima, now a young adult, had taken on the mantle of a leader in the making. His curiosity about the Pride Lands had transformed into a fiery ambition to restore his clan's honor. He often found himself at the edge of the sanctuary, gazing longingly at the distant silhouette of Pride Rock, the very symbol of the kingdom that had once been within their grasp.
The vultures had made a new life in the untouched sanctuary, building their nests high in the trees that lined the banks of the river. The waters flowed with the whispers of secrets and the promise of a future untainted by the sins of their ancestors. Yet, the memory of Zira's wrath was a persistent shadow, a reminder that their peace was not guaranteed.
Chima's curiosity had not waned with time. If anything, it had grown stronger, fueled by the stories of the Pride Lands that he heard from the mouths of his elders and the whispers of the wind. His eyes searched the horizon daily, eager for any glimpse of the lands that held both his ancestry and the hope of his clan's redemption. His wings, now fully feathered and powerful, ached to fly beyond the safety of their sanctuary, to explore the vast savannahs and challenge the fate that had been handed to them.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of red and orange, Chima found himself in a hushed conversation with Kia, their voices barely carrying over the soft murmur of the river. "What do you think would happen if the Outsiders found us here?" he asked, his eyes reflecting the flickering light of the campfire that danced before them.
Kia tilted her head, her feathers ruffling with contemplation. "We would fight, of course," she replied, a fiery determination in her voice. "But what if we can't win?"
The question hung in the air, a specter of doubt that neither had dared to voice aloud before. Chima looked into the flickering flames of the campfire, the dance of light and shadow playing across his face. "Then we find help," he murmured, his gaze distant. "But where?"
Kia's eyes grew thoughtful. "Aamadu once spoke of a wise one, a mandrill named Rafiki," she said softly. "He lives in the Great Tree, deep in the Pride Lands."
Chima's heart skipped a beat. Rafiki, the shaman of the Pride Lands, was said to have the power to see into the hearts of others and understand the fabric of the Circle of Life itself. Could this be the key they had been searching for? A way to unravel the tangled threads of their history and perhaps even find a path to redemption?
He turned to Kia, his eyes alight with newfound resolve. "We must seek him out," he said firmly. "If there is any hope of changing our future, it lies with Rafiki."
Kia nodded, her feathers bristling with excitement. "But we can't just leave," she whispered, glancing around nervously. "Aamadu forbade us from setting foot in the Pride Lands."
Chima knew she was right, but the thought of remaining trapped in the shadow of their ancestors' past was suffocating. He leaned closer, his voice a fierce whisper. "Kia, I have to do this. I've grown strong, and I can handle the dangers that lie ahead. Our clan deserves a chance to redeem itself."
Her eyes searched his, weighing his resolve. "But the rules," she protested weakly.
"I know the risks," Chima assured her, "but our future is at stake. If we don't take a stand, we'll always be outcasts." He knew his words were bold, but he felt them resonate within his very bones. "Of course, I could confront Aamadu about this and see what he says, but I fear his answer would only be more of the same: caution and secrecy."
Kia looked torn, her feathers ruffling with the weight of the decision. "But if anything happens to you..."
"I'll be careful," Chima promised, placing a comforting wing around her. "You've got to trust me on this, Kia." He knew the risks were great, but the pull of destiny was stronger. "When the scouts are gone, I'll leave. Tell no one where I've gone, not even Aamadu. This is something I must do alone."
"But what must I say if he asks where you are?" Kia's voice was a tremulous whisper, her gaze searching his.
"Tell him the truth," Chima said, with a gentle nod. "But only that I needed to think and reflect on our ancestors' legacy. He'll understand. He's wise enough to know that we can't live in fear forever." At least he hoped Aamadu would.
The following morning, as the clan stirred with the first light of dawn, Chima waited patiently for the scouts to leave. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched them soar off into the distance. Once they were gone, he took a deep breath, and with a silent farewell to Kia and the clan, spread his wings and leaped into the sky.
The journey to Pride Rock was fraught with peril. He flew low over the savannah, using every ounce of stealth and cunning he had learned from his elders. His eyes scanned the horizon for any signs of danger, his heart racing at the thought of being discovered. He had never been this far from home, and every gust of wind whispered of the unknown.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Chima spotted the towering branches of Rafiki's tree in the distance. His spirits soared as he approached the ancient landmark, a symbol of wisdom and hope in the heart of the Pride Lands. He knew he was close, but he also knew that getting there would be the easy part. He looked around to make sure no one had followed him and then began the perilous descent into the dense jungle that surrounded the tree.
The air grew thick with the scent of vegetation and the sounds of life as Chima weaved through the underbrush. His heart pounded in his chest, not just from exertion but from the weight of his decision to defy Aamadu. He had to be careful; one wrong move could give him away to the ever-watchful eyes of the Pride Lands' inhabitants. Finally, the tree loomed above him, its branches sprawling out like the welcoming arms of a long-lost friend.
He circled the base of the tree, looking for any signs of Rafiki. The paintings that adorned the trunk whispered secrets of the past, of kings and queens, of battles won and lost. Chima felt a strange kinship with these tales, knowing his own lineage was entwined with their history. He took a deep breath and called out softly, "Rafiki? Are you there?" The Pride Lands remained still, as if holding its breath.
"Who, me?" Suddenly, the mandrill named Rafiki had appeared behind Chima while hanging upside from a tree branch. "Why yes. Of course I'm here!"
Nearly startled, Chima stumbled backward at the sight of Rafiki, his feathers fluttering with surprise. He had not anticipated such an immediate response. The mandrill's eyes twinkled with curiosity, and Chima felt his own heart pound harder. "I... I need answers," he managed to stammer out, his voice trembling slightly. "I've come from the Outlands. I know I'm not supposed to be here, but I heard of your wisdom." He felt slightly nervous, hoping he had made the right decision to come to this place, despite the potential repercussions.
"Not many animals have come here to seek wisdom, but a few that need it... ask for it. What is it that is troubling you... and who, or what is keeping you away from your homeland?" Rafiki's question hung in the air as he studied Chima with an intensity that made the young vulture squirm.
Chima took a moment to gather his thoughts. "My clan, the Unseen, we live in the Outlands, exiled because of what our ancestors did during the reign of King Scar." He spoke with a mix of pride and resentment, his eyes never leaving Rafiki's knowing gaze. "We are descendants of the Wake Clan, who once lived here in the Pride Lands. But we are not like them. We do not wish to harm anyone. We only wish to understand, to make amends." He wondered if that was the right thing to say, not knowing how to express his other concern in what Mzingo used to whisper to him during the night watches. Or even how the Lion Guard and the other Pride Landers thought of vultures like him, which was why he had to hide himself on his way to Rafiki's tree.
"There is. You must prove yourself to those of your genuine thoughts." Rafiki walks over to a spot where he could see Pride Rock from a distance, possibly seeing the quartet of Kovu, Kiara, including Timon and Pumbaa. "See that brown lion over there? His journey is also full of conflict, but deep down... He may one day be fully accepted into these lands. You have the power to speak up for what's right, and what you think is best for your clan."
Chima squints his eyes and looks in the direction Rafiki is pointing. He sees a lion that looks vaguely familiar, but not fully. "Who is he?"
"From what I've heard, he is called Kovu... ... the son of the dreaded outlander Zira." Rafiki's expression was thoughtful as he watched Chima's reaction.
"Kovu?" Chima repeated, his voice filled with a mix of anger and curiosity. "He's one of the Outsiders, isn't he? The same ones that forced us out of our home, the ones that threaten us every time we venture too close to Pride Rock." His feathers ruffled at the mention of the name that represented the very reason for his clan's exile.
"He is... but not quite. Like you, he is still going through a conflicting journey. Hopefully, this could be a turing point in his life thanks to the Pridelanders' influence on him. Especially with that lioness over there..." Rafiki said, pointing towards Kiara, who was playfully chasing after a gazelle.
Chima felt his feathers stand on end at the thought of an Outsider living among the Pride Landers. "But why would they accept him? His mother is our enemy!" Confusion swirled in his eyes as he watched the lion and lioness interact.
"That is true, but the future that surrounds this particular lion has not been yet foretold. He will soon understand the importance of unity... As for this "Zira", I can't imagine what she will do next." He turned around to face the Outlands in his direction. "Only time will tell..."
Chima watched as Rafiki spoke, his words echoing in the young vulture's mind. He knew that he had to keep his distance from the Pride Landers, for the safety of his clan. But seeing Kovu and the others, the curiosity grew stronger. "But me and my clan have not heard or seen any sign of Zira and her pride since we made our new home," Chima insisted, trying to hide his eagerness to find a way to restore his clan's honor. "Surely, if we remain in the shadows, we could learn more about the Pride Lands without attracting the attention of those who wish us harm."
"If it is your desire... Whatever you wish for, then you must take action." Rafiki's words were gentle but firm, his tail swishing back and forth.
Chima nodded solemnly, his gaze still fixed on the distant Pride Rock. "Thank you, Rafiki. Your guidance is invaluable." He knew he needed to act quickly. With a deep breath, he spread his wings and took to the sky, the wind rushing past him as he soared above the treetops.
"I wish you good luck..." Rafiki sees Chima off with a gentle grin, knowing that the young vulture would try to do something to benefit his clan...
As Chima soars over the vast savannah, he can't help but feel a sense of wonder at the beauty of the Pride Lands that lay before him. The lush grasslands stretched out like an emerald sea, teeming with life and vibrancy that starkly contrasted the harsh, barren wasteland of the Outlands. He keeps his distance, not wanting to draw any unnecessary attention, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of movement that might indicate the presence of the lions or their allies.
Yet, the memory of Kovu and Kiara is a persistent thorn in his thoughts. It gnaws at him, the possibility that not all lions are the same as the ones who had cast his ancestors out. He wonders what it would be like to live in a world where his clan isn't feared and reviled, where they could share the land without fear of retribution for past misdeeds. It's a tantalizing vision that fuels his determination to bring peace and reconciliation between the Unseen and the Pride Landers.
As he flies, his sharp eyes catch sight of a small herd of gazelle leaping gracefully through the grass. The urge to join in their play is strong, but Chima knows he must resist. He is an outsider here, a creature of the sky rather than the savannah. He watches them from afar, feeling a pang of envy for their carefree existence. But his mind quickly turns back to his mission and the knowledge that he must return to the clan with a clear head and a plan.
Chima spots a large acacia tree with thick branches that offer perfect cover. He lands nimbly, tucking his wings in and blending into the shadows. From here, he can observe the comings and goings of the Pride Lands without being seen. He watches as a parade of animals passes beneath him: zebras, giraffes, and a solitary warthog, all seemingly unaware of the young vulture hidden above.
A shadow passes over the clearing, and the antelope scatter. A group of lions emerges from the grass, their majestic forms moving with silent grace. Chima's heart races, and he instinctively presses himself closer to the tree trunk, his feathers flattened to avoid detection. His eyes narrow, watching as the lions draw nearer to the water, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of trouble. One of the lionesses, her mane a fiery hue in the sunlight, speaks to the others, and Chima strains to listen.
"...he's not one of us, but he is the son of the traitor," the lioness says, her voice filled with a mix of anger and resignation. The others murmur in agreement, their eyes flickering towards the horizon where the Outlands lay.
Chima's feathers stand on end as he watches the majestic lions pass beneath the tree, their muscles rippling with every step. He remains as still as the tree's bark, his sharp eyes never leaving them. He knows that if they catch his scent, his presence will be revealed, and his chances of a peaceful future may vanish like a mirage in the desert heat. Their conversation carries on the breeze, and his heart races as he realizes they are discussing the Outsiders and the Unseen clan.
The lions' voices are low, filled with tension. One of the males, his mane a golden crown in the sunlight, speaks with a firmness that leaves no room for doubt. "We must remain vigilant. Zira and her followers are a danger to the Pride Lands. Their thirst for power and vengeance is insatiable."
"I hear that the Outsiders chased out a flock of vultures from their own habitat in the Outlands years before," one of the lionesses says, her voice a soft rumble that carries up to Chima's hiding spot. "They called themselves the Unseen."
The golden-maned lion nods solemnly. "Yes, they were once part of the Pride Lands under Scar's rule. The vultures served him well, but when Simba returned, they chose exile over redemption."
The words sting Chima like the sharp talons of an eagle. He had always believed that his ancestors were wronged, but now he wonders if there is more to the story than he had been told. His clan, the Unseen, had always painted themselves as the victims, but what if they had chosen the path of darkness? His feathers ruffle as he considers the gravity of the situation. If the Pride Landers view his people as traitors, how could he ever hope to bring peace between them? No, it was a lie. It had to be. His clan was not like that. There's no way the rest of the remaining descendants would just choose to be kicked out of their home and live in the Outlands.
He watches the lions as they settle by the water's edge, their majestic forms silhouetted against the shimmering river. Their conversation turns to tales of bravery and friendship, and Chima feels a pang of envy. How could these noble creatures ever see his kind as a threat? He decides to listen more closely, hoping to find a thread of truth in their words.
The lions speak of a time when the land was ruled by fear, when a lion named Scar had brought darkness upon the Pride Lands. They speak of his alliance with the hyena clan and the destruction they wrought. Chima's grip tightens on the branch, his heart racing. This was the time of his ancestors, the time that had led to their exile. He hears whispers of a young lion named Simba, who had defeated Scar and brought peace back to the land.
Suddenly, a gust of wind stirs the tree, showering leaves and twigs down below. The lions leap to their feet, their eyes darting upward, and Chima's breath catches in his throat. They've discovered him. The golden-maned lion's gaze locks onto the vulture, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. Chima feels exposed, his feathers standing on end as the lions' muscles tense, ready to pounce.
"Identify yourself, creature of the sky!" the golden-maned lion roars, his fur bristling as he stares directly at Chima.
The young vulture's heart feels like it might burst from his chest as he realizes his mistake. The lions' gazes bore into him, and he knows that a wrong move could mean his death. Unless he could refuse to come down, thinking the lions couldn't possibly try to climb a tree to get him, but he knows that is foolish. They are the kings of the savannah, capable of anything.
"I am Chima," he croaks out, his voice shaking more than the leaves around him. "I am of the Unseen Clan, from the Outlands, but I come in peace!" There was no use lying now; the truth was his only hope.
The lions exchange a wary glance before the golden-maned one speaks again, his voice a controlled growl. "Why do you spy on us?"
"I'm not a spy!" Chima insists, his voice stronger this time. "I've come to understand the truth about our past and seek a path to peace between the Pride Lands and the Outlands."
The lions stare up at him, their expressions a blend of skepticism and curiosity. The lioness with the fiery mane steps forward, her eyes unyielding. "The truth, you say? Tell us what you know, vulture. What could a creature of the skies possibly know about our lands and our history?"
Chima takes a deep breath, his heart thumping like a drum in his chest. He must choose his words wisely. "I know of your king, Simba, and the tyranny that was cast upon the Pride Lands by his uncle, Scar. I know that my ancestors, the vultures, were allied with Scar, but I am not here to bring harm or serve his legacy. I wish to understand, so that my clan, the Unseen, may find a way to atone for the past and live in harmony with the Pride Landers." He hoped they would believe him, but if not, he would have to fly away and try another day.
"That sounds like the same words Kovu would say," the fiery-maned lioness comments, her eyes piercing into Chima. "But we've seen what the Outsiders are capable of."
"I am not Kovu," Chima says, trying to keep the defensiveness out of his voice. "I am Chima, and my intentions are true. The history between our lands is indeed tainted with betrayal, but I wish to change that. We bear no direct involvement in the tyranny of Scar. We were merely pawns, led astray by our former leader, Kabeer. Our exile was a heavy price to pay, and we've suffered greatly in the Outlands."
"Well, you won't find Simba here," the golden-maned lion says, his gaze still unyielding. "He's away, attending to matters of the kingdom. We are his guardians in his stead, and we take our duty seriously."
Chima's feathers sink a little at the mention of Simba's absence. "But surely you can pass along my message?" he pleads, his voice echoing with hope. "I only wish to speak the truth and find a way for my clan to be accepted again."
The golden-maned lion, who Chima assumes to be a leader among them, considers his words before speaking. "We will consider your message, vulture. But for now, you should leave. The Pride Lands are not a place for the likes of you. We have enough to deal with without inviting more trouble." The other lions nod in agreement, their eyes never leaving him.
The fiery-maned lioness takes a step closer to the tree, her stare unwavering. "So be it," she says with a hint of skepticism. "But know this, Chima of the Unseen: our watch is vigilant, and our patience is not without end. Should your kind ever threaten us again, we will not show the mercy that Mufasa once did."
The mention of Mufasa sends a cold shiver down Chima's spine. He had heard tales of the great lion from his mother, Makena, and knew that his ancestors had played a part in the tragedy that had unfolded. He nods solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I understand," he murmurs, his voice barely carrying to the ground. "I'll find my way out of the Pride Lands and await a time when Simba returns." It was best that he flies away instead of letting the lions escort him out, not wanting to be ordered around like an intruder in a place he hoped to call home someday.
As the lions watch him take flight, Chima can't help but feel the weight of their distrust heavy in the air. He knows that the path to redemption is a long one, but he is determined to walk it. As he soars over the savannah, his mind races with thoughts of his ancestors' choices and the consequences that had led his clan to the harsh Outlands. He makes a silent promise to honor their sacrifices by seeking peace, not vengeance. This was tougher than he thought.
The sun is dipping low on the horizon when Chima spots the familiar outline of the Outlands in the distance. His spirits sink as he realizes the Pride Lands are not ready to accept him, but his resolve remains unbroken. He knows he must be patient, to bide his time until the right moment presents itself. The vultures of the Unseen Clan may have been pawns in Scar's game, but they do not have to be defined by their past. The other lions of the Pride Lands had yet to be proven as enemies or allies, and he clings to the hope that there might be a path to redemption, hidden somewhere in their hearts.
Should he return to Rafiki for further advice? No, that would be giving up too easily. And he didn't want to get Rafiki in some kind of trouble if the lions had already reported his visit. Chima decides to land on the outskirts of the Pride Lands, not too far from where the lions had told him to leave. He finds a secluded spot to rest, his thoughts racing with the information he had gathered. The sun sets, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, and the air cools, bringing with it the scent of distant rain. He tucks his beak into his feathers, trying to find some warmth and comfort amidst the cold reality of his situation.
Remembering that he still had yet to see Kovu, the fiery-maned lioness's words lingered in Chima's mind as he approached the border of the Outlands. The encounter with the Pride Landers had left him with more questions than answers. He had hoped to find a way to bridge the gap between the vultures and lions, but instead, he had only confirmed their suspicion.
So off he flew to where Rafiki had been pointing before at the location of Kovu and Kiara, hoping they hadn't left already.
AN: Looks like the path of atonement is not as easy as one things, especially if those you hurt are not ready to accept you back into the place where terrible tragedies started and are hard to forget. This story is not written to demonize the Pride Landers, but to write off events that are from the point of view in one of the Outlanders who is descended from the ones that helped Scar rise up to power long ago and why they feel conflicted on that in many ways. Also, I have to give credit to one of my friends for helping out in the roleplay when playing a few characters like Rafiki.