Survivors (Preview)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The morning had been nothing out of the ordinary. Kopa, a teen lion back then, was playing with Kiara. As usual he was the better play fighter. Kiara was only able to win if he let her. He was older, bigger, stronger, smarter.

Simply said, he was better in every way possible. He loosened his grip on her as she had given up yet another fight.

"Playing with you is no fun." she mocked as she pushed him off. Kopa fell onto his side, but got up right away. Kiara was still laying on her back as Kopa stood tall in front of her with a proud smile.

"You're getting better. Just keep practicing and maybe you'll be able to beat me someday." he encouraged her. "But for now, let's go get a drink. Sounds good?" Kiara gave him a warm smile and nodded in response, beginning to walk towards the waterhole.

Kopa started running, quickly going past her. He was energetic, more than usual, and he couldn't really help it. He was very excited, and so was Kiara, but although she was playful, she was always the calmer one. Nala was going to give birth to a new cub very soon. Kopa and Kiara both couldn't wait to see their new brother or sister. Kopa had already experienced it once, but for Kiara it was the first time she would be getting a new sibling.

When the two arrived at the waterhole Kiara sat down. She wasn't just excited, but also nervous. She wanted to be a good older sister, but so far she had always been the younger one. That was easier in her opinion. No need to be the responsible one all the time, no need to take care of others. It had always been just others taking care of her, but that would change today. It wasn't that she didn't like the upcoming change, she was very happy about it, but also a bit scared.

Kopa sat down next to her. "Nervous?" he asked. Kiara looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "What? Nervous? Me?" she chuckled, trying to hide how she felt, but Kopa wasn't having any of it. "C'mon sis, I've known you for longer than just one day. Tell me what's on your mind."

"Okay... I'm nervous." Kiara said with a sigh after which she turned away from her older brother, causing her not to see that he got closer and pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm nervous too, but it will be alright, I promise."

Kiara gave him a warm smile as she hugged him back. "Thanks Kopa." she said with a purr. The comforting words he spoke and the hug really helped her calm down. And then there was that warm smile on his face. Tears formed in her eyes, tears of pure joy. Albeit she was nervous, and maybe even a bit scared for the same reason, she was happy, excited, and glad to have a brother like Kopa, who would always help her through tough times.

They held the hug for minutes long, both of them not saying a single word, when suddenly a blue bird flew towards them. "Prince Kopa, princess Kiara." he greeted them.

"Oh, hello Zazu." Kopa said as he let go of the hug. The two cubs sat down next to each other, looking at the hornbill in front of them.

"Your dad wants you both to come back to Pride Rock." He spoke. Kopa and Kiara looked at each other. "Do you think it is time?" Kiara asked her brother. "Maybe, let's go check it out." he said in response, getting up to walk back home. Kiara quickly followed.

So far Kopa had not shown any nervousness at all, but now that they were walking back home, most likely to meet their new sibling he was moving a bit hesitantly, and now it was Kiara who was giving him support. She did not say anything. Although she was a bit more relaxed thanks to Kopa's help, she was still nervous, very nervous. She just stayed close to him, giving them both the feeling that they were going to do this together, that they had each other to rely on, even in the toughest times.

As the two followed Zazu up Pride Rock they noticed their dad, waiting outside. Clearly they weren't the only ones who were nervous. Simba was pacing from left to right, coming to a sudden halt when his son and daughter approached him.