The Lion Guard Season 5

Chapter 25: Trepidations

{Cheka's POV}
Father grows more restless by the hour, believing that now he has Kion's daughter and Kovu's daughter, he is unstoppable. I believe we need to grow stronger but he's the one in charge. Nuka was as passionate as ever, if he had an issue with any of this, he did a good job hiding it. Kion's daughter stays for 2 weeks, which is more than enough to put her on her brother's level of strength. His level of power is unmatched however, the Roar is the strongest tool available. The hellfire that Father is made of can produce its own version of the Roar, one that relies on the fire to produce powerful bursts of wind. Eguru's birds have found another way out of the Pride Rock, and thankfully a conspicuous way out. She could easily sneak out of the Rock without anyone noticing, and they could lead her to the Caldera without having to explain to anyone where she's going. Of course, it creates the problem of her noticeable absence but she said she'll take care of that. How true that statement is remains to be seen as someone of her age doesn't make the best excuses. As night vanished, the bird led the Tree of Life's princess back to where she belonged; hopefully the lions of Kiara's Pride wouldn't have noticed her absence and question her on it. While she is good at coming up with a reason on the spot, proving it is another challenge that she doesn't need. But why did I care about how she will keep her life from falling apart, she's the daughter of my enemy and she could easily be a double agent. But I found myself sympathizing with her, maybe even empathizing a little with her plight of identity suppression. What has happened to me? When did I become so weak? I could think long and hard about it but my duty comes first. I wished I never joined this world. Maybe I could've enjoyed being a part of my small pride surrounded by my family.
{Saka's POV}
"Where is she??" I yelled at Koda
"I don't know!" He screamed back "Unlike you, I was fighting off an invasion! Sorry if I can't keep track of YOUR sister!"
"These are your lands!" I shouted back "This is your jurisdiction!"
"So I control everything??"
"Saka," Shani said, walking towards us "Enough." She stopped in between us, using her body to keep us separate "We have nothing to gain by yelling."
I sighed, remembering my promise from years ago "Yeah." I said to her "Sorry Koda."
"It's okay," He smiled "I'd go berserk too if my sister vanished all of the sudden."
"Thanks,"
"And don't worry, I got mine and Aunt Vitani's Lion Guards searching for her." Koda said "It's a lot easier with 2 guards."
I chuckled "I'm jealous."
"We'll find her," Koda said
Suddenly, Zazu flew in, in a frenzy, and called for me and Koda. When we ran over to him, he said he'd found Amani, or what looked like her body. Panic rushed through me and I ordered him to lead me to her. I ran as fast as I could and Koda was right behind me. When we got there, I shouted Amani's name. She didn't respond, so I shouted her name again. When she didn't respond the second time, I pushed her on her back which finally got a response out of her. She groaned and flipped back on her stomach. I couldn't explain the relief I felt there, relief that turned to anger. Still I kept a level head.
"Amani?" I asked "Are you okay?"
"Of course not!" She yelled "You just woke me up!"
"Woke you up?" I asked, almost yelling "You were gone! You said you were going for a walk, and you didn't come back to the Rock!" I exclaimed, finally yelling. How could she be so stupid as to sleep in tall grass when the Outlands was being attacked a mere 20 feet away from her! "I thought something happened to you!"
"Stop yelling at me!" She scolded "I'm here, aren't I?"
"Where were you?" I asked slowly, attempting to control my voice
"Here, just here." She answered
"All night?" I asked
"I went for a stroll and didn't realize how far I walked until I heard a fight." She said "When I looked over, I saw the battle in the Outlands. I was scared and ran, but I was too tired to be able to run all the way to the Rock. I tired myself out before the halfway point and collapsed here. I meant to wake up soon and return but I guess I was too tired."
I sighed, for as much as I do not want to believe Amani of all animals wandered too far, her story checked out with Koda's when he said he saw what looked like a lioness in the distance. "Next time, try and go somewhere safer than tall grass," I told her "I was so scared you were gone forever."
Amani's face shifted to confusion then remorse, maybe there was a hint of anger "I'm sorry." She said "I didn't mean to scare anyone, I'll try to keep safe. I promise."
She got up and walked away. Her words didn't seem sincere but she seemed genuine when she apologized. I believed her, even if I thought some of her words weren't sincere, because she's my little sister and it's my job to protect her.
{Amani's POV}
I didn't think Saka would be so panicked at my disappearance. He was never as concerned when I disappeared from the Tree. I had to admit, as much as it annoyed me that he was only concerned with my whereabouts outside the Tree, it was good to know he was so concerned for me, for my life. Suddenly I found myself thinking about what Nguvu had told me: You guys could seem so close and so distant at the same time, you guys could be similar and completely different. ... he wanted a sibling, said I was lucky to have the things I did. Was I lucky? I'm a princess sure, but that comes with so many rules and responsibilities. I don't know anymore, what do I want? Night will come soon enough, maybe I can ask the Master if being a queen is what I should do. Since Scar's a little unhinged to tell me what I want to hear. Or maybe I can talk to Leah. It may have been a long time since I've talked to her, but she was the only one who wasn't obnoxious. A friend, someone to talk to about everything. Uzuri maybe, but I'd have to leave things out. Since when did I have these feelings? I hate Saka, I hate the Pridelanders, I hate the Tree as it is. I should make it better, under my rule. But should I become Queen?