The Lion King: Born Under The Rising Sun

Chapter 17

Zimbwea flopped off of a rock near the stream into the grass. She lapped at the icy water, letting every last drop fill her taste buds with fresh water. A fish zoomed past her tongue and pelted down the stream. All the sudden something splashed at her face, she looked up to see Kalamba racing down the stream. He tripped over a stone falling face flat into the water. Arty had shown up from down the stream holding the fish Zimbwea had once seen. "Kalamba, you are going to turn into a fish if you keep falling into the water," He looked up, his almost fully grown mane was soaked.
"You look like a red cloud!" Zimbwea joked. Arty stood next to Zimbwea and smiled.
Kalamba grabbed them both and dragged them into the shallow stream.
Zimbwea pounded in the water and splashed Arty's muzzle. Arty tackled Zimbwea laughing triumphantly.
"Ladies,ladies! You're both beautiful!" Kalamba smirked.
Zimbwea looked at Arty and nodded. They pounced at Kalamba, soaking his whole body.
"It's a whole party!" Mheetu was standing at the edge of the stream.
He leaped into the pond that ended at the stream. Kovu and Kiara followed. Arty,Kalamba, and Zimbwea raced down the stream. Flopping into the water, Zimbwea saw a vision of a lion teen with scruffy hair. His mane was thin. Claw!
Zimbwea resurfaced above the water and heard the sound of laughter. She slightly smiled. Zimbwea was scared and knew that the vision meant Claw was up to strange things.

The prides lined up to see the new born cub. Elephants roamed across the plains to join the celebration.
"Animals of the PrideLands! Today we celebrate the birth of a great omen," Simba roared across the PrideLands.
Zimbwea saw, from the corner of her eye, a lioness looking depressed and soulless. Zimbwea turned to see Vitani. She had once loved Kopa, the Prideland's new cub must make her believe Simba has moved on. Little did Vitani know that Simba still grieve over his son. And Zimbwea was sent here to retrieve the lost prince.
"May I present with great honor, my son," he paused looking to the sky as if Mufasa was watching. "Kion." The animals looked up to the sky, waiting for the new cub to be held over generations of kings.

Rafiki slowly walked to the edge of Pride rock. He held Kion high, smiling. The animals gave their most achieving cheers. Lionesses roared with pride in their throat. The little cub smiled and let out a few squeaks.

Zimbwea woke up in a bright jungle. She rushed through the hanging vines and bursted through a bush. She stopped, skidding over dead leaves. Kopa was in the clearing of the jungle. He must be dreaming! I'm in Kopa's dream!
"T-they.." Kopa began to tear up. "They replaced me," he was looking at claw marks on a tree.
Help him. Zimbwea jumped. She turned to see a lioness.
"Toyu!" Zimbwea whispered. The lioness nodded and folded her ears.
Let Kopa know he hasn't been forgotten. Tell him it's going to be ok..
"Why can't you tell him.." Zimbwea hesitated the question. He can't see me.
Kopa no longer believes StarPride is with him.
Zimbwea looked at Kopa as he frowned. A tear falling down his face. Zimbwea looked and Toyu. I'll tell Kopa you are with him, always.
Toyu smiled and nodded, signaling Zimbwea to help the depressed lion.

"Kopa.." Zimbwea echoed.
He turned and flicked his ears up.
"Kopa.." She repeated, slowly showing herself.
"Z-Zimbwea?" He looked surprised but pain burned in his eyes.
Zimbwea didn't answer, instead she padded forward and dipped her head in respect. She sat a few tail lengths away. She looked up, hope sparked in her eyes.
"Kopa, no one has replaced you, you are loved"
He looked surprised "Than what's with the new cub?"
"This cub is destined to help you realize where you are needed. He needs a brother to help him.."
"He has Kovu." Kopa slouched looking at the leaves smashed beneath his paws.
"Kovu isn't a lion guard."
Kopa flicked his ears up and looked at Zimbwea.
"The lion guard?" He looked confused "that died out because of-"
Zimbwea cut him off, hushing him with the tip of her tail. "Kion needs you. Your father needs you. The PrideLands need you." Zimbwea paused hesitating before her final reason. "Vitani needs you."
Kopa lifted his head.
"You have someone waiting for you to reach your destiny."
"You?" Kopa was confused.
"Toyu.."
Kopa looked at Zimbwea. Determination burned in his gaze.
"It's time Kopa. You have a family waiting for you."
Kopa nodded.
Leaves crunched behind Zimbwea. She turned to see Toyu. Kopa turned and saw Toyu. "Can you see me Kopa?" She whispered. Kopa nodded in awe.
"I can see StarPride.." His jaw dropped.
Toyu smiled and stepped forward. Kopa flew to her and touched noses.
She licked his head and began to fade.
"Tell Kovu his mother is proud of him.." Toyu smiled.
"Wait! Don't go!"Kopa cried.
Zimbwea padded up to him, putting her tail on his shoulder.
"You're waking up, a new dawn lies ahead. It's your time,Kopa"