Zuka Zama Part II: The Scourge of Kopa | The Lion Guard

4. Outlands Preparation

In the Outlands Janga was rallying the hyenas. Encouraging them to sharpen their claws and fangs.

"Today's the day we finally invade and make them pay!", Janja's voice rang over the many hyenas'. They all cheered and cackled in excitement. "They may be able to take 3 or 4 of down. But let's see how the fair against the whole clan. With the jackals, vultures, and lions fighting by our side there's nothing to stop us. We'll never be hungry again!!"

Changamoto watched in the distance as Janja was ordering the hyenas into formation, making sure they were ready to fight.

But she was more concerned about Kopa. This was the day of the invasion, all of the Outlands will soon gather to march out towards the Pride Lands. And yet he was secluded in a cavern that led even deeper into the mountain. Did he want to be alone to gather his thoughts? Or maybe for some very last minute training?

"I hope you hyenas are ready", the voice of Reirei caught Changa's attention.

So the jackals are here....But Kopa still isn't ready, she thought to herself. And with Zira bringing the lions as well.... It could get to point where they try to start without Kopa. The hyena took a deep breath turning to address Reirei and the jackals following behind her.

"Welcome, Reirei. We're just here gathering ourselves", Changamoto introduced. Reirei just rolled her eyes pushing Changa to the side making her way, along with the rest of the jackals to sit among the hyenas upon the main chamber.

"Great! All we need now is Zira to show up with lions and we get to causing chaos", Janja grinned deviously.

Reirei nodded in agreement watching as jackals such as Goigioi and Dogo begun interacting with the hyenas they were going to fight alongside. Cheezi and Chungu sat awkwardly on the edge of the stones. They wouldn't say it, but they didn't want a war. All that was left of the Outland army was the arrival of the lions.

Meanwhile, Kopa was down in the depths of the cave. He was sitting still in place. Someone on the Outside would think he was meditating. But he was trying to communicate with Scar again. Lately Scar's voice had been ringing in his mind. From when Kopa was young he had plans of returning to the Pride Lands and reuniting with his family, but his time beyond the Pride Lands and Outlands have given him a new point of view.

"Ah, my darling nephew is see you have sought out my voice", Scar's presence was felt around him. "You have done very well. The time of liberation is now upon us. And this will help you bring this into fruition"

Kopa felt a burning sensation flow throughout him it started from the tips of his toes, traveling up to his head. With his teeth clenched, the fear of bursting into flames came into his mind. Suddenly, as soon as it started, the painful burning feeling was gone. It was just over.

"W-what was that?", Kopa panted, sweat beading on his forehead. It had only been a few seconds but the painful strain he felt was still lasting.

"Check on your shoulder", Scar's voice purred.

Kopa winced as moving his head brought him a sharp pain throughout his body. Managing to fight through it taking a look like his uncle told him he nearly choked on his own tongue.

"What is this? Is this a mark?", Kopa asked.

"It is, my cub", Scar assured him that this was the real deal. "This is the very mark of the Lion Guard"

"How did you get this?", Kopa asked, a pitch of fear deep in his stomach.

"Before I tell you that maybe I should remind you of how this all came to be", Scar suggested.

"What do you mean?", Kopa asked now confused. First his body hurt all over, now he somehow had this mark on him. Just in that moment Kopa felt everything around him start to spin violently. He tried to sit up straight only to fall to the ground. Soon his vision became blurry and he was pulled into a deep sleep.