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

12. Mutual Interests

Kopa opened his eyes. With his vision blurred and his paws feeling numb, Kopa strained to lift himself off the stone ground. He no longer felt Scar's presence around him; he was now alone in the cave. Over the years he had gotten what he felt was an idea of how Scar's presence most likely worked. His uncle only came back to guide him when he needed it. He was not there all the time. He figured that Scar could only remain with him for so long as he now a spirit. He could never call upon Scar, so he had to do it mostly alone. He couldn't count how many times he wished his uncle could just tell him what to do, but it seemed that Scar was completely gone until needed.

The lion managed to stand on his feet, but with legs stiff and a dizzy feeling in his head.

"Today is the day. Finally I can right the wrongs done on to theses creatures. Done on to me", Kopa rallied himself. As if being empowered by his words, his vision cleared; strength returned to his muscles. A soft glow caught his eye. It was a blazing orange, radiating from his own shoulder.

"The mark", Kopa mused. "Of the Lion Guard?". He recalled when Simba told him about the forgotten defense of Pride Lands. He never told him what happened to it. It seemed to be a subject his father never wanted to talk about.

I believe that...Uncle Scar was the last owner of the mark. Perhaps he entrusts it with me now?, Kopa smirked to himself. This would give him the power he needed to dethrone his father.

As he made his way back to the main chamber of the lair a new plan was already building itself in his mind. 

"Ah, Kopa. There you are", Zira greeted to the lion. In the back of her mind that name struck her as familiar, but she just shrugged it off as maybe some random lion in the past. "We are all eager to begin the invasion"

Kopa nodded back respectfully. Now that Zira was here with her lion army, they could finally begin. 

"Thank you, Zira. With you and your forces joining our ranks we are now assured victory", Kopa put on a false smile and bowed to Zira. Every fiber in his being burned with fury against the lioness who was responsible for his "death". 

"I have heard many promising things about your children. I would consider it an honor to meet the personally", Kopa offered.

"I couldn't be any more humbled by your interest. They are indeed in the top of ranks and will be an asset to you. Guaranteed", Zira bragged, eager to show off her children to the one leading this assault. She bounded off to fetch them, leaving Kopa alone with his thoughts. 

It's a shame. She seems doesn't seem to remember me. That will make my revenge on her all the more easy. But she'll have no idea why. 

Kopa was brought from his thoughts by the approaching sound of Zira's voice. 

"Make sure to stand up straight...", a with that final tip to her children she bowed to Kopa. 

"I present to you the finest the Outlands has to offer. Vitani and Kovu", Zira introduced, making especially sure to leave Nuka back in the ranks. She wanted to present the best possible image of herself. She was formulating a plan to build trust with Kopa and hopefully become well off with a position of power when the Pride Lands would be taken over. 

"Hmmm. Ah yes. I have indeed heard of your talents throughout the Outlands. I hope that the tow of you will aid me the best that you can", Kopa said as impressively as he could. First he addressed Vitani.

"Vitani....I heard that you are the shaping to become the greatest warrior in the Outland pride. I am pleased to have you join our ranks", Kopa greeted, bowing to her respectfully. 

"Ah, well. What can I say?", Vitani began, but say her mother's stern gaze. Instantly she remembered to act humble and respectful towards the foreign lion. "I mean--thank you. I will assist you in every way I can", she politely offered, batting her eyes for good measure. Kopa felt a floaty sensation in his stomach. In that moment he started to notice the features of his childhood love. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Vitani flashed him an awkward look, causing the lion to realise he was staring at her. Quickly he cleared his throat and began to speak to Kovu.