Like Water and Rain (Season 1 finale)

To say I was still hurt was a relative understatement. I had vines around my head and upper body in order to help heal it and while I did regain the ability to walk, it still hurt to do so, but I assured Rafiki and Makini it was no big deal.

What sucks is that Rafiki forbade me from doing anything physical in case my injuries get worse. The wise baboon saying that, while the injuries weren't as severe as originally thought, it will take a while for me to fully recover, hence why I am not full on running to Pride Rock, rather trotting instead in order to make up for my lessened speed.

The sights were beautiful for the dry season...though that's probably just me happy to get out of this world's version of a hospital, Pride Rock itself seemingly glowing in the sunlight like a solar panel...huh..should I make that a regular thi-

No.

Alright…

But anyway, I started walking up the pathway to get to the main part of Pride Rock, only to see Sarabi, who walked over to me and embraced me.

I was told what happened. She said. It's a miracle you weren't as hurt as they thought you would be.

What can I say? I chuckled, shrugging. I'm not exactly the easiest to put down, Sarabi.

Evidently. She smiled before taking me to the den. He's out of Rafiki's tree, everyone.

The pride looked at me, causing me to gulp. H-Hi?

Uh-oh! When Kion and Zuri grinned and started charging at me, I quickly tried to scramble and get out of there, but I ended up tripping because I was going, causing the two to catch up and nearly hug me, to which I thought would be tight, causing my paws to stop the-OW! God bless it, my front paws are still halfway paralyzed.

Save the hugs for when i'm fully recovered, okay? I did a nervous laugh. I'd rather not get my injuries aggravated by your embraces.

Oh...right. The two sighed before I noticed a certain princess watch us, eyes half-closed with a saddened look on her face. As soon as I looked, she walked off slowly. Looking back at Zuri, I raised an eyebrow.

What's with Kiara? I asked my sister, who looked at me saddened.

She's still a bit...reeling from what happened a couple of days ago. She began. She felt responsible since she was the one you dove in there to save.

Oh… I blinked before trying to get up, but couldn't. Groaning, I looked at the two. Mind helping me up?

When they did so, it took me a bit to regain my balance. ''It isn't exactly pleasant being in this state. But, I do have something I want to do.''

''Huh? And what's that?'' Kion asked and I frowned.

Go to the Outlands.

Silence befell both of them before they both shouted at the same time. You WHAT!?

Relax, i'll be fi-

How can you say you'll be fine!? Zuri interjected hotly. You're somewhat recovered, yes, but you're still hurt!

I can handle myself!

Clearly…

Just let me do this. I said sternly to the two. ''I don't need help. I can find my way through it, physically or mentally.''

I'm coming with you.

What?

What?

I looked back at Zuri, who looked serious. The lioness continued. ''I'm not letting you go out into the Outlands on your own, brother. This is something WE do, not you yourself.''

….

Fine. I huffed. ''I'll let you come. But NOBODY else.''

My sister winked as I groaned at my decision. This isn't going to end well.

Can't be any worse than your past experience.

Not really giving me hope there, old man.

Shut up…

--

We entered the Outlands...or what we think is the Outlands...but it didn't look like it.

Termite mounds everywhere, lionesses fighting each other, food looked scarce and water seemed to be disgusting, unlike what I have previously seen with these lands...unless….

You're not in Janja's territory, you buffoon!

I can see that!

You're in  Zira's!

…..Come again?

You took another route into the Outlands and that led into Zira's territory, not Janja's..

Oh...well sh-

What is this place? Zuri whispered to me as we hid behind a rock that was high and large enough to be able to hide us, overlooking the land. Why aren't these lions in the Pridelands?

Because they aren't pridelanders. I informed her. ''They're outsiders. Exiled by Simba and led by a vicious lioness named Zira. Come, but we need to keep out of sight.''

Are you crazy?! She whispered again with a higher tone.

No, just trust me. I said before walking through the darker parts of the termite mounds, slipping past the brawling lionesses with Zuri.

--

As we were approaching the middle of the mound, I heard a voice that caused me to shudder.

Vitani! The demented voice of Zira called to her daughter, who walked over to her. Report..

Apparently, some of the other lionesses caught two pridelanders near the border of the Outlands, presumably heading towards our territory, but we left before we could be sure of it. She shrugged. Nothing to worry about, I bet.

Vitani, the weak fools of the Pridelands seeping into our territory is something we should dispose of. She replied darkly as both me and Zuri looked at each other. FIND THEM!

We both looked worried as I smiled.

Well, they don't see us yet. I sighed. But it won't be long until they catch on our scent.

So what do we do? She asked. We're basically trapped here with a pride of bad lionesses!

Simple...you go. I frowned at her surprised and protestant look. ''I'll spy on them if I can. Go back to the Pridelands and TELL them I am here. I'll help in your escape.''

But...you...I.. She stuttered before leaking a tear. I'll miss you…

I know, sister… I said, embracing the lioness, who did the same despite the fact my arms were still in slight pain. I know..

You better not die on me…

We then then starting to try to sneak out of Zira's territory, Zuri reluctantly obliging and complying by my commands to go in different directions...this was it…

..It was the proving ground.

--

As Zuri and I reached the border to the Pridelands, Zuri looked back at me with a sad smile.

I hate you sometimes.. She admitted. Leaving us to go on some stupid adventure.

You know me, Zuri. I winked. I don't think things through.

Her eyes watered before she hugged me again.

How long will you be gone…?

...I don't know...but i'll be back. I assured her. I promise.

She then walked away, head towards the ground as I closed my eyes and walked back towards the territory of the wicked witch of this world.

How clever….

I went back to Zira's territory, walking to some of the lionesses, who growled at me.

What are you doing here, pridelander? The younger one growled.

I am no pridelander. Which was both true and false. ''I am a loner. Abandoning the Pridelands to join you.''

I don't believe you..

Take me to Zira and I will reveal everything there is to know about me. I smirked at the seething lioness before the older one spoke up.

Hmm, I suppose another male lion would help us in our war. She rubbed her chin before walking away. Come.

Wha-? The younger one was about to protest, but I went with the old one, causing the lighter of the two to groan in anger.

We made our way to the main termite mound...where Zira was standing there..watching us approach.

Why, what a catch! Zira said in fake glee. A lion ready to be an example!

''Tch. Hardly.'' I scoffed. I am simply here to assist you in your...scuffle with Simba's group.

Zira then did a mad grin before she took me, then pushed me into the termite mound. In that case, let's see what exactly you have to say..

I'm going to regret this…

Note: This is the Season 1 finale of this story! Thanks for all of the support, everyone!

Next: Many months have passed since the last the Pridelands have seen of Shujaa, but when Zira sets up a plan to start a fire to gain the trust of Simba, she forces Shujaa to help Kovu get closer to the king..and the daughter.