Chapter Eight: The Dance in the Mist

The warm light of dawn poured into the royal den of Pride Rock, stretching across the smooth stone walls in golden shafts. It bathed the gathered lions in soft glow, illuminating the tension that simmered just beneath the surface. Simba stood at the center, his thick mane catching the light like fire. There was calm in his eyes, but holds the weight of a king who had lived through enough storms to recognize the shape of another forming. At his side, Nala watched with quiet intensity, her gaze locked on Vitani. Kovu stood nearby, alert, a flicker of concern in his green eyes. Kiara leaned forward, brows drawn, reading every shift in Vitani’s expression. Vitani stood before them, her shoulders squared, the Lion Guard flanking her in tight, focused formation. Imara’s muscles were coiled like springs. Shabaha’s ears flicked in quiet agitation. Tazama’s tail twitched restlessly. Kasi stood calm, but her sharp gaze didn’t miss a single detail. “So,” Simba said, his voice deep, even, and commanding, “you encountered a lion in the mists. Massive. Silent. And now he’s guarding cubs?” Vitani exhaled through her nose. “That’s the strange part. At first, he seemed dangerous—silent, watching us from shadows. Then vanished. When we found him again… he was guarding leopard cubs. The local animals call him Jitu." 

“Jitu,” Nala echoed, tasting the name like a question. “And he doesn’t speak?" “Not a word,” Tazama confirmed. “But he’s not just some rogue. He has presence. Like he’s... always there. Even when you can’t see him.” 

"But watching isn’t always good,” Kovu muttered. “Did he show any signs of aggression?” Vitani hesitated. “No. Actually... he saved me when we first met him. Pulled me out of a rockslide. Then he disappeared. No words. No explanation.” Kiara’s brow creased. “Then he’s hiding something. Someone who avoids speaking is usually avoiding truth.” Simba’s expression darkened. “A silent lion near our borders is not something we ignore. Vitani, your Guard will continue watching this Jitu. Learn what you can. But be cautious. ”Vitani bowed her head. “Understood, Your Majesty.” Simba nodded. “I trust that you be careful.” Vitani offered a faint smile. “We will.” What followed was a week of fog and frustration.

Day One.

The forest was thick with mist as the Guard crept forward, every muscle primed for motion.“Keep close,” Vitani whispered. “He can’t be far.” A shadow flicked through the fog. They leapt—only to find a swaying bush. Above them, a soft, guttural sound echoed from a high ledge. They looked up just in time to glimpse a massive figure vanishing into mist with effortless grace.

Day Two.

They lay in wait near the riverbank, where Mara had said Jitu sometimes watched the young ones drink. A rustle. “There!” Vitani barked. They charged around the boulder—empty clearing. In the distance, a massive silhouette slipped silently between the trees.

Day Three.

From a high vantage point, Shabaha and Kasi scanned the forest. Tazama zipped through branches. Vitani prowled below, eyes fierce. Then Jitu stepped into view—calm, unmoving. “Jitu!” Vitani called. “Stop running!” He stared back—eyes cool, unreadable—then leapt over a row of boulders and was gone again. “Are you kidding me?!” Imara roared.

Day Five.

The Guard split into pairs to cover more ground.Vitani crouched, breath steady. She heard the faintest rustle. “Got you this time—”A pine branch whipped her across the face, knocking her into the snow. From the trees: a deep, chuckling growl. “What is his deal?!” Shabaha barked.

Day Seven.

This time, they surrounded a clearing, every exit covered. The mist curled low and thick. “Now we’ve got him…” Vitani breathed. Jitu stepped into the clearing. Vitani rose to signal—just as his icy gaze locked with hers. He crouched. Leapt. Over the trees. Vitani’s jaw dropped. “That… that’s just cheating.” Dusk fell. Snow clung to fur and fatigue clung to limbs. The mist was constant now—its silver touch wrapping around every root, every thought. Imara lay sprawled in the snow. “Does he even sleep?” Tazama flopped beside her. “He’s enjoying this. ” Vitani stood, her breath clouding the air, her eyes locked on the mist. “More like  toying with us,” she said. “But... not for fun. like he wants us to see him. Just not catch him.” Kasi raised a brow. “So what now, Captain?” Vitani didn’t answer right away. She stared out into the fog—into the space where Jitu had vanished again and again. A cold figure, a quiet mystery, always just out of reach. Then her lips curled into a quiet, fierce smile. “If we can’t catch him…” she said slowly, “then we make him come to us. ”Shabaha groaned. “And how exactly do we do that?” Vitani turned toward them, eyes burning with resolve. “By becoming something he can’t ignore.”