Chapter Seventeen: Kovu's Cackle

The last light of day bathed Pride Rock in amber gold, pouring through the wide entrance of the royal den and stretching long, honey-hued shadows across the stone floor. The warmth of sunset softened every surface, even the weary lines on Simba’s brow as he stood beside Nala. Kiara leaned against her father, calm but curious, her ears tilted forward as her gaze followed Kovu—who was, at that moment, trying not to laugh.He failed. Kovu’s emerald eyes sparkled with mischief, and his shoulders shook with silent amusement.Simba raised an eyebrow, his voice dry but amused. “Kovu… is something funny?” “No, no,” Kovu said quickly, though his mouth twitched. “Not funny. Just… unbelievable. ”Nala tilted her head, her smile calm and curious. “I’m guessing, this has something to do with.... Jitu. That’s his name, isn’t it?” Kovu couldn’t hold it anymore. A warm laugh burst from him, bouncing off the stone walls. “Yes! Of course—it’s about him. You’re won't believe this!” Kiara perked up. “What happened? Did you meet him?” Kovu grinned, breathless from laughter. “Not only that… I got him to talk.” Simba straightened, interest sharpening his crimson eyes. “You spoke, with him? This is the same lion that’s been dodging everyone like mist?” Kovu nodded enthusiastically. “We saw him. And he’s even bigger than Vitani described. Scarred, ice-touched mane, piercing blue eyes—he looks like he came out of some ancient ghost story.” “A giant of the north,” Nala murmured, intrigued.“But here’s the best part,” Kovu said, barely containing another laugh. “I was all friendly, introducing myself, just trying to break the ice, pun intended. I made a joke—told him that he seemed older.” Simba leaned in. “And?” Kovu smirked. “And he looked at me—dead in the eyes—and said, ‘I am the youngest here.’” The den fell into stunned silence.Simba blinked. “The youngest…?” Kiara’s mouth fell open. “Wait. That can’t be right. He sounds so imposing.” Nala’s soft laugh joined Kovu’s. “And yet?” 

“And yet,” Kovu said, shaking his head, “he’s young. An adult at least, maybe. Massive, scarred, and impossibly quiet—but young. ”Kiara covered her mouth, giggling. “So the mysterious, brooding frost lion… is a giant, awkward youngster?”

“Pretty much,” Kovu said. “He watches cubs like a hawk, disappears when things get emotional, and when he finally does talk—he corrects me.”Simba chuckled. “Poor Vitani. She’s been at him to speak for weeks.” “She was furious,” Kovu laughed. “I think steam came out her ears.”

“What happened after?” Nala asked, her voice gentle but curious.Kovu shrugged, still grinning. “He clammed back up. Shot a stare like she was air. Not another word said. ”Simba’s eyes narrowed, thoughtful now. “He doesn’t sound all bad… but not so simple, either.” “No,” Kovu said, the humor fading slightly. “There’s something else. I can't quite put my paw on it. He’s not exactly hiding from us but more like hiding for us. Or… from himself. ”Kiara’s eyes gleamed. “We definitely need to meet him now.”Nala nodded. “A lion so young, carrying something so old… shouldn’t be alone.”Simba gave a small, resolute nod. “Then it’s time. Kovu, can you take us?” A slow, sly smile curled across Kovu’s face. “I can manage that. I am the only one he talks to, after all.”Simba snorted. “Modest, aren’t you?”

“Show-off,” Kiara teased.Nala’s laughter joined theirs, light as the evening breeze. “Oh, Vitani’s going to love this.”Kovu shook his head, a grin tugging at his mouth. “She’s already planning her revenge. ”Simba looked out toward the fading light, the misty edge of the savanna where shadows grew long. “The lion who in stillness—yet louder than wind,” he said quietly.And together, they began to prepare—for a meeting that would change more than just what they knew… but what they believed to be, strength, silence, and the stories left untold.