Chapter Twenty: The Lion Who Wouldn’t Speak

Day One.                                                   The sun dappled the forest floor in honeyed beams as Simba, Nala, Kovu, and Kiara sat in a loose circle around Rafiki, who spun one of his chaotic tales with wild gestures and dramatic flair. “And then,” Rafiki declared, “young Simba roared so loud, he scared himself and tripped straight into the mud!” Nala laughed, gently nudging her flustered mate, while Kiara giggled against Kovu’s shoulder. Jitu, seated beneath the twisted tree, didn’t laugh. But a faint glimmer warmed his icy blue gaze as he watched Rafiki. From the bushes, Vitani and her Guard lurked.Imara grunted. “This is ridiculous. He’s just sitting there.” “Yeah,” Shabaha added. “But… he looks happy?” Vitani’s claws dug into the dirt. “Happy? He’s ignoring us.”                     Day Three.                                             Kovu strolled casually into the clearing, talking to Jitu like they were old friends. He spoke about the Pride Lands, about Kiara’s misadventures, about Simba’s attempts at being wise while still getting teased by Nala. Jitu didn’t respond, but didn’t look away either. When Kovu joked about being “the king who still gets bossed around by his queen,” Jitu’s mouth twitched. It wasn’t a full smile—but it was something. In the bushes, Vitani’s ears flattened. “Unbelievable. He’s bonding with him. Again.”       “Kovu’s doing all the talking,” Tazama pointed out. “It’s not fair,” Vitani muttered. “He acts like they’re best friends.”                                                    Day Five.                                                  Nala came alone. Her voice was calm, gentle. She asked questions—about Jitu’s home, his travels, his silence—but received no answer.Still, Jitu watched her. Quiet. Present.When a small antelope fawn stumbled into the clearing, Nala helped it return to its mother. As she turned back, she found Jitu watching her, his gaze not cold—but soft.From the bushes, the Lion Guard froze. “He just looked… warm?” Imara whispered. “It was... sweet though,” said Shabaha. Vitani said nothing. She just stared, claws digging deeper.                Day Seven.                                             Rafiki returned with song and staff, dancing as young animals giggled and tumbled around him. Jitu sat silently, his eyes on the little ones. This time, Vitani had had enough. She burst from the underbrush. “Okay, tough guy! Enough! You can talk—we know you can—so just... say something!” Jitu turned his head. Calm. Silent. “Oh, come on!” Vitani snapped. Rafiki chuckled. “Perhaps he’s playing the quiet game?” Shabaha groaned. “Then we’ve been losing for weeks.”

Day Nine.                                                Kiara entered the clearing with a grin. “Jitu! Want to hear how Kovu got stuck in a thorn bush for an hour?” Jitu’s expression didn’t change—but his left ear twitched. In the bushes, Vitani gawked. “Seriously?”                               “He likes embarrassing stories,” Kasi whispered. “Then why doesn’t he listen to me?” Vitani spat.                              “Because you yell at him,” Tazama muttered.

Day Eleven.                                           Vitani tried a new tactic. A feast. Berries. Fruits. Fresh herbs. All arranged with care. Jitu arrived. Looked. Blinked. And walked around it to sit under his tree. Vitani’s eye twitched. “Are you kidding me?” Shabaha bit her lip, trying not to laugh. “He’s like… a polite rock.”    “Maybe he thinks it’s a trap,” Imara offered. “Or just likes the performance,” Tazama added.

Day Thirteen.                                       Simba and Nala returned—this time with Timon and Pumbaa in tow. The meerkat and warthog launched into chaotic storytelling, shouting over each other about “Hakuna Matata” and the real meaning of “no worries.”Jitu sat still as ever. Then, just barely, the corner of his mouth tugged upward. From the bushes, the Guard gasped. “Did he… smile?” Kasi whispered. Vitani growled. “This is ridiculous.”

Day Fifteen.                                                  It was time for a final stand. Vitani marched straight into the clearing. No bushes. No stealth. No filters. “Jitu,” she said, breath sharp. “You will talk to me. Right now. Because I am done chasing you. I am done being ignored. And I—” Jitu’s eyes met hers. Calm. Cold. Patient. Silence. Vitani’s chest heaved. Her voice wavered. “Jitu… please…” Nothing. From behind her, Kovu’s voice rang out. “Hey, Vitani! Having a heart-to-heart with your best friend?”                                            “Not now, Kovu,” she growled through clenched teeth. Kovu sauntered in. “Just be friendly. Like me.” Jitu looked at Kovu—and nodded. Vitani’s jaw dropped. “He nodded.” Kovu beamed. “Of course he did. I’m his favorite.” Vitani ground her teeth. “I will figure you out, Jitu. I swear it.” Jitu’s gaze returned to her. Calm. Steady. And just for a heartbeat… amused. Then, as always, he turned away, his eyes returning to the mist. Unmoved. Unbothered. Unforgettable.