Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Frost and the Fruit

The sun poured golden warmth over the savanna, casting long shadows across Pride Rock. The breeze stirred the tall grass gently, and the air was filled with the scents of wildflowers and the distant chatter of birds. Mid-morning peace had settled in—but Kiara shattered it with her arrival, bounding up the slope like a lioness on fire. Her golden fur glowed, her breath came in quick bursts, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of joy and urgency. Below the shaded outcrop, Kovu lounged with Vitani and her Lion Guard, all deep in conversation. "Whoa," Kovu said, rising to his paws. "Someone’s got news." Vitani narrowed her amber eyes. "You look like you swallowed the sun. "Kiara laughed, unable to hold still. "I have to tell you something—no, I need to tell you something. It’s Jitu." Everyone perked up. "Did he finally speak again?" Kovu asked."Not exactly," Kiara said, breathless. "But… it was magic. He did something… incredible." Shabaha tilted her head. "Magic? Like a trick?"

"No," Kiara said softly, her paw pressing gently to her rounded belly. "A blessing."Vitani stepped closer. "A blessing?"Kiara nodded. "Last night… he drew a glowing rune on me. Rafiki said it’s ancient—a symbol of protection, of health. For the cub."Kovu’s eyes widened. "He… blessed our cub?"                      "Without a word," Kiara said, her voice thick with emotion. "Just… touched me with his paw. And there it was." Even Vitani was momentarily speechless. "I never thought he’d do something like that," Kiara whispered. Kovu stepped beside her, awed. "He didn’t just care. He… chose to show it."                                                        "He’s a frosty, giant softy," Shabaha said with a grin. "And he says so much without ever opening his mouth," Tazama added. Vitani smiled faintly. "He’s still impossible… but I think I’m starting to get it." Kiara’s gaze turned toward the forest in the distance. "I want to thank him. Not just for me… for all of us."

Misty Forest – Morning.                     The mist rolled through the forest, silver and slow, wrapping the trees in silence. Simba, Nala, Kovu, Kiara, Vitani, and the Lion Guard made their way carefully beneath the high, twisted branches. "He’s always near the ancient tree," Vitani muttered, scanning the fog. "Maybe he’s out for a walk," Kovu suggested. "He’s got legs."                                               "Yeah," Kiara murmured. "But I really want to see him. I need to. "They searched. 

—The Riverbank—                       Tazama spotted a shadow, but it turned out to be a boulder. Shabaha snorted. "Maybe he is a rock."             —The Misty Hill—                            From the top of the hill, Kiara called out. "Jitu?" Only mist answered.          —The Cave—                                   "Jitu?" Vitani’s voice echoed. Then bats erupted, flapping around their heads. "Not Jitu," Imara muttered.                  —The Tall Grass—                           "Jitu!" Kovu shouted. "We’re not leaving until you show yourself!" Still nothing.                                                   —The Ancient Tree—                      They stood at Jitu’s usual spot. Empty. Shabaha groaned. "He's a ghost. A big, frosty ghost."                                    "Let’s try one more place," Kiara said. "He has to be out here somewhere."

Sunlit Clearing – Midday.                   The mist opened onto a golden clearing, sunlight pouring across the grass. And there, beneath a wide tree, sat Jitu. But he was… eating. A massive, bright red fruit was clutched in his huge paws. Juice dripped down his chin, streaking his frosted mane. Bits of pulp clung to his fur. His face, as always, was unreadable—calm, serene. But his appearance? Hilariously unmajestic. "There he is!" Kiara gasped with laughter. "Oh no…" Kovu wheezed. "Not again!" Vitani’s eyes went wide. "He’s been right here… eating?" Simba chuckled. "The misty mountain munchies." Jitu blinked slowly at them, licked a sticky paw, and took another massive bite of fruit, the sound squelching in the quiet. "We’ve been searching everywhere," Kiara said, stepping forward, still laughing. "I came to thank you!" Jitu didn’t answer. He just watched her. Kovu leaned on Vitani. "I can’t. I cannot. Just, look at him."     "Yet somehow," Vitani muttered, "still manages to look cool." Kiara stood tall. "Thank you, Jitu. For your blessing. For my cub." Jitu said nothing. But his gaze lingered. Softened."Yeah, yeah," Shabaha said. "He’s not one for speeches."                                         "No," Simba said with a knowing smile. "But when he acts, you never forget it." Jitu finished his fruit, settled into the grass beneath the tree, and closed his eyes. A faint breeze stirred the grass. Kiara beamed. "We love you, big guy. Even if you’re covered in juice." Jitu didn’t reply. But in the warm clearing, with sun on his fur and friends around him, he didn’t need to. He was exactly where he belonged.