A Grandmother's Relief

Written by: Caldafox
== Story ==
Everyone in Simba's pride was overjoyed when Simba and Nala's son, Kopa, was born. But Sarabi was especially proud. She soon loved being a grandmother. Her and Kopa often told each other stories: Sarabi told him what life was like during Simba's cubhood and how they defeated Scar, while Kopa talked to his grandmother for hours about his day. And Sarabi loved every minute of it.
When his parents didn't understand his grumpiness, or when he had an argument with his friends, Kopa would come to Sarabi for comfort, and she would make him feel better. She would explain to him that his parents were so protective of him because they loved him and wanted him to be safe. She taught him how to respect others and make his parents happy on a bad day.
Kopa loved his grandmother Sarabi and grandmother Sarafina. They were his special friends who would never play rough, never say something that would hurt his feelings, and never tell on him for something he didn't mean to say. 
But when his parents rejected his friend Asante, just because she was a hyena, Kopa had never felt so torn. He didn't come to either of his grandmothers for comfort, which concerned them. Clearly, he wanted some alone time - but it would last longer than he intended.
That evening, Kopa ran off to an unknown destination. The 7 1/2-month-old cub decided he never wanted to see his parents again. He'd had enough of their overprotectiveness, even if Sarabi had explained it to him gently many times.
When the pride found out the next day, utter sadness crept in very quickly. Search parties panned out, but they could only go so far in a day, and by the end of the week, Kopa was long gone.
Sarabi was horrified. What could she have done better to stop Kopa from running off? Had her talks with him prepared him enough for the real world? How would he find his way back if he wanted to return? While she comforted Kopa's distraught parents, Sarabi herself was dealing with immense pain and sadness. She'd lost Mufasa, and now Kopa was gone too soon also...
But Kopa was alive. He lived as a rogue for many years before he decided to come back to his beloved family again. He'd had enough of life without them.
Of course, everyone was overjoyed when Kopa returned. He had a lot to catch up on, siblings to meet, friends to reunite with. But one thing was on his heart all the first week he was back.
"Dad..." Kopa asked his father one day. "There's someone I need to speak with. Is grandmother Sarabi..."
"Yes, son." Simba replied. "Sarabi is still alive. And so is Sarafina. You'll find Sarabi behind Pride Rock."
Kopa and Sarafina embraced for a long time at the entrance of Pride Rock's cave. "I missed you so much," Sarafina told him. "I missed you too." Kopa smiled, so glad to be in her company again. 
Sarafina smiled back. "I'm sure Sarabi will be just as glad to see you."
Kopa padded to the shady area behind Pride Rock. Many lionesses used to hang out back here, but now only one basked in the sun rays.
"I'm here now, Grandmother." Kopa broke the silence, his lips curving upward. His eyes flooded with sympathy.
Sarabi felt her face heat up. She turned around in utter disbelief. There stood an adult male lion who greatly resembled Kopa.
It can't be.... Sarabi thought. But then the lion smiled again... she would know that smile anywhere. The same smile that greeted her when a certain innocent lion cub bounded up to her happily.
Her eyes welled with gratitude and relief, and she managed to smile in the midst of her greatest shock. Kopa padded up to her gently. 
"Kopa, you're alive..." Sarabi said. "I am, Grandmother. I made it. But I came back. I couldn't stand the thought of being away from my family anymore. And I never forgot about all that you taught me." Kopa answered.
He proceeded to nuzzle her, and she nuzzled back. They embraced sweetly in rays of golden sunlight, grateful to have each other back.
Truly, a grandmother's relief.
Another great thing happened after Kopa returned. He was soon in love. His heart had been stolen by Vitani, a fierce lioness who was the leader of the new Lion Guard. Slowly but surely, she fell for him too.
They went together to tell Sarabi the great news of their engagement and upcoming wedding. As when Kopa had first reunited with her, Sarabi was distanced from the other lionesses. These days she preferred the company of her closest friends and relatives.
"Grandmother, good afternoon." Kopa smiled, as he approached Sarabi. "I have some good news for you."
"What is it, dear?" Sarabi asked. Then she noticed the lioness standing next to Kopa, grinning.
"I see," Sarabi smiled, her heart beating with pleasure. She padded up to them. "So, you're the lioness who has stolen my first grandson's heart?" She raised an eyebrow, but was still smiling.
"Yes I am," Vitani replied. "It's an honor to meet you after all this time. Kopa has told me nothing but great things about you."
Kopa smiled at his beloved grandmother. "Thank you. I hope you two have a wonderful life together." Sarabi replied.
"We're to be married at the Tree of Life," Kopa told her. "Do you feel up to making the journey? I'd love to have you at my wedding."
"Don't you worry, Kopa. I still have much strength stored up from my younger years. I will gladly come," Sarabi told him.
"Thank you so much," Kopa said, his face brightening. "You'll be the most esteemed guest there."
Sarabi smiled. "I have so much gratitude for you, Kopa." She shared a nuzzle with her grandson, while Vitani watched and smiled.
The wedding up being one of the most beautiful and extravagant many pride members had ever seen.
Sarabi cherished every moment she had with her beloved grandson.
THE END.
Category:Fanfiction
Category:Caldafox
Category:Caldafox's Fanfics