The Lion King: Generation Next

by KiarasMate

This is my second Fan Fic I wrote. I highly suggest you read my first Fan Fic "The Lion King: The Untold Story" before reading this one, as it has ties to it. This fan fic is about Kiara & Kovu's cubs, the hardships in life as well as the bonds of friends

1. Part 1: Chapters 1 12

The Lion King: Generation Next

The Lion King: Generation Next

Original Fan Fiction By: KiarasMate

This story is my take on what happens next in The Lion King series. It follows the lives of Kiara and Kovu, as they raise their cubs and face new challenges both physically and emotionally. As always, I'd like to state that all characters, excluding the ones I've created, are property of Disney and the events and views expressed in this story do not reflect those of Disney in any way, shape or form. This story is meant to be for entertainment purposes only. Reader, please take note. Some chapters in this story will contain material that some may deem inappropriate. I will clearly mark said chapters with a warning before them so please use discretion when reading.

Chapter 1

As the sun beat down upon the majestic African Savanna, an all too familiar scene was taking place. It was a glorious day. The weather was perfect, the skies were clear and all the creatures in the Pride Lands were in high spirits. Today was the celebration to welcome Queen Kiara's and King Kovu's newborn cubs. The area around Pride Rock was a mix of action and anticipation as every animal positioned themselves to get the best view of the forthcoming event.

High above the crowd of eager animals stood King Kovu and his mate Queen Kiara. They both stood proudly on the ledge of Pride Rock, looking down upon the many faces of the Pridelanders who watched them with awe-struck eyes.

"Wow, there sure are a lot of free meals sitting down there, just waiting to be picked." Kovu said jokingly.

Kiara laughed and turned her attention to her mate.

"This is the celebration of our cubs and the first thing you think of is eating our guests?" she said as she walked closer to him and began nuzzling him affectionately.

Kovu smiled at his mate's warm advances and replied.

"Just trying to keep myself from losing it here. I'm so nervous, that my stomach must be talking for me."

Kiara grinned at him.

"Why are you nervous? This should be a happy day for you. Our cub's introduction to the entire Pride Lands. Nothing to be nervous about there right?"

They both laughed and continued to nuzzle one another.

"Hey now you two," A shrill distinct voice interrupted the two lions embrace. "You already have two cubs, slow down a bit will ya."

The two lions both turned their heads to see Timon and Pumbaa, who where making their way towards the happy couple.

"Haha, Hey Timon, hello Pumbaa." Kiara said to the meerkat and warthog that now joined them.

Timon and Pumbaa gave a quick bow to the lions in front of them before speaking.

"We found Simba and Nala as you requested Kiara, and told them that the ceremony was almost ready to get underway." Said Pumbaa.

"And we found Vitani for you King Kovu, and told her the same thing." Timon said.

"Thanks guys," Kiara said. "Now all we do is wait for Rafiki"

Timon cringed.

"Oh geez, not the monkey. I sure hope he doesn't say anything. I'm too tired to think right now." Timon said in an exasperated tone.

Kovu cracked a laugh but quickly composed himself after seeing his mate's rather stern look aimed towards him.

The four sat talking amongst themselves for a bit until Kiara's eyes locked onto the three figures that were heading her way.

Kiara rose to her feet and started bounding towards the oncoming icons.

"Daddy, Mom, Vitani," Kiara said overjoyed.

Hearing this, Kovu, Timon and Pumbaa stood and started to make their way towards where Kiara was heading.

Kiara nuzzled her mother and father warmly as Kovu and company arrived.

"Good afternoon Simba, Nala. Hey Vitani. How are you?" Kovu said.

"Good afternoon Kiara, Afternoon Kovu" Simba said. He was getting on in years but still held his astute appearance even after all his years of life.

"Good afternoon Kiara. Good afternoon Kovu. I hope you two are doing okay on this joyful day?" Nala said. She, herself, was also getting on in years but her features remained as elegant as they were even years ago.

Vitani performed a bow to both Kiara and Kovu before saying anything.

"Congratulations Queen Kiara and you too Kovu." She grinned at Kovu. "You've come a long ways since the days when I used to beat you in fights when we were cubs."

Kovu chuckled as his face showed signs of embarrassment.

"Thanks Vitani. I'm glad you're here to make my day even better." He said.

The group laughed and then made their way back to where Kovu and Kiara had been standing earlier. There, they all waited for the arrival of Rafiki.

"Mom, Vitani," Kiara spoke, "Let's go check on the cubs."

Both Vitani and Nala nodded to Kiara and the three lionesses made their way to the cave in heart of Pride Rock.

Timon, Pumbaa, Kovu and Simba watched the females walk out of sight, then resumed their chatter.

"So, it's gonna be nice having grand-cubs around aye Simba?" Kovu said.

Simba nodded to Kovu with a smile on his face.

"It sure will. I miss the days when Kiara was a cub. You have some exciting years ahead of you Kovu." He said.

Kovu nodded to Simba.

"I just hope I can be just as good of a father to my cubs as Kiara said you were to her."

Simba smiled warmly at Kovu.

"You'll do great. I know it. You have Nala and myself to help you and to give you advice if need be and you always have Timon and Pumbaa to act as babysitters.

Upon hearing this, Timon chimed in.

"Sheesh, we always get stuck with the hard work and they take all the credit. I tell ya Pumbaa."

Pumbaa nodded to his miniature sized friend.

"Yeah, what kind of creature does that sort of thing?"

Timon spoke.

"My point exactly there big boy."

Just then, Simba noticed a familiar figure in the distance.

"Ahh. Looks like Rafiki is almost here. Let's go get the lionesses." He said and with that, the four set out in the direction of the cave where the lionesses had gone.

When the wise old baboon reached the site of Pride Rock, he greeted everyone with hugs and bows. He then turned his attention to Kiara and Kovu.

"Are we ready to start the ceremony?" he asked the couple.

Both Kiara and Kovu nodded to Rafiki and with that, the Celebration was underway. The sight of Rafiki standing at the edge of Pride Rock brought a hush over the crowd of animals that blanketed the savanna floor. All of them watched as both Queen Kiara and King Kovu took their places, one on each side of Rafiki. Gently held in the mouths of both Nala and Vitani hung two young, sleepy-faced cubs. On Rafiki's signal, Nala was the first to approach and handed the half conscious cub over to Rafiki. After taking the young cub securely in his hands, Rafiki made his way to the edge of Pride Rock. He spoke in a loud but gentle voice as not to startle the young lion in his possession.

"I present to you all, Prince Moran!"

Rafiki held the cub high above his head for all to see. The animals of the savanna all bowed their heads in a show of respect for their future King. A beam of light pierced its way through the sky and made its way down to where Rafiki was positioned. The young cub stared blankly at the light that now surrounded him. Rafiki smiled and lowered the cub. He then handed the cub over to its waiting parents who now took a moment to fuss over their kin.

Rafiki then motioned for Vitani to come forward so that he could present the other cub. Vitani delivered the young cub to Rafiki and then returned to where she was sitting. Rafiki smiled as the young cubs face peered up at him. He made his way to the edge of Pride Rock once more.

"I now present to you, Ms. Malkia, Queen Kiara's and King Kovu's other kin." He said in the same tone of voice.

Again, the animals all bowed in respect to the cub on display. As Rafiki was raising the young cub towards the heavens, a crackle of thunder sounded in the distance and a single rain drop fell upon the head of the sleepy cub. The cub shook it off in an irritated manner as she looked up towards where the water had so rudely attached itself to her.

"Hmm." Rafiki said. "Looks like the weather is going to end this a bit early."

Everyone behind him nodded.

"Gee, the monkey's so wise but he couldn't see this storm coming." Timon whispered to Kovu. They both laughed quietly to themselves.

After they all had said their goodbyes to one another, Kovu and Kiara made their way into the cave of Pride Rock, each carrying a cub. They settled down in the middle of the cave as the rains began to fall outside. As the animals left the scene of Pride Rock, a new chapter had begun in the lives of Kiara and Kovu. A new circle of life was underway.

Chapter 2

Several months passed and the two cubs began to grow and mature. They spent their days playing together, under the watchful eyes of their parents. They regularly received visits from Simba, Nala, Vitani as well as Timon and Pumbaa. Malkia was more outgoing when it came to the two cubs. She was always energetic and full of playfulness. Moran was a bit calmer than his sister but he too enjoyed playing with his sister. During the daytime, the two cubs would play in the cave of Pride Rock. Kiara, who was normally a part of the Hunting Party, now spent her days watching her offspring play together. She was a proud parent if there ever was one. She held her cubs in the highest regards and talked about their daily actions to anyone who would listen. Every night, Kovu, Kiara and their cubs would spend some bonding time together. This was the cub's favorite time of day. Being with both their parents and hearing the many adventures they had endured was always the highlight of their day. Kovu and Kiara often would tell them about the story of Zira and the fight for the Pride Lands. Malkia especially liked this story and always seemed wide-eyed with wonder whenever she heard it. Whenever the cubs were left in the care of Simba and Nala, they would be treated to the story of Scar and the events passed. Moran liked these stories best and always listened contently to every word that was uttered during them. Both cubs lived picture-perfect lives. With two loving parents and never a shortage of affectionate care givers on tap to lend a helpful paw when need be, everything seemed to be going great in their lives.

"Wake up Moran!" Malkia said as she roughly nudged her slumbering brother. "Mother promised us a surprise today. Don't you remember? Come on! Wake up!"

Moran's eyes opened slightly as he sleepily looked at his excited sister. He yawned.

"Geez Mal, Can't I even sleep in one day without you waking me up?"

Malkia looked at her brother with a cross expression.

"If I let you sleep in, you'd probably NEVER wake up."

Moran laughed as he stood to his feet and stretched his tired limbs.

"So what do you think the surprise is Moran?" Malkia asked in anticipation. "It better not be another day with Timon and Pumbaa!"

Moran continued to stretch as he replied.

"Ahh, come on, those two are funny. You know you have fun when their around."

Malkia shrugged.

"I guess but it has to be something different today. I can't wait to see what it is."

Moran nodded to his sister in agreement. Just as he did so, Kiara walked into the cave where the two cubs were positioned.

"Good morning Malkia. Good morning Moran." She said as she lovingly licked each of her cubs. "Did you two sleep ok?"

"Morning Mama." Malkia said in a cheery tone. "I slept great, aside from Moran's snoring."

Moran frowned.

"Good morning Mother, and I don't snore that loud Mal. You're one to talk, with your teeth grinding. I wake up in the middle of the night and think someone's trying to chew off my leg."

Kiara laughed.

"Now now you two. Let's not fight. Today is an exciting day for the both of you."

Both Malkia's and Moran's faces lit up.

"Ohh, our surprise!" Malkia exclaimed.

"What is it? What is it Mother?" Moran asked.

Kiara smiled at her cub's enthusiasm.

"Well, today, you two are gonna have someone new to play with."

Malkia and Moran paused momentarily, not quite sure what to make of what they just heard.

"Hmm. As long as it's not Timon and Pumbaa, I'll be happy Mama." Malkia said.

Kiara burst out laughing at her cub's remark.

"Haha, Oh Malkia." She said to her cub as she nuzzled her lovingly. "We'll go meet your new playmate in a little while, but first, it's time for your baths."

Both the cubs cringed at hearing this.

After the two cubs were clean, Kiara led them out of the cave and down Pride Rock. She led them to a grassy spot of the Pride Lands. The two cubs trotted behind their mother, both eager to meet this new creature.

"Good morning Vitani." Kiara said as they arrived at the designated spot.

"Good morning Kiara, How are you today?" asked Vitani as she stood to her feet.

"Great. Thanks for asking." Kiara said and then turned her attention to the young cub placed at Vitani's side. "And how are you doing today little Kikay?" Kiara asked the young cub in a motherly tone.

The young cub looked up at Kiara and smiled.

"Hello Queen Kiara. I'm okay." She said in a small voice.

Vitani coughed slightly and nudged the young cub.

"Oh." Kikay said, as she performed a small bow to Kiara.

Kiara smiled at the young cub and to Vitani.

"So polite. Thank you very much Kikay."

The two cubs, which were normally quite open to new things, hid behind their mother's hindquarters. Kiara turned her head and motioned for her two cubs to come out of hiding.

"Come on you two. No time for being shy now. This is Kikay, Vitani's cub. Say hello."

The two cubs slowly made their way to the front of their mother. Moran was the first to approach the new cub.

"H..Hi, my name's Moran. It's nice to meet you Kikay." He said in a slightly timid voice.

Kikay smiled at him warmly.

"Hi there. It's nice to meet you too Moran."

Seeing her brother approach the new cub gave Malkia enough courage to do the same. She trotted up to the new face.

"I'm Malkia, Moran's brother." She said in a proud tone.

Kikay smiled at Malkia.

"It's nice to meet you as well Malkia."

While the three cubs looked each other over, Kiara sat beside Vitani and spoke.

"Well, looks like they're getting along ok."

Vitani nodded.

"Yeah, that's good. I'm glad. I wasn't too sure how they'd take to each other. You know, Malkia and Kikay that is."

Kiara looked a little puzzled by Vitani's comment.

"What exactly do you mean Vitani?" she asked.

Vitani shrugged.

"Well you know, given the fact that Kikay is going to be future queen of Pride Rock and all, I wasn't sure how well they would get along."

Kiara sighed softly.

"We haven't yet talked to Malkia about that subject yet Vitani. Kovu and I feel as if she is too young to truly understand the situation."

"Oh come now Kiara," Vitani said. "I'm sure your cubs are just as smart as you are so why not tell them the truth?"

Kiara looked down at the ground, lost in thought.

"I know one day we'll have to explain everything to the cubs but I just don't think now is the time."

Vitani saw the reaction her words had caused and quickly changed her tone.

"Ahh let's forget about that for now. It's gonna be great having you back on the Hunting Party Kiara."

Kiara looked up at Vitani and smiled.

"Thanks, I can't wait to be back. It'll be a nice change of pace for me, not that the past several months have been dull by any means."

Vitani laughed.

"I know what you mean, I only have one cub and I'm always drained by the end of the day. I can't imagine having twice the load. So when are those two babysitters supposed to be here?"

Kiara shrugged.

"Well, when it comes to Timon and Pumbaa, you never know. They should be here soon though."

The two lionesses continued to converse for a bit before Pumbaa and Timon showed up.

"Good morning ladies." Timon said, as he and Pumbaa joined the small group of lions and cubs.

Vitani laughed.

"Better late than never I suppose"

Pumbaa looked at Timon.

"See, I told you we shouldn't have stopped for breakfast Timon. We're late."

Timon scowled at his rotund friend's words.

"Sheesh Pumbaa, you know what they say. The early bird may get the worm but never babysit on an empty stomach."

Pumbaa stared at his friend confused.

"Uhh. Who said that Timon?"

Timon quickly answered.

"Meh, it's not important. Now, don't worry ladies, your cubs are in expert paws now."

Both lionesses looked at the odd pair, neither with a very convinced look on their face. Nevertheless, they said their goodbyes to their respective cubs and after a quick loving nuzzle and lick session, they made their way off to join up with the Hunting Party.

Pumbaa watched the two lionesses walk out of sight before turning to Timon.

"Gee Timon, did it ever dawn upon you that we always get stuck doing the babysitting around here and with our track record being not so well, perfect."

Timon quickly cut his friend off.

"Pumbaa, Don't think, it doesn't suit you very well, just take this as an opportunity to redeem ourselves as well as a chance to spread the word of our motto."

Pumbaa looked over at his friend bewildered.

"So what is our motto now Timon? Hakuna Matata? When the going gets tough, the tough get going?"

Timon thought for a second, then said.

"Hakuna Matata. The original is always the best." And with that being said, the two turned their attention to the task at paw.

Chapter 3

The three cubs sat together, still not quite sure what to make of one another. Malkia and Moran were used to playing amongst themselves so they were unsure of what to do.

"So," Kikay said nervously. "What do you two wanna do?"

Malkia shrugged.

"Well, me and my brother normally play tag or hide and seek or follow the lion. Have you ever played any of those games?" she asked.

Kikay's face lit up.

"I love tag." She said excitedly. "I play that game with my mom."

Moran smiled.

"So, shall we play a game of tag then?"

Malkia looked hesitant for a moment. She wasn't used to playing with anyone other than her brother.

"I guess." She managed to say.

"Great!" Kikay exclaimed, "I'll start! Tag, you're it Moran!"

She playfully stuck Moran with her paw and dashed off in the grass.

Moran began laughing as he said.

"Hey, I wasn't ready. Come back." and bounded after her.

Malkia sighed to herself and started to chase after her brother.

Timon and Pumbaa watched the cubs playing, as they took refuge in the shade of a nearby tree.

"Ahh, to be young again Pumbaa" Timon said. "Just look at them. Not a care in the world. They're the true picture of Hakuna Matata."

"You betcha Timon" Pumbaa said. "It's good to be young."

"Yeah…Well, I'm beat, Time for a nap." Timon said as he made himself comfortable by the side of the tree they were under.

"Uhh, Timon, I thought we were supposed to be watching the cubs? Remember about redeeming ourselves?" Pumbaa said.

"Ok Pumbaa" Timon said as he yawned and closed his eyes. "You start redeeming us and I'll catch up in a few."

"Oh, Okay buddy of mine." Pumbaa said to his already snoozing friend.

"Gotcha!" Moran said as he tagged Kikay with his paw.

Kikay laughed as she stopped to catch her breath.

"Haha. So you did" she said. "Hmm. Where's your sister?"

Panting, Moran looked back the way they had come and spotted Malkia making her way to where he and Kikay were now sitting.

"Here she comes. Hey Mal, hurry it up slow poke."

Malkia made her way casually to the other two cubs.

"Geez, I'm coming." She said in an irritated voice. "So who's it now?"

Kikay smiled as she inched her way towards Malkia.

"You are, now!" she said as she tagged Malkia on her side.

Both Moran and Kikay burst out laughing as they ran off back the way they had previously came.

Malkia scowled.

"Great." She said in a less than enthusiastic tone. "This is so much fun, not!" She began to pursue the fleeing cubs. She was starting to feel quite jealous of Kikay. She used to be the only one her brother played with and now, this new cub was here and it seemed to her that Moran was more interested in playing with her than with his own sister.

Malkia spotted the two cubs sitting together ahead of her. She darted up to them. Moran turned to his sister.

"Gosh Mal, you're usually better at tag than I am. Are you feeling ok?"

Malkia quickly caught her breath and replied.

"Well, I, Uh, was going easy for Kikay's sake. I didn't want to make her feel bad if I tagged her back you know."

Kikay smiled at Malkia upon hearing those words.

"Aww Malkia, you're so nice but it's okay. You don't have to hold back on my behalf."

Malkia nodded slightly to Kikay but then turned her gaze back to her brother.

"Come on Moran, tag is boring now, let's play fight and pretend we're in the battle for the Pride Lands." She said. "I'll be Zira and you can be Simba."

Moran looked excited at the suggestion but then looked at Kikay.

"What about Kikay?" he said as he turned to look at the young cub. "Do you want to play with us?"

Malkia frowned.

"I don't think she knows the story of the battle for the Pride Lands like we do Moran."

"Actually, I kinda do" Kikay chimed in. "My mother told me the story of how she used to be on Zira's side but how she realized which the side of good was."

Moran nodded to Kikay.

"Yeah, I remember my mom mentioned that too." He turned to his sister. "Maybe Kikay can pretend to be her mom, Vitani?"

Kikay looked eager.

"That'd be fun!" she said as she readied herself in a playful fighting stance.

Malkia didn't look convinced.

"I don't know Moran. That would make it 2 on 1 and that's not fair."

Moran grinned.

"Fair? That never stopped you before Mal. Remember all the times you jumped on me when I wasn't looking."

"Yeah, come on Mal," Kikay said as she playfully pounced on Moran. "We can take him together!"

"Forget it." Malkia said as she started to make her way from the other two cubs. "I don't want to play that anymore and the name is Malkia, KIKAY!" She disappeared out of sight from the two cubs.

Kikay let go of Moran and sat on the ground, confused.

"Did I do something to upset your sister Moran?"

Moran sat next to her before speaking.

"Don't worry about it. I don't think you did anything bad."

She looked up at him with a tear starting to form in her eyes.

"I didn't mean to do anything wrong." She said in a shaky voice.

"It's okay." Moran said comfortingly. "You didn't do anything. Come on, cheer up and let's play again."

Seeing the warm smile etched on Moran's face, Kikay dried her eyes with her paw and smiled slightly.

"Thanks Moran."

Malkia was lost in thought as she walked. She was mad that her brother's attention was on someone other than herself. She wished that they had never met Kikay and that things were the way they used to be before the young cub was introduced to them. She was so lost in thought that she wasn't paying any attention to where she was walking and bumped head first into the back of a lioness.

"What's this?" the lioness said as she felt the young cub crash into her backside. "Hey Cub, watch where you're going will ya!"

Malkia shook her head and recomposed herself.

"Oh, Um, I'm sorry, erm um."

"Geez," the lioness said roughly. "You have trouble speaking as well as walking?"

"I'm sorry. I was thinking of something and wasn't watching where I was going." Malkia said as she gave the lioness a small apologetic bow.

"I'll say," the lioness said "What exactly were you thinking about there….?" The lioness paused and waited for Malkia to fill in her name.

"Oh, My name is Malkia Ma'am."

The lioness laughed.

"Haha, you can call me Moja. I prefer that over Ma'am if you don't mind."

Malkia smiled.

"Ok, Moja, again I'm sorry for bumping into you."

Moja smiled at Malkia.

"It's ok Malkia. So what exactly was more important than looking where you were going?"

Malkia took a seat next to the lioness, who was now sprawled out on the grass.

"It's my brother."

Moja grinned at the young cub.

"Ahh. Family problems huh?"

Malkia sighed.

"Not really family. It's just me and my brother always used to play together and I liked it that way but today he's been to busy playing with a new cub, Kikay."

Moja lifted her head upon hearing the name.

"Do you mean Princess Kikay?"

Malkia looked at Moja with a dazed look on her face.

"Princess? Huh?"

Moja looked at the young cub.

"Yeah, Kikay, daughter of Vitani, future queen of Pride Rock. Your parents never told you about her?"

Malkia shook her head at Moja.

"Nope. Mom and Dad never told us about who would be future king and queen. Is she REALLY gonna be future queen?"

Moja nodded to the young cub.

"She sure is. I've met her once. She seems nice enough."

Malkia scowled.

"Yeah, seems."

Moja laughed at the cubs remark.

"Well it's a good thing you're not future king since it would seem that you don't care much for her."

Malkia looked slightly ashamed. She knew her parents had taught her not to be negative towards others.

"I don't hate her, it's just I wish she'd just leave me and my brother alone."

Moja laughed again as she put her head back down to the ground.

"Well. don't worry. Once she becomes queen, she'll be Moran's problem. You'll probably never see her again with your brother."

Malkia looked shocked.

"Moran? But how do you know my brother?"

Moja quickly sat up and stared at the cub.

"Huh? Who are your parents Malkia?" she asked.

"Kiara and Kovu." The young cub replied.

Moja jumped to her feet.

"Oh, um, excuse me Malkia." She stuttered out. "Forget what I said ok. I gotta go. It was nice meeting you." And with that, she ran off into the tall grass.

Malkia just stood there, with a befuddled look on her face. What did Moja mean by what she had said? She sat there, thinking for a bit until a voice brought her back to reality.

"Hey Mal. Where'd you go!"

It was Moran. He bounded up to his sister, who looked deep in thought.

"Oh, uh, Hey Moran, I um, got lost I guess."

Moran looked at his sister puzzled.

"You've been acting funny today Mal, are you alright?"

Malkia paused for a moment, then cleared her mind.

"Yeah, I'm fine now Moran."

Moran smiled at his sister.

"Good. Then let's get back to Timon and Pumbaa. I told them I would find you, since they seemed to be busy with other matters."

Malkia and Moran made their way back to where Timon, Pumbaa and Kikay were. They found the three sitting together under the same tree which Timon and Pumbaa had been at earlier.

"Oh, good you found her." Timon said with a sigh of relief.

"You shouldn't wander off like that Malkia," Pumbaa said to the cub. "You never know what could happen."

"I'm sorry Timon, Pumbaa, I didn't mean to worry you." Malkia said in an apologetic tone. She then turned to Kikay. "I'm sorry to you too Kikay for the way I acted to you. I guess I'm just not used to having other cubs around aside from Moran here."

Kikay smiled at Malkia.

"It's ok Malkia. I'm sorry for calling you Mal. That was rude of me. I'm just glad I didn't upset you."

With that being said, the three cubs played together for the rest of the day, under the close, yet not so observant watch of Timon and Pumbaa. Even as she played with her brother and Kikay, the words that Moja had spoken to her still lingered fresh in her mind.

Chapter 4

Kovu awoke and stretched. It was almost dawn and he was still tired. It had been a rough night for him and his family. He had come home to his daughter crying and his mate, doing her best to console the young cub. He had learned that she had asked her mother about who was going to be future queen and king of Pride Rock. The conversation still loomed in his mind.

"It's not fair Dad, why does Kikay get to be queen of Pride Rock? She's not even part of this family." Malkia had protested.

"That's just it Malkia." He had tried to explain to his emotional cub. "In order for a new generation to be possible, it takes two different families to create a new kingdom."

The young cub merely continued to cry as her parents did their best to comfort her.

After the young cub had cried herself to sleep, Kovu recalled the slight argument he and his mate had had.

"Why'd Vitani's cub have to mention this to Malkia?" Kiara asked him angrily.

"Calm down Kiara. How do you know it was Kikay that said anything? Did Malkia tell you it was her?"

Kiara looked at her mate irritated.

"Well no, but who else could it have been? I mean she was with Timon and Pumbaa the whole day and we've already talked to them about this subject on many occasions. They know not to speak of this matter in front of the cubs."

Kovu tried his best not to upset his mate even more so.

"I know, but you know Kikay. She's not the type who brags about anything. She's sweet and as selfless as a cub could be. I know Vitani would never…"

Kiara cut him short.

"Yes, go on, take the side of your Sister."

Kovu frowned.

"Come on Kiara, you know that's not fair and I'm just saying…"

She cut him off again before he could finish.

"Look, all I know is our daughter is heartbroken right now and there's really nothing we can do to change anything so forgive me if I'm upset."

Kovu had let her cool down for a while before joining her for sleep.

After giving his mate a quick lick on the muzzle, Kovu left his slumbering family, to attend to his daily routine. As king, it was his duty to patrol the borders of the Pride Lands and ensure the safety of his family, as well as the safety of his Pride. He was fortunate that Simba would often times join him on his rounds. He enjoyed the company and it made the day go by quicker. As he walked through the cool morning grass, his mind was still hard at work, thinking about last nights events. He made his way to where Simba and Nala now resided, a nice cave, not too far from Pride Rock. He peeked his head inside and spotted Simba sitting next to Nala, who still looked to be asleep.

"Psst. Simba." Kovu whispered.

Simba turned and noticed Kovu. He quietly walked over to him.

"Hey Kovu. You look like a mess. Did you sleep ok?"

Kovu chuckled quietly.

"Not really but it's not a big deal. Hey, I just wanted to ask if you wanted to go on Patrol with me? That is, if you're not busy and all."

Simba looked at Nala, who was snoring softly.

"Sure. I don't think Nala is going to wake up anytime soon. It seems the Hunting Party really wears her out lately. She's not as young as she used to be."

"Why doesn't she leave the Hunting Party then?" Kovu asked "I'm sure there are plenty of lionesses who would take her place."

Simba looked at Kovu and smiled.

"Trust me, I've told her that before but she insists on going. She says it's the thrill of the hunt that keeps her going. I just think she doesn't want to have to put up with me all day."

The two laughed as they slowly made their way into the heart of the Pride Lands, talking as they went along.

"So why didn't you sleep well last night?" Simba asked inquisitively.

Kovu sighed.

"Well, it's Malkia." He said.

Simba looked at him concerned.

"Is she alright?" he asked.

"Yeah, she's fine, health wise. Don't worry it's just that, well, she found out that she's not going to be queen of Pride Rock."

"Ohhh." Simba said. "How did she find that out?"

Kovu shrugged.

"I'm not too sure exactly. Kiara thinks it was Kikay who told her that but I don't think she would do something like that. At least, she wouldn't intend to hurt Malkia's feelings on purpose."

Simba nodded.

"I can't imagine how she must be feeling right now. I can see why you didn't get much sleep."

The two lions continued to walk the outskirts of the Pride Lands but were suddenly startled by a sudden commotion ahead of them. The two lions jolted towards the site of the noise. They both stopped in their track at the site that lay in front of them. It was a rather large male lion. He stood there panting as he faced, what looked like a male cheetah and a male leopard. Both Simba and Kovu were baffled. They were unsure of what exactly was happening. Then, without warning, the cheetah and leopard charged the single male lion. They clawed and bit him viciously. The male lion did his best to fend off the odd attackers but he had already been injured it appeared. Simba and Kovu still remained motionless, still not quite grasping what was happening. The male lion fought valiantly but the odds were not in his favor. Seeing the lion fall to the ground, snapped Kovu and Simba into action. They charged the cheetah and leopard. Seeing two big male lions heading full steam towards them, the cheetah and leopard bid a hasty retreat.

The two lions approached the male lion who lay on the ground, still breathing but too weak to move under his own strength. Kovu walked up and looked into the injured lion's eyes, which had a glazed look to them.

"Are you ok? Why were those two attacking you?"

The male tried to answer but was unable to produce anything of understanding. He lay on the ground, his wounds apparent.

"We can't leave him out here like this." Simba said to Kovu. "In this state, he's open to another attack by anything."

Kovu nodded.

"What should we do then?" He asked.

Simba thought for a moment.

"We don't know who this lion is or why those two were attacking him so we'd better not bring him too far into the Pride Lands." He thought for a moment again, then continued. "I know an empty cave, several miles from where Nala and I stay. We can keep him there for the time being until he gets well enough to give us some information but we best move quickly. It's still early out so we shouldn't draw a crowd. Lets go."

Under the strength of both Simba and Kovu, they moved the weakened creature to the cave Simba had mentioned. They set him down on the floor of the cave and prepared a more suitable spot to place him on. The whole time, the male lion barely stirred. After a make-shift bed was put together, the two lions hoisted the wounded lion onto it.

"Do you think he's gonna make it?" Kovu asked in an unsure tone to Simba.

"I'm not sure. His injuries look pretty bad but he doesn't appear to be in terrible physical shape so we'll see if he can pull through." Simba replied.

Simba turned to Kovu.

"Again, we don't know who this lion is or where he came from, so make sure that all the lionesses keep their distance from here and also tell them to watch their cubs closely. We're doing this to help a fellow lion, but we can't be too careful."

Kovu nodded to Simba in agreement.

Simba turned his attention back to the injured lion.

"I'll stay here and keep watch over him for now. Can you go tell Nala what has happened and where I am and then it'd probably be best for you to go inform the others of these events."

"On my way Simba." Kovu said as he turned and made his way out of the cave.

Simba continued to watch the male lion. He wondered to himself, did he really see what he thought he saw today? A male lion being attacked by a cheetah and a leopard? It made no sense to him. He noticed the injured lion move slightly so he walked up to him.

"Hey. You're safe now. The two creatures who attacked you are gone. We brought you to a safe place."

The male lion lifted his head ever so slightly and looked at Simba.

"Than….Thank you." He managed to say.

"It's no problem, but save your strength."

The weakened creature laid his head back down on the make shift bed and closed his eyes.

"May I ask your name?" Simba said in a low tone.

"My name is Tsavo." The lion replied in a weak voice.

"My name is Simba. Where did you come from?" Simba said.

There was no reply except for the quiet breathing that came from the now sleeping lion. Simba turned and walked to the front of the cave to take up a watchful post. He'd speak more to this new lion after he got some strength back but until then, he watched him carefully.

Chapter 5

A week went by, yet the Pride Lands were still abuzz about the news of the new-found lion. Both Simba and Kovu had informed the Pridelanders about the new arrival and had warned them to keep their distance until more was known about him. It was decided that Kiara and Nala would look after the injured lion during the day while Simba and Kovu were out doing Patrol. Since the Pride Lands were of questionable safety, Malkia, Moran and Kikay were left to entertain themselves in the cave amidst Pride Rock. As usual, Timon and Pumbaa were assigned the task of watching the cubs. Malkia still felt uneasy around Kikay. Her parents had done their best to install in their young cub's mind, that being the sister of the future king of Pride Rock was just as important as being future Queen. She loved Moran as a brother and always was by his side but she felt as if she was being betrayed. Watching her brother and Kikay play together each day slowly made her resent being his brother.

This day started out like the past days had. After Kovu had left to Patrol the Pride Lands and Kiara had gone to take care of the new lion Simba and Kovu had rescued, Moran, Malkia and Kikay were left with the company of Timon and Pumbaa. As usual, Moran and Kikay began to play together and talk amongst themselves. Malkia insisted on staying near the entrance of the cave, as far away from the two joyful cubs as she could get. She spent her days, sitting and thinking to herself. Today was no exception.

"Timon," Malkia said as she walked up to where he was laying. "I have to go."

There wasn't any response from the dozing meerkat. She poked him soundly with her paw.

"Timon, did you here me?" She said again.

Timon opened his eyes slightly and nodded to her.

"Mmm. Yeah, sure thing kid."

Malkia sighed and turned to make her way out of the cave. She walked down the side of Pride Rock into the grass below. She didn't really have to go, but she would often tell Timon that she did, just to escape from the constant scene of her brother playing with that cub! She walked to a clearing and settled down on the cool morning earth. A voice made its way into her ears.

"Well, if it isn't you again. Malkia right?"

Malkia rolled onto her side towards the sound of the voice. She recognized the distinct voice from a week ago.

"Moja? Is that you?" she asked.

Moja walked up to the sprawled out cub on the ground.

"Sure is cub. What brings you here? Shouldn't you be somewhere else?"

Malkia sat up.

"Who cares. I don't wanna be where I'm supposed to be."

Moja took a seat next to the young cub.

"Hmm. You still having problems with your brother?"

Malkia sighed and nodded.

"I wish I never would of found out about Kikay and how she is going to be future queen."

Moja looked to the ground in a guilty manner.

"Look Malkia, I'm sorry for telling you that stuff, I had no idea that you were Kovu's and Kiara's daughter. I wouldn't of said anything had I known that."

Malkia looked at Moja.

"It's ok Moja, it's not your fault. I'm sure my parents would have told me about it sooner or later or at least I hope they would of."

She sighed and laid back down on the ground.

"Moja," asked Malkia. "Have you ever felt like you don't belong where you are?"

Moja looked at Malkia puzzled.

"Hmm. I'm not following you."

Malkia paused and thought for a moment before continuing.

"I mean, have you ever felt like leaving where you are to find something better or someplace where you fit in?"

Moja looked interested in what the young cub had said.

"That's a good question there Malkia. I've actually felt that way though."

Malkia perked up.

"Really?" she asked.

Moja nodded.

"Do you wanna hear about it?"

Malkia nodded to Moja eagerly. Moja made herself more comfortable next to Malkia before starting her story.

"Has your mom ever told you the story about Zira and the battle for the Pride Lands?" she asked Malkia.

Malkia's face lit up.

"Yes! I love that story. It's my favorite story out of all the ones she's told me."

Moja smiled.

"Well, I used to be a part of her Pride, before your mom and dad took over."

Malkia looked excited.

"Wow! I bet that was exciting. Tell me more!"

Moja continued.

"Well, it was an interesting time for me. I followed Zira's orders without much thought. We lived in the Outlands, the lands next to here. It wasn't the most ideal place to live. We had little food and very little water. We were surrounded on either side by rival prides of lions. Your family's Pride, and another pride. The Lowlands Pride. We got into many fights with the Lowlands Pride during our time in the Outlands. Their leader must have been great because their forces where plentiful and experienced. We lost many lionesses to them. Anyways, back to the question at paw. During the battle for the Pride Lands, I served Zira without much thought, but during the last fight that the Outlanders and Pridelanders had, it was your mother, Kiara, who changed the way I thought about Zira and how she was running things. She said that there wasn't any difference between us. That we were all the same, that we were one. The words really touched me."

Malkia nodded.

"She's given me that speech many times as did my father."

Moja sighed.

"Well that's just it. Ever since then, I've felt like I don't really belong here among all the Pridelanders. Don't get me wrong, life is good now. There's no fighting, no tyranny and no conflict. Things are peaceful here but that may be the reason why I feel this way, like I don't fit in. Maybe I'm used to the everyday struggle for life in a pride that's constantly under siege ."

Malkia looked at Moja confused.

"You mean you're not happy here because everyone gets along with everyone else?"

Moja shook her head.

"No, that's not really it. I don't know if you can really understand what I mean, you being so young and all but you see Malkia, in other Prides, ones that aren't like the one you live in now, there are groups of lions, who's main jobs are to scout out new areas that maybe possible targets for the leader of that pride to take over. They're called Scouting Parties, as the name obviously seems fitting. I was a member of the Scouting Party under Zira's reign. I was one of the first lionesses to check out the Pride Lands and report to Zira."

Malkia fidgeted uneasily. Moja saw this and consoled the young cub.

"Don't worry Malkia, Those days are behind me. I'm no longer that type of lioness."

Hearing this, Malkia settled down again as Moja continued with her speech.

"After the battle for Pride Rock was over, I, along with all the other Outland lionesses, gladly fell under the rule of your parents. Like I said before, life is good here but I feel like I don't have a true place here in this pride. I'm no good for the Hunting Party because I'm not patient enough for that kind of thing. I'm nowhere near royalty so I'll probably never bare cubs here. I just feel so out of place. Kind of like you feel now I take it?"

Malkia nodded in agreement.

"Yeah. Ever since I've known Kikay will be Queen along side my brother, I've been feeling that way."

Hearing herself mention her brother, Malkia was reminded that she had told Timon that she was merely going out to answer the call of nature. She sat up abruptly.

"Ahh, I told my babysitter that I was just going out to, well, you know. I should probably get back before he starts worrying," even though in the back of her mind she knew that Timon probably forgot where she had said she was going.

Moja smiled and nodded to the young cub.

"Ok. It was nice talking to you again Malkia." She said.

Malkia returned her smile.

"Same to you Moja. Hey, Can we chat again tomorrow? It would mean I wouldn't have to be with my brother and Little Ms. Princess at least."

Moja laughed.

"Sure kid. I'll stop by here about this time tomorrow ok?"

Malkia nodded once more to Moja and then turned and made her way back up Pride Rock. She entered the cave to find Timon, now awake.

"And just where did you go?" he said to her in a stern voice.

Malkia scowled at her bite-sized babysitter.

"I told you. I had to go. Don't you remember?"

Timon scratched his head.

"Nope. Doesn't ring a bell."

Malkia sighed.

"It doesn't matter now. I'm back so you can go back to sleep."

Timon laughed.

"I don't sleep on the job missy. I'm responsible you know."

Malkia grinned to herself.

"Sure, whatever."

She made her way back to the entrance of the cave and laid in the warm light that curtained the opening of the cave. She rested her head on her front paws and closed her eyes. She fell asleep thinking about the story Moja had told her moments before.

Chapter 6

Kiara casually made her way towards where Kovu and Simba had stored the injured lion. This would be her first time watching over the weakened lion, as Nala had taken the first weeks duties. She was a little nervous at the prospects of watching over an unknown lion. As she walked, she remembered the first time she had met Kovu as a cub. She had bumped into him unexpectedly and was frightened. She remembered her father telling her about the Outlanders and how they couldn't be trusted. She had taken his advice and never let her guard down but in the end, Kovu turned out to be a caring, loving mate. Her mind continued to work as she reached the entrance to the cave, which Kovu had directed her to. She stood for a moment by the mouth of the cave, a bit hesitant on whether or not she should enter, or wait. As she was thinking this however, Nala poked her head out from the cave.

"Good morning Kiara." Nala said in a whispered tone. "I thought I heard you approaching."

Kiara smiled and nuzzled her mother affectionately.

"Good morning Mom. How's the lion doing today?"

Nala smiled back at her daughter.

"He's recovering nicely from his wounds. He's been able to talk fairly easily now but he's still too weak to move much."

Kiara's eyes looked sympathetic.

"Poor guy. So what should I do to help him?"

"Well, basically you just have to stand watch near the entrance of the cave. I've already brought him fresh water and some food, thanks to the Hunting Party, so you won't have to worry about fetching any of those things today. Just keep him company and try and make his recovery more pleasant." Nala said to her daughter.

Kiara nodded.

"Ok Mom, I'll do what I can."

Nala smiled at her daughter once more.

"I know you will and don't forget, I'm only a few miles away if you need anything or if something goes wrong. By the way, how are the cubs doing? Your father told me that Kovu informed him that Malkia knows she's not going to be future Queen of Pride Rock."

Kiara sighed dejectedly.

"Yeah. I don't know what to tell her Mom. How do you tell your own daughter that she's not going to be something that she's longed to be since she first learned of being a queen? I can't stand the fact that my daughter has to live with that."

Nala patted her daughter.

"I know Kiara, but she's gotta learn that not everything can go her way in life. It's a hard lesson to learn but best to learn it early rather than later on in life."

Kiara looked at her mother.

"You've been hanging out with Rafiki haven't you." She said.

Nala laughed.

"Now come on, I can give you good advice on my own and maybe, yes, I have been talking to him lately."

Kiara laughed alongside her mother.

"Well, I just hope she'll get over it soon Mom. I hate seeing her this way."

Nala nodded.

"I hope so to Kiara. Just give it some time. It will pass. Now, I'm going to head back to the den. Let me know if you need any help today ok?"

"Sure thing Mom." Kiara replied.

She watched her mother disappear into the long grass of the Pride Lands before turning, and entering the cave. She glanced around the area to get familiar with her surroundings. She spotted the sleeping figure of the male lion, who was neatly placed on a homely looking patch of earth. Next to him, was a pile of zebra meat as well as some water which was contained in a cleverly made makeshift container. She walked up to where the lion was positioned and sat down. She gave him a quick look over. She could see visible wounds from where he had been attacked. They were starting to heal but still looked very painful and unpleasant. He was rather large compared to any male lion she had ever seen. As she stared at him he began to move.

"Are you feeling alright? Is there anything I can do for you?" Kiara asked in a quiet soothing tone.

"Nala?" the lion asked in a weak but bold tone.

"No, Nala left for the day. I'm here to watch over you for now. My name is Kiara." She said.

The male lion shifted his body as best he could and looked up at the new voice he had just heard. His eyes met with her's. He was stunned. Her beautiful eyes gazed into his. Her golden fur seemed to glisten in the light that flooded through the cave. Her perfectly proportioned body was a sight to see.

Kiara felt his stare and she looked at the ground nervously. Seeing this, the male lion averted his eyes.

"I'm sorry Kiara, I didn't mean to stare, it's just, your looks are breathtaking."

Kiara blushed in embarrassment at this comment.

"Thank you..um.." She paused.

"Tsavo" the male lion replied. "Please call me Tsavo."

Kiara smiled.

"Thank you Tsavo."

Tsavo cracked a weak smile and then returned to his restful position.

"I mistook you for Nala when I heard you enter."

"Did you want me to get her instead?" she asked, unsure of herself.

"No, I didn't mean anything by that comment." Tsavo said quickly. "Please stay. It will be nice to have new company."

Kiara laughed slightly and nodded. She positioned herself where she could watch the entrance of the cave as well as Tsavo. There was silence for a short period of time. Kiara thought to herself that maybe Tsavo had fallen asleep until his voice spoke to her.

"I really am grateful to everyone here who's helped me thus far. I really appreciate all the care that Nala, Simba, and Kovu have given me."

Kiara smiled.

"You're welcome Tsavo. It was the right thing to do. So what happened to you if I may ask? My mate Kovu wasn't too clear on the details of the incident but he did mention a cheetah and a leopard?" she asked him.

Tsavo smiled.

"Ahh. So Kovu is your mate? He must be one happy lion."

Kiara giggled softly.

"For a lion in your condition, you still have the power to flatter a lioness."

Tsavo gave a weak laugh. He then thought for a moment about Kiara's previous inquiry.

"Well, I left my old pride because things got a little out of hand there." He paused again to think before continuing. "I have been wandering the lands, looking for a Pride to join. I had just entered this area, when out of nowhere, I was approached by a cheetah and leopard." He stopped for a moment and noticed the look of wonder that had formed on Kiara's face. "Trust me, I was just as confused by the situation as I'm sure you are now. I asked them if they needed anything but neither of them spoke. I then proceeded to be on my way when they blocked my path." Again, he paused for a brief period before resuming. "I then asked them if there was a problem and the leopard told me to leave these lands. I asked why and the cheetah told me that I didn't belong here. I didn't really understand why these two were making such a commotion over me being here but I thought better of it and turned to leave. As I did so, the leopard charged me."

Kiara listened intently as Tsavo continued his story.

"I felt the leopard strike me firmly with his paw and turned quickly on him. Normally I would be able to handle an attack by a lone leopard but it seemed that him and the cheetah were a unit of some sort. I tried my best to fend them off but received quite the beating as you can see now. I probably wouldn't have been here right now if it wasn't for your Mate Kovu and Simba showing up when they did."

Kiara looked puzzled.

"That's strange. I've rarely seen any cheetahs or leopards in the Pride Lands and the ones I have seen didn't appear to be ruthless in any way. " She thought about this more.

Tsavo nodded his head.

"Yes. I've never come across such an odd pairing in my days. I still don't know why they attacked me. I'm just glad it's over."

Kiara stood up and walked closer to Tsavo.

"Me too and I'm glad you're doing ok despite what you've been through."

Tsavo smiled warmly to Kiara.

"Thank you Kiara. Again, I'm eternally grateful and indebted to you and the others here. Now, I don't want to seem rude but I'm feeling a bit weak right now so I think I'm going to rest if you don't mind."

Kiara nodded.

"Of course Tsavo. I'll just be outside the cave. Please let me know if you need anything."

Tsavo acknowledged Kiara's request and fell soundly asleep.

A week passed and everyday, like clockwork, Kiara would go watch over Tsavo. She spent her days chatting with him about times passed. She learned of his old Pride and more so, why he left. The stories he told her reminded her of the stories her mother had told her about being under the rule of Scar and the Hyenas. She sympathized with Tsavo and grew attached to him, in a friendly sort of way. On this day, Kiara had noticed that Tsavo was out of water so she left him in the cave and set out to fetch some fresh water from the Watering Hole. Tsavo rested quietly in the cave and waited for her return.

"Hey Tsavo." A voice called to him quietly outside the cave. Tsavo sat up and looked into the bright light that blanketed the entrance. His eyes took a moment to adjust but when they did, they fell upon the sight of a cheetah. The cheetah cautiously looked about before approaching Tsavo.

"Wow, you don't look so good." The cheetah said and began to laugh quietly.

When the cheetah was in range, Tsavo growled and swiped his paw harshly at the cheetah's face. His pain, caused by his sudden movement quickly sent Tsavo to the ground.

"Rama, you IDIOT! What did I tell you when we went over this plan?" Tsavo said, still growling at the cheetah but also wincing in pain. "I told you to make the attack LOOK real, not to really beat me to an inch of my life!"

The cheetah nursed his newly injured face as he spoke.

"Sorry there Tsavo. I guess me and Nanaki really got carried away in the moment. Besides, it was fun watching you scream like a little cub." Rama said as he burst out laughing.

Tsavo snarled at the cheetah.

"Rama, you're lucky I can't move right now or I'd make those words your last."

Rama composed himself.

"Calm down there Tsavo. I'm just having a little fun with ya. So how's everything going?"

Tsavo shifted his body to a more comfortable stance.

"Well it seems to me that everyone here are a bunch of soft hearted push overs. I think this place will be easy to take over."

The cheetah paced excitedly.

"Great! I'm sure our leader will be thrilled to hear that news. Where did that lioness go who was in here earlier? Boy, I tell ya, she's a sight huh Tsavo?"

Tsavo grinned.

"You bet she is Rama. She went to get me some water so you'd be best not to stick around here much longer."

Rama noticed the look in Tsavo's eyes after mentioning the said lioness. He grinned.

"Well well, it looks like the Scouting Party leader of the Lowlands Pride has set his eyes on a prize."

Tsavo smiled at his friend's remark.

"Heh, you know me too well Rama but she has a mate here."

The cheetah burst out laughing again.

"That never stopped you before Tsavo."

Tsavo joined in the laughter.

"So true, but enough of this. You know what you need to do now. Go get Nanaki and return to the Lowlands. Tell, you know who, what has happened. I'd say in about a month, I'll be ready to move out with you two. At least if I don't milk these injuries anymore than I already have. Free food, water and a drop dead gorgeous lioness by my side to answer my every whim. This is what it must be like to be a King I tell ya Rama."

Rama scowled at his friend.

"Gee. Me and Nanaki are busting our tails running back and forth from the Lowlands to here and you're being waited on Paw and Foot. Where's the fairness in that?"

Tsavo scowled back at his friend.

"Ok. Let's change the roles then. I'll rip you to shreds, like you and Nanaki did to me, and then you can be in my spot? Sound fair." He ejected his claws and scratched several gashes into the earth.

Rama shook his head.

"As tempting as that offer is Tsavo, I'll have to pass."

"Good." Tsavo exclaimed. "Now go. Kiara will be back any moment now."

Rama began to laugh uncontrollably.

"Oh. You two are on a first name basis now! That's too rich. Be sure to invite me to the celebration of your first cub now!"

"Get out of here before I make you extinct!" Tsavo growled as he made a futile attempt to strike the cheetah. With a flash, Rama dashed out of the cave and was out of sight within seconds.

Tsavo raked the ground angrily as he lay back down. He was just about to close his eyes when another voice called out to him.

"Excuse me."

Kiara walked carefully back from the Water Hole with the makeshift container of fresh water, tightly gripped between her teeth. She walked back towards the cave where Tsavo resided, being careful not to spill any of the precious liquid on the way. She neared the cave entrance but paused momentarily. She spotted a lone lioness leaving the cave and was perplexed by what she was seeing. She then gathered herself and made her way into the cave.

"Tsavo. Are you ok?" she asked as she walked in.

Tsavo, upon spotting Kiara's return sat up.

"Yes, I'm ok. Why do you ask?" he said.

Kiara set the water down next to Tsavo's sleeping section before answering.

"I was just making sure. I saw a lioness leaving this cave as I was coming back. I just wanted to make sure there was no trouble."

Tsavo laughed.

"No, none at all. It was just a random lioness from here. She just wanted to see how I was doing. Everyone here is so friendly and caring, It must be a great place to live."

Kiara thought for a moment about this.

"Yeah it is. Do you know the name of the lioness who just left here?" she asked him out of curiosity.

Tsavo nodded to Kiara.

"Yeah, she told me her name was Moja. Why?"

Kiara shrugged.

"Just wondering is all. As long as you're ok, it's no big deal."

Tsavo smiled.

"Ok. Well now that you're back. Shall we continue the conversation we were having before you left?"

Kiara smiled and settled down near the entrance of the cave, still in sight of Tsavo.

"Sure." She said.

The two lions chatted as the day wore on. Watching Kiara listen to every word he said and being in her presents, Tsavo's emotions were starting to get to him. Deep down he wished he could have Kiara as his mate and that she didn't already have one. He wanted to be with her more than anything. Her looks drove him crazy and he wanted to express his love for her in the only way he knew how. But for now, he'd have to wait until the time was right. He'd have his way in the end.

Chapter 7

Kiara entered the cave at Pride Rock and found Kovu lying next to her two sleeping cubs. She walked quietly up to him, as not to disturb her slumbering kin, and nuzzled her mate lovingly. Kovu smiled at her.

"So, how did it go today?" he asked her in a low whisper.

Kiara returned her mate's smile and answered.

"It went fine. I was nervous about this week at the beginning but Tsavo seems like a decent lion."

Kovu nodded.

"Yeah, I haven't spoken to him much but he seems okay. So what did you do all day?"

Kiara took up a position along side her mate.

"The usual stuff, I got him water and brought some meat for him to eat. We chatted a bit and he rested most of the day."

Kovu looked interested.

"So what did you chat about?"

Kiara continued to nuzzle her mate while she spoke.

"He told me about stories of his old pride and why he had left. To be honest, the stories sounded sort of like the ones you've told me about, when you were with the Outlanders."

Kovu thought about this.

"Hmm. Have you learned anything else about him?" He asked.

Kiara yawned.

"Well, other than, he left his pride and he doesn't know where he's going, not really."

Kovu continued to think.

"You don't think he's going to stay here do you Kovu?" Kiara asked questionably.

"After what he was put through in the Pride Lands, I highly doubt that." Kovu said in response.

Kiara nodded.

"I still don't understand what happened. Even after hearing it from Tsavo, it just doesn't fit right to me." She said as she laid next to her mate's warm body.

Kovu agreed.

"Yeah, I still can't make anything of what he said either. Why would such an odd pair, a cheetah and a leopard, attack a lone male lion for no apparent reason?"

Kiara rested her head upon her front paws.

"Yeah, Oh, and another thing about today. As I was returning with Tsavo's water, I noticed a lioness leaving his cave. I asked him who she was and he told me her name was Moja."

Kiara paused briefly, as she heard Malkia moving in her sleep.

Kovu laughed quietly.

"Ahh Moja. She was the Scouting Party leader for my mother's pride. She's harmless."

Kiara looked a bit puzzled.

"Scouting Party?" She asked inquisitively.

Kovu nodded.

"Yeah. Your father's Pride never had one, but many other Prides do. It's a group of lions that are sent to find new areas to take over."

Kiara frowned.

"Well then, don't you think it's odd that she was in with Tsavo?"

Kovu shook his head.

"I knew her during my time with the Outlanders. She's just the type who likes to have a good time. I'm sure she was just checking him out. Nothing to worry over."

Kiara still didn't look convinced. Kovu nuzzled his mate affectionately.

"You look tired. Don't worry yourself over pointless things. Take some advice from Timon and Pumbaa. Hakuna Matata."

Kiara smiled as she closed her eyes. It wasn't long before the entire family were enveloped in sleeps gentle grip.

Malkia watched from the tall grass of the Pride Lands. The scene in front of her was terrifying. Two lionesses fiercely locked in combat. One had the other pinned to the ground. She could hear the pinned lioness begging and pleading for her life as the lioness looked down upon her with cold, uncaring eyes. Malkia wanted to run up and help the poor lioness, who was fighting for her life. She tried to move but was unable to. She tried to call out but not a sound escaped her lips. She could only watch as the dominant lioness sneered and raised her paw up in the air, claws fully extended. Malkia's eyes met with those of the petrified lioness on the ground as the other lioness's paw came crashing down upon the neck of the defenseless lioness. The scream she heard rattled every bone in her tiny body. She froze as she saw the lioness, now finished with her prey, turn her gaze towards where Malkia was glued to her spot. Malkia's heart pounded in her chest as she saw the ruthless lioness advancing upon her with her freshly stained paws seemingly drawn towards the young cub. Again, Malkia tried to move, she tried to run but her body paid no mind to what her brain was telling it what to do. She tried again to call out, to scream for help but again, not a single word was uttered from her. The lioness reached the point where Malkia was sitting. She stood in front of the quivering cub, her gaze pierced through Malkia's body and seemed to look into her very soul. The lioness spoke in a very familiar voice to her.

"What have you done?"

Malkia awoke with a jolt and in doing so, pawed her sleeping brother rather abruptly. Jerked awake, Moran sputtered out.

"I'm sorry Kikay, I didn't mean to…"

He looked at his sister with groggy eyes.

"Oh Mal, What's wrong?"

Malkia merely sat with a frightened look plastered on her face. Seeing this, Moran sat next to his sister and comforted her.

"A bad dream Mal?" He asked her.

Malkia nodded.

"It was horrible!" she whispered to him.

Moran nuzzled his sister gently.

"It's over now Mal. It was just a dream."

Malkia did her best to compose herself as the two cubs laid together and returned to their slumbering.

As morning arrived, Malkia awoke from a restless night's sleep. She stood to her feet and stretched. The images of her dream still hung in her mind but she did her best to suppress them.

After everyone was up and running, the two cubs were left in the care of Pumbaa. Timon had gone off to visit his family for the day, so Pumbaa was the sole caretaker of the cubs. Furthermore, Vitani had shown up earlier and informed Kovu and Kiara that Kikay was under the weather so she wouldn't be joining Malkia and Moran today. Upon hearing this, Malkia couldn't help but smile to herself.

After Kiara had left for the Hunting Party, she had finished her first week of watching over Tsavo so it was now Nala's week, and Kovu had gone on his usual Patrols, Malkia and Moran played together like they used to do before things changed. Pumbaa sat attentively along side the playing cubs. As the two cubs disported, Malkia thought to herself. Oh how she missed these days. When Moran and herself would spend countless hours together. Not a care in the world, just merely having fun. She missed those days so badly.

The two cubs recreated for quite some time. In the back of her mind, Malkia tried to remember something she was going to do today. What was it? Her mind slowly replayed the conversation she had overheard her parents discussing the previous night. Something about the injured lion that her dad had helped, and seeing someone leave a cave and something about Moja. Moja! That was it. She was supposed to talk to Moja today. In all her excitement over having a day without Kikay to steal her brother's attention from her, she had totally forgot about her plans to talk to Moja again.

"Oh Pumbaa. I have to go to the bathroom. I'll be back in a little bit ok?" Malkia said to the warthog sitting across the cave from where she and Moran were positioned.

Pumbaa nodded to her.

"Ok Malkia, Just don't wander too far off."

She nodded and attempted to leave the cave but couldn't.

"Rawr. Let go of my tail Moran you moron!" She said in a joking tone.

Moran laughed.

"Aww, what's the matter Mal. You gonna wet yourself?"

Malkia scowled at him as she swiped a paw towards his head. He instinctively dodged and rolled to one side, still laughing.

"I'll be back in a bit." Malkia called over her shoulder as she quickly scurried out of the cave. She ran down the side of Pride Rock and reached the site where she had met Moja the day before. She looked around but didn't see anyone. She was about to turn and retrace her steps when she heard Moja's voice.

"Ahh. Thought you had stood me up there Cub." Moja said to Malkia as she seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

Malkia jumped in surprise.

"Woah. I didn't even see you Moja."

Moja laughed at the young cub's response.

"Of course you didn't. That's one of the first things you learn when you're a Scouting Party member, is to never be seen by others."

Malkia looked eager to hear more about what Moja was saying. She took a comfortable stance next to her.

"So what did you want to chat about Malkia?" Moja asked the young cub.

Malkia thought for a few moments before speaking.

"I heard my parents talking last night about the new lion in the Pride Lands and how you met him. What is he like?"

Moja looked at the young cub confused.

"How did your parents know I met Tsavo?"

Malkia shrugged.

"I think my mom was the one who saw you leaving the cave he was at or something. Who's Tsavo?"

Moja laughed.

"Tsavo is the lion you're talking about and yes, I did meet him. He's an interesting fellow, to say the least. Remember that Pride I told you about last time we talked? The Lowlands Pride?"

Malkia nodded to answer Moja's question.

"Well," she continued. "After talking to him for a bit, he told me that he came from there."

Malkia looked intrigued.

"Wow. That's far from here right? What's he doing here?"

Moja shrugged.

"Yeah, it's a long distance from the Pride Lands. I'm not sure exactly why he's here but I have a sneaking suspicion."

Malkia looked curious.

"What do you think?"

Moja was about to tell her but then thought better of it.

"Never mind. It's probably not what he's here for. So how are things going with you and your brother today?"

Malkia looked irritated that Moja had changed the subject.

"Well, good today, I guess but that's just because Kikay is sick and didn't come to play today."

Moja smiled at Malkia.

"Then why are you wasting your time talking to me here when you could be enjoying the company of your brother?"

Malkia frowned.

"I want to know more about Tsavo. What else did he tell you?"

Moja looked at the young cub.

"Why do you want to know more about him?"

Malkia looked embarrassed.

"Well that's what the adults are talking about lately and I want to be a part of it."

Moja giggled to herself.

"Well, if you can't be queen, you wanna be an adult already?" she asked playfully.

Malkia smiled sheepishly at Moja.

"I guess. Please. Tell me more about what he said to you."

Moja nodded.

"Ok. Well, we only talked for a little while, he seemed rather eager to get rid of me before your mom returned. He asked me if I was happy here. I told him basically what I told you yesterday. He told me that a pretty lioness such as myself, should hold a higher place in a pride such as this. I didn't really buy into his flattery as I know what he was truly after."

Malkia looked confused.

"What? What did he really want?"

Moja blushed.

"You'll understand when you're older Cub."

Malkia scowled.

"It's always when I'm older." She said in a depressed tone.

Moja patted her gently

"Don't worry Cub. Being older isn't always better."

Malkia sighed.

"Easy for you to say."

Moja continued.

"But anyways, after I told him about life here, he asked if I wanted to go back with him to his Pride. He told me they could use more lionesses. I was surprised by his so bold request and didn't really know what to say to him."

Malkia perked up once more, interested in what she was hearing.

"Wow. Are you going to go?"

Moja sighed.

"I really don't know Malkia. I mean, it might be a nice change of pace from the everyday life I live here but it could be a mistake."

Malkia looked envious.

"You're so lucky Moja. You're an adult and you can choose to go where you want. I wish I was able to do that."

Moja looked into Malkia's longing eyes.

"Everyone has the power to make their own choices Malkia, just remember, not all of them will be the right choice though and some choices can never be taken back."

Moja's words sank into Malkia's mind as she sat next to her.

Moja looked up into the day's sky and thought to herself. She then turned her stare back to Malkia.

"Well, shouldn't you be getting back to your babysitter Cub?"

Malkia stood to her feet.

"Yeah, I guess I should. I don't want him to worry. Same time tomorrow Moja?" she asked as she turned to walk up Pride Rock.

Moja nodded.

"Sure Cub, If you want to. Don't keep me waiting this time yeah?"

Malkia nodded and bounded towards the entrance of Pride Rock.

When she got back in the cave she spotted Moran with his back to her, talking to Pumbaa. She stalked her way up to him and pounced.

"I'm back!" she exclaimed as she drug Moran to the ground.

Moran laughed.

"Did you get lost or something Mal? That took forever."

Malkia joined her brother's laughter.

"None of your business Moron!" She said as she wrestled him. The two cubs spent the rest of the day playing together and enjoying each other's company.

A week passed and with Kikay still ill, Malkia and Moran played together as if nothing had ever changed. Despite this, Malkia would still make it a point once a day, to sneak off and chat with Moja, afterwards, returning and making no big deal about how long she was gone or where she had been. Moran began to wonder what his sister was up to but never really paid any mind to the fact that she seemed to have to use the bathroom at the same time every single day.

On this day, Malkia awoke to the familiar sound of two cubs playing.

"Oh great" she thought to herself as her eyes focused on her brother playing with Kikay. "She's back." She sighed to herself. It seemed to her that things would go back to the way she never wanted them to be. At least she could talk to Moja longer, now that her brother would be distracted by the one thing she loathed most in life. She waited until it was around mid-day before asking Timon, who was on babysitting duties for the day, if she could go answer the call of nature. After getting a half hearted reply from the preoccupied meerkat, she dashed off. Seeing his sister leave, Moran's curiosity got the better of him.

"Hey Kikay, I'll be right back. I, uh, have to use the bathroom."

Kikay nodded to Moran and he then proceeded quietly out of Pride Rock. He made an effort not to be seen as he slowly made his way down the side of Pride Rock. He used the shade provided by the overhang of rocks as cover as he stalked his way down. He reached the bottom of Pride Rock and paused. There, in the distance, he could make out the image of his sister, who was sitting next to an unknown lioness. Moran was too far from the pair to make out any of the conversation the two were having but he was perplexed by what he was seeing. Who was that lioness? He wondered if he should approach them but changed his mind. He stealthily made his way back up Pride Rock and reentered the cave. Kikay spotted his return and trotted over to him.

"Welcome back." She said as she playfully pawed him.

Moran didn't reply at first and Kikay's face turned to a look of confusion.

"Are you ok Moran?" she asked.

Moran shook his head to clear his mind.

"Yeah, I'm fine Kikay." He said.

He then laughed and playfully pounced on her. As the two played however, Moran still thought about what he had seen. What should he do? Should he ask his sister about what he saw? No, She'd only become angry at the fact that he was spying on her. Maybe he should tell his parents. He didn't know if that lioness meant any trouble for his sister. He didn't know what to do. As he saw his sister come back from her supposed bathroom break, he merely let the thoughts of what happened slip into the recesses of his mind.

Chapter 8

Another two weeks went by and each day played out similar to the one before it. Kiara would either leave to watch over Tsavo, who was doing significantly better now, or she would go to join the Hunting Party on the day's search for food. Kovu would go about his daily routine of patrolling the boundaries of the Pride Lands. The cubs were either left in the care of Timon or Pumbaa or both. Each day, Malkia would watch as her brother, who she longed to be around, played with Kikay, as if she wasn't even present. She made no attempt to join in the festivities that her brother and Kikay endured each day. She merely sat in solitude with her thoughts being the only company she had. With each passing day, Malkia's feeling grew stronger and stronger. She wished Kikay would leave so she and her brother could resume the life they once lived. The times she wanted to have again. Despite Kikay's many attempts to become friends, Malkia just couldn't bring herself to befriend the only thing in her life that brought her misery. She wished she didn't feel this way towards the young cub, as it seemed to her that Kikay made her brother very happy when she was around him however, on top of the fact that Kikay was going to be queen instead of her and the fact that her brother's attention seemed to be glued to Kikay at all times, she just didn't have it in her to forgive and forget. Even her daily talks with Moja weren't enough to keep her mind off the subject of her brother and Kikay.

On this day, Malkia awoke feeling rather angry. The last week's events had really started to get to her. After receiving a rushed bath from her mother she gave her a quick half hearted nuzzle before saying goodbye to her. Kiara then left to watch over Tsavo, who was nearing full recovery by this time. She spent a few minutes with her father before he left to do his daily Patrol of the Pride Lands. Malkia and her brother were then left in the care of Timon and Pumbaa. Malkia sat with her brother as she awaited the inevitable arrival of Kikay. Moran looked at his sister with a concerned look as he turned to speak to her.

"Um…Mal. Can I talk to you?" he said to his sister.

Malkia looked at her brother with a careless expression on her face.

"You already are Moran." She said in a rather crude voice.

Moran frowned at his sister's lack of caring response.

"I just want to know what's been bothering you lately Mal." He said. "I feel like something's really been bothering you and I want to know if there's anything I can do."

She scowled at her brother.

"How can you do anything to make me feel better Moran when you're one of the things bothering me?" she said to him.

Moran looked confused.

"I don't understand Mal. What have I done to make you upset?"

Malkia jeered at him.

"What have you done Moran? What have you done? Are you even my brother anymore?"

Moran continued to look at Malkia puzzled.

"Of course I'm your brother Mal. Why wouldn't I be?"

Malkia laughed.

"You sure don't act like it anymore. All you do is play with Kikay all day. You barely even acknowledge my presence anymore. Is Kikay more important to you than your own sister Moran?"

Moran stared at his sister.

"You're acting weird Mal. I'm always your brother but we can't always be playing together only. Kikay is nice and she's a good friend of mine. She would be a good friend to you too if you ever gave her a chance."

Malkia glowered.

"That's so easy for you to say Moran. You and her have something in common. You're both going to be future royalty. What do I have to look forward to being?"

Moran's face melted into a picture of sadness.

"Oh Malkia, I know you must resent Kikay for that reason but there's nothing that can be done about it. I would gladly give you my place as future king if I could but you know that's not possible."

Malkia continued to stare at her brother. As the two cubs looked at each other, Kikay walked into the cave, accompanied by her mother.

"Good morning Malkia and Moran." Vitani said as her and her cub strolled up to where the siblings were seated.

Moran turned his attention from his sister to Vitani.

"Good morning Ms. Vitani. Morning Kikay. Hope you both slept well." he said as he rose to his feet.

Malkia simply nodded her head and walked off to the other side of the cave.

"Someone having a bad morning?" Vitani asked Moran, as she watched Malkia skulk off.

Moran sighed and shrugged.

"I don't know what's up with her lately."

Vitani looked at Moran understandingly.

"Ahh, I see." She said as she patted Moran comfortingly. "Don't worry Moran, she's just growing up and learning the ways of life. Just give her time and space. That's the best thing you can do."

Moran nodded.

Vitani nuzzled her cub gently before turning and making her way to the entrance of the cave, where Malkia had taken up residence. As she walked passed the young cub, she paused.

"Your brother tells me that you haven't been yourself lately Malkia. Do you want to talk about it?" she said to Malkia, who had her face buried in her paws.

Malkia just looked up at her with an indecisive stare but said nothing.

Vitani sighed and shook her head.

"Well, I'll let you be then but remember Malkia, it's never good to keep your feelings locked up inside of you. It's better to talk about them so they don't get the better of you in the end."

She gently stroked the young cub's head and then made her way out of the cave.

The day progressed as Moran and Kikay recreated together, all the while though, Moran's mind was set on his sister and how she was feeling as of late. Kikay began to notice that Moran wasn't into their usual games as much as he normally was.

"Moran. I can't help but feel like something's on your mind." She said to him as she sat next to him.

"I'm sorry Kikay, it's just my sister. She hasn't been herself lately."

Kikay looked concerned.

"Why is that?" she asked.

Moran hesitated.

"I don't think I can really tell you Kikay. I don't want to worry you any." He said caringly.

Kikay persisted.

"Please Moran, tell me. Is there anything I can do for her to make her feel better."

Moran sighed.

"Well, not really because it seems that me and you are the reason for her acting like this."

Kikay looked bewildered.

"Why? What have we done to upset her?"

Moran looked at Kikay.

"I think it's the fact that you and I are going to be future queen and king of Pride Rock. I think that really bothers her."

Kikay frowned.

"Is it because the fact that me and you will be together or just the fact that I'm going to be future queen?"

Moran shrugged.

"I don't know Kikay. Mal isn't the easiest to talk to when she gets into a mood."

Kikay thought for a moment.

"Do you think I should talk to her Moran? She asked questionably.

Moran shook his head.

"I don't think that's a good idea Kikay. She can be kind of, well, mean when she's in this type of mood."

Kikay continued on.

"But it might help. Maybe I can talk to her and find out exactly what's up."

Before Moran could protest, Kikay started making her way over to where Malkia was still laying near the entrance of the cave. She took a seat next to her.

Malkia looked up at Kikay with an irritated look.

"What do you want?" She said in a hostile tone.

"I just wanted to talk to you is all Malkia. I wanted to know what's been bothering you."

Malkia gloomed at her.

"Haven't you already done enough to make my life unbearable?"

Kikay frowned.

"I don't know why you're so bitter to me Malkia. I've tried to be your friend on many occasions but you don't even try to make it work. I'm sorry about the whole being future queen thing. It's not like I had a choice in the matter. It's just the custom of things here. I'm sure your parents have told you that already but I don't know what else to say."

Malkia grew more and more irritated with each word Kikay spoke and Moran could see this. He quickly walked up to the two.

"Come on Kikay, let's let her be for now."

Noticing the commotion that was taking place, Timon and Pumbaa walked up to the group of cubs.

"What's happening here?" Timon asked inquisitively.

None of the cubs said anything so he turned to Malkia.

"Come on Malkia, what's wrong here?"

That was it! She had reached her limit of how much she could take and now there was nothing else she could do. She irrupted in a flurry of emotion as she cried out.

"I can't take it anymore. Why can't you all just leave me alone! I'm sick of having to pretend to feel happy. I'm sick of being told that being future queen is not something to be worried about and that I shouldn't hate Kikay for being chosen to be future queen." She turned her attention to Kikay. "because I do. I HATE you Kikay. I hate the fact that you're going to be future queen and I'm going to be NOTHING!. I hate you for taking my brother away from me and ruining the friendship and bond we had! I hate you so much for just being the one part of my life I wish I could get rid of! I HATE YOU!"

Upon hearing this, Kikay's eyes quickly filled with tears. She turned and ran to the back of the cave, with the echos of her sobs trailing after her. Moran turned to his sister.

"Mal, that wasn't nice! How could you say such horrible things!."

Malkia turned angrily to her brother.

"As if you would care Moran! All you care about is Kikay Kikay Kikay! You don't care about me anymore. We used to be close. I used to spend all day with you playing and having fun, but ever since she came into the picture, you've pushed me aside and left me alone. Well, if that's the way you want things, then so be it! I won't be your sister! I won't be anything to you!"

Moran stood there, shocked at what his sister had just told him. Timon spoke,

"Now Malkia, you don't mean that. You're just having a bad day."

Malkia whirled around and jeered fiercely at the small meerkat.

"The one time you're actually paying attention to what you're supposed to be doing and it has to be now! Why don't you and your fat pig friend go Hakuna Matata yourselves and leave me alone!"

Pumbaa stepped forward and tried to speak.

"Now Malkia,"

"Save your breath Pumbaa! I don't want to hear it! If I don't have anything to look forward to here, then there's no point in me even being here!" As she said this, she turned and stormed quickly out of the cave.

Everyone just sat, glued to where they were by Malkia's unforgiving words.

Malkia ran down Pride Rock at a breakneck speed. She was so mad, she couldn't think straight. She wanted to leave here, she wanted to have no part in the life she was given. She wanted more in life and wished there was a way she could get it. As she ran, she thought of what Moja had told her several weeks back. How everyone was free to make their own choices. She kept running. She didn't know where she would go but she knew that she had to leave the Pride Lands. She knew somewhere out there, there was a life more befitting for her and she was willing to do anything to reach it.

Meanwhile, while all these events had unfolded at the cave of Pride Rock, an even darker scenario was playing out. One that towered in comparison to that of these events. An event Kiara would never be able to live down for the rest of her life.

Chapter 9

Warning: The following chapter contains material that may not be suitable for all readers. Please use discretion before continuing.

Kiara made her way to Tsavo's cave at a brisk pace. She normally enjoyed the company of Tsavo and was sad when the day was over and she had to return back to her den but today was different. She was in heat and this was the first day she and her mate would be spending together alone. Vitani had volunteered to watch the cubs during this time and Kiara was eager to have some quality time with Kovu. They rarely had the opportunity to be alone without the cubs by their side and Kiara was ready to make the most of it.

She entered the cave and saw Tsavo standing by his makeshift sleeping area. She smiled.

"Good morning Tsavo, sleep well?" she asked him as she made her way into the cave.

Tsavo turned to her and smiled.

"Great, I feel like a new lion today." He exclaimed.

Kiara laughed.

"You look like a new lion too. You've recovered nicely." She gave him a quick look over. His body had returned to a more regal appearance and only a few minor scars showed on his light brown fur.

Tsavo nodded.

"Thanks to you and everyone else here. I couldn't have done it without you."

Kiara walked over to examine Tsavo's food and water supplies. As she passed by him, Tsavo's nose picked up a scent that he knew oh so well, the scent of a lioness in heat. The scent filled his nostrils and made its way into the recesses of his body.

Kiara saw the empty water container and the lingering supply of meat that lay before her. She turned to Tsavo.

"I see that you're low on water and food. I'll go get you some." She told him as she bounded past Tsavo again, refilling his senses with her desirable smell once more. All Tsavo could do was nod as she left the cave. That scent, it drove him crazy. His natural male instincts were starting to become motional and his mind raced to form a plan on how he could get what his body so badly wanted now. Just then, a voice softly called to him from outside his cave.

"Hey Tsavo, you there?" the voice asked.

"Yeah Rama, I'm here, come in, it's safe." Tsavo said to the cheetah, who was stealthily immersed in the tall grass outside the cave. Rama trotted in and took a seat.

"I just got back from the Lowlands and told our leader that we'd be returning back in one week's time." Rama said as he scratched his body with his paw.

"There's going to be a change of plans Rama." Tsavo said abruptly. "We're going to leave today."

The cheetah stared at his friend befuddled.

"Today? Why today Tsavo? You said you wanted to stay and live the good life for a week longer didn't you?"

Tsavo nodded at his friend.

"I did but I've found something I want even more and I'm going to have it today. That's the reason why we're gonna have to hightail it out of here by tonight."

The cheetah grinned at Tsavo.

"The only thing I know of that's more important to you Tsavo then living an easy life is a female lioness."

Tsavo laughed.

"Do you know me that well Rama?"

The cheetah nodded.

"So who is it? I've seen you with three different lionesses here Tsavo. You're a popular lion here huh?"

Tsavo scowled.

"It's that young lioness Kiara. She's in heat."

Rama's grin on his face grew larger.

"Oh, I see. This is classic Tsavo for ya. Takes what he wants no matter the cost."

Tsavo nodded.

"But this is a bit different Rama." He said. "I've found out from one of the other lionesses you've seen hanging around here, that Kiara is the queen of this area they call Pride Rock so we're going to have to act quickly. You know the drill, just like old times. Grab Nanaki and meet back here in about twenty minutes or so, oh and by the way, the lioness I found this information from is coming back with us. Her name is Moja and she seems to want to leave here so I convinced her to come with us."

Rama chuckled.

"Bringing back a new lioness for the boss huh Tsavo? That ought to win you some brownie points."

Tsavo joined his friend's laughter.

"You know we need lionesses for the Pride and if I can make good with the boss at the same time, then it's a win win situation. Now go get Nanaki and meet back here."

The cheetah nodded and was out of sight with a blink of an eye. Tsavo sat and waited for Kiara to return, all the while thinking to himself of what he was about to do.

Kiara returned shortly after, carrying fresh water and a chunk of wildebeest meat. She set the items down near Tsavo.

"Here you are. Fresh water and fresh meat right off the kill. Hope you like it"

Tsavo smiled.

"Thank you Kiara." He said.

He took a small drink from the water as Kiara took a seat next to him.

"So it looks like you're almost 100 now Tsavo. I've been meaning to ask you, what are you going to do when you're all better?"

Tsavo finished drinking and looked up at her.

"I think I'm going to go back to my old Pride and try and make it work. After seeing how nice your Pride is here, I think I can try and make some changes to the Pride I used to be in, to make it more livable."

"That's great." Kiara said. "I'm sure you can change it for the better if you try."

"I sure hope so." He replied.

Kiara stood up.

"So when do you think you'll be going?"

Tsavo stood up, paced around the cave several times and did a quick jump in the air.

"I feel pretty good. I think I will be able to leave within a few days."

Kiara smiled at Tsavo's healthy display.

"Well it will be sad to see you go but we won't forget you here."

Tsavo returned her smile.

"Well, you could always go with me?" He grinned.

Kiara laughed.

"You know I can't go Tsavo. I would never leave my mate or my home here."

Tsavo nodded.

"I know but it was worth a shot." He jokingly said.

Kiara began to walk to the entrance of the cave.

"Well, I'll let you be now Tsavo. You look like you'll be ok for today. You have water and food. I'll come back and check on you tomorrow."

Tsavo frowned.

"Wait, why are you going so soon?" he asked.

She turned around to face him and smiled.

"Well, you look well enough to be alone and to be honest, I have plans with my mate tonight. It's our first night alone together in a long time and I have to prepare for it."

Tsavo scowled at her.

"But I'm going to be leaving soon, don't you want to spend any time with me?"

Kiara laughed slightly.

"What do you mean Tsavo. We've talked so much already and you'll be ok without me."

Tsavo laughed.

"You see Kiara, that's just it. I'm tired of talking, it's time for action."

Kiara looked nervously at Tsavo.

"I don't really follow you Tsavo." She said in a shaky voice. She was starting to feel uneasy with the way this conversation was heading.

Tsavo dawned a rather sinister looking grin.

"I'm saying why go to all the trouble of getting ready for your mate, when you have the next best thing standing right in front of you now."

Kiara looked irritated.

"I don't like what you're getting at Tsavo so I'm going to leave and pretend that we never spoke like this."

She turned to leave but was stopped by the scene in front of her. She gasped. Blocking the entrance of the cave was a large male leopard and cheetah, both of whom, had long claws protruding from their front and hind paws. She turned to look at Tsavo with a stunned look.

"Yes Kiara." Tsavo said, answering the question Kiara never had to even ask him. "These are the two that attacked me but they're not here for me today. They're here for you."

Kiara was frozen with terror. She found herself unable to move. Tsavo walked up to her with claws extended. He spoke in an unreflective tone.

"If you so much as scream Kiara, my friends here will not hesitate to terminate your existence. If you want to make it out of this cave alive, I suggest you do as you're ordered."

Kiara bared her teeth at Tsavo.

"How could you do this Tsavo. After all the things we've done for you, after all the care we've given you. I trusted you, I considered you a friend!"

Tsavo laughed mercilessly.

"That you did Kiara, but I never asked for your help. You and your softhearted Pride members made that choice."

"And that means nothing to you Tsavo? The care and time we spent to insure that you could live means nothing to you?" she exclaimed.

Tsavo pretended to think about the question presented to him.

"Nope, doesn't mean a thing to me."

Kiara snarled at him.

"I never thought anyone could be that heartless. I never thought anyone could be that cold and uncaring." She said in a trembling voice.

"And I never thought anyone could ask so many questions at such an inappropriate time." Tsavo said in a sarcastic tone.

He began to circle her. Kiara kept her back as far away from him as she could, always keeping a watchful eye on him.

"What do you want from me?" Kiara asked.

Tsavo smiled at her.

"Oh come now Kiara, you can't be that dense." He sniffed the air as to give her a sign of what he wanted.

"Don't do this Tsavo, I'll never forgive you for this if you do!" Kiara said as tears started to form in her eyes.

Tsavo merely laughed.

"Your forgiveness I can live without Kiara, it's your scent and body I can't do without right now."

Kiara quivered as Tsavo slowly advanced on her. She nervously backed up and unwittingly swiped her paw at him. It connected squarely to the side of Tsavo's face. Tsavo growled and lunged at her with outstretched paws. He pinned her back to the ground and tightly held his claws around her neck.

"So, the Queen has some fight in her huh? Remember what I told you Kiara, do as you're told and you just might make it out of here with your life."

Tsavo's expression then turned much darker.

"Now you wouldn't want that would you Kiara and I KNOW your mate and cubs definitely wouldn't want that."

Kiara's heart pounded and she trembled at the mentioning of her cubs.

Tsavo jeered.

"That's right, you wouldn't want anything to happen to your cubs would you now Kiara?"

Kiara shuttered.

"I hate you." She muttered under her breath.

Tsavo laughed.

"Oh just be quiet and enjoy this Kiara. I'm doing it for you."

With that said, he turned his body and firmly placed his hind paws across Kiara's neck. He held her down firmly and buried his nose deep into her loins. He inhaled and took in her intoxicating scent. The more he inhaled, the more his body urged him further on. Kiara shuddered as she felt his tongue run the length of her inner thigh. She tried to move but the big male lion's hindquarters pressed down hard upon her. She gasped for a breath of air. Tsavo lapped at Kiara's lower region. He was thoroughly enjoying himself and the pain and agony he was causing. He continued to explore her body with his tongue as Kiara laid there, tears slowly running down her face. She felt so violated and angry. She wanted to bite Tsavo hard. She wanted to dig her claws deep in his throat and rip the very life from him, as he was doing now with her innocence.

He released his hold on her and motioned for her to lay on her stomach. She didn't make any effort to do so, so Tsavo ran one of his front claws into her side roughly. Kiara cried out in pain as she felt his claw pierce through her pelt. With a heartbreaking whimper, she rolled onto her stomach. She shut her eyes as tightly as she could as she felt the huge male hover above her. Tsavo placed his front paws in front of Kiara's and positioned his hind paws behind hers. She was firmly locked in his grip now and he slowly lowered himself down upon the traumatized lioness. Kiara gasped as she felt Tsavo enter her. More tears fell down her cheeks as she openly began to cry. Why was Tsavo doing this? She thought to herself. Why, after all she and her pride had done for him. She felt betrayed.

Although it only lasted a few minutes, It felt like an eternity to Kiara. She laid trapped under the weight of the much larger cat. All she could do was wait for it to end. Tsavo continued his dirty deed. As he did so, he stared down at Kiara's face. He saw the tears that soaked her fur and heard the mournful cries that emanated from her. He smiled a vicious smile and bit down hard upon the nape of her neck. Kiara could feel the release of his seed inside her and knew that this horrid session would soon be over. Tsavo let out a low growl as he withdrew from her sharply. Kiara winced and fresh tears formed in her eyes as the pain from the previous action shot through her lower body. It was like he had just ripped out a part of her she cherished most. Kiara laid there, not wanting to move. She suddenly felt extremely sick to her stomach. Tsavo on the other hand was in quite the opposite mood. He stood up and stretched his limbs.

"See Kiara," he spoke to her in a malicious tone. "It wasn't that bad now was it?" He laughed. His voice range in Kiara's ears like thunder in an open field. He looked down upon her once more.

"You can go now. I'm through with you."

Kiara slowly rose to her feet. Her whole body was in pain, both inside and out. She stared into Tsavo's cold and unheeding eyes as she slowly walked to the entrance of the cave.

"Oh, and if I were you Kiara, I wouldn't go spreading the news of this little encounter to your fellow Pridelanders, I'd hate to have to return here with great numbers and take something even more precious from you."

Kiara walked out of the cave where the three creatures were still jeering at her. She took one last look at the place where her innocence was stolen from her and then turned and ran for Pride Rock.

Upon seeing her leave, Tsavo turned to his friends.

"Ok. We've gotta go now. Rama, find Moja the lioness. I'll point you in the direction where she stays. Nanaki and I will set out for the Lowlands. Don't take too long either. These Pridelanders may be softhearted but they seem very loyal to their leaders so we'd best not stick around after what we've caused here."

Nanaki looked at Tsavo.

"You mean what you caused Tsavo. Why do you always have to let your feelings get the best of you. We could of left here and reported back to the Lowlands without having caused all this mess."

Tsavo turned to the leopard and laughed.

"Poor Nanaki. Don't tell me being around these softhearted Pridelanders has rubbed off on you?"

Nanaki shrugged. Seeing what Tsavo did to that poor lioness kind of got to him.

"Forget what I said Tsavo. Let's just get out of here."

Tsavo nodded.

"Ok. Remember, find Moja Rama and catch up to us in the Outlands and make it snappy."

The three went their separate ways, with Tsavo and Nanaki heading towards the Outlands and Rama disappearing into the long grass of the Pride Lands.

Chapter 10

Malkia ran through the tall grass of the Pride Lands. The argument she had recently had with her brother and Kikay still hung fresh in her mind. She was so mad right now, that the only thing she could think about was leaving the place that caused her so much grief. She ran as fast as her young cub legs would carry her and she quickly reached the outskirts of the Pride Lands. She stopped to catch her breath. She had never been this far away from Pride Rock before and the area around her seemed daunting. She stared out at the open wasteland that stretched before her. It didn't look inviting by any means and the more she stared at it, the more she started to wonder if she was really doing the right thing. Suddenly, a voice startled her.

"Malkia? What are you doing here."

Malkia gasped in surprise and turned to see Moja and a cheetah standing behind her.

"Oh! Moja, you scared me!" Malkia cried out.

Moja looked seriously at the cub.

"I'm sorry but I wasn't expecting to see you out here. Why are you here?"

The cheetah looked at Moja and then looked at Malkia.

"You know this cub Moja?" he asked her.

Moja ignored the cheetah's inquiry and waiting for Malkia's response.

"I, I want to leave here Moja." Malkia stated.

Moja looked taken aback by the cubs sudden answer.

"What do you mean you want to leave Pride Rock Cub?" she asked.

The cheetah looked around nervously and said in a rushed voice.

"Come on Moja, we don't have time to waste talking to some cub. We've got to meet the others and get out of here ASAP."

Malkia stared into Moja's eyes.

"You're leaving and you weren't going to tell me?" She said as tears started to form in her eyes.

Moja frowned.

"It's not like that Cub, I was going to tell you but this came up suddenly and…"

Malkia quickly cut her off.

"Take me with you Moja! I want to go wherever you're going. Don't leave me here alone!"

Moja looked shocked at what the young cub was asking her to do. The cheetah scowled and spoke.

"Let's go Moja, we don't have time to waste on a stupid cub."

Moja's mind raced. She knew she shouldn't take the cub with them but she was feeling rushed and really felt sorry for what the young cub was going through.

"Hold your tongue when you speak to my cub like that!" She said firmly to the cheetah.

Both Malkia and the cheetah looked at Moja in surprise.

"Oh, this is your cub Moja?" the cheetah asked questionably.

"Isn't that what I just said?" She replied in an irritated tone.

"My apologies then." The cheetah said as he turned to Malkia. "I'm Rama, and you are?"

Malkia looked up at the cheetah.

"My name's Malkia." She responded.

"Well it's nice to meet you Malkia but we're in a rush now so we have to get moving." Rama said as he started forward.

Moja quickly followed Rama's lead and Malkia ran behind Moja. She was about to ask Moja why she had said that she was her cub but the look etched on Moja's face made her think twice in doing so.

The three creatures ran through the heart of the Outlands at a breakneck pace. Malkia watched as the scenery passed by her in a rushed blur. She had no clue where they were heading and had no idea who these others, Rama had spoke of would be. They ran for a good part of the remaining day. They finally reached a section of the Outlands that was made up of random patches of dead trees and cave like structures. Here, Rama stopped and looked around while the two lions caught their breath. He spotted a cave near by and took a look inside.

"Ahh. About time you show up Rama." A voice echoed out of the cave. "Where's the lioness, Moja."

Rama motioned for the two lions to approach the cave.

"The others are in here. Let's go inside for a quick rest." He disappeared inside the cave.

Moja followed the cheetah inside the cave, followed by Malkia. Malkia looked around the cave. It took her eyes a moment to adjust to the darkness of the cave after being under the scorching sun almost all day. She saw a large male lion and a leopard laying in the shade, provided by the cave. The male lion noticed the unexpected addition to the group.

"What is this cub doing here Rama?" he asked in a stern voice. Rama took a comfortable position near the other two creatures before replying.

"Calm down Tsavo, this cub belongs to Moja."

Tsavo glared at Moja, who had also taken up a restful stance in the cool shade of the cave.

"You never told me you had a cub Moja."

Moja grinned at him.

"There's a lot of things I haven't told you Tsavo. Is there a problem with me having a cub? I guess I could always go back to the Pride Lands."

Tsavo quickly changed his tone at the thought of losing his new found lioness.

"No, not a problem, I just wasn't expecting the extra guest is all. I told you you're special to me Moja so I'm willing to look past a minor unseen formality."

Moja smiled.

"That's right Tsavo. You know you want me around and if I stay, my cub stays too." She nudged Malkia gently. "Be a dear and introduce yourself to them."

Malkia stumbled forward. She was tired from all the running they had just done but managed to blurt out.

"My name is Malkia, nice to meet you two."

Tsavo nodded to the young cub.

"My name is Tsavo, as you've heard, and this is Nanaki." He pointed a paw at the leopard next to him.

Malkia was tired and her mind wasn't working as quickly as it normally was so it took her a while before she remembered that this was the lion from the Pride Lands. The one her father had saved. She wanted to talk to Moja about the group she had just met but her exhaustion had caught up to her and she dozed off next to Moja.

"We really should be getting a move on now." Tsavo said urgently.

Moja frowned.

"Why are we in such a big rush Tsavo and why the short notice today that we were going to leave?"

Rama was about to address Moja's questions but Tsavo's glare silenced him.

"I have my reasons for wanting to leave early, none of which concern you Moja. I just want to get back home as quickly as possible."

Moja sighed.

"Geez. Way to make a girl feel welcome Tsavo." She looked down at Malkia who was sleeping soundly at her side. "My cub is exhausted. She needs to rest for a bit. We can wait a little while before moving on can't we?"

Tsavo looked irritated but upon seeing the look Moja gave him, he gave in.

"Fine, we'll rest here but just for a short time. I want to be at the Lowlands by tomorrow night. That's going to require some fast paced travel so get your rest in now."

Moja smiled at him and rested her head down upon her paws. The group of creatures fell asleep in the cave as the day stretched on outside.

Kiara reached the entrance to Pride Rock and made her way into the cave. She looked around franticly for her cubs. Her mind was racing, full of the thoughts of what had just happened to her back in Tsavo's cave. The images of how he had taken her innocence against her will and not even shown a slight trace of regret upon doing so. She was about to call out for them when she remember that Vitani had said she was going to take the cubs for the night in order to give Kovu and her some quality alone time away from their kin. She made her way to the back of the cave and laid upon the cool ground. She tried her best to forget the events that had taken place earlier this day. She wanted to erase the horrible scene from her mind completely but no matter how hard she tried or what she did, the haunting pictures crept back into her thoughts and seemed burned to her memory forever. She began to cry. The warm tears ran down her face and landed in small gatherings at the cave's floor. She wished her mate was with her right now. She felt more alone than she had ever felt in the past. She wanted him next to her, comforting her in her time of need. She wanted to feel his warm, soothing embrace. The only thing that made her feel safe was being held in his gentle paws. She longed for his return but knew that it would still be a while before Kovu would come back from his daily Patrols. She laid in solitude, her low pitched sobs echoing off the walls of the caves and her thoughts constantly tormenting her. She cried softly for some time before falling asleep.

She was awakened some time later by the familiar voice of her mate.

"Kiara, wake up Kiara. I'm back" Kovu said quietly to his mate as he gently nuzzled her.

Kiara's eyes slowly opened and she lifted her head. Kovu noticed the look of sadness on her face.

"Is something wrong Kiara?" He asked in a concerned voice.

Kiara could feel fresh tears building but she quickly brushed them aside. She wanted to tell her mate what had happened today but Tsavo's words still loomed in her memory. "If I were you, I wouldn't go spreading the news about this little encounter to everyone. I wouldn't want to have to come back and take something even more precious from you." He had told her before she had left that awful place.

Kiara jumped to her feet and wrapped her paws around Kovu tightly.

"I missed you so much Kovu." She said as she began to cry.

Kovu was a little confused at his mate's sudden emotional outburst. He was about to speak up but saw the melancholy look in her eyes.

"I missed you too Kiara." He said.

Kiara held him close to her. He felt the warmth of his mate's body press up against his as well as the wetness from her tears as they fell upon his paws.

"Never leave my side again Kovu. Please, never leave me alone again." She said as she pressed her face deep into his jet black mane.

Kovu knew that during the times Kiara had been in heat before, she had acted rather oddly towards him but never like this. He wondered to himself why she was acting this way but seeing the emotional condition his mate was in, he said nothing of it to her. The two stayed entangled in each other's arms for quite some time. Kiara wept quietly into her mate's arms as he did his best to comfort her. After some time, Kiara was able to compose herself and the two lions laid together in the center of the cave.

"Are you sure you're ok now Kiara." Kovu asked his mate in a loving tone.

Kiara nodded.

"I'm ok now Kovu. I'm sorry for that emotional outburst. I just really missed you today." She replied.

Kovu smiled warmly and licked his mate gently on her muzzle.

"I'm glad you're feeling ok now Kiara. I was worried at first."

Kiara rubbed her head under her mate's chin affectionately.

"As long as I'm with you, I'm always fine Kovu." She said.

The two lions exchanged loving gestures for a brief moment but were then interrupted by a voice coming from outside the cave. It was Vitani. She walked into the cave and caught her breath. It appeared that she had been running all the way from her den to here.

"I'm sorry you two for barging in like this but we have a bit of a problem." Vitani told the two lions, who upon seeing Vitani enter the cave, had risen to their feet.

"What's wrong Vitani?" Kovu asked urgently.

Vitani swallowed.

"Malkia's gone missing."

Chapter 11

Malkia stood in the tall grass of the Pride Lands. She recognized the scene in front of her. It was the same dream sequence she had been having for quite some time now. Two lionesses were locked in combat. One had the other pinned to the ground and readied her claws. The lioness trapped on the ground begged and pleaded for mercy but none was granted. The lioness on top drove her claws deep into the defenseless lioness's neck with a vicious intent. Malkia would watch as the lioness would finish off her pray and then advance towards her. She knew this dream so well yet every time the lioness would advance upon her, she would be frozen with fright. As the lioness approached with cold, hostile eyes staring straight at her, she would try and scream out but failed to do so. The lioness would speak in a voice that Malkia knew very well. She would say to her,

"What have you done?"

Typically, Malkia would awaken on her own at this point in the dream but today she was shaken to consciousness by Moja.

"Come on Cub, we have to get going now." Moja said to Malkia in a gentle but commanding tone.

Malkia opened her eyes. At first she didn't recall where she was and felt very disoriented but as she gradually regained her composure, she remembered what had happened. She had run away from the Pride Lands and joined up with Moja and the lion that her father had rescued, Tsavo. Thinking about what she had done, Malkia started to feel regretful about her choice but then the image of Kikay and her brother Moran playing together filled her thoughts and she quickly shunned her regret away. She rose to her feet and stretched. She looked out towards the opening of the cave she was standing in. It was becoming dusk outside and she looked at Moja.

"Where did the others go Moja." Malkia asked as she looked around the rather empty cave.

"They've gone out to relieve themselves." Moja said as she too stretched her body.

Malkia took this opportune time to ask Moja the one question that was on her mind.

"Moja" she said in a quiet whisper. "Why did you tell the others that I was your cub?"

Moja looked at the cub with a serious glance.

"Because Malkia, if the others knew that you were the cub of Kiara and Kovu, I can't say for sure what they would have done to you, or me for that matter. I told them that for your safety. Don't ever make any mention of your real parents around them Cub. I know that seems a little extreme but it's for your own good."

Malkia thought about this and then replied.

"Ok Moja. So where are we going?"

Moja stood up and walked to the entrance of the cave.

"We're heading to the Lowlands Pride. The Pride I told you about a while back."

Malkia looked at Moja with a questionable gaze.

"How far is it from here?" she asked.

Moja thought for a moment before answering.

"It's a good ways off from here Cub. We're going to be moving at a fast pace for the next day at least so you're gonna have to keep up. Don't leave my side and you'll be ok though. The area around the Lowlands isn't a very friendly place but I'll keep you safe. Don't worry."

Malkia looked nervous at what Moja had just told her but she managed a smile and said.

"Thank you Moja. What are we going to do when we get there though?"

Moja sighed and shrugged.

"To be honest Cub, I don't know. I'm as clueless to that as you are right now but I'm sure we'll find out when we get there."

Malkia was about to ask another question but noticed the return of Rama, Nanaki and Tsavo.

"So you ladies are finally up now huh?" Nanaki said as the three approached them.

Moja nodded for the both of them.

"Ok. Let's get moving now. We've wasted enough time here." Tsavo said sternly.

After the two lioness's had answered the call of nature, the five of them set off at a fast pace towards their destination of the Lowlands.

"What do you mean Malkia's gone missing?" Kovu asked Vitani in an urgent voice. Vitani caught her breath before answering.

"I came by earlier today to pick up the three cubs but only found Moran and Kikay here. I asked them where Malkia had gone and they told me she had gotten upset and ran out of the cave. I then asked where Timon and Pumbaa had gone off too and they told me that they had gone out looking for her."

Vitani paused to catch her breath once more, then continued.

"I figured that they would find her and bring her back here so I took Moran and Kikay back to my den. I waited for a while and was about to come here to look for her myself when Timon and Pumbaa showed up at my den. They told me that they couldn't find her anywhere in the Pride Lands and so I had them stay at the den with the other two cubs and I went looking myself."

She paused as she could see the anguish forming on the faces of the two lions in front of her.

"I looked everywhere in the Pride Lands but I too wasn't able to find her. That's when I ran here to let you two know. I'm so sorry."

Both Kovu's and Kiara's expressions were that of worried parents. Kovu jumped to his feet.

"Vitani, I need you to question every Pridelander you can find and see if they know anything about Malkia's whereabouts. Kiara and I will look around the Pride Lands ourselves. We must find her!"

The three lions dashed out of Pride Rock and were gone in a flash. Several hours passed before the three regrouped at Pride Rock.

"We weren't able to find her." Kiara said in a trembling voice to Vitani.

"Did you find out anything Vitani?" Kovu asked hopefully.

Vitani shook her head.

"Not anything of great significance I'm afraid."

Kiara's feelings were starting to take hold of her and she began to cry in her Mate's loving embrace. Kovu comforted his mate as he spoke to Vitani.

"Well, what did you find out then?" he asked her.

"Well, I did notice two odd things." She said. "That lion you rescued a few weeks past is no longer in his cave. I didn't see him around anywhere. Also, I noticed that Moja, the lioness has also gone missing."

Kiara cringed at the mentioning of Tsavo and more tears escaped from her eyes.

"You don't suppose…" Kovu started to say.

Vitani glared at him.

"Don't even talk like that Kovu, especially with your mate right beside you in the state she's in."

Kovu looked shameful.

"But what am I supposed to think then? Our daughter is missing, as is a strange lion we don't really know that well."

Vitani sighed.

"I don't know Kovu but you're the one who brought that lion into the Pride Lands."

Kovu frowned at what Vitani had just said to him.

"Enough you two!" A voice said from outside the cave. It was Simba and Nala. The two lions walked inside and joined the other group.

"Arguing isn't going to help matters now." He continued.

Nala walked up to her emotional daughter and nuzzled her.

"We came as soon as we heard Kiara. Don't worry, we're going to find her."

Simba looked at Kovu.

"Did Tsavo ever mention to you or Kiara where he came from or where he was planning on going after he recovered?"

Kovu shook his head and looked at his mate. Kiara however, was in no condition to answer any questions. Her daughter was missing and the subject of Tsavo made her unable to speak. She merely wept in the company of her parents and loving mate. Nala turned to Simba.

"I believe I remember him telling me that he used to be a part of some Pride past the Outlands area."

Both Vitani and Kovu spoke together.

"The Lowlands Pride."

Simba and Nala both looked at the two confused.

"You two know of that Pride?" Simba asked.

Both lions nodded simultaneously.

"Back when we were with Zira, we would often encounter that Pride. They are a fierce bunch." Kovu said.

Simba looked concerned.

"Well if that be the case, we need to get a group together to go search there."

Vitani objected.

"Simba, you have to understand that this Pride isn't your typical Pride. They're basically a band of any creature that will join up with their heartless leader. They usually only have one mind frame and that's to take over new land and end the lives of as many creatures as they can. Both Kovu and I know the destructive power that Pride holds. Sending just anyone there would be sentencing them to a shorter life."

Simba looked at Vitani.

"Then what do you suggest we do? We can't just forget about them. Tsavo is right now, the only lead we have to find our missing cub."

Vitani nodded.

"I know Simba. The only one's who know the way to the Lowlands would be me and Kovu but Kovu, you need to stay with Kiara. She really needs you now. I'll go myself and look for your daughter."

Nala stepped forward.

"I'm going too!"

Vitani was about to object but Nala cut her short.

"Look, my daughter's cub's life may be in danger. I can't stand idly by and do nothing. I'm going and that's the end of it!"

Seeing the determination in Nala's eyes, Vitani agreed.

"Very well Nala, but I have to warn you. This Pride won't hesitate to attack anyone they don't trust so we're going to have to be on our guard at all times."

Nala nodded as Vitani continued to speak.

"We'll have to wait till first light before we can leave though. The Outlands are no place to be around at night, especially for a lone pair of lionesses."

Nala looked anxious to leave but she saw the sincerity in Vitani's words and nodded. She then turned to her mate.

"Simba, May be you should bring the cubs here so they can be with their parents."

Vitani concurred.

"Yes. You should bring them here. You'll find them at my den with Timon and Pumbaa."

Simba nodded and walked out of the cave.

"We should all stay here for the night and try to explain to the cubs what's happening." Vitani said to the others. She sighed dejectedly.

"I can't help feeling like this is somehow my fault."

Nala looked at Vitani puzzled.

"Why do you say that Vitani?" she asked.

Vitani shrugged.

"It seems that the reason Malkia ran off was due to another argument about being future queen. If Kikay and myself weren't in the picture, none of this would have happened."

Nala shook her head in disagreement.

"Don't say such things Vitani. Malkia is a smart cub and I'm sure that's not the reason she ran off, besides, you're risking your life to find her and I'm sure that's worth something."

Simba returned shortly after with the two cubs by his side and Timon and Pumbaa following suit. Together, the group spent the night in the safety of Pride Rock. The adults explained to the two cubs what was happening and what needed to be done. Kikay and Kiara wept quietly together while Moran stayed by his father's side. After a little while, the two tired cubs fell asleep by their respective parent's side. Vitani nuzzled her cub lovingly and licked her gently. She softly whispered into her cub's ear.

"I love you Kikay. Be good while I'm gone."

The thought of her being away from her cub with the possibility of not returning was enough to bring tears to Vitani's eyes but she did her best to suppress them as she laid her head down on her paws and dozed off to sleep.

Chapter 12

Malkia was exhausted. The small group had been running for the past day at a great pace with very few stops along the way. They had made it through the Outlands with ease and were now traversing down into a lush green land that looked a lot like the Pride Lands but with minor differences here and there. The grass was shorter than that of the Pride Lands and Malkia could see a broader range of creatures that walked about. She had stayed by Moja's side the whole way here and had watched as they had ran by many different and unusual scenes in the Outlands that Malkia had never seen before. She was weary yet curious about all the things she saw but there was no time to ask Moja about anything, as they were moving too quickly along for any type of conversation to be held.

Malkia was wondering how much further they would have to run before they reached the place known as the Lowlands. It was nearing nightfall as the small party reached the heart of the lands they were in.

"Well, it was a long run but we're finally home." Rama said as they slowed their pace.

Malkia took a look around. Before her, she could see many different caves surrounding a rather large looking opening in a rock formation. She didn't notice any other lions about however and this sparked her curiosity. She was about to speak but Moja beat her to the punch.

"So, this is the Lowlands huh? Seems rather lacking in life doesn't it?"

Nanaki laughed.

"Well it is getting on towards night so I'm sure many of the Pride members are in their dens."

As they neared the largest of the caves, Tsavo motioned for the two newcomers of the group to wait where they were. Rama, Nanaki and Tsavo then disappeared into the cave in front of them. Now that Malkia and Moja were alone and not busy running, Malkia spoke to her.

"Moja, What do you think of this place?"

Moja looked around and viewed her surroundings. She then looked at the young lioness.

"Hmm. Well, it looks ok to me but we haven't met any of the resident Pride members yet, aside from those three, so I can't say for sure."

Malkia nodded and also scanned the surrounding area.

"What do you suppose those three are doing in there Moja?" Malkia asked.

Moja Shrugged.

"I'd assume they're talking to the Pride Leader about what they did in their absence."

Malkia looked a little worried.

"You don't think we're in any danger right now, do you Moja? I mean, do you think they'll let us join their Pride?"

Moja looked hopeful.

"I sure hope they do Cub. If not we're going to have a long walk back to the Pride Lands ahead of us." Moja said. She then thought to herself. "If they don't kill us first that is."

Malkia still looked nervous. This place was new to her as were the creatures who lived here. In the back of her mind, she wished she was back at Pride Rock right now, where she knew everyone and everything around her.

After a little while had passed, Nanaki poked his head out from the large cave entrance and spoke to the two lionesses outside.

"Come inside. This is the Boss's cave. Better known as our Pride Leader to put it into terms you two would understand. Be respectful in his presence."

Moja walked into the cave followed closely by Malkia. They walked down the passageway for a few paces before they entered a large open section. Malkia looked around. There in front of her, she saw Rama and Tsavo on either side of a large male lion. Malkia's eyes fixated on the large lion's body. She could see large visible scars that ran the length of his back and neck. His face too had signs of past injuries strewn across it. Malkia noticed the large lion looking at her so she turned her glance away. He spoke in a deep firm voice that was both powerful in nature, yet also had a gentle feel to it.

"My friends tell me that you two lionesses have come here in the hopes of joining my Pride. Is this true?"

Malkia felt too nervous to speak and Moja noticed this so she spoke for both of them.

"Yes, that is true. My name is Moja and this is my cub Malkia. We wish to become a part of your Pride."

The large lion looked over the two lionesses standing before him. He gazed into Moja's eyes and then into Malkia's.

"What makes you think you'll be of any use to this Pride?" He asked.

"I myself, used to be a Scouting Party Leader in my old Pride and I would be willing to serve you in any way you see fit. My cub may be young but that gives you the opportunity to mold her into whatever you think would help your Pride. She's smart and obedient so there should be no problems."

The large lion thought about this for a moment and then asked.

"And where again are you two from?"

Moja was about to mention her old Pride she used to be in under Zira's rule but then she remembered how they had many times interacted with the Lowlands Pride so she held back.

"Me and my cub came from the Pride Lands, past the Outlands."

Upon hearing this, the large lion paused for a moment. Having heard the words "Pride Lands" being mentioned, his mind seemed to want to recall something, however he was unable to focus on what his mind was hinting at. He merely cast the thought aside and continued to question the two lionesses.

"If you were to join my Pride, would you be willing to perform any orders given to you without question or hesitation?"

Moja smiled.

"Of course. We'd live to serve you." She said in a respectful tone.

The large lion thought again and then spoke.

"Well I can't give you an actual answer tonight. It's late and it looks as though you two are exhausted from your trip." He looked at Malkia who was now leaning on the side of Moja, looking rather sleepy. "I can give you my answer tomorrow. For now, you are more than welcome to stay here for the night in one of the vacant dens here. We can continue this conversation after you two have a restful nights sleep."

Moja bowed to the large lion and nudged Malkia to do the same. The young cub managed a small bow.

"Thank you for your hospitality. We will take you up on that offer." Moja said with a smile.

"Very well" the male lion said. "Nanaki, can you show them to an empty den?"

The leopard nodded and then motioned for the two lionesses to follow his lead. He walked out of the cave, followed by the two lionesses.

After seeing them depart, the large male lion turned his attention to the two other creatures in the area.

"So tell me Tsavo and Rama, what did you find on your Scouting run?"

Tsavo spoke first.

"Well Boss, we scouted out the new land like you asked and it looks like the perfect place to take over. The lions there are a bunch of pushovers and I think we'll have no trouble taking their land."

A smile grew across the face of the large lion after hearing this.

"Excellent Tsavo. Did you meet anyone while you were there?"

Rama chimed in.

"He sure did Boss and had his way with her too." The cheetah burst into laughter. Tsavo jeered at Rama.

"Shut up you numskull!" he snarled at the cheetah.

The large lion turned on Tsavo.

"What? Tsavo, I told you to scout out the new area, not to cause trouble or unwanted attention!"

Tsavo cowered down as the large lion loomed above him.

"I'm sorry Boss, I just couldn't help myself. She was in heat and, well you know."

The large lion snarled.

"That's no excuse for your actions. I can't believe you did such a thing. I thought you had changed your ways Tsavo."

Tsavo hung his head in shame.

"Please forgive me Boss. I promise it won't happen again."

The large lion looked sternly at Tsavo.

"You better see to it that it doesn't Tsavo. I run a strict Pride here as you well know and I won't have my members causing us any problems." He then turned his focus towards Rama. "I suppose you didn't do anything to stop him from doing this did you Rama?"

The cheetah looked doubtful.

"Nanaki and I were too busy running back and forth to know what Tsavo was doing Boss."

Tsavo glared at Rama with a cold stare. The large lion continued to speak to Rama.

"I see, well see to it that more sentries are put on patrol around the Lowlands. I have a feeling that if Tsavo's reprehensible actions are discovered on top of the fact that two of their lionesses are missing, their Pride Leader will surely send a search party out this way. Speaking of Leaders, who are the Pride Leaders of that area?" he asked.

Tsavo spoke up again.

"Their King is Kovu, Son of Zira or so I heard while I was there."

The large lion looked lost in thought.

Tsavo noticed this and mentioned.

"She was the Pride Leader of the Outlanders, the band of lions we used to fight all the time Boss."

The large lion nodded his head at Tsavo.

"I remember that. It's just every time I hear that name, it brings shivers to my spine. I'm not sure why."

Tsavo laughed.

"Well, she was a pretty mean lioness you know. You yourself never had the pleasure of getting clawed by her, but let me tell you from personal experience, it's no fun Boss."

The large lion laughed.

"I'll take your word for it Tsavo. Now as you were saying, Their King is named Kovu and who is their Queen?"

Tsavo responded.

"Her name is Kiara. She is the daughter of Simba and Nala, the previous pair of Pride Leaders of the Pride Lands."

The large lion again, looked deep in thought. Those names seemed so familiar to him but he just didn't remember why.

"Are you ok Boss?" Rama asked, noticing the odd look on his boss's face.

"It's strange" The large lion said in a reflective voice. "I swear I know those names from somewhere but where?"

Tsavo placed a friendly paw on the large lion's shoulder.

"It's ok Boss. I'm sure if I had survived a vicious crocodile attack as a young cub, I would have a bad memory too."

The large lion scowled at Tsavo and shook his paw off him.

"I don't want your pity Tsavo and don't make mention of those events to me again. Now if you two don't mind, I'd like to get some sleep now so get out of my cave."

Tsavo nodded.

"Sorry Boss, slight slip of the tongue there."

Tsavo and Rama then made their way out of the cave talking amongst themselves.

"Why'd you have to go and tell Matayo about what I did at the Pride Lands you dimwit Rama!" Tsavo said to Rama as they left.

Rama laughed at his friend.

"Ahh I didn't mean to say it, It was a slip of the tongue." He said in a mocking tone.

Tsavo slapped his paw at Rama, who nimbly dodged and continued to laugh.

Matayo watched the two creatures leave his sight as he laid upon the ground of his cave. He thought about the events that had led him to the Lowlands. He remembered that he had traveled well beyond the Outlands, after narrowly escaping the jaws of several hungry crocodiles with his life. He was young back then and his body endured the pain and agony. He remembered wandering the Outlands for days on end, disoriented and unable to remember anything before the point when he escaped the jaws of death. He had lost a lot of blood and was very shaken after going through such a traumatic event at such a tender age. He recalled wandering into the Lowlands area and meeting up with the Pride Leader at that time. Seeing the condition he was in, the Pride Leader took him into his care and helped him recover fully from his injuries. He had then been trained by the Pride's members to become the future Pride Leader. He had trained hard and had become a fierce fighter. This became apparent to the others on the day he took over the Pride, not by the free will of the Pride Members but by eliminating the current Pride Leader, the very lion that had taken him in as a young lion and raised him. He replayed the day he had snuck into the Pride Leader's den, under the cover of darkness and ripped the life out of the slumbering lion. He still didn't know to this very day why he had done it. There was a part of him, deep within his psyche that craved for violence. He typically ignored this part of himself but on that day, it had grown too strong and he had acted without thinking. He regretted his actions at times but overall he was happy being the sole Pride Leader of the Lowlands Pride but the mentioning of those words today hung in his mind as he laid his head down to rest. Why did those names, the Pride Lands, Simba and Nala seem so familiar to him? His mind continued to think about this thought as he fell into a deep sleep.

Nanaki led the two lionesses to a near by cave, not far from the one they had just been inside. He motioned towards the cave.

"This den is empty. You two can stay here for the time being. I'll come get you two in the morning and you can speak to Matayo, our boss you just met, more in the morning."

Moja thanked him and he left. The two lionesses made themselves at home in the quaint den.

Moja was tired from all the running they had done to get to where they were now and she was ready to call it a night. She sprawled herself out upon the soft ground of their temporary home. She was about to doze off when she heard the faint whimpers coming from Malkia. She opened her eyes and looked over at the young cub who was softly crying. She got up and walked up to where Malkia was sitting and put a loving paw around her.

"What's wrong Cub?" she asked quietly.

Malkia looked up at Moja with tear filled eyes.

"I miss my Mom and Dad Moja." She said in a trembling tone. "I miss them so much."

Moja nuzzled her gently.

"I'm sure you do Cub but remember that it was your choice to come this far. I only took you along with me because I thought that's what you really wanted."

Malkia sniffled softly.

"I know Moja and I really did want to leave the Pride Lands then but now I'm starting to think that I made the wrong choice."

Moja sighed quietly.

"I thought you might think this way Malkia. Do you remember what I told you several weeks ago? About how everyone is able to make their own choices.?"

Malkia nodded.

"That's the reason why I came with you Moja. Because I thought I was able to make my own choice in life."

Moja nodded.

"Yes you are free to do that Malkia but you're forgetting what else I told you that day too. The other part of that sentence was, not every choice you make will be the right one and some choices you make can't be taken back."

Malkia lowered her head to her paws.

"So is this one of those choices then? One I can't take back Moja?" she asked in a regretful voice.

Moja thought about this for quite a while before speaking.

"We're in this situation kind of deep now Cub but we'll see what happens. Perhaps Matayo, the Pride Leader here will not accept us and tell us to return back to the Pride Lands."

Malkia looked hopeful.

"Do you think that might happen Moja? What about you though. You wanted to leave the Pride Lands too didn't you? Do you want to stay here with this Pride?"

Moja shrugged.

"I don't know Cub. We've just gotten here so I have no idea what the daily life is like here. My main concern right now is what YOU want though. I feel like I got you into this and if this isn't what you want, I'll do whatever I can to get you back to your parents."

Malkia smiled warmly at Moja

"Thank you Moja. You're the best friend I've ever had."

Moja smiled at the young cub.

"You're not half bad yourself either Cub. Now let's get some rest. I'm sure you're just as tired as I am."

The two lionesses laid in each others company and fell soundly asleep.