OUTLAND POV

The outlands were dry and barren, loose dirt kicked around the air and got into your eyes. Dead trees and shrubs littered the diseased landscape. Termite hills were common here, massive towers of dirt that soared up to the sky, leaving hollow cavities inside for these miserable lions. Let us not forget the creatures that built these mounds though. They would become lost in the matted fur of lions, nibbling on their skin- irritating them and making them itch. The outlands were not a suitable home for a single lion, let alone an entire pride. They were a pride now, they had been banished as a group- so they would live as a group, finally, they would come to odds, and recover as a group.

The lioness' even had a king and queen.

Their queen was a thin, sharply drawn lioness with a smile that made others quiver. She stalked where ever she went, giving hot and darting glances at everything with her blood red eyes, sharp black claws leaving markings in the ground as she moved. Zira didn't fear to yell- the contrary, she yelled all the time: at everyone. She had hatred in her heart and desperately wanted the death of her last mate avenged, or more particularly, to see her son and prince assume the throne- as he was promised by the late king.
This goal's achievement meaning the death of the beloved pride land king. Or something similar to that.

She never really loved Scar, he was just a means to an end. She was queen now, and his death held a lower spot on the totem poll of life then her son's throne.

The outland's king- he wasn't really the king though, Zira had claimed the powers of ruling for her own, and he gave them willingly. He was more or less the adoptive father of Nuka, Vitani, and Kovu. But even then, Zira raised her own young- keeping them separated from the rest of the pride.

He had once served a great purpose, under Scar his designation was to silence those in need of silencing, and protect those in need of protection. Especially to enforce Scar's decisions. But now, Scar was dead. Zira saw little use in this lion any longer, yet he was still massively strong and intimidating, handsome even.
He didn't have a true designation now, in fact, he really only gave the other lioness' his company. He was an incredibly kind and caring lion, his presence was greatly appreciated by all the woman. Always a kind man who would listen to you- help you- even love you. Zira didn't like him, but no one else truly knew why she didn't; he certainly liked her.
although he is kind and caring here, under Scar this lion was a ruthless commander of the lions, he feared nothing- and he would kill regardless the reason.
The last link to that fallen empire was this male. Scar's death was a striking blow to the regime, but now- their was Prince Kovu, Queen Zira, and King Kukuza.

"Kukuza! Get over here!" Screamed Zira, calling for Scar's second in command.

Her claws were digging into the stiff and dry dirt as she shouted, slightly annoyed that this timely man was taking his sweet moments to approach her. She had better things to do, she was a queen! And his lazing about shouldn't slow her down, not now anyway.

A hulking grey lion approached the termite invested area the outlanders were sitting on. His incredible black mane flowing ever so delicately away from his jaw- containing rows of sharp, hungry teeth.

His eyes were a pale grey, nothing like anyone had ever seen. So lurking and full of despair. They were green at one time, but his eyes faded for an unknown reason. most lions only ever remembered the grey eyes. Kukuza's eyes had seen things done by monsters- awful hate driven things. He'd been a part of it too.
No wonder they were grey.

Beyond his massive bulk and build, were his paws. Clean white fur grew from his paws, and only his paws. Front and back.
Kukuza was slightly younger then Scar, and older then Zira, but from his size and physique you'd never guess.

This was the lion who was ruthless- but also caring and loving. Kukuza.

"Yes Zira? Is your scheming complete?"
He was slightly sarcastic when he said this, but he had a way of being flirtatious in everything he said to Zira, so she wasn't offended, but indeed annoyed.

His presence upset her usually, he was a fool, at least she thought so.

"Kukuza, the plan is to be put into action tonight! We will kidnap Simba's son!"

"How sweet of you to invite over your friends."

"No games Kukuza! This is serious!"

"Well, if you had a bad day just tell me, no need to shout."

He was so calm and dashing, smiling lightly with his grey orbs attempting to lock onto hers.

"Stop this!"

Zira was unsure if she wanted it to stop, she loved the aggressive banter, it was funny to her- and the attention didn't hurt.
Scar never gave attention like this unless he wanted something, but Kukuza was so... genuine?

"You'll really mess up your voice from yelling Zira, maybe you just need a good cuddle."

Kukuza walked up to her, bumping the skinny creature with his rear playfully. He was starring down into her eyes, even though she wasn't looking at him. She never looked at him.

"I have something to-"
"We."

Zira sighed aloud, standing corrected by the most flirtatious lion in Africa.

"We have a mission to carry out, and we need to get moving."

Her voice was low and almost growling, but Kukuza wasn't worried.

Zira was extraordinarily bright, she could get anything she wanted if she worked for it. Yet- she still could be trusted, considered a friend- not a friend of many. But a friend.

Kukuza loved this about her, he loved her. Sadly though, her emotions were very difficult to read, except for anger, so Kukuza never had much of a read on her.

She only picked Scar because she likes power, she would have picked me...

Kukuza told himself this often.

When Scar came to power, Kukuza rose to the top, but not high enough to win the love of Zira. If she had any love to give.

Now that the decisions had been made and the moments had passed, history written- Kukuza knew he put himself exactly where he was in life- no one else.

Zira had been planning Kopa's kidnapping ever since the moment of his birth. This day, no, night- would be the crown jewel of her achievements. Having Kopa stolen would weaken Simba enough for him to hopefully turn the pride lands over to her.

"I suppose you have everything in order than." Said Kukuza.

"Yes, I have everything." Said Zira feeling slightly annoyed, rolling her eyes at his question- she felt young around him, he talked to her like she was something special.

"Where are the cubs?" Said Kukuza matter of factly.
His facial expressions said I got you now. Feeling good about winning the conversation.

"I'm not bringing them." Said Zira quietly.

"Hun, could you go get them? I really want them to come. Ok?" Said Kukuza talking to one of his lioness friends- a woman who's mother served Kukuza devotedly.

Zira was furious, he had just undermined her! But even now, Kukuza outranked her. He was bigger and stronger too.

"She's so loyal to you, just like her despicable mother..."
Zira spat the words like poison.

"Don't say such mean things Zira, today's supposed to be a good day for you- be happy!"

Zira shook her head, he was right, she should be happy. But not yet.

"I won't be happy until the plan is successful!"
She was annoyed with the big grey male. Definitely.

"See, here come our-"

"My cubs! They're not yours!"

"Oh how you hurt me so... anyway here they come."
Kukuza felt the sting of her words, he wasn't the father really, 66% of the time he wasn't the father of the three cubs.

"Fine. Lets go!" Said Zira angrily. She began her march to the pride lands. All followed.

WITH KUKUZA & THE CUBS

"Hey kids, are you ready to go." Said Kukuza sweetly. He loved cubs, so sweet and innocent.

"Thanks Hun." He said quietly to the lioness as she walked on, catching up with everyone else.

What a man he is...
Thought Hun as she jogged off to catch up.

Kukuza had done awful things- but his moral code was unshakeable. An
Within that code, he had a rule about caring for any and all cubs.

"Yes number 1, I'm ready!" Said Nuka excitedly. Scar never took Nuka out, so this was a special treat for him.

Scar called Kukuza number 1. Nuka was a little leader, he could see that. There was potential- but no one ever cared to recognize it.

"Ready dad." Said Vitani as she rubbed up against Kukuza's leg.

He wasn't actually her father, but over time his parental instincts choose her as his daughter. Plus, Vitani really liked Kukuza, he was sweet and she saw this. It's good to have a nice dad around, especially when your mother is so different.

"Come on Kovu." Kukuza picked up the cub in his mouth, carrying him to the place where it would happen.

Kovu was practically newborn, only being birthed recently.
He looked nothing like his father- thank the kings above for that...

Nuka scampered slightly ahead, looking back and stopping occasionally for them to catch up. Vitani walked at a closer range, wanting to be near her younger brother and father.

The four arrived at the scene just after everyone else, they were approximately a mile or so from the pride lands watering hole. The grass was tall, there was a circular clearing Kopa would be brought into, with Outlander lioness' hiding in said grasses waiting for the search parties, which would inevitably be sent by Simba.

Kukuza set the three cubs on a hill a short distance from the area the kidnapping would be taking place. The hill offered a commanding view of the clearing and grasslands.

Kukuza wanted Kopa to have friends to be with so he wouldn't be scared, so having the three around would be good.

Kukuza squinted his eyes, trying to improve his view on the clearing's surface.

"Now, you three will be accepting of this Kopa cub, right? No nonsense. Treat him like a any other lion." Said Kukuza calmly, no longer squinting.

The cubs all nodded lightly, even the young Kovu.

"Daddy, your not going down there are you?" Said Vitani, not wanting to be left alone. The thought of being alone scared her, even if she had Nuka.

"No, no. This is your mother's plan. She'll do all the work, I'm just going to sit up here with you, and look fierce!"

Kukuza let out a slight roar for dramatic effect and then fell over laughing with his daughter resting in his mane.

Kukuza couldn't help but think about what was happening though.

We're kidnapping not only a prince, but a son! His mother and father must be going insane wondering where he is, who he's with... Zira isn't their favorite person, so they'll have a fit!
Hopefully he won't be too scared.
She won't hurt him- it's her plan! Se won't deviate from her own plan.

Kukuza knew Zira, a lot more then he lead on to. She wouldn't do something rash- and if she did, he'd intervene. Simple as that.

I'd hate to embarrass her though... In front of the pride landers. Then she'd have a fit too!

Vitani settled down, sitting next to her father's front leg, Nuka to the right of her, and Kovu to Kukuza's right.

Zira was shuffling her paws in the dirt, definitely anxious, this was her first attempt at redemption- so she wanted success, she'd want success no matter what number the attempt was.

WITH KOPA

Kopa had been having a drink at the pride lands watering hole.
He was alone.

He lapped up the water hungrily, slopping it up into his mouth and beyond his teeth.
The water's previously slack, calm surface had been disturbed, now shaking and swishing.

A team of three outlander lioness' were watching him from the opposite side of the pool.

"Should we act now?" Whispered one.
"Yes, you two take him from behind, I will approach from the front." Said another.

They continued around to the right, cutting Kopa off from pride rock.

What's that? Thought the lion cub as he stopped drinking and looked around.
He spun around slowly, his small tail now between his legs.

There were two young looking lioness' approaching him from behind- sitting low in an attack stance.

Kopa tried to back up, closer to the water, but there was another, third lioness sitting behind him. Laying down actually, parallel the pool's edge.

"Hello little one, you're coming with us now." She smiled deviously, standing up, grabbing the terrified cub by the nap of his neck, running off, returning to the clearing.

The clearing where Zira was waiting.

Everyone grew silent, the time had come. Kopa was here, hanging from the mouth of a lioness, and promptly dropped onto the ground at Zira's paws.

Kukuza straightened up then.

"There's no need to be rough with him!"
Kukuza said this lightly, knowing that Zira wouldn't listen regardless his orders.

Kopa slinked low on the ground, attempting to gain baring as to where he was, and more importantly- who he was with.

"Hello little one, you're going to do great things for me." Said Zira, showing her sharp teeth to the frightened Kopa. Claws outstretched, revealing their sharp glory.
Eyes red like fire.

"Who... Who... Are you?"

Kopa grew increasingly scared at the sight of the woman's claws, he was shaking and he felt alone.

"In good time you little rat. In good time." She was glaring at the cub with burning hatred- so angry and upset by his presence. By his existence.