The Common Royalty
Chapter 3
The Family Expands
Kovu and Vitani realized it was Simba. "Please, don't hurt us," Kovu pleaded.
"Now what gave you the idea that I would do such a thing?" Simba asked.
"W-we, o-our mom told us that you would k-k..." Vitani couldn't even finish her sentence as she saw Simba up close for the first time.
"Well if your mother told you I hurt or do worse things to cubs, she is sadly mistaken. I going out on a limb and guessing you are Zira's cubs," Simba said.
Vitani and Kovu nodded. "Okay, so I have a feeling that makes you Vitani," Simba pondered and Vitani nodded before Simba asked Kovu, "So you are the youngest? What's your name young one?"
"K-Kovu, y-your majesty," Kovu said, still nervous in the kings presence.
"It's nice to meet you Kovu. Now if you don't mind me asking, what has brought you into the Pridelands, so far away from your mother? She must be looking for you," Simba said.
"We... we ran away. We were watching you a few days ago and saw you take a cub back to Pride Rock while we were across the river. We told our mother what we saw and she started to act strange... well, more strange then normal. We were starting to think that our mom was actually just using us til she no longer needed us. She keeps going on about Scar," Vitani told him.
"I see. You were starting to put things together and didn't like the end result that was to come. I can't say I'm surprised by Zira doing such a thing. What I am surprised at is that the two of you were able to see through the deceit at such a young age. I'm guessing you've been given prey to eat and can't hold it down, right?" Simba asked.
"Well, termites, but, yeah, we're starving," Kovu said.
"Well, come with me to Pride Rock. My mate Nala will be more then willing to feed you," Simba said.
"Y-you're not gonna kill us, o-or send us back?" Kovu asked.
"No, don't worry, you're safe, and far from Zira's grasp now. If she even attempts to cross into these lands to reclaim you, she will face severe punishment," Simba told them.
"You mean, we are..." Vitani could hardly believe her ears.
Simba nodded, "Welcome to the pride little ones, and if my mate permits it, the family as well."
Vitani and Kovu were now completely shocked, Simba had offered to let them become part of the royal family. How could the day get any better? By now Kovu and Vitani were convinced that Zira had been wrong about the king. If he were a killer, he wouldn't have shown such kindness. If Simba showed this kind of generosity, there was a good chance the rest of the pride was just as nice, if not nicer. Simba then bent down and said, "Climb on up you two. Pride Rock is still a long way from here, and because you haven't had something to eat in a while, you two will tire out before we're even halfway there."
Kovu and Vitani hesitated, but slowly approached the king and climbed up onto his back. Simba wasn't surprised by how they reacted. Life with Zira, however brief it had been, must have been harsh and left some traumatizing memories in their young minds. Plus, with the stories she probably told them, Zira more then likely gave Simba a bad rap. No doubt their older brother Nuka had long bought into it, but now he had been able to get these two cubs away from Zira's twisted mind and her lying claims about the Pridelanders. He also noticed something very familiar about Vitani, but he couldn't place it at this time. He'd worry about it later as he walked towards Pride Rock with the two cubs riding on his back. They soon bumped into Zazu. "Sire, are you aware two outsiders are with you," Zazu asked, thinking his king may have lost his mind.
"I am fully aware Zazu. But they have left the outsiders of their own choice. Their tired and hungry, and mean no harm. They'll become part of our own pride and looked after by Nala and myself. before you go protesting about this Zazu, you need to ask yourself, what would you have done, had you been in their position?" Simba stated.
Zazu remained silent thinking long and hard about how rough the little cubs must have had it in the outlands. "Now, I would like you to spread the word to the other animals that we have adopted two new pride members and afterwards, keep an eye out for any outlander activity, especially if you see Zira," Simba commanded.
"Yes, your majesty, I shall make haste at once, good day to the three of you," Zazu replied.
Zazu soon flew off and Simba made his way onto Pride Rock. "Is that bird always so, um, paranoid your highness?" Kovu asked.
"Hmhm, from time to time, and no need for the formalities young Kovu. You can just call me Simba, or possibly father if Nala allows it," Simba said.
"But what if she doesn't?" Vitani asked.
"Oh, I reckon she will. But we'll wait til we come to that little fork in the road," Simba said.
Soon the three came upon Pride Rock, and Vitani and Kovu were amazed at how big it was. Soon Simba brought them up to the cave entrance and let them off. They stood there for a moment, until Simba nudged them to follow him inside. "Well, hello there Simba, and who are these two cute little cubs coming in behind you," Sarabi asked.
"Mother, this is Kovu and Vitani. I found them in a little cavern near Rhino canyon. Is Nala here?" Simba asked.
"I'm right here dear," Nala said as she walked up, with Eurus trailing behind.
"Hello dear, I'd like you to meet the newest members of our pride, Kovu and Vitani. They traveled a long way on their own, looking for us, and they need some nourishment," Simba said.
"Well, I was just about to feed our son Eurus here, you two are free to share a meal with him," Nala said.
She soon laid down and let Eurus nurse. Kovu and Vitani were a bit hesitant once again, until they felt Sarabi nudge them from behind. They soon latched on and were able to receive their first taste of milk in weeks. As they nursed, Simba talked with his mother and Nala. "Simba, do you think it's wise to take them in like this? Their the children of Zira," Nala said.
"I know that, but the look in their eyes showed they do not want to be around her anymore. Even if Zira had come back to take them back right under our noses before we found them, I have no doubt they would try and escape again. They may be young but they are smart. They were able to put the pieces together of whatever Zira was planning and didn't like the end result of it. I think they've been through enough. They deserve better and we can give them that chance, if your up to it," Simba stated.
"Oh Simba, it's no wonder I married you. Always thinking about the safety of others, even if their of another pride. And of course I am up to it. Looks like the royal family just got bigger," Nala said.
Simba smiled and looked at the cubs, who had been oblivious to the conversation enjoying their meal. Then Sarabi cut in, "I don't know if you noticed before, but, doesn't Vitani have a familiar look about her. Like we know her from somewhere?"
"Well, she was there the day the outlanders left. I am guessing Kovu must have been born after they were exiled," Simba said.
"She does look like... but it couldn't be... could it Sarabi?" Nala asked.
"I'm not sure but, see about her scent," Sarabi said.
Simba, Nala, and Sarabi soon caught wif of Vitani's scent and were in shock. The scent was all too familiar to them and they couldn't mistaken it for another lion cub. "When should we tell her Nala?" Simba asked.
"When they are done nursing and Kiara returns. I need to tell them in private. If we keep this information til their older, we might not have a good outcome," Nala said.
"As long as your sure. I'll take Kovu and Eurus somewhere and give them a little father son talk and maybe a few lessons in royalty," Simba said.
Nala nodded and soon was looking back at the cubs, she then saw Kovu and Vitani on the verge of passing out. "Maybe I'll wait til these two young ones have a nap. I think they earned it after their long journey," Nala said.
"As you wish Nala. I'm going to make another patrol and see if Zazu has seen any suspicious outsider activity in the Pridelands," Simba said.
Nala nodded and Simba soon took off. Sarabi laid next to Nala and said, "Seems you two have a thing for picking up lost orphans."
"Looks like it. Though I don't think I'd want to let them go after seeing their cute little faces. You know, Kovu may be Zira's cub, but, he doesn't seem to have any resemblance to Scar," Nala said.
"I don't think Scar could have been his father. He was born after Kiara was and she wasn't conceived until after Scar's death. There is no way Scar could be the father," Sarabi said.
"Ah, I see, that would explain a few things," Nala said.
Soon Kovu and Vitani were finished with their meal, but it didn't take long for them t pass out. All the running from yesterday had taken it's toll on them and they needed the rest. They soon passed out close to Nala and she gave them a maternal lick to comfort them as they slept. Eurus soon followed and cured up next to his new siblings he had gained, even though he didn't know it yet. Nala nuzzled all of them and kept conversation with Sarabi as they slept.
End of chapter three. Hope you enjoyed it. So Simba and Nala have discovered Vitani is their long lost daughter they thought to be dead. How will Vitani react to this? What will Zira think of them joining Simba's Pride? Could Zira's plans be foiled, or is this just a minor setback? Stay tuned and find out more. Please leave a positive review and constructive criticism. I'll update when I can. Once again, stay tuned.
