TMNTTLK lover, thanks for the review. I tried to make Kopa and Tanabi's identity stretch as long as I could. But the cat's out the bag now, enjoy the chapter.

Kiara couldn't believe what's happening. And she wasn't thinking about the return of a brother either her or Kion heard of. She's more concerned about her daughter, who was in a critical condition. Why would someone attack a cub? Who could be so vile?

A clearing of a throat caused the golden orange lioness to look up from her unconscious daughter to see one of other good friends, Aaliyah. Kiara dipped her head before looking back at her daughter, not bother to withheld the tears.

The creamy brown lioness lowered her head. "You are needed in the Lion Guard's lair."

Kiara shook her head before pulling her daughter close. "I won't leave her. I refuse to."

Aaliyah apporched the weeping queen before bumping her head against her friend. "You heard what Rafiki said. She won't wake for another few days. I'll stay watch."

Kiara sighed before standing, letting Aaliyah lay down to keep Eliza warm. Kiara dipped her head down and gave Eliza a nuzzle before heading out of the small cave by the slope. Kiara headed down the rocky slope and made a left towards the path to the lair. As she got closer to the guard's lair, she heard the commotion of the Council. With a deep breath the queen entered catching the outburst of the light gold, dark brown mane lion.

"This is unfair! You're denying Tanabi and my rights to the throne because..."

"You're inexperienced." Sarabi stated from the ledge where Rafiki stood. "Your father was unable to rule, even though he defeated Scar. He didn't have the lessons, so I ruled while your father attended his lessons."

Kopa frowned, glaring at everyone in the lair. "So, you want me to sit back and wait to be taught! Kings do whatever they want!" he really wished Tanabi was here.

Simba shook his head before looking at his son. "There's more to being king than just ruling..there's leading and a lot of importance to learn. Treaties and such."

Kopa looked away but there was still a betrayed look on his face. "So...in order to be king we have to go through lessons? That's ridiculous!"

Kiara decided to say something on the behalf of ruling. "As ruler, it's your duty to protect all the animals in the Pridelands as well as the pride."

Kopa had a look of annoyance as he sneered, "Was there more?"

Simba sighed heavily and shook his head before looking at Kopa with a care fill expression. "Kopa, this isn't something you learn over night. Many lives are counting on you. Without the proper guidance a kingdom under a king or queen that doesn't receive lessons will fall."

Kopa scowled as he glared dangerously at mainly Kiara and Kovu. "How long do you expect me to learn these so important lessons?"

Nala was the one that spoke first. "A year and a half the most."

Kopa roared in outrage but storming out, leaving everyone stunned. After a bit Kiara found her voice.

"I don't feel comfortable with him around. He's acting like Scar and Zira."

Nala gasped as she looked at her daughter with shocked green eyes. "Kiara! That's your brother..."

Kion nodded in agreement with his twin. "I agree. Even though he's our brother won't mean he's not planning something. If not how come Tanabi didn't show up as well?"

Kovu frowned before shaking his head at his mother in law. "Let's not forget that Mufasa and Scar was brothers, look what happened."

Simba listened and looked towards his mother and Rafiki before looking at his youngest cubs and mate. "They're right, Nala."

Kiara huffed before heading out of the lair. "I want a message out. No cubs are to be around Kopa. Period."

...

It's been exactly four weeks since Eliza's attack. The princess was now up and running around. Eliza hasn't been happy with all the extra watching. Or her family's overprotectiveness. Or them being unfair with banning all the cubs, including her from being around the lion that saved her life.

As the sun was highest in the sky, Simba and Kovu were making rounds across the Pridelands when they spotted a young largely built tawny, dark red mane lion. When the lion's amber eyes landed on the pair, Simba gasped.

"Tanabi?"

Tanabi grinned before walking over. "Hello father. I see you moved on."

Simba frowned in confusion but before he could ask his son any questions, his attention went to a apporching dark purple hornbill. "Ezra?"

Ezra fluttered in front of the three lions. "Miss Keelah went into labor."

Tanabi smirked. "Well now. I come at a right time. I'm about to be a father."

Simba and Kovu was surprised but nodding regardless. Simba and Kovu headed for Priderock with Tanabi following. Once the three got to be kopje Rafiki was walking out and the sky had darkened. When they reached the top of the slope the Sherman was already heading to the main cave.

Kopa's green eyes lit up when he saw Tanabi. Even though he stole and impregnated the lioness he loved, or thought he did. He felt alone. "Keelah wishes to see me. But now you're here..."

Tanabi head bumped Kopa before the brothers entered. The only one inside the small cave was Rhea, who wasn't far from giving birth herself. In the middle of the cave laid Keelah, who was absolutely shocked to see her former love. A deal that went badly wrong.

"Why, my dear. Why the long face?" then with a eerie giggle before he expression fell. "You know the deal? You had better given birth to a healthy male."

Keelah glanced at Kopa before looking back at Tanabi. "I did...but it is not your son. The daughter is yours."

Tanabi growled before raising his paw, ready to strike. "You slut!"

Kopa knocked his brother's paw down with a glare. "Stop! Before you took her...we mated. We are the only ones she mated with."

Tanabi growled before looking at the cubs as he lowered his paw. His amber eyes snapping to the light gold male. "Hmm...Rumpelstiltskin."

Keelah gasped. "You can't be serious! I...I won't stand for it."

Tanabi snarled close in the goldish-peach lioness' face. "But you will. Or the the little begger will not be seeing the light of another day. And of course, I'll be teaching him." the tawny lion then looked at his brother. "Objections?"

Kopa subconsciously rubbed his right cheek where three gashes run down to her muzzle. "No...brother."

"Good. Now, I must go handle some business. Handle this. We'll talk later." Tanabi sneered before stalking out of the cave.

Kopa sighed before looking at his son. Proudness swelled inside. Rumpelstiltskin, his son. He'll protect and make sure he doesn't go through what he and Tanabi went through. That he promised.