I.
Kovu led his Pride Landers to the edge of new, fertile lands. They had been hit a bit harder then the Pride Lands but these 'Up Landers', as they called themselves, looked well adjusted to their home. Hills with yellow splotched greenery sprawled before the weary travelers. Looking back at his family, Kovu knew that they needed to eat soon.
"Will the king let us hunt here, Binti?" He asked the pink bird flying overhead.
"I'm not sure," she informed him. "You'll have to make a good impression on them."
The male lion and Vitani shared a look.
" 'Them?' " She said sarcastically.
He smirked. "Be nice."
Their situation grew steeper as two figures appeared on the horizon – The males were very large, one more so then the other and they appeared with unfriendly expressions. Kovu bared his teeth as Vitani and Dotty flanked him. The other Pride Landers did as they did. Kovu stood up in realization at the last moment as other Uplanders appeared.
"Wait!" He halted his pride.
"Kovu?"
"What're we going to prove by showing ourselves as a threat?"
The Pride Landers became stunned as the lion leaders in the distance gave each other looks at their intruders hesitance. Kovu lowered his crooked muzzle as the much older lions came toward them. The one of the left he knew he could probably take, he was a light gold-blonde with a yellowish white mane. His friend, however, could be difficult.
"Stand your ground." Kovu growled.
Vitani and Dotty posed to attack the weaker-looking male while Kovu faced the bigger one on his own. The lion's eyes glowed a dark scarlet, penetrating right into Kovu's big green ones. Clouds overhead rumbled with lightening with the possbility of a downpour.
"Hello," The leader of the Pride Landers finally spoke, "We're here to speak with you."
"Well," Gold-blonde lion smiled. "Any relative of Naba's is welcomed here."
"Naba…?"
"You must be Kovu." Scarlet eyes said. "We've heard about you."
"You knew my father?" He asked Gold-blonde.
"I'm Tojo." The lion indicated his friend. "This is my brother, Chaka. And yes, you could say that we know your father. He used to be this pride's king; he was a Pride Lander too."
Kovu's jaw dropped.
To be continued…
~ Lavenderpaw ~
