The Day of the Choice

Nala didn't know what to think at this point in time of the Pridelands. It was just about around the time when Kopa and Kion started to act up like Scar did. Sarabi said it was because of the feeling of jealous in their hearts that couldn't escape, Sarafina had mentioned to her to make sure the boys always were included in many things.

Simba simply just couldn't include them in the royal lessons he teached Kiara, even though Nala said they could go along and learn a few things about the circle of life and ruling just in case something were to happen to Kiara along the way.

By the time Simba noticed the change in the two princes, he started to include them in the lessons, for both Kiara and Nala's happiness but the princes did not show interest in being around Simba anymore. The golden king started to wish for the princes old personality back and them being happy once more instead of being like Scar.

Just when the boys came back from the watering hole, Nala stopped them from going into the den for another night to be alone without having dinner, though the boys ate alone with each other. At times they would eat with Tiffu and Mheetu too, but that was it for the rest of the time.

"You two are going to eat with the pride tonight," Nala declared to her sons. "I am in no mood to hear your excuses for why you aren't going too."

Kopa narrowed his eyes and threatened to growl at his mother, but Kion shoved him a little to make him shut up. The prince cleared his throat.

"Yes, mom." Kopa said nicely, his old warming tone coming back when he was around his mother. "We'll be there."

When the queen walked away to join the hunting party, Kion growled lowly, clawing the ground the best he could. Kopa simply rolled his eyes at the thought of eating with Simba, Kiara, and the rest of the pride. Many of the lionesses liked the two princes, some lions of the pride too, but it was mainly Tiffu, Mheetu, Tanabi, Chaka, and a few more.

"You realize we're going to have to put up with Kiara and Simba, right?" Kion asked his brother.

Kopa smiled. "Yes, but we'll have all day tomorrow to plan this through and when we should tell them of our choice."

"Kopa, are you really sure we can't do this now?" Kion asked, titling his head. "The timing is perfect. No one will notice."

"No. We stay until our manes are a bit more in before doing so," Kopa stated, looking up to the sky. "Besides, the great kings will guide us."

Kion simply huffed before going to the slope where the king would roar to his Kingdom when claiming it, to the every spot they used to hear stories with Simba. Where he would teach lessons.

The Kingdom seemed so small to him now.

"What does it matter what the kings say?" Kion asked, eyes sharpining. "As if it weren't enough, Simba has to go and make it seem like we're not wanted around here."

"You know what he said about Scar," Kopa growled. "He had a darkness in himself he couldn't escape. We're going to escape that darkness, brother."

Kion shifted slightly before locking eyes with Simba himself, he turned his head away and Kopa didn't need to be told who Kion saw. He could hear the king's pawsteps coming closer and closer till they stopped. Yes, Simba would try and fix this madness again.

It wouldn't be able to work like the last few times.

"Kopa, Kion," Simba's voice said behind them. "We need to talk about something."

"Is it about how you hate us and don't want us?" Kion guessed.

"Or about how you just don't like us anymore to give Kiara the throne instead of us?" Kopa added on.

Simba stared at the two, shocked they would think that's what he wanted to talk about. He didn't hate the two princes, though he wished they had a different father, he didn't want them to leave and he surely didn't think giving Kiara the throne would change them so much!

"That isn't what I want to talk about," He firmly said. "It's about your change in mood."

oOo

It was about Midnight was Kopa woke up his brother, his eyes trailed towards the den entrance and Kion followed. The cold breeze was slowly blowing but they didn't mind the coldness. At this time, they truly felt at peace like nothing could harm them in the world.

Yet in the den, Nala's eyes slowly opened, hearing her sons move out of the den. Quietly, she followed her boys out, watching them watch the night sky and stars coming out. She knew they felt at peace and could possibly looking for their father.

"You boys seem at peace." She spoke, moving towards them.

Kion nearly jumped while Kopa gave a soft gasp, turning to look over their shoulders. Nala's eyes held nothing but love towards them.

"I...we..." Kion began, unable to speak. "Yes. We are."

"Good. Because I always wondered what it would take to make you two at peace again." Nala chuckled, sitting in between them.

Kopa sighed. "Mother, why does he hate us?"

"Simba does not hate you." Nala explained softly to them. "He just can't come to terms with the new information."

"Who was our father?" Kion asked, shifitng a little. Eyes going to the sky. "We can't find his star..."

Nala took a moment. "I'm afraid I don't think you'll be able to find that star. He wasn't the best of lions."

"Was it Scar?" Kopa guessed. "Does that explain why we get looks from the pride?"

"Yes." Nala nodded. "He was Scar. I'm sorry I kept that from you."

Kion nuzzled his mother, trying to make her feel better. Kopa did the same. "Don't worry, mom. We forgive you. Simba was good to us up until that day." Kion said.

"Besides, we still have you." Kopa added on. "Tell us more about your own father, Adofo."

Nala smiled a bit. "My father looked a bit like Kion with a red mane. Possibly explaining the red and your looks Kion. But his eyes were a blue-green color. Well one was. The other was light brown. He loved my mother more than anything...I wish I could've met him though..."

Feeling sorry for his mother, Kion pulled away a bit. Letting her see his eyes.

"What happened to him?" he asked.

"I don't really know, Kion," Nala sighed. "He suddenly disappeared one day. Many say he was killed by Scar himself, but I can't be sure."

Kopa frowned. "We sorry mother. We'll keep Adofo in our hearts."

"Maybe name a cub after him." Kion promised.

Nala felt her heart warming up at the sight.

"I'm sure you'll do your grandfather proud..."