"So," Malka cleared his throat as the group walked. Now that Kion had proclaimed his identity with the Roar, there was no fear of being mistaken for common rogues. Every animal in the Pride Lands knew that their prince had returned. "Does anyone else think it's weirdly quiet?"
"The herds don't like the sight of a bunch of males," Kion nodded at a nearby zebra herd, who were trotting into the distance with anxious snorts. This area of the land was sparse, he noted, clearly in the early stages of regrowth after a fire, and many of the animals hadn't returned to their former habitats. The grass was beginning to grow again, but the fauna that normal crawled and skittered between the blades were still absent. Even the usual hum of insects was muted. He wondered how his family had handled the fire, how it had affected the animals. He wished he could have helped.
"I guess you and Simba are the only guys, huh?"
"There haven't been many manes around since Scar died, so yeah, as far as lions go it's just been me and Dad. And you know, Timon, Pumbaa and my friend Bunga sometimes."
"Then who's that?" Tojo nodded at a dark masculine figure in the distance, a smaller feminine figure beside it.
"It looks like Kovu and Vitani," Kion squinted.
"What, Zira's kids?" Chumvi asked.
"Yeah, that's them."
"Let's go say hello," Malka rolled his shoulders, clearly eager for a confrontation. Kion had gotten to know the lions fairly well over the course of their travel, and had quickly learned that Malka was aggressive and bullish. His mate Chumvi, however, was more mellow and even a little cautious. Tojo was a healthy medium between the two, his gentle but fiery nature reminding Kion of his mother and father. Mheetu had begun to open up, and Kion sensed that Mheetu was far more intelligent than he let on.
"Wait," Kion paused as the lioness walked forward, alone. Kovu remained where he stood. "Vitani?" He frowned as she came to a stop calmly before the group. Nothing about her relaxed stance or bored expression suggested fear. Vitani had always been coolheaded, but never cocky. The dynamics had drastically changed since the last time he'd caught her in his home, which confirmed his suspicions that much had changed in his absence. He just didn't know if those changes were good or bad.
"Welcome back, Prince Kion," she deadpanned. "Kovu's afraid you're going to attack him, so you know, don't."
"What are you two doing in the Pride Lands?" Kion demanded.
"Right," she clicked her tongue. "You've been gone for a while. Can I catch you up to speed or do you want to pin me first to make yourself feel better?" This was a reference to the last time he'd seen her, seasons ago. He'd snuck up on her while she was tracking an injured eland that had been separated from its herd just outside the threshold of the Outlands. He'd tackled her angrily, but in the end, he'd let her go with a promise not to tell his parents, a promise he had kept. It had been a gamble, and one he had felt guilty about because it wasn't his safety he was betting on, but rather his family's. But he'd seen her tracking the eland, and felt certain she was just trying to eat. Enemy of his family or not, he didn't like seeing a fellow lion go hungry. He had always sensed that if Vitani could choose between war and peace, she'd choose peace. It was her brothers that Kion worried about.
"You're outnumbered, pinning you wouldn't help."
"I can count," she scowled. "Kion, Zira's dead. Nuka too, most of her pride left, you can relax."
"Nuka and your mother are dead?" He felt a mixture of surprise and empathy.
"I didn't call her 'mommy,'" the lioness harshly corrected. "But yeah, they're dead."
"I'm sorry to hear that." He meant it. He believed her. He also didn't know how to take this news. He was worried what part his parents had played in the two deaths, if any. Had they been justified? Had his parents killed them in combat, or had something more dark happened? He realized that he'd just wondered if his parents were murderers, and silently chastised himself. No, no his parents wouldn't kill one of their own without just cause. If her pride has dispersed, what had caused their shift in loyalty? What did it mean for the Pride Lands?
"I can see the relief in your face," she took a step back. "I get it," she added with what was almost a smirk, "I just wanted to point that out. Your dad's a much better actor."
"What about you and Kovu? My dad wouldn't have just let you two into the pride like nothing ever happened, I'm not stupid."
"I can't account for that, but he did. Your parents have," her voice softened ever so slightly. "They've actually been very kind."
"If everything's so peachy, where are they?"
"Probably waiting for you," she shrugged. "And I'm sure Kiara's on her way, the whole Pride Lands saw your little cloud display."
"That was the intention."
"I'm shaking. Listen, can I give Kovu the all-clear or are you still hellbent on kicking his ass?"
"I'll put the ass-kicking on hold," Kion walked past Vitani, still suspicious. "For now, I'm going to see my family."
"Knock yourself out."
"And you," Kion looked to Kovu as the group approached, "No trouble, alright?"
"Hey," Kovu's stance remained guarded, but neutral. "I'm on your side. Can I ask who your friends are?" He eyed the rest of the group suspiciously.
"No."
"You can, however," Malka stopped, "explain that." He gestured to Kovu's shoulder.
"I don't know what it is," Kovu took a step back. "It just showed up during Kiara's coronation, nobody knows-"
"What do you mean her coronation?" Kion snarled. "What happened to my dad?"
"Your dad's fine," Vitani intervened boldly, stepping in front of her brother defensively, betting that Kion wouldn't dare strike her. "Relax, he stepped down, that's all."
"My dad would never 'step down,' nobody in the history of our lineage has ever just stepped down!" Kion's voice rose. "What really happened?"
"Forget it, he's not going to listen. Let's go, Kovu," Vitani started to walk away, but Malka blocked her. Kovu bared his teeth, the hairs between his shoulder blades raising.
"Let. Her. Pass."
"Prince Kion," Vitani turned sternly to the lion, "I am a Pride Lander, whether you like it or not, but your friends are not. Your sister shares your father's harsh view on rogues harassing pride members. You'd better do the smart thing and tell this rogue to back down before I lose my temper."
"Malka," Tojo put a paw on his friend. "Let her pass, this isn't our territory."
"If you're lying," Kion narrowed his eyes, "I'll remember that you used my family's integrity against me."
"I'm sure of it," Vitani strode coolly between Malka and Tojo. "Touch a hair on Kovu's precious little head," she warned without looking back, "and Kiara will have your hides." Hearing this, Kovu smirked.
"What's so funny?" Chumvi asked.
"Nothing. Nothing at all."
"You're cocky for someone who's completely outnumbered," Malka observed.
"Because Vitani is right," Kion deduced, taking in Kovu's relaxing stance. He wasn't afraid of Kion or the others. "Kiara always had a soft spot for him, and if she really is in charge, then he has her protection. He's not stupid enough to bluff about something like this."
"Looks pretty stupid to me," Malka grumbled.
"So can I go?" Kovu looked at Kion with a bored expression, though Kion sensed a shred of hesitation. "Or are you detaining me?"
"While I certainly have the authority," Kion started walking again, "I don't have just cause. Yet." Hearing this, Malka stepped aside. Kovu stood, stretching lazily before stepping past him, his tail flicking the dark male's leg tauntingly.
"You really are you dad's kid," the former Outlander commented lightly.
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"You should."
Kion frowned as Kovu trotted away to catch up with Vitani. He hadn't had many encounters with Kovu, but as each season passed the few interactions they'd had had increased in hostility. He wondered when and how Kovu's alliance had shifted. If, he reminded himself, the Outlanders were telling the truth.
"What do you think it means that he has the mark?" Mheetu asked.
"I don't know," Kion shook his head.
"Kind of implies that he's on our side, doesn't it?" Tojo asked.
"Maybe."
"Kion!" A feminine voice cut through the quiet, and the males looked over to see a cheetah racing towards them.
"Fuli!"
"You're back!" She skidded to a stop before him. "Whoa whoa whoa, who are they?" She analyzed the other lions suspiciously.
"Relax, they're friends," he grinned. "It's really good to see you, Fuli."
"It's good to see you, too," she glanced back at him, "the Roar looked different, what's that about?"
"It is different," he nodded, "the Great Kings taught me so much, you wouldn't believe all the things it can do. Guys," he looked to the others, "this is Fuli, she's on my Guard, she's the fastest there is."
"Well not anymore," she sat. "I mean, of course I'm still the fastest, but the mark of the Guard is gone."
"That's weird," he examined her shoulder. "When did that happen?"
"During Kiara's coronation, I talked to the others, it happened to them too, but that's not the weirdest part-"
"We ran into Kovu and Vitani," the prince's voice grew somber, "they told us my dad stepped down, what really happened?"
"Oof, you didn't hurt him, did you?"
"No," he made a face, confused at his friend's expression of anything remotely related to empathy for the rogue. "Fuli, what happened while I was gone?"
"What didn't happen?" She rolled her eyes. "But they were actually telling the truth, your dad did step down, Kiara's been the queen for like a week now. He's okay, though. I mean, he will be, he always is."
"And Zira's dead?"
"Yup. The Outlander pride split, most of them left, a few stayed behind and joined the pride, like Kovu and Vitani. I can't remember a time where the Pride Lands were this quiet, we think that's why our marks disappeared. Maybe the Pride Lands don't need a Guard anymore."
"My vision didn't seem very peaceful," Kion countered doubtfully. "But, I'm glad the lands are finally settling down. But why did my dad step down? He's still younger than Mufasa was when he died, something had to have happened to him."
"Yeah," she admitted, "that's where things start to get a little weird. But," she looked over her shoulder, "I think the queen can explain it better."
"Kion!" Kiara gleefully shouted as she approached. "You're back!"
"Hey big sis," he grinned as she slammed into him, embracing him warmly. "Or should I say little sis?"
"Wow," she pulled back, "look at you, you're almost as tall as Dad! And you brought friends!"
"Kiara, this is Tojo, Malka, Chumvi, and Mheetu," he gestured to each of them.
"My queen," Tojo smiled as they bowed.
"I know those names!" She smiled. "You were part of Mufasa's pride!"
"You and Mheetu are actually related," Tojo ruffled Mheetu's scraggly mane, much to the youth's chagrin.
"Sounds like we both have some stories to share," Kiara looked back to her brother. "I really missed you."
"I'll catch up with you later," Fuli stood and nodded.
"You'd better!" Kion called as the cheetah raced off. A familiar bird landed at his paws.
"Prince Kion," the eagle bowed.
"Anga!" He was surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"She's my majordomo," Kiara explained. "I'm trying to retire Zazu, but that's easier said than done. As for Dad, well, I think I should start from the beginning," she took a deep breath and released it slowly. "Nothing seems to make sense anymore, but I'm hoping you can help us sort some of it out. You were always more connected to the spirits than I was."
"I'd love to help, I'm all ears."
"Well," she thought back, "after you left, Zira became more aggressive."
The lions all listened to the queen as she began what they would soon realize was a very complicated and strange tale.
"MALKA!" Tama launched herself into her childhood friend, who happily allowed himself to be tackled to the ground. The rest of the pride had gathered to greet the returning prince.
"Nice to see you, too!" He laughed, playfully pushing her off. "You didn't think you'd get rid of us that easily, did you?"
"Hey Mom," Kion grinned as his mother embraced him tightly. "It's good to see you again."
"Look at you," she leaned back and sized him up with a pleased look, "Kion, you look so grown and strong!"
"I learned to hunt from the best."
"And you," Nala smiled at Tojo. "I know those eyes, where on earth have you been?"
"Hey Nal," Tojo winked. "Your kids are something else."
"They are," she beamed at her son. "We couldn't be more proud."
"Kiara told me everything," Kion's smile faded. "I don't even know what to say."
"You're not alone," she rubbed his shoulder, then examined it more closely. "Your mark changed, it looks like the one on Kovu and your father."
"Tojo and Malka have it too."
"Do they?" She looked over at Malka, who was surrounded by the older members of the pride, while Kula was eagerly chatting with Chumvi. "Well, I think I've lost my ability to feel surprised. The world is a strange place."
"Then I guess it won't surprise you that Mheetu over there is your half-brother."
"So," her gaze shifted to the youth, who was awkwardly sitting on the fringe of the reunion. "Tsaro survived Scar's attack."
"I met him."
"Did you?"
"Yeah. Um, I wanted to bring him, and I tried to, but..."
"He didn't want to come," she nodding understandingly. "It's okay, Kion."
'I'm sorry, Mom."
"Don't be," she nuzzled him reassuringly. "Coming home was Mufasa's favorite part of a journey, but leaving was Tsaro's. It's just who he is. Tell you what, I'll go introduce myself Mheetu, you go say hello to your father," she nodded behind her, where Kion saw that he laid in the grass.
"He's not disappointed in me, is he? If I hadn't left, if I'd kept the Roar home, things wouldn't have fallen apart like they did."
"No," Nala stroked his face. "No no no. Kion, he couldn't be prouder of you and your sister. Everything happened like it was meant to. Go," she nudged him. Taking a deep breath, he walked forward, the excited chatter of the pride fading behind him. As he neared his father, he tried not to cringe. His leg was crudely splinted, and his body had far more scars and marks than he remembered. His face looked tired and more aged than it should have. But his eyes still lit up when he smiled.
"Hello, stranger." His voice was hoarse, but still familiar.
"Hey, Dad." They pressed their foreheads together, a stoic but intimate greeting. "I'm sorry about everything, if I'd have known-"
"If you hadn't left," Simba's voice was firm, "your sister's destiny wouldn't have been fulfilled properly. Everything happened as it was meant to."
"I'm just mad that you paid the price for it," he sat with a grim expression. "It isn't fair."
"Nothing is," his father shook his head. "Zira may have chosen her fate, but Kovu and Vitani lost their mother and brother. Nuka lost his life. A few broken bones and scratches are hardly comparable. My body will heal eventually, but nothing can repair what they've endured."
"They tried to kill you."
"If I'd been told what they were told, I would have tried to kill me, too. Kion, you have to understand that Zira lied to them for a very long time. When Kiara gave them the option to choose between her lies and the truth, they each chose the truth. They chose peace. And remember that my paws aren't clean, either. I never would have given them that choice. Vitani, Mvua, Mkaidi and Tumaini are all excellent huntresses and the pride is stronger for it. Kovu has proven himself to be very loyal, and he cares very much for your sister. She is the reason the lands are at peace, she is what the Pride Lands need right now."
"Can I tell you a secret?"
"Of course."
"I know that Kiara is wise and strong, and everything you and Mom raised her to be," he paused, "but, when she told me that she was courting Kovu after what he tried to do, I was mad. I still am. I know I shouldn't be, but I can't stop feeling like she took a really dangerous risk, and not for all the right reasons. I know it's wrong to judge her, especially when it all worked out, but what if it hadn't?"
"The way we see it, things did work out. 'If' doesn't matter. Kiara took a risk because that was the only way things could work out the way they were meant to. If I'd had my way, we'd have lost more than just Zira and Nuka. I wasn't willing to take a chance for peace."
"It sounds like she's accepted Scar's advice pretty readily," he tapped his claw against the soft earth. "I don't know how I feel about that."
"It's the will of the Great Kings. It's not up to her. Give your sister a chance, Kion. They chose her for a reason."
"And what about you?"
"Tell you what," he cocked his head. "You told me a secret, so I'll tell you one. When Scar appeared to me, I knew beyond all doubt that my reign was over. I knew that I'd never be king again." He considered his next words. "I was angry when I saw Scar, I was angry and scared and confused, but I was worried about your mother and sister. I wasn't worried about me, or being the king. When I watched your sister take my place, it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders."
"I thought you liked being king."
"I was happy to serve animals that needed me. Now they need your sister more. I know she can do what needs to be done, and do it better than I ever could. Being the king was fulfilling, and I'm sure that there some things that I will miss. But Kion, I'm tired. I've been tired for a long time. This feels right."
"Well, I guess now you and Mom can spend more time together."
"Exactly," he smiled. "Maybe make up for some lost time. She deserves it."
"You both do."
"I may be crippled," he looked past Kion at the males. "But I'm not deaf. Where'd you find them?"
"With Mchele and Tsaro. They survived Scar's attack."
"I see," his brow furrowed. "I take it they weren't interested in returning to their homeland."
"They weren't exactly who I hoped they would be. Maybe they once were, but not anymore. I don't think the Pride Lands needs their stubborn arrogance."
"We've got enough here as it is," Simba commented wryly. Kion snorted. "So tell me," he looked back at his son. "What'd the Great Kings have to teach you?"
"So much," he exhaled slowly. "I've never felt so connected with the Roar. It truly feels like it's a part of me now."
"I'm proud of you, Kion. I know home isn't what you expected it would be, but I think good things are coming."
"I hope so." As Kion gazed out at the lands beyond, the Thelugi mountains caught his eye. They stood tall and proud over the rolling expanse of his homeland, jutting up from the smooth horizon much as Pride Rock did, but many many times bigger. He thought about everything Kiara had told him, about how they had had the same vision, which was clearly coming to fruition as the events unfolded. The problem was, nothing was happening as they had expected, and what would come next was impossible to predict. He didn't know what to expect. All he knew was that the changes the Great Kings had foretold were upon them, and there was no stopping the circle of life.
Kiara took a deep, slow, breath, and gathered her thoughts. She addressed each one, and laid them to rest. Her elation at Kion's return, her fear of the looming unknown, her curiosity about what all the signs, visions and marks meant, her fear that her position and all it demanded of her would drive Kovu away, all of that could wait. There would be time in the morning to sort those feelings. Right now, she needed a clear, open mind.
A quiet breeze slid over the grass, bending the swaths of blades with a gentle stroke as it swept across the land. Above the horizon, the stars shone brilliantly in the dark sky. In the distance, a few monkeys chittered in their trees, and crickets chirped. Behind her, she heard the subtle whisper of bending grass.
"I can hear you," she rolled her eyes.
"Sorry," Kion cringed sheepishly. "I just thought you'd want some company. Should I go?"
"No," she patted the grass beside her. "It's okay."
"Who are you trying to talk to?" He asked as he settled in at her side.
"How do you know I was trying to talk to anyone?"
"Because I've never seen anyone make meditation look so tense," he cracked a crooked smile. She elbowed his ribs. "Ow! I'm serious," he rubbed his side. "It's not something you can force, Kiara. It's like trying to make the weather change, you just have to feel comfortable with waiting until you can feel the winds changing."
"Easy for you to say, you can literally part clouds."
"Okay, fair," he admitted, "but I'm serious, it has nothing to do with how relaxed you are, it's not like if you force all your thoughts down, something else will get sucked in, you can't pull them from the sky. The whole point of clearing your head is to prepare you for what they might tell you."
"I know, I know. I mean, Taka talked to Mom and Dad, and they don't want anything to do with him."
"It's interesting that you call him that," Kion mused.
"By interesting, you mean weird, right?"
"It's unsettling. Why do you do it?"
"It's what he asked to be called," she turned her eyes back to the sky. "He's embracing the lion he was supposed to be. This is his second chance. I know you probably don't believe it, but he's changed, Kion. I know he has."
"You always were the family optimist," he followed her gaze, trying not to think about Kovu or the others. "Hey, see that bunch of stars over there?" He gestured.
"Are you about to tell me that it looks like a snake?"
"It looks like a snake," he nodded with satisfaction.
"You really are the worst at this game, you can't just point to every linear cluster of stars and say it looks like a snake."
"I can," he shot back defensively, "if it looks like a snake. What are you going to do about it, oh mighty queen?"
"Ah," an ethereal voice sliced through the silence of the night sky, "what a joy it is to see two siblings reunited."
"Hello Taka," Kiara addressed the dark face that appeared with a respectful nod.
"Queen Kiara," he returned the nod, "all who bear the mark have been assembled at last."
"Scar," Kion breathed. "It really is you."
"Hello, Prince Kion. The prince has returned from a long journey, that's something of a family tradition now, isn't it?"
"What does the mark mean?" Kion blurted.
"Why Prince Kion, surely you know the routine," Scar's tone was not mocking or strictly unkind, but there was a wisp of sass, the edges of his words curling off his tongue smugly. "You've been through this before, you know."
"What do you mean?"
"He means that it's the mark of the new Lion Guard," Kiara realized aloud.
"Astute deduction, Queen Kiara. But this isn't quite like any Guard that's come before it. This Lion Guard has been chosen by the Great Kings, each member selected by the ancient ones for their skills, skills that are not yet apparent to even the individuals that possess it. But like all others, the Lion Guard's purpose is to defend the Pride Lands and support their sovereign ruler in maintaining the balance of the circle of life. The reign of King Ahadi spread order to a land on the verge of destabilization, the members of his Guard were mighty creatures that symbolized strength and unity. The reign of King Mufasa was one of brotherhood and benevolence, his Guard enforced order in neighboring lands when their leaders cried for help, forming alliances and fostering peace beyond his father's land. My reign was one of greed, and my Guard of hyenas was not blessed by the Great Kings, spreading chaos independent of any higher will, dissolving all trust the herds had placed in the animals who were meant to protect them. King Simba's reign was a time of reparation and regrowth, the diversity of his unorthodox Guard encouraged the formation of bonds severed during my reign as he, the rightful heir, rebuilt trust between the herds and the royal family sworn to defend them from the dangers of the wilds. Their faith now restored in their rightful leader, the animals of the Pride Lands are ready to accept the next Lion Guard under the rule of their new queen."
"So," Kion struggled to wrap his head around this revelation, "Malka, Tojo, Kovu, my dad and I, we're all part of the new Lion Guard?"
"Who has been chosen to lead them?" Kiara asked.
"Kion's experience and training both in the Pride Lands and in the mystical Hakima Steppe have served as preparation for the role reserved for him," Scar answered smoothly. "Kion, the fiercest, leader of the Lion Guard. Prince Kion, you are patient, considerate, and skilled in conflict mediation. The Guard will look to you for fair and just leadership, just as you and the rest of the Pride Lands look to their queen."
"Thank you," Kion felt compelled lower his head in respect. He couldn't bring himself to bow, but he knew that this was the will of the Great Kings. Respect was due, and if Scar was their messenger, so be it. "It is an honor to carry out the will of the Great Kings and support my sister and queen."
"Tomorrow, the two of you must assemble the new Guard, and assign each member to their roles. Kion, you know your role well. Tojo has been chosen as the fastest, he is both messenger and savior, his cool demeanor and quick thinking will aid him when he is the first to arrive for those in need. Malka is the strongest, both in body and spirit. He cannot be manipulated or swayed from his mission, nor can he be easily defeated in combat. Simba is the bravest. From a tender age, he has shown strength and resilience in the face of danger, and has shown integrity when facing his own errors. His self-sacrificial nature will ensure that the Guard never strays from their mission to protect the innocent and helpless. Young Kovu is the keenest of sight. He was born with the vision of a truly remarkable hunter, able to spot even the slightest of movement, and detect the most minor of details. His gifts have been exploited in the past, a past that has shown him the purest natures of both good and evil. Familiar with both, he will be the first to recognize deceit, for he knows it well. Kiara will know what task is needed of her new Guard. It is up to you, Kion, to learn the strengths and weaknesses of each member, and to help foster trust among them so that the Guard can carry out her command."
"I will do my best to fulfill my role as leader of the Guard." This time, Kion did bow. When he lifted his head, Scar was gone.
A moment of silence hung between the two siblings as Scar's words settled in their minds. Kiara looked at her brother, who was frowning.
"I think you're going to do a great job," she offered. "It'll be nice to work together again."
"Yeah," he nodded, his gaze still unfocused as something stirred in his mind. "Kiara, can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Can we trust Kovu?"
"Yes," her voice was firm. "You have my solemn word that Kovu can be trusted. He's driven and he's focused, whatever you need him to do, he'll do it."
"He seems cocky."
"He can be," she admitted, "but he's softer around the edges than you might remember. He has a good heart. Plus," she added, "you can be a little cocky sometimes, too."
"Fair enough," he had to smile. "Any idea what our first mission will be?"
"I know exactly what it will be," she answered confidently.
Author's Note,
"Daraja" is Swahili for "bridge." And no, this fic isn't going to end with humans and lions peacefully living in harmony like some nonsensical post-Biblical Eden, that would be a very unrewarding ending in my opinion. Humans and lions cannot, at least in this universe, ever coexist. There will be no Good Humans vs Bad Humans or human sidekicks or anything of that sort. Ferngully this ain't.
Kelly09 [AO3]: Exactly, Kiara is the rightful queen while Aisha has no birthright and thus no footing on which to challenge Kiara, but you're also correct when you say that doesn't mean the situation isn't complicated. Nala has every right, in my mind, to be angry with Surani, but she's mature enough to know that the whole situation was out of Simba's control after he left the jungle, and that he was never given the opportunity to fix this mess or change the outcome. Nala may have some buried frustration and disappointment with Simba (after all, it takes two to tango) but if so, she's directing those feelings at Surani for now. Canonically there are no humans in the LK universe, you're right, but I've decided to pepper them in to give the animals of the Pride Lands a new challenge to face. It's not everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay! And I wholeheartedly agree that an unproblematic family reunion with Aisha and Simba's clan would not only be "too cheesy," but it would be out of character for everyone involved. Aisha is older than Kiara, she's a young adult who doesn't need Simba, and has little motivation to want a relationship with him beyond fleeting curiosity. Simba may wish he'd been there for her as a cub, but he has no fantasies about her carving a place for him in her life now that she's grown. That's not even delving into the resentment Aisha might feel that her half-siblings were raised in a position of privilege that was never made available to her, and how that tension would be received by Kion and Kiara. As always, thank you for your feedback!
Guest [FFN]: Thank you, you'd be right, it wasn't exactly a lighthearted chapter, I had more fun with this chapter. Fics that are consistently dark and angsty with no humor or joy to offer some contrast and relief can be a little taxing to read emotionally, for me at least. That is an excellent song comparison, I Miss the Misery - Halestorm also comes to mind. Thanks for commenting!
Outlander15 [FFN]: I've always had mixed feelings about adding humans to the LK universe, there are fics I've read were I didn't like it, but a few fics that really worked and were enjoyable to read, some of which unfortunately have been deleted. I'm aware that it might turn some readers off to the story, but for those that want to keep reading I'm very grateful and I'm trying my best to do the story justice. Thank you for all your support!
Cheers!
- Dieren