Toothless-1998: I was planning on basing Kopa on the one from 6 Adventures, but changed my mind.

Megan Lyle: Thanks, glad you like it,

pawster-07: As, thanks, glad you're enjoying it,

Yourfan: I thank you for reading it, I'm glad you're enjoying it. Thank you for your review!

The days passed and Kiara and Kopa got to know the pride. Malka was the first to start regaining his strength and was soon able to sit up and even stand a little.

The healing process was slow, but the days were spent with laughter and stories. Nala, Kiara and Vitani helped Tama with most of the hunting whilst Simba, Kopa and Kovu stayed behind to help the others and patrol the land, making sure no one tried to take over.

The herds grew more cautious each day, which made it more of a challenge, but it gave Vitani and Kiara a chance to try out new techniques with each other.

Kopa and Kovu were patrolling the East border together, keeping an eye out for any rogues hoping to cause trouble.

"So, Kovu, what are your thoughts on being king of the Pride Lands?" Kopa asked.

The younger lion frowned. "Can I be honest with you?" He asked.

Kopa stopped and turned. "Sure."

"I... don't think I'm fit to be king."

"But you-"

"I know, but, do you honestly think that I will make a good king, I mean I was raised by the mate of Scar."

"You are not him or her. We've been over this."

"But if there's a problem and I can't solve it? What if I lash out and lose what little trust the herds have for me?"

"We all make mistakes."

"I can't afford to make mistakes. And what about when Kiara decides to have cubs? What if I don't make a good father?! I didn't have the most ideal parents. I never learned!"

Kopa faced him and sat down. "We'll help you. My parents can help you. We're a family and family help each other. As for the mistakes, we all make them. My dad is still learning. Didn't he ever tell you?"

"What?"

"When our grandfather... passed, Dad ran away. He didn't return for years and when he did, he had to learn how to rule a kingdom. Some of the animals were distrustful of him, some were angry that he didn't return sooner, but over time they began to trust him and Dad became a pretty good ruler. Animals respected him, he kept the land safe and no rogues dared to cross him and the pride."

"Wow, I don't think Kiara told me any of that."

"She's never been one for the history of our land. Rafiki told me."

Whilst the two were speaking, they didn't notice Tama watching them from afar. The older lioness raised an eyebrow, even from a distance, she could hear Kopa's words, spoken like a true ruler, even if he didn't know it.

Making up her mind, she left to speak with her pride.

Kovu sighed as he smiled. "Thanks for the advice."

"You're family now." Kopa said, simply.

"Well, should we be heading back?"

"Yeah, the girls should have brought in some prey. Kiara's been teaching Vitani."

"Besides termites and small mammals, Vitani's never been on a true hunt."

"Hard to believe, she did good when we hunting." Kopa replied.

"I hope you're treating her well. It wasn't until we had lived in the Pride Lands a few weeks before she told me about your secret meetings. What was that all about?"

"We didn't do anything, if that's what you're getting at. I brought her a few small meals and we would spend some nights under the stars."

"Why didn't she tell me?"

"Tell you that she's hanging with the son of the lion her mother wanted to kill?"

Kovu rolled his eyes. "Still, she could have opened up to me, I wouldn't had said anything."

"To be honest, she told me she didn't know who to trust. Her mother went crazy, Nuka was dead, you had left..."

Kovu sighed. "I should have been a better brother."

"We can't all be perfect. Kiara often escaped my sight when we went out." Kopa then noticed the setting sun. "Come, we should be getting back, little brother."

Kovu looked up as Kopa smiled and walked off. Having not ever been excepted by Nuka, the term "little brother" was strange to Kovu. Strange, but welcomed.

TLK

Later that evening, the prides were enjoying their evening meal when Malka grunted. Everyone turned as the black maned lion stood, weakly on his shakey paws, his strength returning.

"I have announcement to make," He said. "Simba, Nala, the pride will be forver thankful for what you have done for us, and we are grateful for your help as well, Kiara and Kovu. We wish you well as rulers to the fine land you call home." Malka then turned to Kopa and Tani. "Kopa, we have been speaking and Tama tells us that you are to rule another land... and we were wondering of you would do us the honor of becoming our king."

Kopa stared, he was glad he had swallowed the meat he was chewing on, otherwise he would had choked, on the other paw, the coughing would have made the silence that suddenly happened seem less awkward.

Clearing his throat, he stood. "May I give this a bit of thought?"

The pride nodded and Kopa backed away walked in to the night.

A while later, he found himself sitting atop a rock shaped like Pride Rock, only smaller in size. He shivered in the cold night air and looked up at the appearing stars.

"Kopa?"

Kopa turned and saw Nala coming to sit beside him. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah, just... that was an odd question, huh?" The young lion said, trying to hide his discomfort.

"Perhaps, but maybe it was a sign as well."

"What do you mean?"

"I remember what your father told me tthat day you two returned from Rafiki's tree. He said that the Pride you might be ruling would be someone I knew."

"He said dad may not, but he knows Malka and the others."

"Through cubhood. I am the only one with grew up along side them. I trust them as if they are my siblings."

Kopa frowned. "They seem trustworthy."

"They are! They would have stayed in the Pride had they not been in danger. But they never went very far."

"They seem very loyal... I would have to brush up on my lessons, huh?"

"So, do you want to be their king?"

Kopa smiled. "I'm considering it. I know my duties, having followed Kiara and Dad around during her lessons. I know how to fight."

"You'd make a wonderful king." Nala smiled.

Kopa smiled back. "Thanks, mom."

TLK

Malka was still sitting when mother and son returned.

"Do we... have an answer?" Malka asked, it bothering to hide the hopefulness in his voice.

Kopa smiled as he stressed the pride. "After some thought and guidance from my mother... I have decided that I would be honored to become your king."

Malka and the rest of the Pride exchanged smiles before Kopa and his family watched in amazement as they all stood. Smiling, they carefully bowed before their new king.

As they did this, Kopa turned to his mate.

"Vitani? Every King needs a queen. Will you be mine?"

Vitani smiled. "Now and always."

And that's this chapter! Sorry its short, but I hope you guys liked it. Happy Easter to all who celebrate it! I'll start working on the next chapter soon!