The sound of noisy chatter and the sound of distance pounding of hooves hung out of place in the calm, chilled cave. Where all could be heard was soft laughter of a tiny cub and its father. Content in their presence of one another, they seemed to block out this noise.
It was Kovu inside with his newly named son Nassor. At first he tested the name out on his tongue, each time his son smiled in delight. Each time getting more and more used to his name still was beaming happily every time.
Now a light game of trying to catch the tail, helping him to work on his hunting, walking and hand – eye coordination; it took roughly twenty five times before the young Prince managed to catch the tail. When he did it caused Kovu to jump in surprise, but in moments that surprise turned into adoring praise.
The day passed full of childish play, a bath, and feeding for the both of them. In no time his wife returned looking refreshed and also tired from hunting, her muscles straining from the fast pace of the hunt. Nuzzling her softly, Kovu headed to the mouth of the cave, giving one quick glance to find his sleeping son nestled in the secure branches of his mother's arm.
Outside the cave he could hear the talking of a voice he knew all too well, Simba's. His curiosities still burned as strong as when he was a cub, he scurried to hide in the shadows by Pride Rock. That's where he saw him, the Marsh Pride leader, and his hatred for him flooded strongly in his veins. He noticed how close they seemed to be made his blood boil.
"She still hasn't returned?" Simba asked softly.
The younger of the two eyes dropped sadly and shook his head; his sadness over one of his own made Kovu imagine if anything happened to his son. He felt a wave of sympathy rush over him. Now he knew what he was going through made him want to try and help this male. Nala and Simba have taken a like to him, so maybe his strong opinions for him were completely wrong. Coming to a decision that he would at least try and help him to find the cub he is missing, he may even come to like him in the end. It wouldn't hurt to try,
"Tomorrow we search." Simba spoke calmly and thoughtfully. His eyes glazing over as a plan was starting to form quickly in his head. That was one of the main traits Kovu has always admired about his king, the way he can so calmly and effectively even in times of severe crises.
The younger of the two nodded thankfully, Simba gave him one more look before disappearing into the comfort of the cave. Kovu watched the male closely; his hunched shoulders and tired eyes showed the worry etched across his body. Seeming now would be the right time to make his presence known; Kovu gave a deep cough and watched as his head shot up. Kovu walked slowly towards the Marsh Lands' leader giving him time to assess the situation he is now in.
"I want to help." Kovu said sharply while trying to show sympathy in his voice.
The other male looked at him suspicious while asking "help what?"
"Help to find your daughter."
At the mention of his daughter his eyes widen and he hissed "you were eavesdropping!"
"Look I want to help," Kovu barked back getting irritated by his mood.
"Then stay out of it! You only want to help to impress the King."
Kovu anger boiled now stepping into the slightly older male's face before hissing tightly "I would suggest that you keep these thoughts until you truly know the truth."
The two stood inches away from each other glaring strongly into each other eyes, each trying to read what the other one was thinking. The older one broke first turning his back to Kovu saying softly over his shoulder "if you really want to help, meet me tomorrow early morning by the waterhole and we'll start looking then."
Kovu was slightly shocked he agreed so easily, but he smiled smugly while saying "I look forward to it."
A.N: Sorry this is late coming just I've been busy with school and my birthday and writers block but glad this is finally out.
