Had to post early: see authors note in "The First Love" for details.

Kukuza walked out of the den, not looking back at his son, or anyone else.

Nuka waited for his father to leave the den before he attempted to wiggle from his spot.

He was, indeed, tangled up with Beleco, not that he didn't like that, having her between his legs (non-sexually) was a dream come true.
But his father wanted him for something, and you listen to him when he speaks, so the moment must end. He wriggled slowly, attempting to set Beleco down gently, holding her head in his paw as he moved it from his and Into her own paw.

Nuka stepped outside slowly, truthfully walking backwards, scared he'd woken her up. There was something else he should fear a thousand times more though.

Nuka's backwards walk distracted him- so he walked right into the waiting Kukuza.

Gasp!
"Dad! I didn't expect-"

"-shhh! Come this way."

Kukuza stepped away from the entrance of the den, walking his son down toward the base of pride rock, the same general area the hunting party would leave from.

"What are you doing dad?"

"I have an idea, but first..."

Nuka looked down at the ground, knowing what was about to happen.

"We can't sleep together anymore, can we?"

"Don't be silly Nuka, of coarse you can, but have you told her mother yet?"

Nuka didn't think of that.
Now there were two things he should be afraid of.

"No."

"I'm going to help you impress her, because your not getting tackled like Simba tried to do to me."

"What are we going to do?"

"Do you love her?"

"Yes dad, last night was-"

"You did NOT mate with her. I'm correct, am I not?"

"No dad! It was just a really good night."

Kukuza breathed out heavily, happy that they didn't move too fast, and sad he judged his son so quickly. Well, not his real son, but at this point it made no difference.

"I'm sorry I said that- maybe I need a little more confidence in you. Anyway, you love her?"

"Yes, and she loves me."

Kukuza smiled, closing his eyes, maybe this rock did have love powers.

"We need to get back before she wakes up, good thing we're good hunters right!"

"Whoa, two questions, what do you mean, 'before she wakes up' and also, what about my hunting?"

"Nuka, woman hate to be left alone in the morning. An we're going hunting this morning."

"Why hunting?"

"Nothing is more attractive then a man who can provide for his woman, and his woman's mother."

"You think I could do that?"

"Any thing's possible, and between the two of us- we can do it."

"What's going on here?"
Sarabi trotted out of the den, nuzzling Kukuza deeply as she walked into him.

"I'm going hunting with Nuka this morning."

"Why now?"

"Nuka, tell the pretty lady."

"We're going to provide for Beleco and her mother."

"Why them?"
Said Sarabi playfully.

"Nuka's found himself a mate, and it's time to impress."

"Good luck with that Kukuza, and you'll do just fine Nuka."

"Thanks Sarabi." Replied Nuka happily, not groggy at all after his adrenaline filled wake up call.

"Have Nala tell Beleco's mother not to hunt today, let her sleep."

"Anything for you Kukuza."

Sarabi kissed him the side of his muzzle, and he kissed back.

"Let's go son, we'll leave earlier then the woman so we don't get in their way."

The two males walked off, headed into the great yonder in search of meat.

They approached a small heard, avoiding the larger one, as that one would be for the hunting party to attack.

"Ready son?"

Nuka nodded his head, his claws extended, feeling the dirt beneath them.

"Go!"

Nuka ran with his dad not far behind, Kukuza paced himself, ready to help his son. Nuka was capable, but still small and young. Not yet able to complete the kill.

Nuka tackled a medium sized antelope, bringing it to the ground.

It would have stood and ran- but Kukuza quickly jumped on top of it as well, completing the capture as lions do.

"Thanks dad."

"Good work son, now lets get back before Beleco realizes you left."

The two walked back to pride rock, never even disturbing the larger herds- so the hunting party shouldn't have any problems.

Speak of the hunting party, there they stood- preparing to head out.

"Good morning ladies."
Kukuza smiled his bright and flawless smile.

"Morning Kukuza- that's a little small for you isn't it?"

Hun spoke first- only seeing the antelope, not seeing Nuka.

"It's not my kill."

Nuka walked around Kukuza, making himself visible for everyone to see.

"Good work Nuka! You're still young but a great hunter! Just like your dad!"

Hun's comment brought smiles to both Nuka's and Kukuza's faces.

"Enjoy your hunt, and Nala- we didn't disturb the larger herds, so you should be fine."

"Thank you Kukuza."

"See you soon love."
Kukuza pecked Sarabi lightly on the cheek as he walked on.

The party left, and the two males stood outside the den.

"Go lie down with her, let her sleep for a little while longer before you show her the food, I'll be off waiting for the party to return, out of sight."

"Thanks dad. Love you."

"I love you too son, so get in there."

Nuka walked inside, treading lightly, not wanting to disturb anyone.

He moved in close to Beleco, nuzzling her softly with his nose, kissing her neck once as he closed his eyes and waited for her to stir.
Not to far in the future, she stirred, rolling over into Nuka.

Beleco kissed him lightly on the muzzle, a cool morning lick.

"Good to see you again."
She smiled, her purple eyes glowing from the past night.

"I have a surprise for you."

"Really? What's that exactly?"

"Come and see beautiful."

Nuka reached down, licking her muzzle lightly, standing up, and walking out of the den, turning around to look back, smiling at her as she stood and strutted toward him, nuzzling him promptly.

Her purple eyes grew large at the sight of the food.

"Is this for me?"

"And your mom, I caught it myself, just for you two."

"Thank you Nuka, what a gentleman you are."

Beleco felt bad about the mean things she thought early that past twilight, but they had gotten beyond that rocky speed bump, smooth sailing now.

"I'll go get my mom, but... Nuka?"

"Yes Beleco?"
He was so innocent, and he was about to lose that feeling and have it replaced with something else.
Fear.

"My mom, she's not like your dad, she's really... wound up."

"No one is crazier then my mom, so don't worry."

Beleco smiled, knowing that Zira was his mom from the gossip she heard, and from the gossip, Zira was crazy.

Beleco walked backwards before sprinting into the den.

She looked around, trying to find her mother, and there she was, sleeping.

"Mom, wake up."

Beleco shook her mother's shoulders trying to wake her.

Sahala was a pretty woman, not very old either. Her fur was short and soft, with a cute mix of cream and peach fur draped across her body, her chest was a darker, almost orange color, as were her paws.
Her eyes were orange, and they were opening slowly from her nights sleep.

"Why am I not hunting right now? What's happened?"

"Mom, there's someone I need you to meet, and something you need to see."

Sahala raised an eyebrow, and one of her ears twitched backwards in interest.

"Who am I meeting?"

"No one you haven't seen before, now come on."

Beleco smiled and pawed into her mothers leg, playfully luring her into what could be a nightmare. How would she react to her daughter having a mate?

WITH NUKA

Kukuza was down at the base of pride rock, greeting Sarabi and the hunting party, taking the heavy animal from his mate's back and carrying it himself over to the other side of pride rock, out of sight.

The party followed behind him, seeming to laugh and make small talk.

From the den, two lioness' were walking out of the darkness, and into the light.

Beleco was bouncing in her step, happy to know that this moment would be short, and maybe go over well.
Sahala was interested, she saw Nuka standing there, but she refused to draw any conclusions.

There they stood, muzzle to muzzle, and Beleco moved from the side of her mother to the side of her lover, Nuka.

"kio okazas?"
"what is happening?"

"Mom! He doesn't speak Esperanto!"
Beleco was greatly annoyed and embarrassed at her mother's blatant rudeness.

"i scias, ke li rompos vian koron Beleco!"
"i know that, and he will break your heart Beleco!"

"neniu li ne faros panjo! ni estas en amo!"
"no he won't mom! we're in love!"

"vi estas al juna por scii kio estas amo Beleco!"
"you are to young to know what love is Beleco!"

"What are you two saying!"
Nuka didn't speak any language other then this one, so he was lost- and that feeling of lost made him nervous, afraid, scared, and his confidence was dropping by the second.

From Beleco's stance, she was angry and defensive, the short brown hairs on her back standing up and her teeth slightly bared as she spewed out more jibby-jabby.

"Is there a problem here?"

Thank the kings above! Kukuza to the rescue, if anyone could calm the situation is was him.

"Neniu!"
"No!"

"There is a problem here, please Sahala, tell me."

He was soft, he could be soft on demand easily, Sahala was a hard woman, but Kukuza was irresistibly cool, so cool in his fine grey fur.

"I don't think I approve of this."

Kukuza stood by Sahala's side, the two adults starring down at the young couple, who were standing very close to one another, smiling weakly, hoping for survival.

"i opinias, ke vi devas doni al ili ŝancon. rigardi la du de ili! ili estas feliĉaj, tio estu Sahala."
"i think you should give them a chance. look at the two of them! they're happy, let it be Sahala."

Sahala, Beleco, and Nuka jumped back at the weird and sudden change in Kukuza's dialect.

"vi parolas Esperanto?"
"you speak Esperanto?"

"It's a trading language, I was a rogue and a diplomat, I get by."

"Enforcer dad-"
"-I'm using nice words Nuka, nice words."
Kukuza sighed, and then continued.

"Nuka, you have something to show the nice lady."

Sahala moaned, the nerve of Kukuza, calling her a nice lady.

"I caught you and Beleco breakfast, a gift for you."

Sahala looked around the cub, seeing the meaty breakfast.

"You caught that alone?"

"kun helpo, nun manĝas, amuziĝi."
"with help, now eat, have fun."

The three lions walked off then, animal in tow for their meal.

"I'm starting to feel more confident in this relationship."
Sahala's last words as she walked down from pride rock, and off to the area where everyone would eat.

Simba's roar started breakfast, the food was good and filling, Nuka's relationship was concreted into something real and legitimate, and everyone had an excellent day.

Three months passed by in the pride lands, the leaves had turned to bright, fiery colors of red, orange, yellow, and gold. The satisfying crunch of a trotted upon leaf could be heard where ever you traveled.
The wind would sweep the plains and pick up the leaves, gently tossing them around in a spiral motion before releasing them in a different spot, only for them to be plucked away yet again later that day.

The air itself smelt of rejuvenated life and warmth. The pride was one again, love and friendship bonding them together, back into the circle of life.
Nala was pregnant with her second cub. Although the gender was unclear at this point, it is usual for the opposite gender of the first child to be born second.
Simba and Nala's relationship was of extraordinary strength, after Nala realized how close she came to having a very different life- she slowed down, and began to cherish everyday with her husband, her king, and her son.

There was a day when no one knew where the king and queen were, not even Kukuza. But he had his suspicions and covered for them. Telling the pride that he was in charge, and that the king went on a border sweep with his wife. In truth, a daughter was being conceived.

Kopa was growing larger, now a cub of slightly above average size and strength, when before he was very small and unusually weak.

Vitani had developed light freckling on her cheeks, not clouds of discolor, but soft dots that added to her beauty. The tuft of hair that grew atop her head remained proportionate her body, which had now filled in some- having features more appropriate for a woman.

The two cubs still shared feelings for each other, spending all day, side by side; night too.

Nuka himself was becoming closer to Beleco. Although he still lacked the utter prowess of number 1, his skill level and attractiveness improved with age, confidence was not far behind.
They slept together too, Nuka had a knack just as Kukzua did, to protect people. Especially Beleco.

The strongest relationship though was by far that of Kukuza and Sarabi.

At first, many felt it strange such a lively and young looking lion would be attracted to the older, heavily built Sarabi. But not everything was physical.
Yes, Kukuza was very attractive, being perhaps 4 years older then his appearance, and of coarse he had the muscle to back his youthful looks.

Sarabi was losing weight, not due to age, but she felt suddenly obligated to look her best now that she had found love for the second time. But this time, it was stronger- the love was tangible, she could reach out and hold it!
Neither of the two lions had begun to grey at all, (even though Kukuza is naturally grey) and happily, Rafiki gave a check up to Sarabi, confirming to her that she could indeed, produce more cubs.
Kukuza needn't be checked- the obvious was clear.

By the end of this three month 'honey moon' phase, the season had yet again begun to change. The leaves began to grow back- large and green, life reborn.

The winds pushed the old and dead away to clear room for the new.

Grasses became green again rather then a sad yellow, they grew tall, just as they had before.

Sarabi had been planning to have a cub with Kukuza, she would surprise him eventually with the news that her body was still fully functioning and capable. Age be damned! When Sarabi wanted something, she usually didn't get it, so this was her tern to get what she (and he) wanted.
He was not concerned or happy for the physical side of love, he could go without, he had no interest in sexual activity, and Sarabi didn't require his attentions in that way to survive.
But to make a cub, it must be done, they'd enjoy it anyways.

Hate had gone entirely from the pride, but that would soon change.

The morning was bright and warm, a cool breeze welcoming the sleeping lions as it had on occasion. Coming in like an old friend, just by to say hello.

Kukuza had continued to hunt with the lioness' for only a short while longer.
Simba had pulled him aside, and told him that he didn't need to hunt, more specifically, he shouldn't hunt.
Kukuza agreed willingly. Knowing that hunting was reserved for lioness', and he was not a lioness.
But regardless of Simba's decision, Kukuza woke up early every morning, greeting the party and wishing them luck before they disembarked, never forgetting to nuzzle and kiss Sarabi.
He would watch them go from pride rock, waiting for them to return there as well.

It was very unusual for Kukuza to wake so early everyday, considering all other males could sleep until the next nightfall.
Kukuza was different, he was a protector- and a serious one. Besides, it's a nice and romantic gesture for him to greet his mate.
The other lioness' found it sweet, they greatly admired Kukuza for his loving nature.

Sarabi loved seeing him in the morning to, he was like caffeine, waking her up further and sparking new energy into her body.
Sarabi had taken over hunting, as Nala was pregnant. She wasn't bulging, or visibly pregnant yet. But the running was not good for her.

That morning, Kukuza was sitting on the perch of pride rock. Waiting for the return of the hunting party.

Everything was smooth and uneventful, breakfast was satisfying and delicious.
Sarabi had little paws on her mind, and Kukuza was just happy to be where he was-

his life was full of turmoil, and this being its ending? Beautiful.

But it's never the ending.
Alway the beginning.

SOMEWHERE

"What the hell are you doing here!"

She swiped at the woman, luckily the lioness pulled her face back before it could be clawed to bloody slices.

"Kukuza sent us to get you!"

She growled swiping again, clawing at the dirt in her rage-full state.

"Liar! He banished me! He wouldn't send you to come and get me now!"

Zira was infuriated with the nerve of Kukuza, sending her away, and now- calling for her to come back.
He had a lot of nerve.

Why can't he just make up his mind!

Zira released a low growl, sitting in the grass and dirt, crossing her front paws in a business like fashion before she spoke again.

"Why. Are. You. Here."

She was specific and definite, the question not illogical or violent- just simple.

"He sent you away because he thought you killed a cub!"

"He thought? What do you mean he thought? Kopa's alive?"

"Yes! And Kukuza felt awful that he sent you away, that he yelled at you! He didn't want to humiliate you Zira!"

"He's so complex that man."

"He loved you Zira, can't you see that?"

"Of coarse I see... He does?"

Zira's face looked confused, she knew he liked her, he most certainly was protective of her, and very flirtatious. But in love? I don't think so.

The lioness' were shocked by Zira's reaction. Everything he does is for her, everything he says is for her. What the hell?

"Zira, he loves you a million times more then you know. He was so apologetic, he said he was lost without you."

Did he say that? Something close to it I think...
Thought the search party members.

Well this could work to my advantage, having him wrapped around my paw- and now that I'm certain he's so devoted, just a little sweetness and he'll do anything.

"This is serious- not just infatuation?"

"He's had years to decide who he wants to spend his life with- and in all that time he's been stuck on you."

Touching...
Thought Zira, knowing he probably was just interested in her sexually like Scar was.

The search party had been walking for a while now- back to pride rock.

The stone was in view now, it's wretched glorification making Zira shudder at the thought of anyone ruling these lands other then Kovu.
Maybe Kukuza?
But Kovu definitely...

"One day Kovu will be king, and I won't have to deal with the sight of this mess."
Zira spat the words, considering the obstacles that stood in her way.

"Zira, you will need a king in the mean time, while Kovu is growing up. He'll need someone to raise him and teach him kingly things."

The other lioness' of the search party nodded their heads, all in agreement that Zira would need a king- and also that Kukuza would be perfect at it.

These woman! They speak so much! He can't they just mind their own business!

"That will be arranged in time. Just keep moving."

AT PRIDE ROCK

Nuka and Beleco were sitting together near the watering hole, talking and nuzzling and kissing and what not.

They sat there, Beleco leaning into Nuka, watching the grasses shift and bend to the breeze.

Her head rest on his neck, and his head rest on hers. She sat with her yes closed, enjoying his warmth and softness, as Nuka sat with his eyes open- deep in thought.

Something didn't feel right about this day, like something bad was going to happen.
Beleco must have felt his distressed energy, because she spoke:

"What's wrong Nuka? You're shaking."

He was startled, he had been caught, not something he wanted to be.

"You know me all to well."

"Just tell me, please Nuka."

He sighed, "I have a strange feeling something's about to happen."

"Like what?"

"I don't know."
He wanted to protect Beleco, and this sudden feeling made him hyper-vigilant, he was worried.

"Something like this?"

She reached up from her position, kissing the bottom of Nuka's muzzle with a soft lick.

Nuka smiled and chucked a nervous chuckle.

"I love your laugh, it's so cute."

"I'm serious Beleco, something doesn't feel right."

"We'll be fine as long as you're here for me, and I for you. Do you believe me?"

"Of coarse, but..."

"But nothing, we'll be fine."

"I love you."
Nuka reached down, planting his muzzle on the side of hers. Giving her a slow and romantic lick.

"I love you too Nuka."

They sat there, calmly. But in Nuka's mind, he was doing a head count- of everyone. One lion... Two... Three... Four... Five lions.

The cubs were off, enjoying every second of time they had, Kopa and Vitani greatly enjoyed each others company. They functioned as one lion, acting together always, Kukuza and Simba wondered what the two would do with themselves if the two were ever separated.

Vitani walked up to her father, who was lazing around with Sarabi.

"Hi dad!" Said Vitani, her still young body glowing as she spoke.

"How are you darling?" Said Sarabi, feeling happy at the sight of a cub.

"I'm ok? How are you?" Said Vitani, using her manners as her father taught her.

"Just fine thank you."

Vitani was borderline about her father's mate, but Sarabi was really nice to her, definitely trying hard to impress.

"Hey dad? Kopa and I want to do some hunting, do you think you two can show us?" Vitani was nice to include her father's mate in the moment, knowing that Sarabi was an excellent huntress.

"Of coarse! Go get Kopa, and we can leave now."

"Ok dad!"
Vitani sprinted off, feeling happy that she received two yeses.

"Simba's alright with this right?"
Said Kukuza, lifting up his head slightly and looking at Sarabi questioningly.

"No reason why not."
Said Sarabi, rolling onto her back, lightly pressing the pads of her front paw onto the bottom of Kukuza's jaw, lifting his head up.

Vitani came running back alone, quickly.

"Dad dad dad dad dad dad DAD!"

Yelled Vitani as she slammed right into Sarabi's side.
She backed up, standing, looking at his face.

"I can't find Kopa! He's gone!"

Kukuza gave a concerned look to Sarabi, who again pushed his head up with her paw.

Kukuza stood, Sarabi rolled over.

"I'll be right back love." Said Kukza as he walked onto the perch of pride rock.

He scanned the area Vitani said he was in, looking for a few minutes, finding nothing.

"You two were out pretty far? Are you sure he's not where you left him?"

Vitani nodded her head, her eyes burning with worry.

"Simba!" Yelled Kukuza, calling for the king's assistance.

WITH NUKA

"what's happening?"

"I knew something would happen!"

"You don't know that Nuka, everything could be fine!"

"Beleco please! Let's listen and see if something's wrong, ok?"

"Alright Nuka, you're lucky I love you because if I didn't, I'd be pretty mad."

Nuka rolled his eyes, moving is paw to rest on top of hers- they listened.

WITH SIMBA

Simba ran out of the den where Nala was lying down, slightly pregnant.

"What is it Kukuza! Why are you yelling? Nala's sleeping!"

Kukuza gave Simba a just listen to me look.

Simba straightened up and looked at Kukuza, waiting for him to speak.
He began to speak soon after,

"I am unsure where Kopa is. Vitani told me he was not where she left him."

Simba moved quickly to the perch, looking around frantically.

"Where did she leave him?"

"Over there." Kukuza pointed with his paw toward an open area near the tall grasses, rather far away.

"Why were they so far away?" Said Simba, still looking out over the landscape.

"Vitani, care to explain?" Said Kukuza, unsure of the answer himself.

"We were just talking and walking, I didn't realize it was that far! Honest!"
Said Vitani, feeling like she was at fault.

"Don't worry shhh, it's not you fault, we'll find him, ok?"
Said Kukuza sweetly.

Vitani looked on the brink of tears.

"Kukuza! You weren't watching them?"

"They don't need watching! Kopa does though, since he can't hold still."
Kukuza went back to scanning the landscape as if he hadn't said anything.
Simba continued.

"Maybe Kopa's in the same place, your daughter just went the wrong way back."

"Vitani doesn't get lost Simba!"

"Well if you were watching them, no one would be lost!"

"You're the king! Do something about it!"
Said Kukuza, feed up with this ridiculous argument.

Simba took a step back, angry at Kukuza for pulling the responsibility card on him.

WITH NUKA

"Stay here, I'm going to go into the den."

"You're going to leave me here?"

"Yeah, good idea, you should come with me- let's run."

They sprinted up pride rock, not being noticed as they entered the den silently.

"Pretend to be asleep, let's just wait for this to blow over."

Beleco nodded in confirmation.

WITH SIMBA

Kukuza wasn't waiting any longer. He was going to find Kopa.

Kukuza moved forward, issuing a load roar over the pride lands, much louder then Simba had ever heard. It was as if it could be heard for miles.

The lions of the pride gathered around the base of pride rock, looking up at a kukuza.

That was loud...
I knew he was a whole lot a man...
What's he doing?
What's Simba looking at?

Kukuza turned his head, realizing Simba was looking intently at something in the distance, as were many of the lions below.

As the group approached closer, Kukuza's eyes opened widely, his jaw dropped, leaving a slight gap between the top and bottom portions of his muzzle.

It was the search party Kukuza sent away over three months ago.
They had Zira.

She walked in front, leading the group as she preferred to do.
The sharply drawn woman laughed darkly, thinking that Kukuza was in control. Simba standing behind him.

Zira ascended the steps slowly, coming around the corner, and walking out onto the perch.
She never broke eye contact with Kukuza.
Kukuza turned away from her, looking down at the search party that was now sitting down, awaiting orders of some kind.
Kukuza motioned with his paw for them to sit on the opposite side of pride rock.

Zira had stopped walking now, standing shoulder to shoulder with Kukuza, she leaned up against him, letting her coarse and tan fur rub up against his coarse grey ones.

Simba and Vitani did nothing but watch, waiting.

Kukuza had his eyes closed, he wanted this to be a bad dream.
This can't be real. She can't be real! She'll ruin everything!

Zira spoke then, leaving Kukuza still with his eyes closed and his head down, pointed away from her small frame.
She was still caressing him slowly. Everyone in the pride watching.

"It's been awhile since my mate stood on pride rock."

Zira turned her gaze away from the swooping planes of grass and to Kukuza, who was still unable to look at her.

"I'm your mate?"

Kukuza squeaked the words, unsure if he cared for the answer- or even so, if the answer held relevance.

"Yes."
Zira said quickly, no hesitation. There was no love in her voice. Just strategy and decisiveness.

Simba stood, awestruck, Vitani at his paws.
There was a female lion approaching them from behind.

WITH SARABI

She looked hard, in disbelief of what she saw.
Kukuza was definitely standing on the perch, he had roared for some reason. But today, someone was walking up to him, from the base of pride rock.

Who is that? There's Simba, Vitani... Who's that?

Sarabi could see better now.
She was beginning to ascend the walkway.

Some lions parted their gaze to see Sarabi, walking up, she looked shocked and confused. But their gazes returned to Zira and Kukuza immediately.

Kukuza turned his head away from Zira, looking down to see the sitting lions, the entire pride.

Sarabi was now standing behind Zira, listening to her talk to Kukuza, just as Simba and Vitani were.
His gaze was still down, away from Zira.
He had his eyes closed.

"It's been awhile since my mate stood on pride rock."

What! He's not you mate! You skinny little...

"I'm your mate?" Replied Kukuza.

Sarabi moved back a little, she heard his response was less a confirmation, and more a question.

"Yes."

Sarabi couldn't take it anymore.

"Kukuza, what's going on here?"
Said Sarabi, sounding curious and angry.
Simba moved his gaze, realizing his mother had been approaching this whole time.

Kukuza kept his head down and his eyes closed. This couldn't be happening to him.

Zira responded in his defense.
"Ahhh, Sarabi! Why don't you be doll and go catch some food for us?"

Zira referred to herself and Kukuza, ordering Sarabi around like the slave she once was under Scar. The evil woman had turned around, and was facing Sarabi, feet from her muzzle.

Now, Kukuza had enough.

"Don't talk to her that way." He said sternly, turning around to face Zira, Kukuza looked into her eyes as he spoke to her. He felt nothing, no compassion or love what so ever.
Zira broke his heart after all. He didn't love her anymore.

"Kukuza, calm down, she can't do anything!"
Said Zira in protest, feeling that Sarabi was helpless against her threats.

"He's not your mate Zira."
Sarabi spit the name from her lips, you could see it hit the rock below and shatter.

"Yes... Yes he is, and you shouldn't talk back!"
Zira flung the final words from her mouth with great force and strength.
But these were empty threats.

"He's not yours Zira! You don't love him, and he doesn't love you! Your just using him to get what you want!"

Zira was feed up with being talked back at, she raised her paw to strike Sarabi across the face, backhanded, not with claws.

Simba crouched, ready to pounce on her.
He didn't have to.

Kukuza intervened.
He grabbed Zira's left paw with his, ripping it from the sky, and slamming it back down to the ground.

"What are you doing!"
Screamed Zira, sick and tired of being undermined.

"You won't hurt her, or anyone else!"

"Why not?"

"Because he loves me! We're mates!" Sarabi shouted out to Zira.

Zira's mouth dropped open, her eyes grew shocked.

"With her? You love her? She's scraps! Meaningless!"

Zira was spitting out insults as she starred directly at Kukuza. She'd attack him, but it would be useless. He was stronger then her on everyday of the week.

A idea can to Simba's mind, a dreadfully awful idea.
He gasped at it.

"Zira! What have you done with Kopa!"

Zira looked at him with a smirk on her face. Then again, Zira always had a smirk on her face.

Simba roared loudly at her, demanding an answer.
Zira turned her head sharply, showing her many sharp teeth to the lion king.

"I have nothing to do with that little rat!"

"Then why are you here, so conveniently after Kopa goes missing!"
Barked Simba roughly.

Zira calmed down, assuming a voice used to talk to idiots.

"Kukuza invited me of coarse!"
True, but not the whole of it.

"Kukuza, what is she talking about?"
Said Simba, thinking:

You've overstepped your boundaries this time! Inviting people into my pride? People who hurt me? How dare he!

"I didn't actually invite her! I sent the search party out after her..."

"Why am I being told this now?"
Said Simba, feeling left out and uninformed.

Kukuza ignored Simba's question, continuing

"... Because she hadn't killed Kopa! I thought she had, so I sent her away! When I found out she hadn't, I sent the search party, telling them to bring her to me when they found her!"

Kukuza sounded angry.
Why did he have to explain himself? Stupid question... Better one: what was he thinking bringing Zira back here?

Zira's eyes were filled with happiness.
Kukuza had not only forgiven her for attempting to kill Kopa, but had also apologized for the way he reacted.
Simba and Kukuza were yelling fiercely at each other, and if a fight broke out, Simba would die. It's a win win.

Simba continued:

"She tried to kill my son! That's perfectly worthy of banishment!"
Yelled Simba, still angry, less at Kukuza, and more at Zira.

"I felt that I acted abruptly, I screamed at her! I blamed her for something she hadn't done yet! I felt like I mistreated her."

Simba was annoyed at Kukuza's logic, but the grey lion had his reason. Kukuza never hurt woman or children, and when he yelled at Zira- he felt he hurt her. So he sent an 'I'm sorry' running to stop her. And now, this.

"Zira! I want you... To... "

Kukuza interrupted Simba, speaking himself.

"Get off this rock! Go wait inside the den!"

Kukuza gritted his teeth before he spoke again.

"If that cub has a single scratch! I'll..."

Kukuza stopped himself, knowing that any threat he may throw out would have to be honored, and he didn't have the heart to honor a threat, especially against the mother of his cubs.

Zira walked away then, lightly rubbing her tail on Kukuza's and Simba's chin as she walked into the den, also finding time to shoot Sarabi a death glare.

Simba stood in shock at Kukuza's words. When Kukuza said something, he meant it. And for him to be so angry as to almost threaten someone is more then enough to be worried about.

Zira never even noticed Vitani.