Charging through the heavy undergrowth, gracefully avoiding the broken stumps and strangling vines was Kopa and Kovu hot on the heels of the male. The scent of him was thick in the air, almost suffocating their senses. The afternoon sky stretched far above their heads with the vastly cooling sun beating heavily upon them.

Suddenly they came to a harsh stop. Kovu quickly sense Kopa's tense body language. His jaw set hard, while a low hissing noise could be heard. Still on borders of their land and Kopa's temper was already on edge.

"Wait behind that rock, the minute you hear anything that could cause threat to your own pride, run back," Kopa ordered

"You think that could happen?" Kovu asked as he made his way to behind the rock.

"A rogue normally joins up with other rogues; these carry such hatred towards the ones that deserted that they feel the need to prove themselves to them. Revenge is the best form of closure."

Kovu nodded complete understanding written across is his face, reflecting over his mother's behaviour towards Simba and everything to do with Pride Rock. If she could cause that much damage imagine what a pride full of lions with that same intention could do. He shuddered to think of it.

Giving a few seconds more to wait, Kopa finally made his way down; with each step his breathing was longer in gaps as if to steady his nerves. He could the rambles of the strange of minds; this environment is depressing enough to be here of your own accord, but to be imprisoned his daughter must be going through hell. Steadily his steps came to a slow halt when a pair of aware eyes met his. The figure did not say anything but simply nodded and vanished between a large gathering of bushes. While he waited he could hear fierce hissing between clearly a large group of lions.

Just as his patience was wearing thin an elderly lion appeared, causing Kopa's eyes to bulge in surprise, this was a lion he only heard about in stories. His life is filled with stories of taking on strange beast, capturing the hearts of lioness across Africa, saving grasslands and fighting of the threat of invasion countless times each in a different pride. Now to see a true rogue in the flesh, Kopa was getting lost for words. This was a lion he had always respected, how could he take on a lion who was a hero to him? But as they say your heroes always disappoint you.

The elderly lion gave a low chuckle "you've heard of me?"

Kopa opened his mouth but no words came out, shutting it quickly feeling embarrassed at himself and simply nodded. This caused the elderly lion to chuckle once more.

"I know why you're here Kopa."

"You know my name?" Kopa said feeling surprised but also flattered.

"You're building quite a reputation for you as a lost prince. Now to secure your daughter's freedom you will help us take down Pride Rock and Simba himself. You must feel such hatred towards him for abandoning you at such a young age." He said while smirking.

"You and I both know that is not how it happened." Kopa said darkly.

"Technicalities my dear boy, help us to help yourself." He spoke passively.

"What is my role in this?" Kopa asked while sighing, already giving in to his demands.

"I gather by now you have gained trust with your parents. Just led them out into the opening and wait for me. Say you have a surprise or something. Then when I appear with my men you help to take them down."

He sighed and nodded before asking "may I now see my daughter?"

The elderly lion nodded and started to slowly lead him the way to where his daughter was imprisoned. Looking over his shoulders he saw Kovu's confused face, hearing everything that happened, catching his eyes he saw Kovu shoot him a sympathetic look before turning on his heels and charging back to Pride Rock.

Towards the cage she was trapped in, he saw the two strong males standing an intimidating manner. They stood apart just long enough for Kopa to slide through.

Inside laid his terrified looking daughter. She glanced up at him and her expressive eyes were full of the terror and loneliness she was going through. At first she couldn't quite believe that her dad was standing before her. Once the realisation hit her, she ran towards him and into a tight embrace. There in the safety of his arms she released the sobs she had managed to contain, as not to show fear. Kopa simply held her as her body shook violently with the strong emotions, every few seconds he would whisper comforting words to her ears to calm her. Once she successful calmed down he started with some small talk.

"They told me you have not been eating," He said softly.

She nodded and said hoarsely, her voice hurt from the pure emotion that ripped through her, "I couldn't touch it. Not after he betrayed me."

"He is going to get what is coming to him. They all will. Yet remember none of this is your fault. You're a young, caring and beautiful girl who just trusted a wrong guy. There will be other and more deserving lions which you will like, who will also like you in return. Now just stay calm, your father is here now. Everything is going to be okay," he said softly and soothingly.

"What are you going to do?" She asked quietly.

"It doesn't matter; everything is going to work out fine. When have I ever let you down before sweetie?"

Afi just smiled and settled down in the embrace of her father. And for the first time she had been here, got into a deep and dreamless sleep. While her father sat up, his mind working over time at what is about to happen, then endless shatter of the insane pushing their way into his mind.

A.N: Thanks to everyone who is sticking with the story and to the ones reviewing it. I really appreciate it.