It was the usual day in the Pridelands, the calm wind flowing by, the regular african ambience of the savannah. Kiara was relaxing with the other lions in an area where they usually gather behind Pride Rock. She sat with her friends, mainly gossiping.
"So where's your one and only?" Kiburi, a friend of hers asked.
"Oh you know, out and about with my dad. The usual." Kiara nonchalantly replied.
"They're weirdly spending alot of time together now." Shika, another friend of hers spoke.
"Yeah, he's being serious about stuff being king and all. Glad that's over for me." Kiara replied.
Moments later Vitani, who just came back after a hunt, entered the group.
"Hey, Vitani." All of them said in unison.
"So how was hunting?" Kiara started.
"The usual, almost too easy for me."
"I wish I was as good as you." Shika envying Vitani."
"With your skill, Vitani you could give them some advices." Kiara suggested.
"You mean teaching? I don't know, I don't think I'll be that good anyway."
"Are you kidding? You'll do great, it's easy to teach something when you're good at it." Kiburi replied.
"Ok, I'll give it a shot, but I gotta warn you, it ain't gonna be that easy." Although being serious, she said it with the tone of sarcasm.
All three of them laughed at the idea and Kiara did as well.
"Great, you'll be teaching my kids someday." She said whilst giggling with the others.
Moments later laughter turned into silence and their view came to Kiara, and every each one of them looked serious.
"You're having kids?!" All three of them said in unison.
It was a surprise to them. A friend of theirs was expecting cubs and they all congratulated her with excitement.
"Oh my! Congratulations! I'll be the aunt!" Shika spoke.
"Hey now, don't forget about auntie Kiburi."
"I think you all are celebrating too early. That's still a long way to go."
"Does Kovu knows about this." Vitani asked.
"Of course he does, we kept it as a secret. We're telling my parents when they get back." Kiara replied.
"I just hope my parents don't freak out or anything."
Moving over to Kovu and Simba. They have been strolling allong the borders of the Pridelands. It was another usual day with Kovu's daily lecture on how to be a proper and good king, given by none other than Simba himself.
"Kovu, did you know that our pride is the biggest out of all our neighboring prides?" Simba started a question.
"No. I didn't know that." He answered honestly.
"Well, it's time we get to know our neighboring prides. Starting from the north all the way to the south. Including how we gained peace in all of them."
"We're friends with different prides?"
"Yes, for a long time now actually. Even before my father. It's important that our friendship with theirs remain strong."
"Why? So we can ask for their help?" Kovu jokingly replied, but turned out to be a lucky guess.
"Lucky guess, Kovu. But yes. If there was a time that we needed support, we would seek help from them, and we help them too in return. It is important that we respect them." He chuckled.
"So, let's know who they are." Kovu replied, eager to learn.
"Lets start with our first option and that is the Highland pride in the north."
"What do you mean by first option?"
"The fact that they're the closest pride to contact is enough to say that they are our first option. Though, it has been years since we had asked for support." He continued.
"They are royal too, similar to ours. They are known for having one of the most skilled lions in africa, that's why they must be respected."
"Skilled lions? Please, you aren't forgetting me are you?" He jokingly replied.
"Now watch your mouth, you can easily get into trouble with that arrogance of yours." Simba calmly noted.
"Oh sorry, that was uncalled for." He shyly shrugged.
"Well, atleast it proves you have spirit." Simba reassured.
Moments later, they stopped and decided to settle down for a moment beneath an acacia tree. The shade together with the calming breeze, felt dream-like to them. The open view of the african savannah made the moment more serene. Both of them took in the fresh air and sighed in peace.
As Simba was admiring the view, he looked over to Kovu, who still was in the moment, enjoying every second. His innocent look made him smile. He turned his attention back to the savannah and contemplated.
"We're nearly done with our lectures, Kovu. I hope you remember the things I taught you." Simba broke the silence between them.
"You kidding? Of course I remember them." Kovu replied confidently.
"I'm glad you're taking it seriously."
"Well I had a great teacher."
"I had a great listener too." He chuckled.
For the past few months, his daily lectures with Simba had Kovu very attached him and even got to knew him personally. He was always shy of him around and thought it best to avoid as many mistakes as possible. But ever since they started, he never once felt ashamed of a mistake he had done, but rather received constructive criticism and reassurance. And with that he felt calm everytime Simba was with him. He looked up to him.
Simba had spent the majority of his time with Kovu with his lessons. He saw him at first as a threat but now sees him as an innocent cub who grew up in a world of trauma. Seeing him frolicking around with him bring smiles to his face. Simba admits that he enjoyed being a part of his life, guiding him to being a king and being there when he was needed. He knew that it was no different from taking care of a small cub. Simba treated Kovu like he was one of his own and that he was the adoptive father. "He's the son I never had." He thought.
Of course he still refrained from saying that to him and waited for perfect moment.
"Hey, uhm... We're pals right?" He said nervously.
"Mhmm." Simba replied.
"You know, I've never actually said... Thank you." A hint of hesitance could be heard in his reply.
Kovu thought that he haven't thanked Simba for everything he has done to him.
"Thank me? For what?" Simba inquired.
"For... Everything."
"I used to question myself "When will I ever get a better life?" He continued.
"I always ask that question every night after a harsh and long day of being tormented by Zira."
Simba remained silent inticing Kovu to continue.
"I always wondered how would it feel to be just... free. I never expected that I would come this far too. The thought always seemed impossible. Not until I met Kiara and then my whole life changed."
"I used to hate waking up every morning, but now I wake up knowing that today will be great and that tomorrow will be as well."
From this on Kovu spoke from his heart.
"I thank you for having a beautiful daughter, I... I.. I thank you for accepting me in your pride, I thank you for being there when I needed you... I thank you... for caring... for me." He stuttered a little but his message was clear and refrained for his emotions to get the better of him.
He looked at Simba and waited for a reply. Simba was touched by his words and simply smiled back.
"Oh, Kovu. You don't have to thank me for everything I've done. It brings me joy that you're happy here. You're like the son I never had."
Kovu was surprised and touched by his reply. He never knew the feeling of being loved and cared for by a parent, let alone a father. It was something he never knew he needed.
Moments later Simba felt something lean on him on his left. It was Kovu leaning on him as a sign of affection. Simba didn't move nor did he say anything, he just let Kovu be. He thought it was necessary for him.
Whilst leaning on Simba, Kovu thought it would be better to confess what he felt at the moment.
"And you're like a father I never had."
It was a surprise to Simba to be called father but most of all he felt proud to be a figure for Kovu. He isn't Simba'sson, nor are they related but he is to his eyes. Simba then laid his head on top of Kovu which was his silent but clear reply.
"Come on, let's go home." Simba stood upright and leaded the way.
Kovu sat for a moment to contemplate but was interrupted by Simba's call.
"You coming... Son?"
Kovu didn't reply but rather gave a friendly smile and proceeded to follow.
It was at this day, Kovu knew what it felt to be cared by a parent, and it all came from Kiara's father. He still respects him as he is the king. But the care and appreciation given by him was enough for him to consider Simba as his father.
END OF CHAPTER