Welcome back to Chapter 4, everyone. Once again I must apologise for the delay between Chapter 3 to Chapter 4. Thank you all for your patience. I also want to say thank you to those who have favourited or followed my story so far. It makes my day whenever I see someone interested in my story. I will try to make sure that the future instalments of this story won't take as long to come out. Okay, no more stalling! Let's start Chapter 4.
Chapter 4: Family Values
The tweeting of birds filled the air as dew dripped from the leaves; the sun was just about visible above the mountains in the clear sapphire sky. A soft refreshing breeze rolled past which made the trees dance in the cooling breeze. A few animals were out and about on groggy limbs, grazing the land for food.
Deep in the small cave Kovu was still tightly curled around Matthew. The child's body was pressed snug against the lion's stomach and held stable with a paw. He had made sure the child was provided with enough warmth throughout the night. The brown fur rustled a little as the lion slowly broke from his slumber. He gazed around the den as his eyes tried to get used to the light flooding in. Those green orbs gazed upon the sleeping form snuggled into the fur. He gently rubbed the child's head, coaxing the boy to keep sleeping.
A gentle smile formed on his muzzle as his paw trailed through those brown locks. Kovu made sure to keep the child close to his fur as thoughts ravaged his mind. "I need to tell Simba… I can't keep on hiding away like this.." He whispered, a soft breath leaving his muzzle. He stroked Matthew more, allowing his thoughts to wander off. He was sure Simba would be suspicious by now, noticing the brown lion didn't return to the main den last night.
"Kovu?" A soft voice came from outside. Soft creamy paws trailed in as Kiara entered, nuzzling her mate on the cheek. "Good morning. My father asked me where I was last night. I said I was talking to you about what you witnessed at the man village. He is sure to be on edge, though. If we have to reveal Matthew to my father it has to be soon. His suspicions will become stronger as the days pass, and if they become too strong he may.."
Kovu nodded sadly. "I know…" He sighed. "I know… But thank you for what you did, Kiara." He returned the nuzzle, soft purring leaving the duo's lips. He just hoped Matthew would be keen on the idea of meeting the king. The lion knew he didn't have much time left. "I hope he accepts him… I hope the king sees what we see…"
"I don't know how he will react, Kovu. But I do know if he sees how much good we see in this child, then he should see it too." Kiara comforted her mate, her free creamy paw resting on his brown. She smiled at the sleeping child. "How is he?" His mate asked, Kiara softly trailing the back of her paw over Matthew's cheek. She giggled as the boy smiled softly at the loving action, reaching out to hug her paw, as if it were similar to a teddy bear. "Awwww.." She hushed under her voice, laying down to allow the child to feel her soft fur.
Kovu simply chuckled, a big goofy smile on his muzzle from seeing such a tender sight. "He's been alright. It's been a silent night. Guess my warm fur kept the cold away." He softly licked the boy's head, focusing all his warmth on his tummy to keep Matthew nice and warm.
Matthew curled up into a small ball, his hands kept close to his chest. The extra warmth coming from Kovu soothed the child's body. The soft fur was similar to a blanket. A nice big fluffy hug that would shield and protect Matthew from any danger. "Kovu…" Soft murmurs left the boy's lips, a gentle smile forming that warmed the hearts of both Kovu and Kiara.
The brown lion's face lit up, an idea sparking in his brain. "I know. Let's head back to the man village. We could find some more clues about the whereabouts of Matthew's parents. There could be a lead or two." His tail swayed in the air with excitement, his green eyes shimmering. This could be their first lead.
Kiara's creamy face was lit with curiosity. "We could go. But it may be dangerous. Whatever destroyed that village could still be there, or at the very least still be around. Is it worth it to take that chance? Matthew could be in danger."
Kovu nodded. "Any chance is worth it. We need to find Matthew's parents as soon as we can. The sooner the better. If Matthew was left behind at that village then his parents must have been there too. We don't have much time. And we will protect Matthew from any danger, right?"
Kiara nodded but still had doubt in her eyes. "But Kovu… If the village was destroyed when you found this child then maybe his parents could have fled.. They may not be there… Or worse… We need to see if any of the animals have seen them that night." Kiara lamented, unable to look her mate in the eyes, for she dared to see the fear on Kovu's face.
"No… No… They have to be there. They have to be alive. There's no other way. I promised him. I promised I would help him find his parents. He has his faith in me." Kovu panicked, his soft breaths deepening. His eyes almost bulged out of their sockets with the fear of letting the child down being so great. He could feel his body trembling with the force of such a terrible potential reality. A reality he didn't want to come true.
Kiara embraced him, her creamy foreleg wrapped around the brown fur, helping his body to steady. "Kovu… Listen to me. We will find them. No matter what. You need to be brave. If not for me then for him." She motioned to the sleeping child still in her mate's fur, his hands clung tight. Not letting go for anything. "You are all he has right now. And if you show weakness, then what will that show him?"
Kovu closed his eyes and took a deep breath, nodding softly. "You're right, Kiara. You're right." Clouds of exhaust left his muzzle, pressing his lips to Matthew's cheek in a sign of comfort. He must have sensed something was wrong. He saw those hazel eyes slowly open as a deep yawn left the boy's mouth, making both lions giggle.
"Good morning, little cub. Sleep well?" Kovu asked, beaming lovingly down.
Matthew nodded, still too sleepy to speak. As if trying to cling to whatever sleep the child had, he buried his tired head back into the warm sanctuary that was Kovu's fur.
Kovu chuckled, gently nudging the child's head free from the soft warmth. "Heh heh.. Nice try, little cub. No more sleep now. It's morning."
The child wanted to protest but sighed as the last throes of sleep left him. With his belly rumbling, he picked up one of the last remaining juicy fruits and began to eat. They didn't last long; the sweetness filling the boy nicely. Wiping the stray drops of juice around his lips with the back of his hand he found himself more relaxed.
"Was that yummy, little cub?" Kovu smirked, licking some remaining drops of fruit that the boy's hand had missed, chuckling at how Matthew squirmed like a cub being bathed. "We need to see Rafiki for some more."
Matthew nodded with a gentle smile, giggling as he was cleaned up. "Yes Kovu. What are we going to do now?" He gazed at Kovu with hazel orbs filled with intrigue, bringing his legs towards himself as he relaxed next to the big friendly lion.
The lion smirked, bringing the child into his paws. "Well I was thinking of trying to find a lead or two of where your parents could be. Head back to the man village where I found you. It's our best start." His face became softer as a more sombre look blossomed. "Now… You don't need to come with me. I know this will be hard for you… I don't want to force you to…"
"No, I wanna come." The boy interrupted, but quickly raised his hands in worry of being scolded for butting in. "I… I'm sorry, Kovu but I wanna come with you. I may be able to help and it'll be the first thing I owe you. After all you did save me".
Kovu's smile met the child's as he embraced him tight, a paw on his head. "You don't need to owe me anything, little cub. As long as you are alright is all I need." He chuckled, ruffling Matthew's hair which made the boy whine. "Got ya!" He winked before turning to Kiara. "Kiara will be joining us. Travelling in extra numbers would be safer, after all.
"W… Wait? What do you mean…? Safer…? Is there something dangerous back there…?" The child murmured, body shaking and squirming as his body was held close by Kovu.
"No there isn't, little cub. It's to make sure you're safe. Whatever attacked your village could still be lingering around. And I won't have anything bad happen to you." Kovu reassured, softly licking the child's head as he laid down so Matthew could climb on. Simba and the others shouldn't see them. It was still early, after all and the sun had barely risen above the mountains.
Kiara smiled as she tenderly nuzzled Matthew's cheek. "Don't worry. Everything will be alright. I assure you. We won't be there long." Her words easily soothed the boy and such a sight warmed her heart as the child reached out.
"O… Okay Kiara…" The boy whispered, smiling as Kiara walked up, allowing the child to hug the lioness' furry neck, allowing her voice to soothe his nerves. He listened deep to Kiara's deep breaths and her purrs. His speedy pumping heart rate slowed down to a more calmer level. Kiara pulled away from the child's embrace, not before leaving a warm lick to his cheek.
The three left the cave, fur and hair flowing behind them. The child shivered a little as his bare body couldn't handle the cool morning. Matthew leaned down into Kovu's back, trying to spread out his body so he could absorb as much of Kovu's excess warmth as his body could. The poor boy was shuddering.
Feeling him shudder, Kovu slowed down and Kiara followed suit to limit the cold air reaching the boy. They stopped at the watering hole for their first drink of the day. Matthew still had trouble drinking in the lion way. Kovu and Kiara taught him with a smile, showing him to use his tongue to draw in the water into his mouth. He soon got the hang of it after a few hard attempts. "Don't worry." Kovu encouraged the boy with a smile. "You'll get it. All cubs do. You did great". He ruffled the child's hair.
The lions smiled as they saw Matthew blush. He was a quick learner indeed. They were sure he would learn lots more when he was accepted by Simba… If he was accepted that is. The group got on the move again, slowly seeing the towering green and brown overhead come into view.
"We're almost there. Just a few more moments." Kovu led, dancing his way through the thickening foliage with Kiara not far behind. He made sure to keep his speed to a good pace. He didn't want Matthew to fall off.
Kiara looked around her, imagining someone or… something was watching her. Watching them. The thought made her fur crawl. They were deep enough to where the light barely travelled through the leaves, adding to the eeriness. Not even a peep from animals could be heard from within this green maze. Maybe they too sensed the potential danger deep in and stayed away. But was that from the humans that once lived here? Or whatever had driven them away? Kiara did not know and this unknown presence terrified her.
They left the open clearing and into the remains of the man village. Kiara's jaw dropped, left speechless from the devastation that was exactly as her mate described. She knew the potential destruction that man was capable of. But she knew that no living thing deserved this. Not even man. "T… This is… This is horrible…" She choked on a few tears, trying to keep them back. Eventually keeping it together, she regained composure. "What hut was it, the one you found Matthew?" Kiara asked.
Kovu led her to one of the more sturdier huts, walking inside. He felt the child on his back shudder. Not surprising at all, he thought. This being where he was left after such a terrible event for so long. He noticed something odd though, something was not right. He lowered down to sniff, having caught an interesting scent. A scent that was not here before.
"What is it, Kovu?" Kiara asked, the silence almost deafening. She saw the child whimper and murmur, the tiny voice in a mantra about wanting to go back to the cave. She pressed her cheek against the child's and nuzzled, soothing him. "Shssh… It's okay. We'll head back. We won't be here long. Just a few more moments. We're here. You're alright." She looked up at Kovu. "What do you smell?"
Kovu's face lowered into stern snarl. "Something was here. Something not too long ago. I can smell it. It was here. I couldn't smell it here yesterday but… Something dangerous was indeed here." He looked towards Kiara. "We should go. We need to go. This place is very dangerous. Whatever it was, it was here trying to find something."
The green orbs scoured the room, looking for any more clues. Any hints of the boy's parents, and where they could have gone. Wherever they could be headed. Now that something dangerous could be lurking, it put a scary timer on Kovu's mind. He had to find a clue and get everyone out of there.
He searched the whole hut, being careful of the broken pieces of hardened sharp clay. Kovu smelt that unknown scent all over; they must be searching for something… Or someone! This made him speed up the search, the last place being the bed. Where he found Matthew. His nose nudged under the wood to investigate more closely. His paws swept away the dust and dirt and tiny stones. There just had to be something.
Then he heard a tiny ringing noise of metal. He froze up, motioning Kiara towards the door in case they needed to make a run for it. Normally silence would be a good sign. The sign of no danger. But the only thing this silence brought was the strongest of anxiety. The possibility of something lurking. Kovu looked down and amongst the dirt near his paw was a tiny locket. It was heavily dented and stained with hardened mud. He never saw anything like it. "Hmm? What's this? Do you recognise this at all Matthew?"
"Huh? What is it?" Matthew responded, looking down at the small object Kovu had close to his paw. He gasped, scurrying down as he slid down Kovu's side. The lions stood there shocked, gazing at each other wondering just what this thing was, and why Matthew knew what it was.
The child reached the small object and lifted it up to get a better look, a small hand wiping away the dirt. With a shaky hand he pressed the small indent on the side and it opened up like a book. Matthew froze up as his body tensed, small streams of water beginning to run down the boy's face. Drops splashed on the glass panel inside. It showed a picture of two adult humans; one male and one female.
The man had brown hair and a silly dress sense, wearing a bright blue shirt. The woman had beautiful ruby hair and a gentle smile. Between them was a small boy with short brown hair wearing a red shirt. It all looked familiar.
"M… Matthew?" Kovu walked up, concerned as he wrapped a paw around the boy's chest. "Are you alright…? He heard the boy sobbing now, muttering under his breath.
"M… Mama… Dada… W… Why…"
Seeing Matthew bring a hand to his face as his body trembled. Oh how it broke Kovu's heart. "Oh, my little cub. Oh… Come here…" He brought the child into a tight hug, one paw pressing the boy gently into his fur while the other caressed the back of his head. He hushed softly, laying his head on top of the human's for comfort as the lion gently rocked the child back and forth.
The boy nestled his face deeper into Kovu's chest, his muffled crying echoing outward. He felt Kovu's cheek against his, followed by soft nuzzles. Those melodic tones flooded his ears, but his cries drowned them out. "I… I miss them, Kovu. I want them… I want my Mama and Dada…"
Kiara then realised what was inside that locket. With a heavy heart she walked up to the overwhelmed child and nuzzled him, her creamy fur wrapping around him. The boy was nestled between her and Kovu, and they would love and support him in this hard time.
The two lions said nothing, continuing to nuzzle and lick the boy's cheek and forehead. The boy's crying became softer and quieter, his trembles softening. The boy's eyes were screwed shut dampened by the tears; his body quivering in the embrace of these lions. The three stood there in silence, for about twenty minutes. Kovu and Kiara's instincts were sky high at this point.
"Are you alright, little one?" Kovu asked, his face sombre as a paw gently wiped away the rest of the tears. When he saw the boy shaking his head, he reached down to his eye level. "I know… I know it is hard. To be hit with such a shock."
The boy sniffled as he listened to Kovu, nodding as small tears began to form again. "It's so hard…" Matthew confirmed, whimpering as he clinged to Kovu tightly. That warm velvet like fur was the closest source of comfort he had.
"I know… And you're being so brave, right now. But this is good. It is a sign. We can use this to find them. Find your parents. We can do this." Kovu comforted, hushing the boy's cries.
Matthew's teary eyes met Kovu's comforting gaze. The boy shaked his head in denial. "I'm not brave. I'm just a scared, useless child. All I've done is cry and hide… H… How am I brave…?"
Kovu shook his head, placing a confident paw on the boy's head. "Would a scared child come out of this hut to try and find their lost parents? Would they agree to come back here and find clues? You're braver than you think, little cub. You're the bravest little cub I have ever met."
Matthew looked up at Kovu with eyes glistening, still damp with tears. He did all of that stuff. He was kind of brave. He closed his eyes as Kovu ruffled his hair once more until it looked like a cub's scruffy mane and chuckled." Now you look just like me when I was a cub. All cute."
"Nuh huh.." Matthew smiled through the tears, pouting as he hugged the paw that was on his head. "You're a lion. I'm a human."
"Yeah, Kovu. I mean, come on.. He would be way cuter as a cub" Kiara giggled, noting Matthew giggled too. She smiled at how her comment cheered up the boy, even if only a little. She even caught a glimpse of Matthew blushing a little.
Kovu let off a cheeky grin, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Hey, that was mean." With a smile, he nuzzled the child close. "You're a lion in my eyes, Matthew. Kiara's too." Kovu let out a deep and warm gruff chuckle, licking the boy's cheek as he whispered into his ear. Seeing the boy's face light up made him smile. He hugged Matthew close, his head resting on the child's, his lush mane comforting the boy in a warm soft embrace. Kovu slowly rubbed Matthew's back, promising to protect the boy's smile. "Now then, shall we head back?"
Matthew and Kiara nodded as the trio exited the den and into the sun. It was still beginning to emit its warm glow so they shivered here and there. Matthew stared at the locket and soon slipped it on around his head.
Kovu looked at him in concern, seeing his slightly glazed out expression. "Are you alright, little cub?" He placed a paw on his head, rubbing gently. "Do you need a moment?
Matthew was silent for a moment, enjoying the loving moment with his guardian lion. He beamed at Kovu as he hugged Kovu's mane, nuzzling into the softness. "I'm okay, sorry. Can we head back now please?"
The brown lion nodded as his face lit up, nuzzling the child back. With a deep loving purr he laid down, gesturing for Matthew to climb up. Once the child was comfortable Kovu stood back up and with Kiara right behind returned to the dense undergrowth.
Kiara caught up, walking alongside her mate as she looked up at Matthew. "Are you sure you're alright, little one?" Her eyes drooped with concern. She was worried about him after all. Hearing him cry shot up her motherly instincts.
Matthew nodded, his sad eyes were now replaced with sombre ones. He smiled softly as he looked on ahead. "I'm okay. Sorry if I worried you." The child looked down, feeling bad for showing himself at such a low point.
"Do not worry, little one." Kiara reassured. "Do not apologise for letting out how you feel. Whenever it is happiness or sadness." She nuzzled Matthew's hand, showing she would always be there for him. As the three began the long trek to the den, a pair of red eyes shone from the foliage watching them.
"Ughhh, he is still alive? I must inform Mfalme at once." The eyes disappeared into the shadows as the figure let out an annoyed rumble. "His highness will not be pleased either. We said he would be dead." He turned tail and left for the Outlands with each step being powered by the increasing pressure of anger running through his veins. Oh how he couldn't wait to finish off that pipsqueak.
As he trailed through the forest, thoughts of Kovu and Kiara entered his mind. "Those two… Those two won't leave that stupid boy's side. I just need to get that boy alone and then I will…" He chuckled, his red eyes burning bright with malicious intent. "Oh I'm gonna have a field day."
The deranged creature began to giggle, his evil tainted mind running rampant. He was truly a terrifying creature indeed. The wildlife knew that too, running away as he ran past. Animals hid in their dens or high up in their nests, hoping to get out of harm's way. The corrupted thing saw and let out a deep chuckle, his eyes glistening with anger about to erupt like a volcano. "Yes! Run away! Fear me! Fear us! A new order is coming! And we will.."
He shut up as a powerful paw swiped him in the cheek, he growled for a brief moment of this insolence before seeing the towering Mfalme looming over him, a scowl that would send even the most stern animal fleeing in fear. "Kuhari! What in the great highness are you doing? Blabbing your mouth about the plan! You will get heard! And if someone hears, they will get Simba involved! We can't get him to interfere this early!"
The creature known as Kuhari nodded eagerly, his angry demeanour now a more worried defensive tone; a complete mood shift. "Y… Yes… I… I understand… M… Mfalme… Heh heh…" He whimpered out a worried chuckle, his voice a more lowered tone. "S… Sorry…"
Mfalme let out an even deeper growl. "I told you to call me boss!" He raised his pitch. "Now, unless you want me to get even angrier and you know that isn't a wise move. I will ask you a simple question and all you should do is answer, alright?" He saw the whimpering Kuhari nod quickly and smirked. "Gooood…~ Now then. When we were at the man den we expected there to be something being guarded. An offspring. We went back there too.."
Kuhari nodded, watching as Mfalme circled him as he jumped in. "Y… Yep boss, heh heh. Sorry boss. We did realise that those two man creatures were protecting one of their own. That's why we went out here in the first place."
Mfalme growled, a claw covering his face in annoyance. "Yes, you don't need to repeat it back to me. I know. I was going to say we went back there to see if it was still there. But it wasn't and we found footprints. So… Since I sent you here to find out where he is. I would like a report. Is that clear?"
A worried chuckle left Kuhari's mouth, his face becoming sheepish as he realised he had to come clean. "W… Well… You see… I know where it is… And… He's with Kovu… And Kiara…"
Mfalme's body shook with anger. He couldn't believe it. The child was being taken in by Simba? Why would the King of Pride Rock take in such a pathetic little thing? This was unacceptable. "What?! What do you mean? With Kovu and Kiara? I can't believe that brat would be with them. He should be here, dying in the elements. Easy fresh prey."
"I… I saw him… Riding on Kovu's back… With Kiara… B… But what are we going to tell his highness, boss?" Kuhari chuckled nervously, twiddling his claws together. The two began to head their way back with Mfalme in the lead, wanting to get this disappointing news back out the way. He knew he may not escape the fate left for him.
"I do not know. We promised to bring back his body. But now we have nothing. And with the child in Simba's care, we can't get to him. If I was there, Oh I would go straight for him. I wouldn't have cared if I died in the process. Just a chance to go for his neck." Mfalme chuckled deeply, letting his truly evil nature shine through which sent a shiver even down Kuhari's spine.
He smirked at his comrade. "Kuhari! I have a special plan for you! Go to Pride Rock. Spy on Kovu and Kiara. When the opportunity comes and Matthew is alone, go for the throat. But bring back proof for his highness. We have already failed him enough today. Is that clear?"
Kuhari nodded and gave a salute before turning tail and rushing the way he came, making a straight beeline towards Pride Rock. "Yes, boss! I won't let you down!"
As he watched Kuhari make a dash for the den of their highness' mortal enemy, he chuckled with a deep grin. Turning his head, Mfalme continued walking to the Outlands, making big strides with his broad paws. He looked like he had a calm and calculated presence but deep down Mfalme was scared. Scared of the wrath that his highness would bring upon hearing of this failure.
He soon left the green forest, his paws leaving the soft green undergrowth and entered bitter and dusty browns; sand being kicked up in the air as the particles danced around. The head of the highness' guard said nothing, keeping his head low. Soft buzzings of insects flickered around him, as if taunting him of what was to come. Mfalme snarled as he missed the bug with a swiping paw. "Buzz off!"
The thought of that child with Kovu and Kiara. That missed opportunity to kill him that stormy night. Those two foolish humans that crossed his path. Mfalme snarled and kicked off a rock in anger. His eyes almost popped out as fury ran through his veins. "Those stupid, pathetic, and lowly man.. Preventing such a magnificent and strong creature like me to take my kill. That I deserved! That I should be rewarded!
He took a deep breath and sighed, regaining his composure. Mfalme hoped that sending Kuhari off to spy for him would at least give him a lighter sentence. The further he went into the dirty barren landscape the air itself seemed to get more tainted; more polluted. The presence of evil was so thick you could cut it with a knife. A deadly haze of malicious intent rolled in. The big den of his highness came into view.
Mfalme gulped nervously as he saw it on the horizon, seeing his fellow comrades looking at him. Some looked at him with intense intrigue on their leader's face. While others looked at him in anger for their leader seemingly returning empty handed. He froze at the empty black void and kneeled outside. "Your highness! I have news!"
"Not good news I see! You have come empty handed! I thought you would have killed the last man!" The voice boomed threatened, loud enough for the ground to shake and rumble. The tiny stones jostled around as the voice continued. "Hmm? I thought Kuhari was with you? Where is he?!"
"Your highness! I must apologise for this disappointment. There were some complications. Kuhari has informed me that the last man has been found by Kovu in our absence. He seemed to have taken the man child in. I have sent him to be our spy. To wait for the right time to strike and take the child down and bring back proof of our victory." Mfalme bowed even lower for forgiveness, his eyes screwed shut.
"Hmmm…! Interesting! So the man child has joined forces with Simba? I knew that pathetic king was too soft! Accepting a child of man! He will bring the end of all of us! Protecting and nurturing that weakling!" A deep chuckle rumbled outward, a gale of air leaving the den following a heavy sigh. "Mfalme" This development has given you a chance! Join Kuhari in the mission of obtaining the child! If the child is brought to me, then your punishment shall be spared. If not… Only death will await you!"
Mfalme gulped nervously, his other members looked at each other in worry. They had never seen their leader show weakness before. Mfalme nodded and bowed once more. "Yes, your highness. I will bring him to you. Thank you for your eternal gratitude! I will not let you down!"
Mfalme began to leave, retracing his steps back to the forest at the Prideland's edge. He could feel his muscles stiffen up a little. Was he really this scared of death? Was he really worried about meeting a gruesome end? His eyes shone with anger; a rebellion against death. Leaping into action, Mfalme darted through the greenery, starling the nearby animals that just returned into the forest. He wondered where he would rejoin with Kuhari. And when they could start to plan.
Kovu and Kiara were relaxing with Matthew, enjoying the sunshine in the small den. The child snuggled into their fur, bringing out a smile from their muzzles. They softly leaned in to nuzzle and lick the child's cheek, making the boy giggle. On the way back from the man village, Kovu stopped off at Rafiki's tree to collect more fruit.
The wise mandrill asked the young lion how the child was and if he had been introduced to Simba yet. When Kovu revealed he had not, the wise monkey cupped his face in his hand, warning the lion that if he did not soon something bad would happen. Something very bad indeed.
"Kovu… Kovu…?" Matthew asked, showing concern for the lion as he was stuck in his thoughts. A soft hand rubbed the brown lion's side to snap him out of it. "Kovu? Are you okay?"
"Hmm?" Kovu blinked suddenly as he returned from his deep thoughts, looking down to see a worried Matthew gazing up. "What's wrong, little cub?" He smiled as a paw dropped on the child's head softly, rustling the boy's hair until it returned to the same shaggy mane-like look. "Heh heh.. There we go."
Kiara giggled as she gently smoothed down Matthew's hair with a paw before kissing the child's forehead. "Kovu. Don't pick on him. He likes his mane as it is." She smiled at Matthew as the lioness teased Kovu by messing up his mane with a paw, breaking out into a laugh with Matthew.
Kovu pouted, his once smoothed out mane all rustled in different places. "Okay okay I won't." He snickered at the two laughing, bringing Matthew in close in a warm loving embrace, gently stroking the child's head. He smiled as Matthew curled up and rested his head on the lion's chest. He gazed at Matthew's locket, watching him stare at the picture within.
Matthew relaxed, feeling the warm fur surrounding him in a protective barrier; akin to a cocoon for a butterfly. He gently felt the glass panel with a thumb, holding it close to his chest with a soft smile. Matthew would have teared up if it weren't for Kovu embracing him, gently rocking his frame as if he was a baby. In terms of lion age, he would be.
"Are you alright, little one?" Kovu asked, his soft melodic voice beautifully sung to the child in his paws. Wrapping around him tightly, he made sure Matthew was nice and snuggled close.
Matthew looked up happily and nodded, a soft breath leaving his nostrils when he felt Kovu's paw on his head. "I'm okay.. I'm just wondering where they are and if they are alright. I miss them, Kovu."
"I know you do, little one. We will find them. I know we will. Call it a fatherly feeling… I… Uhhh…" Kovu blushed heavily as he realised what he said, looking over to Kiara who just giggled and smiled. Kovu saw Matthew look up at him confused. He just gave a deep smile, softly purring as he nuzzled the precious boy in his front paws.
Matthew hugged Kovu around the neck, hiding his face in that lush mane. He smiled happily. He loved the warm and soft velvet-like texture that was Kovu's mane. It reminded him of the large fluffy blanket he used to have back home in his room. Warm with lots of weight to it.
As Matthew and Kovu continued to strengthen their already developing bond, a lone majestic figure was watching them. The King looked down from a small ledge of Pride Rock. He had wondered why Kovu and his daughter were gone for so long, and now he could find the underlying cause of it.
He had spent the morning announcing the situation of the destroyed man village to his pride. As King it was his right to protect those under his rule. Upon their realisation that a man village was so close all this time there was a mix of panic and shock amongst the lionesses. Some cried whilst others were outright terrified. Their cubs looked up at them in confusion and worry, wondering why their mothers were in such a state; too young to understand.
Whilst some of the lionesses were in their emotional state, the lionesses with clearer thoughts were relieved that the threat was gone. They felt them all and the cubs were now safe, despite being unaware of the true threat looming and waiting in the shadows.
But a select few lionesses, including Simba's mate and queen Nala and Kovu's sister Vitani, felt sorry for man as they were part of the Circle of Life just like everyone else. But Simba thought it was good that they were gone. He knew what man was capable of. All that destruction.
Snapping out of his thoughts, he saw the small child in Kovu's paws, those red orbs squinting. Man! He hadn't seen Kovu return to the den last night or at the announcement that morning. But now he knew where Kovu was. Turning back, Simba slowly climbed down Pride Rock, angry at how Kovu could let such a threat into the Pride Lands. This he could not let stand.
It was Matthew who first saw a figure walk up slowly. The warm sun lowered this haze that made it hard to see but Matthew heard Kovu and Kiara gasp. "W… What? W… Who is it? Who is that?" He looked back at the figure and saw the stern face when it was close enough. It looked terrifying, the face full of anger. The urge to run and hide was washing over him.
Kovu gulped nervously, his breath becoming laboured. "It's the king. It's King Simba.." He looked at Kiara who had the same worried look. The two lions had no idea how Simba knew their location. He instinctively tried to hide Matthew in his fur, his instincts sky rocketing as panic ran through his veins.
Simba stopped a few feet away, his red eyes burning with many emotions apart from anger. Confusion, worry, and relief to name a few. His eyes squinted as he caught soft movement in Kovu's fur. "Give up, cub of man. I saw you before you hid." He softly growled, showing he would not be disobeyed.
His voice was stern and scary as his face gave off. Matthew slowly revealed his head from Kovu's fur, crawling back out into Kovu's paws and hugged the lion's neck tightly. Matthew's eyes shivered as fear glistened like raindrops on the leaves in the morning. He looked up at the king. "A… Are you going to kill me? S… Sir…?"
Simba looked straight into Matthew's terrified hazels but said nothing. He turned to look at Kovu's worried greens and finally at Kiara's nervous reddish browns. "Now then… Kovu… Kiara… Explain why both of you are with a man cub? And if I was you I would choose to answer very… very carefully…"
Wow things have turned south pretty quickly. Mfalme and Kuhari are plotting to save their hides by taking down Matthew. And to make matters even worse, now Simba has found out about Matthew? What will Kovu and Kiara say to the king to not only save themselves but also Matthew? Find out next time. Thank you all very much for reading, and I will see you all in Chapter 5. Take care everyone!
Kuhari = Corrupted in Swahili