A/N: Hey again everyone! I can't tell you how sorry I am for not updating! But people aren't taking into consideration that I have tons of schoolwork to do and it's getting harder and harder for me to find some free time. I write each chapter little by little. This one alone took almost 2 weeks to do. So please keep that in mind if it takes me a while to update but I promise to get it done as soon as possible. Thanks for your cooperation! Now on with the story!

IX

Adoration of a Lullaby

Before Kovu could sink his teeth into Simba's neck, Tanabi jumped in and tackled him. They wrestled on the ground furiously, kicking up mounds of dirt in the struggle. Tanabi sank his teeth into Kovu's flank and grinned inwardly at his loud roars of pain. Kovu quickly whirled his head and threw Tanabi off him. Tanabi flew in the air and landed with a thud on the ground, his small mane getting coated in dirt. Kovu leapt forward and pounced on top of Tanabi, making the young lion release a loud oomph!

Kovu smirked and pressed a paw against Tanabi's throat. Tanabi coughed and gasped for air against Kovu's strangle hold and waved his paws aimlessly.

"TANABI!" came a voice as a new figure leapt onto the scene.

Kovu had no time to react as a sleek young lioness tackled him to the ground, pinning him instantly. He stared up in shock and disbelief to see the lioness had a golden pelt that shined in the moonlight, and two gleaming ruby eyes. He swallowed hard as he realized who she was.

Kovu met Kiara when they were mere cubs. Kiara had stumbled into Outland territory and bumped into him as she explored. They were both hostile at first, but after saving each other's lives when attacked by crocodiles, they became fast friends. Unfortunately after a short time they were discovered by their parents and forbidden to see each other again. But despite their orders, the cubs managed to sneak over to each other and find a safe place to play and hang out.

As time passed, they saw each other less and less. Finally one day while adolescents, Kovu stumbled upon her during a hunting lesson. Kiara managed to sneak away from Tanabi and Simba to follow him. They caught up on how they each were, and strolled off alone for a long time. They began to realize they had a growing love for one another. Despite being adolescents, they became one in the depths of an old cave south of the Outlands. After that, they never saw each other again.

Kovu swallowed hard as he saw Kiara's prolonged stare pierce his eyes.

"You..." Kiara whispered as she got off of him.

Simba, Kamau, and Tanabi just stared confusedly at Kiara's strange reaction and looked back at Kovu.

Kovu had gotten to his paws and tried hard to think of a good excuse. He'd have to skip to the alternate plan: joining the pride and doing the deed from there. He'd signal the others about the change later.

"What the hell is the reason for this!?" Simba yelled angrily. "What are you doing here Kovu!? You know you were banished."

Kovu pinned his ears. What excuse would he use for attacking the King and his son? He always got himself into these things!

"Your majesty," Kovu said bowing. "Forgive me. From far off I heard some yells and I came over. I thought Kamau here was being attacked so I was trying to help him."

Simba raised an eyebrow. "You know Kamau?" he asked as he turned to look at Kamau.

He nodded. "He...passed by me a few days back and we spoke for a while."

"Met him on the borderline," Kamau added as he approached.

Simba frowned at Kovu. "Well that clarifies your attacking us. But what are you doing here? You know you are forbidden."

"My apologies," Kovu said. "But I no longer wish to be an outsider. I have left their kind. I am a rogue and I long for a home unlike mine. With a decent meal and civilized leadership. For that, I come to you your Majesty. Judge me now as you would judge another lion."

Simba raised an eyebrow as he stared uneasily at the other lion. He bore a look of resentment to the King's stare but remained silent. Observing the lion's features, Simba noted his dark pelt and darker mane. He had emerald green eyes that shot like daggers into his own. Regardless of Kovu's ability to smooth talk, Simba felt an uneasiness in allowing Kovu to stay. However Kamau seemed well with the idea, as did Kiara. Tanabi seemed to share his feelings, looking at his young father in a hesitant manner. Simba shrugged off his uneasiness and took a deep breath, exhaling slowly.

"My father's law will prevail above all," Simba said sternly. "However, under these...unique circumstances, I suppose I can make an exception. I can only imagine what your life has been thus far."

Kovu smiled and nodded respectfully to the King. With that, Simba turned to see everyone staring curiously down at the scene. He chuckled.

"Relax everyone, just a passerby. He'll be staying with us for a while."

Everyone nodded and returned to the cave. Simba then whispered into Kovu's ear.

"Perhaps it will be best to tell the real story in the morning," Simba said plainly.

Kovu nodded and watched as Simba and Tanabi made their way into the cave. Kiara just looked at him for a second, and the two's eyes met for a moment. Kovu quickly looked away. Kiara sighed and turned, following her father and brother into the den. Kovu smirked, but quickly hid it when he saw Kamau trot towards him. He had a big warm smile on his face.

"It's good to have you joining us Kovu," Kamau said warmly. "I'm glad that you're staying."

Kovu cleared his throat, then nodded his head curtly. "Thank you. Excuse me, I think I'm gonna go take a quick walk."

Kamau nodded. "As you wish."

Kovu set off east staring at Kamau through the corner of his eye. The last thing he needed was to have him watching him or following secretly. He sighed inwardly when he saw Kamau's figure begin to disappear and concluded that the lion had gone back to the cave.

Suddenly Kovu felt himself hit the ground hard and the wind get knocked out. He gasped for breath as he looked up to see Vitani pinning him down. He shook his head violently to clear the dizziness before growling at her.

"What the hell was that for!?" he growled angrily.

Vitani smirked. "Did you do it?"

"No. He had too many lions and lionesses with him."

She growled and let him up. "So I take it you went with Plan B?"

"Exactly."

She glared and swiped the ground with her paw. "Damn. This is gonna take longer then."

"What's going to take longer?"

The two whirled their heads to see Kamau standing there curiously, one brow cocked in confusion.

Vitani roared. "You let him FOLLOW YOU!?"

"What is going on!?" Kamau yelled as he noticed who Vitani was. His eyes went wide. "You're scheming! You've been plotting against Simba the whole time!"

Suddenly a loud, eerie laugh raced through their ears and caused the brush around them to shudder. They whirled their heads to see Zira emerge from the darkened blades of grass, laughing manically and teeth shining. Kamau swallowed hard and tried to back away, seeing the pleased looks on the faces of Kovu and Vitani.

"Very good Kamau!" Zira exclaimed as she slinked closer to him. "You've figured it out! But why do you fear? Do you know who I am?"

Kamau pinned his ears and bared his teeth. "I make a case of avoiding acquaintance with Outsiders," he growled.

Zira snorted at that. "My name is Zira, former Queen of the Pride Lands, and the mate of your father, King Scar."

Kamau narrowed his eyes into slits at the old lioness, who began to chuckle lightly.

"Don't be so hostile my dear! I am the leader of a pride of lions loyal to your father and his legacy. Since his death we have trained and stretched our efforts, our single goal being the retaking of Pride Rock in the name of Scar!"

Kamau glared as Zira began to circle him, her tail rubbing against his chin in mock affection.

"You Kamau, are Scar's single surviving heir. Did you know that?"

Kovu instantly snarled. "Mother! What about Nuka!? Is he not Scar's son as well!?"

Zira roared angrily and struck Kovu. "How DARE you talk back to me!? Nuka is a ring of filth and does not deserve the title of Scar's son!"

Kamau's heart fell as he heard Zira speak those words. He had another brother? Another half brother? What a day it had proven to be!

Zira cleared her throat and spoke again. "Kamau, you remain a member of Scar's noble blood line. You alone hold rights to the throne aside from your foolish brother Simba. Join me, Kamau. Join the Outlanders, and rule the Pride Lands with Kovu at your side! Two Kings to rule the Pride Lands in the name of the late King Scar!"

Kamau narrowed his eyes angrily and bared his teeth. "There is only one rightful King to rule the Pride Lands. There is only one King to lead in the Noble Path. One King to bring the pride together. And one King to sit alongside the Great Kings."

Zira narrowed her eyes.

"That King is my brother Simba," Kamau finished standing tall.

Zira snarled and roared angrily.

"HOW DO YOU DENY THE NAME OF YOUR FATHER!?" Zira roared at the top of her lungs. "TO DENY HIS LEGACY FOR THAT OF SIMBA!?"

Kamau glared. "Because my father was a tyrant, not a King," he said simply.

Zira growled. "Fine. Then you'll die like the filth you are!"

With that she nodded to Kovu and Vitani who shot forward at Kamau. Kamau had no time to react as he felt their bodies collide with his own, shoving him into the ground. He roared loudly at the sudden burst of pain and swiped viciously at his attackers. He managed to swipe them off him and get to his paws before they continued their assault. Kamau hunched low and waited for them. Vitani jumped onto his back and began clawing at his mane. He roared loudly but it was cut short by a strong swipe from Kovu. He swiped him back and whirled his head to grab Vitani, tossing her off. She flew through the air and hit the ground behind Zira, wincing in pain.

With a vicious snarl, Zira snatched Vitani cruelly by the scruff of her neck, pulling her roughly to her paws. She shoved her back into the fray and roared for them to do the deed.

Vitani leapt high into the air and pounced on Kamau, pinning him harshly to the ground. Claws extended, she brought them towards his throat, pressing her paw firmly on his neck. He coughed and gasped for breath against her hold, and violently struggled to free himself but to no avail. Vitani bared her teeth in a mock grin as Kovu approached behind her. She stepped to the side, and watched as Kovu replaced her deathly hold with his own. Kamau cried out against the harder press against his throat, gasping for breath. He desperately tried to swipe Kovu off but the lion's hold was too strong and he steadily grew weaker.

"Well Kamau this is a shame," Zira said simply as she trotted up. She sat down next to the suffocating lion and bent down level with him. "You being the son of my beloved, and refusing the offer that I have given you. I'm usually a very merciful and permitting lioness but seeing your refusal, I know that you will go and tell Simba of our plans. So I'm afraid I can't let you go back."

He glared angrily and gritted his teeth against the pain.

"You have one more chance Kamau," Zira said with a smile. "Take my offer. Join me in the fight for Pride Rock and your life will be spared. You will become King and rule the Pride Lands with Kovu! What a life you could have!"

With the last of his breath, Kamau opened his mouth. "I will never stand against my brother. I will never do what my father did. Simba is the one true King."

Zira glared and her eyes flashed fire for a moment. But just as quickly it resided, and the lioness rose to her paws, staring down at Kamau with a stone cold look. She looked at Kovu.

"Kill him."