Cub From Unknown

Time passed quickly through the Pridelands. Seasons flew by and the pride slowly shrunk. The matriarch's of the pride became very weak. Hodari was the first to pass on followed by Skadu and Usiku beneath their beautiful waterfall. Uru past on after a hunt and Liefde after a long trip to the water hole. The only matriarchs left were Jua and Leeu. Simba was feeling the urge to teach Kovu about being king. Kovu wasn't the next one in line to be king but he would be ruling next to Kiara, the soon to be queen. Simba found Kiara and Kovu by the water hole and approached them slowly. "Kiara, can I speak with Kovu alone please?"asked Simba. Kiara smiled. "Sure. I'll see you guys back at Pride Rock,"she said. Kiara walked back to Pride Rock and Simba got closer to Kovu so he could talk to him. "Kovu, I need to train you,"he said. "What for?"asked Kovu.

"One day I won't be here and since you are reigning with my daughter, I would like to train you on how to become king."

"Really? What do I need to know?"

"You are going to have to learn what I learned."

"Can you get more specific?"

"You need to learn about the circle of life. Everything else will just fall into place."

"Very well then. When do we start?"

"Whenever you are ready."

"How about now?"

"That sounds great."

Simba was out all day with Kovu teaching him the way of the Pridelands. By nightfall, Kovu had learned everything he needed to know. "You have learned well Kovu,"said Simba. "Thanks Simba,"said Kovu.

"I have taught you everything you will need to know and it took us less than a day."

"It was actually a lot of fun learning how to be king but I'm still a bit nervous."

"Of what?"

"All of the power. It isn't something I'm used to handling."

"Don't worry Kovu, you'll do just fine."

"Simba, what if there was a rogue that wanted to enter the pride?"

"What do you think you would have to do?"

"I don't know. I would be nervous because I wouldn't know what he would be capable of."

"That is a tricky decision. I want you to just decide on what you think is best."

"But how will I know what is best?"

"That question has no answers. It could be instinct, or influence from others or it may just be a sign. It will more than likely be a sign that comes from your heart."

"I still don't feel comfortable."

"Everything will be fine."

"How do you know?"

"I don't."

"That's reassuring."

"All I can say is to do what you think is right."

"But I don't know what's right. You do because you have been king and are just giving me what you know."

"Kovu, relax. You are not taking the throne yet. You still have time and when your ready, I will step down and appoint to you the throne." Kovu felt reassured but was still anxious about the situation. He knew that Simba would appoint him when he thought he was ready but what if Kovu wasn't ready? Simba and Kovu went back to Pride Rock and into the den. Simba laid down next to Nala and was soon asleep. Kiara laid awake with Kovu until he went to sleep. Kovu had nightmares all night. Kiara tried to console him but he was to panicked to be helped.

The seasons flew by through the Pridelands again. Kiara and Kovu were now parents of a beautiful female. They called her Leewanika. Leewanika was a spectacular cub to watch grow. She was very energetic. Kovu would often play with her outside of the den until the sun went down. Leewanika also had a brother named Diallo. Diallo was a very bold cub. He liked to play with Leewanika in the den but Diallo had a problem. Diallo was born ill. Kiara and Kovu didn't understand what was wrong with their cub. Kovu often had to take Leewanika out of the den while Kiara tended to her son. One day, Leewanika was playing with Diallo when he started slowing down. Diallo sat down and started to breathe heavily. "What's wrong Diallo?"asked Leewanika. "I feel really tired and my head hurts,"he said. Leewanika was worried for her brother and went over to nuzzle him. When Leewanika nuzzled him on the neck, Diallo yelped in pain. "Everything hurts,"said Diallo. Diallo laid down on the den floor and whimpered in pain. "Mommy! Mommy! Diallo is hurt! Mommy!"cried Leewanika. Leewanika got no response and went outside of Pride Rock. "Somebody help me! Diallo doesn't feel well!" Kiara and Kovu were coming up Pride Rock when they heard Leewanika cry again. "Somebody help! Diallo needs help!" Kiara rushed up Pride Rock, passed Leewanika and into the den. Leewanika followed her Mother into the den but Kovu grabbed her by the scruff and pulled her out. Kovu took Leewanika off of Pride Rock but she kept looking back. Leewanika could hear Diallo's cries getting louder and louder which made her even more scared. Kovu got far enough away from pride Rock to where he could set Leewanika down. The minute Leewanika's paws touched the ground, she tried to bolt back to Pride Rock but Kovu stopped her. "Daddy!"she cried. "You have to let your Mother take care of Diallo,"he said.

"I want to see my brother."

"I know you do but Diallo is very sick and he needs your Mother's attention."

"Is Diallo gonna be okay?"

"I don't know?"

"Does anybody know if he is going to be okay?"

"No."

"Can Rafiki save him?"

"I'm sure Rafiki has done everything he can do to try save him but I don't think he can."

"I'm scared."

"I am too but we have to be brave for Diallo. If we send him our love and wishes, he might be able to get better."

"I don't want him to die Daddy."

"I don't either sweety but it's all a part of the Great Circle of Life."

"Huh?"

"Your Grandfather Simba taught me everything about the Circle of Life."

"What's the Circle of Life?"

"The Circle of Life is what connects all of us together."

"I don't understand."

"You will someday but it appears today isn't that day." Leewanika looked up at Kovu and nestled up against him. Kovu picked Leewanika up by the scruff and took her back to Pride Rock. They entered the den to find Kiara crying in a corner. Kovu set Leewanika down next to Kiara and let the young cub greet her mother. Kiara didn't want to show her sadness to Leewanika and hid her face beneath her paws. "Mommy, are you okay?"asked Leewanika. Kiara moved her paws off of her face and looked at her innocent daughter. "It's okay Leewanika. I'll be fine,"she said.

"Then why are you crying?"

"Mommy is just sad."

"Why?"

"Your brother-."

"Is he dead?" Kiara began to cry again and didn't respond to Leewanika. Leewanika just looked at her Mother and all of the others in the den. "Leewanika, why don't you sit with Grandma and Grandpa for a little while,"said Kovu as he walked over to Kiara and tried to console her. Leewanika walked over to where Simba and Nala sat in the den and snuggled up to Simba in his mane. "Why are my parents sad?"she asked. Nala nuzzled Leewanika and thought about what to say to her. "What did the Circle of Life do to my brother?"Leewanika asked. "Your brother was just a part of the Great Circle of Life,"said Simba.

"I don't understand."

"Everyone has a part in the Circle of Life and Diallo's was to live for a short amount of time.

"He's gone?"

"I'm afraid so." Leewanika was speechless. She laid in Simba's mane and thought about her brother. Nala snuggled next to Simba and gently licked Leewanika. The little cub just lay there not knowing what to expect next. "I don't ever want another brother,"Leewanika whispered to herself. She slowly cried herself to sleep with the company of Simba and Nala. Kiara cried through most of the night with Kovu by her side. Kiara soon cried herself to sleep but Kovu never slept. Kovu was uneasy that night. He left Kiara's side and sat at the tip of Pride Rock for most of the night. Simba noticed Kovu sitting at the tip of Pride Rock and wrestled Leewanika away from him so he could join Kovu. Kovu didn't look Simba in the eye when he first sat down next to him. "This is all my fault,"said Kovu. "You can't blame yourself for something you couldn't control,"said Simba.

"I failed my son."

"You should be proud to at least have one cub that's still alive and well."

"He should have been able to live a good life too."

"You can't do anything about it now. He is gone and there is nothing you could do about it."

"I don't ever want another son."

"Don't be rational Kovu! You should try to have another son."

"Why? So he could go die at an early age because I wasn't there to protect him?"

"You didn't kill your son!"

"I was to blame for it!"

"He was born weak. You can't help that!"

"I could have!"

"Your being ridiculous now!"

"I can't help it! I want my son back!"

"Kovu, he isn't coming back! He is dead. All you can do is pray for him. He can hear you."

"How can he?"

"He's a spirit. They can hear everything. He's body may have died but his spirit is still here with us."

"His spirit may still be alive but there will never be another Diallo."

"There will never be another anyone. You can't duplicate someone just because you like them."

"No, I'm saying I don't want another son because I don't want him to take his place."

"Nobody could ever take Diallo's place."

"I still don't feel comfortable with another son in my life yet."

"Very well. I can't tell you what to do and I can't tell you what not to do." Simba walked back into the den but stopped at the entrance and looked back at Kovu. "But I hope you change your mind before you become King because I won't be able to tell you what to do then either." Simba walked into the den and laid back down next to Nala and Leewanika. Kovu stayed up the rest of the night and just stared out at the night sky. "I'm sorry Diallo,"he whispered into the night.

Kovu let the next season pass but he never stopped thinking about Diallo and neither did Leewanika. Leewanika was starting to grow but was still a small cub. Kovu and Kiara nicknamed her Lee since her original name was very hard to say but to them, she would always be sweet little Leewanika. Lee was never the same after Diallo's death. She would walk off into the Pridelands by herself and sit under the waterfall where her ancestors used to live. Kiara worried for her daughter. Kiara watched as Lee ran off into the Pridelands again. Nala was coming out of the den when Kiara was watching Lee. Kiara walked over to Nala and cut off her escape to the ramp leading off of Pride Rock. "Mother, I have to talk to you,"said Kiara. "What's wrong Kiara?"asked Nala as she backed away from the ramp.

"I'm very worried about Lee. She is taking Diallo's loss very hard."

"Give her sometime Kiara. She'll come around eventually."

"I know she'll feel better but I hate seeing her this depressed."

"Why don't you go and ask Rafiki what to do. He should be able to help."

"I think I will go. Thanks Mom."

"Anytime." Kiara jumped off of Pride Rock and walked towards Rafiki's tree. Along the way Kiara noticed Zazu flying overhead. He swooped down and landed on a rock in front of Kiara. "Kiara, I found little Leewanika over in the field. She was laying next to another cub,"said Zazu. Kiara was baffled. Was Leewanika hanging out with another cub all this time? Kiara ran past Zazu and looked for Lee in the nearby field. Kiara searched through the field of tall grass until she stumbled upon her daughter laying next to another little cub. The cub was injured. Leewanika was licking the small wounds on its body but the cub shivered whenever Leewanika's rough tongue touched his flesh. "Lee, what are you doing?"asked Kiara shockingly. "This is my friend,"said Lee.

"Who is your friend?"

"His name is Kemanjo and he is hurt."

"Is this where you have been doing everyday?"

"That's not important. Help me get Kemanjo to the den." Without hesitation, Kiara grabbed Kemanjo gently by the scruff and carried him back to Pride Rock. Kiara walked into the den with Lee trailing behind. Sarafina and Sarabi were laying in the den with Nala when Kiara came in. Kiara placed Kemanjo on the den floor lightly and nuzzled him gently. "What's going on Kiara?"asked Nala. "Lee found this injured cub in the tall grass. He is covered in scrapes and burns,"said Kiara.

"What should we do?"

"We should find Rafiki to help us."

"I'll get him." Nala burst out of the den and into the savannah to find Rafiki. Kovu and Simba entered the den. Kiara looked up at Kovu then back down at Kemanjo. "Kiara, what are you doing?"asked Kovu. "Trying to save a life,"she replied.

"Who is this?"

"This is Kemanjo. Lee found him in the tall grass and now we are trying to save his life."

"Do you even know where he is from?"

"That doesn't matter right now Kovu! The only thing that matters is making sure Kemanjo is okay." Nala burst into the den with Rafiki following behind her. Rafiki stepped over next to Kiara and looked down at Kemanjo. Rafiki wasted no time in cracking open a gourd and rubbing the juices on Kemanjo's wounds. Kemanjo began to cry in pain but it didn't phase Kovu. Kovu snarled and walked out of the den. Kiara looked up at him and followed him out of the den. Kiara was upset with Kovu and disappointed with his behavior. "I'm surprised with you Kovu. I thought you would be a little more considerate to a cub in need,"said Kiara. "Then I guess you thought wrong,"replied Kovu.

"Why are you so bitter?"

"You have taken this cub in! Why didn't you consult me?"

"I only took him in because he was hurt. Lee found him and I wasn't going to leave her out there in the field with him."

"Why didn't you come and find me when you found him?"

"I didn't know I was supposed to. Is that why your so bitter?"

"Yes it is."

"Well get over it! I think your still mad at yourself."

"About what?"

"You are still blaming yourself for the death of Diallo."

"No I'm not!"

"Admit it Kovu. That's why you have been so gloomy and ignorant."

"Why do you think that?"

"Because you don't want Kemanjo to take Diallo's place."

"Nobody will ever replace Diallo! He was my one and only son. There will never be another son in my life." Kovu became frustrated and ran off of Pride Rock when Simba came up. Kiara rolled her eyes and went back into the den. Simba followed her and found little Kemanjo on the floor. "Who is this?"he asked. "This is Kemanjo, Grandfather,"said Lee.

"Alright. What is he doing here?"

"He's hurt. I found him in the field. Rafiki is trying to save him."

"Is he going to be your new brother?"

"No." "Leewanika, he might be your new brother. If I can get your stubborn Father to come to his senses, he will be one of the family,"said Kiara. Lee was quiet and didn't say anything. She stared at Kemanjo and then up at her Mother. "I don't want him to be my brother. He looks too much like Diallo,"said Lee.

"But he isn't Diallo."

"I still don't want him."

"What if he wants to be in our family?"

"I still don't want him."

"Lee, can't you learn how to put the past behind you and accept what is going on around you?"

"Fine. I can accept him but he will never be my brother." Leewanika went to a corner of the den and laid down quietly. Kiara looked over at Kemanjo and up at Rafiki. Rafiki put down his gourd shell and sat down next to Kemanjo. He picked the cub up and stroked his back to stimulate his body. Kemanjo opened his eyes and looked around the den. "Where...am...I?"he asked. Kiara looked down at him and smiled. "He's okay,"she said in relief.

"Mom?"

"No sweety. I'm not your Mother."

"Who...who are you?"

"I'm Kiara. Do you know where your parents are?"

"No."

"Do you know where you live?"

"No."

"Do you know where you came from?"

"No."

"Do you know who you are?"

"I'm Kemanjo." "Kiara, you aren't going to get anything out of him,"said Simba. Kiara looked back at Kemanjo and saw his eyes roll into the back of his head. "My head hurts,"said Kemanjo as he drifted back into unconsciousness. "Daddy, we have to take him in,"said Kiara. "I have no problem accepting him into the pride,"said Simba.

"Great! He will be your son."

"Kiara, you need to take him in as your son."

"Daddy! Kovu can't stand to even look at him."

"I understand that Kiara but I believe if you accept Kemanjo as your son, Kovu and Lee will be able to put their sadness behind them. Diallo is still fresh in their minds and they feel there is no replacement for him."

"There will never be a replacement for Diallo."

"I know but if they get used to having someone else in the family, they may put the memories of Diallo behind them." Kemanjo opened his eyes again and looked at Kiara. "Mom?" Kiara looked down at Kemanjo and then at Simba. Kiara hesitated before she replied to Kemanjo. "Yes Kemanjo, I am your Mother,"said Kiara as she looked back down at Kemanjo. Kemanjo smiled at Kiara and tried to get up out of Rafiki's lap. Kiara grabbed Kemanjo out of Rafiki's lap and sat down with him in the den. She laid with him in her lap and slowly drifted to sleep with him. Leewanika cuddled in her corner for the night. Simba escorted Rafiki back to his tree and found Kovu in the Pridelands on his way back. "Kovu, you should be very proud of Kiara,"he said. "She accepted that cub didn't she,"said Kovu.

"Yes she did."

"I told her not to do that."

"Why do you hate that cub so much?"

"I don't hate the cub. I hate how he is taking Diallo's place."

"He isn't taking Diallo's place. He is just an abandoned cub that needs our help."

"How do we help?"

"You can help Kiara raise Diallo, your new son."

"Kiara may be taking care of him but that doesn't make him my son."

"Kovu, this cub means a lot to Kiara and it would help if you had the same feelings towards him."

"If I help her raise him, he must never find out that he was an abandoned cub. I don't want Kemanjo to know he isn't really ours."

"Does that mean you accept him?"

"No, it means that Kemanjo must never know who he really is. I will try to keep him around for Kiara's sake. If he is to stay around, he must never know who he really is or he will go gallivanting off to find his real family."

"A cub can never go through life with out knowing its identity."

"Look, I am doing this for Kiara's sake."

"Kiara's sake or your own?" Kovu didn't respond and walked back to Pride Rock with Simba trailing behind. Kovu entered the den and found Kiara laying there with little Kemanjo in her lap and then he saw Lee in the corner. Kovu went over to her and picked her up by the scruff. Kovu laid down with Lee and fell asleep with her in his lap. Simba entered the den and looked at Kiara and then at Kovu. He saw his family dividing again and wasn't going to let that happen. Simba walked outside to the tip of Pride Rock and looked up at the starry sky. "Father, Kovu hasn't accepted the death of his son yet. I am trying to help him but I don't seem to be doing it right. I would greatly appreciate it if you guide Kovu in the right direction and have him accept Kemanjo. Also, help Kemanjo discover who he is. I know it would be going against Kovu's wishes but I feel it is for the best,"said Simba to the heavens. Simba got no response then went into the den.

Over the next few seasons, Kiara tended to Kemanjo as he grew into an adolescent male. Rafiki had helped mend all of his wounds but there was one that was to big to heal. A burn on the back of Kemanjo's neck prevented him from growing a full mane. Kemanjo only got a small mane at the top of his head. Lee was still hesitant to befriend Kemanjo. He may have been her so called brother but she was not going to let him get to her. Kovu never opened up to Kemanjo. He would talk to him but he would always be ignorant towards him. Kemanjo always stayed close to Kiara but often went out on his own to explore. One morning, when Kemanjo went out to explore, Lee followed him. He had leapt off of Pride Rock and went into the grasslands near the water hole. Lee sighed and continued to go after him. "Why do you do this?"asked Lee. "Do what?"asked Kemanjo.

"You are always going off by yourself."

"So."

"So, why do you do it?"

"Just because."

"What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing's wrong with me but there may be something wrong with you."

"Are you nuts?"

"No, I just wish to be alone."

"You are so different."

"Everyone is different Lee."

"Not as different as you. You were different from everyone especially the day you were found." Kemanjo turned around and stared at Lee. "What are you talking about?" Lee began to run away from Kemanjo. Kemanjo chased after her and knocked her to the ground. Kemanjo pinned Lee to the ground and held her still but she struggled to get away. "Lee, tell me the truth,"scolded Kemanjo. "Why should I ?"she asked.

"Because I am your brother."

"No your not!"

"Yes I am. I don't care if you don't want to accept me because I will always be your brother."

"You are not really my brother."

"What are you talking about Lee?"

"You were not born into my family."

"Of course I was."

"No you weren't. You were an abandoned cub!" Kemanjo loosened his grip on Lee and let her get up. Lee lowered her head and looked back at Kemanjo. "I'm sorry Kemanjo. I shouldn't have told you that,"said Lee. "Actually, I'm glad you did tell me,"said Kemanjo.

"What?"

"Sure, I mean all this time I have been coming out here on my own because I felt a part of me was missing."

"You felt alone?"

"Pretty much and I knew my family wasn't crazy for me."

"Kemanjo-."

"It's okay Lee because now I know what is missing and I can do something about it."

"Kemanjo-."

"Lee! I know what I'm doing." Kemanjo walked back to Pride Rock with Lee trailing behind. Kemanjo stormed into the den and approached Kiara and Kovu. "Mom, Dad, I know who I am,"he said. "Of course you know who you are. Your Kemanjo, a member of this pride and my only son,"said Kiara.

"No, I'm not your son."

"Yes you are."

"No, Lee told me I was an abandoned cub and you guys found me." Kiara looked at cowling Lee, who stood behind Kemanjo. "Kemanjo, let me explain,"pleaded Kiara. "You don't have to explain but there is something I have to explain to you,"said Kemanjo.

"Please Kemanjo-."

"Let me explain. I have been walking the Pridelands by myself for some time. I don't feel like I belong here. Something was missing but I didn't know what it was. Now I know. It was my family, my real family."

"You don't even know who they are or where they are."

"I will find them."

"Are you saying that you want to go look for them?"

"Yes." Kiara looked at Kovu but he just shook his head. Simba approached Kemanjo from behind. "You should always pursuit your dreams Kemanjo but think the situation through before you act,"said Simba. Kemanjo nodded and looked back at Kiara and Kovu. "I have heard of another pride living in the far eastern Pridelands. You may want to check it out." "I will Simba,"said Kemanjo. Kemanjo rushed out of the den and off of Pride Rock. He ran into the vast savannah towards the eastern Pridelands. Lee rushed after him but stopped at the tip of Pride Rock and watched him race off into the setting sun. Kovu and Kiara rushed to the tip of Pride Rock and saw Kemanjo's shadow fade into the sunset. "Lee, why did you tell Kemanjo he wasn't a member of the pride?"asked Kiara. "I'm sorry. It slipped out. I didn't mean to tell him,"said Lee.

"Well now that you did, he is gone off to find his family."

"Well, I do regret what I said to him."

"You should because now he may never be coming back to us."

"Stop making me feel bad! I apologized already now get over it!" Lee ran back into the den and laid down in the corner. Kiara sighed and walked back in with Kovu. Simba looked out at the vast plains and prayed for Kemanjo's safety. Simba walked into the den as the stars began to appear. Kemanjo continued to run farther into the night, unaware of what this journey would do to him.