I don't own any canon characters.
In the pre-dawn light the following day, the shadows were moving. Near the border between the Pridelands and the Outlands, out of the canyons, the shadows resolved themselves into the entire Outlander pride, slowly approaching the border.
The Outlanders weren't the only thing approaching the Pridelands either, for, although it was still too dark to see it yet, storm clouds were approaching. The coming battle would not be fought in the dry.
They crossed the river safely, the crocodiles weren't warm enough to be active, and scaled the opposite bank, crossing into the Pridelands.
They waited a moment, taking in their surrounding. They were able, even in this light, to see how much more lush the Pridelands were than the Outlands, and were glad that this would soon be theirs. All, that is, except Zira, who looked around in distaste. They would do well here, but they would become decadent as well, as the Pridelanders were.
Zira chuckled silently at this thought. Oh how those insolent Pridelanders would suffer today, for their betrayal of Scar.
Kovu smiled too, having finally discovered a way to get away. He moved over to Zira, and asked, "where are we going to have the battle?"
"Hmm," Zira said, thinking hard. Finally deciding, she replied, "at the canyon."
"The canyon," Kovu said, then nodded, apparently approvingly.
"And why do you want to know," Vitani asked, not quite sure of Kovu's motives or loyalties anymore.
"I'll go on ahead," Kovu replied, "and see if I can lure Simba away from the rest of his Pride."
"And how are you going to do that," Vitani asked, "after yesterday?"
"I might be able to get him to chase me," Kovu replied, "if I can, I'll lead him down to the rest of you."
"And that will reduce their strength and their will," Zira said, grinning, "a very good plan."
"Thank you mother," Kovu said, beginning to leave.
"And Vitani can go with you," Zira continued.
Kovu stopped, and though furiously for a moment, then turned and said, "no she can't."
"And why not," Vitani asked.
"Because if I go alone," Kovu replied, "it might look as though I'm trying to sneak back in, whereas, If you come with me, they'll know something's going on."
"and if you ge..." Vitani started, then thought about it, "if you botch up, what then?"
"I won't botch up," Kovu replied, "now, can I go?"
"Yes, go on," Zira said, "go on, and lead Simba to his death."
Kovu nodded, and took off.
No-one had stirred by the time he arrived at Pride Rock, so he sat in his old sleeping spot, and waited.
A few minutes later, Simba emerged from the cave, yawned, and looked around. The moment he spotted Kovu, he growled, and asked, "who are you?"
"It's me," Kovu preplied, "Kovu."
"Oh," Simba said, and stopped growling. He approached, and asked, "so when's the attack coming, and where?"
"This morning, probably," Kovu replied, "down at the gorge."
"The gorge," Simba said, "trust Zira."
"There's, something wrong with the gorge," Kovu asked.
"Not really," Simba replied, "except that it's where I was almost killed in the stampede."
"Oh, yes," Kovu said, remembering.
"How many in the pride," Simba asked.
"Hm," Kovu asked, "oh, three of four more."
Simba rumbled in discontentment. They were outnumbered, and though they were probably tougher, it would still be a close run thing. "And you're sure of this plan," he asked, wondering just how successful Kovu's plan of defeating Zira was going to be.
"Not entirely sure," Kovu replied, "but it's all we've got."
Before either of them could say anything else, Kiara emerged from the cave, looked around, then came over to Kovu. "Oh, Kovu she said nuzzling him, "you're back."
"For now," Kovu said.
"For now," Kiara asked, then remembered, "when's the face-off?"
"This morning," Kovu replied.
"At least it'll be over with quickly," Kiara said.
"Yes," Kovu said, "one way or another."
"Although it'll probably be wet," Kiara said, looking at the approaching storm clouds.
"It'll keep us cool," Kovu said, following her look, then grinned, "and it shouldn't be bad, unless you're afraid of the water."
"I am not afraid of the water," Kiara said indignantly, then noticed Kovu's expression, "was that meant to be a joke?"
"A bit," Kovu replied, "any good?"
"Not very," Kiara replied, "although, I don't suppose you'd know much about jokes, would you?"
"Not much," Kovu admitted, "yet."
As they continued to talk, Nala emerged from the cave, approached Simba, and said, "you're up early." She then turned to look at where Kovu and Kiara were talking, and continued, "and so are they."
"Mmm," Simba said, disinterestedly.
"Is there something wrong," Nala asked, turning to him.
"We're outnumbered," Simba replied, "even with Kovu."
Nala didn't look as concerned at this, as Simba thought she would be. "So," she asked, "we've got a plan."
"Yes we do," Simba replied, "but..."
"Sire, sire," Zazu said, flying as fast as he could, "sire, outsiders in the Pridelands, down at the canyon."
"Yes, I know," Simba said, then turned to Kovu and Kiara, "I found out a while back."
"Ah," Zazu said, as he spotted Kovu. "You look worried sire," he said, studying Simba, as he waited for further instructions.
"I am," Simba said, "we're outnumbered."
"Oh," Zazu said, "well, I er, I think I'll go and see what else I can find out."
"Before you do, fetch Timon and Pumbaa, have them meet us at the water hole," Simba said, then muttered to himself, "and I just hope they can help a bit."
"At once sire," Zazu said, then left.
"You're really worried, aren't you," Nala asked, slightly worried herself now.
"Yes, I am," Simba replied.
During their conversation, the rest of the pride had stared to rise. When they were all awake, Simba outlined the situation to them, then they all set off for the water hole.
"Oh, hey Simba," Timon said, when the pride arrived at the water hole, "Zazu told us what's going on, tough luck eh."
"Definitely," Simba replied, "you guys okay with helping us."
"Sure," Pumbaa replied, "I mean, what've we got to lose?"
"Er, our lives," Timon suggested."
"Yeah," Pumbaa said, "but what happens if we're not there, and the other pride win?" He realised what he'd just said, smiled embarrassedly at the pride, and said, "not that we're going to lose of course..."
"Are we all ready then," Nala asked, "or are we waiting a bit longer?"
Simba turned to look at her, and said, "we'll get a drink, then we'll be off."
At this point Zazu flew in again. "Anything new," Simba asked.
"I'm afraid not sire," Zazu replied.
"Keep us informed," Simba said, "and stay out of trouble."
Yes sire," Zazu replied, and left.
"Kovu," Simba then called.
"Yes," Kovu said making his way over, "we're going then?"
"We, are, "Simba replied, "are you ready?"
"About as much as I'll ever be," Kovu replied."
"Right then," Simba said, then turned and called to the rest of the pride, "let's go." They got organised, and began to move off towards the canyon, and the confrontation with the Outlanders.