The Neutral Prince

Chapter 5: Return On The Anniversary

Princess Kiara have aged over those several months of not having her brother around. She'd started taking her duties seriously and firmly then she ever did before. She wanted to grow even stronger in terms of strength and mentally. After Kion's disappearance, Mheetu claimed he was too upset to stay here, but Kiara always had a funny feeling about his story, considering Mheetu wasn't seen directly after and didn't even volunteer to try to aid the search party on him. Mheetu was convinced that Kion were dead. Yet, her mother would always makes excuses about how he is just too stressed. After all, Mheetu seems to be closer to Kion and saw him as a second son.

Her best friends, Tiifu and Zuri, had tried to denied it, but in realty the lost of the prince changed them as well. Tiifu seems to be much more sadder than expected about him disappearing but considering she was one of his cub sitters and admitted him as a second little brother. Zuri's change was even more affecting then anybody had thought. Tiifu had slender and small light cream colored fur with freckles, green eyes, and a small hair tuff, while Zuri had slender burnt orange fur, blue eyes with a spot underneath her eyes and a small tuff on her head as well, with sharp claws that can likely cut into somebody. Since he was never found, it have been deduced that Kion were now dead.

Today was the anniversary of Kion's lost. Kiara hoped everything would be perfect so they can all cry over the lost of their prince. The previous months before were perfect. And it was truly grateful that everybody cared about Kion going missing and that it wasn't going to be a one-time thing with one month, before they have to force themselves to move on. Now, they'd seen the ceremony being a big talk about in the Pride Lands. Kiara knew Kion's friends took it very hard, like she have faced herself. Even Bunga have entered a stage of deep depression and Kiara was actually getting worried for him because Timon and Pumbaa had to force him to eat because it seems like Bunga is slowly killing himself. Although the others were sadden by her disappearance, atleast they are trying to survive themselves.

At long last, Kiara were currently walking around with Tiifu and Zuri, talking about random girl things; all trying to dismiss the case about Kion. The Pride Landers were working tirelessly and exhaustively to make sure that the Pride Lands were perfect. Although they don't have to, the Pride Landers always showed up. No one likes to show up late, for they would like to be in the front.

Kiara came to a stop at the place where some of the animals last saw Kion. Flowers and trees rested everywhere. "Kiara, hey-" Zuri begin but came to a stop as Kiara continues to stare impassively to the lands where all of the animals would be at tonight. "Oh, I see."

Kiara looked vigorously at her friend. "Still can't believe I lost my brother," Kiara said hoarsely, the tears scrolling down her eyes. "He was too young to die."

Tiifu tried to lightened up the mood, "Kiara, Kion may still be alive, there was never a body," she pointed out.

"IF HE WAS ALIVE HE WOULD HAVE RETURN ALREADY!"

Tiifu and Zuri swore if she was a grown lioness, a roar would have came in place of her rage. They both took a stop back nervously, not wanting to face the wrong side of their friend. Kiara have been depressed and angry since Kion's disappearance. Simba and Nala were beyond worried for their little girl because she would usually have these outbursts, that showed her fiercely part of the Scar bloodline that ran through her.

For a second, Kiara held that angry face before it all came clashing down on her. It wasn't their fault for what happened to Kion. They even tried to comfort her after his death. They were all in denial and thought Kion was playing a trick, but after a bit of not seeing him and his friends constant concern of not seeing him, the three were force to accept the truth, and allowed it all to crash down on them.

Kiara sighed, feeling bad for snapping at her friend who have been there for her since she was born. "Tiifu, I'm sorry," she apologized weakly, pinning her ears against her head showing the remorse that she currently was going through.

Feeling sympathy for her and pecks of regret, Tiifu accepted her apology gratefully and gave her a nudge on her shoulder. Kiara really was glad that Tiifu and Zuri were here. They are the closest thing she has to a sibling right after Kion's disappearance.

Kiara shake her head of the tears and frowned as she stared at the sky. It was all her fault. Why did she not allow him to come with her that day? Had she did, Kion may have still been here today. Kiara mourned greatly after it was confirmed that he was dead. She had barely even knew him and yet he had disappeared.

Tiifu and Zuri stared at her as Kiara went up to the rock, look up against the sky, thinking of all who were lost. She had never even had a grand father. Sarabi died the same day Kion was born. Sarafina is getting older and will likely die soon. Who would she have in her family that she can grow up with? Her parents were unable to form other cubs anymore. There would be no one who can show her what a cub life should be like. She didn't had anything no more. With Kion's around, she may have learn the process of being a true cub, adventurous and glad to have a sibling around who she can always make fun of and mocked. While Tiifu and Zuri were good, she had wanted a sibling, rather little sister or brother. She would have been happier with a sister but nonetheless she have love Kion profusely.

All she can do is stare to the sky before collapsing against the ground, unable to keep herself upright. Kiara remembered her brother and all of the little tiny memories they had together. She have had nightmares about seeing him again, but something was off, different about him. Why couldn't everything been more peaceful and calmer?

Krayt walked down the Outlands with Jasiri. He had woke up a little earlier and was unable to sleep all night, due to those visions returning to his head where he would struck Kiara down and become like Mheetu and Scar. He had found out the hard way that sleep derivation and exercising himself through the Outlands with the addition of fighting don't match that much. Gratefully, Jasiri was leading him back to the Pride Lands truthfully, but Krayt had knew it would take 'till last noon and early evening to finally reach the borders.

Last night, he managed to escape from those horrible lands where Mheetu have kept himself along with the lion cub hidden so none of the Pride Landers can likely interfere with Krayt's training and bring him back. When Krayt had to find a resource of not sleeping somewhere out there where hungry animals may have frightened him and eaten him with their greedy ways out here, Krayt had to force himself in a very uncomfortable position with having to sleep behind a bunch of rocks which hurt his back and having to squeezed himself in.

Krayt's stomach growled. He was hungry, tired, and is in limited in strength. Had somebody attacked him right now, Krayt would likely not be able to place up a good fight for more reasons then one. Couldn't anything get better then this? Krayt were getting tired of his hunger. The tiredness and weaken strength is horrible, but Krayt wants to eat greatly right now. If he doesn't eat anything, Krayt may just die out of great hunter, for he felt the urge to eat. At the very least, Mheetu would have feed him, but it was hard to survive on his own without any hunting skills really right now.

Why had he have been so damn foolish at following his damn uncle to lands his parents permitted him from going? Yes, he had looked up towards Mheetu, and he'd thought that Mheetu would have been his hero and protector in his growing up years and would have been able into a mature young lion. Krayt wanted to be his own lion of his own morals, but now he is basically given an instinctive fighting moral that he himself would have to overcome. Now he wasn't so sure if he would ever healed from this. His uncle have 'disciplined' him whenever he talked about how he wanted to see his family again; the scar on his eye a clear impact that were given to him by Mheetu.

In any case, Krayt would have been patience, but he had feared Mheetu would have send out squads of his army to gain him back. So the lion cub wants to get back to the Pride Lands around because he would be safer there. Krayt felt his paws starting to tired because he have never been moving around like this all day.

"Damn it," he cursed, holding on to the tiny bit of patience he had before it faded away. After the recent escape, Kion had thought returning would have been easier then having to walk these damn lands for what may be all day.

At least he was getting closer.

Krayt hated having to walk this damn much when he wanted nothing more to lay down, but at his weaken strength Krayt knew that while he may be able to put a good fight against a predator, it would be highly unlikely that he would be able to win. A venomous silent hiss came from Krayt and he nearly bumped into Jasiri, due to himself being again too transpired into his thoughts. Luckily, he came to a stop before he could have likely knocked her into the land ground had he pushed against her too hard.

"Here's a log," Jasiri said in a cautiously tone.

Kion noticed her cautiousness tone in her voice and decided to ask the question expected, "You alright?" He asked in a low tone.

Jasiri shivered for a minute as if she was in her own universe. She shook her head and looked at Kion, "Yes, it's just a pride name... the Outsiders are not that far from here," Jasiri said dryly, "lead by a crazy lioness name Zira. We Outlanders have to all look out for her because she is very dangerous. In fact, she took over my watering hole, but gratefully we found another watering hole on the other side, but we still want our watering hole back."

Kion shakes his head and tilted his neck to the ground, "I'm sure you guys will be alright." Kion replied. "Why haven't you make a negotiation with... the King of the Pride Lands?" He decided to use the professional tone, because he didn't want anybody to know just yet He may be young but he is wise. Surely, he will allow you to you to stay at one of his watering hole."

Jasiri's eyes flashed at that. "The king hates us hyenas because of the recent history with Scar and hyenas," Jasiri said coldly with a icy glare. "Apparently, we are all bad because a few hundreds horrible hyenas. They were manipulated by Scar too. Had the king acted and been more willing to accept us then likely we wouldn't have been a tainted in history. I won't be surprise if Scar was forced down his path as well."

Krayt opened his mouth to respond at that, but no words came. He have considered that for a second. No one is born evil; atleast not completely. Usually, they have to be forced down the path of evil. Likely, the same case is with Scar. After all, the brown lion was likely mocked and made fun of for not having the role and being just the weird son of the king and queen at that time. King Ahadi and Queen Uru. He have heard tales of them because Mheetu wanted Kion to realized his history. What Mheetu have told about Scar was disturbing. Ahadi was claimed to be very abusive towards his own son which brought him to nearly join Mheetu. Still though, Kion rejected him and told him to "Go to hell" and it resulted into another beating.

Krayt had taken many "lessons" by him but still managed to rejected him and proved faithful to the Pride Landers. He was sure Mheetu have started getting tired of Kion's attachment to hold him back. "I'm sorry, Jasiri," Kion apologized. "I didn't mean to make you angry."

Jasiri's eyes softened, feeling bad for snapping at the cub for just voicing his opinion. "It's okay." She replied. "Sorry for snapping at you, but I'm tired of everybody thinking all of us hyenas are bad."

Kion gave her look of sympathy for a minute, before dropping it altogether. After all, arguing and snapping at each other would continues to waste more time. Kion and Jasiri gotten on the log, making sure to trend carefully because none wanted to fall. It wasn't a long fall. But getting send down there with this selfish bad pride around won't likely end in your survival. With each step, Kion feels an icy tendril creep into his very being and threatening to freeze his own soul. This was an horrible feeling that he felt. Despite he's going to see his parents and sibling and friends again, Kion thinks that it's going to bring him back some memories that would add more emotions and feelings from the past that Kion desperately wants to forget.

Kion decided he would have to take it from here because he didn't want his new friend to get hurt by that pride and it's not like the king would be very happy to see a lion cub who he doesn't even know his own son marched into the Pride Lands with a hyena tailing behind. "Um, Jasiri, I think I'm going to take it from here." Kion said once he was at the tip of the log, which leaded to the outrace of the Pride Lands.

"Very well," Jasiri nodded.

"Thanks," Kion called to the running hyena, not wanting her to know that he wasn't grateful for her leading him, a random stranger, back to the Pride Lands. At last, Kion doubted this would be the last goodbye towards Jasiri. He, atleast, has a friend in the Outlands who he can always turned to in the Outlands. As he continues down, he had noticed some wounds in the grass which must be a result of the last generations due to Scar and perhaps because it's near the Outlands.

He noticed a big rock and paced for a second. Should he look at his home and see if it was everything he imagined? Or should he just continues down and be surprising? Deciding the former is the best course of action, Kion walked up to the rock and begin to climbed up the rock. Albeit it was a little difficult due to the rocks like this being different in the Pride Lands and in the Grasslands, Kion managed to grabbed the final edge of the rock. He were frightened as he closed his eyes. The sun burned against his eyes, and Kion looked up to see Pride Rock in the distance. The birds flew over it. Lakes seems to be around it, though difficult. Animals were all around in different direction of the Pride Lands.

Kion couldn't denied it was beautiful.

Kion takes step-by-steps into the Pride Lands. Now, that he was walking into the Pride Lands, he didn't look back as much as he had since it's not like these seemingly peaceful animals would attack an innocent cub for doing absolutely nothing. He knew since he was currently in a slow motion right now, it would take by evening, but he would have some explaining to do.

Kion's heart beat against his chest. He couldn't denied it he was nervous and concerned about what could happen and what can go down should everything go wrong and that they don't believed him. It would be hard for him to explain everything, but Simba may demand how he gotten into his lands and take a 'pound of fresh' if things go south. But Simba ain't a monster. In this weaken state he currently is in right now, Kion wouldn't be able to move a muscle to defend himself should anybody attack him. Had he been more energized, then Kion would be able to escape. But Kion was ready to put his own life on the risk because he hadn't really care about his own soul anymore.

Kion wondered about how much Kiara might have grown up. She must be a pretty lioness for a cub. Kion silently hoped that she didn't hold too much grief on herself for his disappearance. They were close after all and Kion didn't want her to hold too much on herself and for it to ruin her life completely. But then again, even if his reunion goes correctly, Kiara may kill him herself for disappearing and returning before he even explained his whole story. Kion laughed at the imagination of her hugging him then ripping his heart out with her own teeth.

Kion then remembered something. Today will be the seventh month he has been taken away. The mysterious voice said they are going to be grieving his death more-then-likely, so likely they will assembled into a group. That will make it easier for him so he doesn't have to continue to repeat the story and events that happened to him over and over again, which would get on his nerves eventually. Krayt preferred to not repeat the story, for he has been through much that they can't even imagined.

Krayt felt a shift in himself. It wasn't anything big but it isn't anything good as well. It was simply... it. He looked up and realized it was wind. Wind that he was not use too due to not having feel it for more then several months. It was enough to make him shiver from his spot, due to the Grasslands being mainly hot without much wind. Krayt gritted his teeth together and begin walking down, his muscles stiffened up together. Usually whenever the winds get as cold as this, Mheetu would demand for him to return to his cell. While that may have been a good thing at first, Kion would quickly learn that it is hell. The next day, he would have to increased his training due to being 'behind' on schedule.

Mheetu have emphasized on combat training since he was two and have learned somethings as well. Most of the missions he had to do was usually infront of big crowds or someone in the lands. Always did Mheetu kept an close-eyed on him to make sure he would not escape. He came across a lake and gazed at his reflection. The scar across his eye laid plain on his left-eyed. His scar was the reason to why he had matured so well. However, Krayt drank the water and he swallowed it.

Krayt said to himself, "Wow that was good, hadn't have water like that for a while."

Once he'd finished drinking the water, Krayt begin to walk down. The sun was falling as he continued his journey down. He saw many animals scrolling down to Pride Rock. His lip begin to trembled due to knowing where he is. Now, Pride Rock wasn't far away from him and he realized that soon he would be with his family again.

King Simba walked to the promontory of the rock. Usually, this place would be the location for parties, mashindanos, or celebrations, but today was all about mourning a loss of a prince that had a hopeful future. While they may have never known Kion's body, Simba were sure that he was dead, due to Kion always obeying orders and knew his place to home. Everybody held some sort of leaf, flower, or plant can be tore apart and flow into the sky. He closed his eyes as he watched Kiara crying into Nala's chest. Beside him was Rafiki and his young apprentice, Makini, who held a very big flower in their palms. Everyone had held clear sadness as they mourn the sadness off of their prince; an innocent soul who is likely dead and buried somewhere. He knew that enough moments past and that he must start now.

"Thank you all for coming," King Simba started, although his voice was trying to be as high as it's possible, it was clearly hoarse and full of emotion. "Months have passed since my son, Prince Kiongozi, was sadly taken away from us. Kion was an innocent soul who had didn't deserve death. He had an high chance of being a good lion. But we shall continue mourn his death and make sure he is remembered..."

Not far away, Kion managed to hear the announcement from Simba. Emotion flashed across his eyes. How can he think Simba would forget his own son's suppose death? Kion sighed and closed his eyes, remembering all that have happened. The rage he had felt was returning at the thoughts of his uncle as he had walked forward.

He had tried to make it without rudely bumping into anybody. Kion didn't want to draw attention to himself yet. He would have more explaining to do, and surely Simba would know all of the cubs in his pride. Kion clenched his jaw as he received stares and glances of angry looks should he accidentally make physical contact with the animals. Yet none seemed to hold it, but Kion let out a low snarl, but managed to compose the rage and slightly frightened looks. He heard a few whispers but yet couldn't hear what they were talking about.

Finally, Kion made it to the front where he saw other lion cubs. He managed to hear the rest of the speech, yet upon noticing him all faces and eyes from the crowd stared at him. The king seem to noticed that no one was no longer staring at him and peered his head down to see a golden lion cub which have a shocking resemblance to him. He have never saw this lion cub before. He knew every lion cub and rogues weren't around lately so this was odd. As the king continues to stare at the lion cub, examining him up and down, he stared at the orange-brown eyes of the lion cub, his eyes widened, recognizing those eyes anywhere. Simba tried to find the mother of this cub who he strangely he never seen before, but all of the lionesses shrugged at their king.

Simba turned back to face him. Kion stood there for a moment, remaining quiet and noticing that the lionesses beside the king, even the lion cubs, were glancing at him, confused to why a lion cub who they never seen before practically took the lead without showing any signs of fear or backing down. In another scene, Kion would have laughed due to not even speaking and already gaining much attention. Yet, this scene was too serious to take lightly and Kion knew now was not the time for games in such an important scene like this. He wanted to see his family and friends again for a long time, and Kion was not necessary in the mood to talk. The lion cub walked forward boldly as all eyes locked onto his back.

"Hello, father, let's have a talk."