~Chapter 8~

Smoke filled Kovu's nose and lungs as he ran as hard and fast as he could, trying to get him and Kiara out of harm's way. It was no easy task, but it was one he couldn't afford to lose. The smoke stung his lungs with every breath, but he ran as fast as his paws could carry him. He neared the river closest to Pride Rock and he knew that if he made it there, the fire couldn't push beyond the river. Though he didn't have to worry about that as he felt the welcome relief of rain beginning to fall on his face. Still, he had to ford the river with an unconscious Kiara. He got in the water treading slowly making sure Kiara's nose and mouth were out of the water as he went. It was rough as his muscles ached with every stroke, but he pushed himself getting them across safely. The rain was really coming down now, which was a huge benefit to snuff out the flames. He peered behind him and just as he thought, the blaze followed him to the river bank and sizzled out as it got close enough to the water. Kovu carefully slid Kiara off his back and shook his fur trying to remove excess water weight. He laid down next to her catching his breath as he watched over her and waited for her to come to.

Kiara's ears began to twitch as her eyes fluttered open and she groaned and began coughing.

"Thank goodness! How are you feeling?" Kovu asked, nuzzling her sweetly.

"Well, I'm not burnt, so that's a plus…"

"I'm glad your sense of humor is intact." Kovu smiled.

The two lions were not far from Pride Rock and Kiara looked up to the sky keeping an eye out for Zazu. Though she didn't have to worry about him because she heard an all too familiar roar echo through the grasses sprinting toward them. The king of the Pride Lands had found them. The secret no longer safe, but they expected it wouldn't remain forever.

"H-Hi daddy." Kiara greeted timidly.

Simba approached looking probably the angriest that Kiara had ever seen her father. Nala came up behind him glancing between everyone sizing up the situation.

"It was you all along?" Simba growled, "You have no business in these lands, let alone, with my daughter! You better leave and never come back here!"

Kovu felt threatened as his ears fell back. Though there was plenty to share with Simba that might make him change his mind.

"Daddy, no!" Kiara snapped.

"Simba," Nala urged, "Let's listen to what he has to say."

The king grumbled under his breath, but ultimately sat defensively waiting for Kovu to explain himself.

"My whole life, I've wanted a place to belong and call home. I never felt that with Zira…"

"Is that why you started the fire to win me over my saving my daughter?" Simba interrupted.

"Simba, shh!" Nala scolded.

"Zira knows nothing." Kiara added, "Just like you didn't…"

"I wasn't a son to be cherished by her, I was always a pawn to be used at her disposal. She filled my head with lies especially about the Pride Landers. She taught me to hate and that any lion from this pride couldn't be trusted."

"And you believed her?" Simba asked.

"As any cub would, but then I met Kiara when we were cubs. She showed me that day how wrong Zira was. Even back then…"

Kovu paused for a moment as Kiara sat beside him.

"We've been seeing each other in secret for years." Kiara added, "Outside of the prejudices of both our families. It wasn't fair, but the fact of the matter is that Kovu found something out from Rafiki about his past."

"Rafiki?" Simba echoed.

"He told me about my real parents who Zira murdered. Kenta and Siri."

Simba and Nala froze. It was clear that they recognized those names.

"Simba, you must ask Rafiki about this…" Nala urged.

He nodded.

"Look Simba, I'm sorry that we hid this all from you, but Kiara and I didn't want to cause any trouble. If Kiara hadn't shown me such kindness and friendship as a cub, Zira would have manipulated me until I didn't know who I was anymore. Zira has a plot that did involve me about returning to the Pride Lands by force."

"Why is an Outsider revealing this to me now?" Simba said raising an accusing brow.

"Simba," Nala interrupted, "If this is Kenta and Siri's son, we owe it to them to hear him out especially considering he is a Pride Lander by blood."

"There is no proof of that claim." Simba replied.

Once the explanations were over, Simba and Nala both looked to be processing everything. It was quite the story.

"Zira is a threat and I don't want there to be a slaughter." Kovu continued.

"While, I'm grateful you told me this information. You don't have my trust, Kovu. I'll withhold judgement for now. Time will show me who you really are and if your claims are true…" Simba grumbled as he turned abruptly walking back toward Pride Rock.

Nala walked up to Kovu smiling warmly.

"Forgive him, this is a lot to take in. Have patience. I know he'll come around. You've certainly shown me your loyalty and motives."

"At least someone believes me." Kovu muttered.

Nala walked back to Pride Rock with Kovu and Kiara. Nala knew Simba would prefer that, though Kiara felt like her mother was a chaperone. Though Nala, walked just ahead letting the couple have a little bit of privacy.

"Sorry about this," Kiara whispered.

"I wouldn't get such considerations from my family. This is better than I could have imagined."

"I just hope daddy heard you. I don't want his judgment clouded."

Kovu nuzzled Kiara sweetly.

"It'll be okay. We have to trust that." Kovu nodded.

"I love you," Kiara whispered.

Kovu smiled and licked her cheek as they walked.

Upon arriving at Pride Rock, it was late. The lionesses scowled at Kovu unsure of why this newcomer was here. Nala called them down insisting he was a guest of the king and to be treated kindly. As everyone headed into the den, Simba growled blocking Kovu from entering after Kiara.

"You stay outside," Simba grumbled.

"Daddy!" Kiara complained.

"Simba, don't make a scene." Nala glared.

"I understand," Kovu replied glumly.

Kiara quickly slipped past her parents standing beside Kovu.

"If he's not welcome in the den, then I'm not!"

"Kiara!" Simba protested.

"Good night." She replied.

Nala smirked at her daughter's persistence and convinced Simba to let her be tonight. Simba glared at Kovu before finally going in the den.

"You sure you won't regret that decision?" Kovu asked.

"Not a chance." Kiara replied, licking his cheek.