Disclaimer: I don't own Lion King.

.

.

.

Chapter 27: Presentation

.

Simba smiled, watching his mate Nala rest in the confines of the cave. Nestled between her protective paws, lay their newborn daughter, Kiara. The small cub slumbered peacefully on her back, looking so fragile and helpless… Instinctively, Simba peeked out of the royal cave, scouting for any sign of the impending danger. He glared suspiciously at a herd of flamingos, who flew by the Pride Rock. With his eyes narrowed, he stared at several gazelles nibbling the grass in the distance.

Nala sighed with dismay, shaking her head. "Simba, relax," she purred. "Nothing bad will happen to our daughter."

Reluctantly, Simba abandoned his post and returned to his mate. "I wish I could be sure of that, Nala," he said quietly as he lay down beside her. With his big paw, he reached to gently Touch his sleeping daughter. A smile crept onto his mouth when she wriggled upon the contact. Simba furrowed his brows with worry, seeing how vulnerable his cub was. Slowly, he leant to her, letting his thick mane cover Kiara. "I will always protect you, my daughter," he whispered quietly.

Kiara woke up just then, opening her reddish-brown eyes and staring back at Simba. Maybe it was his imagination, but he thought that she smiled at him, as though telling him that everything will be fine. Simba wanted to believe badly; after what happened the last time, he couldn't bear to lose Kiara. Surely, he would go insane if the same horror transpired twice.

"Look!" Nala chucked, when the newborn cub reached out to put her paw on Simba's nose. "She adores you."

Simba let Kiara pat his muzzle as long as she wanted. A careless laughter escaped his throat when he entertained his daughter. He didn't remember when he last felt so happy, as though a great weight had been lifted from his heart. Nala was right; he shouldn't worry and he ought to focus on the little spark of joy he had in front of him.

Suddenly, Zazu flew into the royal cave at full speed, almost crashing into the wall. Embarrassed, he whirled around and gave Simba a deep, yet hasty bow. "Sire!" he breathed out heavily.

Simba nodded, understanding it was time. "I take Rafiki is ready for Kiara's presentation," he said stoically.

Zazu shook his head violently; the look in his eyes unsettled Simba. "It's not that, sire." The majordomo put his wings around him, as though a cold shiver spread across his small body. "I'm afraid I have very bad news, bad and urgent," Zazu spoke, carefully choosing words. "Scar is on his way here."

Simba blinked, startled. Had Zazu just said: Scar? But he was dead, killed in the Outlands! His skull rested in the royal crypts beside the bones of Simba's ancestors. Zazu's words sounded like a nasty joke, especially in the day of Kiara's presentation. The lion king rose to his paws, looming over his majordomo and asked, "Tell me more."

Zazu swallowed a lump in his throat and started talking fast, "Sire, a group of flamingos spotted him near our borders, marching toward the Pride Rock, leading the Outlanders into battle. At first, I dismissed it as a hoax, for I thought Scar was dead. However, just to be on the safe side, I flew over there and saw him with my own eyes."

"Was it truly Scar?" Simba asked.

Zazu nodded. "Undoubtedly, I would recognize him anytime and anywhere, Sire," he said solemnly. "He had the entirety of the Outlanders with him. Maybe he's had his best days past him, but those lionesses are fierce and clearly out for blood. I'm afraid that the attack on the Pride Rock is imminent. If they get here…"

"They'll slaughter my subjects," Simba finished, thinking of all animals that gathered to witness the presentation. Most of them were peaceful and vulnerable, travelling with their young. during the presentation ceremony, the king of the Pride Rock should guarantee them safety. If Scar's minions destroy this tradition that lasted for generations… Simba's claws grazed the cave's floor. "I won't let that happen. It is my obligation as a king to stop Scar." He addressed his mayordomo, "Zazu, find my mother and tell her to gather the lionesses. Once you do that, join me immediately."

Zazu bowed swiftly and spread his wings. He batted them energetically and took off like a colorful lightning, leaving a small could of dust behind.

Once he was gone from the cave, Nala gently pushed Kiara off her paws and stood up. "Simba, I should be the one to gather the lionesses. I'm your mate and I will stand by your side during this fight, just as I did before."

"No!" Simba interrupted her, maybe a little too harshly. He turned to stare Nala in her eyes. "Stay here with Kiara and wait for my return. I'll have Rafiki guard the cave, so both of you will be safe." The male lion groaned, seeing his stubborn mate already open her mouth, ready to protest. Before he had the chance to voice her opinion, he cut in, "Our daughter needs you, Nala. I'm leaving her safety in your pawn."

Nala held her breath, glaring at Simba. Finally, she released the air with a whizz and rolled her eyes, giving up. She approached her mate and hissed his muzzle. "Be careful and come back in one piece."

"I will." Simba promised her and returned the kiss gently. He looked one more time at his daughter and left, for the time was off the essence. As he was abandoning his family for the time being, he felt a jab in his heart, a dark, ominous feeling. He ignored it though, knowing well that a king should focus at the matter on hand.

"Simba!" Sarabi, his mother trotted over to him. Despite her age, she still had a spark in her eyes and spring in her step. She eyed her son with concern and lowered her voice, "I've heard everything from Zazu. The lionesses are at your command, ready to combat those Outlanders, if the need arises." She looked over her shoulder at the gathering of the females; the looked somewhat unsure and frightened. Sarabi sighed quietly before addressing Simba, "Will it come to the fight?"

"It's likely." The young king did his best to hide the nervousness, he felt. Unwittingly, he glanced at the cave's entrance, where his mate and cub were. Then, assuring himself that they would be safe, he turned to the lionesses, who awaited his orders. He spoke in a booming voice, "Today, we will be tested again. At this very moment, Scar is making his way across the Pride Lands, leading a pack of foes." Simba had to pause, for murmurs of disbelief erupted among the surprised lionesses. He cleared his throat, silencing them. "We won't waver in the face of this threat; we'll protect these lands, just like our ancestors did before us. I'll face my uncle with courage and I expect you to have my back."

"Long live king Simba!" one of the younger lionesses exclaimed enthusiastically. "We'll with you whatever happens!"

"Simba!" a choir of lionesses chanted in unison, showing him their support.

Sarabi looked at her son with pride reflected in her eyes and a sentimental smile on her muzzle. When her and Simba's gazes locked for a fleeting moment, he felt her love and strength seep into his heard, giving him confidence.

"Let's face Scar!" Simba roared loudly, his bellowing voice echoed across the Pride Rock.

Animals stopped in their tracks, watching the king and his lionesses ran through the grasslands. Seeing their sovereign on the war path, weaker creatures trembled from fear and spread out in search for a hiding place. Giraffes, zebras and gazelles flocked together for safety, just like huge elephants and families of meercats. Tailing the lions, flew Zazu, desperately flapping his wings to catch up. He panted heavily, exhausted by the crazy flat and his old age, but followed his liege faithfully.

Simba didn't need to go all the way to the border until he stumbled on the enemy. He saw Scar and the Outlanders from afar, standing on a plain in a straight line. They waited for the Pridelanders to arrive, not budging a paw's length. Simba eyed their ranks, quickly counting the lionesses. It looked like the Outlanders were fewer compared to the pack from the Pride Rock, and that Zira character was missing.

Zazu finally caught up to the lions and dove, flying past Simba's ear. "Sire, in the middle!" He pointed his beak at a thin, mangy figure in the midst of the Outlanders.

Simba stopped at the safe distance and looked, where his majordomo had pointed. Two lean, malnourished lionesses stepped aside, revealing a familiar muzzle. There he was, Simba's uncle and murderer of his father. Scar's green eyes stared back at him without any emotion, triggering the younger male's painful memories, overflowing with pain and rage. The lion king growled furiously, reminded of the past. "Scar!"

"If it isn't my dearest nephew, Simba. How lovely to see you boy," Scar chuckled. "Surprised that I'm still alive and kicking?"

"Save it," Simba growled. He eyed his uncle suspiciously, developing an uneasy sensation in the back of his mind, like a warning. "What are you doing in the Pride Lands?"

"Re-conquering my kingdom, of course," Scar replied smoothly, the sly grin never leaving his muzzle.

Simba scoffed, scrutinizing his uncle and his underfed lionesses. Clearly, the Pridelanders were at an advantage. "You're a fool, Scar. We're outnumbering you and I doubt you'd win a duel with me," he said.

Scar shifted his gaze from his nephew to his paw. He lifted it and casually observed his claws, seemingly paying little attention to the threat ahead of him. "There are various paths to victory, Simba."

"You'll never win against me!" Simba yelled, and his lionesses joined him, roaring to intimidate the opponents.

The display of the force didn't faze Scar, though, for he was just as relaxed as before. He looked up, at his nephew and smirked. "Oh, but I already did," he said quietly.

Confused, Simba cocked his head. "What?"

Scar set his paw back on the ground and spoke loudly, "Zira, darling, you may come out of hiding now. Let's clarify the situation for my confused nephew."

The tall grass growing rustled and moved before Zira stood up, revealing herself to everyone. In her mouth, she held a small, frightened cub. The poor thing was so petrified that it couldn't utter a single sound, just flailed weakly with its tiny limbs.

Simba's eyes widened as he recognized the cub. In one moment, his world shattered and his heart got crushed. "Kiara!" he cried his daughter's name, outshouting Scar's cackling.

.

.

Author's Note:

Thank You all for the patience and the continuing support with comments.

Unfortunately, I'm putting this story on a hiatus. I hope you won't murder me for leaving the cliffhanger.

If you like my writing, please check out my new fanfiction "Albus Potter and the Scepter of the Fallen." I'm trading virtual hugs and strawberry cupcakes for reviews.