The Lion King: Rise of the White Pride

Chapter 2: The King's Declaration

Kovu followed Simba out of the den. As soon as Kovu got out from the den, Simba ran and disappeared from Kovu's sight. Kovu ran after him to the peak of the Pride Rock. And when he arrived at the peak catching his breath, he saw Simba stargazing.

Unlike any other night, tonight fell silent. The wind seemed to stop and any animals around didn't sound a bit. The glimmering stars' the only light illuminating the land when the moon was hidden behind the clouds. Simba himself didn't seem to notice Kovu's presence as his eyes were fixed to the night sky.

Kovu waited a while, but he couldn't bear it anymore so he asked, "Simba, what is . . .?"

"Kovu. Glad you can come," Simba cut him out.

Kovu could somehow sense that Simba was going to tell him something important. As he worked his own mind up he gulped and steadily had his ears sharp to hear any kind of word the king might say.

"What are you doing up here?"

"Seeking guidance," Simba answered simply, didn't take his gaze away from the sky.

Kovu turned up at the stars. But before he could say anything, Simba spoke, "Kovu, do you know what being a king means?" Simba asked.

"B-being a king is . . . as far I could tell . . . is ruling," Kovu panicked a little, struggling for words. "The pride, the animals, whatever in the kingdom one's ruling. All beings as far as we can see in the kingdom," Kovu answered nervously. "Am I wrong?" He bit his tongue.

Suddenly, Simba turned to Kovu. "I see you get the basics of it, but that's not all," Kovu paid attention.

"Being a king is not only to lead with nothing inside you. You have to care about your kingdom," he said. He blew his bangs, "Lead without a care or love, it's not what a good king is. A leader without love won't be seen as leader by its peoples. Because if they didn't get to be cared, then trust is one important thing a king will not get from them," he continued. "And what would happen to a kingdom whose king lead without care?" he turned to Kovu. "Do you know, Kovu?" Simba explained.

He looked to is paws. "Doom," the young adult said softly with a frown on his face.

"Correct. Doom it is. Members who didn't get care from the king will have distrust towards the king. Trust is a vital part in leadership. Without it, the kingdom would crumble; and in a short time, destroyed. So you can see Kovu . . . you being the king must understand and able to love and care for his kingdom whatever it takes. If you can do that, than a great king you'll be."

Kovu paused for a minute. Trying to extract every last meaning of the words Simba just said. And without any delay he asked of what was this all about.

"Why are you telling me this?" Kovu asked hesitantly.

"Because you're a better king. I realized that I'm not really cut for king since I got to be king straight after disappearing for three years and yet I didn't have any experience to rule a kingdom.," Simba explained. "I managed to balance it out somehow, but I see your inside. You are a great leader, a great king. You are our pride and my daughter's beloved. And, you will be a greater king than me."

"But . . .," Kovu's words got cut again by the king.

Simba stood. "Tomorrow, I'll step down as the king. And you, Kovu, the next heir of the throne, shall be king. The King . . . of Pride Lands!" Simba declares his intention whole while turned to Kovu with a smile.

Kovu gasped as he losing his cool at the declaration Simba has just made. Kovu's tongue looped. He couldn't say a word. He froze, didn't know what to say. His mind had just blew, he couldn't think a thing. Before he could say anything, Simba's gone from his sight again. Surprised, Kovu scanned his surrounding and saw Simba ran down the great rock and he followed him.

The wind blew again as Kovu moved from his place. The gentle wind breezed cool on his mane, making him drowsy. His eyes were hit by the glittering light of the stars above. The sound of the flowing river of Zuberi came into ear shot and the sound of the grass against another sent a beautiful lullaby to all living things around.

Simba was still running when he saw Kovu catching up to him, Simba sighed. I'm getting old he thought before he stopped at the entrance of the den.

"It's late, you should get some sleep. Tomorrow is the big announcement," Simba said to Kovu while walking inside where he lied down beside Nala and sleep in a matter of seconds.

Losing his chance to ask and having a great responsibility starting tomorrow, the only thing he could do now was lie down beside Kiara and tried to sleep with his mind still forming up. The last thing he remembered before his consciousness was out was Kiara unconsciously burying her head into Kovu's mane.

For a note, I dug up some sites and found out that full manes present in four years old lions, so I decided to make Simba about four years old at the end of The Lion King.