Hello folks. Before I deliver (back) my second chapter, I need to tell you all this. When I first published this chapter... I neglected to write to you, readers, and to correctly format my document before publishing it. Doing so I was told I had created quite a bit of confusion. I sincerly apologize for this lack of professionalism as publishing a roughly polished chapter is a lack of respect towards the readers, it is like taking them for granted. So I republished the chapters hoping to make it up for my mistake.

ENJOY! (again if you read it or go straight to chapter 4:p)

The King returned to his lair, leaving the animals to their travel, back to their homelands. As he stepped inside the den, he knew it was going to be hard having all the pride accept the little black cub. He neared his daughter who still lay down and held her cub. She looked at it tenderly.

Isn't she beautiful? Kiara asked her father with tearful eyes.

I have to say that even if she is dark she still is beautiful, Simba said nuzzling his daughter.

She has Kovu's eyes, Kiara said looking down at the sleeping cub.

She has blue eyes?

She does… Kiara said, emotion twisting her throat. Father?

What darling?

How do I raise her? I mean do I have to tell her she is so different?

I think she will realize it herself. After all her difference is negative only because of superstitions. Let the pride time to go over it and your daughter will be fine.

But… isn't it said that black cub have a violent nature? That they are evil?

If you raise her as a gentle cub she will be gentle. How will you name her?

You found her a name Father.

I did?

You said she was dark but beautiful.

It's not a name Kiara.

It is. Why not call her Sauda? Dark Beauty.

It's beautiful, Kovu said arriving on his wife's side.

In the following days, Simba kept asking himself why the cub was born black. There were reasons to the superstitions. It meant Sauda wasn't the first black cub ever born. He couldn't help but wanting to know how it happened. When he came back from the waterhole that late afternoon, he joined his wife and began talking to her about the awkwardness that this birth had brought upon the pride.

Don't you think it's normal Simba, Nala asked. Let the pride adjust to Sauda and everything is going to be fine.

We had such a perfect harmony before! The pride was one and now we are so far apart!

We are feet apart Simba, we live in a den!

I mean mentally. I can't help but think this cub is going to tear the pride apart.

You are putting intentions in a mind of a three-day-old cub, it's irrational! Calm down my husband and you will see everything will sort out.

Simba gave up on fighting his wife. She was right in a sense. Sauda was still a baby. He himself had told Kiara that Sauda wasn't necessarly doomed to being evil. Simba shook his mane and sprang to his feet.

Where are you going?

See Kovu. He must be feeling pretty worked up.

That's it my dear! Take care of your neglected pride, they need it.

I will Nala.

The King headed outdoor towards Kovu, who was sitting restlessly on the main platform. He saw the worry in Kovu's eyes when he glanced at him.

How are you Kovu?

I'm… I'm fine Your Highness.

Really? You don't look fine to me.

I feel wrong about my daughter.

And what does wrong include? Simba asked taking a seat besides his heir.

Guilt…

Do you think it's your fault?

I do… I mean Kiara has no black in her ascendance as I do. Sauda might have taken the black in my mane.

Scar's mane was black, Simba argued. And he wasn't your father. But he was Kiara's great uncle.

Do you really think Sauda might have taken her black color from so far?

Simba couldn't answer. Taking a color from such a far ancestor was nearly impossible and he couldn't bring himself to forget he had brought the blame on Kovu at one point. Kovu was right to worry but he hadn't chosen to give the black color to his daughter. He had no reason to feel guilty about Sauda's appearance.

Listen to me Kovu, Sauda's color might have come from you but you didn't decide she would be black. It isn't your fault.

Do you really believe so?

I do.

Kovu smiled and Simba smiled back. Kovu sensed that the King was honest. Simba headed towards the sport where his mother usually rested. He found her under the tree along with Sarafina. They were chatting happily about the cubs playing not far from them.

Hi Mother.

Oh hello Simba! To what do I owe my son's presence in the end of the afternoon? Aren't you busy?

No I'm not. Actually I wanted to pass by and talk with you a little bit.

Shall I leave? Sarafina asked.

No, Sarafina, you may stay, Simba told her.

What did you want to talk about? Sarabi asked her son.

I wanted your opinion on the black cub.

You mean Sauda.

Yes. Sauda.

Well I think there is no reason that a color might decide for a cub's personality. Kovu and Kiara are two very loving parents and Sauda will be well educated within this pride.

You think so?

I do, Sarabi said.

What do you think Sarafina? Simba asked.

Oh well I believe that indeed a good education will be able to break whatever Sauda might have that is negative.

Simba left after thanking the two old lionesses for their wise opinion.

Well I hope that was a bit clearer. Check out the next chapter if you have been confused. The new conformation of the chapter might clear it up. Thanks for your understanding,

KeiraMcJulian