It has been a long time since I have done this so For the need of it I will do it again:

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE CHARACTERS OF LK1 AND LK2 NOR THE ENVIRONMENT THEY EVOLVE IN NEITHER DO I OWN THEIR ORIGINAL PERSONNALITIES. I DO OWN ALL THE CHARACTERS THAT ARE NOT ORIGINAL FROM LK1 AND LK2 AND THE PERSONNALITY I WISH TO GIVE BOTH MY CREATED CHARACTERS AND THE SEVERAL ANIMALS IN THE SAVANNAH.

Now that this is done (boring and official part) enjoy reading chapter 3 of this story or go straight ahead to chapter 4.

He walked around his Pride, asking for opinions when he found Sebek and Vitani lying on the ground behind a wall of Pride Rock. They were fast asleep. The King walked to them making as much noise as possible, hoping they would wake up, sparing him the trouble to do it himself. And the tactic worked. Sebek lifted his head.

Sire?

Hearing Sebek speaking, Vitani woke up.

Your Majesty? Is everything all right? the lioness wondered.

Could I borrow Sebek for a while?

Sure, Vitani said.

Thank you, Simba said.

The King walked with Sebek for a long moment. He stopped at the waterhole where he drank while Sebek stood guarding him. It brought good memories back to Sebek's thoughts, memories of his arrival in the pride.

My friend, said the King, I need your help.

What may I do?

I do not know what to think about Kiara's daughter.

Haven't you taken a decision?

Learn that any decision taken under pressure must be revised. Can you tell me what you think about Sauda?

Sebek stopped dead. He was staring at something Simba obviously didn't see. When the King looked ahead he saw a dead bird on the little rock a few feet before them.

What is it Sebek? It's a dead bird.

No Your Highness it's not just a dead bird.

Sebek approached the cadaver of the bright blue bird. It resembled Zazu but the bird was so torn that it would have been impossible to say if it was Zazu or just another bird.

Great Kings! Simba said gasping for his breath.

Is it …

Sebek looked closely and noticed dark fur stuck between the bird's claws. He rationalized his thought about accusing Kovu and Kiara's daughter because she was much too young to be able to kill a bird, especially Zazu if it was him. Besides, she was never allowed this far from Priderock.

Can you know if it's him? Sebek asked Simba.

I'll have my messengers search for the counselor, Simba said swallowing the emotion.

Farewell then. We should go back before the sun sets.

At the males' arrival, a zebra was waiting for the King.

Great Kings! How could I forget that! Simba exclaimed as he began running towards the zebra.

Good evening King of Kings, the male zebra said.

Good evening. Forgive my lateness.

All forgiven Sire.

Follow me, I will show you your territory.

The zebra followed Simba to the very end of the main platform. Sebek turned away and pensively wandered off towards where he had left Vitani. She was still there, waiting for him.

At last, she said with a smile.

I'm back my dear.

What did Simba want?

My opinion about Sauda. I never got to tell him though.

Why is that?

We found a dead bird. We think it might be Zazu.

Great Kings! Vitani said shocked.

Exactly what Simba said when he saw the dead body. He said he'd have his messengers search for the Counselor.

What a great tragedy! But how come are you not sure if it is Zazu or not?

The body is too bloody and messed up. Impossible to see for sure whom it is.

Vitani gave Sebek a horrified look.

Don't worry we'll find out soon, the lion told his mate.

I guess so.

Sebek pushed Vitani to the ground teasingly.

Is that a provocation? Vitani asked with glittering eyes.

If you want.

We'll see who wins this time!

Sebek and Vitani fought together for a while until they both dropped down in laughter. He loved her so much and she loved him with equal passion. They had a private moment before going back to the den where they fell asleep right away. When Sebek woke up the next morning, Simba and Kovu were already out, talking to the messengers. The image of the ripped bird imposed itself to Sebek's mind and he suddenly couldn't bring himself back to sleep. He stood up and joined the two males just as the messengers departed on their search for Zazu.

I do hope it was not him, Simba said as Sebek approached.

I hope not, Kovu approved.

But what if it is him? Sebek enquired.

I prefer not to consider the option yet, Simba answered walking back into the den.

Kovu and Sebek stayed silent, gazing at the horizon expanding at the foot of Pride Rock. Sebek sensed Kovu's anxiety. He himself could imagine being in that situation and feeling the exact same way. Sebek heard a noise behind him and turned around to see what it was.

What is it, Sebek? Kovu asked.

Nothing, he answered seeing that the bushes were just normal, I thought I heard something. Listen Kovu, about Sauda…

Sebek I know what you are about to tell me but Simba tried to make me feel better already.

Oh… well I guess it's no use repeating?

Indeed. I appreciate your silent support, Kovu said with a faint smile.

No problem. If you want to talk, just find me and I'll take some time with you.

Thank you.

Kovu left for the waterhole and Sebek stayed on the platform, alone. He breathed the fresh air of the morning, knowing the harsh sun would soon turn it into burning gas. He liked sole moments like those. He never tired of seeing the savannah's many beauties. Breaking his soothing moment, a flock of bird not far from the waterhole attracted Sebek's attention. He though Kovu's arrival might have disturbed the birds' sleep but when he looked closely, he saw that Kovu wasn't yet at the waterhole. Somehow, this strange event drew him to join Kovu on his way to the waterhole.As the two males made their way through the high grass, a swift noise brushed past them again. Sebek thought this morning was becoming stranger with every moment.

What's this smell? Kovu asked.

The smell of death…

I confess this story is getting a bit bloody and deathful but I don't intend on giving juicy details or describing any massacre or carnage. If I eventually do there will be a warning for those who might not like this kind of scene.

Yours,

KeiraMcJulian