Chapter 10

Meanwhile, in the Pride Lands, Kovu was actually being a good King, despite the hyenas' torture. While the hyenas did have most of the power. he helped and respected all of the animals of the Pride Lands and treated them as individuals. Unfortunately, as one would expect, the hyenas did not like what Kovu was doing.

"Shenzi, I don't get it!" Banzai groaned to his two companions one day. "You told us Kovu would be like Scar! What's with the 'Simba clone' we have instead?"

"How should I know?" Shenzi remarked. "Before we left, Zira said she would teach her son to follow Scar's paw prints…but something went wrong…"

"Love?" Ed slobbered, making some sense…for once.

"Duh, Ed!" Banzai sighed. "With his precious little Kiara, there's no way Kovu could turn back!"

"Or maybe there is…" Shenzi said thoughtfully.

"Huh?"

"Just leave everything to me, boys."

Later that day, Kovu was fast asleep in the cave at Pride Rock…or at least until someone woke him up.

"I can't believe it!" Shenzi yelled. "You do tons of good deeds, and this is how they repay you?"

Kovu yawned. "Shenzi, can it wait? I haven't slept in a while, and-"

"Your Majesty, there are much more important things than catnaps!" Shenzi groaned. "Especially with those excuses for subjects…"

"What are you talking about?"

"The animals aren't showing their appreciation for you!" Shenzi told him. "They are making you do work without giving their gratitude in return!"

Kovu gave her a funny look. "And why should I care?" he asked. "After all, I'm not the one in power."

"But that's where you're wrong, Kovu…" the hyena corrected, with an evil grin. "We only took Simba's power away, not yours. Besides…unless I heard wrong, I thought Simba left you in charge."

Kovu sighed. "But to what use? Yes, the animals do like me, but I could never be accepted as their king."

Now we're getting somewhere… Shenzi thought. "You know, Kovu…I once knew a king, who had great power over the animals…one that everyone appreciated."

"And who was that king?" Kovu asked.

Shenzi came up to Kovu's ear, and whispered, "Scar."

"What?!" Kovu roared. "He was a murderer, not a king! Simba told me-"

"That he was a ruthless leader?" Shenzi muttered. "True…but do realize that he did have more control of the Pride Lands than you. You may not like it, Kovu…but power means everything to a king."

"I don't know, Shenzi…I think everyone will start liking me less."

"Hey, you're loved by everyone!" Shenzi exclaimed. "Just remember what your Mother taught you and everything will be fine…"

That was a little short, but it was needed. I'll have to work on Taka's Story a little bit more before updating this one, so keep an eye out for both!