Chapter 13

Chapter 13

It was just before dawn at Pride Rock when Nala and Vitani woke up. After the two of them said a teary-eyed goodbye to everyone in the cave, the two lionesses set out on their trip. They ran at a brisk pace through the Pride Lands and reached the Outlands in no time. Nala had never been too far into the Outlands so she wasn't sure what to expect. She kept her wits about her and followed Vitani's lead. Vitani on the other hand, knew the Outlands like the back of her paw. She knew every shortcut and path within the Outlands and she took every advantage of her knowledge. They ran for hours on end through the lands that Vitani used to call home when she was part of Zira's Pride. Being in the old terrain brought back various memories in Vitani's head. She recalled the many times Kovu and her would play fight together and the many arguments Nuka, her blood brother, and her would get into over the littlest things. Regardless of this, she missed Nuka dearly and thought about him every day. Even though life was better for her now at the Pride Lands than it ever was in the Outlands, Vitani still thought fondly of these memories.

The two lionesses reached the spot, where the previous day, Malkia, Moja and company had rested. It was nearing mid afternoon by this time and both lionesses looked as if they could use a rest. Vitani knew this spot well and it was a safe place for them to rest.

"I don't know about you Nala but I need a quick rest." Vitani said as she stopped in front of the caves in front of her.

Nala nodded as she too slowed her pace.

"That sounds like a good idea to me Vitani." She said between pants.

Vitani looked around and found a good cave for the two lionesses to rest in. She motioned towards it.

"We can take a rest here. There's a small waterhole not far from here where we can grab a drink."

Nala followed Vitani to the small waterhole that was near the cave they had chosen to rest at. The two lionesses lapped up the cool refreshing liquid. It was extremely refreshing and replenished their strength in no time. As she was drinking, Nala noticed a familiar scent coming from a patch of grass near the waterhole. She walked over to it and pressed her nose towards the scent. Noticing what Nala was up to, Vitani made her way over to her.

"What is it Nala?" she asked as she too sniffed the ground.

"I know this scent Vitani." Nala said as she lifted her head from the ground. "It's from Malkia. Malkia must have been here lately!"

Vitani looked surprised.

"Really? How long ago do you think it has been since she was here?" She asked urgently.

Nala took another smell at the grass below her and thought for a moment.

"The scent isn't extremely strong but it's still very clear to me so I'd say no more than a day ago."

Vitani looked hopeful.

"Well then why don't we just try and make it to the Lowlands before dawn. It will be a very long trek but if you're up for it Nala…"

She didn't have to even finish her sentence before Nala spoke up.

"Let's go. The quicker we catch up to her, the quicker we can bring her home."

The two lionesses took one last drink from the crystal clear water to rejuvenate as much of their lost energy as they could before they jetted off in the direction of the Lowlands.

Moja and Malkia were awakened the next morning by Nanaki and were led back to Matayo's cave. Standing before them now was Matayo, Rama and Tsavo.

"Good morning Matayo." Moja said as she preformed a graceful bow.

Matayo smiled at her polite gesture.

"Good morning you two. How did you sleep? I hope the den we let you use was comfortable enough/"

Moja stretched

"Good enough for us. We thank you for your hospitality again Matayo."

Malkia was silent. She just hung by Moja's side as her friend did all the talking. Matayo looked at the young cub with curious eyes.

"Your cub isn't much for talking I take it Moja?" He asked in a light hearted tone.

Moja looked down at Malkia and then returned her glance back to Matayo.

"She's just a little shy Matayo." She said, although she knew the real reason for Malkia's lack of communication. She knew the cub wanted to return back to the Pride Lands where her family was most likely missing her dearly. Moja knew this and was hard at work forming a plan to achiev the young cubs wish.

Matayo smiled at Malkia.

"There's no reason to be shy around here Malkia. This is going to be your new home now so don't be afraid around everyone here."

Moja's eyes lit up.

"So this means we can stay Matayo?"

Matayo nodded at Moja.

"I've thought it over with my friends here and we feel that you two will make a nice addition to the Pride."

Moja smiled at Matayo happily.

"Thank you Matayo. You've made the right choice. We'll do our best to serve you in any way you want, right Malkia?" She said as she gently pawed the quiet cub.

Malkia merely nodded. Deep in her heart, she was crushed by Matayo's words. She was hoping that Moja would have been correct last night and that Matayo would have told them to go home but now, she felt like she was going to be stuck at a strange place that she no longer wanted to be at. She wanted to be back with her parents who loved her dearly and her brother who she loved despite the fact that he seemed to favor Kikay over her. She even missed Kikay a bit and didn't feel so bitter towards her as she had a few days ago.

"Well don't thank me yet you two." Matayo said now in a more serious tone. "I need to make a few things clear around here."

Both Malkia and Moja listened closely as Matayo continued.

"Around here, the number one rule is that I call the shots here. If what I say isn't obeyed, serious actions will be taken. Tsavo here is next in line. Follow his commands without question if I'm not present. Now that you are a part of this Pride, that means your sole loyalty and devotion should be for this Pride and this Pride only. You are to negate any connection to past Prides you may have been a part of previously. I run a very strict Pride and I expect all my members to serve me to the best that they can."

These words made Malkia very nervous and she leaned in closer to Moja's side. Moja put a comforting paw on her as she spoke to Matayo.

"My cub and I understand this Matayo but I have to ask two things first."

Matayo looked into her eyes.

"Go ahead and ask me now."

She looked back into his stare as she spoke.

"I ask that you take it easy on my cub here. She is still a little shaken from leaving our previous homelands and this is all quite new and a little overwhelming for her."

Matayo looked at her with a cold stare.

"Perhaps you didn't hear me clearly Moja but let me reiterate again for you. I could care less about your old Pride and if you really want to be a part of my Pride, you're going to have to get used to the way things are run around here. Those rules apply for you and your cub. Age has no meaning in this Pride and no special treatment will be granted even for newcomers."

Moja frowned.

"I see, please forgive me for that remark Matayo, I understand your rules clearly now."

Matayo nodded and spoke again.

"What was the second thing you wished to ask me then?"

Moja replied.

"I was just going to ask what you had planned for Malkia and I in terms of having a place in your Pride."

Matayo glanced at his fellow surrounding Pride members before responding to Moja's question.

"Well, for you Moja, you say that you used to be a leader in a Scouting Party right?"

Moja nodded and Matayo resumed speaking.

"Well, seeing as we've finished our Scouting session for now, I'm going to place you on Sentry Duty for now. Your skills from your past Scouting Party experience should be useful to you as a Sentry. You will be under the command of Rama here. He is the Sentry Leader for my Pride. He will show you the boundaries of the Lowlands and show you what you are to do on your rounds."

Moja smiled at Matayo.

"That sounds fair Matayo and yes, I was a great Scouting Party Leader and I learned many things from it so I'm sure Sentry Duty will suit me well."

Matayo nodded and then turned his gaze to Malkia.

"Hmm, as for your cub. I'm not quite sure what use she'll have for now so I'm going to put her under the command of Nanaki here. Maybe he can train her to be a sufficient hunter or maybe something greater."

Moja thought about this for a bit before replying.

"Whatever you think is best Matayo."

Matayo glanced at his commands once more before speaking again to Moja.

"Well, I think you two should head back to your den and prepare yourselves for the day's events. Your training will start this very day."

Moja looked taken aback at Matayo's suddenness to start their training but remember his previous words about how all orders where to be obeyed without hesitation or questioning, she quickly nodded.

"Thank you again Matayo for letting us join your Pride and giving us a new life." With that, Malkia and Moja left the cave and returned to their newly appointed den. Once inside the privacy of their new home, Malkia burst into tears. She curled herself up into one of the corners of the cave and wept profusely.

"I don't want to have a new life here Moja. I want to go home." The young cub said as tears dribbled down her face.

Moja sighed and walked up to the crying cub.

"I know Cub but I had to say that in order for us to be accepted into this Pride. I know how badly you want to return home and I don't know how I'll do it, but I promise you I'll get you back to your parents somehow but it's going to take a little while so I need you to be strong and do your best here for the time being."

Malkia nodded and buried her face into Moja's soft fur as she continued to shed her tears. Moja felt awful for the young cub. She regretted ever taking the young cub along with her but it was such a split second choice she had made. She never wanted to cause this much grief for the young cub and she needed to right this situation as soon as she could. For now however, she had to focus on what was going to happen today.

After the two lionesses had left his cave, Matayo turned to Nanaki and Rama.

"Rama, I'm counting on you to train Moja, the new lioness as a Sentry today. Teach her the ropes and make sure she learns quickly. Nanaki, that cub of Moja's doesn't seem to be of much use now so I need you to instill some training into her. Teach her some hunting practices and show her the stalking. She may be young but do your best and don't go easy on her."

The two nodded to their boss and left the cave. Matayo then turned to Tsavo.

"As for you Tsavo, I want you to stay out of sight for now but keep a close watch over Moja. I am very weary of new members to our Pride and so I'm depending on you to monitor her for the time being and don't get any of your ideas now. If I hear you laid a single paw on her, I'll end your life myself. She just may turn out to be future queen material."

Tsavo nodded to Matayo.

"You have my word Boss." He said as he slipped out of the cave and out of sight.

After everyone had left his presence, Matayo's mind reverted back to the subject he had been plotting before the arrival of the new additions to his Pride showed up. The scouting and taking over of new land. That was the reason for him sending Tsavo and his gang on their excavation. He thought about what Tsavo had said about the so called Pridelanders and how they were softhearted and a bunch of pushovers. He knew his Pride would need a new area to live soon. As of late, the water supplies around the Lowlands had been diminishing and food was starting to become harder to come by due to that fact. He really didn't want to leave the Lowlands as he rather enjoyed it here but if it was the best thing for his Pride, he would do what he had to. He would wait a little while for the new recruits to settle in before making any serious plans however so for now he would wait.

It wasn't long until Rama and Nanaki showed up at Moja's and Malkia's den. It was time to start their training so each lioness went with their respective commander and went their separate ways for the time being.

Moja followed Rama as he led her around the heart of the Lowlands. This was the first time Moja had had a good look at the nearby surroundings during the daytime. She noticed other Pride members, lions, a few lionesses, cheetah and leopards as well as the occasional hyena. Moja even recognized a small group of 3 hyenas as ones who had passed through the Outlands after Scar's reign had come to an end. She tried to recall their names in her head but was unable to. After showing Moja the inner workings of the Lowlands, Rama led Moja further out to where the outskirts of the Lowlands met with those of the Outlands. It was quite a long trip and Moja sighed to herself at the thought of having to walk this course once per day. She followed the cheetah as he explained to her the basic duties required of her. She basically knew them already from her previous Pride but she listened anyways.

"Well, now that you understand all the things you need to do Moja." Rama said as they stopped at a fork in the grass. "Let's see how well you can do. Since we're both here, we might as well split up the Sentry search for today. I'll take the nearby path and you can take the other. We'll meet back here after we've made sure that our chosen paths are clear and safe ok?"

Moja nodded to the cheetah.

"Alright. Sounds like a plan."

The two split and Moja walked down the trail assigned to her. She wasn't exactly focused on the job she was supposed to be doing as her mind was still racing to form a plan to help her young cub friend find her way back to her parents safely. She walked further along the path until she reached a very thick crop of vegetation. She stopped. A scent had caught her attention and she scanned the surrounding area. She didn't see anyone nearby but she knew there was two lionesses somewhere around. Her mind reverted back to the days she spent as a Scouting Party Leader and she began to search the nearby underbrush. She found a cleverly hidden opening to a small enclosed area. She was taken aback by what she saw in front of her. It was Nala and Vitani. The two lionesses were dozing soundly after their long run from the Outlands that very night. She panicked. If these two were discovered by Rama, they might be in serious trouble. Quickly, Moja's mind formed a plan but she'd have to act fast and true if she was going to save the two sleeping lionesses as well as perhaps having a chance to save Malkia as well.

Chapter 14

Moja quickly made her way back to where Rama and her had split paths moments ago. She waited there for a little while, all the while thinking of how she was going to get a chance to talk to Nala and Vitani without Rama near by. She was hard at work thinking of this as Rama walked up to her.

"So, how'd it go, did you find anything worth mentioning?" he asked her.

Upon seeing his return, Moja jumped to her feet.

"Oh Rama" she said in an urgent tone. "I think I saw some strange creatures walking about the Lowlands!"

Rama looked at her seriously

"Are you sure of this Moja? What did they look like?"

Moja put on a nervous look.

"I didn't get a good look at them but I think they might be trouble."

Rama thought quickly.

"Ok, let's run back and report this to Matayo."

Moja quickly objected.

"No. We both shouldn't go. You're faster than I am so you can reach Matayo's cave before I could. Besides, one of us should stay here and watch over them to make sure they don't cause any trouble."

Rama thought this over for a few moments and then nodded to Moja.

"That's a good idea Moja. I'll go report this to Matayo. You keep those strange creatures in your sights but keep your distance from them. There's no telling what they're here for so don't go doing anything irrational now. It's a long run back to the main Pride but I'll go as fast as I can so just hang tight."

Moja nodded to the cheetah and watched him sprint off into the distance. She quickly then made her way back to where she had found Nala and Vitani. She was going to have to speak with them quickly as she wasn't exactly sure how fast Rama could be and how much time she would have alone with her two former Pride members. She entered the small enclosed area the two lionesses were slumbering in and quickly woke the two lionesses.

"Wake up Vitani!" Moja said in a low but urgent tone as she roughly shook the sleepy lioness into consciousness. "Wake up!"

Vitani opened her eyes and focused them upon the creature who had jerked her from sleep. It took her mind a few moments to recognize the lioness standing above her.

"Moja? Is that you?" she asked in a groggy voice.

"Yes, it's me Vitani. I need you to listen to me and listen good." Moja said.

Vitani sat up quickly and woke Nala from her sleep.

"Wake up Nala." Vitani said as she poked her sleeping friend.

Nala looked up at Vitani with slightly opened eyes.

"What is it Vitani?" Nala asked in a quiet tone.

Vitani motioned towards Moja. Nala looked in the direction her friend was indicating and spotted Moja.

"Moja? What are you doing here?" she asked as she sat up.

Moja looked around nervously.

"There's no time for explanations now. I have to talk to you about Malkia."

Upon hearing her mention Malkia's name both lionesses spoke up loudly.

"You know where Malkia is? Where is she?"

Moja quickly motioned for the two to lower their voices.

"Shhh. Keep your voices down! You're not in a safe place here."

Hearing the sincerity in Moja's voice, the two quickly hushed their voices.

Nala spoke first.

"Tell us where Malkia is Moja and how she got here."

Moja swallowed. She wasn't exactly sure how the two lionesses would react to the fact that she was partially responsible for bringing the young cub so far from her home but she was ready to face whatever she was going to get for her actions.

"Look you two, I'll make it brief. I was going to leave the Pride Lands with Tsavo and his group when I bumped into Malkia."

Nala looked puzzled

"What do you mean Tsavo and his group? There were others with Tsavo?" she asked curiously.

Moja looked concerned.

"There's no time to go into detail about that. As I was saying, I ran into Malkia and she was very upset about something. I told her that I was leaving the Pride Lands and, well, she asked me to take her along with me."

Both Nala and Vitani looked at Moja with shocked expressions on their faces.

"So it was you who took her away from the Pride Lands?" Vitani said in an irritated tone.

Moja slightly nodded.

"Well, kind of but it was a split second choice and I know it was a bad call. I'm really sorry for doing it but now we've got more important matters to attend to."

Both lionesses looked at Moja apprehensively.

"I want to get Malkia back to you two safely but I'm going to need you two to trust me on this." Moja continued to say.

"Why should we trust you after what you've done Moja?" Nala interrupted her. "How do we know you're not trying to trick us? You did say you wanted to leave the Pride Lands didn't you? Why is that?"

Moja paced back and forth.

"I don't know. I wasn't happy there I guess." She said in an unsure tone.

Vitani looked confused.

"Why weren't you happy there Moja? Life is good at the Pride Lands. A lot better than it was for us when we were with Zira in the Outlands."

Moja nodded.

"I know that Vitani but somehow, I feel that there's something more that I need and I had to find it for myself."

Nala still didn't look convinced.

"That still doesn't mean we should trust you on this matter Moja."

Moja sighed.

"Look, I know I messed up bad and I know this situation looks questionable but you have to believe me when I say I want to help Malkia. I care for that cub and I want to get her back to the Pride Lands as soon as possible."

Both lionesses thought about this for a bit while Moja continued to speak.

"I promised Malkia after we got here, that I'd do everything I could to get her back to the Pride Lands and I plan on keeping that promise even if it costs me my own life. If you two don't want to believe me, fine, but you have to realize that you're the only one's who can help me get her home safely. Without your help, there's no telling what fate awaits her here." Moja's voice began to quiver as she finished speaking.

Nala and Vitani could see that Moja was truly worried about their cub's wellbeing so they both agreed to help.

"So what do you want us to do then Moja." Vitani asked.

"First of all, I need you two to get out of here and head back to the Outlands area. The Pride Leader here has a Sentry Party that roams the areas looking for anything out of the ordinary and if you two are spotted here, I don't think there will be any chance to save Malkia. You should be safe if you head into the Outlands area but don't wander too far off."

Nala looked befuddled.

"What are we supposed to do there?"

Moja continued to reveal her plan.

"You'll need to wait for me to bring Malkia to you. I'll have to do it under the cover of darkness as there's no way I could do it during the daytime. The sooner we get this done, the better. Malkia and I are still new to this Pride so we just might have a chance of pulling this off."

Vitani looked worried.

"But won't they notice that Malkia is missing the next day Moja? What will they think and what will happen to you?"

Moja swallowed hard.

"I'm sure they will notice, but by then, you three should be well on your way back to the Pride Lands. I don't know what they'll do for sure but whatever happens to me, I'm willing to accept my fate just as long as Malkia gets home."

Nala looked deeply into Moja's eyes and spoke.

"I still don't condone your actions Moja but seeing as you really want to help Malkia, I thank you and I think both Vitani and I feel that we can trust you. Just don't betray our trust for Malkia's sake."

Moja nodded.

"Ok, let's plan on meeting up in the Outlands tonight, I'll bring Malkia to you two then but you three will have to really make tracks in order to get a good jump on Matayo's Pride if they choose to come after you three."

Nala's heart froze.

"Matayo?" She asked in a reflective tone.

Moja nodded.

"He's the Pride Leader of the Lowlands Pride here but that's another story. We don't have time to get into it now. You two need to get going now."

"but…" Nala quickly tried to speak up but Vitani cut her off.

"Come on Nala, we should get going before we get caught here."

Nala hesitated. She wanted to ask Moja more questions about Matayo, the name she knew so well, but Vitani continued to pressure her so the two lionesses left for the outskirts of the Outlands. As she and Vitani ran for the safety of the Outlands, Nala's mind was glued to the fact that Moja had said the name Matayo. Was it just a random coincidence or was Matayo the same lion she and Simba had lost over several years ago?

After the two lionesses were out of sight, Moja returned to the fork in the grass where Rama and her had been at earlier. She waited and not long after she had arrived, Rama and Matayo showed up.

"Where are the strange creatures at Moja?" Matayo asked.

Moja looked around before she spoke.

"I was watching them for a while but I think they spotted me and ran off. I think they were just a pair of wild dogs. I must have mistaken them for something else." She said in an apologetic tone.

Rama scowled.

"I told you to keep your distance didn't I Moja? We can't be too careful when it comes to strange creatures in our midst."

Moja hung her head.

"I'm sorry, I must have been a little nervous, this being my first day on Sentry Duty and all. It won't happen again I promise."

Matayo looked extremely irritated as he walked up to Moja.

"I don't appreciate being dragged all this way out here just over a mistake Moja. If you truly were a Scouting Party Leader in the past, how could you mistake a pair of wild dogs for a dangerous threat?"

Moja looked nervous as she saw the large lion approaching her.

"I, I'm not sure Matayo. Like I said, I was nervous and made a mistake but better to be safe than sorry right?" she asked hopefully.

Matayo didn't look amused as he circled around her.

"Remember me telling you that I expect all my Pride members to follow orders to the best of their ability? Well today you've failed that expectation Moja and that leads me to the other thing I told you. That if my orders aren't followed correctly, strict actions would be taken." As he said this, he quickly swiped his paw across Moja's hindquarters.

Moja cried out in sheer agony as she felt Matayo's claws rip through her fur and deep within her pelt. Matayo watched with cold eyes as Moja sat and nursed her newly received wound.

"Consider that a warning this time around Moja." Matayo said in a stern voice. "I don't tolerate failure in this Pride and if you want to remain a part of it, I suggest you learn this lesson well. Now let's head back to the caves. We've wasted enough time out here."

Moja nodded to Matayo with tears still streaming down her cheek from the pain he had caused her. Rama and Matayo headed off towards the Lowlands Pride area with Moja limping slowly behind them.

It was Malkia's first day of training and as she sat along side Nanaki the leopard, she had no idea what to expect. The leopard could sense the young cub's anxiety and so he spoke in a gentle tone despite what his boss had told him.

"I know everything here is new to you young Malkia so I ask you, what do you want to do today?"

Malkia looked up at the leopard with longing eyes. Nanaki looked deep into them.

"What's troubling you young one?" he asked. "I sense that you want to be somewhere else right now is that right?"

Malkia remembered Moja telling her not to ever reveal what family she had come from so she merely nodded to the leopard. Nanaki laid a gentle paw on her. As frightening as everyone else was around these new parts, Malkia sensed a gentleness about Nanaki that she recognized. It was the way her parents made her feel when she was around them, safe and secure.

"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked her kindly.

Malkia thought for a moment.

"Have you ever felt like you didn't belong somewhere but once you leave that place, you realize that you were meant to be there after all?"

Nanaki was surprised by the young cub's thought provoking question. He thought about it and then replied.

"I don't really know about that Malkia. The only place I've ever known has been the Lowlands here. I consider this place home and I can't imagine leaving here."

Malkia's face melted into a sad state. Nanaki noticed the change in the cub's mood.

"I take it you miss your old home Malkia?" he asked her.

Malkia hesitated.

"Matayo said not to mention anything about our past." She said as she looked towards the ground.

Nanaki looked at her with sympathetic eyes.

"Don't worry about that Malkia. You're free to speak your mind around me. Matayo might seem intimidating at first but he has a caring nature under that rough demeanor of his."

Malkia smiled at Nanaki.

"You know him well don't you?"

Nanaki nodded.

"I met him at a young age, when he was a cub such as yourself. He lived a very rough cub-hood from what I could tell. It makes sense why he turned out the way he did but he must have had something positive in his younger years because he still has a soft spot in his heart but enough about him. Tell me about yourself Malkia."

Malkia looked confused.

"Weren't you supposed to be training me or something Nanaki?" she said in a puzzled voice.

Nanaki looked at her with a smile on his face.

"Would you rather me do that instead Malkia?"

Malkia quickly shook her head.

"No, I'm sorry, I just was wondering."

Nanaki laughed as he laid next to the young cub.

"So tell me about your life in the Pride Lands with Moja." He said to her.

Malkia took a comfortable spot next to the leopard before answering.

"Well life was good there Nanaki. There was lots to eat and drink and other cubs to play with there."

Nanaki looked confused.

"Then why did you and your mom leave if life was so peaceful there?"

"Well my mom didn't leave it was just me and Moja but…" she suddenly covered her mouth with her paw as she realized the mistake she had just made.

Nanaki stared at her. Malkia suddenly became nervous and wished she had never spoken in the first place. Nanaki was quiet for a bit but then spoke.

"Hmm. So Moja isn't really your mom then Malkia?"

Despite the mistake she had made, Malkia felt as if though she could trust Nanaki so she looked up at him with sad eyes and nodded. Nanaki looked at her with a worried glance.

"If Moja isn't your mom then who is Malkia and don't you think they're worried sick over your disappearance?"

Malkia's eyes slowly filled with tears as she spoke.

"My real parents are Kiara and Kovu and I miss them so much." She said as she started to cry.

Nanaki was stunned by what the cub had just told him. Standing before him was the cub of the present Queen and King of the Pride Lands. This was huge news. He was just about to speak to her again when Matayo ran up to where the two were laying.

"Nanaki," he said in a rushed tone. "There's been some sort of sighting near the outskirts of the Lowlands. Apparently Moja spotted some unwelcome guests or so Rama has told me. I'm going to go check it out so I need you to watch over the Pride for the time being." Matayo then turned and looked at Malkia. "Well I see you didn't go easy on her for today's training Nanaki but I didn't want you to bring her to tears over it."

Nanaki nodded to his boss as he watched him disappear into the grass ahead of them.

"Come Malkia, I'll bring you back to your den for now. You can wait there for Moja's return."

Malkia followed Nanaki back to the den and after he left, she laid alone in the cave, deep in thought. She had messed up today by mentioning that Moja wasn't her real mom. She wondered if Nanaki was going to tell the others and what might happen to Moja and her if he did so.

As Nanaki left the young cub in the cave, he pondered a similar question. He had learned that Moja and Malkia were not truly family but even more importantly, he had learned that Malkia was a member of the royal family of the Pride Lands. He knew that this was a vital piece of information and if he told Matayo of it, he would surely be rewarded in some way or another but if he did that, he wondered what would become of Moja and Malkia. He was torn between this choice. He respected his Pride and was loyal to Matayo but he also hated seeing violence and tragedy befall upon female and young creatures. He didn't know what he was going to do.

It was some time later when Moja arrived back at her den. Malkia watched Moja enter the cave and noticed that she was limping. Her eyes then fixated on the large gaping wound that elongated across her hindquarters. She gasped.

"Moja, what happed to you?"

Moja sighed and flopped herself down upon the floor of the cave. She was tired from her day's walk and in a great deal of pain due to her punishment from Matayo.

"Don't worry about that Malkia. I have something to tell you." Moja said as she beckoned for the young cub to come closer to her. Malkia made her way close to her and Moja lowered her voice to a quiet whisper.

"Today, while I was on Sentry Duty, I ran into Nala and Vitani."

Malkia's eyes lit up.

"They're here?" she asked in an excited tone.

Moja shushed her quickly as the young cub's voice was rather apparent.

"Yes, they're here to bring you home. I told them that I would bring you to them tonight."

Malkia looked overjoyed as she heard this news.

"It's going to be risky though Cub." Moja said. "We're going to have to be very careful not to get caught."

Malkia nodded and couldn't help but grin at the prospects of returning back to the Pride Lands.

"This is great." She exclaimed as quietly as she could. "It will be good to be home again at the Pride Lands. I miss everything and everyone there. I can't wait to go back, can you Moja?"

Moja lowered her head and stared at the ground.

"I, I won't be going back with you Malkia." She said in a sad tone.

Malkia's happiness was suddenly put aside as she looked at Moja.

"What do you mean you're not coming back with us? Don't tell me you actually want to stay here Moja?" she asked despairingly.

Moja looked at her with remorseful eyes.

"I would go with you Malkia if I could but if we both leave here, it might jeopardize the Pride Lands. Matayo might track us down and seek retribution for the lies we told him. It's best that I stay behind here. If they think they've just lost a cub, it might not be such a big deal to them."

Malkia looked at Moja with a worried stare.

"But won't you be in danger here Moja?"

Moja's heart became heavy and her face showed signs of uncertainty.

"That may be true Cub but I promised you that I'd get you home, where you want to be at any costs and I plan on doing just that. Don't worry about me Malkia. I can handle things here." She said to the young cub but even she herself questioned the very words she had just spoken.

"You should get some rest now Malkia. You're going to have a long night ahead of you and you'll need all the strength you can get."

Malkia nodded to Moja and laid beside her. In a little while, Malkia was sleeping peacefully with the thoughts of returning home running through her dreams. Moja lay next to the snoozing cub lost in her own thoughts. They would wait until it was dark outside before moving out. Until then, they would rest.

Chapter 15

Night quickly fell upon the Lowlands as Moja and Malkia sat inside their cave discussing the plan of action for the night. It was going to be a very risky undertaking and Moja knew this. She went over every little detail with Malkia as thoroughly as possible.

"Ok Cub, listen up. The first thing I'm going to do is take a quick look around the area here to make sure that no one's up and about."

Malkia nodded as Moja recommenced.

"You are going to wait here until I return and if everything seems ok here, we'll head out. Once we leave here, there's no turning back. We're going to make a mad dash for the Outlands and the area I told Nala and Vitani I would bring you to. If we get spotted by anyone, don't act unless I tell you to. If it's not one of the main Pride members, I may be able to talk our way out of the situation or fight our way out if need be. If it is one of the main Pride members such as Rama or Matayo himself, we're going to have to make up some sort of story to hide our tracks. Just let me do all the talking Cub. If they do happen to catch onto us, I'm afraid there won't be another chance to get you home."

Malkia looked worried by those words but she trusted Moja fully.

"What are you going to do after Vitani, Nala and I leave Moja?" the young cub asked.

Moja thought briefly then said.

"I'll try and make my way back here without being seen. Hopefully by the time morning comes around, I'll have thought of a good story to tell Matayo and the others when they find out that you're missing."

The young cub looked at Moja with longing eyes.

"Are you sure you can't come back with us Moja? I really want you to come back to the Pride Lands with us."

Moja shook her head sadly at Malkia.

"I'm sorry Malkia but the only way to get you home safely now is for me to stay behind. I would love to return back home with you and the others but I'll have to make due here."

Malkia's eyes started to form tears but Moja quickly spoke to her.

"Don't cry Cub, I'll be ok and we'll see each other again. I'm sure of it."

Malkia wiped her tears away from her eyes as she nodded to Moja.

"I sure hope so Moja. You're my best friend and if I don't get a chance to see you again, I want you to know that I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble. I should have never asked you to bring me here."

Moja looked at the young cub with serious eyes.

"Don't say that Malkia, if anything, I owe you an apology. I should be the one telling you that I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking when I took you along with me. If I had a chance to take it all back, I would have told you to go back to Pride Rock but I didn't and in doing so, I've brought you into this whole messy situation. I never wanted to make you feel bad for coming here and I hope by helping you get back to your home, you'll be able to forgive me for all the misery I've caused you."

Malkia ran up to Moja and wrapped her paws tightly around the lioness's neck.

"I'll miss you so much Moja."

Moja smiled at the young cub's affectionate embrace.

"I'll miss you too Cub." She said as she lovingly stroked Malkia gently with her paw. After the young cub released her grip on Moja's neck, Moja looked at her and asked.

"Are you ready to go home Malkia?"

Malkia nodded and the plan was set in motion.

Moja motioned for the young cub to wait where she was. Malkia nodded and Moja slipped silently out of the cave. She walked stealthily through the grass and made her way around the various caves of the Lowlands. It was late and the night sky hovered above the serene landscape. Each cave she passed, Moja would stop and listen for any signs of life inside. She was rewarded with the soft sounds of creatures slumbering as she moved her search further along. She came to the four main dens which belonged to Nanaki, Rama, Tsavo and Matayo. She crept silently up to each cave and listened carefully for the sounds of sleep which she hoped would be emanating from within the dark recesses. She passed by Rama's and Nanaki's cave with the same results but when she reached Tsavo's cave, she was unable to hear anything. This worried her slightly as she had not seen the male lion in over a day. She thought about his position in the Pride, being the Scouting Party Leader, and she recalled the many excursions that Zira had sent her on. She figured that Tsavo must have been sent on such a task and that would explain his disappearance. She walked slowly up to Matayo's large cave entrance and looked carefully inside. She could see the outline of the large lion sleeping in his cave and so she turned and headed back towards the den Malkia was waiting at.

As soon as Moja walked into the cave, Malkia ran up to her.

"Is everything ok outside?" she asked questionably.

Moja nodded.

"I think we're ok Cub. Let's get a move on now."

The pair left the den and headed out. They ran swiftly and silently through the grass of the Lowlands. Moja kept a weary eye out for anything that might impede their progress. She was glad that she saw nothing as they kept running. They reached the outskirts of the Lowlands in about an hour's time. There, the two lionesses rested briefly to catch their breaths.

"We're almost there Cub." Moja said in a soft whisper to Malkia as they rested.

Malkia looked excited and a grin was pasted onto her face. Moja smiled at the young cub's happy expression.

"I'm glad to see you smiling for a change Malkia. Once you're ready, we can go the rest of the way."

Malkia stood up and readied herself.

"I'm set Moja. Let's go." She exclaimed quietly.

As the two started to make their way across the boarder between the Lowlands and the Outlands, Moja thought she heard a noise behind her. She took a quick look around but saw nothing. Since the two were so close to their final destination, Moja ignored what she thought she had heard and the two set off again. It only took them a short time to reach the spot Moja and Vitani had planned on meeting up at. As Moja and Malkia arrived, Moja called out quietly.

"Vitani, Nala, are you here?" She waited for a few moments and then called again.

A few moments later Nala and Vitani immerged from a patch of trees. Malkia rushed up to the two lionesses.

"Nala, Vitani!" She cried out.

Upon seeing Malkia for the first time in days, Nala and Vitani smothered the young cub in affectionate nuzzles and embraces.

"Oh Malkia, we were so worried about you. Thank goodness you're safe." Nala said as the young cub pressed herself close to her.

"It's so good to see you again Nala and Vitani!" Malkia said as she started to cry tears of happiness.

"We've missed you so much Malkia." Vitani said as she held the cub comfortingly.

Moja watched the happy reunion for a few moments then spoke.

"I'm glad to see you all are happy but you must get a move on now. It's a long trip back to the Pride Lands and you're going to need all the time you can get. I have no idea how Matayo will react to this situation when the morning comes."

Hearing the name of her long lost cub again Nala was about to question Moja about the subject further but Moja's face looked urgent and she realized now was not the time for questions. Vitani walked up to Moja and placed a paw on her shoulder.

"I can't thank you enough Moja for what you're doing. Are you sure you can't come with us?"

Moja shook her head.

"I can't Vitani but you make sure that Malkia gets home where she belongs."

Nala approached Moja next.

"I'm sorry for not trusting you Moja. I owe you a debt of gratitude for what you've done for Malkia and I've forgiven your actions of late. Please accept my thanks."

Moja nodded to Nala.

"It's the least I can do for Malkia."

Malkia was the last to step forward. She hugged Moja tightly and fresh tears ran down her face.

"Thank you Moja, I'll never forget you. Please come back to the Pride Lands when you can. I don't want this to be the last time I get to see you."

Seeing the emotion in the young cub's eyes, tears began to form in Moja's eyes as well. She hugged the young cub close as she spoke.

"I'll never forget you either Malkia and I'll try and come back to the Pride Lands to visit you if I get a chance." She paused and looked deeply into Malkia's eyes. "If we don't see each other again though Cub, I want you to remember the words I told you a while ago. Everyone is free to make their own choices in life. Just remember that not all the choices you'll make will be the right ones and some of the choices you make can never be taken back." She hugged the young cub again. "I've made my choice to help you get home now Malkia and this is one I can't take back nor would I ever want to."

The two lionesses separated from one another and after a tearful scene, Nala, Vitani and Malkia headed off as quickly as they could in the direction of the Pride Lands.

Moja watched the three of them leave and with a heavy heart, she turned and walked back towards the Lowlands. Now that she was alone, her pace was much slower. Her hindquarters were starting to bother her due to the injury she had indured at the paws of Matayo yesterday. It was sometime before she reached the main area of the Lowlands Pride and as she reached the site of her now solitary den, her eyes met upon the scene in front of her. There, standing before the opening of her den was Tsavo. He had an evil grin spanning the length of his face. She swallowed hard as her heart began to pound in her chest.

The three lionesses ran through the Outlands for the remainder of the night. Each of them lost their own set of thoughts. Nala's mind was still focused on the mentioning of Matayo's name again. She had so many questions she wanted to ask Moja before they had ran from the Lowlands but she didn't have the chance to. She wanted to find out if the cub she and Simba had thought they lost so long ago was truly alive and well and if so, why had he not returned home to the Pride Lands. Why was he the so-called leader of the Lowlands Pride? She wanted answers so badly but was at a loss when it came to how to get them. Vitani's mind was still thinking of what was going to become of Moja. She knew how ruthless the Lowlands Pride could be and she was worried about Moja's safety. She knew that Moja was risking her own life to save that of Malkia's and Vitani only wished that she could have helped Moja escape from the Lowlands somehow too. She only could think of the terrible fate that awaited Moja upon her return to the Lowlands Pride Leader and as the horrid images passed through her thoughts, she shuddered. Malkia's mind set was a more pleasant one. She was anxious to see her parents again and couldn't wait to be back in her loving family's presence. She wanted to hug and nuzzle her mom and dad and wanted to see the face of her brother again. She even looked forward to seeing Kikay again and had already prepared an apologetic speech for her. She looked forward to being in the one place where she felt like she now belonged and had a place at. She wanted to be back at Pride Rock.

Thanks to Vitani's vast knowledge of the layout of the Outlands and the sheer determination of the three lionesses, they reached the Pride Lands at about first light that day. After a short run, they reached Pride Rock. It was one of the happiest reunions ever to be witnessed at Pride Rock in a long time. Kiara and Kovu held their cub close in a loving entanglement of emotions, nuzzles, licks and hugs. Malkia was barely able to move with all the affectionate advances from her parents.

"Oh Malkia." Kiara exclaimed. "I'm so glad you're back. Kovu and I have missed you so badly. Don't ever leave here like this again!"

Malkia was about to speak but her father spoke up instead.

"You had us both worried to death Malkia. Why did you run off like that?"

Malkia looked at her parents with joyful eyes.

"I'm sorry Mom, Dad, I just wasn't thinking right at the time I ran away from here. I made a mistake and I'm really sorry. It will never happen again. I never want to be away from you two ever again as long as I live. I love you two so much." She then turned her attention to Kikay who was happily embraced by her mother Vitani.

"Kikay," she said as she walked up to the young lioness. "I can't begin to express how sorry I am for saying what I did to you that day when I left. I don't hate you and I want you to know that I'm glad my brother will have such a good friend to spend his days with as King. You're going to be a great queen and I know you two will be happy together.."

Kikay smiled and hugged Malkia.

"It's ok Malkia, I'm just glad you're back safely. I'm sure Moran wouldn't have been the same if you hadn't returned. He loves you dearly and I'm sorry for having come between you two. I just wanted to be a good friend to you two is all."

Malkia smiled as she wiped the tears off her face.

"You are a good friend Kikay and I'll try my best to follow in your pawprints. I'll do my best to be a better friend to you." She then turned to her brother.

"Moran," She started to say but she couldn't think of the right words to speak to him. She merely hugged her brother tightly and the both of them cried together.

Things were seemingly returning back to normal around the Pride Lands but uncertain times lay ahead for everyone at Pride Rock. Many questions remained unanswered. What fate befell the lioness Moja? How will the Pridelanders deal with the oncoming attack by the Lowlanders when Matayo decides to put his plan into action? Deep within Kiara's body, new life was forming but whose cub will it be?…

Chapter 16

Warning: The following chapter may contain material not suitable for all readers. Please use discretion before continuing.

Moja stared wide-eyed at Tsavo who stood in front of her with a sly smirk etched on his face.

"Tsavo, what are you doing up already?" Moja asked him nervously.

Tsavo grinned at Moja and replied.

"I was just about to ask you the same thing there Moja. What are you doing up so early or maybe I should say, what are you doing out so late?"

Moja saw the look in Tsavo's eyes and she instantly knew he was on to her, despite this fact, she tried to act casual.

"Well, I couldn't really sleep too well due to this injury on my hindquarters here as you can see, so I decided to take a walk in the cool night air."

Tsavo laughed quietly to himself.

"You really expect me to believe that story Moja?"

Moja looked at him with as best of a convincing look as she could muster at this point.

"Of course I do Tsavo because it's the truth. Why would I lie to you?"

Tsavo shrugged sarcastically.

"Oh, I don't know Moja, maybe I should believe you or perhaps I should go into your cave here and ask Malkia if you're telling me the truth or not."

Moja frowned and her heart sank.

"So, you know then?"

Tsavo narrowed his eyes and nodded to her. Moja swallowed before she spoke again.

"So what are you going to do?" she said in a nervous but curious tone

Tsavo's face displayed a grin once more.

"Well that all depends on what you're going to do Moja."

Moja stared at him with a blank expression on her face.

"What do you mean Tsavo?" she asked him.

Tsavo pointed to the cave he was standing in front of.

"Get your tail inside there and I'll show you what I mean."

Moja could feel the anxiety building inside of her but she knew if she didn't do as she was bid to do now, there would surely be repercussions later on so she made her way inside what used to be Malkia's and her cave, followed closely by Tsavo. Once the two were inside the boundaries of the cave, Tsavo turned to her and spoke.

"Now I know exactly what you did this night Moja. I followed you and Malkia to your little gathering point in the Outlands."

Moja looked a bit surprised as she spoke.

"You're good. I'll give you that Tsavo. I didn't sense you around."

Tsavo nodded.

"Of course you didn't Moja. Why would an amateur lioness like yourself notice such a skilled tracker such as myself?"

Moja scowled at Tsavo's words.

Hey watch it there Tsavo, I'm no amateur. You sure are full of yourself aren't you?"

Tsavo looked irritated.

"Of course I am because I know I'm that good and besides, you're in no position to tell me what to do. Quite the opposite you see."

Moja looked at Tsavo with a cross glare.

"So I'm here now, what do you want?"

Tsavo looked deep into Moja's eyes as he spoke.

"Have you ever mated with a lion before Moja?" He asked her.

Moja looked a little taken aback by his question.

"Why do you want to know?" she asked him.

Tsavo jeered at her.

"Just answer the question. Don't ask me any Moja."

Moja sighed.

"No, I've never mated with another lion before Tsavo."

Tsavo's eyes lit up and he once again sported a cunning smile across his face.

"That's just what I wanted to hear Moja. Now here's the deal so listen good. I won't tell Matayo about your little escapade you went on this night but in return, you have to let me be your first lion. The first lion you ever mate with."

Moja looked disgusted by Tsavo's offer.

"That's not fair Tsavo. I'm not in heat and I don't want my first time to be with someone who would stoop to such a low level just to get his way with a lioness."

Tsavo laughed.

"Well, you don't really have much of a second option Moja. You see, if I tell Matayo what you did, I'm sure he'll be happy to end your pathetic life for you, so you won't have the chance to have a first time with any lion. On the other hand, if you do give in to what I want, it could be a pleasurable experience for you as well as for me."

Moja didn't look happy with the options she was presented with. Tsavo's smile on his face became more sinister as he spoke once more.

"There always is the third option Moja, which in my mind, is my favorite choice."

Moja looked into Tsavo's eyes as she waited for her third choice to be revealed. Tsavo walked slowly up to her and brought his front paw, claws fully extended, up to her neck.

"Your third choice is that you don't want to give me what I want, there for I take it whether you like it or not." He said as he gently scratched his claws across the length of Moja's neck.

Moja shuddered at this thought.

"Tsavo, why do you want to do this? I thought you said I was special to you and you wanted me to come be with you here at the Lowlands? This isn't the best way to start a relationship you know." Moja said in a futile attempt to work her way out of the situation she was in.

Tsavo smiled at her.

"Yes, I did say that and I meant that Moja but you see, when it comes to the Lowlands, I typically get what I want, when I want it and ever since we left the Pride Lands, the one thing I've wanted most was you."

Moja sighed.

"Well if you wanted me so badly, why do this? Why not just get to know each other a bit and maybe something could happen?"

Tsavo scowled.

"Like I said Moja, I get what I want, when I want it and seeing the predicament you're in, I'd say that something is going to happen here. Now, which of the choices are you going to pick? Are you going to make it easy on the both of us or are you going to make it tough for me like that Queen of the Pride Lands Kiara did?"

Moja suddenly felt sick to her stomach.

"What did you do to Kiara?" Moja asked in a low tone.

"Tsavo started to become angry at Moja's questions.

"The same thing I'm going to do to you if you don't make a choice. Now what will it be Moja?"

Moja started to feel bitter hatred towards Tsavo but she valued her life and knew that if she was to ever get revenge on this heartless creature standing before her, she would have to go against her own will.

"Ok Tsavo. You can mate with me as long as you don't inform Matayo about what took place this night ok?"

Tsavo nodded to her.

"As long as you let me have my way with you Moja, your secret is safe with me."

Moja did her best to keep her cool but inside, she was loathing the fact that she had to go through with this. She wished she could have left with Malkia and the others and gone back to the Pride Lands.

"So what do you want me to do Tsavo?" she asked in a nervous low voice.

Tsavo motioned towards the middle of the cave.

"Lay down there on your back." He said in an eager tone.

Moja did as she was commanded and Tsavo made his way up to her. He stood above the anxious lioness and pushed his head in-between her hind legs, forcing them to open. Seeing Moja's exposed lower region, Tsavo grinned to himself. Moja watched as Tsavo lowered his head in-between her hind legs. She gasped as she felt his rough tongue circle around her lioness area. She had never been with a lion before and had never experienced this kind of action. It felt good to her but under the conditions these actions were being preformed under, it also felt disturbing. Tsavo continued to lick Moja. Since she wasn't in heat, her scent wasn't as intoxicating as he had hoped it would have been. He recalled Kiara's scent on the day he had had his way with her. It was the greatest smell he had ever encountered. Nevertheless, he still enjoyed Moja's scent and the fact that he was getting what he wanted.

After heavily soaking Moja's lower area with his tongue, Tsavo motioned for Moja to stand up. She did so and Tsavo then laid himself down on his back in the same spot Moja had been previously.

"Now Moja, I want you to take me inside of you." He demanded

Moja looked puzzled.

"What do you mean Tsavo?"

Tsavo let his hind legs flop apart and pointed towards his newly exposed lionhood.

"I want you to lick me, as I did you and after that, I want you to take me inside your mouth Moja."

Moja looked rather disgusted.

"Are you serious Tsavo?"

Tsavo nodded at her.

"Of course I am. I wouldn't have told you to do it if I wasn't so don't keep me waiting Moja. Mind your teeth too will ya. If you even think about biting down on me, it will be the last thing you ever do."

Moja cringed as she made her way over to Tsavo's lower half. She lowered her head towards Tsavo's lionhood and took in his scent. It was strong and a bit overpowering at first. Moja did her best not to show any discomfort from the smell as she slowly brought her tongue into contact with Tsavo's waiting lionhood. Upon feeling Moja's tongue connecting with his member, Tsavo exhaled in pure enjoyment. Moja returned her tongue to her mouth and was unpleasantly rewarded with the taste of Tsavo's lower area. She did her best not to gag as she lowered her head once again. Tsavo felt Moja take his lionhood into her mouth. He closed his eyes in pure ecstasy. The warmth of her mouth combined with the motion of her tongue around his member was beyond belief. He slowly placed a paw on top of Moja's head and began forcing her head further down upon him. Moja wasn't prepared for Tsavo's actions and she tried to pull away. Having his pleasure cut extremely short, Tsavo growled angrily at Moja as he struck her face with his paw. Moja cried out in pain as she felt his claws scrape across her cheek. Tsavo stood up irritated.

"I see you're in a hurry to get this over with so I'll make it quick for you Moja." He told her as he motioned for her to lay on her stomach.

Moja wiped the tears from her eyes as she did as she was bid to. Tsavo made his way over to her and positioned himself above her. He locked his front paws in front of Moja's and positioned his back legs behind hers. Moja could feel the warmth of Tsavo's body as it hovered above her. Tsavo did his best to move Moja's rigid tail aside as he lowered himself down upon her. Since she wasn't in heat, Tsavo found it difficult to enter her. Moja winced in pain as she felt Tsavo's repetitive attempts to penetrate her. Tsavo was persistent and after a few minutes of failed attempts, he finally entered Moja's body. Moja cried out once more in pain as Tsavo plunged his lionhood deep inside of her. She had never felt such pain as she was feeling now. Both her injury from Matayo yesterday and the blow to the face she had taken moments ago paled in comparison to the pain she felt now. She tried to struggle free from Tsavo's grip but he held her firmly.

"Relax and enjoy it Moja. You know you're liking this." Tsavo whispered into the panicking lioness's ear.

Unable to break free of Tsavo's hold, Moja merely shut her eyes and waited for this painful event to conclude. Tsavo continued to thrust deep inside of her for quite some time. He was purely enjoying his actions and the look on his face proved it. As Moja felt the warm liquid release from Tsavo's lionhood fill her inner region, Tsavo leaned his head down to Moja's ear and whispered.

"Now comes the fun part."

He bit down upon Moja's nape and with a swift movement, forcefully withdrew himself from her body. The pain Moja felt as Tsavo's member raked the inner walls of her lioness section as it left her, was too much to bare for the poor young lioness. Fresh tears flowed down her cheeks as she lay crying and broken on the floor of the cave as her tormentor stared down upon her with cold uncaring eyes.

Satisfied with what he had done, Tsavo turned and started to make his way out of the cave, calling behind his shoulder as he left.

"It's over now Moja. I was your first lion and I'll be your best lion you'll ever have. Don't forget that."

Moja watched him leave as she continued to shed her tears. Her body was still shaken from what had just taken place and she was unable to think straight. She merely lay on the floor of the cave sobbing until sleep took hold of her.

The following morning, Moja was rudely awakened by Rama.

"Get up Moja" He said to her in a rather abrupt tone. "Matayo wishes to speak to you now."

Moja wearily opened her eyes and looked up at Rama. The events of the past night still hung in her mind.

"What's this about Rama?" she asked in a dazed voice.

Rama looked at her with stern eyes.

"No questions Moja, just get up now and report to Matayo's cave."

Moja stood up slowly and followed the cheetah to Matayo's cave. As the two entered the area, Moja could see that Nanaki and Tsavo were also present along with Matayo himself. She took a seat in front of the three creatures as Rama joined them.

"You wanted to see me Matayo?" Moja asked inquisitively.

Matayo stared at her with a fierce expression.

"When you first showed up here wanting to join my Pride Moja, I told you the rules of the Pride, did I not?"

Moja nodded to Matayo.

"Yes you did Matayo but I'm not sure what that has to do with this meeting."

Matayo continued to stare at Moja, which made her start to feel uneasy.

"So then do you wish to tell me the truth about why you came here and why you and your supposed cub wanted to join my Pride?"

Moja paused nervously before speaking.

"I told you the truth Matayo." Was all she could say.

Matayo scowled at her.

"Then why has your cub gone missing and why did you meet up with some strange lionesses last night?"

Moja glared at Tsavo who was standing next to Matayo with an expressionless look upon his face.

"You promised me Tsavo," she started to say but was cut short by Matayo's words.

"Quiet Moja. I told you before and this will be your last warning from me. I want the truth about why you're here and why you've lied to me thus far."

Moja was unable to speak. She was feeling such hatred and hostility towards Tsavo at this moment that she couldn't think of anything to say. Matayo frowned at the lack of response from Moja.

"Very well then Moja. I'm left with no other option. I told you in the beginning that if my requests weren't met with swift and honest actions, serious consequences would occur."

Moja was about to speak up but it was too late. With a quick motion of his paw, Tsavo and Rama were on top of her. They drove their claws into Moja and scratched her mercilessly. Moja cried out as the two attackers assaulted her. Nanaki turned his head from the horrid scene in front of him. He couldn't bare to watch this gruesome sight take place, let alone be a part of it. Matayo stared at him.

"What's wrong Nanaki? Is this too much for you to handle?"

Nanaki merely held his glance towards the floor of the cave while the ghastly event played out before him. After a few minutes, Tsavo ordered the two to cease their onslaught. Moja lay on the floor of the cave, horribly wounded but still clinging onto life. Matayo walked up to her and stared into her scarcely conscious eyes as he spoke.

"This truly is your last warning Moja. I will not put up with anymore lies from you. I spared your life this time around but I assure you, if you cross me again, you won't be so lucky. Once you've recovered from your just punishment, you can tell me the real reason why you are here."

Matayo's words slowly faded into Moja's memory as she lost consciousness. Matayo signaled for Nanaki to take her back to her cave.

"I assume that's not too much to ask of you now is it Nanaki or do you wish to not follow that order as well?" Matayo asked him in a sarcastic manner.

Nanaki shook his head and left the cave, carrying Moja's limp body with him. Matayo watched him leave and then turned to his other two Pride members.

"It seems that Nanaki is growing soft lately. I wonder if he's up to something."

Rama shrugged.

"You know Nanaki has always been the gentle type Matayo but I don't know. Lately he's been kind of odd."

Tsavo scowled.

"If you ask me, his heart isn't with this Pride anymore. He's not really our type if you know what I mean."

Matayo thought quietly for a brief moment before speaking.

"Well we'll find out soon where his loyalty stands. I've decided to put my plan into actions soon. We're going to be taking over the Pride Lands but for now, we'll still have to recruit more Pride members and much planning still has to be done."

Nanaki gently set Moja down in her cave. He was barely able to look at her battered frame. She was barely able to breathe and she seemed to be struggling just to stay alive. Nanaki felt horrible for her. He leaned his head down to Moja's face and whispered into her ear softly.

"I'm sorry Moja."

Moja's hardships were far from over at this point and the next month that she spent in the Lowlands would be the toughest time of her life.

Chapter 17

A month passed by quickly and Matayo was ready to put his plan into action. He had decided to go for it and attempt to take over the Pride Lands. His Pride had grown in numbers and he felt that it was about time to act. Many of the new members were rogue creatures, mainly lions and lionesses with a few hyenas, cheetahs and leopards mixed in. They were an odd bunch but the best they could come by under the conditions they were in.

After gathering Tsavo, Rama and Nanaki into his cave, Matayo went over his plan with them.

"Ok, I have decided to go through with my plan to take over the Pride Lands. I have certain duties for each of you to handle. If all goes well, we'll have control of the Pride Lands within a months time."

Tsavo smiled.

"With your leadership skills Matayo, I'm sure we won't fail."

Rama scowled at Tsavo.

"You're such a suck up Tsavo."

Tsavo jeered at the cheetah.

"I'm only telling it like it is."

Matayo cut the argument short.

"Enough, now listen up to what I need each of you to do. Nanaki, you're task is first. I want you to go scout the Pride Lands and get an idea of how many creatures they have who you think would be fighting on their side. I'm not going to risk the safety of my Pride if I don't think we can handle the odds so it's important that you get a good idea of the opposing side's forces. I expect you to stay well out of sight and not to speak to anyone within the Pride Lands. Is that understood?"

Nanaki nodded to Matayo.

"I understand my orders."

Tsavo looked cross.

"Why are you sending Nanaki to do a scouting run Matayo? I am the Scouting Party Leader in your Pride you know."

Matayo looked sternly at Tsavo.

"I'm well aware of your place in my Pride Tsavo but I make the calls around here remember, so do you have a problem with that?"

Tsavo could see Matayo's long needle-like claws protruding from his front paws and quickly changed his tone.

"No. Not at all Matayo, I was just…um…never mind."

Matayo turned his focus back to Nanaki.

"Good, now that you know your orders, I want you to leave immediately for the Pride Lands."

Nanaki looked a bit puzzled.

"But Matayo, I thought you said it would be about a month's time before your plan would be put into action? You want me to scout out the Pride Lands this preemptively?"

Matayo looked extremely irritated.

"Is there something wrong with everyone's hearing today or what? Are my orders too complex for you all to understand?"

Sensing the anger building in Matayo's voice, Nanaki quickly apologized.

"No, not at all Matayo. I was just checking. I'll be on my way now and I'll return as soon as I have the information you want."

Nanaki performed a quick salute before exiting Matayo's cave. Once he was out of sight, Matayo turned to the others in the cave.

"Now that he's gone, I can go over the true plan."

Rama looked confused.

"True plan Matayo?"

Matayo smiled and nodded.

"Yes, I've sent Nanaki to the Pride Lands to test his loyalty. If he's having a change of heart all of a sudden, then I'm sure he's going to inform the Pridelanders of my plan."

Rama still looked befuddled.

"Isn't that a bad thing then Matayo?"

Matayo grinned to the cheetah.

"It would be if we were actually attacking the Pridelanders when I told Nanaki we were. You see, if he decides to tell them of my plan, he'll tell them that we're attacking in one month's time, when in reality, we're going to move out in two weeks. That way, if Nanaki is still on our side, he'll return in time to find out the true plan and if he's decided to turn his back on us, we'll still have the upper advantage over the Pridelanders."

Tsavo grinned at Matayo.

"That's just the kind of thinking I'd expect from you Matayo. That's why you're the leader."

Matayo turned on Tsavo angrily.

"Don't try and butter me up Tsavo. After what I found out you did to Moja, I'm not going to put up with anything from you!"

Tsavo hung his head.

"Sorry Matayo. I know you must still be mad at me but I swear I'll never disobey your orders in the future. I know what will happen if I do."

Matayo merely stared at him with a fierce look.

"Now, you two go out and continue training the new members of the Pride. I want them ready to fight for our Pride within the next two weeks. Do what you have to in order to break their spirits and make sure that their loyalty is with our Pride. If you don't think they'll make a good addition to our Pride, kill them."

Both Rama and Tsavo nodded and left the cave. Matayo then turned to the lone lioness who was sitting in the darkness of the cave wall next to him.

"I'm sorry for what Tsavo did to you Moja but now that you're my Queen, I've given you the good life haven't I? You're my mate now and you'll never have to live a hard life again for as long as you're my Queen."

The lioness next to him nodded her head to Matayo. Her eyes looked dull and she seemed to be a shell of her former self. Matayo walked up to her and nuzzled her gently.

"Don't worry, soon you will have a proper kingdom to rule over with me. I promise you you'll get what you and I both want in the end."

It had been a little over a month now since Malkia returned to the Pride Lands and she couldn't have been more happy to be back home. She spent her days clinging tightly to the side of her parents as well as playing and enjoying life with her brother and Kikay. Despite the way she had felt towards Kikay in the past, that all had changed. Kikay and her were close friends now and enjoyed each others company very much. The three cubs would play the day away in the Pride Lands under the watch of Timon and Pumbaa. Times were great for everyone in the Pride Lands.

On this day, Malkia, Kikay and Moran were laying in the grass together. The hot sun hung above them yet a cool breeze drifted across the Pride Lands, making it a bit more bearable to stay outside. The three cubs had just finished a long game of tag and were resting quietly in the comfort of the cool afternoon.

"Hey Mal, tell us about the Lowlands." Moran said as he turned his head to his sister.

Malkia looked at her brother.

"Why do you want to know about that place for Moran?" she asked him puzzled.

Moran shrugged.

"Well all this time you've been back, you haven't really said much about what you did out there or who you met. I'm just a little curious is all."

Kikay perked up her ears.

"Yeah, tell us Malkia, what was it like there?"

Deep down, Malkia really didn't want to talk about what occurred in the Lowlands but she saw the anticipation and interest both Kikay and her brother were showing so she spoke.

"Well, if you both really want to know about it, I'll tell you."

Both Moran and Kikay nodded their heads. Malkia rolled onto her stomach so she could face the other two cubs. She took a moment to put together all the events that occurred and how she would explain them.

"Well, that day I left the Pride Lands after we had that argument," She paused for a moment, not wanting to bring up unsavory memories for either of the two cubs in front of her but seeing no negative reaction to her words, she continued. "I ran towards the Outlands. I wanted to leave the Pride Lands and run away from home."

Moran started to laugh slightly. Malkia frowned and stared at him.

"I know, it was a dumb thing to do Moran but keep quiet if you want me to keep telling you the story."

Moran ceased his laughter and apologized to his sister.

"Sorry Mal, just couldn't help myself. Please go on."

Malkia nodded and continued to talk.

"After I reached the start of the Outlands, I ran into a friend of mine. Moja, a lioness I ran into a while back."

Moran looked a bit surprised.

"You met a lioness and didn't introduce me to her Mal?"

Malkia laughed.

"Of course I didn't introduce you to her. That would make me look bad now wouldn't it Moran, besides she's not a cub like we are and she's a lot more mature than us so she probably wouldn't of liked to hang around all three of us."

Moran's laughter started up again.

"But you were mature enough to be in her presence Mal?" he asked sarcastically.

Malkia scowled at her brother.

"Obviously a lot more than you are Moran now stop interrupting my story will ya."

Moran composed himself once more and Malkia resumed her story.

"Well like I said, I ran into Moja and she was with a cheetah named Rama."

Both Moran and Kikay looked bewildered by what Malkia had just said.

"A lioness with a cheetah?" Kikay asked curiously.

Malkia nodded.

"Trust me Kikay, I was just as puzzled as you are when I saw the pair but yes, it was Moja with Rama the cheetah. Now, I knew Moja was trustworthy, as I had talked to her many times before this incident."

Moran's mind reverted back to the time when he had followed Malkia out on one of her so-called bathroom breaks. He had seen her with a strange lioness he didn't know. This must have been Moja, the lioness she was speaking of now. He made no mention of his past knowledge however as he didn't want to upset his sister.

"So when I started talking to Moja," Malkia continued "I found out that she was also leaving the Pride Lands."

Again, Kikay looked puzzled.

"Why would anyone want to leave the Pride Lands? We have it great here."

Malkia nodded.

"I realize that more now Kikay now that I'm back here but at the time, I was feeling such frustration and I wasn't thinking straight so I begged her to take me along with her. I really wasn't expecting her to say yes but much to my surprise, she told Rama that I was her cub and that I was coming along too."

Both Moran and Kikay looked shocked.

"Why would she say that for Mal?" Moran asked.

"I'll get to that in a bit Moran. I wasn't quite sure myself in the beginning, why she had done that either but it became obvious to me later on. So with little hesitation, all three of us left the Pride Lands and made our way quickly through the Outlands."

Kikay looked intrigued.

"What were the Outlands like Malkia? I've never seen them and my mom's told me many stories about how your dad and her used to play there as cubs."

Malkia paused for a second. She had ran through the Outlands at such a quick rate, that she really didn't get a chance to get a good look at the Outlands but from what she did see, she was able to somewhat answer Kikays question.

"Well, it's kind of a scary place. There's not much grass or trees like there are here in the Pride Lands and every place there seems to have this odd feeling to it. Not the type of place I would want to live."

"So what happened next Mal?" Moran asked eagerly.

Malkia picked up where she had left off.

"Well we ran for a few hours in the Outlands and came to a spot that had many different caves all around. I guess this was the place where Rama had told the others they would meet them at."

Kikay paused.

"Others?" she asked.

Malkia nodded.

"Yes, I didn't know it then but Moja had joined up with a trio of three Lowlands Pride Members. Rama being one of them. The other two were Nanaki the leopard and Tsavo the lion."

Moran chimed in.

"Hey, could that be the same three I heard Mom and Dad talking about Mal? The lion that Dad and Simba saved that one day?"

Malkia nodded.

"It was the very one Moran."

Moran paused and thought for a moment.

"Well, I thought I heard Mom and Dad talking about how that lion, Tsavo right? How he was attacked by a cheetah and leopard but you're saying that these three were friends Mal?"

Malkia shrugged.

"I guess they were Moran. I'm still not sure why the two attacked Tsavo than if they were friends. I never really heard any reason for it or figured out why that was. All I know is that they had planned to meet up in the Outlands and go back to the Lowlands where they came from."

Moran still looked confused.

"You did tell Mom and Dad that right? About the three being friends and all. It just seems kind of suspicious to me Mal."

Malkia nodded again to her brother.

"Yes, I've told Mom and Dad all I know about them and the Lowlands."

"So what were they all like Malkia?" Kikay asked. "Rama, Tsavo and Nanaki I mean."

Malkia thought about this for a moment then replied.

"I really didn't like Tsavo much. He gave me the chills just being around him. Rama, well, I don't really know what to make of him. He seemed kind of friendly but still I didn't feel too comfortable around him."

"And Nanaki the leopard?" Moran asked?

Malkia was silent for a bit. She remembered her only full day at the Lowlands and the time she had spent merely talking to Nanaki. She barely knew him yet from how he spoke to her and how he acted, she felt as if he had a gentle nature and she really didn't understand how he fit into the Lowlands Pride, with the way the others were.

"I'm not too sure Moran. I only got to talk to him for a little while but I can easily say that out of the three of them, he was the one I'd prefer to be around."

Moran nodded.

"I see, so what happened after you all met up?"

Malkia recommenced her story.

"Well, after Moja and I were introduced to the two others, all five of us took off towards the Lowlands. It was a long exhausting run but we made it there after about a day or so."

"So what did the Lowlands look like?" Moran asked anxiously.

"Well, it was night time when we first arrived at the Lowlands so it was tough to really say what the place looked like but the next morning I got a better look at the area. It reminded me of the Pride Lands in some ways. They had nice grass lands like we do here but I didn't notice a lot of other animals around the area like the Pride Lands has. Also, the Lowlands Pride stays in this big rocky area with lots of different caves around it."

Kikay looked amazed.

"Did you meet the Pride Leader of the Lowlands Pride Malkia? What was he like and did he have a Queen?"

Malkia thought for a bit about Matayo. Out of all the new creatures she had met during her time away from the Pride Lands, Matayo was the one she remember the most.

"Their Pride Leader is a big lion named Matayo. He's very intimidating and scares me. I really didn't like being around him. I don't know why. I'm just glad that I'm no longer there. I felt out of place there."

Moran smiled at his sister.

"The same reason why you left here huh?"

Malkia sighed.

"Yeah but I feel different here now. There's no other place I'd rather be than here in the Pride Lands with Mom, Dad, you two and everyone else here."

Kikay smiled warmly at Malkia.

"We're glad you're back too Malkia. Things just aren't the same without you here."

Malkia returned Kikay's warm smile.

"I'm glad to be home too Kikay."

Moran looked unsatisfied.

"Come on Mal. Tell us more about what you did there in the Lowlands."

"Not now Moran, I'm kind of tired. It can wait till another time."

Moran looked disappointed but Malkia really didn't want to get into any details of what took place in the Lowlands and she really was worn out from the game of tag they had just played. As the three cubs dozed off in the afternoon breeze, Malkia's mind couldn't help but think of her friend Moja. She missed her dearly and thinking what she had done for her, by helping her get home, back to the Pride Lands where she wanted to be, brought a tear to her eye. She hoped Moja was doing ok.

Kiara, Kovu, Vitani, Nala and Simba all sat in the cool cave of Pride Rock. Ever since Malkia had returned and informed her parents about what she had experienced in the Lowlands, the group of lions had met on a daily basis to discuss what this all could mean.

"I just don't get it" Kovu said. "If what Malkia says is true and Tsavo and the two others, Rama and Nanaki, are all from the same Pride, then why did the two of them attack Tsavo?"

Vitani spoke up.

"Well, like I told you, Nala and I only spent a brief time in the Lowlands so we weren't able to find out anything of much use there. Our main concern was getting Malkia back safely."

Kiara nodded.

"Yes, and both Kovu and I are eternally grateful to both you and Nala for everything you did."

Nala spoke up.

"You can't forget Moja Kiara. Without her help, it would have been a lot more difficult to get Malkia home."

Kiara nodded slightly. Vitani put a comforting paw on her shoulder.

"I know you probably feel like Moja was the one that took your cub from you but in the end, it was because of her actions that we were able to save Malkia from the Lowlands."

Kiara sighed.

"I guess so. I just don't see how any lioness in her right mind could drag a poor cub away from home like that. It makes no sense to me."

Simba spoke.

"I think the thing we should be focusing on now is why Tsavo and company were in the Pride Lands. I have a feeling their reasons for coming here weren't good natured. We really do need to be on guard. I just wish I knew what exactly that Lowlands Pride was up to."

Vitani nodded to Simba.

"Well, from what both Kovu and I know of them, they're not the type you should take lightly, that's for sure."

Kovu nodded to her.

"Yes, that's true. If only we had more information on what they were planning on doing, then maybe we could figure out a plan to better protect the Pride Lands if need be, assuming they wanted to start trouble here that is."

All the lions in the cave nodded in agreement. Suddenly a voice drifted into the cave.

"Perhaps I can assist you with those matters."

Everyone turned their heads towards the sound of the voice. It was that of Nanaki the leopard.

Chapter 18

Everyone jumped to their feet at the sight of Nanaki. Simba and Kovu advanced towards him with very unwelcoming expressions on their faces. The three lionesses held their ground with teeth bared at their unexpected visitor. Nanaki watched as Simba and Kovu walked closer but he made no movement to retreat.

"You sure have some nerve coming back here after what you and your friends did." Kovu said in a fierce tone.

"I haven't come here to cause any more trouble for you or your Pride." Nanaki said in a serious voice.

Simba laughed.

"A likely story. Why should we believe you?"

Nanaki kept his serious tone as he answered.

"By all means, you have no reason to trust me now, however, I've come to make amends for the actions of my fellow Pride Members. I know you have no reason to trust me, given the past events, but I come before you now with honest sincerity when I say, I want to help you. I have information that might prove useful to your Pride."

Everyone didn't look convinced by Nanaki's words but Nala on the other paw, was feeling differently than her other Pride Members.

"Excuse me" Nala spoke to Nanaki in a gentle voice. "If you are here to help us, as you say you are, I have some questions I'd like to ask you."

Nanaki nodded to Nala.

"As long as I know the answers to your inquiries, I'll be happy to answer them for you."

None of the other lions in the cave looked very trusting of Nanaki still so Nanaki spoke.

"I see that you all don't trust me and I don't blame you so if you wish, I'll stay outside this cave here while you ask your questions and if it makes you feel any better, I'll turn my back to you all."

"How can you be sure we won't attack you with your back turned to us?" Vitani asked smugly.

"I don't." Nanaki replied. "But if you do attack me, I'm sure it's due to just causes but I think that will show you all that I'm not here to cause trouble."

"Very well," Kovu said. "Stay where we can see you at the front of the cave and turn your back to us."

Nanaki did so and Nala spoke to him.

"Before you tell us what you came here to do, I have to ask you a few things…Nanaki right?"

Nanaki nodded as he spoke over his shoulder.

"That's right, and may I know all of your names?

Each lion in turn, introduced themselves, excluding Kiara, who knew that Nanaki knew her name."

"Okay, now that I know all of your names, please ask your questions Nala." Nanaki said."

Nala paused for a moment before speaking.

"I need to know something about your leader, Matayo. He's the Pride Leader of the Lowlands Pride is he not?"

Nanaki nodded.

"That would be accurate Nala."

"Was he born into that Pride?" she asked.

Nanaki shook his head.

"No, he wasn't. He joined the Pride as a young lost lion."

Nala turned to Simba with a hopeful look on her face.

"Simba, are you hearing this? This could in fact be Matayo."

Simba looked at his mate with uncertain eyes.

"How can you be sure that this leopard is telling us the truth?"

Nanaki sighed.

"Forgive me for saying so, but why would I have any reason to lie about such a trivial subject? As far as I can tell, knowing the past of my Pride Leader isn't worth any value to your Pride or am I wrong?"

Nala shook her head.

"No, you see there is a lot more value to what you're telling us than you know. Please, I ask that you tell us everything you know about how Matayo, your Pride Leader and quite possibly our long lost cub, came to be leader of the Lowlands Pride."

Nanaki turned his head to face the others in the cave with a shocked expression on his face.

"Your long lost cub? I don't understand."

Nala spoke.

"Forgive me but can you please tell us what you know about Matayo?"

Nanaki still looked puzzled but nodded.

"Well, if my memory serves me correctly, I believe the first time I met Matayo was when he first arrived in the Lowlands over several years ago. I was a young cub then and had heard that a young lion was found wandering the Lowlands in a very weakened state. From what I heard the others in the Pride talk about, I think he came from somewhere in the Outlands but I'm not too sure of that. I first saw Matayo after the Sentry Party had brought him back to the main Pride area. I still remember the poor condition he was in. His body was covered in horrid wounds and it had looked as if he had been in a fight with Mother Nature herself. He was barely able to stand on his own and wasn't able to talk much."

Nanaki paused for a moment, recalling more memories from the depth of his mind.

"It took a while before Matayo was well enough to talk and I wasn't the first one to speak to him, me being a young cub back then mind you. It was several weeks after he was well enough to function that I got a chance to speak to him for the first time. We were both young back then so we became close friends. It was nice to have someone new in the Pride other than Tsavo, the lion you took into your Pride Lands a while back, and Rama the cheetah, the other Pride Member you might have seen around here."

Nanaki paused and looked at the lions in the cave behind him. He could see that bringing up the past events wasn't the best move so he quickly continued his story.

"Well, anyways, after I got to know Matayo a bit more, I asked him where he had come from and how he had come to be in such poor shape. He unfortunately wasn't able to remember where he had come from. The only events he could recall were narrowly escaping the jaws of some crocodiles in the Outlands area. He was very lucky to escape with his life from what I saw of him. I'd always just assumed that the traumatic event had blocked off his past memories in life. Either that or he had lost too much blood on his journey to the Lowlands or maybe he had endured too severe injuries that affected his memory. I'm still not quite sure to this day and Matayo is the type who doesn't like the past being brought up in front of him."

Nala still looked hopeful.

"This still could be the cub Simba and I thought we lost so many years ago."

Nanaki looked sad.

"I wish I could give you more information than that but I'm afraid that's all I know about his past or at least that's all he cared to tell me."

Nala nodded. Upon hearing the story Nanaki had just told, Vitani's mind was hard at work trying to recall something from her past.

"Hey Kovu," she asked. "Do you remember the stories Nuka used to tell us when we were cubs in the Outlands?"

Kovu nodded.

"He told us quite a few stories Vitani but what's important about that?"

Vitani pondered for a minute.

"Do you recall the story he told us about the two friends who were playing near the river on the outskirts of the Pride Lands?"

Kovu thought about this for a bit.

"Ahh. Yes I do remember that one. That's the one where one of the two lions falls into the river right?"

Vitani looked confused.

"I thought he said the other lion pushed the other into the river?"

Kovu shrugged.

"You know Nuka, he never could keep his stories straight."

Vitani nodded.

"That's true." She turned to Nala. "If I remember correctly Nala, you told me that Nuka and Matayo used to be friends way back before the whole thing with Zira occurred right?"

Nala nodded as she was slowly piecing together what Vitani was hinting at. Kovu still looked bewildered.

"So what does that have to do with Nuka's story Vitani?"

Vitani swallowed before revealing what she was thinking.

"Well, do you think..maybe Nuka…well, you know, wasn't telling us a made up story?"

Kiara looked shocked.

"Are you saying that Nuka tried to kill Matayo when they were cubs Vitani?"

Vitani lowered her stare to the ground.

"I don't know. I miss my brother still to this day but I can't deny the fact that he might have tried something like that."

Kovu nodded.

"I wouldn't have put it past Nuka to try something like that."

Nala looked taken aback by what Kovu and Vitani were saying.

"I don't want to believe what I'm hearing now but if what you two are saying is true, then perhaps Matayo is really still alive."

Nanaki sighed.

"If Matayo is your cub, then that makes what I came here to tell you that much more difficult to say."

Simba spoke.

"Yes, Tell us your reason for coming here now that you've answered my mate's questions."

Nanaki nodded.

"Well, despite whether or not Matayo has ties to you Nala and Simba, I've come to let you know that he has plans to take over the Pride Lands. He sent me here to scout out your forces but has no idea what I'm really doing."

Vitani looked confused.

"Why would you let us know of these plans then?"

Nanaki looked towards the ground.

"I feel terrible for what my friends and I did here in the Pride Lands. I know what we did was wrong and there's truly no way to make up for our actions."

"You mean setting up a false attack and making us believe that one of you got hurt, just to come into the Pride Lands?" Simba asked.

Nanaki nodded.

"Yes, that and the other thing."

Kovu looked puzzled.

"What other thing?"

Nanaki hesitated.

"I'd rather not bring up that matter."

He turned his attention to Kiara and looked deep into her eyes.

"I know it probably doesn't mean a thing coming from me Kiara, but I truly am sorry for what Tsavo did to you that day. If I could change the past, I would have done something to stop him but, well, I can't. I can only offer you my apologies and the promise that I will repay you somehow for the debt that myself and my friends owe you."

Kiara's eyes started to fill with tears at the thought of what had happened to her on that frightful day. She quickly buried her face into her mate's fur before her emotions fully took hold of her.

Nanaki looked regretful about what he had just brought up.

"I'm sorry Kiara, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that but I had to apologize to you while I had the chance. I'll take my leave now as I've obviously caused too much trouble here today. Please just heed my warning about Matayo's plan. He plans on attacking the Pride Lands in a month's time."

Nanaki stood up and started to make his way from Pride Rock but just as he was leaving, Timon and Pumbaa arrived followed by the three cubs. Upon seeing Nanaki at the entrance of Pride Rock, Malkia ran forward.

"Nanaki? What are you doing here?"

Nanaki motioned to the young cub.

"Don't worry Ms. Malkia, I'm leaving, my business is done here."

Malkia persisted.

"Wait please. I have to ask you something."

The leopard stopped in his tracks and turned to face Malkia. Before she could even speak, he answered her.

"Moja is doing fine Malkia." He told her, even though he knew the truth about Moja's condition. He just couldn't tell the young lioness the truth.

Malkia smiled at him.

"You knew what I was going to ask?"

Nanaki nodded.

"I know you two were close friends and I sensed the bond between you two back in the Lowlands."

Malkia nodded.

"I miss her so much. Will I ever see her again?"

Nanaki sighed.

"You might see her soon Ms. Malkia." He didn't want to tell her that the situation might not be the way she would want to have it.

Malkia's face lit up.

"That's great!" she exclaimed. "I can't wait."

Nanaki smiled at the happiness he had installed in the cub, even if it was false. He turned to leave once more but was stopped by Malkia's questioning once more.

"So why did you come here Nanaki?" she asked curiously.

Nanaki paused.

"Do you remember the day we talked together in the Lowlands Ms. Malkia?"

Malkia nodded. It had been the only time she really didn't mind during her stay in the Lowlands.

"Well you asked me that day if I had ever felt like I didn't belong somewhere and if I ever wanted to make a change in my life. I really didn't think much of it then but lately, you're words have changed me. For the better I hope."

Malkia looked befuddled.

"I'm not quite sure what you mean Nanaki."

Nanaki smiled at her once more.

"Don't worry about it Malkia, I just want to thank you now while I have the opportunity."

He turned once more to the other lions standing in the opening of the cave at Pride Rock.

"Thank you all for listening to what I had to say and it's up to you to decide if my words hold any truth to them but I assure you they do. As I said to Kiara, I plan to repay the debt my Pride owes you all for our actions and I'll start by trying to find out more about whether or not Matayo is in fact your missing kin or not Nala. I can't make any promises but I'll do what I can. I doubt I'll be able to talk Matayo out of his plans however but maybe I can try and help him remember his past. I know this is just the start of things to come but I really do want to make things right. I'll come back if I find out anything of interest but until then."

Nanaki performed a quick bow to everyone at Pride Rock before heading off back towards the Lowlands.

After Nanaki was out of sight, Kovu turned to Kiara, who was still shaken from what Nanaki had said.

"Do you want to talk about it Kiara?"

Kiara looked up at Kovu with teary eyes.

"Not in front of the cubs Kovu, I'll tell you everything tonight."

Kovu nodded.

"All right Kiara."

Seeing as the day was coming to an end, Vitani said her goodbyes to the others and Kikay and her set off in the direction of their den. Simba and Nala said their goodbyes too and after lovingly nuzzling their daughter and her cubs, they made their way back to their den as well. As they walked, they conversed quietly.

"Simba, do you think that Matayo is alive still?" Nala asked her mate as they walked through the grass of the Pride Lands.

"I don't know what to think Nala. I really don't. If Nanaki was telling us a lie, than it might just be a trick to catch us off guard however, if he was being honest, we have some tough choices to face in the upcoming weeks."

Nala nodded to her mate. She knew that if her long lost son was still alive, he must not have remembered his parents or where he came from and the fact that they might have to be at war with him made Nala's heart sink. She wanted to know the truth if her son was still alive and she wanted to see him but for now, she would have to wait. Maybe Nanaki would bring more news in the future, if he could be trusted that is.

Night fell over the Pride Lands and all three parties retired for the night. Simba and Nala fell asleep soundly in their cave. Vitani and Kikay slept peacefully together in their den. Malkia and Moran dozed quietly next to their parents, who were awake and deep in conversation. As the night progressed, Kiara told her mate about the day she wished would have never happened, The day she would never forget as long as she lived.