Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Nanaki allowed two weeks to slip by before he returned to the Lowlands. He spent his time in the Outlands, thinking of ways to convince Matayo not to attack the Pride Lands and ways to remind him of his past and the parents who still cared deeply about their son they thought they had lost. He knew that this was going to be a daunting challenge and might cost him his place in the Lowlands Pride, however, the words Malkia had spoke to him over a month ago still loomed in his thoughts. He had felt lately that he didn't really have a place in the Lowlands Pride and if he was going to ever make a change in his life, it would have to be now. It was late when Nanaki arrived back at the caves of the Lowlands. He thought about just turning in for the night as his journey had been quite exhausting but as he walked by Matayo's cave, he noticed that there was motion inside, so he decided to report his findings to Matayo. As he walked into Matayo's cave, he saw Tsavo and Moja sitting on either side of Matayo. He waited till his presence was noticed.

"Well well," Tsavo said in a light hearted voice as he sighted Nanaki. "Look whose back from his vacation from the Pride Lands. Bring us back any souvenirs?"

Nanaki scowled at Tsavo's sarcastic remark.

"Don't tell me stealing the innocence from a lioness wasn't good enough for you last time Tsavo?" Nanaki replied to Tsavo in retaliation.

Tsavo laughed.

"Is that ever enough?" He said but seeing the serious look that had made its way onto Matayo's face, he quickly excused himself.

"I'll just leave you three to discuss what Nanaki has to say." Tsavo said as he beat a hasty retreat out of Matayo's cave.

After Tsavo was out of sight, Matayo turned to Nanaki and spoke.

"Welcome back Nanaki. I take it you're back to give the report on what you found at the Pride Lands?"

Nanaki nodded.

"That I have Matayo but I also wish to speak to you about more personal matters."

Matayo looked perplexed.

"Hmm. Well start with the information I asked you to retrieve first. Did you get an idea of the Pride Land's forces?"

Nanaki nodded to Matayo.

"Indeed I did. Their numbers aren't as great as I thought they would be. I don't' think we're even going to need all the new members we've gathered in order to take over the Pride Lands."

Matayo looked hesitant.

"I see, so how many do you think will be required for victory?"

Nanaki pretended to think for a minute. He knew the Pridelanders were great in numbers and he did his best to keep up his false story.

"To be honest Matayo, I think if we took the lions and lionesses along with Rama, Moja, Tsavo and you and I, we'd have a greater chance of victory. It might seem like less members but that way, it's easier to maneuver within the Pride Lands with a smaller army. The Pridelanders are peaceful and I'm sure we're more skilled in combat."

Matayo thought about this.

"Hmm. So you're suggesting a more stealthy approach? I can see how that might work to our advantage. Less mouths to feed along the way and less having to worry about member's not following orders."

Nanaki nodded in agreement. Matayo paused for a moment, then spoke once more.

"So, what was that other matter that you wished to speak to me about Nanaki?"

Nanaki hesitated as he looked at Moja.

"Well, it's personal so…"

Matayo looked towards his mate then back at Nanaki.

"Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of your Queen can't you Nanaki?"

Nanaki shrugged.

"If you insist Matayo."

He readied himself and spoke.

"Matayo, we've been friends for years now, ever since I met you as a young cub when you first were brought to the Lowlands."

Matayo nodded.

"That we have been Nanaki."

Nanaki continued.

"Well ever since you became Pride Leader, I've served you well have I not?"

Matayo paused, then responded.

"You've proven to be a great Pride Member if that's what you're getting at Nanaki."

Nanaki spoke again.

"And during all this time, I've asked very little from you right?"

Matayo nodded as Nanaki spoke.

"Well, I have to ask you something now."

Matayo looked at Nanaki with an intrigued look.

"Very well Nanaki, ask me."

Nanaki swallowed.

"Do the names Simba and Nala ring any bells in your memory Matayo?"

Matayo's eyes narrowed as he replied.

"Nanaki, you of all creatures should know that I dislike the past being brought up."

Nanaki nodded but persisted.

"I know Matayo but I have to ask you this. It's very important."

Matayo looked irritated.

"What importance could two names hold to me Nanaki and why do you ask this now?"

Nanaki pawed the ground nervously as he responded.

"Well, you see Matayo, during my time in the Pride Lands these past two weeks, I ran into two lions who believe that you are their long lost son."

Matayo growled as he spoke to Nanaki.

"Didn't I make it clear to you before you left here that you were to not have any contact with any of the Pridelanders?"

Nanaki lowered his head and nodded.

"Yes, you did Matayo but I really didn't mean for this to happen but if this is true…"

Matayo quickly cut him off.

"Don't you think I would know who my parents are Nanaki and can't you even see why the Pridelanders would say such a thing? They want to try and stop our attack on their land because they know we'll win."

Nanaki looked puzzled.

"But how would the Pridelanders even know that we were going to attack them Matayo/"

Matayo quickly replied.

"No Pride could be that dense. They must have figured out by now why Tsavo had faked his injuries just to be welcomed into the Pride Lands." Matayo's face melted into a sly grin. "I'm sure you didn't tell them anything about our Plans?" he said to Nanaki in a sarcastic tone.

Nanaki shook his head and laughed slightly.

"Of course not Matayo. Why would I do a thing like that?"

Matayo joined Nanaki in laughter as he spoke.

"I know you wouldn't do anything like that Nanaki. I know I can trust you fully."

Nanaki nodded to Matayo and smiled.

"That you can Matayo."

Matayo stretched and yawned. It was very late and he could see that Nanaki was worn out from his trip.

"Why don't you get a good night's rest now Nanaki. You look bushed."

Nanaki stood up and stretched.

"That sounds like a good idea Matayo."

Matayo smiled a sly grin once more as Nanaki was leaving the cave.

"Rest well Nanaki, we're moving out tomorrow for the Pride Lands."

Nanaki froze in his tracks after hearing Matayo's words. He turned his head and looked at Matayo.

"Tomorrow? But I thought it would be another two weeks or so before we moved in?"

Matayo shrugged.

"Well, looks like there's been a change of plans now hasn't there. That's not a problem is it?" he asked as he continued to smile at Nanaki.

Nanaki quickly shook his head.

"No Matayo, just kind of a shock is all."

Matayo nodded.

"Don't worry yourself about it Nanaki. Get some rest. Of all the Pride Members here, you deserve it the most."

Nanaki nodded to Matayo as he exited the cave. After he was gone, Matayo turned his attention to Moja. He nuzzled her affectionately as he spoke to her.

"You did well Moja. I can see you truly were a superb Scouting Party Leader in your old pride, as Nanaki never knew that you were following his every move. You've done well for your Pride but I have one last task for you to complete, in order to prove to me that your heart is with this Pride and this Pride alone."

Nanaki entered his cave and flopped himself upon the ground. His mind was racing at the sudden turn of events. He had told the Pridelanders that Matayo was going to attack them in a month's time but now due to Matayo's unforeseen change of plans, the Pridelanders might be caught off guard. He knew he was going to have to somehow inform them about this new development but he was too tired from his previous trip to head back there tonight so he decided that he'd leave first thing in the morning. It didn't take long before he was sleeping soundly. A little while later however, Nanaki awoke in the darkness of his cave. He could sense that he wasn't alone in the cave. He turned and looked up as his eyes started to adjust to the pitch black scene around him. His eyes met with those of Moja's. Nanaki was startled by Moja's presence.

"Moja, what are you doing here?" he asked her in a perplexed tone.

With a lightning fast movement and precision, Moja sank her teeth deep into Nanaki's throat. Nanaki was caught off guard by Moja's sudden actions and he tried to cry out but Moja quickly drove her claws into his face, holding his mouth firmly between her paws. She held her grip tightly and watched as Nanaki tried to struggle free from her grip. She could taste the blood from Nanaki's neck and it made her want to vomit but she resisted. As the life slowly faded from Nanaki's body, Moja thought to herself. What had she just done? Matayo had told her to get rid of Nanaki because he could no longer be trusted and by doing this, this would prove to him once and for all that she was a true member of the Lowlands Pride as well as his Queen and mate. Had this occurred months ago, she would have never even thought of performing such a heinous act but the past month living at the Lowlands had changed Moja completely. As she released the lifeless body of Nanaki from her mouth, she looked down upon her stained claws. The leopard's blood dripped off the ends of her claws and plummeted to the floor of the cave. As she turned to leave the vicious scene, the last bit of what used to be her soul and morals seemed to leave her body for good. She walked back to Matayo's cave and took her place next to her sleeping mate. She was now the Queen of the Lowlands and perhaps soon to be Queen of the Pride Lands but at what cost?

As she dozed off next to her mate, she could feel him stirring in his sleep. Matayo's dreams were filled with bits and pieces of scenes he vaguely remembered from his past. Scenes of two loving parents who he thought he remembered from some point in time yet he couldn't quite make out their faces or voices. Scenes of a childhood, long lost within his memory. Scenes of times that may have been but he just wasn't able to remember any details about them. Was what Nanaki had told him really true? Could he, in fact, really have parents somewhere who still missed him and if so, why couldn't he remember anything about them? What had happened to him before that day he had escaped from the jaws of death? These memories continued to allude Matayo as the night wore on.

The following morning, Matayo gathered all the lions and lionesses in the area, as well as Tsavo, Rama and Moja. Together, the small group started to make their way towards the Pride Lands. Noticing the absence of Nanaki, Rama turned to Tsavo.

"Hey, did Nanaki ever come back from his trip to the Pride Lands?"

Tsavo nodded.

"Yeah, I saw him come back last night."

Rama looked confused.

"Well where is he now then? If we're going to take over the Pride Lands, shouldn't he be with us?"

Tsavo scowled.

"I could care less where he is Rama. We'll be fine without that useless leopard anyways. I doubt he'd have the heart for war anyways."

Rama sighed.

"Maybe not."

Hearing the conversation the two were having, Moja's mind replayed her actions the night before. She was still in disbelief about what she had done but the odd part about it was, she felt no remorse for what she had done. She merely walked next to her mate as they made their way through the Outlands. Matayo's mind was swimming with a mix of emotions but he had to keep his mind on the task at paw. His plan was now in motion and the fight for the Pride Lands was now underway.

Chapter 20

Malkia shifted uneasily in the tall grass of the Pride Lands. Once again, she was plunged into the dream she had been having for the past several months but this time around, it was a bit different. She watched as the two familiar lionesses before her were locked in combat. Once again, one of the lionesses was pinned down to the ground as the other stood above her with claws outstretched. Malkia knew what was coming next, so she tried to move from her position in the grass. Success, she was able to move and she ran up closer to the two feuding lionesses. She tried to cry out but still, her voice could not be heard. She reached the site where the two lionesses were but it was too late once again. The lioness on top drove her claws deep into the helpless lioness's neck below her. Malkia watched in horror as the lioness removed her claws from her victim's neck. She gasped as she saw the crimson red droplets falling off the lioness's claws down to the grass below. The lioness turned and looked at Malkia with dark emotionless eyes. Malkia stared deeply into them. She knew them from somewhere but there was something different about them. As the lioness spoke to her, Malkia's memory finally pieced the two clues together. The lioness standing before her was Moja but not how Malkia had remembered her being. This version of Moja was cold and uncaring and the look in her eyes sent shivers down Malkia's body whenever she gazed into them. As the lioness spoke to her this time, Malkia was expecting to hear the same phrase her past dreams had always ended with but instead, the lioness turned to her and said.

"Malkia, Help me."

Malkia didn't know what to say. She once again tried to speak but again, her voice failed her. Malkia could only watch as the lioness before her began to fade out of sight, continuing to ask her for her help.

Malkia awoke with a jolt. Her dream had ended and she was now thrust back into the realm of reality. She looked around the cave. Ever since Nanaki's unexpected visit to the Pride Lands, All the main members of the Pride had assumed residence in the cave amidst Pride Rock. Malkia could see Vitani and Kikay sleeping soundly a few yards from where she and her brother were laying. She strained her eyes and looked towards the entrance of the cave. It was still night outside and she was still tired. Malkia repositioned herself next to her mother's warm body and closed her eyes.

It was nearing dusk the following day when Matayo and his forces arrived at the outskirts of the Pride Lands. He had led his small band of Pride Members through the Outlands at a good pace and they had arrived at just the right time. Upon seeing the Pride Lands, Matayo's memory started to flash memories of past events that he never even remembered happening. He did his best to clear his mind. Matayo gathered everyone together and went over his plan.

"We've arrived at what could be our new home. Take a good look around you. What you see is a new place for us to live, full of plenty of food to eat and fresh water sources. The land here is rich and worth fighting for. I've chosen this place because I think it will suit us well as our new home. Now I'm depending on you all to fight for it with all your heart and soul. The Pridelanders won't give up their land easily but I promise you that if we are triumphant, everyone in the Pride shall live a much better life."

He turned to Moja.

"Together Moja, you and I will rule over this land."

He then split everyone into groups and gave them their individual orders.

"As we are arriving here at the Pride Lands most likely unexpectedly, I'm sure the Pridelanders won't be prepared for a full scale attack, however, our numbers are rather small compared to what I'm sure they have so I'm choosing to take a more stealthy approach to this take over."

Rama spoke up briefly.

"Wasn't Nanaki's job to check out their forces Matayo and speaking of Nanaki, where is he? Shouldn't he be here to help?"

Matayo smiled at the cheetah.

"Oh my dear friend Nanaki won't be joining us this time around Rama. I'm afraid that the only ones who will meet up with Nanaki now are those that cross our path on this day."

Rama was shocked by what he was hearing.

"You don't mean…" he started to say but was quickly silenced by Matayo.

"Don't dwell on the past Rama unless you too wish to join Nanaki in his eternal resting place?"

Rama stayed quiet as Matayo continued to review his plans.

"Now, from what I've learned thus far, there are four main Pride Members here that stand between us and our new kingdom. Kiara and Kovu, the current Queen and King of these Pride Lands and Simba and Nala, the former rulers of these lands. Once we eliminate them out of the picture, the rest will fall into place. Tsavo, you take one of our extra lions here and find the two current leaders of the pride, Kiara and Kovu. Rama, you take a lion and find Simba and Nala. Moja and I, along with the rest of the members will work our way into the heart of the Pride Lands. I expect you all to show no mercy when faced against your advasaries. We must all do our part in order to claim our right to this new land. I trust you all won't fail in your orders. Now let's move out!"

The small group divided and went their separate ways as they all entered the Pride Lands.

As Simba walked through the grass of the Pride Lands, he thought about Matayo, the cub he and his mate had thought they lost over three years ago. Ever since Nanaki the leopard had paid them a visit, Simba and Nala had discussed the possibility that their son may still be alive. Simba missed Matayo still to this day and even the slightest chance of his offspring still being alive gave Simba new hope. He knew that he would have to see for himself when the day came that the Lowlanders were going to attack the Pride Lands, whether or not the Matayo Nanaki spoke of was in fact his son or not.

Simba continued to make his way through the Pride Lands but suddenly stopped. He could sense that he was being followed. He quickly turned and looked off in the distance. He wasn't able to see anyone or anything in the grass behind him so he turned once more and started walking again. He walked a few more paces but then paused again. He looked behind him but again, he saw nothing. As he turned his head back in front of him, he was startled to see an unknown lion standing ahead of him.

"You there," Simba called out to the strange lion. "Who are you?"

The lion said nothing as Simba slowly approached him.

"State your business now," Simba said as he neared the lion's position in the grass.

Again, the lion said nothing as he held his place. Simba started to feel uneasy as he spoke once more.

"I'll ask you once more, who…"

As he spoke, suddenly he was blindsided by Rama. Rama ran past Simba with impressive speed and pawed Simba directly on one of his front legs. Simba roared, more in surprise rather in pain as Rama's strength wasn't very powerful. Simba turned to face the direction that the cheetah had darted off in and as he turned his body, the lion standing before him saw an opening. He charged Simba and leapt upon him with claws fully extended. Simba bellowed as the lion's claws dug into his fur. He struck the lion across the face with a mighty paw. The lion released his grip from Simba and retreated a few yards. As Simba turned to give chase, he was hit once more by Rama, with lightning fast movements. Simba snarled angrily as he looked around once more. He was unable to see Rama in the tall grass of the Pride Lands. The stealthy cheetah blended in perfectly with the color of the grass and each time Simba turned to scan the surrounding area for Rama's location, he was once again, attacked by the other lion. If it had only been just the single lion, Simba would have had no trouble disposing of such a threat but with the addition of Rama, who Simba was barely able to pin point at times, the odds didn't seem to be in Simba's favor. As Simba fought back the lion once more, his mind raced to think of a way to bring the odds in his favor. He knew the cheetah was fast and being in the long grass of the Pride Lands wasn't helping matters. He needed a place where speed wouldn't be an option and where there was no cover to conceal oneself in. It took Simba a few minutes but finally he thought of the perfect place.

The lion charged Simba once more and Simba was ready for it. As the lion came into range, Simba leapt to one side, causing the lion to pass by him and as he did so, Simba raked his claws along the lion's side. It was a critical strike and the lion cried out in pain as he felt Simba's claws tearing into him. Simba knew that Rama was watching from somewhere in the long grass so he darted off quickly. Rama ran up to the lion, who was gingerly licking his gaping wound.

"Come on," Rama said impatiently to the lion sitting before him. "We have to follow him."

The injured lion looked up and glared at Rama.

"Can't you see I'm hurt here? Give me a minute."

Rama jeered at him uncaringly.

"You call yourself a Lowlander, fine you sit here and cry over your little scratch. I'm going to finish the job. Catch up after you're done crying."

With that, Rama ran off in the direction Simba had headed. With Rama's speed, it didn't take long for him to catch up to where Simba had recently been. He saw small drops of blood leading down a rather steep hill.

"I guess he went down this way." Rama thought to himself as he carefully made his way down the incline. He looked around. He had never seen such a place in his life. It was a dark eery location and from what Rama could see, it looked as if it was full of bones from creatures long passed. As he peered into the darkness, he spotted Simba in the distance.

"So there you are old timer." Rama said as he advanced slowly towards Simba.

Simba stood his ground as he spoke.

"So you must be Rama of the Lowlands Pride I take it? Why are you here? What business do you have being here?"

Rama shunned him.

"Is that any way to welcome your new neighbors? Well I guess it won't matter seeing as you will no longer be living in the Pride Lands for very long. Come to think of it, after I get through with you old timer, you won't be living at all."

Simba scowled at Rama.

"I've dealt with creatures way beyond your skill level cheetah so I wouldn't be so confident if I were you."

Rama laughed.

"You have no idea what my skill level is but you'll soon find out."

Rama started towards Simba but Simba quickly turned and ran further into the Elephant Graveyard. Rama chuckled.

"Running away are we? Don't think I won't come after you in there." He said as he darted after Simba.

"That's what I'm counting on." Simba thought to himself as he made his way swiftly through the maze like area. He knew his way through the Elephant Graveyard better than any of the Pridelanders. He had taken many visits to the area on his daily rounds when he was King of the Pride Lands and even after, he walked here many times with Kovu.

Rama made his way through the twisting paths of the Elephant Graveyard as best he could. He could make out Simba's figure in the gloomy distance and tried his best to keep up but he was unsure of the terrain and he kept hearing hissing sounds emitting from the ground below him. He kept a weary eye out on his surroundings as he ran. As he rounded a corner, he spotted Simba standing several yards from him.

"Finally decided to stop running did we/"

Rama asked as he casually sharpened his claws on one of the nearby rock walls.

Simba's expression looked serious.

"I don't know why you're here Rama but I'll give you one last chance to leave the Pride Lands. You and your fellow Pride Members have already caused enough trouble here as is so whatever fate befalls you, I'm sure it will be well deserving."

Rama laughed.

"You're asking me to leave when I have you right where I want you? That sounds like the words of a desperate creature who knows they're beat. Just look at yourself. Those injuries on your body don't look minor to me."

It was true. Simba had sustained quite a few wounds due to the lion and Rama but he still held his position.

"It'll take a lot more than what you have, to defeat me cheetah."

Rama grinned.

"I sure hope that's true for the rest of your Pride Members or I'd say that this take over will be an easy victory for us."

Simba's heart raced as the prospects of the other Pridelanders being in peril crossed his mind. He had to finish this fight quickly and return to help the others. Rama could sense his worry and laughed.

"Don't worry yourself too much. Your friends and especially your mate, will be joining you in the afterlife soon enough but I'll make sure you're there to greet them."

Rama charged Simba at full speed. Simba could feel the hissing of the earth below him growing stronger and he knew he would have to time this just right. He waited till Rama was just a few paces away from him before leaping to one side. Just as he did so, a large burst of boiling hot steam irrupted from the earth behind where Simba was standing mere moments ago. Rama was caught off guard and ran head long into the jet of powerful steam. It burned his eyes and he cried out in pain. Simba knew now was the time to finish this. He charged Rama, who was very disoriented and flailing about, trying to clear his vision. Simba struck the cheetah with a forceful strike. He felt his claws rip harshly into Rama's pelt. Rama yelped in pain and tried to swipe the spot where he thought Simba was but his paw merely sailed through the air. Simba circled the cheetah and charged once more. This time, he clipped Rama's hind paws, causing the cheetah to fall to the ground. As quick as a flash, Simba leapt atop the struggling cheetah and tightly wrapped his paws around the cheetah's neck. Feeling his air supply being cut off, Rama kicked franticly to free himself. His hind claws scratched Simba's stomach repeatedly but Simba held his grip firmly. As Rama's body began to relax, Simba looked into Rama's eyes as he spoke.

"I'm sorry it had to come to this but the safety of my friends and my mate takes priority over everything."

Rama's eyes showed no regret as they slowly closed for the last time. Simba released his grip on the departed cheetah and turned to leave. He saw the lion, who he had previous been fighting with in the Pride Lands, staring at him. Simba growled and spoke in a low tone.

"I've already had to end one life today, I don't want to have to do it again. Get out of the Pride Lands and never show your face here again if you value your life!"

The lion needed no extra convincing as he turned and hightailed it out of the Elephant Graveyard. Simba took one last glance at the lifeless body of Rama before he too made his way out. His mind reminded him that there might be other Lowlanders in the Pride Lands and his first concern was Nala, who he had left at their den.

Tsavo and a fellow lion Pride Member made their way towards Pride Rock. Tsavo knew that this was the main area where Kovu and Kiara stayed and he was hoping to find Kiara alone. As they crept up the side of Pride Rock, Tsavo peered into the cave. He saw Kovu and Kiara sitting together, talking quietly amongst themselves. He pulled back and signaled for his other Pride Member to follow him. He spoke to him in a low whisper.

"There are two lions in there. They are the current Queen and King of the Pride Lands. It's up to us to take them out."

The lion nodded to Tsavo.

"So what's your plan?" he asked.

Tsavo thought for a moment before replying.

"You're going to run in and catch them by surprise. Go after Kovu, the male lion and try and bring him down."

The lion looked nervous.

"But what are you going to do Tsavo?"

Tsavo grinned.

"I'll run in after you and help once you catch them of guard."

The lion still looked nervous about Tsavo's plan.

"But what if they both come after me? Shouldn't we charge them together?"

Tsavo scowled angrily at the lion next to him.

"Listen, I outrank you in this Pride and I expect you to follow my orders without question, now you better do as I told you to do unless you want to be killed before those other two are!"

The lion swallowed hard.

"Ok Tsavo, I trust you. Just let me know when."

The two readied themselves outside of the cave entrance and upon Tsavo's command, the lion charged headlong into the cave.

"Kovu, look out!" Kiara cried as she saw the strange lion charging into the cave.

Kovu turned his head just in time to see the lion leaping towards him. He did his best to dodge the attack but was still struck by the lion's paws. Seeing as he had missed his intended attack, the lion quickly wheeled around and charged again.

"Who are you and what's your problem?" Kovu shouted as he fended off the lion's attack once more.

The lion said nothing but merely continued the onslaught. Kiara sat frozen in disbelief from what she was seeing. She wasn't quite sure of what to make of the scene but it only took her a few moments to realize that her mate might need help so she rose to her feet. The second she did so, Tsavo entered the cave at a breakneck speed and leapt upon her, pinning her back to the ground. He quickly thrust his claws close to Kiara's neck.

"Kiara!" Kovu cried out as he tried to run to the aid of his mate but the lion quickly intercepted him.

Tsavo laughed wickedly.

"I wouldn't make any sudden movements if I were you Kovu."

Kovu struck the persistent lion with a forceful blow with his paw. The lion backed off as blood spilled onto the ground of the cave.

"Leave her alone Tsavo!" Kovu demanded as he snarled fiercely at him.

Tsavo continued to laugh as he spoke.

"Do you think I'd really hurt such a lovely lioness?" he said as he pressed his claws closer to Kiara's neck. Kiara gasped for a breath as Tsavo's claws neared her fur.

Kovu stared at Tsavo with vengeful eyes.

"You coward! If you're truly a lion, leave her out of this and fight!"

Tsavo shook his head.

"It looks like you have enough on your plate as it is Kovu, besides I like being close to Kiara." He gently stroked the length of her fur with one of his paws.

Kovu's anger was starting to boil over and as the other lion in the cave advanced upon him, he suddenly turned and attacked. He clawed the surprised lion with vicious swipes of his paws. The surprised lion cowered down and tried to defend himself but Kovu's rage had taken over him.

"Tsavo, help me out!" the lion cried out to his Pride Member but Tsavo made no motion to assist his jeopardized comrade. Kiara stared up at Tsavo's face and saw the expression of enjoyment that he was getting from seeing his Pride Member getting ripped to pieces. It made her blood boil. Kovu continued to slash the lion, who was now lying on the floor of the cave, barely moving. Tsavo laughed as Kovu, now finished with his opponent, turned his attention back to Tsavo.

"Such hatred you show Kovu. I hope that wasn't intended for me?"

Kovu growled at Tsavo as he started towards him but once more, Tsavo pressed his sharp claws against Kiara's neck.

"Stay where you are Kovu or so help me I'll spill your mate's blood."

Kovu narrowed his eyes at Tsavo.

"What do you want?" He asked in a low menacing tone.

Tsavo dawned an evil smile.

"Isn't it obvious? We're here to take over the Pride Lands."

Kovu continued to bare his teeth at Tsavo as he spoke.

"So I guess your plans went just as you had expected them to go? Send in one Pride Member to trick us into thinking an attack was coming when in fact, it had already been underway?"

Upon hearing this, Tsavo burst out laughing.

"Ahh. So that stupid leopard did end up turning his back on us. It's a good thing that Matayo is a great leader and saw this coming. I'm sure Nanaki met an unpleasant fate due to his actions."

"So you're telling us that he was telling the truth?" Kovu asked.

Tsavo nodded.

"He told you what he was told back in the Lowlands, so if you want to call that the truth, then yes he did but unbeknownst to him, Matayo had a secondary plan just in case Nanaki's tongue should slip but you needn't worry about that for you can ask him yourselves when you join him in eternal rest."

"So what are you going to do then?" asked Kovu as he held his ground.

Tsavo grinned.

"Well after I take care of you two, perhaps I'll hunt down your cubs and ring the life out of them as well. Doesn't that sound like a good idea Kiara?"

Tsavo looked down at Kiara's face, expecting to see a look of despair and anguish but the look he saw froze him solid. Kiara's eyes met with Tsavo's and Tsavo felt her burning stare. It made him feel uneasy as he spoke.

"Don't look at me like that." He said as he nervously fidgeted around.

Kiara's emotions were at her breaking point. She had had enough of Tsavo and she couldn't take it anymore. Without warning, she jerked her body to one side, knocking Tsavo off balance, if only for a moment. She then quickly kicked her hind quarters upwards into Tsavo's stomach and drug her claws roughly along his underbelly. Tsavo roared in pain as he moved away from her but with another quick motion, Kiara was on her feet and charged him. Tsavo was not expecting such a fight from a mere lioness and he was unprepared. Kiara raked her claws at him viciously. Kovu watched in disbelief. He had never seen his mate in such a furious state. Kiara clawed Tsavo over and over, scoring various wounds across his body. He ran to the back of the cave and tried to regroup himself but Kiara persisted. With a mighty leap, she pounced upon him, sinking her claws and teeth deep into his pelt. She held tight as she drug him to the ground. Kovu watched as his mate pinned Tsavo to the ground. Tsavo's blood was slowly leaving from the many injuries he had just received at the paws of Kiara. Kiara wrapped her paws around Tsavo's neck and looked deep into his fading eyes as she spoke.

"Ever since you showed your face in the Pride Lands, you've caused us nothing but trouble. What you did to me on that unforgettable day can never be taken back and what you took from me that day can never be replaced! You don't deserve any mercy for your actions!"

Tsavo looked up at her. Even in his weakened condition, he still managed an awkward smile.

"It doesn't matter what you do Kiara, your Pride Lands will belong to the Lowlanders whether you like it or not. Killing me won't give you back what I took from you on that day." He said as he strained to laugh.

Kiara's eyes narrowed as she looked deep into Tsavo's eyes for the last time.

"That maybe true," she said in a serious voice. "But it's a hell of a start!" With this said, Kiara drove her claws deep into Tsavo's neck. The life quickly flowed out of him and his eyes glazed over as he lay still.

Kiara let go of Tsavo's motionless corpse and walked over to her mate. She buried her head into his fur as tears started to escape her eyes. Kovu put his paws around her as he comforted her.

"It's ok Kiara."

She looked up into her mate's caring eyes.

"We have to go help the others now. If what Tsavo said is true, everyone else may be in trouble."

Kovu nodded to his mate and with one final glance at the unsavory scene before them, they turned and ran out of the cave.

Chapter 21

Moja, Matayo and the few remaining Pride lions walked along the path Moja was leading them down. Matayo had requested for her to lead him to where Simba and Nala's den was and since Moja had been a former Pridelander herself, she knew her way easily around the Pride Lands. The small group stopped about a hundred yards away from a cave in the Pride Lands. Moja motioned towards the cave.

"That is where Simba and Nala stay." She said to Matayo.

Matayo nodded but as Moja started to walk forward with the rest of the Pride lions, he stopped her.

"Hold on Moja, I'm going to handle this matter on my own."

Moja stopped and turned to look at her mate.

"Why?" she asked questionably. "If we all attack Simba and Nala together, it will be over quickly."

Matayo nodded but replied.

"That's true but I need to handle this on my own nevertheless. I need you to take the other lions here and take care of any other Pridelanders who might still be in our way."

Moja frowned.

"I thought we'd do everything together though Matayo. Isn't that what a Queen and King do?"

Matayo sighed.

"Yes, but this matter is a bit personal. I don't want to bring you into it."

Moja scowled.

"Are you thinking about what Nanaki said to you? I heard you say it clearly yourself. It must have been a lie to try and keep us from taking over the Pride Lands. What makes you think differently now?"

Matayo shrugged.

"Lately, ever since we've arrived in these Pride Lands, my mind has been playing tricks on me. I keep seeing images of stuff that seems vaguely familiar to me but I'm not sure why. I just need to know the truth for myself I guess."

Moja sighed and shook her head.

"What happened to not dwelling in the past Matayo? That's the first thing you taught me when I decided to be your Queen. You told me to completely forget about my past, as it had no value anymore in your Pride. I did that for you, along with other things that I might have regretted under normal circumstances but I did them for you and now you're saying you want to find out the truth about your past?"

Matayo looked into Moja's eyes as he spoke.

"I know you've given up so much for me Moja but I can't rest until I do something about these thoughts in my mind. Despite that, I need you to do your duties as my Queen. Take the others and make sure the rest of the Pridelanders are taken care of. I'll come find you when my business here is done. Please trust me on this matter."

Moja sighed once more but nodded.

"As you wish Matayo."

She turned and made her way off into the distance of the Pride Lands, followed closely by the rest of the Pride lions. As he watched Moja leave, Matayo's mind continued to nag him about his blurry past. He turned and looked ahead of him at the cave in which his so-called parents might be staying. He wondered to himself if he should even believe what Nanaki had told him. They had been friends for as long as he could remember, and up until lately, he had trusted his friend and former Pride Member wholeheartedly but there was a part of him that didn't want to believe that he had parents here. He stood still for a while before he finally decided to approach the cave. As he neared the entrance of the cave, he paused and listened for signs of life coming from within. He could hear the quiet but distinct sounds of relaxed breathing coming from the cave. Someone was inside and most likely asleep. He slowly made his way into the cave and let his eyes adjust to the darkness inside. He saw, lying before him, a lioness. Matayo looked at the sleeping lioness and his eyes scanned her body. When he reached her face, the sight that greeted him caused his mind to replay even more events that he barely remembered. He saw this lioness in his thoughts, standing above him with a warm smile etched on her face. Her eyes looked down upon him with such a caring nature that it made him feel safe and secure. Matayo shook his head. This couldn't be. It had to be a trick his mind was playing on him. He growled softly at the thought of Nanaki's words. That leopard had probably made this all up just to trick him. There was no way that this lioness before him could in fact be his mother. She looked so peaceful resting before him and he could sense nothing bad about her. He thought to himself for quite some time as he stared down upon her. Suddenly, the sleeping lioness moved in her sleep. Matayo was quickly snapped back into reality and he readied himself as he growled softly.

Nala opened her eyes slowly. It was extremely dark inside the den and she looked around the cave. She could sense the presence of another creature.

"Simba, is that you?" she said in a quiet tone.

Upon hearing her voice, Matayo's mind once more flashed scenes of times Matayo never recalled. Her voice was familiar to him but he couldn't understand why. The gentle tone and caring nature of it reminded him of someone he had known for ages but had long forgotten about.

As Nala's eyes adjusted to the darkness around her, she sighted the lion standing before her. Her eyes became wide as her mouth dropped open.

"Ma…Matayo? Is that you?" she asked in disbelief.

Matayo said nothing and Nala shook her head.

"I must be dreaming." She said as she slowly reached a paw out to touch the lion before her. Matayo pulled back and snarled at her. She quickly pulled her paw back to her side but continued to stare into the strange but familiar lion's eyes. The two sat there, stunned by each other's look for quite some time. The more time that passed, the more Nala realized that she wasn't dreaming and that this lion standing before her was not a figment of her imagination. She slowly sat up and spoke to him.

"Who are you?" she asked calmly.

Matayo held his ground and kept his eyes fixated on her as he spoke.

"I am Matayo, Pride Leader of the Lowlands Pride."

Nala's eyes widened once more as she heard the lion speak his name.

"Matayo? Can it really be?" she asked once more as she peered into his eyes.

Matayo replied.

"Do you know me from somewhere because I don't believe I know you?"

As Nala looked upon Matayo, her mind reverted back several years to the times when Simba and her had a young cub in their possession. She recalled the day he was born and the first time she had locked eyes with her first ever cub. As she stared into Matayo's eyes now, she knew without a shadow of a doubt, that this was indeed her long lost son. Her eyes started to fill with tears as she spoke to him.

"Yes Matayo, I do know you. Your father and I thought you had died long ago. We searched everywhere in the Pride Lands for you but weren't able to find any traces of where you had gone off too. You might not remember, but I'm Nala, your mother."

Once again, Matayo's mind began flashing memories past him but he still didn't' want to believe what he was hearing.

"How do I know that this isn't some sort of a lie?" he asked her uneasily.

Nala did her best to speak inbetween sobs.

"You don't remember me Matayo? You can't remember your life as a cub here in the Pride Lands?"

Matayo shook his head.

"The only life I know is the one I lived in the Lowlands."

Nala's heart sank as she looked at Matayo longingly.

"What happened to you Matayo?" She asked as she scanned the length of his body. She could see the various scars that traced along his fur.

Matayo growled at her.

"That's none of your concern."

Nala stood to her feet and slowly walked towards Matayo. Matayo pulled back as he saw her coming towards him.

"Please Matayo," she said as she once more extended a paw towards him.

Simba rushed into his den. He had been a few yards away from the cave when he had heard a cry coming from it. He saw before him a large lion standing above his mate, who was lying on the ground, bleeding from a cut on her face. Simba snarled ruthlessly as he charged the strange lion. Matayo turned to see Simba leaping towards him. He dodged and swiped his paws at Simba. Due to his previous encounters with Rama and the other lion, Simba's reactions were rather slow and he was caught by Matayo's claws. Simba roared and retaliated with a strike of his own. His paw connected against Matayo's shoulder but Simba's strength was almost used up. Matayo pushed Simba's paw off him roughly and struck him firmly on his cheek. Simba's strength gave out and he collapsed under his own weight. Matayo quickly stood over him with a raised paw, claws ready to strike.

"Matayo stop! Don't do it." Nala cried out. She had made it back to her feet and she rushed towards them.

Simba looked up suddenly into his attacker's eyes.

"Matayo?" He said in a weak tone.

Matayo's head suddenly hurt. As he peered down at the lion below him, his mind felt like it was going to split apart. Memories flashed by him at a blurring speed and he wasn't able to think straight. He leapt off Simba and held his head with his paws.

"Why, Why do you both make me feel the way I do. I can't remember anything about you two yet you seem so familiar to me."

Nala helped her mate rise to his feet and the both of them walked over to Matayo.

"Please Matayo, let us try and help you remember your past." Nala said softly to her son. "This is Simba, your father. Can you remember anything about him?"

Matayo looked up into Simba's eyes. He knew his face from somewhere and as he heard his father speak, more memories flooded his head.

"Matayo. It's me, Simba, your father. I thought I lost you so long ago. What happened to you?"

Matayo pulled away and crouched in the corner of the cave.

"I don't know what's happening to me but I can't handle it right now. Please leave me be."

Nala spoke.

"We want to help you Matayo. We care dearly about you and no matter who you think we are, we both know that you are indeed our son Matayo. We raised you and loved you so much and we still do. I don't know what has happened to you but please, try and remember back when you were a cub, living in the Pride Lands. Don't you recall anything? Simba, me, your cub-hood friend Nuka?"

Upon hearing the name Nuka being spoken, Matayo's head filled with painful memories that had been blocked for years. Everything was starting to fall into place in his mind but it was overwhelming to him.

"Please just leave me alone!" He cried out as he covered his head with his paws. Nala was about to speak again but Simba stopped her.

"Nala, I think its best that we leave him be for now. It looks like this is quite a shock for him and it might not be good to press the matter further right now."

Nala looked hopelessly at her son, who looked to be in a great deal of mental anguish but she finally nodded her head. Remembering the urgency of the situation Simba had discovered earlier, he turned and spoke to Matayo in a serious manner.

"Matayo, I have to ask you, are there other Lowlander's here in the Pride Lands?"

Nala looked at Simba with a shocked expression.

"What do you mean Simba?" She asked him. She finally noticed the many wounds draped across Simba's body. She had been to preoccupied by the return of her long lost son to notice Simba's condition but now that she was more composed, she saw the poor state he was in.

"Oh, my Simba, what happened to you?" She said in a worried tone as she nuzzled him lovingly.

"The Lowlands Pride is here to take over the Pride Lands and I ran into two of their members."

Nala looked at Matayo in disbelief.

"Is this true Matayo?" she asked but Matayo was in no condition to answer any questions. He only sat, lost in his own confusing state of mind.

"Come on Nala, we have to go find the cubs and the rest of the Pride and make sure they're all safe."

Nala hesitated slightly as she looked once more at her son.

"He'll be fine Nala, we have to go now!" Simba said once more.

Nala nodded and the two lions ran out of the cave, leaving Matayo to his own accord.

Moja and the rest of the Pride lions walked through the Pride Lands at a quick pace. Moja was upset that Matayo had told her to leave him. She wanted to be with him during this crucial time. She thought perhaps that maybe Matayo still didn't have faith in her being a true member of the Lowlands Pride, even though she had done what he bid her to do without question or regret. She had acted against her own morals just to show him that she really wanted to be his Queen. The thought of all she had done for him and given up for herself and the fact that now, he wanted to do his own thing made her furious. She suddenly turned on the small group of lions who were following close behind her and snarled.

"Will you all stop following me! Get out of my sight! I don't need any of you around me!" She bared her teeth and flashed her claws.

The group of lions behind her were taken aback by Moja's sudden mood swing and quickly scattered off in different directions within the Pride Lands. Moja jeered as she watched them all leave. She would show Matayo that she was truly fit to be his Queen one way or another. She would prove her worth to Matayo the only way she knew he would accept her. She would kill the next Pridelander she came across. That would show him that she had no ties to her past here and that she would be his perfect mate.

She walked further along the grassy trail of the Pride Lands until she spotted a lioness sitting in the distance. She stopped in her tracks and peered into the fading light of day. She could make out the lioness who was sitting about a hundred yards from her. It was Vitani.

Chapter 22

Moja watched Vitani from a distance. She had said that she was going to end the life of the next Pridelander she saw and Vitani was it. Despite the strong ties she had with Vitani, Moja still forced herself to go through with her plans. She wanted to prove to Matayo that she was capable of performing her own actions, in order to better the Lowlanders and if that meant fighting a friend of hers, then that was just how it was going to have to be. She walked slowly up to where Vitani was sitting in the grass. She knew that she had nothing to fear about Vitani, as Vitani would merely see her as returning from the Lowlands for a visit quite possibly. She casually called out to her.

"Well, if it isn't Vitani. Miss me any?"

Vitani turned around towards the sound of the voice and a friendly smile emerged onto her face at the sight of Moja.

"Moja!" she exclaimed happily as she jumped to her feet. "I had no idea you were coming. How have you been?"

Moja smiled at her.

"Yes, this is an unexpected visit I must say. I've been doing well, and yourself?"

Vitani paused as she looked at Moja closely. She could see the changes in her friend's appearance and it sparked her curiosity.

"Oh my Moja," Vitani said in a concerned tone. "What's happened to you? You look like you've been really living a rough life in the Lowlands."

Moja laughed innocently.

"Ahh. It's nothing Vitani. Just a few rough times now and then but I'm fine."

Vitani shrugged.

"Well it looks like you've seen better days Moja but its good to see you nonetheless. I hope you are doing well, living in the Lowlands. So what brings you here?"

Moja smiled at Vitani.

"The prospects of a new home Vitani."

Vitani stared at her, confused.

"What do you mean?" She asked

Moja circled around her friend as she spoke.

"It's great Vitani. I left the Pride Lands because I didn't fit in here. I felt like I didn't have a place in this pride but when I showed up at the Lowlands, I found my place in life."

Vitani still looked puzzled but responded.

"Well, that's great Moja. I'm glad you found what you were looking for but if so, why are you here? Have you come for a visit or something?"

Moja shook her head.

"No Vitani, my business here is much more important than a mere visit. You see my mate Matayo has decided to find us a new kingdom to rule over. Apparently, he finds the Pride Lands more to his fancy so we're here to take over."

Vitani looked at Moja with a perplexed expression and then started to laugh.

"Ha ha Moja, That's rich. No seriously though, why are you here?"

Seeing that her words weren't being taken seriously, Moja's tone shifted to a more serious nature.

"This is nothing to laugh about Vitani. I'm telling you the truth."

Vitani's laughter slowly faded as she stared into Moja's eyes. She was starting to feel uncomfortable as she watched Moja circling around her.

"Okay Moja, cut it out now. Tell me really why you're here or I'll be forced to find the other Pride Members to remove you from these lands."

Moja scowled at Vitani.

"Oh come now Vitani, is that any way to treat an old friend of yours?"

Vitani glared at Moja.

"I should be asking you the same thing Moja. We've been friends for some time now and I've never seen you act this oddly before? Did something happen to you in the Lowlands? I'm your friend remember, you can tell me the truth."

Moja smiled at her.

"But I have told you the truth already Vitani. You are just choosing not to listen."

Vitani had had enough of Moja's weird attitude.

"I don't know what's changed about you Moja but right now, I'm choosing to end this conversation so I suggest you leave the Pride Lands before I'm forced to inform the others about your odd behavior."

Moja looked disappointed as she spoke to Vitani in a sarcastic voice.

"Aww. Is that your final choice?"

Vitani scowled at her sarcasm as she turned and called over her shoulder.

"Yes it is Moja. Farewell."

Moja's smile turned into a sneer as she quickly spoke.

"Wrong choice Vitani." She said as she leapt towards her with outstretched claws.

Vitani cried out in pain as she felt Moja dig her claws into her fur. She turned and batted Moja across the face with her paw. The strike hardly seemed to phase Moja as she continued to strike Vitani. Seeing the fierceness in Moja's eyes, Vitani knew that she was going to be fighting for her life. She quickly clipped Moja across the cheek with her paw once more, but with much more strength. Her claws traveled along Moja's face, leaving visible trails of blood as they passed along. Moja released her grip on Vitani as the pain from her face was felt. Vitani turned to run but Moja was quick to stop her. She clawed Vitani's hind legs, causing the lioness to loose her balance. Moja leapt once more upon her and scratched her furiously. Vitani covered her face with her paws to block the onslaught of flying paws and claws aimed towards her. She quickly kicked her feet into Moja's side to free her from her grip. Vitani jumped back to her feet and darted off in the grass of the Pride Lands. Moja quickly chased her down. Her training in the Lowlands along with her past experience as the Scouting Party Leader of the Outlands Pride were coming into play. She was able to catch Vitani easily as she ran after her.

It was getting late and all three young lions had exhausted themselves from hours of playing in the Pride Lands. Malkia, Moran and Kikay followed Timon and Pumbaa through the grassy trails leading back to Pride Rock. It had been a fun day for the cubs and each was in high spirits. As they walked, they continued to playfully pounce upon one another, all the while laughing and enjoying each other's company. Out of no where, Malkia stopped. She perked up her ears and listened.

"Did any of you just here that?" she asked as she scanned the surrounding area about her.

The other's stopped and looked at her.

"Hear what Mal?" Moran asked his sister.

Malkia quickly silenced him as she listened again.

"There, did you hear that?" she said as a faint cry echoing from the distance.

Moran and Kikay both listened and they too were able to detect the soft cries coming from the distance.

"Someone's in trouble," Malkia shouted as she darted off in the direction of the cries.

"Wait Mal!" Moran cried after his sister as he chased after her.

"Moran, wait for me." Kikay cried out as she too gave chase.

Timon and Pumbaa quickly followed the young lions as they ran quickly through the grasslands.

Malkia was first to arrive on the scene and the sight that met her eyes froze her where she stood. Before her, she saw Vitani being attacked by a strange lioness. She focused her eyes upon the unknown lioness and gasped.

"Is that Moja?" she thought to herself as she looked at the lioness in question.

Malkia could see the many scars that now adorned Moja's body and she looked different from the last time she had seen her. As Moran and Kikay arrived on the scene, they two saw the horrible event that was taking place before them. Kikay's eyes widened as she cried out.

"Mom!"

She darted towards her mother but Moran quickly held her back.

"Stop Kikay! It's too dangerous, you're going to get yourself killed!"

Kikay tried to struggle free from Moran's grip as she cried out.

"Let me go! My mom needs help! Let go!"

Moran held his grip as he watched the strange lioness attack Vitani. Timon and Pumbaa arrived on the scene shortly after and were both taken aback by what they saw.

"What's going on here?" Timon asked in bewilderment.

"I don't know Timon but help me hold Kikay! She's going to get hurt if she goes to help her mom!"

Timon did his best to assist in holding the frantic young lioness back. Pumbaa looked dumbfounded by what was going on as he turned to Malkia and spoke.

"Who's that other lioness there Malkia and why is she attacking Vitani?"

Malkia was unable to speak. Her eyes were glued to the scene before her, the scene she had been witness to many times before but never in reality. Was her dream coming true? She watched as Vitani did her best to fend off Moja but Moja was clearly more skilled and it showed. Vitani leapt at Moja with claws drawn but Moja dodged her attack and quickly struck her with a powerful strike to her side. Vitani cried out once more in pain as blood started to trickle down from her body. Kikay cried out in horror at this sight and once again tried to free herself from Moran's and Timon's grip.

"Stop! Please, leave my mom alone!" she shouted but her words seemed to pass through Moja. Moja was totally unaware of the spectators who had joined the scene. Her only focus was on Vitani. She struck her repeatedly with her paws, inflicting numerous wounds. Vitani was running out of strength and her injuries were starting to show.

Malkia sat in the tall grass of the Pride Lands, eyes locked upon the scene playing out before her. She knew how this dream always ended but this time around, it wasn't a dream, it was real and she knew that if she didn't act now, the end would be certain for Vitani. As Moja struck Vitani square in the face, the poor lioness fell to the ground and Moja pinned her firmly on her back. Malkia forced her body to move, she put her legs into motion and darted towards the two lionesses. Seeing his sister's actions Moran cried out.

"Mal! Don't! Come back!" but there was no stopping the young lioness now.

As Moja lifted her paw high into the air with claws fully extended, Malkia leapt onto Vitani's body and laid the length of her body across Vitani's neck.

"Stop Moja! Don't do this!" Malkia cried out as she gazed into Moja's eyes. Seeing the young lion made Moja hesitate.

"Move aside or be killed as well." Moja said in a menacing voice.

Malkia held her position as she spoke.

"Moja, it's me, Malkia! Don't you remember me?"

Moja showed no signs of recollection so Malkia continued to speak.

"What's happened to you Moja? You're not the lioness I remember. Don't you remember how you helped me escape from the Lowlands? You promised me that we'd see each other again but I never thought it would be like this!"

Malkia's voice began to tremble as tears started to fall from her eyes. Moja stared into Malkia's eyes as the young cub began to cry.

"I'll tell you again Cub, move aside or I'll be forced to take your life too!"

Malkia shouted at Moja.

"Stop saying that! The Moja I knew would never hurt anyone! Why are you acting like this Moja? Please, don't you remember who you used to be?"

Moja snarled at the young lioness's persistence as she raised her paw once more into the air.

Seeing this, Malkia shut her eyes tightly as she continued to shout at Moja.

"Remember the last words you spoke to me Moja on that day you helped me return back here to the Pride Lands? You told me to never forget what you had taught me! That we're all free to make our own choices in life! You don't have to do this Moja. Killing Vitani and perhaps even me won't change your life for the better! Think about what you're doing! You told me that not all choices in life would be the right ones and some choices you make, you can never take back for as long as you live! That day, in the Outlands, when you risked your life to save me Moja, to help me get back to the one place I wanted to be at, you made your choice and I thank you for that. Without your help, I would have never made it back home. I know you can't take that choice back and it must have cost you something seeing as the way you are now. Now, I'm making my choice!" She opened her eyes and stared into Moja's eyes. "I'm risking my life to save you!" She shouted.

Moja found herself unable to bring her paw down upon the young lioness. She knew what she wanted to do to prove to Matayo that she was Queen material but all of a sudden, this young lioness's words had changed her mind set. She stopped and thought about what the young lioness had said. "Everyone's free to make their own choices in life." These words seem to refill her spirit and soul that had left her during her time in the Lowlands. She had acted without thinking just to be seen as the way someone else wanted her to be seen as. She had not made these choices for herself. She had ended the life of a creature that had never done her any injustice and never even had thought twice about it. The only thing she had cared about was how Matayo would feel about her after her actions were completed. She suddenly felt sick to her stomach as she lowered her paw slowly.

"What have I become." Moja said in a shaky voice. Her eyes quickly filled with tears as she laid herself down in the grass and wept. Malkia jumped off Vitani's neck and ran up to Moja's side. Moja hugged the young lioness close to her.

"Thank you Malkia." She said as she sobbed.

Malkia buried her face into Moja's fur and started to cry as well.

Moran and Timon released their grip on Kikay, and she ran to her mother's side.

"Mom," she cried as she nuzzled her mother gently. "Are you ok?"

Vitani looked at her daughter weakly.

"Oh, Kikay," she said in a soft tone.

She put a loving paw around her and hugged her close.

Moran walked up to his sister, who still had her face hidden in Moja's fur.

"Malkia," He said as he hugged his sister tightly. Malkia returned his affectionate embrace.

"I'm sorry Moran. I didn't want to worry you but I had to do what I did." She said as she hugged her brother.

Just as Timon and Pumbaa were walking up to the group, Kovu and Kiara arrived on the scene. Seeing Vitani's condition, Kovu rushed over to her.

"Vitani! What happened to you?" He said in an urgent tone.

Vitani looked over at Moja, who had a worried look on her face. If Vitani told Kovu and Kiara of her actions, she would surely be punished for her actions or even worse maybe. She lowered her head and listened for Vitani's response.

"It's ok Kovu, I'll be ok, we just had a small run in with a group of Lowlanders. Lucky for us, Moja happened to be in the area and helped us."

Moja looked at Vitani, shocked by what she had just heard. Kovu nodded his head.

"We too had a run in with some Lowlanders but it's over now."

Kiara gathered her two cubs and nuzzled them lovingly.

"I'm so glad you two are safe." She turned to Moja and spoke. "Thank you Moja for helping them out and keeping them safe."

Moja could feel the guilt building within her and she wasn't able to respond. She merely stared at the ground.

A few minutes later, Simba and Nala showed up. After they had been informed of what had taken place moments ago, the small group tended to each other's injuries. Aside from the cubs and Timon and Pumbaa, all the lions were in pretty poor shape. They all sported various injuries and they looked to be a sorry bunch at a glance. As they sat underneath the growing night sky, Moja suddenly sensed the oncoming danger. She jumped to her feet and peered into the grass ahead of her. Her heart froze as she saw the remaining Pride lions from the Lowlands advancing upon the group of Pridelanders. As the half dozen or so lions approached, the other Pridelanders caught sight of them too. The adults quickly put the cubs behind them as they lined up next to each other to form a barrier between the cubs and the approaching threat. Moja stood her ground inbetween both the forces. She turned and looked at the Lowland lions. She knew she had to try and drive them away somehow as the Pridelanders were in very bad shape physically and pit against these forces, Moja feared that the Lowlanders would easily claim victory.

"Hold your position!" Moja shouted at the advancing Lowlands forces.

Her words were not heeded and the forces continued to advance. Moja growled angrily as she shouted again.

"Do you dare to disobey your Queen?"

Simba, Nala, Kovu and Kiara looked baffled by what they heard.

A single lion stepped forward out of the ranks of the Lowland lions.

"From what we've seen from you Moja, you're loyalty is not with the Lowlands Pride so we don't take orders from you. Matayo has promised us a new life as long as we get rid of these Pridelanders here and it seems that you are one of them so if you're life must be taken to achieve our goal, then so be it."

Moja sighed. She had tried but it was apparent that the Lowlanders had seen her previous actions. The only thing she could do now was stand her ground.

The two forces stood face to face under the night sky, each side staring down the other. The tension could be felt as time seemed to stand still. Something was going to give and the end result could be fatal.

Chapter 23

As the two opposing forces faced each other under the night sky of the Pride Lands, a cold wind blew across the grass. At any moment, either side could charge and the fight for the Pride Lands would be settled. Simba and company held their ground, despite the poor condition each of them was in. This was their home, their land and they would defend it to the death if they had to, not only for themselves, but for the sake of their cubs. The Lowlanders also had a reason to fight. They wanted to fight for this land not only because it was a new, and perhaps a better place to thrive in rather than the Lowlands but also to prove their loyalty to their Pride Leader Matayo.

The atmosphere was tense and uneasy. It would only be a matter of seconds before one side made the first move. With a flash, the Lowland lions charged the Pridelanders, roaring as they ran. Seeing the enemy forces charging at them, the Pridelanders roared in defiance as they readied themselves for a rough fight.

Moja held her ground in-between the two factions. She could see the look in the Lowlanders eyes and knew that she was seen as a member of the Pride Land's forces. She was ready to defend her old pride to the death however. She faced the oncoming Lowlanders with claws at the ready and teeth bared. The Lowlanders quickly advanced upon her and were just about to lay into her, when a voice rang out over the Pride Lands.

"Stop! Cease your attack!"

Everyone froze in their spots, caught by surprise from the loud voice that shouted at them. Everyone turned their heads in the direction of the voice. There, running towards the two groups of lions, was Matayo. He quickly ran and stood his ground in-between the two warring sides, next to Moja. The Lowlanders looked at their Pride Leader with a confused stare. The lion who had spoken to Moja moments before, spoke up once more.

"Leader Matayo, why do you order us to stop our attack? We have the Pridelanders right where we want them. Can't you see the condition their all in?"

Matayo looked seriously at the lion as he responded.

"This take over is here by terminated. I've made a mistake. I order you all to return to the Lowlands immediately."

Both the Lowlanders and the Pridelanders looked at Matayo with disbelief. The lion from the Lowlands side spoke again.

"Mistake? I don't understand Matayo. The land here is perfect and we can easily take out these injured Pridelanders with ease. Why change your mind now?"

Matayo growled and his eyes narrowed as he angrily replied to the lion.

"That's none of your concern. As Pride Leader, I expect my orders to be followed without question, now return to the Lowlands at once, unless you wish to look worse for wear than these Pridelanders here!"

All Matayo's Pride Members still looked puzzled by their leader's sudden change of plans and Matayo could sense that they were hesitant.

"I'll explain my actions later but for now I expect you all to obey my request and return home."

The Lowland lions scowled but seeing the fierceness in their leader's eyes, they did as they were told. Matayo could hear them muttering to each other as they left.

After his fellow Pride Members were out of sight, Matayo turned his attention to the Pridelanders. As Simba and Nala stared into their long lost son's eyes, they sensed a feeling that they had not felt in ages. The way he looked at them both now, with innocent and confused eyes, was the way they had remembered him looking at them when he was a young cub, living a care free life in the Pride Lands. He gazed at them as he started to speak.

"I…I don't know where to start." He started to say but Nala quickly spoke up.

"Matayo, my sweet little Matayo." She said as she ran up to him and nuzzled him lovingly.

Moja looked on in pure astonishment. Simba walked slowly up to his son, who was busy being affectionately nuzzled by his mother. Seeing him approach, Matayo looked into his eyes as he spoke.

"Father, Please forgive me." Matayo said as tears started to form in his eyes.

Simba quickly consoled his son with a loving paw as he spoke.

"You've done nothing wrong Matayo."

Matayo looked at all the surrounding Pridelanders and then looked back at his parents.

"There's so much I need to say to each of you, I don't know where to begin."

Simba nodded and looked at everyone else as he spoke.

"There's plenty of time for talk but let's head back to Pride Rock. We can all settle in the cave and discuss what needs to be said."

Everyone agreed and the group of lions walked back to Pride Rock and everyone made themselves comfortable. Kikay lay in her mother's paws, as Vitani lay on the ground. Moran and Malkia lay in-between their two loving parents, sandwiched between their warm bodies. Nala and Simba lay side by side facing their son, Matayo, who sat in the center of the cave, surrounded by everyone. He cleared his throat as he began to speak.

"All my life, I've been living a lie. My mind has told me that I'm someone I'm not. Somehow, I assumed that I was just the Leader of the Lowlands Pride and didn't even think about how that came to be. I just lived my day to day life as if I had always lived in the Lowlands. That all changed on the day both you, Moja, and Malkia there, showed up at my Pride."

He paused and looked into Moja's eyes before continuing.

"That day, when you two showed up and news about the Pride Lands was revealed to me, it triggered something in the back of my mind. The mere mention of the Pride Lands caused me to remember things that my mind had locked away many years back. I did my best to ignore them, thinking that they were just tricks that my mind was playing on me. After some time had passed, my mind lost track of those thoughts and I had planned to take over the Pride Lands to better my life, as well as the lives of my Pride Members. All seemed like it was going according to plan until I stepped paw into the Pride Lands. The second I did so, my mind once more, started filling with, what I didn't know at that time, was memories from long ago. I wasn't able to piece the events together though but before I had left the Lowlands, on my journey to take over the Pride Lands here, I had learned that two lions here had claimed to be my parents."

He paused once more as he looked at Simba and Nala. The thought of his friend Nanaki crept into his mind and the realization of what he had done, or better yet, what he had made Moja do for him, dawned upon him. He was quiet for a bit as he did his best to compose himself. He then resumed his story.

"I didn't want to believe it when I heard it but the thought stayed heavy in my mind. As I entered the Pride Lands, the thought kept tugging at the back of my mind and I knew that unless I found out the truth, I wouldn't be able to rest until I did. That's when I saw you, Nala, in the cave."

He looked at his mother as a tear slowly escaped his eye.

"Seeing your face again and hearing your voice made my mind feel like it was going to split open. Thoughts flooded my memory and I was unable to think right."

He turned and looked at Simba.

"After seeing you too, Father, again and hearing your voice too, it all started to fall into place. After hearing and seeing you both again, and hearing the name of my old cub-hood friend, Nuka again, I started to remember what really happened to me and how I became what I am today."

He stopped, as the vivid memories of that terrible day replayed in his mind. Nala saw the look of distress that started to form on her son's face. She walked up to him and nuzzled him gently as she spoke.

"What happened to you Matayo? Please tell us if it's not too painful for you to say."

Matayo swallowed and nodded.

"The details are still fuzzy in my memory but I remember what happened on that day in the Pride Lands, long ago. I was playing with Nuka, just like any ordinary day. We were playing a game of tag and we had run to where the Outlands were. I had never been there before and as a young curious cub, I had to look around."

He paused briefly as he recalled what happened to him next.

"I remember looking down into the river, where I saw quite a few crocodiles swimming about. I had no idea what they were at the time and I was about to ask Nuka what they were but that's when it happened. I didn't know what hit me as I plunged into the cold water below."

Everyone in the cave looked shocked by what they had heard.

"You mean to say that Nuka pushed you into the river?" Kiara asked in disbelief?

Matayo nodded.

"Yes." Was all he could say.

Simba could see the sadness building in his son's face so he quickly spoke.

"It's ok Matayo. You needn't say anymore."

Both Simba and Nala comforted their son as his emotions took hold of him.

"I'm sorry Mom, I'm sorry Dad." He said as he wept openly next to his loving parents. "I didn't mean to cause you so much trouble. If I had known the truth, or if I had just listened to my instincts, I would have never sent my Pride here to attack you all. I can never forgive myself for what I've done."

Nala spoke to him softly as she continued to nuzzle him.

"It's okay Matayo. You didn't know the truth then and seeing what you went through as a young cub, I can understand why. It must have been terrible for you. I'm so sorry my sweet Matayo." She said as tears started to form in her eyes as well.

"I still don't know how I escaped those crocodiles after I fell into the river." Matayo said as he brushed the tears away from his cheeks. "All I remember was wandering through the Outlands, not being able to remember where I was or what had happened. Perhaps one of the crocs sank his teeth into my head. I just wasn't able to think. All I could do was wander aimlessly until I found myself in the Lowlands."

"It's ok Matayo, you've said enough." Nala said to him in a gentle tone.

It was late and everyone's emotions were starting to get the better of them from the day's events. As everyone lay down in the security of the cave at Pride Rock, Matayo thought to himself what his future now held and what choice he had to make, come morning.

As the sun peaked over the horizon, and morning fell upon the Pride Lands, the sleeping lions of Pride Rock slowly stirred. It had been a very stressful and eventful night before but a good night's rest had refreshed them all a bit. As everyone stretched and nursed their injuries from the previous night, Matayo knew it was time to make his announcement. He waited for everyone to focus upon him before he spoke.

"First off, I have to apologize to everyone." He turned to Kiara and Kovu first.

"I'm sorry for causing you two and your cubs so much trouble. I'm sure times haven't been easy for you two since my Pride Members came into your lives." He looked at Kiara with a sad apologetic stare. "I especially want to apologize to you, Queen Kiara. I'm well aware of what my friend Tsavo did to you during his stay in the Pride Lands and there's no way I can even begin to repay you for his actions. I can only offer my most sincerest apology to you and your mate Kovu."

Both Kiara and Kovu nodded to him.

"After hearing what you went through as a cub," Kovu said to him. "All is forgiven Matayo. As for your friend, Tsavo, he got his fair judgment at the paws of my mate."

Matayo nodded to him.

"It was well deserved I'm sure."

Matayo then turned to Vitani.

"I'm sorry for causing you and your cub so much worry," he started to say, but Vitani cut him short.

"Please don't apologize Matayo. After hearing what you endured as a cub, I feel as if I'm the one who owes you an apology. You see, you might not know it, but Nuka was my brother. I still can't believe he did such an act but I guess that's just the type of lion he was. He's my brother, and I miss him dearly everyday but I still can't condone his actions, so I would like to apologize to you on behalf of him."

Matayo looked at her with understanding eyes.

"Despite what he did to me, I'm sorry to hear that he's gone and I'm sure you must miss him still. I hold no grudge towards you Vitani as you had nothing to do with his actions."

Vitani smiled at him as he turned to Simba and Nala.

"I think I owe you two the biggest apology of all. I can't take back my actions of late Mom and Dad and I can't express how truly sorry I really am, so I've decided…" He paused for a second, then said. "I'm going to return to the Lowlands."

Both Nala and Simba looked shocked.

"Matayo, no! Why?" Nala said in a shaky voice.

Matayo looked into his mother's eyes as he spoke.

"I'm sorry Mom, but I can't stay here after what I've done. I have to go back to the Lowlands. It's where I belong for now."

Nala buried her face into Simba's fur as she started to cry. Simba held her close as he spoke to his son.

"Matayo, we've forgiven you for what you did. You wouldn't have done what you did if you knew we were your parents, I'm sure of that. Please, stay and live with us here in the Pride Lands. Your mother and I have gone so long, thinking that you were gone and now that we know you're alive, we just can't let you slip out of our lives again."

Matayo looked down at the ground, unsure of his choice.

"I have to go Father. I'm not saying that I'll never return, it's just that I need to fix my life. I've become someone I no longer want to be and it's going to take time for me to change. For now, I must leave but I'll always keep both you and Mom in my thoughts, as well as in my heart."

Both his parents looked very reluctant to let him go but eventually they both nodded. Matayo then turned his attention to Moja.

"Moja, I owe you an apology as well. I promised you a better life in the Lowlands and I've failed to give you that life. I've made you do things, I'm sure you didn't want to do and I regret my actions now. The only thing I can offer you to repay my debt to you, is the chance to live back here in the Pride Lands with your friends. I know you'll be much happier here with them than you were with me."

Matayo was taken aback as Moja looked into his eyes and shook her head.

"No Matayo, I'm coming home with you." She said as she walked up to him and nuzzled him.

"After all you've been through, I can't let you go through life being alone. I want to be your mate. I want to be your queen. I want you by my side everyday."

Matayo looked fondly at Moja.

"Even after everything I've done?" He asked.

Moja nodded and licked him affectionately.

"You're my King, Matayo. I'll be with you till the bitter end."

The two nuzzled lovingly for a moment. Malkia could see that they truly were in love with one another and so it made it easier for her to speak as she walked up to them. Moja saw the young lioness approaching them so she started to speak.

"I'm sorry Malkia, but I have to leave." She started to say but Malkia interrupted her.

"I understand Moja. You're doing the right thing and as much as I'll miss you, I know you'll come back some day."

Moja was a bit surprised by the young lioness's understanding nature. She looked into Malkia's eyes and didn't see the young confused cub she had known for so long. She saw a young, wise lioness who was growing up.

"You've really grown up Malkia, not just physically but emotionally as well."

Malkia smiled at Moja.

"I owe a lot of it to you Moja. You are and always will be my best friend in life."

The two lionesses embraced in a tearful hug. They knew they would see each other again in the future so this was just a temporary goodbye. After everyone had said their goodbyes and many tears had been shed, both Moja and Matayo set off to return back to their home at the Lowlands. They didn't know if they would even have a Pride to return to, as both their actions of late had probably soured the rest of the Pride lions. They would have a lot of explaining to do once they arrived home but as they say, time heals all wounds.

After Matayo and Moja left, the rest of the Pridelanders took a moment to reflect on the past events of the last several months. Simba and Nala thought about the fact that their son was alive and even though he had left them now, they knew that they would one day be a family again. That day couldn't come soon enough for either of them but for now, they were just happy to know that the son they loved so dearly was still among the living. Vitani thought about what Matayo had said about Nuka. She knew her late brother had not been the best of creatures but she still couldn't believe that he would have the nerve to try and end someone's life, especially as a young cub. The thoughts tugged at her but she realized that it was trivial to think about them now. She knew the most important thing now in her life was, and always would be her daughter Kikay. The soon-to-be Queen of Pride Rock. Malkia thought about Moja. She had only known her for a few months now but the fact that she was no longer around made her feel like she had lost a family member of sorts. She regarded Moja as more than just a good friend. She felt as though they were meant to have met in life. Perhaps it was destiny that brought the two lionesses together, whatever the case may have been, Malkia knew deep down that she would one day be reunited with the one lioness who changed her life. She would look forward to the day when she would see Moja, Queen of the Lowlands again. Kiara and Kovu thought about the past events and what had happened. Kiara thought about Tsavo, and what he had done to her. Even though his life had been ended by her, she still felt much hatred towards him. Kovu's mind was on a more serious subject. He knew his mate was carrying a new cub in her belly and the uncertainty of whose cub it might be made him feel uneasy. He knew of what Tsavo had done to his mate and only time would tell. Either way though, Kovu knew that despite who the father of her cub may be, he would still love the cub as his own as it was still a part of Kiara, the one lioness who made his days worth living. The one lioness he cherished most in life. His mate, his Queen, his lover, his only, Kiara.

Even through the darkest of pasts, rays of light can shine through. Beacons of hope, guiding us towards a better future, beckoning us towards a better life. Despite everything that happened to everyone, time heals all wounds and the past sins and regrets are soon washed away by the hopes and aspirations of the future. Though no one knows what the future holds, the everyday struggle for life keeps us moving on. There's only one thing that's certain in life. The great circle of life will always go on in its endless rounds and just being a part of its intricate work is worth living for each and every day.