Chapter XIII

What are you doing? Why did you do that? Nira you fool...
Nira lay awake, his eyes tightly closed remembering the events that so occurred through the duration of the night. Deep down he was literally dumbfounded that he had spent it with Shemba, it was inexplicable. The feelings Nira had experienced that night beat anything he had ever felt before, but the fact that every time Shemba had reminded him how much she loved him, he was unable to respond. All throughout the night, every time Nira had felt a feeling of regret or awkward, he had to remind himself he agreed to stay.

The young lions remained snuggled together in the depths of Vitani's damp cavern, snoozing lightly. Both had awoken moments ago, both unaware the other was awake, enjoying the moments of intimacy they shared. Both of the son of the prince's forelegs were tightly wrapped around the underbelly of the soft lioness, listening to her soft purrs and watching her underbelly move slowly in and out. His head rested on her shoulder nuzzling her lightly, thinking she was still kept in her slumber.

Nira lifted his head and began to lick the side of her smooth neck. His warm tongue brushed softly and only caused Shemba to purr more. Shemba's paw tightly held the one wrapped round her underbelly before she stretched all fours outward, grabbed Nira's paw with her left paw again and lifted her head.

"Morning." She whispered.
"Good morning." Nira replied. Their eyes met as they shared a warm smile before he chuckled as if he was in his cub hood. "Get much sleep last night

Shemba shook her head as she chuckled along and gave a cheeky wink.
"Nope."

Nira slid his paws up to her chest, lightly pulled her up a little so her paws were on the ground and began to nuzzle her lovingly. Shemba sighed amorously, this was what she wanted. Her doubts now were only to the safety of the pride and if she was to be punished for a crime she had not committed, but she was more forming ideas on how she was going to expose her younger sibling without getting anyone injured or even resulting in the charcoal lion snapping and killing them all. But it had to be done. The cover – ups she had been using for years were beginning to degrade her inside and she couldn't handle it any longer. The pride had to know.

"Last night was amazing." Shemba sighed, her mind still on other things.
"Yeah." Nira replied almost half heartedly. "It was."
"What's wrong?" Shemba pulled away from the nuzzle. "Are you okay?"
"Just dandy."
"No you're not. I can tell."
"I promise you I am."

For reasons that he was taken aback by, Nira was slightly...feeling remorse for the night. He knew exactly why but he couldn't admit it even to himself. He shook his head and nuzzled the lioness again, but the feeling rushed right back. The more he nuzzled her, the more his gut feeling grew and grew. He eventually drew away quite suddenly and shook his head.
"I need some air."

He promptly lay Shemba back down before standing up, stretching so his back slid upwards and yawning. Shemba stared up at him and watched him begin to leave before stopping him.
"I'll go with you..."
"No. No it's fine. I can go by myself." Nira reassured her.
"Are you sure?"
"I want to be alone for a minute Shemba, is that too much to ask?"

Shemba sighed with a shake of her head. "Well, no but..."
"Then that's it. I just wanna be alone for a minute."
"Well, okay then." Nira proceeded to leave for a second time. "I-I love you."
He stopped once more and tightly shut his eyes briefly. It took him a few seconds before he could respond.
"Yeah..."

Shemba was left to sit in the cavern alone. She sighed before standing up and shaking her head. Nira stepped up to the roof of the cavern and lay on the top, flipping over and closing his eyes.
"What are you doing Nira?" He sighed. Shemba suddenly caught the audible speech and pinned her ear to the entrance of the cavern. "You know this is a bad idea. I mean come on your best friends...but then why would she...what's going on? Why do feel so...why is this..."

Shemba, upon hearing Nira say this, grunted and returned into the depths of the cavern, only to spot something glimmering against the back wall. She cleared the dripping water from the side, a large list was inscribed in the wall, right next to the premonition list. In a panic, her head for inexplicable reasons flipped to the right, where she then found a small tunnel that led directly into the pridelands.
No... She gasped within her thoughts. He couldn't...he wouldn't...

Her paw slid across the list, to find Zazu's name scratched directly through. Her shock was suddenly suppressed by a wave of fright; her brother was planning to kill them all. The danger was higher than anyone had ever expected. Kamba was a very strong lion; he would have no issues with the murder of all of them even with a single paw. This was it. Shemba had to secure her stay in the pridelands or the demise of the entire pride was prompt. The first thing she knew she had to do; secure her relationship with Nira. If she had someone beside her then there was no way she could be exiled.

The dim furred lioness smirked suddenly with an idea. She skipped over to the entrance to the cavern and contained herself.
"Oh, this was such a stupid thing to do Shemba..." She began in an almost mellow dramatic tone which Nira picked up. He flipped onto his underbelly and pricked up his ears. "He doesn't deserve you. He needs better than me...it obviously meant nothing to him last night so I guess I'll go on without him." Nira suddenly began to growl. "My life can move on...I'll live I suppose..."

Shemba darted back into the damp cavern with a large smirk across her muzzle in an attempt to contain her giggles. She knew that this would work. She heard the scrawny lion above on the roof stand up, grunt very viciously and step down before stomping to the entrance and crashing his paws down, causing a large echo. The shock of the loud noise startled the young lioness, even somehow convincing her the situation she had created was real.

"Last night meant nothing to me?" Nira roared, sparking another fright in the lioness. "That's what you think eh?"

Shemba swivelled round and found the very frustrated Nira snarling.
"That's exactly how it feels." She replied bluntly.
"Oh no, no, no, no..."
"Something the matter...?"
"You bitch!" Shemba fell silent, her joke escalating slowly. "You absolute bitch! You honestly think that it would mean nothing to me to do something like that with a lioness?"

Shemba went to nod her head, but then went to shook it before looking to her paws.
"exactly." Nira snarled. "It meant everything to me you stupid cow! Why do you think I..."
"You have a funny way of showing it!" Shemba suddenly exploded. She was going to make this work. "Why did you say to yourself that it was a mistake then eh? Because I can't think of any reason why!"
"Because we..."
"Don't you dare say we're just friends! I won't let you say it. We can't be just friends after spending the night together! Don't tell me you're still feeling weird..."
"A little..."
"Maybe you're just covering then," Shemba swivelled back round. "Maybe you never cared...maybe you don't."
"I DO!" Nira screeched, causing Shemba to startle. A silence fell over the lions for a brief moment. "Of course I care for you! How stupid can you get? I- I-I love you! There you go I said it! I love you Shemba! It's just been, it's just been difficult to say. You know, like you found it difficult to tell me. So don't accuse me of not caring, of course I do! Last night was strange for me, that's all. I don't want you thinking I wouldn't want to love you, I do. I do love you. But no! You had to be a self centred bitch and go all 'oh woe is me'! Fucking hell! You pathetic little bitch! You know what, if that's the way you feel about it..." Nira turned to leave. "Then maybe I'll just..."
"No Nira, wait!" Shemba screamed. Nira stopped, turned around and grunted like a cub.
"What? What do you want now?"

Shemba stared, jaw dropped, at him for only a few more seconds before sprinting up to him, licking the side of his muzzle several times and placing her head next to his. Both lions were breathing heavily, until Shemba began to slowly lick the side of his face. She continued to groom hi muzzle until he drew away in shock. He backed out of the cave as Shemba followed him, just hoping her plan worked. Nira came to an abrupt halt before sighing and sitting down.
"I knew you were going to do this..." Shemba hissed before she sat as well.
"But Shemba..."
"No. Nira I'm tired of mixed messages. You either want me or you don't. Up to you. But make up your freaking mind! I want you, but the question is, do you love me? So you either nuzzle me now and we get together, or you walk away and we work something out. I'm cool with whatever."

Nira stared at the lioness. The shouting was making him realise what he was going to lose if he made the wrong decision. That was it, damn it, he was going to fight his gut. His heart was screaming at him, telling him to run straight up to her and give him and her what they wanted. He stood up, inhaled deeply and sprinted up to her, immediately throwing himself into a nuzzle with her. The young lions purred softly and sat down, enjoying the potential last moments of peace they had together.

The charcoal lion Kamba remained hidden behind a rock. He had watched everything. With a scoff, his head poked back round the corner and he sighed.
"You've taken my sister from me Nira," He growled. "That's something you're gonna pay for..."

()0()0()

The morning was quick to end and the midday sun produced high humidity. Kovu was overly determined to discover what really happened to Zazu and in light of this decided to run an investigation into his demise. Today saw an impossible day with minimal results however, Kovu couldn't find anyone around that knew anything. As he found lionesses and other animals to question they either didn't see anything or didn't even know the hornbill had been killed. Kovu knew that murdering was something Shemba wouldn't do so he was determined to not give up.

He approached the watering hole, exhausted and frustrated that he couldn't find anyone that knew anything. He bent down to take a drink when he noticed a familiar lioness' reflection opposite him. The lioness before him had a very well-built body that was slightly jagged, with a hole in her right ear and a dark patch over her left eye. Her grey, colourless eyes showed warmth within the lioness however her facial expression did not. Kovu tugged a smile and stepped over to the dusty coloured lioness.
"Jeshi?" He exclaimed causing the lioness to leap back in surprise.
"Oh! It's just you Kovu." She sighed. "What do you want?"
"Didn't mean to make you jump. I was actually wondering..."
"No. I didn't see who killed the bird. Why do you care? He's dead anyway!"
"Because Simba wants someone to blame..."
"I know that part. You know what, never mind."
"What's the matter eh Jeshi?" Kovu stepped around the lioness with a cheeky smile and wink. "You've acted like you hate me ever since we met..."
"You know why, don't act like it was all okay. I do hate you. Now get out of my face you dick!"

Kovu growled and proceeded away. He knew the precise reason Jeshi hated him, and it was not to be divulged from their muzzles not even once. It would only make things worse than they already were.

Jeshi sniggered before looking around then whispering quietly to herself "Don't worry Kamba, I'll keep your little secret..."

Completely oblivious to Kovu or any of the lions was the fact that Kamba had committed the crime. There was no two ways about it. He had cold bloodedly murdered the hornbill. The fact that he showed no remorse for his decision of murder only made it worse, even having a cover up story planned.

Kamba was slumped outside the outland log, drawing in the dust finalising the loose ends to his plans. Only few loose ends stood in between him and the demise of the pride; frustratingly unavoidable ones, but his determination to complete it was the reason he had to fill the gaps.

As he was drawing, he lifted his head and caught a quick glance of brown paws approaching him. In an instant, his charcoal paws were suddenly swabbing the floor attempting to push away the signs of his darkness. When he was sure it was gone, he lifted his head and choked at some of the rising dust before looking at the muscular lion standing before him.
"What you want Kovu?" Kamba sighed
"I was just wondering if you knew anything about Zazu's death, that's all."
"What?"
"Well I'm running an investigation into it and..."
"...oh you came to blame me?"

Kovu shook his head defensively. "Nope. I want to know if you knew anything."
"Of course Kovu, I know exactly who did it and everything..."
"No need for sarcasm..."

Kamba grumbled under his breath.
"Just leave me alone, Kovu. I don't know anything."
"Alright then. Are you okay, Kamba? You seem distant all of a sudden."
"I've always been distant. And that's how its staying. Okay?"
"Kamba, I'm not here to spite you, I'm here for help."
"Go away. I don't need it."
"Wow, you are sounding more and more like Vitani everyday..."
"I'm sorry?" Kamba extended his claws. "What was that?"

Kovu sighed. "I said..."
"I know exactly what you said, and don't ever say it again!"
"Alright. Calm down Kamba. I'm sorry."

Kovu proceeded away, concerned for his adoptive nephew. As the older lion was away Kamba unleashed an extremely chilling, devious cackle.
It's all falling into place, only one more thing left to do...

Kovu returned back to Pride Rock in the late afternoon, still clueless as to what could have happened. He had found nothing, it was almost a pointless day for him. He stepped back up onto the lower summit, noticed Kiara sitting by herself looking out into the lands and smiled warmly, stepping over to her and sitting with her.
"I tried to find out who killed Zazu today..."
"And..."
"...the animals were as silent as a cold night. This is hopeless, how am I..."

"Dad, Dad!" A small, gruff voice shouted in interrupt. Kovu swivelled his head to see two of his pride and joy sprinting after them. The second they were inches away they leaped onto their father and began to claw away at his mane, winding the large lion slightly.
"Hey, you guys are getting pretty sneaky..." he chuckled with pride.
"Dad, d'y wanna play today?" Hasira spluttered playfully, hoping that his father was available.
"Damn, Hassy, you need to ask me these things sooner..."
"No dad! Please..."
"Hasira..."
"Dad! Maybe you'll listen to a girl asking..." Jasiri interrupted.
"No."
Jasiri muttered something inaudible under her breath before climbing onto her mother.
"Mom..." She giggled. "Will you tell daddy to play with us...?" She lay on Kiara's head and pawed at her eye.
"Jasiri," Kiara chuckled. "There's not much more I could say that would change his mind..."

"We never have any fun though! And you always focused on your favouritist son!"
"We never favourite Nira. We love you all equally..."
"Then why d'you keep going on about how great Nira is!" Hasira chimed in.
"We don't." Kovu replied affirmatively. "He's going to be king, that's all."
"Well why don't I getta be king?"
"You'll understand when you're older. Now run along."
"But..."
"What have I told you Hasira?"
"Don't disobey...?"
"Exactly. Run along now and play."

The two cubs grumbled as they hopped off of their parents and proceeded into the welcoming cavern, suddenly approached by the warthog and meerkat. Without hesitations, the black and golden cubs pounced on the bumbling duo playfully where screams of laughter were heard. Kovu flipped his head back to his mate.

"This is hopeless." He continued. "No one saw the poor bastard get murdered. Things like this don't just happen, do they?"
"Where did you look, Kovu, before you go off in a tantrum?"
"Well, I asked..."
"No where did you look." Kiara interrupted. "Did you go to the scene?"
"Well...no..."
"That should have been the first place you looked. I recon you should look there then report back to me. Maybe you'll find something."

Kovu smiled at his mate, licked the side of her cheek and proceeded off of Pride Rock. Kiara watched him leave, a large smile wiped across her face. Kiara looked back into the cavern to notice that Hasira had Timon in a playful pin, which made her chuckle and warmed up inside.

As Kovu approached the back of Pride Rock, Nira and Shemba sat together, attempting to work out what had happened themselves or how Kamba could have possibly pulled this off without being noticed. Kovu stayed hidden behind Pride Rock and listened to their conversation. Shemba pawed at the dried blood and exhaled.
"I'm doomed, aren't I?"
"Not if we can prove them wrong." Nira reassured his mate.
"There is no way we're justifying this Nira! Look," Shemba placed her paw into the large indent that Kamba had made in the soft ground. "It's a perfect match. Maybe Kamba is an evil..."
"...fool." Nira interrupted with a chuckle, to which Shemba swatted him for.

"I know you hate him, but this isn't the time for crappy jokes!"
"Alright. Well let's say he did it for a second, how could he possibly have pulled it off?"
"Well, I'm guessing he...he could have...he – okay I haven't got a clue."
"It doesn't make sense though, no one's evil enough to murder for no reason!"

Kovu coughed slightly and revealed himself, but the two younger lions only noticed him when he spoke. "Scar was."

Nira suddenly jolted his head up and noticed his father. He exhaled in relief. "How long were you standing there, dad?"
"Long enough. Okay, if what you're saying is true, Shemba, then I back you all the way." Shemba's expression lifted.
"I haven't done anything Kovu." Shemba replied.
"Alright. I will help you, since I've been exiled twice before I know it's not good. If you want my help you must listen to every instruction that I give and you need to take my advice. Understood?" Shemba nodded in agreement, but then lost a few of her tears.
"I can't take it anymore, Kovu. Everything bad seems to happen to me." She fell onto Nira's shoulder. "I just want some peace."

"It's alright." Kovu exhaled out of worry. "We'll find it."
"B-but when? There's no time left."

Almost instantly, Shemba noticed eight lions approaching. Her head sprung from Nira's shoulder as she wiped tears and attempted to remain strong. Amongst the eight lions were Simba, Nala, Kiara and five different lionesses. This was the eight. It was a jury type thing that would initiate if a case of betrayal arose. Simba had introduced this law and it was to help justification within cases of betrayal. In order to be considered on the eight, the lion or lioness must have shown an act of bravery and loyalty. Kovu had turned down the offer of being on the eight shortly after Zira's demise.

"Are you prepared?" Simba spoke sternly.
"No..." Shemba replied.

Kovu stepped back next to Kiara where he then whispered in her ear. She pondered what Kovu had whispered for a few seconds before turning to her father and stating "I don't believe the accusations anymore dad."
"Alright. That's two votes for you."
"Look father, you have to give her a chance to prove her innocence or at least give her reasons for who she blames. How much evidence do you actually have?"
Simba turned to his daughter soundly. "I have enough. Now, Shemba," He turned his head back. "Place your paw in the print in the ground."
"But...k-king Simba..."
"Don't disobey me. Do it."
"Simba, this isn't proof." Kovu cut across.
"No. Put your paw there."
"Father, it could be..."
"Shemba I said put your paw in the print!"

Shemba continued to disobey out of fright where Simba's frustration grew and grew.

"Gramps...Give her a chance." Nira defended.
"Shemba. If you continue to disobey me then I will be forced to take action."
"Please. Please Simba..." Shemba wailed.
"Shemba put your paw in that freaking print!"

Out of fright Shemba finally slammed her paw into Kamba's paw print. She began to choke a little at the perfect fit it was once more. She shook her head defensively before she lifted her head.
"I'm not the only lion that has these kind of paws."
"And as I said yesterday, Kamba is too naive to pull something like this off. Unlike you. Just admit to the crime."
"Simba, what am I admitting to here? I haven't done anything!"
"I seriously haven't got the energy to forgo a full trial now, so please plead guilty and I won't punish harshly. Kamba couldn't pull this off."
"How'd you know?" Kamba suddenly spoke from nowhere. Simba flipped round in surprise as did the others and stared at the charcoal furred lion before them. "Simba you've never even spoken to me before."

"Kamba!" Shemba screamed. "Admit to killing Zazu. Please."
Kamba stared blankly at the pride before shaking his head. Mostly because it was very easy to manipulate the lions like they were on a chess board. "I don't know what you're going on about."
"No! No he's lying! He's lying! He wants you to think he's done nothing!"
"Thanks a lot sis." Kamba sighed as he turned around and smirked darkly. "I always knew I could count on you." He proceeded to walk away as Shemba let loose a very loud scream.

"No! Kamba please! Come back and admit it! I know you did it, stop making me look like a fool!"

It was too late. The charcoal furred lion had disappeared where Shemba screeched again.

"Stop making a scene." Simba instructed. "Well, if you have no more evidence then I guess..."

"No Wait!" Shemba wiped the tears once more. "I do. I do have evidence. It's in Vitani's cave. It's on the wall, right next to the premonitions!" The pride could only sneer. "I'm not lying. It was all inscribed there...you know what? Follow me!"

Shemba cautiously proceeded past the pride before Nira ran after her and stopped her for a brief second.
"What are you doing?" He whispered.
"I'm showing them what's inside that flipping cave! Because it's all there, I saw it."

Shemba, alongside Nira continued to Vitani's cavern where the pride reluctantly began to follow. Shemba's paws stomped along the ground in determination that Nira was finding it difficult to keep up. Nira noticed the pride behind them, Simba was not looking happy. He gulped and caught up with his mate. Shemba, as she approached the cave noticed a couple of rocks and debris slide down off the entrance.
"No..." She exclaimed. She sprinted to the entrance but came to an abrupt halt when she noticed the giant wall of rocks, twigs and other debris preventing entrance into the cave.
"Oh fuck no..."

The pride shortly followed after, all noticing exactly the same thing. Kiara paw palmed, it probably was the only evidence they were going to be able to get. Simba ticked through his teeth patronisingly before shaking his head.
"Do you have no proof then...?"

"No," Shemba sighed with a tear. "No Gramps I don't. If you were going to exile me just get it over with."
"Very commendable of you. Right, Shemba..."
"Wait! Wait a second, father." Kiara cut across. "How-how much evidence do you actually have?"

Simba turned to Kiara. "I have all the proof I need."
"Besides that. Who actually told you? Shemba's acting all nervous as if she were guilty is because you're about to exile her! In fact isn't it written in your fathers law to give more than one chance to let someone justify something?"
"What?"
"See, father I do pay attention! In the law of Mufasa, it states that any accused lion must be given 2 – 4 days to find any evidence that backs them or at least try to justify their own ideas. It's how Scar got away with most of the stuff he did."

Simba stared blankly at his daughter for a few brief moments before the full law sprung into mind.
"Even in my father's reign, that law was lifted to stop Scar getting away with everything."

"Okay, but isn't it time you changed some of the laws and became a fairer king than your father? Sure he was the greatest king so far, but wouldn't you like to be known as a greater king than your father? Giving the extension will not only prove to the animals around that you are a fair king, but it will give Shemba a chance to prove her innocence. You're passing a good opportunity here if you do! Please father, please."
Simba pondered Kiara's plea for a minute. His head inexplicably turned to a nodding Kovu. Then turning to Shemba who was close to frightful tears and finally to Nala who was tapping her paw. Sighing, he threw his vision to the skies where the sun was on its journey across the horizon once more and ready to bring dusk to the lands. Simba turned back to Shemba with his final decision.

"Alright, Shemba. You have a maximum of two days to find anything favouring you. If you fail, you know the penalty."

Both Kovu and Kiara sighed collectively with relief. Shemba squealed with joy and nudged her head against her adoptive grandfathers before pouncing over to Nira and continuously licking the side of his face. Simba and Nala returned to Pride Rock, ready for their slumbers to begin any minute. The two older lions stepped over to the nuzzling lions before creating a huddle like circle.

"How are we gonna prove Shemba's innocent?" Kovu sighed.
"Well, we first need a witness, anyone who saw it would…"
"No," Shemba interrupted. "What we need to do is get Kamba to admit he committed the crime and that he is evil."

Kiara flipped her head. "You seriously think Kamba is evil?" She asked. Shemba nodded. "Okay I'm sorry, but that is something I don't believe. He doesn't seem like the type of person to be evil."
"You don't think I'm innocent?" Shemba stared at Kiara, puzzled.
"No, no I do, but I don't believe that Kamba could possibly be evil. He doesn't seem like that type of lion. I mean he could well be, but no."
"Kiara's right." Kovu added. "Maybe a lioness from the pride did it."

"No! No he is evil!" Shemba immediately replied. "I have seen his plan on the wall of Vitani's cave. They are right next to the premonitions drawn on the wall. I'm not lying. If I could show you I would." The three lions threw a puzzling look at her before she sighed. "If I can't get you to believe me then I can't get any evidence."
"Okay look Shemba, we can't guarantee anything. Meet us here tomorrow morning where we'll work something out. Okay?" Kovu suggested.

The dim furred lioness nodded. Kovu yawned sleepily and alongside Kiara took a slow stroll back Pride Rock, while Nira and Shemba nuzzled for a few seconds. Nira proceeded back however when he turned around to see Shemba not going, he flipped around.
"Shemba?" He asked.
"What?"
"Are-are you coming?"
"Oh I need a minute. Just to think straight I'll be along soon."

Nira nodded and smiled turning back to her. "We will find the evidence I promise. We are going to prove you innocent. It's something I can promise you. Don't worry Shemba, it'll be okay."

Shemba smiled warmly as Nira groomed the side of her muzzle. She abruptly was taken for six by this but then exhaled as she watched him leave. As she stood up, she noticed Kamba by one of the nearby trees stripping bark off of it with a singular paw. She promptly stepped over to him and poked him lightly, triggering a grunt.
"What?"
"I know what you're up to." Shemba proclaimed sternly.
"What you talking 'bout sis?"
"You know what I mean. I know you killed Zazu, I know you're planning to kill them all. You're not covering it anymore.
"What's it matter to you? You're not even related to this family!"
"Maybe I'm not, but the one my heart wants is in that pride."
"Ha!" Kamba laughed. "That's not gonna last long."

"You're lying." Shemba growled defensively.
"Oh whatever! Nira can't commit to anything. He missed like what...three of his lessons? And doesn't even wanna be king. What makes you think he'll stay with you?"
"Because he loves me. He loves me with all his heart."
"Last I heard he only felt sorry for you." Kamba chuckled.

Shemba growled, lowering her stance preparing to pounce and attack her brother.
"Whoa! Don't get violent! Wow, you would attack your own brother."
"I would and will if he provokes me Kamba. You know the world isn't against you, you just think it is."
"No, they aren't. But this, this is all a joke!" Kamba laughed. "They don't care for us, they feel sorry for us!"
"They do not!" Shemba roared back. "Why would you want to take revenge on them for no reason?"
"I have a good reason! I am punishing the world for the death of our parents!"

Shemba flew back up from her pouncing stance. She was shocked.
"Seriously?"

Kamba nodded. "You know, you could always join me, Shemba. Let's give the world something back! Mom and dad didn't deserve to die, you and I both know that. And right as we speak they are blaming you for a crime I committed."
"So you do admit it!"
"Not the point! C'mon, you and I both know what really happened to our parents, why not punish them for a crime?"

Shemba pondered this for a few seconds before she returned to the conversation and pawed at the ground. "You may be blind with anger, but I am not. Remember what happened after mom and dad died. If Vitani hadn't have taken us in you'd probably be dead."
"I would rather be dead than alive with this lot!" Kamba roared back.
"Well, there you go."

Shemba shrugged her shoulders and whipped her tail into Kamba's face. The charcoal lion grunted and followed back to Pride Rock not soon after, desperate to watch blood fly but able to suppress it.

As Shemba returned, she was greeted by Nira and they returned to their corner. The lions began to settle for the night but before they could Kovu suddenly felt the strong underbelly pain he was all too familiarised with. His left paw clenched his underbelly and he let out a yelp in pain, falling to the floor potentially unconscious. He saw the outside slowly blurring as a flow of paws edged closer when the earth span back and forth...back and forth...back and forth...

The blurry vision was switched to the sudden look at the dam of east gorge. The water was close to breaking point, as it had when his own father and step mother had met their demises. A lioness stood on the other side, familiar but facial features indescribable. Almost seconds later water began to free itself from the dam and the lioness was sucked into the current, pulling her away and anything in its path. When the premonition quickly switched, Kovu was in the water attempting desperately to save Kiara from meeting her own horrible demise. It was too late. The deadly replay swept Kiara away.

Kovu weakly but tightly closed his eyes before shooting them open and briefly shouting. He was deeply exhaling as his head lifted to the pride surrounding him all concerned for the same reasons.
"Kovu!" Kiara screamed.
"Stay...away from...the...the river Kiara..."
"Wh-why?"
"Why do you think? You're going to die!"

A collective gasp flew through the radiated cavern. Kiara shook her head in disbelief. The fact that her own life was potentially at risk frightened the princess more than anything ever had.


OOOOH! :O I'm sorry if the quality of the chapters is slightly slipping. I'm so freaking tired! :') I can do this...