Themba brushed through the bushes silently as he watched his parents enter Pride Rock. The herds got back to their usual business while a few lioness hunted them. He found it hard to not get found. Why does my fur have to be dark like Kovu's!?
"Outlander!" A growl came from nearby.
"Uh oh." He murmured to himself.
Themba jumped out of a crouch and glanced around to see Kion racing towards him, eyes ablaze. Oh no!
"Kovu!" The lion roared.
The dark shape of Kovu appeared at the top of the Pride Rock, looking at them as the two lions circled each other, giving fierce roars. The light furred ion scored his claws across the teenage lion's muzzle. Themba roared out in pain and anger, slashing back across Kion's shoulder. Then the wiser lion leapt on top of him, bringing him down to the ground. He pulled and wiggled around, trying to get free, but nothing worked.
"Let me go, Kion." He snarled.
"Why should I do that, Outlander?" Kion snarled back.
"Because you don't know who you're talking to." Kovu replied.
When'd he get here? Themba wondered.
"Then who is this, Kovu?" The light furred lion asked, almost all traces of threat gone from his voice, transformed into curiosity.
"Just let him go." The king ordered.
"Fine." Kion retorted, releasing him.
Themba pulled back and got to his paws, a snarl still on his face. "Never do that again." He hissed at Kion, who still looked angry, though confusion was entering his face.
"Why not?" The lion cocked his head.
"Because I'm the king's son." He declared, narrowing his eyes.
Kion glanced at Kovu, shock covering his whole face. "Kimba?" He gasped out.
"My name's Themba now." Themba corrected him.
"We can call you what we want, Kimba." Kovu snarled, glaring at his son. "Why did you come back?"
"I came back because my family lives here. Not out there." He replied softly. "I was wrong to stay in the Outlands with Zira. It was a bad mistake."
"Obviously." Kion grumbled.
"Come on, Kimba." Kovu snapped, turning back towards Pride Rock. "We have a long talk ahead of us."