Chapter 3

"Come here, you three," Kovu called to his cubs. In a flash, all three of them were at his paws. The cubs were not exactly cubs anymore, yet not teens either. Kai was growing into a very pretty young lioness. Her sleek, creamy gold pelt complimented her fit frame, so that she was built much like her mother and grandmother.

Katiti was still the smallest, even though Jabari was the youngest. He was developing a slight mane tuft. He was built slightly like Scar, though more muscular, but, surprisingly, nobody said anything. Not like they treated Jabari, anyways.

The youngest cub was becoming quite the handsome lion. His beige tuft was sort of becoming for of a dark reddish-brown color, as well as becoming longer. He was developing into a massive, muscular lion, even if he wasn't even close to being an adult.

"What is it, dad?" Katiti asked, looking curiosly up at his father

"We are letting you go out on your own." Kiara said, padding up to her mate. "Without Timon and Pumbaa." She added, and her cub's eyes widened.

"Seriously? Without them? Or Zazu? Awesome!" Kai exclaimed, jumping up and down.

"Yes, though I don't think it's a very good idea," Zazu muttered, flying down to land beside Kovu. "But, you're the king, I suppose."

Kovu chuckled. "But listen closely; do NOT go anywhere near the Outlands."

"Why?" Katiti asked. "Nobody lives there now. Aunt Vitani said so."

"One of the lionesses reported sightings of strange lions just over the border. Former followers of Zira, I presume," Simba padded into sight. "Just listen to your father, and steer clear of the Outlands." He growled. Katiti whimpered at his harsh words, clearly not seeing who the former king's words were directed to.

Simba had focused his gaze on Jabari. The young prince's bright green eyes widened in horror. Simba had curled his lip, and he let out a cold snarl. With that, he turned and went back into the den.

"What did I do?" Jabari shrieked, jumping backwards in fear. "Why did he-"

"SIMBA!" Jabari's whimper was cut off from a loud snarl from Nala.

"What?" Simba grunted, laying down on the floor.

"Why did you do that? What were you thinking?"

"He was talking back to the King." Simba said plainly, closing his eyes.

"That was Katiti, and he only asked a valid question. He's barely more than a cub, and you've scared Jabari sensless!" Nala snarled.

"You don't understand. Every day, I see my worst enemy. And in the form of our dead son." Simba growled opening one eye. The old lion was growing thin, and his mane stuck up all over the place.

"You don't think I feel that way? You can't take it out on him. He's just an innocent cub! He can't control it." Nala said quietly. "He didn't do anything."

Jabari had had enough of it. He didn't understand why Simba had yelled at him. He narrowed his eyes, staring into the cave where Simba had disappeared to. He jumped when Kiara licked his ear.

He looked up. "Mom," he began. "Why did Grandpa Simba do that? I didn't do anything."

"He. . ." Kiara didn't know how to answer. "He's getting older, and, well, he thought it was you who had said something, not Katiti."

Katiti looked confused. "Why would he have yelled at me? All I did was ask a question." The cub said quietly.

"I have no idea." Kiara answered softly.