Chapter 5
"King Simba?" Kai blurted out.
"Um, what my sister was trying to say is that Simba's not king anymore, sir," Jabari said. "Kovu's king now. Would you like to see Simba anyways?"
The lion stared at the cubs. "Um, yes, please." He said, dipping his head politely.
"Wait," Katiti, whispered. "Do you think we can trust him?" The young golden cub asked his siblings.
"Well, he looks trustworthy," Kai said. "I think we should trust him.
"I dunno," Katiti said, tail drooping. "Zazu told us not to talk to strangers."
"Why should we listen to some old bird?" Kai growled. "How does he know what's safe and what's not?"
"Ahem," Radi interrupted. "You are right about not talking to strangers. You never know what a stranger might do to you."
"But we can trust you, right?" Kai asked. "Cause, you, er, saved my life and all."
"That's up to you." The rogue said.
This entire time, Jabari had been sitting down, not speaking and looking thoughtful.
"Let's take him," he said finally. He stood up and began to lead the way back to Pride Rock.
"Jabari?" Katiti asked, padding up to him. "Are you feeling all right? It's not like you to be so. . . Willing to do something that might anger Grandpa Simba."
"Well, it's either upset Simba or risk being hurt by this. . . Radi, or whatever his name is. I promise I'll take the blame for all of us if Simba is mad."
"Okay. . ." Katiti said, still uncertain.
The three cubs led Radi towards the Rock, Jabari in front. Four figures stood on Pride Rock. As the group approached the Rock, they climbed down.
Kovu stared at his children and their companion. "Who. Is. This?" he growled.
Simba shoved the kingout of the way, snarling. "Who are you and what are you doing in the Pridelands?" the old lion growled.
Radi seemed unfazed. "Simba," he said calmly. "I have heard a lot about you. I am sorry to. . . intrude, but, this is serious business. My name is Radi, formerly of the Outlanders."
"Outlanders!" Simba growled, claws unsheathed. Turning to the cubs, he let out an even louder snarl, his gaze locked on Jabari. "You brought Outlanders into the Pridelands?"
"I-it was my idea! He asked to see you!" Jabari said, yellow-green eyes wide.
"You-you evil- ARG!" he growled, aiming a massive paw at Jabari.
"SIMBA!" Kovu, Kiara, and Nala roared at the same time. Kovu and Nala knocked the old lion out of the way, while Kiara picked up her son, motioning for Kai and Katiti to follow her up onto the Rock.
"What's wrong with Grandpa Simba?" Katiti asked once they were in the cave.
Kiara dropped the frozen Jabari gently on the ground. She looked serious. "I don't know. But let's start by telling me what happened.
"I fell into a river full of crocodiles. Radi saved me, and asked to see Simba." Kai told her mother.
"You fell into a- What were you three doing by the Outlands border?" Kiara asked.
"We were having a race," Katiti said. "Kai and I wouldn't listen to Jabari when he said we were close to the border. I was going too fast and knocked Kai into the water. Jabari tried to save her, but it was Radi who saved her in the end."
This entire time, Jabari had been sulking in the corner of the cave. Kiara noticed him.
"Jabari. . . oh, my little Jabari, what's wrong?" She asked, licking her son on the top of his head. Jabari whimpered.
"Mom, nobody here likes me! Everyone says I'm like Scar. But I'm nothing like him, I'm not!" Jabari's voice rose to a wail. "G-Grandpa Simba almost killed me, Mom. Killed me!"
"Oh, Jabari. We love you. Don't ever think we don't. As for Simba. . . Nala will talk some sense into him. He's getting old, he's not. . . right. He's not thinking straight right now. Now get some sleep, and that goes for all of you."