A/N:I'm sorry for the confusion but Hodari is not Kopa. Zuberi is, but no problems will arise from his return.

Vitani walked towards Pride Rock with Jaali dragging behind. The golden brown cub decided to cooperate but he doesn't want anything to do with the pride.

"What are you going to do about food?"

Jaali grunted but did not reply. Vitani sighed before continuing to Pride Rock. When they got there the two former outsiders were greeted by two elderly lionesses.

"Hello Vitani" a dark cream lioness smiled

"Morning Sarafina and Sarabi" the light tan lioness dipped her head

The dark beige lioness smiled at the sight of the golden brown cub. "My dear, who's this strapping young lad?"

Jaali rolled his eyes and gagged ignoring the dirty look his aunt was reviving. Vitani growled before looking at the two lionesses with a forced smile.

"He's Kovu's son, Jaali. I hope it's not a problem"

Sarafina and Sarabi chuckled lightly. Before the former queen spoke. "Oh dear no. Kiara mentioned something earlier. Said she wanted to meet him properly"

Jaali snarled earning Vitani to nip him. It wasn't hard for a bruise but enough to hurt. Vitani smiled sweetly at the elders.

"I will bring him by. But I have to get him something to eat"

Sarafina and Sarabi nodded before walking away. The dark cream lioness looked over her shoulder and smiled. "We'll let you get to it. If Simba and Nala ask for us...tell them we'll be at the water hole"

Vitani nodded and when the two old lionesses left the light tan lioness growled at her nephew. Her thin dark brown rimmed ears flickered at the sound of someone climbing down the rocky steps. She moved her burning blue eyes to her left to see her brother. Kovu took a step back from the glare he received from his sister.

Vitani sighed. "Sorry. A little heated with tenderfoot"

Kovu raised a eyebrow. "Why?"

Vitani looked at Jaali with a frown. "He was rude to Sarabi and Sarafina"

Kovu looked at his son and narrowed his green eyes. "Young man, what's wrong with you!"

"I don't want anything to do with this pride!"

Kovu glared at his son. "Watch your tone. I'm not asking you to be friends but you will show some respect! When someone say hi, you will say hi back. When someone ask you for your name you will tell them your real name without being smart! Do I make myself clear!"

Jaali whimpered and pinned his ears. "Yes sir"

Vitani nuzzled her brother before picking up the shaken cub and headed for one of the caves under Pride Rock. Kovu sighed heavily before turning to come face to face with the queen.

"Queen Nala..."

The creamy lioness chuckled lightly before a look of concern crept across her face. "We heard alot of yelling. Is everything alright?"

Kovu turned his head and sighed. "I...I was talking to my son. He was rude in the presence of your mothers"

"Oh" Nala nodded in understanding. "He doesn't want to be bothered with the enemy?"

Kovu slowly nodded. "I'm trying to get him to understand but he won't budge"

Nala nuzzled her son in law. "I know what you're going through. After all I went through this with your mother"

Kovu's eyes widen at the information. "What happened?"

Nala smiled lightly. "I believe that is a story for another time. Simba asked me earlier to send you his way"

Kovu looked at the queen in concern. The brown lion knows that the queen is hiding something. "Oh...where is he?"

"I believe on outskirts of the Outlands and Pride Lands"

Kovu bid Nala goodbye before trotting off. Once Kovu was gone Nala lowered her head and let the hot tears fall.

/

On the eastern outskirts of the dessert, a day journey from the Pride Lands was land with slightly lush grass with some prey. Caves was scattered throughout the area. Asali was headed towards the main cave. This cave had moss on it with vines hanging.

"Mother"

From the shadows appeared Asani who looked like she just woke up. "Asali, what happened?"

Asali rolled her eyes. "Why do you think something up? Oh never mind, I came up with a brilliant idea. Better than Nero's"

Asani raised a eyebrow at her daughter. "Oooh really. Do inlighten me"

Asali smiled evily. "I will join the pride and turn Jaali against his father. While you and Nero stay here and help Queen Zira"

Asani smiled approvingly. "Well than...you better get going"

Asali smiled before heading towards the direction of Pride Lands. Not one thought crossed her mind that she wouldn't get accepted in the pride. If Simba is the king he claims to be than she'll be in without a hitch. She laughed evily at the thought of Simba and Kovu going down as she raced across the dessert.