He was a shy lion, but didn’t hesitate to greet Timira, and she had felt a great surge of joy when she realised he was alive, not just like a friend, but more than that.

Many more similar thoughts floated about in the troubled lioness’s mind, and she realised how strange the situation was. Vitani felt that if she was going to have a mate, it would definitely not be Kopa, but she spoke like she was wondering what would happen if it was so. Timira, however, had the privilege to be Kopa’s mate, but wasn’t sure about it anymore. She sighed, it seemed like things were going to get complicated from now on.

Chapter 6:

A couple of weeks later, Kopa was officially pronounced the future king of the Pridelands, and the news spread very quickly from animal to animal. This ceremony was very awkward, considering Kovu and Kiara were already trained as rulers. Kopa had exchanged a few words with Kovu in between group discussions, but he wanted to talk to him face-to-face, to see what he was really like. One day, Kopa got that chance.

"Hey, what's up?" He asked, as he padded over to the dark lion, who was sitting on a ledge at Pride Rock, overlooking the grasslands.  Kovu and Kiara had been seemingly restless lately, and Kopa was a little worried and suspicious about the reason. Whatever Kovu was thinking, he didn’t want him to drag Kiara down with him. Kovu started from his thoughts and looked up.

"Hey...so...can I...help you?"

"Er...no, not really. I just wanted to talk to you."

"About what?"

Kopa shrugged awkwardly. "Anything, really. Anything bothering you?"

Kovu sighed. "Noticed, huh? It's nothing major, no need to worry."

"Simba told me I have to pay attention to anyone who seems to be having troubles."

"Yeah, he told me that too, once upon a time, before-" Kovu hadn’t realised how wrong that came out, especially with the strange tone he said it in. He had just realised Simba’s slight hesitation around him, and at first thought it was because he was spending lots of time with Kopa, but soon noticed Kopa eying him more than once, and the expression on his face was less than friendly. Even Simba shared a worried glance in his direction before turning back to Kopa, and Kovu was having his suspicions about what Kopa had been telling Simba. But these were only small suspicions at the back of his head, suspicions that hadn’t been focused on in words or in detail yet. He was just feeling a little wistful at the moment, not because he wanted to be King, but because he felt that Simba might not have much time with him anymore. In some ways that was a good thing, as he had more time to be with his family, but Simba had been like a new parent to him, one he never had, and suddenly he had to focus a lot on someone else.

However, he had no time to think about this, or correct what he said, as Kopa, being the type of lion that could tell someone’s feelings without them telling him directly, picked up the strange tone and meaning behind the words, but interpreted them differently. He growled and strode right over to the dark lion, until his face was almost right against his.

“Don’t even think about doing anything stupid, outlander.” He snarled, as Kovu arched his back but didn’t back down. “You try anything that’ll hurt my family, physically or mentally-”

“I didn’t mean that! You don’t under-” Kovu hissed, but Kopa cut him short.

“Simba may want to trust you, but I might just give him a few more thoughts about you, and then you won’t be guaranteed to stay in this pride. As long as that scar’s on your face, I don’t have any reason to trust you entirely. If you do anything against us, you’ll have me to deal with.” Snarling, Kopa turned and slowly stalked away.

Growling, Kovu kicked a stone hard in frustration, then half stomped, half walked to the waterhole, where he lay there in a foul mood.

Who the hell does that guy think he is? How many more suspicious judges do I need? I haven’t got anything against him or Simba, but whatever he tells Simba will probably sound perfectly plausible and may just get Simba hooked! All this because of my stupid mother. Her obsession drove the pride apart, and raised suspicions that may never be flattened out again. She attacks a cub for some stupid revenge, and now he’s after me because of her mistake! She even gets her son killed, then blames me! Yet, could I have helped Nuka? In some ways I chose Simba over him, and carry a scar to make me regret that decision, but…I could’ve got a lot worse if I hadn’t. If I’d gone for Simba, I don’t know what would have happened. Certainly not this, the prides would probably fight each other until there was no one left, and my cubs wouldn’t be here. But somehow, Simba will completely forget that I spared him over my own brother, and believe whatever Kopa says if he decides to do so.

Meanwhile, near Pride Rock, Timira and Afua were having a conversation under a tree as old friends.

After a bit of hearty and joyful chat, the subject came back to Kopa, especially since he had just stomped past them, only ceasing his muttering for a second to greet them drily before continuing. Sighing, Timira gazed after him.

“He’s changed, Afua. He’s not the carefree, adventurous cub I once knew…”

“Well, being attacked by Zira isn’t the most carefree thing that could happen to you, especially at such an early age…”

“But he’s so weary, I’ve seen the way he eyes those ‘outlanders.’ He absolutely hates them…he just can’t let go of the past, and is so protective of his family. Too overprotective if not that.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that. Behind that mask of hatred I just see a troubled cub that’s still haunted and scared by the past. You just need to get at that part of him and try to heal it, then the hatred and judgement will be gone, I guess…”

“I’m glad you haven’t changed.” Said Timira affectionately, rubbing into his mane. “The three of us were best friends, we were. I just hope it isn’t too late to change it.”

“I’m sure it isn’t Timira, we’ll find Kopa later and try to revive the old days. Maybe that will help knock some sense into him.”

After a few silent moments, Timira finally voiced out what she was thinking.

“Even so, Afua, I can’t be his mate. He’s barely talked to me; we haven’t had a good hearty conversation, just talking about…anything really. Random things, things that friends talk to each other about.”

“Friends? Timira, I’m sure you’re just exaggerating. He’s just troubled, as I’ve said. Time heals all wounds, you’ll be together in no time…” At this he turned away for a moment and sighed. “You’ll be there for each other, you his queen and him your king…you’ll be happy together…”

“I’m sure I can be happy with you too.” said Timira shyly, and Afua beamed back.

I’ve made up my mind, thought Timira. I’m not confused any more, and Kopa can always find a better lioness…one that can keep him in check! She added, smiling to herself.

Back at the waterhole, Kovu had just awakened from his thoughts when he heard a lion padding up from behind him. He was just about to turn and give Kopa a piece of his mind, when he realised it wasn’t him at all.

“Oh, hi Simba…” mumbled Kovu, turning his head away again and staring at the ground, almost irritated. They had not talked alone in a while, and Kovu could already sense the hesitation in the lion that was approaching him. Why was he losing trust in him again?

“Hey Kovu, fancy seeing you here…Kiara was just wondering where you were.”

“Sure, I’ll be there in a minute. Is that all?” Kovu sounded irritated and impatient, like a little child who was upset at someone and just wanted them to leave.

“Well, I can stay for a bit and accompany you back if you like. You’ve been a little distant from the pride today…”

Kovu only just realised how strange it was that he could now come and go from Pride Rock almost unnoticed. Before, Simba had often gone with him, or would have noticed him go, then ask when he was coming back, probably for another lesson. At the time he would have liked to have some alone time, but now, he just felt a bit…too alone…

He got up and walked past Simba. “Ok, Simba. Come on,” He called. “I want to see the cubs.”

Simba followed him, and once again, for the first time since Kiara and Kovu lost two of their cubs, was tongue-tied for words. Kovu seemed to feel the same, or was too deep in thought to notice.

“Has anything been bothering you lately?” Asked Simba, slightly awkwardly and worried about the answer.

“No…” muttered Kovu, untruthfully.  “Why?”

“Well, you and Kiara have seemed a bit…restless lately, even frustrated. You can tell me if there’s anything wrong.”

Suddenly, Simba remembered the night Chaka was born, and half expected Kovu to lash out again and yell at him to leave him alone, but instead, he just kept walking without a break in his pace, staring ahead in silence. Simba decided he would have liked the alternative a bit more, rather than the cold silence.

“Kiara’s worried about Kazia.” Uttered Kovu,