mentioned that he seemed somewhat different to the other Outsiders,” Simba replied as they walked.

Looking at his father Kopa silently assessed his mood, debating if that was the opportunity to reveal Imoo's true colours. Yet the look of anger on his father's face made him think it was not. Though it might be the perfect time to lay the ground work for the revelation.

“Dad have you ever thought that not all Outsiders want to follow their parents paw prints? I mean think about it, those that are my age were born after Scar's reign, they might not understand or even care about the past. They have seen how we live, how fair you and Mum rule, what if some are questioning what they have been told?”

“That could be possible..........you have been listening to Rafiki on the subject. I am glad,” Simba sighed smiling at his son. “I find it difficult to see past what Scar and the Outsider's did..........perhaps some Outsiders may think differently.”

“Would you allow them to join the pride?”

“Perhaps, if they could prove to me without a doubt that they were not trying to deceive me.”

Hearing the words Kopa felt a slight glimmer of hope, the conversation had gone a lot better than he was expecting, his father had not outright rejected the suggestion. If he could only find a way for Imoo to convince Simba beyond any doubt that Imoo was not Scar. There had to be a way, trying to arrange a meeting between his parents and Imoo would be difficult to arrange but if the former party were unaware of the plan.

“As king there may come a time when you have to act at night. It is important that you known the way in darkness,” Simba said looking at sky.

The words brought Kopa down to earth with a bump, banishing all future plans from his mind. He was well aware he had been brought out here for a reason, looked like he was going to find out.

“We are now at far enough away from home for getting back to be a challenge for you. You will observe how our subjects behave at night. You can do whatever you like provided you are home a little after dawn.”

“Isn’t it a bit risky, me being out alone at night? It would be a pretty good time for the Outsiders to attack me.”

“Scouts will be around watching you in case anything serious happens.”

“How the heck did you mange to get Mum to agree to this?” Kopa asked with a smirk.

“It took some doing, she was not happy when it was first suggested, I thought she was going to skin me alive!”

“It must have taken some sweet talking on your part then.”

“That’s putting it milady,” Simba grinned in reply as they reached a small mountain. “I will leave you here, good luck and stay safe.”

Standing on the mountain Kopa watched as the sun finally set on the horizon. A beautiful crescent moon hung in a star filled sky. Silence hung over the land pierced only by the beautiful singing of birds. A sense of peace descend over the young prince, the cool air on his fur a welcome relief from the day's sun. Above his head a flock of bats passed over paying the young prince little mind as they hunted. Silent as a ghost an owl flew above his head. Seeing Kopa the owl flew low over his head then further along enticing Kopa to chase it. Kopa gave in and set off after it, jumping in an attempt to get it. With a gentle wind blowing his fur Kopa chased the owl as it flew low, before finally landing on a rock.

“That was fun,” Kopa laughed facing the owl.

“Very fun,” the young owl replied flapping his wings.

Leaving the owl, Kopa marvelled at how different his home was come nightfall, the refreshing beauty of the stars and cool night air. Stopping at a small pond Kopa saw his own reflection staring back at him. Looking up at the star Kopa sent a silent prayer to The Great Kings. His thoughts drifted to his family, friends, his path in life and how the divide between the prides could be healed.

“Only when Scar and Zira die can we ever become one pride. There’s too much hatred on both sides for my father to accept them. When Imoo becomes leader he can end the fighting, my father might just be willing to listen to him. We can forge a truce and unite both prides again, bring the exiles home. Rafiki, Dumisa, Akil, Sudi, Aketch and Sobeck could vouch for Imoo. If father refuses to see past Imoo's birth.......Imoo and I have patience by the paw full, if it takes the deaths of Scar and my father then so be it. Unless Imoo chooses to leave the Outlands...........”

A face appeared in the water, a hansom lion with a yellow body and a jet black mane. In fright Kopa sprang to the paws, facing the lion he saw the lion was bathed in moonlight. Memories of stories surfaced, a spark of half believed recognition burst into his mind.

“Ahadi!”Kopa gasped in disbelief.

“At last we meet Kopa,” Ahadi replied in a soft, deep voice.

“This is impossible.....you're......”

“Not so impossible. Those that have gone before can return to this world to provide assistance to those than require or deserve it most,” Ahadi replied regally.

“How did I fit that category?” Kopa asked with confusion.

“Your desire to end the war between the prides combined with the uncertainty on how it may be achieved. I come now to bring comfort and wisdom to you” Ahadi replied sitting down next to Kopa.

“I need your help. No matter much Imoo and I try to find a way end the war....... we never seem to get any closer, ” Kopa said dejectedly.

“I have seen what both of you have tried, the two cousins who try to end the conflict caused by two brothers. No not lose heart Kopa, your father is no as unwilling as you believe. In his heart he wishes there was a way to end the war yet he refuses to be deceived again.”

“Imoo looks as much as Scar as I do my Father and Mufasa. My Father will have a hard time seeing past his looks.”

“That cannot be changed, his personality is what you have to show your family, Sarabi, Sarafina and other will see myself and Uru in him,” Ahadi replied facing the stars.

“How? There is a way but they could attack the moment they see him.”

“Kopa my time is running out for I must leave before the first hint of dawn. I have to give you a grave warning. At dawn it will begin, the events that will lead to the final fight with Scar. Beginnings will also mark the end for the old king. Much courage will be needed to avoid disaster. If you are willing to take a great risk you could save the lives of those you love.”

“Innocents........”Kopa whispered as Ahadi began to fade.

“Kopa trust in yourself and your friends. The children of the savannah have the power to change the tide of the fighting.”

Standing in the first light of dawn Kopa pondered the words of his great grandfather. The concern for the innocents troubled him yet the hope for the future lightened his heart. A start of a new dawn he walked home. Far away in the Outlands a new dawn had arrived with the birth of twin cubs to Zira. At Pride Rock, Kula had given birth to single male cub with Ni and Aketch at her side. Just as Ahadi had promised, the dawn had brought beginning of the end for Scar.

Birth of the Future

A week had passed since the birth of Zira's cubs, at Pride Rock Simba and Kopa looked down at the tiny cub who rested between Nala's paws. A pretty little girl who was just hours old. Across the cave, Aketch and Ni curled up around Kula and their son whom Ni had named Nassor.

“She’s beautiful Nala, just like her mother,” Simba whispered lovingly.

“She will have you wrapped around her little claw,” Nala laughed softly. “Now she needs a name.”

“I'd thought about Uru, Zuri or Dawn,” Sima replied nuzzling Nala.

“They sound nice.”

“Can I make a suggestion?” Kopa asked speaking up.

“Of course,” Nala replied smiling at her son.

“Well I’ve always liked the name Kiara.”

“Its beautiful,” Nala replied turning to Simba.

“Kiara.........perfect, just the name we have been looking for. Kiara”

“You have a good judge for names, Kiara is lucky to have you for a brother,” Nala replied softly.

At this comment Kopa blushed a deep shade of crimson, shifting from one paw to another, embarrassed by his mother's comment. At that moment Rafiki and Zazu walked into the cave.

“Sire your subjects have arrived, everything is ready for the ceremony,” Zazu said bowing deeply.

Side by side the royal family walked outside, Nala gently Kiara into Rafiki's safe paws. Standing together Simba, Nala and Kopa stood on the rock as Kiara was presented to their subjects. Pride and happiness coursed through Simba, his father's image just visible. The circle of life had begun once more, a second cub to secure the future of the royal line. A great roar ripped through Simba, a roar filled with power and pride. Kopa took up the roar, his filled with happiness and pride, the hope of the future. A royal family united.

That afternoon after the ceremony had ended the royal family gathered around a pool behind their home. Relaxing in the shade Simba groaned at the sight of Pumba and Zazu appearing, as both were trusted advisers it usual meant there was trouble to deal with.

“Simba sorry to disturb you, one of the young foxes has got itself in a spot of trouble with two of the young wild dogs,” Pumba said rolling his eyes. “Neither will side will listen to their