run into anyone else we might be in trouble.”

Returning to Pride Rock that evening the trio were met by shocked faces when they adults saw them. Listening to the cub's plan the adults could barely believe their ears, the plan took daring to the extreme. Once the shock had worn off and they began to discuss the plan Simba began to realize that it could actually work. With the help of the pride, the crocodiles and birds it would be possible for all parties to survive. As the sun set on the horizon Simba and his friends set about turning Kopa's idea into a detailed plan. Sitting with them Imoo was frequently as his opinion and to provide details of his home. Listening to the son Scar, Simba slowly began to see the differences between father and son. For the first time since meeting Imoo, Simba allowed himself to let a spark of hope into his heart.

“If Imoo can help free Kiara and Nassor I will know he can be trusted. After my daughter comes safely home I will reconsider my opinion. No......saving two lives is worth more than that..........Imoo is betraying is parents and pride to help those he has been taught to hate. If tomorrow is a success Imoo will be invited to join this pride.”

In the depth of night the lions drifted off to sleep, some sleeping better than others. Deep in the Outlands two cubs called out for their mothers while Zira watched them with sorrow. She was a mother and she was missing two of her cubs. She had noticed her son's absence, unlike Scar who had brushed it off with a roguish grin, she felt there was more going on then a teenager playing away. Unknown to all the day of reckoning would soon be upon them.

Child of Treachery

The following day, in the purplish and bluish light of twilight Imoo led Kopa, Aketch and Akil into the Outlands. They crossed at one of the lessor known borders, the one that connected the Outlands to the Elephants Graveyard. In the river Sobeck and Buzaubi swum along silently while the rest of Simba's pride gathered in foliage around the border. Jumping into the river Kopa and Aketch rolled in the mud in an attempt to conceal their looks, if asked they planned to say there were rouges who had come to assist Scar. They were banking on the proviso that within the land the guards were youngsters who would not be able to recognise Kopa close up. Swiftly they passed through the land, avoiding the small herds and all the guards.

Reaching the heart of the kingdom they found the youngsters stood on guard, all greeting Imoo with respect. Luck appeared on their side, Scar along with all experienced lioness were stationed along the borders with the Pridelands. Swiftly Imoo told the guard he had seen Simba and Ni stationed at the border with the Elephants Graveyard and that they should inform Scar. Reassured by his presence they did so without question. Entering the cave they found Zira laying on a soft bed with four cubs curled up beside her. Seeing them enter she smiled, the shadow of the young lioness she had once been showing on her lean form.

“Mother we are here for the cubs, Kiara and Nassor are innocents,” Imoo said in a powerful voice.

“I will not prevent their siblings taking them, I never agreed to your father's plan.”

“Zira thank you for taking care of them,” Kopa said, walking over to pick up Kiara.

“I would never harm an innocent cub Prince Kopa, think what you will of me but I have have a line which I will not cross,” Zira replied turning back to her son. “Imoo do not mistake me for a fool in the past I have witnessed you playing with Prince Kopa and this female here. When Scar hears he will call you traitor, even now as he prepares to assault the Pridelands.”

“Mom you have to find a way to stop this!”

“Nothing will stop Scar from taking when rightfully belong to him, I may be helping you in this but your father should regain his kingdom.”

In a swift motion Aketch picked up Nassor, with a last look at Zira the young lions bolted from the den. Running through the land they kept to the shadows, Akil constantly looking ahead for any hint of danger. Twice they had to hide on his orders as the young lioness they had spoken to earlier returned to their posts. Tensions ran high, Kiara and Nassor would often whimper in fear, unable to understand the need for silence. Finally the river border came into view, the eyes of Ni and Tama just visible in the foliage. Looking left and right they saw no hint of trouble, only the eyes of their friends. Nodding to one another they broke cover, at the exact moment that Scar and Aina came around a bend with a band of lioness. Time seemed to stand still. Scar's eyes widened with utter rage at the sight of his heir turning traitor. Rage erupted from the old king. Before he could act the youngsters crossed the border into the Pridelands.

“Imoo traitorous son. You have damned your so called friends will now suffer, I will attack their kingdom for your betrayal,” Scar roared.

With his words ringing in their ears the group raced home, arriving back to find Nala and Kula pacing. Relief flooded through the lions at the sight of the cubs, their fears of maltreatment utterly unfounded.

“Simba we were seen leaving, Scar is coming to attack you all,” Imoo stammered choking back tears. “He attacks because on the basis of my betrayal, I am sorry for what I have brought you.”

“Imoo you are not to blame!” Simba replied placing a paw on his shoulder. “You saved the lives of two cubs. Scar has been looking for a reason to fight for a long time, had it not been over you he would have found another. We will fight them all, for our home!”

“FOR OUR HOME!” roared the pride in unison.

“Imoo today you proved yourself worthy of the trust my son gave you. If you are willing I would be honoured to have you fight at with us.”

“I will fight with you,” Imoo replied proudly facing the pride. “I will fight with my friends for the defence of their home.”

Messages were despatched throughout the kingdom rallying the subjects and warning them. From Pika returned news that the wild dogs would watch their borders while cheetahs offered their services as scouts. At Pride Rock Nala, Kiara, Kula, Nassor and Sarabi took refuge in a small cave under the watchful eyes of guards.

Out on banks of the river that bordered the two kingdoms two prides assembled to fight. Imoo stood proudly by Kopa's side, while Aketch stood on his right. On the side of the Outside Nuka stood next to Scar, filled with pride at being accepted by his father at last.

“So here are are once again Simba, a fight for the throne. My own son turned traitor stands at your side, I am surprised.”

“The only traitor is your own heart,” Imoo snarled.

“They will never truly accept you cub, you will never escape my legacy, everything you do they will scrutinized.”

“You are wrong Scar, Imoo will be accepted by my pride, he is my cousin. Last chance Scar, walk away,” Simba roared.

“Ah little Simba still unable to kill a family member.”

With ferocious snarls the battle began. Both prides fought viscously, Aina taking on the role that usually belonged to Zira. Ni fought side by side with his family, attacking Aina and others. Nearby Simba faced three at once. Nuka and Kopa faced one anther, Nuka roaring with pain at a bite to the leg. Aketch fought Aina while Imoo faced off against his former friends. A roar of pain drifted to the prince's ear, Kopa turned to see Scar knocking Tama to the floor. Seeing the pain in her eyes anger boiled inside Kopa, in a flash sprang at Scar, landing between the pair of lions. .

“This is for MY GRANDFATHER!” Kopa roared swiping Scars right shoulder.

For a brief second Scar saw the ghostly form of Mufasa standing next to Kopa. Uncle and nephew faced each other on the river bank, mirroring the fight between Simba and Scar years before. Looking around Simba's heart stopped as he watched his son attack his uncle, utter fearing racing through his blood.

“KOPA NO LEAVE HIM!”Simba roared in desperation.

Weakened though he was Scar still had experience on his side, in a tricky move Scar forced Kopa to stumble slightly. As Kopa staggered to his paws Scar raised a paw to strike, in at exact moment, Ni jumped in front of Kopa, taking the full force of the blow to the right side of his face. His vision swimming Ni pounced, hitting Scar squarely in the chest, sending them both tumbling into the murky water.

“DAD” Aketch yelled breaking away from her fight.

“FATHER,” Nuka cried running into the river.

The battle seemed to stop as Nuka and Aina raced into the river with Aketch on their tail. In the water they found a very weak Scar while Ni lay dazed on the bank. In one look Nuka and Aina knew what had happened, Scar was dying. Just as Ahadi had predicted the birth of Kiara, Nassor, Kovu and Vitani had marked the end for the old king. Seeing his son Scar smiled, his eyes widening in surprise as Imoo joined his brother.

“Tell Zira I love her and that I forgive her. Imoo you are traitor. ALL HEAR THIS I PROCLAIM KOVU MY HEIR!” Scar roared, a roar which was heard by every member of both prides.

Time stood still, in the fading light of day Scar, one called Taka, son of Ahadi and Ure passed into the realm of the Great Kings. The Outsider roared in grief, tears fell freely from the eyes of Nuka and Imoo. Though the latter chose another path Scar was still his father. Walking over Kopa and Simba each put a paw on the shoulder of the young lion. Looking down at his uncle Simba bowed his head, remembering the fun he had