remembering the fun he had once shared with him as a cub. For the briefest of times two factions were united in shared grief.

“Traitor Imoo. Father is dead because of you,” Nuka snarled angrily .

“Nuka our Father decided his own fate, he could have chosen to live in peace,” Imoo replied sadly.

“We will never forgive you, Mother will hate you!”

“I know. Simba I must go with them........I need to see my Mother one last time....I.”

“You do not have to explain Imoo, I understand,” Simba replied gently.

A short time later Imoo stood in the Outslands, Scar's body had been laid to rest and Imoo now stood facing Zira. Raw grief shone in her eyes, the pain of loss evident, her heart shattered. The news of Scar's decree had come as a suprise, yet it had also filled her with determiantion.

“Imoo I love you, nothing could ever change that, hearbreaker though you are,” Zira said softly, nuzzling her son. “Be safe be happy in your new life. You have managed something your father and I could never could. Goodbye my son.”

Turning away Imoo left the Outlands, passing his brother and former friends on the way. Hatred burned brightly in their eyes. The call of traitor echoing in Imoo's wake. A flicker of guilt crossed his heart, guilt that his actions helped lead to his father's death. Near the border Nuka stood proudly. Seeing one another the two brothers stared at each other, anger and sorrow shining in Nuka's eyes.

“How the mighy have fallen, the favoured son now called traitor,” Nuka said mockingley.

“Nuka you have to see the truth about the past. Our father has died, don't let the cycle of hate continue.”

“Our father was the rightful king, unlike you I will fight to retake the Pridelands from Simba.”

“I am sorry we have to part on these terms,” Imoo replied sadly crossing the border.

At Pride Rock the members of Simba's Pride were taking stock of the battle. All those who had fought bore some injuries. Though Ni had survived his fight was Scar had taken away the sight in his right eye, soon the eye would turn white. All agreed that luck had been on their side as the injuries could have been much worse.

“Scar is dead perhaps the past can be laid to rest,” Simba said softly. “I wish there had been a different way.”

“My son noting could have prevented this,” Sarabi whispered.

“Mother please don't try to speak you need to rest.”

“My time is ending my son,” Sarabi replied as Imoo walked hesitantly into the cave.

“I have said my goodbyes, my ties with the Outsiders have been cut.”

“Imoo you have proven yourself to me, I offer you a place within this pride,” Simba said smiling at the young lion.

“It would be an honour to accept King Simba.”

Roaring with delight Kopa, Aketch, Sudi and Akil gathered around their friend. From her bed Sarabi looked on her heart lifting at the sight of heirs united by friendship. Turning around Imoo caught her eye, proudly he bowed, in return Sarabi smiled, her eyes filled with love.

“The wounds have begun to heal, I am happy,” Sarabi whispered as Nala placed Kiara by her side.

Leaving the cave Kopa motioned for Imoo to follow him. Side by side the two cousins walked to the very edge of Pride Rock. In the golden light of sunset they looked out across the kingdom. Out of the light Mufasa stepped on the base of the rock, a handsome smile gracing his face. Imoo and Kopa watched as Sarabi walked down to join them, Yet something was different, Sarabi looked younger, healthier with a glow about her that they had never seen before. In the pink light two star crossed lovers were reunited. As if realizing they were being watched Mufass and Sarabi looked up to face Kopa and Imoo, happiness shining their eyes. The moment the sun set the pair vanished leaving the two cousins alone. The sun had set on the generation marked by hatred between two brothers and their friends. Tomorrow it would rise with the promise of hope in the form of friendship between the children of the savannah.

END