Chapter one: A Change Of Fate

Simba, Nala, Kiara, Zira,Kovu, Timon, Pumbaa and Zazu are property of Disney.

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The young brown cub quivered in fear as the king stared upon him. His fur shook violently as he awaited the snarl and oncoming claws. His mothers words had rung thought the air. "If you need your pound of flesh...here." She had carelessly offered him up to Simba, who he had grew up hearing as evil and a monster. Seconds ticked by, yet something seemed to stir within Simba. He glanced at Zira, whse smug face was sneering at him, she knew he would not hurm a cub, no matter who he belonged to.

His gaze slid back to the cub at his paws, 'The chosen one' Zira had called him. He knew that Zira wouldn't endanger Kovu unless she was absolutely sure SImba wouldn't accept him as her pay for the lands penalty.

He couldn't help but see anougher in this cub. Though his resembled the murderer and tyrant, Scar. All Simba could see, was himself. Young, scared and naive to the lies around him. He would be raised beleiving that hating Simba and his pride was the only way, the just way. That Scar was a great lion. Simba knew that Kovu would grow to be raised for bad, his mother, or so Zira called herself, would twist the child into a scarred being, he wouldn't remain the innocent and afraid cub he saw today.

Kovu must be alone. Yes, he may have had a pride and Zira. But would she show him love? No, only hate. Simba never thought he would ever consider the future of a outsider, yet here he was, pondering over this cubs. Thats when he decided.

He looked Zira square in the eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips." You know me Zira. I would not kill a cub.Yet..."

Simba tried to suppress his smug grin at the look of revolution and fear on her face, he felt his lionesses behind him tense up, and Nala's eyes were staring  suspiciously at him. His mate knew he was up to something else.

"I accept Kovu. But not as a example to slay before you for your stupidity. But as one of my own, part of my pride."

Zira let out a snarl of hated and anger"How dare- "

"I'm the king Zira, I can do whatever I want." The lionesses tensed up, snarls rising from their throats. ZIra got the warning, she growled and turned her back.

"This isn't over!" She snarled in fury, but had no choice, she turned and slunk away. Seething, she must of been thinking over what she could do now. That she had lost her biggest asset. As she left, her claws raked over the hard ground. Simba almost found her amusing, he was sure once she was alone she would rage into a trantrum over this. SImba could hardly care less. All he cared for at the second was Kovu's wellbeing, and he had just made sure it would be a good one. He thought of anougher thing... He himself had lost his father so early on, and Kovu had no father to look up to. Scars memory would've been a terrible replacement. But, Simba knew he could be like a father to him. True he already had cubs, but the more the merrier, and Kovu needed a true, loving family.

Kovu's eyes were wide, he was still scared and confused."M-mother!?" He called after Zira, trembling. Yet she did'nt even glance back to offer him a look for comfort, she ignored him, tail lashing. Kiara padded out from behind the lionesses, she crouched by her friends side, smiling.
"I'ts okay!" She was just glad her fathers anger had been forgotten, and that her new friend would stay with them forever! She grinned to herself.

He glanced at her, still looking afraid. Simba moved closer, but Nala beat him there. With a soothing lick to the brown cubs ear, she purred"You are alright. We will not hurt you." THis surprised Kovu greatly, sure Zira had licked him before, but hers lacked the motherly tenderness and affection that Nalas had. He liked the feeling, smiling slightly.

Simba knew he had to win Kovu's trust. He bent down and looked the cub in the eyes."She's right. I'm not a monster you should fear Kovu..."

Kovu blinked, his mother told him Simba was evil, pure evil. Yet the liones voice was warm and friendly, smile welcoming. Kiara was giggling in glee, jumping around happily. Nala smiled resuringly. The other lionesses didn't seem that intimidating either.. He tilted his head and glanced at three animals to the side. A meerkat, a warthog and a bird. He had a feeling that they weren't for snacking on. Yet he had never seen tasty looking animals like that before, he ahd to stop himself from lickng his lips and stomach rumbling. The bird looked a bit bony to be fair, and the meerkat barely had any meat. But the warthog...He stopped himself from racing over and pouncing, he must'nt. They seemed to be the lion Kings friends, as he noticed Kovus hungry and sheepish gaze. He grinned and chuckled. Knowing he must make sure this cub was fed proper meat upon arrival back at Priderock. He was impressed that Kovu didn't try and run over and sink his fangs into any of the tree. His self restraint was excelent. He remembered he shoudl explain to Kovu in more detail that he was safe with them. That he would'nt be hurt or harmed in any way shape or form.

Smiling brightly,Simba placed a gentle paw on Kovu's back."Let me explain...We are one."