their siblings Imoo and Kopa had neglected to mention Kovu’s part in the events, which given the circumstances proved a good thing. The wild dogs received a roasting from Simba and Nala along with a two month ban from hunting in the Pridelands. Their problems increased when the wild dog leader Pika learned of the events, as Pika’s son Dumisa reported the following day his father’s shouting could be heard for miles.

      Time is the world’s greatest healer, for cubs time heals very quickly, Kovu and Kiara soon recovered from their injuries. Despite the minor harm to their bodies the incident did nothing to harm their friendship. Having witnessed and heard accounts of Kovu slipping off Zira had grown suspicious where he was going and who he was with. Unable to coax or trick any information from her son the old lioness decided to find out by fair means or foul.

_____________________________________________________________________

       In the cool evening air Kovu and Kiara chased each across the plateau above the Gorge. Nearby Kopa and Imoo watched the pair, lazily attempting to chase a couple of birds. Climbing onto a section of rock the pair let out of the loudest roars they could manage.

“So this is where you go!”

      Turning around the pair looked in horror to see Zira and Nuka emerge from a patch of shrubbery, almost immediately Imoo and Kopa sprang to their paws. Tension crackled in the air, the cubs all too aware of what they had done.

“Kovu you will go home with Nuka,” Zira said in a silkily voice edged with anger.

      Taking one look at his mother Kovu slowly climbed down from the rock, with a last look at Kiara he allowed Nuka to lead him away.

“Kiara it’s time for us to go home,” Kopa called, looking between Zira and Imoo.

“Coming Kopa,” Kiara replied in a shaking voice.

     Climbing down Kiara kept one eye on Zira and one eye on her brother. Seeing her fear Kopa placed a paw around her shoulder, all the times keeping his eyes locked on Zira. With a last look at his cousin Kopa lead Kiara away.

     Once the pair were safely out of earshot Imoo and Zira turned to face each other. It had been months since mother and son had last met.

“So Kovu was playing with Kiara. He is keeping to my plan in ways I did not expect, I am pleased,” Zira said smiling with glee

“Kovu is a good cub,” Imoo replied calmly.

“I am not pleased to learn that you have been present. I will not have your influence corrupt him, he will not become a traitor. He will be the heir you never became.”

“Mother let Kovu go, don't force him down the path of hatred,” Imoo implored.

“Kovu will follow the path Scar decided, he will not betray the cause.”

“That may change if I tell Kovu who I am and what truly happened during Scar's reign. I am warning you Mother, if Kovu every lays a paw on my family he will suffer the consequences.”

“You would not dare! I love my son not matter what you think. If you harm him……”

“If you love him then let him choose his own life, let go of the past.”

“NEVER. I will never betray Scar. My pride, your own twin brother, are dedicated to fighting to reclaiming to lands that belong to Scar.”

“Would Nuka give his life for the cause, would you?”

“Gladly I would give my life as would Nuka,” Zira replied proudly.

“A day will come when those worlds may come back to haunt you.”

       Snarling with anger Zira lunged at her son, jumping just in time Imoo managed to dodge her attack. Landing with a heavy thud on the ground Zira snarled, her vision swimming she struggled to stand. Those few seconds were enough time for Imoo to pounce, before Zira could never react she found herself pinned to the floor. In amazement she stared up at her son, aware for the first time just how strong he had become. Older and weaker, Zira was at the mercy of her son. In that moment the fate of both pride hung in the balance.  

 “Kill me then if you have the guts!”

“Killing you would only ensure the fighting continued. No Mother unlike you I can see the long term future,” Imoo replied.

         His eyes filled with hatred Imoo let his mother up for despite all that had passed he still loved her. Gasping for breath Zira faced her son. For a moment the love they felt for one another broke through the hatred.

“You are not as ruthless as your father, he would have killed me had he been in your place. Such a waste, you could have been a powerful king.”

“Killing you would only further the violence. Take a word of advice Mother. When the cubs are old enough leave the Outlands. Find a place far away from here where you can make a fresh start. At least allow Kovu and Vitani the chance to decide their fate by telling them the truth.”

           Turning away Imoo headed home to Pride Rock, his mind full of worries for the future. Arriving home he found an upset Kiara being comforted by Kopa, her eyes filled with pain at the thought of not seeing Kovu again. Seeing her pain Imoo turned away, guilt ridden at the part he had played in the events. Seeking solitude he climbed to the very top of Pride Rock. In the evening sun he could see the kingdom spread out before him. Guild, shame at his past, despair, self-loathing and self-doubt enveloped him. A darkness threatening to consume him just as it did his father.

 

       

 

  

    Young and Free

        The summer moved on, Imoo, Kopa, Sudi, Akil, Dumisa and Aketch continued to grow. Now the human equivalent of teens all were starting to take an interest in the opposite sex. Handsome, intelligent and charming they were a charmed group. In the pride tensions began to appear between Imoo, Kopa and Aketch as the boys took increasing interest in the younger females.

       In the midst of the summer two rouges appeared in the kingdom. Both were lean yet healthy with a devil may care vibe about them that spelt trouble. Meeting Imoo and Aketch the pair allowed themselves to be taken to meet Simba. One of them, calling himself Chancer openly flirting with Aketch along the way. Flattered by his attention, Aketch flirted back. The other calling himself Rebel asked the pair about the land. Arriving at Pride Rock the pair were met by Simba, both males asking for chance to rest and hunt. Seeing their demeanour Simba took their measure in an instant.

“This pair will bring trouble if I allow them to stay. Then again they could be even more trouble if I don't.”

“I will allow you to stay here for a short time. You will obey the laws of this kingdom, breaking them will result in your immediate expulsion.”

“As you wish Sire, we'll do anything for an easy life,” Chancer replied with a bold grin.

        That evening the pride gathered around the rocks. The new visitors proving an attraction for the younger lions, including the cubs who gathered around them. On a rock Chancer sat next to Aketch, Nassor and Kiara telling the three Pridelanders all about his adventures.

“So we get to this kingdom by the coast and that’s when the fur started to fly. It was ruled by a pair called Zola and Delmar who were not happy to have us. Turned out Rebel was born in the king's old pride. You should have seen the argument, lion everyone could hear it, talk about fur raising!”

“What happened then?” Nassor asked eagerly.

“Well once Delmar had finished interrogating Rebel about their old pride we had to deal with Queen Zola. I am telling you that lioness was sharp! She gave us a real going over then told us we had four days to rest in the kingdom. They made sure of it as well. They had two of their friends, a lion called Chumvi and this lioness Masika escorted us out.”

       Hearing the names Nala, Kula and Sarafina eyes widened in shock. Unknown to Chancer he brought with him news of three former members of the pride. For it was the same Chumvi who had been Simba and Nala's friend. Masika was the daughter of an Outsider who was Zira’s second in command. Of greater significance and concern was the news of Zola. For Zola was the daughter of Scar and Zira. On the very night that Simba had returned she had left the pride with a male called Wanderer seeking freedom from her parent's cruelty. Out of love for her friend Nala had kept her existence from Simba. Pridelanders and Outsiders alike believed she had died or simply vanished.

 “Chancer that is enough, it is time my son went to bed,” Kula said walking over.

“Whatever you say Kula. Sorry kid looks like we have to cut this short, I'll see you in the morning.”

“See you Chancer,” Nassor called, following Kula into the cave.

“Kiara it is time you were in bed as well,” Nala said walking over.

“Muumm do I have to? Chancer was just telling a story,” Kiara groaned.

“Bed. I am sure Chancer will be willing to finish his story tomorrow.”

       Returning a short time later Nala and Kula walked over to Chancer who had been drawn into conversation by Sarafina. Glancing around the pair saw Simba, Timon,

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