A Change of Fate: Chapter 2 Welcome Home

Kovu was walking besides Kiara, he was really nervous, he was going to Priderock. He flicked his tail, not being able to stop how scared he felt. His green eyes blinked as he felt a comforting lick to his ear, he glanced up and met gazes with Nala's friendly gaze. He smiled sheepishly back, a tiny smile, barely noticible.

The former outlanded looked back ahead, and blinked when they climbed up a hill. Simba stopped at the top, he smirked and glanced back at Kovu."Welcome home" His voice was gentle and friendly. Kovu's eyes stretched wide in astonishment. He gaped at the towering figure of priderock. His mouth hung open, it was huge! Simba chuckled at the small cubs reaction, whiskers twitching. Nala smiled softly, she already felt like he was her cub. The other lionessess padded on ahead. Kiara smiled and scampered after them, Nala folowing her with a flick of her tail.

Simba turned back to Kovu, he lowered his head."What do you think?"

"I-I...I'ts MASSIVE!" Kovu squeaked, eyes sparkling. Simba grinned.

"Say, if you ride on my shoulders you will see it better"

Kovu blinked in surprise, still slightly aprehensive...His mother had said Simba was- No, this SImba wasn't evil. He seemed like a nice lion, and Kovu felt in his heart, that he could trust the king. He slowly nodded.

" O..kay"

Simba smiled as the cub accepted, he bent his head down and waited for him to hop on. Kovu jumped onto Simba's neck, he setteled down on the kings mane. SImba smirked"Hang on tight"

Kovu blinked in surprise, but gasped as Simba started to run. He clung to Simba's mane, rocking nervously. But he soon relaxed, he could tell Simba was grinning, and the king let out a warm laugh. Kovu frowned. He felt...Happy. A smile lit up his face as he started to laugh with the king, the wind tugging at his fur. He snickered as the King jumped from rocks to rocks, he grinned, he had never felt so happy! Simba got closer and closer to Priderock, Kovu felt really nervous as they approaced.

Simba set down the cub, the pride were waiting. Kovu's eyes were wide, there were so many. He shyly hid behind SImba, scared. SImba smiled"Don't be afraid."

Kovu took a breath, he scooted back out and tilted his head. The others were muttering to each other, and Kovu felt his fur grow warm in embarrassment. Simba stepped infront of them all, he then jumped up onto a rock. He flicked his tail for silence.

Simba gestured for Kovu to move besides him, he complied and jumped up, to sit by the king. SImba smiled, he turned to the pride and opened his mouth.

"I have decided that young Kovu will become a member of his pride. So he will have a better life here." He placed a paw on Kovu's back. "Kovu: WIll be from now on, my son"

The lionessess stared in surprise eyes wide. Kovu felt his body tingle. He looked up at Simba in shock. He blinked."You...want to be my dad?" His gaze was so innocent and full of hope that Simba smiled down at him.

"Yes."

The simple word sent the pride into celebration, the lionessess roared to honour their kingds decision. Nala smiled at Simba, as Kiara scampered over.

She grinned at Kovu"Yay! C'mon Kovu, you need to meet our siblings and the other cubs!"

Kovu blinked"Siblings?" Kiara giggled and led him away, smiling happily. Simba chuckled and jumped off the rock, going to discuss with Zazu and the lionessess. He laughed at Timon and Pumbaa's expressions. "He won't eat you...I hope.." Chuckling he walked away leaving the duo in panic.

As Kiara led him over to a group of cubs, Kovu made himself regain his calm and cool exterior. There were four cubs, all sprawled out on the rocks. She then gestured to them. " She's Timira" She was a light brown cub, with white leg markings, and brown hazel eyes. She dipped her head at him. Kiara then pointed with her tail to the remaining three." The last girl is my sister, Shani" Shani has plae golden fur and a small tuft, Kovu felt a sad pang as he was reminded of Vitani. Shani also had ear rims and blue eyes. "The smaller male is my brother, His name is Kopa.He's kinda grumpy..." Kopa huffed and turned up his nose, scolwing. He had brown fur, ear rims and orange eyes. "Lastly is my elder brother, Chaka" Chaka dipped his head politely.
"Nice to meet you" He looked alot like Simba, golden fur, but had Nala's eyes and mane colour. His mane was already starting to grow down his spine and chest, though he was still young.

Kovu smiled at them. "Well uh..Hi."

Kopa frowned. "Not to be rude, but don't you have your own family?"
Kovu winced."Simba took me from my mother...he said she wasn't going to give em a good life.." He flantenned his ears."But I miss my siblings..."

Shani frowned, and Timira blinked"WHy didn't he take them too?"

"They weren't with me...I gave my brother the slip.." Kovu sighed, but shook his head."But's alright." He grinned."You'll be my family now, won't you?" His green eyes were wide and hopeful, and the others couldn't help but nod. Even unwilling Kopa who didn't want him at first, sighed and gave in.

Chaka smirked."Or course. Here in the Pridelands, family stick together." The others smiled in agreement. Timira smiled softly at Chaka."Thats right.."

Kovu frowned."But your not related-"
Shani cut him off with a small laugh."Ah, well Timira here, she is Chaka's betothed~" The elder cubs blushed at the amused looks they got.

Kovu blinked and made a face."Uh..Okay then.." Girls were kinda cool, but they were gross to.

The others laughed at that. Kiara smiled and nudged Kovu. "C'mon brother I bet they'll be loads to eat inside the cave."

Kopa smirked"Bet your starving."
Kovu's stomach rumbled"Uuhh um..hehe"

The cubs laughed and all headed into the den. Kiara grinned." We need you to meet everyone in the pride!"
He gulped"Everyone!?"

As he padded in, smiling and laughing with his new friends and family, Kovu felt geniuelly happy. He just knew, that in the Pridelands, his future would be bright. He grinned,glad he had been accepted with open arms, just like as Simba had told him before:

We are one...