The Lion King: The Untold Story
Original Fan Fiction By: KiarasMate
Original Fan Fiction By: KiarasMate
Introduction
This is the untold story of what happened after the first Lion King movie ended. It is told as a story that Simba tells to Kiara. This could be considered the real Lion King 1 ½ story as it takes place between the time frame of the first Lion King film and The Lion King 2. Please note that all events in this story are merely fan fiction and do not reflect the thoughts of Disney in any way. All characters, excluding Matayo who is a character I made up, are property of Disney and my sole intent of writing this story is for entertainment and enjoyment only. I would also like to warn the reader that this is not your typical happy ending Disney type story. Some of the material in this story may not be suitable or considered appropriate for all ages. Please take this into consideration before reading. I wanted to make it so the reader, after noting my writing, would have a better outlook on how the first Lion King movie and The Lion King 2 coincide with one another. I hope that after reading my fan fiction, you will better understand why Simba holds so much hatred towards Zira and the Outlanders and why he’s so protective over Kiara’s wellbeing.. I would also like to note that I wrote this fan fiction before I learned of Kopa. So, my character Matayo could, very well, be considered Kopa to most people. Just thought I’d let you all know this.
Prologue
A cool breeze swept over the African savanna. The heat of the day had been swallowed by the seemingly endless black sky which blanketed the earth. Up in the sky, the stars beamed their radiant light down upon the Pride Lands. A figure sat in the night, Illuminated by the moon’s gentle glow. It had been over five years now since the fight with Scar had taken place and Simba often sat beneath the Great King’s of the Past, pondering the events of years long gone. Often times he would sit motionless for hours on end, enjoying the cool night air with eyes fixed upwards. This night was no different. Simba thought to himself,
“So many things have happened in the past and who knows what the future holds in store. How can I be sure that I’m walking the right path in life?”
A chill in the air quickly snapped him back to reality and he stood up.
“I probably should head back to Pride Rock. It’s pretty late. Stay warm up there Father.”
Simba smiled and headed off in the direction of Pride Rock.
When he reached the entrance to the cave where the pride slept, Simba was careful not to disturb any of the slumbering pride members. He made his way to the middle of the cave where he found Nala dozing quietly. Simba smiled warmly as he leaned his head down to nuzzle his mate gently. Nala stirred briefly but still remained in sleeps grip. Simba thought to himself as he gently lay beside her,
“You’re still as cute as when we were cubs and even more so when you’re sleeping.”
The warmth emulating from his mate’s body was relaxing and Simba found his eyes slowly closing. Just laying next to the one he loved so much was enough to calm him from anything. He was right about to join his mate in dream land when a voice entered his ears softly.
“Daddy, Are you awake?”
Simba’s eyes opened and he looked towards the sound of the voice.
“Oh, Kiara” Simba rose to his feet slowly and walked over to the lioness who was sleeping a few feet back from where Nala was laying. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“No, I can’t sleep. I’m too nervous about tomorrow.” Kiara whispered to her father softly.
Simba smiled at his daughter and laid a paw gently on her head.
“You really should get some sleep though. It’s your first hunt tomorrow, a day to look forward to, not to be nervous about.”
“I know Daddy but I can’t seem to fall asleep. My mind is racing and I can’t help but be nervous about tomorrow.”
Simba lay next to his daughter and patted her reassuringly.
“If you don’t want to do it, you don’t have to, no one’s forcing you to do this. It’s merely a life lesson to be learned at some point.”
Kiara frowned.
“I know and I want to do it but I’m just unsure of how I’ll do. I’ve seen Mom do it so often that it seems like second nature to her and I want to be just as good of a hunter as she is.”
Simba nodded.
“You’re mother is an excellent hunter among many things but just remember that we only expect you to do the best that you can. No one’s judging you on this so there is no reason to feel nervous.”
Kiara’s frown shifted into a smile as she rubbed her head against her father’s chin.
“Thanks Daddy. Knowing that you and Mom believe in me is all the motivation I need but I still can’t sleep.”
“Is there anything I can do to help you fall asleep Kiara?” Simba whispered to his daughter.
“Tell me the story about Matayo Father.”
Simba yawned.
“Hmm. But you’ve heard that story a thousand times already and it’s late”
“Please Father? It might help me fall asleep, not that the story is boring of course.”
Simba looked deep in his daughter’s eyes. Seeing that she truly wanted him to tell her the same story he had told her ever since she was a cub, Simba paused for a moment deep in thought.
“I think it’s time that I told you the true version of the story of Matayo”
Kiara lifted her head in curiosity.
“TRUE version?” she asked in a puzzled tone.
“Well, when you were a cub, I changed the story a bit to make it more suitable for your age. You seemed to like it that way and it was, well…easier to tell that way.”
Kiara noticed the change in look that had taken shape on her father’s face, a look of sadness and regret.
“Please Daddy, tell me the real version of the story, unless you don’t want to. I’d understand.”
Simba looked at the ground of the cave for a brief period and then returned his gaze to his daughter’s face which was now displaying a look of both intrigue and compassion.
“All right Kiara, I’ll tell you what really took place and everything that happened with Matayo….your brother.”
Chapter 1
Coming Full Circle
It was a picture perfect day at Pride Rock. After the events that had unfolded nearly a year ago, the land was finally back to its pristine glory. The grasslands were lush and vibrantly green. The trees had returned to a more healthy looking state and everywhere you looked, the land seemed rejuvenated after being parched from the fires of the past.
It was a very special day and by the look of the crowd of animals surrounding Pride Rock, it was a familiar scene to many. All the animals of the Pride Lands were fixated on the scene that was playing out atop Pride Rock. There, standing in the mid days calm stood King Simba, Queen Nala and their good friends Timon and Pumbaa. As Zazu flew circles around the new king and queen all the animals watched intently as Rafiki made his way to the edge of the cliff. Tucked gently in his hands, a sleepy face peered up at him. Rafiki smiled at the young lion cub and slowly lifted him above his head extending the young cub towards the clear sky. All the animals began cheering and motioning towards the newly unveiled future king of Pride Rock. A ray of warm yellow light cut through the sky and made its way towards where the young cub was being held securely by the wise baboon. Seeing this, all the animals that were encircled around Pride Rock lowered their heads in respect for the future king as well as the present and kings of the past. That was, all but one animal. A single pair of eyes watched the events that were taking place from the darkness provided by a nearby tree.
Rafiki lowered the young cub and turned to face the two lions standing behind him atop Pride Rock. He smiled and bowed his head respectfully to both Simba and Nala and then handed the young cub over to his eagerly awaiting parents.
“Ahh Simba, You and Queen Nala must be very proud on this day. Your cub is very healthy and I feel that he will become a great king indeed, as his father is now.”
Both Simba and Nala smiled and bowed their heads in respect to Rafiki. Nala lovingly picked up her young cub by the nape of his neck and made her way back to the cave behind them. Simba watched her go and then returned his gaze to Rafiki.
“I only wish my father was alive to see this day but I vow that I will raise my son just as well as my father raised me.”
Rafiki nodded to Simba.
“I know you will King Simba. I know that both you and Queen Nala will make the best parents for young…hmm, I don’t suppose you two have come up with a name for the young prince yet?”
Simba looked up at the sky and seemed deep in thought for a few moments. He then looked at the old baboon’s face and spoke.
“Matayo. I think his name will be Matayo. Both Nala and myself have agreed that this is a fitting name for our first cub.”
Rafiki smiled in agreement to Simba.
“And I hope there are many more to come Your Majesty.”
With that being said the two walked back in the direction of the cave in which Nala had headed moments ago. As the crowd of animals began to thin out the lone pair of eyes parked under the tree near Pride Rock skulked off in the long grass of the savanna.
Chapter 2
Reflections Of The Past
The day was drawing to a close and the sky was beginning to meld into its darker form as the lone lioness walked through the lush vegetation of the Pride Lands. She had watched the entire presentation of the new future king from her shaded spot underneath a nearby tree close to Pride Rock. Now, as she walked back to her den, her mind filled with thoughts of events past. She was brought back to reality when the voice of a young lion cub called to her.
“You’re back Mother Zira. How was the showing?”
Zira looked at her young cub with an emotionless stare.
“Oh Nuka, please don’t mention that now. I really don’t feel like talking about it.”
Upon reaching the den, Zira flopped herself down upon the cool ground and attempted to find a more comfortable position. She was sorely disappointed when she felt the thump of the young cubs wait connecting with her body.
“Come on Mom, tell me what happened. I’ve been stuck here at the den all day and I’m bored out of my mind!”
Zira turned her attention to her restless cub and yawned.
“Well, it looks like there’ll be a new cub for you to play with.”
Nuka’s eyes lit up with anticipation.
“Really? Cool! I can’t wait to meet him. Or is it a she?”
Zira shrugged.
“What difference does it make? The point is you’ll have someone other than me to pester now.”
The young cubs face melted into a sad display. Upon seeing the look of her cub, Zira quickly changed her tone and smiled.
“I’m sorry Son. It’s just been a long day for me. I didn’t mean what I said. You know you’re my special boy right?”
Nuka nodded to his mother. Still with a sad look on his face but after looking into his mothers warm stare he finally managed a smile.
Zira yawned again.
“It’s getting late Nuka, you should get some sleep. Once the new young cub is big enough to play with you, I’ll take you to meet him.”
Nuka smiled and found a nice spot next to his mother’s side. It didn’t take long before the young cub was dozing peacefully. Zira, on the other hand, was wide awake still. Her mind was still swimming with thoughts. It had been over a year since her glory days had passed with her mate Scar.
She lowered her head and rested it upon her front paws. Those were the good times, the times when she was Queen of Pride Rock, when she was adored and respected as a high ranking member of The Pride. She recalled in her mind the very beginning of Scar’s reign as King of Pride Rock and how he had chosen her to be his mate out of all the other lionesses because of her willingness to serve a new king without any hesitation or regrets. She thought about the times they spent together, simply lounging around Pride Rock without a care in the world. Why should the Queen and King of Pride Rock have anything to worry about with an army of blood thirsty hyenas to do all the protecting of the land and an experienced band of lionesses, led by Simba’s mother Sarabi, who did all the hunting. Yes, those were the days she cherished most.
As the young lioness fell deeper into sleep, her thoughts shifted to a more unpleasant time. She began replaying the days that led up to the fall of her empire with Scar and the inevitable death of her only love in life. It all started with the day that Sarabi approached Scar and asked him to allow the hunting party to extend their borders in order to find more food since she stated that the food supply was growing thin. Scar merely laughed and told her to do whatever she had to as long as the food kept coming. Sarabi then attempted to ask Scar if there was any way he could assist the hunting party, either with additional lionesses or maybe ask the hyenas to lend a paw now and then. A quick movement of his paw and the lioness collapsed to the ground. Zira had watched the whole scenario unfold and did nothing to assist the lioness. She knew better than to cross her mate.
After a swift lecture about who was in charge of the pride and knowing ones place in it, Scar sent Sarabi back to the other lionesses to start the days hunt. This was the starting point of the end of the good days for her pride.
About a week after that event had taken place, Zira noticed that a member of the Hunting Party had gone missing. A young lioness named Nala. Zira thought nothing of the matter and Scar was to preoccupied with other more pressing matters. He had taken the liberty of recruiting new lionesses for the pride, not to appease Sarabi’s request for more help with the Hunting Party, but merely for his own pleasure. This bothered Zira but she made it her sole duty to make sure that the new recruits understood that she was Scar’s number one mate and that anyone who crossed that boundary would answer to her. Recruiting more lionesses wasn’t a bad idea in the end though. The added power in numbers was enough to keep the original lionesses, who were originally under the leadership of Mufasa, in line and under their control.
Zira shifted her body as her dreams became more unsavory. Her front paws fell upon her young cub who was sleeping soundly next to her. Nuka grumbled slightly from being pawed by his sleeping mother but remained asleep.
The day Simba returned was the day she most wanted to forget. The things that happened that day still haunted her thoughts on a constant basis. The roaring fire mixed with the anguished cries of the hyenas as they were being beaten senseless by Simba and his mob of friends.
Her dreams began replaying the moment when she was forced to flee to the bottom of Pride Rock by the angry mob of lionesses, only to witness her mate tossed off the edge of Pride Rock by Simba. She ran to the area in which her mate’s body landed but was horrified to see him surrounded by the very creatures who swore to ally and serve beside both her and Scar, the hyenas. She wanted to look away but her eyes remained glued to the tragic scene in front of her. It was over quickly but the images seemed forever burned in the back of her mind.
Zira jerked awake, driving her front paw deep into her young cub’s side by accident. Nuka jumped to his feet and yelped.
“What happened Mother?”
Zira’s eyes were still wide with shock from her dream. After a few moments she collected herself.
“Oh, I’m sorry Nuka….I must of…umm…I didn’t notice you sleeping next to me. Go back to sleep Son.”
Nuka frowned but repositioned himself next to his mother’s warm fur and quickly resumed his sleep. Zira gently licked her young cub and lowered her head to the ground. Would these thoughts ever leave her memory? She thought to herself. And better yet, what did these other dreams that she had been having lately mean? Sleep soon wrapped itself around her and she slept next to her young cub soundly.
Chapter 3
A New Friendship Begins
Three months passed since Matayo was first displayed to all the animals of the Pride Lands. As the Son of the Queen and King of the pride, he lived an exceptional life. He had two very loving parents who cared deeply for him. He had his own personal babysitters in the form of Timon and Pumbaa, whom he spent many a day playing with while his parents were out doing their everyday activities. All the animals around Pride Rock knew who he was and were very friendly towards him so he never had any problems in life, and yet, he felt that there was something missing.
The day started like any other. Matayo awoke along side both his parents. After stretching and receiving a most unwanted bath by his mother, he proceeded to follow his father out to the edge of Pride Rock to watch the sunrise. Matayo enjoyed spending this time with his father although he had heard the speech about the Circle of Life and how he was a key part of it a million times.
After the sun had risen, both Simba and Matayo returned to the cave to prepare for the days forthcomings.
“Today is a special day for you my young Matayo.” Nala spoke to her son in a soft soothing voice.
“Today you’re going to meet a new friend, a young cub named Nuka. He’s a little older than you but I think you two will make good friends.”
“It’ll be nice to have someone new to play with Mom.” Matayo’s face seemed eager.
“Don’t tell me you’re bored with Timon and Pumbaa already Son?” Simba chimed in.
“I thought you always had fun with them.”
“I do Dad, but there’s only so many ways you can learn about grubs and the art of grub catching and the art of grub eating. It gets kind of….well….boring I guess.”
Simba laughed.
“I can understand Son. Those two sure do have a one track mind.”
Just as Simba finished speaking, in flew Zazu.
“Good morning Your Royal Family. I hope all slept well?”
The three lions nodded in agreement to the hornbill. Simba spoke.
“Right on time Zazu, you’re here to take Matayo to meet Nuka?”
“Indeed I am sire.” Zazu turned his gaze to the young cub sitting between his parents.
“If you’re ready young master, we will head out to meet your new friend.”
Matayo sprang to his feet and proceeded to followed Zazu to the mouth of the cave.
Nala called after him.
“Play nicely with Nuka now Matayo and don’t get into any trouble. I’ll see you after I get back from the Morning Hunt.”
Matayo turned and nodded in the direction of his mother.
“I will Mom. I love you, you too Dad.” And with that, the young cub disappeared around the corner in hot pursuit of the hornbill flying ahead of him.
Simba turned his attention to his mate, who was still sitting next to him.
“You think him and Nuka will get along ok? Who is Nuka’s mother anyways?
Nala laughed.
“They’ll be great friends Simba and I’ve told you before, Nuka is Zira’s cub.
“Oh right, Zira. The one lioness who chooses to sleep away from the rest of the pride. I always wondered about that. It’s kind of odd don’t you think?”
Nala scolded him quickly.
“Simba. Don’t go passing judgment about others just because they do something differently, besides, if you heard the way you snore at night, you’d want to sleep far away from here as well.”
Simba Scowled at his mate.
“Very funny, well as long as you think they’ll get along, I trust your judgment.” He nuzzled her gently.
“Trust me Simba. I know Zira. We’ve been on the Hunting Party now for quite some time and I’ve met her cub. He’s very nice and I know Matayo will enjoy his company. Speaking of the Hunting Party, I should head out. Don’t want to keep breakfast waiting for you.” She smiled and nuzzled Simba affectionately.
“Ok. I’ll see you after I get back from patrolling the borders of the Pride Lands. I love you Nala.”
The two lions parted ways at the bottom of Pride Rock.
Matayo scampered to keep up with Zazu as he flew. The two made their way to the heart of the Pride Lands where he normally played with Timon and Pumbaa, or at least learned about grubs if you consider that playing.
Matayo was very excited to meet this new cub. It would be nice to play with someone his own kind and around his own age. As they rounded the corner of a clearing in the grass, Matayo caught sight of a young lion cub sitting next to his mother. Zazu landed gracefully next to the pair of lions and beckoned for Matayo to approach.
“Master Matayo, may I introduce to you young Nuka and his mother Zira.”
Matayo, with no hesitation, dashed up to the young lion who was still sitting near his mothers side.
“Hi there, it’s nice to meet you Nuka.”
Nuka sheepishly bowed his head.
“It’s nice to meet you to Prince Matayo.”
Matayo laughed.
“Ahh. You don’t have to bow to me or call me prince. I’m just Matayo.”
Nuka smiled and laughed as well.
Zira seemed lost in thought the whole time. She stared up at the sky not even aware of the two young cubs interacting next to her. It wasn’t until Zazu’s shrill voice rang through her ears that she was brought back to a more conscious state.
“Zira, shouldn’t you be heading off to the Hunting Party? I’m sure they are waiting on you.”
Zira stared at Zazu with a cold look.
“Hmph. Being told what to do by a mere chew toy. I’ll go when I’m ready.”
Zazu cringed and turned his focus back to the two cubs, who where now enthralled in a game of tag in the grass.
Zira took a final look at the two frolicking cubs before heading off in the direction of the Hunting Party’s gathering location. She called back behind her shoulder as she left.
“Have fun my little Nuka, don’t play to hard.” And with that, she disappeared in the long grass of the Savanna.
Zazu sighed and shook his head thinking to himself. He then turned and flew after the two young cubs, who had already begun wandering further into the Pride Lands lost in each others company.
Chapter 4
Adventures In The Underbrush
“So how come I haven’t seen you around the Pride Lands or the sleeping den Nuka?” asked Matayo in a curious but playful tone.
“Well, Mother really doesn’t like being around the rest of the pride so we sleep in our own den away from Pride Rock.” Nuka answered in a slightly embarrassed voice.
“Why doesn’t she like being around us?” Matayo retorted. “I mean, she’s one of us and we all get along with one another.”
“I’m not sure. She doesn’t really talk much about it and I don’t bother to ask her.” Nuka responded as he crouched down in a playful pouncing position.
The two cubs were deeply immersed in play at this time and Zazu, being the good care taker that he was, kept a vigilant eye on the two cubs. The day was getting hot and Zazu began to find it hard to keep his eyes open. He was perched on a nearby tree, where he had a bird’s eye view of the two playing lion cubs. Amongst their play fighting, Nuka noticed that Zazu had dozed off atop his tree. The young cub grinned to himself and turned to face Matayo.
“Looks like our babysitter needed a nap.” Nuka motioned a paw up at the sleeping hornbill.
Matayo grinned..
“We’re the ones doing all the playing and he’s the one tired?”
Nuka’s face lit up with the thought of an idea.
“Hey Matayo, have you ever heard of the Outlands?”
Matayo held his position in the grass and looked up at Nuka curiously.
“No. What’s that?” he asked.
“It’s where banished animals are sent. My mother told me about it. I’ve always wanted to go check it out.”
Matayo looked at Nuka a bit confused.
“Why do you want to go check out a place like that? It sounds kind of dangerous. I mean, if animals are banished there, it must be a rough place.”
Nuka looked at his new found friend and sighed.
“Ahh. I knew I was older than you but I didn’t think you were still a baby. You’re not scared are you?” He chuckled.
Matayo looked at Nuka disgusted.
“I’m not afraid and I’m no baby! I just don’t know if we should be going there is all.”
Nuka laughed again.
“Don’t worry. No one will even know we’re gone. Look, the buzzard is still asleep in his tree and we’ll just be gone a short time.”
Matayo looked back up at Zazu, who seemed to be quite enjoying his afternoon snooze. Matayo paused for a few seconds then looked back to Nuka.
“Ok I’m in. You know the way there?”
Nuka’s face lit up.
“I sure do. I promise you friend, this will be something you won’t forget. It’s going to be fun!”
The two cubs made their way towards the outskirts of the Pride Lands with Nuka leading the way and Matayo following close behind him. They had ran for what seemed like an eternity to Matayo when Nuka motioned for him to stop.
“We’re here.” Nuka said in an excited whisper.
Matayo poked his head up from the long grass that blanketed the surrounding area. There, in front of him, was a vast land that seemed to stretch on forever. The land was baron with not a single hint of green to be seen. The trees were bare and held no leaves on their twisted branches. The area even had it’s own uncanny presence to it.
Nuka seemed to be totally captivated by the new environment.
“Wow, now this is something you don’t get to see everyday” Nuka whispered to Matayo.
Matayo nodded slightly to Nuka.
“Yeah, it’s kind of spooky if you ask me. I still don’t see why you wanted to see it.”
With his gaze still fixated on the scene in front of him, Nuka replied.
“My mother told me a story about how your dad banished all the hyenas of the Pride Lands here. She said that they were forced to go here because they sided with Scar. I’m sure you’ve heard the story about Scar from your dad?”
Matayo glanced at Nuka.
“Yeah, I’ve heard that story a lot. Scar sure was evil don’t you think?”
Nuka didn’t reply, He merely sunk his head down and stared at the ground.
Matayo paused.
“Are you ok Nuka?”
Nuka sat there motionless for a second then looked back up at Matayo.
“Yeah, I’m ok. It’s just…nah…never mind. Well now that we’ve gotten a chance to see this place, let’s get back to the Pride Lands before anyone misses us.” And with that, Nuka bounded off in the direction of Pride Rock.
Matayo agreed and took one last view of the foreboding land behind him before sprinting after Nuka.
The two cubs arrived back at the place they originally were playing at earlier in the day. Lucky for them, Zazu was still sleeping heavily on the tree branch. They readied themselves in a playing stance and then began to make a ruckus in hopes of waking the sleeping bird. It worked, as the noise drifted up to the tree where Zazu was sleeping, he was shaken to consciousness by the sound of the two lion cubs.
“Oh dear, I must of drifted off.”
Zazu looked down and saw the two cubs playing together still in the grass as if they had been there the whole time.
“Oh good, they’re still there and nothing seems to be wrong. Well, no harm no fowl. Ha Ha.”
Zazu spread his wings and casually floated down to where the two cubs where now entangled in each others grip.
“All right Master Matayo. I think it’s about time that we head back to Pride Rock. Your mother will be home shortly from the Morning Hunt.”
Matayo nodded his head at Zazu. “Ok, well Nuka, I really had fun today. It was a real adventure.” He winked at Nuka in a sly manor.
“Same here Matayo. Let’s play again tomorrow ok?”
“You bet” Matayo said. “I’ll ask my mom if we can play from now on. You’re a lot more fun than my dads friends, Timone and Pumbaa.”
Nuka laughed.
“I don’t know who you’re talking about but thanks.”
Zazu turned to Nuka.
“You should wait for your mother here young Nuka. I’m sure she’ll be back soon from the Hunting Party as well.”
Nuka scowled at the hornbill.
“I can take care of myself buzzard. I’ll go wait for my mom at our den.” After saying this, Nuka scampered off.
Zazu sighed and took flight in the direction of Pride Rock with Matayo following his lead.
“Hmm, like Mother, like Son I presume.” Zazu thought to himself as he led the young cub back to the midst of Pride Rock.
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