The Lion King: Generation Next
Original Fan Fiction By: KiarasMate
Original Fan Fiction By: KiarasMate
This story is my take on what happens next in The Lion King series. It follows the lives of Kiara and Kovu, as they raise their cubs and face new challenges both physically and emotionally. As always, I’d like to state that all characters, excluding the ones I’ve created, are property of Disney and the events and views expressed in this story do not reflect those of Disney in any way, shape or form. This story is meant to be for entertainment purposes only. Reader, please take note. Some chapters in this story will contain material that some may deem inappropriate. I will clearly mark said chapters with a warning before them so please use discretion when reading.
Chapter 1
As the sun beat down upon the majestic African Savanna, an all too familiar scene was taking place. It was a glorious day. The weather was perfect, the skies were clear and all the creatures in the Pride Lands were in high spirits. Today was the celebration to welcome Queen Kiara’s and King Kovu’s newborn cubs. The area around Pride Rock was a mix of action and anticipation as every animal positioned themselves to get the best view of the forthcoming event.
High above the crowd of eager animals stood King Kovu and his mate Queen Kiara. They both stood proudly on the ledge of Pride Rock, looking down upon the many faces of the Pridelanders who watched them with awe-struck eyes.
“Wow, there sure are a lot of free meals sitting down there, just waiting to be picked.” Kovu said jokingly.
Kiara laughed and turned her attention to her mate.
“This is the celebration of our cubs and the first thing you think of is eating our guests?” she said as she walked closer to him and began nuzzling him affectionately.
Kovu smiled at his mate’s warm advances and replied.
“Just trying to keep myself from losing it here. I’m so nervous, that my stomach must be talking for me.”
Kiara grinned at him.
“Why are you nervous? This should be a happy day for you. Our cub’s introduction to the entire Pride Lands. Nothing to be nervous about there right?”
They both laughed and continued to nuzzle one another.
“Hey now you two,” A shrill distinct voice interrupted the two lions embrace. “You already have two cubs, slow down a bit will ya.”
The two lions both turned their heads to see Timon and Pumbaa, who where making their way towards the happy couple.
“Haha, Hey Timon, hello Pumbaa.” Kiara said to the meerkat and warthog that now joined them.
Timon and Pumbaa gave a quick bow to the lions in front of them before speaking.
“We found Simba and Nala as you requested Kiara, and told them that the ceremony was almost ready to get underway.” Said Pumbaa.
“And we found Vitani for you King Kovu, and told her the same thing.” Timon said.
“Thanks guys,” Kiara said. “Now all we do is wait for Rafiki”
Timon cringed.
“Oh geez, not the monkey. I sure hope he doesn’t say anything. I’m too tired to think right now.” Timon said in an exasperated tone.
Kovu cracked a laugh but quickly composed himself after seeing his mate’s rather stern look aimed towards him.
The four sat talking amongst themselves for a bit until Kiara’s eyes locked onto the three figures that were heading her way.
Kiara rose to her feet and started bounding towards the oncoming icons.
“Daddy, Mom, Vitani,” Kiara said overjoyed.
Hearing this, Kovu, Timon and Pumbaa stood and started to make their way towards where Kiara was heading.
Kiara nuzzled her mother and father warmly as Kovu and company arrived.
“Good afternoon Simba, Nala. Hey Vitani. How are you?” Kovu said.
“Good afternoon Kiara, Afternoon Kovu” Simba said. He was getting on in years but still held his astute appearance even after all his years of life.
“Good afternoon Kiara. Good afternoon Kovu. I hope you two are doing okay on this joyful day?” Nala said. She, herself, was also getting on in years but her features remained as elegant as they were even years ago.
Vitani performed a bow to both Kiara and Kovu before saying anything.
“Congratulations Queen Kiara and you too Kovu.” She grinned at Kovu. “You’ve come a long ways since the days when I used to beat you in fights when we were cubs.”
Kovu chuckled as his face showed signs of embarrassment.
“Thanks Vitani. I’m glad you’re here to make my day even better.” He said.
The group laughed and then made their way back to where Kovu and Kiara had been standing earlier. There, they all waited for the arrival of Rafiki.
“Mom, Vitani,” Kiara spoke, “Let’s go check on the cubs.”
Both Vitani and Nala nodded to Kiara and the three lionesses made their way to the cave in heart of Pride Rock.
Timon, Pumbaa, Kovu and Simba watched the females walk out of sight, then resumed their chatter.
“So, it’s gonna be nice having grand-cubs around aye Simba?” Kovu said.
Simba nodded to Kovu with a smile on his face.
“It sure will. I miss the days when Kiara was a cub. You have some exciting years ahead of you Kovu.” He said.
Kovu nodded to Simba.
“I just hope I can be just as good of a father to my cubs as Kiara said you were to her.”
Simba smiled warmly at Kovu.
“You’ll do great. I know it. You have Nala and myself to help you and to give you advice if need be and you always have Timon and Pumbaa to act as babysitters.
Upon hearing this, Timon chimed in.
“Sheesh, we always get stuck with the hard work and they take all the credit. I tell ya Pumbaa.”
Pumbaa nodded to his miniature sized friend.
“Yeah, what kind of creature does that sort of thing?”
Timon spoke.
“My point exactly there big boy.”
Just then, Simba noticed a familiar figure in the distance.
“Ahh. Looks like Rafiki is almost here. Let’s go get the lionesses.” He said and with that, the four set out in the direction of the cave where the lionesses had gone.
When the wise old baboon reached the site of Pride Rock, he greeted everyone with hugs and bows. He then turned his attention to Kiara and Kovu.
“Are we ready to start the ceremony?” he asked the couple.
Both Kiara and Kovu nodded to Rafiki and with that, the Celebration was underway. The sight of Rafiki standing at the edge of Pride Rock brought a hush over the crowd of animals that blanketed the savanna floor. All of them watched as both Queen Kiara and King Kovu took their places, one on each side of Rafiki. Gently held in the mouths of both Nala and Vitani hung two young, sleepy-faced cubs. On Rafiki’s signal, Nala was the first to approach and handed the half conscious cub over to Rafiki. After taking the young cub securely in his hands, Rafiki made his way to the edge of Pride Rock. He spoke in a loud but gentle voice as not to startle the young lion in his possession.
“I present to you all, Prince Moran!”
Rafiki held the cub high above his head for all to see. The animals of the savanna all bowed their heads in a show of respect for their future King. A beam of light pierced its way through the sky and made its way down to where Rafiki was positioned. The young cub stared blankly at the light that now surrounded him. Rafiki smiled and lowered the cub. He then handed the cub over to its waiting parents who now took a moment to fuss over their kin.
Rafiki then motioned for Vitani to come forward so that he could present the other cub. Vitani delivered the young cub to Rafiki and then returned to where she was sitting. Rafiki smiled as the young cubs face peered up at him. He made his way to the edge of Pride Rock once more.
“I now present to you, Ms. Malkia, Queen Kiara’s and King Kovu’s other kin.” He said in the same tone of voice.
Again, the animals all bowed in respect to the cub on display. As Rafiki was raising the young cub towards the heavens, a crackle of thunder sounded in the distance and a single rain drop fell upon the head of the sleepy cub. The cub shook it off in an irritated manner as she looked up towards where the water had so rudely attached itself to her.
“Hmm.” Rafiki said. “Looks like the weather is going to end this a bit early.”
Everyone behind him nodded.
“Gee, the monkey’s so wise but he couldn’t see this storm coming.” Timon whispered to Kovu. They both laughed quietly to themselves.
After they all had said their goodbyes to one another, Kovu and Kiara made their way into the cave of Pride Rock, each carrying a cub. They settled down in the middle of the cave as the rains began to fall outside. As the animals left the scene of Pride Rock, a new chapter had begun in the lives of Kiara and Kovu. A new circle of life was underway.
Chapter 2
Several months passed and the two cubs began to grow and mature. They spent their days playing together, under the watchful eyes of their parents. They regularly received visits from Simba, Nala, Vitani as well as Timon and Pumbaa. Malkia was more outgoing when it came to the two cubs. She was always energetic and full of playfulness. Moran was a bit calmer than his sister but he too enjoyed playing with his sister. During the daytime, the two cubs would play in the cave of Pride Rock. Kiara, who was normally a part of the Hunting Party, now spent her days watching her offspring play together. She was a proud parent if there ever was one. She held her cubs in the highest regards and talked about their daily actions to anyone who would listen. Every night, Kovu, Kiara and their cubs would spend some bonding time together. This was the cub’s favorite time of day. Being with both their parents and hearing the many adventures they had endured was always the highlight of their day. Kovu and Kiara often would tell them about the story of Zira and the fight for the Pride Lands. Malkia especially liked this story and always seemed wide-eyed with wonder whenever she heard it. Whenever the cubs were left in the care of Simba and Nala, they would be treated to the story of Scar and the events passed. Moran liked these stories best and always listened contently to every word that was uttered during them. Both cubs lived picture-perfect lives. With two loving parents and never a shortage of affectionate care givers on tap to lend a helpful paw when need be, everything seemed to be going great in their lives.
“Wake up Moran!” Malkia said as she roughly nudged her slumbering brother. “Mother promised us a surprise today. Don’t you remember? Come on! Wake up!”
Moran’s eyes opened slightly as he sleepily looked at his excited sister. He yawned.
“Geez Mal, Can’t I even sleep in one day without you waking me up?”
Malkia looked at her brother with a cross expression.
“If I let you sleep in, you’d probably NEVER wake up.”
Moran laughed as he stood to his feet and stretched his tired limbs.
“So what do you think the surprise is Moran?” Malkia asked in anticipation. “It better not be another day with Timon and Pumbaa!”
Moran continued to stretch as he replied.
“Ahh, come on, those two are funny. You know you have fun when their around.”
Malkia shrugged.
“I guess but it has to be something different today. I can’t wait to see what it is.”
Moran nodded to his sister in agreement. Just as he did so, Kiara walked into the cave where the two cubs were positioned.
“Good morning Malkia. Good morning Moran.” She said as she lovingly licked each of her cubs. “Did you two sleep ok?”
“Morning Mama.” Malkia said in a cheery tone. “I slept great, aside from Moran’s snoring.”
Moran frowned.
“Good morning Mother, and I don’t snore that loud Mal. You’re one to talk, with your teeth grinding. I wake up in the middle of the night and think someone’s trying to chew off my leg.”
Kiara laughed.
“Now now you two. Let’s not fight. Today is an exciting day for the both of you.”
Both Malkia’s and Moran’s faces lit up.
“Ohh, our surprise!” Malkia exclaimed.
“What is it? What is it Mother?” Moran asked.
Kiara smiled at her cub’s enthusiasm.
“Well, today, you two are gonna have someone new to play with.”
Malkia and Moran paused momentarily, not quite sure what to make of what they just heard.
“Hmm. As long as it’s not Timon and Pumbaa, I’ll be happy Mama.” Malkia said.
Kiara burst out laughing at her cub’s remark.
“Haha, Oh Malkia.” She said to her cub as she nuzzled her lovingly. “We’ll go meet your new playmate in a little while, but first, it’s time for your baths.”
Both the cubs cringed at hearing this.
After the two cubs were clean, Kiara led them out of the cave and down Pride Rock. She led them to a grassy spot of the Pride Lands. The two cubs trotted behind their mother, both eager to meet this new creature.
“Good morning Vitani.” Kiara said as they arrived at the designated spot.
“Good morning Kiara, How are you today?” asked Vitani as she stood to her feet.
“Great. Thanks for asking.” Kiara said and then turned her attention to the young cub placed at Vitani’s side. “And how are you doing today little Kikay?” Kiara asked the young cub in a motherly tone.
The young cub looked up at Kiara and smiled.
“Hello Queen Kiara. I’m okay.” She said in a small voice.
Vitani coughed slightly and nudged the young cub.
“Oh.” Kikay said, as she performed a small bow to Kiara.
Kiara smiled at the young cub and to Vitani.
“So polite. Thank you very much Kikay.”
The two cubs, which were normally quite open to new things, hid behind their mother’s hindquarters. Kiara turned her head and motioned for her two cubs to come out of hiding.
“Come on you two. No time for being shy now. This is Kikay, Vitani’s cub. Say hello.”
The two cubs slowly made their way to the front of their mother. Moran was the first to approach the new cub.
“H..Hi, my name’s Moran. It’s nice to meet you Kikay.” He said in a slightly timid voice.
Kikay smiled at him warmly.
“Hi there. It’s nice to meet you too Moran.”
Seeing her brother approach the new cub gave Malkia enough courage to do the same. She trotted up to the new face.
“I’m Malkia, Moran’s brother.” She said in a proud tone.
Kikay smiled at Malkia.
“It’s nice to meet you as well Malkia.”
While the three cubs looked each other over, Kiara sat beside Vitani and spoke.
“Well, looks like they’re getting along ok.”
Vitani nodded.
“Yeah, that’s good. I’m glad. I wasn’t too sure how they’d take to each other. You know, Malkia and Kikay that is.”
Kiara looked a little puzzled by Vitani’s comment.
“What exactly do you mean Vitani?” she asked.
Vitani shrugged.
“Well you know, given the fact that Kikay is going to be future queen of Pride Rock and all, I wasn’t sure how well they would get along.”
Kiara sighed softly.
“We haven’t yet talked to Malkia about that subject yet Vitani. Kovu and I feel as if she is too young to truly understand the situation.”
“Oh come now Kiara,” Vitani said. “I’m sure your cubs are just as smart as you are so why not tell them the truth?”
Kiara looked down at the ground, lost in thought.
“I know one day we’ll have to explain everything to the cubs but I just don’t think now is the time.”
Vitani saw the reaction her words had caused and quickly changed her tone.
“Ahh let’s forget about that for now. It’s gonna be great having you back on the Hunting Party Kiara.”
Kiara looked up at Vitani and smiled.
“Thanks, I can’t wait to be back. It’ll be a nice change of pace for me, not that the past several months have been dull by any means.”
Vitani laughed.
“I know what you mean, I only have one cub and I’m always drained by the end of the day. I can’t imagine having twice the load. So when are those two babysitters supposed to be here?”
Kiara shrugged.
“Well, when it comes to Timon and Pumbaa, you never know. They should be here soon though.”
The two lionesses continued to converse for a bit before Pumbaa and Timon showed up.
“Good morning ladies.” Timon said, as he and Pumbaa joined the small group of lions and cubs.
Vitani laughed.
“Better late than never I suppose”
Pumbaa looked at Timon.
“See, I told you we shouldn’t have stopped for breakfast Timon. We’re late.”
Timon scowled at his rotund friend’s words.
“Sheesh Pumbaa, you know what they say. The early bird may get the worm but never babysit on an empty stomach.”
Pumbaa stared at his friend confused.
“Uhh. Who said that Timon?”
Timon quickly answered.
“Meh, it’s not important. Now, don’t worry ladies, your cubs are in expert paws now.”
Both lionesses looked at the odd pair, neither with a very convinced look on their face. Nevertheless, they said their goodbyes to their respective cubs and after a quick loving nuzzle and lick session, they made their way off to join up with the Hunting Party.
Pumbaa watched the two lionesses walk out of sight before turning to Timon.
“Gee Timon, did it ever dawn upon you that we always get stuck doing the babysitting around here and with our track record being not so well, perfect.”
Timon quickly cut his friend off.
“Pumbaa, Don’t think, it doesn’t suit you very well, just take this as an opportunity to redeem ourselves as well as a chance to spread the word of our motto.”
Pumbaa looked over at his friend bewildered.
“So what is our motto now Timon? Hakuna Matata? When the going gets tough, the tough get going?”
Timon thought for a second, then said.
“Hakuna Matata. The original is always the best.” And with that being said, the two turned their attention to the task at paw.
Chapter 3
The three cubs sat together, still not quite sure what to make of one another. Malkia and Moran were used to playing amongst themselves so they were unsure of what to do.
“So,” Kikay said nervously. “What do you two wanna do?”
Malkia shrugged.
“Well, me and my brother normally play tag or hide and seek or follow the lion. Have you ever played any of those games?” she asked.
Kikay’s face lit up.
“I love tag.” She said excitedly. “I play that game with my mom.”
Moran smiled.
“So, shall we play a game of tag then?”
Malkia looked hesitant for a moment. She wasn’t used to playing with anyone other than her brother.
“I guess.” She managed to say.
“Great!” Kikay exclaimed, “I’ll start! Tag, you’re it Moran!”
She playfully stuck Moran with her paw and dashed off in the grass.
Moran began laughing as he said.
“Hey, I wasn’t ready. Come back.” and bounded after her.
Malkia sighed to herself and started to chase after her brother.
Timon and Pumbaa watched the cubs playing, as they took refuge in the shade of a nearby tree.
“Ahh, to be young again Pumbaa” Timon said. “Just look at them. Not a care in the world. They’re the true picture of Hakuna Matata.”
“You betcha Timon” Pumbaa said. “It’s good to be young.”
“Yeah…Well, I’m beat, Time for a nap.” Timon said as he made himself comfortable by the side of the tree they were under.
“Uhh, Timon, I thought we were supposed to be watching the cubs? Remember about redeeming ourselves?” Pumbaa said.
“Ok Pumbaa” Timon said as he yawned and closed his eyes. “You start redeeming us and I’ll catch up in a few.”
“Oh, Okay buddy of mine.” Pumbaa said to his already snoozing friend.
“Gotcha!” Moran said as he tagged Kikay with his paw.
Kikay laughed as she stopped to catch her breath.
“Haha. So you did” she said. “Hmm. Where’s your sister?”
Panting, Moran looked back the way they had come and spotted Malkia making her way to where he and Kikay were now sitting.
“Here she comes. Hey Mal, hurry it up slow poke.”
Malkia made her way casually to the other two cubs.
“Geez, I’m coming.” She said in an irritated voice. “So who’s it now?”
Kikay smiled as she inched her way towards Malkia.
“You are, now!” she said as she tagged Malkia on her side.
Both Moran and Kikay burst out laughing as they ran off back the way they had previously came.
Malkia scowled.
“Great.” She said in a less than enthusiastic tone. “This is so much fun, not!” She began to pursue the fleeing cubs. She was starting to feel quite jealous of Kikay. She used to be the only one her brother played with and now, this new cub was here and it seemed to her that Moran was more interested in playing with her than with his own sister.
Malkia spotted the two cubs sitting together ahead of her. She darted up to them. Moran turned to his sister.
“Gosh Mal, you’re usually better at tag than I am. Are you feeling ok?”
Malkia quickly caught her breath and replied.
“Well, I, Uh, was going easy for Kikay’s sake. I didn’t want to make her feel bad if I tagged her back you know.”
Kikay smiled at Malkia upon hearing those words.
“Aww Malkia, you’re so nice but it’s okay. You don’t have to hold back on my behalf.”
Malkia nodded slightly to Kikay but then turned her gaze back to her brother.
“Come on Moran, tag is boring now, let’s play fight and pretend we’re in the battle for the Pride Lands.” She said. “I’ll be Zira and you can be Simba.”
Moran looked excited at the suggestion but then looked at Kikay.
“What about Kikay?” he said as he turned to look at the young cub. “Do you want to play with us?”
Malkia frowned.
“I don’t think she knows the story of the battle for the Pride Lands like we do Moran.”
“Actually, I kinda do” Kikay chimed in. “My mother told me the story of how she used to be on Zira’s side but how she realized which the side of good was.”
Moran nodded to Kikay.
“Yeah, I remember my mom mentioned that too.” He turned to his sister. “Maybe Kikay can pretend to be her mom, Vitani?”
Kikay looked eager.
“That’d be fun!” she said as she readied herself in a playful fighting stance.
Malkia didn’t look convinced.
“I don’t know Moran. That would make it 2 on 1 and that’s not fair.”
Moran grinned.
“Fair? That never stopped you before Mal. Remember all the times you jumped on me when I wasn’t looking.”
“Yeah, come on Mal,” Kikay said as she playfully pounced on Moran. “We can take him together!”
“Forget it.” Malkia said as she started to make her way from the other two cubs. “I don’t want to play that anymore and the name is Malkia, KIKAY!” She disappeared out of sight from the two cubs.
Kikay let go of Moran and sat on the ground, confused.
“Did I do something to upset your sister Moran?”
Moran sat next to her before speaking.
“Don’t worry about it. I don’t think you did anything bad.”
She looked up at him with a tear starting to form in her eyes.
“I didn’t mean to do anything wrong.” She said in a shaky voice.
“It’s okay.” Moran said comfortingly. “You didn’t do anything. Come on, cheer up and let’s play again.”
Seeing the warm smile etched on Moran’s face, Kikay dried her eyes with her paw and smiled slightly.
“Thanks Moran.”
Malkia was lost in thought as she walked. She was mad that her brother’s attention was on someone other than herself. She wished that they had never met Kikay and that things were the way they used to be before the young cub was introduced to them. She was so lost in thought that she wasn’t paying any attention to where she was walking and bumped head first into the back of a lioness.
“What’s this?” the lioness said as she felt the young cub crash into her backside. “Hey Cub, watch where you’re going will ya!”
Malkia shook her head and recomposed herself.
“Oh, Um, I’m sorry, erm um.”
“Geez,” the lioness said roughly. “You have trouble speaking as well as walking?”
“I’m sorry. I was thinking of something and wasn’t watching where I was going.” Malkia said as she gave the lioness a small apologetic bow.
“I’ll say,” the lioness said “What exactly were you thinking about there….?” The lioness paused and waited for Malkia to fill in her name.
“Oh, My name is Malkia Ma’am.”
The lioness laughed.
“Haha, you can call me Moja. I prefer that over Ma’am if you don’t mind.”
Malkia smiled.
“Ok, Moja, again I’m sorry for bumping into you.”
Moja smiled at Malkia.
“It’s ok Malkia. So what exactly was more important than looking where you were going?”
Malkia took a seat next to the lioness, who was now sprawled out on the grass.
“It’s my brother.”
Moja grinned at the young cub.
“Ahh. Family problems huh?”
Malkia sighed.
“Not really family. It’s just me and my brother always used to play together and I liked it that way but today he’s been to busy playing with a new cub, Kikay.”
Moja lifted her head upon hearing the name.
“Do you mean Princess Kikay?”
Malkia looked at Moja with a dazed look on her face.
“Princess? Huh?”
Moja looked at the young cub.
“Yeah, Kikay, daughter of Vitani, future queen of Pride Rock. Your parents never told you about her?”
Malkia shook her head at Moja.
“Nope. Mom and Dad never told us about who would be future king and queen. Is she REALLY gonna be future queen?”
Moja nodded to the young cub.
“She sure is. I’ve met her once. She seems nice enough.”
Malkia scowled.
“Yeah, seems.”
Moja laughed at the cubs remark.
“Well it’s a good thing you’re not future king since it would seem that you don’t care much for her.”
Malkia looked slightly ashamed. She knew her parents had taught her not to be negative towards others.
“I don’t hate her, it’s just I wish she’d just leave me and my brother alone.”
Moja laughed again as she put her head back down to the ground.
“Well. don’t worry. Once she becomes queen, she’ll be Moran’s problem. You’ll probably never see her again with your brother.”
Malkia looked shocked.
“Moran? But how do you know my brother?”
Moja quickly sat up and stared at the cub.
“Huh? Who are your parents Malkia?” she asked.
“Kiara and Kovu.” The young cub replied.
Moja jumped to her feet.
“Oh, um, excuse me Malkia.” She stuttered out. “Forget what I said ok. I gotta go. It was nice meeting you.” And with that, she ran off into the tall grass.
Malkia just stood there, with a befuddled look on her face. What did Moja mean by what she had said? She sat there, thinking for a bit until a voice brought her back to reality.
“Hey Mal. Where’d you go!”
It was Moran. He bounded up to his sister, who looked deep in thought.
“Oh, uh, Hey Moran, I um, got lost I guess.”
Moran looked at his sister puzzled.
“You’ve been acting funny today Mal, are you alright?”
Malkia paused for a moment, then cleared her mind.
“Yeah, I’m fine now Moran.”
Moran smiled at his sister.
“Good. Then let’s get back to Timon and Pumbaa. I told them I would find you, since they seemed to be busy with other matters.”
Malkia and Moran made their way back to where Timon, Pumbaa and Kikay were. They found the three sitting together under the same tree which Timon and Pumbaa had been at earlier.
“Oh, good you found her.” Timon said with a sigh of relief.
“You shouldn’t wander off like that Malkia,” Pumbaa said to the cub. “You never know what could happen.”
“I’m sorry Timon, Pumbaa, I didn’t mean to worry you.” Malkia said in an apologetic tone. She then turned to Kikay. “I’m sorry to you too Kikay for the way I acted to you. I guess I’m just not used to having other cubs around aside from Moran here.”
Kikay smiled at Malkia.
“It’s ok Malkia. I’m sorry for calling you Mal. That was rude of me. I’m just glad I didn’t upset you.”
With that being said, the three cubs played together for the rest of the day, under the close, yet not so observant watch of Timon and Pumbaa. Even as she played with her brother and Kikay, the words that Moja had spoken to her still lingered fresh in her mind.
Chapter 4
Kovu awoke and stretched. It was almost dawn and he was still tired. It had been a rough night for him and his family. He had come home to his daughter crying and his mate, doing her best to console the young cub. He had learned that she had asked her mother about who was going to be future queen and king of Pride Rock. The conversation still loomed in his mind.
“It’s not fair Dad, why does Kikay get to be queen of Pride Rock? She’s not even part of this family.” Malkia had protested.
“That’s just it Malkia.” He had tried to explain to his emotional cub. “In order for a new generation to be possible, it takes two different families to create a new kingdom.”
The young cub merely continued to cry as her parents did their best to comfort her.
After the young cub had cried herself to sleep, Kovu recalled the slight argument he and his mate had had.
“Why’d Vitani’s cub have to mention this to Malkia?” Kiara asked him angrily.
“Calm down Kiara. How do you know it was Kikay that said anything? Did Malkia tell you it was her?”
Kiara looked at her mate irritated.
“Well no, but who else could it have been? I mean she was with Timon and Pumbaa the whole day and we’ve already talked to them about this subject on many occasions. They know not to speak of this matter in front of the cubs.”
Kovu tried his best not to upset his mate even more so.
“I know, but you know Kikay. She’s not the type who brags about anything. She’s sweet and as selfless as a cub could be. I know Vitani would never…”
Kiara cut him short.
“Yes, go on, take the side of your Sister.”
Kovu frowned.
“Come on Kiara, you know that’s not fair and I’m just saying…”
She cut him off again before he could finish.
“Look, all I know is our daughter is heartbroken right now and there’s really nothing we can do to change anything so forgive me if I’m upset.”
Kovu had let her cool down for a while before joining her for sleep.
After giving his mate a quick lick on the muzzle, Kovu left his slumbering family, to attend to his daily routine. As king, it was his duty to patrol the borders of the Pride Lands and ensure the safety of his family, as well as the safety of his Pride. He was fortunate that Simba would often times join him on his rounds. He enjoyed the company and it made the day go by quicker. As he walked through the cool morning grass, his mind was still hard at work, thinking about last nights events. He made his way to where Simba and Nala now resided, a nice cave, not too far from Pride Rock. He peeked his head inside and spotted Simba sitting next to Nala, who still looked to be asleep.
“Psst. Simba.” Kovu whispered.
Simba turned and noticed Kovu. He quietly walked over to him.
“Hey Kovu. You look like a mess. Did you sleep ok?”
Kovu chuckled quietly.
“Not really but it’s not a big deal. Hey, I just wanted to ask if you wanted to go on Patrol with me? That is, if you’re not busy and all.”
Simba looked at Nala, who was snoring softly.
“Sure. I don’t think Nala is going to wake up anytime soon. It seems the Hunting Party really wears her out lately. She’s not as young as she used to be.”
“Why doesn’t she leave the Hunting Party then?” Kovu asked “I’m sure there are plenty of lionesses who would take her place.”
Simba looked at Kovu and smiled.
“Trust me, I’ve told her that before but she insists on going. She says it’s the thrill of the hunt that keeps her going. I just think she doesn’t want to have to put up with me all day.”
The two laughed as they slowly made their way into the heart of the Pride Lands, talking as they went along.
“So why didn’t you sleep well last night?” Simba asked inquisitively.
Kovu sighed.
“Well, it’s Malkia.” He said.
Simba looked at him concerned.
“Is she alright?” he asked.
“Yeah, she’s fine, health wise. Don’t worry it’s just that, well, she found out that she’s not going to be queen of Pride Rock.”
“Ohhh.” Simba said. “How did she find that out?”
Kovu shrugged.
“I’m not too sure exactly. Kiara thinks it was Kikay who told her that but I don’t think she would do something like that. At least, she wouldn’t intend to hurt Malkia’s feelings on purpose.”
Simba nodded.
“I can’t imagine how she must be feeling right now. I can see why you didn’t get much sleep.”
The two lions continued to walk the outskirts of the Pride Lands but were suddenly startled by a sudden commotion ahead of them. The two lions jolted towards the site of the noise. They both stopped in their track at the site that lay in front of them. It was a rather large male lion. He stood there panting as he faced, what looked like a male cheetah and a male leopard. Both Simba and Kovu were baffled. They were unsure of what exactly was happening. Then, without warning, the cheetah and leopard charged the single male lion. They clawed and bit him viciously. The male lion did his best to fend off the odd attackers but he had already been injured it appeared. Simba and Kovu still remained motionless, still not quite grasping what was happening. The male lion fought valiantly but the odds were not in his favor. Seeing the lion fall to the ground, snapped Kovu and Simba into action. They charged the cheetah and leopard. Seeing two big male lions heading full steam towards them, the cheetah and leopard bid a hasty retreat.
The two lions approached the male lion who lay on the ground, still breathing but too weak to move under his own strength. Kovu walked up and looked into the injured lion’s eyes, which had a glazed look to them.
“Are you ok? Why were those two attacking you?”
The male tried to answer but was unable to produce anything of understanding. He lay on the ground, his wounds apparent.
“We can’t leave him out here like this.” Simba said to Kovu. “In this state, he’s open to another attack by anything.”
Kovu nodded.
“What should we do then?” He asked.
Simba thought for a moment.
“We don’t know who this lion is or why those two were attacking him so we’d better not bring him too far into the Pride Lands.” He thought for a moment again, then continued. “I know an empty cave, several miles from where Nala and I stay. We can keep him there for the time being until he gets well enough to give us some information but we best move quickly. It’s still early out so we shouldn’t draw a crowd. Lets go.”
Under the strength of both Simba and Kovu, they moved the weakened creature to the cave Simba had mentioned. They set him down on the floor of the cave and prepared a more suitable spot to place him on. The whole time, the male lion barely stirred. After a make-shift bed was put together, the two lions hoisted the wounded lion onto it.
“Do you think he’s gonna make it?” Kovu asked in an unsure tone to Simba.
“I’m not sure. His injuries look pretty bad but he doesn’t appear to be in terrible physical shape so we’ll see if he can pull through.” Simba replied.
Simba turned to Kovu.
“Again, we don’t know who this lion is or where he came from, so make sure that all the lionesses keep their distance from here and also tell them to watch their cubs closely. We’re doing this to help a fellow lion, but we can’t be too careful.”
Kovu nodded to Simba in agreement.
Simba turned his attention back to the injured lion.
“I’ll stay here and keep watch over him for now. Can you go tell Nala what has happened and where I am and then it’d probably be best for you to go inform the others of these events.”
“On my way Simba.” Kovu said as he turned and made his way out of the cave.
Simba continued to watch the male lion. He wondered to himself, did he really see what he thought he saw today? A male lion being attacked by a cheetah and a leopard? It made no sense to him. He noticed the injured lion move slightly so he walked up to him.
“Hey. You’re safe now. The two creatures who attacked you are gone. We brought you to a safe place.”
The male lion lifted his head ever so slightly and looked at Simba.
“Than….Thank you.” He managed to say.
“It’s no problem, but save your strength.”
The weakened creature laid his head back down on the make shift bed and closed his eyes.
“May I ask your name?” Simba said in a low tone.
“My name is Tsavo.” The lion replied in a weak voice.
“My name is Simba. Where did you come from?” Simba said.
There was no reply except for the quiet breathing that came from the now sleeping lion. Simba turned and walked to the front of the cave to take up a watchful post. He’d speak more to this new lion after he got some strength back but until then, he watched him carefully.
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