The Lion King III: Night Shadow

[Chinook]

Well this is my first attempt at a TLK fanfic. It tells the story of my own characters, and takes place during and later after SP. The very first few chapters are before we meet Kovu and the later chapters will take place shortly after the battle against Zira and her Outlanders. Everyone please tell me what you think after reading. Too long? Too much detail? Not enough detail?
The summary is as follows: A wandering pride arrive at the Pridelands and the cubs of that pride befriend Simba and his pride. However, when both prides fall under attack by a mysterious new enemy, things take a tragic turn for the worse, as the two prides attempt to stick together and survive. Will they make it through the attacks, or will everyting fall apart?


The Lion King III: Night Shadow
Chapter 1: Wandering Pride

“Come on guys keep up!” A lion cub yelled back to the other five cubs with him. This cub’s name was Chinook and he had auburn-to-red eyes, brownish-gold fur and a black tuft of hair on his head. The other cubs caught up to him and all six started racing each other. Chinook ran with his younger brothers Tau and Sefu to either side. The two were twins with green eyes and fur slightly darker than Chinook’s. Tau was slightly more muscular than Sefu. A bit behind them were their friends Kenali, Saber and Wyvern. All three were of a light brown color. Kenali was a basic lion cub with brown eyes. Saber’s eyes were blue and his canine teeth were slightly longer than any of the other cubs’, approximately 2 inches longer. Wyvern was the strangest in the group. His father had died in a fire, his mother escaping before his birth and dying after he was born, leaving the cub to be rescued by the wandering pride. He had spots on his head and back legs, and stripes everywhere else. But the strangest thing about the amber-eyed cub was the fact that Wyvern was a liger.
“Come on guys!” Chinook called again.
“Chinook let’s take break.” Said Tau, heaving from all the running. Chinook looked at the other cubs. They looked exhausted.
“All right everyone rest awhile.” Chinook said. While the others lay down to rest he decided to go exploring.

As Chinook approached a watering hole, he sensed another lion there. Keeping close to the ground, he snuck through the tall grass, edging closer to the watering hole. When it at last came into view, he saw a large adult lion with fur the same color as his and red-brown mane, drinking the water. Chinook continued staring in awe and shock. The lion had a certain feel to him a certain… royalty. The cub could almost feel power emanating from the majestic lion before him. And then something caught his eyes. Something just behind the large lion, hidden in the tall grass. Chinook watched as the stalker prepared to attack his unsuspecting victim.
“Sir look out!” He shouted. The lion turned in time to meet his attacker head-on in midair. The lion flipped his attacker, which immediately scrambled away now that its advantage was lost. The large lion that Chinook had saved walked up to him and smiled.
“Thanks for the help.” He said.
“You’re welcome Chinook replied.
“So what’s your name?”
“My name’s Chinook.”
“Nice to meet you; I’m Simba, king of the Pridelands.” So he was royalty!
“Wow the king?” Asked Chinook. “I’m from a wandering pride, we have a bit of territory just outside of the Pridelands, but most of the time we just move around.”
“So Chinook, where are your parents?” Asked Simba. “Judging by whatever attacked me it might be dangerous out here.”
“I’m with my brothers and friends. We got separated from our pride when they went hunting.” Simba looked thoughtful for a moment before replying.
“Alright, let’s get your brothers and friends then head over to Pride Rock where it’ll be safer. Then I can send some lionesses to find your pride.”
“Okay.”Agreed Chinook.

The six cubs followed Simba up Pride Rock in awe of the home of Simba’s Pride. They reached the top and saw a cave with several lionesses inside. Chinook turned his back to the cave entrance to admire the view, unknowingly making himself a target due to his proximity of the entrance. A light brown cub pounced, tackling him down.
“Hi. I’m Kiara.” She said.
“I’m Chinook.” He answered. Before either could do anything, Simba picked up Kiara in his mouth and moved her off of Chinook before placing her down again.
“Kiara, you don’t go pouncing guests.” Simba chided slightly.
“But daddy I just wanted to play!” Said Kiara.
“It’s okay. I’m alright.” Said Chinook, standing.
“See!” Said Kiara. “He’s alright! And you said I should practice my pouncing.”
“Yes, but not on the visitors.” Said Simba, before properly introducing the cubs to Kiara, as well as Nala, Sarabi and the rest of his pride. Afterwards, Simba sent four scouts out to find the cubs’ pride and in the meantime offered to show them the Pridelands, which they accepted.

The cubs followed Simba as he led them through the Pridelands pointing things out, while the cubs listened intently. Kiara was lagging behind as she already knew the land. Instead she decided to focus on other things, but found that her eyes kept drifting back to the six cubs with her father, especially the one she had tackled earlier. After a while Chinook became aware of Kiara staring at him.
“What is it?” He asked a bit self-consciously, turning to her. Kiara said nothing merely looking away to hide her blush. Chinook turned back and shrugged. After walking through most of the Pridelands, Simba gave them a brief history from the time his father was king to the present, before they climbed back up Pride Rock. When they reached the top Simba walked into the den to talk with Nala, while the cubs stayed outside playing games. The sun was now low and nighttime was nearing.
“Wanna play?” Kiara asked Chinook.
“Sure.” Said Chinook. Before he could ask what, she tackled him, trying to use the moves her parents taught her to pin the surprised cub. It didn’t go quite as planned. After a few seconds she was looking up at Chinook, who had her paws effectively pinned to the ground. She was trapped.
“Ha! Gotcha pinned!” Stated Chinook.
“Hey, let go!” Said Kiara, struggling.
“Do you give up?” He asked. She struggled a bit more before giving up and changing tactics. Kiara lifted her head and licked the side of his face. Chinook practically fell off and Kiara took her chance to turn the tables on him. She tackled him to the ground and smiled triumphantly.
“Pinned ya!” Said Kiara, as Chinook stared in open mouthed shock. As soon as he was out of his surprise, he rolled, standing as Kiara was forced off.
“Nice trick, but you’re sacrificing your balance.” He noted. Before Kiara could reply, four lionesses reached the top of Pride Rock where they were at.
“Any news?”Asked Simba coming out of the den.
“We couldn’t find them.” Said the lead scout. Simba turned to the five cubs.
“You’re welcome to spend a couple of nights here.” He offered.
“What do you guys think?” Asked Chinook.
“You’re the leader, you decide and we’ll follow.” Said Wyvern.
“We accept sir.”
“Yeah!” Tau and Sefu cheered, causing Saber to shake his head in embarrassment.
“Then let’s find you all a sleeping spot.” Said Nala leading the cubs inside. Kiara made to follow but Simba stopped her.
“Kiara, what do you think of these newcomers?” He asked.
“Well, I like them.” Kiara said honestly. “They’re fun and I can play with them. Tau & Sefu are so funny, and Wyvern is really cool. Oh and Kenali and Saber are awesome too.” Simba noticed one missing.
“And the leader? Chinook?”
“Oh, uh, he’s cool. I really like him.” Simba cocked his head and gave her a look that told Kiara he knew she wasn’t saying everything. “I dunno. I just like being around him. He has an air of kindness and he’s really fun.” Simba smiled knowingly before leading his daughter into the den. As he settled down, he looked around taking in his pride before looking at the cubs. Simba smiled. Chinook slept over by his friends with Kiara lying beside him, her head on his neck.
“Simba, what’s wrong?” Asked Nala.
“I’ve got a bad feeling something awful will happen to them that we’ll be powerless to stop.”
“Don’t worry everything will be fine.”
“I hope so.” He said. “These cubs are as young as Kiara, yet they’re all good hearted and polite. They deserve a good life. All of them.” He added looking at Kiara and smiling.

The next morning, Simba woke up and stretched before going outside. Everything was still pretty dark and clouds covered most of the sky, occasionally lighting up because of lightning. Nala joined him after awhile and the two stared out across their land. It wasn’t long before they detected movement. As they watched out of the morning fog appeared ten or twelve lionesses. As they crossed a small river, Simba involuntarily shuddered. They moved silently but with a sense of purpose, and yet they had a nonthreatening feel about them. But, where were the males? There had to be at least one. Then Simba saw them. Four large lions cutting a path in their direction just right of the lionesses. By the time the pride reached Pride Rock and joined together again, the land was a bit brighter as the sun continued to rise. One of the lioness walked up to one of the males, while the other three males fell back to walk just ahead of the other lionesses, one of the three males in front of the other two. Chinook and the other five cubs stepped up next to Simba and smiled.
“Mom! Dad!” Shouted Tau and Sefu as they and Chinook ran to the lead lion and lioness. Saber, and Kenali ran to their mothers while Wyvern was greeted by all in general.
“I am Kafara, your majesty.” Said the leader. “And this is my mate Maisha and my brother Aki. We’re wanders from nearby and were passing through.” Simba looked at each in turn. Kafara had Chinook’s fur color, but a brown mane and green eyes like Tau and Sefu. Maisha’s fur was darker than her mate’s and she had hazel eyes. The fur on the top of her head was black, like Chinook’s tuft. Finally, Aki had brown fur with a light red mane and auburn eyes, indicating to Simba that Chinook got his eye colors from his father’s side of the family. Simba looked past them at the other two male lions. One had cream colored fur and light tan mane with kind blue eyes, while the other male had charcoal colored fur, dark gray mane, and venomous green eyes.
“Well welcome to the Pridelands. My father was always fond of wandering prides; feel free to stay as long as you’d like.”
“Thanks for the offer, but we were just passing through. We don’t want to be any trouble.”
“Aww, dad! Can’t we stay a bit?” Asked Chinook. Kafara looked at his son, then at his mate, who had a slightly amused look on her face, then to Simba and finally to Tau and Sefu.
“Please!!!” Said the twins. Their father sighed and chuckled.
“Can we still take you up on that offer?” He asked Simba.
“Of course.”
“Thank you.” Then Kafara turned to his pride. “Alright everyone. We’re staying.”

After about a week in Simba’s Pride, Chinook went out one morning with the other five cubs from his pride to play on Pride Rock. As they played, Simba walked out of the cave followed by Nala and Kiara.
“Chinook. I have something to tell you. You too Kiara.” Simba added to his daughter.
“Yes?”Asked Chinook.
“Your parents and I have been talking and we’ve come to a decision. Something that my own parents did for me when I was your age.”
“Well what is it?” Asked Kiara.
“Well Kiara, Chinook, you’re betrothed.” Said Simba.
“Be-what?” Asked Kiara. Tau grabbed his own neck and stared at his brother.
“That’s beheaded, buddy.” Chinook replied.
“Oh.” Tau said.
“It means you two will someday be married.” Answered Simba. Chinook and Kiara gaped in surprise while, Chinook’s friends and brothers started choking on laughter.

[whitewolf17]

Whoa. That is an incredible fanfic. I can't wait to see more of it.

[Moka]

This is great, Chinook! And that was only chapter 1 I'm so excited for the rest xD
I'm also excited to see what's gonna happen when Kiara meets Kovu and Chinook is still around...I have a feeling that this will be great.

Theres a tiny little spelling error. "We’re wanders from nearby" change "wanders" to "wanderers"

Keep up with this Chinook, its great. A fan fic can't be too long...just look at the Chronicles of the Pride Lands =P

[Chinook]

Thanks whitewolf and Moka, glad you guys liked it so far. And Moka, thanks for catching that typo, both Spellcheck and I missed it.
Anyway, this chapter isn't as long as the last, but it is important as it serves to give the backstory of the Wandering Pride and the cubs.


The Lion King III: Night Shadow
Chapter 2: Histories and Games

Chinook rolled his eyes as his brothers laughter filled the air.
“Knock it off already.” He said annoyed. It was already later in the day and yet his brothers were still laughing from earlier that morning.
“We can’t help it!” Said Tau laughing.
“It’s just too funny.” Added Sefu. Chinook groaned. At least his friends had the sense to remain silent unlike his brothers, yet they still had amused looks on their faces. Kiara looking as embarrassed as she had earlier that morning walked silently with the group. Chinook took the opportunity to get out of the laughter by dropping back behind the group.
“You okay?” He asked Kiara. He noticed that she looked thoughtful and seemed rather distracted.
“Oh. I’m fine. Just thinking.” She answered smiling genuinely.
“About?” Asked Chinook.
“How lucky I got.” She replied snuggling against him as they walked. Chinook got a shocked look on his face and he tensed up, but quickly relaxed and his movements became more natural. The cubs ahead of them kept on laughing, unaware, and Chinook groaned.
“Hey, you want to race?”Kiara asked to get Chinook’s mind off the other cubs.
“Yeah, sure.” He replied. Kiara smirked.
“Read, go!” She yelled running ahead.
“Hey, what the-?!” Chinook yelled, before taking off after her. He quickly gained on Kiara and soon passed her. Chinook looked back, smiling before turning back. As he looked up, he saw mud at the end of a lake. He tried to stop but it was too late.
“Whoooa!” Chinook yelled as he slid through the mud and splashed into the water. Chinook turned his head to where Kiara was laughing and smiled, his teeth gleaming in the sun.

After Chinook climbed out of the water and shook himself off, careful to splash the male cubs with water since they were laughing at him even more, they all went back towards Pride Rock. As they approached, the Wandering Pride walked by. The seven cubs watched the pride settling down. Ever since arriving, they had been staying in a grassy area near Pride Rock.
“So, can I ask about your pride’s history?” Asked Kiara. Chinook shrugged.
“Not much to tell. We’ve been wanderers for a long time. New leaders are the descendants of previous leaders. Most of the lionesses are either descendant of older members or else they joined us as we wandered. Nobody really truly has a home.” He said. “Of course we do have a bit of territory nearby, just in case.”
“Our dad took over the pride from his father after his death.” Said Tau.
“Mother had been dad’s best friend and they became betrothed. Just like you and Chinook.” Said Sefu.
“Of course, dad’s other best friend is his brother, our uncle Aki.” Added Chinook. Kiara looked thoughtful for a moment.
“And what of the other two?” She asked.
“The big guy with the cream colored fur is our babysitter, Mayay.” Said Kenali.
“That’s not his main job, though.” Added Saber. “It’s just what he ends up doing.”
“And the other lion?” Asked Kiara.
“That’s Orion. He joined our pride rather recently. We don’t know much about him but he seems angry about everything and really mean at times.” Said Wyvern.
“Just stay away from him if you don’t want a huge telling off.” Tau warned.
“Anyway, this isn’t the first time our pride comes through here. When our grandfather was the leader, they journey here a couple of times.” Chinook
“My mother joined shortly after I was born. I only lived out of the pride during the first few days of my life.” Said Saber.
“I never lived anywhere else, as I was born into this pride. However, my mother came shortly before I was born.” Said Kenali. “But my grandmother had been part of it once, which is why my mom wanted to find it, so we could live with them again.”
“I don’t remember my mother much. I don’t even know what species she was. I do remember that she was orange with black stripes, and she was very kind.” Wyvern recalled. “She was the one who named me; but we were alone and by the time this pride found me, it was too late and she was already dying. Afterwards these guys took me in, and now I have several mothers.” Kiara looked at Wyvern, sad that he lost his mother, but glad that he had found a new family. She had seen that when the other cubs looked at him, they just saw another cub like them, ignoring his differences. In fact, if it wasn’t for those differences, one would think that he’d been born into the pride.

Soon after watching the Wandering Pride, the cubs decided to play a bit more, this time everyone joining in, and ran around playing tag, until they spotted a large lake nearby.
“Let’s go for a swim! Said Kiara. The cubs raced towards a nearby lake and six of them jumped in and started swimming, but one cub stayed behind. Tau stared sadly at the group, his ears low.
“Are you alright?” Asked Kiara, noticing the cub. Tau looked embarrassed.
“I-I can’t swim.” He replied.
“We tried to teach him, but he just can’t do it.” Added Chinook, swimming back to shallow waters. “Come on, bro. Hold on to my back.” Tau grabbed on to his older brother’s back and Chinook took them out into deeper waters.
“Sorry about this.” Tau said. He always apologized whenever someone had to take him out into the deep like this.
“Don’t. You try, and it’s no bother at all. You are one of my brothers after all.” Said Chinook. Kiara looked on and smiled. After they swam for a few minutes, she had an idea.
“Hey, why don’t we play in the shallower waters? It might not be much for swimming but then Chinook and Tau can join in.” The others quickly agreed and they swam for the shallow. Once the water was up to their chests and they could touch the bottom, they stopped and Tau got off. The cubs played for a long time tagging, hopping, pouncing and just making a general ruckus. They only stopped playing when their families called them back near sunset.

Chinook and Kiara sat atop a grassy hill overlooking the Pridelands that starry night.
“This really is a great place.” Said Chinook, gazing out at the view. Kiara snuggled her head up into his neck.
“Yes it is.” She said. Chinook nuzzled the top of her head.

[KiarasMate]

Awesome story thus far Chinook. ^^ Love the characters and your level of detail and description is fantastic. ^^ The chapters are nicely written and of a good length to enthrall the reader without overwhelming them. You do a great job at bringing out character personality too and I am truly looking forward to reading more of this story when you find time to post it. ^^ Keep up the amazing work my friend.

[CommandoTheLion]

this is very cool xD

[Chinook]

I know I haven't updated in a while, but I've had a lot of stuff to do. I had planned to have this by the first of this month, but recently my laptop died on me and lost everything on it, including several chapters I had typed up (It was a back up to my old PC, so I didn't have a redundant back up). On the brightside, my downtime gave me some time to think out some things to better develop the characters and the story. Chapter four might be up tomorrow but no definite promises. Anyway, this here is a trimmed version of chapter three. I shortened it because I wasn't sure if we're allowed to include song lyrics in our fics (looked in the rules, FAQ and used search to no avail for an answer), so I just gave its name so everyone knows what it is.

The Lion King III: Night Shadow
Chapter 3: First Meeting

Kafara made his way through the tall grasses of the Pridelands, Chinook at his side. The other five cubs in the wandering pride were off with the pride’s lionesses, and Kafara was taking the opportunity to teach his eldest son to fight.
“Okay, so you know how to bounce and how to tumble, but you still don’t know how to apply techniques.” Kafara said as they stood near a boulder.
“How do I do that?” Asked Chinook.
“Well it depends, you can combine what you know, or you can know enough to make something up on the spot. Let try some that you already know and go from there.” They had been practicing for about an hour when they heard swift rustling from nearby. Both looked up to see Simba run past followed by Nala, two lionesses and Timon and Pumbaa.
“Simba do you need any help?!” Kafara shouted.
“No, stay here. The Outlanders may try to enter the Pridelands. I’ll need you to stop them if they do.” Simba shouted back without slowing.
“Alright understood.”
“Chinook go back to Pride Rock.”
“But dad…”
“Don’t question, just go.”

Chinook walked slowly back to Pride Rock, in no hurry to get there. His mind was at full speed as several thoughts ran through it. Would his father be okay alone? Would Simba be okay with such a small group? Were either prides in serious danger? If Kiara was supposed to be with Timon and Pumbaa, and they were with Simba, then where was she? Was she in danger? His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of talking. He looked behind him and saw that he had been moving so slow, that Simba, who had returned with Kiara, and the others had nearly caught up to him. As the group left at a slight angle to him, Simba stayed behind with Kiara sitting on a rock. Though he was too far to hear what they were saying, he did hear when Simba began singing We Are One, and decided to move closer to listen better.

Chinook followed them as they walked, listening intently. Something nagging at his mind, kept telling him there was an important lesson to be had. At one point, Kiara sang too, questioning her destiny.
“She has a point.” Thought Chinook, as he considered her words. They continued on, eventually reaching Pride Rock. As Simba finished he spoke to Kiara again before climbing up to the cave in Pride Rock, while Kiara stayed behind. From where he stood, Chinook contemplated the meaning of what he’d heard.
“One?” He said to himself. From what he could see, Kiara looked confused too. He’d have to look into that concept. He walked over to the rocks leading up Pride Rock and stopped just below Kiara.
“Kiara?” Kiara turned and smiled when she saw who it was.
“Oh hi Chinook!” She said as she climbed down beside him.
“What happened? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, it’s just that I fell into the Outlands.”
“How was it?”
“Barren and ugly. But, I met a cub there that played with me. I think you guys would like him. He likes to play fight.” Chinook chuckled.
“That’s right up Tau and Wyvern’s alley.”
“I’m glad I made a new friend. We all should get together and play.”
“Meeting new people is good, but the Outlands is very dangerous.”
“Oh? And you would know?”
“I would. Remember? We’re wanderers. We’ve had to pass through there on a couple of occasions. And your father would never allow an Outlander, even a cub into the Pridelands.”
“Oh.” Kiara’s ears lowered sadly at that.
“However; I know a place where we can all play and not be found.”
“Really?”
“Hey, what kind of wanderers would we be if we didn’t?”

“Hey guys! Listen up.” Said Chinook as he met up with his brothers and friends later that day. “Kiara’s found someone for all of us to play with. However, the problem is he’s an Outlander.”
“What?!” Yelled Saber.
“Whoa!” Kenali yelped. Tau cringed at the outburst.
“Shh!” Chinook shushed them so no one would overhear.
“No way!” Said Sefu, a little more quietly. “You know Outsiders are too dangerous and can’t be trusted.”
“He’s right you know?” Added Wyvern.
“If Kiara says he’s alright, then I trust her.” Chinook retorted. They all turned to Tau who shrugged.
“Hey if Chinook is willing to try, why shouldn’t we?”
“Alright, fine. We’re going to the location?” Said Saber.
“We’re going to the location.” Said Chinook. “But I’m going to need all of you to keep the adults off the trail while I take Kiara and her friend there. We’ll meet back up when all is clear.”
“If we get caught, we’re saying it’s your fault.” Said Sefu. Chinook chuckled.
“I’ll say it was your idea.” He joked.

[Chinook]

I hope this isn't considered double posting. I know I said this would be up about a day after chapter 3, but this is my own fault. I got overwhelmed with three exams six essays; sorry about that.
The Lion King III: Night Shadow
Chapter 4: Meeting Kovu

Chinook had been waiting patiently when Kiara arrived with Kovu.
“Hey Chinook! Meet Kovu.” Chinook turned to see Kiara with a brown-furred, green-eyed cub.
“Hello.” Said Chinook trying to be friendly. This caused Kovu to be taken aback, much like when he first met Kiara the other day; so unused to friendly greetings was he. When Kovu didn’t reply Chinook frowned slightly. “Hmm. We’re going to have to work on your social skills.” This caused Kiara to laugh and Kovu to smile a bit.
“Sorry.” He said a bit sheepishly. Chinook shrugged it off and began to walk away.
“Come on this way, we have to go before they start looking for us!” He called back. Kovu looked at Kiara, who followed Chinook. Shrugging himself, the young Outlander followed the two cubs.

The three clubs were walking through an area with light shrubbery, when Kovu suddenly stopped and looked around.
“Hey! Did you hear that?” He asked.
“Hear what?” Asked Kiara. Chinook listened too and heard two familiar voices calling out.
“Kiara! Chinook!”
“Who’s that?” Asked Kovu.
“Timon and Pumbaa.” Chinook replied while Kiara rolled her eyes.
“Our babysitters.” Kiara added.
“What do we do now?”
“Hmm.” Said Chinook thoughtfully as he looked around. His eyes fell upon a cave opening leading underground. “I got an idea.”

The trio ran into the cave and stopped at the center, looking around.
“Uh, nice one.” Said Kovu, looking around the empty cavern. Chinook didn’t reply, just looking around the cave.
“What are you looking for?” Asked Kiara.
“A ledge or some-” He was interrupted by the sudden hiss of a geyser erupting right behind them. “Yi!” Chinook yelped as he leapt into the air, just barely avoiding getting scorched.
“You okay?” Asked Kovu.
“Yeah. I’m okay.” He replied.
“You gotta be careful.” Said Kiara.
“Yeah but-hey! I just thought of something!”
“What is it?” Kiara asked, looking around as if to find the answer herself.
“Both of you run outside through another exit and wait for me by the entrance.”
“What’re you going to do?” Asked Kovu. Chinook smirked at the two cubs.
“You’ll see.”

After Kovu and Kiara left, Chinook climbed up to a ledge to wait. It only took a few minutes for Timon and Pumbaa to find the cave and enter it.
“Now where are those kids?” Asked Timon as the duo looked around.
“Timon how do we know they came through here?” Asked Pumbaa.
“We don’t, Pumbaa. That’s why we have to search everywhere.” From his hiding spot overlooking the cave, Chinook had a choice vantage point to observe Timon and Pumbaa. He waited for them to move further in, then made his move.
“Rrraaaawwwwrrrr!!!!” Chinook growled as loud as he could, the echoes off the cavern walls magnifying his voice even more.
“Ahhhhh!” Screamed Timon and Pumbaa. Chinook took this opportunity to escape, running out to meet Kiara and Kovu. With muffled boom, smoke began to rise from the cave’s openings.
“What happened?” Asked Kovu.
“Simple. The geysers acted like fire. All I had to do was scare the babysitters and Pumbaa did the rest.” The two cubs with him began laughing.
“Nice.” Said Kovu.
“Good one.” Said Kiara.

“Now what?” Asked Kovu. They had reached the meeting point, which was void of any other animals. Chinook sat down and growled loudly. For a moment nothing happened. Then suddenly, five points appeared around them and began to move in towards them from five different directions
“Guys meet Kovu. Kovu; Tau, Sefu, Kenali,Wyvern and Saber.”
After introductions, Chinook led the group a secluded area. There was a large lake in the center with two waterfalls, plenty of shade and a large area to run and play. The entire area was surrounded by trees and thus blocked from view.
“Whoa!” Gasped Kovu, his eyes widening.
“It’s so beautiful.” Said Kiara in awe. All eight cubs ran in laughing and yelling. As they played tag, Kovu decided to learn more about his new friends.
“So Chinook, I heard your betrothed to Kiara. What does that mean?” He asked.
“It means I’m going to be King of the Pridelands.” Said Chinook sounding slightly dismayed.
“It means, we’re to be married.” Kiara replied, nestling up to him. Kovu, Kenali, Wyvern and Saber snickered while Tau and Sefu burst out laughing.
“I thought we were past this.” Said Chinook glaring at the five cubs from his pride.

“Hey Kovu! Chinook tells us you like to fight.” Said Tau crouching down. Wyvern sat behind him watching and Saber and Sefu stopped to watch too. Kovu’s face lit up. Now this was his kind of playing. As Kovu crouched too, Chinook called out.
“Be careful, Tau and Wyvern are very strong and Saber and Sefu can fight really well.”
“What about Kenali?” Asked Kovu.
“I’m fast.”
“He’s very good at outmaneuvering.” Chinook replied. Kovu took the chance to fight each of the cubs. Tau was the least difficult, though Kovu couldn’t stand when he was pinned as the cub was really heavy. Wyvern was a bit slow, though that was his strategy as his blows were heavy and kept Kovu at bay. Saber and Sefu were good fighters. And Saber’s teeth and Sefu’s claws weren’t exactly something He wanted to face for very long. Kovu guessed Kenali would’ve been the easiest to fight; if he could land a single blow on the speedy cub.
“Hey…Chinook? You…fight?” Kovu panted tiredly as Kenali walked away unweary.
“Nah. No. They do; I don’t.”
“What’s… the matter…scared?”
“Please. You can barely catch your breath.” Kovu straightened up and held back another pant.
“Humor me.” Chinook looked at Kiara. She was looking at him expectantly, waiting. Chinook didn’t need to look at the others. He knew that their looks of wouldn’t betray any foreknowledge they held. He sighed.
“Very well.” Kovu crouched down once more, though Chinook remained straight. Kovu smirked and pounced. As he flew to Chinook, the cub jumped, landed on his back and quickly pushed off. Kovu landed in the mud while Chinook landed where Kovu had just been crouching. The others started laughing and even Kovu himself laughed.
“How’d you do that?” He asked.
“Practice. Dad did say to make up new things.” Said Chinook turning round to face Kovu. “Ready to give up?” Kovu looked like he might for a minute but then he leapt, catching Chinook’s shoulders and knocking him down. Before he could fully pin him though, Chinook tucked his legs in, against Kovu’s stomach, and tossed him backwards. Kovu landed safely in the lake and surfaced, paddling to shore.
“Ready.”

Later that day, after tiring themselves out from so much playing, the eight cubs lay on the grass watching the clouds moving across the orange sky as the sun began to set.
“Hey, Kovu, tell us a bit more about yourself.” Asked Kenali.
“Well, I live with my mother and my older brother and sister. We were banished to the Outlands for something.”
“Something?” Asked Tau.
“I don’t really know.” Kovu shrugged. “I mean I know they supported Scar, but I think there’s more to it than just that.”
“So how is it like living in the Outlands? Is it really bad?” Asked Kiara.
“It’s not that bad. Heh, occasionally it can even be kinda, fun. But I never got to know my dad.” Said Kovu.
“Yeah, me neither.” Said Wyvern.
“You have a lot more in common with us than you realize.” Said Chinook.
“It’s getting late. We should go home before all three prides come looking for us.” Said Saber.
“Okay no one knows of this place except us eight. You have to swear to never divulge its location, alright?” Said Chinook.
“Okay.” Said Kovu.
“Gotcha.” Said Kiara. The other six cubs frowned.
“You promise?” Asked Chinook.
“Promise.” Kovu and Kiara said together.