by AustralianChaos » October 3rd, 2010, 3:00 am
Kovu was still thoroughly confused as his mother, who had just offerred him up, seemed taken aback by Simba's choice, and now seemed to have changed her mind. What was going on? his mind repeatedly asked, getting no answer. Was this all some elaborate test on Zira's part, a secret part of her training to see how he'd behave in a stressful, strange situation? But even if it was, Kovu had no idea how to behave, and so was lost, looking to the others for help, as Simba shot down Zira's attempt to argue the decision.
As Simba answered, saying he had a chance at a better tomorrow, Kovu opened his muzzle to argue, but stopped, realising it was probably true. The Outlands were a barren wasteland where every day was a struggle, and the Pridelands, well...all he had to do was look around, and he could see it was a better place. But he did not want to admit that in front of Zira, and as such stayed mostly silent. "I...well..." he stammered, not sure what he could say to show Simba he appreciated the gesture, without tipping off Zira.
But then Simba placed his paw around him, licking his other paw, causing Kovu to shy back a little. Zira often made a very similar gesture...but usually that was seconds before she struck him for being disobedient or lazy with his training. But when Simba asked him if he would prefer staying in the Outlands, Kovu was once more stuck, too scared of Zira's reaction to properly answer. "Well...I...I don't..." he stuttered once more, trying to find the right words.
But as Simba turned back to Zira, telling her she was free to leave, Kovu looked back and forth, still torn. He did not want to go back to the Outlands, but if this was all some sort of test, then he was obviously expected to. He just did not what to do. But then Simba started walking towards Pride Rock, before shotting Kovu another comment, this time about another cub, which caused Kovu's ears to instinctively raise in excitement. The only cub close to his age in the Outlands was Vitani, and while she was fun, she was his sister, and Kovu had just wanted a proper friend to hang around with...but at the same time, again...he liked his sister, and did not like the idea of leaving her in the Outlands alone.
But before Kovu could properly speak of any of this, he heard another voice. "I'll take care of him, Simba." Looking towards the source of the other voice, he saw a pale-furred lioness with these strangely mesmerising aqua eyes, giving Simba a brief smile, before turning towards him. He recognised her from Zira's descriptions...this was Nala, the queen of the Pridelands. As she continued towards him, she spoke up again. "Come on, Kovu, I'm not going to hurt you..." she said kindly, surprising Kovu once more with how kind and gentle these Pridelanders seemed. This surprise meant Kovu did not notice that Nala intended on carrying him with her until it was too late. He gave a brief yelp as he was picked up by the nape of his neck, but soon settled in, knowing that there was nothing he could do, as Nala turned back to her mate, giving Simba a nod to show him they were ready...once Zira left.