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  Out of nowhere, Zira's lionesses assembled before her, bristling in the defense of their leader. If Zira could've felt anything in that moment other then grief and anger, she’d have felt pride; no one could compare to her pridesisters in toughness and loyalty. And now was the perfect time to test them as a large lion with a billowing red mane and golden orange pelt stood atop the rise. Next to him stood five or so lionesses, Zira instantly recognizing them to be Sarabi’s lionesses. Obviously, this lion was Scar’s murderer, the lionesses having sided with him because Scar wasn’t what they had desired in a leader. How cowardly and sickening, siding with a stranger just because Scar hadn’t been traditional in his methods and his reign happened to coincide with an unavoidable natural phenomenon. And, to add insult to injury, the lion's features and build was strangely reminiscent of the old king and Scar’s brother, Mufasa. Truly the pridelanders were a pathetic lot.

  “Who are you?” spoke the young lion. “Why are you and your pride trespassing in my lands?”

  “Your lands?! What right do you have to claim these lands as your own?” Zira interrogated, ignoring the nervous looks her lionesses gave her. They may have been out-numbered and weakened, but Zira didn’t care at that point. She wanted answers for her lover’s death and she’d get them. Not pleased with her words and tone, the lion gave her a strong, warning glare. But before he could answer, a lioness to his right answered for him angrily. “If you must know, it is his birthright!”

  “Shelala, at ease. I can handle this, thank you.” The lioness backed down immediately, seeming embarrassed despite the way the foreigner had not spoken harshly to her. “But she is correct. I was born and presented as the next heir to the throne of the Pridelands. Scar was simply too selfish and jealous, seeking to take the throne by force. Even after I returned and asked him to step down when he was clearly unqualified for the role, he still refused. It was only once I defeated him in battle and the fire claimed him that I could take my place.”

  Not satisfied with this answer, Zira snarled. “You still haven’t answered my question! Who are you and what proof do you have that states that you have a right to the throne?”

  “I believe the answer is rather obvious.” Suddenly, a young lioness stepped forward to stand next to the lion. Zira recognized her instantly.

  “Nala! So you finally returned from your wanderings. Tell me, are you the one who brought this young lion back and are spreading lies about how a murderer has a claim to the throne?!”

  “Yes, I did bring him back. But it’s not a lie. For he is Simba, the late King Mufasa’s one and only heir, thought lost for ages but returned to the throne in the end.”

  “Simba...” Zira had heard that Scar had once had a nephew, the spitting image of his hated brother. She had never met or seen the brat, but she did have faint memories of what Mufasa looked like. That and some of the lion’s facial features did take after Sarabi. However... “I heard that Simba perished. Died in the same wildebeest stampede that claimed Mufasa as well. And at such a young age, how could a cub survive without a pride? Clearly this lion is an imposter, just using long gone ghosts to gain a position into your pride. You have no proof but his word and that of your lionesses'. That is not enough to convince me.”

  Zira knew that her words would anger the so-called “king”; she knew that she was acting like a rebel and provoking him to attack. But, that was exactly what she wanted; let the rogue come at her, enraged and desperate to put her in her place. Let him show his true colors and reveal to them all what kind of “king” he really was. But rather than get angry, his face became serious and pressed with thought.

  “Very well.” He finally spoke. “You and your pride shall accompany us back to the den. There we will present evidence against you, and for me being whom I claim I am. After that, we will present a vote to see which side agrees, and then, depending on majority, we shall decide whether I keep the throne or step down. Sound good enough?” Zira could find no reason to argue that wouldn’t make her seem like the villain here. So she nodded, falling into line behind Simba’s group.

  Upon entering the dens, Zira noticed Alijali and her group of lionesses huddled next to the elder one. It seemed they had been imprisoned upon entering the den site, likely taken aback from the sudden monarchal change. Zira went to stand with her second-in-command, her pridesisters following suite.

  Meanwhile, the one called "Simba" went to go sit on the raised rock set in the far back of the cave. The very same rock that Scar and Zira had once occupied when her love held the crown, the place reserved only for those of royal blood. Zira had to bite down a growl working its way up her throat. Nala came to sit beside Simba, while Zira noted that Sarabi and Sarafina were laying down off to their left. She suddenly understood what Nala had to gain from allying herself to this lion, Zira feeling outraged that the only reason she showed any loyalty to this murderer was for an increase in rank. Pitiful, truly pitiful.

  Simba motioned to a lioness to approach him before he whispered something in her ear, which caused the lionesss to nod before she took off out of the cave entrance.

  “Where is she going that’s so important?” Zira wondered before Simba cleared his throat to announce he would be speaking.

  “For those not aware of the circumstances, these lionesses were found trespassing deep in the kingdom’s domain. They have sworn their loyalty to Scar, and as such, have asked me to explain as to what right I have to the throne and what proof I have that I am indeed the lost Prince Simba, heir and son of the great king Mufasa. And as my first act as king, I feel it only right that I give this lioness her answer, as well as answer any of your own doubts that you may have. Therefore, I will present evidence to support my case while this lioness will support her own evidence. At the end, a vote shall be held and who ever carries the most favor shall win and decide the fate of the losing party. Do all of you agree to this?” The assembled crowd nodded, even Zira and her girls agreeing. After all, Zira knew that this lion could hold no true evidence of his lineage, as only the Great Spirit could confirm or deny such information. Zira would win.

  “But before we get started, I’d like to learn who you and your pride are? My mate and mother have told me of you, but I’d like to hear your story before I make a final judgment.”

  Though a bit taken aback, Zira remained composed, motioning for Alijali to step forward and speak for her and her pride. The old lioness held her form regally, despite the obvious lack of nourishment, waiting until she was at the room’s center before she began speaking. Unknown to Simba and his pride, Alijali was keeper of her pride's history, lore, and traditions, having been trained to assist the royal family in everything from battle to political matters. So when Alijali gave her speech, she did so with an air of importance and professionalism.

  “Fair lionesses of the Pridelands and great sir of the lost title. I have been humbly asked to tell the history of my fair lady, Zira, and of how she came to reside in this fair kingdom. For you see, many seasons ago before your Mufasa took the throne, his brother, who, at the time, was called "Taka", came to our fair lands to the east. Back then, our current king and Zira’s grandfather, Amani, still held the throne despite the gray on his muzzle. Your Prince Taka had come to us with a proposal; he wished to unite our two kingdoms as well as select a bride for himself. So the prince suggested betrothing himself to one of our fair king’s lionesses in order to unite our kingdoms as one. At the time, our queen, Zira, was only a cub, but still agreed to become betrothed to the prince for her kingdom's welfare. Not long after, our King Amani died and Zira was crowned and married to Prince Taka. So when Scar took the throne, Zira became his rightful queen.”

  As Alijali spoke, Simba listened quietly, processing the information. It was only when the old lioness had finished speaking, that he nodded. “I see. But tell me, if Zira was married to my uncle before my father took the throne, why did I never see or hear of her until now?”

  At this, Alijali chuckled dryly, her haggard features taking on a slight expression of amusement. “I see you are as quick-witted as your mane is red, lord Simba.” Zira bit down another growl; Alijali was starting to lay it on a bit too thickly for her standards. “Indeed, Zira was only present during the years when your presumed father was still but a prince. After Mufasa’s coronation, Zira was taken back to her kingdom to the east to fulfill her royal duties as queen. Only when word reached us that Scar had taken the throne after his brother’s death did we travel to your lands again. And in order to become his true queen, she gave up the ruling and care of her own kingdom to Scar. In fact, we were visiting our old kingdom on his orders when you arrived. Finding nothing much of worth, we returned to announce our results of the expedition.” Alijali concluded, Zira nodding and smiling at her results.

  Simba seemed pleased as well for he inquired no further, instead getting on with the case. First, Simba placed his witnesses forward, starting with himself, then Nala, and finally Sarabi. Then Zira came forward with some of her most loyal and pled their case. It remained fairly tame in the beginning but began to become more heated as time wore on. But Zira remained calm both inwardly and outwardly; for even after all the evidence had been presented, only Simba’s word and that of his most loyal was his only proof. She could see the doubt starting to take hold of even Sarabi’s lionesses. She had all that was needed to seal his fate.

  But then a single voice broke through the clamor and silenced all of that.
_____________________

First | Previous | Next
_____________________

GO! Cliffhanger! Use suspense builder.
Sorry to cut this chapter in half but it would have been too long other wise. Just have to see how it ends on the next chapter.

So in this chapter we learn that Simba seems to be doing a pretty good job as king. Even though he's never met these lionesses, and likely has only negative associations with them, he's willing to fair and give them what they demand. What a swell guy.

All things related to TLK © Disney
Artwork, concept and story © Me
Editing © corruptangel315
Please do not use in any way, shape or form without proper consent from me and without using proper referencing. Thank you.

Description
  Out of nowhere, Zira's lionesses assembled before her, bristling in the defense of their leader. If Zira could've felt anything in that moment other then grief and anger, she’d have felt pride; no one could compare to her pridesisters in toughness and loyalty. And now was the perfect time to test them as a large lion with a billowing red mane and golden orange pelt stood atop the rise. Next to him stood five or so lionesses, Zira instantly recognizing them to be Sarabi’s lionesses. Obviously, this lion was Scar’s murderer, the lionesses having sided with him because Scar wasn’t what they had desired in a leader. How cowardly and sickening, siding with a stranger just because Scar hadn’t been traditional in his methods and his reign happened to coincide with an unavoidable natural phenomenon. And, to add insult to injury, the lion's features and build was strangely reminiscent of the old king and Scar’s brother, Mufasa. Truly the pridelanders were a pathetic lot.

  “Who are you?” spoke the young lion. “Why are you and your pride trespassing in my lands?”

  “Your lands?! What right do you have to claim these lands as your own?” Zira interrogated, ignoring the nervous looks her lionesses gave her. They may have been out-numbered and weakened, but Zira didn’t care at that point. She wanted answers for her lover’s death and she’d get them. Not pleased with her words and tone, the lion gave her a strong, warning glare. But before he could answer, a lioness to his right answered for him angrily. “If you must know, it is his birthright!”

  “Shelala, at ease. I can handle this, thank you.” The lioness backed down immediately, seeming embarrassed despite the way the foreigner had not spoken harshly to her. “But she is correct. I was born and presented as the next heir to the throne of the Pridelands. Scar was simply too selfish and jealous, seeking to take the throne by force. Even after I returned and asked him to step down when he was clearly unqualified for the role, he still refused. It was only once I defeated him in battle and the fire claimed him that I could take my place.”

  Not satisfied with this answer, Zira snarled. “You still haven’t answered my question! Who are you and what proof do you have that states that you have a right to the throne?”

  “I believe the answer is rather obvious.” Suddenly, a young lioness stepped forward to stand next to the lion. Zira recognized her instantly.

  “Nala! So you finally returned from your wanderings. Tell me, are you the one who brought this young lion back and are spreading lies about how a murderer has a claim to the throne?!”

  “Yes, I did bring him back. But it’s not a lie. For he is Simba, the late King Mufasa’s one and only heir, thought lost for ages but returned to the throne in the end.”

  “Simba...” Zira had heard that Scar had once had a nephew, the spitting image of his hated brother. She had never met or seen the brat, but she did have faint memories of what Mufasa looked like. That and some of the lion’s facial features did take after Sarabi. However... “I heard that Simba perished. Died in the same wildebeest stampede that claimed Mufasa as well. And at such a young age, how could a cub survive without a pride? Clearly this lion is an imposter, just using long gone ghosts to gain a position into your pride. You have no proof but his word and that of your lionesses'. That is not enough to convince me.”

  Zira knew that her words would anger the so-called “king”; she knew that she was acting like a rebel and provoking him to attack. But, that was exactly what she wanted; let the rogue come at her, enraged and desperate to put her in her place. Let him show his true colors and reveal to them all what kind of “king” he really was. But rather than get angry, his face became serious and pressed with thought.

  “Very well.” He finally spoke. “You and your pride shall accompany us back to the den. There we will present evidence against you, and for me being whom I claim I am. After that, we will present a vote to see which side agrees, and then, depending on majority, we shall decide whether I keep the throne or step down. Sound good enough?” Zira could find no reason to argue that wouldn’t make her seem like the villain here. So she nodded, falling into line behind Simba’s group.

  Upon entering the dens, Zira noticed Alijali and her group of lionesses huddled next to the elder one. It seemed they had been imprisoned upon entering the den site, likely taken aback from the sudden monarchal change. Zira went to stand with her second-in-command, her pridesisters following suite.

  Meanwhile, the one called "Simba" went to go sit on the raised rock set in the far back of the cave. The very same rock that Scar and Zira had once occupied when her love held the crown, the place reserved only for those of royal blood. Zira had to bite down a growl working its way up her throat. Nala came to sit beside Simba, while Zira noted that Sarabi and Sarafina were laying down off to their left. She suddenly understood what Nala had to gain from allying herself to this lion, Zira feeling outraged that the only reason she showed any loyalty to this murderer was for an increase in rank. Pitiful, truly pitiful.

  Simba motioned to a lioness to approach him before he whispered something in her ear, which caused the lionesss to nod before she took off out of the cave entrance.

  “Where is she going that’s so important?” Zira wondered before Simba cleared his throat to announce he would be speaking.

  “For those not aware of the circumstances, these lionesses were found trespassing deep in the kingdom’s domain. They have sworn their loyalty to Scar, and as such, have asked me to explain as to what right I have to the throne and what proof I have that I am indeed the lost Prince Simba, heir and son of the great king Mufasa. And as my first act as king, I feel it only right that I give this lioness her answer, as well as answer any of your own doubts that you may have. Therefore, I will present evidence to support my case while this lioness will support her own evidence. At the end, a vote shall be held and who ever carries the most favor shall win and decide the fate of the losing party. Do all of you agree to this?” The assembled crowd nodded, even Zira and her girls agreeing. After all, Zira knew that this lion could hold no true evidence of his lineage, as only the Great Spirit could confirm or deny such information. Zira would win.

  “But before we get started, I’d like to learn who you and your pride are? My mate and mother have told me of you, but I’d like to hear your story before I make a final judgment.”

  Though a bit taken aback, Zira remained composed, motioning for Alijali to step forward and speak for her and her pride. The old lioness held her form regally, despite the obvious lack of nourishment, waiting until she was at the room’s center before she began speaking. Unknown to Simba and his pride, Alijali was keeper of her pride's history, lore, and traditions, having been trained to assist the royal family in everything from battle to political matters. So when Alijali gave her speech, she did so with an air of importance and professionalism.

  “Fair lionesses of the Pridelands and great sir of the lost title. I have been humbly asked to tell the history of my fair lady, Zira, and of how she came to reside in this fair kingdom. For you see, many seasons ago before your Mufasa took the throne, his brother, who, at the time, was called "Taka", came to our fair lands to the east. Back then, our current king and Zira’s grandfather, Amani, still held the throne despite the gray on his muzzle. Your Prince Taka had come to us with a proposal; he wished to unite our two kingdoms as well as select a bride for himself. So the prince suggested betrothing himself to one of our fair king’s lionesses in order to unite our kingdoms as one. At the time, our queen, Zira, was only a cub, but still agreed to become betrothed to the prince for her kingdom's welfare. Not long after, our King Amani died and Zira was crowned and married to Prince Taka. So when Scar took the throne, Zira became his rightful queen.”

  As Alijali spoke, Simba listened quietly, processing the information. It was only when the old lioness had finished speaking, that he nodded. “I see. But tell me, if Zira was married to my uncle before my father took the throne, why did I never see or hear of her until now?”

  At this, Alijali chuckled dryly, her haggard features taking on a slight expression of amusement. “I see you are as quick-witted as your mane is red, lord Simba.” Zira bit down another growl; Alijali was starting to lay it on a bit too thickly for her standards. “Indeed, Zira was only present during the years when your presumed father was still but a prince. After Mufasa’s coronation, Zira was taken back to her kingdom to the east to fulfill her royal duties as queen. Only when word reached us that Scar had taken the throne after his brother’s death did we travel to your lands again. And in order to become his true queen, she gave up the ruling and care of her own kingdom to Scar. In fact, we were visiting our old kingdom on his orders when you arrived. Finding nothing much of worth, we returned to announce our results of the expedition.” Alijali concluded, Zira nodding and smiling at her results.

  Simba seemed pleased as well for he inquired no further, instead getting on with the case. First, Simba placed his witnesses forward, starting with himself, then Nala, and finally Sarabi. Then Zira came forward with some of her most loyal and pled their case. It remained fairly tame in the beginning but began to become more heated as time wore on. But Zira remained calm both inwardly and outwardly; for even after all the evidence had been presented, only Simba’s word and that of his most loyal was his only proof. She could see the doubt starting to take hold of even Sarabi’s lionesses. She had all that was needed to seal his fate.

  But then a single voice broke through the clamor and silenced all of that.
_____________________

First | Previous | Next
_____________________

GO! Cliffhanger! Use suspense builder.
Sorry to cut this chapter in half but it would have been too long other wise. Just have to see how it ends on the next chapter.

So in this chapter we learn that Simba seems to be doing a pretty good job as king. Even though he's never met these lionesses, and likely has only negative associations with them, he's willing to fair and give them what they demand. What a swell guy.

All things related to TLK © Disney
Artwork, concept and story © Me
Editing © corruptangel315
Please do not use in any way, shape or form without proper consent from me and without using proper referencing. Thank you.