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It was late in the day when they assembled.

Long after all the flames smothered, and embers doused with smoke ebbing to nothing. After the guard gone and seen no enemy anywhere within the borders and all herds safely united. After the pride been counted and herds made note of who was missing, and those who were lost one way or another been tallied. When pride returned to den safely, herds stationed with sentries and Zazu had recruited the night birds to keep watch. When all was safe and sound as it could be, the most important assembled. When all were together, they walked to highest point of Priderock. When all royals grouped together and discussed the day that happened. Talked of what happened after Zira left.

And once that was dealt what to do next.

“Who do we know who is dead?” Asked the king glancing to his mother along with the current queen. Nala and Sarabi were closest to the pride and known them well. Simba had gone over already those of the people missing, most accounted for from ashen heaps in fire’s destruction. But a few, they wondered, may have been poached while fire raged. It was speculation but another matter mentioned. Now the pride must be documented and Nala and Sarabi would do so. They looked far more somber as they recalled the names. Before stoically going over their fate.

“In total we have five pride sisters gone. Two were clearly killed by the flames, likely scouting when it overcame them by surprise. The other three . . .” Sarabi paused, regal queen Nala looking in pain and none blamed them. Kovu felt his heart surge in ache at the thought. Of what he heard in whispers as he led Kiara away to see all the pride were safely in the den.

For the three in question were found not far from where Zira and her band had addressed Simba’s side. They were ashen and flecks of fur been taken by heat, but the flame had clearly not taken them. No, they had been torn and bleeding out when found. Those roars they heard as Zira retreated had darker intentions. The lionesses had clearly been captured, from the hunting party in the area and the lions of the Outlands using knowledge of the flames to enact their plan. To capture and hold them silent until Zira said her piece. Then to kill them in horrible fashion so their cries could be heard. And mangled bodies found.

“Why?” Kiara spoke for she was royal and was present with Kovu. Simba had wanted to shelter her, but he knew Kovu would have shared all that happened after. And besides, the future queen, should be part of such discussions. And here she showed her more sensitive, naive side that was so unqueen like. “Why’d they do all this? Why do these horrible things? The lionesses weren’t who they wanted vengeance against. They were innocent. Why target them and not us?”

“Indeed princess.” Spoke Ifetoya, standing proud with his son next to him. The old guard and technical royal from his old pride was allowed with his successor, the prince, attending. He spoke clearly, somber but with quiet wrath under it. “If you royals are who they aim to kill they could have done it when you were patrolling alone, out on your walks together. Taken the flame and ensnared you. And either let the flames get you or kill you themselves before letting fire burn all to ash. This was needless.”

It was realization that his anger was made clear. He was thinking of the burning in the Valelands. Of Grassy Peaks and part of Whistling creek, reduced to ash. Of missing pride mates and being homeless and forced into asking charity from allies. And wondering why this happened for fire in the Valelands, even during dry season, was rare for lands rich in greenery and rainfall. Realizing that his misery and loss now had a name and face. That now he could voice it.

“They want to punish all aligned with us.” spoke Nala suddenly, bitter at the mention. “Zira was always vindictive. She wouldn’t just punish the one, she punishes all in alignment. Or who she would assume or say were connected. Get all involved in her punishing act. See all taken care of.”

“Well, why not kill us all with fire.” Spoke Prince Abioye, Ifetoya’s son, young but skilled diplomat and combatant and not to be passed over. “Punish all of us I mean. If she wanted that, this attack should have been at night and when we least saw it coming. We’ve been oblivious of her for years. If they wanted to have a body count, they could have waited at night and released the flame all-around Priderock while we slept. It kill off most if not all of us. Done the job when we were none the wiser. Or knew the source. And that would have conflicted with her intentions as we can now react. We now know and can stop her when before we were oblivious. Is she so unstable she is stupid?”

They all wondered and were left to pause. But for Kovu it was obvious.

“This wasn’t about killing.” He thought darkly and spoke out. “This was about instilling fear before the kill. Making it personal. That’s what’s always been about. From the start.”

All paused looking to the lion who had known them best, could offer best insight into the pride. And his former family. And the chilling fear at his implication was not passed by.

She wanted them to know it was them. To know about them. And know she had the power and knowledge to do so. That she could have killed them in sleep or out alone as Abioye said. They were complacent enough, too use to peace and good living that they were blindsided. Lost some of their own. But no, she didn’t want a quick death. His adopted mother would want them aware and left to stew. To wait and speculate and wonder. On WHEN she and the pride would next strike. And how. For as he looked them all in the eyes, they all knew this was the start not the end. Zira would kill them on her terms. And she would drag out the fear from her enemies for a long while. She had waited years and suffered much to want to make up for it after all. She could wait a few days, weeks, or months for it before it ended.

“You don’t have to be involved.” Spoke Sarabi suddenly, meeting Ifetoya’s and his son’s eyes. “You sought refuge with us for we offered peace to recover before you went off to make a home for yourselves. Not be caught in a dispute with old, unstable enemies of ours. I will understand if you wish for me to send a bird up north to ask to take you in and shelter you. You needn’t be part of any of this.”

Ifetoya seemed to ponder this, but his son seemed insulted and snapped at once.

“Absolutely not.” He looked at his father then, fur rising along the spine. “Don’t you agree father.”

His father was calm and stoic, seeming curious but not catching onto the same thought. So he replied. “And how so son.”

“Simple, THEY burned down Grassy Peaks and left us homeless to begin with.” It was chilling to hear allowed and most had begun putting the pieces together. But to hear Zira and he pride had done such was still shocking.

“They used fire.” Ifetoya stated, confirming, glancing back over the dark lands, to the Northwest though nothing much in sight from the night. “The Graveyard was near our borders and the Outlands are near those empty lands. They could have run fire into our kingdom.”

“And taken some of our people.” Abioye added, infused. “There were those of our pride and Whistling Creek who were missing from the fire. Bodies never found. We assumed the flames got to them but after today. . .”

He paused looking intently at his father and the others. “They had alreayd practiced in fire so not hard leap to say they had some practice capturing lionesses in smoke and flame. If the three murdered prove such. That practice may have come from our pride and our neighboring pride. Maybe even holding them now for their own deeds.”

It sent a chill down all spines, Captain Ifetoya face of stoicism twisting into anger once more. Everyone else looking sickened and a new sense of what could be lost settled over them.

Kovu for himself was not surprised of the act but more surprised at the action. He had known Zira wanted to use fire upon discovering it on expeditions to the Graveyard a few years ago. A little before Kovu had left. Fire which could be a great ally, impossible for ANY save the Gods or supernaturally gifted to fight. It consumed all and would give not into begging, bargaining or threat. Useful for the savanna burned easily and little reprieve for water was rare outside waterholes and rivers. He knew his mother wanted to use it sense she remembered the hyenas mentioning it in the Graveyard. And Kovu from past experiences, past adventures, was able to tell and lead her to it. She even been planning to use it when Kovu was ready for the launch on the Prideland’s. So of course, she would use it here.

But it was risky. Working with wildfire like this was risky for her pride. He remembered his mother playing with the idea of using flames for the final plan, but Alijali spoke up of those risks. Of too many lions in and around could be caught and killed. Would be dangerous of the plan if one wasn’t smart and sharp in execution to not get caught. Clearly Zira’s mania had gotten to a point she didn’t care about such risks. That she was bolder in her decisions. And would be willing to go further and sacrifice much to get it.

And that her plans had changed. For fire wasn’t her only risk, if the roars and sights of those males were any indication. That she had allowed rogues into her midst, a dangerous game for any pride. More so than playing with fire.

In the past he knew Zira had wanted only to rely on her pride in the past for they were stalwart loyal to her and the royal line. And that they felt Kovu, strong, powerful Scar like Kovu would carry them to victory and vengeance over the Pridelanders. But perhaps feeling they loss an ace in Kovu, they felt they needed more. It occurred to him that they may have recruited rogue males who would easily go along with such actions for promises of better lands and a pride full of lionesses. And rogues would help keep captured pride members in place and force them into fighting for the Outlanders. All while getting food and females and allowed to keep practicing their barbaric ways. All of it was risky for the rogues could turn and kill Zira and any who sided with her. But Zira seemed more maddened to not even consider such a risk. As evident with the fire.

“I don’t recognize her.” he realized in rush, the quiet thought exploding in his mind. Yes, he no longer recognized Zira, the lioness who had been like a mother to him. Nor Nuka, whose mania seem to reach new peaks into unstable. And Vitani, normally she of the three he understood and felt best kinship for. But the one peering out at him with one scarred, dead eye was nearly unrecognizable. She had never looked with cold hatred before even with her eyes a cool blue. Never.

They were like strangers to him now. Like he looked at the bodies of those who had been family but now were demons in their skins. And like them, were not so mortally bound any more. Willing to do anything and everything to exact revenge, even if they burned down with them. And it frightened him as much as the other thoughts.

His inner monologue lasted for as long as everybody absorbed the information of Zira being the Valelands burning culprit and imprisoner of some of the pride members. And then he snapped out of it when Prince Abioye spoke again.

“You see father, it DOES include us. We must see they are punished for not just crimes against the Pridelanders but against US. Our people. Our land. We can’t rest easy knowing they are out there. Especially if after finishing business with the Pridelands, they come to finish us off. Or go for other parts of the Valelands.”

It was not thought of, but it was another horrifying realization.

“He’s right.” Said Simba. “We should stop them now or they’ll keep going. They clearly don’t care about keeping it to Pridelands only. Even if we retreated, they will likely go after other places. Try to follow and track us down. And reap punishment in all those who had been in their way towards us. Even should she exact vengeance upon us, she may not stop. She has no hesitation in using innocents for her schemes as the Valelands burning shows. With how driven and dangerous Zira is, she’ll keep going far beyond this. She may go after more and more territory until she brings down and takes the known world. No, I know all too well you need to stop the tyrant before it gets to a devasting degree. And if you’ll help Captain Ifetoya, we’ll do everything to avenge your pride. And protect both our lands and people.” Ifetoya seemed flustered for moment while his son looked jubilant, almost smug, practically hoping his father would say yes. Feeling motivated, Kovu got up and offered.

“And if not wishing to risk you’re hides, teach me how to protect my lands.” All eyes fell on him. “I want to be Captain of the Guard for the Pridelands one day. And I can’t do that if my former pride takes them, so if you won’t stay, teach me how to fight. How to keep it safe so I don’t lose my home. And in return I can teach you and all the guard what little know of my former pride. Their different from what I remember.” Those last words were painful to admit. “But I remember enough that maybe we can do something against them. So how about it Captain. Ready to face them?”

He looked from one face to another, from his son to the king of this land to the honorary prince. And he smiled.

“I seem to be outvoted. And honestly, I wanted to do as you young ones wanted but needed to know you were willing to the hard task not just being flippant. Yes, I will stay and stand and fight.” They seemed ready to cheer but then he barked an order.

“King Simba, I request early tomorrow we start doing intensive training with all guard members. Drills and spars for all those not patrolling or resting. I’ll set up a system with constant patrols at all hours.”

“Yes, we can do this.”

“Maybe with other animals. Zira isn’t familiar with the loyalty the animals of the land can have to their lion lords. And the birds already agreed to aid in that. So why not recruit some of them to help?” Kovu suggested.

“Yes, that’s a good idea on both parts. See its done.” Ifetoya said.

“We should have a backup plan.” Sarabi advised, Nala added. “After Scar’s reign, we learned that staying and fighting no matter what is not wisest. I think it’s safe to set up an escape route for the pride. At LEAST for the most vulnerable.” A look of understanding passed between the two lionesses for the pair had survived through that horrible reign.

“Yes, and it wouldn’t be bad to set up connections to our allies in Valelands either. To have them on standby to help.” Sarabi continued.

“To flee to?” asked Simba Perhaps thinking of his jungle home for such but The Valelands would be closer and easier to get to.

“And as for reinforcements.” Abioye added, smiling.

“My birth pride lost members and land too. They will want to help in any way they can. To see these barbarians brought to justice.” Sarabi added smiling towards her distant relative Abioye.

“So it’s agreed. On tomorrow we start plans to defend and fight. For now, we should go to bed, we’ll need whatever rest we can get. The days will not offer much reprieve form here. Meeting end.” Simba called. They cheered and broke apart, muttering happily. Hopefully.

All filed off, feeling more renewed by something decided, by plans being set. But even as Kovu walked with Kiara, leaning into her as tiredness sagged him, nodding along to her chatter, he could not feel the same. Not completely. The hope that blossomed in all other eyes but did not in him. He knew no matter the plans and practices it was not going to be easy. Not by long shot. For his mother and her pride had caught a mania, that made her desperate, reckless, and very dangerous in ways not seen yet. That he could tell. But he also could tell her chilling intelligence and planning had been refined into a deadly point. As if her mania had led to releasing weight therefore left her liberated to try what before some morality or common sense would stop her. She would try anything which meant they weren’t ready for much of what she could put forward. And no one seemed willing to stop her, to level he. All seemed united behind her, egging her on or supporting her. Even his sister, who though rough, had some gentleness in her. Some restraint and reason. But those cold eyes spoke different. And if Nuka was at his mother’s side seemingly wanted and loved, that was even worse. And all the other changes it boded bad from the rogue recruits, captured lions and fire. And he couldn’t imagine how much worse within the pride it was. And he would not be able, even in his nightmares, imagine exactly what she would do. Or what would happen in the days to follow.

But he would not ruin their hope and joy. They would need it in days and weeks to follow. It be their best bet against her insanity. They must stay together, must be above and better then her and her pride’s madness. For should they fall for it, she would drag them to level and claw them into dust with her experience.

So as they laid down and drifted to sleep, he pressed hard to Kiara and looked sadly out at all the pride, holding hem tightly in mind. Together they would survive, he hoped like them. But worried he was that they may fall. And he may never again see any one of the faces in this cave again after. So he said nothing for he would not spread that fear to others. Not now or loose the little hope they have. And so fall into darkness. Just like his pride.
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We cut back to the pridelands and they discuss all that happened and what to do about it. Among other matters.

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Idea and story © Me
Please do not use in any way, shape or form without proper consent from me and without using proper referencing.
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Thank you.

Description
First Part | Previous Part | Next Part >
______________

It was late in the day when they assembled.

Long after all the flames smothered, and embers doused with smoke ebbing to nothing. After the guard gone and seen no enemy anywhere within the borders and all herds safely united. After the pride been counted and herds made note of who was missing, and those who were lost one way or another been tallied. When pride returned to den safely, herds stationed with sentries and Zazu had recruited the night birds to keep watch. When all was safe and sound as it could be, the most important assembled. When all were together, they walked to highest point of Priderock. When all royals grouped together and discussed the day that happened. Talked of what happened after Zira left.

And once that was dealt what to do next.

“Who do we know who is dead?” Asked the king glancing to his mother along with the current queen. Nala and Sarabi were closest to the pride and known them well. Simba had gone over already those of the people missing, most accounted for from ashen heaps in fire’s destruction. But a few, they wondered, may have been poached while fire raged. It was speculation but another matter mentioned. Now the pride must be documented and Nala and Sarabi would do so. They looked far more somber as they recalled the names. Before stoically going over their fate.

“In total we have five pride sisters gone. Two were clearly killed by the flames, likely scouting when it overcame them by surprise. The other three . . .” Sarabi paused, regal queen Nala looking in pain and none blamed them. Kovu felt his heart surge in ache at the thought. Of what he heard in whispers as he led Kiara away to see all the pride were safely in the den.

For the three in question were found not far from where Zira and her band had addressed Simba’s side. They were ashen and flecks of fur been taken by heat, but the flame had clearly not taken them. No, they had been torn and bleeding out when found. Those roars they heard as Zira retreated had darker intentions. The lionesses had clearly been captured, from the hunting party in the area and the lions of the Outlands using knowledge of the flames to enact their plan. To capture and hold them silent until Zira said her piece. Then to kill them in horrible fashion so their cries could be heard. And mangled bodies found.

“Why?” Kiara spoke for she was royal and was present with Kovu. Simba had wanted to shelter her, but he knew Kovu would have shared all that happened after. And besides, the future queen, should be part of such discussions. And here she showed her more sensitive, naive side that was so unqueen like. “Why’d they do all this? Why do these horrible things? The lionesses weren’t who they wanted vengeance against. They were innocent. Why target them and not us?”

“Indeed princess.” Spoke Ifetoya, standing proud with his son next to him. The old guard and technical royal from his old pride was allowed with his successor, the prince, attending. He spoke clearly, somber but with quiet wrath under it. “If you royals are who they aim to kill they could have done it when you were patrolling alone, out on your walks together. Taken the flame and ensnared you. And either let the flames get you or kill you themselves before letting fire burn all to ash. This was needless.”

It was realization that his anger was made clear. He was thinking of the burning in the Valelands. Of Grassy Peaks and part of Whistling creek, reduced to ash. Of missing pride mates and being homeless and forced into asking charity from allies. And wondering why this happened for fire in the Valelands, even during dry season, was rare for lands rich in greenery and rainfall. Realizing that his misery and loss now had a name and face. That now he could voice it.

“They want to punish all aligned with us.” spoke Nala suddenly, bitter at the mention. “Zira was always vindictive. She wouldn’t just punish the one, she punishes all in alignment. Or who she would assume or say were connected. Get all involved in her punishing act. See all taken care of.”

“Well, why not kill us all with fire.” Spoke Prince Abioye, Ifetoya’s son, young but skilled diplomat and combatant and not to be passed over. “Punish all of us I mean. If she wanted that, this attack should have been at night and when we least saw it coming. We’ve been oblivious of her for years. If they wanted to have a body count, they could have waited at night and released the flame all-around Priderock while we slept. It kill off most if not all of us. Done the job when we were none the wiser. Or knew the source. And that would have conflicted with her intentions as we can now react. We now know and can stop her when before we were oblivious. Is she so unstable she is stupid?”

They all wondered and were left to pause. But for Kovu it was obvious.

“This wasn’t about killing.” He thought darkly and spoke out. “This was about instilling fear before the kill. Making it personal. That’s what’s always been about. From the start.”

All paused looking to the lion who had known them best, could offer best insight into the pride. And his former family. And the chilling fear at his implication was not passed by.

She wanted them to know it was them. To know about them. And know she had the power and knowledge to do so. That she could have killed them in sleep or out alone as Abioye said. They were complacent enough, too use to peace and good living that they were blindsided. Lost some of their own. But no, she didn’t want a quick death. His adopted mother would want them aware and left to stew. To wait and speculate and wonder. On WHEN she and the pride would next strike. And how. For as he looked them all in the eyes, they all knew this was the start not the end. Zira would kill them on her terms. And she would drag out the fear from her enemies for a long while. She had waited years and suffered much to want to make up for it after all. She could wait a few days, weeks, or months for it before it ended.

“You don’t have to be involved.” Spoke Sarabi suddenly, meeting Ifetoya’s and his son’s eyes. “You sought refuge with us for we offered peace to recover before you went off to make a home for yourselves. Not be caught in a dispute with old, unstable enemies of ours. I will understand if you wish for me to send a bird up north to ask to take you in and shelter you. You needn’t be part of any of this.”

Ifetoya seemed to ponder this, but his son seemed insulted and snapped at once.

“Absolutely not.” He looked at his father then, fur rising along the spine. “Don’t you agree father.”

His father was calm and stoic, seeming curious but not catching onto the same thought. So he replied. “And how so son.”

“Simple, THEY burned down Grassy Peaks and left us homeless to begin with.” It was chilling to hear allowed and most had begun putting the pieces together. But to hear Zira and he pride had done such was still shocking.

“They used fire.” Ifetoya stated, confirming, glancing back over the dark lands, to the Northwest though nothing much in sight from the night. “The Graveyard was near our borders and the Outlands are near those empty lands. They could have run fire into our kingdom.”

“And taken some of our people.” Abioye added, infused. “There were those of our pride and Whistling Creek who were missing from the fire. Bodies never found. We assumed the flames got to them but after today. . .”

He paused looking intently at his father and the others. “They had alreayd practiced in fire so not hard leap to say they had some practice capturing lionesses in smoke and flame. If the three murdered prove such. That practice may have come from our pride and our neighboring pride. Maybe even holding them now for their own deeds.”

It sent a chill down all spines, Captain Ifetoya face of stoicism twisting into anger once more. Everyone else looking sickened and a new sense of what could be lost settled over them.

Kovu for himself was not surprised of the act but more surprised at the action. He had known Zira wanted to use fire upon discovering it on expeditions to the Graveyard a few years ago. A little before Kovu had left. Fire which could be a great ally, impossible for ANY save the Gods or supernaturally gifted to fight. It consumed all and would give not into begging, bargaining or threat. Useful for the savanna burned easily and little reprieve for water was rare outside waterholes and rivers. He knew his mother wanted to use it sense she remembered the hyenas mentioning it in the Graveyard. And Kovu from past experiences, past adventures, was able to tell and lead her to it. She even been planning to use it when Kovu was ready for the launch on the Prideland’s. So of course, she would use it here.

But it was risky. Working with wildfire like this was risky for her pride. He remembered his mother playing with the idea of using flames for the final plan, but Alijali spoke up of those risks. Of too many lions in and around could be caught and killed. Would be dangerous of the plan if one wasn’t smart and sharp in execution to not get caught. Clearly Zira’s mania had gotten to a point she didn’t care about such risks. That she was bolder in her decisions. And would be willing to go further and sacrifice much to get it.

And that her plans had changed. For fire wasn’t her only risk, if the roars and sights of those males were any indication. That she had allowed rogues into her midst, a dangerous game for any pride. More so than playing with fire.

In the past he knew Zira had wanted only to rely on her pride in the past for they were stalwart loyal to her and the royal line. And that they felt Kovu, strong, powerful Scar like Kovu would carry them to victory and vengeance over the Pridelanders. But perhaps feeling they loss an ace in Kovu, they felt they needed more. It occurred to him that they may have recruited rogue males who would easily go along with such actions for promises of better lands and a pride full of lionesses. And rogues would help keep captured pride members in place and force them into fighting for the Outlanders. All while getting food and females and allowed to keep practicing their barbaric ways. All of it was risky for the rogues could turn and kill Zira and any who sided with her. But Zira seemed more maddened to not even consider such a risk. As evident with the fire.

“I don’t recognize her.” he realized in rush, the quiet thought exploding in his mind. Yes, he no longer recognized Zira, the lioness who had been like a mother to him. Nor Nuka, whose mania seem to reach new peaks into unstable. And Vitani, normally she of the three he understood and felt best kinship for. But the one peering out at him with one scarred, dead eye was nearly unrecognizable. She had never looked with cold hatred before even with her eyes a cool blue. Never.

They were like strangers to him now. Like he looked at the bodies of those who had been family but now were demons in their skins. And like them, were not so mortally bound any more. Willing to do anything and everything to exact revenge, even if they burned down with them. And it frightened him as much as the other thoughts.

His inner monologue lasted for as long as everybody absorbed the information of Zira being the Valelands burning culprit and imprisoner of some of the pride members. And then he snapped out of it when Prince Abioye spoke again.

“You see father, it DOES include us. We must see they are punished for not just crimes against the Pridelanders but against US. Our people. Our land. We can’t rest easy knowing they are out there. Especially if after finishing business with the Pridelands, they come to finish us off. Or go for other parts of the Valelands.”

It was not thought of, but it was another horrifying realization.

“He’s right.” Said Simba. “We should stop them now or they’ll keep going. They clearly don’t care about keeping it to Pridelands only. Even if we retreated, they will likely go after other places. Try to follow and track us down. And reap punishment in all those who had been in their way towards us. Even should she exact vengeance upon us, she may not stop. She has no hesitation in using innocents for her schemes as the Valelands burning shows. With how driven and dangerous Zira is, she’ll keep going far beyond this. She may go after more and more territory until she brings down and takes the known world. No, I know all too well you need to stop the tyrant before it gets to a devasting degree. And if you’ll help Captain Ifetoya, we’ll do everything to avenge your pride. And protect both our lands and people.” Ifetoya seemed flustered for moment while his son looked jubilant, almost smug, practically hoping his father would say yes. Feeling motivated, Kovu got up and offered.

“And if not wishing to risk you’re hides, teach me how to protect my lands.” All eyes fell on him. “I want to be Captain of the Guard for the Pridelands one day. And I can’t do that if my former pride takes them, so if you won’t stay, teach me how to fight. How to keep it safe so I don’t lose my home. And in return I can teach you and all the guard what little know of my former pride. Their different from what I remember.” Those last words were painful to admit. “But I remember enough that maybe we can do something against them. So how about it Captain. Ready to face them?”

He looked from one face to another, from his son to the king of this land to the honorary prince. And he smiled.

“I seem to be outvoted. And honestly, I wanted to do as you young ones wanted but needed to know you were willing to the hard task not just being flippant. Yes, I will stay and stand and fight.” They seemed ready to cheer but then he barked an order.

“King Simba, I request early tomorrow we start doing intensive training with all guard members. Drills and spars for all those not patrolling or resting. I’ll set up a system with constant patrols at all hours.”

“Yes, we can do this.”

“Maybe with other animals. Zira isn’t familiar with the loyalty the animals of the land can have to their lion lords. And the birds already agreed to aid in that. So why not recruit some of them to help?” Kovu suggested.

“Yes, that’s a good idea on both parts. See its done.” Ifetoya said.

“We should have a backup plan.” Sarabi advised, Nala added. “After Scar’s reign, we learned that staying and fighting no matter what is not wisest. I think it’s safe to set up an escape route for the pride. At LEAST for the most vulnerable.” A look of understanding passed between the two lionesses for the pair had survived through that horrible reign.

“Yes, and it wouldn’t be bad to set up connections to our allies in Valelands either. To have them on standby to help.” Sarabi continued.

“To flee to?” asked Simba Perhaps thinking of his jungle home for such but The Valelands would be closer and easier to get to.

“And as for reinforcements.” Abioye added, smiling.

“My birth pride lost members and land too. They will want to help in any way they can. To see these barbarians brought to justice.” Sarabi added smiling towards her distant relative Abioye.

“So it’s agreed. On tomorrow we start plans to defend and fight. For now, we should go to bed, we’ll need whatever rest we can get. The days will not offer much reprieve form here. Meeting end.” Simba called. They cheered and broke apart, muttering happily. Hopefully.

All filed off, feeling more renewed by something decided, by plans being set. But even as Kovu walked with Kiara, leaning into her as tiredness sagged him, nodding along to her chatter, he could not feel the same. Not completely. The hope that blossomed in all other eyes but did not in him. He knew no matter the plans and practices it was not going to be easy. Not by long shot. For his mother and her pride had caught a mania, that made her desperate, reckless, and very dangerous in ways not seen yet. That he could tell. But he also could tell her chilling intelligence and planning had been refined into a deadly point. As if her mania had led to releasing weight therefore left her liberated to try what before some morality or common sense would stop her. She would try anything which meant they weren’t ready for much of what she could put forward. And no one seemed willing to stop her, to level he. All seemed united behind her, egging her on or supporting her. Even his sister, who though rough, had some gentleness in her. Some restraint and reason. But those cold eyes spoke different. And if Nuka was at his mother’s side seemingly wanted and loved, that was even worse. And all the other changes it boded bad from the rogue recruits, captured lions and fire. And he couldn’t imagine how much worse within the pride it was. And he would not be able, even in his nightmares, imagine exactly what she would do. Or what would happen in the days to follow.

But he would not ruin their hope and joy. They would need it in days and weeks to follow. It be their best bet against her insanity. They must stay together, must be above and better then her and her pride’s madness. For should they fall for it, she would drag them to level and claw them into dust with her experience.

So as they laid down and drifted to sleep, he pressed hard to Kiara and looked sadly out at all the pride, holding hem tightly in mind. Together they would survive, he hoped like them. But worried he was that they may fall. And he may never again see any one of the faces in this cave again after. So he said nothing for he would not spread that fear to others. Not now or loose the little hope they have. And so fall into darkness. Just like his pride.
______________

We cut back to the pridelands and they discuss all that happened and what to do about it. Among other matters.

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