Nightfall had come and Kiara and Kovu were enjoying their time alone, looking at the many shapes up in the night sky.

Kiara: "Oh, look. *points up* There's one that looks like a baby rabbit, see the fluffy tail?

Kovu: "Yeah. Hey! *points up* There's one that looks like two lions killing each other for a scrap of meat!" *laughs*

Kiara looked to Kovu with a questioned look.

Kovu: "I've never done this before."

Kiara: "Really? My father and I used to do this all the time. He says "all the great kings of the past are up there."

Kovu: "Do you think Scar might make it up there?"

The two of them look at each other as things take an... emotional turn, Kovu having sat up and looking away, ashamed.

Kovu: "He may not be my father, but he's still... part of me."

Kiara: *walks to Kovu* "My father said there was a darkness in Scar that he can't escape from, which is why he told me Y/N had to banish him from the Pride Lands."

Kovu: "Maybe there's a darkness in me, too."

Kiara then nuzzled Kovu as a means to comfort him. She just couldn't bear to see Kovu looking and feeling so vulnerable. The darkened lion nuzzled her back, not objecting to it. While they show each other affection, Simba watches from afar, still concerned for Kiara... and whether or not Kovu should truly be trusted.

Simba: "What do I do? I'm lost. Kovu is one of them. Scar's heir... how can I accept him?"

Nala: "Simba?" *approaches her king*

Simba: "I was... seeking counsel from the great kings."

Nala: "Did they help?"

Simba: *sigh* "Silent as stars... my father would never--"

Nala: "Oh, my Simba. You want so much to walk the path expected of you, but perhaps Kovu does not."

Simba: "What, how do you know?"

Nala: "I can see them down there just as easily as you can. Plus... Y/N told you something similar, didn't he? Get to know him and see."

Simba's wise mate then headed back home to rest up for the night while Simba then thought about it as he got up and followed Nala back home to the den for some rest.

A few minutes later, after "hugging" it out, Kovu stopped and moved away, clearing his throat.

Kiara: "What's wrong?"

Kovu: "Nothing." *walks away a few feet*

Kiara: *approaches again* "Kovu..."

Kovu: "It's just that my whole life, I've been trained to... *sigh* Nothing... *turns to head off* I gotta go."

Kiara: "Kovu, wait."

Kovu stops in his tracks and turns back to Kiara. She doesn't want him to leave, or it'd just break her heart. But... Kovu just couldn't tell her what was wrong and decides to leave. But... suddenly, something appears from beneath the tall grass, stopping him.

Rafiki: *boops Kovu's nose* "And where are you going?" *pulls back hand into tall grass*

Kovu: "Uh... nowhere."

Rafiki: *pops out* "Hah! Dats whatchu tink!" *sinks in*

Kovu tried to look for him, but he was too fast and disappearing out of sight, so he poked out and looked to Kiara.

Kovu: "Who was that?"

Kiara: *walks up to Kovu* "Uh... friend of the family."

Just then, the two hear humming behind them and there's Rafiki again, resting on Kovu's back, making him gasp.

Rafiki: "Come on! You follow old Rafiki! He knows de wae!" *laughs as he heads off again*

Kovu: "The way to where?"

Rafiki: *laughs, then yells* "YOU FOLLOW! YOU SEE!"

He called out from atop a rocky ledge, holding onto a tree vine, bewildering the two lions.

Rafiki: "Hurry now!" *swings off*

Kiara: *laughing* "Kovu, come on!"

She follows Rafiki and Kovu follows her and the crazy mandrill around the corner, listening to the sounds of his wacky laughter.

Soon, the two stop.

Kovu: "Where's he taking us?"

https://youtu.be/5FOl87I0MCk

After that fun trip to Upendi, our happy lion couple happily sang and laughed softly on their way back to Pride Rock. When they arrived, you were there, smiling at how happy they seem to be.

Y/N: "Did you two have fun tonight?"

Kiara: "We sure did. Thanks for asking."

Y/N: "That Rafiki sure knows how to lighten the mood. Well... I suppose I'll be turning in for the night, you two."

You then head over for the base of Pride Rock where you slept last night and make yourself comfortable while Kovu and Kiara share one last hug before turning in.

Kovu: *nuzzles Kiara* "Goodnight."

Kiara: "Goodnight."

The two then look over at the den, a warm place to sleep in, yet Kovu's still unwelcomed there. Both then turn to the boulder Kovu slept against last night, seeing as he has no choice. But you know... despite their sleeping arrangements, tonight might not be too bad.

So, Kiara heads inside and Kovu lays down by the boulder. But then... Simba comes out, thinking about all you and Nala had said to him, then approached Kovu with a calm smile.

Simba: "It's kinda cold tonight. Come on in."

Your ears flicker and you look to see that Simba is finally giving Kovu a chance and allowing him to stay inside. Simba even glances at you to join them, in which you humbly accept.

While you're all heading in, Vitani it watching from afar, hoping Kovu will full the mission.

Vitani: *excited* "Get him."

But nothing happens.

Vitani: *anxious* "What are you waiting for, Kovu? Get them!"

But no... nothing happens still. The plan was thrown out the window and Vitani, disgusted with her little brother's betrayal, retreats to her mother and Scar to alert them of the news. Needless to say, Zira and Scar were both furious of what they heard.

Zira: "You're sure?"

Vitani: "Affirmative! I saw it with my own eyes."

Scar: "That... blasted Y/N! He must've said something to poison Kovu's mind and back out on our entire plan!"

Zira: "Kovu cannot betray us!"

Scar: "Then perhaps we move to... Plan B."

Zira: "Yes... first thing in the morning."

[Timeskip because REASONS!!!]

Morning arrives and the sun shines on a new day. But Kovu is going through some things in his mind and... well, he's about to tell you something that's eating him up.

Kovu: "Okay, I need to tell you something... but where do I start?"

Y/N: "Just tell me straight up, I'll understand."

Kovu: "Alright... Zira... and Scar had a plot and I was part of it, but I don't wanna be anymore."

Y/N: "What made you change your mind?"

Kovu: "It's because... It's because I love Kiara."

Y/N: *nods* "I see. If that's the case, then you should tell her immediately, I'm sure that Kiara will understand."

Kovu: *sighs* "She'll never believe."

Y/N: "You don't know that, Kovu. You'll never know what the outcome will be unless you try."

Kovu: "I guess you're right. Well... here I go."

He turns around and heads inside and you walk in with him in case he needs some reassurance.

Kovu: "Kiara... I need to talk to you."

Simba: *stern* "Kiara, I don't want you talking with him!"

Y/N: "Hmm?"

Simba: *calm, smiles* "I want to talk with him. Me... and Y/N."

Y/N: "Well, if you insist."

Well, Kovu didn't get to confess to Kiara about his mission, but at least Simba's willing to give him a chance. So, you, Simba and Kovu all head out and begin your long conversation... mostly about what happened to Scar and all he did before he was banished.

Kovu listenend to each and every detail of the story that had unfurled, all while the three of you entered the charred part of the Pride Lands where the fire burned up most of the land.

Simba: "...Scar's still unable to let go of his pride. In the end, it led him to being exiled by Y/N."

Kovu: "I've... never heard the story of Scar that way. *bewildered* He truly was a killer."

Simba: "Fire... is a killer. Sometimes, what's left behind can grow better than the generation before... if given the chance."

Simba placed his paw on the soil in front of him and scraped back to reveal a fresh new plant. Even after the fire destroyed acres of land, this little plant still found the strength to grow.

Y/N: "That, I could not have said better myself."

But then, their conversation was cut short when they heard a sinister chuckle within the decimated land. From all sides, the three were surrounded by a lionesses. Then out in front of them, they find the leaders of this particular pride.

Zira: "Why, Simba."

Simba: *glaring* "Zira!"

Scar: "Long time no see, Y/N."

Y/N: "Scar... seems you haven't learned, haven't you?"

Scar: "Doesn't mean I've forgotten."

Zira: "What are you doing out here and... so... alone?"

She asked with a confident grin as she and her pride had you all boxed in with nowhere to escape from her clutches.

Zira: "Well done, Kovu. Just like we always planned."

Simba: *angered, to Kovu* "YOU!"

Kovu: "No! I didn't have anything to do with this!"

Y/N: "Simba, he's right. He told me so beforehand!"

Zira: "Attack!"

First to attack was Nuka, but Simba swatted him off.

Kovu: "NO!!!"

Then, more of the lionesses piled onto the two of you, but you both fought hard to get them off. Kovu tried to help, but he was knocked back and hit against a rock. Yheir numbers greatly outmatched you two and sent you both hurdling down a pit.

Zira: "YES! We've GOT THEM!"

The outlander lionesses then pursued you both. You and Simba couldn't take them all on alone so you ran.

Zira: "Remember your training as a unit!"

Simba and you stopped at the base of a dam, that seemed sturdy enough to climb to safety. You and Simba quickly climbed up, trying to escape from the outlanders. Simba was still weakened from the fight and the fall, but you... you only suffered half the damage. Mostly due to your body being more durable and a bit more trained.

At the top of the dam, Kovu looks down at you two, worried and encouraging you both to hurry.

Kovu: "Simba! Y/N!"

Y/N: "Run, Kovu! RUN!!!"

Zira: "Get them, Kovu! GET THEM! Do it! NOW!"

But Kovu doesn't listen, he just rushes off to find another way to help you and Simba get away. Just then, the most ambitious lion of all decides to take matters into his own paws.

Nuka: "I'll do it for you, MOTHER!!!"

The sickly lion then proceeds to run up the dam to try and catch up to at least one of you.

Nuka: "Mother, are you watching?! *grinning* I'm doin' it for you and I'm doin' it for me!"

He manages to catch up to Simba and grabbed him by the back of his leg, which he winces in more pain.

Nuka: "THIS... is my moment... of glory!"

But... sadly, his moment is short-lived when he loses his footing and one of the logs gets loose and falls, taking Nuka with him.

Zira: *worried* "NO!"

Nuka stops and falls hard, now trapped between two thick logs with no way to get himself out.

Y/N: "Oh no!"

You saw this and knew what would happen next.

Y/N: "HANG ON, NUKA!!!"

You ran back down the dam to try and free him. Meanwhile, Simba manages to reach the top, but an incoming log came tumbling down the dam in Nuka's direction. He couldn't escape... and he thought this would be the end of his miserable life.

Y/N: "NO!!! I WON'T LET IT HAPPEN!!!"

You got to him just in time and with all your might, you lifted both hind legs and kicked the log away, letting out a ferocious roar, snapping the log in two and thus... saving Nuka's life. The two broken pieces of the log then crash to the bottom, missing all the others lions.

Scar was bewildered by what had just happened, as were Vitani and Zira and all the rest of the lionesses, too. Kovu had just arrived and went to check on his older half brother.

Y/N: "Kovu! Help me get Nuka out of here!"

Kovu: "Uh... right!"

He quickly helps you out, moving the logs inch by inch and slowly getting Nuka out of there. Finally, he was free.

Nuka: "Wh... Why did you save me? You know we're the enemy... so why bother helping me?"

Y/N: "...Because... everyone's lives are important, no matter how good or bad they are. And... I refuse to let a mother watch one of her own children die before her."

Nuka: "You... You... I..."

Nuka couldn't find the word to retort and... quite frankly, for someone to show him that much mercy... he couldn't stop trembling and broke down in a quiet sob. For some extra comfort... you approach the sickly lion and wrapped your paw around him in a hug.

This broke him even more. Never in his life has he ever been showed affection, not even from his own mother.

Vitani watched this and couldn't help but feel relieved that her hopeless older half brother was okay, but at the same time... she felt... strange as she looked towards you.

As for Scar... the former tyrant who brought the Pride Lands to ruins, he still couldn't wrap his head around the fact that you... had saved his very own flesh and blood.

[A/N: To answer your questions, Nuka is actually Scar's ONLY son and he's sickly because og the weak genes his father possesses when it comes to being a strong lion. Vitani and Kovu are not Scar's kids, they were born of another lion, whom Zira killed some time after she finally brought Kovu into this world.]

Scar: *thinks* "I can't... believe it! This... this isn't happening! Was... Was I wrong about all I tried to... NO! NO! I cannot doubt myself... even after he rescued that... that... son of mine."

As for Zira... she felt relieved that her oldest son was okay... but, it might not have moved her enough to stop this conflict.

While they're all collecting their thoughts, Simba finally made it back near his home, limping from the damage. Kiara sees her dad and gets worried of what happened to him.

Kiara: "Father? FATHER! Zazu, get help!"

Zazu: *flies off* "Oh yes, help! At once! Of course!"

Kiara quickly rean down to her father to see what happened, as did Timon and Pumbaa, both equally worried.

Timon: "Simba, talk to me! What happened?"

Simba: *exhausted* "Kovu! ...Ambush."

But that's all he could muster up to say before collapsing, giving into the excruciating pain.

Kiara: *disbelief* "No! Wait... where's Y/N?!"

She turns her head to every direction, but sees no sign of you... and she's getting worried, hoping you're alright.

But before she can do anything... she, Timon and Pumbaa then carry her injured father back to Pride Rock.

Timon: "It's alright, buddy. We're here for ya."

With the support of his friends and his daughter, Simba is carried off. But back at the bottom of the pit, Vitani and Kovu joined in on the sibling hug with Nuka. You gave them some space, letting them have their sibling bonding moment.

Once it was done, though...

Zira: "YOU!!!"

Just then...

*BAM*

Kovu yelled out in pain, backing away, now having a fresh scar over his left eye... in the very same fashion as Scar's own.

Y/N: "HEY!!!"

You then get between the two, glaring at Zira.

Y/N: "Your son... just helped his half brother out of that death trap and this is how you repay him for his kindness?"

Zira: "Butt out!"

She swings at you, but you block with your own paw and growl at Zira, defending Kovu.

Y/N: "And you call yourself a mother..."

Kovu: "Stop this, mother! Nuka's alive! Y/N saved him, you should be grateful that Nuka's not dead right now!"

Zira: "Well, TOO BAD! 'Cause in risking Nuka's life, YOU betrayed your pride... betrayed SCAR!"

Kovu: "I want nothing more TO DO WITH THIS!"

Zira: "You cannot escape it! Nuka almost died because of you!"

Kovu: "No..."

Zira: "You nearly... killed your own brother!"

Kovu: "NOOO!!"

Kovu then ran off and you followed pursuit while the lionesses all roared as you two ran off.

Zira: "Let them go! Simba and Y/N have hurt me and my pride for the last time... now they have corrupted Kovu! Listen to me... Simba is injured and weak, now is the time to attack! We will take his entire kingdom... BY FORCE!!!"

The other lionesses roared in support and Zira cackled. However, Scar and Vitani had some doubts about this plan and weren't sure they wanted to go through with this. Not even Nuka was sure he wanted to get behind his mother's plans anymore.

Back at the Pride Lands, Simba was still trying to recover from his injuries and Nala and Kiara were doing their best to be there for him... all while Kiara kept trying to convince her father that Kovu couldn't have planned the whole ambush against him.

Kiara: "Father, it can't be true."

And to make things more dramatic, it wasn't just his family... all of the animals of the Pride Lands were worried about their king's condition, hoping he'll be alright.

Just then, everyone turned their attention to the two returning lions... the guilty party and the king's teacher. Everyone was gossiping about Kovu and not in a good way.

They can see you and Kovu arriving at Pride Rock and Kiara spots the two of you, relieved you two are safe.

Kiara: "Kovu! Y/N!"

But then, her father cuts her off, growling for her to stay back while he walks to the ledge, waiting for his... suspect.

Timon: "Why I oughta... let me at him! Let me at him! *grabs tail, hands it over to Pumbaa* Here, hold me back!"

Pumbaa: *grabs tail* "Okay."

Timon: "Let me at him! Let me at him!"

While trying to pull off a Scrappy-Doo...

Pumbaa: *lets go* "Okay."

Timon stops and turns to Pumbaa.

Timon: "I think you're missing the basic point here."

No kidding. While that little comical scene happened, Kovu finally stopped at the foot of Pride Rock, looking up at Simba... who had a very angered look on his face.

Y/N: "Listen... things might get hairy. I'll try to talk things out with him as best I can and sort all of this out."

Kovu: "You... believe me?"

Y/N: "You said you didn't wanna be part of Zira's plot, so of course I believe you, as will Kiara. Now wait here."

Your quiet conversation ended and you soon walked up the stones just as Simba began.

Simba: "Why have you come back?"

Kovu: "Simba... I had nothing to do with--"

Simba: "You DON'T belong here!"

Kovu: "Please... I ask your forgiveness."

Kiara: "Daddy please, listen to him."

Mufasa: "Your daughter's right, Simba. You must listen to his side of the story to understand the whole truth."

Sarabi: "Can you not see that the boy is pleading for your forgiveness and right to your face?"

Y/N: "You can't just dismiss him without--"

Simba: *to you* "SILENCE!!! *to Kovu* "When you first came here, you asked for judgement and I pass it now!"

The other animals all wanted the same thing, encouraging the king to lay down the law... and so he did.

Simba: "EXILE!!!"

Kiara: "NO!!!"

Y/N: "How COULD YOU?!"

https://youtu.be/bRwulXTGhKU

As Kovu walks off into the distance, Rafiki groans in grief... seeing as your plan has failed. But... Kiara wouldn't have it.

Kiara: "Father, please, reconsider!"

Simba: *firm, stern and stone-faced "You will not go anywhere without an escort from now on."

Kiara: "No, that's not--"

Simba: "He used you to get to me!"

Kiara: "No! He loves me... for me!"

Simba: "Because you are MY daughter! You will not leave Pride Rock, you will stay where I can keep an eye on you! Away from him."

Kiara: "You don't know him!"

Simba: "I know he's following in Scar's paw prints! And I must follow in my fathers."

Kiara: "YOU WILL NEVER BE MUFASA!"

And the gauntlet has been thrown, but now, Kiara cannot even face her father anymore and runs back into the den, crying. Meanwhile, you still stood there, glaring intensely at Simba.

Y/N: "I hope you're proud of yourself... Simba."

Simba: *approaching you, angered* "Hey, you saw what happened back there, you heard what Zira said! How am I the one who's at fault here, go on... tell me!"

Y/N: "Because there are TWO sides of the story and you only saw the situation from ONE point of view... the dark half!"

Simba: "He... is Scar's incarnation! He planned to have us killed and he manipulated Kiara!"

Y/N: "No! YOU let Zira's deception get to you. You believed her lies when Kovu played NO PART in that ambush!"

Simba: "HE LEFT US FOR DEAD!!!"

Y/N: "HE TRIED TO SAVE US!!! But there were too many for us to handle, even with Kovu's help! I saw it, but you didn't! And now, to make matters worse, YOU allowed your stupid paranoia to get the better of you and exiled the poor boy without giving him a chance to explain!"

Simba: *triggered* "Stupid...? ARE YOU ACTUALLY?! CALLING MY CONCERN FOR MY DAUGHTER'S SAFETY STUPID?!"

Y/N: "DON'T YOU PUT WORDS IN MY MOUTH!!! It's your judgement passed on Kovu that was stupid AND unfair!"

Simba: "WELL MAYBE I SHOULD EXILE YOU!"

Y/N: "GO AHEAD! I DARE YOU! THAT'LL ONLY PROVE TO ME YOU FAILED AS MY STAR STUDENT!"

Just then, a loud roar interrupted you both and out comes Mufasa... and Sarabi, both looking crossed right now.

Mufasa: "That is quite enough! Both of you!"

Sarabi: "Yes! This farce has gone on long enough!"

Simba: "Mother! Father! What are--"

Mufasa: "Simba... I have to say... I am very disappointed in you."

Simba: "What? But... father, I was only trying to--"

Mufasa: "I don't want to hear it. Y/N is right. You failed to hear Kovu's explanation about the ambush that nearly costed you your lives and that's not something a true king would do. Y/N and I taught you better than that when we were training you in your cub years."

Sarabi: "Son... we really didn't want it to come to this, but with the way things stand right now... I don't think you're quite ready to continue leading the Pride Lands."

Simba: *shocked* "Wha... What do you mean?"

Y/N: *realizes* "You're... not actually gonna.."

Mufasa: "It must be done to teach you a lesson. *clears throat* As the former ruler of the Pride Lands and as your father, you are hearby stripped of your title as king. And now... leadership will now be transferred to Y/N... until you have learned the error of your ways."

He said all this as he got up close to his son, which shocked Simba and even you now that the crown has been passed to you.

Simba: "No... why?"

Sarabi: "Zazu!!!"

The major domo flies in and lands by the royal family.

Zazu: "How may I be of service?"

Mufasa: "Zazu... as of now, leadership has been passed over to Y/N as the new temporary king of the Pride Lands. Should you need to report anything, do it to him. Simba's actions today have proven he's unfit to rule and must repent for the timebeing."

Zazu: *shocked, surprised* "I... well, uh... v-v-very well. *flies over to you and bows* "Call me whenever you need anything."

Simba: *calm, enraged* "You... you planned this, didn't you?"

Y/N: "Simba... don't go getting any idea, this is NOT what I wanted, you know me better than anyone else!"

Simba: "Or so I thought!"

Driven by his anger, Simba then charged at you, about to attack you, but then his parents shielded you.

Mufasa: "Simba... you will have leadership brought back to you... but only if you think things through... rationally."

Sarabi: "Believe us, we didn't want this to happen, but your actions forced our paws and we had to act."

Simba still refused to listen to reason and as he looked in your general direction, you could hear him speak these words...

Simba: "I'll remember this..."

He then runs off with a roar of anger, leaving Pride Rock. You attempted to give chase to try and talk to him.

Y/N: "Simba, COME BACK!!!"

Rafiki: *blocks you, shakes head "no"* "He is clouded by de darkness of deception and must clear it up by himself. But you... you must now look afta de pride while he's away.

Y/N: "I... I..."

But there's no arguing with Rafiki... or anyone else for that matter, the damage is done and now... the fate of the Pride Lands now rests on your shoulders to defend it.

Y/N: *defeated, hanging head in shame* "I... I didn't want it to come to this... how am I gonna explain this to Kiara?"

Speaking of which Kiara has snuck out of Pride Rock through a little opening in the back of the den, now on the search for Kovu.

This was indeed a pickle if you ever saw one. But, there was nothing you could do, except... wait. Hopefully, Simba will come to his senses and not stray off the path like his uncle did.

[A/N: I bet you didn't see that coming, huh? Anyways here's the latest chapter and I hope you all enjoy it. 'Til next time.]