New Beginnings

chapter fifty three

Kovu sat on a rock looking out at the horizon, thinking about what just happened. Jace and Zaria betrayed him and told Kisasi of his plans, he had no idea where he was and the worst part about this whole thing was, he didn't know who to trust. If Avery and Jace and Zaria, three of his loyal warriors could betray him and join the side of the enemy, couldn't anyone else do the same?

"I don't even know if I could trust myself," Kovu muttered to himself.
"Feeling conflicted?"
Kovu turned around and saw Simba standing behind him looking tired and drained.
"I guess that's one way to put it," Kovu said lowly.
"Want some company?" Simba asked.
"I like being alone but there are times where I wouldn't mind company," the younger lion replied.

"Yes. Everyone is entitled to alone time, it's how our minds and bodies are rejuvenated. The peace and quiet, the serenity, the ambience and tranquility is what we need in order to heal and to approach everyday problems with a fresh prospective," Simba said as he walked up to Kovu and sat next to him.
"You're so right. I thought I was the only one who thought that. I figured people need to always be surrounded by noise and social interaction to strive," Kovu said.

"Whether you believe it or not, you and I think the same in some ways," Simba told him.
"I suppose so. Although we may not always see eye to eye, we have close to the same mindset," Kovu admitted.
"Have I ever apologized for the way I've treated you? Untrusting, giving you the impression that you weren't good enough for Kiara?" Simba wanted to know.

"No. You never did. You don't have to apologize to me, it's fine I understand why you'd act like that," Kovu said a little sadly.
"Kiara is your only daughter, you're trying to protect her. I'd do the same if I were in your place."
"That doesn't make it right,"
"No I don't suppose it does,"

"I'm sorry Kovu. I'm sorry for the way I've treated you. I'm sorry for misunderstanding you, for misjudging you and for always giving you a hard time. Please forgive me," Simba said sincerely.
Kovu turned and looked at the older lion and smiled.
"Thank you Simba, that means a lot to me. And of course I forgive you. You're my father-in-law, and pretty soon you'll be the grandfather of my cubs,"

"Yes I'm going to be a grandfather, I feel so old," Simba chuckled. "I can't believe my little girl is pregnant She's going to be mom, I can't wait to see what my grandcubs will look like. Will they look like a pride lander or will they look like an-"
"Kovu! Simba!"
Both lions stood up and turned around only to see Marisa running towards them, tears in her eyes.

"Marisa! What is it? What's wrong?" Kovu asked in alarm.
"Its Kiara...she's being held captive," Marisa sobbed out as she threw herself on her brother, crying while hugging him.
"What? Kiara's being held captive? By who?" Kovu asked.
Marisa leaned away and wiped her eyes while taking deep breaths to calm herself.

"When you left Kiara got upset and Nala spent hours comforting her. Then she got hungry and Nala went to hunt food for her. Then something terrible happened to her while she was waiting,"  Marisa said tearfully.
"What happened to her?" Kovu demanded.
"She's being held hostage by someone who's been personating you," Marisa admitted.
"Impersonating me? Who's been impersonating me?"
"Simba and Nala's friend Neema's son Khan,"

"LET ME GO! I DON'T LOVE YOU, RELEASE ME IMMEDIATELY!" Kiara screamed.
"You're bursting my eardrums! Stop yelling so much," Khan growled. 
"Khan just let her go, please!" Nala pleaded with the lion as he leaned against the wall of the cave, holding Kiara hostage, with his claws digging into her neck.
"If you hurt her you won't live long enough to regret it," Muuaji said threateningly as she stood in front of Khan with Mkali, Siri, Nia and Haraka next to her

"Oh please, what's the worst that could happen?" Khan scoffed.
"Being dragged to your doom, tortured and possibly dismembered until you pray for death to take you," Mkali said darkly.
"Ooh I'm terrified," Khan said mockingly. "I should just get out of here while my pelt's still intact."
"Why are you doing this to be?! Is it because I didn't accept your marriage proposal? I don't love you! I love Kovu!" Kiara cried out with tears in her eyes.