A New Life

Training begins

After Kiara and Kovu had returned to Pride Rock after their run through the savannah, they wished they never had.
"Training are you both serious?! We just came home and we're gonna start training already?" Kiara asked aghast. When Kiara and Kovu had come on the platform, Simba and Nala had announced that from today, their Kingly and Queenly lessons were starting. Not exactly what the young couple wanted to hear right at that moment.

"After last night's episode, the both of you have proven that you are ready to take your places as the next rulers of the Pride Lands. I have faith in you and I know you both will do well in making a difference," Simba said to them. After Simba's speech every intention Kiara and Kovu had of protesting disappeared, only to be replaced with a fierce determination to prove themselves.

"Thank you Simba, we won't let you down," Kovu said in a voice laced with sheer confidence.
"I have no doubt you won't," the older lion said smiling at his daughter and son-in-law.
"After breakfast I will train Kiara and Simba will train Kovu," Nala said. "We'll be demonstrating and giving you notes, later on, we will be asking you questions based on what you've learned."  

Deciding that was the best thing to do, Kiara and Kovu said goodbye to Simba and Nala and walked off the platform. Since everyone was out hunting their own breakfast, Kovu and Kiara went in search of something of their own. They hunted a male antelope and sat down to eat under a shady maple tree.
"Hey mind if we sit with you guys?"

The young couple looked up and saw Vitani and Marisa smiling down at them. Kiara made room for them to sit and the four of them sat down and delved into the meat.
"Sooo what's up with you guys, you didn't leave with the rest of the pride. Did you get into trouble or something?" Vitani asked. "Or did you stop for a while to ravish each other, hmmm?" she added teasingly.

"Quite the contrary dear sister," Kovu said laughing. "Simba and Nala said starting from today, we would be starting our royal lessons. Lectures, questions you know that sort of stuff." 

"Thats nice. To think, my little brother is gonna be King soon. I'm so proud of you sweetie," Marisa said smirking. Kovu glared at her.
"Uh hello, You're only a few minutes older than me, we're triplets in case you forgot," he said rolling his eyes.
Kiara clicked her tongue and nuzzled him softly.

"Aww, did she hurt your feelings baby? Don't worry I'll make her apologise-"  
"Oh no don't even bother, if you make her apologise, word will spread that Kovu's a softie. I don't think his dignity will survive a brutal blow like that," Vitani laughed. Groaning in  annoyance, Kovu finished eating and hastily got up for a drink of water.

"If you'll excuse me ladies, I have to see my father-in-law, regarding some 'personal' matters," he said sweetly.
Kovu left and went in search of Simba and Nala who were probably still eating, but he was desperate to leave his sisters and find some quiet time. After several minutes, Kovu found Simba and Nala, who were standing around with Diana, Burnt Eboney and some lioness Kovu didn't recognize.

She looked to be close to Kiara's age and she was laughing with Simba and Nala who looked genuinely pleased to see her. Stepping closer, Kovu cleared his throat and the group turned to face him. And the lioness, Kovu observed had amber eyes like Simba and Kiara. 
"Oh Kovu there you are, we were wondering where you were," Diana said as she walked over to meet her son.

Kovu nuzzled his mother and turned back to face the lioness who met his gaze and smiled, Kovu couldn't help smiling back. "Hi Mom, who's this? A new member of the pride? Or a friend of Simba and Nala, I noticed their smiles and everything,"
The lioness walked forward and faced Kovu her smile never leaving her face. "Hi there, I don't think we've met. My name's Tasha," she said in a friendly voice. 

"Oh I see. Hi Tasha, my name's Kovu," he replied. Tasha grinned and turned back to face Simba and Nala.
"Yeah I know your name. Mom and Daddy were just telling me who you were." Kovu nodded distractedly and laughed.
"Oh really that's nice, Simba and Nala are so great. They took a chance and-"

Then he stopped and stared at Tasha, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Okaaay hold it. Repeat what you just said. Did I just hear  you call Simba and Nala 'Mom and Dad?"
"Yeah I did, is there a problem?" Tasha asked. "Oh wait, they didn't tell you did they?" 
Simba and Nala shook their heads and Tasha groaned in fake annoyance. Diana and Burnt Eboney laughed and Kovu just stood there gaping and wondering what the heck was going on.

"Did I miss something here?" he asked looking from one figure to the other. Tasha looked at him and sighed. "They forgot to tell you something and are going to tell you now,"
Kovu glanced expectedly at Simba and Nala. Simba stepped forward and placed a paw on Tasha's shoulder.
"Kovu I'd like to introduce you properly. I should have told you before but, I just didn't know of the correct way tp bring up the subject and for that I am sorry,"

"Hey it's okay Simba, just please tell me what's going on," Kovu said his gaze on the older lion's face. "So tell me, who is she and what is her connection to you and Nala? Is she your-"                 "Yes Kovu. What you say or rather what you're trying to say is absolutely correct. Tasha is my and Nala's daughter and she is also Kiara's sister.