Lion King - Lost Heir

The Return

Mpenzi

It was so strange seeing everyone return to the pridelands again -  there were five males, including Askari, as well as three females singled out to be a risk to the pride's 'no cub' regime, newly put in place. When they returned everyone celebrated, for it was the end of one quiet year and the start of a new, prosperous time for the pride.  The royal cubs were quite overwhelmed by all the noise and people, however, and I found myself babysitting Swala and her friend Aina as they hid from the crowds in the royal sleeping quarters. 

"Why are you not out there Penz?"

"I'm OK up here with you two."

I manage a smile, which turns out more like a grimace, and Aina trots up to me, head cocked to one side.

"Your boyfriend is out there," she tilts her chin towards where he sits on a small outcropping looking over the party raging below. Nala is sat next to him, and they seem to be talking leisurely, before she stands, stretching and heading in our direction, trying to hide a smile. 

I turn, to see Aina and Swala giggling, paws held to their faces. It's hard to believe how much they've both grown, Aina much bigger than Swala, but not by as much as at the beginning of the year. Aina's around my size now, and Swala hold her ground despite the fact that she's around an inch shorter at the shoulders. They've gone from actively shunning relationships to bursting into nervous laughter whenever the topic is raised. 

"Mpenzi?"

I blink, and look up to see Nala standing above me.

"Yes?"

"I can look after the cubs, a beautiful female like you should be out there having fun."

I smile, and stand, and walk out of the cave. I linger a few moments from the crowd, before choosing to walk towards Askari. He doesn't seem to notice me as I walk towards him, eyes fixed on Kovu and Kiara, both of them circling each other in a dance, some of the females drumming a beat, Rafiki undoubtedly orchestrating the whole thing. 

"Hey."

He looks up, and numerous expressions flit across his face before he eases into an soft smile, eyes twinkling in the fading sunlight. 

"Hey Mpenzi."

I sit down beside him, burying my head in his mane,  as he leans into me, sighing. 

"I missed you."

I smile up at him, and he licks my muzzle, my head tucking perfectly under his chin. 

"How are the royal kids?" he jokes, curling his tail around mine.

"Just fine, always with a babysitter and priority at meals."

He laughs, then stands, looking down at me expectantly.

"Wanna dance?"

I smile back, and follow him towards where the other lions dance together to Rafiki's carefully orchestrated music. Kiara gives me a knowing look over her shoulder. She's two years older than me, and I remember growing up under her father, Simba. 

I pass Nala, and overhear a snippet of her hushed conversation with Kovu and Kiara, who nod, glancing behind them multiple times. 

"We need that boy out of here, as soon as he knows about his family, Kiara's throne will be in grave danger..."

What does she mean? Is Askari in line for the throne? 

Or is there some bad coverup keeping Kovu and Kiara in their positions?