Deviation Actions
Literature Text
Many seasons have passed since the Pridelanders and Outsiders reunited. Both prides now live in harmony, within the flourishing Pridelands. Within this era came the heirs to Simba’s throne. His daughter, Princess Kiara, and her consort, the dark Prince, Kovu. It took them a few more seasons before they were old enough to ascend to the throne. Their coronation was electric, with many animals great and small, even the pride accepting their new King and Queen. Though it was a time of prosper, nothing could be further from the truth. Even if the Circle of life is secure, there’s always someone or something to break it. And it has a nasty habit of repeating itself.
Three months after the coronation, the newly anointed Queen falls into labor. On a starry night, her mate and father sit outside of the cave while their shaman and the rest of the pride give support during this crucial time. The old King glanced beside him to see his son-in-law in a state of nervousness and slight dismay. “Is there something wrong, Kovu?” Simba would ask, “You don’t seem so thrilled about this.” Kovu gave a heavy sigh as he replied, “I’m not so sure. I mean, I’m surprised that I’m even a King. But being a father? I don’t know if I could handle both. I was never cut out to become a true King.” His dark green irises look down at the surface of Priderock, as the older lion placed a paw on his shoulder. “Sure you are. I have great faith in you. With a little training and some guidance, you will perfectly take my place. Kiara will handle the hunting and political work, while you can help defend the Kingdom. And also train your heir.”
“But, how can I be a parent? My father was never there for me, and I was harshly raised by my mother, and taken in by Scar. I don’t think that being a father is my greatest asset.” A quiet chuckle produced from Simba, “Well you should have thought about this before Kiara announced her pregnancy. But with all seriousness, just believe in yourself and remember the things you were taught. You’ll be just fine.” Kovu looked up at Simba once more, “You must really have faith in me.” “I wouldn’t tell you this if I wasn’t. I was wrong about you in the past. So I want to make up for what I’ve done.”
Simba was given a reassuring smile from the young King. “Thanks, Simba. The Pridelands will be safe in my paws.” A moment a silence fell upon the two males, as they were patiently waiting for the end of the birth. “I wonder what’s taking Kiara so long.” “A birth is a very long and delicate process” Simba remarked, “I had to go through the same thing when Nala gave birth to Kiara and Kion. It just takes patience.”
Kovu nodded as silence returned, until that is a new yet familiar voice joined in. “Simba, Kovu.” They both turned to see the Kingdom’s shaman standing before them with his staff. “Rafiki, how did it go? Is Kiara alright?” The baboon gave a warmhearted laugh, “Everything’s alright, and she’s done well, all the way through. While she recovers from the birth, why don’t you two come and meet your princes.”
Simba gave an almost shocked look while Kovu tilts his head. “Princes?” they repeated simultaneously. Following Rafiki into the lair, a marvelous sight bestows them. The old Queen, Nala, cradles her grand cubs, while Kiara lies down in the corner of the cave, looking on in pride. “Hello you two” Nala huffed, “Come close. They won’t bite.” Simba was thrilled to see his newborn grandsons, while Kovu hesitated forward. He studies his twin cubs as they were easily distinctive from one another. One was light gold, much like his mother, but with a nose shape of his father. The second cub had a reddish brown pelt, with a nose shape of his mother, but nose color of his father. “These…these are…my sons?” asked the King, as he gives a nervous grin.
“Yes” Nala replied, “The golden one was born first, then the brown one.” Simba would rub heads with his beloved, “They’re beautiful. Kiara’s done a great job with them.” “She sure did. And I think it’s time we return them to their mother so she and Kovu could be alone.” With the help of Simba, they carried the cubs over to their daughter, as Kiara retrieved her sons and thanked her parents for the help. With the elders leaving the scene to rejoin the pride, Kovu slowly approached his mate.
He was tongue-tied, his mind gone blank. “Well say something” the Queen says, “Are you happy? Proud?” Her mate barked a chuckle, “Y-Yes, I am. I just…can’t believe that these are our sons. They’re so handsome, and healthy.” “I know, they take after you, I believe.” Both cubs quickly settled down as their mother stroked her tongue against their tiny temples. “And you too” the new father added, as the lick his Queen. Lying beside her, they look down at their cubs with joy.
“Have you thought of any names?” Kovu wondered. The lioness lifted a brow as she met eyes with him. “Of course, my mother and I have both came up with a few names weeks ago.” Her first instinct was to look towards their first born, the golden cub. “I think his name should be….Heshima. And as for our second son, his name shall be….um, Kovu should you name him?” His expression was once more surprising. Given a chance to name their children was his first step in being a father. “Sure.” He saw the dark cub, cuddle close to his brother. It seemed random to him at first, but he gave his suggestion. “Hamu. How about Hamu?”
Kiara took an opportunity to consider. “Well let’s think about this. Heshima means ‘respect’ and Hamu means ‘desire’. So respect and desire, names given to both princes. May one peruse respect in the Circle of Life, and the other gives desire in supporting his brother. So yes, our sons shall be named Heshima and Hamu.” The King was pleased, as he and his consort nuzzle one another. “Welcome to the Pride, Heshima and Hamu.” Without another word, the new parents slept close to one another, with their cubs kept by the Queen’s side. The night ends on the good note, the Prideland’s newest princes were born. With tomorrow, initiating events of the past in the form of new souls.
