As the sun began to set as she made her way back to the Outlands, Zira couldn't help but reflect on what had just occurred. She had been out patrolling the borders between the Outlands and the Pridelands, making sure nothing was amiss on her side while hoping to spot weaknesses on the other. Luck was with her today because as she passed near the river, she happened to catch Kovu's scent, far too fresh for it to have been from a prior excursion.
Quickly following his trail, she felt her heart stop as she saw Kovu and another cub barely escaping the jaws of hungry crocodiles. Relief flooded her as she saw them peer over the edge and mock the large reptiles, however this left her with another problem. Kovu was now in the Pridelands. Moving as quickly as she could over a fallen log, Zira crouched down and observed the cubs for a moment. Hatred filled her once it became apparent that the other cub was in fact Simba's daughter and she paused for a moment, mulling over whether it would be better to simply kill the cub or abscond with her to the Outlands.
Her choice was abruptly taken from her as Simba roared onto the scene, placing himself between Kiara and Kovu. Zira didn't hesitate, responding with her own roar of defiance, she squared off against Simba and almost went for him. Confident in her abilities as a fighter and with the king by himself save only his daughter, Zira felt she could win this fight. Unfortunately, the rest of Simba's pride arrived and Zira had to rethink her strategy if she wanted to walk out of this situation with both her and Kovu in one piece.
So she followed the advice passed down to her from her mother. Act like you're in charge, be mean and show no weakness. Putting on an air of confidence and throwing out remarks she knew would piss off Simba, even going so far as to turn her back on him a couple times, she played out her performance. All with an evil smirk on her face. Her final trick, literally offering up her son to Simba, sealed her victory and with a final parting remark, she had quickly gathered up Kovu and made her way back to the Outlands.
Though her outward appearance exuded an air of someone not to be messed with, inside Zira could still feel her heart beating rapidly in her chest. She knew that encounter could have just as easily ended poorly for herself and Kovu. Next time they might not be so lucky. So she vowed there would be no next time. She would harshly deal with her eldest son Nuka, for it was his job to keep watch over his brother and his failure had nearly cost Kovu his life. Kovu would not go unpunished either. Zira had no idea what possessed him go so close to the border, but she planned to squash any ideas of a repeat performance.
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So I decided to add a little story to this one and give my idea of what was going on in Zira's head during and after her encounter with Simba. Poor Kovu knows he's in trouble and is wisely staying quiet. Â
Been a while since I've written anything, but it was fun. Hardest part was figuring out the first few words, after that it got easier.
