Chapter Eight

One day while Indigo was out hunting with the other lionesses, Simba had Timon and Pumbaa be in charge of looking after Kiara. Indigo noticed how overprotective he was of her, but she understood why. Everyone understood, but they still thought that it was a bit out of hand how Simba raised her.

“The poor cub won't know anything about running a kingdom.” a lioness said quietly. Indigo overheard her and repeated what she said to Nala. Nala just shook her head.

“I try to be relaxed with Kiara, I guess to show Simba that she'll be fine. I admit that I get worried too, but you can't let that control your feelings.” Indigo nodded. She was very relaxed with Kiara as well, but she knew that she was definitely more protective of her than she was with Kopa.

While they were stalking an injured antelope, Zazu came flying, wildly calling out to them. The antelope dashed off, and the lionesses groaned.

“What is it Zazu? Better be worth our kill.” a lioness said impatiently. 

“King Simba needs all the lionesses to come with him now! He has just spotted Kiara hanging around that spawn of Zira.” The lionesses looked at one another skeptically.

“I thought Timon and Pumbaa were looking after her?” one of them asked. Zazu shook his head.

“The dopes lost her. Now come on!” he flew off, and everyone shrugged, following behind him. Indigo was slightly worried, not so much about Kiara, but about Simba. She hoped he wouldn't make any irrational decisions, but she wasn't holding her breath. 

When they got to where Simba was, they noticed him haunched down, looking at the two cubs playing. Indigo was taken aback to how close Kovu looked like her. He could have been Scar's cub too. She pressed her eyes shut for a moment, trying to suppress the memories of her father. Simba looked back, and gave the lionesses a slight nod. Nala came up behind Indigo.

“Let's go.” she whispered. 

Simba jumped up and gave a roar at Kovu. That's when Zira jumped out and roared back at him. Everyone was surprised. They did not expect Zira to be there watching as well. Nala went behind Simba, and soon Zira was surrounded by the entire pride. 

Zira introduced them to Kovu, who was chosen by Scar to become king. Indigo turned her head away. Wasn't she Scar's cub? Didn't she have a right to the throne? Nala looked over at her sister and gave her a sympathetic look. She knew Indigo was still hurt, and she wished that she could fix everything. 

After the confrontation with Zira, they all headed back to Pride Rock. Simba stayed behind with Kiara. Nala and Indigo walked silently side by side. 

“That poor cub, god only knows what Zira is doing to him.” Nala said softly. Indigo nodded. Kovu didn't seem so bad. He seemed like any other cub. But knowing Zira, she would brainwash him. They all had to be careful.


Months went by, and nobody ever heard from Zira or Kovu again. Kiara grew into a happy young lioness, and Indigo was now almost fully adult. She was only four years older than Kiara, but somehow she felt more connected to her than to Nala, who was only a year older. 

One night while the stars were out shining, Indigo and Kiara laid down beside each other, looking up and talking. 

“Hey, auntie Indie.” Kiara started. “Do you think dad will let me go hunting soon?” Kiara looked over at Indigo, and she shrugged.

“I don't know. Your dad is pretty protective of you.” Kiara sighed.

“Yeah. I hope he will. I know everyone is talking about me. They all say I'm a spoiled brat.” Indigo rolled over, supporting herself on her arm.

“Oh Kiki, nobody thinks that.” she tried to reassure her. But Kiara just shook her head, still looking up.

“No, they do. I've heard them. But in reality, I'm not a spoiled brat. I've just never had the chance to prove myself.” Indigo looked down. If only Simba could hear his daughter. Kiara breathed in and got up, walking back to Pride Rock. Indigo followed closely behind her. She was going to talk to Simba. Tonight. Hopefully he would listen to her.

When they got back, Indigo said goodnight to Kiara and then went off to find Simba. He was sitting at the top of Pride Rock, overlooking the PrideLands. She came up behind him quietly, but he whisked his head around.

“Oh, Indie. It's you.” he said with a sigh of relief.

“Of course it's me. Who else?” she asked. Simba looked as though he was about to say something, but he shook his head. Indigo sat down beside him, and the two sat in silence for a while. Then Indigo decided to ask the question, because she knew she would back out if she didn't ask soon.

“Kiara has really grown now hasn't she?” Indigo said, looking up at the stars. Simba nodded, a smile on his face.

“Mhm, she's grown into a happy and healthy lioness.” he said. Indigo perked her ears up. Simba seemed proud, maybe this question would be easy to ask now.

“I believe it's time that she went out on a hunt.” Indigo peered at him from the corner of her eyes. At first Simba showed no reaction, but then he turned his head around. Indigo smiled hopefully.

“You mean with other lionesses?” he asked, his voice shaking. Indigo shook her head.

“No, by herself.” Simba got up and started to walk away.

“That's impossible.” he said. Indigo could tell he was getting antsy, but there was no backing down now.

“Simba,” Indigo started, “You said so yourself, she's a happy and healthy lioness. You have raised her yourself, you have instilled good judgement in her. If she doesn't grow up now, when will she? The incident with Kovu has passed, that was a full season ago. Just give her a chance.” Simba pressed his eyes shut, then exhaled slowly. He opened his eyes, and saw Indigo standing in front of him.

“All right.” he said. Indigo grinned widely. This made Simba laugh. “We could make a celebration out of it as well.” Indigo nodded excitedly. 

“Just see.” Simba said. “My daughter will be the best hunter around!”