Chapters The Lion and the Princess
A lion with a black and brown mane made his way to a lake in the Forest where he lived, he wasn't having the best day, but still it was okay to say at the least. Could've been better for him, after all he was informed of Simba's new cub being born about one day ago, it was a beautiful girl named Kiara. But he couldn't return to see her, so he promised to meet her when she was older, and maybe the Queen of the Pride Lands. All he wanted was some water to drink, instead before he could, he heard something like laughing. He followed the laugher and found some horses? Six of them. He smiled at them and saw him and his friends when he was younger in them, but mostly Simba and himself. Them being so into adventure with Nala and Mheetu, of course.
He left as he heard them moving away, could be going home or something. He wasn't expecting Zazu coming over to him and actually talking to him. That was a first, even to Zazu. He always, next to Simba, got Zazu into trouble with Mufasa, but hey there's a first to everything right?
"Zazu, didn't expect to see you here."
"Just wanted you to know how Princess Kiara is doing! Actually, Simba sent me here."
"Kiara? How is she doing? Is she about 1 or 2 days old now?"
"Yes! She's already wanting to be outside and be exploring! Just you and Simba."
"Well send Simba my praise for his little girl for being like us."
"Will do Asher!"
Asher went on his way and lied down under a tree, he closed his eyes, but heard something else. Why? Couldn't he just have a little nap? Looks likes he can't, he hid behind some bushes and saw little horses? That were talking about something, this time there was three instead of six. Okay, so he lived where horse were, that's new. He got closer and went quiet, he sighed as they went away. Something told him this wasn't a good place to live, but it was bad either.
He only hunted when needed, and he had lots of animals being nice to him. But something wasn't right about this place, something was off. He thought everything was clear until he saw a horse with.....Purple fur? The heck? That wasn't normal....Right? He got closer and took out his claws and moved a bit closer and jumped out at the horse.
*ROAR*
"Whoa!"
"Who are you? And what business do you have here?"
"That should be my question to you. But I'm Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship. And you are?"
"Umm Asher. Sorry for roaring at you. But really, what are you doing here?"
"I came out here to explore a little. And you?"
"I live here."
Asher looked at Twilight as she went on about how wonderful things out here were, he rolled his eyes and sat down under a tree. Waiting for her to leave, did he ever want to go back to the Pride Lands. But he kept his word to Simba, he would return when Kiara was older. He lied down his head and closed his eyes, but he felt something. He looked to see Twilight laying down next to him with her head in his mane. The heck? Why was she doing that? Was she tired?
He looked around and figured she was tired, he didn't want to wake her, so he let her sleep. About 6 minutes later Twilight woke up and Asher was sleeping, she got up and left. Asher woke up about a minute later, his eyes took a minute to adjust but other than that, he was awake. He didn't see Twilight, he figured she left.
Asher finally got water from the lake, and he went off to find something to eat. He found some dear, and he knew it was the perfect lunch for him. He went closer and made sure no one was around, and then he attacked. He dragged the dear somewhere no one would see the dead animal, and not seeing him eating it. He was full by the time the dear was half gone, he washed his mouth in the water and took a fast drink.
"I think it's a good time to take a walk. Maybe see some more things that are new to me, after all, things are different here than in the Pride Lands."
Asher walked around the Forest and found himself looking at Twilight and the other five horses, he gave a confused looked and went somewhere else. He didn't look but when he heard something from behind him.
"What?"
"Come with me, I want to show you something Asher."
"Why? Aren't you afraid that others won't like a lion around?"
"No worries Asher, they'll keep their thoughts to themselves."
"......Alright, fine. But, this is your idea, so you take the blame if they start freaking out!"
"Deal! Come on!"
Asher sighed and followed Twilight, he was nervous and stuff, but he still went with it. Twilight found Asher looking worried about the idea, but he was still going through with it. Asher found himself growling at more horse that looked at him, but Twilight shoot him a look of stop.
"Not my fault they keep looking at me!"
"Well, just ignore them Asher. You don't want any harm."
Asher rolled his eyes and saw a hug castle coming up, he eyed Twilight and saw her smile. Why else would she tell him to follow her? God, first he meets her and now he's going to her home, it was different from Pride Rock. This wouldn't be good at all!
"I want you to meet someone, or two."
"And who would that be?"
"My brother and sister-in-law."
"What?"
She waited him to meet her....Brother and Sister-in-law!?
The Lion and the Princess
Asher meets the Brother and Sister-in-law
Asher paced around waiting for Twilight to come back, he had meet Spike, who seemed pretty cool for a dragon, but he was nervous about meeting her brother and sister-in-law, more importantly, why was he? Why did Twilight think it was a good idea? What gave him this as a punishment? He felt like he was going to die right here and right now! He was going to think that Twilight forgot about him, which he was hoping for, but that didn't happen. He heard the doors open to reveal two ponies with Twilight, one was white and the other was pink. He gulped as the white one eyed him. He admitted it, he was down right scared!
"Um I'm guessing these two are your brother and sister-in-law Twilight?"
"Yup! Asher, meet my brother Shining Armor, and my sister-in-law, Cadence!"
"Um, hi. I'm Asher, nice to meet you Cadence, Shining."
"Nice to meet you Asher, I'm Cadence."
"Shining Armor. Twilight, can I talk to you.....Alone?"
"Okay."
Shining left with Twilight for the other room, leaving Asher and Cadence alone. Asher didn't understand what was going on with Shining, but he figured it wasn't very good. Since he was a lion and Shining was a pony, at least Cadence seemed nice. He hoped.
"Is he always like that with new ones?"
"Not always, must be because your a lion."
"Figured as much."
"Twilight, why is he here!? I thought we agreed you wouldn't go near anyone other than us ponies! I get you defending Equestira, and I'm glad about that, but....Why are you friends with him!?"
"Shining, give him a chance. You'll like him in due time, Cadence seems to like him."
"Give him a chance?! Twilight, he's a lion! He eats other animals!"
"He hasn't eaten us has he!? Shining, he's seems like a good lion to me, so please, give him a chance."
"Ugh! Fine! But I swear, if he tires to hurt you, he's going away! Away from us! From you!"
Twilight sighed, why didn't she this coming? Shining was protective of her, but now that she knew Asher, he was seriously going to keep an eye on her and Asher. But truth be told, if Asher wanted to leave, he could, she wouldn't stop him. After all, it's his choice to leave or stay, no one could change that.
Twilight thought Asher was something more than a lion, something that had friendship in him. They could become friends and have the ponies like him and not fear him, but if Asher didn't want to change it, then she wouldn't. Asher had skill to be a great fighter and protective of the ones he loved, maybe even to protect his friends. But they didn't know that, did they?
Asher didn't know what to think about Cadence nor Shining Armor, okay so he did think that Shining didn't like him but at least Cadence did right? Did he ever want to leave so Shining Armor wouldn't be so....Creepy near him, not just that, but Twilight could've made Shining give him a chance!
"So....Um....Anything new with you?"
"Nothing really. Are you nervous?"
"A little, I'm not used to being around ponies. Only lions from my Pride."
"Your Pride? Where are you from Asher?"
"I'm from a place called the Pride Lands, one soul Kingdom. Next to the Outlands."
"The Outlands?"
"Where we would go if we were exiled."
Asher smiled at Cadence, he wasn't bad after all. Maybe it was just Shining Armor that was bad, or at least to him. Cadence went on about how she made ponies fall in love and stuff, she even told Asher about Flurry Heart. Twilight and Shining came in moments later, that's when Cadence thought of something.
"Nice to see your getting along."
"He's really nice Twilight, you made one cool friend."
"Sure, let's go with that. I don't trust you Asher."
"What? But I didn't do anything!"
"Shining!"
"You said you would give him a chance!"
"Chance given! You, I don't want you near Twilight. Now....LEAVE!"
Asher didn't stay any longer, he ran out. Twilight and Cadence looked at Shining Armor with shock, Twilight couldn't believe it nor did Cadence, but it happened. Twilight ran after Asher along with Cadence, leaving Shining alone, he didn't get it, he just protected his wife and sister didn't he? What made them run after Asher? Did he make a mistake?
Asher didn't look back when he heard Cadence and Twilight, he kept on running. Since he was a lion, he was faster. Just the way he hoped, what did he do wrong? All he said to Shining Armor was hello and something else, but he didn't say anything bad, so what did he do? Was it the fact that he was different? Or something else? What was it?
You aren't the king Scar! Mufasa is!
Mufasa and Simba are dead! I am the king!
Step down Scar, I know I'm not Simba nor Mufasa, but I can take you down!
That's right, he tried to save the Pride Lands from Scar, but then Simba came back. He was happy, but this wasn't like anything he did before. He wasn't in the Pride Lands, nor was he ever going too. So what could he do? What should he do? Just what should he do? Go back? No, he would be forced to leave again. He was so confused right now.
The Lion and the Princess
Cadence paced around her own Castle, Flurry Heart noticed her mother just walking around in circles, which was odd since she never did that before. Flurry saw her as a stallion waiting for his wife, or worrying about his wife while she was giving birth, but why was Cadence pacing around? Shining also saw her and was just as confused as Flurry Heart. Shining took Flurry Heart out to see Twilight, giving Cadence all the time she needed to figure her plan.
"I bet if Twilight and Asher got together, then they would be happy! But how? How will I get them together? With Shining not allowing Asher to see Twilight, it might be hard......" Cadence said with a smile, but it soon faded in the past.
Cadence thought about how Twilight looked at Asher with Friendship, but if she, no they, looked at each other with love then, everything would be fine right? But it's going to be hard with Shining around, and he's not glad about Twilight being friends with a lion, but Asher is nice, so why? Why can't Shining see that Twilight trusts Asher? He didn't do anything to get on Shining's bad side, did he? Either way, Cadence wanted Asher and Twilight together, she didn't need Shining's answer for it, let alone his thoughts on the matter.
"AH! I got it! I can write something to Twilight, asking her to bring Asher here! But, I'll need to ask some guards to keep an look out for Shining, of course!" Cadence knew very much that Shining cared deeply about his sister and her well being, but this was something that needed to be done.
Twilight, bring Asher here to the Empire, don't worry Shining's out with Flurry Heart. I already asked the guards to keep their eyes out for them, so don't worry. Bring him as soon as you can! I need to talk to him about something!-Cadence
Cadence smirked to herself, she was doing good so far, just watching out for Shining might be a little tricky, but she was willing to put up with it.
Twilight, bring Asher here to the Empire, don't worry Shining's out with Flurry Heart. I already asked the guards to keep their eyes out for them, so don't worry. Bring him as soon as you can! I need to talk to him about something!-Cadence
Twilight finished reading the note, and looked at Asher, who was sleeping, Cadence wanted to talk with him about something? At least Shining wasn't there so, that was good. She thought about it for a moment and knew her answer, he began writing back to Cadence and smiled.
I'll bring him, but why? What's the talk for? Getting on Shining's good side? He won't like that Cadence, Shining won't trust him. But, I'll bring him. Just, don't let Shining see him, for me...Please.-Twilight And then, Cadence responded to Twilight's message.
It's not how to get Shining's good side Twilight, we all know that won't happen until later! It's just that I want to get know him better, that's all! So no worries! But, you have to hurry! Shining and Flurry could be back any minute now.-Cadence
Okay! We'll be there! After he wakes up, see you soon!-Twilight
Twilight heard Asher groan and wake up, he shook his mane and looked at Twilight. He smiled, while she blushed lightly and smiled back at him, she had to admit, he was cute for a lion. Asher sat down and looked at her, before laying on his stomach, Twilight laughed a bit before sitting with him, showing the letter Cadence sent them.
"So, Cadence wants us at the Empire? And she's sure Shining isn't there?" Asher asked, with a smile, he liked Cadence. So far, other than Twilight, Cadence liked him and was friends with him.
"Yeah, she said he and Flurry went out." Twilight said, then a thought came to mind, "You have to meet Flurry Heart sometime. I just know you too will get along great!"
"Flurry Heart?" Asher asked, confused, "Is she your niece or something? Or older sister?"
"She's not my sister, although maybe she could, but she's not." Twilight began,"But she is my niece though, Shining and Cadence's daughter."
"I don't think ponies would like seeing a lion in the Empire." Asher said while looking down, almost like a cub being scolded by their parent."Besides, if Shining saw me when we get there, then who knows what he'll do!"
"Asher," Twilight began, looking at the lion with a serious face, "If Shining found or saw you, do you really think I would let him kick you out of the Empire? Or banish for that matter."
"Banish? Twilight, you don't know what happened at the Pride Lands once." Asher looked down, that was not a happy time then. Scar made the Pride Lands a mess! Only Simba could keep the Pride Lands in shape and very much alive. "It's not something you would like. I lived in that part and time."
"What does the Pride Lands have to do with anything?"Twilight asked, seriously, what did the Pride Lands have to do with this?"Asher, tell me. Please.
"It's not important." Asher said, still not looking at Twilight, as if he was scared she would yell at him and banish him. "Let's go to the Empire."
Twilight had made loads of checks around the Empire, just to see if her brother was there, lucky for her, he wasn't. She had gotten Asher to the castle without being notice. When the broke into a run, Twilight saw Cadence waiting for them with a smile, the guards were gone and Shining was still no were to be seen.
"Twilight! Asher! You made it!" Cadence smiled, Twilight just nodded and Asher didn't do anything."It's great to see you guys again, now, follow me."
"Cadence, what time do you think Shining will be back?" In honest, Cadence didn't know. She shrugged and lead the way into a secret room. "So, we're talking here then?"
Of course, it has to be a room. Asher thought to himself while Cadence nodded and closed the door. He could tell this talk was going to be out of the blue for him, knowing his feelings about talking with others, this couldn't be so good.Please, don't be something weird and out of the blue! Please!
The Lion and the Princess
Asher waited for Cadance to finish up with Twilight, who left after hearing that Shining and Flurry was back, he gulped and headed towards Cadance. Asher listened to Cadance, who was going on about things about the Empire, he stopped her and asked her about this whole visit.
"Cadance, Asher began, "What was the reason behind this visit?"
"To see if your good friends with Twilight." The love princess said with a serious tone. "Good. Now, do you love her? As a friend?"
Asher blinked at the question and thought for a moment. "Um....Yes?" He fell into a trap didn't he? "Why do you ask?"
"No reason." Cadance smiled, but inside she smirked. Perfect. Her plan was going as planned!" You can go now Asher. Just watch out for Shining."
Asher nodded and ran out of the room, he bumped into Flurry and said hello before running off to find Twilight. Lucky for him, he didn't see Shining anywhere, he sighed and bumped into Twilight, who was going to see him, she blushed when she bumped into him. The two headed out of the Empire, Asher thought for a moment about what Cadance said.
"Um...Twilight?" Asher said, nervously, "Did Cadance ever ask you about love?"
"No...Well sometimes."Twilight answered honestly, "Why do you ask? Did she ask you about love?"
"......Yes....She asked if I loved anyone..." Asher told Twilight, while looking down. Sorta blushing. "I'm guessing she helps with love? Since she's the love princess?" Asher guessed.
Twilight stopped for a moment,"Yup. She helps out at lot. Mostly fixing love with others." Twilight saw Asher nodded in understanding. Asher, about what happened in the Pride Lands..."
Asher stopped and thought for a moment,"We're not talking about that. EVER!" This time Twilight was token back at Asher respond. "I don't like to talk about it."
Asher didn't lie when he said he hated talking about the past, the main reason was because of Mufasa's death. He always thought of Mufasa as a second father, but with the death, he remained quiet and non-active. He tried to fight Scar many times, but the lionesses stopped him from doing so.
"Talk about not giving me a change to battle Scar." Asher said to himself. Twilight was inside of the castle writing to Cadance about something, "Not wanting to lose me isn't a good reason. Sure, I was the only other male in the Pride, but that wouldn't have stopped me."
"Asher? What's wrong?" Asher jumped when Twilight spoke. When did she go outside? "Asher, please, tell me what's wrong."
"Nothing. Just thinking about stuff." Asher told Twilight, with a smile, but Twilight easily saw past that.
"Asher, tell me the truth." Twilight said, giving a serious face.
"Alright, alright." Asher said, he sighed and started talking, " It happened about 5 or 3 years ago...."
"We can't have you doing that Asher!" A creamed lioness with blue/green eyes said to a young adult with a black and brown mane. "We already lost Simba and Mufasa!"
"Nala," Asher said to Nala, who was warning him about facing Scar, "I want to do this! They need revenge on their deaths!"
A black mane lion with green eyes was watching them, he frowned and left back to the cave. Asher didn't like Scar, like all the others, but other than Scar, he was the only male around. Nala and Asher got along great, but Simba and Mufasa were dead and need to have revenge on their deaths.
"But you don't know Scar well, you don't even know his strength!" Nala carried, Asher moved towards the cave but Nala blocked him. "What would happen if we lost you?! We would be alone with Scar!"
"Nala, I think of you as a sister to me," Asher started up, "I'm doing this for our friend and true king."
"True king?" The two jumped and looked to see a lion with a black mane, Scar. "Who's the true king?"
"Y-You are!" The two carried, not wanting to anger their king. "No one else!"
"Good." Scar said as he walked back in the cave, Asher and Nala sighed.
"Your really going to?" Nala asked, Asher looked down at the ground. "Asher, answer me please."
"Nala," Asher started, "Go find help. I'll handle Scar until you do."
Nala nodded and left to find help, Asher gulped and headed for the cave, only for a young cub to run out. He rolled his eyes and went inside. Scar looked at him and sighed, Asher held a straight face on.
"Scar, Nala has left." Asher said, shocking Scar. "She said about going hunting for the Pride."
"Good. Now get out." Scar said, and turned his back, only for Asher to pin him down. "What are you doing?!"
"Getting revenge on Simba and Mufasa!" Asher shouted, and started to battle Scar. But Sarabi came in and pulled Asher off of Scar. "Sarabi?"
"This needs to stop." Sarabi said with a formal tone, "This will help us with nothing! Asher, come with me."
"Of course Sarabi." Asher said, but he growled at Scar on his way out.
"And after that, Nala returned with Simba." Asher finished. "It almost took the Pride lands two full years to return to normal."
"So, you tried getting back your land?"Twilight asked, Asher nodded to her, "You were brave to do that."
"I had to, I wasn't going to let the Pride Lands go into a waste land." Asher said, only for Twilight to put her hoof on his shoulder. "I kept it a secret from Simba."
"You thought you did the right thing." Twilight told the lion, "So don't feel bad about it."
