Summary: Simba's reign will be challenged as a new kind of creature invades the Pridelands. When he encounters them, will his reign be cut short, and be taken by Kiara and Kovu? Or can Nala save him in time? (Slightly AU, Simba/Nala, Kovu/Kiara)

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or the title of The Lion King. All are under the Walt Disney company. Human characters do belong to me though. This is my first story, it's a little rough since I don't have a beta reader yet. Any suggestions are welcome. No flames please.


A crack of lightning awoken the sleeping king from his slumber. He jolted his head up, senses fully alert, until he discovered it was just the storm. The storm hit the Pridelands hard, causing the herds to seek shelter. He stood up and walked to the edge of the cave, sitting down and thinking of the signs his father was sending him.

"What does this mean?" Simba muttered to himself. He gazed at the waterhole in the distance, overflowing with water and turning the ground muddy and slippery. He looked up at the sky, just as a crack of lighting struck the tip of Priderock, startling the king, awakening the lionesses and the young prince Kovu. They looked up at Simba, startled.

"Simba?" Nala got up and walked slowly to his side, "Is everything alright?" she asks, concerned. Simba looks at her and back at where the lightning struck, the omen scaring him.

"Yes…everything's fine. I was just startled by the thunder." He told her, not taking his eyes off the charred spot on the tip of the rock. Nala, not buying it, narrowed her eyes slightly, following his gaze to the charred black rock. Simba looked over at her, "Hey, it's nothing. Let's go back to sleep." He tried to muster up a reassuring smile, but Nala was smarter than that. Instead, she nodded and followed him back to their spot, glancing back at the spot the lightning hit.

"Mom? Is everything ok?" the young princess Kiara questioned. Nala smiled.

"Yeah, you're dad was startled. Everything's ok. Go back to sleep, everyone." She motioned to all the rest of the pride and took her spot next to Simba. As all the lionesses slept, one troubled mind couldn't help but wonder what his father was trying to tell him.


Nala was the first to wake up the next morning and she looked around the Pridelands, noticing that the herds were returning since the sun had come back and bathed the land in gold. She made her way down to the waterhole.

"Good morning my queen!" the perky hornbill Zazu greeted Nala, perching next to her paws.

"Why good morning Zazu! How are you this morning?" she bent down to get a drink, lapping the water up.

"I thought I might just swoop down and visit! Quite a storm last night don't you think?" he grimaced. Nala laughed.

"Yes it was, it startled the whole pride." Her ears perked up, feeling someone coming. She turned her head and noticed that Simba had woken up and was making his way towards them.

"Good morning Nala, Zazu." He motioned, smiling and leaning down taking a drink.

"Good morning sire! Sleep well?"

"I slept great last night, thank you for asking." He smiled and Nala rose an eyebrow, suspicious.

"Alright well I better get going, I'll be back later with the morning report." He bowed once before flying off. Once he was out of earshot, Nala looked over at Simba suspiciously.

"You slept great huh?" she sat down and Simba looked at her strangely.

"Yeah, why don't believe me?" he rose a brow as well, mocking her. He walked into the water, his legs submerged.

"Well no, considering the fact you woke up startled last night and don't think I didn't see what happened with the lightning." She looked at him weirdly.

"Ok, it was just the weather alright? Don't worry about it." He grinned and submerged his head which surprised Nala. She looked around, trying to find him in the water.

'Why is this familiar?' Nala thought and then her eyes widened as she tried to retreat, but it was too late, because Simba and pulled her in the water with him. She came up a few seconds later, freezing and Simba was just laughing, his mane covering his eyes. "What'd you do that for?!" Nala exclaimed, trying to shake and lick herself dry. Simba just continued laughing, annoying Nala. She growled and jumped on him, causing them to roll around in the grass. Surprisingly, Simba pinned her down.

"Give it up Nala, I've learned all your tricks." He grinned a toothy grin. She smirked and then pushed his arm to the side, and rolling over on top of him and pinned his chest down.

"Not ALL of them." She continued smirking as Simba tried to escape. She looked down at him, his handsome red mane hanging loosely around his eyes, remembering his carefree but also careful spirit. He was becoming more like his father.

"What?" Simba said softly, watching her stare at him. She broke out of her reverie and smiled at him, her eyes half lidded. She didn't reply, instead she just nuzzled her nose into his mane, catching him by surprise but then he smiled, and rubbed his chin on her neck. "Nala, about last ni—" he was cut off when Zazu landed near the waterhole again, this time in a panic.

"Simba, Nala! I have urgent news! I've spotted a herd of these unfamiliar creatures entering the Pridelands at the northern border." Simba and Nala got up and walked over to Zazu.

"What kind of creatures?" Simba questioned. Zazu looked puzzled.

"I don't know!" he panicked and panicked, trying to figure out a decent answer for the question, straining his brain…until he fainted.

"Um…" Nala mumbled, a look of confusion on her face.

"We should go check." Simba suggested, starting a run.

"Wait! Simba! I'll go get Kovu and Kiara!" Nala called out. Simba stopped and looked at her, debating whether he should let them come. She didn't wait for his approval, as she jolted towards Priderock. Simba stood there, debating in his head, as he saw a cloud of dust in the distance. He pinched his eyebrows and took off in a full sprint towards the northern border.


There's the first part, hope you all enjoyed it. If I get at least 5 reviews, I 'll continue with it. No flames please, thanks in advance!

SP1R17