After watching Simba's Pride a couple of times a while ago I noticed there's a particular exchange between Nala and Zira when Kiara and Kovu first meet. Maybe it's just me but it always felt like there was resentment between them, and I wondered what could have possibly happened to make them act that way. And so out of that small idea this story was born.

Please enjoy the first chapter!


Everything around her had always been gray. Gray, dull and devoid of life. But it never seemed to bother her, for some strange reason it felt like home and she was happy right where she was. So when the day suddenly came that a bright red mane stood out from all its gray surroundings Zira knew everything was going to fall apart.

After supposedly dying somehow Simba had returned to the Pridelands and he wanted to snatch them away from Scar for himself. There was going to be confrontation and not just between Scar and Simba, but between the lionesses and the hyenas too. Though Zira wanted to fight for Scar in that moment she had a bigger responsibility: ensuring Scar's heir was born.

Chosen even before being born, in a desperate attempt to have a heir of his liking after rejecting Nuka and Vitani Scar declared the cub Zira was pregnant with would be his heir, not concerned anymore if it was male or female.

Sensing the danger was imminent the moment Simba demanded Scar stepped down from the throne Zira sneaked away and snatched her cubs to a hiding place. Despite the chaos raging outside they never left, and only until the rain washed away the remnants of the battle and silence finally set in did Zira step outside.

Zira felt her heart sink inside her chest upon seeing Simba happily celebrate with the lionesses. Scar was nowhere to be seen, and the hyenas that had overrun the place were running away in the distance cackling happily.

Heartbroken Zira reunited with the other lionesses that had loyally followed Scar alongside her and mourned his death. Simba was to blame, they all knew it, however they agreed it was best to not act violently against him. If they could continue Scar's legacy through his unborn heir then things would be like they were meant to, and as things were right then it could still be accomplished, they just had to plan everything carefully.

Even a few days after Scar's death Zira still didn't have it in her to leave her small den. The sun felt too bright, everyone's smiles were beyond irritating, and the sight of Simba infuriated her. The isolation made her feel somewhat better and it helped her concentrate to device a plan that would successfully regain the throne for her unborn cub.

But there was no good plan. Zira sighed frustrated laying her head down between her paws, eyeing Vitani who remained curled up by her side not saying a word. Unlike Nuka Vitani seemed to have been shocked by the ordeal, and barely said any word unless it was to fight with her brother. Zira couldn't really fathom now Nuka was able to happily prance around Pride Rock after Scar was murdered in such a tremendous fight, but giving it a bit more of thought she could finally see why Scar thought he wasn't good enough to be his heir.

The grass nearby rustled with movement, and Zira opened her eyes lazily to see Sarabi offering a sympathetic smile in her direction.

"How are you doing?"

"I've had better days."

Sarabi sat down nearby Zira but left enough space between them so they could each feel comfortable.

"It's been a while since we last saw you." Sarabi began. "You really need to stretch your legs every now and then, it won't do you any good to just lie down for the rest of your pregnancy. Have you been eating?"

"You should know that better than anyone Sarabi, you're the one leading the hunts after all." Zira mumbled.

It was no secret that food continued to be scarce, and whatever bits and pieces were found they were given to the cubs and pregnant lionesses, though as of late the pride hadn't been that lucky.

Sarabi found herself at the loss of words not entirely sure how to continue their casual talk or how to start subtly on the subject she wanted to talk about; she never really figured out how to properly talk with Zira.

She realized it was best to just go straight to the point.

"Listen, I know we may not… agree on everything, but I know what it's like to lose someone very dear to you."

Zira returned her attention to Sarabi, remaining quiet with a blank expression on her features.

"But trust me when I tell you this." Sarabi mustered a soft smile. "What you need right now is to keep moving forward. If you delve too much on the past you'll never be able to let it go."

The only thing at the moment that could possibly move Zira forward was a flawless plan to overthrow Simba, and even if she had one it wasn't in her plans to ever forget about Scar. She would devote herself to him even in death; that's what he would have wanted.

Though slowly thinking over Sarabi´s words Zira didn't say anything, giving Sarabi the chance to continue talking.

"It probably won't be easy." Sarabi continued. "But I ask you that you give Simba a chance. I know he will do everything in his power to do the best for the Pridelands. And maybe this is exactly what you need to start moving on."

Zira frowned in disgust. Simba. Of course Sarabi would encourage her to give him a chance, that's her precious son after all. And because he was son of Mufasa everyone immediately assumed he'd be a great king, but they didn't even know what Mufasa put Scar through. Foolishly blinded by their adoration they couldn't see the truth before them; they'd never be able to understand.

Tension emanated from Zira, and Sarabi frowned in defeat at realizing she had been too naive in thinking Zira could be persuaded that easily. Zira had always been loyal to Scar, and Sarabi had always despised his guts, but despite all their differences Sarabi had hoped there'd be a way to help open her eyes.

"At least go talk to him. Introduce yourself." Sarabi added.

Zira sighed annoyed. Honestly speaking she had nothing against Sarabi, she was a good leader guiding the pack during the hunts, she was likeable and it was clear that her intentions were good, but that didn't make Zira forget the fact that Sarabi was Mufasa's mate and Simba's mother. If she hadn't been related to the royal family they might have even been good friends.

Not in a million years would Zira give in that easily, but she knew it was the only way to get Sarabi off her back. With a reluctant huff Zira finally nodded.

"Fine, I guess I can go see him later. We'll see what happens." Zira conceded.

Sarabi smiled relieved.

"Thank you."

Looking at Zira one more time with gratitude shining in her eyes Sarabi turned around and finally left where she had come in from.

Zira rolled her eyes at Sarabi's hopelessly obvious relief. It wasn't really in her plans to actually go casually talk with Simba, but perhaps some fresh air would help her clear her head and think more rationally to come up with something.


Almost as if on terrible cue dry season arrived to the Pridelands during the beginning of Scar's reign. The lack of water, greenery and the excessive hunting by the hyenas caused great damage to the lands. But now that the rightful king had returned and the Circle of Life was taken care of once again the Pridelands slowly began to recover from what seemed to be a bad dream.

Chunks of green began to sprout from the earth, rain watered empty lakes and rivers, and word started going around of Simba's victory over Scar encouraging the herds to return to the Pridelands.

Things were finally starting to look good for all the pridelanders, but as one would have expected accomplishing such a recovery to return things to the way they once were wouldn't be easy. Determined to be the king everyone deserved, Simba set it upon himself to do whatever it took to bring the Pridelands back to its usual splendor as soon as possible.

With the rumors of Simba's return quickly spreading the animals returned hoping to have a word with the new king, all kinds of animals coming one after another. That day in particular Simba had the pleasant surprise of talking with Aminifu, the leader of the elephants, and after a friendly chat Aminifu decided to help Simba bringing as much animals as he could with him.

After a long journey to the border of the Pridelands Simba finally was on his way back to Pride Rock. With Zazu accompanying him through the sky the two returned triumphant after successfully recruiting back the elephants. The pride immediately noticed their return, and everyone enthusiastically approached Simba to greet him back.

Simba politely greeted everyone with a smile and made his way through the lionesses to speak to his mother.

"I'm guessing it went well?" Sarabi smiled expectantly at Simba.

Simba nodded with a tired smile.

"Yes, it couldn't have gone better."

Sarabi moved forward to press her forehead against Simba's.

"You're doing great dear." Sarabi complimented him, pulling away. "But be sure not to push yourself too far okay? Just a few days ago you were living a completely different life."

After he was named king it was to be expected that the pride asked Simba what exactly had happened to him all those years, and he confessed everything, from the moment Scar told him to never return to when Nala found him. Initially everyone was beyond surprised, especially because Simba managed to survive all those years with quite an odd diet, but nevertheless they were sympathetic towards him for all that he went through.

Of course everyone especially Sarabi also thanked Timon and Pumbaa immensely for raising Simba, and agreed that they were welcome to come and go as they pleased and were from then on considered part of the pride. Humbled, Timon and Pumbaa graciously accepted their thanks, but decided that because Simba probably had a lot of things to settle they returned to Hakuna Matata falls for the time being to give him some space to work.

"I know." Simba nodded. "But I honestly just want to bring things back to normal as soon as possible. It's the least I can do for everyone."

Sarabi smiled in defeat. She wouldn't be able to convince him as much as she tried.

"Then can I convince you instead to take a break?"

From the corner of his eye Simba caught a glimpse of a familiar figure moving outside Pride Rock's den. He glanced in its direction and couldn't help smiling upon noticing Nala talking with some of the other lionesses. Nala felt the moment his eyes fell on her and turned around to smile back at him.

"I guess I can take a small break." Simba finally replied to Sarabi before walking off.

Following Simba's gaze Sarabi chuckled amused at seeing what had caught her son's attention so easily. She was glad to see that after their time apart Simba and Nala still had a special bond between them, however it was easy to see that something else besides friendship was starting to grow between the two.

With a knowing smile Sarabi watched as Nala and Simba walked together to the inside of the den.

"So I heard everything went okay with the elephants?" Nala asked as she walked by Simba's side to a corner of the cave.

The two lied down comfortably next to each other.

"Yeah, it went well." Simba smiled, just then looking around the den to see who else was inside with them. He spotted a couple of lionesses leaving the cave, and peculiar little cub playing with a bug between his paws.

Intrigued by the unknown cub Simba stood quiet watching him intently, realizing that from the first day he returned this was the first time he saw him. The playful cub was already old enough to have a bit of his black mane grown in certain places, and something about the way his fur was unevenly ruffled reminded him of someone.

When the bug between his paws flew off the cub pouted annoyed and started walking out of the den. He spotted Nala and Simba looking at him and shot a smile in their direction.

"Hello!"

"Hi Nuka." Nala greeted amicably.

Nuka strutted away happily and left the two lions alone.

"Say, who's cub is that?" Simba asked Nala the moment Nuka was out of sight.

"That's..." Nala frowned. "That's Scar's cub."

Simba's eyes widened in surprise. Now that he thought about it Nuka did resemble Scar a lot, he should have been able to guess from just looking at his growing mane. Before he could ask or say anything Nala continued.

"Zira is his mother, one of Scar's followers." Because they never got along Nala had always avoided Zira as much as possible, but even talking about her made her feel uncomfortable. "She has another cub, Vitani, and she's got another one in the way."

Simba couldn't help frowning confused. He never would have thought Scar would have a mate one day, let alone three cubs. Scar had always seemed to him like a loner that had no interest in finding a mate and even less to start a family.

"I can't believe Scar had three cubs..." Simba mumbled in disbelief.

To actually have cubs with one of his followers… for some reason it sounded so, cold. Realistically that wasn't very surprising, at one point or another Scar would be looking to have a heir after all, but now that he gave it more thought Simba was wondering why none of his followers had come forward to lash at him. He was certain there were a few of them among the pride.

"We actually don't know if they're all his." Nala added, only confusing Simba further. "No one in the pride knows the details, but at least we're pretty sure Nuka is his son."

If the pride was doubtful whether all of Zira's cubs were Scar's then that meant they definitely weren't mates. Now that sounded more like his uncle, but the question still poked at his mind.

"Did Scar ever have a mate?"

The moment the words left him Nala's body tensed up in place. She was fearing Simba would ask her that, but she also knew she wouldn't be able to hide it from him forever. Memories she had been trying to push back into the deepest corners of her mind slowly resurfaced to gnaw at her.

"No, he didn't." Nala murmured avoiding Simba's gaze. "But it's no secret that Zira tried."

Sensing the evident discomfort of his best friend Simba frowned preoccupied when he noticed Nala's eyes were stuck on the ground, almost afraid to look back up at him. Something was wrong.

"Nala are you okay?" Simba asked softly, almost as if trying to not scare her.

"Y-Yeah." Nala nodded hesitantly. Taking Simba by surprise Nala scooted closer towards him and snuggled against his mane, hiding her face between his fur. "Just give me a minute."

Simba's heart raced in his chest when he felt Nala's breathing against his mane. Something was clearly bothering her and he wanted to help her out somehow, but what could he say? He didn't even know what was it that was bothering her. Unable to think of anything Simba gave up for the moment and let Nala rest against him for as long as she needed.

Could it be something related to Scar? It was after he asked about him that Nala suddenly got upset after all. It definitely had to be about him. In fact Simba realized just then that he wasn't the only one that went through rough moments. Nala grew under Scar's rule, for years she lived in a hyena-infested Pridelands, there were for sure a lot of things that she went through that she probably didn't want to remember.

After a few moments of silence between them Nala finally pulled away from Simba. She took a deep breath to calm herself down and mustered her courage to look back at Simba in the eye.

"Even though Scar never had a mate there was someone he was interested in. It was me."

Simba felt the words leave his mouth.

"At first he came and asked me directly, offering me to be his queen." Nala began, her ears going down as she remembered. "I refused, but he continued asking, every time offering me more and more. When he realized I wouldn't change my mind he became more aggressive about it… He'd wait for whenever I was alone to corner me, and I was afraid he'd do something to me if I fought back, but thank goodness the others were always there to help me out."

Nala smiled faintly, remembering with gratitude all the moments Sarabi and the other lionesses intervened to help her out.

"But there was one time he went too far." Nala continued hesitantly. "Scar tried to force himself onto me, a-and I couldn't take it anymore… I snapped and attacked him. That's when I ran away to find help… and found you."

"Did… did Scar-?"

"No." Nala shook her head. "But that time had been too close. If I hadn't attacked him..." Nala frowned mortified at the mere thought of what could have happened if things had gone just a bit further.

If only he had been there. If only he hadn't left like a coward then Nala would never had gone through that. Simba was suddenly overwhelmed by guilt, berating himself for not being with his best friend when she needed him most.

"I'm sorry." Simba whispered as he nuzzled Nala. "I'm sorry this happened to you. I'm sorry I wasn't here when you needed me. It's all my fault."

Though there was nothing he could do now to change the past Simba was still determined to build a bright future. A future where the Pridelands returned to their usual self, a future where he was the king everyone deserved, and a future where Nala could live happily.

"From now on I'll always be here to protect you. I promise."

Nala smiled against Simba's mane, feeling at ease for the first time in years.

"I know you will."

Peeking from outside to the inside of the den Zira found herself witnessing Simba and Nala sharing a special moment that would only strengthen their bond. She scowled in disgust and turned around the opposite way to return to her hiding place.

"Looks like Simba is a little busy right now." She mumbled, cursing herself for actually listening to Sarabi.

There was no way she'd ever let Simba be king, that title wasn't his to keep. Scar may have died but she would make sure his legacy continued no matter what, and in order for that to happen her cub needed to take the throne.

"I'll do whatever it takes."


Thanks for reading! Be sure to leave your thoughts in a review!