A/N: Hey guys, ok, so some MAJOR font complications and with uploading. First I thought I had fixed the font and then when I uploaded, it went back to being all crappy. And then, thinking I had uploaded chapter 2 before, I just reposted chapter 1! Major irritation! So now, hoping that this is waaaay better and everything is correct on it.
Thank you so much to my reviewers for baring with me and giving me a second shot. You guys see potential and that makes me happy.
Also thanks to my friends who helped me upload this second chapter by giving me tips. All of you guys rule!
Well without further ado, here is chapter two!
I threw another character in here…I'll get myself together.
Chapter 2: Reoccurring Enemies
Hassan P.O.V.
Ah, finally reached Pride Rock again. It's been about three to four months since that bastard Simba told us to get out because we wanted to remain loyal to Scar. Since then, we have been training to take over the throne. I had planned on betraying Scar in the long run anyhow, seeing as he saw me as his confidant, he never would have seen it coming. That lion didn't know the first thing about running a kingdom. I can admit thought, Simba is much more of a challenge than Scar would have been and that fool Tojo. I love the Pridelands. It's a great place to live and rule and I'm still looking forward to being king of it all. Animals would worship me and look to as their god. I would have taken that beautiful Nala as my queen, whether she liked it or not. It was perfect.
"So, what's the plan here boss?" Instead, I'm stuck with these idiots.
"Well Hiassen, we hide out somewhere here in the Pridelands, all the while spying on Simba to see when he is most vulnerable."
"And then?" Oh brother, this idiot wouldn't know what a rock was unless you told him.
"We attack him." I answered him a somewhat irritated voice.
"Awesome!"
"Great plan boss!" Added Ahmed. I will say this about them, just because not all the lights are on up stairs, didn't mean that the whole house was dark. These guys could fight and in so decided to stay with me to reclaim the throne. Hiassen, Ahmed, Jaharri, Sabor, and Khafa. Can you believe they have…mates? I haven't the slightest idea how they do because their females are smarter than them. I guess as the old saying goes with a few minor exceptions, they may be dumb, but they put out.
"Hey Boss?"
"Yes, Sabor?"
"Doesn't you recognize that lioness?" My eyes shifted to the left where Sabor had looking away from the sun, and believe it or not, there she was. Nala. My beautiful Nala. I'd know that shiny cream coat anywhere. Seeing her drink from the waterhole made me thirsty for her. Not seeing her for six months was killer. I loved everything about her. She was beautiful, feisty, had the perfect slender lioness body, and she was strong…not that she could ever beat me though. As I'm watching her, I find it harder and harder to not approach her. I wanted her, badly.
"Mmm mmm mmm. What a beautiful sight, isn't it boys?" Her ears moved to an alert stance and she slowly brought her head up from the water.
"Hello, Nala." She turned to her head and her eyes caught mine immediately.
"Ha-Hassan."
"Aww, you still remember his name." Jaharri cooed. I hit him in his head. Idiot. I looked back at Nala and put on the best smile I could,
"How are you, love?"
"What are you doing here? You know very well that you are not supposed to be here." Damn, well hello to you too.
"We are looking for a place to stay-"
"You know you can't stay here. Simba forbade it." Nah, really?
"Where is your beloved, Simba?" Khafa sneered. That is a good question. I thought he'd be following her around like a dog on a leash.
"He's…" Hmm, she looks a little nervous. Why is that?
"He's what, Nala?" She started backing away. Oh no, we can't have that now.
"Don't, don't worry about it." I could take her. Right here, right NOW!
"Could you guys excuse us for a few minutes?" I asked my group in a crouched position, Nala's eyes steadily growing wide.
"Sure you don't want us to stay? Ya know, in case she tries to run?" Ahmed sneered. That's actually not too bad an idea, but,
"No, no Ahmed, it's fine. I'm bigger, stronger, and faster than her. It won't take much to tame her." When I said 'tame', Nala glared at me through hateful, slitted eyes.
"So that's why you're back? To try and tame me again? You've been trying that since we met and it hasn't worked. It won't ever work."
"Sweetheart, you have always been part of my mission." I said cockily and Nala scoffed at me in response. When she looked away, while rolling her eyes, I lunged at her, catching her totally off guard. But unfortunately because of how agile she is, she made a quick dash to the right and I caught her back leg. Had I known she would screamed, I would have covered her mouth,
"SIMBA!"
Simba P.O.V.
"SIMBA!" I bolted upright to hearing the shout of my name. It sounded a lot like Nala, but where was she? Was she not here just a second ago? At least it felt like a second ago. It wasn't day when I was last awake.
"Simba, HELP!" I quickly got up and ran in the direction of my mate's distress calls. What the heck is going on? If ANYTHING is wrong with her, anything, when I reach her and I find out who did it, boy are they going to pay. No one, and I mean no one is to touch her, that's my job.
When I finally arrived to the scene, I saw Nala in a crouched position, being cornered by none other than Hassan and his followers. Hassan, my uncle's helper and strongest warrior. I roared loudly to make my presence known, seeing as I came from behind the group. Every eye turned and looked at me, piercing me like daggers. Oh, I'm SO scared. Nala however looked relieved when she saw me, seems like I can just in time. I'm sure I know exactly what Hassan had in his head on what he wanted to do with Nala and I'll be damned if I let that happen.
"Step. Away. From. Her." I said darkly.
"Or you'll what? You'll have to make it past my friends to get to her and well, I just don't see that happening. It's six of us and," he glanced at Nala," one and a half of you. Greatly outnumbered to put it in plain terms." Ugh. I am so sick of his cocky know-it-all attitude.
"Actually, he's not." I grinned instantly. Perfect timing, Tojo. Tojo and my pride, along with Timon and Pumbaa, came from behind the boulder Nala was cornered in front of and surrounded her on both sides, coming around me also. The opposing pride faced mine and growled. Good, my mate is safe beside Tojo, now all left to do is to get rid of Hassan. His plan failed once again.
"Hassan?"
"What!" He snapped back whirling around towards me.
"GET OUTTA OUR PRIDELANDS!" Thaaaanks, Timon. This caused Hassan to face in the little meerkat's direction,
"YOUR PRIDELANDS!" He half roared, half growled. Timon dove behind a trembling Pumbaa. No one talks to my guardians like that.
"Hey! Watch yourself!"
"You watch yourself, Simba."
"Watch myself? You're the one who is 'greatly outnumbered to put it in plain terms'." I mocked him.
"Yeah hea, who's cleva now?" Timon said coming from behind his warthog friend shakily. Pumbaa, however, just grunted angrily at Hassan, backing up his friend. I had to stifle a laugh.
"Hassan?"
"What!" Déjà vu.
"Get off my lands." I said tiredly. Not that I was tired, even though I should be after the night I had, I was just irritated and annoyed that I had to wake up to this. I had planned on taking the morning off to spend with my wife, and this happened.
"Mark my words, Simba. I will be taking the Pridelands back."
"And I'll be taking a bath," I rolled my eyes, "Get out!" I know it didn't make any sense, but I was trying to show that I wasn't in the least bit scared of him and his threats.
"Just you wait. I'll kill you, take you home, your pride," he looked at Nala, again, "and your precious mate!" My precious mate shot him an icy glare along with Tojo, "You will be mine. All of you."
"Dude. I don't want you," Ahh Malka, "I don't roll that way." Tama dropped and shook her head.
"Let's go!" Hassan shouted to his minions. My family and I watched them go and admit defeat, but I did notice Zira had kind of a disgusted expression as Hassan walked off. What was that about? Was she upset to see him go or did she not like him? I don't have all the history yet down on my pride, but I'm getting there. I walked up to Tojo and Nala, although they met me half way.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, Simba." Nala answered as she nuzzled me.
"He didn't hurt you did he? Because if he did I will run-"
"Simba I'm fine. He only got to grab my leg for a second, but after that I was able to blocked him." I put my paw under her chin and moved her face gently from left to right, checking out all her perfect features. Out of my peripheral, I saw Tojo raise an eyebrow and grin. Ignoring him, I walked around my queen, making sure that EVERY inch of her was exactly where it was suppose to be. Surprisingly, I didn't care who was watching. She's my best friend. My Mate. My Wife. They all wanted this a long time ago anyway. Our friends and parents were always trying to put us together.
"Are you done with your inspection, your highness?" Nala giggled. I reached her face again, making my eyes lock with hers,
"Yes."
"Good."
"Thank you, Tojo. Thanks everyone." I made my eyes connect to the ones who were still here. That included: my mom, Sarafina, Tojo, Malka, Tama, Kula, Chumvi, Sabini, and Nafini. The main ones.
"No prob, Sim" Said Tama.
"Yeah, you know we got your back." Added Kula. I smiled,
"I appreciate it."
"Well, we will see you guys later. Gotta start Border Patrol."
"Just make sure you guys are back before lunch, Nafini. We are getting ready to go on a hunt."
"Yes ma'am, Sarabi." The guys walked off as well as the girls. Thinking Nala and I were alone,
"So Nala…" I was shocked to see her already looking at me.
"Yes?"
"Think we can finish what we started last night?" I asked slyly. She gave me an agreeing knowing look but then quickly changed her expression and acted as if she didn't do anything. Umm…?
"And just exactly what were you doing last night?" Our mothers…I thought I was being discrete.
"Sarafina, don't ask them that." My mother chided her best friend. Yes, please don't ask.
"Why not, Sarabi? I want details." She laughed. Ok, I'm embarrassed.
"Mother, you are looking at yours and Sarabi's details." Thoroughly embarrassed! Thank you Nala!
"Ok, ok. Forget it. I'm going with the guys to do rounds." Time to blow this mob squad, "see you ladies at lunch." I kissed my mother, Nala's mother, and Nala, of course, and started making my way towards the guys heading to the boarder.
"I had to hunt today anyway." I heard Nala yell from behind me laughing. Why females love to torture the guys they love, is beyond me. But as any guy this has happen to, I love them. All three of them.
Nala P.O.V.
"Oh my goodness," my mother laughed, "you two."
"What about us?" I said to my mom looking away from the direction Simba was retreating, to her.
"Are made for each other."
"Fina, Simba has always been protective of Nala. You know that." I thought that gesture was familiar going along with Sarabi's statement, Simba checking over all my features carefully. The first time was the night of the Elephant Graveyard incident…
(Flashback- Night of the Elephant Graveyard, still Nala P.O.V.)
"Psst. Psst. Nala?" Ugh. What did this boy want? I was in a good sleep.
"Nala!" I scrunched my eyebrows together and opened my mouth,
"What. Simba?"
"How are you?" How am I? He woke me up to ask, How Am I?
"Huh?"
"Are you ok?" Am I ok- what is he talking about?
"Uh…"
"You're not hurt are you?" His voice sounded sincere so I decided to open my eyes and take a look at his face. He was indeed serious.
"Simba, what's wrong?" I asked curiously.
"I-I'm-I just wanted to see if you were alright," he paused as if he wanted to say something else, but wasn't sure if he should, when he did ask though, I was very reluctant, "could you stand up please?"
"Stand up?" This annoyed me.
"Yes."
"For what?"
"Nala, please…"
"Simba. First you wake me up out my good sleep and now you want me to get up?"
"Um, yeah."
"Um, no."
"Come on, Nala!" Lots of shh's went through the den all thanks to Simba's outburst.
"You're gonna wake everyone up." I snapped quietly.
"I. Don't. Care."
"I'm. Not. Moving."
"Nala…"
"Simba. I am very comfortable in my spot. This can wait until morning." I turned away from him and buried my head in my arms.
"Oh my gods, Nala! No this cannot wait until the morning. I just wanna make sure you are ok. That-," something changed in his voice, "that hyena was really close to you." The last part of his sentence made me turn back towards him softly, but only to see his eyes full of unfallen tears. He was worried about me? But he saved me and I'm back here, in one piece.
"Ok, Simba." I stood up slowly and he starred at me for a minute.
"Can we step outside?"
"For?"
"A better look, Nala!" He snapped at me defiantly, the unfallen tears absorbing back into his body. Quick change. He doesn't need light though, we're lions…we have built in reflectors. But to be nice, I'll cooperate.
"Lead the way." I stated. When we reached the mouth of the den, the moon was shinning just over our heads, illuminating the Pridelands to its massive landscape.
"Wow." I said as I stared in awe.
"I've never actually been up or out this late." Commented my golden companion.
"The Pridelands are just as beautiful at night as they are in the daytime."
"Yeah…" Simba added yet trailing off, his eyes landed on me as I saw out of the corner of my eye. Why is he looking at me like that?
"What?" I asked skeptically. Simba didn't answer me though. He just started walking around me, slowly. His amber orbs glazing over me up and down. I was a little creeped out, yet comfortable. When he finally did reach my face, he slid one of his paws under my chin and my eyes grew wide while heat rose to my face. What is he doing! Is he going to kiss me? Tell me he loves me? I'm drawing a blank on what I should say if either happens. What do I do? What do I do? This is too close for comfort!
"Uh, La?"
"Hmm?"
"You… ok?" He asked my skeptically.
"Mmm hmm." His paw still under my chin, he moved my face to the left and then to the right.
"Ok you're fine." I'm fine? Did I not just say that?
"Of course I'm fine! Simba, what is going on with you? You're acting very strange."
"Well excuse me for being concerned about my best friend." He slouched and faced away from me. I was speechless. He really was worried about me. I looked at the ground,
"I'm-I'm sorry."
"I mean, do you know how scared I was for you?" He turned back to me, face in a fury.
"I.."
"You looked so scared!"
"Sim-…"
"I really thought you were going to die!" The last sentence broke my heart because he had started crying when he said it. He looked broken. Giant tears poured down his face. My poor Simba. I didn't know how to comfort him and me just being in front of him, fine and dandy, didn't seem to be doing the trick at all. No convincing. Should I hug him? Pat him on the back? Just reassure him that I'm ok by saying so?
"Oh, Simba," I threw myself at him, hugged him tightly, and patted him on the back," I'm fine. I really am. I promise." I felt him hug me back, matching the force of my embrace. I pulled back so we would be able to look at one another.
"Do you need proof?"
"Like what?"
"I could pin you." He smiled a tad,
"Nah, that's ok." I smiled back at him, but as quick as his smile came, it faded.
"I'm really sorry, La."
"What for?"
"For putting you in danger and almost getting you killed." Looking at him attentively, I said again,
"I'm fine. Would I be here in front of you if I wasn't?"
"Guess not." He grinned weakly. I leaned into the side of his face and licked him on his cheek. I don't know what possessed me to do that, it just felt like it needed to be done. Ha ha, he stiffened. I was always able to surprise him. He glanced at me and smiled shyly, ears pinned to his head. Did this mean, he liked me too? I've never told him that I really liked him. I loved my best friend. Always have. Always will.
"We," he cleared his throat, "we better head back inside." At the time, we both become interested in other things to avoid being caught being interested in one another.
"Yeah we should."
"Ya know before…"
"Uh huh."
"Our parents…"
"Mmm hmm."
"Find us…"
"Yep."
"Gone…" We fell in sync with each other and walked back into the cave where we slept. Before closing our eyes however, Simba and I made eye contact and mouthed a 'good night'. I'd sleep good tonight.
(End Flashback)
"Earth to, Nala." My mother's voice brought me out of my subconscious and back to reality.
"Huh? Oh sorry, was just thinking."
"About, Simba huh?" I blushed slightly. Did mom have to tease me? Especially in front of the lioness that is his mother.
"Yes mom."
"Hmm…"
"Do you have to tease me?" I swear, no matter how old you get, your parents will never cease to make fun of you. I hope I'm not like that with my kids.
"And just what was it that you were thinking about?" Sarabi enquired of me.
"It's just that, well what he just did. It reminded me of the first time he did it."
"Yep, that night of the Elephant Graveyard." My mother stretched her sentence slyly. My eyes grew wide. How did she find out? I don't think Simba or I ever mentioned sneaking out for those few minutes when everyone was suppose to be asleep. Chuckling approached my ears.
"Yes, dear Nala, we know about the first time he did that. Although it didn't surprise me, uh, us. He's always been that way towards you." I smiled to myself thinking of my king.
"And love to comment about her as well." Sarabi stated. Comment? About me? What was said?
"What did he say, Sarabi?"
"Well pretty much it was the same things. He really liked her because she was she's smart. She was pretty and she was his best friend." So he did like me when we were little. 'I can't marry her. She's my best friend.' Yeah freaking right. Oh ho, I am soooo going to tease him about that later. I can't put all the blame on him though, seeing as I specifically used the word 'eww' when Zazu told us we would be married one day.
"I had asked him what happen to him thinking that girls had cooties and do you know what he said?"
"What?" I had to ask this one for myself. She laughed,
"He said 'you outgrew them'." Oh wow. Back then, or should I say whenever you're a kid, girls had cooties and boys were the scum of the earth. You never mixed the two. If you did, it went against all the laws of cub-nature.
"Mmm, now that's funny…" Oh no. Please don't spill about me…,
"Nala had said almost the same thing except that he was cute and she loved the way he protected and stood up for her when the time called for it." I. Love. You. Mom.
"Aww. She said he was cute. Well Simba had some very, mature descriptions for her." More?
"Like what?" Thanks mom for asking.
"He said that her eyes were like the ocean, with a hint of green, and they sparkled like gems." Seems to me, Simba has always had a way with words, just his sentimental ones had a way of hiding when he was younger.
"And he still says those same things, even more til this day." A broad grin came to my face as I thought of my mate. My Simba…
"He wasn't the only one making comments." My mother eyed me, "You want to tell her or should I?"
"Go ahead because I know you are dying to tell her." I answered sarcastically.
"Nala said that she loved his eyes and sense of adventure, but she loved his hugs most of all." I did love all those things about him, still do, plus more. My favorite now though, is when he holds me at night. He's given me my comfort back.
"So you both had like a secret love slash secret crush thing going on." Sarabi commented.
"Yes, but, they thought their secret was safe when Nala gave him that kiss on the cheek that night." My face grew hot. These two Peeping Toms.
"Mothers know," My mom started.
"And see," Sarabi continued.
"Everything." They both ended. I don't know how much more of this I can take. Why haven't we found the pride yet? They couldn't have gone too far.
"You two loved each other even before you fully realized it." Sarabi was right. We did. Neither of us just never said anything.
"There you guys are. Bout time ya got here. I'd we'd have to send out a search party instead of a hunting party."
"Always up for wisecracks eh, Tama?" I laughed.
"You know it!"
"That's why you and Malka are together. You'll never change."
"Oy…Malka, that lion. And would you like me if I was anyone else?"
"Nope."
"Well ok then."
"Yes, yes, well ok then. Can we hunt now that the rest of the party has finally decided to join us?" Zira half glanced in our direction at the side of her. I rolled my eyes. Zira always knew how to ruin a good moment. I want her gone, but like my husband, we give second chances. Zira said that she would side with Simba, but because we know how tricky she is, we're keeping a close eye on her.
"Why yes, dear Zira, we're coming." Tama answered her as sarcastically as possible. What I don't get though is, Zira is pregnant, almost due, and she's hunting. What is her deal?
"Zira, are you sure you want to be hunting in your condition?" Kula asked her sweetly. She cares about everyone, good or evil. Evidently, Zira doesn't know what NICE is. She quickly spun around and got in Kula's face,
"If I was so damned worried about my condition, I wouldn't be out here, now would I?" What th-
"Whoa! What is your problem?" My mother shouted.
"Don't you yell at her like that!" Yelled Sarabi.
"Tell Kula to mind her own business!" Maeva added, one of Zira's few friends. Zira's friends consisted of Maeva, Spotty and Dotty. She also had a sister, but Sabini was polar opposite of Zira. She and I were friends.
"She was just concerned!" I shouted.
"Nobody asked her!" Dotty bellowed back to me.
"Kula was only trying to help!" Tama snapped. Tama doesn't take crap from anyone, same as me. This all just became a huge commotion, a screaming match if you will, and no one was winning. We were all trying to make our points across and neither side was backing down. This wasn't going anywhere and I was getting a headache, and fast. I had already thrown up this morning, hence why I was at the watering hole by myself. I still felt nauseated, my stomach was rumbling, and I felt the need to throw up again. Hello Morning Sickness! And if you hadn't guessed yet, yes I am pregnant. I saw Rafiki a few days ago and he confirmed my suspicions. Shh, I hadn't told anyone yet. I want to tell Simba first. I was going to tell him last night, but, yeah. We know how that went. The right time just hasn't come yet.
Tuning back in, I noticed Tama Zira were about to go head to head. I had to stop this and I did the only thing I could do. I roared. All eyes went to me and voila, sweet silence. I took a minute to calm myself before I spoke,
"Look," I spoke softly, "It's Zira's choice if she wants to be a pain in the ass and put her unborn cub in danger, then so be it. It's life and blood is in and on her paws." Most of everyone's eyes grew big with disbelief as I just made my statement. Tama however, had a smirk in her face as wide as Africa. She has hated Zira from the get go and enjoys seeing her having shots given to her. It was kind of vile, even for me, to say such a thing. I never wanted to wish any cubs any bad luck. Oh to the joys of pregnant hormones. Any and everything will fly out of your mouth and you won't have a care in the world, well, maybe half a care.
Deciding that I'm not going to care right now, I covered myself quickly and stared at Zira. Dear God if looks could kill, I'd be dead. She was literally trying to burn a hole in my head with her lasers she calls eyes. This crazy car wanted me dead, No doubt about it. She always has. I arched my eyebrows at her,
"You have something to say to me?" I threatened. She and I have had disagreements before, which let to full blown arguments, which sometimes led to an all out fight. Wonder how Zira got that chunk taken out of her ear? Yep. That was me. Let's just say, she caught me on a really bad day. But, she swung first. It takes twice as much energy to swing and miss than to swing and hit. She missed…a lot. I hit…a lot.
"If only…" Zira said she walked away with her teeth bared. God I hate her.
"That's what I thought." I mumbled, but loud enough to where my friends heard me. If anyone knew how to get under my fur, it's Zira. It use to be her and Scar, but now that he's pushing up daisies, she's just left.
"Are you ok, Kula?"
"Yeah I'm fine, Nala. Zira doesn't scare me. All the hell she and Scar put us through, she ought to be scared of me." My group busted out with laughter at Kula's threat. She was so cute, but could tough when she needed to be. She and Tojo should be related at times.
"Come on. Let's get this hunt over with so we can all go our separate ways." We got Sabini's message. Us and her sister's friends. Sabini never got along with any of them. They told her she was too nice and soft. My friends loved and her and accepted her as one of us. Zira's group always had to find some kind of conflict and start mess with us. It was irritating!
Let's see how this hunt is going to pan out.
A/N: So how was this chapter? What did you like? What didn't you like? Tell me your fav parts, tell me your not so fav parts. Reviews help authors become better writers!
Nala: I have always said that her eyes are Sea Foam Green/ Aqua Green/ even Turquoise. But blue? Nah, they were blue in the second one where Disney F'd up everything about all the characters! I prefer green if anything lol. Sorry, no rudeness to those who have made her eyes blue in their stories, I'm just simply stating my opinion .
Reference: from the movie Called: Enough—starring Jennifer Lopez
"It takes twice as much energy to swing and miss than to swing and hit."
Idk, I thought it just fit there lol.
Just to let you guys know, that these first three chapters are in the SAME DAY! I'll let you know when it's the next day lol.
~Nala-Nay~