DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE LION KING FRANCHISE. I DO OWN Asali (young Zira), Hamu, Maua, Shujaa, Mwiba, and Mfuasi

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The able-bodied had been forced to march towards the large and unusual-shaped rock in the far off distance. She had always wondered about it, but none of their lionesses would ever mention who lived there. Another mistake, she thought to herself. She remembered looking back at the elderly and injured lionesses left behind. Their dusty and pale furred backs surrounded the fallen body of Shujaa. They had known from the start they would be left behind and did not make a struggle.

"Don't look back Asali. We must be strong." Her mother's voice began to crack as she shed more tears. "We must remember that Shujaa would want us to be strong."

She had said nothing. She had only shed three tears for her father. Three silent tears. From that point on there was no sadness or grief; there was only hate.

"I can't believe we are taking back more mouths to feed!" One of the foreign lionesses had complained loudly.

"Honestly," Another one identical in appearance to the first had agreed. "This drought is hard on us enough without having to provide for more."

"Perhaps Hamu believes we will catch more prey with more lionesses, Mwiba." A shy younger lioness chimed in. The first one that had spoken glared at her and rolled her eyes.

"You ARE naïve, Vijana." Mwiba said with disgust. "The only reason we are doing this is to increase our territory and for our beloved leaders to increase their bloodline. Don't you agree, Mfuasi?" she asked her twin.

"It appears so," she said. "However, it seems unlikely they will choose any of THESE to have cubs with. I mean LOOK at them." Both of them did and laughed.

Asali had looked back at her pride and compared them to the foreign lions. The first thing she could see was that they were clearly thinner with patchy and uneven fur. While the new lionesses had fur like that was neatly groomed that was gold as the sun, or shone like amber. They also lacked scars and did not struggle to walk or breathe. She then realized she was feeling something she had never felt before: shame. She lowered her head and continued to trek across the barren landscape. By sundown her pride was exhausted, and their various illnesses were beginning to affect them. However, they were forced to continue or face being left behind. In their state they would be easy pickings for hungry predators. It seemed they would be shown no mercy. Except for her mother.

Maua had been struggling the entire journey, but as they neared the large monoliths - called "Pride Rock" by the new lions - she abruptly collapsed.

Asali remembered screaming at this point and pawing her mother's face. "Mother! Mother speak to me! Don't die please!" Some lionesses shushed her and told her not to make a fuss. Others just pretended not to see, but eventually the entire pack was halted as she had continued to scream for help.

The lionesses gathered around murmuring and unsure of what to do. Some lowered their heads in respect for their loved queen. Asali had nestled close to her mother's face. Maua was still breathing but kept panting heavily. Suddenly the lionesses parted as the great male lion came through towards her mother.

"What do you wish for us to do with her Hamu, sir?" Mwiba asked.

Hamu ignored her and came closer to Maua, whose breathing was becoming more uneven. Asali had been pushed out of the way by one of his massive paws. He lowered his head towards her and whispered something in her ear. He then grabbed her grabbed her gently by the scruff of her neck and placed her on his back.

Mwiba and several others looked at him in disbelief. "Sire, do you really believe that wise-"

She was cut off by Hamu's loud roar. "I don't BELIEVE I asked for your opinion. Be quiet and keep the rest moving, as I BELIEVE that is YOUR duty."

She gave a low growl but said nothing. For the rest of the journey to Pride Rock, there were no sounds except that of paws treading the cracked, dry ground.

Near the base of the massive rocks, they were met by – what Asali thought – was a strange group of animals. She thought her mind was playing tricks on her. There seemed to be a old baboon with a staff conversing with a small purple-feathered red hornbill. With them was a very old lion who did not look very pleased as the group came closer. His white-streaked jaw stuck at disapprovingly and his brown eyes were filled with sadness.

"What is this, Hamu?" he asked indignantly.

For the first time the great lion looked genuinely nervous. "Well, sire. Although we did not find any water or food, we did manage to acquire some more…help."

"Yes I am sure that was your intention. Zuzu will you please inform Uru that she and her hunting party will need to obtain more than usual?" The old lion said.

"As you wish, King Ahadi," the bird replied. "I am much too old for this. I cannot wait for my son, Zazu, to take over." She muttered as she flew off.

"I should go fetch my medicines," the baboon said as he looked at Maua who had been placed on a patch of dried grass. "It seems I will have lots of healing to do."

"Very well, Rafiki." Ahadi then addressed the lionesses. "To be honest, your presence will make things here more difficult, but I will not turn you away as that is not the way of the Pridelanders. However, if you are to remain on the land you must obey my orders and pull your weight. Are there any objections?"

The lionesses nodded. No one had the energy to argue.

"Mwiba will show you towards were you will sleep. You will need all the rest you can get if you are to participate in the hunt tomorrow." He then looked to Hamu. "I will deal with you later."

If they are so hungry why don't they just eat that monkey and bird? she thought angrily as her stomach let out another growl. Normally it would have been difficult to sleep without her mother, but she was too exhausted to stay awake for very long. The last thing she remembered doing was looking up and the stars and wishing she could join her father.

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Feel free to PM me any questions! ;)

Name Meanings (according to Google Translate)

Mwiba = Thorn

Mfuasi = Follower

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