A/N: Sorry to have updated so late! I had no inspiration lately, but now that I've been doing lots of reading and I'm on half-term break, I'm finally able to write up this chapter! Not to mention, I've been drawing a lot scenes and characters from my stories lately so that helped a lot :)

Money100: Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying (:

GuardianSaint: Yes, he truly is. But he's not as bad as Zira, I promise! XD Thank you for the review!

MrSimba: Hahaha, I can see why. Thanks for reviewing, and I'm glad we can relate!

CandyCane21: No problem, your character was a nice addition to the story so thank you :D

Autumn: Don't fret! :) I hope your vacation went well and thanks so much for your kind reviews! And yeah, I always prefer to explore other characters in depth, because they can also lead to certain events in the story haha :D

Wolfgirl619: I love Malka too! He's one of my favourite characters, I draw him all the time :) And as for your suggestion, I'm considering it! Thank you very much!

...

How it ends

A few days had passed since Nala had seen her cousin. Kula had become rather self-centered from what she'd heard, and Tama, despite being slightly injured by her good friend, was still willing to help her. In fact, Tama had even gone to ask Kula's mother, Aniya, how she was. Aniya was brooding over Kula's current state, yearned for her to become sociable once again. However, all Kula wanted was to be alone.

Currently, the three lionesses sat underneath the illuminating moon. Nala, Tama and Marah were discussing their friend's emotional state, fretting over the worst that could happen to her. They weren't far from Tama's den - the adults wanted to keep watch over their daughters during the night, especially.

"I've tried going to Kula's den," Tama told her friends. "Aniya only says that Kula wishes to be alone. It's worrying."

"I'm sure she'll come around..." Marah consoled, placing a paw on Tama's shoulder. Though she doubted it much herself, she knew better than to lose all hope at once and become unfaithful to one who was always so joyful. "I haven't seen much of Damu either, though."

"Oh, he's been around. At Pride Rock." the headtufted lioness replied, narrowing her eyes. "My mother's seen him many times but she hasn't spoken to him ever since."

The two lionesses eyed their friend for a moment. Nala was hushed, still very deep in thought. Several solutions weighed her mind, she appeared very concentrated.

"You haven't said anything, Nala," Marah pointed out. "What do you think?"

Nala's eyes jerked open, as if Marah had just perturbed her. Her teal eyes directed into the hassled orbs of her friends. "...Well," she started leisurely, only dragging the other lionesses' curiosity, "I think that Chumvi might be able to help us."

Nala's friends gawked at her as if she'd grown two heads.

"Chumvi!" Tama shouted. "He was the one who upright rejected her!"

"He was also the one who was most eager to help Kula." Nala merely proclaimed. She erected onto her paws, and looked out onto the horizon. The waterhole glowed in the distance. "There has to be a connection between the two. I know there is."

"You might be onto something there, Nala," Marah said thoughtfully. "Now that you put it like that, it does make sense. Still, I think it's wrong to involve the males, especially the king."

"But it's worth a try, Marah," the teal-eyed lioness tried to reason with her. "Kula is not only my cousin, but my sincere friend. I'm not going to let her down." She writhed down from the ledge without saying another word, a look of determination attached to her maw. She was going to aid Kula no matter what.

Tama dragged her paw gently over the small mark Kula had conferred to her cheek. She observed as Nala reached the bottom, allowing a sigh to slip from her mouth. "Nala...Where are you going?"

"To the waterhole." Nala answered over her shoulder, before resuming her amble. "I need to think over this for a while."

Marah and Tama glimpsed at each other in concern.

"You know, Marah..." Tama started. "Nala's idea isn't such a bad one. She has a point."

She gazed at Marah's doubtful emerald eyes.

"We're Kula's friends. Friends do everything for each other," the lioness persisted. "So what if we involve the males, the king? It's not like anything bad will happen..."

Her friend sighed. "I'm not saying anything bad will happen." Marah corrected. "I'm just saying it's not best to involve them when it's not their problem." She glanced back to Nala's figure, that was decreasing with every step away she took. "But, you know, you're right. It's worth a shot."

"Perfect!" Tama locked Marah in a tight embrace, causing the lioness to gasp desperately for air. She then released her, averting her eyes to the shimmering stars of the night sky. "We'll go and get Chumvi tomorrow."

...

It was night.

Simba's pride lionesses had only just returned from their hunt, with Sarabi's mother as the lead huntress. Simba's mother stored the meat in the corner of the main den, before approaching her son who was a step away from entering his cousins/friends' den. Malka, Chumvi and Malek reposed inside the cavern, waiting for the pride to settle before they could greet their peaceful slumber.

Sarabi led her son out onto the peak of Pride Rock once the lionesses had laid down in the den, gesturing to the rolling clouds in the sky. Simba glanced up, his orange-shaded eyes brim with emotion. Sarabi knew Simba's mind weighed his father, Mufasa - hence the reason why she motioned towards the night sky. She wanted to have a conversation with her son with her mate in mind; it lingered a feeling that he was right with them.

"Simba," Sarabi called, gaining her son's attention. "You're managing the kingdom evenly. Your father believes so, too."

Simba smiled. "Thank-"

"But," she interjected. "You know, running the kingdom would be much easier if you had someone beside you."

The king knew exactly what his mother was getting at. However, when one wanted to avoid a conversation they fretted too much about, they'd put on an oblivious mode. And that was exactly what Simba planned to do with his mother.

"How do you mean?" he inquired.

Sarabi rose her brows. She knew her son too well, but she figured she'd play his game too. "Every king needs a queen, Simba," she elaborated, her eyes pierced into his.

"Mother," Simba started, frowning. "I know I need a queen...But none of the lionesses here please me." He turned away from her, staring onto the horizon.

The king's mother followed his movement, now moving to stand in front of him. "Simba...Do you think your father managed all the kingdom's problems alone?"

The flaxen lion shook his head, before lowering it.

"Not that I want you to follow his example, but why do you think Scar was so desperate for a queen?"

Simba remained silent.

"All kings need a queen. It makes the job much easier, and you'll have someone to support you." Sarabi explained. "You need a mate to rule the kingdom properly, so you're not overwhelmed with stress, but so that your problems are evenly divided. You and your queen must work together to establish your future generation, your kingdom and your pride."

"A friend once told me I should marry someone I love," Simba replied. It was Nala who'd told him that, along with Tama. "How can I live with myself if I'm stuck with someone I don't love for the rest of my life?"

"Simba..." Sarabi called again, her voice sharper this time. "You love all the lionesses in this pride enough to live with them. Love is something that can take years to perceive."

"But..."

"You cannot afford to wait that long - your pride is at war with Zira's, have you forgotten?" she asked. "Your pride always comes first. Though, I do agree. Love is always important. But when you find your mate, you will learn to love her."

Sarabi placed her paw on Simba's, allowing him to rest his chin on her shoulder. "There's this lioness in the pride...Asha - I'm sure you know her."

"Yes," Simba nodded. "Beautiful, strong and intelligent. Rafiki's also told me that she has great fertility."

Sarabi pulled out of their brief hug. "Exactly. She will be a great companion for you. And you will learn to love her over time. So what do you think?"

Her son frowned, fidgeting his paws slightly in an uncomfortable manner. "Asha's nice...But I don't know. I'll think about it," he said, sauntering away from the peak and towards the large piled rocks that formed a ramp down the koppie. "For now, I have war with Zira's pride covered." He descended down the rocks.

"Where are you going, Simba?" the rimmed-ear lioness questioned. She watched him from Pride Rock's peak.

"I'll be back!" Simba yelled from beneath. "I just need some time to think about everything."

...

As Simba dragged his paws towards the empty waterhole, he couldn't help but cloud his mind with distress. His pride had so many high expectations from him as the new king. It was natural, of course, but Simba found it unfair. He'd had to raise himself in a nearby jungle after being exiled by Scar's minions, without a father or a mother. He'd had to endure the guilt of his father's death with him throughout his growth. Now he'd returned with very little teachings of his father's reign, and was expected to rule as a great king.

It wasn't to say that Simba wouldn't try. He loved his kingdom dearly. However it was hard to manage alone. Suddenly, his mother's words had begun to sink into his mind. It'd be much easier with a mate...a companion. It'd relieve stress and anguish from the king's shoulders.

Perhaps marrying Asha wasn't so bad, after all. She was powerful, quick-witted and more skillful out of the lionesses of Pride Rock. She'd also provide good cubs and heirs to the throne. Not to mention, she was impeccably ravishing.

She'd really come in handy when at war with Zira's pride...

"Ouch!" Simba glanced down to find Nala had subsided on the ground. Shocked, Simba instantly bent down and aided Nala as she straightened onto her paws.

"Nala!" Simba gasped. "I'm sorry about that! Are you okay?"

Nala laughed. "Yes, I'm fine, Your Maj...Simba." she said. "And it was my fault - I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so off-guard."

The king observed as she leveled her coat with a fair amount of cleanliness. Her fur was matted with dust, and it was all because of him.

"Why are you here this late, anyway?"

Nala's eyes met his. "I could ask you the same thing," she giggled. "Well...I was worrying about Kula, and I needed some time to think about the situation. I want to help her, she's been really self-centered since that day."

"I remember," Simba recalled. "I hope she's okay. Her mother should know about that."

"Elena wanted to speak to Kula's mother about it, but Kula told her not to."

Simba noted that Nala's face portrayed thorough distress.

"And you," she said, pulling Simba back to reality. Changing the subject, she thought, was the best thing to do right now. "What are you doing out here, Simba?"

A gentle breeze, that lingered around them, caused Simba's crimson mane to flurry in the wind.

"I also needed some time to think," Simba replied. "My mother wants me to pick out a queen as soon as possible. I considered what you said, to follow my heart. But there's nobody in the pride that particularly catches my heart. My mother is telling me to marry Asha, a suitable lioness to marry, and I'm considering it...But it's a tough decision."

Nala's heart swelled.

"Asha is beautiful, skillful and intelligent. All of these traits will come in handy during the battle with Zira's pride...And a future heir," Simba mumbled. "But...I don't know. What do you think Nala?"

Nala's head shot up. She struggled to gather the right words, stirring some suspicion from Simba. "I...um...L-Like I said!" she stammered out. "Follow your heart! If you think she'll make a good queen, then...But then again, looks can be deceiving!"

Nala felt a tinge of anger at this so-called Asha referred to.

Simba eyed her worriedly. "Thanks for the advice, Nala," he said, half-turning to the direction of Pride Rock. "I'll sleep on it. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." It had killed her that they barely got to spend time with each other now that they were alone. He'd only just arrived, and now he was leaving...Maybe he found the situation too awkward to discuss with her, or he just needed some time alone.

Yawning, Nala spun around and headed home also.

...

A pale, grizzled cub crouched in the swaying turf, his body rigorous with streak adrenaline. The lizard had noticed him, but remained perfectly still. Mheetu refrained from ruffling in the grass too much, edging closer towards the reptile. He'd seen his sister, Nala, hunt on many occasions. He'd seen his father fight before. Now it was his turn to master those skills.

His ears perked at the sound of pawsteps, and he instantly moved, startling his prey. Nala approached her younger brother, glancing at him with a large beam.

"Mheetu, what are you doing?" the teal-eyed lioness laughed. She caught sight of the scampering lizard.

"I was trying to hunt until you scared my prey off, Nala," Mheetu huffed. "I need to be able to concentrate if I'm going to fight alongside king Simba one day."

Nala's smile faltered. "Mheetu, what did I tell you about that?" she asked him with a frown. "You're too young to be thinking about fighting battles! You could get hurt!"

"Actually, Mheetu's doing a fine job." Tojo appeared out of nowhere and took a place beside his mate. He placed a paw atop of hers, noting her repugnance but remained silent. Instead, he smiled reassuringly at her. "It's good that he's eager to learn how to defend himself and others. I could teach you some skills if you want, Mheetu."

Mheetu glowed merrily, about to accept his offer until Nala jumped to her brother's defense. "No." she said firmly. "Mheetu's too young to learn how to fight - he'll only hurt himself." Nala began herding the young cub into the den, beside her sleeping parents. "It's time for you to sleep, Mheetu."

"Nala-!"

"Go inside," she commanded. She turned back to her mate. "Don't get his hopes up because my brother will not fight in any war."

"These skills are essential!" Tojo argued back. "The king needs all the defense he can get!"

"That's for Simba to decide, not you!" Nala scowled. She approached Tojo, lowering her voice. "All you ever think about is war, and the kingdom. Don't drag my family into your interests."

Tojo growled. "What's with you lately? You're more aloof than usual," he pointed out. "More ruder, too."

"How can I be affectionate to my mate, who doesn't even want cubs and concerns himself with the king's life?" his mate hissed, furrowing her eyebrows. "I never wanted to marry you, I only married you because it was a responsibility I owed to my family!"

She don't know what came over her, but in a matter of seconds, Nala hurtled to where her paws would take her. Nala was too afraid to face Tojo's reaction, he seemed just as agitated as she was during their argument. She found herself loping over the hills, back to where she'd bumped into Simba. Nala sprinted past the waterhole, surprisingly towards the direction of Pride Rock.

She eventually slowed down. "Tojo...He thinks that he can corrupt my family, my little brother?" she pondered to herself. "How dare he..."

"Nala?"

Nala's head spun around to the source of the seemingly familiar voice. In front of her, stood a tow-coloured male lion with vermilion mane. His amber eyes dug into Nala with concern.

"Simba.." Nala came closer to him, hot tears threatening to boil out of her eyes. Noticing her current state, the king came even closer to her and wrapped his paws around her. She sunk into his mate, her throat tightening with each exhale she took.

"What's wrong?" Simba asked. "I saw you running rather quickly and took another route so I was able to meet you."

"Oh, I don't want to bother you, Your Majesty," Nala sighed. "Just some family troubles."

Simba released her and sat on his haunches in front of her. "I'd be happy to listen, so tell me." he said. He curled his brow. "King's orders."

Nala wiped her tears dry with her paw, and simpered weakly at him. "Alright," she finally gave up. "So, me and Tojo are arguing and I kind of said I didn't like him, in a way. He looked hurt and angry, but all I did was run away. I know there'll be consequences for it, but I just can't stand this marriage anymore."

"I'm sure everything'll be fine." said the king with some assurance.

Nala shook her head. "I know it won't, you don't have to lie to me," she replied. She gazed up at the twinkling stars. "I think I'll sleep out tonight. I don't want to return to my den right now."

"Then I'll just have to stay out here with you," Simba smirked.

"Oh, no, you couldn't." Nala frowned. "Your pride is probably waiting for your back at Pride Rock. I don't want you to sleep out here in the cold because of me."

"It doesn't matter. I need time away from my pride, anyway."

They sauntered over towards a large rock. Nala reclined beside it, waiting for Simba to settle down too. But when he didn't, she wore a look of worry.

"I'll keep watch tonight," the king offered. "You sleep." Nala opened her mouth to decline, but Simba beat her to it. "I'm not tired anyway. I'll make sure you sleep safely."

Nala knew better to argue against the king. She shot him a loving smile, before shuffling closer towards the large boulder. As soon as her teal eyes shut, she could feel a smirk creeping on her face. She prayed Simba wasn't watching her - it'd be rather embarrassing. Nala was secretly pleased to have Simba care for her in a time of need. Even more to have him fawning over her. Call it being selfish, though Nala considered herself lucky.

...

The sun was solidly fixated in the bright dawned sky. Tama and Marah ventured to Pride Rock, with high spirits and hopeful hearts. They intended to perceive Chumvi in hopes of him being able to gladden their friend, Kula.

"How are you so sure this is going to work?" Marah asked, as they trekked closer towards the koppie. "Chumvi isn't really fond of Kula, you know..."

"It will work," Tama replied. "It has to."

They approached the outcraft in a matter of moments. Malka and Chumvi reposed on a small ledge. Malek was still in training with Tojo, Ni and some other lions that lived at Pride Rock. Tama and Marah headed towards the two resting males, who'd already completed their daily training and were free to do anything at their will.

Chumvi and Malka craned their heads at the sight of the two lionesses.

"Hi, Malka, Chumvi," Tama greeted kindly. "We need your help with something."

Malka bent down, closer to Tama. "What do you need?"

"It's Kula," Marah said, cutting straight to the point. She watched Chumvi closely. "Kula hasn't come into contact with us in days. We came to you because Nala believed that Chumvi and Kula could be able to relate."

Malka eyed her doubtfully, before exchanging a perplexed glance with the brown lion beside him. "Why Chumvi?"

"Because he was most eager to help Kula." Tama answered. "Nala's not here right now but, Chumvi, we need your help. Please?"

Chumvi roused onto his paws. "No." he instantly said, his tone sharp. "It's not my problem whether your friend is mad at us or not. Tell Nala that she should mind her own business.

"Chumvi..." Malka seethed in a warning tone. Chumvi merely stormed off.

Tama's eyes flared with anger. "Your friend is going to get it one day."

Malka laughed. "Don't mind him," he said. "I'd like to help, though."

Marah shrugged, sighing. "Malka's help is better than nothing. Let's go."

...

Nala blinked the rheum out of her eyes. She still felt quite drowsy, she'd slept quite late last night. Suddenly she'd remembered something. Nala was with Simba, he'd offered to keep watch for her overnight while she slept. Was it a dream, or was had she truly embarrassed herself in front of the king?

Frantically, the lioness jumped to her paws and scrambled over past the boulder. Simba was sprawled on the ground, his eyes locked on the Pridelandian sun. When he sensed the lioness's presence, he stood up and looked back at her with a smile.

"Someone's finally awake," he chuckled. "Did you sleep well?"

"I'm so sorry, Simba. I was supposed to keep watch but I overslept and..."

"It's fine," he shrugged it off. "I wasn't tired, anyway. But I must be getting back to Pride Rock now."

Nala smiled. "Thank you so much for all that. And I'm sorry for being such a burden."

She watched as he rapidly sauntered away, before making her own way home for the second time. As she approached her den, she caught sight of her mother and Mheetu, who'd reposed in front of their den. Sarafina's ears flickered as she finally noticed her daughter's return. Her eyes blazed with fury, but she decided to save her heavy lecture for another time.

"You're home early," Sarafina muttered sarcastically.

"Sorry, I'd fallen asleep somewhere." Nala replied, sitting in between her mother and Mheetu.

Mheetu frowned at his sister. "Mother, Nala didn't let Tojo train me how to hunt yesterday," he complained.

Sarafina sighed. Trouble had only begun to brew. The lioness warily turned to glance at her daughter. "And why is that, Nala?"

"I don't want Mheetu to grow up with such a violent nature at such a young age," Nala said. "He won't be able to control his anger afterwards."

"Mheetu, why don't you go and play.." Sarafina ushered her irked son elsewhere, before returning to sit beside her daughter. "This isn't just about Mheetu, is it? It's got something to do with Tojo."

Nala exhaled.

"You don't have to be so harsh with him, Nala. He's your mate!"

"Mother, I told you I didn't want to marry him in the first place," Nala argued. "Did he say something to you?"

"No, why?" Sara inquired, much doubtful of her daughter. "Did something happen?"

Nala shook her head, standing up. "No, don't worry about it."

"Nala..."

"I'm going hunting now."

Sarafina sighed as she watched her daughter leave. "What's to become of her life..?"