The lioness that was standing next to Simba, walked up to the explorers. Josh bent down to see her. "You must be the beautiful Queen Nala," he said politely.

She tilted her ears and said, "That'll be me. How do you do?"

Josh then picked up her right paw. "It is an honor to meet you, your highness." Then he smiled and kissed it.

Nala giggled and pulled her paw away. "Oh, you don't have to be so formal," she said. "Just call me Nala."

"All right, Nala," said Denzel as he stepped forward.

"So where will we be staying?" asked Chen.

Nala smiled. "Why with us in the den of course," she said.

Chen began to look nervous. "A den… with a hundred hungry lions?"

"Don't worry; they won't eat you if that's what you're thinking. They know you're with us."

"Alright," said Josh.

All day, Josh and his friends met other lions like Nala's daughter Kiara, and her mate Kovu with their daughter, Rosa.

--------------------

Later that evening, nightfall covered the Pridelands. Josh and the others were ready for bed. They were just about to enter the den when Simba ran up in front and gave them a low growl. Then he slowly walked into the den. Nala followed him, but Josh stopped her.

"Did we do something wrong?" he asked.

"No," she said. "He just doesn't trust strangers."

"Oh," said Denzel. "Do you trust us?"

Nala nodded. "I don't think you're bad." Nala walked them into the cave, when Simba walked up to them.

Chen stepped forward and bowed. "Forgive us your majesty," he said. "You're queen said we could sleep in here."

Simba growled at Nala. "Why did you let them in here!" He roared. "You know I don't trust them!"

But it's cold outside," she said. "They could get sick or worse! And it's warm in here, why can't they stay!"

"Because I already TOLD you! I don't trust them!"

"But they're not bad! They didn't do anything to us! If they were going to do something, they would've done it a long time ago, Simba!"

Simba just snorted. Then, Josh walked up to him and pulled out his rifle. "You don't trust us because of this?" he asked quietly.

"Of course not!" he snarled. "Do you really expect me to trust someone who walks on two legs and carries a weapon like that?"

"Simba!" Nala said and growled at him. "What's the matter with you?"

"Fine," said Josh. Then he put the rifle on his leg and quickly snapped it in two. "We will never use these."

Nala turned to Josh then turned to Simba. Simba raised an eyebrow, then walked deeper into the den. Nala turned to Josh and the others. "Don't worry," she calmly said. "He's just a little...tense. He'll come around, I'm sure."

"Alright, Nala," said Chen as he gave her a little grin.

"Well," said Josh. "It's getting late. Where in the den do we sleep?"

"Anywhere you want," Nala said. "It's all right with me."

Josh and the others bowed to her. "Thank you, your highness," said Denzel.

Nala grinned and walked to her sleeping spot. Josh and the others found a spot near where Kiara and Kovu were resting. Chen walked up to Kiara. "Excuse me," he asked. "Could you two please scoot over?"

Kiara nodded. "Certainly," she said with a grin. She then bumped Kovu on the shoulder. "Move it!"

"Owww!" said Kovu. "Hey, what the-"

"These three would like to sleep here. Move it!"

Kovu sighed, rolled his eyes, and moved over. Josh, Chen and Denzel rested down next to them.

--------------------

An hour passed, and Josh wasn't getting much sleep. Kiara next to him was snoring up a storm. Josh took off his hat and put it over her mouth. "Quit snoring," said Josh.

Kiara woke up with a yawn. "I was snoring?" she asked.

"Like a roaring lion."

"Oh. Sorry"

Just then, a lioness cub pounced onto Josh's lap. It was Rosa. "Oof," said Josh. "What the- Rosa? What's wrong?"

"Can't sleep," she said, frowning.

"Hmm. Why don't you sleep in my blanket? It ought to get you some sleep."

"Ooh, blanket?" Rosa tilted her head. "What's a blanket?"

Josh took out his pack he was using as a pillow and pulled out his blanket. He then wrapped it around Rosa's body. "That any better?" he asked.

Rosa purred, "This feels nice. Thanks."

"You're welcome sweetie," Josh said smiling. Then Rosa snuggled Josh, and fell asleep in his lap. Josh turned to Kiara. "Your daughter is so sweet."

"Thank you," smiled Kiara. "She is isn't she?"

"Yup. Goodnight princess"

"Goodnight."

Then Josh curled up and slowly fell asleep.