Hei, VERY sorry for my late update. I actually could update three days earlier but my computer kinda broke down and i couldnt post it. Really sorry. Anyways, like i said, this is one more of a filler before it continues on its storyline.

Next chapter will be the story line and the only spoiler i can give is that it will be a time skip of just one week. When u read this story, u will know what is in one week in the story.. Hehe. Anyways, Read, Review and most important, ENJOY!!


Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters here but Slayn WIlder.

The rest belongs to Walt Disney.

CHAPTER 11: GROWTH DEVELOPEMENT

Months has passed and everything was peaceful in the Pride Lands. I have changed a lot since the first time I arrived here. My hair has now passed shoulder length and I was now more muscular. If I'm not mistaken, I think I might have grown taller too but like I said, I am not so sure.

Simba too has grown. He was now slightly bigger than the before. Although he has not yet realized it, his mane has started to grow a little on his head and he has increased in his muscles. He was now faster and stronger. It was him now can pin me instead of me pinning him when he was little.

Nala too has grown. She is bigger and has grown even more beautiful, although I can't tell. I can tell only by her sparkly blue eyes. She is more agile and today is the day whether she will be accepted as the huntress among the lionesses. Today, she is to have her first hunt.

Here I was, sitting down in the den with my back against the wall of the cave. I had already taken my bath earlier in the morning. Right now, I am currently resting. It was still quite early and I actually skipped my morning exercises today. I guess I got lazy but I'll make sure that is not a habit. Staying in the wilds here and not keeping fit is not good.

As the minutes passed, the sun soon slowly rise and it brought light not only to the Pride Lands but also to the inside of the den, waking up most of the lionesses. Simba blinked at the light and yawned loudly, much to the dismay to the pride as his yawn was loud. There were groans coming from the lionesses. Simba's yawn was the main cause of waking them up. Simba smiled sheepishly and apologised to them.

I shook my head for Simba causing the trouble. I have already warned him countless of times to reduce the volume of his yawn. He was growing and since that he is the son of Mufasa, who was a pretty loud lion, Simba is pretty much following his father's footsteps.

I walked out of the cave to allow the sun shine on me. It's good to feel the heat on me. Without a blanket to cover me at night, it does get cold. So, right now allowing the heat on my body was good. I looked around the Pride Lands. Throughout the land, animals were already grazing and birds were chirping loudly as they flew by.

The lionesses walked out of the den one by one and gathered below Pride Rock to start their planning and who should be in the hunting party. Nala, is of course, in the hunt today. She is now of age and has to participate in the hunt today. Since she was participating, I decided to follow.

I walked to the cave entrance and found Nala talking to Simba.

"Nala," I called her, "You had better get down there. It seems that the pride is already starting to group the lionesses for the hunt. Don't want to have a bad image for your fist hunt, now, do you?"

Nala and Simba turned to face me. "Yes, your highness." Nala said, sarcastically.

I laughed, "Man, the older you two get, the more I am starting to hate you."

"Why, thank you." Simba and Nala replied in unison.

I sighed and rolled my eyes. These two cubs grow up so fast. I remember a few months back when they used to play tag. Now, all they do is just talk and sometimes walk together and again, talk. They do things together now. They go to the water hole together to have a drink, eat at the same time. Their bonds have indeed strengthened ever since the incident with the hyenas.

Since I am participating in the hunt, I won't be able to do the morning rounds for today. I will just leave it to Simba. At the exact moment that I wanted, Zazu came flying by.

He was about to say something, which would be his greeting, I stopped him.

"Zazu, I will not be doing my morning rounds today."

"What!" Zazu had a shocked face, "You can't do that!"

"I know I can't but I am participating in the hunt today. And besides, Simba can do the morning rounds. He has been following me for months now, it's nothing new."

"Yes sir, but…" Zazu protested.

"That is final Zazu." I said to him with a stern voice. He knew better than to argue with me.

"Yes sir." He started to fly into the cave to give Simba the news that Simba will have to do the morning rounds without me. This was not my only excuse actually. With Simba now growing his mane, once he has fully grown it, he will be the king. He needs to start training and doing this alone and I am only to follow him because I am his guardian.

Nala will also be regarded as a full grown adult once she has got a first kill. It could even be today. She has been taught well by Sarafina when she was young and I don't doubt that she will one day be the best hunter in the Pride Lands, which would be good since she will the hunting leader since she will be the queen of Simba in the near future.

Rubbing sweat that was slowly pouring down my forehead, I approached the lionesses to hear which lionesses belongs to a group and who are the leaders. Of course, Sarabi is definitely one of the leader but I would like to know the other group leaders.

Sarabi saw me approaching and said something to the party. Whatever she said, the lionesses made way for me to approach Sarabi. I thanked them and looked at the queen of the Pride Lands.

"So Sarabi," I said first, looking at her in the eye, "Would you mind if I participate in the hunt today?"

"Well, I don't see why not. But may I ask why?"

"Sure. I would like to see how Nala does on her first hunt."

Sarabi looked at me for a second then nodded. At that moment, Nala came down from Pride Rock walking to us. She sat with her mother to listen to Sarabi's plans for the morning hunt, with me next to her.

"Alright," She started, "There will be two hunting groups for today. I will appoint Chela to be the leader of the other group while I am leader for this group. The one's under me are Slayn, Nala, Ysera, Zira and Himial. The rest will follow Chela."

"Hei," A lioness said, and I looked at the lioness. It was Chela. "How come I have more lionesses than you?"

"Well," Sarabi replied, "Because I am a better hunter than you."

"Whatever!" Chela scoffed.

I sighed. Sarabi and Chela were rivals when it comes to hunting and what Sarabi said is quite true. She is a faster hunter than Chela. Besides, the reason why Sarabi has chosen a few lionesses only is because we already have Sarabi herself and the fastest hunter in the pride, Zira. She still hates me for banishing Scar though but I had no choice. She just wouldn't listen to reason.

We moved out and walked southwards. The south are mostly made up of wildebeests and antelopes. Well, if we're able to catch a wildebeest would be good as it can feed the entire pride. However, catching it will be difficult as they move in a herd. Some actually even retaliate against us so they can be pretty dangerous.

"Hei Slayn." Nala whispered. I had to lean close to her mouth so that I can hear her clearer. "Were you nervous in your first hunt."

"Yeah. Don't worry Nala, everyone's first time in doing something will make them nervous." I assured her.

"Really?" She asked me, gaining some confidence.

"Indeed. When I went for my first hunt a few months back, I thought I would be a burden in the hunt but you have to believe in yourself. That's what I did."

"Thanks Slayn, you're a real pal."

I chuckled, "No problem."

Despite having some experience in hunting, I could still feel my heart beat increase. I was still a little nervous as I did not want to be the one to screw up the hunt. I looked down at Nala and I could see she was slowly calming herself, taking deep breaths. I smiled when she did that. I taught her how to do that when she was being nervous for learning how to hunt with her mother for the first time.

They finally found a herd of antelopes grazing around the area. Sarabi turned back to the group and they understood. They all crouched low and Slayn had to lie on his stomach. The ground was quite wet and it dirtied his upper uniform but he had to ignore it if he wanted to have lunch for today.

They slowly approached the herd and Sarabi turned to the group once more.

"Okay," She said in a low voice, "I need Ysera and Himial to cover their escapes. I'm sure I don't need to tell you where your positions are?" She asked the two lionesses.

Ysera and Himial shook their heads. They immediately left the group and disappeared from them in silence. Sarabi continued, "Zira, I need you to be the first to strike since you're the fastest. Nala and Slayn will cover you. Slayn, you be on Zira's left while Nala will be Zira's right. I will block their escape."

I absorbed the information and nodded. It seems Nala had no problem with the plan and Zira was already nearing the antelope she has targeted. Without questioning, I made my way to Zira's left. I just waited for her to make the move and I was hoping she would strike soon as the heat from the sun was really getting to me.

At last, she made her move. Emerging from her hiding place, she roared to scare the target. The antelopes were so shocked and at the same time frightened that they started jumping in random directions. I and Nala followed Zira as she ran towards her target. She was damn fast alright!

She leapt and landed on the antelope's back with her claws scratching the back. The antelope started to thrash like crazy, trying to get Zira off it's back.

"Nala, Now!" I yelled.

She instantly ran forward and pounced on the antelope's neck, biting it savagely. The bite must have been severe as the antelope started to lose it's footing. After a few seconds, the antelope fell on it's right side, dead. However, it was not over. This was when we could bring in more food for the pride.

Ysera and Himial was able to block one more antelope from escaping. They both roared at it, causing the antelope to jump backwards in fear and was jumping towards me. When it neared me, I was able to give a big cut to it's right front leg and the damage done caused it to wobble. It had difficulty to escape and Ysera leapt at it, followed by Sarabi and Himial. They both finished the antelope in a manner of seconds.

Once we have done our jobs, Sarabi beamed proudly at Nala. She looked at each and everyone of the lionesses, and all of them were smiling at her. I gave her a thumbs up. I wonder if she knew that means she did a good job. Zira simply nodded to acknowledge her. She was so happy that she almost had tears in her eyes but was able to hold it.

Ysera and Sarabi carried the antelopes but Sarabi needed help from Nala to help carry the large antelope. Well, at least our lunch was covered and now that Nala did have a kill, she should be considered an adult. That means once Simba has fully grown his mane, he will become the king of the Pride Lands and I can be his guardian and nothing more. That is such a relief.

It was noon when we reached Pride Rock. Simba was sitting under a tree with Zazu on his shoulder. They were talking about something and I could see that Zazu had an irritated look on his face. I sighed. That is how Simba treats Zazu. It's not that he hates the bird, it's just fun to tease the bird as he does not have the power to retaliate.

Simba saw us approaching and ran to us, or more accurately, towards his best friend. When Simba reached her, he asked, "How was your first hunt?"

She smiled proudly, "I helped to kill that antelope." She pointed to the large antelope that she was carrying with Sarabi.

"Whoa!" Simba looked at the antelope she was killing. He had an amazed look on his face. "I can't believe that you were able to get such a big kill for your first hunt!"

"Well, I had a good pouncing partner." She teased.

Simba pouted, "Hei, that's mean you know."

Nala giggled at this, "I'm just kidding Simba."

I couldn't hold my laughter at this point. It was true. Simba never really beat Nala when it came to pouncing. He just never seem to learn his lesson to stop depending on brute strength but I guess he can be quite stubborn. Chela's hunting group returned ten minutes later, carrying a zebra.

Once we have all gathered in a circle, we started eating our meal. I, of course, had to cook it a few distance away from the pride. I only have one lighter with me left and in a few months time, I will have to start a fire using primitive methods. I sighed. I guess I should start practising using that method.

After cooking it, I started eating it and Simba accompanied me. He had piece of meat in his mouth and ate it quickly. I am always surprised how he can be so hungry. Or is that the appetite of a growing cub. Still, Nala does not eat like that. Perhaps it's just that he has a big stomach but I simply shrugged it off. It was not that important to know.

"So," I said suddenly, stopping Simba from devouring his meat, "Is there anything important during your morning rounds?"

Simba started to think. After a few seconds of silence, he shook his head. I nodded and started to walk away since there is nothing else for me to do with Simba. At least it will give him some alone time with Nala.

I looked up at the sun and I could tell that I still had an hour before I had to do the afternoon rounds with Simba. I decided to take a nap. I was quite tired and taking a nap sounds good. I rested under a tree and started to think. Simba was going to be king soon and that thought just brought a smile to my face. No longer will I have to do the boring rounds.

I can just picture Simba's face as he has to listen to Zazu's boring morning reports. I chuckled to myself on that thought. Still, he will get used to it just like Mufasa. I doubt that Mufasa actually enjoyed Zazu's reports. I smiled and fell asleep after that thought.

I was awaken by something heavy pushing on my chest. I grunted in frustration and opened my eyes. The sight that greeted me was the yellow cub, his face was frustration. I knew that look. I guess it was time to do the afternoon rounds and he was here to wake me. Raising to my feet and yawning loudly, I nodded to tell him that I was ready to go.

We started taking the usual path and we were soon getting further and further away from Pride Rock. Before it disappeared from sight, I could see from the distance that the lionesses were preparing for their next hunt and that Nala was present. I smiled when I saw her there. Hunting can be fun once you know that you are not being a burden and I could see that Nala is no burden.

We continued on walking, looking at the animals grazing around and birds flew by above us. That was when Simba broke the silence.

"Hei, Slayn?" He said, pulling me out of my daydream.

"Yeah?"

"When I'm king, what will happen to you?"

I raised one of my eyebrow, "Well, that's easy. I will become your guardian again."

He looked sad after I said that. I wonder why. Does he hate me being a guardian or does he enjoy not being a king. No. That can't be it. If not, why would he ask what would happen to me after he becomes king. He acknowledges that he will be the king. I was about to ask him when he continued.

"But you will follow me doing the morning rounds right?" He asked, hope in his voice.

"Well, of course!" I answered, smiling, "I am your guardian after all. I have to make sure you don't cause any trouble in the pride. You are always causing trouble you know?"

He laughed nervously after I made that statement which was the truth. Even after Mustafa's death, Simba still causes havoc in the Pride Lands, although it doesn't really poses any threat to his life.

We continued walking and we soon finished doing our afternoon rounds. We at first intended to just head back straight to Pride Rock but Simba then suggested that we stop by the waterhole as he was thirsty. I simply agreed with him. I wasn't thirsty but I wanted to clean my blade and refill my bottle of water. I normally get thirsty at night and that is when the bottle comes in handy.

When we reached the water hole, I could see that several other animals were also there, drinking the water. When they saw the prince, some moved away. Not from fear but respect as he was the prince and they moved away so that he could pass through. Simba, of course, did not like that kind of attention and informed the animals that they did not have to do such an act for him.

Simba then started drinking while I cleaned my blade. The blood stains were already dried up and that angered me. Cleaning the blade from the dried blood will take a few minutes and I hated that. I simply sighed in frustration. There was nothing that I can do.

After spending three minutes of cleaning, I started to refill my bottle. Once that was done, I just sat there, watching the animals drinking from the waterhole to quench their thirst. I was always a nature lover, ever since when I was back home so it was not surprising that I find the animals beautiful.

I realized that Simba was now relaxing, lying down close to the water and staring at his own reflection. After a few seconds, he suddenly started to concentrate on his own reflection. That raised my curiosity and I too, looked at his reflection. I followed his gaze and he was looking at something on his head. That was when I knew he finally realized it. His mane.

He looked at it and his eyes grew bigger every second. I smiled and he slowly turned to look at me. His voice was shaky, "Slayn. My... My mane... it's started to grow."

I nodded, "Indeed it is. And it has the same colour as of your father. He will be proud of you. You're indeed following his footsteps."

Simba however, seemed not to hear what I said. He was staring at his reflection once again, unable to believe his eyes that his mane has started to grow. After a few seconds, he started jumping excitedly. I grinned at his excitement. I could hardly contain my excitement as well, because I won't have to be king for long.

At that moment, the lionesses were also returning from the hunt. Simba instantly ran towards his mother, telling him of the news. Of course, Sarabi could see the mane and congratulated him and even from here, I could see that Nala was happy for her best friend.

When they reached Pride Rock, they all started giving praises to Simba. Some said that Mufasa would have been proud of him while others simply said that he will be a good king. The only lioness that did not do so was Zira. It did not surprise me anyway. Ever since the banishment of Scar, she blocked herself from the pride and did not talk to anyone. She only talked when it regarded the hunt.

After the praises were done, Simba and Nala walked into the den and they started talking on what Simba would do when he became king. However, I am pretty sure that the topic of their betrothal will not come up althought I am sure they do know about it. Once Simba's mane's has fully grown, she and him will have to be married.

I was so lost in thought that I did not realize that Sarabi was right in front of me. She had to clear her throat rather loudly for me to notice. I looked at her and scratched the back of my neck nervously, "Sarabi, I'm sorry. What can I do for you?" I asked, standing up now.

"Nothing much really. I just wanted to ask you if you are still aware on what it means now that Simba is starting to grow a mane."

I shrugged, "I guess. He will become king when his mane fully grows and he shall also be married to Nala."

Sarabi smiled and nodded, "Indeed."

"By the way," I said suddenly, a question I wanted an answer, "How was the hunt today?"

She smirked, "Or do you mean how did Nala do in her hunt?"

I laughed. She knew me too much. It was like she was a mother to me now, "I can never tell how you are able to know my true intentions."

"Well, she did okay. Her stealth skills are still in need of training although it could be due to lack of experience but other than that, she did extremely well."

That was good news to me. She at least should gain some confidence after this and nothing will hold her back. I thanked Sarabi for the information and started to walk away to make my way to the den when Sarabi called me.

"Slayn. Are you aware of the ceremonies that will occur in a weeks time?

Now that caught my attention. Since I was still the king, I should be told of any thing that should happen in the Pride Lands and ceremonies were a rare thing anyway. I turned to face her.

"What ceremony?"

She sighed, "I see that we left you out on something when you became king. You see, it is tradition that when a male prince, whether heir to the throne or not, has the first sign of his mane growing will have a ceremony to show that he is going to the path of adulthood."

"Oh," I simply answered her, "So, when is the ceremony to be held?"

"Precisely one week from now."

"Then I guess we should prepare for it. You can give me the details tomorrow on what is to happen."

Sarabi nodded and with nothing else left to to say, she walked back to the other lionesses. Some were already eating the meal that they caught a few minutes ago, which were an antelope and a zebra. Slayn walked up to Pride Rock and started doing his exercise for two reasons. One is to obviously increase his mucles while the other reason is to use up his energy and get himself hungry for his dinner.

He was improving almost everyday. He could increase his push-ups by ten everyday and he could run at full speed for at least a minute before he started feeling tired. He felt proud of himself as he had never achieved this kind of body improvement.

After twenty minutes of exercising and sweating madly, he walked down and started to cut a slice of meat for his dinner. He was quite late as only he and two other lionesses were eating. Simba and Nala already ate while he was exercising.

When he finally finished eating, he sat under a tree to relax. Dinner for once was quite early today. Normally when he had finished eating dinner, the sky would already be pitch black but now the sun had only begun to set.

He started to think on one Sarabi said to him earlier just now. A ceremony in a week's time to show the animals in the Pride Lands that Simba is close to adulthood. What would make this even more special is that it is nearing his time to become king. He sighed heavily. He could fall asleep here actually. It was so peaceful and it really relaxed his mind and body. He was interrupted by a presence he felt next to him. He looked to his left and realized that it was Nala.

"Hei Nala." I said, trying to wake up from my sleepiness.

She giggled at my attempts, "Having trouble staying awake now?"

"Yeah. What brings you here anyway?"

"I just wanted to thank you for helping me earlier today."

I gave her a confused look, "Help you? How did I help you?"

"Well," She started to make a thinking pose, placing her face on one of her paws, "You helped me calm myself. If you never taught me that, I knew I would have messed up the hunt and bring shame to the pride. And my mum especially. She has been training me for so hard!"

"Nala," I started to pat her head, assuring her, "Your mother will be proud of you no matter the results. Believe in yourself and don't think of yourself as a burden."

She looked at me in the eyes and gave me a heart warming smile, her blue eyes sparkling. She thanked me and walked away. I realize that night has finally arrived as the sky is now dark. I wondered how a simple conversation can make time fly so fast.

I followed Nala back into the den and found that most of the lionesses were preparing for their night rest. I, too was tired and picked a spot to sleep. I decided to sleep close to Ysera.

The moment I laid my head on my backpack, I could feel that sleep was nearing me. I yawned and closed my eyes. The last thing I saw was Simba cuddling close to Nala. I thought it was my imagination and I could not tell as my eyes were probably playing tricks on me since I was sleepy. I closed my eyes and my world turned pitch black.

So, you know what means in a 1 week time right? So what do you think will happen? Haha... Some of you must have already guessed it. or not. XD

Anyways, i will try to update ASAP. and 1 last request, review. ^^