Lion King 14: Tradition
With everyone in the pride taking a few days off to rest and relax Simba, Suamu, Shwari, Tama, and Askari planned on spending the day by the watering hole. Wanting to make sure the area was clear of any unwanted guests and to find a meal for the group Simba, Shwari and Suamu set out early in the morning as the sun started to rise. After waking up and informing their parents where they were going, Tama and Askari headed out to meet up with the males.
As Tama and Askari left, Nala: Hey wait up! I'm coming with you.
Still concerned about Nala's injuries, Askari: You sure about this Nala? You're still hurt.
Tama: Askari is right Nala. Maybe you should hang back and rest for a few more days before…
Grinning, Nala: Thanks for worrying about me but I'm fine. Rafiki's herds are helping me heal quickly and I feel way better now. Plus if I don't get out of the den I'm going to lose my mind.
Sitting by the watering hole, Suamu: Simba are you sure you're alright with Nala coming.
With water dripping from his mane, Simba: Yeah. Nala has been feeling a lot better and needs to get out of the den. Besides she's been feeling pretty restless from lying around.
Yelling, Askari: I hope you 3 caught something good for breakfast.
Noticing Nala jogging with Tama and Askari, Simba couldn't help but feel joyful at Nala's quick recovery.
After eat the wildebeest the 3 caught for breakfast, the 6 lions laid in the shade of a massive tree near the watering hole laughing and talking without a care in the world.
Chuckling as Simba laid his head on Nala's paws, Shwari: I guess you 2 are making up for all the time you spent away from each other. I have never seen 2 lions so inseparable in my life.
Raising his eyebrow with a playful grin on his face, Simba: This coming from the lion lying under his mate, kissing her neck and let's not forget this….
Growling playfully, Shwari: Don't say it!
Mimicking Shwari, Simba: Just go without me. I'll catch up later. I just want to spend a little more time lying next to Askari.
As Nala and Tama awed, Shwari: See I would kick your butt for that but I would need to ask Nala for permission and I doubt she wants to watch you lose.
Jumping up, Simba: If that's a challenge then bring it on.
Laughing as Simba and Shwari started fighting, Askari: What's the matter Suamu? You're not going to join in?
Laying on Tama's back, Suamu: Nope. I'm not as immature as those 2. Beside I don't feel like embarrassing them right now.
Flinging mud at Suamu's face, Simba: What was that? I couldn't hear you with all that mud in your face.
Wiping the mud off his face, Suamu: That's it! You're both dead now!
Shaking her head, Tama: And these overgrown cubs are our mates. Now I kind of understand why my mom always looks embarrassed when my dad does something childish.
Chuckling, Nala: Well it not like we shouldn't be surprised Tama. This is how thing have always been between the 6 of us.
Askari: Yup the only thing that's different is Nala hasn't jumped in to join their little battle.
Smirking, Nala: Trust me, if I wasn't still recovering I would. Nothing feels better then beating a few overconfident males.
Raising her eyebrow, Tama: Let's be honest Nala, you only fought because it would get you close and personal with Simba.
Laughing, Nala: I did but I wasn't the only one who befitted from those little fights. Remember how fast Askari use to rush to Shwari whenever he lost.
Rolling her eyes, Askari: I didn't rush to Shwari.
Laughing, Tama: Yeah Nala, it was more like she sprinted to him.
Leering at Tama, Askari: Well it's not like I used the opportunity to get some alone time with Suamu whenever he stormed off.
Rolling her eyes, Tama: At least Suamu is mature unlike Simba and Shwari.
Chuckling, Nala: We're talking about the same lion over there fighting Simba and Shwari over a mud ball.
Smirking, Tama: Let's see how much laughing you'll be doing after Suamu beats Simba and Shwari.
Askari: You mean Shwari right? Let's be honest Simba and Suamu can't beat Shwari.
Chuckling, Nala: That's so cute. You 2 really think Shwari and Suamu stand a chance against Simba.
Turning back to the 3 fighting Tama and Askari dropped their heads in disappointment as Simba stood over Suamu and Shwari victorious.
Lying back down beside Nala, Simba: And that's why you don't mess with the future king. Noticing the looks Askari and Tama were giving Suamu and Shwari, What's wrong with those 2?
Kissing Simba, Nala: They're just upset Suamu and Shwari lost.
With a smug grin, Simba: I don't see why. They should've known those 2 couldn't beat the Pride Lands most skillful lion.
Nudging Simba, Nala: Don't get overconfident because you beat up those 2. You still can't beat me and when I'm done healing I'll remind you who the top lion really is.
Chuckling, Simba: Alright but don't get mad when you end up like those 2.
Tired from waking up early, hunting and their fight Simba, Suamu, and Shwari fell asleep as Nala, Tama, and Askari were talking.
Looking down at Simba, Nala: Hey Tama. What happened when you told the pride about you and Suamu became mates?
Tama: I never actually told the whole pride. When I told my mother she laughed with this weird smirk on her face and said we'll handle it when my father returned. I don't know what she meant by that but I didn't trust the look she gave me.
Askari: My mother did the same thing to me. All she told me was, don't worry it will be fun. Why do you ask?
Laying her head on Simba's mane, Nala: I heard my mom, Sarabi and a few lionesses talking about some tradition but when they noticed me listening they laughed and walked away.
Askari: I know what you mean. I got the same reaction from the pride after my mom told them about me and Shwari.
Nala: We it's a good thing me and Simba haven't told Sarabi or my mother yet then. Hopefully I can see what in store for us after you guys go through this mystery tradition.
Chuckling, Tama: Sorry to disappoint you Nala but you're probably going to be right there with us.
Confused, Nala: And why is that?
Askari: Simba kind of blurted it out after Zira attacked you. Suamu noticed Simba was hurt and afforded to carry you back to Pride Rock but Simba said no she's my mate so I'll carry her. At first I thought no one noticed but the pride heard him loud and clear.
Tama: Now that I think about it, whatever they have in store for us is probably going to be worst for you and Simba seeing that you're the future king and queen of the Pride Lands.
Looking down at Simba, Nala: How do you always manage to get us into some kind of trouble?
As if to sense Nala was worried, Simba started to nuzzle against her in his sleep and calmed her down.
Smiling at the tender moment, Tama: Well whatever they have in store for us at least Simba, Shwari and Suamu will be beside us.
As the sun started to set over the horizon the 6 lions headed back to Pride Rock only to find the Linzi sisters waiting for them. Walinzi and Malinzi were 2 golden colored lionesses with slim muscular builds and were without a doubt the prides most skillful lionesses. Although many found the 2 intimidating Simba always looked up to them as much as he did his mother and father. Growing up Simba was very close to the sisters and enjoyed being with them whenever they guarded him while Sarabi and Mufasa were away. After defeating Scar Simba was relieved to find them both alive and well.
As the 2 blocked the path to the den, Simba: What's going on?
Malinzi: I'm sorry Simba but your mother has order us to prevent you 6 from entering the den?
Grinning, Walinzi: The pride has a surprise for you 6 but only 2 may enter at a time. Askari and Shwari are first. Follow me?
As Askari and Shwari followed Walinzi up Pride Rock, Nala Tama and Suamu felt like something wasn't right but their attention quickly refocused on Simba.
Clearly upset, Simba: Malinzi tell me what's going on.
Malinzi: I'm sorry Simba but I can't. Standing firm with Simba in her face, I understand why you're tense but you'll just have to sit back and wait.
Backing down, Simba: Fine.
While Tama and Suamu spoke to Malinzi, Simba sat down a few meters away staring at Pride Rock with a serious look in his eyes.
Walking over, Nala: Come on Simba no need to get upset because Malinzi didn't want to tell you what's going on.
Simba: I'm fine Nala I just don't like surprises.
Confused, Nala: Since when? You use to love surprises.
Glaring at Nala, Simba: Since the last surprise I got was watching my father fall to his death and being chased from home.
Regretting not thinking before she spoke, Nala: I'm sorry Simba. I didn't mean….
Exhaling deeply, Simba: It's alright Nala. It's not your fault.
Leaning against Simba, Nala: But Simba you have to remember this is our pride and everyone up there really cares about us. They would never do anything to hurt us.
Simba: Yeah I know.
After watching Tama and Suamu being summoned and waiting for what felt like forever, Simba finally reached his limit but luckily Walinzi finally came to retrieve Nala and Simba.
Walinzi: It's time. Follow us.
As the 4 walked up Pride Rock, Walinzi: How was Simba? I wasn't sure how he was going to react to the whole surprise idea.
Malinzi: Although Simba does a great job at hiding his emotional pain, he's still traumatized by what Scar did to him but Nala was able to help keep him calm.
Walking into the den, Nala and Simba were quickly surrounded by the pride with ominous expressions on their faces.
Looking around, Nala: What's going on?
Simba quickly stepped in front of Nala as the pride slowly stepped closer to them growling.
On edge, Simba: Somebody better start explaining what's going on now!
Breaking through the circle growling with Shupuva, Fahari, and Sarabi by her side, Sarafina: Step away from Nala Simba.
With Simba not budging, Fahari: Now Simba!
Seeing Simba wouldn't move Fahari motioned to the Linzi sisters and half the pride to forcible separate the pair. Unable to fight off half of the pride, the Linzi sisters, Fahari and Sarafina Simba was forced to back away from Nala as the other half of the pride, Shupuva and Sarabi forced Nala to the opposite side of the den.
Approaching Sarabi slowly, Nala: Sarabi, what the heck is going on?
Growling, Sarabi: I wanted to know if you really have what it takes to be my son's mate and right now I don't like what I see. How can I entrust my son and the future of this pride to a lioness that only cowers behind him?
Insulted, Nala: Cower!? I would never cower behind Simba and he knows that. Simba has always been stubborn and reckless so if I'm ever standing behind him it's because I'm watching his back. It doesn't matter what we're up against, I will always fight side by side with Simba no matter what and will be there to stop him when he's doing something wrong.
Growling in Nala's face, Sarabi: Is that so?
Growling back, Nala: Yes it is.
Nuzzling against Nala, Sarabi: That's all I needed to hear. I'm glad Simba has chosen you has his mate my daughter.
Standing his ground against half of the pride, Simba: Somebody better start talking now!
Sternly, Sarafina: We don't think you and Nala should be together.
Looking down at Simba, Fahari: Nala doesn't need to be someone who can't protect her and only reacts without thinking.
Yelling, Simba: I've always protected Nala.
Roaring, Fahari: You call leaving her behind to fight Zira protecting her. Because of you she could've died.
Growling in Fahari face, Simba: I dare you to say that again.
Noticing Simba was ready to fight Fahari, Nala tried to sprint over to him but was quickly blocked by Shupuva and Sarabi shaking their head.
Sensing Simba was ready to fight, Malinzi stepped between Simba and Fahari prevent things from escalating.
Calming down, Simba: You're right I should've been by Nala's side when Zira attacked but Nala isn't the kind of lioness that needs to be protected by anyone. She can handle herself in almost any situation but if she ever gets in over her head I will always coming running in to help her.
Fahari: I think Nala would be better off without you.
Growling, Simba: Look Nala chose me to be her mate and although I would like for you both to support us I could care less if you didn't. I won't lie to you, Nala helps me in more ways than I can ever help her so as long as I can help her enjoy life and bring her happiness that's all that matters to me. I won't allow anyone stand in my way of that, including you 2.
Walking forward smiling, Fahari: That's all I ever could have asked from you Simba.
Nuzzling against Simba, Sarafina: When we thought you were dead Nala isolated herself from the pride and stopped being herself. She became colder and didn't allow herself to be happy. Thanks to you Simba, Nala has returned to her old self and I will always be grateful to you for that. You bring her immeasurable happiness and I'm honored to call you my son. Take good care of Nala.
Rubbing against Sarafina head as Nala and the rest of the pride approached, Simba: I always will.
As Nala joined Simba side, Sarabi: You both bring the best out of each other and I couldn't imagine either of you with anyone else.
Noticing Simba still glaring at Fahari, Nala pinned him down.
Kissing Simba, Nala: You can relax now Simba.
Unable to fight a smile growing across his face, Simba kissed Nala as Tama, Suamu, Askari, and Shwari joined the pride and celebrated the union of the 6 lions.
Chuckling, Shupuva: I'm never going to get use to how Nala can make Simba go from ready to fight to docile in just a few words.
As Kama called Shupuva, Simba: I'm never going to get use to how submissive you are around Kama.
Walking away, Shupuva: Don't worry, you will one day.
As Nala and Simba cuddled, Walinzi: I'm sorry to interpret but Nala may we borrow Simba for a little while.
Nala: Sure
Stepping outside the den, Simba: What's going on Walinzi?
Walinzi: Malinzi and I spoke with your mother and we fill it best that we started watching over you.
Confused, Simba: What do you mean by watching over me?
Malinzi: We'll be shadowing you from now on whenever you leave Pride Rock.
Simba: So basically you'll be like body guards.
Malinzi: Yes. With Zira clearly out to kill you we think this is for the best.
Walinzi: Zira isn't the only thing that we're worried about either. Once others find out you took down Scar many will come to challenge you for the right to rule.
Simba: It sounds like you have no faith in me.
Malinzi: Don't get us wrong Simba you have grown into a strong and skillful lion compared to the little mischievous cub we knew but you're still not ready for these kinds of threats.
Walinzi: Simba we just want to make sure your safe. We were hurt when we thought we lost you and now that your back we don't want that to happen again. Don't worry Simba we'll stay out of sight so it will be like we aren't even there.
Looking over his shoulder at Nala and the pride, Simba: No! You're right, I'm not ready but if you're going to watch over me I rather have you both beside me. You're family and I won't have either of you lurking in the shadows.
Smiling, Walinzi: Understood Simba.
Simba: I also a request for you both as well.
Malinzi: What is it Simba?
Simba: After Zira attacked Nala, I realized I needed more training in order to protect her and the pride so I want you both to start training me. My father told me that he was never able to defeat either of you in any sparring match or training exercise and always planned to have you train me when I was ready.
Chuckling, Walinzi: We know. The day you were born your father came to use and told us to make you strong one day.
Remember the little cub that always leaped on, ran into, fought with and slept under her, Malinzi: It would be an honor to train you Simba but I must warn you, we won't go easy on you.
Overconfidently, Simba: Bring it on. We can start tomorrow.