The Shadowland Princess
Chapter twenty five
The meeting
After Nala and the cubs got back to Pride Rock, Simba was waiting for them. Nala had the cubs play inside the cave and had Sarabi and Sarafina watch them. Meanwhile She says to Simba, "Simba, the hyena's are at it again. Today the cubs I bumped into three familiar faces you, Vitani and I know."
"I thought I had told Shenzi the rules of her clan's hunting grounds. Now she goes and threatens the cubs. I wished they hadn't of shown up. Vitani doesn't need constant reminders of her past during Scar's reign. I don't think the rest of the cubs know how rough she had it, aside from Kovu," Simba says.
"Very true, but then again, we didn't get to see what it was like for John and Rosella before they came to us, and Simba, there is nothing to worry about. True Vitani and I had it rough during Scar's tyranny, but so did all the other lioness's. I think it's better the other cubs didn't have to face what Vitani faced, or what Selene and Kovu faced. They all are strong hearted, and will continue to look out for each other. I can't say what the future holds for the six of them, but I know they will face it all together. And having the six of them share the duties of being leaders of the pride, none of them will become jealous nor become mad with power," Nala says.
"Well, I can't argue there. Now getting back to the matter at hand. I recon you have already have told the her to meet us here tonight," Simba asks.
"Yes, her and her brother Banzai," Nala says.
"Good, now I'm not one for violence, so I will not give physical punishment. I think that reducing their hunting grounds would be the best approach, of course can't go too far."
"Reduction in hunting grounds might lead to more disobedience though, and you know how they get," Nala says.
"Well you have a point there," Simba agrees.
"What if we lower how many kills they can make?" Nala suggests.
"That might lead them into a conflict again," Simba says.
"Well here's an idea, we have their food rations lowered for three days, and if disobedience continue's we reduce their hunting grounds," Nala says.
"Now that is a good idea, threat of reduce hunting grounds may keep them in line," Simba says.
They soon walk into the cave and wait for Selene and the hunting party to return with Sarafina, Sarabi and the rest of the lionesses. The cubs continue to play until about a little before sunset. The hunting party finally drug in a fresh kill of water buffalo, and soon everyone has their share. The cubs then continue to play while Simba, Nala and a few Lionesses walk outside to await the hyenas arrival. It didn't take long until they saw only Shenzi and Banzai. Simba and Nala were still skeptical about them, and were prepared in case the hyenas tried to pull of fast one. "Glad to see you made it," Simba says with sarcasm in his voice.
"So what are you going to do to us now, kill us," Shenzi says.
"We have no intention of doing that, however, your actions that you made today cannot go unpunished," Simba says.
"We are just trying to survive, we're very thankful you didn't wipe us out, and our life has been better after Scar's betrayal," Banzai says.
"Betrayal and lying were things he was good at, but that is still no excuse to attack our cubs. None of them, especially Vitani, want anything to do with his memory. You two and your clan are a constant reminder of that and you also should have known better to stay within your hunting grounds," Simba says.
"None of us want anything to do with Scar's memory, Simba, and from what I can tell Vitani is nothing like Scar, and I don't think she will ever be," Shenzi says.
"Well I must say, that is a lot coming from you Shenzi, but that still doesn't lift the fact that you were outside of your territory and you attempted to harm our cubs," Simba says.
"Please, don't hurt us, we've been through enoungh pain with Scar," Shenzi pleads.
"We will not hurt either of you, but, we will however be reducing the amount of kills you can make for three days," Simba says.
"Okay, we can live with that," Banzai says.
"And should you be disobedient in any shape or form after today, we shall be reducing your hunting grounds," Nala says.
"Phew, that's not so bad," Shenzi replies.
"And should you fail to disobey after that, punishment may be more severe," Simba warns.
This makes both hyenas gulp and soon Shenzi says nervously, "Well, heh heh, then we take our leave. We promise, we won't be a bother after this."
"Let us hope so," Simba says.
Soon Shenzi and Banzai take off whimpering, and Nala comes over and nuzzles Simba and says, "You did the right thing dear."
"Yeah, I just hope they heed the warning, I know they won't be keeping their word for very long, but let's just see how long," Simba says.
"Well, we won't have to worry about them tonight, let's head back inside honey," Nala says.
As they walk up all of the sudden Nala felt light headed and started to fall onto Simba. "Woow, are you alright Nala?" Simba asks.
"I'm fine, I haven't felt light headed like that since..." Nala cuts herself off after a realization.
Simba asks, "Since what dear?"
"I think I better go see Rafiki," Nala says.
"Wait why? Is something wrong?" Simba asks
"No, it's not any thing that's wrong, I just need to go see him," Nala says.
"Okay, just take two pride sisters with you, I don't wan't you to faint out there without protection," Simba says.
"I'll go with her," Selene says who had notice Nala looking dizzy coming in.
"Thank you Selene," Simba says.
Another lioness volunteer's and the three of them head to Rafiki's tree. Simba heads in and sees the cubs playing wrestle tag. He walks over to Sarabi and Sarafina and asks them if they know anything about Nala's condition, and both of them tell him what Nala had told him. They also said that Nala should be the one to tell him, leaving Simba more confused, and at the same time amusing them. He heads back to his families usual resting spot and keeps an eye on the cubs as they play. A little while after the night had fallen, Nala, Selene and the other pride sister finally entered the cave and Simba goes to greet her. "So what did Rafiki say? Are you sick?" Simba asks.
"Relax, dear. I'm not becoming ill, but something wonderful has happened," Nala says.
"What is it dear," Simba says, as he sees Selene and Pride sister walk away.
"Simba, I'm pregnant," Nala says.
As soon as she said that, Simba's jaw dropped in surprise. "Hm hm, wipe that look off your face dear, we have to tell the cubs about this, they are going to be so excited," Nala says as she Simba walk to their resting place.
"Nala, how come you didn't tell me before you left," Simba says.
"I had to be sure what instinct was telling me was right. I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up," Nala says.
"Well I guess it's time to let the little ones know another little one is on the way," Simba says as they lay down.
"Well what are we waiting for, an invite," Nala says.
Simba chuckles and says, "Cubs, come over here, we have something we need to tell you."
The cubs run over to them and Vitani asks, "What is it Daddy? Are we in trouble?"
"No, no, your not in trouble little ones, and I think Nala should tell you what's going on," Simba says.
Nala smiles at him and says, "Well cubs, we didn't know until today, but there is going to be another member or two to the royal family soon."
"What?" Vitani says as all cubs sit there shocked at this news.
"Your going to have a brother or sister, or both," Nala says.
"When?" Rosella asks.
"Probably when you girls are already old enough to be hunting for the pride, and the boys keeping the pride safe from outside threats," Nala says.
"Where are they now?" Kiara asks curiously.
"We'll tell you all in about a month honey. You should be old enough to understand by then," Nala explains.
"Awwww, why do we have to wait until.." Vitani asks before Nala cuts her off and says, "In the mean time, there is going to be a lot less playing and a lot more training. You six are getting to the age where you'll have to help out the pride with day to day things, and we need to harden your skills if you girls want to become lethal huntresses and you boys, strong protectors."
The cubs blush, knowing they would be spending a lot less time with each other. "Well it's time to rest little ones, you've had enough fun for one day," Simba says.
"Awwwwww," the cubs say in unison.
They obeyed their parents for they did not have any excuse to stay up, but the girls did not go to sleep before having a little chat. "So Vitani, I see you're in love with Kovu," Rosella says.
"I am not," Vitani says, trying to hide her guilt.
"Come on Vitani, you know you can't lie to your sister," Rosella says.
"Well what about you with John, I see that gleem in your eye every time you look at him," Kiara says.
"Well the same can be said for you and Terra," Vitani says.
The girls all finally admit to each other that they have feelings for the boys, and thankfully, not for the same boy. Nala was listening the entire time and was relieved to hear her three daughters admitted their feelings. She then turns her head to them and asks like she didn't know, "What are you three going on about back here?"
"Oh, nothing Mom," Vitani says.
Nala raised an eyebrow and says, "Okay, then how about you get some sleep."
"Yes Mom," they say in unison.
Soon all the cubs were asleep and the rest of the pride soon followed. Simba was the last to fall asleep thinking about what he should and should not do while training the boys for kingly duties tomorrow. It wasn't just going to be busy for him, but for Nala and Selene as well, and Possibly Timon and Pumba.
End of Chapter twenty five. Hope everyone enjoyed. Sorry I took so long to update, I was sort of preoccupied with work and making chapters for my other stories. I hope this chapter wasn't a let down. The girls have admitted their feelings about the boys, and the Hyena's have been properly dealt with. Also Nala is having more cubs, but they won't show up until the cubs are teens, in lion logic of course. The training is going to be more often now and for now the Outlanders won't be a nusance. Thought I would have Shenzi throw in a little sympathy as a twist. That may lead to something more in the future, or maybe not, I'll keep you guessing. Please read and review, and no flames please. I'll update as soon as I can, though that may be somewhere after the holidays. I'm going on Vacation, so in case I haven't updated before then, Happy Holidays everyone. You rock.