Hi before beginning the story I must clarify some points that I think its necessary. First of all, the Lions of the Pridelands are a special breed which were gifted with unnatural long lives. They could live for a long time but not as long as Elves. In fact, they could live as long as the Dunedains. Secondly they are also bigger than the normal Lions we see in zoos. In fact they are bigger, stronger and smarter.
Usually, male Lions stand between 3.5 and 4 feet (1 and 1.2 meters) tall at the shoulder while females had a shoulder height of 0.9–1.1 metres. But in this story, like I announced, they are much bigger : the Lionesses would stand at 1,70 meters at the shoulder while the the Males ( especially the biggest) would reach 6 feet tall at the shoulder .
Second point, all Lions are inspired from the Nemean Lion in Greek Mythology and the first beast Hercules slayed during his twelves labours : Its body density was dense enough that it was invulnerable to traditional weapons and it could use its claws to rend through stone and metal. However, I must say that, like normal Lions, they would be a bit afraid of fire or die of natural causes (old , diseases, broken bones due to a big shock)
Third point, Rafiki is not an ordinary Mandrill either. In fact he is also a Wizard (in an animal form ) and because of this, he could live for a long time. Now that all points are explained , I think you can now understand what will happen in the future. Oh and a non-canon Lion King Character would appear in the story. Of course I won't say which one ^^
Now I hope you will enjoy my work and please don't be too harsh as its my first Crossover story.
Now enough talking and enjoy the stories !