Chapter 8: A New Dawn for a New Age

A/N 1: Alright guys, next chapter for ya. And as the title implies, expect a lot of "new faces" to show up. Other than that, read and enjoy. Also, I updated the first three chapters to match my current writing style; makes it easier to read them too.

It's been a month since my chat with Rafiki, and so far, life is great. Sure, it was a bit of a bumpy road, but it was totally worth it in the end. In the weeks that followed the visit, I slowly practiced walking on my right leg again. Sure there were times where I would stumble a bit during my "sessions", but when you have the support of two parents, an aunt and a few sisters, it makes standing up and getting back to practice more worthwhile. Besides, the cubs are going to be here soon, and I'm going to have to be in tip top shape if I'm going to handle them all.

Speaking of which, the final month has finally graced our pride, and each expecting lioness had one last little growth spurt in the time that past. Given that lion pregnancy is shorter than a human's, I really shouldn't be surprised at the sudden growth. This also means that each lioness could deliver any time now...let's just hope that time doesn't come for them all at once.

Luckily, to help pass the time, I would accompany the lionesses on walks around the pridelands, and even get to chat with some local herds and other wildlife. Turns out they weren't afraid of the presence of lions, let alone one being their king. In fact they approved of Mufasa, my father, being king since he followed the belief of keeping the balance of the Circle of Life. Man, I would love to be able learn a thing or two from him one day.

And today was that day...or to be more accurate, this morning.

The sky was still dark as we all rested in the den. Ever since my breakdown and recovery, the whole pride laid close to the raised platform where my mom, dad and I were...all except for Scar and Zira of course. I hope one day I can reach them and prove to them I'm not a threat…all in good time, I guess. Anyway, I was currently resting between my parents with my shirt off. Yes, I sleep partially naked, but that was mainly because of the heat and the fact that my clothes would last longer if I didn't wear them 24/7. So as I was saying, I was sleeping with my parents, currently laying against my mom, when I feel something nudge my head.

"Wake up Connor. There's something I want to show you." Turns out it was my dad trying to wake me up before the sun was even in the sky to show me who knows what. So how do I respond? With a groan and a shifting of my body. What can I say? I'm not a morning person.

"C'mon dad. I'm trying to sleep. Can't it wait?" The response I get is a chuckle from him as he gently nudges me again.

"I'm afraid not son. After all, I think this is something you'll really want to see." I slowly and tiredly look up at my father, a wise, yet humorous smile on his face.

"Can you at least give me like...five minutes?" I inquire with a yawn, stretching my tired body, which in turn, wakes up my mother.

"Hmm...Sarabi dear? Care to do the honors?" He directed this odd question at my mom as I set my head back down on my arms.

"Why of course." I hear her reply before I feel something long and rough glide along my neck.

My mom was licking, or "cleaning" me, to help get me up and moving. Now, I don't have much of a problem with the whole "tongue-bathing" process. Heck, it feels like a back scratcher taking care of all those nasty itches on my skin. But the real irks about it were that she would try to clean my whole body, which I deny for the sake of personal privacy, and that she would focus on my neck to make me rise from any slumber… and it usually works.

"Aw mom, no fair." I say loudly as try to bat her tongue away, eventually sitting up.

"Alright, I'm up I'm up." I rub my eyes as I stretch once more, loosening my tired muscles.

"Excellent. Come along then Connor." My father said with a grin as he made his way towards the den's entrance. "We don't want to miss this."

"Ugh, well, whatever 'this' is, it better be worth waking up so early in the morning." I groan as I slowly stand up, grabbing my white shirt and slipping it on as I hear my mom chuckle behind me as she took her time to get up as well.

"Believe me Connor: If it's what I think it's going to be, you won't want to miss it." She says to me as she nudges me from behind, coaxing me to follow Mufasa outside.

"Well, if you say so… I guess I don't have much to lose from this anyway." With one last shrug, I make my way over to my dad, who was waiting for me patiently outside the cave entrance.

When I finally reach him, he gestures with a turn of his head to follow him up towards the summit. Apparently whatever he was going to show me had quite the view to go with it. As I followed him up the slope, I took notice of the sky and how it was slowly transitioning from a dark purple to a shade of pink and orange. I knew right away that this was a sign that the sun was going to rise soon. I just hope this was worth losing a few extra minutes, if not hours of sleep.

By the time I reached the summit, I noticed that my dad was sitting right by the edge. Good thing I don't have a fear of heights… just falling from them. Gulping quietly, I slowly make my way over to where he is and take a seat next to him, my feet dangling over the edge.

"So, what was it you wanted to show me?" I look up at him curiously.

"Just wait for it." He replied with his eyes toward the horizon and a content smile on his face.

"Wait for what?" I asked him as I looked to where he was staring, finally getting my answer in the form of something absolutely magnificent.

"Oh...that." My eyes widened as I watched with wonder, as the sun slowly began its ascent into the sky.

I take it back. This was DEFINITELY worth waking up early in the morning for. Just like I would watch on a nature channel, I got to see the sun rise over the pridelands, with the "best seat in the house", bathing it in its warm light. The sight was enough to bring a tear or two to my eye as I got to see the pridelands in all of its beauty. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this place was paradise.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Mufasa asked me as I wiped my eyes, responding with a nod. "When I was a cub my father, King Ahadi, would bring me up here to watch the sunrise with him. He would tell me that whatever basked under the rays of the sun, was a part of our kingdom." He told me as he spoke about his past a bit. His father must have been just as wise a king to have taught my dad so much.

"So this is all part of your kingdom?" I asked inquisitively as I stood back up.

"OUR kingdom son." He answered, making me look back at him in surprise. "You are a prince now, which makes this land yours just as much as it is mine."

"Oh wow." I speak quietly in wonder. "So uh… what does that make that place then?" I pointed towards an area covered in shadow, even with the sun almost fully in the sky. The landscape was jagged, misshapened, and cracked open like an egg. I could practically feel the ominous sensation it was giving off.

"That, my boy...is the elephant graveyard; a place beyond our borders, and home to the hyenas. It is for that reason that travelling to the graveyard is forbidden." Mufasa says sternly as he makes his way over to me, while I shuddered at the thought of the hyenas.

"That's a relief then. I think I've had enough to do with hyenas for one lifetime." I chuckle lightly, rubbing my hand over the teeth marks on my right leg for emphasis.

"I couldn't agree more. Which is why today, we are going to focus on something else." My dad said as he made his way back towards the slope, earning a tilt of the head from me in response.

"And, what would that be, exactly?" I ask as I follow him down the slope.

"Why, your lessons as a royal prince of course. Since you are mine and Sarabi's son, I figured it was high time I finally taught you what it means to rule over the pridelands." He looked back at me with a proud look on his muzzle, while I just had on the same look I had on since he mentioned the lessons: a look of surprise, bewilderment and above all else, honor.

"W-wow...that's…" I clear my throat as I gather my words together. "I'll certainly do my best to remember...your…" They came to a stop again however, as a familiar, green eyed lion made his way up to the den.

"Ah, good morning brother. I'm surprised to see you up so early." Scar said with his sly, yet polite voice before bringing his gaze on me.

"Though, now I can see why." His expression towards me this time wasn't of contempt or hatred, but of intrigue and deep thought...almost as if he was planning something.

"A fine morning to you too Scar. You are correct in your assumption: I'm going to be showing Connor around the kingdom, and teaching him some lessons on ruling it." Mufasa said to his younger brother, instinctively staying close to me in the process. I guess the protective nature of my father after my last encounter with Scar hasn't worn off yet.

"I see… Well, don't let me keep you waiting." Scar then sauntered past us and into the den, his coarse fur brushing against my arm, making me shudder in response. "I'm sure you two have a long day ahead of you."

Jeez that guy gives me the creeps. Sure he's technically my uncle now, but he still gives off that vibe that makes me want to avoid him. I continue to contemplate my thoughts as my dad and I make our way off of Pride Rock.

"Oh, and Connor…" My eyes widen cautiously as I turn to Scar, who had called out to me.

"I suggest you be careful out there. The pridelands has more dangers, than even YOU may realize." He finishes his statement with an almost sinister grin before making his way into the den. Yep…going to avoid that lion like the devil if I have to.

He was right about one thing though: My dad and I DID have a long day ahead of us.

It was around noon, and we STILL have much more to see. During the beginning of my outing with Mufasa, we met with some of the herds again, but this time the king was making sure I paid attention in order to learn their migration periods, their usual grazing spots, and above all else, when there is a member of the herd who is sick or elderly, so that food can be provided for the pride. While I was skeptical at the concept at first, the herds reassured me that they would rather have their weak and old members be put out of their misery, then suffer for the remainder of the life they had left. I guess when you put it that way, any death would be considered an honorable one.

After we met with the herds, we started with the next step of my training: Patrolling the land. I had to admit though, I felt it would be a bit of a challenge with my leg still recuperating.

"You sure this is a good idea dad?" I look at him with uncertainty.

"Of course Connor. Think of it as extra walking practice." Seeing me frown slightly, Mufasa sauntered over and pressed his forehead into my own comfortingly.

"You have nothing to worry about my son; I'll be by your side every step of the way." He said as I exhaled in relief, standing back up.

"You're right. Thanks dad. Now, let's get moving." With the extra boost in confidence, we began the patrol… with me leading the way. That is until I stop and look back at my father, who is smirking at my overconfidence.

"Maybe you should lead; you know where we need to go." I say with a chuckle as Mufasa does the same, taking the lead as I follow next to him closely.

A couple hours would pass until I finally felt my right leg getting sore. Luckily, we were on the return trip of our patrol, and my dad offered me a ride on his back to relieve the stress on my leg. During the patrol, however, I got to see all sorts of different natural areas that made up the pridelands, from the many river channels and waterfalls to the massive gorge along the southern border. Apparently the wildebeest would follow the path into it during migration times since there was a stream at the very end of it which connected to a waterfall leading out of the pridelands.

Speaking of which, I was getting rather thirsty myself, and managed to spot a stream not too far from Pride Rock.

"Hey dad, think we can get a drink before we head back? I'm parched." I asked him, to which he nodded and made his way over to the stream.

Once we reached it, I noticed that the water was surprisingly clear, and when I scooped some with my hands and drank it, not only was it cool, but it was also fresh. It had to be a result from the previous rain storms… and the minerals from the stones at the bottom of the stream. Hah! All that stuff I learned in science class paid off after all. I also noticed that it seemed deeper at some parts, making it perfect for if I wanted to go for a swim.

"So Connor," My father said after lapping up some water himself, licking his chops free of any excess. "What do think of the lessons so far?"

"Well, I would be lying if I said it wasn't a lot to take in." I say as I wash my face, letting the cool water soak in.

"But I certainly do understand the importance of it all." I say as I direct my attention to Mufasa.

"Oh really?" He smirked as he sat on his haunches by me. "Perhaps you can enlighten me then?" I knew he already knew the answer; he was testing me to see if I remembered what I learned.

"Okay...well…" I clear my throat as I sit back and think about what words to use. "To be a good king is to understand the balance between predator and prey; knowing when and what you hunt." I say as I look up at the clouds, still in thought as to what I could say.

"It's also about respect; by showing to respect to all creatures in your land, they in turn respect you, not only helping the land flourish, but keeping the Circle of Life in motion as well." When I finish, I look over at Mufasa, who was smiling at me like my dad used to whenever I got good grades on my report card.

"I couldn't have said it better myself Connor." He leans over and nuzzles my head. "You truly do have the potential to be great prince of our kingdom."

"Good afternoon Sire! Good afternoon my prince!" We both looked up to see Zazu, the blue hornbill from before, and my dad's majordomo slowly glide down to perch on his shoulder. Hehe, give him an eyepatch and I could see my dad being a lion pirate.

"Good Afternoon Zazu." My father replied to him.

"Hello Zazu. Is everything alright?" I ask the hornbill, being as polite as possible. It's true he can be a bit strict at times, but it was all for the sake of helping my dad, and I had to respect Zazu for that.

"Everything is just fine my prince." He reassured me as he flew over and perched on my own shoulder. He is surprisingly light. "I'm merely here on behalf of the Queen, who wishes that her son returns home soon." At this, my dad chuckles lightly.

"It's a good thing his lessons just ended, so we'll be back shortly." He relayed to the hornbill.

"Indeed, which is also why she said 'I'm hoping to spend some time with our son as well before nightfall." I couldn't help but giggle at the statement. If there's one thing my lion parents loved as much as their family, it was to tease one another...and that certainly is funny to see.

"Hehehe, that's my honeytree for you." My dad chuckled lightly. "Tell her we're on our way back right now Zazu." With a curt nod, Zazu flaps his wings and flies off my shoulder and towards Pride Rock.

"Well, let's get going son. Don't want to keep your mother waiting." Mufasa said as he crouched down, allowing me to climb on his back.

"Nope, we sure don't." I smiled happily as we made our way back home so I could spend time with my mom.

One Week Later

Oh God it is HOT!

I know that in Africa the temperature during the day is supposed to be higher than what I'm used to; good thing I adjust quickly, but today was HOTTER than usual. Seriously, it was so hot, the pride had to stay in the den for the majority of the day to stay out of the heat, and even then we still had trouble cooling down. I was currently resting on Kasi, fanning my face with my hand to try and get some sort of breeze going, while the rest of my family was resting in different spots of the cave, panting heavily to try and cool down themselves.

"Ugh, what is with this heat?" Amani groaned as she turned onto her back. "I feel like I'm literally sweating my fur off here."

"Technically, the only one who can sweat here is Connor." That was Afya, one of the older lionesses in our group, who was quite intelligent for a lion. Too bad brains weren't going to help us out of this situation.

"Though, at this rate, we're all likely to start feeling the effects of dehydration sooner or-"

"Shut up Afya!" We all shouted at her, immediately shutting her up.

I rest my case.

"Still, I would love to go for something cool right about now." Neema complained, coming over to me and plopping down on her side, resting her head in my lap while I gave her a belly rub.

"We all do Neema. But unfortunately we're just going to have to wait until the sun goes down, and hope the heat goes with it." My mom spoke from behind me, staying strong and hopeful for all of us.

Wait...cool...cool...THAT'S IT!

My eyes widen as a memory and idea come to mind.

"Maybe we won't have to." I say as I slowly stand up. "C'mon ladies."

The lionesses all look up at me curiously, wondering what I had in mind.

"Where are we going kiddo?" Amani was the first to ask, getting a smirk from yours truly in response.

"WE are going to go cool off."

With a quickened pace, it only took us 20 minutes to reach our destination. Good thing too; the lionesses were getting hot and agitated.

"You… better know… where you're going bud." Amani said as she tried to catch her breath.

"Of course I do. See for yourself." I reply to her happily as I pull back some tall grass to reveal, much to the ladies' surprise and joy, a flowing stream; the same stream my dad and I stumbled across on our way home.

"Well? What are you girls waiting for?" I ask as strip down to my bare skin.

"LETS COOL OFF!" I shout as I rush over and jump into one of the deeper parts of the stream with a splash.

The lionesses laugh as the shield themselves from the sudden spray of water, getting wet regardless.

"Well, you heard him ladies!" Amani grinned back at the others. "LET'S GET WET!" Before immediately bounding into a shallow area of the stream.

"You don't have to tell me twice! Woohoo!" Kasi followed close behind Amani, followed by Afya, Sarafina, and many more lionesses. Only Sarabi and Neema stayed behind on the shore; their focus was on getting a drink first before anything else.

As the lionesses splashed about in the stream, they soon noticed something was missing.

"Hey uh, has anyone seen Connor? " Amani asked the group, who gave a collective head shake.

Suddenly, as if an answer to her question, I come leaping out of the water, right at my sandy furred sister.

"BANZAI!" I shouted out loud as I tackled Amani with the full force of my body, knocking her off balance and sending her under with me. I'm certain there's going to be some dire consequences for what I just did. But it was SO worth it to see the surprised look on her face.

"WHOO! That, was awesome!" I shout, being the first to surface before seeing Amani rising up next to me… a sinister grin on her muzzle. "...Uh oh…"

"You…are so…dead." She says with a mixture of menace and play, while I slowly get up.

"Well, the funny thing about that is…" with a quick motion of my leg, I splash water into Amani's face, distracting her. "You need to catch me first!" I cackle goofily as I trudge away from her.

"Oho! You little punk!" She starts to chase after me, having as much trouble as I am wading through the water. "Just wait until I get my paws on you!" She shouts at me, all the while the other lionesses are laughing at the little scene they were witnessing.

"It certainly is wonderful to see him so happy." My mom spoke from her spot on the shore, lying down next to Neema.

"Yeah...it certainly is" Neema responds, her claws scratching the ground during her little pause, immediately catching Sarabi's attention.

"Neema dear, are you feeling alright?" She asks with concern.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine. Just a little…" she lets out a quiet hiss as she claws at the ground again. "T-tightening is all."

Not buying her excuse for a minute, Sarabi shifts her head back and rests it on Neema's round middle.

"Hmm, well Neema," she says as she brings her head forward to face my sister. "Looks like you'll be the first."

Neema's eyes widened when she heard this. Here? Now?

"Uhm…c-could you bring Connor over her? I would-" another contraction hits her. "I would feel more comfortable if he was with me during this."

My mother contemplated this before seeing the look of fear in Neema's eyes then gazing over at me, currently wrestling with Amani and Kasi as they tried to dunk me into the water.

"Alright Neema...if it'll make you feel better." She smiled at Neema, who exhaled with relief.

"Connor! Could you come over here for a minute please?" I heard my mom call to me as I tried to overpower Kasi, only for her to knock me into the water.

"Yeah! I'll be right over Mom! Good job Kasi." I say as I give the lioness a scratch on the ears as a reward before making my way over to her and my sister. "What's up?"

After a few minutes of quiet talk, I'm pretty sure every animal in the pridelands heard me when I blurted out:

"SHE'S WHAT!?"

"Please Connor? It would mean so much to me if you were there to help me through this." Neema pleaded, hoping I would accept.

"But but but, wouldn't it be better if you had another lioness with you during this?" I, on the other hand, was still shocked by the fact that Neema's cubs were going to be here soon…and she wanted ME to be with her for the delivery.

"While I agree with that fact dear, since lionesses normally give birth on their own, she was very adamant about you being with her." My mom added in as she stayed close to Neema.

"Well...I…" I stutter as I scratch the back of my wet head with uncertainty.

"Please Connor…Please?" Neema asked me once again and this time did the one thing I always dreaded from her: she gave me "the look".

Just like that, I caved; How could I resist "the look", when its owner is in such a delicate condition. Rhetorical question, by the way.

"Alright. Just let me get my clothes on."

After drying off and getting dressed, I left with Neema to find a comfortable spot to bear her cubs. Turns out the spot in question was under the shade of an Acacia tree where a steady breeze was passing by. I was sitting against the trunk, gently caressing Neema's cheek as she rested her head in my lap while laying on her side, working through the contractions. Every few seconds I could literally see her belly tighten as she growled softly; she must've just started pushing.

"Connor…I…I'm scared…I don't know if I can keep doing this." Neema whimpers as she speaks to me through the pain. I could only imagine what she was going through right now, but the best I can do for her now is be here to comfort her.

"Hey hey, no need to talk like that Nee; you're doing just fine. All you need to do right now is focus on bringing your babies into the world. I know you can do this." I smiled down at her, stroking her head as she looks up at me, then smiles through the pain.

"Thank you…for being with me through this. You really are…the best little brother someone like me could ask for. " Neema said before whimpering as pain took ahold of her once more.

After a few more minutes of minutes of pain and pushing, we both finally heard it: the sounds of infantile mewling filling the air. I was quick to get up and check, and almost immediately my breath was taken away by the sight of a newborn cub, big enough to easily fit in my hands. I quickly scooped it up and set in between Neema's paws.

"She's beautiful Neema. A beautiful little girl." I say to her as she smiles through the tears and starts to lick her cub clean. Just like her mother, she had chocolate brown fur with a creamy brown underbelly, just like her mother.

"My sweet little Kula. I finally get to meet you." She says as she nuzzles her tenderly as I watch on with a heartfelt smile. It was short lived however as Neema started to tense up again and claw at the ground. The second cub was coming.

It wasn't three minutes after Kula was born that her brother finally joined her. That's right, a healthy little boy with the same fur color pattern as his mom and sister.

"They're so tiny." I speak quietly as I watch the cubs rest in Neema's arms. If there's one thing I love more than lions, it's lion cubs, and these two were absolutely precious.

"They sure are, and so precious…You know, I haven't forgotten that deal we made a month ago." She smiles at me knowingly as she picks up the little boy cub in her mouth and carefully sets him in my lap, instantly taking my breath away.

"This little guy still needs a name." She says to me as I stare at the cub in wonder. I watched it fidget in my lap before I bring a hand down and stroke it softly, and it quickly calms down.

"Neema, you know I was just-" I was about to say that it was playful banter back then, but she stopped me before I could finish.

"I know Connor…but to be honest, I would feel bad if you didn't give him a name." She said knowingly. I guess, bet or not, she was really dead set on giving me a privilege such as this. So, with a deep breath taken, and a smile back on my lips, I finally give him a name.

"Chumvi...I'll name you Chumvi." I stroke his little back once more as I look to Neema for approval.

"Chumvi…It's perfect." With that, Neema scoots closer to me and nuzzles my cheek, while we rest against the tree, with the cubs sleeping peacefully.

"Best…Day…Ever."

Another week later

"It's not gonna come out."

"Yes it will."

"It's never going to come out."

"Of course it will."

Neema and I were currently in the den watching Amani pace irritably by the entrance, her belly swaying heavily as she did so, while we were sitting down further in with Neemas cubs; Chumvi was with his mom, while Kula was in my lap, pawing at my fingers as I dangled them over her. Both of them had finally opened their eyes after the long week from being born.

"I can tell you right now, it is never, going, to happen!" Amani growled in frustration before finally plopping down on her side.

"This cub is never going to leave, and I'm going to have to stay like this. This sucks." She say sadly as she lays down.

Before Neema and I can say anything, Kasi makes her way toward and past us with a slight smile on her face.

"Hey Kasi. Where are you off to?" I ask her as I grab Kula and set her back in my lap; she was trying to scurry off my leg and I didn't want her to get hurt.

"Well, since you asked," The peach colored lionesses looked back at her belly, which tightened for a short moment; the telltale sign of a contraction, and that her cub was coming. "I'm off to go find a quiet place to have my cub…I just hope this one will be nice and healthy." She said with a slight frown.

The pride she lived with before was struck by a strange disease, which not only killed the prey but some of the predators as well. Kasi already had a cub back then, but unfortunately it didn't live long as it sooned succumbed to the disease as well. Giving her a confident smile, I reach over and rest a hand on Kasi's taut middle.

"It'll be just fine Kasi; the will be strong and healthy and playful, just like you'd want it to be."

With her worries reassured, she took her leave from the den. Amani watching her with a shocked look on her face.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?" She shouted out of frustration then turned onto her back, glaring at the globe of flesh that was her womb.

"Okay, I've waited long enough, but NOW it's time for you to leave, got it!?" She said as she poked at it, before finally letting out a sigh of defeat.

"I just want my body back so I can run and hunt all those other good things again." She groaned sadly as she closed her eyes.

Frowning as I watched her, I placed Kula back with Neema and made my way over to my upset sister.

"Hey, come on now sis." I say as I sit alongside her upright middle with a smile. "I think I know JUST what you need."

"Oh come on kiddo. Can't you see I'm wallowing in self pity he-Ooh! Ooooh, oh yeah, that feels sooo good." Her complaining stopped just like that as I started to rub the entirety of her belly, making her purr to top it off.

I chuckle, seeing that my form of comfort was paying off before laying against her middle and nuzzling it.

"Feeling better now?" I ask her with an innocent smile, to which she brings her head up and smirks at me.

"Sneaky little punk." She says with a giggle as she uses her forepaw to prod at my head playfully. "You're lucky I love ya so much, or else I would've smacked you silly by now-" before she could finish, she gasped loudly as she felt a strong urge within her. Even I felt it as her belly shifted and hardened, making me sit up quickly.

"Wow, I guess the cub finally made up its mind." I chuckle lightly, scratching my head.

"Well I say it's about time." Amani responded triumphantly as she slowly stood up, ready to get this over with. "Let's get going Connor."

That made me stop and stare at my sister.

"Wait...you want me to come with you?" I pointed at myself as I stared at her.

"Of course. You sat with Neema during her delivery, so it's only fair that you do the same with your other sister." She said adamantly before coming over and grabbing me by the shirt with her mouth. "Now let's go before the cub decides to drop itself off here."

"Whoa! Hey! Hang on! Don't I get a say in this!?" I shout as I try resist Amani's pulling force, only for her look back at me with a smirk.

"Nnnnope." She says as she continues to pull me along.

"Oh for- Neema, I could REALLY use some help right about now!" I plead to my other sister as I'm pulled along against my will.

"Hehe, sorry Connor, but I'm afraid I have my paws full at the moment." Neema giggled as she started to bathe her cubs.

"AWE COME ON!"

ANOTHER week later

"Okay little buddy, I have waited for three whole months, I helped deliver Kula, Chumvi, AND Tojo, and now I have only one thing to ask you: When are you finally gonna get here?" I asked the bump currently protruding from my mom's womb, poking it softly as I sat with her in the den.

After assisting with the delivery of three healthy lion cubs, I was pretty much ready to finally meet my little brother. The only problem was that he was being lazy right now, and was showing now signs of wanting out.

"Well, it's like I keep telling you honey: he will come out when he feels he is ready." My mom tells me as she brings her head over and licks my own, bringing a soft smile to my face.

"I know mom." I sigh as I finally lay against her, feeling my soon-to-be little brother kick and move against her womb. "I guess I'm just eager to meet the little guy."

"I can certainly agree with you there son." My dad comes in, having finished the morning patrol, and nuzzles my mom before doing the same with me. "But, it's times like this when patience becomes a factor that is truly tested."

Heh, even when he's lacking patience like me, and I know he is; he's just good at hiding it, my dad is still able to share his words of wisdom. Maybe I just need to find something to distract myself with.

"In that case, maybe I'll test my patience outside under the sun." I chuckle lightly as I stand up. "I could use the fresh air anyway."

"Alright, just be careful sweetie." My mom says to me with a smile, even though I could tell she was worried.

"Don't worry mom. I'm just going to be near the entrance of the den." I wave to her as I make my way out.

Shielding my eyes from the sun's rays, I take a seat against the rocky wall just inches away from the den. If the big event DID happen, I did NOT want to miss it. However, the position of relaxation I was in had other plans for my body. Soon enough, my eyes grew heavy until I succumbed to a peaceful nap.

"Asante sana, squashed banana, wewe nugu mimi apana! Asante sana, squashed banana, wewe nugu mimi apana!"

…Squashed bananas? Oh! Hehe, I knew that voice anywhere as I opened my eyes to see good ol' Rafiki make his way up Pride Rock, humming that little tune of his.

"Hello Rafiki." I greet him before yawning slightly. "Sorry. What brings you here."

"Ah, good to see you too young prince." He bows to me respectfully before bringing himself back up. "I'm actually here to check on your mother. With all of the new cubs finally joining us, I have a strong feeling that hers will be coming very soon."

"I sure hope so Rafiki" I say as I lay back against the stoney wall. "It's getting hard for me to wait lately." To this, Rafiki cackles lightly as he leans against his stick.

"Ohohoho, Connor, you misunderstand: I mean that it is going to happen VERY soon." I look at the old mandril with confusion as he leans in close while speaking to me.

"Oh-kay…how soon are we talking exactly?" I ask him curiously before the answer comes from the source I least expected.

"Connor honey! It's time!" My mom called to me from the den, and I just looked in, then back at Rafiki, then back in the den…then back at Rafiki again, my jaw dropped the whole time in bewilderment.

"H-how-how did you?" I ask…at least I think I asked; I was having trouble trying to find words at the moment.

"Ol' Rafiki has his way child." He says as he makes his way into the den, grabbing my hand in the process. "Come on now. I know you don't want to miss this."

"…Seriously, how did you do that?"

15 Minutes Later

"Oh Mufy…he's perfect."

"He's got my fur, but I bet he'll have your eyes honey tree."

"He's so adorable. Like a cute little fuzzball."

The three of us: My dad, my mom, and myself, were currently admiring Simba: my newborn baby brother sleep soundly in between my mom's paws.

"Congratulations mom." I say as I hug her neck, to which she nuzzles into my embrace.

"You're too sweet Connor." She smiles at me before putting her focus back on Simba, licking him gently.

"How does it feel to be a big brother Connor?" My dad asks me, to which I grin at him, having something silly yet personal in mind for a response.

"Kinda like this." I say as I stand up and walk out towards the edge of the promontory rock, take a deep breath, and with all the lung strength I could muster, I shout out to the pridelands the following words:

"I'M A BIG BROTHER AGAIN!"

I shouted it proudly as many times as I could, the grin still on my face. I didn't care how the animals would react to my yelling. All that mattered to me was that my brother was finally here, and my family was officially whole again.

Meanwhile, back in the den, my parents chuckled as they watched my display of joy outside, before Sarabi turned to Mufasa with a smirk.

"Think we should tell him about the presentation?" She asked him as he stared out at me, a warm smile on his muzzle.

"We can tell him once he's done." With that, he laid down beside his mate, nuzzling her affectionately, then putting his focus back on his cub.

A/N 2: FINALLY! It took longer than I would've expected, and for that I am deeply sorry, but I am FINALLY finished with chapter. I do apologize it this one took the title for longest chapter, but I felt I kept you guys waiting long enough to finally get the cubs into the story. So NOW we are finally getting to where the movie officially starts, but the real question is: What is going to happen to Connor now that all of these cubs to help watch over? You'll just have to wait until Chapter 9. Like always, read and review. Oh, and if you guys feel like I should make some adjustments to this chapter, just let me know.