Chapter Four

Walking Her Home

A few nights later Simba and Nala were looking at the Stars with all the teens.

"Hey look at that one Muhasi, it looks like a bunny," Njia said.

"Yeah it does, that one over there looks like a cloud," Muhasi said.

"Grandpa, you said you and mom used to do this all the time?" Kitu asked.

"Yeah, we did. It was our special thing we used to do. I will never forget those nights." Simba said.

"I'm exhausted, dad said we might be leaving tomorrow," Maisha said yawning.

"Really? Well, he might change his mind after tonight." Kishindo said.

"True, besides I love being here," Jala said.

Nala lay there silent. Which kind of concerned Simba?

"Nala are you alright?" Simba asked.

"Um not really. I don't feel right." Nala said.

"What do you mean Mom?" Malkia asked seeming shocked.

"I mean I feel like I need to go home," Nala said.

Simba jumped up as fast as he could. And came to her and nuzzled her cheek. And helped her get up as he noticed she was shaking.

"Kitu. Go to pride rock and tell your parents, and uncles to come to our den now! Go as fast as you can." Simba said.

"Of course," Kitu said a bit concerned now realizing this isn't good.

"Grandma, are you going to be okay?" Jala asked almost in tears.

"Jala don't worry about me, your grandpa has me, you go to pride rock all of you," Nala said.

The teens all left following Kitu.

"Simba, it's time." Nala said.

"Nala you don't know that," Simba said.

"Simba just take this walk slowly. I want to spend the rest of my life with the love of my life by my side." Nala said.

"Your majesties, thank goodness I came as fast as I could. I know I heard right." Makini said running up behind them.

"Hey, Makini. I need you to be at pride rock when we get there. Just let me have this time with Simba." Nala said with a big smile.

"Of course," Makini said dashing ahead.

"Nala I'm not ready to live without you. I almost lost you twice. I can't lose you now." Simba said.

"Dance with me," Nala said.

"What do you mean?" Simba said.

"Simba, I have always loved you. Even when I was little I loved you. And you and I have had four wonderful kids. Which have now 6 wonderful grandkids. We have loved, and lost. Me and you have been through it all love." Nala said.

Simba hugged Nala holding back his tears knowing this was her way of saying goodbye. They stood there spinning around, stepping back and forth. As Simba couldn't hold his emotions in.

"Simba," Nala said softly whispering in his ear.

"Yeah Nala?" Simba asked.

"Thanks for the adventure. I felt the love you gave me. I couldn't ask for a better mate." Nala said licking his cheek gently as a tear rolled down his cheek.

"I love you too Nala," Simba said.

"Now walk me home one last time," Nala said.

{Suggested Song Walking Her Home by Mark Schultz}

They walked slowly, as Simba couldn't help but remember his life with Nala. But all he could think about was the fact that he was about to say goodbye to his best friend.

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About an hour later. Nala got situated in the den, while Makini tended to her. And Simba was right by her side.

"Queen Nala, who would you like to come in first?" Ono asked.

"Ono. Thank you for being such a great friend to our family. There won't ever be another Zazu, but there will never be another Ono." Nala said.

"Thank you, your majesty. It's been an honor. But my question still remains." Ono said holding back his tears.

"Call in all the grandkids," Nala said.

"Affirmative," Ono said.

Ono brought the grandkids only in. As all of them were pretty shaken about what they had to do.

"Grandma, are you really going to die?" Kishindo asked.

"Yes, Kishindo. But I want each of you to know something. I love every one of you. Kitu you are going to be a fantastic king one day, take your grandfather and Father's advice. They aren't trying to control you, but guide you. Njia You will make a fantastic leader of the guard when you are ready. Just as your Aunt and Uncle have been before you. I'm so proud of the lioness you've become, you remind me so much of me when I was your age. Muhasi you as well as Kitu will make a great king. Lead the tree of life with the best of you and just know I will be rooting for you always. Jala, it's okay to be yourself, honey. I love you, and everyone else will too. And yes I know!" Nala said.

"How did you?" Jala asked shocked.

"Don't worry. And FYI no one will think your weird. Kishindo your name means roar, just cause you don't have the roar of the elders, doesn't mean your roar won't be heard throughout the ages. Go make your mark on this world my precious grandson. And Maisha, don't worry about being different, you are just like every teen your age. You will find someone who will love you just like your grandfather loves me. You all mean the world to me, and I can't wait to watch you all thrive." Nala said.

"Thank you, Grandma. I love you." Kitu said hugging her one last time, as each one hugged her and exited the room.

And it came Nala's cubs and their mates.

"You know Simba, you remember when Timon and Pumbaa were worried we would struggle to be parents and royalty?" Nala said.

"Yes vividly," Simba said chuckling.

"I wish they were still here. Cause I would tell them how wrong they were. Cause I have 7 wonderful cubs. Kovu is a kind, fierce, and loving mate, father, and king. And loves our first daughter Kiara who is the sweetest lioness I've ever met. Kopa is my miracle cub, who once was lost, but I've been able to make up for the time lost. And he and his mate Vitani are a powerful duo. Vitani thank you for embracing me when you didn't have to. Malkia is also my miracle cub, she saved me and Simba. Malkia I love the lioness you've become, I know you'll miss me, but look around you. You are never alone." Nala said.

"I know mom. I will try to carry on. But it will take time." Malkia said.

"And Kion, Rani. Kion I'm so proud of the lion you've become, and you have the kindest queen by your side. I never imagined the scar that brought you pain, would bring the most joy in your life." Nala said.

"I always look at my scar and think without it I wouldn't have Rani or my cubs. Thanks, mom for raising me to be the lion I am." Kion said.

"Ahh. I tried my best. But I couldn't have raised any of you without Simba, Rafiki, Sarabi, Timon, Pumbaa, or Zazu." Nala said looking around the room. And at that moment standing beside Kion was a ghost-like image of Rafiki, Timon, Pumbaa, and Zazu all bowing to their queen.

"Nala. I have to confess something, and it's terrible timing but I can't let you die believing a lie. Me and Kopa aren't mates anymore." Vitani said shocking the entire room.

Nala smiled.

"Vitani, Kopa. Don't forget the love you had. And by the way, I knew you weren't. But I still stand by my statement. You both are a powerful duo." Nala said.

"Um, Kids. I hate to do this, but can me and your mom have our last moment together." Simba said.

"Of course Dad," Kion said holding back his tears as she hugged his mom. As they all did.

The kids all left the room. As did Makini by Nala's request.

"Simba. We felt the love tonight. Thank you for the adventure." Nala said.

"I couldn't have been who I am without you," Simba said beginning to fall apart.

"I know. You couldn't have pulled it off without me." Nala said with a smile.

"This isn't the end," Simba said.

"Simba promise me you will love our kids and grandkids until it's your time to complete your journey," Nala said.

"I promise," Simba said.

"Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase. Hakuna Matata ain't no passing craze." Nala began to softly sing.

"It means no worries. For the rest of your days." Simba said with tears flowing down his face.

"I love you my Lion King!" Nala said taking her last breath.