1Chapter 5 - Joining the Outlanders

"Fuadi, please, come talk to us. We're family!" cried out Nala to her daughter, rushing forward. Fuadi pinned her ears to her head.

"I don't even like you guys! Or this pride! Just leave me alone!" she cried out, running toward the water hole. Simba got up to chase her but Nala put her paw in front of her.

"Just give her more time," she said softly, "She'll come around, I'm sure." The cub disappeared from sight and the King sighed, licking his mate's cheek absentmindedly. "I know how you're feeling, Simba, but you have to understand it's even worse for her. She was Safi's best friend and twin. That's a strong bond."

"I know," he muttered, turning and entering the cave

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Fuadi had a plan. It may involve her parent's hating her forever, but she didn't care anymore. They had never paid any attention to her before, why suddenly now after her sister died? She started to cry again, but then came near the boundaries of the Outlands and Pride lands. "ZIRA!" she called out, not caring if she decided to murder her.

Zira rushed forward, her teeth bared. "What are you doing here? Didn't you learn you're lesson last time, princess?"

"I've come," she swallowed, not sure if she should, "to ask if I could join you, the Outlanders." Zira took it in, then smiled, rubbing her paw on the top of her head.

"But of course," she smiled, "Not getting along with your parents?"

"Never have," she responded defiantly. Zira smiled wider, noticing the muscles on the young cub, knowing she would grow to be a wonderful lioness.

"I'll take you under my wing. I'll teach you the ropes. I'll let you in on our plans." Zira smiled as the cub stood tall, smiling brightly. "Go on and play, now, with my son, Kovu, and my daughter, Vitani." As she ran off, Zira smiled broadly and sat on her haunches. "And," she added quietly, nobody to hear but her, "I'll teach you how to kill, so you can eliminate your mommy and daddy."

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Simba paced nervously, Nala watching the land with anxious eyes. "Where could she be?" questioned the King outloud. "She should be back right now." He paused, looking out toward the sky. "ZAZU!"

The hornbill flew over his head and landed by his feet, bowing stiffly. "Yes, Simba?"

"Please look for Fuadi. She should be back by now."

"Yes, sire," he responded, taking flight into the sunset. Nala walked over to Simba's side, watching Zazu search for her daughter.

"I can't believe she left for this long," the Queen said quietly, sitting down. Simba continued to pace. "Simba, stop! You're making me sick! Just calm down, okay? Nothing's going to happpen."

"That's what we thought about Safi!" he choked, turning. Nala's chin quivered, as she finally saw him stop pacing, facing her, his eyes full of tears.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry," she said quietly, and then started sobbing. Simba used his tounge to clean her face of her tears, when Zazu flew back again.

"Your majesty, I looked all through the Pride Lands. I didn't find her." Simba roared out, wanting to strike the bird, but controlling himself.

"Go get the lionesses to form a search party. NOW!" he roared again.

"Simba! Control yourself, you don't have the right to roar at Zazu like that! It's not his fault we have a rebel daughter." Simba growled at Nala, questioning her to say something else. But Nala did not, just gave him a bad look, and turned on her back paws and walked away to help Zazu gather the lionesses.

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Nala flipped onto the den's rock floor, defeated. Her cub was missing, her other cub was dead, and Kiara was now engaged to Kovu. Although she was happy for Kiara, she felt as if her life was falling apart. Simba lay down carefully beside her.

Later, around midnight, Simba turned over to his side. "Are you asleep, Nala?" he asked quietly. Nala turned over to face him.

"No," she said flatly, "How can I sleep without knowing if Fuadi's alright? Without hugging her goodnight?" she started to cry once again, and Simba craddled her in his paws, until they both finally fell into an uncomfortable, dreamless sleep.

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A/N: Short chapter, I know. But I had to break it here 'cause.... well you'll see! Yeah! XOXO Thanks for reviewing, and for those who review ALL of my stories, a triple thanks! I wouldn't be writing without you! (Well, maybe I would lol. But just not posting it.)

Alyssa