Disclaimer: I don't own any of the original Lion King characters…

A/N: Ok, I hope you like this chapter.

Young Girl: I'm so glad u liked it. What I meant by "woo" was like flirt. Does that make sense? Srry this part wasn't clear - Jahari isn't "with" Homa officially…I didn't explain that too well and I apologize. Don't worry – The cubs were fathered by Kovu. Thanks 4 u're review!

Next Chapter.

Reliving the Moment

Simba ran for his life. His breath began to get heavier, and every step took more effort than the last. His heart felt as though it might burst. How much longer could he keep this up. Not daring to look over his shoulder, Simba charged through the tall grasses. He took a sharp turn and dove into a burrow.

The rain was pouring down and the search party had lost site of their charge.

"This way!" Mohatu roared over a boom of thunder. Kovu followed slowly behind. He was here on Aza's orders. He was reluctant to pursue Kiara's father. He had been so good to him after Zira had died... His cubs were safe in Aza's den. Well, as safe as they could get.

Simba breathed deeply. His heart still pounded as he licked the water off of himself.

"SIMBA!" Simba jumped. He didn't have the courage to emerge from the safety of his current hideout. Just in case, he slowly adjusted his body so he could see out of the small burrow. Nala was running in the rain, calling his name. Another lioness was with her. Nala's voice seemed forced, and had a choked manner. The other lioness, Simba finally realized, was Homa. Why was Nala with Homa?

"Simba! Nuka and Zira are at the gorge! Their trapped! The wildebeests…" her voice was lost in a roll of thunder. Without thinking, Simba crept from his den and charged towards the gorge. Nuka and Zira huh? Disgusting names. Despite his contempt of their names, he continued on his quest to save them.

He spotted two cubs sitting in the gorge, crying piteously. Simba charged down to save them.

"Simba!" Kovu was with them. "Help me get them out of here!" he cried over the storm. Lighting flashed, and Simba caught a glimpse of the pain in the young father's eyes. Simba snatched up Zira and put her on a nearby ledge. Kovu did the same.

Suddenly, a cry from the gorge alerted the two of them. Simba looked down to see Aza's cub, Tano, hanging from a tree branch as the herd of wildebeest stampeded by.

"HELP!" he squealed. Simba was thrust into the past.

He hung from a flimsy branch. It shook violently as the wildebeest galloped at a blinding pace beneath him. His grip was loosening.

"HELP!" he cried. He was swept of the branch by a golden streak. "Dad!" Simba was thrown of his father's strong back. He sat frozen to the spot as the heavy hooves of the wildebeest pounding by nearly missed him. He felt Mufasa grab him around the scruff. He was swept onto a ledge. He smiled at his dad. Before he could thank him, Mufasa was knocked into the mass of hooved animals. The rest was a blur. He saw Mufasa's horrified expression as he fell to his death.

"Simba!" Kovu's voice brought him back to reality. Kovu gestured towards the gorge. Nala was running to save Tano.

"NALA!" he roared. He urged his muscles to move, but they wouldn't obey his urgent command.

"Memory too harsh for you, Simba?" came Tupac's cold voice behind him.

"What are you doing?" growled Simba. "Your cub is going to die!"

"Nala will save him," Tupac said smoothly. In a flash of lightning, Simba saw Tupac sneering. Simba finally mustered up his courage and lunged into the swarm of wildebeest. Nala was slowly making her way up the side of the gorge. He leapt to her side, just in time to make sure she didn't slip to her death.

Slowly, they made their way up. Finally, Tano was safe. Nala was about to help Simba up when he felt a rock give out from under him. He slid down into the gorge. A wildebeest stepped hard on his tail. Simba let out a roar. He jumped. Digging into the rock with his claws, he made his way up the side of the gorge. Aza was at the top, waiting for him.

"Oh no," he murmured. "Aza! Help me!" Aza's sharp claws dug into his paws. He roared in pain.

"Long live the king!" she roared. She released her grip. Thinking fast, Simba grabbed her tail in his claws as he fell.

"NOOOO!" Aza cried. She held onto the ledge with all her strength. Pain seared up her tail. "LET GO OF ME!" Simba kept his grip firm. With his back paws, he found a small ridge. He carefully lowered himself down. He kept a firm grip on Aza's tail with his teeth.

"HELP ME!" she screamed. Tupac charged towards his mate.

"Aza!" Simba saw Rafiki hit the lion over the head with his stick. Rafiki? Why is he here? Simba wondered. Unexpectedly, Aza let go and began to fall. Simba released her tail.

"SIMBA! I ..." but her words were lost in the storm. Simba felt a strange feeling come over him as he climbed up the slope. Sadness.

"Oh, Simba!" Nala ran up to him. He nuzzled her warmly.

"We've won. We finally won," he murmured.

"Did you?" Mohatu asked. Simba's eyes widened – how many of the great pride would fight for Aza. Jahari, Efia, Homa, and a dizzy Tupac joined Scar's son.

"Will anyone else join these traitors?" Simba roared over the dying thunder. Ulu walked over, along with a group of lions Simba knew were Mohatu's lot.

"These are the only ones who are loyal to Aza? She was your queen! She made your pride better. Now she has been assassinated. Will you do nothing to honor her?" Tupac cried. The rain pounded against Simba's muzzle. He stepped out.

"I challenge you, Tupac," he growled bodly. Tupac raised his eyebrows.

"You will lose, old one." Simba kept his cool.

"We shall see." The two lions circled each other. Simba was swept back into the past.

Zira was in front of him. Her eyes gleamed with excitement. She growled insults at him. He bared his teeth...

"STOP!" cried a voice. Tano had run between the two lions, closely followed by Kanoni. "Daddy, please stop," he sobbed. Kanoni licked her friend affectionately.

Kiara and Kovu leapt between he and Zira.

"Kovu! Get out of the way!" Zira's voice hissed.

"Kiara. Stand aside," he heard his voice echo through his head.

"No."

Simba's eyes softened and he sat down.

"You are weak, Simba," taunted Tupac, "you will use a foolish cub as an excuse not to fight. You KNOW you will lose."

"Papa, no..." Tano began. Tupac wasn't listening. He lunged for Simba, teeth bared, claws outstretched.

"FOR AZA!"

Another cliffie... ok, it was kinda weak, but hey, I try. PLEASE review. Hope u liked it. And happy Feb. Vacation – for those of u who have it! (YES!)