Once again extra super sorry for the delay! I hope this chapter makes it up to you all, I wasn't really sure how I was going to write this chapter but I hope it's enjoyable. Now I shall give a special shout out to all those who have been kind enough to review my last chapter!
Narfgirl: Hee hee yeah it is kinda freaky that Zazu wants to date her (I have a very wacky mind)! Keep up the good work with all your fics!
Nala5: Glad you enjoyed the friction; it was a long time coming! Yay I surprised someone, hoped you liked that surprise (I know Timon didn't).
MorpheusDreamer: Thankyou so much for reviewing and reading my story hope you keep on doing so. I really love your Rafiki Tales stories I highly recommend them to anyone who hasn't read these. Glad to hear I'm not the only Uni student drowning in mountains of work :)
Jila2snoopy: thanks for the reviews! I really appreciate them; glad you found that line amusing, nice to know there a people out there with a similar sense of humour to myself.
Took-Baggins: Thankyou for reviewing! Glad you enjoyed it I wish you luck for next autumn in advance! Keep up the good work with your stories too :)
SoulSingerJenna: Glad you enjoyed the instalment! Hope this one doesn't disappoint!
Sunrise19: Sorry about the long wait, thankyou so much for your reviews! I really like your story Connected Paths (that is whats it's called right?) please update it soon (puts on the big puppy dog eyes). Anyway hope you enjoy this chapter!
Ralli-Rah: Yes I made someone squeal, you wave all those flags proudly! Thanks for your kind review, I really appreciated it, I was actually a little concerned I wasn't getting them in character so your encouragement has gone a long way:)Wow nearly half a page sorry if I missed anyone but you all know I appreciate ya!
Chapter 13 (oh that's unlucky)
"So you're leaving today?" said a surprised Max.
"I know it's short notice but I'm sure you'll handle thing just fine here without me, Timon and Pumbaa for a while," explained Maha.
"Yes I'm sure I can definitely handle things without those two clowns," replied Max, "Must say though I didn't really expect you to leave as well, any particular reason?" continued Max with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, the princess was kind enough to invite me, it's not everyday a new heir is born you know… Simba's like a son to Timmy so I guess that makes him the closest thing I have to a grandchild…strangly enough…. so it only makes sense for me to be there for him and Nala," answered Maha twiddling her thumbs a little.
"Of course, that's the only reason," said Max nodding with a knowing little smirk on his face, "are you sure it has nothing to do with the fact Zazu is leaving too?' he added cheekily.
" Oh go away you!" said Maha giving him a gentle push on his shoulders.
"Ok, ok…just be careful and keep that boy of your out of trouble, I don't want to loose my only niece because of his foolishness."
" Max, I'm an old woman now, no need to be protective, besides I'm with a warthog and a lioness what could happen?" and with that she gave him a kiss on the cheek (which he tried to pull away from).
"Enough of that, you go and take care, believe me it doesn't matter how many big animals you've got with you, a meerkat is never safe!"
"Sure, Uncle Max," laugh Maha and headed back to the group to prepare to set off.
Max stood alone for a little while then went down to the river to have a drink, all of a sudden a thought suddenly dawned on him….
"Hey, if she's an old woman, how old am I?"
"Ok I told Uncle Max, so we're all set to go!" announced Maha as she met up with the others.
"Yay!" said Pumbaa.
"Oh goody," mumbled Timon.
"Right so has everyone had a long drink, and a good meal?" asked Maha.
"I think so," replied Kiara cheerfully.
They all started walking towards the edge of the oasis; soon Kande greeted them and Makalo asked if they could come too.
"Oh how sweet," said Kiara who hadn't seen many meerkat pups before and though they were absolutely gorgeous, "But I'm sorry kids it's a little too far for you, and I'm sure your mother would worry."
"Awe," said Makalo, kicking his little foot in the dirt.
"Told ya they wouldn't let us," exclaimed Kande.
"Well can we at least, walk with you for a little while?" pleaded Makalo.
"Sure, kids!" jumped in Timon, "Do you want to walk with Mr Zazu for a while, I heard you become good friends when he first arrive to the jungle."
"Ok cool," said the pups a little surprised Timon was being so nice to them, and each jumped on either side of Zazu, which meant much to Timon's delight he couldn't walk next to Ma.
After that the short walk to the edge of the jungle seemed to take an age for poor Zazu who was once again finding himself bombarded with questions, such as "So is your wing ever going to get better?" "Why do you have teeth when you're a bird?" "You never did tell us how much you weigh, do you think you've gained or lost weight since being here?" (Authors note: I always find it strange that sometimes they show Zazu with teeth).
Finally they were near the boarders and Maha sent the Pups on their way, once out of the protection of the canopy, Pumbaa offered to carry the meerkats and Zazu.
"Well, you know it might be too heavy for Pumbaa to carry me, Ma and Zazu," said Timon. "Maybe ONE of us should ride Kiara," suggested Timon directing the "ONE" at Zazu.
"Oh I'm sure I can manage…" began Pumbaa before being interrupted by Kiara.
"That's ok Pumbaa, I'll carry Timon," and with that she reached down quickly (and gently) lifting Timon in her jaws and putting him on her back, before he could argue.
Timon could do nothing but watch Maha and Pumbaa help Zazu (he still has the sling on) onto the warthogs back. Maha then climbed up and sat next to him.
"Whose side are you on anyway!" whispered Timon into Kiara's ear.
"Sorry, couldn't help myself they just look so sweet together," Kiara whispered back once they were a few step ahead of Pumbaa. At this point as fond as he was of Kiara Timon felt like hitting her on the head.
" You alright there Mr Zazu?" asked Pumbaa.
"He'll be fine, I hold onto him so he doesn't slide off," said Maha, putting an arm around Zazu.
"Thankyou, I'm not use to warthog riding," replied Zazu.
"Once you get use to the smell it's ok!" called out Timon, "but if it bothers ya we could always swap."
Pumbaa snorted feeling a little insulted. Zazu just rolled his eyes as they set off into the hot desert.
Sorry again for the long time to update and sorry for the short length of this chapter, the next one will have more action, not much happened here but just wait until they are well on their journey. Also next chapter should give updates on Nala and Simba.
Reviews are most appreciated.