Simba's Pride

The morning of the ceremony soon arrived. The sun rose over the savannah with all of the Prideland animals marching to Pride Rock to greet the newest heir. Rafiki stood at the tip of Pride Rock above all of the creatures. He welcomed all of the animals and blessed the land with a prayer to protect the princess. Looking up at the sky, Rafiki saw Mufasa's spirit in the clouds. Mufasa nodded his head which sent a breeze of wind towards Rafiki. The wind embraced the shaman and all of the animals. Simba and Nala approached Rafiki with a pleasurable smile. Nala carried young Kiara in her jaws and presented her to the shaman. Zazu flew in from above and bowed before the King, Queen, and Princess of the Pridelands. Rafiki held up the beautiful new cub above all of the animals in the Pridelands. Mufasa watched the presentation of young Kiara with a pleasurable smile on his face. Mufasa embraced Simba and Nala with a gust of wind and whispered in Simba's ear "Well done my son." Rafiki slowly lowered Kiara down and rubbed a smidgen of gourde juice upon her forehead. Nala and Simba nuzzled Kiara and followed Rafiki as he walked back into the den with the cub in his arms.

Seasons went by through the Pridelands. Kiara grew into an inquisitive little cub. Kiara loved to explore during the day. Simba wasn't excited that his daughter ventured off on her own all of the time. One night, Simba went into the Pridelands while his family was asleep. Simba marked every path that he thought was safe for Kiara and scratched every tree to mark off boundaries. When Kiara got up the next morning, she was anxious to explore. As Kiara went to explore the trails, she saw her Father blocking her path. "Good Morning Daddy,"she said with a smile.

"Good Morning Kiara."

"I was just going to explore the trails."

"Before you explore, there are some things I have to explain to you first. Do you see everything the light touches?"

"Yep."

"Everything the light touches is our kingdom and you can explore."

"Wow!"

"But, everything the light doesn't touch, you are not allowed to go into."

"Really? How come?"

"Because you can easily get hurt, stepped on or get lost. I have also marked the paths for you. The ones that are marked, you can go on. Anything beyond the scratched trees, is not safe."

"I understand."

"One more thing, stay away from the Outlands." Simba walked into the den and laid down next to Nala. Kiara looked back at her Father and then back out at the Pridelands. Without hesitation, Kiara dashed out into the Pridelands. Kiara roamed around the pathways and looked at all of the areas she wasn't allowed in. "I wonder why I can't go over there or over there. It doesn't seem like a bad place. I think my Dad tried to scare me,"thought Kiara. As she looked back at Pride Rock, Kiara hesitated a final time. "I can't take it anymore!" Kiara dashed out into the grasslands and then into the Outlands.

Kiara looked all around. She saw a swamp, dried ground, and burnt plants. "There's nothing scary about this place. It's just bad land. Why was my Dad so worried?" Kiara kept walking around but found nothing different. Kiara walked until she reached the border between the Pridelands and Outlands. As Kiara sighed and began to walk out of the Outlands, another young lioness appeared next to the swamp. She leaned over to take a sip of the available water. As she lifted her head up, she noticed Kiara. The cubs slowly approached each other and sat down facing one another. "Hi,"said Kiara. "Who...who are you,"asked the other young cub who seemed very nervous. Kiara was just about to answer but was chased back into the Pridelands by Zira. Kiara sprinted back home with Zira snarling at her until her body was no longer visible in the light. Zira turned around and stared down at the young cub. "You are not allowed to go near the Pridelands or play with that young cub Razi,"she said. Razi looked up at Zira and cowled. Zira picked Razi up by the scruff and took her to the den. Razi dangled from Zira's mouth like a dead animal. At the den, Zira plopped Razi on the stone cold floor and left her there for the night. Kiara had finally made it back to her den and let her body drop on the floor. "Looks like you had a tiring day,"Nala chuckled as she picked Kiara up by the scruff and laid down with her in a corner of the den. Kiara laid in her Mother's paws and relaxed in the comfort of her grasp. Nala began to lick Kiara's fur gently and noticed her shake every time she was stroked. "Are you okay Kiara?"asked Nala in a concerned manner.

"I was just a little scared."

"You don't seem just a little scared. What happened?"

"I saw something."

"What did you see?"

"I...saw...a... hyena." Kiara knew she had lied to her Mother but didn't want to disappoint her. She knew that going into the Outlands was wrong and didn't want to get in trouble with her parents. "It was in a bush. I walked past and it jumped out at me. I got really scared and screamed. Then, I ran away."

"Did it hurt you?"

"No. I wasn't hurt. Just scared." Kiara gently put her head down on Nala's lap as she continued to be stroked by her Mother's rough tongue.

That night, Nala had Kiara sleep with Sarafina and Sarabi so she could talk to Simba. Nala was worried for Kiara and didn't want her to be scared of her own home land. Simba arrived back in the den and immediately went to lay down. Nala walked over to him and sat down near his mane. "Simba, I'm worried for Kiara."

"Why? What happened?"

"She had a little scare today when she went exploring."

"Is she alright? Where is she?"

"She's fine. She's sleeping with her Grandmothers."

"Why is she so scared?"

"She said a hyena jumped out at her from a bush and scared her. I gave her a bath and she kept shaking every time I licked her."

"It's a good thing it was only a hyena."

"What do you mean? Just because it was only a hyena doesn't mean it couldn't have been something worse."

"I didn't mean it like that. I thought Zira had gotten to her. I was worried."

"I don't think it was a bad thing. I only want the best for Kiara and I don't want her to be afraid of her home."

"She won't be afraid because I am going to make the Pridelands safer for her."

"How? You can't block it off anymore. The land has limited her enough with your marked paths and bordering trees."

"I know what I am doing Nala. Next time Kiara goes out exploring, she is going to have a couple of guides to escort her."

"Oh really. Who are you going to get?"

"Timon and Pumbaa." Nala knew it wasn't going to be a really good idea but let Simba do what he felt was right.

When the sun arose the next morning, Kiara got anxious to go back out and explore again. Before she left, Simba grabbed her with his paw and placed her in front of him. "Daddy! Let me go,"Kiara pleaded.

"I just want you to be careful Kiara." Kiara turned away and tried to escape. Simba rolled his eyes and placed his paw onto her tail. Kiara stopped dead in her tracks. "Kiara, aren't you listening to me? You know how fast an accident could happen."

"I know Daddy."

"And I don't want a repeat of what happened yesterday."

"You know about that?"

"Your Mother and I discussed it last night. That's why I am telling you to be careful."

"I know I have to be careful and I was being careful yesterday."

"Well, we got lucky. You could have easily been hurt, or lost. From now on, I would prefer if you stay close to Pride Rock at all times and if any strangers approach you, don't speak to them and just come straight home."

"Okay Daddy! Can I go now? PLEASE!"

"Mind your Father Kiara,"said Nala as she came out of the den and sat down next to Simba.

"Yes Mom." "One more thing before you go,"added Simba. Kiara sighed and rolled her eyes. "I want you to stay away from the Outlands,"said Simba. "There's nothing there but a lot of outsiders who will do anything to get your goat. They're a bunch of back stabbers and will even murder just to get their way,"added Zazu as he flew in from above. "Zazu's right. You can't turn your back on an Outsider,"added Simba. "Really? Why can't you?"asked Kiara with a puzzled look on her face. "Never mind. Just run along now and explore."

"But Dad, I want to know."

"You'll understand someday. Go no now and have fun." Kiara ran off to the edge of Pride Rock and looked down at the scenery. She looked back at her parents and then leapt down the rocks to get to the ground. "Make sure you stay on the marked path!"called Simba from Pride Rock. "I don't think she heard you Simba,"said Nala with a chuckle.

"I hope she did."

"Simba, who does she remind you of?"

"I don't know."

"She's just like you were when you were young."

"Well, she does have some of my qualities but I still worry for her."

"Why?"

"Do remember all of the dangers we put ourselves in?"

"Hey! You put us into all of those dangers with your crazy antics." Nala leaned over and gently nuzzled Simba on the neck. "She'll be just fine. Learn to trust her." Nala walked back into the den as Timon and Pumbaa walked out. "Timon, Pumbaa, I have a job for you,"said Simba. "How can we be of service to you today Good King?"asked Timon.

"I want you to keep a close watch on Kiara. She's bound to run off to somewhere she isn't supposed to go to."

"Don't worry Simba, we'll be the best cub watchers ever."

"Are you sure you guys can handle her?"

"I'm sure were sure. Everything will be just fine."

"Alright guys. I'm counting on you...Before you leave, let me warn you that Kiara ran into a hyena yesterday and I don't want that to happen again."

"Don't worry Simba. We will not let Kiara out of our sight." Feeling relieved, Simba walked into the den and laid down next to Nala. Timon rode on Pumbaa's back as they looked for Kiara. They found her next to a rock chasing a butterfly. Kiara kept trying to pounce the butterfly but it was to fast and kept escaping her. When the butterfly landed on the rock, Kiara laid low in the grass. She purred nice and loud and prepared to pounce. "Kiara! There you are!"exclaimed Timon. Kiara turned around and looked at her friends. She then looked back at the rock and noticed the butterfly was gone. "Guys! I almost had him."

"Sorry Princess Kiara. We didn't mean to intrude on your hunting but as Simba's daughter, you should know better than to go off all alone,"said Pumbaa.

"But I just went to-."

"You could have been hurt Princess. You didn't get a thorn in your paw did you? Scratch your ear? Burn your tail?"Timon rambled.

"Timon! I'm fine I just wanted to come out and explore."

"Well we just wanted to come out and keep an eye on you Princess."

"Timon! Will you please stop calling me Princess. I'm not just a princess. There's a whole other half to me.

"And may I ask what that half is."

"Well...I don't know."

"Well, while figure who or what your other half is, let's go eat. I am starving." Timon hopped back onto Pumbaa's back and led Kiara to a small grass area in the Pridelands where there were lots of grubs. "Why have you brought me over here?"asked Kiara. Timon hopped down off of Pumbaa's back and walked over to a rotting log. "This place has the best grubs. Show her Pumbaa,"said Timon. Pumbaa walked over to log and lifted it up with his snout. Timon picked up a leaf filled with all kinds of creepy crawly critters. "Here try one." Timon lifted the leaf up to Kiara. "That's gross,"said Kiara.

"Grubs aren't gross."

"Yes they are."

"No they're not. In fact, the crunchy ones are very healthy for you; filled with protein."

"Well that may be true Timon but the slimy ones are much more tasty,"said Pumbaa.

"No way! The crunchy ones are definitely the better tasting ones."

"I don't think so." Timon and Pumbaa rambled on and on, leaving Kiara on the sidelines. As they continued to argue, Kiara seized the opportunity and escaped off into Pridelands. Once Kiara escaped Timon and Pumbaa, she arrived once again at the border of the Outlands. Without hesitation, Kiara dashed into the Outlands. She continued to run, until she found the same swampy watering hole she met the other cub at. At the watering hole, Kiara found another cub. She couldn't tell if it was the same cub she had met before. Kiara took a deep breathe and then called the cub. "Hey!" The cub looked up at her and stared. Kiara noticed that it wasn't the same cub. This cub had a small mane at the top of his forehead and darker fur color. The cub growled at Kiara and approached her slowly. "Who are you? What are you doing in the Outlands?" He continued to approach her. Kiara backed away slowly until she crashed into a rock. The cub continued to move forward and Kiara continued to move backwards. "Why are you moving backwards?"asked the cub as he hid his teeth and sat down. "I was told to never turn my back on an outsider,"said Kiara.

"Who told you something like that?"

"My Father."

"Do you always do what your Dad tells you to do?"

"NO! Well, yes...sometimes but not all the time."

"I can tell that you're a Daddy's girl."

"No I'm not."

"I know you are. Your just Daddy's little princess who can't leave home without an escort because you'll prick your paw on a measly thorn bush."

"That's not true! Well...I mean, some of it was true. I am actually a Princess and my Dad is very protective of me but I don't always do what he says." The cub began to turn around and walk away as Kiara continued to talk to herself. The cub walked back over to the swamp and jump from rock to rock. Kiara began to follow him. She stepped onto the first rock and slowly had her other paws follow. "Well Princess, the Outlands aren't for everyone. You have to be able to take care of yourself like me,"said the cub. As Kiara stepped closer and closer, a sudden shift beneath her paws. Kiara sat down on the rocks and began to speak again. "That sounds so cool,"said Kiara. The other cub turned around and looked at her. He stepped closer but stumbled and dropped his paw in the water. As he looked in the water, a rock rose up from underwater but it wasn't a rock at all. The spiky rock came up to the surface and lifted the cub's foot out of the water. Pretty soon, both cubs realized that they were standing on the same rock and rising up out of the water. They both looked down at the rock and realized that it wasn't a rock. Kiara turned her head around and saw a crocodile head coming up from out of the water. Kiara and the other cub cried out in fear. They leapt from rock to rock escaping the jaws of angry crocodiles every time. The jaws kept snapping from behind and barely missing the cubs tails. When they leapt to a smooth boulder, assuming they

were safe, a crocodile leapt from behind and knocked the other cub into the water. Kiara sprung to a tree and clung to it for security. The other cub struggled to keep his head a float and spotted the crocodile coming towards him. Kiara looked out at the other cub and shouted "Look Out!" The other cub swam over to the branch and dug his paws into the tree bottom. The crocodile came right over to him and opened its mouth. Kiara jumped right on top of the croc's mouth slamming it shut. "Move it,"said Kiara to the cub. The cub leapt out of the water and climbed up onto the tree were Kiara once stood. The cub climbed up the tree with Kiara trailing behind. The cub leapt up onto a ledge and looked back down on Kiara. Kiara continued to climb with the crocodile down below her chomping on the bottom of the tree. Kiara clung to the tree and looked back down on the crocodile. "C'mon! You can do it!"called the cub from the ledge. Kiara loosened her grip on the tree and jumped onto the ledge where the cub stood. Kiara and the cub walked over to the edge of the ledge and looked over the side. The large crocodile came up to the side and began to whip the ledge with his tail, trying to make it fall but it didn't work. Kiara and Kovu backed away from the ledge and stared at each other. "Wow! I can't believe we just did that! That was absolutely amazing! We made such a good team and you were really brave,"said Kiara. She continued to talk to the cub and was unaware that Zira was in the nearby bushes watching every move the cubs made. "That was unbelievable!"Kiara continued. "You were really brave." "Thanks!"said the other cub. "You were really great too. I'm Kovu."

"I'm Kiara." Kiara slowly walked up to Kovu and tapped him on the nose with her tail. Zira growled and sneered as she continued to ease drop. "So, do want to play?" Kovu just stared at Kiara almost as if he didn't know how to play. "You do play don't you?" Kovu just dropped his head and didn't say anything. "Oh, I'm sorry. Do you know how to wrestle?"

"Now that I can do." Kiara started to jump around and pur at her opponent. Kovu got low to the ground and started to growl. As they prepared to pounce on each other, Simba appeared from the grasslands and jumped behind Kiara, roaring loudly. Zira emerged from out of the bushes and defended Kovu with a loud roar back. Simba and Zira stared eye to eye until Zira noticed Nala, Sarafina, and Sarabi standing behind him. Timon and Pumbaa slowly emerged from behind Nala. "Simba, it has been too long,"said Zira.

"Why have you returned? You're not welcome here."

"You know these lands belong to Scar."

"I banished you from the Pridelands along with your family. Now take your cub and get out."

"I don't suppose you remember my son Kovu. He was the one to be Scar's heir, follow in his paw prints and become King of all the Pridelands. Kovu was of course the last born before you exiled us."

"You belong in the Outlands."

"We don't deserve to starve! There is barely any food and the only water hole is pure mud!"

"You know what the penalty is for returning to the Pridelands.

"Well, the child does not and he was the one that entered. If you are going to penalize me, take this as your reward." Zira pushed Kovu in front of Simba and watched her son quiver in fear. "Take your cub and get out. We're finished here." Simba turned around and grabbed Kiara by the scruff. "Oh no Simba. We have barely begun."said Zira with a snarl as she picked Kovu up and carried him back to the Outlands. Simba led his family back to Pride Rock with Kiara in his grasp the whole time. Simba set Kiara down on a rock and nudged Nala on the shoulder. "I am going to have a talk with Kiara. Can you lead the pride back to Pride Rock?"asked Simba.

"Yes but don't be too hard on her,"said Nala.

"I'm not going to be too hard on her."

"Alright." Nala led the pride and Simba walked back to the rock where Kiara sat. He looked down on Kiara with a stern look. "Kiara what were you doing today? You could have been killed,"said Simba.

"Daddy, I didn't mean to disobey you,"said Kiara.

"You know I only tell you these things because I love you and I don't want to lose you."

"I know that but-"

"I don't want anything to happen to you. I won't be able to stand to losing another family member again."

"Like you lost Grandfather Mufasa?"

"What? Who told you that?"

"Mom did. She told me a long time ago. She told me how wonderful he was and all of the amazing things he did for our family. Even though I never met him, I still miss him." Simba smiled at Kiara.

"I want to show you something very special."said Simba as he walked slowly into the distance. Kiara leapt down from off the rock and followed her Father into the setting sun. "My Father was a terrific leader. I was very miserable for most of my life until I knew he was still watching over me. I have tried so hard to not repeat my past and I am trying to prevent you from being the victim,"said Simba as he walked with Kiara.

"How do you know it will even happen to me?"

"That cub you were with today is our enemy. His Father killed you Grandfather. The worst part was that he was my uncle, Grandfather's brother. The cub, Kovu, his Mother took your sister, Razi. She threatened to kill her but I told her that Razi may stay with her as long as she is not killed."

"Wow...this is so surprising. I would have never expected any of this. You said that I have a sister? Is she with Zira?"

"Yes she is. Your sister was a beautiful cub. I miss her very much Kiara butthat is why I worry for you."

"You worry for me because Razi was taken?"

"No because Zira is after you next. She is trying to get our family out of the way so hers can take the throne and have their vengeance."

"So I can't ever see Kovu again because he is Zira's son?"

"Yes and because he is an Outsider. His family was banished to the Outlands."

"Oh."

"Anyway, you have to learn that it isn't okay to go into the Outlands."

"I was only exploring."

"Well I don't want you to explore there. It is a very dangerous place. If something happens to you, I won't have anyone to carry on in my place when I am no longer here."

"I know, I am a part of the great circle of life."

"That's right and you have to be careful. You are the future Queen of the Pridelands." Kiara stopped.

"What if I don't want to be Queen? It won't be fun." Simba stopped and walked back to Kiara. He sat down in front of her and nuzzled her. "That's like saying you don't want to be a lion. It's in your blood as I am. We are part of each other." Simba picked Kiara up by the scruff and carried her into the field. He set her down in the grass then laid his body down. Kiara sat down in his lap. "Look at the stars Kiara,"said Simba. Kiara did as she was told and looked at the gleaming stars.

"What's so special about them,"she asked.

"All of the Great Kings of the Past are up there looking down on us."

"Really?"

"Yes. Kovu's Father, Scar was a bad King. There was a darkness inside his heart that he couldn't escape."

"What was the darkness."

"His hatred towards others. In the end, his hatred destroyed him."

"Wow. So, if Scar has a darkness, do the other Outsider's have one too?"

"Not necessarily. Zira has a darkness building up inside her."

"That's incredible. We're being watched by the Great Kings."

"Even though they are no longer with us, they are still a part of us."

"I don't understand."

"We are one. So when I am gone, I will be with the Great Kings and a part of you."

"What if I need you?"

"You can always look to the Great Kings for guidance. You can call them and they will answer. You'll understand someday."

"Can you see anything else in the stars besides the Great Kings Kiara?"

"I can see creatures. I see an antelope over there and a hyena over here." Kiara looked at the stars in the sky and pointed out all of the creatures she saw. Simba sat out with Kiara and watched the beautiful night sky until she fell asleep on his back. Simba walked back to Pride Rock with Kiara sound asleep on his back.

Meanwhile, Zira returned to the Outlands with Kovu by the scruff. Her children awaited her arrival. Zira plopped Kovu on the ground and approached Nuka. "Greetings Mother! I caught some field mice for dinner and put them in the den."

"You were supposed to be watching him!"roared Zira.

"I had no idea where he was. Besides, Malakai was watching Kovu while I watched Vitani and Razi.

"Malakai! Malakai! Malakai!" Zira continued to yell as Malakai looked out at the Pridelands. "Malakai answer me now!" Malakai turned around and stared at Zira. He jumped down off of his rock and approached his Mother. "You bellowed for me?"he asked. Zira whacked Malakai on the shoulder with her claw. Malakai whimpered in pain. "You were supposed to be watching your brother today. Why weren't you?"asked Zira in a demanding tone. Malakai tried to put his foot down and walk but slowly collapsed on the ground in pain. Zira whacked him again in the same spot and listened to him roar in pain. "Answer me Malakai!" "Leave him alone Mother!"shouted Razi. Being the youngest cub, Razi felt it was necessary to run over to her brother and defend him. She knew her Mother wouldn't slash her because she is still young. She began to lick the tears from Malakai's face as a comfort but he continued to cry. "Malakai was taking care of Kovu today. Kovu said he was going to the watering hole to get a drink and said he would be back. It's not Malakai's fault,"said Razi. Zira snarled at them both and then turned to Kovu who was wrestling with Vitani. "Vitani,"called Zira. Vitani pushed Kovu off her and stood up. "Yes Mother,"she said. "Did you see Kovu go down to the water hole?"asked Zira

"I did."

"Why didn't you stop him?"

"I didn't know I was supposed to." "Mother I told Vitani not to go down to the water hole because of the crocodiles coming up this time of season,"said Nuka. "Stop this!"shouted Kovu. "It's not Malakai's fault, it's not Nuka or Vitani's fault. I went off on my own."

"What were you doing with that Prideland cub?"asked Zira.

"Nothing."

"You know that's Simba's daughter, your mortal enemy."

"At the time I didn't know."

"Simba has made us Outsider's and he killed Scar. I have told you many times to stay away from them."

"I'm sorry Mother."

"You should be."

"I didn't think she was bad. I thought she was different from the other Pridelanders and maybe we could be-"

"FRIENDS! You thought you could snuggle in with the daughter and then Simba would welcome you with open arms. That is a ridiculous- that is a brilliant idea. You are such a clever child. I am so proud of you. You get your conniving mind from Scar. Come my children! Everyone into the den, we will start our more intensified training tomorrow, especially for you my dear Kovu." The pride went into the den except fro Malakai and Razi. Zira became furious. She trotted back over to where Malakai lay in pain. She pulled Razi away from him with her paw and looked down on him and growled. "If you aren't going to come in the den and be a member of the family then you can sleep outside tonight,"she said. Malakai sat up and stared at Zira.

"I don't care. I'll sleep outside tonight. I'll even sleep in the rain as long as I don't have to sleep with a family that hates me,"said Malakai.

"You are the hated one because you are never with the family. You are always staring out at the Pridelands and it seems like you wish you weren't here."

"I do wish I wasn't here."

"What!"

"Wouldn't you wish to be somewhere where you weren't abused? I want to be where the sun shines and the grass is green and you can see your reflection in the water."

"Keep dreaming Malakai because that is all you will ever get."

"I can dream all I want and that is almost as good as living there...in the Pridelands." Zira growled at Malakai as the rain began to pour. Zira knocked Malakai onto the ground and picked Razi up by the scruff and carried her into the den. Malakai got up slowly and limped over to his rock. He sat out looking at the Pridelands for most of the night until he became tired and laid down on top of his rock. Zira plopped Razi next to Nuka for the night. Razi snuck away from Nuka once everyone was asleep and laid down by the den's entrance and stared at Malakai. "Your not hated by everyone in the pride Malakai. I still love you,"she said with tears running down her face. Razi put her head down and quietly dozed off with her head still facing her beloved brother.

That night, Rafiki sat in his tree with Mufasa's spirit hovering above him. Rafiki was drawing some pictures on his tree with gourd powder and juice. "Mufasa you would be very proud of your son,"said Rafiki. Mufasa's ghost appeared in a cloud next to Rafiki. "I am already proud of Simba Rafiki,"said Mufasa.

"Everyday young Kiara grows more like her Mother. She will be a wonderful Queen making us all proud."

"She is as beautiful as her Mother but with the personality of her Father."

"There is this Outsider cub, Kovu who is Scar's heir. Zira feels his heart will hate. I am very worried Mufasa."

"There is only one way this can be solved."

"You have an idea?"

"Yes. We have to bring Kovu and Kiara together."

"Are you sure? That will never work."

"Yes it will. If the families are brought together, than it will heal the pride. The only way to get the prides together is through Kovu and Kiara."

"I don't think this is going to work but I trust you. I hope you know what you are doing." With a nod of his head. Mufasa's ghost disappeared into the night and blew with the wind..