People in the Pridelands

Kemanjo ran with his family all the way back to Pride Rock to ensure their safety. It was a long journey back but everywhere they went, they could still hear the loud noises. By the time they got back to the Pridelands, they could still hear the noises. The strange creatures had followed them all the way to the Pridelands. Kemanjo lead his family to the top of Pride Rock and burst into the den. Simba got up from where he laid and approached Kemanjo. "Kemanjo! What is the meaning of this?"he demanded. "Simba, there are strange creatures making loud noises outside,"said Kemanjo in a panic.

"Is that all? Then we should just tell them to keep the noise down."

"No! These creatures aren't from around here. They have been killing other animals and putting them into a bigger animal. They have these shiny sticks that make noise and scare the buzzards."

"Kemanjo, I think you are just overreacting. Now, calm down and relax." "Please listen to him Simba. As weird as it sounds, he is telling you the truth,"said Malakai. Simba looked at Malakai and recognized who it was. "Welcome back Malakai,"he said smiling.

"Thank you. This is our pride and Kemanjo is actually my son."

"What brought you here?"

"Kemanjo said he wasn't going to leave his family behind. Those creatures were making those loud noises and disturbing us. They keep killing all the animals. They almost killed my youngest daughter. We were going to stay behind but Kemanjo wasn't going to let us."

"That's very noble Kemanjo." Another loud noise came from the savannah. Simba, Malakai and Kemanjo went over to the den entrance and saw the strange creatures. "Is that them?"asked Simba. "Yeah, that's them,"said Kemanjo.

The strange creatures pulled up in a large animal and stopped near Rafiki's tree. These creatures were humans. "Honestly Jakota, you couldn't hit your target even if it was standing right in front of you,"said Alia, one of the humans. "I can't aim very well with Devan driving! He couldn't steer his way around Africa if the jeep was able to control itself,"said Jakota. "Well you shouldn't be shooting that gun everywhere anyway,"said Devan. Devan and Jakota jumped out of the jeep and pulled their equipment out of the trunk. "Devan's right. Why did you even bring a gun with you to Africa? This is a wildlife expedition not the local poachers fair!"snapped Alia. "I brought it for defense. If it looks like we are going to be attacked, then I shoot,"said Jakota.

"We haven't even been close to being attacked!"

"Your point?"

"You are killing the harmless wildlife with your stupid gun!"

"Why do you care?"

"Because I am a naturalist. I believe in conservation of wildlife and that poaching is barbaric!"

"What if you were killed by the wildlife?"

"Then it will be my fault not the creatures."

"Well, until we leave Africa, this gun stays in my grasp."

"Fine but since we are here to study the creatures of Africa, I would appreciate it if you wouldn't show that gun around me unless you are going to use it on yourself!" Alia stomped over to the trunk and pulled out her brown backpack. She stomped into the savannah with it and sat down under Rafiki's tree. Devan glared at Jakota and then followed Alia into the savannah. Devan stood over Alia as she was taking a picture of a grazing gazelle. She got her shot and then put the camera away in her backpack. "Jakota doesn't mean everything he says,"said Devan as he sat down next to Alia. "We just can't see eye to eye,"said Alia.

"We do need his help."

"With what? Killing everything he sees?"

"He knows the way of the land. He has been to every continent at least twice and is a famous explorer."

"Well he isn't that famous in my book. The only reason we invited him on this journey was so that you could be with your friend."

"What can I say Alia? I feel sorry for Jakota. We grew up together and everything is happening so fast for him."

"What about us? I have known you for much longer than Jakota. Our parents knew each other before we were born and we knew each other since the day we were born. You met Jakota in junior high."

"That doesn't mean that I am closer to him. I am just trying to console him after the lose of his parents."

"Look, I feel sorry for Jakota too but if he is going to disrespect my wishes then he is slowly going to lose my loyalty."

"I can respect that. Alia, I know you don't like him shooting the wildlife like this but I think we nee his expertise."

"Devan, I am not going to disrespect you. I will try to be nicer to Jakota but I won't make any promises."

"Thanks Alia." Alia and Devan smiled at each other and then stood up. "I think I just need some wind down time. After I help set up camp, I'm going to go unwind with some art and music. Care to join me?"asked Alia. "I'm gonna have to pass. I promised Jakota I would help review the data we collected on the spotted hyenas,"said Devan.

"Shouldn't we all go over that information together?"

"It's alright Alia. Besides, I think you just need to stay away form Jakota for a while."

"Suit yourself." Alia went over to the jeep and pulled out her tent equipment and found a nice spot next to Rafiki's tree. "This is a nice shaded area,"she said. Alia set her backpack down in front of the tree and began to unravel her tarp. Rafiki was sitting in the tree watching her every move. Unsure of who or what she was, Rafiki dropped a twig. It landed on Alia's head. "Ow! What was that?"cried Alia. Rafiki continued to watch what she was doing. Alia looked down and picked up the twig. She ignored it and continued to set up her tent. She placed the poles into the ground and secured the tarp over them. Rafiki felt secure around Alia and jumped out of the tree landing in front of the tent. Alia looked up from what she was doing and looked at the baboon. "You're a very interesting creature,"said Alia. She walked around Rafiki and grabbed her backpack that sat under his tree. She pulled out her camera and took a quick photo of Rafiki. "What kind of creature are you,"mumbled Alia. Rafiki just stood there in front of Alia and stared. Alia reached into her backpack and grabbed an apple. She held it up to Rafiki. "Here, it's a piece of fruit,"she said. Rafiki stared at the fruit and then hit Alia on the wrist with his stick. The apple fell in front of Rafiki. He grabbed it and then went back into his tree. Alia watched as he climbed and soon disappeared within the branches. "That was amazing,"she said. With a burst of inspiration, Alia grabbed her sketch pad and pencils out of her duffle. She tossed her duffle into her tent and sat under Rafiki's tree and drew a picture. Rafiki looked down and saw Alia beneath the tree. Without hesitation, Rafiki cracked open a gourd filled with spice and tossed it over Alia's head while chanting, "Asante Sana, Squash Banana, Way, Wenenu, We Wanana." Alia didn't move when she felt the spice touch her body. "Let's see what you do now,"said Rafiki. He jumped down in from his tree and landed in front of Alia. Alia looked up when she heard the thud in the ground. "Hello interesting creature,"said Alia as she stood up. She went into her tent and put her sketch pad on top of her duffle. Alia came out of her tent and crouched down to Rafiki's level. "I have never seen anything like you before." "That is because you have never been here before. Nobody has ever been here before,"said Rafiki. "I'm sure there have been-" Alia stopped and stared at Rafiki. "Did you just speak to me?"

"I did,"said Rafiki. Alia's mouth dropped open and she just stared in amazement. "That's impossible! You can't speak because you're a...a-"Alia became speechless. "I'm a baboon,"said Rafiki.

"How can you understand me?"

"I have given you a special gift. You have the power to speak and understand the animals around you."

"So, I can talk to animals."

"Exactly."

"Wow! This is amazing."

"But, you can only keep the gift while you are here in Africa. Once you leave, the gift will be gone and will never return."

"I understand. Thank You." Rafiki went back into his tree and Alia went into her tent. She laid out her sleeping bag and unpacked some of her belongings.

Jakota and Devan had their tent completely set up and were putting their bare necessities in the tent as well. Devan was trying to get his duffle out of the trunk but it was stuck. Devan let go of the handle and stepped back. Devan stared at his duffle and then ran up to it, grabbed it by the handle, and pulled with all his strength. Devan launched his duffle out of the trunk, flinging his body backwards and falling to the ground. Devan picked up his duffle and went over to close the trunk but found a box. "Hey Jakota! What's in the box?"asked Devan. Jakota came out of the tent and grabbed the box Devan found. "This is why we came here Devan,"said Jakota. Jakota took the box into the tent with Devan following behind. Devan and Jakota sat down in the tent and Jakota opened the box. Devan looked inside and found bullets, guns, and poaching traps. "Jakota, what is this stuff?"asked Devan. "This is our future Devan,"said Jakota. Jakota took some of the traps out of the box. Devan stared at all of the tools and was astonished. "Jakota, I thought we were coming here to study the animals,"said Devan. "The animals are nothing more than house pets that couldn't be trained. They have no use,"said Jakota.

"What are you talking about?"

"The whole purpose of this mission is to capture and collect the valuable creatures."

"What about Alia?"

"We need her knowledge of the creatures. She is just a pawn. Once we have gotten what we came for, we are getting rid of her." Devan looked outside of the tent and saw Alia with her drum. She headed to a small acacia tree and climbed onto one of its branches. "Just think Devan, if we capture male lions, we could make fortune selling their manes! We could make a line of fur coats or the warmest fleece blankets,"said Jakota. "I don't know about this,"said Devan.

"You can't back out on me now."

"I really don't think this is such a good idea Jakota."

"Why not? This is a full proof plan! What could possibly go wrong?"

"I don't think Alia will agree with this."

"Who said Alia was going to be involved? You saw the way she reacted with my shooting."

"What are we going to do about her."

"Absolutely nothing."

"Jakota, I don't know-"

"What is the big deal."

"She will find out if we come back to camp with a large lion mane on our backs."

"Why do you care so much about Alia?"

"I don't know."

"I think you do know. You act like you love her or something."

"Maybe I do."

"You can't be serious? What's to love about Alia? She has nothing special."

"If you've known her for as long as I have, you would know."

"I don't have time to listen to your sob story." Jakota put all of his weapons in the box and carried it out of the tent. He stopped at the entrance and turned around. "Devan, for your sake, you better not tell Alia about our plan. If you tell her anything, Your life will be on the line. I have many weapons I use on animals and they can also be used on humans. Don't make me use them on you,"threatened Jakota. Devan got up from out of the tent and stood his ground. Jakota put his stuff back in the trunk and pulled out two small tables. He threw one in front Alia's tent and put her portable radio on top of it. Devan helped Jakota set up his table and radio, then he went in the tent and rested his head.

Pride Rock was soon a bundle of nerves. "What kind of creatures are these?"asked Kemanjo. "I don't care what kind of creatures these are. They aren't welcome here,"said Malakai.

"We can't be hasty about this Malakai. We don't know what these creatures are capable of,"said Kovu. "We need to take everything in stride. Being hasty isn't going to get us anywhere,"said Nala. "Nala's right. We should just observe these creatures and see what they are capable of before we take any drastic measures,"said Simba. The pride agreed to observe the humans but weren't sure what they were getting themselves into. "Kali? Where's Kali?"asked Razi. " Kiara and Leewanika are gone too!"cried Kovu. "We have to go find them,"said Kovu. "No, its too dangerous for all of us to go together,"said Simba.

"Simba, my daughter is out there. I have to find here."

"Kovu, your heart is in the right place but we can't risk the safety of the whole pride."

"Simba please."

"Its going to be alright. Razi, Kali will be in no danger if Kiara and Leewanika are with her. I trust Kiara with my life and her daughter is just as trustworthy." "That is very reassuring Simba,"said Razi. The pride settled down as much as they could but Kovu was still nervous. "Kovu, she'll be just fine,"said Simba. " I know your right but I still have that slight feeling that something could go wrong and that I could lose my mate and my daughter,"said Kovu.

"I am worried for them too. Kiara is my only daughter and I don't want to lose her but we have to put faith in our family. We have to believe that everything will be just fine so it will be fine."

"I'll try to relax."

"Will you feel more comfortable if I send Zazu out to make sure they're okay."

"That would be great."

"Zazu, fly around the Pridelands and see if you can spot Lee, Kali and Kiara." "Of course Sire,"said Zazu. Zazu flew out of the den and soared over the savannah. It wasn't long before Zazu found Kali, Lee and Kiara below an acacia tree. Zazu landed on Kali's shoulder. "What are you ladies doing out here?"asked Zazu. Nobody answered him. Everyone was looking up at the top of the tree. "I say, what are you girls up to?"asked Zazu. "Quiet Zazu, your interrupting the sounds,"said Kiara. Zazu didn't hear anything. "There are no sounds here and everyone is worried sick about you girls now let's get back to Pride Rock. Zazu grabbed Kali by the tail and began to pull her away. Kali turned her head around and stared at Zazu. She began to swing her tail around. Zazu was losing grip on Kali's tail and eventually lost grip and let go. Zazu was flung into a nearby shrub. Kali heard the thud in the bushes and then turned her attention back to the tree. Zazu flew out of the brush and landed on Kiara's shoulder. "What is the meaning of this?"asked Zazu. "Zazu please, your interrupting the sounds,"said Kiara. Zazu wanted to know what was going on and flew to the tree branch. Alia had her drum in her lap and gently hit her hands against the hide to make noise. Alia had her backpack hanging on her foot and pulled it up to put her drum away. "If no one is going to tell me, than I will just have to find out what all this noise is on my own,"said Zazu as he landed on the branch where Alia sat. Zazu stared at Alia and became startled. "It's one of them! It's one of the creatures!"cried Zazu. "No wait! I promise I won't hurt you!"cried Alia. Zazu flew down off the tree and rushed back to Pride Rock. "Please wait!"Alia cried once more as she came down from the tree. Alia didn't realize that she had landed right in front of the Kiara, Lee and Kali until she actually stepped away from the tree. Alia froze in fear. "It's one of those creatures! Quick Run!"cried Kali as she ran to Pride Rock. "Kali, Wait!"cried Kiara as she ran after Kali. Alia watched Kiara and Kali run into the savannah and then she looked at Leewanika. "I'm sorry,"said Alia. Leewanika showed her claws and snarled at Alia. "Please, don't hurt me. I won't hurt you,"Alia pleaded. "What are you doing here?"asked Lee.

"I'm Alia. I'm here with some friends. We are here on an expedition. We are studying the wildlife."

"What do you mean study?"

"Well, we want to learn about the creatures of Africa." Lee calmed down and stopped snarling at Alia. "Why do you want to learn about us?"asked Lee.

"Humans don't understand how important animals are in this world. That is why we are here. Our data will help us show the world that killing animals is terrible."

"Is that what you are? Your humans?"

"Yes."

"What is a human?"

"Humans are animals like me. We stand on two legs, have two arms, no tails and we do many things.

"Like what."

"Well we draw." Alia pulled out her sketch pad and began to show Lee some of her drawings. Lee was fascinated by the art Alia created.

In the distance, Jakota and Devan lay hidden in the brush. Jakota had his gun in hand with many other tools beside him. "Look there Devan,"said Jakota as he pointed to a cheetah. "There's a beauty. She'll make someone a nice throw rug." "How are you gonna get her?"asked Devan.

"I'll show you a trick my Dad taught me when we first started poaching." Jakota grabbed his blowgun and a package of small darts. Jakota took one of the darts and laid it in front of him. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out pulled out a small vile containing a bright yellow substance. "This is rattlesnake venom. One blow with this stuff and that cheetah is history,"said Jakota as he slowly dipped his dart into the vile of venom. Jakota placed the dart into his blowgun. "Watch and learn Devan for you'll get to do the next one." Devan felt a chill corrupt his body. "I don't think I should do the next one. It just doesn't sem right,"said Devan.

"What are you talking about? Your training to be a poacher and if you don't try, how do you learn?"

"I just don't feel comfortable doing this."

"Tell me why."

"You wouldn't understand."

"Don't tell me this is about your little girlfriend, Alia. If it is, then I might as well hit you with this dart instead of the cheetah."

"No, No...Its not that."

"Then out with it man!"

"I just think...you...you should do them. After all, you have more experience doing this than I do and far be it for me to mess up the profits."

"Smart thinking man but this is a mission for the both of us. Now watch the master and learn." Jakota aimed his blowgun at the cheetah and took a deep breath. Jakota blew into his blowgun sending his dart right into the cheetahs chest. The cheetah began to move fast but slowed down as the venom raged through its body. "We'll let it sit there for a little while until the venom kicks into its body. Then, we'll catch it, skin it, and sell the pelt for a large price,"said Jakota.

Back at the tree, Lee was fascinated with what Alia had to show her. Alia reached into her backpack and pulled out her camera. "This is a camera,"she said. "It lets me take photos of things I really like." "What's a photo?"asked Lee. Alia reached back into her backpack and pulled out some photos she took earlier. She showed Lee the pictures of Pride Rock, and of some of the other Prideland creatures. Alia showed Lee a picture of her standing with Jakota and Devan. "Are those other humans in your pride?"asked Lee. "Oh no! They are good friends of mine or at least one of them is,"said Alia.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, both of these guys are here with me on my expedition but one wants to kill. The other guy is caught in the middle and he is the guy I like."

"There are more than one of you? I mean, there are more humans here?"

"Yeah?"

"They won't harm us will they?"

"I don't think so but you can never be certain."

"I think they will."

"How do you know? You haven't even met them?"

"Our pride has been-" "Lee! Get away from there!"cried Kovu with Kemanjo and Simba following behind him. Kovu roared at Alia, chasing her up the tree. "Daddy! What are you doing!"cried Lee. "Get back to Pride Rock Lee. This is one of those creatures,"said Kovu.

"This is Alia."

"What?"

"Daddy, this is Alia. She is a human." "Leave me alone!"cried Alia as she pulled an apple out of her backpack and threw it down to the ground, trying to scare off the lions. The apple knocked Kovu on the head. Kovu looked up at Alia and growled. "Please! I mean you no harm. I am here on an expedition. I want to know more about you,"said Alia. "Daddy, please give Alia a chance,"said Lee. Kovu looked at his daughter and then back at Simba. "You make the decision Kovu,"he said. Kovu looked at Kemanjo and he looked at Lee. "Lee, do you really think this is a smart idea?"asked Kemanjo. "Alia can be trusted. She is my friend." Kovu looked up at Alia and then back at his family. "I think that the best idea is to put her through judgement just like any other creature. We'll see who she really is,"said Kovu.

In the brush, Devan was preparing to make his first kill. Devan eyeballed Kovu and the other lions in front of the tree. Jakota dipped his dart into the venom and inserted it into the blowgun. "Okay now. You have four targets. Three of them are very valuable and the other one isn't worth much. We are going to have as many darts as we can ready to go so we can get all of the lions here but if the darts don't work, we have the guns in the bag,"said Jakota. Devan pulled his gun out of the backpack and laid it next to him. "Jakota, are you sure this is gonna work?"asked Devan.

"Its full proof."

"What if Alia shows up?"

"That's what this is for." Jakota pulled a shiny silver gun out of his pocket and loaded it with bullets. "I have been waiting a long time for this. After the lions, Alia will be our next victim." Devan was shocked. "Your gonna kill her!"

"Of course, then she'll be out of our hair. Besides, we don't want her turning us in to the authorities."

"Jakota, I can't do this."

"What are you talking about?"

"I just can't do this."

"You have to do this."

"I won't. I refuse to help you kill these animals and my best friend."

"I thought I was your best friend?"

"You were but things have changed. I'm sorry Jakota."

"Fine I will do this by myself." Devan stood up in the brush. Alia spotted him. "Devan!"cried Alia. Devan looked at the top of the tree and saw Alia. Jakota seized his oppurtunity and shot the dart at the lions. It nailed Lee in the leg. Simba and Kemanjo were startled. Kovu rushed to Lee's side and tried to help her. "I got one,"said Jakota as he stood up. "What have you done!"cried Alia. "This,"said Jakota as he pulled out his silver gun and took a shot at Alia. The bullet skidded Alia's arm and knocked her out of the tree. Alia fell out if the tree and landed on the hard ground below her. Devan ran over to her side and made sure she was okay. Alia's face was pale and blood dripped down her arm. "Look at what you have done!"screamed Devan. Jakota saw the rage in Devan's face and became nervous. "I have had it with you Jakota! You have done enough harm and it comes to an end!"Devan screamed again. Jakota dropped his gun and went to the jeep. Devan ran after him. Jakota jumped in the jeep and raced off into the savannah. Devan kept running but became engulfed in the dust. Devan ran back to the tree and grabbed Alia. Devan looked at her face and his heart sank. He realized she was knocked out from her fall. Devan held Alia in his arms. Lee struggled to breathe. Kovu nuzzled Lee on her neck and just whimpered.

When Alia awoke, she found herself in her tent with Devan by her side. She was laying down in her sleeping bag with her upper arm in a bandage and her whole arm in a sling. Alia could feel the pain her body from when she had fell. She looked over at Devan who was glancing through his notebook of data. Devan lifted his face up from his notebook and then looked at Alia. "Your alive,"he said in an excited whisper. "Devan, what happened?"asked Alia.

"You were shot in the arm by Jakota. He's fled with the jeep and I don't know where he went."

"What about the lions? Are they okay?"

"Yes they are just fine. I gave the one female a vile of anti-venom and she has made it through the night. Everyone is just fine."

"That's good."

"You're the lucky one. That bullet only skidded you arm but your fall almost killed you."

"I guess the spirits were on my side."

"I guess so."

"Devan, why did you try to kill me?"

"I didn't. Jakota wanted me to but I told him no. I wasn't going to let him kill my best friend." Devan grabbed Alia's hand and held it close to his chest. "I would never try to kill you. You are more than just a friend to me." Alia looked into Devan's eyes and began to shed tears onto his hand. "Alia, I really love you. Ever since we were young I have loved you,"said Devan. Alia lowered her head upon Devan's hands. "Alia, look at me. Devan lifted Alia's head up and looked into her eyes. Their eyes met as they became closer to each other. Their foreheads came together as they snuck in a small kiss in between words. "Alia...tell me you love me." Alia closed her eyes as another kiss was shared. "I love you Devan,"said Alia.

Later that day, Alia had arisen from her tent and walked onto the savannah. Her arm was in a sling due to her shoulder injury but that didn't keep Alia from the lion pride. Lee was out on the plains at the same time with Kovu and Kemanjo by her side. Alia stood her ground and was approached by limping Lee. Lee had her paw wrapped. It was still swollen from the venom but it didn't phase her. Lee looked up at Alia and then nuzzled her leg. Alia embraced Lee's neck with her good arm and then stood back up. Kovu and Kemanjo approached Alia. "You have demonstrated a wonderful sense of courage against your own kind. Thank you; you saved the lives of our pride. It wasn't much but you still showed bravery. I respect that. We owe you a debt we will never be able to repay. You are always welcome among our pride,"said Kovu. "I was only doing what I thought was right. I can assure you that Jakota will never be returning to the Pridelands again,"said Alia. "I am very grateful that you saved my sister,"said Kemanjo. Alia smiled and approached Kemanjo. She stroked his mane gently and said. "I did what was right and I know you would do the same for your family." Kemanjo smiled at Alia. "Alia! Alia come here!"cried Devan from the tent. Alia rushed back to the tent with the lions trailing behind her. "Devan, what's going on?"asked Alia. "Listen to this,"said Devan as he pulled out his pocket radio. Devan set his radio to the correct frequency and had everyone listen. "It's the college,"said Devan. "It was an expedition gone bad for three young naturalists. Twenty-two year old, Jakota Williamson and Devan Reynolds were on an expedition to Africa with Twenty-one year old associate, Alia Viktor to record the wildlife for a college project. Unfortunately, Jakota Williamson was the only one who made it out with his life. Alia and Devan were evidently killed by a pride of lions. Jakota said that he tried to help his friends but he was unable to save them. Alia and Devan will be dearly missed. This is Conner McEvoy reporting from Young Naturalists College, London, England,"said the broadcaster. "This is an outrage!"exploded Devan. "We have to get back to London and explain to the college what really happened,"said Alia.

"How? Jakota has alreay explained to all of the world that we are dead. We can't just walk back into school without proof of what really happened."

"Wait a minute. When I fell out of the tree, did my backpack fall as well?"

"Yes, you had your backpack on?"

"Did everything fall out of my bag?"

"Some things did."

"What fell out?"

"Well, your pad and pencils. And your video camera-" Alia grabbed her backpack out of her sleeping bag and then pulled her camera out of the main compartment. Alia played back her tape and found the footage. "When I fell out of the tree, my camera turned on and caught everything on tape! We can use this to blackmail Jakota in court,"said Alia. Devan watched the footage. "This is perfect. Jakota's a sitting duck,"said Devan.

"There is only one flaw with this plan. How are we going to get back to England? Jakota stole the jeep and we have no other means of transportation."

"That won't stop us. I could probably use my radio to get a hold of the nearest airport."

"Nice Einstein! Then how will we get to the nearest airport? We can't just walk through the savannah day and night."

"That is a bit of a dilemma but we can make everything work. I can probably call in some favors and make it happen."

"Who are you going to reach in the middle of Africa?"

"Just trust me. I can make this happen."

It was later that evening when a helicopter arrived from England. "Devan, how did you do this?"asked Alia. "I told you I could make this happen,"said Devan. As the helicopter landed, Alia realized that she couldn't leave. "Devan, I can't go,"said Alia. "What are you talking about?"asked Devan.

"I think I am needed more here."

"Alia, put yourself back into the normal world and go pack your bags."

"I am not going with you."

"Why Alia?"

"I am needed here to protect the lion pride from people like Jakota."

"Alia, the savannah was fine before we arrived and it will be fine when we leave which is tonight.

"I just don't feel comfortable leaving."

"Alia, everything will be fine."

"I guess your right."

"Tell you what, I will pack up and you can go and say good bye to the pride before we leave."

"Sounds good." Devan began to take down the camp site and Alia walked off towards Pride Rock. Alia soon arrived at Pride Rock and climbed to the top. She looked into the den and was spotted by Kovu. He stood up and approached her. "I just wanted to say good bye,"said Alia. "Are you leaving us?"asked Kovu.

"I have to go back to where I belong."

"You are more than welcome to stay with us."

"I can't. I have to get back to my pride."

"I understand. Will you at least come in and say good bye to everyone."

"I can do that." Alia entered the den with Kovu and was amazed by how big the pride was. Simba got up and looked at Alia. Alia approached the noble king and smiled. Simba bowed his head to Alia. "Our pride is grateful for what you have done. You chased the bad man out of the Pridelands. You defended us. We appreciate it,"said Simba. "Thank you but I can't take the credit,"said Alia.

"But you saved us."

"No, my friend did. He chased Jakota out of the savannah he is the one that saved you. All I can do is talk to you. I was able to use my words."

"Sometimes words mean more than actions. You were able to show us the good and bad in your kind and that has saved our pride."

"I don't understand." Lee stood up and walked towards Alia. "When you spoke to me, that showed me that your kind isn't bad. I was able to trust you and I do. Thank you for showing us the good and bad of humans,"said Lee. Lee nuzzled Alia on the leg and then looked up at her. Alia smiled at her new found friends. "Thank you for everything but I have to go now,"said Alia. "Will you ever return to the Pridelands?"asked Lee.

"I don't know but I will try." Alia waved good bye to her friends and then walked out of then den and into the helicopter. Lee ran out to the tip of Pride Rock and watched as Alia flew away in the helicopter. Lee went back into the den and snuggled next to her Kiara. "I'll miss her,"said Lee. Kiara nuzzled her daughter and then looked at Kovu who smiled down at the girls he loved. "I am impressed Kovu,"said Simba. Kovu turned around. "Why?"asked Kovu.

"You were not quick to judge the humans and showed me the perfect quality that is needed in a king. Therefore, Nala and I have decided to step down and relieve our thrones to you and Kiara." Kovu was baffled. He didn't expect Simba to say that. Kovu looked at Kiara who was also dumbfounded. "Simba, are you sure?"asked Kovu. "Yes, I believe the time is right and you are ready to take over the kingdom. There is going to be a ceremony tomorrow that will proclaim to the entire savannah the new King and Queen."

The ceremony was the next evening. All of the animals gathered from near and far to witness the event. Simba and Nala stood at the tip of Pride Rock. Nala took a step back and let Simba have his final moment. "I have been King for some time now and I am very proud of my reign alongside my Queen, Nala. Now I have discovered that my daughter Kiara and her mate Kovu are ready to take over the Pridelands and be our successors. I am very proud with their display of judgement and character and feel they are the best decisions. Please welcome your new King and Queen, Kovu and Kiara. Simba stepped back as Kovu and Kiara stepped forward. Rafiki came up from behind everyone and approached Kiara and Kovu. He cracked open a gourd and poured some spice over their heads. He waved his stick over their heads and then bowed to them. The animals below Pride Rock cheered for their new King and Queen. Rafiki embraced Kiara and Kovu and whispered into their ears. "Rule this land of ours. Rule with love and peace." Rafiki released his grip from the new King and Queen and stepped back with Simba and Nala. With the sun setting onto Pride Rock, Simba could see stars beginning to shine through the clouds. Simba could see Mufasa shining down onto Pride Rock as well as the other ancestors of the Pridelands. Simba felt proud knowing his family was in good hands.