Author's Note: I have written in FOREVER! I'm so so so so so sorry everyone… I had to read the last two chapters to remind myself where I'm at, haha. I just got so unbelievably busy, I never even thought about this anymore. But here I am and here's a new chapter! )

Please excuse me if I'm rust too… haha, enjoy! -Alexa

Chapter XIV: Fate Unfolds

Lisani next saw a bright flash of light and awoke from his slumber. It was morning and others were also greeting the new day. He yawned as he looked around- there was Nala, at rest peacefully. For a moment's time, he had completely forgotten his conversation with Scar. He sighed as he lied his head down on his paws and shut his eyes lightly. A few more minutes of quiet time never killed a lion.

Weeks were passing and the kingdom was only growing duller and emptier. Nala was often met by disgusted and sour gazes by Scar and Zira's followers, for all were still concerned of the outcome of Zira. Zira's appearances around Pride Rock were becoming rarer since her due date was approaching. She insisted on relaxing much, as it were for the best of the perhaps injured heir.

The days also grew uneventful, for Lisani often stood in Nala's way of creating a ruckus. He told her that she had to be careful, for Scar was growing less tolerant with her.

"Don't," Lisani would plead.

"Why shouldn't I?" Nala would shoot back.

"He'll banish you."

"Anywhere's better than here."

"But you have to have hope."

"What if you've run out of it?"

"Then be hope for the rest of us… for me."

And with that, Nala would have no choice but to look at him, smile, and collapse literally into him. For he was the only comfort, the only friend, she had left in the misery.

However, the weeks left her questioning everything. Zira would be a mother any day now. It could control her fate. And as she held her tongue against the scowls that she received around Pride Rock, she looked up at Lisani with heavy eyes.

"Lisani, nothing is getting better. Days get worse. It's been so long now, and no one has hope anymore. You're the only thing that keeps me here, now. Please- I beg you, we can both leave here. Together. To find a welcoming place… or a place of our own."

Lisani only looked down at her. "But Nala…" he wanted to be with her, truthfully. "It's not possible."

"Lisani," she pleaded.

Silence fell on them, as did the evening. They approached a quiet spot where they often went together. It was not beautiful, but it was peaceful.

"Nala," he finally began, "did you ever have a dream you couldn't explain? One that left you thinking- one that's hung over your head for the longest time and then you tell yourself it was just a dream?"

Nala thought a moment. "No…" she paused. "Yes. When I was a cub. It was…" She stopped there, here words not continued.

"It was Simba, or Mufasa, wasn't it?" Lisani spoke softly.

Nala weakly nodded. "But it was a long time ago. It probably doesn't mean anything anymore."

Lisani shrugged. So was his, probably. Just something that maybe he wanted, something his imagination created in his subconsciousness.

Silence arrived once more until a shrill scream emitted from Pride Rock. Both lions jumped at the noise and a chill was sent down their back. Confused, the looked at each other, and then it simply hit them.

"This is it," Nala said nervously, nearly choking on the air she was breathing.

Lisani looked at her with deep care, as he was as high-strung as she was. For this was the day, the moment, they both- and all the other lions- had been waiting for. This decided her future.

Zira was giving birth.

Author's Note: I will start the next chapter ASAP. The series is almost over now! Only a few more chapters left. I hope you'll enjoy it. Thanks everyone for reading this! I probably wouldn't have continued it if it weren't for the great reviews I've received from you people. Thanks again. -Alexa