Present

"And the rest . . . is history."

The pride looked at Hira with strange expressions. Hira shook her head. She kept her eyes on Simba the whole time.

"A young cub, torn from the innocence and carefree days as a young one. One so little, blamed for the murder of a parent and left alone, afraid to go back. His only choice was to run, run far away and never return."

Simba stared at her, bewildered. She knew what Scar had said to him all those years ago . . .

"Miru was a good cub. He wanted nothing more than the love of a true family. So, you mustn't judge Scar too quickly. Just know that his story is much similar to one all of us know of. Jamboki and Nuka are to decide who will be king someday in the far future. I just hope that they, and all of you, will remember . . . that the love of a brother is something to cherish and never let jealousy or pain corrupt your thoughts."

The pride was quiet for a time as she stood and joined Raji to the side.

"Beautifully told, Hira," Simba said, going to stand before the pride. "I never knew of that story. I never knew my father put so much trust into his brother. I think that's because I never had a brother to share it with. With Hira's story, I want everyone to remember that all of us . . . are one. We are family."

The lions and lionesses cheered happily. Several of them praised Hira for her beautiful story-telling. Raji grinned at her.

"I told you, you always tell some amazing stories."

"I suppose I do," Hira answered. "Just not amazing enough to keep those two awake."

Jam and Nuka were curled up side by side, sleeping between Raji's front legs. He laughed softly. "Don't take it personally. Every cub fell asleep. They were just too tired."

Hira nuzzled the two with her nose. "Well, I hope they heard me in their dreams. I hope they know that blood should always be loyal to blood."

Kiara and Kovu came over. Both of them smiled at Hira.

"Wow, I never knew there was so much behind what happened between Mufasa and Scar," Kovu said. "How did you know all about it?"

Hira shook her head. "That is a story for another time, Kovu. I'm ready for a nice sleep, just like those two are."

Kiara laughed. "I suppose you are after all of that. Good night, Hira."

"Good night, dear."

The lioness picked up Jam while Kovu picked up Nuka. They carried the boys into the sleeping cave among the other pride members, most of whom wre already lying down for the night. Raji stood up and stretched.

"I'm going to find Dad and tell him I love him," he said.

"I'm glad you are," Hira answered. "Good night, Raji."

"Night, Hira."

Hira sat alone on the ledge of Pride Rock, looking out over the dark lands. She glanced up at the sky and noticed the stars tinkling a bit brighter than they were earlier. She inhaled the clean air and let it go slowly.

"There you have it, my dear brothers," she whispered. "I told your stories. I hope you two know that I love you, no matter how things ended for you. Say hello to Mother and Father for me."

She stood up and slowly walked into the sleeping cave, settling down in her usual spot and falling asleep peacefully.

A/N: All right, everybody, there you go! I had an awesome time writing this and I'm glad most of you liked it. This ends my story of Mufasa and Scar, but I was thinking of writing a fic based on Jamboki and Nuka, Kiara's kid. Anyone else think I should give that a shot? Let me know and thanks again for reading!