Kion was spending a little time with his mother out in the savanna. They had a little hunting trip an hour before, and these two lions were resting on some knoll together, looking over at the Pride lands. Granted, it was not as tall as the highest point of Pride Rock, but it was still a nice view either way. This was a nice way for Nala to spend some quality time with her son on this nice, beautiful day out in the Pride Lands. "So mom," Kion said, "When you and dad were brainwashed by Inuwa, did you still love me?"
"Of course we did, Kion." Nala said. "It was like what you mentioned before: We were all suffering inside once Inuwa controled our influences on who to follow." she went up to him and sat next to him to comfort him. "Are you feeling ok? Because I understand if you are not."
The poor lion cub sighed and admitted: "I think this will haunt me for the rest of my life. I know you guys were just brainwashed by Inuwa, but it was still... scary for me. I guess... I guess I can be like my dad, or I might suffer worse than dad."
"Oh, don't say that." said Nala. "Your father always remembers that your grandfather will always be there for him when he needs his help, just like he will be there for you when you need his help. And again, I am very, very sorry for scaring you while under Inuwa's control. I do want you to know we both tried our best to fight him, but his magic was too strong for us to fight against.
Poor Nala felt like crying herself, for she knew that Kion was really terrified to see her and Simba be under the control by an evil greater than Scar was when he was still alive. Alas, it was too late, the tears were forming in her face, and Kion felt the first tear drip on his back, making him think it was going to rain, even though the sky was very clear and not a cloud in sight. He looked up and noticed his crying mother. "Mom? What's wrong?"
"I'm very sorry, Kion." Nala sniveled. "I know I scared you, and I feel like I have almost killed you. My own son." then she let out a few more tears from her eyes just thinking about when she was turned evil by Inuwa. "I am so sorry. I really am. And... And... I understand if you don't love me anymore and if never want to see me again. Some mother I am."
"Hey, don't say that, mom." Kion said, looking sad at her. "Of course I still love you. There's nothing that you can do that will make me never love you again. I know you couldn't fight him with his strong magic."
He tried rubbing Nala's front legs to comfort her. "Please don't cry, mom. I do love you."
"You do?" asked Nala
"Totally! I even remember the time when you held me in your arms after I was born and still a baby. Dad was there, Kiara was there, everyone was there. I know I was a little baby, but I remember you saying that you will always love me and do anything to help me out."
Nala stopped her sobbing and wiped a few tears from her face. "Yeah, I do remember that Kion. I just want you to forgive me and understand that it wasn't our fault that we were under Inuwa's spell."
"I understand you guys." Kion said. "If it's anyone's fault, it's Inuwa." he hugged his mother. "I love you mom, with all my heart."
Nala smiled and pulled him closer to her, cradling him in her arms. "I love you too, Kion." the tears immediately went away. "So how was it in the mountains? Was it fun?"
"It's always fun when it comes to the snow, and seeing Sokwe and his family. You guys should come up there again with me. Although Zazu doesn't have to come since he is a wuss when it comes to the cold."
The queen made a small laugh and replied: "Zazu is a wuss when it comes to pretty much everything. He is a good follower, but he can be such a baby sometimes." They both had a laugh about making fun of the hornbill majordomo. Indeed, Zazu can be a bumbling bird and whiny at times, but he is a good friend and ally nonetheless. The last thing they would want is to have Zazu be complaining about the cold weather and snow up on the Rwenzori mountains. After all, he can keep an eye out for anything in the Pride Lands like the Lion's Bane or any other dangers. "But yeah, we should go up there again."
"Maybe when you guys are not so busy with your royal stuff?"
"Good idea." Nala giggled. "I'm sure your dad would love to go up there again. Although I don't know when our next day off will come. It could happen tomorrow, the day after, a week, or even next month. But we'll keep an eye out. Don't worry."
"OK. I know it's not easy being a ruler of the Pride lands."
"Ugh. Absolutely not." the queen said. "I really wish it was that simple, but being a ruler over these lands is one of the biggest responsibilities ever. Still, not saying I hate being the queen. it's just that: it can be quite exhausting. Watching over your subjects and keeping the peace over the Pride Lands. Oh! And you and your friends mostly do the last part I said."
Kion made a small laugh in response. "Well I'm sorry that it can be stressful for you mom."
"No, there's no need to be sorry. You don't have to worry about me or your father. We can take care of ourselves. Besides. I worry about you sometimes. I... I know that you are a very capable and special cub, but you are still my baby and I worry about your safety."
"Well, I accomplished something very amazing. Killing Inuwa."
Nala smiled. "I know. And I am very proud of you, Kion."
