The Pride was making their journey back to The Pride Lands, Simba leading the way and Nala by his side.

"Thank you Simba." Nala purred, nuzzling into his neck. "I've really missed home…"

"...I have too…" Simba said, returning the nuzzle.

On the horizon, Pride Rock stood proudly, surrounded by revived fields of grass and returning herds.

"Simba, it's beautiful…" Nala said in awe.

"It...really is…" Simba said in surprise.

"Come on, lets go back to the den." Nala urged. "I'm really exhausted…"

"Right.." Simba nodded and the lead lionesses back to Pride Rock. Once inside Nala laid down right away and yawned loudly. She curled up and fell asleep quickly.

Simba chuckled a bit and laid down next to her, resting his head on her, and falling asleep.


Life had been slowly getting back to normal in The Pride Lands. The herds were returning and the plant life was growing steadily. Things were even going well for The Pride itself.

Until one morning when Simba was awoken by a sound of pain from Nala.

"Nala?" He panicked. "Nala...are you okay?"

"The cub...is coming…" Nala said through clenched teeth.

"The cub!? Now!?" Simba started to panic. "Mom!"

Sarabi sleepily opened her eyes and let out a yawn. "Yes?"

"Nala's gone into labor."

Sarabi's eyes widened as she hurried over to her side. "Sarafina!"

Sarafina awoke and joined Nala and Sarabi.

"Stay with Nala." Simba said. "I'll go get Rafiki…"

The lionesses nodded as they laid next to Nala, grooming her and attempting to keep her calm, as Simba headed off.


Rafiki was in his tree, painting a new picture. "Oh Mufasa! I can feel it! Very soon your grand cub will be born and another Circle of Life will be completed." He let out a happy sigh as he set his gourd down and looked to the stars. "Things have been going very well and your son is doing a wonderful job as king! I know you'd be very proud of him."

"Rafiki!"

"Hm?" Rafiki leaned down on one of the branches of the tree. "Simba?"

"Nala's gone into labor!" Simba said, panicked.

Rafiki's eyes widened in joy as he made his way down the tree. "This is wonderful!"

"Rafiki please…" Simba said anxiously. "She's in a lot of pain!"

Rafiki put his arm around Simba. "Oh, don't worry." He let out a small chuckle. "She'll be fine!"

"How do you know?" Simba asked, trying not to snap.

"Nala is a strong lion." Rafiki explained. "She'll be able to handle this."

Simba sighed. "I sure hope so…."

Rafiki and Simba headed back to Pride Rock.