Kion stood frozen by Bunga's words. With his mind racing in more than one direction.
"Kion! What should we do?" Rani asked trying to get Kion to snap out of it.
"Rani, you make the call," Kion said softly unsure what to do.
The Rest of the Night Pride gathered around them, except for Kion and Rani's kids and Kaela.
"We have to go to the pride lands. I don't want to but family is everything. I don't like leaving with what we might be facing. But we have to," Rani said boldly to the group.
"I'm coming with you," Bunga said.
"Kion, Rani. You better hurry. I ran here as fast as I could. I missed the celebration because Kovu told me to come to get you," Kasi said still trying to catch her breath.
"Thank you, Kasi, and I figured you'd come to Bunga. Anga, go find my kids and tell them I need them here, NOW!" Rani said to make sure her kids knew to come.
"Yes Rani," Anga answered flying off as fast as she could.
}
Meanwhile, the Kids were sitting by the bank of a river. Trying to reaffirm Kishindo.
"Muhasi, you heard what he said. This is why I won't be king because I'm too much of a challenge," Kishindo said.
"Kishindo. You act like you are the only one Dad has said something to. And when he crosses the line he apologizes," Maisha defended her father by saying.
"Yeah, but no offense Maisha and Jala. You both get an apology. I don't know about Muhasi, well actually I do. But I don't get an apology," Kishindo said.
"Kids, your mom needs you at the Tree of Life now!" Anga said.
"Anga? What's up?" Muhasi asked.
"I'm not at liberty to say," Anga said.
"Well then let's go, 'cause judging by the look on your face something bad happened," Maisha said getting up slowly and trying to figure out what had happened.
Kishindo was still laying there as Kaela was drinking water.
"Go on without me," Kaela yelled.
"No, I protect those who care about my family. When you are done, we both will go," Kishindo said waiting patiently but also thinking about all that had happened.
}
At the Tree of Life, Kishindo finally made it, as tears and some really sad faces greeted him.
"What the heck is going on?" Kishindo asked Jala.
"It's Grandpa, he's dying," Jala cried.
"We're going to the pride lands to say goodbye. But also to be there for grandma, Malkia, and the rest of the family," Rani said.
"Greetings, Night Pride," Sikoa said walking through the Mountain pass with two lionesses beside him.
"Sikoa," Zara called going up to greet him.
"Sikoa, a pleasure to finally meet you, I'm," Rani began to say.
"Queen Rani the pleasure is all mine. I can't explain why I'm here, but when I left I had a dream telling me to come back here. So I'm here," Sikoa said.
"My, my. These lionesses are beautiful," Jackson said gawking at the lionesses, making one of them laugh.
"And they are my guard," Sikoa said.
"But are they yours?" Jackson asked.
"For once in your life Jackson, control your damn self. Now Sikoa I don't think now is good," Rani began to say.
"What she means is, we are having to leave to go on a trip to my father's home. His father is dying, the son of Sarabi," Muhasi said standing beside his mother.
"Oh my. Whatever you need from me, Sarabi was one of the most honorable lionesses the world has ever known, and one of our pride members forever," Sikoa said.
"Well, Sikoa, would you mind guarding the Tree of Life with my Uncle and Aunt? Along with Jackson, because most of the Night Pride will be going with us," Muhasi continued.
Muhasi's handling of the situation impressed Rani and Sikoa.
"Very well. Your father told me you have a threat around here," Sikoa said.
"Yes, and we can't leave the tree unprotected. So you and your two lionesses guard be the muscle that my Uncle needs. He, Nirmala, and Surak can handle all of the Tree of Life's business. While you be the muscle. In exchange, your two lionesses can mate with our friend Jackson here. You sent Kaela and Zara here to help, and to help strengthen your bloodline did you not?" Muhasi asked very diplomatically which continued to impress Rani.
"I agree. Our numbers are dwindling, and since your male has taken such an interest he can do whatever they consent he can do," Sikoa sternly said staring down Jackson.
"Hey I would never force anyone to do anything," Jackson said.
"Very well it's settled, Prince Muhasi I assume?" Sikoa asked.
"Yes," Muhasi said.
"Queen Rani you should be impressed with your son here. I wish I was so eloquent when handling foreign affairs," Sikoa said.
"I'm very proud of my son, yes. Now I will go get your father, and we will leave all who want to go," Rani said.
Rani walked through the crowd of the night pride standing outside the tree. She entered the tree to see Kion facing the reeds in the back of the Tree's cavern.
"Kion, it's time to go, everything is handled," Rani said.
"Why didn't I make the time to go see him? And now I've run out of time," Kion said with a tear dropping from his cheek.
"Kion, none of that matters right now. What matters is getting you to him to say goodbye. I didn't get to say goodbye to my parents, but you can. The whole Night Pride is coming beside my family," Rani said.
"What about?" Kion began to ask.
"Well, Sikoa came back. And your son negotiated that he would stay here and help Baliyo and the others," Rani said.
"Well done. Alright let's go," Kion said.
The two walked side by side as Fuli and her kids, Anga and Soren, Bunga, Zara and Kaela, and Kion and Rani's four cubs all headed out.
}
In the middle of the night at Pride Rock.
Makini was sleeping inside the den where Simba and Nala were. Malkia wanted to sleep with Kopa and Vitani, she thought it would be too hard to sleep with her father and mother.
A light shone through the den's darkness. And stood Mohatu. This awakened Simba, but no one else in the den.
"King Simba, you have done well throughout your life. You have almost completed your Journey in the Circle of Life," Mohatu's voice boomed.
"Thank you, great-grandfather Mohatu. But what do you mean almost?" Simba asked.
"You are to have your body buried at the border of the Pride Lands and Backlands," Mohatu commanded.
"Wait why? Our family is buried in a specific graveyard, even your body is there," Simba questioned.
"I know! But you are to be buried there. King Kovu will listen when you give this request. You only have these next 24 hours on earth so make it count," Mohatu commanded as he disappeared.
Simba looked around seeing Makini was asleep. And then turning over to see Nala asleep. He kissed her cheek.
"I wish I could mate with you one last time, but I'm too weak and frail," Simba thought to himself.
But then Mohatu's voice boomed.
"Nonsense, I said you have 24 hours left. Never did I say, you will be weak and frail for that long," Mohatu yelled.
Simba thought to himself what it meant, but then he tried to get up and he could. He could jump, and could swing his arms without pain. He looked over at Makini and came next to her.
"Makini," Simba whispered.
"Your majesty, do you need something?" Makini asked a little frightened to be jolted out of her sleep.
"I need you to leave the room for a bit, I need to talk to Nala. And I want to love on her one last time 'cause she deserves it," Simba said.
"With all due respect your highness. I don't believe that should be something you should be thinking about," Makini advised.
Makini then had a gust of wind and feathers and leaves blow on her, just as Rafiki had to happen to him a lot.
"I understand. Don't mind me, I'll go to Rafiki's tree and see what supplies he left there," Makini said.
"Thank you Makini. And hey Makini," Simba called as she ran out of the den.
"Yes King Simba?" Makini asked.
"Take care of my kids. All of them please," Simba said with a tear rolling down his face.
Makini nodded and shed a little tear.
Simba wasn't afraid of death, but his heart was broken cause he knew all the lives that would be saddened by his passing.
Simba woke Nala up.
"Simba what is it?" Nala asked concerned something was wrong.
He told her what had just happened, and she was unsure what it all meant. But she was delighted to hear that his strength was back, but she was devastated that he would die shortly.
"What do you say? One last can you feel the love tonight?" Simba asked raising his eyebrow.
"There's no one I'd rather feel it with," Nala said licking his cheek as they playfully rolled over.
}
In the morning. Simba had walked to Kovu and Kiara's den.
"Kovu," Simba called.
"Oh, Good morning dad. Wait are you okay?" Kovu asked.
"I see Kiara isn't in here?" Simba questioned.
"Yeah, Njia. Is taking this pretty hard, so she slept in her den," Kovu replied.
"She is a great mother and mate. I love my daughter so much," Simba said.
Simba began to tell him what had happened a few hours before. But didn't tell him about the burial.
"Okay, So you have today. And that's it?" Kovu asked.
"That's what I believe," Simba said.
"Dad I'm not ready for you to leave yet," Kovu said.
Simba was stunned. Never had Kovu called him dad before.
"Kovu, you are one of the greatest kings this land has ever known. You are strong, forgiving, kind, compassionate, fierce, and above all, you are a great mate and father. Don't ever forget what I told you before you became king," Simba said.
"That if ever in my reign. My mate and kids become second then I've failed them," Kovu said.
"And I know you, you would be willing to give it all up for them," Simba said.
"Without hesitation," Kovu said.
"One more thing Mohatu said. He commanded that I be buried at the border between the Pride Lands and Backlands," Simba told him.
"Why?" Kovu asked perplexed as to why.
"I don't know, but I know what my father told me about Mohatu. He is the brightest star up there, and being able to see him was incredible. So if he commands something I suggest you do it," Simba said.
"I will. I promise you," Kovu said.
"Daddy, your awake," Malkia said running up to her father.
Simba hugged her tight.
"Now Malkia, you've always wanted to go on one of those spa days with you and mom. Let's go," Simba said racing down Pride Rock.
"Really? Wait but what about breakfast?" Malkia asked.
"Doesn't matter. We can eat after," Simba said running trying to get as much in the day as he could.
Kiara came beside Kovu watching her father run with Malkia.
"This is going to be hard," Kiara said.
"It is. God, I hope Kion gets here," Kovu said.
}
The group of Tree of Lifers, made it 3 quarters of the way. They didn't stop at all during the night, no one slept at all and all were exhausted. Kishindo stayed in the middle of the group, while Muhasi and Kaela laughed and joked in the back about stories from both their lands.
"So wait a minute. You and Sikoa grew up together?" Muhasi laughed at the story Kaela had just told him.
"Yeah, after Roman and Maji died, and most of the lionesses followed them. We didn't have much. But Sikoa was hidden from Roman, and we thanked the moon that he didn't feel his wrath," Kaela said.
"Hey, Muhasi tell her about that time when I got you unstuck from a log," Haraka joked backing up to them and trying to get involved in the conversation.
"Oh I have to hear that story," Kaela laughed.
"I thought I saw something, okay. And there I was laying stuck in a log, thankfully Haraka was there," Muhasi said.
"What about the time when we couldn't find you during hide and seek?" Kishindo asked now interested in the conversation.
"Yes, yes. Okay, I have some things to learn, I'm not the best at directions. That's why I'm happy Fuli and Dad are leading this group," Muhasi said.
"Remind me to not go somewhere with you alone," Kaela joked making Kishindo and Haraka laugh.
"I agree, don't worry," Muhasi said laughing with them.
Rani was listening to the conversation. As she noticed that Jala was telling Zara all about the Pride Lands. Rani slowly made her way over to them.
"Queen Rani, I've never been to the pride lands, I'm a bit nervous," Zara said.
"No need to be, the pride lands is a second home for us. Besides we have many friends there," Rani said.
"You'll love it Zara, and you can meet some other new friends too," Jala said giddily about returning to the pride lands but trying to suppress the feeling of sadness about her grandfather.
Up ahead Kion was slowing down. As he broke down into tears. Which made the whole group stop.
"I can't lose my dad," Kion cried as Rani ran to him to comfort him.
"Kion we need to get there. Remember he wants to say goodbye, so we're going to be there when he does," Rani said licking his tears.
"Thank you, my love," Kion said.
"Everyone, I can't pretend that this isn't hard. I haven't really lost anyone before, not like a lot of you have. Muhasi, Kishindo. You both take the lead in getting us there. I trust you both," Kion said nodding at Kishindo in a way trying to make up for the day before.
"Kishindo, you take the lead, me and Kaela will follow. Besides I got to hear if she had some embarrassing story," Muhasi joked.
"Oh I've got plenty," Zara smiled.
"Oh God, no!" Kaela said.
"I'm interested in hearing all of them later, now come on, we have to get to the pride lands," Kishindo said.
The group started To run again, but Kion and Rani were slowly behind them. As Bunga put his claw on Kion's shoulder trying to comfort him.
"We're with you to the end," Bunga said.
Kion smiled remembering that his father said that's what Timon said to him before they took on Scar.
}
Back in the Pride Lands.
Simba was relaxing next to Malkia in a patch of flowers.
"Daddy, are you going to die?" Malkia asked.
"Malkia, let me tell you something. We all are dying, I'm just closer to it than some. But I want you to know something, I'm proud of the lioness you've become. I see the same fire in you as your mother has. Your a skilled hunter, and you will make a great mate and mother one day when the right partner shows up," Simba said.
"Thanks, daddy, but I don't want to lose you," Malkia cried.
"You know how we talk to Grandfather Mufasa sometimes?" Simba asked.
"Yeah," Malkia said.
"I'll always be there for you whenever you need to talk to me. Besides what else will I be doing," Simba laughed.
Malkia wrapped her arms around Simba's neck beginning to cry. But she realized that her dad would always be there for her.
"You know daddy, I wonder if I'll meet a prince one day or something?" Malkia asked.
"Ugh, I dreaded that I would be there for that day. But I know you're going to make the right decision when that comes along. And I know your brothers and sisters will be there to advise you. Don't reject their advice," Simba instructed.
"I won't," Malkia said.
"Alright, well I had a spa day. Why did I say no to this before, I'm relaxed," Simba said.
"Because you were too much like a guy," Malkia said.
"There's nothing wrong with being a guy, or a girl," Simba said.
"No there isn't. Unless you're being stubborn about it, besides as long as it makes you happy who cares what your doing," Malkia said.
"Your right my daughter," Simba smiled watching her walk ahead of him. And he could've sworn that he saw another lion walking with her, but he shook his head realizing it was just a figment of his imagination.
Malkia went to play with Njia and Kitu. As he went to the top of pride rock. The very top where Kiara was.
"Daddy, I know today is your last, I don't know how I'm going to go on without you," Kiara said.
"Kiara. You are going to be fine. I've taught you everything I can, and you are one of the greatest lionesses to ever step foot on these plains," Simba said.
"But what about my kids, they need a grandfather," Kiara said.
"Kiara, there's an old saying. That parents shouldn't have to bury their own kids. I'm lucky to have had four beautiful cubs, who have now had six and are about to be more cubs of their own. My time has come Kiara, just as I taught you when you were younger, and just like my father taught me. The sun has set on my time here," Simba said.
"Do you regret anything in your life?" Kiara asked.
"A few things. I wish that your mother was the only one I mated with. I will never forgive myself for the mistake I made there. But also, I lied to Kion," Simba said.
"What? How?" Kiara asked.
"I promised him I would visit him. That when I stepped down, I would travel there. But since Malkia was born we never went to the Tree of Life," Simba said.
"But Kion and them understand, you and mom had to work on yourselves, and relearn how to raise a cub," Kiara said.
"Yeah but that's no excuse. I was a father to you and Kovu, Kopa and Tani, and Malkia. But Kion and Rani got lost in translation. I pray he will forgive me for that," Simba said.
"I guarantee Kion regrets not coming here too," Kiara said.
"Doesn't matter if he does. I promised him that stepping down was for him as well. When really it was for you and Kovu," Simba said.
"Daddy, I'm going to miss you," Kiara said.
"And no matter what I'll still be there for you, whether in the sky, in your heart, or by your side," Simba said walking back down the peak. Seeing someone coming in the distance.
Simba's heart leaped thinking it was Kion and the Night Pride but it wasn't. Someone else was coming. As Kovu raced to the border to meet the animal.
"Oh, you've done it now. I thanked you for your hospitality and this is how you treat me?" Glosbe yelled.
"Excuse me! Better watch your tune," Kovu demanded.
"Where is she?" Glosbe commanded.
"Where is who?" Kovu asked.
"Oh the little baboon girl, You know who my daughter Sana is," Glosbe replied sarcastically.
"I don't know where Sana is, she's not here Glosbe. Did you lose her again?" Kovu asked.
"Yes, and now as far as I'm concerned she can stay gone, she doesn't appreciate the sacrifices I've made to keep her alive," Glosbe said.
"But kids need more than just survival. They need love and care. Not just food and water," Kovu said.
"Easy for you to say your highness, you haven't gone through what I have. Being neglected, abandoned by most, and now my own daughter has left," Glosbe yelled again.
"Listen, I don't know where she is. She isn't here, 'cause if she was I would've heard about it. So please I'm dealing with some family matters at the moment," Kovu said.
"So much for your if you need anything, stupid king," Glosbe said as she walked away.
"You should be lucky I'm fond of your daughter. As is my son, 'cause I'd have you punished for the disrespect you've shown me," Kovu said.
"Oh, so she thinks she can be with Kitu?" Glosbe started laughing hysterically.
"Yes, and my son was heartbroken when you and her left," Kovu said.
"Oh of course he was, and then was made better by another female right? See males don't have heartbreaks, especially royal ones. Cause all they have to do is say the word, and a who harem of lionesses would be at his cave," Glosbe said.
"We're not like that here Glosbe, now please try to act like a good mother and go find your daughter," Kovu snipped.
Glosbe raised her paw to hit Kovu.
"If you do this, you will be sorry," Kovu said.
Glosbe cursed at him and walked away.
"Your majesty, is everything okay?" Ono asked.
"Ono, if you see Sana tell me immediately," Kovu said.
"Affirmative," Ono said.
"What was that about?" Simba asked walking up to him.
"Sana'a mother thought she was here, now I don't know what happened to her," Kovu said.
"We'll find her sire," Ono said.
"Zazu would be proud of you Ono, you are making a very good majordomo," Simba said.
"Thank you, your highness. You know I know he didn't die, what happened to him?" Ono asked.
"He wanted to retire, go settle down, by what I heard he met a nice girl and settled down in one of the forests you and the guard passed through on your way to the tree of life," Kovu said.
"Yeah, we all gave him that honor, cause he had done so much for all of us. From his mother to him, and now to you the smartest in the pride lands," Simba said.
Ono smiled when he thought he heard something. He flew upward and saw Kishindo and Fuli leading the way as the Night Pride had finally gotten there.
"They're here," Ono said flying as fast as he could to greet Fuli, Anga, and Bunga. He hadn't seen them in so long.
"Ono, how've you been my friend?" Anga asked.
"Amazing, and whose this?" Ono asked excited to see Anga again.
"I'm Soren, her wing candy," Soren joked.
"Wow, that's amazing. And my how you two have grown. Doa you are looking more like your mother," Ono said.
"Seriously?" Doa joked.
"And sounds like her too," Fuli replied.
"Dad, are you okay? We heard you were," Kion said stopping before he said dying.
"I am Kion, today is my last. But I'm glad I have my son, daughter, grand cubs, brother, and all the Night Pride with me. Wait who is this?" Simba asked noticing two lionesses he didn't recognize.
"Grandpa, this is Kaela and Zara. Their from the water pride," Jala said.
"Ah, so you met Sikoa, huh," Kovu said.
"He's guarding the tree for us, these two practically have joined the family," Rani said.
"Oh, I see," Simba said raising his eyebrow.
"Not like that dad," Kion said.
"Oh okay," Simba said.
"Now come on, let's go have a good time before this old king has to go," Simba said.
Kion gulped, and began to walk toward the tree of life.
In the distance, was the green-eyed tigress. She was sitting behind a few rocks, but when she counted all that was there, she smiled believing now was the time to strike.
Coming Up
Yes unfortunately the chapter we all never wanted to have. Plus what will the three tigers do? And where the heck is Sana?