AN: Sorry for the delay. Writers block and real life getting in the way. And real life matters are more important.


Chapter 17


The wet season had come. Bringing with it rain that seemed never ending. But to those who lived long enough to know all things came to an end, they persevered. But for those who had yet to experience their first wet season, the wait for the never ending rain to pass was like watching a snail make its way from one end of the Kingdom to the next. You knew it could and would eventually but the wait was just almost too much to bear!

For a certain Princess, the wet season was the worst. While the dry season was hot and sticky and sometimes you had little food, but still you could go out and play whenever you wanted too. If you could take the heat that is. But with the rains it was harder to go outside, it often got so cold she couldn't stand being out in the rain more then a good ten to twenty minutes before rushing back on inside the den.

Now, it wasn't like Kiara had never seen rain before. A little sprinkle here and there or even a storm.

But the wet season was different.

It been nearly three weeks now and there didn't seem to be any end to the rain. Oh, of course there were brief moments where it stopped that one could go outside. But it wasn't that long before the rains started again.

The hunting party were few in those that dared to venture out into the wet and cold to bring home prey so that none of them would starve.

If there was one upside to the wet seasons it was the herds that it brought. Many herds followed the rains and so whenever they reached the Pride Lands the land was filled with more herds then there were any other season. So much food that none would go hungry and would prepare them for the next dry season.

Sitting at the edge of the main den, Kiara stared out into the blanket sheet of water that poured from the dark brooding clouds that lingered over her home. The young Princess scrunched up her nose as some water caught by the winds splattered against her face.

Lifting a paw, she rubbed it over her muzzle with a disgruntled look on her face trying to get the feeling of wetness off her nose and fur. Sighing, her ears fell against her head and she stared wistfully out of the cave once more.

From deeper within the cave, an amused voice spoke to her. "You know, standing there staring at it won't make it go away any quicker."

Turning her body just a bit she watched as her tawny furred godmother came over. Kiara's bright blue eyes sparkled with joy as she laid eyes on Nala, the older lioness was the closest she was too other then her grandmother then any other lioness in the Pride. Nala had once told her that she had promised Kiara's mother that should anything happen to her that she would look out for Zuri's cubs. And given Kiara was the last remaining one out of all her siblings, Nala was doing her very best in helping raise the young Princess into a lioness what would make Zuri proud as well as the rest of the Pride and Kingdom.

Besides Kodi, Nala had to be the closest thing she really had to a friend since she really had no one else around her age. Not that she didn't enjoy the company of the other lionesses or even Gina or her father but sometimes Kiara wished she had more around her age to play with. But least Nala didn't mind playing with her.

"You never know." Kiara answered with a cocky grin everyone said she inherited from her Father. "Maybe if I try hard enough it will stop and vanish and never rain again!"

Laughing, Nala stopped along side the cub and looked down at her. Though Kiara had grown over the last couple of months the Princess was still just below her shoulder. "You're going to have to learn to put up with this weather you know. This is how the world is. Just be grateful we don't get what is called snow here on the savannah Kiara."

The mention of snow left the cub confused. "Snow?" She asked. "What is snow?" She had never heard of anything like it before.

"I honestly do not really know." Nala chuckled.

Kiara's eyebrow went up. "Then how do you know about it?"

Smiling, the tawny lioness stared out into the rain. "The birds." Came her answer after a few seconds of silence. "I've heard the birds who have travelled long distances speak of it. Apparently it is very cold and white." She looked at the cub. "Although they say not as wet as rain constantly is only if you get enough on you and stand in it too long."

"Then I would prefer that!" Kiara jumped onto her paws. "If you can play in it, it's got to be better then rain!"

Nala looked at the cub with a curious look. "Who says you can't play in the rain?"

"Uh…" Kiara was stumped. No one ever said she couldn't play in the rain, but they always did mention she had to be careful not to get too wet and cold or she could get sick. But none of them ever said she could play in it. "I guess…that I did?" She smiled cheekily.

Humming with amusement, Nala shook her head. "Ah my dear Princess, you don't know what you're missing out on then!" She teased.

Kiara looked at her like she'd grown a second head which caused Nala to laugh and look on outside. "Your Father and I used to try and sneak out into the rain to play. It's not as bad as it seems dear." She grinned down at the young Princess who was watching her curiously. "Want me to prove it?" She watched as Kiara seemed to give it a thought but before she could answer she found herself shoved out into the rain when Nala had slipped on behind her and gave her a little push.

Kiara rolled along the ground and huffed when she came to a stop and lifted her head to glare at the lioness that still stood in the comfort of the den watching her with a smile. "Well how is it Princess?"

"Co-Cold!" Kiara stuttered a bit pushing herself up onto her paws. Her fur was soaked in minutes of her being out in the pouring rain. Shaking her head she got some water off her but it was pointless as she just got soaked again seconds later. Her ears drooping from the weight of the water on them and splattering against the top of her head.

With a smile Nala stepped on out of the cave letting the rain hit her as well while she made her way to the young cub's side. "You get used to it Princess." Nala bent down till her nose was close to Kiara's. "One day you'll lead the hunting party when you become Queen. And whether it is dry or raining young Princess you must learn to put up with it for even the rain cannot stop the hunt. If you didn't hunt for the majority of the time the wet season remains you and your pride could end up starving." Smiling Nala stared into Kiara's blue eyes and asked. "And we wouldn't want that now would we?"

Pouting Kiara shook her head slowly answering. "No…"

Laughing, Nala straightened her body. "Than I suggest we get you used to the rain Princess Kiara." Stepping around the cub Nala slapped her paw in a small forming puddle on the rocks and watched as it splashed up onto the cub.

Sputtering when the water smacked her in the face. Kiara's ears drooped more from the weight of the water on them and glared toward Nala who just continued smiling at her.

Then smirking Kiara reached out with her paw and splashed at the lioness whose smile broadened. "Now that's the spirit Princess!" Turning Nala started jog away with Kiara shouting after her; "Hey! Wait up!" With hurried paws the young cub scampered on after the older lioness.

Kiara followed her to the edge of Pride Rock and down the sloping rocks when she lost her footing and went tumbling down the rest of the way. "Whoa!" Flying off the very bottom rock she landed on the ground with a thud in a muddy puddle that stained her fur a light brown.

"Ah man!" Kiara pushed herself to her paws and looked at her body. While she didn't mind getting dirty it was the fact that she would probably need another bath to get clean and her grandmother had given her one just that morning. "I hate baths." She mumbled as Nala came up on her.

"You okay there?" Nala who had been surprised to see the tumbling cub go by her hadn't panicked when she saw that Kiara had managed to get up on her own. Taking this as a good sign that the cub was just fine. But had to ask just to be on the safe side.

Looking back at Nala, Kiara muttered. "Grandma is not going to like that I am dirty."

Eyebrow raised, the tawny lioness gave the princess a look over and saw exactly what she meant and smiled. "Well…we are out in the rain so I'm sure it'll wash off by the time she discovers you been dirty…and you look a bit like your mother right now." She watched Kiara's face brighten at this fact.

"Really!?"

Looking the cub over again, taking in how the mud made her fur look and finally settled on the Princesses bright blue eyes that were staring back at her with such excitement at the prospect of looking like the Mother she had never met. And while Kiara had seen what her in a dream, Kiara was excited to hear it comes from someone else.

Putting a smile on her face again Nala nodded. "Yes." She answered. "Especially with your eyes. They are definitely your Mothers eyes."

"That's what Daddy always says!"

Chuckling, Nala walked past the Princess with a motion for her to follow. "Well your Father is always right."

That got a scoff from the Princess which made Nala look back at her. "You do not agree?"

Kiara stomping her paws a bit on the ground moved to walk along side the lioness rather then behind her. "Dad thinks he's always right…but then he just says things to make it so it appears that he is right."

Sighing, Nala could see the way the cub was staring and knew exactly what she was talking about. Stopping she reached her paw out to the side to stop Kiara from going any further. And while the Princess looked up at her confused she stared at her with a serious expression. "Kiara I know you still think that Kovu is kind and not like the other Outlanders. But he's not. He is like them in everyway."

"How would you know that?" Demanded the cub.

Closing her eyes, breathing deep in her nose and out slowly through her mouth. Nala sat and placed her paw on Kiara's back. "I don't. I never got close to them the same way your Mother and your older brother did. But in the end they helped betray us just as much as their Mother had. Kiara…Zira is filled with hate…and one day all her cubs will be as well. It runs in their blood. Evil runs on that side of the pride and family and we can only make sure they never hurt us again." Bending Nala rubbed her head against Kiara's then licked the side of her head.

"Please Princess believe what we tell you about them."

Shoulders dropping Kiara stared at her Godmother then lowered her gaze to the wet muddy ground. She watched the droplets hit the ground and many puddles around them causing the water to spring back up off the ground then fall once more to rest in the puddle. She didn't want to believe them. She had a gut feeling that Kovu wasn't as bad as everyone said…but no one ever wanted to listen to her and believe her.

Not her Father.

Not her Grandmother.

Not the other lionesses.

Not Gina.

Not Kodi.

And not Nala.

Why won't anyone believe me? She asked to herself silently in her mind. I bet if Mama was here she would believe me.

It made her heart ache for her Mother. After that one dream she hadn't seen her Mother again. No matter how much she begged her Mother to come to her in her dreams again there was never another visit.

She lifted her mud covered paw to stare at how stained brown her fur was. Mama's fur. No she thought. Her Mama's fur wasn't like the mud. Mama's fur is like…is like…the colour of the trees that reach toward the sky. With leaves that wave freely in the wind like Mama's kind soul.

Her Mama should be there. For she knew Mama would believe her unlike all the others. She just knew it.

"Kiara?"

Hearing a voice calling her name, Kiara came out of the thoughts and looked up bewildered at Nala. Oh, she almost forgot Nala was there. "Sorry…" she was quick to apologize. "I was just thinking."

Staring at the cub and the look on Kiara's face, Nala didn't ask what she was thinking about because she had a feeling she wouldn't get a straight answer from the cub.

So she just nodded her head and smiled. Turning Nala headed on into the grasslands again. "Come along Princess let us not dwell on such matters. We're out here to have fun after all!"

Fun!

Giggling, all worried thoughts pushed to the back of her mind, Kiara jumped to her paws and hurried on along after the lioness. Her worries about the rain no longer bothering her as she and Nala started running through the grasslands. "Nala wait up!"

"Got to try and catch me little Princess!" Nala hollered back over her shoulder. Picking up her speed she raced through the tall grass.

Rolling her shoulders and a determined face Kiara bolted on after Nala trying to keep up with her. But each time she managed to get close Nala would elude her. Loosing her balance at one point Kiara went skidding into the mud caking her fur more then it had when she landed in the puddle.

Hurrying back, Nala chuckling reached out a paw and plucked Kiara from the ground. "Careful there Princess."

"You're too fast." Huffing Kiara wiping a glop of mud from her face.

Shaking her head and setting the cub back on her paws Nala smirked. "I'm older and bigger then you Kiara. Of course I'm faster. That doesn't mean that one day you'll be faster too."

"But Kodi is small and he's still faster then me!"

"Well he's a cheetah. Are you a cheetah little Princess?"

"No."

"Well there is your answer to that." Nala clarified.

Grumbling and wiping some mud off her even more, Kiara was beginning to think the rain wouldn't keep her completely clean and she pouted inwardly at the thought of having to have another bath…maybe…no…she shook her head. Her Daddy wouldn't let her not have a bath if he wanted too he'd hold her down to bathe her himself but Grandma was always better at it then him.

"Well why are cheetah's faster then us anyways? Are we the biggest cats around? We should be the fastest!" The young cub pressed.

Nala had to sigh. Wondering if she was ever this quizzical when she was this age? If she was she thought she ought to apologize to her mother or any other lioness she bothered growing up. Cubs are supposed to question adults it's how they learn, she could just hear her mother lecturing her.

Thinking of an answer, Nala bent down to the cub's level. "Well one should ask why can lions roar and cheetah's cannot? Why do birds fly? Why does the meerkat burrow underground? Where does the moon or sun go when it is night or day?" She answered the curious cub with questions of her own.

Seeing the confused look come over Kiara's face she chuckled. "The answer is simple my dear." She laid her paw on Kiara's head. "That is how nature is. How it made every animal different. How the world works. If we question it all the time and find answers it will always make us question more as we discover more. Cheetah's are fast because that is how life has made them…now does that answer your question?"

Furrowing her brow and rubbing the back of her neck Kiara sighed nodding her head. "I guess it does…" she wasn't completely sure.

Laughing Nala removed her paw from the cubs head. "Well you will one day. You're still young and still have a lot to learn."

"Why can't I be grown up now?"

"Oh it's not all as fun as it is cracked up to be."

"That's a lie!"

Gasping, Nala laid her paw against her chest. "I would never lie to you."

"Sure you would. Adults lie all the time." Kiara smirked while Nala's eyebrow slowly went up.

"Well…you're right." Kiara hadn't expected Nala to agree with her and looked at the grown lioness with confusion. "We do lie sometimes…and for very good reason. Sometimes we lie not to hurt others feelings…doesn't make it right though. And at times one need's to avoid the truth with cubs because they are too young to understand the truth but would if they were older."

"See!" Kiara claimed. "This is why I want to be older!"

Smiling, Nala licked the cubs head. "Enjoy being young Princess Kiara. Because one day you'll wish for the freedom of being a cub again. Now come along." Turning Nala continued on her way this time at a much slower pace for the Princess to keep up with her.

Grumbling, Kiara wiped some more mud off her. "Yeah right…can't wait till I'm grown up…then I can do what I want…" whatever that was she still couldn't figure out. But it would be nice not to have so many rules she thought.

Without a second thought she bounded off after her godmother letting the rain do it's work at getting the rest of the mud off her before she would have to return home later and get a bath from her grandmother.


Mane heavy with collecting water, Simba ran his paw through it for what seemed like the 10th time in the last fifteen minutes. Trying to keep it back out of his face.

Patrolling in this kind of weather was never something he enjoyed. Even in the Jungles. But at least in the jungles there was the percentage of the thick canopies of the treetops keeping much of the heavy down pore from hitting those animals that lurked below on the forest floor.

That one time it flooded in the grove had been the first and only time Simba had ever seen the rain get so bad in the jungle. And thinking about it, the King sighed closing his eyes his pace slowly to a crawl.

Thinking of the Jungles was hard for the Pride Lander King. The memories they held were things he often wishes he didn't have to think about often while at the same time…they were things he did not want to forget. Memories of a happy time before troubles came his way…times where his mate was still alive…

Zuri…he thought with a sigh.

Hearing a small crack of thunder over head. Simba raised his eyes toward the sky watching it light up as the storm started to brew in place of the everyday rain it been giving. But with it poured more rain soaking the already soaked lion in the middle of his patrol. But the King paid no mind. As annoying as it was…the rain was nothing to the pain in his chest.

It been months but the king could not shake the feeling of sadness he got whenever he thought of his family he had lost. This pain only ever intensified whenever it storms like it was doing now. Whenever it stormed since his mate's and cub's deaths Simba felt a stab in his chest where his heart was. There were still moments when the King wondered and prayed that he would see all his cubs come running into the den at night to curl up along side him and Zuri. To have them tug on his ears and mane telling him to get up and play with them much like he had when he was young and done the same to his father before his death.

The same thing Kopa had done with him…Simba gave a small amused snort. Kopa had taken after him in his many ways that he been quite proud but Simba could always see that part of his mate in their first born son. And that right there made him prouder then ever seeing just himself in Kopa but the perfect blend of both of them in their son.

He should be experiencing that same pride with all his cubs…now he only had Kiara to experience it with.

The thought of his daughter made the ache in his chest less noticeable. Simba didn't know what he would have done if none of his cubs had survived…well he did in a way…he would have been lonely and probably cold at the fact that all his family was taken from him. But Kiara kept that bit of hope and joy in him. As long as he had her he believed he had that faith that his beloved had tried to make him see when she had visited him in his dreams.

More then once he had prayed for her to visit him again.

But Zuri had never come to his dreams…but whenever the wind blew in the cave when he prayed he thought he felt her presence with him.

"Where are you my love?" Simba called quietly into the storm. "Do you watch over us like you said? Do you know how much I miss you? How much Kiara wishes for you?"

He knew there would be no answer. But it was in times like this…quiet times when he had time to think and ponder on his patrols did he attempt to speak. Whether he got an answer or not it didn't matter it was his way of keeping close to his mate…he did find himself however talking more to her since the…incident.

Turning his head, Simba shook some water from his mane and to get it out of his eyes which he narrowed while he stared in the direction of the Outlands.

Ever since Kiara had given him that scare when she had run off and ran to the Outlands, he had patrolled this side of the border more each day. Keeping his eyes out for those who lurked beyond his borders. He had caught sight of a few of them and what puzzled him was he thought he had counted more cubs being out there than there should be. But that wasn't possible…

The only cubs should be that of Zira's and she only had three…although by this time Nuka should be long from his cub stage.

Perhaps it was just his eyes playing tricks on him. He didn't think any of the other lionesses had any cubs while out there.

Perhaps it was just his imagination…

But that didn't matter…he shook his head. What did matter was those he saw out there and keeping them out of his lands. The only one he hadn't seen was Zira but that wasn't something to be happy about he knew…Zira lived in the Pride Lands before he was born and knew many of the ways in and out of the Kingdom without having to be caught. It was not seeing her that he knew he ought to be the more worried about…

It was why he had kept Kiara close to Pride Rock after the incident. He couldn't afford for his daughter to be found by that…monster.

It was the only word he could think of to describe the mate of his late Uncle. There were moments he regretted letting her and her cubs live. He should have had them all die that night to make sure Zira and her brood never laid paws on his family again.

But he couldn't, not with the thought of what his mate would say and tell him to do. She wouldn't have wanted him to kill those cubs…to become a cub killer. It just wasn't him and Simba knew that. But it didn't mean he shouldn't have done something to Zira while he had his chance. Perhaps keeping the cubs alive and making sure they grew up to be the exact opposite of Zira.

However it was too late for that so Simba shook his head to clear his mind. There really was no point in dwelling on what should or shouldn't have been done. It had already been done and there was no going back on the decision that he had made. Right now all that mattered was keeping his daughter safe along with the rest of his pride and ruling his Kingdom the best he could do.

And as much as he wanted to keep Kiara within the limits of Pride Rock both Nala and his mother had shot that idea down.

Telling him he needed to give Kiara the space she deserved and let her be free now and again. That didn't mean he couldn't be protective and watch over her. Which he did.

Taking his eyes off the Outlands Simba turned to continue on his way with his patrol when he heard a voice call from overhead.

"SIRE!"

Looking up, Simba caught sight of his majordomo riding the winds through the pouring rain flying for him. But a gust of wind would send him one way then another before he was close enough to Simba that the King could reach out his paw and snag him. Setting the hornbill on his shoulder. "You alright there Zazu?"

Catching his breath, Zazu folded his wings against sides shivering from the cold rain and the blowing wind. "Yes sire…just need a moment to catch my breath."

"Is there something important you need to tell me?" asked Simba. "You already gave me your last report not that long ago."

"I know sire. I did not mean to interrupt your patrol but I have word from King Jozi of the Eastern Pride." This caught Simba by surprise. The one and only time he had heard from the Eastern pride directly was when his mate had died and they had sent their regards. Of course he heard that Zira and them tried sneaking into the Eastern Lands for food but other than that he had never truly met King Jozi.

Though he knew his son had before his death. Kopa had told him all about it as did Binti who he knew originally came from that pride. From what they had told him Kopa had made friends with many of the cubs from that pride and had hoped he would strike an alliance with the Eastern Pride but sadly his family's death had gotten in the way of that and Simba had never really given it any thought.

So he wondered why King Jozi was sending him word now.

"Did he say what he wanted Zazu?"

The hornbill shook his head. "Nothing other then he wishes to have a word with you sire. I am to report to him on your answer. I came as fast as he called me down from my flight."

Thinking about it for a moment Simba sighed. "Go to him; tell him I'll speak with him on the morrow when the rains break enough."

Shaking his wings and feathers of the collecting rain on them, the majordomo sighed not wanting to fly through this weather anymore then he had too but he knew what his job was and he would see through for it. "Yes sire…is there anything you might acquire of me afterwards?"

Chuckling Simba shook his head. "No there won't be any need. The weather seems to be getting worst for today. I will be heading back to Pride Rock early. You may retire for the day once you give King Jozi my answer." Nodding and giving the best bow he could given where he sat on Simba's shoulder Zazu then took to the sky battling through the wind and rain.

Watching him until he was out of sight. Simba like he said turned to begin his way back to Pride Rock.

Twenty minutes of trudging through the rain he pulled himself up the rocks toward the main den. Once inside, the King shook himself glad to finally be out of the rain. Clearing his ears of any water he awaited the familiar happy sound of his daughter greeting him but when it never gave his head snapped up eyes searching the cave for Kiara.

All he saw was much of the pride resting. His mother got up and approached him when she saw him looking for his daughter. "Nala took her out earlier to play."

"What?" Simba looked outside the cave. "Why?"

"Why?' Sarabi repeated her eyebrow up. "Because she was bored Simba that is why…oh don't give me that look." She gave him a stern look when he turned her way and opened his mouth to say something. But quickly closed it at the look she was giving him and her tone of voice. "You used to go out into the rain to play when you were much younger then Kiara, despite how much I told you not too…your father thought you should be allowed to explore the great outdoors even in the rain…he just said that because it wasn't him who needed to give you a bath afterwards!"

Smiling, Simba leaned his forehead against his mothers looking her in the eyes. "How many times do I have to apologize for being a messy cub?"

"Until I am happy with it." Replied Sarabi with a smile. "Now relax she's safe with Nala. You and Zuri did make her the godmother of your cubs, she knows what she is doing and would not let any harm come to her." She gave her sons cheek a lick.

"I know this but she's my daughter and I want to make sure she's safe."

"And she is…the weather has turned into a storm. Nala will be back with her any moment now. You know this." Sarabi hit him on the nose lightly.

"Alright! Alright I get it I'm being a worried wart!" Simba grumbled causing the other lionesses in the den to laugh. Each just smiling at the disgruntled look he gave them all.

Shaking his head, Simba made his way around his mother and toward Binti who was talking with Sarafina. "Binti?"

Looking up the old lioness smiled, "Yes my King?"

"Zazu has given me word that King Jozi would like a word with me. Do you have any idea of what it might be about?" Seeing the surprise come over Binti's face Simba knew what he answer would be before she even said a word.

"No sire. I have no clue. I have not spoken or been to the Easter Pride since I've taken Kopa there. I am sorry but I do not know." Binti was just as surprised to hear about the Eastern pride and from the looks of it the other lionesses that had overheard were just as confused to why King Jozi would like to speak with Simba.

Closing his eyes and nodded Simba sat himself down. "Well I told Zazu to tell him that I'd meet with him tomorrow. Seeing as you already met him I'd like you to accompany me if you're not busy Binti." The old lioness could see despite the way Simba was keeping a straight face he was nervous. While he been King for some time he never really had to handle matters of business with other royalty before and so was nervous for his first time in having to do so.

Smiling, Binti nodded her head. "Of course my King I'll accompany you."

Keeping himself from sighing in relief Simba nodded his head in gratitude. "Thank you Binti." The old lioness nodded her head with a smile and each turned their heads when they heard giggling approaching the cave and each smiled as they watched their Princess come running in from out of the rain shortly followed by

Only Simba and Sarabi groaned when they saw how dirty Kiara had become. "Couldn't you have least kept her out of the mud?" Simba questioned with a sigh.

Smirking Nala cleaned her ears out of any water replying. "Nope." She looked at her friend and King. "She takes after you after all."

"Ha-ha." Simba shook his head and smiled at his daughter who was watching him a bit nervously like she was expecting him to get angry for having gone out into the rain. "Did you have fun?"

When her Father didn't get angry Kiara eyed him for a moment then burst out in a smile. "Yeah!" Giggling she bounded over to him as he bent to lick her head. "We played tag and Nala caught me how to creep through the grass and other stuff and…"

"Whoa there!" Chuckling, Simba laid his paw over her mouth. "Calm down before you over excite yourself."

"You're not angry that I went out without permission?"

Simba paused before answering shaking his head. "You were safe with Nala. And you came back safe that's all that matters."

Eyeing her Father again trying to see if he was pulling her leg about not being mad with her. But when she saw the honesty in his eyes and then looked around him at her Grandmother who smiled and nodded her head she relaxed enough to smile up at her Father. "However…" great she thought there is always a but to the answer. "You're rather dirty…" Kiara froze seeing what he was going to say was the complete opposite of a lecture she thought he was going to get into.

Gulping Kiara began backing away from her Father who smirked and reached out and snatched her just as she was turning to run away. "Hey now you're not getting off not having a bath!"

"But Daddy I'm not that dirty!" Kiara whined struggling in his paws half expecting him to hand her to her Grandmother.

Instead Simba settled himself down with Kiara in his arms holding her still much like he'd seen his mother do as well as Zuri with Kopa. And began to bathe his daughter on his own. "Daddy!" Despite how much Kiara struggled Simba would not let her go or stop her bath.

"Stop struggling Kiara. You need a bath young lioness." Sarabi made her way over to lay in front of her son and granddaughter.

"I'm not dirty! The rain washed it away!" Kiara protested.

"Yes you are." Sarabi stated. "The rain may have washed some of the mud off you but you're still rather dirty so might as well accept it and relax and take your bath."

Sighing, Kiara finally went slack in her Father's arms grumbling as both her grandmother and Father chuckled at her. Several minutes later Simba finished bathing her and rolled her over in his paws tickling her tongue with his nose causing her to squirm and giggle batting at his nose.

"Daddy stop it!" Kiara shrieked.

"No I don't think so. You look so yummy I could eat you up!" Jested Simba as he nuzzled her stomach more and nipped at it making her squeal with fits of giggles.

"No Daddy!"

"What's the magic word?"

"Ple…ple…"

"What was that?"

"Please! Daddy stop!"

Smirking, Simba stopped and licked her head. "Now it wasn't that bad!" His smirk became a wide grin as she glared at him. A glare she inherited from her mother and had the full impact even with the same colour eyes looking back at him. "Don't give me that look little miss. If you be good I will think about letting you come with me tomorrow."

Giggling, Kiara stuck her tongue out at him turning her body in his arms and laying her head down on one of them while Simba licked the top of her head. "Go where with you tomorrow Daddy?"

"I am to meet with King Jozi of the Eastern pride."

Kiara looked at her Father with wide eyes. "Really?"

"Yes."

"That's so cool!"

Chuckling, Simba smirked. "How so?"

"Because I get to watch you be King!" Kiara claimed bouncing in her place in his arms.

"But you see me being King all the time." Simba licked the top of her head to try and calm her down. "Careful sweetheart no need to get too excited or you might not sleep tonight."

"Sorry." Kiara whispered looking up at him. "I only ever saw you do patrols or listen to Zazu's boring reports."

"Careful dear one day it will be your time to listen to boring reports from your Majordomo." Sarabi smiled at her granddaughter who huffed at the mention of being Queen one day causing both her Grandmother and Father to share a look and a sigh. Sarabi was sure Kiara would grow out of it one day, she was still young.

"Well I guess I should take you out with me tomorrow to see King Jozi." Simba smiled as Kiara cheered and hugged her Father. "But that means you have to settle down now so that you're well rested for tomorrow."

"Aw! But Daddy!" Kiara didn't want to sleep. She wasn't tired. She wanted to play some more.

"No buts little miss. You been running around enough already you need to settle and get some rest. You may be a bit more grown up but you are still a cub and need your rest." Simba nudged her making her settle down in his arms and held her close to his mane and laid his head down so that she was tucked under his chin.

Sighing, Kiara looked at her Grandmother then to Nala and the other lionesses that all shook their heads to indicate that they would not be helping her in escaping getting some rest. With a huff, Kiara dropped her head back onto her Father's arm.

Shaking his head with amusement, Simba looked at his Mother who was smiling. Sarabi enjoyed times like this seeing her son smiling and playful with his daughter. She knew he was still hurting on the inside but he let that sadness fade a bit when it came to being around Kiara. She always brought the best out of her son…

Much like her mother did.

The beige lioness watched while her son settled down and saw the tired look on his face. Simba's patrols weighing down on him much like everything else. It did her heart good to just see him relax even if it was to lay down to sleep with his daughter in his arms.

Raising her head she glanced toward Nala and Sarafina. "How was her first day out in the rains of the wet season?"

"Interesting." Nala yawned stretching out her body then flopping herself down onto her side while Sarafina groomed her daughters fur to help it dry faster.

"Interesting as in how?" Inquired Sarabi.

"It seems our little Princess is still quite fond of the idea of being friends with Kovu…and everything else…oh and I gave her a little pep talk on why cheetahs are faster then lions when she complained." Nala snickered closing her eyes enjoying the grooming her mother was giving her. She may not be a cub anymore but sometimes it was nice to be…babied by your mother.

Looking from Nala to her now sleeping granddaughter, Sarabi shook her head. "She will learn hopefully in time the truth about Kovu and them."

"She knows her mothers and siblings died Sarabi…I see no reason why she can't know who killed them." Nala huffed peaking one eye open over at the older lioness.

"It's what Simba wants."

"Well maybe if we told her, she wouldn't question us and deny what we tell her about Kovu and the Outlanders." Nala pressed.

Sighing, Sarabi closed her eyes in frustration. She knew Nala was right but at the same time she could not help but side with her son on the matter. "He does not want to her feel unsafe and panic thinking Zira will come after her next."

Opening her eyes fully, Nala tilted her head to get a better look at Sarabi. "I know that Sarabi…" she sighed. "But…maybe she should feel unsafe it would make it easier…and she would know that the Outlander's are dangerous and wouldn't have this assumption that we're wrong just because we don't want her to play with him."

"The decision is final Nala…perhaps in a few more months we can convince him to tell her but until then…this is what the decision will be and we will keep too it. We just need to keep her away from the Outlands as much as possible." Sarabi sighed which was easier said than done really. Kiara was just too curious for her own doing. Just like Simba at her age. She secretly wondered if there was a force in the world that was laughing at her for giving her a trouble making son and grandchildren. Yes she was certain it was that…or her mate was having a fine time smiling down upon them.

Oh well, she smiled. I hope Kopa is up there causing you trouble Mufasa as you now watch over him.

It was perhaps the only thing that made her smile thinking of her late grandson. That her mate was up there watching over him now along with their other grandchildren and Zuri. Sarabi never had a doubt in the world that they were watching over them, first she hears of how Mufasa had spoken to Simba to have him come home. Then from both her son and granddaughter on how Zuri had contacted them in their dreams.

Where some may have doubted their words…

Sarabi didn't.

Why would she?

She never had any reason to doubt their words before and she didn't have a reason to doubt their words not that the ghosts of their loved ones had visited them in their dreams. In fact Sarabi never told anyone but there had been moments during the dark years of the Pride Lands that she had felt her beloved Mufasa's presence with her. Keeping her strong and able to carry on. And she was happy that she had kept going, she had managed to help her pride sisters keep on and she managed to see her son again and his family.

Oh Mufasa. None of this should have happened. They were young…they deserved to be happy. Two generations on a row…ripped apart by death…but no more. Sarabi vowed silently. No more will I see this family be torn apart. I won't loose anymore family.

Smiling, she moved to lay herself beside her son dropping her head down by where Kiara rested in Simba's arms. Giving the cubs head a little lick watching her ears flicker in protest at being disturbed but didn't stir. "Night my little Princess. Perhaps tomorrow you might make some new friends…"

That had promise she thought. With the Eastern Pride having had so many more cubs then the Pride Landers has for Kiara to make friends with. Of course Kiara had Kodi to play with but Gina often took him off to have his lessons a lot but the cub was always around the play with Kiara but at the same time that didn't mean Kiara shouldn't have more lion friends.

Smiling, Sarabi liked the idea of her daughter have more lion friends and thought this was perhaps would be a good thing for her future too…thought she wouldn't have them think of a betrothal it might be good to combine their prides one day through a mating through since Kiara would need a King one day. A good King who could take after her granddaughter and the Kingdom and hopefully she will be around long enough to see that and see her future great grandchildren.

Oh yes, she wanted to see her little Kiara become a great lioness, a great Queen like her mother was before her and have wonderful cubs of her own.

But…Sarabi knew if Simba heard her thinking these things he would probably freak out. Kiara was his little girl and if he had it his way she would stay young forever and be super cute. But like all cubs they grew up and would start families of their own. But of course Sarabi didn't want Kiara to grow up too quickly.

Chuckling Sarabi gave Kiara's head one last lick before she settled down to get comfortable while listening to the storm rage outside the den. Not knowing how long it might last for, the pride decided that a good rest would be in order for them. Smiling and thinking of her family, Sarabi drifted off to sleep.


"Come on dad! You're going to slow!"

"I'm going as fast as my old legs will let me go!" Simba laughed.

"You're not that old so move it!"

Laughing, Simba picked up the pace as he trailed on after his daughter. Along with him on their way to the Eastern Border was his mother, Binti, and Gina and Kodi who at Kiara's insistence had tagged along. But like him was lagging behind the Princess who was busy running ahead of them seemingly more eager to meet with the Eastern Pride then the rest of them where.

Simba was still confused as to why King Jozi had sent the word that he wanted to meet with him in the first place. But Sarabi had done everything to assure him that perhaps King Jozi really did want to go through with the building of an alliance like the Eastern Pride had with them long ago during Mufasa's reign. Only now the Eastern pride according to Binti had split in two. The oldest of three brothers had taken part of the pride and went further into the lands away from the borders when Scar had been King.

But the last two brothers, King Jozi and his brother and second in command Khal had kept their own part of the pride keeping closer to the borders rather then have to move away from where they had grown up all their lives.

Coming up behind his daughter, Simba picked her up by the scruff causing her to pout. "Daddy!"

Gina chuckled and walking up with Kodi beside her she smiled at her Princess. "Now Kiara you keep running off ahead you'll get lost you really don't know the way we're supposed to take to meet the Eastern King." She been surprised when Kiara had insisted that she and Kodi tag along but honoured that the Princess had felt they were special enough to join them. Though Gina had been told time and time again though she was a cheetah she was apart of the pride as she helped out where she could. It still surprised her…but she was honoured enough she did not protest and the King didn't seem to have a problem with it either.

"I know that!" Kiara pouted.

Grinning and setting his daughter back down, Simba smirked. "Do you now? So why did you run off ahead in the wrong direction?"

"I did not!"

Raising his eyebrow, Simba just smirked shaking his head. Looking up and around Simba felt a heavy heart. He hadn't come near the Eastern Borders as much since Zuri's death. All he could think about was the cave where he had hidden his family in hopes of keeping them safe. The very cave that his last cubs had been born in.

He let Zazu fly over the area to watch over it a majority of the time. Which was why he figured Jozi had managed to flag down the majordomo to speak with him. Simba thought if he had patrolled the area like he did in the past he would have crossed Jozi himself but of course Simba never felt comfortable in this part of the lands anymore. But Sarabi who knew what he was worried about told him he couldn't run from the past forever which only made Simba remember the hit to the head he had received that day all the way back in jungle from Rafiki.

A bump he swore that he had on his head for months and been sore for sometime even after it was gone.

So here he was trudging toward the border to speak with the Easter King and whoever was with him.

Binti was leading them to the far edge of the Eastern borders where the borders connected with the southern lands so that they didn't have to climb the rocks that lined the borders or slip through the cave Binti had taken Kopa through at the time to the eastern lands. This meeting spot had been agreed upon by Jozi when Zazu had flown out that morning to speak with him again.

Luckily for them, the sun was peaking through the clouds. Not much and there was the promise of more rain but some sun was better then no sun.

"How much further?" Kiara looked at the adults as she walked along side her Father and Kodi.

"Not long now Princess." Binti smiled down at the cub.

Facing forward Simba eyed the border point ahead. Where the Eastern rocky border met the smooth plains of the south. As they got closer Simba could make out two large tan lions with golden manes. With them he could see one young cub that was bounding through the grass trying to catch a small rare as the two lions laughed while they watched.

"King Jozi is the one to the right, the one with the blue eyes while his brother Khal is the one with the brown eyes…the cub…it must be his son…he was but a little newborn when Kopa and I visited. I can't remember his name. But he's Jozi's son from his mate and Queen Hala." Binti explained as they started to get closer.

Simba watched as Jozi and Khal stopped their laughter from watching the young eastern Prince when they took notice of Simba and his group getting closer. Both bowing their heads when they were feet away from each other. "King Simba it is finally a pleasure to meet you in the flesh. I am King Jozi and this is my brother Khal…and the young cub running around…" Jozi cleared his throat catching his son's attention to who bounding over to stand at his side with a wide smile. "And this would be my son and heir Prince Kiev."

Grinning widely the eastern prince bowed to Simba who nodded his head in return. "As it is a pleasure to meet you. My son had spoken of you before…before his death. He said you were kind enough to welcome him and Binti here." He waved his paw toward Binti who smiled and bowed her head in greeting as the two lions did the same. "Thank you for being kind and welcoming to them. My son had spoken highly."

Jozi's face saddened a bit at the mention of the loss of the young Prince. When he had first gotten word of it months ago he and Khal had sent their regards while also comforting the cubs of their pride who had felt the loss of Kopa who they had considered their newest friend who was taken from them too quickly. "My regards again King Simba for the loss of your mate and cubs. I know words cannot do enough but I give them anyways."

"As do I." Khal nodded his head. "My young daughter Nadia had taken a liking to your son as a good friend. She would be here but her mother is starting her hunting lessons and very testy if she misses one." He grinned a little to show that yes he was afraid of his mate and wasn't afraid to admit it which made Simba returned his little grin with one of his own.

"Understandable, my mate was like that too when we started Kopa's lessons…and thank you for your regards…while words cannot take the pain away or bring them back…" Simba breathed in deep through his nose letting it out slowly through his mouth fighting back any tears that wanted to glisten his eyes. "But I do appreciate them, thank you…"

He motioned to the others with him. "With me is my mother Sarabi, Binti you know, but also this is Gina she was kind enough to help nurse my daughter when her mother died. Her young son Kodi and finally…"

"I'm Kiara!" From between his front legs Kiara poked her head out to stare up at the two other lions with a wide eyed excited curious look.

Chuckling Jozi and Khal grinned down at the little Princess. "It's a pleasure to meet you young Princess, as with the rest of you." Jozi nodded his head to them all before clearing his throat. "I'm sorry for having called for this meeting King Simba but there is the matter of a few things we should discuss."

Furrowing his brow Simba looked confused. "What matters should this be?"

"Zira."

Tensing, Simba fought back the urge to growl at the mention of that lioness's name. From where she stood Kiara lowered herself to the ground a bit until Simba spoke again. "Gina…would you kindly take the cubs a bit away over there to play while we discuss matters here?" He looked toward the two males across from him. "If you do not mind?"

Jozi shoot his head. "No problem here…Kiev run along with Miss Gina and Kodi and Kiara here. I'll come for you when it's time to leave."

Smiling, Kiev jumped to his paws and bounced on the spot. "Cool! No boring talk!" With his own excitement the young Prince didn't seem to notice the serious air lingering around the adults.

Bowing, Gina smiled at the cubs. "Come along little ones." Turning she started walking away from the group with the cubs bounding on along after her.

Only when they were out of ear shot did Simba finally speak. "What about Zira?"

"It seems the Outlanders have been trying more determinedly to get into the other lands. While I have been defending my side of the border near them along with my brother here…she has seemed to have snuck into the lands deeper within where our eldest brother and his pride resided…they managed to run her off but she does appear to be getting bolder…but we're combining prides again in order to have enough to keep her and her pride away from us…but that is not the matter of which we wish to really speak…" Jozi explained.

Stepping up along side her son, Sarabi looked at him. "Which would be?"

"An alliance." Jozi looked at her to Simba. "We had it before and I am hoping we could have one again. Perhaps if we unit our prides with the alliance it would give Zira a better reason to keep away from our lands if she knows we'll protect each other."

Closing his eyes Simba nodded. Ah, so he was right, this was about an alliance. Something he didn't know what to do about but at the same time he could see the benefits of it. But while Zira might sneak into the eastern lands he did not doubt she would do it to kill but for food unlike with the Pride Landers…

Zira wanted him dead…his family dead…

Which got him thinking perhaps having an alliance…a place to send Kiara should danger ever arise if Zira attacked…something he had a lingering fear of. She would have Nuka and Kovu with her along with her pride…for all he knew Zira could attack when both her sons were older and stronger and made Simba wonder if he'd be able to fight off to opponents again. Much less two males.

And Kiara…he couldn't take his chance…and perhaps…with an alliance…He turned and eyed his giggling daughter as Kiara bounded through the grass with Kodi and Kiev as they laughed playing a game of tag like Gina sat idly by and watched them with a watchful gaze.

"Do we have an agreement King Simba?"

Coming back from his thoughts Simba turned toward Jozi. "If you agree to shelter my daughter should the worst come into play I shall agree."

Furrowing his brow, Jozi looked at Khal who nodded and then looking back at Simba Jozi nodded his head. "Whenever you need protection for her or any backup for anything if it's not too late to call us we shall come if you agree to the same terms."

Nodding, Simba grinned. "Thank you…I do not know what I'd do if I lost Kiara."

"Cubs are precious, to loose so many as you have…my heart goes to you King Simba…and perhaps with this alliance there might come some more good…the lions that live in the southern lands are said to be moving on as their pride has dwindled in numbers during the last dry season." Jozi looked toward the playing cubs.

"It could act as a neutral between our lands. It's far enough away from the outlands for the cubs to play together. And your daughter seems like she could use some more friends." From where he stood Jozi could see the hope come over Sarabi's face and figured this might be something she was hoping for, for her young granddaughter. Jozi himself just wanted to do something for the King and his daughter. His pride was only a border away when they could have offered protection to the Pride Lander Queen and hadn't. And now that Queen and three royal cubs were dead. One that the cubs of his pride had befriended and even Jozi had to admit that the young Prince had good spirit about him and it was a shame that his life was cut short so early.

He felt guilty for not offering help before when he could and so he would offer it now. If Simba wanted his help he would come if the Pride Lander King ever called for them and take their princess in if she was ever in danger and needed protection. But he would go further and make sure the Princess had friends for the loss of the siblings she took. While he could see the young cheetah cub was her friend, one could never go wrong with more friends.

Rubbing his chin in thought glancing toward the southern lands, Simba had to give it a moments thought before sighing and nodding. "Twice a week. I'll take two lionesses deliver Kiara and Kodi to the southern lands to play…my daughter could use more friends…and as far away from Zira if she's well protected I see no reason to object." That and he could feel his mother's heated gaze on him daring him to refuse Jozi's offer.

Simba did want his daughter to have more friends…but he also wanted to be able to keep a close watch on her and he couldn't do that if she was far from pride rock…but the more he thought of that the more he felt his mother's stare intensified on him and he knew there was no point in arguing.

Grinning, Jozi reached out his paw and Simba touched it with his to seal the deal. "It's done. Do not worry King Simba we will make sure she is well protected when they meet." Lifting his head as they felt the small platter of rain falling down around them before it started to pour soaking them in seconds. "It seems nature must cut our meeting short."

Chuckling Simba brushed his sopping mane from his face. "I'm afraid it has…"

"Kiev!" Jozi called as the young Prince came running toward him with Kiara and Kodi behind him and Gina trailing behind. "Time to head home son before your mother returns from the hunt."

"Aw! Do we have too! We're just having fun!" Kiev pouted as Kiara and Kodi joined him.

The Kings nodded their heads. "Yes…but don't worry…you'll be able to see Princess Kiara away and Kodi real soon."

"Really?" Each cubs face lit up. Kiara looked at her father who was watching her and the excitement at the prospect of making more friends. Grinning knowing he made the right choice, Simba nodded his head. "It has been arranged for the two prides to meet twice a week, for the cubs to play as well as I believe build the alliance we have just created…but first we must head home and tell the rest of the Pride good news. Perhaps you may be able to tell them my little Princess." He watched Kiara's face light up with a smile and he chuckled along with his mother and Binti and Gina.

"Come along Kiara." Walking forward Sarabi picked her granddaughter up as Gina did the same with Kodi. Together the females turned and began heading back the way toward Pride Rock with Binti soon following leaving Simba at the borders with the other two lions.

"Come along kid!" Khal grabbed his nephew and began making off with him until it was just his brother and Simba left at the border.

Nodding his head, Jozi turned to leave when Simba asked. "Why did you want this alliance all the sudden King Jozi?"

Stopping, the eastern King closed his eyes and breathed a sigh. "When your son and Binti told us that your mate and cubs were in danger…I did nothing when I could have offered help…" he looked at Simba guiltily his blonde mane falling around his eyes. "And when I heard of their deaths I felt…guilty. Like I should have done something to have offered more help…like take them into my lands until Zira was dealt with like I would do with your daughter should she ever need protection. Your son was a good cub…he would have made a good lion, a good King one day. He had bravery and everything for even just a cub." Closing his eyes Jozi turned his head away and shook it for a moment then looked back at Simba.

"I just want to make sure I can give me help if you ever want it."

Face softening, Simba sighed and closed his eyes. "I do not blame you Jozi so please don't feel guilty. It was not your responsibility for them…it was mine and I failed in protecting them."

"I'm sure your mate would not want you to blame yourself and neither would your cubs." Jozi patted Simba on the shoulder. "Perhaps we both have been feeling guilty for too long my new friend. But I am glad I can now try and make amends. Thank you for this chance."

Nodding Simba stepped back. "Don't need to worry about it. I am glad to rebuild what was loss upon my Father's death." Turning he began to leave stopping he looked back at Jozi he grinned. "And I should be the one thanking you for the chance at having protection if I need it for my pride and daughter…and the kind words you had for my son."

"Words do not do him justice but it is all I can say." Jozi bowed and turned. "I am honoured to have this alliance with you King Simba…may it keep our prides safe from her…" With that he disappeared into the rain heading back to his own pride.

Watching him leave, Simba sighed closing his eyes again feeling the rain pour down around him. He wondered if he had made a good choice but in the end he knew that it was…turning he began making his way back to Pride Rock with the hope that with this he may have found a way to keep his daughter safe.

Turning his eyes to the sky feeling the rain hit his face he smiled. "This is for you my son…I hope I did you proud…I did what you want my son…this is to honour you and keep your little sister safe." Feeling the wind against his fur he thought for a moment his son had heard him.

"Thank you Kopa…" Grinning he took off running toward Pride Rock he made to catch up with his family.


Here you all go. I hope you enjoy the chapter.

I wanted to bring the eastern pride back in at some point and I figured it develops more for the pride land side of the story.