I announce this as the final chapter of the story. Enjoy!
Kimba thundered after Naledi as they raced through the Outlands. Dawn was approaching and he could see a savanna, just like the Pride Lands, on the horizon.
"Anyone else live here?" He asked as they reached the edge of the Outlands.
"Just a few random lions. There's quite a few herds, of course. Even a huge river somewhere over there." She lifted her paw and pointed to the right. "Like it?"
"Seems more interesting than my home." Kimba admitted, flicking his tail.
"Come, I'll show you where my home tree is." Naledi told him, racing off into the lush tall grass.
"Hey! Wait up!" He roared playfully, chasing after her.
They reached a huge tree, stopping at the trunk of it.
"Hope you can climb." She smiled at him, leaping onto the trunk and beginning to claw her way up it.
"I bet I can." His eyes gleamed as he jumped onto the trunk. He dug his claws into the bark and carefully began clawing up the tree after her.
*X*
Panting, Kimba hauled himself up the last leg length into a strange hollow in the tree. Leaves on the inside of it provided comfortable nests and flooring, while the wooden sides and roof provided shelter. He was surprised at how much space was in there. There was room for the whole Pride!
"Wow." He gasped out.
"Like what you see?" Naledi asked.
"Yeah." He responded. "I'm surprised the Pride didn't know about this place."
"That Pride of yours never ventures outside of their borders, you know." She told him. "They're too careful about it. They obey the king and just stay there."
Kimba's tail drooped slightly as she mentioned his father, only to perk up right away. I don't need them. They don't need me either.
"Something the matter?" Naledi asked.
"No." He lied swiftly. "It's just, the king and I aren't exactly on the best of terms."
"You can stay here, with me, if you'd like." She offered.
"Y-you're joking?" He gaped.
"No, never do." Naledi responded. "There's plenty of room out here, away from that Pride."
Kimba stood up to his full height, facing her. "I have made my decision."
What do you think his decision was?