Thanks for the reviews: 5, lilMonkeyCupcakes, Starzinmieyez, kate and KellyEliz. I hope this chapter is a little more interesting. :) I was watched West Side Story the other day and I was in the mood for a musical. Hence the song that's about to come up. I'm not sure if there'll be other ones in the future. But this song takes after the song "Surprise", by Megan Mullally. It was in Young Frankenstein. :)

Hope you enjoy!

~8~

The weeks of winter flew by rather quickly. Zazu and Zula wed a couple weeks after that fateful night at the fields. Efia and Kiara were finally strong enough to partake in the hunt once again. And the once small toddlers were now prying cubs. They were still very young and didn't have much freedom, but they didn't have to be cooped up in the den all day. Their spots faded completely, but Ashanti's birthmark still concerned the young parents. Kovu eventually found out and saw the uncanny resemblance, but vowed to love all three of the cubs equally. They usually pestered Zazu with their meddlesome ways. But occasionally, Simba would take the cubs off of his wings and keep them occupied with stories from the past.

"Wow, Grandpa!" Iman exclaimed. "Did you really beat up those hyenas?"

Simba chuckled exuberantly as he ruffled the growing clump of fur that hung just above his grandson's eyes.

"Let's just say they never bothered us anymore." he winked.

"You're the coolest grandpa ever!" Diallo barked.

"Yeah," Ashanti and Shani said jovially.

"Can you tell us more stories, Ashanti's Grandpa?" Shani begged. "Pretty pleeeasseee?"

"Yeah, please?" Ashanti added eagerly.

"Well..."

"Come on." Diallo pleaded.

"Tell 'em the time when you jumped from that waterfall!" Iman suggested.

Iman's proposal resulted in the other three cubs yelling all at once, trying to sway him to tell the story. Simba eventually gave in to the cub's pleas.

"All right, so one time—."

"Doli's back!" Shani interrupted as she leapt onto her older sister.

"Sup, squirt?" Doli teased as she playfully pushed her down.

She truly was Vitani. The same personality and almost the same look. Due to her age, Doli didn't need Zazu or Zula to babysit her anymore. She'd often wreak havoc by the waterhole or stalk the hunting party, taking note of every move they made. She vowed to be just as good as them one day.

"Let's go home, sis." she suggested. "We're having gazelle for lunch."

"My favorite!" Shani said as she began to feel her mouth water. "Bye, Ashanti's grandpa."

In a matter of seconds, the foursome followed Doli back to the cave. Everyone knew Shani liked to follow Doli, and that Ashanti liked to follow Shani. Then Iman liked to follow Ashanti and Diallo liked to follow Iman. In simpler words, the cubs were inseparable. Simba smiled at the sight of his grandchildren toddling towards Pride Rock. He had gotten over the fears of becoming a good grandfather and began to appreciate the fact he was still alive to see the young cubs grow. To Simba, raising his grandkids was like a second chance at parenting. An opportunity to avoid the mistakes he made while raising Kiara and Kopa.

Meanwhile, near the waterhole, Zazu and Zula resided on a tree branch that grew just over the waterhole. The view was spectacular, especially at sunset. The couple were madly in love. The pride loved her, especially the cubs. However, Zula had become a lot more introvert in the past few weeks. She wouldn't spend as much time with him anymore and would be gone for hours at a time. She'd even skip several nights, leaving Zazu alone to sleep at night once in a while. Whenever Zazu tried to get her to confess what was bothering her, she refused and insisted she would tell him eventually.

"Well why not now?" he questioned.

"Well, I can't keep it a secret forever." she grinned.

She curled next to him.

"Well, is it bad news?"

"Of course not."

"Was it my fault?"

The comment made Zula giggle.

"Well, sort of." she added.

"Zula, the suspense is killing me!"

"Shush up and wait."

The sunset had approached sooner than she expected. She had to tend to her 'surprise'. Zazu tried to stop her but someone beat him to it.

"Zula! My heavens! Is that you?" a shrill voice squawked.

Zula turned around in the blink of an eye. A wide smile came across her face as she saw two familiar birds.

"Pili! Oni!" she squealed as she darted towards them. "I thought I'd never see you guys again."

"We've been away for way too long!" Pili exclaimed. "You've filled out nicely."

"I suppose," Zula blushed. "So is your mother okay?"

The cranes paused.

"Sadly, she passed a couple weeks ago. We never left her side." Oni sighed. "It was simply her time to go."

"I'm so sorry," Zula crooned. "Will you be alright?"

"We'll hold up." Pili insisted.

She extended her neck towards the much shorter hornbill.

"So, how are you doing? Anything interesting happened, dear?"

"Well, I did meet someone." Zula said as the sisters smothered their giggles. "We—."

"I remember this one fling I had in the rainforests." Pili interrupted, a dreamy look in her eyes. "His name was Mali. I could've swore he was a falcon. Or maybe a harrier. Anyway, he—."

"Pili, shut your face!" Oni hissed. She smiled at Zula. "Now what were you saying?"

"Well, we got married, and—."

"You hear that, Oni?" Pili squealed. "She got married."

"Hush!" she snapped as she pecked her sister on her face. "So who's the lucky guy?"

"Zazu—."

"The majordodo?" the two shouted in unison.

"It's majordomo." Zula sighed.

"But you two have nothing in common." Pili said.

"We do, believe it or not."

"He's much older than you." Oni added.

"So was that crane you met in Angola." Zula retorted. "The fact of the matter is that I should have the liberty of choosing who I want to spend the rest of my life with without you breathing down my necks."

She looked back up at Zazu and smiled.

"And if you can't accept that, then we just can't be friends anymore."

She flew away, leaving the sisters frozen in shock. Zula was too surprised she actually stood up to the birds who once used to be her best friends.

"Well," Pili interjected. "I'm off."

Oni looked back at Zula and sighed.

"Poor girl," she said before the two flew off.

Zula didn't care what they thought. She loved Zazu and Zazu loved her. And that was all that mattered.

"It's getting late. Let's get going." she suggested.

The two flew back to the cave and fell asleep.

Meanwhile, further away from Pride Rock, Pili and Oni laid restless in their nest.

"I still don't understand why she snapped like that." Pili spoke as she gobbled a berry.

"Maybe she just needs some space." Oni wondered. "After all, she is married."

"We used to be the best of friends. Just the three of us. Why can't it always be like that?"

"Life doesn't work that way, unfortunately. Just let the girl live her life."

"No can do."

This phrase was far too familiar to Oni. Her sister would usually come up with some farfetched plan that would blow up in their faces.

"We'll convince her to come back."

"I don't like the sound of this." Oni warned her older sister.

"Nonsense!" Pili sang. "We'll have our old Zula back in no time."

Pili:

She left us well I'll leave her a surprise!

She was fine with us now here's a surprise!

Young and innocent lass,

Way too high in class.

For that old bird.

Her senses stirred.

Oh what do we do?

"Don't add me into this!" Oni scowled. "I'm not the brightest bulb in the world, but this is buffoonery!"

Oni:

Don't you think you're taking it way too far?

It's their life, good-bye, peace, ciao, au revior.

She's never looked so happy, don't ruin it for her.

Or I'll give you a heck of a surprise.

"Quiet down there, you'll wake the whole tree up you loons!" a mother bird scowled as she huddled her newborns chicks, trying to get them to sleep. "Now you've woke 'em up!"

"Loons, I thought we were cranes…" Oni said cluelessly.

"Mind your business!" Pili snapped.

"I can't when you're howling like a monkey sitting in a thorn bush!"

"Anyway!"

Pili:

Zula needs our help, she's flooded with lies.

Oni:

Usually your ideas aren't that wise.

Pili:

She'll regret this choice, she's still in her prime!

Oni:

You! Find something else to do with your time!

Pili:

She could do way better.

Oni:

Not your concern.

Pili:

She'll grow gray feathers.

Oni:

Will you learn?

Pili:

A nice surprise will open her eyes.

Will open her eyes.

She'll find some other guys.

Mother Bird:

Some birds here are trying to take a nap.

So shut your beaks or I'll give you a good slap.

Pili:

I'll find a nice monsieur,

Good enough to suit her.

Pili took a deep breath, readying herself for her finale. Oni rolled her eyes.

I'LL GIVE HER A HECK OF A SUP—

"QUIET!" the other birds roared in annoyance.

"Riseeee…" Pili continued in a whisper, her eyes narrowed at her sister.

"Do this if you want, but I'm telling you, it won't work." Oni said as she made up her side of the nest. "Good night."

"When this works," Pili said arrogantly. "Project your voice nicely. I'll cherish that well-deserved 'I told you so.' until I'm old and looking death in the eye."

The sky slowly transitioned from a navy blue to a dark tangerine color as the sun rose gradually as the hours went by. Oni was awakened as her sister shook her.

"Today's the day, Oni." she squawked. "Today's the day!"

She flew down to the bottom as Oni followed.

"Pili, I'm telling you one last time." she warned. "Go through with this and you'll regret it for the rest of your days."

Pili ignored her sisters warning and pointed her in that direction. Oni noticed a hawk circling the Pridelands.

"Let's see what half-brained plan you came up with this time." she said sarcastically.

"It's fool-proof!" Pili responded. "I'll persuade him to 'attack' Zula."

"We're her friends…I think. Why would you want to hurt her?"

"Let me finish!" Pili retorted. "Anyway, when the hawk pretends he's gonna attack her, we'll—."

"You mean you'll—."

"I'll come out and be the brave heroine that saves Zula. She'll be grateful and come back home with us."

Pili raised her head arrogantly.

"So what do you think?"

"I think this is the craziest idea you've come up with."

Pili scoffed before she flew off, trying to convince the hawk.

"Hello there!" she cried out. "Yoo-hoo!"

The hawk swooped down towards her. He was nearly her height but twice her size.

"What do you want?" he said in a gruff voice.

"I'm in a bit of a dilemma, and I could use your help!"

"What's in it for me?" he asked just as she finished her sentence.

Their eyes met. The hawk's eyes were a fierce red. He looked menacing but his stature didn't seem like it was intimidating the frail crane.

"I'll give you all the bugs you can eat—or whatever you hawks eat."

The hawk considered it for a while. Finally, he looked at her. His beak curled into a sinister grin.

"Sum it up for me."

Pili smiled. She brought his head close and whispered in her ear. Oni looked from afar, nodding her head in disapproval.

Meanwhile, Zazu had just finished his morning report and flew off to meet Zula. The pink hornbill waited for him by the waterhole. She felt bad for all the times she had to stand up Zazu and wanted to make it up to him. A smile came across her face when she saw him.

"I'm so sorry for the past few weeks." she said.

"Oh, it's alright, I suppose." Zazu responded before he hugged her.

Zula felt a strange vibe around her. Like something was off. A soft rustling came from the lively shrubs that scattered around her. The creature growled inaudibly before it lunged onto Zazu. Zula flinched a little, but was relieved to see it was only Doli.

"You scared us half to death!" Zula said, slightly out of breath.

"Aww, I didn't mean it, Zula." Doli insisted.

"It seems like the older you are, the more of a pest you become." Zazu spat.

"You don't mean that."

"Don't flatter yourself, huntress."

"You know you miss me. But at least Shani'll keep you company while I'm gone."

Zula rolled her eyes playfully as the duo continued to go back and forth. She wanted to talk but before she could, a large hawk appeared and grasped her with his sharp talons. She screamed in horror. Zazu and Zula looked up at her, terrified.

"Doli, get Kovu." Zazu ordered. "Hurry!"

Doli obeyed him and ran to Pride Rock as fast as she could. Zazu flew up after her but the hawk ran into him and sent him to the ground, knocked out.

ZULA'S POV

I saw Zazu barrel to the ground and I shouted his name, trying to wake him up. I glared at the hawk.

"What do you want with me?" I asked as I tried to fight myself out of his grip.

The hawk chuckled before he stopped mid-air.

"A hawk's gotta eat too." he said.

Why'd he have to do this now? This is the absolute worst time for this.

"Please, don't eat me." I plead.

"Why shouldn't I?"

"Now's not a good time. It would mean a lot to me if you let me go."

He laughed again and flew off to his nest. I was certain the end was near.

"Put her down!" a voice cried from afar.

I looked back and saw Pili. I called her name and she looked at me and smiled.

"I'll save you! Don't worry!" she said.

She was very brave. It was quite a coincidence that she wanted to save me, after I told her and Oni off the other day. She glared at the hawk as she raked one of her legs across his face. He let me go, and I glided towards the ground. I ran to Zazu and held him. He was still out cold. I pulled him closer. I noticed Pili and the hawk were still flying. It felt somewhat odd, but I had other stuff to worry about.

THIRD PERSON NARRATIVE

"You're doing great," Pili winked to the hawk. "Is there any way I could thank you?"

The hawk chuckled sinisterly as he darted towards the frightened pink hornbill. He caught her and laughed.

"This hornbill'll do just fine." he said.

"This wasn't part of the deal!" Pili argued as she flew after him.

Zula perked up as soon as she heard Pili's words. She glared at her.

"Deal?" Zula questioned. "What deal?"

"Let her go! Please!" the crane pled, ignoring Zula's question.

"You hush or you're next!"

Zula pecked him in the eye and flew off. The hawk was ready to go after her but froze when he heard a masculine voice telling him to halt. The birds turned to find Doli, who had guided the king to the scene. The hawk glided in front of the king.

"What happened?" Kovu asked angrily. He attention turned to his disoriented majordomo. "And what have you done with my royal advisor?"

"It was a misunderstanding, your majesty." the hawk insisted. "I had no idea he was your royal advisor. You see I just got here and—."

"Silence!" Kovu roared, causing the hawk to quiver in fear.

His frightened eyes darted from left to right. His attention turned to Zula, who seemed just as frightened.

"My apologies, my lady." he said nervously to an angry Zula.

He flew off in a hurry.

Zazu slowly regained consciousness. When he awoke, he found himself back in the den, his head cupped in Nefu's palm.

"Heez alright." he announced.

He looked around, the lionesses and cubs peaked curiously, Zula was by his side. She looked depressed.

"What's the matter, Zula?" he asked.

"She must go." Kovu retorted.

"But why?"

"Her wing is healed."

"Kovu, I wish I could convince you otherwise." Kiara said.

"She made a promise, and she broke it." Kovu responded. "She can't stay here anymore."

"If you'd give me a moment to explain myself…" the pink hornbill said.

"There's nothing to explain! You gave your word and you broke it. You must leave, or else!"

"If I can get a word in this—."

"It's not your turn to speak."

"Kovu, let her talk!" Kiara snapped. "You're acting just like Daddy did when he banished you!"

Kovu remembered that day like it was yesterday. He cleared his throat and allowed Zula to speak.

"Can I at least show Zazu something before I go?" she asked.

Kovu looked towards Nefu, who gave a nod of approval. He sighed before granting her request. The two hornbills were gone. Zazu's vision was still blurred, but he managed. The two flew towards a tree that was rooted just in front of the massive rock.

"Well, I was hoping for the right moment for this, but this is urgent," Zula said softly.

She flew up into the tree, signaling Zazu to follow her. She parted a horde of leaves to reveal a nest. And in it, a pale blue egg that swelled with life.

"An egg?" Zazu said as he stared at the fragile shell. He was bewildered beyond belief.

"It's true..." Zula responded, somewhat sad.

Zazu approached her.

"What's the matter?" he asked, wrapping a wing around the weeping bird. "Aren't you happy?"

"Of course I am." Zula sniffed, looking up at her mate. "But you said you weren't ready for a family. I thought if I told you, you'd be mad."

"Of course not." Zazu assured. "If anything, I'm mad you didn't tell me earlier."

"So you're okay?" Zula said, her eyes glistening from her shed tears.

"Regardless, I love you and would never leave you or our child."

"Oh, Zazu!" Zula rejoiced before she leapt and hugged her mate. "I know you'll make a great dad."

"And you'll make a good mother."

The two smiled at each other as they resumed their embrace.

I'm sorry if I'm overdoing it with the Zazu thing. The next chapter is probably the last you'll hear of them for a while. Then, I'll focus on the lions. I pinky promise. Lol.

Anyway, this chapter was due for a while now but I had some problems I had to deal with some drama in the past few days and I didn't work on the chapter as often. I'll be leaving for a vacation by Friday and I'll be gone for approximately 3 weeks. So if chapter 9 doesn't come, it's because I left. I probably won't have Wi-Fi so I'll continue to work on the next few chapters (on my iPod touch), email it, edit it, you know the deal. Lol. Anyway, I apologize for the wait. R&R please. :)