I just want to say now that I've had an amazing time writing this story and I'm super glad that so many people have enjoyed what I've written and I pray that anyone else who reads this story will appreciate just like every single one of you guys did. Thank you for the support and love for this story and now here comes the final part: THE WEDDING!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE LION KING

Chapter 17 – "The Union"

Two days had gone by since Simba had defeated Scar and taken his throne back, ruling as the Lion King, however, today was a very special and most important day because the now King Simba was getting mated with a lioness and she would become his Queen to rule alongside him with the Pridelands. It was a long tradition of the royal family that the next leader of the Pride would marry a lioness whom they had grown up with, in other words, they would marry their closest friend. The only difficulty was that Simba had two: Anaya and Nala.

The wiser choice was to marry Nala because she had known him since they were born and knew the Pridelands like the back of her paw. Everyone knew that Nala would be an effective Queen, however, Nala declined. Nala knew of Anaya's strong feelings towards Simba and how he felt towards her in return. She couldn't bring herself to step in between what they had and make both of them miserable. Nala walked out of the Pride's cave and looked out at the now fully restored Pridelands.

"Nala?" someone said and she looked to see Zazu landing on her shoulder.

"Hi, Zazu" she replied.

"Are you happy for your sister?" he asked. She smiled.

"Of course I am, Zazu. I would never have any kinds of ill feelings towards Anaya, especially about this." She said

"I understand…..I just remembered that when you all were younger…..you and Anaya were not always on the best of terms with one another." Zazu stated. Nala nodded and felt a cool breeze blow past her.

"You're right. I used to be resentful of her presence and good friendship with Simba, but…it was mostly because I had known him longer and I guess I just felt…threatened by her being in our pride." She revealed.

"It was only natural for you to have felt that way towards her. You and King Simba have known each other for so long…...Everyone believed that it would always be the both of you who would rule the Pridelands together, but I guess not." Nala smiled at the hornbill and looked back to the Pride's cave.

"Anaya's happy, Zazu. She's happy to be with Simba in the most closest way possible. Marriage. And I could never ever in my life take that away from her." She said and then walked back into the cave. Zazu smiled at her and then looked up at the sky.

"Mufasa, I wish you were here. You would've been proud….of all of them." He said with a smile and the clouds came together and formed Mufasa's face which was smiling.

Later on around high noon, all the animals had gathered in crowds in front of Pride Rock, awating for the presence of their new King and Queen. Simba sat outside of the cave with Rafiki and one by one the lionesses piled out of the cave and formed a large circle. Sarabi sat at the front next to Simba and nudged his side. He smiled at his mother and looked towards the entrance, waiting for his bride to come out. Zahra, Sarafina, Nala and Anaya were the only ones still inside as they grooming her fur and giving her small words of encouragement. Nala bumped foreheads with her sister and left with her mother and joined the circle outside. Zahra looked at Anaya and had tears in her eyes.

"You will be a wonderful, Queen." She said and then sniffled. Anaya felt her heart swell and ran to her mother, nuzzling her with so much affection.

"You're the best mother ever, Mom. I love you." She said and then licked her mother's cheek. Zahra smiled back and licked Anaya's forehead before smoothing her fur out there. Zahra left the cave and went to join the circle as well while Anaya took one more minute to take in everything that was happening right now and then with bravery she stepped out of the cave.

Waking up in the light of a shining new day

Giving thanks to the moon, for guiding my way

There is no greater gift to the soul!

Lie in each breath that my body can hold!

Anaya smiled and blushed as she got the approving and proud looks of everyone in the Pride. When she looked straight ahead and saw Simba sitting there with a soft smile, she felt her heart explode. Anaya walked closer to him and Simba stood up and so did Rafiki as they both came towards her. The two lions both looked at each other with smiles and finally, Anaya couldn't take it any longer. She moved forward and brushed her face against his mane and nuzzled him with all the affection she could muster for him. Simba had his head on her back and let his chin graze her back. Rafiki smiled at them and shook his sticks with the empty fruits hanging on it and it rattled, symbolizing their union. Sarabi and Zahra smiled for their children.

So Great Spirit!

Hear my voice, today!

Simba and Anaya pulled away from each other and smiled at being branded as husband and wife and now all that was left was announcing to the entire kingdom their new rulers. Simba motioned for them to move forward and Anaya followed alongside him.

Welcome…..magic!

Welcome sweet sun ray!

Love is no secret! Look all around you!

Welcome to this day!

Anaya and Simba walked through the circle with every lioness bowing their heads in respect for them as they edged closer to the peak of Pride Rock together. White birds flew overhead and chirped towards them which Anaya smiled at.

Life is simple and clear

When you make the right choices!

It's true that you're here

When you find your own voice!

Oh my brothers and sisters believe!

You are just who you are meant to be!

When they finally reached the peak, they looked down at all the animals who were staring with excitement and eagerness at them. Anaya couldn't believe that this land, this whole enormous land would have to be ruled by the two of them, but with her husband by her side. Anything seemed possible.

Oh, Great Spirit!

Hear my voice, today!

Simba nuzzled Anaya's cheek with his nose to which she purred at and smiled when she opened eyes. And then with a small smirk, Simba looked towards the Pridelands and then unleashed a fierce roar, letting everyone know that he was their King.

Welcome….magic!

Welcome sweet sun ray!

Simba closed his eyes for a moment and then looked at Anaya, encouraging her to do the same. She looked at the kingdom and saw them awaiting for her to be recognized as their Queen. She closed her eyes and built up a rumble deep within her diaphragm and then unleashed her own roar, announcing that she was their Queen.

Love is no secret! Look all around you!

Welcome to this day!

When Anaya finished, Simba looked at her with a proud smile and nodded in approval. From behind, all the lionesses roared in comply with the recognition and Nala smiled brightly at her sister and then let out her own roar.

Welcome….magic. Welcome sweet sun ray.

Love is no secret.

LOOK ALL AROUND YOU!

Simba and Anaya looked at each other with determination and gave a final roar together, uniting them to show the animals of their allegiance to the Pridelands and to rule with peace and love for the next generations to come.

Welcome…magic!

Welcome sweet sun ray! (sweet sun ray!)

When they finished, the looked at each other with contented smiles and Simba laid his head on top of hers as she buried her face against his red mane. All the animals whooped and cheered and praised their Lion King and Queen.

Love is no secret! Look all around you!

Welcome to this day!

A bright light shined on the king and queen and they looked up to see Mufasa's face smiling down at them. Anaya almost cried at seeing him on her wedding day. She smiled up at him just as the birds flew over them and dropped little petals blossoms over them, which made them laugh.

Look all around you!

Anaya then spotted another light next to Mufasa and was surprised to see her mother's face smiling softly at her daughter.

"Mom" she whispered shocked.

Her mother smiled and nodded at her which made Anaya even more happier than ever.

'I love you' her mother's spirit said to her and Anaya smiled up at her.

"I love you too." She whispered and leaned against Simba as more birds dropped petals blossoms on them as they winds swirled them around their bodies and over the animals. They all bowed down in respect to the Lion King and Queen and Anaya and Simba were more happier than they had ever been.

Love is no secret! Look all around you!

Welcome to this day!

THE END

And that song was 'Welcome to this day' by Melissa Etheridge which was also sung in Brother Bear 2. Anyways thanks you guys for the everlasting support and love you've provided for this story. I love you all and your comments and I've enjoyed writing this story. The sequel should be coming soon. I can't give an exact date but it shouldn't take too long.

Thank you for everything and the support from all of you guys who have given me ideas on every chapter. I truly appreciate them.

Lots of love to you all.

Peace!

~ Animelover5234 ~