Hey guys. Thanks for the amazing reviews. I see you are not to thrilled with Queen Nala.

Anyway, here's the next chapter. Enjoy.

Nala quickly traveled across the Pridelands, towards the northern border was where the peachy cream lioness was headed. The Outlands. A land that is in no better condition than the Great Desert. Zira and her followers inhabited the barren waste. They weren't to keen to trespassers as well as the Pridelands.

Which worked for the queen well.

Nala crossed over the border and headed into the dust cloud. She walked through the Outlands before her ears perked. Out of the dust came growling, shadow figures before Zira and five other lionesses revealed themselves.

"Well, well, well. Isn't it my lucky day." Zira purred as she apporched the younger lioness. "You either have a death wish or just plain stupid."

Nala was fazed by the comment. She lifted her head and glared at the pale tan lioness. "Neither. I'm here to offer you a alliance."

A goldish-tan lioness raised a eye brow as she looked at Nala with suspicious green eyes. "Why would you do that?"

Zira stepped closer before she began circling the queen. "Yes little sister. Do tell."

Nala growled before sighing. "Yes Scar was my father as well but I don't want to lose another cub. Want to kill Simba and this new brat he found. Fine. But leave Kion out of it."

Zira glanced at the lionesses as the goldish-tan lioness stepped up with confusion in her eyes.

"I don't understand. Why are you doing this? Simba is your mate and best friend."

"Shut up, Elena!" Zira snapped before turning her amber eyes to her baby sister. "So. You want Simba dead?"

Nala looked away before nodding. "He's useless. I'll help you get revenge for father. Even though I want you dead more."

Zira was silent for a long moment before a evil grin formed. "Well, dearest sister. You have a deal. Now run along. Don't want to keep Simba waiting."

Nala rolled her eyes before turning to head back to the Pridelands.

...

Simba yawned tiredly before moving his orange eyes to the slumbering cub in between his large paws. It's only been four hours since he adopted young Kiara. Since then, there's been a small spark that started to aflame.

Simba couldn't help but look towards the future. The sudden sounds of gourds caused the golden lion to look towards the small cave entrance near the slope. To see his ole friend, Rafiki.

"Rafiki." Simba smiled at the primate. "What brings you here this late at night?"

The sun had fell back behind the the horizon and all the stars were out, twinkling against the dark night sky. True, Nala has also been gone for four hours but Simba figured his queen needed time to herself.

Adopting a cub is a lot to take in, especially when you don't have a say in the matter. Do he feel bad about how things went? Yes. Do he regret it? No.

No matter the shit Nala drags him under. He'll never do anything in spite of her but Kiara needs someone. No, it doesn't have to be him. But Kiara reminds him of when he was a cub. A runaway, in need of someone's help. He'll be dead if it wasn't for Timon and Pumbaa.

Simba shook his head before looking at the Sherman, who was peering at the prince who laid at his side. "He'll be a remarkable king one day."

Rafiki straighten before moving his dark blue eyes towards his former student and friend. "That's why I am here. Your father has come to me."

Simba's eyes widened before a look of worry crossed his face. "What'd he said?"

Rafiki leaned on his staff as he took a deep breath. "Prince Kion has been chosen to be the newest leader of the Lion Guard."

"Lion Guard?" Simba gasped. "I thought that the guard ended when...he who shall not be named killed the last one."

It sounded childish but his pride members are still overcoming the torture his Uncle Scar but them through. At the mere mention of his deceased uncle's name, a lot have anxiety and PSTD attacks. Even though the pride was in a cave over, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Rafiki sighed deeply before nodding. "All very true. But Kion is the second born, therefore a runner up for the position as the leader of the Lion Guard."

Simba glanced at his son for a moment before looking at Rafiki. "If Kion is destined to lead to be the new Lion Guard leader, then who is supposed to rule after me?"

Rafiki chuckled before looking at the small bundle of fur nestled in the king's red mane covered chest. "I believe you already found your answer."

Simba instantly looked at Kiara before snapping his eyes to Rafiki. "Can I do that?"

Rafiki laughed, his eyes shinning with humor and glee as well as wisdom. "You did take the young one in as your own? Did you not?"

Simba nodded while gazing at his adopted daughter with newfound love and appreciation. "Very well. We'll have a presentation tomorrow morning, to present Kiara to the kingdom as the future queen."

Rafiki dipped his head and bowed. "As you wish. I'll back in the morning. G ' night."

"Goodnight, Rafiki." Simba said before lying his head down by Kiara.

Simba watched Rafiki disappear around the corner of the cave towards the slope before closing his tired eyes.