The old lion scooped up Nieera, placing her on his back. "We are one, Nieera. We don't attack each other. I learnt this a year ago, when your mother said it to my face." Simba chuckled.

"Speaking of Kiara, have you seen her?" asked Muta, approaching the two.

"No. Why?"

Muta sighed. "Nothing." she turned on her back paws. Kiara promised she'd help her find a mate of her own and BEFORE mating season. Mating season was about a month away and she was a month away from having cubs. She didn't want to be seduced and abandoned like her mother. She wanted to seek true love.

The chestnut colored lioness trailed to the waterhole, only to stare at her reflection. She leaned forward, closing her eyes tightly and sighed heavily. "Why does the world have hatred of me? Why can't I find a true love?" she collapsed on the log, looking at her reflection. She leaned in for a drink and heard shuffling in the bushes.

It had been a week since the whole Pride left in The Arosen Plains.

"Did you find us a home?" asked Sukari, looking down towards Giza. Giza was growing quickly and Anara was beginning to forget Danira.

"Yes. It's not too big but it'll work for now. There's only three of us." said Anara, nuzzling Giza.

Sukari looked down to her paws. "Well, actually... Anara..."

"You mean you're-"

"Yes. I think." she felt humiliated. "Actually.. for a month." She was expecting for a month! Already! That was the problem with Sukari, she never really showed when pregnant.

"That's great! Giza will have a brother!" chanted Anara. "Let's get moving." he scooped up Giza.

Kovu and Kiara had just returned to find Vitani, Nala, Sarabi and Sarafina.

"Enjoyed it?" teased Sarafina. The couple went red.

"W..what? You..you-" before Kiara could finish, Nala spoke.

"We heard you alright. Screaming and giggling!" she teased.

"Oh, leave her alone!" chuckled Sarabi playfully. "It is time for an heir, anyway."

"But.. who are we going to choose to be the new leader?" asked Kiara, worried.

"Namiya and Nieera aren't our real cubs.. until we have our own.. I don't know." stated Kovu.

A few months later...

Sarabi knew she was going to pass away soon. The Pride were outside on the perch, watching her say her goodbyes. Cats usually left when death approached, including lions.

She gave her son one last nuzzle and smiled. "I'll watch you from above. I'll be with Danira." she said. Simba couldn't bare to let his mother leave. Tears filled his eyes and the pride's. Sarafina cried the most, fearing she wouldn't have her friend anymore.

"You'll be with dad." said Simba with broken words. He soon had to go, too. But he'd still be around for a while.

"Where's Muta?" asked Sarabi prepared to depart.

"She left for a while. She wanted to find a mate and left during mating season. She'll be back, though." replied Kovu, sniffling. Sarabi moved over and nuzzled Nala.

"You were like my daughter." Sarabi lifted her daughter-in-law's head up with her paw. "Take care of Kiara and make sure she hunts well. By my corrections, she should be hunting by tomorrow."

Nala nodded, tears welling up inside her. Zazu, Timon and Pumbaa approached Sarabi.

"Come here, pal!" they said with tears. Sarabi nuzzled them dearly then departed off to the gorge. She wanted to die next to her husband's body - the gorge.

The cubs were older. Now teenagers, they lived the crazy lifestyle of 'cool' and 'maturness'. They lay on the perch, crying.

"Nana Sarabi's going." they wimpered. Niobe was beginning to grow some mane that stretched from the top of his head and covered only the center of his neck. His mane was blonde and it suited him since he was creamy.

Chapter 15.. :'( Another death.. Kiara's thinking about having cubs and yes, Sukari is expecting! The cubs are older! Muta will not return for a couple of more chapters and Nala's childhood friends - Chumvi, Kula, Tama etc..- may be involved during the next few chapters. Thanks! Please review!