Sorry it's been a bit... I know you guys have been asking for more.

But thanks for all of the reviews/favs/follows. I really appreciate them! I'm gonna post another one in the next few days, and you have my word on that. I don't have much else to say, but you guys rock so uh... keep being cool.

Lol enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 10

"Royalty is the Heart"

That night I was sleeping in a heap of fur against my new mother and sister. Both sound asleep snoring away. Simba was on our other side. Though my whole family continued to sleep peacefully, mine was filled with stress.

"Please… don't do this I have a little boy he… he needs me…" I heard my father plead.

The men's laughter rang in my ear like a bunch of lifeless, heartless phantoms. Destined to take my family away, I remembered the look from my father. He shook his head down at me, gave me a hug. "I love you, please, run."

One gunshot sound, and my heart broke. A second, and my life was torn away from me as I looked at Miri's wound. "D-Don't worry girl! I-I can bandage it!"

My desperate attempts for naught, I looked at her in horror, "No! Not you too- I-I can't be alone!"

Her soft gaze, and gentle nuzzle, followed by her words, "It is my time. You must live, cub." As her eyes faded and life left her.

I jolted awake, breathing heavily. Nobody else stirred in their sleep thankfully. I felt my skin crawling, but it was just the dream sending chills down my spine. I stood up carefully, making sure to stay off my paw as much. And carefully maneuvered my way out of my new mother's grasp.

I looked around, it was still the dead of night, I sighed feeling thirsty. Leaving the cave and making sure to stay silent. I made my way out to my pack, being careful to use the water bottle with my newfound muzzle. Which was harder than I expected.

Afterwards I looked back at my family, they were all happily sleeping away and here I was still feeling terrible. I growled to myself, turning away and walking towards the exit of the cave, walking up to the edge of pride rock. I looked out over the land, the moon was rather bright tonight, it filled the place with a brilliant almost ghostly glow. I sighed, staring down below at the extremely high drop, you were supposed to feel like royalty on this edge, but even with my ceremony later today, I still felt worthless.

Regardless, I hadn't really payed attention but the stars were absolutely gorgeous out here. I started to wonder if I really deserved all of this, if I deserved this view from the tip of pride rock. I most likely wasn't to be the future king or anything, since my new sister is older than me… and blood related… But being part of the royal family was a lot to take in. I sighed to myself and looked down at my paws.

I looked a bit forward and over the drop, if you fell it'd be a rather long fall, and would end terribly. But I almost felt a longing for it, a disturbed one of course. You know that feeling, I think it's called "The call of the void." I had no actual urge to… you know… jump. But I was fascinated by the prospect. There was clearly an afterlife, could I return to my father and Miri?

"You really shouldn't be walking on that paw." Simba's voice said rather softly.

I turned my head in surprise, and he was looking at me with worry from a few feet behind me. I sighed in relief, though turned back around. "Oh, sorry for waking you…"

He hummed, and began approaching, "I always make sure to keep one eye and two ears open when I have a new cub…" he said with a short chuckle, then waited a moment, "Now why don't you come down from there." He said in seriousness, and I nodded and inched my way away from the edge.

"What's wrong son?" The word son felt odd, only making me remember my dream more. And I turned my head to the sky as he sat down on my right. He leaned down, looking up at the sky with me, "It is a very beautiful night, but that's not what you're out here for… is it?"

After a minute of not knowing what to say, and him waiting patiently, I sighed. "I couldn't sleep…"

He hummed, "Bad dreams?"

I shifted uncomfortably, "Bad memories."

A sigh escaped him as he studied my features, nudging me with his muzzle, "Daniel… would you like to talk about it?"

I shook my head no, but after a second of his caring worried look, I nodded yes. "I don't know… The same five or so minutes keep repeating in my head like a broken movie…"

At a raised eyebrow from him I smirked a bit, "Repeating like a vivid memory, you know what I mean." I said with an eye roll at his intrigued face.

He laughed a bit and huffed at my face, "Yes… I do know what you mean."

He continued a bit more solemnly, "The same five minutes being… the incident where your family was taken away… I presume?"

I nodded, slowly, taking in a long breath to try and stave off the sadness. "When my friends, my dad… and miri… they all passed…"

I looked up in worry at Simba, "I'm sorry Simba… it's just…" I sighed, and he leaned in closer, "My dad was my best friend, and my role model… the coolest guy I knew!" I stopped midway as Simba almost seemed to recall fond memories himself.

He looked at me in care, "You don't have to apologize, Daniel. I understand that you loved him very much."

I leaned against his forearm, "I still love you, it's just my dad was… everything to me. Along with Miri."

Simba smiled sympathetically and nuzzled me, "Daniel, I'm not trying to replace your father-" he started.

I interrupted him, "I know! I just didn't want you to think… that I didn't want you to be my father as well… And that thought itself is like… completely counterintuitive from what I was saying just a second ago and-"

"Hey, hey!" He put a paw on me and leaned down to nuzzle me softly, "It's perfectly fine that you still miss your birth father. I still miss mine sometimes, I assure you. But looking over the edge and letting thoughts like those invade your mind… I oughta have your mother clean you double the amount for a month!"

I looked at him with wide eyes for a moment before shying my eyes away in shame, "How did you know…"

He bent his head to look me in the eyes with one of the most caring looks I'd ever seen, "Because, regardless of how brave and mature you might think yourself already Daniel, you are still a cub. And I'm more than aware of what my other cub thinks, the mark of a great father is to know how his cubs are thinking. Which makes you no different from your sister on that front." He stopped and sighed, before continuing, "Your mother loves that stubbornness from you."

I avoided him the best I could still, "What's the point of stubbornness if all it does is hurt others."

"It shows a strong heart." Simba replied.

He looked upwards with a look of contentment and memory, "I know you don't want me to replace your father, but you also would never want me to go either. I promise, Daniel, I'll still be here for you no matter what. I may not be him, but I will take care of you. I'm sure he's looking down on us right now, and feeling happy to know that you've found a new home. And I've already promised him I'd be the best father for you I could."

I attempted as hard as possible not to cry, and moved closer to Simba. Eventually looking up into his face with tears, as he looked down and smiled at mine. He opened his arms up wider allowing me to rest against his chest. I nuzzled into his fur, "Thanks…Simba... Do you really think he's up there?"

He paused, then nodded, looking up into the heavens with me, "I know he is."

A minute later I yawned in satisfaction, he chuckled deeply, "And I also know that little ones should be sleeping at these hours." He slowly lowered his head from the heavens and waited patiently for me to reply.

"Oh and one more thing," I started before he picked me up, he raised his eyebrow at me.

"I love you, dad…" He stared for a minute, than he smiled as wide as could be. Eventually he nodded quietly with a hint of pride, and licked the top of my forehead tenderly.

I yawned slowly, and he gently picked me up by the scruff. Returning to the den where the other two slept. When we returned he placed me against Nala's stomach next to Kiara. Nala yawned tiredly, "Is everything alright?" She whispered to Simba.

He nodded, laying down himself and nuzzling her, "He was just thirsty dear," he told her. She accepted that and immediately passed back out again.

I was almost asleep when I heard Simba rustle around until he was near my head, and I heard him whisper, "I love you too, son."

The morning came with great anxiety for me, as I wanted to sleep in but didn't get the chance. "Daniel, you can sleep later. The ceremony is soon." Nala nudged me to wake me up more. After mentally blocking her out for a few minutes she licked me clean across the face.

I groaned in response, blinking my eyes open. She smiled, "Stay still, let me clean you."

I groaned even louder as she gently pulled me closer, "Why…"

She laughed, "Because you're dirty?"

Kiara came running into the room, bouncing up and down around me as I was being cleaned, "Daniel are ya ready?"

I looked rather defeated at her, "No, not at all… do I have to do this?" I whined looking up to Nala.

"Yes mtoto, you're a prince now. Also sit still!" She said sternly.

"Yes ma'am." I said respectfully.

After a while of Nala cleaning me to an annoying degree, we left the small den into the cave, where the rest of the pride was. They all looked at us with excitement, as my two grandmother's walked over.

Sarabi nuzzled me while I was hanging from Nala's mouth, "You ready?"

I shook my head in nervousness, the whole pridelands and all of its animals? This was insanely scary!

Serafina smiled, "You'll be okay, it'll just be a few seconds honey."

Simba approached with Rafiki by his side, "Is he ready?" Simba asked, looking down at me with pride.

I once again wanted to shake my head, but for Simba, I nodded with a smile. He leaned down and placed his forehead to mine, "I'll be right there, alright?" He told me. I nodded again.

Rafiki laughed, "Well then, let's get this out of the way shall we?"

Rafiki pulled out these odd looking ceremonial bowls, as Nala gently placed me between her paws. He cracked open a gourd, pouring it into one. One was now filled with an odd paste, and the other with some kind of powder. He reached down with a hand and covered his thumb in the paste, I nervously allowed him to paint some sort of symbol on my head.

After that he flung some dust at me, causing me to scrunch my nose up multiple times in annoyance, after that he seemed finished. And I looked back up at my new parents, who looked very proud. I blushed, turning back to Rafiki, who began to pick me up. "It's time!" He told me. He began carrying me away, and I looked back at everyone from the pride in anxiousness and worry. But one loving look from Nala told me I would be okay.

I could hear the sounds of the animals already, and it didn't help the fear. The pridelands sounded like the largest zoo on the planet right now. As we crested the ridge, Rafiki smiled, before hoisting me up in the air facing every animal it felt in Africa. I was in pure amazement at the sheer number of them!

As if being surprised themselves, the animals also stopped. Taking a few seconds, my fear heightened, was it supposed to be dead silent? Not a single sound was heard. I began shaking to myself, but thankfully a few seconds later the kingdom erupted into cheers. So loud it nearly made me jump out of my skin. The elephants blew their trunks, the zebras stomped their hooves, and as if that wasn't enough my entire pride began to roar along with them.

It seemed to all be going great, that was until I felt the tingling sensation across my body. And my face flashed in horror. I looked backwards at Rafiki, "Let me down!"

He raised a brow, "So soon?" He said with a laugh.

I nodded vigorously, and he noticed the fear in my eyes, but seemed to think to himself, "We should have them see you in both ways, young prince." He said, setting me down.

My fear heightened, realizing he wasn't going to help me get out of sight. And before I knew it I had transformed back into a human, right in front of the whole kingdom. My heart stopped, as did the cheering and the stomping. As did the roaring from my pride as I looked out in fear across the savannah.

And not just a few seconds of silence passed this time, but it was five, then ten, then fifteen… I began to shake once again, my feet were better but still injured so even though I wanted to run, my feet wouldn't carry me far. I lowered my head, staring down at the ground, as a feeling of shame washed over me. Of course I wasn't wanted here, of course they didn't want a human as a prince!

No sooner had I given up, had I felt two furred bodies rub against me on each side, as Simba came up on my right, and Nala on my left. They both looked at me with pride still, and sympathy. Before nuzzling me. The animals began making sounds again, some in confusion, others in excitement. Rafiki lifted my arm up from behind, as Nala and Simba roared.

Following that was an even louder cheer than before, as I swear I could almost feel pride rock itself shake from the excitement. The rest of my pride came up onto the ledge, roaring as well. Moments later, it ended, and Rafiki, Simba and Nala guided me down from the ledge. My fear and anxiety drained away. The sounds of the excited animals slowly easing down, yet still prevalent.

Rafiki stepped back and I groaned, "I-I'm sorry, I almost ruined it…" I said.

Simba and Nala nuzzled me, and Simba shook his head, "Whatever do you mean?"

Nala wrapped her paws around me, "Nonsense, it went great sweetie."

I leaned into her embrace, resting my head on her furred chest, "Thank you."

She licked my cheek, "Of course, my little prince." She teased with a giggle.

I whined embarrassed, "Mom…" She only laughed more as Simba joined in the laughter.

"Daniel!" Kiara shouted from below me, "That was so perfect! How did you change again?" I felt as if everyone looked at me in curiosity.

I shrugged, annoyed with myself, "I don't know…"

Nala nudged me, "It's okay Daniel we'll help you figure it out."

Simba laughed, "I can only imagine why." He said teasingly to Nala.

She glared at him playfully, "I love him in both forms! It's just he's so tiny as a lion and…" she giggled a bit. "Much easier to clean."

Nala was right as well. As a lion I was probably no bigger than one of her paws, but as a human when I stood up I came up to her chest. I wasn't a very tall person, and definitely hadn't had any growth spurts recently, I could thank my birth mother's genes for that one.

"But there is more of him to love and cuddle when he's this big." Nala said, rubbing against me softly.

I sighed, "Why do you say these things all the time..?" I said with a smile looking up to her.

"Because I love you." She said bopping my nose with her muzzle.

I blushed and laughed as Rafiki clapped mildly and laughed, "Yes, congratulations on the new prince everybody. Now how about I give Daniel one last check up before I leave Hmm?" Simba and Nala nodded eagerly, nudging me forward.

A few minutes of Rafiki unwrapping my bandages, applying some medicine, and than wrapping them up again. All the while he made intrigued yet confused sounds. "Well," he started, "It's been healing fine, as if it was healing even whilst you were a lion…"

I looked at him in surprise, "Oh, that's great. Are they good now?"

He shook his head, "I'd say another week before they can be walked on by yourself."

I groaned and looked downward, "Alright…"

Kiara placed her front paws against me, "I'll keep you company Daniel, don't worry."

I patted her head gently, "Thanks little sis,"

She scowled at me playfully, "Actually it's big sister to you!"

I laughed, "But I'm clearly bigger than you." I closed my eyes with another laugh.

She scoffed, and I opened my eyes as the sensation washed over my body. Reducing be back down to my lion form. Wow that was way faster than before, and out of nowhere. Kiara laughed hysterically, before walking up and teasing me, "Aww look at my wittle baby brother!" She said nuzzling me over and over.

I growled pathetically, "Kiara!" I whined.

"Alright you two…" Nala said giggling, as she left Simba's side to grab me by the scruff. "Settle down, it's time for another bath."

I whined more, "I just got one!"

She giggled, "Rafiki made you dirty again."

Kiara laughed, even more, as Nala turned her head, "You're due for a bath too young lady."

"But- mom!" She said, caught by surprise.

"Kiara." Nala said sternly, as Kiara sighed and began following us back to the cave for another bath… I didn't know if I liked that aspect of being a lion. But I guess it was better than not being clean.

Later at sunset that same day, me and Kiara were waiting patiently for dinner. I was in human form, slowly getting a feeling for how to change between the two forms, or at least attempting too, after a lot of help from Nala. The rest of the lionesses without cubs to watch were out hunting. Simba was currently near the top of pride rock speaking to Zazu.

And by "getting a feel for it," meant I was starting to be able to switch after maybe a few minutes of trying both ways. Kiara hummed to her bored self, walking around me slowly, "Are you sure that it isn't the way you're standing?" She asked.

I sighed in annoyance at my inability, "I'm sure it's not that… I have no clue what triggers it."

Nala tilted her head, "Nothing you think, say, or do is changing it?"

I groaned, "No! I feel like I've tried everything…"

Nala nudged me gently with some empathy, "Shh, calm down. You've practiced enough for tonight Daniel… I don't want you to injure yourself again."

I nodded with relief, "My legs are kinda hurting, I'll practice and get it figured out tomorrow!"

She giggled, "I bet you will!" She said with a proud look.

So at the present moment it seemed I would be staying as a human. Which meant I would have to cook my food… 'Wait can I still eat raw meat as a lion if I'm also a human?' That might be dangerous to even test.

"Nala!" We heard a rather tired voice come running from the slope, and turned our heads.

Sanaa reached the top, and was panting heavily, Nala stood up sharply, "What is it dear?" She asked the younger lioness.

Sanyaa took a second to catch her breath, and looked up with a slightly unsure face, "It's Zira, she and a few of her huntresses are hunting on our grounds. And even refused to leave when we confronted them."

Nala growled rather fiercely, stepping in front of me and Kiara protectively. "What?! What does she want?"

Sanaa growled as well, "She said some nonsense about…" she seemed to peek around at me and Kiara, and gestured behind her. I was guessing they didn't want me or Kiara to hear it.

Nala froze for a second, and looked back at me and Kiara with a rather worried look which began to scare Kiara. I looked up at her, "Who is Zira?" I asked.

"What is wrong?! I heard Sanaa yelling for Nala?" Simba said, running down from the top, releasing a relieved sigh when he saw us.

Nala turned angrily, "Zira is here again,"

Simba let a low, deep growl release, "What does she want?"

Sanaa huffed, "She hasn't attacked, but I do not wish to speak about this around the cubs."

Mkali came up slowly behind the ramp Sanaa had come from, "Man you looked like a cheetah with that speed Sanaa, what's going on."

"Mkali!" Nala said happily, she walked over and began speaking to her, telling her about this Zira person.

Mkali rolled her eyes with a huff, "That old hag?"

After a few seconds and some happy nods from Mkali, Nala came back over to me and Kiara, leaning downward, "Alright you two, me and your father have some things to deal with out in the pridelands. You're gonna stay with Aunt Mkali while we're out okay?"

"Aunt?" Mkali said with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

Simba smiled, "Daniel did say you three were part of his family as well."

Sanaa and Mkali looked at each other and laughed a bit, before Mkali shrugged, "No problems with me!"

"Speaking of which," Simba began, "Where is Kimya?" He asked Sanaa.

She raised her head, "Oh! We have her and a few others bringing the gazelle we took down home. We figured all the little ones, and everyone not hunting was very hungry."

Simba nodded thankfully, "When she returns, I want you and Kimya to guard pride rock with the other few huntresses returning."

She nodded, "Oh, of course!"

Nala stepped forward a bit, "Can I have you and Kimya guard my cubs specifically?"

They shared a worried look, and Sanaa smiled gleefully with a bow. "You can count on us!"

Mkali nodded in agreement, leaning down to me and Kiara, using a paw to direct her words to us playfully, "Oh man all this adult talk is getting me bored! Don't you two agree?" She said with a smirk. Me and Kiara both nodded with a laugh, though I was a bit more reserved, I was actually interested in what was going on, and very worried.

Nala grinned, walking over, "Why don't you three go have some fun now? We've still got to talk to Sanaa a little bit and she'll be right over!"

Kiara nodded, standing up as Nala leaned down and nuzzled us both. Licking Kiara's forehead and my cheek. Kiara started walking away, and Nala looked at me worriedly, "Everything alright Mtoto?" She asked, noticing my look of disagreement.

I sighed sadly, trying not to get in their way though still feeling upset, "I don't want you to get… hurt… please." I said with a few tears. "I-I've already lost too many peo-"

"Shh…" Nala said, wrapping her front paws around my neck, "We'll be gone for a few hours or so and we'll be right back. Probably before you're even asleep! I promise." She said quietly into my ear.

"But I'm old enough… I-I can go too-"

"No," Nala said quickly in an almost panicked way, "I know you're worried Mtoto, but if anything happened to you I'd…" she sighed then licked me again lovingly, "I promise, we'll be okay."

I nodded, and she backed away a bit. As Mkali came closer offering her side for me to rest on while I walked. "Come on cubs," she said happily. As we began walking away and down pride rock off a path I'd never seen, I turned back. And Nala and Simba watched us walk away lovingly. Before turning back to converse with a very concerned Sanaa.

It was no secret to me that this 'Zira' person was someone dangerous… or someone nobody liked at least. Especially since it sounded like this wasn't any land she was even supposed to be on. I was very weary of letting my new parents go, since this all sounded so scary. I mean, why did me and Kiara need three guards anyway? Was it going to be that dangerous out there?