Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Ashanti and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.

Ashanti: Peace Of Milele Chapter 1

Present Day:

It's a marvelous day in Milele's paradise. The sun beams its golden rays down in a glistening light all across the land as each tribe gathers at Pride Rock in all its radiant and magnificent glory for a very special occasion.

From within Pride Rock emerges Simba, walking to the edge of Pride Rock's tip to address the crowd on this joyous day and share the news they've all been waiting to hear.

Smiling, speaking in a volume where all can hear him, addressing his subjects, Simba said "My Friends, the time of my family's growth is upon us. This home we share is the fulfillment of my father's vision. How wonderful is it that Nala and I get to continue his dream and make even greater the Circle of Life."

The entire crowd roars its approval in eager anticipation and equal joy.

Gazing out into the horizon, in the direction of the oasis where he knows the birthing den is, Simba promised "Nala, My Love, I'm on my way."

Simba can hardly wait to join her there and meet the new life that is waiting to be born.

Simba catches the sound of footsteps behind him, and he turns with a smile on his muzzle already knowing who they belong to.

Approaching Simba is a lioness around the same age as his mother Sarabi but no less beautiful.

This lioness has a beautiful golden coat, slim yet well-muscled powerful legs, and beautiful blue eyes.

This female is his aunt, Ashanti.

"Well done, Darling," said Ashanti, softly, nuzzling her head against Simba's and gently licking him between the eyes. "Mufasa would be very proud of you. All you have accomplished."

"Thank you, Aunt Ashanti," said Sambi, grateful for her constant presence and moral support.

"We'd best be going. Your new son or daughter isn't going to wait around for us forever. I'll get Kovu and Vitani and meet you at the cavern. I trust you'll get Kiara," said Ashanti.

"Of course," said Simba, nodding.

As is custom, the cubs would remain behind in the den while the adults would participate in the birth.

Aunt and nephew separate to retrieve their respective offspring. While all the adults would be joining Simba and Nala to witness the labor at the birthing den, the cubs would remain behind at Pride Rock with Timon and Pumbaa to babysit them. Rafiki would arrive later to add order and supervision as he is currently busy with preparations.

Ashanti soon locates her daughter Vitani and youngest son Kovu playfighting together near a grove of shade trees.

"Vitani. Kovu. Come along now, it's time," called Ashanti, firmly.

The two instantly obey their mother's summons, ceasing their playfighting and rushing to her side.

The two are all serious until they reach the cavern underneath Pride Rock where Simba and Kiara are already waiting with Timon and Pumbaa there with them.

Immediately, Kiara and Kovu run toward each other and engage in a short little scuffle.

Spotting Ashanti, running to greet her, Kiara said "Aunt Ashanti."

Chuckling at Kiara's energetic exuberance, nuzzling the cub as the little one rubbed against her legs, Ashanti said "Hello, Little One. Are you excited? You're about to be a big sister."

All at once, Kiara's confident demeanor seems to fade with anxiety and a touch of fright replacing it.

"What's wrong, Kiara," said Ashanti.

"Aunt Ashanti, there's a storm coming. I'm scared. I want to go be with you all, but Dad says I have to stay here. Can you get him to let me come," asked Kiara, ears flat against her head.

"Don't be scared. The storm can't hurt you here. The sanctity of Pride Rock will protect you," reassured Ashanti. "And you won't be alone. Timon, Pumbaa, Vitani, Kovu, and even Rafiki will be here with you."

Shaking her head, Kiara said, "I still don't like it, but I'll try and be brave."

Purring, Ashanti said, "That's all we can ask." She then turns her attention over to Vitani. "Vitani, Timon, and Pumbaa may be babysitting but as the eldest, I'm trusting you to keep everything in order here."

Bowing her head obediently, Vitani said "Yes, Mother."

Licking Kovu's head, Ashanti said "Behave yourself now. Don't be naughty. Come on, Simba."

"I'll be back soon, Little One," said Simba, nuzzling his daughter goodbye. "Be brave, Kiara. Be brave."

Ashanti and Simba then take off for the birthing den. All the other lions are already present there, gathered around in a spread-out circle to lend them strength and protection.

Sarabi is closest to the den entrance while Nala's mother is inside with her.

Meeting her son, Sarabi said "The pains have begun. It won't be long now."

Simba is permitted inside the birthing den to be Kiara with Sarabi following.

All everyone else can do now is wait and see.

As Ashanti settles outside with the other females, staring over Milele, her thoughts can't help but return to a time long ago when Mufasa and her were cubs themselves full of innocence, seeking adventure, with no idea what fate had in store for them.

All Ashanti has to do is close her eyes to remember and she's right there, returned back to that time as if it was yesterday.

Authors Note:

I hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

For those of you just starting out with my stuff there are other works on my profile that may catch your interest. I highly recommend you take a look as soon as the opportunity presents itself to you. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

Stay safe everyone. Especially with all of these crazy natural disasters occurring a lot lately due to global warming and climate change everywhere for sure. I swear it's like they're getting worse and worse all the time and it's like officials are simply just ignoring it or pretending it doesn't exist entirely just to go on with their daily lives. Especially those in multi-million dollar companies that rely on certain elements of our planet that we rely on to naturally keep us safe instead of adapting and finding new safer ways to keep in business. There are so many options out there where they can adapt, but they just refuse to see it because all they care about is money. Climate change is altering so much faster than anyone can really keep track of.

So, in light of all this, it is important to live life to the fullest as much as anyone can.

I know I am. ;) See you guys next time.