The night was cool, and a soft mist clung to the grass around the waterhole, glowing faintly under the moonlight. Simba's paws moved silently across the damp earth, his heart thundering louder with every step. Nala turned her head at the sound of his approach, her aqua eyes gleaming in the moon's light. Her creamy fur shimmered, a striking contrast against the silvery mist that enveloped the scene.
"Simba," she greeted, her voice gentle but surprised. "What brings you here?"
Simba hesitated, his nerves tangling with every word he tried to form. "I… just needed to talk," he managed, sitting down beside her. The mist curled lazily around them as they stared out at the waterhole, its surface rippling slightly under the breeze.
For a moment, neither spoke, the quiet filled only by the soft rustle of leaves and the distant call of night birds. Simba's mind raced as he tried to find the right words. How do you confess feelings to someone who had been your best friend your entire life?
Nala broke the silence first, tilting her head toward him. "You've been quiet lately," she said, her tone warm with concern. "I know everything has been… difficult, but you don't have to carry it all alone."
Simba looked at her, his amber eyes meeting hers. Her gaze held no judgment, only understanding. "You've always been there for me, Nala," he said quietly. "Even when I didn't deserve it."
She smiled faintly, nudging his shoulder. "Don't say that. You've done more for the Pride Lands than anyone could have asked. You've done more for me than you realize."
Simba chuckled nervously, his tail twitching. "You make it sound easy."
"Because it is," she replied simply. "You're the lion I…" She trailed off, her words faltering as she realized what she was about to say. Her ears flicked back slightly, and she looked down at her paws.
Simba turned toward her fully, his breath catching. The words were on the tip of his tongue, and before he could stop himself, they tumbled out. "I think I…"
"I love you," they both said at the same time.
Their eyes widened as their words overlapped, and a moment of stunned silence followed. Then, as if a dam had broken, they both began to laugh. It was light and unrestrained, a sound that echoed softly across the misty waterhole.
"Well, that's awkward," Nala said, her laughter subsiding into a soft chuckle.
Simba grinned, his nerves melting into joy. "Yeah, but at least now we know."
Nala shook her head, still smiling as she leaned closer. "I guess we do."
In an unspoken moment of understanding, they embraced, their heads resting against each other's. The warmth of their connection pushed away the lingering chill of the night, and for the first time in what felt like forever, the weight of the world seemed to lift from Simba's shoulders.
As they pulled back, Simba's playful side got the better of him. With a sudden burst of energy, he pinned Nala to the ground, his paws resting firmly on her shoulders. Her surprised yelp turned into laughter as she wriggled beneath him.
"Pinned ya," Simba said with a smirk, his tone teasing yet affectionate.
Nala's laughter softened, her aqua eyes shining as she gazed up at him. "You've been waiting a long time to say that, haven't you?" she teased, licking his muzzle.
Simba's grin faltered slightly as the intimacy of the moment settled over them. He leaned closer, their noses almost touching, but the weight of his nerves caught up with him. He hesitated, his awkwardness returning like an old friend.
Nala raised a brow, a soft laugh escaping her. "You really are hopeless sometimes," she said, nudging him lightly. Simba chuckled sheepishly, pulling back just enough to let her sit up.
"I'm working on it," he admitted with a shy smile.
Far away, in Scar's abandoned cave, the weather was anything but serene. Thunder growled through the darkened sky, and jagged bolts of lightning illuminated the bleak, rocky outcrop. Inside, Zira stood before the remnants of her hyena army, their numbers severely diminished. Many lay nursing injuries, while others bore expressions of frustration and weariness.
Zira's eyes burned with an intensity that rivaled the storm outside. "Do you see what's become of us?" she hissed, pacing before the group. "Scar's vision… my vision… reduced to this." Her claws scraped against the stone floor, the sound sharp and grating.
Newly appointed leader of combat Malaika, stood at the forefront of the hyenas, and growled lowly. "The lions were stronger than we thought," she muttered. "And that stampede… it was madness."
"Madness?" Zira repeated, her voice dripping with disdain. She turned to face the hyena leader, her lips curling into a snarl. "No. It was carelessness. And it will not happen again."
She paused, her gaze narrowing as an idea began to form in her mind. It was a seed at first, but as the storm raged on, it grew into something more. Something cunning. A slow, sinister smile spread across her face, and the tension in the cave thickened.
"If we cannot break them with strength alone," Zira said, her voice low and deliberate, "then we will find another way. And this time, they will not see it coming." growling in a culminating manner.
Her words hung in the air, charged with promise and menace. The hyenas exchanged uneasy glances, but Zira's confidence was undeniable. Whatever her plan was, it had already begun to take shape.
The morning sun crept over the Pride Lands, gilding the savannah in hues of amber and gold. For a fleeting moment, the kingdom seemed whole again—alive, unbroken. But beneath the surface, the scars of Scar's reign lingered, etched into the earth and the hearts of its people. From the peak of Pride Rock, Simba stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His shoulders bore the weight of more than just a crown; they carried the hope of an entire land.
Nala approached silently, her pawsteps muffled by the wind. She stopped a few paces behind him, hesitant, as though sensing the storm within him. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she said softly. "The land is starting to breathe again."
Simba nodded but didn't turn. "It is. But beauty won't rebuild trust, Nala. The other prides still look at us and see Scar's shadow. They think we're tainted, and maybe they're right."
Her ears flattened. "That's not fair. You've worked so hard to undo what he did. They can't expect—"
"They can, and they will," Simba interrupted, his voice low and weary. He finally turned to face her, his amber eyes clouded with resolve. "This isn't just about the Pride Lands anymore. If we're going to survive, we need to prove we're not the kingdom Scar made us into. And that starts with the Riverfront Pride."
Nala stiffened at the mention of the neighboring pride. Her voice was sharp with unease. "The Riverfront Pride hasn't forgiven us, Simba. They've made that clear. What makes you think they'll even listen?"
"They might not," Simba admitted. "But if I don't try, nothing will change. If they see me, hear me… maybe I can convince them we're not their enemy."
"And if they see you as one?" she countered, stepping closer, her tone trembling between anger and fear. "What if they don't care what you have to say? What if they—" She broke off, her voice catching.
Simba reached out, his paw brushing hers. "I know it's a risk. But I have to take it. This is my responsibility, Nala. It always has been."
She pulled her paw away, frustration flashing in her eyes. "And what about your responsibility here? To me? To the Pride Lands? You can't just leave us."
Before Simba could respond, Sarafina's calm voice broke the tension. "He's not going alone."
Both lions turned to see Nala's mother padding toward them, her serene expression masking a fierce determination. "If Simba's going to face the Riverfront Pride, he'll need someone who knows how to navigate delicate tempers. And someone who can watch his back."
Simba frowned. "Sarafina, you don't have to—"
"I'm not asking," she replied firmly. "You need an ally who can speak reason if things go wrong. And Nala…" Her gaze softened as she turned to her daughter. "Nala needs to stay here. The Pride Lands can't afford to lose both of you if this goes badly."
Nala shook her head, her voice rising with desperation. "No. If anyone goes, it should be me. I won't just sit here while—"
"You must," Sarafina said gently but with unyielding resolve. "Your place is here, Nala. Your strength will keep the Pride Lands steady while Simba is gone. You can't protect him if you're leading with your heart instead of your head."
Nala's jaw tightened, tears glistening in her eyes. "This isn't fair."
"I know," Simba said, stepping closer. His voice softened, his words laced with both regret and affection. "But it's the only way. You're my strength, Nala. Knowing you're here, keeping everything safe… it's what will bring me back."
She lowered her head, the fight draining from her. "You'd better come back," she whispered, her voice breaking.
Simba leaned forward, nuzzling her with aching tenderness. "I promise."
Sarafina moved to his side, her steady presence a silent reassurance. As the two began their descent from Pride Rock, Simba cast one last glance over his shoulder. Nala stood there, a lone figure against the rising sun, her heart in her eyes as she watched him go.
The savannah stretched before them, vast and uncertain. But Simba pressed on, the weight of hope and redemption driving each step.
Authors notes:
Simba and Nala haven't married yet , lmk if you do want a marriage ceremony I kinda wna have fun with simba not being able to kiss lmao
to show interest drop a review, new chapters on alternating days! discord : alertevan1
Thnx to Sav and Luna (im sorry for sarabi ) for reviews and thoughts on the story so far
see y'all in 2 days