Hello all,

Here is my second Lion King story. Now before I post it. I just want to say that it is sad to read all of these posts that say that the mailing list is dead, and people are leaving etc. :( I thought it was the best thing via email.... anyway here's my story guys.

The Lion King
___________
Nala's Journey


The sun rises over the Savannah, bringing light to the new day. Reds and yellows and oranges radiate from the suns warm inviting glow. The animals awake from their sleep. The Antelope bring their young to the waterhole for the first mornings drink. Back at Pride Rock. One of the Lionesses’ stir. Stretching her claws in and out. As her eyes flicker open. Once her eyes become focused, she notices one of the lionesses sitting at the very edge of pride rock. Unable to see any distinctive markings, the lioness makes her way over to the other lioness. “Uh,
hello?” The Lioness sitting atop Pride Rock gasps and turns around quickly. “Who is it?” The lioness makes her way closer, squinting her eyes as she does so. “Nala?” she whispers. “Is that you?”  Nala sniffles and replies “Yes. What do you want? I’d rather be left alone. Nala turns her head away from the prying eyes of the other Lioness. “Is something wrong Nala?” the lioness asks. Nala breathes in deeply and without giving any warning, she gallops off towards the waterhole.

The Lioness makes her way back to the den, confused and worried. She quietly tiptoes over to where Simba is sleeping. “Simba”, she says nudging him with one of her forepaws. “Hmmm” Simba responds without even opening his eyes. “Simba wake up”, she whispers this time nudging him with her nose, using more force. “What is it?” Simba replies his voice distorted from the long nights sleep. “It’s Nala! I think something is wrong with her!” Simba’s eyes flicker open as he yawns and stretches his forepaws forward. Slowly sitting up, he motions his head towards
the exit of the den. “Follow me”, Simba asks as he monovours his way out of the den, without treading on any of the sleeping lionesses’. “Now”, Simba sits down next to a rock. “Tell me what the problem is”. “Well” the lioness prompted as she looked around her then back at Simba. “When the sun rose, early thismorning over the Savannah, I made my way to the tip of Pride Rock. Nala was sitting there, all quiet and reserved. I tried speaking with her. But she didn’t want to know about it. I asked her what was wrong. And she ran off”, gasping for a breath the
lioness sighs softly. Simba’s eyebrows began to twitch as his tail wraps itself around his hind legs. His eyes scan The Pridelands. Then back to the Lioness that sat before him. “Thankyou, I will go look for her” and with that Simba began galloping off towards the waterhole.

His paw pads getting dirtier as he gallops across the dusty ground. His mane swirling in the wind. In his mind, he thought he could never find Nala. But deep inside his stomach. He knew she was at the waterhole. Slowing his pace down as he approaches the waterhole. His gallop turning into a walk. He makes his way to a lioness drinking the crystal blue water. “Nala?” he says as he puts one of his forepaws on her back. Nala stops drinking, and looks up at Simba. Her eyes squinting, as if she was trying to hold back the tears that were fighting to be free.
Simba smiles as he wipes away a drop of water hanging from her chin. “Nala, one of the lionesses told me you were upset. What is it?” Simba’s eyebrows turn more into a thoughtful frown. Nala could feel the pain swirling inside her. She knew she had to tell Simba. Letting out a rather big sigh, hoping to release some of the pain. She closes her eyes, then slowly opening them. Her blue eyes sparkling like the clear blue crystal waters presented before them. “Simba, there is something I have to tell you. I’m pregnant” She looks down at the ground, swirling
the dirt around with her claws.

“Nala!” Simba gasps, “That’s great!” Simba pounces softly onto Nala and licks her cheek. “Haha, I’m going to be a dad! Hooray!” Simba’s excitement was put on pause when he noticed Nala’s blank and meaningless expression. Carefully lifting himself back up. He sits down near the edge of the water. Looking at his reflection. “Why aren’t you happy Nala?” Simba whispers. Feeling a great sadness build up inside of him. Nala hangs her head low, not wanting the painful words to come out of her mouth. Slowly she brings her head up. Leveling her eyes with Simba’s.
She sees the confusion building up in his eyes. “Simba..” Nala began, only to be interrupted by Simba. “I…I..I AM the father aren’t I?” Simba questions, knowing if the answer was no, his soul would die right away. Nala smiles a very weak smile. “Of course you are the father Simba” Simba stands up and makes his way over to Nala where he nuzzles her shoulder and smiles. “But Simba” Nala began as she slowly pulls away. “If I have this cub, there is a chance I won’t be around to see it grow.” Hot tears stabbed at her eyes as they ran down her cheeks leaving a
darkened stain on her fur. Simba began choking up inside. Wanting to speak, but the words weren’t there.

“Simba” Nala whispers as she places a forepaw on his mane, stroking it softly with her paw. “I know this must be hard for you. But there is nothing we can do. I will have the cub soon. Oh Simba, I’m scared!” Nala nudges her head into Simba’s mane, sobbing uncontrollably. Simba’s eyes begin to sting, as his eyelids close letting a single tear escape from his eyes. Feeling Nala’s body heaving with every sob, Simba’s soul was beginning to tear apart. He knew he had to be brave, for her. Softly edging away, he smiles and whispers calmly “Lets go home. You
need your rest” Nala sniffles, knowing Simba was right, they made their way home.

By the time they got back the rest of the lionesses had gone. Which was alright with Simba, for he knew he would have to tell them. But not now. Nala curls herself up on the den floor. Sniffing quietly she whispers to Simba, “I love you”, and with that she closes her eyes. Simba knew she would be better if she could sleep peacefully, so he made his way out of the den, towards the patch of grass, where Timon and Pumbaa lay. “Buuuurp” “Haha nice one Timon” “Hey, guys!” Simba says laying down next to the two. “Hey Simba! Haven’t seen ya around all morning!
The suns beginning to set now, and we’s were getting worried. Right Pumbaa?” “Right Timon <buuuurp>” “Pumbaa, stop being such a warthog!” “Hey Timon, take this!” and with that Pumbaa leaps in the air landing on top of Timon. Squashing the little Meekrat beneath his hefty weight. “Pumbaaaaa, GET OFF OF ME!” “That’ll teach ya” Pumbaa beams proudly. After gasping for air a few times, Timon dusts himself off and frowns at Pumbaa, muttering something under his breath. “So Simba, ‘ol pal. How about a song?” Lifting up his tiny little hand, and opening his mouth
ready to begin singing Timon was interupted by Simba. “No, Timon, I don’t feel like it” Simba then lifts himself up and walks away from Timon and Pumbaa, seating himself down on the grass, his head hanging low to the ground.

“Was it something I said?” Timon asks. “Arr, I dunno Timon, Simba looks mighty sad tonight. Maybe we should go talk to him” Pumbaa says. Timon begins shaking his head “No, no no, we should… wait a minute!” Timon exclaims “I have an idea, lets go talk to Simba!” And with that timon runs over to where the sad lion sits. Pumbaa shakes his head and rolls his eyes muttering to himself as he walks over to Simba. “So uhh, Simba, whats wrong?” Timon says placing a hand under his chin. “I don’t want to talk about it” Simba huffs. “But Simba, we’re your friends.
You can tell us” Pumbaa says, trying to comfort Simba. Looking up towards the sky, the sun had set and the nights sky had taken it’s place. Simba begins singing, for the words of this song, was the only way he could explain to his friends. The long grass swayed in the wind, producing a flute-like harmony.

So many things to tell her,
I’d left in my own past.
When I thought our hearts would beat forever,
I hoped it might just last.

Her eyes they give me power,
To lead my fellow pride.
My soul binds with the one I love,
To have her by my side.

And can you feel the love tonight,
I hoped she’d stay with me.
We’d make it through, the life’s uncertainties
A love to never die.

And can you feel the love tonight,
I must say goodbye.
Alone I’ll stand, and hope she will not cry,
For our love will never die.

Timon and Pumbaa wipe away the tears from their eyes. Simba catches his breath, as he begins to explain the rest. “Nala is pregnant, when she has this cub, she will die” “I cannot help, I don’t know if there is anything I can do” Simba falls onto the ground, placing his head on his forepaws, letting out a heaving sigh. “Oh Simba, we’re here for you buddy, is there anything we can do? For you, or Nala?” Simba’s whiskers twitch, as his eyes appear to have a glassy stare. “Yes Timon, Pumbaa, there IS something you can do, round up the Lionesses and tell them
what’s going on, I think they have a right to know.” “Yes Simba, anything you say!” Timon jumps onto Pumbaa’s head pulling at his ears “Lets go Pumbaa!” and with that Timon and Pumbaa make their way to Pride Rock. At least that was one problem out of the way  Simba thought But how am I going to help Nala? How can I say goodbye? Simba began sobbing, for he felt he was lost. “Son!” a rumbling voice echoes through the sky. “Father?” Simba whispers as he looks up at the sky. To see Mufasa smiling down upon him. “Oh Simba, my son, remember who you are,
remember who Nala is. And think about the both of you, perhaps then, your questions might be answered” Mufasa’s cloud-like form began to fade. Mufasa’s voice could be heard whispering through the sky “Remember…..” Simba’s mind began to jumble. What did father mean? Simba thought to himself.

Confused, and tired. Simba made his way back home. Where mournful Lionesses greeted him, each whispering comforting words at him. One Lioness approaches Simba, and nuzzles him. “Sarafina” Simba cooe’s softly as he nuzzles her back. Sarafina smiles softly “She’s due any day now, we must keep her rested and well nourished” Simba nods his head as he makes his way into the den, where a peaceful Nala slept. He carefully places himself beside her, and gently places a forepaw on her bringing her closer to him. Then closing his eyes. Feeling Nala’s body heaving
gently as she slept,  hearing the little breaths she was taking as she dreamt. Simba found it hard to believe that his cub lives inside of Nala. It was all too much for that night. As Simba fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning he was awoken by a soft moaning sound, it sounded like it was coming from beside him. He opens his eyes to see Nala wide-awake, yet she looks like she is in pain. “Simba, ohhhh” Nala groans softly. “Simba, the pain” she sobs, Immediately Simba rises from his sleeping position and licks her gently on the ear and whispers “I’ll be back soon Nala, don’t worry, just stay calm!” Simba looks around to notice that there were no Lionesses around. Without having time to wonder why, he makes his way out of the den. “Simba”, Sarafina says, walking
towards him. “I think she’s going to have the cub today” Sarafina looks down at the ground. “I know Sarafina. I know.” Simba whispers. “Come with me” Sarafina motions her head towards the circle of lionesses. So that’s where they are Simba thought to himself. He follows Sarafina towards the circle of Lionesses, where they made room for Simba and Sarafina. Simba’s head began to ache. “What are we doing?” Simba whispers out of the corner of his mouth to Sarafina “We are praying Simba, we’re giving Nala all of our strength, for we believe that it’s only a
matter of time before she will need all of the strength she can get” Simba nods. “And we need all the strength we can get too” Sarafina says, as her voice trembles.

Out of the corner of his eye, Simba notices Timon and Pumbaa outside of the circle, they give him a sympathetic look and smile. “Ok everyone” Sarafina commands, “Lets bow our heads down, for we are about to lose one of our fellow pride members, my daughter, Simba’s wife, and the unborn cubs mother” Without a word the lionesses bow their heads down, including Timon and Pumbaa. As the silence fills the air Simba knew that Mufasa was watching down on the circle. Take good care of her father Simba says in his mind.


Sarafina lifts her head up and roars. The lionesses follow. Simba builds up all the pain and sadness he has been feeling, and lets it out in one all mighty roar. “We are the circle of life, she will live in us FOREVER” Sarafina shouts. The lionesses and Simba respond with a roar. Sarafina motions the Lionesses to go elsewhere. They obey her command Timon and Pumbaa also follow the Lionesses. Simba makes his way back the the den. Where a very sick looking Nala lay. Her breathing was a lot faster, and her fur was covered in beads of sweat. “Simba” she
groans softly. He walks over to where she lay and licks her cheek. “It’s ok Nala, I’m here.” Not sure what to do, he lays down beside her. Pain was whirling through him, their last moments together were approaching fast.

Rafiki makes his way into the den carrying an empty coconut shell, filled with water. He places it down in front of Nala where she laps at the water, stopping and flinching every so often from the pain. Rafiki grabs his stick and waves the fruit that is tied upon it just above her. Simba smiles at Rafiki, motioning him to leave the den. Rafiki smiles back and walks away. “Simba, ow, Simba, are you there?” Nala chokes, the words just barely coming out of her mouth. “Yes Nala, I’m here” Simba cooe’s softly.

Sarafina’s mother instincts kick  in, and she knew Nala was going to deliver the cub any second. So she walks into the den, and wanders up to Nala, where she gives her a lick on the cheek and nuzzles her head briefly, before sitting back. “Mom?” Nala chokes, “Is that you?” Nala’s eyes were squinting. “Yes Nala, it’s me.” Sarafina looks at Simba and nods. Mouthing the words it’s time, Simba put one of his forepaws on Nala’s body and closes his eyes. The sounds of Nala’s heavy breathing, the gasping and pain Nala is feeling. Simba’s heart was ripping into
two. But he knew he couldn’t ever let Nala know. So he places his other paw on her, and scrunches his eyes closed. Saying over and over in his head again I love you Nala, You will always be a part of me a meer few minutes must have passed when he heard the sound of a little lion cub. He opens his eyes to see a newborn lion cub lying on the den floor. Nala is too weak to lick the cub clean. So Sarafina takes that role, and is licking the little lion cub. “Nala” Simba cries. Nala turns her head and looks at Simba “Simba” she whispers very softly. “It’s a
girl, you have a daughter” Simba looks deep into Nala’s eyes and smiles. “What should I name her?” Nala closes her eyes and opens them again “Kiara” she mumbles softly. Simba smiles once again and licks Nala on the cheek. “I love you Nala” Nala smiles weakly at Simba “I love you too Simba” her eyes close.

Sarafina gently picks up the lion cub in her mouth and places it next to Simba. “Kiara” he smiles as he gives her a lick. “You look just like your mother” looking back at Nala. Her body lay still. She is at peace Simba thought to himself. Sarafina nudges Nala’s body with her nose lifting her gently onto Simba’s back, where Simba walks out of the den and places her on the grass. Sarafina picks up the lion cub and carries her to Simba. The Lionesses mournful cries can be heard throughout the pridelands. They form a circle around Nala, this time including
Rafiki, Timon and Pumbaa. They all bow their heads and pray, that Nala be at peace.

After their ceremony ended Simba walks alone back to Pride Rock. Where he sits looking out over the Pridelands. The sun was setting, casting a beautiful array of reds and oranges over the Pridelands. Suddenly his fathers voice plays back in his mind “Remember who you are, Remember who Nala is.  And think about the both of you, perhaps then, your questions might be answered” Simba then realizes what Mufasa meant. Nala was a part of him, and a part of Kiara. Even if she no longer roamed The Pridelands. She still was a part of The Pride and The Great Circle
Of Life. Simba smiles, for he feels content, he now realizes what Mufasa meant. Looking up at the sky, the wind blowing through his mane. He whispers “Thankyou father” beginning to turn his back, Simba began to make his way back to the den, where Sarafina was watching Kiara. “You’re welcome, my son” a rumbling voice echoes through the sky. “Father!” Simba gasps as he looks to the skies. Suddenly his eyes focuse on a cloud-like shape next to Mufasa. “Nala!” Simba cries. “Simba” Nala whispers, her soft voice echoes through the pridelands. Mufasa looks down
at Simba and smiles. Mufasa’s and Nala’s cloud-like form fades into the night. As Simba closes his eyes, he lets out a sigh, and makes his way to where his daughter lay asleep. Lying down beside her, he brings her close to him. “One day Kiara, you’ll understand” and with that Simba closes his eyes and falls asleep.

The End

Written 05 December 1998
© Nala

Sorry for any typo's or mis-information. :)

Nala
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