him once more. The deepest desire of his heart, the chance to say goodbye to Mufasa, ringing out in his song. Sadness mingled with a fierce determination to ensure his unborn cub never had to suffer as he had.

Circle of Life

Three months had passed since Simba ascended too the throne. The fire had acted as a fertilizer combing with the intense rain to bring intense growth. The river ran fast and clear, every part of the land teamed with life. In the main cave at Pride Rock Simba shared down at a new born cub that lay in Nala's paws, the pair utterly overcome with emotion at the sight of their son

“Our son he is wonderful, thank you Nala,” Simba whispered licking her cheek.

“He has your eyes,” Nala replied nuzzling Simba.

“As long as he doesn’t have my sense for trouble. Have you thought of a name for him?”

“Kopa, it means heart shaped. I thought it would be perfect,” Nala replied as Sarabi and Sarafina walked into the cave, both hearts melting at the sight for their grandson.

lay down next to her.

“He looks just like you did at that age Simba,” Sarabi whispered looking at her son with pride.

“Adorable! I just hope he doesn’t cause as much as his parents,” Sarafina said dryly shooting Simba and Nala a look.

“Oh I expect he will cause his fair share,” Sarabi chuckled.

“Well at least we won't have to worry about the Elephant's Graveyard,” Simba replied with a slight smirk.

“Thankfully not. I dread to think the mischief he will cause with Timon and Tabia's kits,” Sarafina replied shaking her head.

“Especially if Zazu and Mert's chicks are involved,” Sarabi laughed as the sun set over the horizon.

As the sun rose over the savannah the next day animals from across the kingdom gathered at Pride Rock to witness the presentation of Simba's heir. Above them Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumba stood looking down on the assembling animals. Zazu flew past them, landing on the shoulder of Sarabi who watched with tears of happiness running down her cheeks. Walking up to the edge of Pride Rock ,Rafiki raised Kopa high into the morning sun. The subjects bowed down before their future king while hight above them Mufasa, Ahadi and Ure looked down proudly. Feeling the wind brushing through his fur Simba felt his heart burst with pride. The circle of life was complete once more.

That afternoon after the ceremony had ended the royal family lay together next to small pool of water. To their surprise Zazu landed in front of them, a look of concern on his face.

“Your Majesties I bring grave news. Zira has just given birth to twin male cubs.”

“Twins is what we didn't need, one cub would have been enough trouble!”Simba exclaimed.

“How old are they Zazu?” Nala asked, keeping her voice neutral.

“I would estimate about a month or so.”

“We will have to be on our guard. I will not risk any harm to Kopa,” Simba replied looking at his son.

“If I may say Sire, I doubt Scar and Zira will allow the cubs to wonder far, it is highly unlikely they will meet Kopa until adulthood.”

“The pride may not remain in the Outlands,” Nala said looking between Simba and Zazu. “Once the cubs are old enough to travel they may choose to leave.”

“I hope so Nala but a doubt it. Scar will use his sons to try and regain the throne,” Simba replied bitterly.

“I fear you may be right Sire. Cousins divided through the actions are their parents.”

A few nights after the presentation ceremony Simba lay in the cave with Kopa curled up between his paws. Nala had gone for a short break and while the pride gathered on the rocks outside they had decided to give father and son some privacy. Kopa looked up his father curiously.

“Just you an me Kopa your Mummy has gone out for a walk. You are amazing. In the space of a season I've gone from being a prince in exile to a king and father. You are my hope for the future. I only wish you could have me your Grandfather,” Simba smiling at at his son.

Then an intense white light filled the cave. Fading the light revealed Mufasa standing before them. Walking over to his son Mufasa placed a paw on his shoulder, to Simba's surprise his father felt real and solid. A million questions raced through the young king's head, barely able to comprehend what he was seeing.

“For this night I can be here with you until sunrise.”

“Father I have missed you so much,” Simba whispered nuzzling his father while tears fell from his cheeks.

“I have missed you my son,” Mufasa whispered.

Laying down the two lions looked at Kopa who reached out a paw to touch is Grandfather's nose. Smiling Mufasa gently licked the small cub, a look of delight on his regal face. Laying in the cave Simba told his father how he felt over the year,s all the guilt at what happened and finally his deepest fears about being king and a father. Mufasa listened intently as his son spoke, his heart aching at all Simba had been forced to suffer.

“I do not blame you for my death. You could not have known what Scar was planning. Ahadi warned me before he died that one day Scar may try to take the throne. I did not believe him. Do not compare your kingship to mine. I was older than you when I assumed the throne also my father had taught me how to king. He gave me lessons which I never had the opportunity to give you.”

“I understand that now, when I spoke to Scar I saw the truth. Father what if I cannot be the king everyone expects me to be?”

“They expect you to rule with wisdom and justice, in your dealings with the hyenas and Scar you have already fulfilled those. I understand how hard it can be and at times you will fill the wait on your shoulders. All the great kings began as you did once, just as uncertain and worried about what was expected. In time they grew into their roles just as you will. Being a father is trail and error, all that matters is that you love your son. ”

Hearing his father's words Simba smiled, a renewed sense of confidence entering his body. Father and son looked at each other with happiness in their eyes. The sound of footsteps outside caused the pair's attention to switch to the cave entrance. Seconds Nala and Sarabi walked inside, both stopping their tracks, eyes wide, at the sight of Mufasa. Seeing the shock on his former queens face Mufasa walked over and gently nuzzled Sarabi.

“Mufasa how is this possible?” Sarabi asked in a broken voice filled with sadness.

“The Great Kings have granted me tonight with you as recompense for my untimely death.”

Looking into each other's eyes Sarabi and Mufasa felt their hearts break, their love bursting into life once more. Tears fell freely from their eyes, years of pain and sadness released. Under a star filled sky the family lay together, Kopa curled up between his parents. Sarabi and Mufasa spoke of their pain and loss at losing one another, Mufasa sharing the pain he had felt for the first time. The conversation turned to happy memories, reminiscing about fun had long ago.

“I remember when Simba was a cub, he and Mufasa were playing tag in the Gorge of all places,” Sarabi said laughing. “Well I knew it would lead to trouble before they began the game but they didn't listen. Simba managed to catch Mufasa off guard by jumping from a high ledge, both of them went tumbling down a slope landing with all eight paws in the air.”

“I remember that incident,” Mufasa replied laughing. “I had bruises for a week!”

As dawns first rays touched the African sky Mufasa turned to each member of his family, his heart filled with sadness and regret.

“Sarabi my love goodbye, time will always love you my queen. Do not feel sadness, live your life in happiness and joy.”

“I love you Mufasa,” Sarabi whispered nuzzling her mate.

“My son goodbye, remember I will always be there for you.”

“Goodbye Father,” Simba whispered nuzzling has father.

As the sun's rays touched his fur Mufasa faded out of sight. Standing together Simba and Sarabi looked at each other, tears of happiness glistening in their eyes. A strong wind pulled at Simba's mane, a force he couldn't name swirling around him. A strange sense of power and strength coursed through him. At last Simba realized what had happened, the guilt he had carried in his heart for years had lifted. For the first time his father's words about his ability to rule made sense. Walking to the edge of Pride Rock Simba let out a mighty roar that echoed throughout the kingdom, a roar filled with majesty and power. The time of transition had come to an end. The wounds of the past had finally healed and out of the ashes of the past hope had been born.

End

1Imagine a scene similar to the one proceeding Kovu's exile.

2I am using the terms suns as how the animals count days. Moons will be used for months

3Things my father said by Black Stone Cherry- the odd word is altered so it fits lions rather than humans