This is the introduction of a new story idea that I’ve had for a little bit now. My own version of events after Simba’s Pride.

Art was beautify made by MaxPaineVolumn
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Zira’s death, while tragic, was a reminder of what not letting go of the past can do to one’s self. The days leading up to that battle and its aftermath were a deeply humbling experience for Simba. One that nearly had him lose not just his daughter thanks to his rash, paranoid fueled action, but his queen too. Very few know of the hours that followed after Kovu’s spectacle of an exile, but Nala was deeply disturbed by what she saw in her mate that afternoon. While she would never go directly against him for the sake of the kingdom, in private, Simba received the biggest dressing down of his life. Worse than any scolding Mufasa or Timon had ever given him, and far worse than their heated discussion before Simba saw his father in the clouds.

Nala had the final word before leaving Simba to make whatever choices he wanted afterwards. With a disappointed glare, she said, “You‘ve been so busy consulting the dead, you haven‘t listened at all to the ones who are still here. If you lose our daughter, you will lose me as well...”

That was enough to knock some sense into Simba. the rest was history, and bringing the animals back to announce that Kovu was no longer exiled, and would be king consort, was one of the most uncomfortable moments he’d spent as King. What he had done to Kovu, only to take it back virtually the next day, was a very bad look for him, and Simba would agree that it was on him almost completely.

Time passed after that. Kion came back from his trip up north to announce his departure from the Pridelands, Kiara and Kovu welcomed their first litter of cubs. Two girls and a boy. Most of all, Simba and Nala formally stepped down once the cubs were old enough to walk and talk.

Shockingly enough, Simba and Nala were both still somewhat in good physical condition. Well past mature, but they could still fight and do what many younger lions could. One night, the two former monarchs had a deep conversation in private. So much had happened to them in their lives. Simba lost a father, Nala lost her father before she was even born and was raised under a tyrant who intended on making her a broodmare for him, and most of all, they both lost their son and original heir. Kopa. They both came to the decision that it was time for a change. Something to help them let go of the past. All of it. Simba said that all he needed in life now that Kiara was protecting his homeland, was laying right in front of him.

Shortly after, the royal couple announced their departure to their family. They stayed a few weeks afterwards to get all affairs in order, but one early morning after one last tearful goodbye the night prior, Simba and Nala left the Pridelands behind them. They began to journey southwards, with Nala having the idea to settle on the coast where she’d been told very few prides resided. Not long into the journey, and the two made a very surprising, but happy discovery.

Nala was pregnant again!

As their trek continue, Nala‘s waistline grew bigger and bigger, and the former queen was convinced that she was having a bigger litter than her first when she had the original triplets. Both felt so relieved to be free of their duties, now having one another to look after. It was like they’d fallen in love all over again.

Months went by, and finally they arrived on Africa’s southeast coast. Nala was practically ready to pop, and Simba hadn’t felt so excited in a long time. Neither had ever seen the ocean before, and agreed that it was a sight to rival the stars in its beauty and wonder. From there, Simba and Nala were ready to start a new chapter in their lives, ready to meet new faces (with some old certain to turn up. Timon and Pumbaa would see to that at least.), and face new challenges. They knew they were up for it, for now they were truly one.