*Sarabi's POV*

After lunch, I follow Athena behind Pride Rock. She introduce me to all the pride lionesses and their cubs. Since I'm going to be the next Queen, I should get to know all of the members. Of course they'd accept me with warm smiles and hugs.

I've already became quick friends with five lionesses. Their names are Destiny, Aspen, Dawn, Layla, and Ashanti. They seem to be around my age.

"So what pride are you from?" Ask Aspen, the lioness with the only small hair tuft.

"The Shimmer Pride." I answer.

Dawn nod. "I have a friend that lives there."

"Cool! So all of you were born here?"

Destiny shook her head. "Not Layla and Ashanti."

"I was born and raised in a different pride. When I reach teen hood, my mother thought it was best for us to leave." Said Layla.

"How come?" I ask.

"The pride leader suck. He wasn't respectful or kind to any of his members. My mother wasn't going to have it so we left. Queen Uru found us."

Athena sat down next to me with a smile. "My mother has a heart for everyone. She'll find help no matter what situation you're in."

Layla smiled. "It's true! If it wasn't for your mother Athena, my mother and I wouldn't of survive."

"That was so nice of her!" I say.

I turn my head to the right looking at Ashanti. She has her head laid down over her paws. "What about you?"

Ashanti lift up her head. "I came here when I was a cub. I don't remember why my mother and I came."

"When we all first met though, we instantly became best friends." Said Dawn.

Layla smiled. "Not even best friends, more like sisters."

Destiny nod. "We stick up for one another. If one of us is down, we'll be there and help."

I smile. "Such strong friendship."

Aspen playfully hit punch Athena's shoulder. "Athena is part of our group too even though she's a bit younger."

Athena pawed at Aspen's face with a growl. The two start to play fight. Ashanti shook her head at them while the rest of us laugh.

"You could join us too Sarabi. I know this is our first day meeting you, but you seem so warm and friendly." Smiled Dawn.

Layla nod. "Yeah!"

Before I could answer, Destiny had cut me off.

"How about we protect Sarabi whenever there's trouble. We she's the new Queen, we can be her guards!" Destiny suggested.

Athena and Aspen pause their wrestling game with Athena pinning down Aspen on the ground.

"Hey, that's a great idea!" Said Aspen.

"What do you think, Sarabi?" Ask Ashanti.

I smile nodding. "Guards huh? A Queen could use some protection when she's out and about. Sounds cool to me!"

"Yay!" They all cheered.

I laugh. They tackle me down except Athena.

"My first job ever and it's helping the future Queen!" Said Layla excitedly.

"This is so awesome!" Said Dawn.

Athena roll her eyes and chuckled. "Okay girls, get off Sarabi so she can breathe!"

The five lionesses got off me. Destiny help me back up on my paws.

"Thank you." I told her.

"When your Queen Sarabi, you can make it an official law." Said Aspen.

"Really?" I ask.

Athena nod. "Yeah, you didn't know? You don't have to always follow my parents laws. When your leader you could change them!"

"Wow, I don't remember Uru saying any of that on my lessons."

Destiny smiled. "Well, now you know."

"I wish I was Queen." Said Ashanti.

"You are so lucky to be married to Mufasa. He's so oh my gosh!" Said Dawn, placing a paw over her chest. She literally almost fainted.

I giggle.

Athena start to push me away. "Okay, okay, enough talking to the future Queen."

"Oh come on." Whined Layla, "We still have questions to ask Sarabi!"

"There's always tomorrow."

Ashanti rolled her eyes. "Fine."

The five lionesses said their good byes to me and wave. I did it back then follow Athena up the rocky steps to the very top of Pride Rock.

"Such sweet nice ladies." I commented.

Athena smirked. "Yeah until they get on your nerves. They can talk all day long."

I laugh. We sat down at the edge of Pride Rock scanning the beautiful Kingdom.

"In a few years, this will all be mines and Mufasa's. Everything is happening so quick." I say.

Athena put a paw on my shoulder. "Don't worry Sarabi, you'll be a great Queen."

"Thank you, Athena."

We hug.

"Sarabi?" A voice called.

It's Zazu flying up in the sky. He land and bow in front of my paws.

"Your highness, you have a visiter." He said.

"Who?" I ask.

"Sarabi!" Called a familiar voice.

I turn around and see Zira running forward. Wait, Zira? I haven't seen her in ages!

"Zira!" I smile wide.

We run up to each other hugging. I bump and rub foreheads with her.

"Oh Sarabi, it's been too long." She said.

I nod. "I know my friend, I know."

"Please forgive me, but today I forgot all about your wedding. I came here to make it up to you and visit for a while if that's okay."

"No, it's fine. Stay as long as you want!"

Zira notice Athena standing quiet behind me. She step over with surprise eyes.

"Athena, is that you?" She ask.

Athena walk up nodding. "Yes, hello Zira."

Zira gave her a hug. "Gosh, you've grown so beautifully just like your mother."

Athena blushes. "Thank you!"

"I haven't seen you two since we were cubs. Gosh time flies!"

"Indeed." Zazu nodded, who flew and sat on my left shoulder.

Zira look at him with a smirk. "Oh, it's the little birdie. You haven't changed a bit!"

"I say the same to you too. Just don't try to eat me like you've done in the past!"

"Aw Zazu, I was just a cub then. You know how cubs are."

Athena and I laugh while Zazu rolled his eyes.

"Where's your mother?" Ask Zira.

"Out with the King." He replied.

Athena nod. "Yeah, they're doing afternoon patrols. Mufasa is with them!"

Zira made a small frown. "Shoot! I was going to congratulate Mufasa too on the wedding."

I sat down. "I'm sure they won't be out long. Right Zazu?"

Zazu nod.

Zira laid down. "Okay."

Athena's happy face switch to sad. "I bet your wonder where's Taka."

I rub my nose against Athena's cheek. I didn't want her to bring up the story of her lost brother. But she insist and nod her head.

"It's okay, Sarabi." She told me, placing her paw on top of my own.

"What's wrong with him?" Zira ask sitting halfway up.

It took maybe 20 minutes or 30 for Athena to finish her story of Taka. Zira didn't show any sad emotions. She just sat there blank.

"That's terrible, I am so sorry."

Zira got up and hug Athena. Athena manage to cry a few tears but still remain strong.

"I often wonder Zira if he's out there still alive or not. He's missing out a lot here!" Said Athena. "I made the hunting party and Mufasa got married."

Zira shift her eyes around. "I'm sure where ever he is, he's fine and safe."

"How do you know?"

"Because silly, the Great Kings are up there watching over him. He's a prince, they wouldn't let him get hurt."

I nod. "True."

Athena sniffed. "Maybe your right. I just want him back home. Every one miss him here."

Zira gave Athena one more last hug. This one is longer. She rub her paw around her back in circles. Me and Zazu stood in the background watching.

If Taka is alive, where would he have gone? How come he hasn't made it to Pride Rock yet? Why is Zira so calm about this?