Chapter Seven

Weeks passed by since Kopa's death, and everyone was still in shock. But the one that changed the most was Simba. He seemed to have built up a wall, one that only Nala could break. Indigo and Nala spent many nights talking quietly together, just like they used to do when Scar was ruling over the PrideLands. On one of these nights, Nala decided to tell Indigo a secret that she didn't even tell Simba yet.

“Indie...I'm...pregnant.” she confessed. Indigo's eyes widened.

“What? Are you sure?” she asked. Nala nodded.

“Yeah...I haven't told Simba yet, or mom. I don't know how they'll take it.” Indigo put a paw on one of Nala's. 

“I'm sure they'll be just as happy as they were about Kopa.” Indigo said, trying to reassure not only Nala, but also herself. Nala sighed.

“You're right Indie...I'll tell them tonight.”

Nala got up and slowly walked out of Pride Rock. Indigo thought it would be best to wait for her sister inside. This was something Nala should do on her own, Indigo knew that now. She made a promise to herself to never try and outshine her sister again. Instead, she'd support her quietly, just like she was supposed to. An hour passed, and both Nala and Simba came back, Simba looked happy for the first time in a while. Indigo went up to Nala.

“How'd it go?” she asked quietly.

“Better than expected. He's happy...but...” Nala looked down, frowning. 

“Hey, he lost a son. That's something that's going to take an eternity to heal.” Indigo said softly. Nala looked up and gave a small smile. 

“Oh Indie...you've matured so much.” Nala said, nuzzling Indigo. Indigo was surprised. Had she matured? In so little time? Nala went over to Simba, and the two laid down for the night. Indigo went to her spot and laid down as well. This was always the hardest part. She half expected Kopa to come bouncing up to her, talking and talking until he passed out beside her. Then, halfway through the night, he would go back to his parents and snuggle up with them. Indigo knew that this new cub would not only be spoiled, but also strictly looked after.


Another few weeks had passed, and in the early hours of the morning, while it was still dark out, Nala went into labour. Simba ordered a few of the lionesses to take watch outside. He wasn't taking any chances. Indigo stayed by her side, and with a few good pushes, a cub arrived, mewing and healthy. Nala looked down, happy and proud. Even Simba had a grin on his face.

“Kiara.” Nala whispered. Simba nodded.

“Kiara.” he repeated. And a few hours later, little Kiara was introduced to the rest of the PrideLands. It was a solemn celebration, everyone remembering Kopa. Indigo knew he was looking over, he would have made a great brother, she thought to herself. 

That day, and the next few days later were busy. Simba had heard from Zazu that there were two other cubs born in the OutLands, and worst of all, they were Zira's.

“The genders?” Simba asked.

“A girl...and a boy.” Zazu said. Simba stared ahead, a blank expression on his face.

“We'll have to be careful.” Simba said. Zazu gave a nod.

“Apparently the word is the cub is expected to follow in Scar's pawprints.” Zazu whispered. Simba shook his head. 

“Yes well, hopefully that never happens.” Zazu nodded, and flew off. They only had so much time before the cub grew up, and before Kiara grew up as well.

To Indigo's surprise, she was allowed to babysit Kiara. At first she was reluctant, but she knew that she would never make that mistake again. Often Kiara would follow her on her walks when she got old enough. She'd always trail behind, asking lots of questions.

“Auntie Indie...I'm going to be a princess one day, right?” Kiara asked one afternoon. Indigo laughed.

“You're already a princess Kiki.” she said, stopping to let the small cub catch up.

“What about you? Are you a princess?” she asked. Indigo paused. She knew Kiara didn't mean it, but it still hurt. Memories of Scar came flooding back to her. Standing on top of Pride Rock with him, being goofy with Nuka. That seemed so long ago, almost as though it never even happened.

“No, I'm not. But I wouldn't have it any other way.” she said, taking a paw and tickling Kiara. Kiara giggled and squirmed, trying to get away. Indigo laughed and let Kiara back up, and they continued walking. 

“Auntie Indie...” Kiara started again. Indigo sighed, smiling and shaking her head.

“Yes Kiki?” she asked.

“Do you want cubs some day?” Kiara wondered. Indigo looked down at Kiara, who was pouncing at her feet, just like Kopa did.

“Some day.” Indigo said softly. Then she bent down to be at Kiara's level. “And if I'm really unlucky, they'll be as weird and silly as you!” Kiara laughed, running off ahead. Indigo chased after her, letting Kiara tackle her a few times. When they were both tired out, they made their way back to Pride Rock, hungry and quiet.