The Circle of Life Continues

Author's Note: Here it is – the final chapter. It feels like yesterday that I started this story. Please say a final farewell to Sarabi and Zarifa's journey with a review.

Chapter Summary: With Scar finally gone, peace is restored in the Pride Lands.

The rain came down as Zarifa walked back up Pride Rock. Scar's screams died down, and Zarifa could hear the hyenas snickering as they ran in the direction of the Elephant Graveyard. They knew better than to try and claim a place in the Pride Lands.

Simba came bounding down the side of Pride Rock, fearing that he was too late to save yet another family member. When he saw Zarifa, he sighed with relief. He ran over and nuzzled her.

"Oh Zarifa, I thought I was too late," Simba whispered, relieved. Zarifa gave a weak smile.

"I'm fine. Scar's gone. The hyenas turned on him," Zarifa said, her voice heavy. Simba nuzzled her again.

"I'm just glad you're safe. Are you okay?" Simba asked as he pulled back to get a better look at Zarifa.

Zarifa took a deep breath. She was still confused about why her roar did what it did to Zira. She had been roaring her whole life, and never once did she see it do something like that. She shrugged her shoulders.

"When I was fighting Zira…she threatened to hurt mom. It made me so angry, and I roared at her. But when I roared…it was like there were other lions roaring with me. And my roar was strong enough to send her back to the Outlands," Zarifa shared.

She was quick to notice the way Simba's ears perked up. His smile indicated that her roar was a good thing.

"You've got the Roar of the Elders," Simba said with a proud smile.

Zarifa gasped. She spent her early cub years in the old Lion Guard lair. She should've realized.

"Does this mean I'm the new leader of the Lion Guard?" Zarifa asked, suddenly panicked by making a decision. Sensing her panic, Simba nudged her forward.

"You don't have to decide anything yet. Let's make sure the others are safe," Simba said as he began to walk towards the front of Pride Rock. Zarifa followed closely behind.

As they walked down the side of Pride Rock, Zarifa scaled the crowds for Sarabi. She had been so focused on fighting that she didn't stop to check if Sarabi was safe. She got nervous when she couldn't find her mother in the crowd of lions.

Zarifa felt her breath hitch when she saw Sarabi, Lupita and Chiwetel at her side.

"Mom!" Zarifa cried as she ran over to her mother and nuzzled her, crying tears of relief and joy. Sarabi did the same.

"Oh Zarifa, you're safe," Sarabi cried, feeling a great weight lift off her shoulders knowing that Scar could not hurt her family anymore. She turned to Simba, and marvelled at the lion he had grown to be. She nuzzled him.

"You've made your father proud, Simba," Sarabi said, looking at Simba and Zarifa. Her heart was full of love and pride to see who Simba and Zarifa grew to be. She wished Mufasa could have seen it for himself.

Looking over her mother's shoulder, Zarifa saw Lupita, Chiwetel and Apollo waiting. Her heart warmed up seeing Apollo. She motioned him over.

"Mother, Simba, this is Apollo—prince of the Warrior Pride. He asked me to be his mate and I accepted," Zarifa announced, feeling butterflies in her stomach as she looked at Apollo.

Both Sarabi and Simba had wide eyes, but they eased into smiles. Apollo was beaming as he bowed to them.

"It is not only an honor to meet you both, but to love Zarifa," Apollo lovingly said.

Sarabi and Simba looked at each other and knowingly smiled. It was obvious to them that Zarifa was not only in love, but she was loved. And they could each see that Zarifa had made a wonderful choice in a mate.

"Thank you, Apollo. Just know that if you do anything to hurt my sister, I will hurt you," Simba said with a stone cold expression.

Seeing fear in Apollo's eyes, Sarabi chuckled. "Simba is kidding, of course. I couldn't be happier that my Zarifa found you."

As the rain came down, Nala and Sarafina emerged from the group of lionesses. She had fought with all her might against the hyenas, praying that Simba and Zarifa could put an end to Scar's reign once and for all. Seeing Simba standing tall and strong next to his mother and sister brought joy to Nala's heart. The Pride Lands finally felt like home.

"Oh Nala," Simba whispered as he stepped forward and lovingly nuzzled Nala. He had longed for her all those years in the jungle, and now he had her. Simba felt lucky.

"You did it, Simba," Nala whispered as she nuzzled him. When she saw Zarifa standing between Sarabi and Apollo, Nala went over and cuddled the younger lioness.

"Thank you for bringing him back, Zee," Nala whispered as she rubbed her cheek against Zarifa's.

Zarifa would have said something, but the sound of familiar rattling distracted her and the rest of the pride. Rafiki stood at the base of Pride Rock, motioning for Simba to walk up the promontory to claim his place as king.

Zazu, having been freed from captivity, flew down by Simba and bowed to him. The hornbill was beaming at Mufasa's son.

"Your majesty, your kingdom awaits," Zazu announced proudly, resuming his major-domo duties.

Sarabi anticipated Simba's excitement, maybe muse about how he just couldn't wait to be king, just like when he was a spunky little cub. Sarabi didn't see that. Instead, Simba was looking at Pride Rock, his face solemn.

Simba sighed and shook his head.

"I'm not going to be king of the Pride Lands," Simba announced. "Zarifa will be queen."

Zarifa was suddenly aware that all eyes were on her. She didn't doubt that she had the same shocked expression on her face as the rest of the pride.

"What? Simba, why?" Zarifa demanded. Simba only offered a weak smile.

"I ran away," Simba said with a shrug. "While you were all suffering and making sacrifices to survive, I was goofing around in the jungle, without a care in the world. What kind of king does that?"

"Oh Simba, what else could you have done? You were just a cub. None of us think that makes you a weak," Zarifa said. Simba shook his head.

"You're stronger, Zarifa. You have the Roar of the Elders, for crying out loud. I know the Pride Lands would really benefit from having you as their queen," Simba said, bowing a head down to her.

Zarifa knew that there was validity to Simba's logic. She would be queen of both the Pride Lands and the Warrior Pride. Having the Roar of the Elders would also make her one of the strongest queens in the savannah. She would be the most powerful lioness in the Pride Lands.

But Zarifa saw firsthand what a desire for power could do to a lion. She refused to be like Scar. Instead, she wanted to be like her mother: motivated to power through with the love of her family.

"I understand, Simba. But I will not take the throne," Zarifa answered confidently. Simba's ears perked up in surprise.

"Why not?" Zarifa could only smile and shrug her shoulders.

"This was always supposed to be your kingdom. Dad always wanted you to follow in his paw prints. And it is what I want you to do. If not for me, do it for dad," Zarifa said, sounding every bit like Sarabi.

Sarabi stepped forward and nuzzled her daughter. In her daughter's eyes, Sarabi only saw herself.

"But what about you, Zarifa? Where will you go?" Sarabi asked.

Zarifa's eyes shifted past Sarabi's shoulder, where she could see the Warrior Pride in plain view. Apollo stood with Lupita and Chiwetel. They had taken Zarifa in, taught her to be strong, helped her save the Pride Lands, brought her to Apollo. Even though the Pride Lands would always be her first home, Zarifa's heart belonged elsewhere. She gave her mother a loving smile.

"I finally found my place in this world," Zarifa told her mother, her heart full.

The longer she stared into her daughter's eyes, the more Sarabi understood that all of the sacrifices she had made were worth it. Zarifa was happy, in love, and guaranteed to be the strongest and fiercest leader the Warrior Pride would ever see. And when she saw the kind of lion that Simba had become, Sarabi didn't doubt for a moment that Mufasa would be proud that Simba would take his place as king.

Though the years broke her heart, it fixed Sarabi's vision.

With happy tears cascading down her face, Sarabi nuzzled Zarifa and Simba.

"I love you both so much. And I know Mufasa is watching over us," Sarabi cried happily. Zarifa nuzzled her mother and brother.

"Before the coronation, can you both do something for me?" Zarifa asked.

"Anything," Simba and Sarabi said together. Zarifa looked over at Apollo and smiled lovingly.

"I delayed my ceremony to be Apollo's queen because I wanted my family there to see it. Will you both be there?" Zarifa asked sweetly.

When she saw the smiles on Simba and Sarabi's faces, Zarifa finally felt complete.

"We wouldn't miss it Zee," Simba said. Zarifa smiled and nudged her brother's broad shoulder.

"Thanks bro. Now, go up there and take your place as king," Zarifa urged with a grin.

Simba looked over at Nala, who offered him a loving smile and a gentle nod. Now that he had blessing from the three most important lionesses in his life, Simba made his way up Pride Rock to meet Rafiki. After hugging the old mandrill, Simba made his way up the promontory.

For much of her life, Zarifa had believed that her destiny involved defeating Scar and becoming queen of the Pride Lands. She never would have imagined that Simba had not only been alive, but that their uncle was responsible for the death of their father.

Those were big moments that made Zarifa who she was. But there were also the little moments that shaped her. Learning about the Queen Mother in the Moon. Bonding with Nala. Joining a new pride. Falling in love with Apollo. These seemingly small moments changed the entire course of Zarifa's life. And she had never been so confident that this was very much her destiny.

Her heart full and her mind strong, Zarifa joined her mother and the rest of the pride in accepting Simba as the King of the Pride Lands.

The Pride Lands finally had a fighting chance.

The Pride Lands flourished and thrived once Simba and Nala became King and Queen. While it took a lot of work and patience, the Pride Lands were soon full of life again. And order was restored.

Zarifa and Apollo were announced as the future King and Queen of the Warrior Pride days after Simba's coronation. The Pride Landers made the trip to the Warrior Pride and watch the ceremony take place. Sarabi cried tears of joy seeing her daughter so loved and admired by the members of her new pride. Sarabi felt at ease knowing her daughter was with a pride that was going to take care of her.

As the leader of the Warrior Pride's first Lion Guard, Zarifa and her team of lions protected the savannah with rigor and strength.

With both her cubs now grown up and ruling kingdoms of their own, Sarabi spent her days just relishing in being alive.

"Come on Apollo, we're almost there!" Zarifa cried, running like her life depended on it. Apollo was trying to keep up.

"Zarifa, you need to slow down, I can't run after you and keep the cubs on my back," Apollo called out. Zarifa sighed and stopped to look at Apollo. On his back were their two sleeping daughters.

Maarifa, their eldest, had just started to talk. She was the spitting image of Apollo with the darker features, but had her mother's wild spirit. Cuddled beside her was Winta, Zarifa and Apollo's newborn. Even though it was still too early to tell which parent she would take after, Winta was entirely Zarifa's twin. She had the same red lightning bolt marking on her head as her mother.

"I'm sorry. I just don't want to get there and it's too late," Zarifa said, panic clear in her voice. With an understanding smile, Apollo licked Zarifa's cheek.

"We'll get there, my love. I can see it from here," Apollo said as he looked off into the distance. Zarifa turned around to see it.

Pride Rock.

Narrowing her focus, Zarifa continued to run towards Pride Rock while also not going so fast for Apollo to not keep up.

After what felt like forever, Zarifa and Apollo finally reached Pride Rock. The lionesses were all huddled in front of the den, whispering in hushed tones.

Zarifa tried to scour the crowd for a familiar face when she saw a heavily pregnant Nala standing by, her daughter Kiara cuddled into her leg. When the two lionesses made eye contact, Zarifa dashed over and was immediately nuzzled by Nala. They were both in tears.

"Oh Zee, you made it," Nala whispered, tears cascading down her cheeks. Zarifa tried her best to remain composed, but to no avail.

"I left as soon as Zazu told me the news," Zarifa said, her voice shaking. "Apollo and I wanted Maarifa and Winta to be here as well."

Pulling back, Zarifa got a good look at Nala. She found herself feeling jealous of how beautifully Nala carried herself, even during pregnancy. Zarifa knew she didn't look like Nala during either of her pregnancies.

"Another cub on the way, you must be so happy," Zarifa said to feel less sad. Nala nodded with a soft smile, lovingly looking down at her growing body.

"Rafiki says that this cub is a boy," Nala said. "He also said that he will resemble you, but didn't elaborate."

Zarifa bowed her head and licked her niece. "You're going to be the best big sister, Kiara."

With tears in her eyes, Kiara just simply smiled and said, "Thank you Auntie Zee."

Zarifa turned back to Nala, regret in her eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't come to your mother's funeral. I wanted to be there for you."

"You just gave birth to Winta, you were in no condition to travel," Nala reminded her.

Before Zarifa could respond, Rafiki emerged from the den. Zarifa dashed over to him, searching for answers. When she saw the solemnness in his eyes, Zarifa felt her heart sink.

"Rafiki, what can you tell me?" Zarifa desperately asked, her voice shaking. The old mandrill sighed and just rubbed her shoulder.

"I think you should go in there while there is still time," Rafiki said, the words that Zarifa had been dreading to hear.

Apollo was suddenly at her side, nuzzling her gently, bringing her back to reality.

"Nala and I will stay with the girls. We'll come in when you're ready," Apollo lovingly assured her. Holding back tears, Zarifa licked Apollo's cheek before she licked the tops of her sleeping daughters heads.

Taking a deep breath, Zarifa walked into the den.

She spotted them quickly, huddled together on the bedrock. As she walked over, Simba looked over his shoulder, his eyes red with tears. Even though he was broken, Simba looked every inch a king with his strong body. He resembled Mufasa.

"Zarifa, you're here," Simba whispered as his sister cuddled him. Tears were freely falling.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Zarifa whispered.

Before the brother and sister could say anything else, a faint groan interrupted them. It was Sarabi, her fur greying and her body old and brittle.

After living a long beautiful life, Sarabi was dying, ready to take her place in the circle of life.

"Zarifa? Are you here?" Sarabi asked, her voice coarse. Zarifa nuzzled her mother, trying not to cry.

"I'm here mama, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere," Zarifa promised, wishing her voice sounded less desperate. Sarabi smiled weakly, barely able to keep her eyes open.

"My son, my daughter…I don't have much time. I just need you both to know that…I was proud everyday to have been your mother. And I wouldn't have traded even one second of my life for anything, if it meant I couldn't have you both. You have both made me so proud," Sarabi said with a cough. She knew the end was near.

Simba wanted to be stoic, but he couldn't stop crying. Maybe fatherhood made him emotional. All he knew was that it broke his heart that his mother wouldn't live to meet his son. He licked her cheek.

"I wish we could have had more time together, mom. But I am so lucky that we got to make up for lost time and that Kiara got to know her bibi. Nala and I will make sure our son knows your name. I love you mom," Simba said, his heart heavy with grief. Sarabi licked his cheek.

"You are a wonderful king, mate and father, Simba. You remind me so much of your father. When I see him, I'll tell him how much you love him," Sarabi said as she nuzzled her weeping son one last time.

Anything Sarabi may have been planning to say to her daughter was silenced by Zarifa's walloping sobs. Legs collapsing beneath her, Zarifa cried into her mother's neck, like she did when she was a cub and needed to be consoled. She wanted to be strong, but Zarifa felt sadness.

"Mom, please don't go," Zarifa cried. "You need to get better. Who am I supposed to be if there's no you?"

Sarabi was gently hushing Zarifa, weakly lifting a paw to stroke her head, like she did when she was a cub. Even though she was still crying, Zarifa felt at ease feeling her mother's gentle touch.

"Zarifa, my sweet girl, you are completely your own lioness," Sarabi said. "From the moment you were born, I knew that you were going to grow up to be extraordinary. You were always sure of yourself. And you are always going to be sure of yourself even after I am gone."

"But I want you to stay with me. I'll be lost without you," Zarifa cried, nuzzling desperately into her mother. She felt Sarabi lick to top of her head.

"Remember the story I told you? The Queen Mother in the moon? I'm going to be in the moon, watching over you. And you can look up and talk to me with your little ones. And I will always love you," Sarabi told Zarifa, her voice tired but still full of love.

At the mention of the Queen Mother in the moon, Zarifa felt peace and comfort. Devastated as she was, Zarifa knew that Sarabi would live on in her. Just as how Mufasa lived on through her. She would carry them with her for the rest of her life. Zarifa licked Sarabi's cheek.

"I love you so much, mom," Zarifa whispered. With a weak smile, Sarabi closed her eyes.

"Simba lay with us. I want both my children with me," Sarabi whispered, her voice coarse. Without hesitation, Simba laid down by his mother and cuddled into her.

"I love you both so much."

Shutting her eyes, Sarabi took one final breath and peacefully passed away.

It didn't take long for the siblings to realize their mother was gone. Nuzzling her one final time, Simba and Zarifa got up from the ground, to inform the pride of the former queen's passing.

As soon as Simba and Zarifa walked out of the den, the lions of Pride Rock knew what the news was. They began to wail.

Nala and Kiara, who were both crying, comforted Simba. Apollo nuzzled Zarifa, Maarifa and Winta still on his back. The two families had a lot of healing to do.

"Zarifa, Nala and I need to announce mom's passing to the rest of the Pride Lands. Can you watch Kiara?" Simba asked, hiccupping. Pawing at her tear soaked cheeks, Zarifa nodded.

" Of course. Apollo and I will stay with the girls," Zarifa assured her brother. With a solemn nod, Simba and Nala made their way up to the promontory, to announce Sarabi's death to their subjects.

Kiara and Maarifa were crying, mourning the loss of their bibi. Though she was still too young to understand, Winta also cried. Though she was heartbroken, Zarifa hushed the weeping cubs and nuzzled them. She and Apollo licked the tears from the crying cubs faces.

"I know you're sad, but bibi isn't suffering anymore. She took her place in the circle of life," Zarifa comforted the weeping cubs. Apollo did the same.

"Bibi loved you girls so much," Apollo added.

"I wish we could've said goodbye," Maarifa cried. Kiara nodded in agreement.

"All I want is to talk to her," Kiara wept.

Something shifted inside of Zarifa. Instead of feeling sadness, she felt something light, something peaceful. She wanted to call it closure, but it wasn't quite right. It was love. And Zarifa knew exactly what she needed to do.

Sitting down by her niece, daughters and mate, Zarifa had a smile on her face. Zarifa knew what she had to do to keep Sarabi's spirit alive.

"I'm going to tell you girls a story that bibi told me when I was a cub. It's a story about the Queen Mother in the moon."

Sarabi was standing the middle of the African plains, which looked alive and plentiful. She walked to the water hole and looked at her reflection. Her aging face, greying fur and weak body were gone. Sarabi was young, beautiful and healthy once more.

She understood now that she had crossed over.

"Sarabi," a familiar voice said from behind her. Sarabi turned, and saw Sarafina. She looked how she did when they were younger. The two lionesses nuzzled.

"Oh Sarafina, I've missed you," Sarabi whispered. Sarafina smiled.

"Come on. There are a lot of lions who want to see you," Sarafina said, leading Sarabi through the savannah.

As Sarabi walked, she noticed rows and rows of all the good lions that she had ever loved who died before she did. Sarafina. Her mother. Nduta. Friends, cousins and mentors. They all greeted Sarabi with loving smiles.

Standing by the tree of life was the lion Sarabi had longed the most for all these years.

Mufasa. He stood tall and strong. He flashed her a magnificent smile.

Overcome by love and devotion, Sarabi ran to Mufasa and nuzzled him. She had been dreaming of this moment.

"Mufasa…" Sarabi breathlessly whispered, nuzzling her beloved mate and inhaling the musky and familiar scent that she had missed all these years. With a smile, Mufasa lovingly licked the top of Sarabi's head. They were finally reunited after all this time.

"Welcome home, my beautiful Sarabi."

The End

This story has such a special place in my heart, and I hope that it brought you all joy in some way. Thank you for reading and reviewing and letting me tell this story. Please review one last time.