Chapter One: The Birth of Brother and Sister
Kovu paced anxiously outside of Pride Rocks den. He kept glancing fearfully inside anytime there was a roar. Simba watched, slightly amused at Kovu's nervousness.
"What if something goes wrong? What will happen if the cubs are stillborn?" Kovu muttered.
"Will you calm down? Kiara's going to be fine. She's got Sarabi, Nala and Rafiki. Plus, Rafiki's new apprentice; Mganga. Again, she'd be fine. It's not like the Outlands here." Simba reassured him.
"I understand that, Simba. But that's not why I'm panicking. Zira wasn't exactly...a motherly figure. And I was raised by her. What if I end up being like her?"
"But did you follow through with Zira's plan? Did you kill me?" Simba asked.
"Well, no. But-"
"Then you aren't like her. I trust you Kovu."
Rafiki emerged from the den. The old baboon wore a smile on his face. "The birth was successful. Kiara is tired, but happy to see her cubs. Come."
Kovu and Simba followed him to where Kiara laid. Two bundles of fur nestled up to her. One had the dark coloring of Kovu. The other had reddish tones.
Kovu crept closer to where they were. "What gender?" he whispered, looking lovingly at the cubs.
"Male and female, sire." Rafiki replied.
"What do you want to name them, Kiara?" Kovu asked, looking into her eyes.
"I want the male to be named Kivuli. You can name the female." Kiara answered.
Kovu thought for a moment, then came with the perfect name. "Hasira."
Meanwhile, Simba looked at Rafiki; worried. "Two cubs. Who will rule?"
"That is a decision for you, Simba. Whoever will rule, will have to have strong leadership skills. It was a decision your grandfather had to make when Mufasa and Scar were born." Rafiki replied.
"They should be treated equally. Never should the other belive he or she is less important. Wasn't Scar supposed to be the adviser?"
"Yes, Simba. He was."
"Then we'll use that idea again. I do not want history to repeat itself with my grandchildren."
"Then we must pray that it doesn't."
Simba took one last look at Kovu and Kiara looking lovingly at Kivuli and Hasira. He would do everything in his power to insure that his grandchildren would grow up and love each other equally. Neither one would hate the other for being the next ruler. Which reminded him…
"Rafiki, how soon would it be possible for me to step down and let Kiara and Kovu rule?" Simba asked.
Rafiki looked up in surprise. "Surely you're still strong enough to rule, Simba?"
"I am, but I think it's high time they get the responsibility they deserve."
Rafiki nodded. "Then it will be done as soon as possible."
Simba sighed. Then he approached the family with a happy smile. "Welcome to the Pridelands, Kivuli and Hasira."