I walked to Rafiki's tree while everyone was at lunch. I knew lunch would give me an ample amount of time to visit Kiara and come back. I knew everyone would be gleefully distracted. I looked up at it, wondering where he was at. He was here all the time. Where could he be?
Suddenly I heard a voice say "Are you looking for me?'' I jumped. I had not been expecting that. I turned around to face him. How did he know I was looking for him? Then again, Rafiki seemed to know everything. I wouldn't be surprised if he knew when the world was going to end.
"I'm looking for Kiara,'' I explained. Rafiki nodded his head in understanding. "I see,'' he said. "Come with me sir.'' I followed him out of his own little secluded area in the savanna and back to Pride Rock. The two of us stepped into one of the backend caves of Pride Rock. I was shocked to learn there was a cave behind the main palace. I had no idea this place even existed. I peered inside the dark cave and I saw a heap of gold shining in the dark. I felt my heart flutter. Kiara.
I walked over to her, my heart pounding loudly and reverberating in my ears. Kiara stirred in her sleep as I approached. I paused, not wanting to wake her up. I carefully saddled over to her, making sure my paws didn't scratch the ground and my tail didn't drag.
I stared down at her. She looked strangely beautiful with the red scars and slashes painting her face; her eyes closed off to the world, her head lying on the cool ground. I scanned her body with my eyes; she looked better. Rafiki must have healed most of her wounds. I thought about my deal with Reiko. Stay out of the Pridelands. Right. Simple enough.
I heard Kiara release a shaky breath and I looked down to see her open her eyes. She blinked a couple of times, trying to wake up. She peered up at me; she seemed to be confused. Finally she spoke up. "Kovu? What are you doing here?'' "I came to see you,'' I explained. "Where's everyone else?'' Kiara asked. "They're at lunch.'' I said. "At lunch? Oh Kovu,'' Kiara scolded "That's not ok. You need to eat.'' "I'll eat later,'' I said. "Right now I just wanted to see you.''
Kiara sighed and smiled at me. I smiled back. She looked so happy to see me. I dropped my smile and my expression changed from one of joy to complete seriousness. "How are you doing?'' I asked. "I'm doing alright,'' she said. Rafiki's really helped me out.''
"That's great.'' I marveled. "Yeah. He said I'm going to make a full recovery.'' Kiara paused before continuing. "You were gone for a day,'' she said, a worried look in her eye. "Where did you go?'' "It doesn't matter. We came to a resolution'' "Well, what was it?'' she asked. "It doesn't matter. We won't be seeing them again.'' Kiara stopped speaking for a few seconds. She seemed to be struggling to comprehend what I was saying. After several seconds, she responded. "Oh ok,'' she said, uncertain at what I meant.
"Right now,'' I breathed. "I just need it to be you and me.'' I put my forehead against hers. I enjoyed having her close to me. I missed the feel of her fur against mine. I missed being able to look into her deep ruby eyes and seeing them shine. I missed smelling her sweet, familiar, wholesome scent.
I heard Rafiki's deep voice break through the silence. "I hate to interrupt but lunch is over.'' I sighed. "Already?'' I mumbled, more to myself than anyone else. Kiara smiled back. "I'll see you later,'' she said sweetly. I smiled back. "See you,'' I said. With a small smile, I headed out of the cave and back to the main palace.