The battle had been won. But at what cost? Zira was dead, and Kiara had taken the blame upon herself for the death of Kovu's mother.
"There was nothing more you could have possibly done," Simba said reassuringly.
"Zira chose her own fate the minute she sent me to kill you" Kovu said as she leaned against him.
"De boy is right," Rafiki said. "Zira had bad heart. She could not overcome her darkness, and zis is what caused her to fall."
"I know," Kiara sighed. "But I still feel like I could have done more…" Kiara became more upset and turned to face Kovu. "Kovu, she was your MOTHER! And you're just talking like she didn't matter to you!" This made Kovu angry.
"Do you think I ever mattered to her? Do you think she loved me? Well, she didn't! All that mattered to her was the murder of your family! The only reason I mattered to her was because I was the one who was going to do it! She worked me so hard, I almost died. She hardly gave any notice to Vitani and Nuka, and the only reason she mourned for Nuka was because he was the last thing she had of Scar, and was her backup plan if I failed! You're being selfish, Kiara, and grieving over someone who doesn't deserve it. It was her fault, so just leave it there! I always knew you were naïve, Kiara, but I never knew you were just plain stupid!" At this, Kovu saw he had hurt her, and turned and walked away. Kiara ran up toward pride rock's peak, weeping. Vitani followed her, knowing any attempt to cool off her brother's anger would be futile.