Kiara and Kovu, the future rulers of the Pridelands .To fulfill the legacy of the late Mufasa and take their place in the delicate balance of the circle of life. The balance that carries from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope. That is the delicate balance of the Circle of Life of the Beautiful Savannah called the Pridelands. A princess from the ever plentiful Pridelands, Kiara and Scar's decided heir ascending from the evil of the outlands, Kovu. These two have united their different backgrounds and their feelings toward each other. Simba and Nala, seeing that the two are ready for their responsibilities as the future rulers of the Pridelands pass on their knowledge and give their blessings. The pride gathered for their marriage ceremony a few days after the fight with the outlanders
The animals of the Pridelands gathered for the Rite-of-passage ceremony. Today was a joyous occasion for the Pridelands as they gained a new King and Queen. Kiara stifled a yawn as she had not gotten any rest last night. Though she was tired she couldn't hide her excitement. Kovu nuzzled her affectionately. He had also been waiting for this day. Everyone was heading out to the incline of pride rock where the ceremony was about to commence. The couple decided to head out as well. Kiara nuzzled him, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
"Don't get nervous." she laughed.
Kovu raised in eyebrow, humor set in his green eyes. He gave her 'that goes for you too princess' look. The lioness couldn't help but smile. Her mother and father stood at the base of Pride rock. The lionesses bowed their heads at them as they walked by, honoring their future rulers. The two sat before Simba, Nala , and Rafiki. Everyone quieted as the ceremony began.
"Today we gather for the most joyous occasion: to crown our new King and Queen."
A chorus of Joyous roar, yelps, and grunts fill the area as every animal cheers. They quiet as Rafiki walks toward the family. The old baboon takes Simba's paw.
"Recite the rite of passage."
"I, Simba, King of the Pridelands pass down my rights and privileges to my son-in-law, Kovu who has proven himself worthy of ruling my lands. May he protect it and serve it well at all costs."
Rafiki smiled then hugged his friend. The old baboon then cracked open a gourd. It had two types of juices in each juices siginified their passage to higher ranked positions. He took a finger and dipped it into the red substance. Then he smeared it onto Kovu's forehead.
"Raise your paw and recite your passage. "
"I, Kovu…receive the rights and privileges passed down to me. I promise to protect these lands and make sure of the wellbeing of the inhabitants of these lands at all costs..even my life." he said with a nod.
The baboon chuckled slightly as he went over to Nala. Her blue eyes sparkled as she eyed the old baboon. She could cry because this was the happiest day of her life. Rafiki placed a hand on her raised paw.
"I, Nala, Queen of the Pridelands pass down my rights and privileges to my daughter, 'princess' Kiara as she has proven herself worthy of reign in my position over the lands. May she protect it with her life."
Nala looked over at her daughter with adoration. Simba nuzzled her in a comforting way so she wouldn't cry. Rafiki made his way over to Kiara and she raised her paw. The old Baboon smeared a blue substance onto Kiara's forehead.
"I, Kiara, promise to protect the Pridelands at all costs even it means my life. I will watch over its inhabitants as those before have as ruler of the Pridelands. If I die in the heat of battle let it be known that I died protecting my kingdom as Queen."
With that said Rafiki let out a hearty laugh as he pointed with his stick to the Incline of Pride rock. Kiara and Kovu ascended the incline, heads held high. As they ascended Rafiki followed behind them, making his way in front of them.
"I now present to you the King and Queen of the Pridelands, Kovu and Kiara!" he exclaimed.
The young king and Queen stood at the peak of Pride rock. They looked at each other and smiled. There was one thing that would complete the ceremony. Kovu smiled before letting out an Almighty roar. It echoed in the distance as he looked down at Kiara with a 'Lets see you try' look. Kiara smirked and stepped forward as her roar left his in the dust. He stared dumbfounded as the Animals of the lands cheered. They bowed before their King and Queen. Roars emitted from the entire pride as a welcome to their new rulers.
Simba and Nala joined their children. Kiara looked up at her mother who was wiping her eyes with her paw. Simba placed a paw over hers.
"Mom…are you crying?"the young queen questioned, nuzzling her mother.
Nala wrapped her arms around her daughter as the tears of joy flowed out of her eyes. Kiara nuzzled her mother tenderly, calming her. Simba stood before Kovu. He winked at him, indicating that he follow him. The young King followed after his father-in-law. They descended Pride rock and went into the savannah.
"Kovu."Simba said softly.
The young King was filled with curiosity. There was something in his voice. He could feel a lecture coming on and he wondered what it would be this time. The former ruler stopped and sat down. They had a good view of the Kingdom. Kovu anticipated his next move. At that moment Simba looked back over his shoulder, indicating that he sit beside him. He obeyed and glanced at Simba from the corner of his eye.
"You're king now and though I've had my doubts in the past I want you to know I trust you with my daughter's heart and the raising of my future grandchildren." He said with a laugh as he finished the last few words.
Kovu's eyes widened at his statement. "Does that mean….?"
The elder lion smiled kindly before turning to go back to Pride Rock, a happy Kovu following behind.
Pride Rock…
Nala and Kiara lounged in the sun with the other Lionesses. The young Queen wondered where her father and husband wandered off to. She could spot them in the distance, emerging from the tall grasses. Nala sat up and sat by her daughter and looked down into the savannah. The herds had returned to their respective homes or grazing on the lush grass.
"I wonder what daddy lectured him on this time." Kiara mused, awaiting her husband.
Kovu bounded up Pride Rock and pounced onto Kiara, sending them rolling into the den. Kiara was caught surprise as they stopped rolling. Kovu licked her cheek lovingly and she giggled. He was acting like a cub and not a King.
"What's gotten into you?"she laughed.
Kovu licked her cheek again then nuzzled her. "Your father gave us permission to have a cub." he said, joy ringing in every word.
The lioness sat up straight. Her eyes sparkled with glee as she bounded out of the den. Her father stood on the incline of Pride Rock , a wind swirling around him. Kiara smiled as she thought of her Grandfather whom she never had the chance to talk to. Simba noticed her presence behind him as he turned to her. She pounced and pinned him. The elder lion was caught by surprise by her sudden action.
"Thank you daddy!"she squeaked, nuzzling her head into his mane with daughterly affection.
Simba nuzzled his daughter and smiled. "I give you my blessing."
Nala joined them along with Kovu, both wearing smiles. "I also give you my blessing Kiara and I wish you well." She said nuzzling her daughter then Kovu.
Kovu smiled at Kiara and licked her cheek. "Our own cub…"they whispered in unison, nuzzling the other.
Nala and Simba smiled at the two. The two left the young queen and King to be alone for a few moments. The former king and Queen padded into the cave to greet the lionesses. Kovu and Kiara sat and looked out at the beautiful Savannah. The sun was a reddish orange as it hid behind the clouds, shading the Pridelands. The couple went back into the den to tell everyone the news. Kovu looked over at Kiara. She was glowing with happiness as she walked beside him , entering the cave.
"Everyone I have an announcement." she said with much enthusiasm.
The lionesses, united Pridelanders and outlanders stood to their feet and formed a circle around the King and Queen, very eager in what they would say. Seeing that she had everyone's attention Kiara stepped forward in step with Kovu.
"We've been given permission to have a cub!"she exclaimed happily.
The lionesses smiled at them. "That's wonderful!" Sarafina exclaimed, congratulations."
Though nearing old age she was very active in her granddaughter's life as was Sarabi. They always monitored the hunting parties. She even hunted with them on occasion but most of the time relaxed in the coolness of the den. Sarabi nuzzled her granddaughter as did Sarafina. They were glad that they were soon to have a great grandchild. The thought of dying before then did not cross their minds.
Kiara could only smile warmly as she was congratulated. She rubbed her head against Kovu's thick dark mane. They were ready to take the first chance at having a cub.
Kiara and Kovu have been attained the throne and have been given permission to produce a cub, the next heir to the throne. I hope you've enjoyed the Story Thus far. I write for your enjoyment! A new character will be introduced into the story next chapter so be on the look out. By the way this is my first LK fic.
-Ichigofan14-