Over the next few months, Vitani and Kopa's cubs were growing into curious wanderers. They would constantly leave Pride Rock to explore. They would get caught by Vitani each time and be brought back to the den. Their protests would not faze Vitani as she would scold them for leaving the den without permission. The now young adult Malika, Nala Jr, Asani, Imara and Tau rolled their eyes at the three young cubs. Vitani gave them a stern look and the five adolescents gave looks as if to apologize. Vitani nodded at them and continued to scold the cubs.
"You three know better than to wander off, you could've gotten hurt," Vitani scolded.
Kiara walked by Vitani and gave her a smirk.
"What was that for Kiara?" Vitani asked.
"You sound just like my Dad," Kiara replied.
"I'm nothing like Simba," Vitani replied.
"Yeah," Kiara said sarcastically.
Vitani stuck her tongue out at Kiara as Kiara walked over to Kovu.
"You're such a cub sometimes," Kiara said.
"Daddy's girl," Vitani shot back.
"Hey hey, knock it off you two," Kopa scolded.
"Sorry Kopa," Vitani said.
"Thats better," Kopa said giving Vitani a nuzzle.
Malika decided that it would be fun for just her and Tau to spend time together. Tau liked that idea so he followed her to a cave in behind Pride Rock. Nala Jr, Asani and Imara were wondering what Malika and Tau will be doing by themselves. Over the next few hours, Malika and Tau were alone and Malika was in heat. Tau couldn't resist her scent. Until he couldn't contain himself anymore, he mounted her. She let it happen as she was enjoying ever minute of it. After a while of mating, Malika and Tau were both drenched in sweat and were panting. They were glad that they did it. After they cleaned up at the waterhole, they walked back to Pride Rock. They hoped their parents won't be furious that they mated so young.
A few weeks later, Rafiki confirmed to the pride that Malika was pregnant with her first litter. Malika and Tau hoped for support and not be exiled from the pride. When Kiara and Kovu went to talk to them, they were happy about the news.
"You're not angry?" Malika asked.
"Of course not Malika and Tau," Kiara said.
"We'll be Grandparents," Kovu replied.
"Yes you will," Malika said.
As time progressed, Malika had her first pregnancy bump. She will be due to give birth in a couple of months. Safiya, Nuka Jr and Adia were happy that they soon won't be the youngest in the pride. Malika was also told that she would give birth to twins. She was happy about it and pulled Rafiki into a hug. Rafiki was surprised at Malika's sudden action but accepted the embrace. They broke away from the embrace a few seconds later.
"I can't wait until our cubs arrive," Malika said.
"Me neither," Tau agreed.
A couple of months later, Malika gave birth to her first litter. In her arms layed a male cub and female cub. She licked the top of their heads and asked for her parents, siblings and mate to step forward. Tau saw his cubs and gave Malika a lick on the top of her head. Kovu walked over and nuzzled Malika. Kiara did the same.
"They're really beautiful," Kovu commented.
"Thanks Dad," Malika said.
"What have you decided to name them?" Asani asked.
"We've decided to name our son Kovu and our daughter Bianca," Malika answered.
Bianca has apricot fur, white underbelly, green eyes and Tau's nose and she is the first born. Her twin however has chocolate brown fur, tan underbelly, a black mane tuff, Malika's nose and green eyes. He was also the second born. Safiya, Nuka Jr and Adia ran over to see Malika holding her newborn cubs in her arms.
"Hows it going Uncle Kovu?" Safiya asked.
"Just fine Safiya," Kovu replied.
"Your cubs are beautiful Malika and Tau," Adia commented.
"Thanks Adia," Malika said.
"When can we play with the cubs Aunt Kiara?" Nuka Jr asked.
"Not until they are a few months old," Kiara answered.
"Oh," Nuka Jr replied.
"Don't worry, the first few months of life go faster than you think," Kovu said in hopes to comfort his nephew and nieces. The triplets felt better about not being able to play with their baby cousins.