A/N Thank you all so much for the reviews and alerts. I really appreciate them. Here's ch 25 for ya and see ch 1 for disclaimer. Enjoy.

Ch 25 A Final Plea

"No," Kopa said, shaking his head. "No. You have to be wrong Rafiki. My son can't be d-dead. He c-can't be..." Kopa trailed off unable to keep the tears back. He lowered his head and his chestnut brown mane covered his face as he sobbed. Simba and Nala ran to their son and pulled him close. Cala let out an ear piercing wail and fell to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Hera and Jasiri ran to the golden brown lioness and pulled her close. Kiara began to sob again and Kovu held his mate close, while Leona cried for her cousin between them. Kali lowered his head as the tears came. He looked over at Furaha, who was crying as well. He pulled his daughter close and she buried her face in his front leg. Bunga, Ono, and Beshte all just looked stunned at the news about their friend. By now Vitani and Yoki had arrived on the scene and was comforting their children while Leo was comforting Colo. Just then Beshte's parents arrived along with Ono's parents and Timon and Pumbaa. "We just heard what happened," Chivis said sadly. "I am so very sorry for your loss Kopa and Cala."

"Yes we can't even imagine what the two of you must be feeling right now," Hessa said, shaking her head sadly.

"Thank you," Cala managed to choke out. Timon and Pumbaa went up to her and hugged her. Then the pair embraced Kopa, who held them tight.

"If there's anything we can do to help," Markum offered.

"We appreciate it," Kopa choked out. "We really do. But there's nothing you can do. There's nothing anyone can do. Nothing can bring my son back. Nothing." Kopa let out a sob and lowered his head unable to continue.

"Man I can't believe this is happening right now," Kali whispered, shaking his head sadly.

"But Chaka's going to be ok isn't he?" Simba asked, looking hopefully at Rafiki.

"Yes young Chaka is going to be just fine," came Rafiki's reply. "But he will have to take it easy fer de next two weeks."

"Well at least that's some good news," Mari said, with a sad smile. Just then Kuri and Thimin walked up the side of Pride Rock.

"Mom!" Fuli cried out, running over to her parents and embracing them. "Daddy!"

"Oh Fuli thank goodness you're ok," Fuli cried out, nuzzling her daughter.

"Oh Fuli I thought I lost you," Thimin whispered, tears in his eyes. "But I'm so very glad I didn't. I'm so very glad you all are safe and back home."

"Not all of us Daddy," Fuli whispered, sadly. "Kion was killed by Karaha."

"Oh my that's awful," Kuri gasped, putting a paw to her mouth. "I am so sorry. Really I am."

"Thank you Kuri," Cala said, softly wiping her eyes with her paw.

"I am sorry for your loss," Thimin put in.

"Yeah right," Kopa growled, whipping his head towards the male cheetah. "I bet that you just soo sorry Thimin. Psh right. This is exactly what you wanted."

"Kopa I can assure you I never wanted any cubs to die," Thimin said.

"The Hell you didn't!" Kopa roared, taking a step towards Thimin. Thimin backed up a step, fearful at what Kopa may do.

"Kopa honey please calm down," Nala said, gently.

"No Mom I won't calm down!" Kopa growled. "This whole thing is Thimin's fault! He's the one who helped Janja kidnap our cubs! If he hadn't helped them none of this would be happening right now and my son would still be alive!" Kopa's voice broke and he stopped for a minute to compose himself. Clearing his throat the creamy coated Prince continued his rant. "But my son is dead. And its all his fault!" Kopa took another step toward Thimin, who was staring at his with wide eyes.

"Kopa please," Thimin pleaded, as he backed away from the furious lion. "I know you're absolutely right this is my fault. And I regret it. I wish I could take it all back. But I can't. But I did try to help you."

"Yeah after your own cub went missing," Kopa snarled, his amber eyes filled with rage. "I should kill you you son of a bitch!"

"Kopa killing him won't bring our son back," Cala said, her voice shaking. "It'll just make things worse. And lets not forget Fuli is here along with the other cubs."

"I know you're right Cala," Kopa whispered, lowering his head. "This just hurts so damn bad. It feels like my heart had been ripped out of my chest."

"I know honey," Cala said, nuzzling her mate. "I feel the exact same way." With that Cala pulled her mate close and together they both wept for their lost son.

"Son," Simba said, after a minute. "I think you'll feel a lot better once you say goodbye."

"Dad I..I don't think I can," Kopa stammered.

"Honey your father's right," Cala said gently. "We have to say our goodbyes."

"Cala I can't," Kopa protested. "I can't say goodbye to my boy. I just can't. I.." Suddenly Kopa let out a sob and ran down the side of Pride Rock.

"Kopa wait!" Kali cried out, as he began to run after his twin.

"Let him be by himself honey," Nala said gently.

"Wow poor Kopa," Leo whispered, shaking his head sadly.

"He's really hurting," Vitani said, her voice breaking.

"I can't even imagine how he and Cala must be feeling right now," Yoki said, wiping her eyes.

"Cala you wanna go in?" Hera asked her twin.

"Yeah," Cala said, taking in a shaky breath. "I just wanna get this over with." With that the golden brown lioness walked in the cave, with her sister right beside her. The rest of the group followed, making sure they kept a respectful distance.

TLKTLKTLK

When the group got inside the cave they saw Kion in the middle, laying very still. "He looks like he's sleeping," Cala said softly.

"I only wish he were," Rafiki said sadly.

"Take you time sis," Hera said gently.

"Oh Hera how do I do this?" Cala asked, her voice breaking. "How do I say good bye to my baby?"

"You'll find the words honey," Nala said, gently nuzzling her daughter-in-law. "Just say what's in your heart."

"Ok," Cala said, taking in a shaky breath. "Here goes. Kion..my sweet little boy. I'm going to miss you so much. I love you so very much my darling boy. My heart will never be whole without you here with me. But I am so proud of you Kion. You were so brave fighting those hyenas. That took so much courage and strength that most four month old cubs don't have. A mother couldn't have asked for a better son. And I'm going to miss you so much." With that Cala lowered her head and sobbed, laying down beside Kion as she did so.

TLKTLKTLK

Meanwhile Kopa had ran to the watering hole where he broke down and cried. Kopa fell to the ground and sobbed for a few minutes. After he had grieved for his son Kopa got up and began to pace. Then he looked up at the night sky and saw the stars shining brightly. Then Simba's words about the Great Kings of the Past being up there went through Kopa's head. "Grandfather I don't know if you can hear me," Kopa began. "But if you can I really need you help. Please don't take my son. He's only four months old and isn't ready to join you and Grandmother yet. He's such a brave and strong little guy and he's really needed down here with us. I'm not just saying that because I don't wanna lose my son. Kings knows I don't wanna lose him. I love him more than my own life. I just feel like he was meant to do more in this life. So if you could give him back to us I would be forever grateful. Please Grandfather I just want my son. Please." Kopa's voice trailed off and he lowered and began to cry once more. Suddenly Kopa felt a strong breeze go through his mane and suddenly a gust of wind almost knocked him over. Startled Kopa looked up and to his shock he could sware he saw Mufasa up in the stars. Then an even more amazing things happened. Mufasa spoke to him.

"Kopa you're wish will be granted," Mufasa said.

"Wh.." Kopa began, to stunned to speak.

"What you asked for was something out of pure selflessness," Mufasa said, smiling at his grandson. "And you are right. Kion was meant for more in this life. So you're wish will be granted."

"Thank you Grandfather," Kopa said with a smile. "Thank you!"

"Take care of Kion Kopa," Mufasa said, as his image began to fade away. "Cherish every moment with him."

"I will Grandfather!" Kopa cried out, as he began to run home. "I will!" With that Kopa ran back to Pride Rcok hoping Mufasa's words would be true.

A/N well folks there you have ch 25 done. I hope you all enjoyed it and as always please review.