Three months had passed since Kion and his familt stayed in the Pridelands.

Kiara had announced just a month after they left that she was pregnant with Kovu's cub and the Pridelands rejoiced. Simba and Nala had sent word of Kiara's pregnancy to the Night Pride were Kion sent one back saying he'd arrive to see the cub when it was born.

Kopa and Janna had grown into playful and healthy five month old cubs. They showed signs of being wise and mature lions when they grew older and were happy to know they were about to have a cousin. Baliyo and Surak had been happy for Kion and his family while Nirmala offered to watch over the Night Pride with Surak and Baliyo while they were gone.

During the pregnancy, Kovu had found it was hard to manage at some points and Simba just chuckled before saying 'tag, you're it' before padding off with Nala. Kovu winced as he heard Kiara angrily shout out his name and he sighed before padding into the den to greet his pregnant mate.

"Yes Kiara?" Kovu asked. "What do you need?"

Kiara gave him a look. "I can't do anything with Rafiki saying I'm on bedrest!"

Kovu shifted on his paws as he nodded. "But it's for the cub, Kiara. You don't want to harm him or her, do you?"

"I want to get out." Kiara stated.

Kovu gulped. "But Kiara, Rafiki said you needed to - "

Kiara snarled as she flicked her tail. "I want to get out! You did this to me!"

Kovu jumped at his mate's tone and weakly smiled, wishing Kion was here. "I, um, I understand. But, um, we shouldn't disobey Rafiki, should we?"

"Do you think the Pride will question me when they see you dead?" snapped Kiara.

Kovu's eyes widened. "Please don't kill me."

Talib came into the den and smiled when he saw his sister. "Hey, Kiara! What's going on? How's the cub doing?"

Kiara gazed at her youngest brother. "I want to get out of the den and I'm ready for this cub to come out."

Talib snickered as he saw Kovu slowly back up. "Well, then, come on. Let's get you outside!"

Kiara beamed widely. "Thank you, Talib!"

Kovu just whined.

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When the day of the cub's birth came, Kion and his family arrived the day before. Kopa and Janna nuzzled their grandparents and great grandmothers with a loud purr before going to greet their aunt and uncles. Kiara purred at her nephew and nieces before they left back to their parents.

Rani had joined Kiara in the den when she was about to give birth to help her along with Nala, Sarabi, and Sarafina while the cubs and the rest of the Pride were outside waiting for the news.

When the birthing was finished, Kovu had padded into the den along with Kion to see the newborn. Rani was gazing over Kiara's shoulder as she looked down at the newborn. Kion could see a brown ball of fur between his sister's paws and smiled as Rani nuzzled him.

Before long, the twins, Talib, and Simba joined them in the den.

"He's handsome." Kiara purred lovingly at her son.

Kovu smiled warmly at his son. "He's going to be a heart breaker."

Kion nodded at his nephew. "What's his name?"

Kiara licked her son's head, causing him to turn around to show he looked everything like his father but his tail tip was a light golden color. "Koban."

Rani purred as she nuzzled Kion. "A fine name."

Kopa gazed at his little cousin and arched an eyebrow. "He looks weird."

"He's small!" Janna said in awe.

The adults just laughed.

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As everyone else fawned over Koban, Kion padded out of the den and sighed heavily as he looked up at the sky and frowned. He didn't know why he felt like he could be so much more to his parents to make them proud like Kiara had.

"Kion?" Rani asked softly as she followed.

Kion sighed. "I'm fine, darling."

Rani shook her head. "No, you're not. Something's on your mind and I want to know what."

"Was I really worth anything to them?"

Rani huffed. "Kion, you're overreacting."

"Am I though?"

Rani nuzzled him as she purred loudly and Kion returned the affection. "Even if they suddenly decided you're not, you're worth everything to me."

"I love you, Rani." Kion purred.

"I love you too."

End