The battles rages on. The Pridelanders have been reduced to a miniature army to a dozen left. Vitani was still leading the attacks against the tyrants. Tamaa, Uchoyo, Wivu, and Hasira were the remaining members of Makosa. They managed to fend off an entire pride of lions, with only a dozen remaining. Vitani lead a mix of Pridelander and Outsider lions. Though different in color and physique, but all of them had one goal. Shika was luckily to be awoken by her friend Kiburi. She was relieved of Shika's recovery. As Shika gained consciousness, the first thing she saw was Nala laying down on the ground.

*Gasp* "Queen Nala." Shika said.

Both of them came to assist their queen. Luckily, Nala was still conscious. Nala was just little dazed. They helped her up. As they assisted Nala, another member of Makosa's group, Hasira, had taken the offensive at the three.

"Look out!" Kiburi exclaimed.

Hasira had charged at them like a rhino, they had very little time to react, but Kiburi had just enough time and went infront of Nala on the and Shika pushed aside Nala. Unfortunately Kiburi took a hard hit from Hasira. She fell to the ground hard incapaciting her for a moment.

Hasira was confident he would easily deal with three lions alone. Shika and Nala were defending for their lives. The two were on edge. Shika and Nala tried to go on the offensive, but they couldn't find the perfect moment to strike as Hasira was a fast and dangerous fighter.

"Vitani! A little help here!" Shika called.

Vitani intercepted her call and came right to where Shika and Nala were. Hasira had his back at Vitani and it was the right moment to charge at him. He jumped and tried to sink her teeth on his neck, but the thick mane made it difficult. Hasira was distracted for a moment. Shika and Nala took the opportunity to land a direct hit at Hasira's face. Nala manage to blind his right eye and then tried to disable him through breaking his legs. And so they did. Hasira was put to his knees and Vitani ended his reign.

As Hasira fell to the ground, Shika, and Nala stopped for a moment and tried to catch their breath, except for Vitani, she quickly ran back to the fight with the three remaining tyrants. They were tiring.

Shika noticed Kiburi laying on the ground, they quickly ran to her and helped her get back on her feet. But as they did, she couldn't stand up.

"I think I broke a rib." Kiburi said.

"You're gonna be alright, you just need to stand." Nala said.

"I can't my body hurts."

After a few failed trials at getting her to stand, they gave in.

"Shika, stay with her. I'll meet up with Vitani." Nala ordered.

"Will do."

Kovu and Makosa had been fighting for a while now. The rain raged on and thunder flashed in the distance. Makosa had sustained mediocre injuries, it was a different story for Kovu. His entire body was shaking, he was running out of stamina. He swore to avenge Kiara and he'll keep on fighting until he passes out. Kiara on the other hand tried to stand up, she felt a surge of pain radiating from his head. Makosa's hit was way more powerful than she thought. She was now back on her feet, she resumed her fight along with Kovu against the tyrant Makosa.

As Kiara and Kovu continued on fighting for their lives. Makosa managed to pin Kovu down. Makosa was about to rip out his neck but a loud roar accompanied with the flash of thunder came. It was Simba. He tackled Makosa with his strength, pushing him aside.

"Simba?" Kovu was surprised to see him.

"Kovu! Get up!" He hastily said.

Makosa had slight pain and dizziness from Simba's tackle. Everyone knew that he was tiring and the odds of winning was slowly moving over to Kovu's side.

"What a nice family reunion. I thought you were dead." He said sarcastically.

"You thought wrong." Simba replied.

"It's a nice sight isn't it? The father accompanied by her daughter and his son-in-law. Lovely family." He continued to be sarcastic.

"It's over, Makosa. Step down or fight, it doesn't have to end like this." Kovu reasoned.

"I think we already know how this tale of ours will end."

Right after Makosa spoke, he continued to fight for his life. The tides have turned, what used to be a one versus one face off, it was now three against one.

Going back at Nala, the moment she arrived at Vitani's small group, they had been reduced from a dozen to only four. Nala quickly inserted herself in the midst of the battle and held her ground along with a few Pridelander lions. The remaining tyrants started laughing.

"Be creative boys, don't hold back, and have a bit of fun while you're at it." Tamaa menacingly said.

"Might as well say all your goodbyes, 'cause your time's up." He added.

"Why don't we buy them some time then?" An unknown lioness spoke from behind Nala.

They were curious as to who spoke. There, came out of the grass were a dozen lions with white coats.

"I suppose you're the one incharge? Queen perhaps?" The lioness bowed.

"Uhm, who are they?" Vitani asked Nala, who was in relief.

"They're the Highland Pride." Nala answered.

"The Highland what now?" Said, Vitani.

From four lions, to more than a dozen. They have gained in numbers, it puts them in a position in having a fair fight against the remaining tyrants. They attacked, Nala and her group dispersed in all directions, surrounding the tyrants. Tamaa had himself under control and managed to defend himself, and so did Uchoyo. Wivu on the other hand wasn't so lucky. A couple of the Highland Pride lions manage to swarm and pin him down. Soon after, they manage to put him out of his misery. Only two remain, victory was getting nearer by the minute.

Returning the Kovu's fight. Makosa's injuries has gotten really bad. His body was filled with scratches and bite marks, the right side of his body was aching and bruised, his face was covered with his own blood. Kovu, Kiara and Simba knew that he was getting worn out. Makosa knew he couldn't get through them. So he tried to flee, running towards his members. The three of them chased him down.

In the midst of Makosa run, he was suddenly tackled by another lion. It sent him flying for a few feet and hitting the ground hard. Simba and Kovu recognised who it was.

"Kijana?" Kovu and Simba said in unison.

"What are you doing here?" Kovu walked up.

"Take a guess." She said playfully.

"Does your father know about this?" Simba asked.

"No, a few other members of the guard volunteered."

Moments later, Makosa was up on his feet again. He is one dedicated and strong lion, being able to sustain such harm and stress.

"Oh great! Just great!"

"Stay down! This is your last chance!" Simba said.

Makosa took a moment on what to reply. He was exhausted, and was panting heavily.

"... No." And proceeded to attack once more with all his might.

Moving back to Nala and her group. Uchoyo has been swarmed and was brought to his knees. Tamaa assisted him and manage to buy him some time. Uchoyo was beaten really bad, he was now limping and struggled to keep up. Tamaa was aggravated, he went on a rampage, causing a few lions to be knocked unconscious. Uchoyo on the other hand was degrading by the minute. His wounds were concerning, and blood dripped like a river. He knew that it was the end for him. He lied on the ground, with his vision slowly fading.

Tamaa realizing the last ally of his has fallen, gave him the sense of fear. He was all alone, and was surrounded. He could already predict his own death. But he didn't give up. More so it angered him even more. Vitani came to his sights and pinned her down. Vitani was in a tight spot, she couldn't break free from his grip. Fortunately Nala had her back and had bitten Tamaa's rear leg, causing him to let go of his grip. Tamaa managed to brush Nala off. He let his guard down for a second, Vitani took the opportunity and pinned him down to the ground.

"Pinned ya." Vitani saying her one liner before going for the kill.

And so she ripped out Tamaa's throat, killing him instantly.

Their battle has concluded. Everyone was relieved to finally take a breath. Everyone helped each other to those who have been knocked down. Luckily for Nala, she only sustained mild recompense.

"I thought the Highland Pride forfeited our treaty." Nala said to a fellow Highland lion.

"Our king still thinks so, our guard leader met Kovu. We knew you needed help, and we volunteered."

"Thank you." Nala thanked.

"Don't thank me, thank your prince."

Nala was suddenly reminded of Kovu, she then ran to where their duel commenced. Which leads us back to Makosa. This was his last stand, so far he hasn't gotten any devastating injuries. One after the another, Kovu, Simba, Kiara and now Kijana were landing coordinated attacks, he stayed on the defensive for a while, waiting for the perfect moment to land a strike of his own.

Kijana charged at Makosa carelessly and Makosa managed to counter it. A swipe from Makosa sent her down to the ground. Makosa grabbed her by the scruff and tossed her from a few feet. Kiara followed. She grabbed Makosa by his hind leg but Makosa managed to pin her down, another one of his slaps was sent to Kiara, leaving her concussed on the ground.

"Kiara!" Kovu exclamed.

And out of rage, be jumped onto Makosa grabbing his mane and making him tio over. Makosa rolled on the ground to loosen Kovu's grip. Makosa then got the upper advantage, pinning Kovu down. As Makosa was about to land another swipe at him, Simba tackled him. Makosa hit the ground hard. But before he got up, he found something that he could use to win against them.

It was Simba's turn to be on the offensive, and judging by how Makosa's body hasn't moved after being tackled into the air, the odds of them winning were in their favour. Kovu watched as Simba charge up to Makosa but he suspected something terrible is about to happen.

"No wait!" Kovu called.

Kovu's call was too late for Simba to intercept. As he charged at Makosa, he quickly grabbed a large, old, wooden branch from the ground. Simba missed in his tackle. Makosa swung the branch at Simba's face, shattering it. He was left concussed for a few moments. Makosa then charged at Simba, and using the branch, he stabbed Simba by onto his chest.

"NO!" Kovu yelled.

Simba couldn't say a word to what just happened to him, what just he felt. He looked at Makosa's face, filled with determination as he pushed the branch deeper into his chest. Makosa let go of the branch and landed one of his devastating swipe at Simba.

Simba fell to the ground. Kovu's heart was pounding. They were back at their duel. He stood up and ran as fast as he could to tackle Makosa. Of course he predicted Kovu's move, and manage to counter it. Makosa grabbed Kovu by his tail and pulled him close. Kovu was sent to the ground and Makosa dragged him near the edge of the ravine.

Kovu managed to escape his grip and stood up. Makosa was slowly closing the distance between Kovu and the cliff. Makosa kept him in the vicinity of where his paws could land a hit at Kovu. Kovu couldn't counter Makosa's attack, he was sending a barrage of swipes at him, it was all too much to dodge. A final swipe sending Kovu once again back on the ground. He was now facing the drop off.

Makosa pushed his rear end on the cliff. Kovu held on for dear life as half of his body was over the edge of the ravine. His rear legs were desperately looking for something to grip on, and his front paws desperately held on the muddy ground.

Makosa stood above him with that sinister smile of his.

Kovu was literally on edge, he looked around to see whatever he could use to get out of his situation. Luckily he did, he saw a large root protruding from the edge and into an incline. He looked back at Makosa who was standing before him.

"I win." Makosa said.

As he raised his paw to land one final hit at Kovu, lightning flashed and Kovu jumped and grabbed onto the root near him. Makosa missed, and with that mistake of his, he lost his grip on the ground and fell into the ravine. He screamed as he fell into the deep ravine.

And so, Makosa was gone. Gone for good. No longer did he terrorized him and the Pridelands. Kovu was lucky to get a good grip at the root. He then climbed the incline and got himself back on the leveled ground. He was quickly reminded of Simba, and so he ran quickly towards him passing by both Kijana and Kiara. The rain has stopped, and the skies started to clear. They have won. It wasn't easy for them, and it sure did take something from them.

Kovu saw Simba lying on the ground. He quickly inspected him, clearly a branch was lodged in his chest. It looked fatal.

"Simba!" He called as he came near him.

"Kovu?" Simba spoke in a tired tone.

"Okay, it's gonna be alright, we're gonna take you to Rafiki's, just keep your eyes on me." Kovu said with a tone of desperation.

"Did we... did we do it?" Simba asked.

"Save your strength. Kiara, get help!" Kovu ordered.

"No... Kiara... stay." He said.

"Did we win?" Simba asked again.

Kovu was still panting heavily, he looked at Simba and replied.

"Yeah... we won." He said with sincerity.

Nala has arrived at the scene. She looked to see who was that beside Kovu. He looked familiar. As she put all the pieces together, she was shocked, she knew it was her mate Simba. She quickly ran over to him.

"Simba?" Nala said in the brink of crying.

"Hey, Nala."

"I thought you were dead." Nala said whilst tears flowing down her cheeks.

"I'm back now. But I don't think I'll be here any longer."

"Don't say that! You will, keep your eyes open." Kovu said.

"Get help!" Kovu exclaimed to Vitani.

Nala nuzzled her dying mate. She was happy to see Simba once again, she was happy to feel him again. But among her emotions, sadness was a part of it, knowing that he only has little time left. Kiara accompanied her mother and was moved to tears as well.

"I missed you, Nala. I love you so much."

"I love you too. I really missed you." They continued nuzzling.

"Kovu... I... need to-"

"Not now alright. Just rest."

"Kovu..." He lifted a paw to Kovu.

Kovu stopped for a moment and listened to Simba.

"Kovu... I never thought I'd have a son like you. I deeply care about you."

Kovu's tears started to well up in his eyes.

"You'll get to see another day, j-just stay with me." He stuttered.

"Take good care of Kiara... she needs you."

"Kiara... be good to Kovu... you'll need each other in the future."

"Will do dad... you have my word." Kiara sniffled.

"Just take it easy you need to-" He was interrupted.

"Kovu... I'm out of time... It's okay." Simba said with a warm smile and shedding a tear.

"But... but I need you. I... I-I don't know what I'd do without you." Kovu sniffled.

"I'll always be with you... I will never leave your side."

"Go be a king... take my place... be a good father."

Kovu smiled and more tears flowed down from his eyes.

"I see... I guess... my time's up." Simba said, as life slowly fades away from his body.

"I... love you all." And he let out his final breath.

Nala broke down into tears and pressed his face against Simba. Kovu was in denial, and redused to believe he was gone.

"No, no, NO, NO, NO! SIMBA?! STAY WITH ME! NO! PLEASE! DON'T LEAVE! Don't leave me." And broke down into tears as well.

Kiara sobbed and comforted Kovu.

"Kovu... stop."

"No! He's not gone yet! Just help me get him to Rafiki!" He said with a crack in his tone.

"Kovu, stop!"

Kovu halted.

"Dad's gone..."

Kovu couldn't accept Simba's death, neither did Kiara and Nala. He had loved him like a father, and Simba loved Kovu like a son. It was a new feeling for him, no training could've ever mentally prepared him. He was gripping the wet mud as he felt guilty. Kiara cried with her mother as they sat by her deceased father, a father who loved her for as long as she could remember. The wisdoms he gave to her, and the memorable moments with her. Memories of Kiara with her father flooded her mind and brought her to tears continuously. It hurt her. Nala, who suffered the most mentally, was already devastated as she was. A shine of hope was upon her for a moment, seeing her mate say his goodbyes, but she could not bear the pain of losing her mate, and getting to see Simba let out his final words added more to her agony.

They shared a set of emotions, pain, regret, guilt, loss and sadness. None of the pride members and Highland Pride could comprehend the strong emotions that they felt, although there was nothing they could do, to show empathy was necessary. And so both Kiara and Kovu cried in each other's embrace. Nala soon after joined them. Vitani, Shika, Kiburi and Kijana along with her guard, watched in sadness as they showed empathy towards the weeping felines. They bowed their heads in despair. It was a historic, yet devastating and a depressing day for the Pridelands. A king has fallen. Simba has moved on and took his place as one of the greatest kings that has ever ruled the land, and so the sun has set on his time. Simba, the king they all knew and loved... was gone.

END OF CHAPTER