Picture by StefanWolfSalvatore on Deviantart
It's over. It's finally over. The war between the Outlanders and the Pride Landers has been won by the Pride Landers. Everyone worked together as a team, but it was especially thanks to Kovu they've won. At least, according to Kion.
As Kion was laying down on his back in the royal den next to Kovu, he stared at the roof, thinking about everything that happened today. He glanced to the other lions in the den, who seemed to be asleep. Kiara was in the den as well. Even though she was still hurt and healing, she's doing much better than right after the attack.
He then saw Kovu getting up and walking out of the den. Kion noticed that his ears were down, which made him concerned. He decided to follow him.
Kovu sat down on the tip of Pride Rock, looking all over the Pride Lands under the stars. "Kovu?" he suddenly heard. He turned around and found Kion who was now sitting next to him.
"Hey Kion." he replied, looking at the kingdom again.
"Couldn't sleep either, huh?"
Kovu sighed. "It's my fault my mother died... And now I lost my siblings too, probably for good."
"Hey, it's not your fault. And you didn't lose them for good, I'm sure they will understand some day."
"Yeah right..." Kovu responded sarcastically.
"Believe me, they will be proud of you, like I am right now."
Kovu raised his eyebrow as he made eye contact with his friend. "Proud? Why?"
Kion chuckled. "Don't you see? You figured killing Simba wasn't the solution to the food problem and it would only solve Zira's needs. Then you told Zira's plan to me, even though you were afraid of losing me. And then you even wanted to stay with me after Zira attacked me and I told you to go away. You were willing to give up your family and your home, just for me. And in the end... You were the one that told Zira and her clan the truth and convinced the lionesses that Zira is a bad leader. Really, you've earned so much respect for doing all of those things."
Kovu smiled, looking towards the ground. Maybe it was for the best indeed. he thought. Maybe my siblings will forgive me some time.
"I know it must be hard seeing your family leave their home, but if I'm honest, I'm really glad I have you on my side." Kion continued. He then laid his head on Kovu's shoulder.
"I'm glad I stayed here with you too." Kovu responded and rested his head on Kion's. They both purred.
They rubbed each other's heads to one another for a while, until Kovu broke the silence. "Kion, can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
Kovu pulled his head away to make eye contact with his friend. "Is it weird I still miss my mother, even after everything she's done?"
"No, I think that's normal. She was still family."
Kovu sighed. "Do you think she really is in a better place, like Nuka said?"
Kion smiled at him. "Let me show you something." he said as he gestured to Kovu to follow him.
The brown cub followed and they both went down Pride Rock. Kion searched for a nice grassy area to lay down on and soon found one. He laid down on his back.
"Come, join me." Kion said as he rubbed his paw against the grass right next to him.
Kovu made his way towards his friend and laid down next to him with all his legs in the air. They looked at the sky. All the stars were shining brightly and looked amazing. Both cubs stared at them, admiring their shapes.
"Do you see the stars?" Kion asked.
"Yeah, they're so pretty."
"All the Great Kings and Queens of the past watch over us through the stars. When I feel down, lonely or I don't know what to do, I remember that those Great Kings and Queens are there for me and help me when I need them the most."
"That's... Absolutely beautiful..." Kovu responded, looking at the stars. "Do you think Scar and Zira are up there as well?"
"Of course. That's where all the Great Lions of the past are." Kion replied.
Kovu smiled. Even though Scar and Zira were gone, they are at least in a better place. It gave the cub peace. "Thanks, Kion."
"Anytime."
Kovu rolled over to his side so he could face Kion. "You know, I'm proud of you too. Even if I'm at my worst, you're there for me. You even listened to me when I didn't want you to kill my family."
Kion rolled over as well, facing Kovu. "I just really care about you. And after everything that happened... I can't imagine living without you."
He then placed his left foreleg on Kovu's right shoulder. Kovu did the same with his right foreleg. "Me neither." the brown cub responded.
They looked deep into each other's eyes and couldn't help but smile. They then slowly leaned forward, letting their heads coming closer to each other. Eventually, they closed their eyes and kissed, letting their muzzle press each other. Both lions were in paradise. Nothing else in the world mattered right now. They shared this intense moment for who knows how long.
The kiss went on for a few minutes, before they finally broke their kiss.
"Wow..." Kion said, opening his eyes.
"Was that Hevi Kabisa?" Kovu asked.
They both laughed. "Yeah, it definitely was." Kion replied, still looking at his friend with dreamy eyes.
After a moment, both cubs decided to head back in the den to get some more sleep. They curled up right next to each other, with their pelt touching one another, before falling asleep peacefully.
In the next morning, Kion and Kovu woke up at the same time. Kion's parents were already up while the rest was still sleeping.
"Good morning." Kion said as he stretched his legs.
"Good morning." Kovu replied.
The yellow lion got up. "Well, I better get ready for morning patrol."
"This early? You're a hard worker." Kovu teased. They chuckled.
"Yep. I'll see you at our break!"
"Kion, Kovu, can you come over here?" Nala asked.
Both cubs went out of the den, meeting Simba and Nala.
"Hi mom, hi dad." Kion greeted.
"Hello, your majesties." Kovu said as he bowed.
Simba and Nala chuckled at Kovu's behavior.
"No need to call us your majesties anymore, Kovu. You can just call us by our names." Simba said.
Kovu looked up. "Oh, eh, thanks, Simba!"
"Nala and I have been talking. We told you we would come up with a final decision to let you stay in the Pride Lands or not when Kion was healed, and now he is. Ever since you're in the Pride Lands, you have been very caring for Kion. Moreover, you told us about Zira's plan. Yesterday, you've convinced all the lionesses in the Outlands what Zira really was like. You showed braveness, honesty and integrity. Therefore, you've proven yourself as a true Pride Lander. We all would like you to stay in the Pride Lands for as long as you wish."
Kovu's eyes widened. "Really?" He jumped from excitement. "Thank you so much, your maje... I mean, Simba!"
"That's awesome! You're finally a Pride Lander now!" Kion said.
"Indeed you are." Nala said chuckling, looking at the very happy brown cub.
"I have to go on patrol. I'll tell the Guard immediately!" Kion said.
"Okay, see ya!" Kovu replied.
The yellow lion made his way down Pride Rock and went into the lair to meet up with his Guard. Kovu stayed behind.
"We're staying at Pride Rock to look after the cubs, but you can go ahead and explore the Pride Lands if you'd like." Nala suggested.
"Yeah, I'd like that. Thank you again, for everything." Kovu said.
"No need to thank us. Now, off you go." Simba said smiling.
After saying good bye, Kovu decided to head to the watering hole. After all, this was the place where he spent most of the time with Kion during his healing process. When he arrived, he took some sips of the water and then was greeted by a giraffe.
"Hi there! Are you new?" she asked.
Kovu looked up. "Oh, hi. Yeah, today I got permission from the king and queen to stay in the Pride Lands permanently."
"That's wonderful! My name is Twiga, leader of the giraffe herd."
"Nice to meet you, Twiga! I'm Kovu."
"Nice to meet you too! So, how did you get here then? Are you by yourself?"
"Yeah, well, I left my family behind... It's a long story. But I'm glad I'm in the Pride Lands now."
Twiga's eyes widened. "You prefer being in the Pride Lands over staying with your family?"
Kovu thought about that sentence. He surely missed his family and even Bosa's clan. But in a way, it was true: he did prefer to stay in the Pride Lands. "I guess I do." he replied.
"Well, I hope you enjoy your new home then!" Twiga then lowered her head to drink from the watering hole. "I got to get back to my herd. It was nice talking to you, Kovu. I'll see you around!"
"Yeah, I'll see you later! Bye Twiga!"
The giraffe then went back to her herd.
Is everyone so nice around here? Kovu thought. He surely enjoyed his conversation with Twiga. Sure, it was a bit personal, but at least someone was interested in him. He wasn't used to this.
Kovu then thought about what Twiga said. Do I really prefer the Pride Lands over my family? Leaving his family behind wasn't easy, but he did it to be with Kion. Staying with Bosa's clan would only remind him he was being raised his whole life to be a killer. No, this change was good. In fact, it was the best decision Kovu has ever made.
Then, Kovu saw the Lion Guard walking a certain path in a distance, looking out for any trouble. He watched as everyone happily talked to each other, even though the brown cub couldn't hear a single word what they were talking about. He then made eye contact with Kion. Kion stopped walking and waved at his friend. Kovu waved back and smiled. Kovu could see the Guard were talking again, probably about him since they were laughing a bit. They then continued their patrol.
Is this how my life is gonna be? Kovu wondered. Talking with all the animals, exploring every single bit of the Pride Lands, hanging out with Kion... I could get used to this! He also doesn't have to worry about food anymore. It is a life he could ever have dreamed of.
His first meeting with Kion was a blessing. It made them to the point where they are now: together in the Pride Lands. Kovu knew for sure this was the best that ever could have happened to him, and was absolutely grateful for how his life changed to so much good.
Kovu looked at the sky. Even though the stars weren't visible, he knew they were still there. He thought about what Kion said last night. The Great Kings and Queens have been watching over him and he has no doubt they helped him through the process of being together with Kion.
"Thank you." he said, smiling.
THE END