Chapter 2

A few months later, Kiara gave birth to a cub. A few other lionesses in the pride also had cubs, including Vitani, restoring the population of cubs that was missed out on in Kiara's generation.

Kovu lay next to Kiara as they both nuzzled their new son. He was the perfect blend of both his parents. He had a light brown colored coat-a mixture of both Kiara and Kovu's coats, and he had Kovu's dark nose and bright green eyes. He also had a marking of where his small mane would grow on his head. It was a rich, auburn color, which would one day resemble that of Simba's. Kiara and Kovu decided to name their small prince Niru.

Moments later, Rafiki arrived atop of Pride Rock, with his new assistant/niece, Reekyo. She bowed kindly to King Kovu and Queen Kiara, and then held Rafiki's walking stick for him. Rafiki gave Kovu a friendly hug, and Kovu lead him to Kiara and Niru. They all smiled down at Niru who was staring up at them, blinking sleepily. Kiara nuzzled his tummy and he smiled and batted her muzzle with his tiny paw. Kovu bent down and also nuzzled his son, who happily nuzzled back. Then Rafiki nodded to Reekyo, and she handed him a gourd from his walking stick. He cracked it open and gently made a mark on the new prince's forehead. Then he ever so gently picked him up and carried him up to the edge of Pride Rock. Kiara and Kovu followed closely behind. When they were all at the edge, Rafiki looked to Kiara and Kovu for their approval to present Niru to the Pridelands. Kovu looked at Kiara, smiling, and Kiara smiled back and nodded. Both King and Queen nodded calmly at Rafiki. Rafiki in return, looked down at the small cub cradled in his arms. He smiled, secured his hold on the infant, and thrust him up for the entire kingdom to see.

The elephants, monkeys, and all the elated animals of the Pridelands shouted and cheered joyfully for Prince Niru. They all knew that the Pride was now reunited once and for all, and Niru would be the future king of the peaceful Pridelands. Kiara and Kovu smiled joyfully up at their new son, and looked out proudly across their New Kingdom.