A/N: WOW! Chapter Twenty! And it's all thanks to you guys. Man (sniffle) I'd never thought I'd make it all this way…you guys are the best! (Dabs at teary eyes) Well, let's get on then before I start a river of tears…

Chapter Twenty: Spark of Friendship

The little cub giggled with delight, her amber eyes twinkling.

''Great story! Tell me another one, Daddy!'' she exclaimed, prancing around in excitement.

Her father let out a great yawn, then smiled sleepily. ''How about tomorrow night? It's time to go to sleep now,'' he said.

''Awww,'' Kiara whined, her ears drooped. She hated to go to sleep, especially when she had plenty of energy she wanted to burn. Sleep always took up to much time, time that could be spent for exploring, chasing other animals in the Pridelands, or listening to the best stories.

''But I'm not sleepy,'' she protested, fighting back her own yawn.

''Hmm, I don't know, I think you are,'' Simba said playfully.

''No I'm not. Please Daddy? One more story?'' Kiara pleaded, putting on her most innocent expression.

''I'm not falling for that this time,'' said Simba.

''Just a teeny, tiny, itsy, bitsy, weeny, eeny one?'' she begged.

''I wish I could, Kiara, but if I do, then your mother will come and get me for keeping you awake,'' said Simba in a pretend-frightened whisper.

''Nu-uh Daddy!'' said Kiara, giggling.

''Oh yes I will,'' came the voice of Nala from behind them. She walked over to Kiara and crouched down so that her head was level with her daughter's.

''Besides,'' she whispered into her ear, ''if you come and go to sleep now, in the morning I promise to take you to the hunting grounds for a private lesson, just you and me.''

Kiara gasped and exclaimed, ''Really?''

''Ssh-ssh! Don't let Daddy hear!''

''Don't let Daddy hear what? What're you two whispering about?'' asked Simba, looking suspiciously at his wife.

''Oh nothing, Daddy!'' said Kiara.

''Come on, darling,'' said Nala, taking Kiara by the nape of her neck.

The small family walked into their den, leaving the summit of Pride Rock. The three lied together, side by side with Kiara in between. Nala licked the top of her head and whispered, ''Good night, my sweet.''

'''Night, Mom,'' she replied.

Simba nuzzled the little cub's head with his and said the same. ''Good night, Kiara.''

'''Night, Daddy.''

Kiara scooted close to his body, snuggling her head into his warm mane. She couldn't feel more safe and comfortable at the moment.

Kovu opened his eyes to meet the clear blue sky and bright sun. There was a gentle breeze swaying the short, tan-colored grass. He yawned and was about to stretch when he realized there was something heavy lying against his body. He turned his head only to see Kiara there, her fragile body touching his, her breathing soft and rhythmic. She looked so peaceful that he didn't want to disturb her. But if she wanted to get home soon, then he'd have to wake her up.

''Hey, hey wake up,'' nudging her with his head.

''Hmm?'' Kiara said sleepily. She opened her eyes and lifted her head only to see that she was still in the middle of nowhere instead of at Pride Rock like she had dreamt. Her heart sank in disappointment. That dream seemed so real…like she was really back at home sleeping with her parents. Nonetheless she was here, with Kovu. And, had she been lying on him?

She quickly sat up, full of embarrassment.

''You okay?'' asked Kovu.

''Yes, I'm fine,'' replied Kiara, avoiding his confused expression. She hated it when he made her blush that way. She turned her gaze toward the horizon in hopes of spotting any familiar sign that could tell her she was close to home. Unfortunately, none was in sight.

''So…exactly how close are we to the Pridelands?'' she asked, looking back at Kovu.

''I'd say we're very close,'' replied knowingly. She didn't know how he was able to tell, but she was glad he could.

''You know…I like how you're so sure of yourself. My dad said that confidence can get you anywhere-and intelligence. You're also pretty smart,'' said Kiara, and she meant it. His sense of direction was impeccable; that is, if he was leading her the right way. She felt that now she could trust him-a little.

''Thanks,'' Kovu said with a small smile. ''And you fight really well, the way you handled those vicious hyenas back there. You were pretty brave for a princess.''

Kiara was actually touched by this. Her? A good fighter? She felt her face grow slightly warm. Maybe there was hope for their friendship after all.

A/N: End! Well, duh! So? How as it???? I'd hate to say this, but, this is pretty close to the end. But I hope you guys enjoy reading the rest as much as I enjoyed writing it!