A/N: Thanks so much for all the reviews everyone! And thanks for the new title Kiara32!! Love ya all!! XOXO

Chapter Twenty-Three: Home and Trouble

The sound of rushing water filled the night air. Kiara heard it first. Her ears perked up when she recognized the sound of water flowing. At first, she dared not to believe it, afraid that it could be the wind trying to fool her. But as she and Kovu drew closer to the source of the noise, she felt her heart leap. There it was, only two-hundred feet or so ahead of them. If they ran fast, they would get to the banks in no time.

''There it is, the West River, as promised. And directly across it, the Pridelands. You can see Pride Rock from here, you know,'' Kovu announced proudly.

He was right. Sitting in the middle of the immeasurable Pridelands was her home, exactly the way she remembered it. The scene looked so welcoming and peaceful. Even after so long, nothing seemed to have changed…from where she was standing.

Her heart suddenly burst from excitement and anticipation. She was ready to run, no matter what.

''C'mon, Kovu! What're you waiting for? Let's go!'' Kiara exclaimed, setting off in a sprint.

''Hey! Wait up!'' Kovu called. He wanted to run along with her, but the wound kept him from doing so.

By the time he caught up to her, she was ready to jump across the river without thinking. Had she forgotten how dangerous it was?

''Hey, don't you remember I'm not as fast as you are at the moment?'' said Kovu, panting.

Kiara turned to face him, smiling widely. ''I'm sorry, I forgot you were…'' she began, intending to tease him, but trailed off when her eyes met a pair of evil menacing ones staring coldly at her.

''What?'' said Kovu, studying the sudden look of horror in her eyes. They were no longer focused on him, but on something behind him.

Kovu turned his head in the direction of Kiara's gaze to see Zira and her posse slowly approaching them. Between them and the deep, cold river, he knew they were in danger now.

A/N: Okay, really really short chapter here, but a serious cliffie too. Please review!