A/N: Hey hey hey! Chapter Twenty-Nine, the…well, I'm not gonna tell you guys how many more chapters there are, you can find out for yourselves. Enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Return

Kiara found her mother among a group of lionesses. She approached her, though hesitantly, seeing that she was busy.

''Mom?'' she said.

''Yes, dear?'' Nala responded.

''Dad says I need an escort from now on. Do you think so?'' Kiara asked, cocking her head to one side.

''Well, Kiara, I think that I agree with your father on this one,'' Nala said, smiling apologetically.

''But Mom, I'm not little anymore. I should be able to go out on my own. Besides, I won't even be alone; I'll be with Vitani. I just want to show her around, make her feel at home…'' Kiara protested, her ears pinned.

''I don't know, Kiara. Can we talk about this later? I'm a little busy right now,'' Nala said as one of the other lionesses tried to get her attention.

Kiara sighed and walked off, ears drooped. It seemed that it'd be a while until she earned her freedom.

:::::o:::::

Simba did not return home from his business until dusk. Nala stood worriedly at the entrance of the den, watching for his approaching figure. Kiara joined her, seating herself beside her.

''Aren't you going to eat Mom?'' she asked her mother.

''Just as soon as your father returns. Lately he's been so busy with certain important errands that it seems he doesn't have time for his family,'' Nala said, almost to herself.

''What errands?'' Kiara wondered.

''I wish I knew,'' Nala said.

Kiara nodded and looked out to the horizon. The sun was halfway set, casting a deep orange glow about the plains. Together mother and daughter sat quietly until the sun could no longer be seen. The sky grew a deep blue color and stars spotted every part of it.

It was then that Nala sighed and said, ''Let's go inside. He's obviously not coming any time soon.''

Kiara obeyed and followed her into the dim den, where everyone relaxed, slept, or chatted in low voices. Just before they could lie in their usual sleeping area, Simba stepped into the den, looking exhausted, though his face bore a small smile.

''Simba! Where have you been?'' Nala said, running to her husband. Kiara ran after her, eager to hear of what her father had been up to.

''I've been busy, no need to worry,'' he assured his mate, nuzzling her.

Turning to Kiara, he said, ''There's someone outside you might want to see.''

''Who?'' Kiara asked enthusiastically, her ears perked.

''Go out and see for yourself,'' said Simba, nodding his head toward the exit.

When Kiara turned her back to them, Simba looked at Nala, and winked.

Heart beating rapidly, Kiara slowly walked in the direction of the summit, where a mysterious figure sat, his back facing her.

Who…, she thought inquisitively. She neared the figure, only to discover that it was a young male lion.

Kiara's heart took a leap when as she stopped directly behind the inexplicable visitor. She observed his brown fur and dark mane. His form was slightly smaller than that of her father's, but looked just as strong.

Could he be….she wondered anxiously. There was only one lion she knew that could look that way.

''K-Kovu?'' Kiara said shakily.

The lion turned his head to look at her, his familiar bright green eyes twinkling. A small, crooked smile took form on his face.

It was Kovu at last.

A/N: Well there ya go, after a long time of waiting, Kovu's finally back! I wanted so much to tell you guys what had happened to him and that he was coming back, I didn't wanna spoil it!! Finally you guys know. Happy huh? I didn't want Kovu to be gone forever either-I love Kovu too; I just wanted to make the story more sad and suspenseful.

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