A/N: Oh-my-God, it's-it's the END! IT'S ACTUALLY THE END!! Oh man, I think I'm gonna cry—sniffle It's been great you guys, please enjoy this, since it's the very last chapter—and I'm not kidding this time, either.

Epilogue

The evening was still and warm, with a deep blue sky, bright stars, and brilliant full moon. The air was sweet, smelling of dandelions and newly bloomed African lilies.

Most of the Prideland inhabitants had turned in for the night, except for a few. Owls flew about, hooting softly, while a few species of monkeys moved to and fro from tree to tree. And Kiara, in company with Kovu, dashed across the wide open plains, laughing merrily.

Her heart raced at the same speed of her legs as they carried her to an unknown destination. Kovu, who had the longer legs, eventually passed her, panting and laughing right along with her.

''Gotta run faster to keep up!'' he called to her over his shoulder.

Kiara gained speed, sprinting behind him. ''I'm right at your tail!'' she called back.

Kovu persisted running until he reached the waterhole. Kiara soon caught up and pounced him into the shallow end of the water.

''Gotcha!'' said Kiara.

''Oof!'' Kovu said as he fell on his back yet again.

The two laughed ecstatically until they ran out of breath. It had been a while since Kiara had this much fun and Kovu had never had so much of it in his life. He predicted his new life would be just great.

Soon as Kiara's heart settled down to its normal pace, she lowered her face to Kovu's and gave his muzzle a soft, affectionate kiss.

''I'm so grateful to have you back,'' she whispered in his ear.

Kovu smiled up at her, gazing into her mesmerizing eyes. ''Same to you,'' he whispered back.

The two nuzzled, purring rhythmically. Kiara felt a small bud of fondness for Kovu grow inside her heart that would soon blossom inot love overtime.

:::::o:::::

There was never a day of rejoicing and celebration like the following one. It was a celebration of peace, unity, and the return of the Princess Kiara. As she stood at the summit of Pride Rock, she looked down at her kingdom, at all the animals that cheered and bowed to her.

Alongside her sat Kovu, who nudged her gently with his forearm. The night before, he had made a vow to always protect and support her; no matter what. Already his feelings for her were growing.

Simba watched his daughter proudly, knowing that her future would be bright. He could already see her as an honest and just queen and devoted mother, just like his own wife. His kingdom would surely be in good hands.

The End

A/N: Wow…it's finished…I never thought that I would actually get to the end. I started writing this back in 2003 thinking, 'I'm probably not gonna finish this junk-who's gonna read it?' But look at all the reviews I got from all you wonderful people! Thank you all so much—I couldn't-and I mean it-I couldn't have done it without you all!!