Decided to continue sooner than I thought, as I'm doing nothing at the moment. A few of you have been asking if I'm going to be writing any more stories after this is complete, in answer I certainly hope so but first I will have to think of another idea:) I will be revealing the cubs names in this chapter, I got them off one of those baby name web sites under African so if any of you happen to have characters of the same name in your fics I assure you now it is not intentional and nor am I trying to steal your characters.

Disclaimer: (been I while since I used one), I don't own any characters in this story but the three new lion cubs and the two meerkat Pups, who were in previous chapters).

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The pride had been blessed with three new members, and the King and Queen couldn't be more proud. Rafiki was keeping close watch on the newborns as being born early meant they had more chance of experiencing breathing problems, however these cubs were proving to be strong like their mother and father. Simba was very proud indeed, and couldn't stop admiring them as then made tiny mewing sounds and shuffled around with their still closed eyes. Nala also couldn't wipe the smile from her face, as she had been very worried for their well-being and felt very blessed indeed to have three healthy cubs.

Kovu was also very happy to see his new brother and sisters-in-law, and of course Vitani was thrilled about having three godchildren.

"Have you decided on any names yet Mum?" asked Kiara who was still extremely excited about being a big sister.

"Well," said Nala as she licked one of the females on the head, "I've only thought of one name so far and that's for this little one," she continued indicating the first-born female.

"Well, what did you decide on?" asked Kovu who came up next to his mate.

"I'm naming her after her father."

"What! Your calling a girl Simba?" butted in Timon, who had seemed to come out of nowhere.

Nala couldn't help but giggle. "No, I'm calling her Diata, which is kinda like a female version of Simba as it also means lion."

The royal couple then nuzzled each other, "Then the next cub should be named after her wonderful mother," suggested Simba. "I shall name her Chipo which like the name Nala means gift, for this cub is truly a wonderful gift to this pride."

"That's so beautiful," said Pumbaa with a sniff, while wiping away a tear.

"And de little male?" asked Rafiki.

"Well, it wasn't really until Zazu left that we realised how much he meant to this Pride and this family, so we have decided to…." began Simba before he was interrupted.

"Please don't tell me your naming the poor kid Zazu!" butted in Timon once again.

"You just can't help yourself can you," said Maha to her son, "they can name their cub whatever they wish. Sorry dear please continue, " she apologised to Simba.

"Ma you don't need to apologise for me," whispered Timon though gritted teeth.

"Well apparently I do," she whispered back.

Simba of course just found this amusing, "Anyway as I was saying, I think in light of this and Zazu's recent act of bravery we think Zazu should have the honour of naming our cub."

"Oh," uttered a very surprised Zazu, "That is most kind of you but I really couldn't."

"That wasn't a request Zazu that was an order," said Nala with in a mock serious tone.

Zazu then walked over to get a closer look at the little male cub, "Well I suppose you could call it Kenyi, as he was born after three girls, but please don't feel obligated to use my suggestion I'm sure you could think of something better."

"Why, that's a beautiful name Zazu, thankyou," smiled Nala before giving little Kenyi a small nuzzle.

"Your quite welcome," smiled Zazu back.

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A few days had passed and the cubs were just starting to open their eyes, and were beginning to look more distinguished from each other. Diata looked very much like her grandmother Sarabi, as she had black around the rimes of her ears and the same colour pelt although her eyes were very much like Kiara's beautiful wide and brown. Chipo was slightly darker, actually although nobody said it aloud, it couldn't be denied her coat was the same colour as Scars. This however didn't make her parents love her any less as inheriting one characteristic does not make one the same lion/lioness inside nor it change the fact that she was a beautiful cub as she had her mothers eyes and the most placid and wonderful personality. Kenyi, to his fathers delight looked a great deal like the great king Mufasa, he was quite a solid little cub too and very curious to explore his new surroundings although he couldn't really walk yet.

Zazu and Maha spent hours on end watching the little cubs stumble around, and by now it had become noticed by the whole pride that those two indeed did share a special bond.

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"So what is going on with those two?" Kovu asked Kiara while they were having a leisurely walk to the waterhole to refresh themselves.

"You mean Ma and Zazu?" replied Kiara with a grin.

"Well yeah they seem very close.."

"That's because they are silly."

" Really? That's a little strange," commented Kovu.

"How come?" asked Kiara with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, their not even the same species, I've…I've just never seen that before."

"Love can come in many shapes and forms, I never though I could fall in love with an outlander until I met you," said Kiara giving her mate a nuzzle.

"Yeah I guess so," smiled Kovu.

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Simba and Nala had also noticed the closeness of the new couple and Nala though it was just delightful, whilst Simba needed a little time to adjust to the idea but after finding that Timon could accept it he decided he could too, and even offered to allow Maha to live with them in the Pridelands so she could be with Zazu.

"Oh that's very nice of you Simba dear," said Maha to the King after he offered, but then she frowned, "but I'm afraid my place is at the oasis with the other meerkat, although my uncle Max wont admit to needing assistance, he is very old and I need to be there to help him run things," she sighed.

"Couldn't Timon help?" inquired Simba, as over the last few days he had seen Zazu much more happy and relaxed then he had ever seen the hornbill in his life and really wanted things to work out for the two.

"He will be able to in time," thought Maha, "but there's still much he has to learn," after saying this she pulled Simba's ear down to her level so she could whisper into it, "and a lot of growing up to do."

Simba smiled, "Well stay as long as you like, I'm sure Zazu will miss having you around..."

With that the lion left and walked back to see his new cubs and mate.

"…. and I miss having him around too," whispered Maha to herself with tears in her eyes.

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There we go done another one sadly only one chapter to go sniff

Will our happy couple have to split up? Only time will tell…