a/n Thank you all so much for your kind words and for all those alerts. I really appreciate the support Here's ch 21 for you all. Enjoy

Ch 21 Acceptance

Nala looked at Vitani, Kovu and Miwa and spoke. "Thank you so much for helping my children," the creamy coated Queen said with a smile. The three cubs exchanged looks of both surprise and confusion.

"Y...you're not gonna yell at us?" Kovu stammered, his green eyes wide with worry and fear.

"Or banish us?" Vitani chimed in.

"Or kill us?" Miwa whispered, her blue eyes wide.

"No I'm not going to do anything to you three least of of kill you," Nala said, the smile still on her face. "While I'm not thrilled that you and Kovu deceived and tricked my children I feel that what you and your sister have done proves that you cubs aren't anything like Zira."

"So does that mean we can stay?" Kovu asked, looking at Nala with hopeful green eyes.

"I'm afraid that isn't my call to make," Nala said. "But I'm sure once Simba hears what you cubs have done then he'll let you stay."

"I'm inclined to agree with you Nala," Sarabi said, coming onto the scene. "I know my son will be lenient on you children. After all he's already agreed to allow Tojo and Vumbi to stay and they're grown adults."

"Can I see my Mom and Dad?" Miwa asked. "I really wanna make sure my dad is alright."

"Rafiki is in there right now my dear," Sarabi said with a smile. "But I'm sure you mother will be out soon to get you." Just then Vumbi approached the group.

"Mom!" Miwa cried out, running over to Vumbi and latching onto her front leg. "Mom is Daddy going to be ok? He got really hurt."

"I know he did sweetie," Vumbi said, licking the top of her daughter's head. "But don't you worry Miwa. Your father is strong. He'll be just fine. I'm sure of it." Just then Sarafina approached the group.

"Mom!" Nala cried out, running over to her mother. "Has there been any news?"

"Yes," Sarafina said with a nod. "And don't worry honey its good news."

"Well I'm certainly glad to hear that," Nala said with a sigh. "So tell me this good news."

"Well," Sarafina said with a smile "You'll be happy to know that Kiara is going to be just fine."

"Well that's a relief," Nala breathed, closing her eyes in relief. "And Kion? How is he?"

"Rafiki just finished up with him," Sarafina said. "But he sustained a lot of injury Nala. He lost a lot of blood and he's a lot worse of than Kiara because of his previous injuries. I'm sorry honey but his outlook isn't very good right now."

"I'm going in there," Nala declared. Before anyone could stop her the creamy coated Queen went into the cave with Sarafina right behind her.

TLKTLKTLK

Once Nala was inside the cave she saw Simba being treated by Rafiki. Sarabi was off to the side, holding the still unconscious Kiara and Kion between her paws. "I'll take them Sarabi," Nala said as she layed down and gently pulled her cubs close and wrapped her paws around them.

"I'm so sorry about all this," a voice from beside Nala said. Nala turned and saw Tojo laying there, his side and head bandaged up.

"You should be sorry," Nala hissed, glaring at her former friend. "You betrayed us Tojo. After everything Simba and I did for you when you were a cub. Hell you and I were even raised as siblings. But I guess none of that mattered."

"Nala it did matter," Tojo said. "I'm so sorry it came to all of this. And you're right. You and Simba did do a lot for me when I was young. But so did Zira. She protected me and looked after me after out mother died. She was always there for me. I couldn't just abandon her. If I had known how crazy she was going to get I would have never gone with her. But things got so bad and I wanted to take Miwa and Vumbi and leave but I couldn't abandon Nuka, Vitani and Kovu. They needed me. I just hope that you and Simba understand that and are willing to forgive me."

"I get it Tojo," Nala said with a sigh. "And I do understand. And if Simba is willing to let you stay then I am too. But its going to be a very long time before we can trust you or anyone else from your Pride."

"I get it Nala," Tojo said with a half smile. "And I appreciate it." Just then Vumbi and Miwa came bounding into the cave.

"Daddy!" Miwa cried out, climbing into Tojo's paws and nuzzling into his brown mane. "I'm so glad you're alright!"

"I'm glad to see you too sweetie," Tojo said, licking the top of Miwa's head. Just then Kopa, Tiifu and Zuri came onto the scene.

"Is Kiara awake yet?" Tiifu asked, being careful not to be to loud.

"Not yet honey," Nala said. "But I'm sure that..." Just then the group heard a low groan. Looking down they saw that Kiara was waking up.

"Ow my head," the Princess groaned, putting her paws on top of her head. Then she opened her eyes and saw the concerned faces staring down at her. "How'd I get back home?" Kiara wondered. "What happened?"

"We won sweetie," Nala said, giving Kiara's head a lick. "Zira is gone for good."

"Miwa and Uon...I mean Kovu saved me and Kion," Kiara informed her mother. "Or at least they tried to. Is Daddy going to let them stay?"

"Yes I am," Simba said from his place beside his family.

"You really mean that Simba?" Nala asked, surprised by her mate's words.

"Yes I do Nala," Simba said with a nod. "They can stay as well as Vitani, Nuka and anyone else from Zira's old Pride. As long as they're willing to pledge their allegiance and except you and I as their King and Queen."

"I know they will," Tojo said with a smile. "And I know there's too many males here as it is. So as soon as I'm better I'm going to take Miwa and Vumbi and move somewhere outside of Pride Rock."

"Thank you Tojo," Simba said with a smile. "But you are more than welcome to stay."

"I appreciate it Simba," Tojo said, still smiling.

"Well de good new is dat both you and de King are going to be just fine," Rafiki said with a laugh. "But you both have vedy serious injuries to yer sides and head. You both most rest fer de next month."

"Month?!" Simba cried out. "Rafiki I'm the King! There's no way that I can be out of commission for that long!"

"I can handle things until you're healed," Nala said.

"Kion and Kiara are injured Nala," Simba pointed out. "They're going to need you to take care of them."

"We can help her with that," Sarafina chimed in, looking at Sarabi who nodded in agreement.

"You see Simba?" Nala said with a slight laugh. "We've got everything under control." Simba still looked unsure but he knew that Nala could handle things quite well on her own. Simba smiled at his mate. But his smile quickly vanished when he noticed Kion still wasn't awake.

"Is Kion going to be alright Rafiki?" Simba asked, looking at the mandrill with concern. "He's not awake yet." Just then Bunga, Fuli, Ono and Beshte came into the cave and they had heard Simba's question.

"Please tell us he's gonna be alright," Fuli piped up. Rafiki looked at Fuli then he looked at the rest of the group all of whom were looking at him with anticipation. Then he opened his mouth to respond.

A/N well folks there you have it the chapter is done. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and as always let me know in a review.