Chapter Fifteen: The New Dawn

The minutes passed and, at long last, the two victorious lions finally returned home to a huge celebration. All of the lionesses, despite being injured, were on their paws, waiting to congratulate both Simba and Kovu.

"You did it!"

"We're saved!"

"We won!"

And there, among the crowd, was Kiara; she had a huge smile upon her face as she watched her father and husband enjoy the praise that was being heaped upon them. Kovu ran towards his wife and gave her a long nuzzle.

"You're safe," he whispered; Kiara smiled and returned his nuzzle.

"Thanks to you and daddy," she replied; and as Kovu gazed upon her countenance he was reminded of the sun bursting through the dark clouds.

"Everyone!" called Simba, moving towards the centre. "We have won!"

The lionesses roared together in joy.

"Tonight, we can sleep at ease!"

With that, Simba nuzzled his beautiful wife and, with Kovu and Nala by his side, entered the den. His battle won; his mother avenged; peace restored to the lands.

Weeks had passed since the battle with the tigers and Khan's death, and the pride had all since returned to the usual swing of life. All the lionesses that had been injured had been nursed to full health thanks to Rafiki, but now the wise mandrill's services were needed for another task; for the day had come, the day of Kovu and Kiara's cubs' presentation.

The animals of the Pride Lands had already gathered at the foot of Pride Rock, underneath the morning sun.

"Where is Kiara?" asked Simba, turning to Kovu.

"She must be inside the den with the cubs," he replied.

"By the way, Kovu, have you thought of names for the cubs yet? You have a boy and a girl, it shouldn't be too hard."
"Well, I was thinking of Sita for the girl and Zen for the boy," said Kovu. "It was Kiara who thought of them."

Simba smiled warmly.

"They're both great."

Just then, Nala and Kiara emerged from the den; each holding a cub in their mouths.

"Are you ready?" asked Simba, smiling at Kiara.

"Yes, I am."

With those words, both Nala and Kiara handed the cubs to Rafiki. The mandrill smiled as he embraced the cubs.

"It is time," he said.

And as Rafiki began the climb up the peak of Pride Rock, Simba gazed into the sky and there, among the clouds, were the spirits of his mother and father smiling down upon him. Simba smiled at them as all around him the Pride Lands exploded in joy at the sight of the future heirs to the throne.