1 year had passed since Kion had become king of the land he named "Avani".
In that time, he had of course married Zainabu and had made her his queen.
He had been blessed with three children - his son, Mosi, and two daughters, Alika and Kaisa. Mosi was the first born, and so was first in line to the throne. Alika and Kaisa were twins, 5 months younger.
Kion made sure he taught his son well the ways of the land and how to be a good and kind king, who knew love and justice.
All of his children respected his laws and understood how important they were for the good of the kingdom.
The circle of life had been restored, and for miles, animals heard how the best places to live were the Pridelands and the Avani.
Due to word-of-mouth, Simba, Nala and Kiara heard about Kion and were very, very proud of him. They looked forward to the day they could see him again, meet his pride and their grandchildren (or nieces and nephew in Kiara's case).
In his rule, Kion had hired his own major domo - Ono, an old friend and member of the lion guard.
Ono was a fast flier and could easily moved between his two homes in hardly any time.
Because of this, he was able to tell Kion all about Kovu and how it appeared Kiara was falling in love with him.
Kion had never met Kovu, and so refused to judge him - he trusted Simba to do that, and was pleased at the idea his sister could finally find a mate.
Then one day, Ono returned to tell him the news that a pride of outlanders had declared war on the pridelands, and Simba had already been injured!
Kion roared with disgust.
"It is time I visited my family and help them! I do not wish for any of you to come, and it is certainly too dangerous for any of the cubs to come...Zainabu, you are in charge until I return or I send word with Ono. Does everyone understand?"
Everyone nodded, a little wide-eyed with concern.
"Dad? Is everything going to be ok?" Mosi begged, upset that he was still too young to help in a battle.
"It will be son - and I will send word. Now you are the only male left here, so you have to show how responsible you can be - understand?"
Mosi sat up tall, serious with the task and nodded.
"Yes sir!" he agreed respectfully.
Kion nodded back proudly, and was on his way, following Ono.
After 10 miles or so, he asked Ono to go ahead and report to him what was happening.
A couple of hours later, he met up with him about four miles closer and said that the battle had commenced.
Kion nodded - he could hear it from there!
Filled with anger and loyalty again, he began to run and at last saw the land of his birth - the animals had fled with fear and the smell of blood reached him.
Praying it was not from a pride member, Kion searched and finally saw his family.
The battle was over, and he sighed with relief as he watched them return to pride rock.
Ono also sighed and looked joyfully at his friend and king.
"I have never been more pleased to be unneeded." Kion laughed.
Ono grinned, and together they made their way to pride rock.
Feeling silly and happy, Kion slyly went up undetected and inched his way to the mouth of the cave, where he saw Kiara getting married to a male - he guessed it was Kovu.
His heart filled with emotion and watched silently and proudly as they and his parents went to the edge of the rock and roared, proclaiming Kovu's power and rights as prince.
When all was done, the four came back towards the rock and talked happily, but Kiara seemed just a tiny bit off.
"Kiara? What's wrong?" Kovu asked, concerned.
She sighed.
"I am happy, believe me - but I miss Kion so much - I wish he could have been a part of this."
Kion realised it was time to reveal himself, so finally jumped out from his hiding place.
"You didn't really I'd miss your special day, did you?" he asked, feigning hurt.
"KION!" she squealed, jumping on him laughing.
He hugged her, so happy to see her again, then turned to his parents.
Simba was grinning.
"Sooooooo...did ya miss me?" Kion teased.
Simba laughed and rushed to him, pushing his head against his with fierce love and affection.
Kion returned it with passion, feeling emotional. He truly had missed his family.
At last they parted, and Kion finally embraced his dear mother, who by now had tears in her eyes.
"Oh my son...I cannot tell you how proud I am of you, and how much I have missed you."
They parted.
"I have missed you all, so, so much. Much has changed and I am ruling my own land now, though of course Ono would have told you." he said good naturedly.
They nodded happily, their eyes shining.
"I have my own cubs now. Ono told me that the land was with war and so I came to help, but I see you have managed just fine yourselves." Kion then laughed.
"Oh son, I appreciate you coming all this way to help us - but the battle was ended with the help of Kiara and Kovu." Simba explained.
Kion then turned, ashamed of his lack of respect.
"I am very sorry, Kovu - I have ignored you completely! I am Kion, son of Simba and Nala, and King of Avani." he greeted.
Kovu bowed respectfully.
"It's great to finally meet you - Kiara talks about you all the time!" he smiled.
That made Kion feel emotional again.
"You know, I have been gone for about a year now - I think it is time for a stay, if I am permitted father?"
"Of course you are!" Simba laughed, "Tell me you will send for your pride to join us for a while! I am dying to meet them and my grandchildren!"
Kion nodded.
"Of course - Ono, please go and rest...when you feel ready and energised, could you go and ask my pride to join us here? You will have to guide them."
"Yes sire, it will be my pleasure - I shall go first thing in the morning." the bird promised faithfully.
That settled, everyone went into the cave and slept soundly and happily.