Namiya, Nieera rounded the corner with Giza, Ayo and Mapenzi at his feet. Ayo liked her older siblings but Mapenzi seemed to have a problem with them.

"So, do you think father will remember me?" asked Nieera as she walked, afraid of what her father would say. She had never known her father - so it was kind of exciting. Namiya saw her father at birth, but she didn't remember him. Niobe had no clue what was going on, but he was going to guide Namiya and Nieera all the way through.

"Of course he will. You're all he ever talks about." replied Giza.

They soon approached Sukari and Anara, who were lounging and sleeping. Anara was asleep and Sukari awoke when she saw them.

"Who are they, Giza? Friends?" asked Sukari, getting off of her rock.

"They came to see dad." explained Ayo. "We think-" her mouth was quickly covered by Mapenzi's paw.

"-That they'd be happy to see him." Mapenzi finished the sentence. Sukari frowned and pointed over to Anara.

"Wake him if you wish." she chuckled, playfully. "I'll be over here with Ayo and Mapenzi." She dragged the cubs away, leading them to disappointment.

"I wanna see what happens!" complained Mapenzi, Ayo agreed with him. But Sukari wasn't having any of this.

After a while, Anara woke up, encountering the faces of Nieera, Namiya and Niobe.

"Giza? Who have you brought here!?" he roared.

"We're your daughters," said Nieera, bringing Anara to complete silence. "I'm Nieera - you left me with Queen Kiara."

"And I'm Namiya - your lost cub that died." explained Namiya.

Anara began to tear. "You... how did you..." he didn't know what to say. "You are my daughters, how did you find me?" He took a step back, tears still falling.

Namiya and Nieera explained everything and soon, they were welcomed by Anara and Sukari and bonded with Ayo and Mapenzi - especially Giza.

At Pride Rock, Kiara was worried. She paced around the den with Nyota at her feet. Angu and Lekan were still playing around Shupavu and Vitani and Kovu was out with Simba, on his morning patrol. Nala was out hunting and covering for Kiara and Vitani. Shupavu and Vitani were officially mates. Vitani felt heat and love for the first time.

"Shupavu?" she called. "I want cubs.." she blushed and she never expected to ask that. Vitani always thought having cubs was hard but this time she would take the chance, at least one cub wouldn't hurt.

"You do?" Shupavu gasped. "I thought you didn't want cubs."

"I didn't. But now I know I'll have them with a loved one."

"Alright then, where do we go?" asked Shupavu, seeing she was in heat - he could smell it.

"This way."

He followed her outside, past the waterhole and flowerbed and into a curtain of water - to which they began their love.

Kiara was still at Pride Rock. Nala had returned from her hunt with the rest of the Pride.

"Kiara?"

"Mom, I'm worried. Nieera and Namiya haven't returned in days." replied Kiara.

"Niobe's gone too. What do you think happened?" Shani said.

"I don't know.." replied Nala. "Was there something they were really interested in?"

"Hmm... Something about their father..."

"They must have headed for Danira's old Pride!" suggested Shani, her green eyes widening. "I worried. Niobe's not fully grown yet! What do we do?"

"How do we find her old Pride?" asked Kiara.

"We'll figure out something."

Kovu and Simba were returning from their patrol.

"Kovu, I'll catch up with you later. I'm just going to take a quick drink." said Simba, leaning down.

"I'll wait with you. You are Kiara's father and anything can happen-"

"No, Kovu. I'm an experienced lion. Don't worry, go on - I'm sure your cubs are waiting. I'll be fine." Simba bragged.

Kovu nodded. His mane was now fully grown, going half way through his stomach. His scar was disappearing - it wasn't permanent like Scar's, since Zira didn't swipe him too hard. He made his way back to Pride Rock, glancing back a few times to make sure Simba was okay.

When Kovu was gone, something swiped Simba into the bush. He tried to roar for help but something prevented him from doing so. An arm was wrapped around his throat, revealing a thick voice.

"Hush, now, Simba." the voice said, laughing afterwards. "You're coming with me."

"Who are you? How do you know my name?" Simba said quickly. His heart was racing, he had experience but the grab was so hard it was weak - and he was being strangled.

Night approached quickly, Sukari was asleep and in the cave with Giza, Ayo and Mapenzi. Namiya, Nieera and Niobe were outside.

"Are you lions coming to bed or what?" asked Anara, playfully.

"Um.. later Anara.. I mean dad." Nieera found it hard to call him her father.

"Alright then." he turned back into the cave, preparing to sleep next to Sukari.

"So, are you guys going back?" Niobe spoke, looking at the stars.

"Don't think so. I'm happy here with my dad." Namiya looked to her younger sister then smiled.

"But, you have responsibilities there! What about your mother and father? They must be worried!" said Niobe. "And my mother.."

"Niobe, I told you to stay.." sighed Namiya.

"Kovu and Kiara are not our parents," scoffed Nieera. "Anara is our father now. You can go back if you want."

"But I want you to come with me," said Niobe. "Especially since Namiya is my mate and you're my best friend."

"I'm not going back, dear. Not until-"

"How can you say that?! Do you care about me?! I came with you to make sure you're alright and here you are-"

"I don't wanna fight, Niobe. Not now." said Namiya and turned to go back into the cave.

Niobe and Nieera were left alone. "Sorry about that." Nieera apologized.

"It's okay. I get it. I'll keep you girls safe.. even if it means... leaving my mother."

"No, Niobe."

Just then, Nieera nuzzled Niobe. A sweet, tender kiss came across his muzzle. His eyes widened.

"Nieera..."

"I know you're with Namiya but-"

"But nothing! I love her!"

"And I love you..." protested Nieera. Niobe gasped at that thought.

"I feel bad for saying this... but I love Namiya. I just can't..." Niobe stuttered.

"I think going back is the best option. I'll leave in the morning. Tell Namiya I love her and if she ever decides to come back.."

"No! It's not-"

"-It's not right for me to stay here. I'm going." he reassured, his strong eyes looking into Nieera's eyes.

Chapter 24! Niobe's going! NOOOOO!

Anyways, Vitani's gonna have her first cub! Yay! I finally got a chance to write - the test is over. Stay tuned for more tomorrow and for the rest of the holiday! This story might end during one of those times and series 2 may start.

Thanks for reading! I can't believe me and RusherWolf have the same birthday (this Sunday). Please Review! Hope you liked it! :3