Happy 2024! Been attending lots of events while applying for jobs, given I'm a recent graduate. But here's Chapter 4 at last :)
It's finally time for Kiara's birthday gala. Under the crescent moon, many Pridelanders are gathered around a vast waterfall area. They toast to the princess and enjoy their time as her guests. Passion fruits, bananas and delicious snacks are being served at the edge of the waterfall.
Kiara hasn't presented herself to the crowd. She is taking a moment to herself by relaxing on a grassy field surrounded by bushes filled with blooming purple flowers that act as a border to the party. Vitani, with her light tan fur, electric green eyes and dark eyeshades, is happy to accompany her.
"How do I look?" Kiara asks gleefully.
"Royally perfect. Here. Let me fix this," Vitani lifts up one of her paws and adjusts the flower tiara on Kiara's head.
After a while, she's finally satisfied with her work. "Now you look even more ravishing."
"Aww. Thanks, Vitani. You absolutely got me the best gift."
"You deserve it," Vitani replies.
With one paw, Kiara pulls Vitani into a hug, one that Vitani returns.
Since the Outlanders became members of the Pride Lands, Kiara and Vitani have been super close. They'd dine and relax under the sun together. Having been a newcomer in the Pride Lands, it took a while for Vitani to adjust to a cozy, comfortable life. As an Outlander and with Zira's presence, she lived under a strict rule, and hugging and kind gestures were never encouraged, given Zira was all about vengeance. Here, there's love, compassion and emotional family connections, and Kiara with her upbeat personality was able to help Vitani transition to a new way of living.
"Alright. We better get to the gala. Let's join the conga longa," Kiara suggests after peeking at the grooving animals through the bushes.
"Oh no. Dancing is definitely not for me. I'll just chill and watch," Vitani remains cool despite being horrified by the idea.
"Come on! It'd be fun!" Kiara giggles continuously as she tries to convince her.
"It'll be Upendi all over again," Kovu grins as he walks up to his mate. "You look wonderful, Kiara."
"Thanks, love. And we'll always have Upendi," Kiara beams at him.
Both Kiara and Kovu share a passionate kiss and gently caress each other before they finally step through an opening in the bushes, making their entrance to the party with Vitani following from behind. All the animals there start to form a crowd around her, taking their turns to wish the princess a happy birthday.
Kiara is happy. She has done so much in the past few weeks. Because of her, there's only one pride - no more Outlanders. And Kovu is right beside her always – so is her family. It's all a princess could ever want. Tonight is her night. She decides to soak up the spotlight.
"Happy birthday Kiara!" A familiar voice calls out from the crowd. It's Timon, followed by Pumbaa. They both carry something wrapped up in leaves. It looks to be another gift.
"Awww thanks Timon! And Pumbaa!" Kiara exclaims in excitement.
"Open. Just so you know, we worked very hard in finding it so you better love it. Hope it makes your life extra peachy."
"But Timon. We didn't get her peaches. How can it make her life peachy?" Pumbaa asks in confusion.
"Pumbaa, do you still not know what an idiom is? We want her to feel pleasant always," Timon explains to him with slight annoyance.
"Oh," Pumbaa is finally getting it.
Kiara has teared the leaf open and beams at what she sees. "Wow! Shiny, silvery rocks! My area in the den could use a little more decoration. This is so cool! Thank you guys!"
"Glad you find them useful, princess."
"You know what, Timon, I like you a lot now that you're no longer babysitting me."
"I'll take that as a compliment. And besides, it was the worst job ever."
Kiara and Timon give each other a playful smirk.
Simba and Zazu make their way to the group and join them.
"Hey, dad. Where's mom?" Kiara asks.
"Hanging with the other lionesses. Toasting to you," Simba winks at his daughter.
"Yes, of course. We all should abandon our duties tonight to savor this fine event," Zazu adds merrily.
"Glad you're taking your own advice for once, Zazu," Simba smirks at him.
"Yes, well, as you've always reminded me, Simba, I need to get a taste of fun once in a while, and what better day than tonight to finally let loose? And- oh my!" Zazu appears to be distracted by a very pretty sight.
"Who is that?"
Everyone except Pumbaa, who has gone to chase away a bug, look in the other direction and notice Zazu's eyes are transfixed on a light purple hornbill sitting atop a tree branch at a distance. Simba and Kovu seem to be aware and grin at each other.
"Well, you might want to find out by yourself." Simba invites the group to leave Zazu to his privacy, and they all leave.
"Hmm… Yes, yes, I might. I should be courteous and maybe show her around."
"That's a swell idea. She doesn't seem to be from around here." Timon seems to still be standing there beside Zazu.
"Ah, yes, you're right Timon. Isn't she the most beautiful creature?" Zazu says in a trance-like way.
"If I were you, I wouldn't waste time standing here admiring her features. Go talk to her." Timon finally joins the others, and only Zazu remains.
As though to himself, Zazu says "I shall introduce myself" and springs into action.