A/N thank you all for your patients as I've been updating this story. I really appreciate the support. Here's ch. 21 for you. Enjoy.

Ch 21 Finalizing Things

"Simba talk to me," Nala said after exchanging worried looks with Sarabi. "You're really staring to worry me."

"Whats going through your head right now dear one?" Sarabi asked.

"A lot," Simba said after a moment. "This is all a lot to take in."

"Tell me about it," Kopa muttered.

"I don't think I'll ever understand what's happening," Kiara mumbled, shaking her head.

"I've made a decision," Simba said, causing his family and Pride to look at him. "At least when it comes to Kovu and Vitani."

"And what is that decision?" Nala asked.

"They can stay in the Pride Lands," Simba said. "And Vitani is more that welcome to stay at Pride Rock. But Kovu I'm afraid I can't allow you to stay with my Pride. There's just to many males as it is here."

"But Simba he's not fully grown yet," Nala pointed out. "He can't survive on his own."

"Sure I can," Kovu piped up, causing Nala to look at him with surprise. "I can hunt and I definitely can defend myself. Besides I'm used to fending for myself. I'll be just fine on my own."

"No Nala's right," Simba said. "You're only an eight month old cub. Therefore you can stay at Pride Rock until you're old enough to take care of yourself."

"I'll be more that happy to look after them," Sarafina piped up, smiling at the two cubs.

"Mom are you sure?' Nala asked. "I mean you're not exactly a young lioness anymore."

"Thank you ever so much for the vote of confidence my dear," Sarafina said, rolling her blue eyes. "I may not be the youngest lioness here but I can assure you I'm more that capable of taking care of two cubs."

"I'm sorry Mom," Nala said, lowering her eyes in embarrassment. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"I know you didn't dear," Sarafina said, nuzzling her daughter. "And I'm not angry."

"Yea!" Kiara cried out as she ran over to Kovu and tackled him to the ground while Kopa did the same to Vitani. "I'm so glad you're staying!"

"Me too!" Kopa said as he let Vitani up.

"Yeah yeah," Vitani said, rubbing her head. "I'm glad you guys are so happy. But I'm warnin' you right now Kopa the next time you tackle me I'll swipe ya on. Got it?" Vitani shot Kopa a look when she said this part.

"Sheesh sorry Vitani," Kopa said, rolling his blue eyes.

"Tani please don't ruin this for us," Kovu hissed in his sister's ear.

"It's alright Kovu," Simba said with a smile. "Vitani had the right to her own space. And Kopa should honor that. Right Kopa?" Simba looked at his oldest son when he said this part.

"Yes Dad," Kopa said softly. "Sorry I got overexcited."

"Ah it's cool," Vitani said with a grin.

"Alright now that that's been settled there's the matter of what to do with the two of you," Simba said, looking over at Sasha and Kike. "Now then I've thought about this and if you two are truly sorry then we can talk forgiveness."

"Oh I am definitely sorry," Kike said, bowing her head. "I regret this whole thing."

"Puh you always were soft," Sasha scoffed, rolling her green eyes. "Unwilling to do what's necessary. I'm not so weak and soft."

"You mean you're still on Scar and Zira's side?!" Kike cried out, her blue eyes wide with shock.

"100 percent," Sasha said, giving Simba a defiant look. "And you can save you speech about banishing me Simba because I'm leaving. And Kike I'm just telling you right now if you don't come with me then you're dead to me and no longer my sister."

"I can't believe you're doing this Sasha," Kike said, shaking her head as the tears flowed. "But if that's the way you feel then so be it."

"Very well then," Sasha said, turning and walking away. "I'll be joining Scar and Zira once I figure out where they've gone. Oh and Simba if I were you I'd brace myself because once Scar and Zira attack you and you're family are doomed." Without waiting for a response Sasha turned and walked down the side of Pride Rock, leaving her devastated sister behind.

"I'm so sorry Kike," Nala said, nuzzling her friend.

"Not your fault Nal'," Kike said with a smile. "I'm just glad you and Simba are willing to forgive me for what I've done."

"I suggest that we all get some rest," Simba said. "It's been quite the day." With that Simba and the others went inside to get some much need sleep.

TLKTLKTLK

A few months past and the cubs were growing nicely. Now it was approaching Kopa, Kiara and Kion's first birthday. And as was custom Kiara was about to head out for her first hunt. Vitani was accompanying the Princess as she had successfully completed her first hunt a few months before. Kiara was heading out when she saw a familiar face heading her way. "Asha!" Kiara cried out, running over to her friend and embracing her. "I'm so glad to see you!"

"What kind of friend would I be if I missed your first hunt?" Asha said with a smile. "Mind if I join you? Mom and Dad said your might need a guide."

"Actually Vitani was going to go with me," Kiara said, looking over at the tan lioness.

"Hey the more the merrier," Vitani said with a grin. "Feel free to tag along if you wanna Asha."

"Thanks 'Tani," Asha said with a smile of her own. Just then Simba and Nala appeared with Kopa and Kion right behind them.

"Asha!" Kion cried out, running over to his sand brown girlfriend and nuzzling her. Kion had the beginnings of a fiery red mane growing in while Kopa had the beginnings of a chestnut brown mane growing in. "Back so soon?" Kion asked, giving Asha a wink. "We just saw each other yesterday when Zuri and Tiifu went on their first hunt. Can't get enough of me huh?"

"Actually I've come to accompany Kiara on her hunt," Asha said with a laugh.

"I know," Kion said with a laugh of his own. "But any reason to see you is fine by me."

"Same here Ky," Asha said softly, snuggling into Kion's chest fur.

"Ahem," Kiara said, the irritation coming through her voice. "If you two are quite finished I'd like to go now."

"Ah you're just jealous 'cause Kovu's not here," Kion scoffed, rolling him amber eyes. Kovu had left the Pride and went to live with Nuka in the Grasslands a couple months back when he turned one.

"For your information Kion," Kiara shot back. "I saw Kovu this morning and he wished me good luck already." Then she said under her breath, "In more ways than one." Vitani gave Kiara a look as she had heard the Princess' comment. Kiara noticed the look and giggled, causing Vitani to giggle as well. Just then Simba cleared his throat, getting the attention of the two young lionesses.

"Kiara its time to go," the King said with a smile. Kiara nodded and went up to her parents and gave them nuzzles. "We are so very proud of you Kiara," Simba said, licking the top of his daughter's head.

"We love you honey," Nala said as she rubbed her daughter's back. "And we know you'll do just fine."

"Yeah sis you'll kill 'em," Kopa said as he head bumped his sister. "Literally." Kopa laughed when he said this part. Kiara chuckled and shook her head. Then Kopa's expression turned serious. "But seriously 'Tani take good care of her."

"Don't worry babe I won't let her out of my site," Vitani said, nuzzling her boyfriend.

"You better not," Kion said. "Or else." Kion winked when he said this part. Then he turned towards Kiara and head bumped her. "Go get 'em sis." Kiara smiled at her brother and took a deep breath.

"Here we go," she whispered as she, Vitani and Asha headed down the side of Pride Rock. Little did the trio know that things were about to take a turn for the worse.

A/N well folks there you have it the chapter is done. But the story isn't. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and as always let me know in a review