and stroking his mane with her paws. Kovu started purring at the comfort he was getting from Kiara.

"You were very brave putting your life on the line for Kopa," Sarabi said.

"It was my pleasure," Kovu said.

"You shouldn't talk so much since you're very injured," Kiara said.

"I need everyone except Kiara and Kopa to leave," Rafiki said.

The rest of the pride walked out to sit near the cave.

"What do you need me for Rafiki?" Kopa asked.

"You need those wounds looked at," Rafiki said.

Rafiki took a look at Kopa's wounds and confirmed that they weren't infected.

"I'm afraid that Kovu is more injured than you are Kopa," Rafiki said.

"I'll be leaving now," Kopa said.

"Not until after I put some medicine on your wounds," Rafiki said.

"You said my wounds aren't infected," Kopa said.

"This medicine prevents the wounds from becoming infected," Rafiki said.

Kovu noticed that his vision was starting to go in and out again. Rafiki allowed Kopa to leave the cave so he can take a look at Kovu.

"Should I leave Rafiki?" Kiara asked.

"No, just keep talking to him while I give him an examination," Rafiki said.

The soft voice of Kiara was comforting to Kovu. He loved hearing her talk and it made him feel comfortable even with Rafiki poking and prodding at him. He found some wounds that are infected. Rafiki put his hand to Kovu's forehead and counted a minute. He then placed his hand at his side and frowned. Kovu was still dazed and confused and Kiara asked what was going on.

"Make sure that Kovu stays off of his paws for a few days," Rafiki said.

"Does he have a sprained paw?" Kiara asked.

"Yes and he also has a fever," Rafiki said.

Kiara hated seeing Kovu in pain and told him how much she loves him.

"I love you too Kiara," Kovu choked out.

"You need to rest Kovu," Kiara said.

Rafiki put some herbs on Kovu's wounds. He winced and growled as the medicine was being applicated.

"I know it stings but the medicine will help heal your wounds faster," Kiara said.

After Rafiki put the medicine on Kovu's wounds, he said goodbye and went back to his tree. The rest of the pride went back in the cave to see how Kovu was doing.

"Shenzi really did a number on your back and Banzai did some damage to your legs," Kopa said.

"Yeah she did that mangy mutt," Kovu said.

"You shouldn't force yourself to talk, you're unwell," Kiara said.

"I'm thirsty," Kovu said.

Vitani went to get a bowl from Rafiki's tree and fill it with water. She carried the bowl in her mouth and tried not to spill the water. After Vitani got back to the cave, she put the bowl in front of Kovu. He started to drink the water. The coolness of the water felt good on his parched tongue. After he quenched his thirst, he fell asleep. Over the next few days, Kovu's condition was improving but still wasn't able to eat anything so he kept on drinking water.

"Are you feeling better today?" Kiara asked.

"I'm getting there," Kovu said.

Kiara put a paw to Kovu's forehead. It still felt warm but at least his temperature is lower than it was three days ago. Kiara stroked Kovu's mane with her paws. As the days passed, Rafiki gave Kovu permission to leave the cave. Kiara was glad about it but also knowing the genders of her cubs. Rafiki confirmed that Kiara will be having two boys and a girl. Kovu was really happy with the news. Sarabi is really happy to be able to see her great grandchildren when they are born.

A couple of months later, Kiara went into labor. Once it was time to deliver, Kiara squeezed Shani's paw as she was pushing. Shani winced at the strength Kiara had.

"Jeez Kiara, you're going to break my paw with the way you're squeezing it," Shani said.

As soon as the cubs were out, Kiara let go of Shani's paw and started cleaning her cubs of the after birth. Rafiki let Kopa and Kovu come back into the cave to see the cubs. Kovu nuzzled Kiara gently.

"They are beautiful Kiara," Kovu said.

"Our love created these little miracles," Kiara said.

"What are you going to name them?" Sarabi asked.

"There names will be Penda, Saka and Jabari," Kiara said.

"Those are lovely names Kiara," Kovu said.

"Who is to be the next ruler?" Sarabi asked.

"Our little princess will be the next queen of the Pridelands," Kiara said.

A new era has officially begun.