We are one.

Mufasa's words rumbled over Pride Rock as the family stared out into the Savannah. They basked not only in the orange sun that reached out and painted the world in broad strokes of red and gold, but in their own company. They had been through so much, but now that the four were together, it seemed as if the world was right again. They lingered in that spot until the setting sun nudged them from their perch as it kissed the horizon goodnight. Simba lovingly nuzzled Nala as they arose and turned to retire to the interior of Pride Rock. Simba gave his daughter and Kovu one last adoring glance before he joined Nala.

'We are one. Sounds like Mufasa took some inspiration from me." Kovu said with a playful smile.

"Kovu!" Kiara admonished with a giggle. Her playful anger soon melted into one of tenderness as she met Kovu's gaze and he gently licked her cheek. Kiara purred and snuggled her head in his mane as the pair laid down on the ledge of Pride Rock. And though the beauty of the Savannah at night was sprawled before them, and the stars painted a beautiful, twinkling picture above them, the pair had eyes only for each other, lost in their love.

Kovu awoke first. He felt Kiara's heartbeat against him, and turned to see her sleeping peacefully next to him. He smiled widely at her. It wasn't just a dream. It was a dream come true, he thought to himself. He gently removed her arms from him as he sat up, watching to sun slowly climb through the morning into day. A dream come true… wouldn't you say, Kiara? He glanced over at her again joyfully. Funny, just a few months ago, if you'd ask me what a dream come true was… He shuddered as he conjured up an image of him striking Simba down, the image that Zira had planted and nurtured in him for so long. And I came close… even if I didn't mean to.

He thought back to when he had unintentionally lured Simba into the Outlander trap. He remembered the cold fear that had creeped into his stomach as he saw them coming. Simba's hateful, accusing shout. The rising panic as the Outlanders sprung on him. He trembled as he remembered being paralyzed, watching the life he'd begun to love shatter before his eyes. And in his last seconds before losing consciousness, he remembered feeling a part of heart seem to die…he had failed…

A gentle yawn from beside him shook him from his reverie and he turned to his mate, memories set aside. He gave her a wide smile and said lightly, "Morning, sunshine."

"Good morning to you too," she giggled as she arched her back, stretching. "Breakfast?" She inquired.

"It's early, I doubt the lionesses have been out hunting yet," he replied. "Let's find some, just you and me. Let's see just how good you've gotten," he said mischievously, bending down as if ready to pounce. Kiara smiled primally and narrowed her eyebrows.

"Alright," she said, gracefully bounding down the steps. Kovu laughed and followed her down, emerald eyes aglow at the prospect of a day with Kiara.

"Impress me."