The Lion Guard: A Love That Never Dies

Author's Note: This fanfic was updated on July 4th, 2024, nine years after publication.
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On a calm day in the Pridelands, Kopa, Kiara, and Kion were spending time together in the Meadow. They were settled down underneath the baobab tree. The two younger siblings had been telling Kopa about all the events that had occurred during his absence from their family.
As the three of them were discussing Kovu and Kiara's reunification of the prides, they suddenly heard a shout of greeting.
"What's she doing here?" Kopa asked, a look of confusion in his eyes as Clea approached them.
"She probably just wanted to enjoy the peacefulness of the Meadow, like we're doing." Kiara suggested.
Her expression brightened as Clea reached them, noticing the affection in Kopa's eyes as his gaze met Clea's.
"We'll give you two some privacy, I'm sure you have a lot to catch up on." Kiara said quickly, ushering Kion away towards Sunningrocks.
Once they'd gone, Kopa cleared his throat, an affectionate look in his eyes as he continued to gaze at Clea.
"We haven't been alone together since I returned." he pointed out unnecessarily.
"That's true. I think Kiara's right, we do have so much to catch up on." Clea said. 
"What brings you to the Meadow today?" Kopa asked her.
"Kora and Afua suggested I take some fresh air outside the den. Your mother had excused me from the morning hunt." Clea explained.
Kopa waved his tail, inviting Clea to settle down beside him.
"We probably should discuss what happened the last time we spent time together, before Fisi and his hyenas abducted me." Kopa said.
"Do you remember what you told me?" Clea questioned, a nervous look in her eyes as she waited for his answer.
"Yes. I told you that I was in love with you. After all these seasons apart, I can say that nothing's changed. I'm in love with you, Clea." Kopa confirmed.
"I love you too." Clea replied.
"Would you like to be my mate? There's nobody else I'd rather have by my side than you. I never want to be apart from you again." Kopa told her.
"Yes, I would very much like to become your mate. I cannot tell you how glad I was when you returned. I missed you so much." Clea said.  
"During my absence, you were the one I thought of most, aside from my family." Kopa said.
He and Clea leaned towards each other, rubbing muzzles affectionately.
"Shall we go back to Pride Rock? My family will want to hear the news." Kopa suggested as they broke apart, gazing at Clea lovingly.
"That sounds perfect to me." Clea agreed.
She and Kopa rose to their paws, beginning to make their way towards Pride Rock. 
Once they left, Kiara stood up, having been settled down on Sunningrocks with Kion. She felt a surge of satisfaction as she watched Kopa and Clea walk off together, as it had been her idea for Kora and Afua to suggest Clea spend time in the Meadow that day, having also asked her mother to excuse Clea from the hunting party. 
Kion spoke up suddenly, breaking Kiara out of her musings.
"What happened, Kiara?" he asked confusedly, unsteadily climbing down the rocks. Kiara reached down to help him, grasping him by his scruff to lift him up. She climbed down the rocks, setting her younger brother down beside her and brushing her tail affectionately across his back.
"Kopa and Clea are in love, Kion. They're going to become mates, which means Clea will be our sister." Kiara explained.
"Really?" Kion asked.
Kiara nodded. 
"Come on, sweetheart. Let's go home." she said.
They began to make their way towards Pride Rock. Once they arrived, they saw the rest of the pride gathered around Kopa and Clea.
Immediately, Kiara hurried towards them, Kion following behind her.
"Did we miss it? Have you made the announcement yet?" Kiara asked breathlessly.
"What? How did you know there would be an announcement?" Kopa wondered. 
"Kopa, I saw the way you two were looking at each other. I've seen the way you've looked at her for weeks now." Kiara said amusedly.
Kopa cleared his throat nervously, his gaze still resting on Clea as she stood beside him.
Before he could reply, Simba and Nala suddenly emerged from the den, followed closely by Zazu.
"What's this about an announcement?" Simba asked.
"Has something happened, Kopa?" Nala added.
"Mom, Dad, you've known Clea for several seasons now. You can see what an asset she is to the pride. Today, Clea and I have decided to become mates, which will make her part of our family." Kopa told them.
Immediately, Simba and Nala's expressions brightened, the two of them rushing towards their son.
"Kopa, that is wonderful news. Your father and I are so happy for you." Nala said emotionally.
"Thank you, Mom." Kopa said.
Simba's eyes shone with pride and affection as he gazed at his oldest son.
"Upon my accession, I followed through with a cubhood promise, abolishing the law that required betrothals to be made for any royal-blooded cub. I did this for the future of my descendants, so they might find love their own way. My efforts have seen Kiara fall in love with Kovu, which had the additional advantage of reuniting two prides. I am very proud to see you find your love, my son." he said.
Bemba, Clea's mother, stepped forward from amongst the gathered pride, her eyes shining with affection as she gazed at her daughter.
"I am so very proud of you, my darling. I'm sure you and Kopa will be very happy." she said.
"Thanks, Mom." Clea said.
In the crowd, Vitani cast a shy, warm glance at Kora, who was standing beside Kovu. She looked away quickly, feeling Kora's eyes on her as he glanced over in her direction.
Kiara moved towards Clea, her eyes shining with undisguised enthusiasm and eagerness.
"Can you believe it, Clea? We're finally going to be sisters!" she said excitedly.
She glanced at Vitani, beckoning with her tail for Vitani to join them. Vitani came over to the two of them. 
"It'll be so much fun to have you as a sister, Clea." Vitani said.
"I couldn't agree more, Tani." Kiara said.
Nala cleared her throat pointedly, breaking the three of them out of their discussion.
"Do you know when the marriage ceremony will be, Kopa?" she asked, her eyes shining with affection as she gazed at her son.
"Tomorrow. Clea and I want to be married as soon as possible." Kopa told her.
"Excellent. I shall have Zazu inform Rafiki at once." Simba said, glancing at Zazu, who bowed, spreading his wings and flying off immediately.
"Perhaps, we should all get some rest." Nala suggested.
"That's an excellent idea, Nala." Simba said, beginning to lead the way into the den. Kopa and Clea walked close together, their pelts brushing. 
The next morning, the animals of the kingdom hastened towards Pride Rock, having been informed of the impending royal marriage.
At Pride Rock, Simba was standing on the edge of the peak, his gaze sweeping over the animals of the kingdom as they gathered below. The pride, along with Timon, Pumbaa, and Zazu, had lined up on either side of the entrance to the den, waiting for the emergence of the rest of the royal family. 
Moving through the crowd of animals, who parted to let him pass, Rafiki came up to the edge of the peak, embracing Simba warmly when he reached him.
"Today is truly a very special day, Simba." Rafiki observed.
"Yes, it certainly is." Simba agreed.
At that moment, Nala emerged from the den, followed closely by Sarabi, Kiara, Kovu, and Kion. Kopa followed behind them, leaving Clea and her mother at the end of the procession.
While his family settled close to Rafiki, Kopa made his way over to Clea, his eyes shining with affection as he gazed at her.
"Are you ready, my love?" he asked.
Clea nodded.
"I can't wait for us to spend our lives together. We're going to make a great team." she said.
"I believe that we already do." Kopa told her.
He glanced at Bemba, who was watching the exchange fondly. 
"I look forward to welcoming you as a member of my family, Bemba." he added.
"Thank you, Kopa. I will be very proud to be able to call you my son-in-law." Bemba said.
At that moment, Rafiki beckoned Kopa and Clea to stand before him, raising his staff above their heads once they reached him, Bemba moving over to join Simba and Nala.
"As we stand here, before the animals of the Pridelands, it is my very great pleasure to bless this union. May the two of you have many seasons of happiness." Rafiki said.
He shook his staff over their heads, the two of them nuzzling each other lovingly.
"I now welcome Clea as a princess of Pride Rock!" Rafiki called out.
Below them, the animals erupted into thunderous cheers and jubilation before bowing respectfully.
Simba cleared his throat, his expression warm with approval he watched Kopa and Clea.
"It gives me very great pleasure to welcome Clea and her mother into my family." he said loudly.
"Thank you, Simba." Clea replied.
"Clea and I have decided to spend some time in Hakuna Matata. We will return in a quarter-moon." Kopa said.
Standing between Kiara and Kovu, Kion leaned his head against Kiara's foreleg, watching Kopa and Clea nuzzle each other.
"Kiara? Can I ask you something?" he asked.
Kiara glanced down at him, her eyes shining with affection. 
"What is it, Kion?" she questioned gently.
"Do you think I'll ever find someone who I love, like you and Kopa have?" Kion inquired.
Kiara glanced over at Kovu, who was watching Kion affectionately.
"I'm sure you will, my darling, someday." she told Kion.
Standing on the edge of the peak, Kopa gazed out at the assembled animals below, feeling a surge of affection and happiness. As a gentle breeze swept around him, Kopa raised his head, his heartbeat quickening as he saw Mufasa's spirit appear in the clouds, watching them affectionately.
He glanced over at Clea, his eyes shining with affection as she met his gaze.
"Are you ready to go?" he asked.
Clea nodded.
The two of them bade goodbye to their family, beginning to head down the pathway towards the grasslands.
Category:Fanfiction
Category:Ginnyharry4ever
Category:Ginny's Fanfics
Category:Love Stories