The Lion Guard: A Joyful Occasion

Author's Note: This fanfic was updated on January 3rd, 2024, nine years after publication.
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It was a wonderful time in the Pridelands. Kovu and Kiara had recently discovered that they were expecting their first litter of cubs. Each member of the family had their own reactions to the news; for Kiara herself, she was overjoyed to become a mother, feeling confident due to her strong maternal feelings towards Kion. Kovu was unsure of his potential to become a father, having lost his own during his infancy, but he still harbored strong excitement at the prospect. As for Simba and Nala, they were looking forward to welcoming their first grandchildren into the Circle of Life, a feeling shared by Vitani as she anticipated becoming an aunt, as well as Sarafina, Sarabi, Kopa, Clea, and the rest of the pride. Kion was also anticipating the birth, excited to have younger cubs to play with.
As the time for the birth approached, Nala had convinced Kiara to take a break from the hunting party, encouraging her to rest inside the den. Kiara was settled down inside the den now, her nest always lined with the softest moss and feathers Kovu could find.
Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her belly, which her mother and grandmothers had informed her meant her cubs would be arriving.
Knowing that Kovu was waiting outside the den, Kiara raised her voice to call out to him.
"Kovu! It's time!" she exclaimed.
Kovu immediately rushed into the den, coming to a halt when he reached her.
"Are you sure, my love?" he questioned.
"Yes, it's definitely time. Go and fetch everyone." Kiara replied.
At her words, Kovu immediately rushed out of the den. Seeing Simba, Nala, Kopa, Clea, Vitani, Sarafina, Sarabi, and Kion assembled nearby, as well as the rest of the pride, he hurriedly informed them of the situation, whereupon Simba sent Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa to fetch Rafiki. Nala led the way into the den, hurrying to Kiara’s side, followed closely by Simba and Kovu, with Kopa, Clea, Kion, and Vitani also joining them.
Nala approached her daughter, bending her head to nuzzle Kiara's cheek affectionately.
"How are you feeling, my darling?" she asked.
"I'm okay, Mom." Kiara assured her mother, though her words were broken by a grimace as another surge of pain coursed through her.
Simba came forward, bending his head to nuzzle Kiara affectionately.
"Your mother and I are very proud of you, sweetheart." he said.
"Thanks, Daddy." Kiara said.
Her expression softened as she noticed Kion huddled beside Vitani, Vitani's tail was wrapped around him protectively.
"It's okay, Kion. You're going to become an uncle.” Kiara said encouragingly.
At a gentle nudge from Vitani, Kion made his way over to Kiara's nest, stopping beside Kovu, who wrapped a paw around his shoulders.
"Can I stay and watch, Kiara?" Kion questioned.
"Of course you can." Kiara agreed.
Suddenly, another spasm of pain overtook her and she cried out, gritting her teeth as the sensation eased.
From the entrance to the den, Rafiki suddenly cleared his throat. He was alone, Timon, Zazu, and Pumbaa having decided to wait with the pride outside the den.
"I believe it is time for these little ones to be welcomed into the Circle of Life." Rafiki said, moving towards Kiara and coming to a halt when he reached her nest.
"I'm ready, Rafiki." Kiara said determinedly.
Rafiki set his staff down and opened the gourd attached to it, producing borage leaves and chervil. He held the herbs out to Kiara, who gulped them down. As another spasm coursed through Kiara, Rafiki gently placed his palms on her belly.
"It is time, Kiara." he said.
Kiara's claws began to shred the moss underneath her as a final surge of pain rippled through her body. 
"You will need to push now." Rafiki instructed her patiently.
Kiara growled, straining her muscles as a spasm rippled along her flank. As she pushed, a small bundle slid from underneath her tail, landing in the soft moss that lined her nest; the cub had Kovu's auburn pelt, in addition to Kiara's reddish-brown eyes.
"The first cub has been born. You have a son." Rafiki announced.
Kovu's eyes were shining with pride and affection as he gazed at his cub. Gently, he reached over, nipping the transparent layer that surrounded him, and nuzzling him.
"He's perfect, my love." he said softly.
Rafiki gently lifted the cub, placing him at Kiara’s flank, where he latched onto a teat.
"The second cub should be arriving shortly." he informed them.
As he spoke, another spasm rippled along Kiara’s flank, and she gritted her teeth, straining to release the second cub, which soon slid from beneath her tail, landing in the moss; the cub had her golden pelt, and Kovu's green eyes. Kiara gazed down at her cubs, feeling a purr rise in her chest. 
"Congratulations, you have a daughter." Rafiki said warmly, watching as Kovu nipped through the transparent layer that surrounded the second cub, gently guiding her to nestle beside her brother.
"She's beautiful." Kovu said, his voice filled with emotion.
Simba and Nala exchanged a glance, pride reflected in their eyes as they watched their grandchildren.
"We're both very proud of you, Kiara." Nala said warmly.
"Thanks, Mom." Kiara said breathlessly as Kovu crawled into the nest, pressing himself against her pelt.
Quietly, the rest of the pride entered the den, moving to congratulate the two of them, followed closely by Timon and Pumbaa.
Kopa, Clea, and Vitani came forward, each nuzzling their niece and nephew affectionately, followed by Sarafina and Sarabi, as well as Naanda, Dwala, Diku, and Ayla. 
Kion moved forward slowly, stopping in front of Kiara.
"Can I hold them, Kiara?" he asked.
"Of course, my darling. Come sit beside me." Kiara invited, her expression softening as Kion came to settle beside her.
Kovu gently lifted his son, placing him in Kion’s paws, before doing the same with his daughter. As Kion gazed down at them, he felt a strong sense of wonder and pride.
"What are their names?" he inquired.
"Their names will be announced at the presentation in the morning."
Kiara told him.
Simba moved forward, gazing down at his grandchildren proudly.
"It is my honor to welcome these cubs into the Circle of Life, and into this family." he said.
Nala reached forward, gently lifting her granddaughter up, and settling her beside Kiara, Vitani did the same with her nephew.
"We should let these little ones, as well as Kiara get some rest." Nala suggested. 
"Indeed. I shall see all of you tomorrow." Rafiki said.
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The next morning, the pride, along with Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa gathered outside the den as Simba, Nala, Kovu, and Kiara came out of the den; Nala held her granddaughter by her scuff, while Kiara held her son.
Rafiki came up to the peak, embracing each of them warmly. Standing in front of Kiara, Rafiki anointed her son, before lifting him from Kiara's mouth, cradling him gently.
He approached the edge of the peak, gazing out at the assembled animals.
"It is my very great pleasure to present, his royal highness, Prince Denahi!" he exclaimed.
He raised Denahi up, the gathered animals immediately erupting into cheers.
Rafiki came over to Vitani, who was settled down beside Kovu, placing Denahi in her paws. He came over to Nala, anointing her granddaughter and lifting her up, gently cradling her. Approaching the peak, Rafiki looked out at the assembled animals.
"I am very proud to present, her royal highness, Princess Belee!" he exclaimed.
Rafiki raised Belee up, the gathered animals immediately beginning to cheer loudly, followed immediately by them bowing respectfully.
As Kiara watched the animals celebrating the arrival of her cubs, she felt a gentle breeze sweep around her. She lifted her head, her heartbeat quickening as she saw Mufasa's spirit in the clouds, his eyes shining with pride and affection as he observed the ceremony.
"I love you, Grandpa." Kiara said quietly.
Rafiki came over to them, still cradling Belee, whom he placed in Vitani's paws.
"Thank you, Rafiki." Kiara said gratefully.
"Of course, my dear." Rafiki answered.
That night, after Rafiki had returned to his tree, he immediately went to work painting Denahi and Belee.
"Mufasa, you have every reason to be proud of these two cubs, they are the bearers of your legacy, your lineage continues through them. I am certain that they will make very fine rulers someday." he said quietly, feeling a breeze sweep around him.
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Category:Ginnyharry4ever
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