Author’s Note: This fanfic was updated on January 13th, 2024, nine years after publication.
It was a joyous and peaceful time in the Pridelands. Several moons prior, Clea and Kopa had been informed of the impending arrival of their cubs and had excitedly shared this news with their members of their family, who all had varying reactions of enthusiasm and anticipation, most particularly, Simba, Nala, and Bemba, who were overjoyed to welcome their grandchildren, a feeling also expressed by Sarafina and Sarabi. Kovu and Kiara had also made known their excitement to become an uncle and aunt, a sentiment shared by Vitani. Kion, Denahi, and Belee were also looking forward to having more cubs to play with.
As she had with Kiara, Nala had suggested that Clea take a break from the hunting party, encouraging her to rest inside the den, which Bemba supported. Vitani had decided to take a break from the hunt as well in order to keep her company, and the two of them were settled down inside the den now, talking quietly about Kopa and Clea’s plans for the cubs.
At that moment, Clea suddenly felt a sharp pain in her belly, which Bemba and Nala had told her meant that her cubs would be arriving.
“It’s time, Tani.” she said excitedly, turning to face Vitani.
“I’ll go get Kopa.” Vitani said quickly, getting to her paws and hurrying out of the den. Once she had exited the den, Vitani saw Kopa waiting outside, and informed him of the situation. Kopa immediately followed Vitani inside the den, making his way to Clea’s nest.
“Are you okay, my love?” he asked.
Clea nodded.
“This is the moment we’ve been preparing for, Kopa.” she said.
Kopa climbed into the nest beside her, nuzzling Clea lovingly.
Wanting to give the two of them privacy, Vitani stepped outside to inform the rest of the family. Upon hearing the news, Simba sent Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa to fetch Rafiki, before leading his family inside the den, with the rest of the pride waiting outside.
When they entered the den, Bemba was the first to approach her daughter, nuzzling her affectionately.
“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” she asked.
“I’m all right, Mom.” Clea assured her.
Kion, Denahi, and Belee exchanged a glance.
“Can we stay here, Tante?” Belee asked.
Clea’s expression softened.
“Of course, darling.” she told her.
Suddenly, a spasm rippled through Clea’s body and she gritted her teeth against the pain.
“It’s almost time.” Clea said breathlessly as Bemba nuzzled her cheek affectionately.
“You’re doing wonderfully, my darling.” Bemba said.
Kiara and Vitani came forward, each bending down to nuzzle Clea affectionately.
“We’re both really excited for you.” Vitani said.
“Thank you, Tani.” Clea said.
Suddenly, Rafiki appeared in the entrance to the cave. Timon, Zazu, and Pumbaa had decided to join the pride to wait for the birth.
“It seems your time has come, Clea.” he said, coming over to Clea’s nest.
“I’m ready, Rafiki.” Clea told him.
Rafiki opened the gourd that was attached to his staff, bringing out borage leaves and burnet.
“Will you take these herbs, please?” he asked Clea, holding the herbs out to her.
Clea nodded, reaching forward to gulp the herbs down.
“All right, let us bring these little ones into the Circle of Life.” Rafiki said, placing his palms on either side of Clea’s belly.
“Yes, it most clearly is time.” he continued, feeling Clea’s muscles ripple underneath his palms.
Kopa moved closer to Clea, wrapping his tail around her flank protectively. Simba and Nala came forward as well, settling down on either side of Rafiki.
“When you feel the next spasm, I shall need you to push, Clea.” Rafiki instructed her.
Clea nodded, gritting her teeth as a spasm rippled along her flank. As she pushed, a small bundle slid from underneath her tail, landing in the soft ferns that lined her nest; the cub had Kopa’s golden pelt, as well as his greenish-blue eyes. As Kopa gazed down at his cub, he felt a strong sense of relief and amazement.
“Well done, my darling.” Kopa said softly, reaching down to gently nip open the delicate sac that surrounded his cub, and nuzzling him affectionately.
“Congratulations. You have a son.” Rafiki said.
Bemba leaned forward to grasp her grandson, gently placing him at Clea’s belly, where he immediately latched onto a teat.
“The second one is arriving, Rafiki.” Nala said quickly.
Clea growled loudly, her muscles straining to release the second cub, which slid from beneath her tail, landing in the ferns; the cub had her tawny pelt, in addition to her hazel eyes. Kiara reached forward to gently nip open the delicate sac that surrounded the cub.
“It’s a girl, Clea, and she’s beautiful.” Kiara announced, her eyes shining with pride.
Nala reached over to grasp her granddaughter, placing her beside her brother. Clea’s eyes shone with affection as she leaned down to lap at her daughter’s pelt. Bemba was gently washing her grandson’s pelt.
“They’re perfect, Kopa. We have our cubs.” Clea said emotionally.
“Yes, we have our family, my darling.” Kopa agreed, his eyes shining with love as he gazed at Clea.
“So…are you two going to wait until the presentation to announce the names like we did?” Kovu asked curiously.
“Actually, Clea and I discussed this, and we’ve decided we wanted to announce their names now. We’ve thought for a while about what to name our cubs when the time came.” Kopa revealed.
“Our son’s name will be Kenai.” Clea announced.
“That’s a wonderful name for him.” Simba said warmly, watching his new grandchildren affectionately.
“Kiara, come sit by us.” Kopa requested.
Kiara immediately moved to settle down beside them, gently brushing her tail over her niece and nephew as they nestled into Clea’s pelt.
"We’ve decided that our daughter's name will be Kiara, Kia for short." Kopa told her.
As he spoke, Kiara’s eyes widened, and she felt them well with tears.
“R-Really?” she asked emotionally, gazing at Kopa and Clea.
“Yes. You’ve always been a loyal friend, and sister. You deserve to have our little girl named after you.” Clea said.
Kiara leaned over to nuzzle Clea’s cheek affectionately.
“I love you both so much, I’m honored.” she said.
"Sounds like you wanted to keep up the chain of names that start with K." Kovu said amusedly.
Kopa chuckled, beckoning him and Vitani over with a flick of his tail. The two of them immediately came over to them, followed by Kion, Belee, and Denahi.
“You and Kora have names that start with K too.” Kopa pointed out, still chuckling.
“You’ve got us there.” Kovu commented.
Vitani bent down to nuzzle Clea affectionately, her eyes shining as she looked at Kenai and Kia.
“They’re perfect, Clea.” she said softly.
Simba leaned forward to examine his grandchildren closely.
“I’m honored to welcome these cubs into the Circle of Life and into this family.” he said.
Kion, Belee, and Denahi came forward to look at the cubs, who were nestled in Clea’s belly fur, asleep.
“When can we play with them, Tante?” Denahi asked.
Clea chuckled.
“It’ll be a little while, Nahi.” she said warmly.
Rafiki cleared his throat, beginning to gather the ferns that had been used in the delivery, with Kiara and Nala tucking moss and feathers around Clea and her cubs.
“It is time to let these cubs rest now, everyone. The presentation is tomorrow morning.” he said.
Simba nodded.
“Thank you, Rafiki.” he said.
The next morning, Simba stood with Kion and Kopa on the peak, looking out at the assembled animals. The rest of the pride, as well as Timon, Pumbaa, and Zazu were gathered outside the den; inside, Nala and Bemba were helping Clea. Kiara and Vitani were waiting with Denahi and Belee. As Clea, Bemba, and Nala emerged from the den, the pride moved back to allow them to come up to the peak; Nala was holding Kia by her scruff, while Clea held her son.
Rafiki moved through the crowd of animals gathered at the base of Pride Rock, approaching the peak, and embracing each of them fondly. He came over to Clea, and anointed her son, before lifting him from her mouth, cradling him gently.
Rafiki approached the edge of the peak, looking out at the assembled animals.
“It is my very great pleasure to present, his royal highness, Prince Kenai!” he exclaimed.
As he raised Kenai up, the gathered animals immediately began to cheer loudly.
Coming over to where Kiara and Vitani were settled down, Rafiki gently placed Kenai in Kiara’s paws. He came over to Nala, anointing her granddaughter and lifting her up, gently cradling her. Approaching the peak, Rafiki’s eyes swept over the assembled animals.
“It is my very great pleasure to present, her royal highness, Princess Kiara!” he proclaimed.
He raised Kia up, the animals immediately beginning to cheer loudly.
Kopa moved to stand beside Clea, watching as the animals celebrated the arrival of their cubs. He felt a familiar breeze sweep around him, raising his head to see Mufasa’s spirit appear in the clouds, watching the ceremony affectionately. Kopa felt a surge of affection as he gazed up at his grandfather, remembering how he had felt Mufasa’s spirit guide him back to his family.
“Thank you, Grandpa.” Kopa said quietly.
That night, after Rafiki had returned to his tree, he immediately began to paint Kenai and Kia.
“Mufasa, these two cubs are a great blessing to your family, your lineage is in safe paws with your great-grandchildren.” he said fondly, feeling a breeze sweep around him.
As he finished painting Kia, he chuckled amusedly.
“I am sure that little Kia will certainly live up to her namesake.” he commented.