The cubs are incredible and they've only been in the world five months. They walk now, well they've been walking since day one but now their legs are a bit more sturdy and they can move about a bit better. They're a pawful, even on the day they were presented to the kingdom, they wiggled and swatted at the wind. They were crowned and by the way the animals cheered ever so loudly I assume they are content with the future king. Though, he has not been chosen just yet, it will most likely be Nafari since he is a bit bigger and stronger than his brother Zuri.

"Nafari, please," Kiara began once more as she scooped up Nafari from a top of Zuri "don't do that to your brother. " She placed him a few inches away from Zuri but the cub went back to biting his brothers ear.

"Stop it, Nafari!" Zuri yelled as Nafari tugged on his ear. "Ma, make it stop!" He whined and then swatted his older brother away.

"Oh, you're no fun. " Nafari challenged as he stuck his tongue out.

I watched as Kiara rolled her eyes at her children but then smiled when Zuri pounced onto Nafari and pinned him to the ground. When she caught sight of me she gave me a warm smile and began to walk over to me.

"Good morning, birthday boy. " Her sweet voice filled my rimmed ears and a broad smile laced my lips.

"Thank you. " She then rubbed her forehead against my own and sat near me with just enough space and a clear view of her bouncing boys.

"Twenty years old already. You're getting old buddy. " Kiara giggled and lightly nudged her with my scarred nose.

"Age is a meaningless number." I shrug off and then smile as I watch the cubs continue to bicker and swat at one another. Nafari is quite the cute blonde actually. His fur is almost a pale white, getting his pale fur from Nala, his eyes are a beautiful pale teal, a long, blonde, hair hair tuft being split down the middle rested on his forehead, an round light nose.

Zuri is quite the odd looking cub. While his twin brother is quite the looker, Zuri is...less. He's about two or three shades darker than Nafari, piercing green eyes, dark angular nose, and hair tuft a dark brown color being rather erratically resting on his head. He is adorable either way and he's my favorite of the two. He is the misunderstood cub as I am the misunderstood rogue.

"Little Brah!" Oh God, or dear Holy God! Not this! Please no, no, no! Mheetu came running towards me and then leaped onto me, tackling me to the ground.

"Agh!" I groan as my back and cave floor connect.

"Happy birthday!"He shouts and he nuzzles and then slobbers my face.

"Mheetu!" I yell as he continues to lick my face and press his huge body onto my own.

"You're getting old big man!" He chuckled as he finally got off of me.

"Says the one who's twenty-five. " I groan as I get up and wipe my shoulders over my face to get his drool off of me.

"Oh, come here. " He grabs my head and nuggies me.

"Ah! No, Mheetu, stop!" I yell and finally I break free causing him to break into a fit of laughter.

"Idiot. " I groan as I rake my claws through my thick mane.

"Oh come on, you used to love that." Mheetu says as he extends his front legs and sticks his butt up in the air.

"You look ridiculous. " Shanni says as she enters the cave we call home.

"Don't knock it 'till you try it, Half-Pint." Mheetu flirts with a wink. Shanni rolls her mismatched eyes and walks towards the small cubs that Kiara loves ever so.

"Oh, happy birthday Tanabi. " She says as she lays down and toys with the adorable cubs.

"Thank you, Shanni." I attempt to smile but I fail and make a weird face.

"Now that's attractive birthday boy." My expression instantly changes at the sound of my girlfriends voice. God, I love the sound of that.

"Not as attractive as you. " I smile and watch as she rolls her eyes and then pads over and nuzzles into me.

"Cheeseball. " I chuckle and pull away and lick her cheek. She's so beautiful and finally she is mine after a year of wanting her. She's mine.

"Happy birthday. " She whispered and touched her nose to mine. God I love her.

"Thank you. " I mumble back letting her scent fill my nose.

"Ugh, get a cave. " Vitani and I chuckle at Mheetu's comment and back away from each other. I watch as Vitani's slender body circled around me and with a gentle nudge she was off on her hunt.

"Oh, Tanabi. May you take care of the cubs while we go on the hunt please? It's alright if you don't want to, it being your birthday and all. " Kiara blushed as she looked over at her rough and tumble boys then back at me.

"It wouldn't be a bother. I love looking after the little rascals." I chuckle as the small cubs run over to me. Nafari jumps up onto my head as tiny Zuri nudges my large paw and sits under it, I move my paw back and engulf the small cub in an equally sized hug.

"You're a life saver." She smiled as she and my beautiful girlfriend take off with Shanni skipping shortly behind.

"Good morning, my dear friend." Oh God.

"Good morning, MK." I roll my eyes at this silly bat, he has been with us for the past five months and is practically part of the pride but is rather annoying.

"Happy birthday you slobbery idiot!" He yells as he flaps his large wings and lands directly onto my nose. Like always.

"Thanks." I reply emotionless he chuckles and flutters back down to the ground.

"Hello there, cubs." MK greeted and instantly both of the boys lunged at him.

"MK! MK! MK!" They cried as Nafari captured him in his tiny paws and Zuri swatted at MK's nose.

"Ah! Someone help!" The dorky bat begged.

"Alright boys, that's enough." I chuckled as I gasped Zuri with one of my paws and placed him on the ground next to me. Then as Nafari began to lick MK I grabbed the cub by the scuff and placed him near his brother.

"Oh, you're no fun." The blonde furred blue eyed cub whined.

"But, your Uncle Mheetu is. Come here!" Mheetu swooped up the child and tossed him into the air then caught him in his jaw.

"Ahaha, again! Again!" Nafari cheered and once more Mheetu threw him in the air and caught him.

"That looks like a lot of fun." Zuri whispered at my side. I looked down at him and saw his eyes filled with wonder and want. Well, a man's got to do what a man's got to do. I crouched down leaving my butt in the air and I lightly tapped his shoulder. Zuri's green eyes were glued to my own light green pair.

"You're it!" I yelled as I raced out of the cave leaving the sweet child stupefied. But, nonetheless, the cub came running towards me. His small tanned paws clashed onto the ground and a huge grin spread across his lips. I slowed my pace and when I did I felt a small, warm, pad touch my leg. I pretended to tumble and landed flat on my back.

"Got you Tanabi! I got you!" He giggled as he leaped onto my stomach.

"Come here!" I bellowed as I laughed hysterically and elevated him with my back paws. He giggled as I held him high in the sky. "Wee!" He cheered with a giggle. I couldn't help but laugh along with the small cub I have grown to love.

"Looks like someone is having fun." A deep voice said from behind me and I instantly drop Zuri onto my stomach and roll over careful not to squish the cub.

"Good morning Beba." I smile and he returns the gesture.

"Good morning, Tanabi, Zuri." He said as he bowed before the prince.

"Hi." The innocent child said as he waved his paw. Beba and I chuckled.

"Zuri!" I heard Muna squeal as she raced over from behind her father and leaped onto Zuri.

"Haha, hello Muna." The small cub said as he lightly pushed Muna off and once he sat up he touched her paw lightly.

"Wanna play with me and my brother?" Muna asked kindly as Makuma peeked his head out from behind his father as did Haunani.

"Really?" Beba and his cubs went on a small trip to train while the princes were growing up so this is the first actual time he has been asked to play.

"Of course, you're our friend." Muna explained as her brothers came into sight.

"Wow! I like your spots!" Zuri said bug eyed as he walked over to Haunani.

"I like your eyes." Haunani complimented and then he tapped his paw against Zuri. Makuma did the same right after.

"Come on, lets get to the cave so you guys can play safely." Beba said as he walked over the children and stood next to me.

"I'll race you!" Muna yelped as she began to run ahead.

"Hey! That's not fair you're a cheetah!" Zuri yelled back as he picked up his pace. Makuma bounded behind Zuri later passing him and his sister.

"Amateurs." Haunani said as he began to run, extending his long legs that barely even touched the ground.

Haunani looked like he was flying across the savanna as he passed both his siblings and Zuri.

"Way to go Haunani!" Beba cheered as we neared the cave.

"Hey, you want to race?" I asked Beba as I made my eyebrows dance.

"Haha, do you know who you are asking?" He teases as his tail twitched with anticipation, something he and I have in common.

"Ready?" I asked lying low to the ground.

"The real question is, are you?" He answered lying low as well.

"See you at home." I bellowed as I began to run. I heard Beba chuckle and in a matter of seconds Beba was at my side barely touching the ground as he did.

"What the-" I gasped as he winked at me and sped right past me. "Not fair, man." I whined like a child but I kept my steady pace until I crashed against someone.

"Ugh, watch where you're-oh Tanabi, it's just you." Vitani said with a groan as she sat up and rubbed her head since her and the ground came in contact rather harshly.

"Sorry! I wasn't paying attention." I explain myself as I sit up myself and lick her cheek.

"It's alright." She assures as she cuddles into my fur. God I love her, I love her so much it hurts.

"Get a cave!" Beba yelled from a few feet away causing us to chuckle and pull apart.

"Come on, Kiara, Tama, and Shanni already brought breakfast to the cave." Vitani says as we begin to walk the short distance towards the cave.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-..-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

"I'm bored." Muna whined as she climbed onto my back and sat on my head a few hours after we devoured our breakfast

"Hmm, maybe MK can enlighten you?" I asked and her brown eyes filled with wonder.

"MK! Come over here buddy!" I called knowing that he is probably still sleeping.

"Ugh, couldn't you wait 'till night fall?" He asked as he rubbed his claw over his huge orange eyes.

"Nope, now come here." He sighed but opened up his huge midnight purple wings and fluttered through the air before landing in front of me.

"What do you want?" MK said sourly.

"I need you to fly over to PrideRock and ask the King and Queen to come over."

"And why would I take up my resting time and do that?" I looked up at Muna and knowingly she jumped off my head and growled revealing her sharp teeth. "One King and Queen coming right up, sir." He said with a wide smile and then he opened up his wings and flew out of the cave.

"Ha-ha, he's afraid of little old me." Muna said jokingly with a smile.

"Well, you are pretty scary."

"Thanks." She giggled then jumped back onto my head and took a small nap. I chuckled and tried to image this little cub as an adolescent cheetah. I tried to envision her, her brothers, and Kiara and Kovu's cubs as adults with cubs of their own and problems they will have to deal with in the future. But, I simply couldn't. I couldn't do it when Nafari and Zuri cuddled into each other and snuggled closer to their loving mother. Kiara smiled down at her bunch of trouble makers and then began to lick her twins heads lulling them to sleep and I couldn't help but smile when Zuri yawned and rested his head over his blonde brother's.

"Tanabi?" I turn my head slowly, careful not to drop Muna, and my eyes land on a small bat on top of a red maned lion with a lioness next to him.

"It's great to see the two of you." I greeted as I slowly brought my head down and placed the rest cheetah cub on the cold cave ground. She shivered a bit but that was when MK glided down and rested on top of the shivering brown eyes cub instantly ceasing her trembling once his leathery skin came in contact with her beautifully spotted fur. I smiled and then rose from the ground and greeted the King and Queen with a soft touch of their paw against mine.

"I heard it was your birthday." Nala said filling the cave with her soft voice causing all the adults from the cave to emerge from their slumber and greet the royals.

"Hey big sis!" Mheetu said cheerfully as he rubbed his forehead against his sisters and then did the same with Simba.

"it's great to see you too, Mheetu." She greeted, Nala and Simba haven't been around lately as well as Kiara and Kovu due to the fact they are trying to figure out who will become King when Simba, Nala, Kiara, and Kovu all pass away. The very thought of them dying made my chest hurt and my world to spin. I shook my head to clear my thoughts and looked on as Shanni touched paws with Simba and Nala, then Kovu came and rubbed foreheads. The King and Queen padded over to their daughter and rubbed her foreheads then licked the cubs. Beba came and greeted them with a touch of the paw as well as the boys while Muna continued to rest. Tama and Tojo decided it was time for them to leave a few months back and honestly I think it was my most favorite part of their spontaneous visit here. When I looked back at the royals I noticed droplet of tears coming down their cheeks. I felt my expression change and I jogged over to them at the back of the cave.

"Is everything alright?" I ask careful not use the wrong words.

"It's just," Nala paused as she gulped and let a few more tears escape her teal eyes " today is Kopa's birthday." She sobbed as Simba held her close while tears ran down his cheeks as well. I saw as Kiara let her head hang and Kovu licked her head, something he does when Kiara is in distress. By then the whole cave was surrounding the royals as they wept for The Lost Prince.

"Maybe, if you told stories of him you wouldn't feel like he's gone." Muna suggested as she finally awoke from her short nap with the nerdy bat at her side.

"Muna, sometimes it's best to leave the past-" I began but I was silenced by Nala's ears flicking. I sat down and let her speak.

"What would you like to know love?" The beautiful Queen asked with new tears threatening to spill at any moment. Vitani was at my side and I knew by the way her rimmed ears were flopped down that she was not at all excited of the topic at hand.

"When he was a cub. What he liked to do for fun." The innocent cub said with huge brown eyes. Her two brothers were soon at her side along with their thin green eyed father.

"I think I can tell you about that." Vitani spoke silencing everyone in the cave and stopping Mheetu and Shanni's steps.

"That would be lovely, Vitani." Simba spoke with a knowing smile. Everyone sat side by side as we waited for Vitani to tell a tale of which I didn't know of. I watched as Vitani lied down next to the young cheetah cub and smiled. Genially smiled. And began to tell the story.

"Kopa wasn't like the other cubs, he wasn't like my older brother Nuka. Kopa enjoyed chasing after butterflies and pouncing and running in the tall grass. He loved lying on his favorite boulder by the waterhole and just gaze into the water. He was so concentrated he'd stay like that for hours if I let him." She had a glossy look in her eyes as she reminisced in the moments that have been replaying in her mind for years and are now being exposed to the world. Her precious memories slipping her lips as we all listened with ears erect.

"On days when Kopa thought of the unknown future, that he never got to experience, he'd come by my cave we'd talk it over. I remember when he promised me he'd make me his Queen and we'd rule together in love, peace, and harmony. That we would be together. I remember his dark red-brown eyes, how they would stare at me on days when I felt like my world was ending. I remember the times he called me beautiful and meant it. I remember when we would run through the tall grass and he'd breathe hard while trying to catch me, he never did though. He would get lost in the grass and in the end I'd jump on him. He hated that." She paused as she chuckled at the memory, I teared my eyes away from her and looked around the cave. Everyone in this cave had tears in their eyes, even the cubs that barely understood things. MK was the worst of us all, he had tear after tear rolling down his cheek. I grabbed his tiny scruff and placed him in between my gigantic paws. He mumbled the words 'thank you' and together we continued to listen to Vitani's stories of the cub I feel I know better than anyone here though I have never met him.

"Kopa was the love of my life, no one can replace him. He will always have a special place in my heart, though, I have learned that my love will never return and I have moved on," Vitani pauses and turns her head towards me, our eyes locking, "I have found my mate and I know he accepts it because I can feel it. Our love is like the wind, I can't see it, but I can feel it." She finishes with tears in her light violet eyes. I couldn't hold back any longer, I had to kiss her. I carefully lifted myself up as I licked Vitani's lips avoiding the gags from the children and the loud wailing coming from MK.

"That was so beautiful." He gushed as more tears trickled down his tiny face. The cave became filled with soft chuckles and sniffles.

"I didn't know you felt like that." Kovu admitted as he left his wife and now away cubs side. He padded over and placed his snout against Vitani's face.

"You do now." She chuckled motionlessly as her raspy voice filled my black rimmed ears. I love her. I lover her and though I know our love will be like the stars, silent and bright, I know I will never be her lost love Kopa. But, I will try. By The Great King Mufasa I will try my damn hardest to be what she wants, what she desperately needs. Her Kopa.

"So serious." I heard Mheetu mutter causing the sassy Shanni to smack his shoulder and him to groan in pain.

"Vitani?" I heard Nala say in her soft voice causing Kovu and Vitani to turn around and look over at the pale Queen.

"Yes?" My mate asked as sweetly as she could.

"You would have made the perfect Queen at my son's side." I heard Nala's voice crack and more tears escaped her teal eyes. I watched as Vitani got up and walked slowly over to the still mourning Queen. Simba stood as if preparing for the worst, but, what surprised me and I am sure everyone with eyes is when Vitani wrapped her paw around Nala and sobbed into the Queen. Nala was stunned at first but soon she wrapped her own paw around my girlfriend and cried into her. No one dared to move, no one dared to pull away the Queen and Princess. We all let our heads hang in respect of The Lost Prince Kopa and of the royals still coping. I know it sounds selfish but what a way to spend my twentieth birthday, I didn't anyone to be upset or down. I wanted them all to have a wonderful day but I suppose it is fate the Prince and I have the same birthday.

I let my green eyes scan the room and I noticed that now everyone is allowing huge tears come down their eyes, Shanni didn't know the child and her mismatched eyes were full of tears as old ones had already began to cascade down. Mheetu didn't know him either though it was his nephew in the end and knowing that he didn't get to hold him or hug him hit him hard. Simba was trying to be strong but I saw the tears. Kiara was holding her twins as Kovu was holding her, crying as they held their family tightly. Muna, Makuma, Haunani, and Beba were all sobbing. The cubs held each other as Beba made a soft sound to calm them though he was incapable to contain his own tears as they flowed down and tinkled down his whiskers. MK was basically drowning in his own tears as he continued to wail. He had an adorable pout across his lips as huge oval shaped tears ran down his orange cheeks and landed on the ground. I licked his head shocking both him and I. That was when I had enough of my tears and stood. No one seemed to notice until I was behind my beautiful mate. With my paw I lightly tapped her back and when she turned to face me, she looked distant, alone, scared. My mouth opened slightly as I took in her distressed look, I didn't think twice before spinning her around fully and wrapped my huge arm around her to cover her from the cruel world. She sighed and squeaked she attempted to control her erratic breathing and heart rate that I could feel against my own chest. I love her, I will continue to say this until the day I die. I love her, I love her more than the oxygen I breathe. I can't stand seeing her like this, seeing her broken.

"It's okay, baby, I'm here." I whispered so only she could hear. She whimpered and I noticed this is one of the few times I have seen her show emotion.

"He's gone." She muttered and I felt like my heart shattered into a million and one pieces.

"He's here with you now, like always. He's in the air we breathe and in the stars at night. Kopa lives in you, baby." I kept whispering not wanting, selfishly, for anyone to hear my words of comfort since they were for her and only her.

"It hurts." She shuttered.

"I know, I know." I began to lick behind her ear and after a few minutes she sighed once more and scooted back.

"Thank you." Vitani said with puffy violet eyes and a stuffy nose.

"Of course." I then licked her nose causing a small smile to creep onto her lips.

"I love you." She whispered causing my heart to explode.

"I love you." I repeat the words meaning it. Again she smiled and slithered next to me and nuzzled into my light brown mane.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-..-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-...-.-.-.-.-..-.-.-.-.-.-..-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-..-.-.

Night fall came quickly as I noticed Vitani's story took up about an hour or two and then all the crying was another hour. I was perfectly fine with it.

"So, boss, what else do you have planned for your birthday?" MK asked still recovering from his hysteric crying.

"Well, Shanni was dying to tell us a fable a while ago and I don't see why she shouldn't now." I say as I turn my head to look at the beautiful Shanni.

"Really? I mean with the circumstances-"

"It'll lighten up the mood, come on. I'm sure the cubs would love to hear it all." I turn my head slightly and almost laugh at how quickly all five cubs shot up with ears perked up.

"A story?" Muna asked with a sparkle in her eyes as she wagged her tail. Shanni giggled and pressed her nose against Muna's causing her to giggle.

"Alright." Shanni said in her perky voice and soon everyone was surrounding Vitani's older sister.

"Well, it isn't a tale. It's all true and it is called Hijo De La Luna." She explained as she said the name in a funny accent.

"Hiyo De La what?" Nafari asked as he tilted his head to side causing his thick blonde mane to flutter down covering one of his dazzling teal eyes. Again Shanni chuckled.

"Hijo De La Luna, it means Son Of The Moon. My mother told this story to me as a young cub before we got separated." I felt Vitani stiffen at my side so I placed my paw over hers and felt her rest at my side.

"Well, go on, go on." Zuri said excited as his tan black tipped tail twitched with anticipation. Something him and I have in common which I find really funny.

"Don't misunderstand me.

And wait until the ending.

Of an old legend

Telling bout a lioness who

Prayed to the moon and the stars

Crying she was asking

Pleading until sunrise to

Marry today

'You will have your husband

Darker fur but

You will have to promise' said the moon

"That the first son he gives you

Will be mine at want and that's the price you shall pay.

If you sacrifice him

Not to be alone then

You will barley love him'

Moon you want to be mother

She you can't find a love

so what will you do?

Tell me silvery moon

What will happen to you with a kid made of skin

Aaah aaah aaaaaaaahhh

Hijo De La Luna.

So a boy was born from

The dark father

But his fur was pale as

Snow in winter

His eyes weren't olive

As they has expected for he

Was the son of the moon

'This is a betrayal! He isn't my son and you've dishonored my name!

Moon you want to be mother

She you can't find a love

so what will you do?

Tell me silvery moon

What will happen to you with a kid made of skin

Aaah aaah aaaaaaahhhh

Hijo De La luna

Man was made unconscious by his anger

Grabbed the lioness violently

Claws extended

And shouted with a cymbal

'How dare you deceive me!' And

He hurt her to death

Holding small albino

He went to the mountains and

Abandoned him there.

Moon you want to be mother

She you can't find a love

so what will you do?

Tell me silvery moon

What will happen to you with a kid made of skin

Aaaah aaaahh aaaaahhhh

Hijo De La Luna!

If the moon becomes full

Son is sleeping

But if she is half then he'll be weeping

So she'll be his cradle

Lower than diminish and

Embrace him again...

So she'll be his cradle

Lower than diminish and

Embrace him again!" She rhymed and somewhat sang as the moon illuminated the dark cave giving it all the more mysterious effect and just as the moon hovered over the cave it shone down onto Mheetu causing him to look pale white and his dark teal eyes to turn blue and his dark brown mane to turn a pitch black. All the cubs stared at him with wide eyes and jaws dropped.

"Hijo De La Luna!" Cried my sweet Zuri as he pointed his paw at his Great Uncle Mheetu. Mheetu looked confused at first then looked down at his pelt and busted out into a fit of laughter as did the cubs as Zuri fell back into my paws giggling.

"I told you it was real!" Cried Shanni was victory all over her face, only causing us to laugh harder. Even the King and Queen laughed the ironic moment and I knew then that even though Kopa wasn't here he pulled us closer. Bringing me to Vitani and bringing Shanni into the family as well as Mheetu and the sweet family of Beba's and most of all the twins that love each other so much they can't stand each other.

Kopa made our love grow and I can't thank him enough for that.

What a day.

Happy birthday to me.

__________________________________________________________________________________
I UPDATED!!!! Put down your pitch forks and torches!

I won't bore you with an excuse since you don't really care haha.

Thank you all for almost 9000 reads!! If it weren't for you I wouldn't have such a successful book and believe me your feedback really does matter to me.

Make sure to comment below and don't forget to vote.

I'd also like to thank my good friend Shanni13 for the idea for this chapter and making the adorable pic of Kovu, Kiara, Nafari, and Zuri. THANK YOU!!!

I do not any of the pictures nor the video they belong to those who rightfully own them.

LoVe Ya!!!

'Till my next post!!

~Delaney ^.*

P.s make sure to read live2tellthetale books they're really good :)

P.p.s. Please go and check out my newest book Who Am I? It is one of my favorites to write right now and it would mean the world to me if some of you guys were to read it and comment. Thanks!!!