It had been weeks since Zira's demise and Kovu being welcomed back into the pride lands. The lions from Zira's pride fit in well with their own, something Kamaria was immensely happy about. Nala had even taken Vitani under her wing to teach her all she knows.

"Mom! Dad!" A voice yelled behind them. Turning around Kamaria saw Kion and his friends running up to pride rock.

"Kion!" Kamaria yelled in excitement, glad her son was safe and back into her paws. Kion rushed up to his mom practically throwing himself towards her as he nuzzled into her. He missed his mother's touch while away.

"How was your trip? Everyone okay?" Simba asked once Kion moved onto him. Kion nodded against his father's head as he moved back to his guard.

"We can as soon as we could. we heard about Zira's plan to attack the pride lands. What happened?" Kamaria looked to her mate before smiling to Kion.

"Well..."

"Kion!" Kiara run up to her brother, Kovu not far behind. Kion seeing Kovu, growled out a warning.

"No! It's okay Kion! They're a part of our pride." Kion stopped and looked around confused. How much had he missed?

"How long were we gone?" Bunga, best friend to Kion and honey badger, asked. Kamaria laughed as she and everyone else followed Kiara and Kovu. Both planning on explaining to Kion and the others.

———

"So Zira is gone?" Kion asked looking to his parents.

"Yes. All is well, Kion. Don't rush back into being leader of the guard so soon." Kamaria jokingly scolded her son. She knew he wanted to help others, it was in his nature. But she knew the journey was long and he, along with the others needed their rest.

"Oh." Kion said. Kamaria, seeing her son struggle with not having anything to do, asked him about his adventures.

Kion went on to explain how the poison was removed but the scar would stay. Ono gained his vision back and the group had met a helpful cheetah in their journey. Fuli introduced the royal family to Azaad, a lone cheetah from the tree of life. He decided to stick with the guard to be with Fuli. Something Kamaria was very happy with as Fuli deserved to have someone like her around. Kamaria related with Fuli greatly.

Every animal decided to leave and see their own family or explore the pride lands with new ones. Kion, Kiara, Kamaria and Simba all sat atop pride rock, happy to all be back together again.

Seeing her son's upset expression, she asked for a moment alone with him. Simba and Kiara nodded and left, going to see Kovu and the pride.

"What's her name?" Kion looked to his mother in shock, wondering how she knew.

"I had that exact face when your father left. So, what's her name?" Kion smiled sadly as he thought back to the lioness he left at the tree of life.

"Her name is Rani. She's queen for the tree of life. She's the most amazing lion I've ever met mom! She's kind, understanding, generous, gentle. She's everything and more." Kion had a faraway look as he remembered his time with Rani. Kamaria could only smile as she sat next to her son, happy that he found his happiness.

"You know, Vitani has been in charge of the guard since you've been gone. She's done a wonderful job." Kion sent his mother a disbelieving look. Did she prefer Vitani over her own son? Did he lose his mother's love?

Seeing her sons face full of fear and worry, Kamaria was quick to add on.

"The tree of life is special, it requires someone to protect it. I know you would be willing to take on such a big job." Kion let out a breath of relief, his mother wasn't trying to replace him. She was just trying to give him a reason to go back to Rani.

"But, you and dad. Kiara! You're all here." Kamaria sent a smile to her son.

"And we will continue to be here. You can come visit us just as we will go visit you. I know Timon and Pumbaa will be begging to go see Bunga. The choice is yours Kion, but know I support whichever you decide." Kamaria nuzzled her snout into the side of his face before leaving to Simba. Kion had a lot to think about, but Kamaria trusted him to make his own decision.

———

Kion ultimately decided to return to the tree of life. Vitani took over as leader of the lion guard in the pride lands while Kion and his guard protected the tree.

Kamaria smiled happily as Kion became an official member of Rani's court. She couldn't be happier that both her children were happy and finding their places in the world.

Staying true to her words, Kamaria and Simba traveled many times to see Kion and his guard over the years. Kiara and Kovu eventually took over as king and queen of the pridelands and Kion became king next to queen Rani.

Everything and everyone was well and happy.

Kamaria smiled as she and Simba laid together on pride rock. They both were older now, their bodies more tired and worn.

Nala had passed a year ago, leaving Vitani with her legacy and love. Kamaria was sad to see her friend go but knew it was her time. Pumbaa and Timon were still around but like the lions, age had put a stop on their shenanigans.

"Who would have thought all this would have come from a stray lion entering the Oasis." Simba laughed as his mate thought back to their first encounter.

"Or that a lion only learning they weren't a warthog by seeing another lion." Kamaria laughed as she gently nudged Simba with her paw.

"That was not my fault!" Simba continued to laugh as the stars above them twinkled down at the pair. Almost sad to know what came next.

"We did good, Kamaria. We did good." Simba said quietly, his eyes shutting and chest stopping. Kamaria sadly smiled as she looked to the stars above.

Her eyes found the two lions again. Her favorite pattern in all the sky, one that gave her strength in her weakest of times. She sent a silent thank you up to whoever was listening as she felt the air leave her lungs. Her eyes shutting as she continued to look up.

The stars shone down on the pair of lions, sad to see them go. Yet they welcomed the lions into their ranks, the two finally filling their spots in the sky.

As the two lions dancing together for all eternity.