Rani looked at Sira. She had invited him to Pratibimba. It was finally time for the big moment. She had talked to Baliyo, the exchange going decently well. He had encouraged her to go ahead with it.

"What is it that our parents would say?" he had said. "'Follow your heart' or something like that. Trust me, Sis, you know what you're doing."

Rani took a deep breath.

"We work well together, don't we?" she asked.

"We do," Sira said. "I mean, I don't think I'd want anyone else by my side. You're the best lioness I could hope for."

"You're the best lion I could hope for," Rani said.

[Rani]

How are we so different

And yet, still so much the same?

[Sira]

Why do I start smiling when I hear your name?

[Rani]

At times I think you could be

A reflection of me

[Sira]

Still there's something deeper

[Sira & Rani]

More than what we see

There's a feeling of belonging that's deep down inside

A feeling that's been growing now we just can't hide

It's a feeling something knowing there's nothing to decide

'Cause when I'm with you, it's clear: we're of the same pride

[Sira]

Seems like I have grown up

So much since I met you

[Rani]

Like it's been forever

But everyday is new

[Sira]

We've some great adventures

[Rani]

We've also had some fun

[Sira]

All we can hope

[Rani]

Is that it's only just begun!

[Sira & Rani]

There's a feeling of belonging that's deep down inside

A feeling that's been growing now we just can't hide

It's a feeling something knowing there's nothing to decide

'Cause when I'm with you, it's clear: we're of the same pride

[Sira]

You have the energy and drive to take command

[Rani]

You have the patience I always wish I had

Working together, I finally understand

Having you by my side will help me rule this land

[Sira & Rani]

There's a feeling of belonging that's deep down inside

A feeling that's been growing now we just can't hide

It's a feeling something knowing there's nothing to decide

[Sira]

'Cause when I'm with you it's clear

[Rani]

'Cause when I'm with you it's clear

[Sira & Rani]

We're of the same pride

Rani looked at Sira.

"So, will you join me as king?" she asked.

Sira licked Rani's cheek in response.

"I can't say I'll be any good, but I will," he answered.

[Hey, Rani,] Kion's voice said in Rani's head, [we're leaving for the Tree of Life now.]

[See you soon,] Rani responded.

"We'll probably have the coronation tomorrow," she said aloud. "Six animals that are fairly close to me are coming back soon."

"Is one of them your previous mate?" Sira asked.

"Yeah," Rani said. "I consider him a brother now."

"Who'd he fall in love with to leave you?" Sira asked.

Rani chuckled in response.

"You won't believe me if I tell you," she said. "I wouldn't believe myself. I mean, the animal he fell in love with is great, no question about it. I can see why he fell in love with her. But you'd only believe it if you saw it."

"Alright," Sira said. "He's coming soon, isn't he?"

"I'll let you guess which animal is his mate," Rani said.

Fuli woke up with Kion's paws over her chest. She had gotten used to the feeling of the lion's fur on her underbelly, but that didn't mean she didn't relish it. It was unfortunate that this was their last day alone together. They might get some time alone during the night at the Tree of Life, but here was a whole day to themselves. She nudged Kion awake, his eyes opening and looking at her.

"It's morning already?" he asked.

"Yeah," Fuli said. "The Ukumbusho's tomorrow. Are we going to watch it? Or just go back to the Tree of Life?"

"I told Vitani we'd either be back the day before or the day of the Ukumbusho," Kion responded. "I say we watch it. It's her first Ukumbusho."

"You like her, don't you?" Fuli asked, a little nervous of the answer.

"Not in that way," Kion said. "I like her as a sister, like Rani. You're my mate, Fuuls."

Kion licked Fuli's cheek.

"It's the same with Jasiri," he continued. "We're close, but it's a familial bond."

"I guess I should really stop asking that," Fuli said.  "You're just much more outgoing than me."

"No," Kion said. "I can see why you're worried.  I left Rani.  But trust me, Fuuls, you're always going to be my mate. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Fuli licked Kion on the cheek.

"Thanks for understanding," she said.  "I doubt Azaad would've. If I doubted his loyalty, he probably would've either yelled at me or stormed out."

"If we never got to the Tree of Life," Kion said, "I would've done the same."

"No," Fuli responded.  "We would've found a way to heal you no matter what.  I was ready to try something else.  We couldn't let you turn evil."

"I know," Kion said.  "But enough of that.  We have just a day left alone together.  And getting cubs is the last thing either of us want now."

Fuli shuddered, remembering what Harako had done to her.

"I don't even want to start that process," Fuli said.  "And even if we did both want cubs, I don't think I'd like carrying them so much."

Kion chuckled.

"I'm pretty sure it'd only be for three months," he said.  "As far as I'm aware, that's how long both cheetahs and lions carry cubs for."

"That's ninety days!"  Fuli protested.  "I'm not throwing up in the morning everyday for that long!"

Fuli knew that she would change her mind eventually, but for now, she knew what she wanted.

"When you put it that way, it doesn't sound too appealing," Kion said.

Kion and Fuli talked until dusk, the time passing faster than they thought it would.  They had turned to the sunset, looking at the beautiful colours of it (that Fuli could see better than Kion, but he'd tried anyways) and pressing themselves against each other.  It had been the best week either of them could hope for.  If only it could've lasted longer.  But it couldn't.  The mark on their shoulders was a reminder of their duty to the Circle of Life.  They couldn't just give up on it to be together.  But they knew they'd get a break as soon as Fuli was expecting cubs.  Looking at each other, they realized they were thinking the same things.

"Nope," Fuli said.  "I told you once today."

"I know," Kion responded.  "It just crossed my mind, and I know it crossed yours.  But let's get some sleep."

"Alright," Fuli yawned.  "It's getting late.  I'm going to miss being alone with you.  Bunga's going to ruin everything."

"I remember when Rani tried to propose to me," Kion said.  "Bunga completely ruined it.  But yeah, I'm going to miss being alone with you, too."

Kion butted Fuli before lying down in the den, putting his paws over her chest.  He closed his eyes, taking in the cheetah's scent and the feeling of her fur.  Fuli turned around and licked Kion's cheek, putting her paws over his back.  They both quickly fell asleep.

Kion woke up at the same time as Fuli, both of them standing up.

"I can't believe it's already over," Fuli said.  "It feels like the week only just begun."

"I know," Kion said.  "But we promised Vitani we'd help her with the Ukumbusho."

"Let's let her Guard do it on their own," Fuli said.  "She can do it, can't she?"

"She can," Kion agreed.  "She'll have to do it next year alone."

"Let's head back and talk to her about it," Fuli shook herself.

Kion and Fuli walked back to the Pride Lands, immediately being greeted by Vitani.  She had been waiting for them for a little bit.

"Are you fine with doing the Ukumbusho without us?"  Kion asked.

"I think I can do it," Vitani said.

"You won't be alone," Fuli added.  "You have your Guard."

"Vitani!"  Zazu flew over the cats.  "The Guard's at Mizimu Grove!"

"Alright," Vitani called back.  "I'll be right there!"

Zazu landed, noticing Kion and Fuli.

"Oh, Kion, Fuli," he said.  "You two are back."

"We just got here," Kion said.  "Tell my dad we'll be right there."

"Right," Zazu flew up.

"How are you and Imara doing?"  Kion asked once Zazu was gone.

"We're mates now," Vitani responded.  "Asante.  I don't think we would be without you two."

"It's nothing," Kion said.  "We just noticed you two together, and we didn't want you to make the same mistake we did."

"Still, asante," Vitani said.  "I'll see you two at the Ukumbusho."

Vitani ran off to Mizimu Grove.

Kion and Fuli arrived at Mizimu Grove right before the Ukumbusho started, giving them just enough time to sit down with their Guard.

[Vitani]

So many paths to peace

[Shabaha]

But who's to say what's best?

[Imara]

So long as they help lead us all

[Kasi & Tazama]

To hope and togetherness

[Shabaha]

We might not look the same

[Kasi]

But take a look within

[Vitani & Imara]

What's inside matters so much more

Than feathers, fur, or skin

[Vitani's Lion Guard]

May there be peace

Peace in the Pride Lands

And let me help it soar

May there be peace,

Peace in the Pride Lands

And I will do my part

Vitani walked onto the stage alone.

"Many dry seasons ago," she said, "Askari, leader of the first Lion Guard made peace with the elephants.  Working together, the lions and elephants made the Pride Lands a safe home for everyone who respects the Circle of Life.  It is this peace that we celebrate tonight."

[Vitani, Kasi, Tazama, Shabaha, and (Imara)]

May there be peace, peace in the Pride Lands (May there be peace, peace in the Pride Lands)

And let me help it soar (And let me help it soar)

May there be peace, peace in the Pride Lands (May there peace, peace in the Pride Lands)

(And I will do my part) And I will do my part

The Ukumbusho went much better than Kion's first one, and once it was over, his Guard met Vitani's Guard and the Royal Family.

"I think we're going to head back to the Tree of Life now," Kion said.

"You're leaving so soon?"  Kiara asked.

"Yeah," Fuli said.  "Kion and I have seen the looks the animals here are giving us.  We'll feel better if we're at the Tree of Life."

"If that's where you feel happy, you can head back," Nala said.  "But you're okay if we visit you every once in a while, right?"

"Of course," Kion nuzzled each member of his family in turn.  "I'll miss you, but we have to go back to feel better."

"We'll miss all of you," Kiara said.

The Lion Guard set off to the Tree of Life.  Kion didn't know if it would work, but he wanted Rani to know they were coming back.

[Hey, Rani,] he tried, [we're heading for the Tree of Life now.]

[See you soon,] Rani responded.

"Rani knows we're heading back to the Tree," Kion said, noticing his Mark of the Guard turn into the Mark of the Night Pride.