View from the Baobab Tree
I. The Outsiders
Nuka, sitting atop the highest termite mound, thinking about his father. He and Scar were so similar, but Mother didn't even notice Nuka anymore. Not with Kovu around. Scar was jealous of Mufasa, and Nuka is jealous of Kovu. Scar found a way to defeat Mufasa, though. Nuka wonders if he can do the same to Kovu…
--
Vitani sinks her front paws into the muddy stream, staring down at her swirling reflection. She feels so ugly and dirty. Mother is always telling her that she is beautiful, and deserves more. But looking back on her impoverished life so far, Vitani can't help but think that her Mother has it all wrong.
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Kovu, lost in a sea of long grass. His family is off hunting, having sneaked into the Pridelands for some real meat -- not the sickly carrion that inhabit's the Outlands. A giraffe calf comes up to him, wobbly on its gangly legs. "Hi," she says. "I'm Twiga." Kovu grins at her. "Hi. I'm Kovu."
They are unaware that they are both being watched by a hungry Zira.
--
Kovu, again, after a long day of training. Zira pretends to fight him, but she is careful not to hurt him, careful to build his strength and confidence. Kovu collapses inside the termite mound. He doesn't want to fight anymore.
--
Zira hears that Kopa has been trampled by cape buffalo. She curses, wishing desperately that it could have been her own claws bringing about the end of the young prince's life. Meanwhile, Kopa and Sarabi are safely on the outskirts of the Pridelands, fleeing under cover of darkness.
--
Damu, Kovu's and Vitani's father, watches over his cubs with a knowing smile. They are play-fighting in the dirt. Kovu looks just like his father. Damu wonders if Scar ever even knew about them.
