Rafiki's answer came.

"...The same," he said.

Simba and his family could not believe what they just heard. They all gasped and said, "The same?!"

"How can you feel the same?! That shoulda filled ya up!", said Timon.

"Shh!", Kiara hushed Timon, who is a bit surprised by this.

"Rafiki, don't go," Simba whispered to him, starting to get worried.

"Apologies, my boy," Rafiki said, "But I have served my time in the Circle of Life. I will be completing my journey soon."

Rafiki coughs a few times as the family look at him with sorrow.

"But before I go, I would just like to say a few words," said Rafiki. He turns toward his apprentice Makini. "Makini...", Rafiki wheezes out.

"What is it, Rafiki?", Makini asks her teacher.

"You will take over as Royal Mjuzi of the Pridelands. Be sure to take very good care of the land, as well as my tree."

Makini smiled a sad smile, "Absolutely, Rafiki. All for you."

"And you will continue my legacy," Rafiki told her.

"That's right," confirmed Makini. "Thank you for teaching me all you know."

"And Simba...", Rafiki turns toward Simba. Simba comes forward to listen to Rafiki.

"I'm right here, Rafiki," Simba assured his friend.

"I am going to a better place now," Rafiki told Simba.

At this, Simba started to tear up.

"I know," Simba said, trying not to cry.

"But just rest assured... *cough* *cough* I will be in the stars, with Mufasa. Watching over you."

"I know, Rafiki. I know," said Simba. "Thank you for everything."

"No. Thank you, Simba, for protecting these lands from danger and for carrying on each generation of kings," said Rafiki.

"You're welcome, my friend," said Simba.

"Now... *cough* *cough* ...Be sure to take very good care of yourself, your family, and your friends until the end of time."

"Of course."

"*cough* *cough* *cough* I know you will do what is right...", Rafiki zoned out as he closes his eyes and takes one last breath.

"Rafiki?", said Simba. "Rafiki!", Simba shook Rafiki's shoulder. "...Rafiki?", asked Simba as he slowly began to realize his friend was gone. Simba starts to cry, so Nala rubs her head on his mane.

"He's gone," Kiara said to Kovu as she cried against his mane, so he rests his head on hers.

Timon and Pumbaa look at each other with tears in their eyes, then burst out wailing and hug each other. Everyone is letting Rafiki's passing sink in.