Lion King 8: The Truth

Heading back to the den the 4 lions walked through the jungle in complete silence. Simba walked in front of Nala to avoid looking at her because he was afraid of how she now saw him. Nala sensed Simba's pain and felt useless because she didn't know how to help him. After reaching their den, Fahari and Shupuva glanced over at Nala which made Simba feel uneasy and he stepped in front of Nala unsheathing his claws.

Chuckling, Shupuva: Someone's a little over protective don't you think?

Leaning against Simba, Nala: It's alright Simba. After Simba retracted his claws and turning her attention back to the Fahari and Shupuva. So just who are you 2?

Fahari: My name is Fahari and this is my bother Shupuva. I'm Sarafina mate and your father Nala.

Shupuva: I'm Kama mate and father of Tama and Shwari. By the way I'm sorry for attacking you but I'm glad to see you have your mother's spirit and even mastered her and Sarabi's little trick.

Completely dumbfounded, Nala: You're my father and uncle? If that's true where have you been all this time?

Fahari: While Simba's grandfather, King Ahadi, ruled over the Pride Lands me, Shupuva and Mufasa loved exploring the borders. One day we traveled a little beyond the borders and discovered this jungle. We explored a small portion of the jungle when Mufasa got the idea of adding it to the Pride Lands. We made plans to do so but not too long afterward King Ahadi died and Mufasa became the new king. With King Ahadi dead a few rogue lions, hyenas and leopards got the notion the Pride Lands were free for the taking so we were constantly teaching them otherwise. After we defeated all the major intruders, the idea of adding the jungle to the Pride Lands was brought back up but around this time you, Simba, Tama and Shwari were born. After talking it over with Sarafina, Sarabi, and Kama we all decided that Shupuva and I would explore the jungle, make sure it wasn't inhabited by other predators and claim it as part of the Pride Lands. Although there was a part of us didn't want to leave you behind we knew you were left in safe paws with Mufasa and we wouldn't be gone for long.

Shupuva: We planned on returning after a few months. A week before we were suppose to head back we found Simba lying unconscious in the desert on the outskirts of the jungle.

Lowing his head, Simba: So you knew who I was this entire time?

Fahari: When we first found you we thought you were just some random cub. The last time I saw you, you were still a new born cub who hadn't ever opened his eyes yet and I was too preoccupied with Nala to pay close attention to you. I figured out who you were when that hyena attacked you while I was hunting. You reminded me a great deal of your father so I sent Shupuva back to the Pride Lands to confirm your identity and figure out why you were in the desert alone. When Shupuva returned he confirmed your identity and we learned that Scar became king, the hyenas invaded Pride Lands, and what led to Mufasa death.

Confused, Nala: Wait if you knew how bad things were back in the Pride Lands why didn't you come back to help us?

Gesturing toward Simba, Shupuva: Although we wanted to we couldn't because it wasn't our right to bring Scar down. It was Simba's.

Releasing a deep sigh, Simba: If you know what led to my father's death then you know why I can't go back. How could I ever return and face the pride after being responsible for my father's death. My mother would never forgive nor do I have the right to be forgiven or to take my father's place as king.

With a serious expression on his face, Fahari: That's where you're wrong Simba. You were never responsible for Mufasa's death.

With his eyes shooting wide open, Simba: What!

Release a deep breath while slowly closing and reopening his eyes, Shupuva: Scar was always jealous of your father and hated the fact that he became king. After you were born Scar saw you as something pushing him further from the throne. Scar led you into a trap. He had the hyenas to start that stampede in order to kill you and Mufasa. When the stampede didn't do the job Scar waited for his opportunity and when Mufasa climbed up the side of the gorge Scar threw him to his death. With Mufasa dead Scar knew he could easily manipulate you into believing his death was your fault and exiled you. He tried to insure his newly acquired position by sending those hyenas to kill you. He didn't want you becoming a loose end and return to reclaim your place as king. With the 2 of you dead he finally achieved his goal to become king of the Pride Lands.

Looking back on the day of the stampede Nala remembered how weird Scar was acting when he first told Simba about Mufasa's surprise and how adamant he was about Simba going alone. This always bothered Nala especially since Mufasa never minded sharing whatever he wanted to show or give Simba with her. Looking over to Simba a chill went down Nala's spine as instead of a look of seer disbelief or complete shock she saw nothing but unbridle rage filling Simba's eyes.

In a low growl, Simba: So you're telling me Scar is the reason why I lost my father, pride, and home? All the suffering my mother, Nala, and the all others had to endure was because of him? Why didn't you tell me immediately when you found out?

Fahari: We were waiting for the right moment to tell you.

Snarling, Simba: And when was that! Do you have any idea how bad I felt everyday and the nightmares that tormented me every night? Do you have any idea how bad the pride has been suffering?

Sternly, Fahari: We were going to tell you when you had enough training to reclaim the Pride Lands. After we learned what really happened to Mufasa we decided to train you to become the strong and powerful lion Mufasa always wanted you to be so when you were ready you could defeat Scar and reclaim your place in the circle of life. You're a lot like Mufasa so I knew if we told you too soon you would let your anger consumed you and you would've ended up trying to sneak away to fight Scar and get yourself killed in the process. We knew how bad you were suffering but we chose not to help you because your suffering made you work even harder in your training.

Overcome by his rapidly growing rage Simba ran off leaving Nala behind with Fahari and Shupuva. Turning to chase after Simba, Nala was stopped by Fahari leaping in front of her blocking off her path.

Fahari: Give Simba a little time to his self to blow off some steam.

Concerned about Simba, Nala ignored Fahari moving past him and chasing after Simba. Following Simba's scent it wasn't long before Nala found Simba growling and destroying a tree. Approaching slowly Nala was brought to a complete stop when Simba slammed his head against the tree and let out the most sorrow filled roar she had ever heard.

Slowly trying to approach Simba again, Nala: Simba you have calm down.

Livid, Simba: Calm down?! How am I supposed to calm down Nala?! I just learned Scar killed my father. Because of him my mother, the pride and you have been forced to suffer because I was dumb enough to believe him!

Nala: Simba you can't blame yourself. You were just a cub and Scar is your uncle. He never gave you a reason to believe he would betray you or your father.

Sitting down, Simba: I spent every day since the stampede feeling guilty about my father's death and leaving everyone behind. There wasn't a single day or night that I didn't miss my father, mother or you. The only thing that seemed to take my mind off of things was my training. Do you have any idea how bad it feels to live your life knowing you would never see the ones you cared about again and believing you were the reason why?

Sitting beside Simba, Nala: Yeah, I do. I felt that way after we heard the news of your death. I pretty much cried myself to sleep every night for a week and every day I walked over to the gorge hoping to find you climbing back up to return home but you never did. Soon I started believing your death was because I wasn't there with you.

Confused, Simba: What, why would you think that?

Looking down, Nala: Every time we were ever in danger or did something really stupid we were always together watching each other's back. Remember when the hyenas chased us across the elephant graveyard and I was sliding down those bones, you stopped that hyena from killing me. Or the time I helped pulled you up that tree to avoid that angry buffalo trying to kill us. Even though ultimately Mufasa, our moms or someone from the pride saved us we were always there for each other. The day of the stampede I knew Scar was being weird I when he came to get you but I did nothing about it. While you were trying to survive I was playing with the others. It felt like since I didn't follow you to the gorge I left you alone to fend for yourself and ultimately it cost you your life.

Leaning against Nala, Simba: No Nala, it was good you didn't come. I don't know what I would've done if something happened to you during that stampede.

Nala: Then times started to get worst in the Pride Lands. The hyenas invaded, I was forced to watch as the pride have their kills stolen and constantly threatened by Scar to keep us docile and obedient. The only thing I felt I could do was keep our promise to become strong lions one day so I had my mother and Sarabi start my training immediately.

With his temper slowing growing again, Simba: Fahari should've told me the truth sooner. I could've….

Shaking her head and with a small grin, Nala: He did the right thing Simba. He was only trying to help you and keep you from doing something stupid and reckless which we both know you would've done. Mr. "I Laugh In The Face Of Danger".

Failing to hide a smirk, Simba: This coming from the lioness that always stood there right alongside me laughing.

Lightly laughing, Nala: What can I say it was always fun.

Simba: I'm sorry for not coming back. I wasn't there when everyone needed me the most.

Nuzzling under Simba's chin, Nala: It doesn't matter. All that matters is you're alive and here now.

Simba: I will make Scar pay for everything he's done and the pain he has caused. I promise you!

Nala: And I'll be right besides you.

Sternly, Simba: Not this time Nala. I don't want you….

Raising an eyebrow, Nala: Like you said Simba I always stood right beside you laughing in the face of danger and this will be no different. Pushing Simba over and pinning him to the ground, Beside I'm still a better fighter than you so who better to watch your back than the one lioness who knows you best.

With a sigh turning into a grin, Simba: That's questionable but I guessing this is one of those moments when trying to argue against you is pointless, isn't it?

With a playful grin, Nala: Why yes, yes it is.

Shaking his head playfully, Simba: Fine but I'll be watching your back as well.

Nala: Seeing as you were always behind me anyway I don't think you have much of a choice in the matter.

Simba: Funny but do you mind letting me up now Nala?

With a sly smirk and a quick nuzzle against Simba's muzzle Nala backed off of Simba and let him up.

Heading back toward the den, Nala: Come on Simba, let head back. I'm sure Fahari and Shupuva still want to speak with us.

Chuckling, Simba: Lead the way.