*Foggy grayishness*

"Simba! Simba!"

"Uhh...", the cub blinked his eyes, looking up. "Where...?"

"Are you all right?", Mufasa asked worriedly. The cub was stunned as saw his father's face.

"Dad...is that you?!"

"Yes! I found you, oh my god..."

"But then it means I wasn't dreaming!"

"No, you weren't. You have no idea how worried I have been. I thought I will never find you, and..."

Smiling, Simba pushed himself against Mufasa's chest. The father and son shared a warm hug after a long separation. They both sobbed of happiness and relief.

"How did you know where to find me?", the confused lion cub wondered. "Those fennec foxes said that finding us here is impossible. And it sure was that."

"This is a very long story, son. But I also want to hear what has happened after I left you under Pumbaa's care when I went after those little devils. Tell me everything and don't leave anything out!"

"Okay, if that's what you want. It all started..."

And then Simba told everything. How Shanira kidnapped him, how he escaped from her and the fennec brothers, how he saved a flamingo mother and her eggs, adventures with Bebe's herd...

"Your experiences sound interesting but dangerous. You must have been so scared...", Mufasa nearly cried. But Simba shook his head.

"Yes, I was. But I also learned many useful tricks when we were apart. I'm braver than ever!"

"Good to hear", Mufasa ruffled Simba's head. "But surely you missed me, right?"

"Of course! And yes, I was scared too. I cried every night and, and..."

"Hey, hey", Mufasa started licking Simba. "It's okay now. We won't be separated ever again. I promise."

Simba just giggled a little. Usually, he hated baths but now he didn't mind. No one had done that for days and he was pretty dirty.

"My, where have you got yourself so muddy?", Mufasa spat between washing. "Ugh, your fur tufts are so tangled!"

"I bet you hope Mom was here now, don't you?", his son grinned.

"Every day. I can only hope she manages...but I know she will. She's strong."

"I miss her too. Speaking of her, I saw her in one of those visions. Do you know about them?"

"I do, that lovely panther told us. I saw something so horrible you can't even imagine..."

"Like what?"

"Don't worry about it. It's not important", Mufasa smiled. Simba wasn't very convinced of his expression but decided to let it be. Somehow, he didn't want to even know what horrors his father and Pumbaa went through. But although, he was way too curious.

"Dad?"

"Yes?"

"Can you tell me what adventures you had? Bebe told me some, but I..."

"Simba", Mufasa stopped him. "What I went through doesn't matter. Seeing you is the present I got and it must be enough. Trust me, don't worry yourself with it."

"Okay...if you say so."

"Trust me, it's better. But I'm concerned with this boss they were speaking about. It looks like it wants something from us."

"Like what? Who would that even be?"

"I don't know that either. The sooner we get out of this place, the better."

"Hmm...", Simba stood up, eyeing the view. He was only able to see the mist everywhere. "I can't see a thing. Where are we?"

"I'm not sure. This is a cliff we're standing on, but everything else looks strange. I was able to catch you until the vision changed again", Mufasa nodded at his son.

"But then it means that Timon and Pumbaa are out there somewhere!"

"Pretty much. I'm worried."

"So am I. But oh btw, Timon told me that you have eaten bugs! Wow, I'm proud of you!"

"Well...", Mufasa said, embarrassed. "It wasn't as bad as I thought. Maybe I was too harsh by judging their lifestyle right away. I was so confused back then..."

"Yeah, but I can see this new sparkle inside you! Somehow it's pouring out of your heart and I like it very much", Simba gave a warm smile at his father.

"I'm glad you think so. I had to give up my habits to create new ones. So now you see that even the greatest kings get scared. We all do."

Rubbing his ears, Simba nodded in agreement. Despite their time apart, it felt like they had not been separated that much after all. Maybe it was thanks to their special bond and desire for survival.

And there is still so much to share...

"But now", Mufasa took a step forward, looking down. "We need to find a way out of this place and find those two silly friends of ours."

"Good point. But where should we go?", his son looked around as well. "As I said, I don't see a thing."

"Hmm...", Mufasa frowned his eyes.

I hate this place...

"Dad!"

"Yes?"

"Look, I think the vision is about to change again", Simba pointed forward with his paw. "I see light."

"Oh dear...come here", Mufasa pulled Simba between his paws. "We don't know what we're going to face this time."

"Yeah...", Simba put his paws around his father's leg. "I'm scared, Dad..."

"Don't worry son, I'm here for you. Whatever happens, we're prepared."

"Okay...", the cub said, closing his eyes. And soon the light surrounded them...

"FLASH!"

*Meanwhile*

"Do you see them?", Pumbaa asked Timon who looked over the edge.

"No Pumbaa, I don't...", Timon said, stepping backwards. "They're gone."

"Oh no...what do we do now?! We must find them!"

"I know, but we have other problems to solve before doing that", the meerkat pointed over his shoulder. "Those dummies are still here."

"I'm surprised they let you go. Why did Shanira demand it?"

"Who cares! Let's just go before we're captured!"

"How? By jumping down?"

"Maybe. Those islands changed positions after our furry friends disappeared! Wy didn't we get another vision?!"

"Don't you remember what I told you? Shanira said that visions come and go by random. Although this vision seems to be the same, but there's always a difference."

"Great, so even the smallest detail is considered as a different vision! How are we going to find them in the middle of this messed up place?!", Timon facepalmed. Sighing, Pumbaa patted his head.

"We can only hope for the best. But it's good to have you back, bud. I'm so glad you were able to find Simba."

"Yeah, you should have seen him...that poor kid! He had been through so much and those idiots were after him all the time. Oh, dear..."

"Yes, Bebe and Cala told about Simba's adventures. Poor Mufasa was devastated. But thanks to his instincts, we found you!", Pumbaa smiled.

"Too bad that we're back in the beginning. Just when I thought we found each other, those losers did their pathetic tricks again!", Timon crossed his hands. "And I know they are scheming something over there right now!"

"How can you tell?"

"Trust me, pal, I know. Mosi and Jengo did everything to ruin our journey. They blame me and Simba for their bro's death!"

"Yes, I heard about Jelani. What happened then?"

"Well, that is one crazy story. He got smashed...wait a sec, how did you learn about that?!"

"Bebe saw those little devils heading towards The Land of Mists and overheard how they swore revenge on you. Thanks to him, we were able to locate you down...sort of."

"Okay. Well, that slimy steed of ours did a good work. Maybe we can invite him to our bug party celebration when this is over!"

"Ummm...", Pumbaa muttered something, looking away.

"What?", Timon asked.

"Nothing..."

"Don't lie to me! Your face is telling something is wrong. Spit it out!"

"I guess I should tell you, even though I don't really want to. But Bebe's parrot friends checked our home and..."

"And?"

"It's...it's completely destroyed. The oasis is not a paradise anymore. But Mufasa said that we will find a new home!"

Timon stared at his best friend. Sweat fell from his head and his hands trembled. Plus, he panted heavily.

"Timon?", Pumbaa looked worried. "Is everything okay?"

"M-my paradise, g-gone?!"

"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

The three villains stood a bit farther from the duo, discussing the situation. And to tell the truth, it didn't go very well.

"Why did you lead them here?!", Jengo spat at Shanira. "We were just about to get rid of those two!"

"Idiot", Shanira answered. "You know very well that boss needs those lions. And now, they're gone!"

"Hah, looks like you suck as much as we", Jengo kept mocking. "The only companion of yours is Dumbaa! You should be proud of yourself!"

"I am", the panther answered proudly. "I have succeeded well, unlike you."

"Like how?", Mosi asked. "That bigger cat is gone!"

"I'm aware of this. Do you really think that I didn't plan for this?!"

"I dare to argue against the fact. Otherwise, why would you be here?"

"I simply followed those fools. That bigger furball wanted to find his kid and of course, I had to see what they were up to."

The brothers looked at each other. Shanira was irritated around them.

"But in any case, I say you two take care of those friends of yours. The vision is about to change soon."

"While you're trying to sneak out? Hah, not going to work! We are on you like a shadow."

"Do whatever you like. Just make sure you're getting rid of those two", Shanira ran out of sight.

"Great, there she goes. We didn't even tell about Jelani!"

"Blah, as if she cares. We don't need her to avenge him! Now, let's just...HEY!", Mosi stopped his sentence as Timon and Pumbaa were already running.

"Hurry Pumbaa, hurry!", Timon pulled his ears. "Run like a wind!"

"Yes, yes!", his friend answered. He hated his ears getting pulled, but there was no time to focus on it. The vision started changing again.

"The fog rises! What do we do?!"

"There's only one thing to do! If Simba and Mufasa went down, so are we! JUMP!"

"Oh, Mama...", Pumbaa closed his eyes, jumping over the cliff as the fog rose fast.

"There they go!", Jengo yelled. "Should we go after them?"

"I'm afraid yes. You first, little bro!", Mosi pushed Jengo down, jumping right after. And only screaming echoed all around...

*At the same time*

"AAAH!", Simba screamed. "They're catching us, Dad!"

"No, they won't! Run!", Mufasa commanded.

The panicked father and son fled the running elephant flock that appeared out of nowhere when the mist faded. Just like the wildebeest stampede.

"I can't run for much longer!", Simba hooted. "My legs...!"

Mufasa looked at his son, then quickly at the elephants. Even though this was most likely a vision, but he didn't want to risk anything. He had just found Simba and was not going to lose him again. So he picked the cub in his mouth, changing the direction.

"Phew", Simba sighed...until screamed.

"DAD, LOOK OUT!"

"Hmm?", Mufasa wondered...and almost fell when he lifted his gaze. Now towards them ran a group of zebras.

Where did those come from?!

"Quick, quick quick!", Simba hurried his father who jumped out of the way just in time.

"That was close! Where now?"

Putting Simba down, Mufasa rubbed his mouth. Carrying the cub always tired his jawbone.

"I don't know...we can't know what is coming each time. This is a very dangerous place."

"You don't say", Simba said sarcastically. Suddenly his ears pricked up.

"Hey, I hear something."

"Again?! Uhh..."

"Yes, but it's coming...", Simba looked down. And at the same second, the ground opened.

"Oh my god!", the lions screamed. From the hole flew lots of hot lava.

"Dad, what is this?!", Simba jumped from a spot to another. "The ground collapses!"

"It's an earthquake!", Mufasa yelled back. "Hurry, come here!"

"How?!", the cub ran in circles. "Help, help, help!"

"Alright, here we goooooo...!", Mufasa picked his son up again, jumping against the wall in front of him. Or it was more likely a muddy statue or something.

"Hurry!", he pushed his son towards the top. "Climb!"

"What about you?!"

"Don't worry, I come right after you!", Mufasa said. Revealing his claws, Simba climbed up. Then, he stopped.

"Dad!"

"Yes?"

"I...I'm sorry about this case! Because of me, Timon and Pumbaa are in danger and that fox is dead! I swear I didn't mean it..."

"Oh Simba, of course, you don't! Look, when we get out of..."

*Explosion*

"OAAAH!", the family screamed. The "statue" started sloping towards the lava pond and they had serious difficulties of holding on.

"I'm slipping!", Simba sank his claws deeper into the wall.

"Aaaah...", Mufasa climbed higher, pushing his son's body with his head, trying to protect him from slipping. But it was hard.

My body gives up...not now!

The statue moved dangerously forward. Turning to look down, Mufasa realized that if he didn't come up with something and fast, this will be their doom.

"Son!"

"Yeah?"

"Listen to me very carefully! You have to climb over the top and jump to the ground from the other side! Can you do that?"

"Really...?!", Simba gulped. "But it's so high..."

"I know! But if we don't act soon, we will fall into the lava! Go, I'll cover you!", Mufasa nodded.

"I...I can't!"

"Yes you can! Trust me!"

Simba looked into his father's eyes. Despite the dangerous situation, they were full of determination and faith.

Faith in me. If he can do this, why can't I?

"O-okay. I go", Simba started climbing. He took fast but careful steps, trying to avoid looking down.

"Good, keep going!", Mufasa smiled. He knew this will succeed. The reunion happened too, so there was no way he would give up. If he did, this all has been useless. Horrible nights, hopeless feelings, desperation, darkness, dead ends...the list was endless. Now he understood what Ahadi meant when he told that what hides in the dark, it comes out in the light. The jungle looked like colorful eye candy with its "dream come true" features, but it kept something very hideous inside. Very hideous. And he had already witnessed it way too literally.

Although this is still racing against time...and there's something I didn't dare to tell Simba. If we die here, we die in reality! So hopefully we survive this!

TBC...