[The scene transitions to evening. The pride marches back toward Pride Rock. Simba pauses on a ridge as the lionesses continue on. Nala stops and looks over one shoulder.]

Nala:Simba?

Simba:clears his throat* [Nala smiles and follows after the pride.]

Kiara:[Simba sets Kiara on a nearby rock. She grins up at him.] *giggles* [Simba glares at Kiara, unfazed. She drops the act.] *sighs*

Simba:Kiara, what did you think you were doing? You could have been killed today.

Kiara:[Kiara sits.] But, Daddy, I... I didn't mean to disobey–

Simba:[Simba strides around Kiara.] I'm telling you this because I love you. I don't wanna lose you.

Kiara:[Kiara stands and swivels to face Simba.] I know

Simba:[Simba nuzzles Kiara.] If something happened to you, I don't know what I'd do. One day, I won't be here, and I need you to carry on in my place. You are part of the [Simba looks up with a smile.] great Circle of–

Kiara:[boredly] Circle of Life. I know.

Simba:Exactly. And you need to be careful. [Simba places a paw over Kiara.] As future queen–

Kiara:[Kiara jerks out from under Simba's paw.] What if I don't wanna be queen? It's no fun.

Simba:That's like saying you don't wanna be a lion. It's in your blood. As I am. We are part of each other.

Kiara:[Kiara closes her eyes and lifts her chin stubbornly.] Hmph! [Simba nudges Kiara off the rock.] Oof!

Simba: [Simba flashes Kiara a wide grin, and she grins back hesitantly. The two embrace, purring.] As you go through life, you'll see [Simba and Kiara watch a mother bird feed her babies. One of the babies tries to fly out of its nest.] there is so much that we don't understand, [Kiara smiles up at the baby bird.] and the only thing we know [The mother bird herds her baby back into the nest.] is things don't always go the way we planned. [Kiara frowns sadly. Simba bounds onto a ridge that overlooks the Pride Lands.] But you'll see every day [Below, a mother wildebeest tries to help her baby stand.] that we'll never turn away when it seems all your dreams come undone. [Kiara smiles down at the baby wildebeest. It starts to run on its own, kicking its legs joyfully.] We will stand by your side, filled with hope and filled with pride. [The mother wildebeest runs alongside her calf and steers it back toward the herd. Kiara looks up at Simba questioningly.] We are more than we are. [Simba jumps off the ledge.] We are one!

Chorus: [Baboons sit in a row on a tree branch.] Family. Family. We are one! [A baby hippopotamus jumps from its mother's back to its father's.] Family. Family. [The baby hippopotamus jumps into the water. Its parents emerge below it, pushing it back to the surface.] We are one! Kiara: [Simba and Kiara stride across a nearby log.] If there's so much I must be, [Kiara pauses and looks at her reflection in the water. Simba briefly pauses next to her, then moves on.] can I still just be me, the way I am? [A fish jumps, distorting Kiara's reflection. She straightens.] Can I trust in my own heart? Or am I just one part of some big plan?

Simba: [A flock of birds flies past Simba, who stands on a fallen tree.] Even those who are gone [Simba stares at a distant star.] are with us as we go on. [Kiara climbs the fallen tree next to Simba.] Your journey has only begun. [Simba bends down to Kiara's level.] Tears of pain, tears of joy. One thing [Simba straightens and looks up boldy.] nothing can destroy is our pride, deep inside. We are one! [Simba jumps off the fallen tree, and Kiara follows him.]

Chorus: [Simba races through a crowd of animals with Kiara on his heels.] Family. Family. We are one! [Simba pauses and lets Kiara catch up before he keeps running.] Family. Family. We are one!

Simba: [Kiara races happily after Simba.] We are one, you and I. [Simba splashes through a puddle. Kiara follows, making a much smaller splash.] We are like the earth and sky. [Simba and Kiara bound up a series of small ledges.] One family under the sun. All the wisdom to lead, [Simba pauses on a ledge.] all the courage that you need, [Kiara pauses, looking up in distress.] you will find when you see [Simba gestures to Pride Rock behind him.] we are one! [Kiara squints unhappily at Pride Rock. Simba follows her gaze, confused, before he understands. With a smile, he strides down to her.] As long as you live here, [Simba nuzzles Kiara.] it's who you are. [Simba licks Kiara.] You'll understand someday. My Father told me respect Daniel Tiger and his family one day you do the same with Daniel Tiger's Sister.[Simba bounds away. He pauses briefly and looks at Kiara over one shoulder before walking offscreen. A baby bird flits around Kiara's head. She watches it happily. It flies off into the sunset, and she watches it go wistfully.]

(Meanwhile Daniel Tiger got home)

Daniel Tiger: Hey Mom,Dad.

Dad Tiger: Hey Daniel Tiger how was your day?

Daniel Tiger: It's okay.

Mom Tiger: Daniel Tiger there's something I gotta tell you.

Daniel Tiger: What It is Mom?

Mom Tiger: My Mother Told me That lion and tiger are one.

Daniel Tiger:Really?

Mom Tiger: Yes us tiger and lion are together as one

Daniel Tiger: Oh okay I go to my room thank you for me.

Mom Tiger:Welcome son.

[The scene transitions to the barren landscape of the Outlands. Several lionesses are gathered around the termite mounds.]

Lionesses:[Two lionesses fight over a bone.] *growls*

Nuka:Nuka plods along sulkily. Nearby, Vitani tugs at a tree root.] Kovu, Kovu, Kovu. Scar wasn't even his father. He just took 'im in. [Nuka notices Vitani.] Oh, hey, Vitani! Where's the little termite, Kovu? [Nuka strikes a pose sarcastically.] The "Chosen One." [Nuka cuts the root with his claw, sending Vitani tumbling offscreen.] *laughs*

Vitani:[Vitani stands.] Nuka! Where's Kovu? [Vitani strides toward Nuka.] Did you leave him out there on his own again?

Nuka:[Nuka fiddles with the tree root. As Vitani approaches, he lets go.] Hey, it's every lion for himself out here! [Nuka scratches himself, causing termites to fly out of his fur.] That little termite's gotta learn to be on his own.

Vitani: Mother's going to be so mad. She told you to watch him.

Nuka:Nuka scratches his mane.] Oh, who cares? [Nuka scratches his shoulder.] I should've been the Chosen One. [Nuka scratches his back against the tree.] I'm the oldest, I'm the strongest, I'm the smartest– [Nuka jerks away from the tree.] *screams* And oh, these termites! [Nuka bites frantically at himself, then writhes on the ground. Vitani watches with a smirk. Nuka scoots toward Vitani on his rear end.] I could be a leader if she'd just give me a chance!Nuka: {scooting along on his rear} I could be a leader, if she'd just give me a chance!

Vitani: Yeah right. Why don't you tell that to her?

Nuka: Yeah? Don't think I won't!

Vitani: Oh yeah? {chuckles} Here's your chance.

{Zira walks slowly by Nuka, carrying Kovu in her mouth. She ignores Nuka entirely.}

Nuka: What? Oh... Mother! Mother, hi! {laughs nervously} Mother, I caught some field mice for your dinner, I left 'em by the, um... by the... okay.

{Zira drops Kovu. Vitani pounces next to him.}

Vitani: Hey, Kovu. You wanna... fight? {She mock-snarls; he looks earnest.}

Zira: {turning to Nuka, who becomes visibly frightened} You were supposed to be watching him!

Kovu: It's not his fault! I went off on my own!

{Zira turns on Kovu, backing him along the ground with her words.}

Zira: What were you doing?

Kovu: N-nothing!

Zira: Who has made us Outsiders?

Kovu: Simba!

Zira: Who killed Scar?

Kovu: Simba!

Zira: And what have I told you about them?

Kovu: Sorry, mother! ...Sh-she didn't seem so bad. I thought we could be-

Zira:[Zira juts her head at Kovu.] Friends?!

Kovu:*gasps*

Zira:Zira circles Kovu.] You thought you'd get to the daughter and tiger cub[Kovu watches Zira.] And Simba would welcome you with open arms?! [Zira rolls her eyes.] What an idea! [Zira pauses, and a sly grin spreads across her face.] What an [Zira juts her head at Kovu.] idea! [Zira grabs Kovu by his tail and pulls him toward her.] You brilliant child. [Zira pulls Kovu against her leg.] I'm so proud of you! [Zira strokes Kovu.] You have the same conniving mind [Kovu tries to get away, but Zira pulls him back.] that made Scar so... [Zira raises one paw, claws extended.] powerful.

Nuka:[Nuka pretends to wretch.] Yecch.

Zira:[Zira rounds on Nuka.] *roars*

Nuka:[Nuka covers his face with his paws.] *laughs* [Zira picks up Kovu in her jaws and carries him toward the termite mounds. Nuka watches them go. He sits with his shoulders hunched angrily.] Ugh. The Chosen One.

[Zira carries Kovu into the termite mounds. She deposits him in a cradle made of rock.]

Kovu:*grunts*

Zira:[Zira stands by Kovu's head.] I now see the path [Zira makes a clawed fist.] to our [Zira straightens.] glorious return to power! [Zira holds up a paw dramatically.]

Outsiders:[The Outsiders watch from the shadows.] *growls*

Kovu:But, I don't want–

Zira:[harshly] Hush! [Zira's voice softens. She sidles up to Kovu.] Hush, my little one. [Zira straightens. She speaks as if to a baby.] You must be exhausted. [Zira nuzzles Kovu.] Sleep, my little Kovu. [Zira circles Kovu.] Let your dreams take wing. [Zira nudges Kovu's tail into the cradle.] One day, when you're big and strong, [Zira's eyes widen, and she grins.] you will be a king. [Zira strides off.]

Kovu:Good night.

Zira:[Zira looks over one shoulder.] Good night, my little prince. [Zira walks deeper into the termite mounds.] Tomorrow, your training intensifies. I've been exiled, persecuted, [Zira climbs a steep mound.] left alone with no defense. When I think of what that brute did, [Zira unsheathes her claws.] I get a little tense. [Zira glares through her claws. She strides past several smiling Outsiders.] But I dream a dream so pretty that I don't feel so depressed. [Zira slithers between several mounds.] 'Cause it soothes my inner kitty, [Zira lounges on her back at the top of a mound.] and it helps me get some rest. [Zira jumps down onto a different mound. Nuka and Vitani watch from below.] The sound of Simba's dying gasp!

Nuka:Nuka falls over, feigning death.] Blegh!

Zira: His daughter and his little tiger cub friends[Zira clenches her paws, as if strangling someone.] squealing in my grasp! [Nuka picks up Vitani, who scrabbles at his head until he lets go. Zira climbs a tall mound.] His lionesses' mournful cry. [Zira stands on her hind legs.] That's my lullaby! [in mock regret] Now, the past [Zira holds a paw to her forehead dramatically.] I've tried forgetting, and [Zira gestures with one paw.] my foes I could forgive. [Zira watches several termites march in a line.] Trouble is, I knows it's petty, [Zira walks a claw past the termites.] but I hate to let them live. [Zira smacks the termites away.]

Nuka: [Nuka approaches Zira.] So you found yourself somebody [Zira licks her claws.] who'll chase Simba up a tree?

Zira: [Nuka grins at Zira, drooling.] Oh, the battle may be bloody, [Zira grabs Nuka by the jaw.] but that kind of works for me.

Nuka:[Zira tosses Nuka off the mound.] *screams*

Zira: [Zira skids down the mound past several Outsiders.] The melody of angry growls!

Outsiders:[The Outsiders rear onto their hind legs.] *roars*

Zira: [Zira approaches a fallen Nuka.] A counterpoint of painful howls. [Zira steps on Nuka's tail.]

Nuka:

[Nuka leaps to his paws.] *yelps* [Nuka looks fretfully at his tail.]

Zira: [Zira strides to the edge of a mound. Behind her, the sun shines brightly through a hole in the wall.] A symphony of death. [Zira stands on her hind legs.] Oh, my! [Zira presses a paw to her chest.] That's my lullaby! [Zira strides past Kovu's cradle. Kovu sleeps peacefully.] Scar is gone, but Zira's still around [Zira pulls Kovu close.] to love this little lad [Zira licks Kovu.] till he learns to be a [Zira slams her claws into the nearby wall.] killer [Zira drags her claws down the wall, leaving indentations.] with a lust for being bad! [Zira leaps away.]

Outsiders:[The Outsiders stand near Kovu's cradle.] *growls*

Nuka:[Vitani stands over Kovu. Nuka crouches next to the cradle.] Sleep, ya little termite! [Vitani glares at Nuka.] Uh, I mean, [Nuka strikes a mocking pose.] precious little thing. [Vitani bats Nuka away.]

Vitani: One day, when you're big and strong... [Nuka starts to grab for Vitani.]

Zira: You will be a king! [Zira tears a root from the roof, making a hole and casting a spotlight on Kovu. The Outsiders surround Kovu's cradle. Zira stands on her hind legs far above the cradle.] The pounding of the drums of war!

Outsiders:[The Outsiders leap back and forth over a sleeping Kovu.] *roars*

Zira: The thrill of Kovu's mighty roar!

Outsiders:*roars*

Nuka: [Nuka grins up at Zira.] The joy of vengeance!

Vitani: [Vitani leaps in front of Nuka, who glares at her. She raises her paws in the air.] Testify!

Zira: I can hear the cheering! [Zira holds a paw to her ear, as if listening.]

Nuka and Vitani: [Nuka waves a flag unethusiastically. Vitani grins sincerely.] Kovu, what a guy!

Zira: [Zira bats at the hole in the ceiling, widening it.] Payback time is nearing, [Zira uses her shoulders to break through the hole in the ceiling.] and then our flag will fly [Zira emerges against a blood-red sky.] against a blood-red sky. [Zira stands on her hind legs. Around her, the Outsiders stand on the termite mounds.] That's my lullaby! *laughs*

[The scene transitions to Rafiki's tree at night. A breeze carrying milkweed floss blows toward the tree.]

Rafiki:[from offscreen] Oh, Mufasa. [Rafiki mixes paint in half of a hollowed gourd. On the nearby tree trunk, there is a painting of two lion cubs and Tiger Every day, Kiara grows more beautiful, [Rafiki smears blue paint above the painting of Kiara.] into a queen that will someday make us all very proud. [more solemnly] But this cub, Kovu, [Rafiki draws a brown mane on the painting of Kovu.] grows stronger, and Zira fills his heart with [Rafiki smears brown paint over Kovu's heart.] hate. [Rafiki closes his eyes and bows his head.] I'm very worried, Mufasa. Things are not going well. No. [The wind whistles, blowing Rafiki's mane. Rafiki looks up at some rattling gourds that are hanging from the ceiling.] Hmm? You have a plan? [A gourd falls, breaking open on the ground.] What? [Rafiki lifts the two pieces and looks at them questioningly. He glances up to see that, from his vantagepoint, the gourd pieces seem to surround his paintings of Kovu and Kiara. He slowly moves the pieces toward one another.] you want Daniel Tiger get Kovu and Kiara[Rafiki clasps the gourd pieces together.] together? This is the plan? [angrily] Are you crazy?! This will never work! Oh, Mufasa, you've been up there too long. Your head is in the clouds! [Rafiki crosses his arms. The wind blows violently. Rafiki holds up his hands in protest.] Okay, okay, okay, okay! All right! Okay! [Rafiki holds up his arms in surrender.] I don't think this is going to work, but I trust you. [Rafiki wags a finger at the wind as it spirals away.] I just hope you know what you are doing! [Rafiki puts his hands on his hips.]

[The scene transitions to the termite mounds.]

Zira:[Zira grins deviously.] You are ready! *chuckles* [Zira circles a full-grown Kovu, who is sitting atop a rock.] Nice. Very nice. *chuckles* You have the same blackness in your soul that Scar had.

Kovu:*growls*

Zira:What is your destiny?

Kovu: I will avenge Scar... take his place in the Pride Lands.

Zira: Yes! What have I taught you?

Kovu: Simba is the enemy.

Zira: [emphatically]And what must you do? [Zira juts her head at Kovu.]

Kovu: I must kill him.

Outsiders:[The Outsiders gather around Kovu.] *roars*