Chapter 15: Return to the Pride Lands
After about five minutes since they set off from the compound, the cub agreed to put on a "seatbelt" due to the fact his grip didn't last long when he was accidentally thrown forward to the ground when Chester started the car. They engaged in conversation when they were in full swing on the journey back to the Pride Lands. Chester explained to the cub that the poachers had attempted to capture Komali and Malika, although he never revealed to him that it was he who had saved them. The story amazed the cub and he was looking forward to seeing his parents again.
Cub: So WHY did you come for me? You haven't told me yet!
Chester: Wha? Sorry, I wasn't listening; what d'you say?
Cub: I asked you why you came!
Chester: I told you before! I wanted to do something about it!
Cub (Persistently): But why?!
Chester (He flops his head back onto the seat, obviously tired): *sigh* O.K then; your mom told me what happened and they still hadn't gotten over what happened, I felt sorry for them and what happened to you. So, I told Timon and Pumbaa about it and I came up with a plan to get to where they were holding you. That is all!
Cub (Smiling, pleased with his explanation): Hmm, thanks! Are Timon and Pumbaa the only ones who know I'm coming back?
Chester: Well, yeah! Assuming they can keep a secret of course!
*************************************************
Back at Pride Rock, Simba is on the lookout for any sign of Chester, he was worried in case he was lost or hurt. Although he wasn't exactly a member of the pride he was still a friend. Timon and Pumbaa watch him with worry.
Pumbaa (Worried): Simba's still looking for him, Timon. We've got to say something; we don't even if he's actually got him!
Timon: Maybe you're right, Pumbaa. (He looks out to the Pride Lands) Yeah. We got to tell him.
???: Tell him what, Timon?
Timon and Pumbaa nearly jump out of their skin. They look round and see Kiara standing by them.
Timon (Frantically): Uh, nothing! It's O.K, Kiara! What are you doing here anyway?
Kiara (Suspiciously): I was looking for you two. What are you keeping from Simba? You can tell me; I won't say anything!
Pumbaa (Appealing to Timon): Hmm, we can't lie to her, Timon, she's overheard us anyway. Let's tell her!
Timon (He looks warily at Kiara): Promise you won't say anything? (Kiara nods eagerly) Well, O.K then. (He takes a breath) Chester didn't run away; Nala told him about what happened to their son and he left last night. (He pauses) He wanted to try to bring him back.
Kiara's eyes widen in surprise.
Kiara: He's trying to rescue him? My little brother? Why?
Pumbaa (Optimistically): Well, think about it, Kiara! Why did he save your two cubs? He just wanted to do something about it!
Timon (Agreeing): Yeah! That kid is something alright!
Kiara (Amazed at this): Well, how is going to do it?
Pumbaa (Smiling): He's done it already! Have you the cage around recently?
Kiara shakes her head and then realises what he must have done.
Kiara (Smiling excitedly): Did he tell you where he'd be coming if he'd saved him?
Timon and Pumbaa shake their heads in unison.
Kiara (Her smiles drops in disappointment): Oh. Any ideas?
???: Why don't you show her the crash-site?
Kiara, Timon and Pumbaa look around and see the strange baboon which was spying on Chester two days before. It is smiling at them, kneeling on top of a rock.
Kiara (Smiling): Good Afternoon, Rafiki!
Rafiki (Smiling back): Good Afternoon, Kiara! I believe you haven't seen how the young man came into the Pride Lands yet, have you?
Kiara shakes her head with a curious expression on her face.
Kiara (Curiously): How did he come here?
Rafiki (Gesturing to Timon and Pumbaa): I trust these two will be able show you! Do not worry about the boy; I'm sure he'll come in his own good time.
Kiara nods her head slowly with wonder at his words. Timon and Pumbaa are curious at this statement but agree to show Kiara the plane wreckage.
*************************************************
Meanwhile, Chester and the prince are in a tight situation. They have come across a river to large for the car to cross so they decide to cross on foot. Chester gives the cub a piggyback across the deep water. He comes out with the water saturating his lower body and his stomach drenched where as the cub comes out bone-dry.
Chester (Angered at his own forgetfulness): Drat! I forgot the map!
Cub: You don't need that big leaf thing! (He looks around with a smile on his face) I recognise this place!
Chester is surprised at the little cub, yet he doesn't know what surprises him more; the fact he knows the jungle area or the fact he suggested that a map is giant leaf!
Chester: Really? Cool!
The cub sniffs the air slightly and heads through a clearing with Chester following closely behind. After about a minute he stops in his tracks and Chester nearly crashes into the cub.
Cub (Quietly, ears pricking up): Shh!! Can you hear something?
Chester listens and he can't hear anything. He shakes his head.
Chester: No, nothing (the cub's ears droop slightly as it sighs in dismay) WAIT! (The cubs perks up and looks at him) I do! Listen!
The cub listened and it could hear voices close by. It nods in confirmation. Chester walks forward to try and distinguish what is.
???: So, this is it? Hmm, strange.
Chester (Quietly to the cub): Hey, I know that voice!
Cub (Quietly*): Yeah! Me too!
???: Yep, sure is something! Ain't it?
Chester (*): I know that voice too!
Cub (*): Me too! It sounds sorta like-
???: Pumbaa! Kiara! Check this out!
Chester looks excitedly at the cub who is equally thrilled. They rush out to greet them, the cub bounding ahead in front of Chester.
Cub (Yelling in happiness): KIARA! KIARA!
Kiara, who was examining the wreckage, turns around to what the racket is about.
Kiara/Timon/Pumbaa: Huh?
The cub bounds towards a stunned Kiara.
Kiara (Eyes lighting up): Chiko!!!
Chiko (Stopping; equally happy): Yeah! I'm glad I've found someone familiar!
Kiara: Oh my gosh! I can't believe you're actually here! Mom & Dad! They're gonna be so happy your home!
Chiko: Oh yeah! Where are they?
Timon (Over): They're back at Pride Rock.
Chiko just notices Timon and Pumbaa and smiles.
Chiko (Smiling): Hi guys, I didn't see you there!
Pumbaa (Smiling too): Good to see you again, Chiko! (Sarcastically) Did you have fun?
Chiko (Sarcastic also): Yeah! I loved being captured by humans; it's the best! (Seriously) What was the point of all though? They put me in a thing that you only see out little square holes in one direction! I glad to be outta there!
Kiara (Grimly): Hmm, Komali told me that too. Did you know him and Malika were nearly captured too?
Chiko (Nodding): Yeah! That human, Chester told me!
Timon (Anxiously): Is he with you?
Chester, who is standing close by clears his throat to announce his presence.
Kiara (Noticing him): Chester!!
Chester (Smiling): Hey Kiara! (He turns and looks round at Timon and Pumbaa; crossing his arms) So much for keepin' secrets, huh guys?
Timon and Pumbaa blush guiltily with sheepish smiles.
Timon (Awkwardly): E-he; sorry.
Chester (Smiling still): Ah, it's O.K; when I confided with you guys I just didn't want Simba or Nala to know what I was up to, if they knew what I was doing they might have protested against it. So, it's cool!
Chiko (Curiously): Mom & Dad don't know?
Kiara: Yep. They know squat about this!
Chiko (Eagerly looking toward the Pride Lands): Well, let's not keep them in the dark any longer!
Kiara (Smiling): Good idea! (To the trio) You guys coming?
Timon, Pumbaa and Chester go into an outburst of "of course"; "definitely" and a loud "Hell yeah!" from Chester.
Kiara (Smirking at them): Great! Let's go, then!
The band head off from the jungle clearing towards the sun-soaked Pride Lands with Kiara and Chiko catching up with gossip and how things have been while he's gone. Kiara explained to Chiko about Chester and how he was seen as the only human who has came to the Pride Lands without any hostility like the poachers had shown; instead, bringing compassion, care and extraordinary will. Meanwhile, a similar conversation is growing behind the brother and sister between Timon, Pumbaa and Chester. Chester was explaining in great detail about what had happened at the compound and the totally unexpected help from the poacher's son, Jimmy. What was puzzling Chester even more was the fact that Jimmy could speak to Chiko at on one brief moment where as other humans like his dad had no idea what words were being spoken in the animal kingdom.
Meanwhile at Pride Rock, Simba has given up on his search for any information on where Chester might be and has came back to rest with Nala. Vitani offered to keep watch for any sign in case he came back. Rafiki sits from a distance, keeping watch with look of sheer confidence on his face.
Simba (Grimly): No sign of him. I've got a feeling he's gone to find his own people.
Nala: Hmm, maybe you're right. At least we know there are some decent humans in the world.
Simba nods in agreement and looks glumly to the ground. Kovu comes up the pair.
Kovu: Simba. Have you seen Kiara around? I can't find her anywhere.
Simba (To himself): Aw man, TWO missing persons in one week!
Kovu is confused for a second and then realises who he means.
Kovu (Comforting): It's alright. I'm sure you'll see Chester around sooner or later, just give him some time.
Simba: Now that you mention it, I haven't seen Timon or Pumbaa for a while either.
Kovu: Heh, FOUR in a week now! (He turns to look at Vitani who surveying the Pride Lands) Hey 'Tani! Any sign?
Vitani (Staring out still): Nope, nothing! (She pauses slightly) Kiara's back though!
Kovu face lights up.
Kovu (Smiling): Great! I was getting worried!
Vitani (Continuing): Hey, Timon and Pumbaa are back too! (She frowns slightly) Someone's with them too.
Simba (Looking up): Who?
Vitani frowns for a second while looking out and her eyes light up when she realises who it is.
Vitani: Chester's back!!
Simba (Confused slightly): What?
Vitani (Looking round at him excitedly): It's Chester! He's came back!
Simba jumps up at these words and runs up to where Vitani and sees for himself.
Simba: I don't believe it.
Kiara, Chiko, Timon, Pumbaa and Chester are striding across the savannah in the direction of Pride Rock. Kovu joins Simba and Vitani.
Kovu (Noticing Chiko): That's strange, there's a cub with them.
Vitani: Is it is not Komali or Malika?
Kovu: No, they're in the den. The only cub I can think of is- (He pauses in shock) I don't believe it.
Simba looks at the cub and his eyes recognise the cub immediately.
Simba (In a state of amazement and disbelief): Chiko?
Nala looks up.
Nala (In a distant voice similar to Chester's from the day before): W-what? What did you say, Simba?
Just then a voice calls out from the background; it is Chiko, calling out to Simba and Nala, announcing his return. Nala perks up; she recognises the voice and its shocks her. She rushes up to where Simba stands to see for herself. The cub is bounding towards Pride Rock with a smile on his face. Nala can hardly believe her eyes; she covers her mouth with a paw. Simba is in tears; this was so sudden; so unexpected- he thought that on that day, the day Chiko was taken from them, he was convinced that would be the last he would see of his son. The emotion of it all couldn't be contained. Kovu and Vitani on the other hand were stunned. They too were amazed and surprised at Chiko's return but it didn't mean as much to them. Chiko's journey was ending as he drew near to Pride Rock. Simba and Nala rushed down to welcome their son home. Chiko nearly bowled over Nala as soon he reached them. Simba and Nala took hold of their son and didn't seem to be able to let go. All three in the huddle were smiling; it was as if the son was home from a great war even though he was still young. Kovu slipped past them and greeted the others. He ruffled Chester's hair as a father would do as friendly gesture. Timon, who was caught in the moment, punched Chester in the arm like some friends do and Pumbaa gave a triumphant cheer causing everyone in front to look at him. Other lionesses had appeared to see what all the commotion was about, as soon as they discovered what had taken place they began to cheer for the prince's return. Simba, Nala and Chiko look round at everyone behind and smile rather sheepishly. Kiara sniffs slightly and Chester looks at her. Tears are running down her face. Obviously, the emotion in the air was having an effect on her. Kovu smiles at her and put his arm round her. Meanwhile, Rafiki, who had suggested Kiara be shown the crash site, was smiling contentedly; as though he had predicted what events were going to take place. Chester, on the other merely crossed his arms and smiled as he watched these events unfold before his very eyes. The sun shone brighter now that the future king had returned.
(Author's Note: I just want to apologize to anyone who cares that it took me longer than expected to post this chapter. I was too busy thinking up names for Simba and Nala's cub. In other words I had a "writer's block" or something along those lines so. Sorry!)
After about five minutes since they set off from the compound, the cub agreed to put on a "seatbelt" due to the fact his grip didn't last long when he was accidentally thrown forward to the ground when Chester started the car. They engaged in conversation when they were in full swing on the journey back to the Pride Lands. Chester explained to the cub that the poachers had attempted to capture Komali and Malika, although he never revealed to him that it was he who had saved them. The story amazed the cub and he was looking forward to seeing his parents again.
Cub: So WHY did you come for me? You haven't told me yet!
Chester: Wha? Sorry, I wasn't listening; what d'you say?
Cub: I asked you why you came!
Chester: I told you before! I wanted to do something about it!
Cub (Persistently): But why?!
Chester (He flops his head back onto the seat, obviously tired): *sigh* O.K then; your mom told me what happened and they still hadn't gotten over what happened, I felt sorry for them and what happened to you. So, I told Timon and Pumbaa about it and I came up with a plan to get to where they were holding you. That is all!
Cub (Smiling, pleased with his explanation): Hmm, thanks! Are Timon and Pumbaa the only ones who know I'm coming back?
Chester: Well, yeah! Assuming they can keep a secret of course!
*************************************************
Back at Pride Rock, Simba is on the lookout for any sign of Chester, he was worried in case he was lost or hurt. Although he wasn't exactly a member of the pride he was still a friend. Timon and Pumbaa watch him with worry.
Pumbaa (Worried): Simba's still looking for him, Timon. We've got to say something; we don't even if he's actually got him!
Timon: Maybe you're right, Pumbaa. (He looks out to the Pride Lands) Yeah. We got to tell him.
???: Tell him what, Timon?
Timon and Pumbaa nearly jump out of their skin. They look round and see Kiara standing by them.
Timon (Frantically): Uh, nothing! It's O.K, Kiara! What are you doing here anyway?
Kiara (Suspiciously): I was looking for you two. What are you keeping from Simba? You can tell me; I won't say anything!
Pumbaa (Appealing to Timon): Hmm, we can't lie to her, Timon, she's overheard us anyway. Let's tell her!
Timon (He looks warily at Kiara): Promise you won't say anything? (Kiara nods eagerly) Well, O.K then. (He takes a breath) Chester didn't run away; Nala told him about what happened to their son and he left last night. (He pauses) He wanted to try to bring him back.
Kiara's eyes widen in surprise.
Kiara: He's trying to rescue him? My little brother? Why?
Pumbaa (Optimistically): Well, think about it, Kiara! Why did he save your two cubs? He just wanted to do something about it!
Timon (Agreeing): Yeah! That kid is something alright!
Kiara (Amazed at this): Well, how is going to do it?
Pumbaa (Smiling): He's done it already! Have you the cage around recently?
Kiara shakes her head and then realises what he must have done.
Kiara (Smiling excitedly): Did he tell you where he'd be coming if he'd saved him?
Timon and Pumbaa shake their heads in unison.
Kiara (Her smiles drops in disappointment): Oh. Any ideas?
???: Why don't you show her the crash-site?
Kiara, Timon and Pumbaa look around and see the strange baboon which was spying on Chester two days before. It is smiling at them, kneeling on top of a rock.
Kiara (Smiling): Good Afternoon, Rafiki!
Rafiki (Smiling back): Good Afternoon, Kiara! I believe you haven't seen how the young man came into the Pride Lands yet, have you?
Kiara shakes her head with a curious expression on her face.
Kiara (Curiously): How did he come here?
Rafiki (Gesturing to Timon and Pumbaa): I trust these two will be able show you! Do not worry about the boy; I'm sure he'll come in his own good time.
Kiara nods her head slowly with wonder at his words. Timon and Pumbaa are curious at this statement but agree to show Kiara the plane wreckage.
*************************************************
Meanwhile, Chester and the prince are in a tight situation. They have come across a river to large for the car to cross so they decide to cross on foot. Chester gives the cub a piggyback across the deep water. He comes out with the water saturating his lower body and his stomach drenched where as the cub comes out bone-dry.
Chester (Angered at his own forgetfulness): Drat! I forgot the map!
Cub: You don't need that big leaf thing! (He looks around with a smile on his face) I recognise this place!
Chester is surprised at the little cub, yet he doesn't know what surprises him more; the fact he knows the jungle area or the fact he suggested that a map is giant leaf!
Chester: Really? Cool!
The cub sniffs the air slightly and heads through a clearing with Chester following closely behind. After about a minute he stops in his tracks and Chester nearly crashes into the cub.
Cub (Quietly, ears pricking up): Shh!! Can you hear something?
Chester listens and he can't hear anything. He shakes his head.
Chester: No, nothing (the cub's ears droop slightly as it sighs in dismay) WAIT! (The cubs perks up and looks at him) I do! Listen!
The cub listened and it could hear voices close by. It nods in confirmation. Chester walks forward to try and distinguish what is.
???: So, this is it? Hmm, strange.
Chester (Quietly to the cub): Hey, I know that voice!
Cub (Quietly*): Yeah! Me too!
???: Yep, sure is something! Ain't it?
Chester (*): I know that voice too!
Cub (*): Me too! It sounds sorta like-
???: Pumbaa! Kiara! Check this out!
Chester looks excitedly at the cub who is equally thrilled. They rush out to greet them, the cub bounding ahead in front of Chester.
Cub (Yelling in happiness): KIARA! KIARA!
Kiara, who was examining the wreckage, turns around to what the racket is about.
Kiara/Timon/Pumbaa: Huh?
The cub bounds towards a stunned Kiara.
Kiara (Eyes lighting up): Chiko!!!
Chiko (Stopping; equally happy): Yeah! I'm glad I've found someone familiar!
Kiara: Oh my gosh! I can't believe you're actually here! Mom & Dad! They're gonna be so happy your home!
Chiko: Oh yeah! Where are they?
Timon (Over): They're back at Pride Rock.
Chiko just notices Timon and Pumbaa and smiles.
Chiko (Smiling): Hi guys, I didn't see you there!
Pumbaa (Smiling too): Good to see you again, Chiko! (Sarcastically) Did you have fun?
Chiko (Sarcastic also): Yeah! I loved being captured by humans; it's the best! (Seriously) What was the point of all though? They put me in a thing that you only see out little square holes in one direction! I glad to be outta there!
Kiara (Grimly): Hmm, Komali told me that too. Did you know him and Malika were nearly captured too?
Chiko (Nodding): Yeah! That human, Chester told me!
Timon (Anxiously): Is he with you?
Chester, who is standing close by clears his throat to announce his presence.
Kiara (Noticing him): Chester!!
Chester (Smiling): Hey Kiara! (He turns and looks round at Timon and Pumbaa; crossing his arms) So much for keepin' secrets, huh guys?
Timon and Pumbaa blush guiltily with sheepish smiles.
Timon (Awkwardly): E-he; sorry.
Chester (Smiling still): Ah, it's O.K; when I confided with you guys I just didn't want Simba or Nala to know what I was up to, if they knew what I was doing they might have protested against it. So, it's cool!
Chiko (Curiously): Mom & Dad don't know?
Kiara: Yep. They know squat about this!
Chiko (Eagerly looking toward the Pride Lands): Well, let's not keep them in the dark any longer!
Kiara (Smiling): Good idea! (To the trio) You guys coming?
Timon, Pumbaa and Chester go into an outburst of "of course"; "definitely" and a loud "Hell yeah!" from Chester.
Kiara (Smirking at them): Great! Let's go, then!
The band head off from the jungle clearing towards the sun-soaked Pride Lands with Kiara and Chiko catching up with gossip and how things have been while he's gone. Kiara explained to Chiko about Chester and how he was seen as the only human who has came to the Pride Lands without any hostility like the poachers had shown; instead, bringing compassion, care and extraordinary will. Meanwhile, a similar conversation is growing behind the brother and sister between Timon, Pumbaa and Chester. Chester was explaining in great detail about what had happened at the compound and the totally unexpected help from the poacher's son, Jimmy. What was puzzling Chester even more was the fact that Jimmy could speak to Chiko at on one brief moment where as other humans like his dad had no idea what words were being spoken in the animal kingdom.
Meanwhile at Pride Rock, Simba has given up on his search for any information on where Chester might be and has came back to rest with Nala. Vitani offered to keep watch for any sign in case he came back. Rafiki sits from a distance, keeping watch with look of sheer confidence on his face.
Simba (Grimly): No sign of him. I've got a feeling he's gone to find his own people.
Nala: Hmm, maybe you're right. At least we know there are some decent humans in the world.
Simba nods in agreement and looks glumly to the ground. Kovu comes up the pair.
Kovu: Simba. Have you seen Kiara around? I can't find her anywhere.
Simba (To himself): Aw man, TWO missing persons in one week!
Kovu is confused for a second and then realises who he means.
Kovu (Comforting): It's alright. I'm sure you'll see Chester around sooner or later, just give him some time.
Simba: Now that you mention it, I haven't seen Timon or Pumbaa for a while either.
Kovu: Heh, FOUR in a week now! (He turns to look at Vitani who surveying the Pride Lands) Hey 'Tani! Any sign?
Vitani (Staring out still): Nope, nothing! (She pauses slightly) Kiara's back though!
Kovu face lights up.
Kovu (Smiling): Great! I was getting worried!
Vitani (Continuing): Hey, Timon and Pumbaa are back too! (She frowns slightly) Someone's with them too.
Simba (Looking up): Who?
Vitani frowns for a second while looking out and her eyes light up when she realises who it is.
Vitani: Chester's back!!
Simba (Confused slightly): What?
Vitani (Looking round at him excitedly): It's Chester! He's came back!
Simba jumps up at these words and runs up to where Vitani and sees for himself.
Simba: I don't believe it.
Kiara, Chiko, Timon, Pumbaa and Chester are striding across the savannah in the direction of Pride Rock. Kovu joins Simba and Vitani.
Kovu (Noticing Chiko): That's strange, there's a cub with them.
Vitani: Is it is not Komali or Malika?
Kovu: No, they're in the den. The only cub I can think of is- (He pauses in shock) I don't believe it.
Simba looks at the cub and his eyes recognise the cub immediately.
Simba (In a state of amazement and disbelief): Chiko?
Nala looks up.
Nala (In a distant voice similar to Chester's from the day before): W-what? What did you say, Simba?
Just then a voice calls out from the background; it is Chiko, calling out to Simba and Nala, announcing his return. Nala perks up; she recognises the voice and its shocks her. She rushes up to where Simba stands to see for herself. The cub is bounding towards Pride Rock with a smile on his face. Nala can hardly believe her eyes; she covers her mouth with a paw. Simba is in tears; this was so sudden; so unexpected- he thought that on that day, the day Chiko was taken from them, he was convinced that would be the last he would see of his son. The emotion of it all couldn't be contained. Kovu and Vitani on the other hand were stunned. They too were amazed and surprised at Chiko's return but it didn't mean as much to them. Chiko's journey was ending as he drew near to Pride Rock. Simba and Nala rushed down to welcome their son home. Chiko nearly bowled over Nala as soon he reached them. Simba and Nala took hold of their son and didn't seem to be able to let go. All three in the huddle were smiling; it was as if the son was home from a great war even though he was still young. Kovu slipped past them and greeted the others. He ruffled Chester's hair as a father would do as friendly gesture. Timon, who was caught in the moment, punched Chester in the arm like some friends do and Pumbaa gave a triumphant cheer causing everyone in front to look at him. Other lionesses had appeared to see what all the commotion was about, as soon as they discovered what had taken place they began to cheer for the prince's return. Simba, Nala and Chiko look round at everyone behind and smile rather sheepishly. Kiara sniffs slightly and Chester looks at her. Tears are running down her face. Obviously, the emotion in the air was having an effect on her. Kovu smiles at her and put his arm round her. Meanwhile, Rafiki, who had suggested Kiara be shown the crash site, was smiling contentedly; as though he had predicted what events were going to take place. Chester, on the other merely crossed his arms and smiled as he watched these events unfold before his very eyes. The sun shone brighter now that the future king had returned.
(Author's Note: I just want to apologize to anyone who cares that it took me longer than expected to post this chapter. I was too busy thinking up names for Simba and Nala's cub. In other words I had a "writer's block" or something along those lines so. Sorry!)