Lea Halalela: Part 1

by Kalimba Tijuana Razi

This goes all the way back to the first ever Pride of the Pridelands and when the Pridelands were first discovered up to when Scar is defeated.

6. Scar's Reign

Scar's Reign

Several season cycles flew quickly through the Pridelands with Scar being king. The Pridelands were dark and gloomy. The land died. All of the trees and plants shriveled up and water receded from the water hole and streams. All of the animals left the Pridelands except for the Pride who were under strict commands by Scar's army of hyenas. Scar stayed in the den for most of his days with Zazu in a cage made out of the ribs of a hyena. Scar picked his teeth with a sharp bone as Zazu sat in the cage singing depressing songs. "Oh Zazu, you need to lighten up,"said Scar. "Yes your lovable kingship,"said Zazu sarcastically.

"What are you being so sarcastic?"

"I am not being sarcastic your majesty I am just saying that your loved by the whole pride."

"Don't lie to me Zazu."

"What do you mean your highness?"

"I know I am not loved. Zazu...tell me...why am I not loved?"

"Hey boss!"bellowed Banzai. "We got a bone to pick with you. There's no food and no water. Now it's dinner time but there are no entrees." "It's the lionesses job to do the hunting,"said Scar.

"Yeah but they won't go hunt,"said Shenzi. "Your looking at me like I am supposed to do the hunting. Just eat Zazu for all I care,"said Scar. Scar began to walk away and the hyenas looked at each other and Shenzi said "I thought things would be bad under Mufasa." Scar immediately turned around and snapped at the hyenas. "You know the law. Never ever mention that name in my presence I am the king." Scar chased the hyenas out of the den and stood over the tip of Pride Rock. "Work harder you lazy lionesses!"screamed Scar. Angrily, Scar rushed back into the den where he found Sarafina sitting in front of Zazu's cage. "Scar I know you don't mean any harm to the rest of the pride, but I think you should try to take better of us. We are your family,"said Sarafina.

"The position of king is a very important position Sarafina and I don't have time to take care of everybody's needs."

"Scar...the land is dying."

"There is nothing I can do about the land."

"Well if nothing can be done about the land then we are just going to have to leave Pride Rock."

"We're not going anywhere!"

"We have to do something or else you'll be sentencing your family to death."

"Then so be it." Sarafina began to cry.

"It's hard to believe that I ever loved you." Sarafina stormed out of the den leaving Scar and Zazu alone. "Zazu...why am I not loved?"

"Sire what are you talking about? Everyone loves you." Zazu didn't like that he had to lie but it was the only way he could say something without aggravating Scar.

"Don't lie to me Zazu I know nobody really loves me." Zazu couldn't hold his feelings inside any longer.

"Okay! Okay! Your right Scar, it's true. Nobody really adores you . Everyone thinks your doing a terrible job and we miss MUFASA!" Scar roared furiously.

"Mufasa! Mufasa! I told you never to mention that name again!"

"I'm sorry sire but it's the truth."

"Even in death, my brother's shadow lures over me and haunts my mind at night. What did my brother have that I don't have?"

"He had adoring subjects, a loving family, a devoted queen..."

"That's it! I need a queen."

"What?"

"A queen! Without a queen what am I? A dead end, no line, no decedents, no future. With a queen I'll have...cubs. Immortality will be mine for the taking. Immortality will be mine!"

"Scar!"cried Nala.

"Nala, your timing couldn't have been more perfect. Look at you. Why you have grown so much after these many season cycles. Not yet a full grown female but old enough to start a family. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Scar you have to do something. We are being forced to over hunt. You're the king control the hyenas. Your destroying the Pridelands. If we stop now there is still a chance for everything to be alright again." Scar ignored everything Nala said and dazed off into a world unknown. "Scar! Nala bellowed.

"Nala, how would you like to be my queen. We can rule the Pridelands together." Scar got closer to Nala and nuzzled her but Nala felt nervous and scratched Scar on the nose. "Nala...you know how I loathe violence. One way or another you will be mine."

"Never! Never Scar! I will never be yours!" Nala tried to flee from the den but her escape was blocked off by hyenas.

"I think you are mine. You belong to me Nala. You belong to me."

The jungle was the total opposite of the Pridelands with flowers and trees blossoming everywhere. Timon and Pumbaa went out for a walk leaving Simba behind to sleep. The walk through the jungle was enjoyable but Timon and Pumbaa didn't know that they were being followed by Simba who hid in the bushes behind them. Simba leaped out and pounced Timon causing the little meerkat to panic. "Don't eat me please,"he begged.

"Timon...Open your eyes,"said Simba. So Timon did and found Simba standing over him.

"You have gotten way to big to play that pouncing game Simba." Timon was right. Simba was very grown up. He was almost a full grown male with a mane.

"I can't help it Timon. I feel these sudden urges to pounce and to hunt."

"This isn't the time to play Simba. It's time to eat."

"No it's not. It's time to play!" Simba led his friends to a fast moving river. Simba leaped over to the other side of the river and turned around to await the arrival of his friends. "I think I will go find some grubs for lunch,"said Pumbaa as he walked away into the forest.

"Let's go Timon. I want to show you how to have some real fun."

"You don't have to show me because I know how to have fun."

"How can you have fun when your afraid to even cross the river?" Timon looked down at the river and then back at the taunting Simba. Timon kept looking for other ways to cross the fast moving river. A little way back upstream, Timon saw a row of stepping stones leading to the other side. "Let's just see who can have the most fun,"said Timon walking towards the stones. "See Simba. I can cross the river with these stones that are the right size for me. Of course you can't use these stones because your paws are to big." Timon continued to talk but was unaware of the water constantly rushing up against the rocks. Water splashed over the rocks and pulled off everything that came in the way. Timon began to leap from rock to rock and continued to ramble on about how he can have fun. "Timon be careful,"warned Simba.

"Don't worry about me Simba. I am perfectly safe on these rocks." Timon leapt to the next rock as this wave of water came by and swept Timon off of his feet. Timon was carried downstream with the fast moving current. And reached the end of the river where there was a waterfall. Simba chased after Timon but realized he could not reach his friend from the top of the falls. There was a ledge next to the falls where Simba climbed down and stood at the bottom of the falls. There was still no sign of Timon. "Timon!"screamed Simba. "Timon! Where are you!" Timon was up above the waterfall hanging onto a thin branch. Pumbaa came out of the forest to find his best friend hanging above the falls and his other friend standing on the bottom. To make the scenario even more dangerous, there were crocodiles at the bottom of the waterfall. "Hang on Timon!"shouted Simba. Pumbaa buried his face in the sand and tried not to think about his friends doom. Simba ran down to the waters edge but stopped when he saw the water. Simba looked into the water and saw the horrible image of his Father falling off of the cliff. Simba looked back up at Timon and froze. The images kept coming back to Simba of the terrible tragedy in the gorge and the guilt from his past grew and grew leaving a big burden on his shoulders. The branch Timon clung onto became weaker and weaker until the branch snapped plunging Timon into the mist of the falls. The crocodiles swam into the mist looking for the little morsel but couldn't find him. Timon dove all the way down to the bottom of the river and hid behind a large water rock. The crocodiles searched for Timon but their efforts were futile for there was no sign of Timon over the surface. The crocodiles even dove under but couldn't find Timon hidden behind the rock. Finally, the crocodiles gave up their search and swam in the opposite direction from where Simba and Pumbaa stood. Timon couldn't hold his breathe any longer and shot up from under the water. The water from the splash hit Simba in the face awakening him from his trance. Pumbaa brought his head up from out of the sand and rushed over assisting Timon out of the water. Simba backed up out of the water and sat down on the sand rubbing his head with his paw. Timon was extremely exhausted from the time he was under water. "Thanks for no help Simba,"said Timon. Pumbaa helped Timon over to a palm frond and had him sit down. "Timon...I-I'm sorry. I don't know what happened,"said Simba with forgiveness.

"Your sorry! The crocodiles almost had me for lunch and your sorry!"

"I don't know what happened. It was as if I couldn't move my legs and my mind froze."

"Timon don't you think you should give Simba a break. He's still just a cub,"said Pumbaa.

"I'm really sorry Timon,"said Simba. "I just got scared." Timon and Pumbaa looked at Simba and wondered what he was talking about. "It was a moment from my past,"said Simba. Timon got up from his palm frond and Pumbaa followed behind him. "Simba...do you want to talk about it?"asked Pumbaa with sympathy. "No...you wouldn't understand,"said Simba as he walked away. Timon and Pumbaa watched as Simba walked into the forest with his head low. "Gee. If only there was something we could do to make Simba feel better,"said Pumbaa. "What can we do?" asked Timon. "Simba has never told us about his past."

"I think we should get to the bottom of why our Simba is so unhappy."

"That's a great idea Pumbaa but how will we ask Simba about his past without mentioning his past."

"Maybe we should talk about our past."

"Couldn't have said it better myself." Timon and Pumbaa walked off into the woods following Simba's tracks until they found their furry companion. They waited until nightfall before confronting Simba about his past. Finally, it was time. Timon and Pumbaa lay in the grass with Simba looking up at the stars and watching them shine. The three friends looked up at the never-ending sky but Simba was still uneasy about what happened earlier. "Timon I really didn't mean to put you in danger today,"said Simba. "Hey, it's okay. Hakuna Matata; you gotta put the past behind you,"said Timon. "You know this reminds me of when I was still working in the colony. I was always the one with the most creative ideas but every single one was a failure. I tried to put a skylight in one of the tunnels to get some sun shine but it collapsed the whole tunnel. I also tried to be a look out but that wasn't my favorite job. Unfortunately, a cheetah decided to make my nephews cousin Ibo into a chew toy. We never saw Ibo again but everyday I wondered where he was. So after that, I decided it was time to put the past behind me and I did. I left the colony and met Pumbaa. Yep. Leaving the colony was probably one of the best decisions I made." "I remember when I left my home,"said Pumbaa. "I was never really wanted at my home anyway. You see...I have always had this problem in crowds. Whenever I was around a lot of animals at the water hole or even by myself I would have this gassy feeling inside my stomach. That gas wasn't always the best smell in the world and it made me smell really bad." Timon and Simba just laughed at Pumbaa. Pumbaa snorted and continued with his story. "So one day, my friend Kalamu, told me that I stink and I decided to go somewhere else. I left my home in the savannah and met Timon." The friends laughed at each others stories and then Timon and Pumbaa awaited Simba's story. "I don't really want to talk about my past,"said Simba. "Awe...C'mon...Please..."begged Timon and Pumbaa. Simba caved into his friends wishes and told his story. "I used to live in a great place with my family. My Mother was there, my friend Nala was there, all of the other creatures I loved were there. Unfortunately, the one that I loved the most, my Father is no longer there." "What happened to him?"asked Pumbaa. "He died when I was just a cub. He's the reason I had to run away from home. That's why I was scared to help you today Timon. I could just see the time my Father died flashing back into my head. I was scared that would happen to you but I was too afraid to try to help." There was silence among the friends for quite some time. "That's okay Simba. The past is behind you so just forget about it,"said Timon. "There is one memory that is special to me that helps me remember all of the special times I had with my Father. He told me that all of the Great Kings of the past are up there in the sky and are watching over us,"said Simba. "You mean a bunch of royal dead guys are watching us?"asked Timon. Timon and Pumbaa laughed hysterically but Simba didn't find anything amusing. Simba got up from where he lay on the grass and walked over to a nearby ledge with a small circle of grass. Timon and Pumbaa didn't notice Simba getting up and laughed themselves to sleep. Simba sat at the top of the ledge and looked up at the sky. "I miss you Father. Why did you have to leave me? I feel like I am living in an endless nightmare. I only need to hear you voice, just a word. I need you!"Said Simba as he screamed to the heavens. There was no response from Mufasa. Simba shed some tears and then collapsed onto the grass with his paws hanging over the edge. There was a small flower rubbing against Simba's nose. Simba blew the petals off of the flower and set his head beck down onto the grass.

The Pridelands slowly diminished into a land of broken land and dust. Members of the pride became very weak from malnourishment but Nala grew into a mature adult. Scar barked orders at all of the lionesses and hyenas. Nala was kept confined in the den with Scar guarded by hyenas at every opening and crevice. Nala laid in a corner in the den while Scar sat on a thrown made of stone he piled up. "Scar you have to find some way to save the Pridelands,"said Nala. "The Pridelands don't need to be fixed. It isn't my fault the land has died. It's the lionesses."

"You can't blame everything on the lionesses. What have they ever done to deserve this cruel treatment?"

"They don't have to do anything. I am the King and if I feel something needs to be done to change the way things go around here then so be it."

"Mufasa was never cruel like this to his subjects."

"I am not like Mufasa! I am much greater than Mufasa!"

"No you are not! Mufasa was a great leader and all you are is vicious!" Nala fought her way out of the cave, thwacking every hyena that crossed her path. Scar bolted after her and tried to cut off her path. "Your efforts of escaping are futile compared to the strength of my hyenas,"said Scar. Nala kept fighting until there was only one hyena left. She smacked the hyena across the cheek, leaped over the whimpering body, ran off of Pride Rock and climbed Rafiki's tree to the top branch. "NALA,"screamed Scar. He couldn't see Nala anywhere in the Pridelands. "Let the coward die in this misshapen home of hers. I don't need her." Out in the distance, Scar saw a strange creature heading towards Pride Rock. Curious of who the intruder was, Scar jumped down from Pride Rock and approached the shadow of the trespasser. "Freeze intruder!"called Scar to the unknown force. The shadowy figure stopped. "You are trespassing on Prideland territory,"said Scar. The figure walked closer from out of the shadows. Scar stared at the physical body of the creature. So many points on the ears and all over her body. "Excuse me,"said the creature with attitude. "I used to live here. I can still call this place my home even though I haven't been living here for many season circles. I left when I was an adolescent with my friend. We escaped to the driest part of the desert and found nothing but cracked land dry riverbeds. I left my friend in that desert where we first entered and came back home with hopes of finding a new beginning with a brighter future."

"So if you used to live here...where did you live?"

"I lived in a den under a waterfall with my Mother, Father and two sisters."

"Who were your sisters?"

"I can't speak their names. It is just to painful to remember my cubhood."

"So you used to live here and had sisters. There were only two other females here when I was growing up...Sarafina and Sarabi. They had a sister...Sanri? Yes her name was Sanri."

"I'm glad somebody still remembers me." Scar stared at Sanri and was amazed with how much she had grown up. "I'm surprised that you haven't changed Scar."

"You remember me Sanri?"

"Please! Don't call me Sanri. The name holds too many memories from the past which I wish to be rid of. Maji had called me Zira and that is the name that I kept."

"Tell me more Sa-...I mean Zira after we go into the den." Scar and Zira walked back to Pride Rock with hopes of new beginnings. Nala came down from the tree when Scar and Zira were in the den. "Sanri... is alive,"said Nala. "Scar is going to destroy the Pridelands for good if she is on his side. I have to go find help." Nala turned around and looked at the Pride. "I should say good bye to my family first but I can't be seen. I will have to do it tonight." Nala leaped back into Rafiki's tree and slept until nightfall. Meanwhile, Scar talked with Zira in the den. "What made you return to the Pridelands?"asked Scar.

"Maji only wanted me to come with him so he could have cubs but I wasn't ready. I finally caved into him and we had two cubs. They weren't even full size. I was scared to take care of them so I ran away leaving Maji in the Desert with the infants."

"Do you have any fear of his return?"

"No."

"In that case...Zira, I need to ask you a favor."

"That depends on what the favor is."

"I need you to be my queen."

"What?"

"That's right. I need a queen. Without a queen I am a dead end with no descendants and no future. I do not want the line to end with me."

"Why not chose one of the other lionesses?"

"None of them appreciate my authority. I need someone to be my follower. Please Zira. You are my only hope."

"Fine...I will be your queen."

"Excellent. Our first descendant cub will be called Nuka is he is a boy."

"What if she is a female?"

"Then the cub shall be our dinner." Zira didn't know what she was getting herself into but agreed to Scar's demands. Nightfall came quickly in the Pridelands even though there was no difference between night and day with Scar and Zira as the overall rulers. Nala came down from Rafiki's tree when nightfall came. Rafiki gathered all of the lionesses around the roots with Nala in the middle. "I am sorry family but I must go. I will leave to find help, food and I will bring back food for us to feast. The land is dying and I see no other way to save our home. Please remember me. I will return home. I will need your prayers to lead the way to our new future. I will miss you very much." Sarafina stepped forward and nuzzled Nala on the neck. "Good luck my daughter,"she said. Rafiki patted Nala on the shoulder and repeated a prayer over her head. "Good luck Nala,"he said. After all of Nala's prayers and goodbyes were said, she headed off into the night.

It wasn't long before Zira and Scar had their first cubs. They were both boys. Scar named the first cub Nuka as he had wished and Zira named the other cub Malakai. The cubs were barely even a week old when Maji arrived in the Pridelands looking for Zira. Zira was roaming around the Pridelands when she spotted Maji. "Maji!"she exclaimed. "Zira, our cubs have died,"he said.

"I'm sorry Maji but I wasn't ready to have cubs with you yet."

"Are you ready now?"

"I already have cubs."

"You shall still have cubs with me."

"Why do I have to have cubs with you?"

"Because, I will die soon and I need you to mate with me and have one litter. This will prove that I am capable of mating." Zira agreed to mate with Maji and have one litter. Zira ran away with Maji for two sunrises and sunsets. Scar was worried for his mate. Zira returned to the Pridelands with Scar awaiting her arrival. "Where have you been?"asked Scar. "Maji found me,"said Zira.

"What did he do to you?"

"He just wanted me to have one litter with him."

"Did you?"

"Um...I...of course I didn't! I told Maji that I already have two beautiful cubs and I don't need to have any more."

"Your cubs have grown but need to eat."

"You didn't feed them?"

"I can't feed them! I don't have the milk that you have." Zira burst into the den and found her cubs laying quietly on the cave floor. She could see the bones on the cubs skin. Immediately, Zira rushed over to her cubs and fed them. "I'm so sorry I left you my dear cubs,"said Zira. Scar looked down on Zira and her cubs and was happy that Zira had returned.

Seasons continued to circle in the jungle slower than in the Pridelands. Simba became a full grown male and continued to live with Timon and Pumbaa. Simba spent most of the time sleeping until it was time to eat or if there was something exciting going on. Simba lay behind a patch of bushes with Timon and Pumbaa. Pumbaa awoke to the sound of his growling stomach. "Hey Timon. Can we go find something to eat? I am really hungry 'said Pumbaa. Timon woke up slowly and yawned a big yawn. "Sure Pumbaa. Let's go find some grubs,"said Timon as he climbed up onto Pumbaa's back. Pumbaa walked out of the bushes quietly so he wouldn't wake up Simba. Pumbaa carried the half sleeping Timon down a path of trees and plants. "Okay Pumbaa, there should be a patch of bugs around here somewhere,"said Timon. "I'm gonna look for the bugs along the path. You can go into that grassy area and see if there are any bugs. "Okay Timon,"said Pumbaa. Timon walked down the path as Pumbaa looked out at the grassy area. A dung beetle crossed Pumbaa's path and headed into the grassy area. Pumbaa licked his lips and followed the beetle into the grassy field. The beetle crawled on top of a log and Pumbaa followed. Pumbaa looked at the beetle and licked it's outer shell. The beetle was too fast for Pumbaa and flew away revealing a lioness in the tall grass. "HHHEEELLLPPP!"screamed Pumbaa as the lioness emerged out of the grass and ran after Pumbaa. Pumbaa ran as fast as he could through the brush as the lioness followed behind. Timon sensed something was wrong and dropped his grubs to look for his pal. "Pumbaa!"bellowed Timon. Pumbaa burst through the bushes and ran under a tree root. Pumbaa was stuck under the tree root. "Pumbaa! What's going on?"asked Timon. "SHE'S GONNA EAT ME!"screamed Pumbaa. Simba awoke from his slumber and emerged from out of the bushes as the lioness came charging at Timon and Pumbaa. Simba jumped in front of his friends and pounced onto the lioness. The lioness fought back and smacked with her paws. Simba retaliated and did the same thing but was no match for the lionesses quick evasive maneuvers. The lioness pounced onto Simba and pinned him to the ground with a loud thud. She snared her teeth at Simba but Simba just looked at her face like he knew who she was. "Nala?"he asked. The lioness quickly got off of Simba and backed away. She sat down near the back of a tree and stared at Simba. "Is it really you Nala?"asked Simba again. "Who are you?"asked the lioness.

"It's me...Simba."

"Simba?"

"Yes Nala! Don't you remember me?"

"Of course I remember you Simba!" Nala leaped up and nudged Simba on the head and Simba did the same thing to Nala. Timon emerged from behind Pumbaa's body which was still stuck under the tree root and walked up to Simba. "Hey! What's the big idea?"asked Timon. "Timon this is Nala. She's my best friend,"said Simba. "Friend?"asked Timon sarcastically. "Pumbaa! Come over here! Simba has a new best friend." Pumbaa pushed himself out of the tree root and looked back at Simba sitting with Nala. "Nala this is Pumbaa. Pumbaa...Nala,"said Simba. "This is great Simba but are you okay with the fact that your friend tried to eat Pumbaa?"asked Timon. "Timon relax "said Simba. "Wait till everyone finds out you've been here all this time. What will your Mother think?"asked Nala. "She doesn't have to know. Nobody has to know "said Simba.

"Of course they have to know! Everyone thinks you're dead."

"They do?"

"Yeah...Scar told us about the stampede."

"What else did he tell you?"

"What else matters? You're alive and that means...you're the king!"

"No!"

"Simba!"

"No...I'm not the king. Maybe I was gonna be but that was a long time ago." "Simba, how come you never told us you were the king?"asked Timon. "Your majesty...I grovel at your feet,"said Pumbaa as he kissed Simba's paw. "Stop that!"said Simba. "Could you guys excuse us for a few minutes?"asked Nala. "Hey, whatever she has to say could be said in front of us. Right Simba?"asked Timon. "Maybe you'd better go,"said Simba. Timon was shocked that Simba didn't agree with him. "Fine! Go ahead and be alone. Let's go Pumbaa. These kids need sometime by themselves to catch up, mingle, and feel the love,"said Timon sarcastically as he leapt onto Pumbaa's back. Simba watched his friends walk off the trail and into the woods. "That's Timon and Pumbaa for you. Very funny guys,"said Simba. Nala held her head low and didn't look at Simba. "What's wrong?"Simba asked.

"Something doesn't feel right."

"What is ti?"

"It's like your back from the dead. You don''t know how much this will mean to everyone but what it means to me."

"Hey, it's okay."

"I really missed you."

"I missed you too." Nala nuzzled up against Simba and he affectionately nuzzled back. Simba and Nala slowly walked off into the woods leaning on each others shoulders. There was something about that night that changed Simba and Nala. It was like they were revisiting their childhood. They visited a lush jungle waterfall with a slow moving stream. There was a crystal blue lake you could see your reflection in and it was perfect for swimming. Simba and Nala chased each other throughout the grasslands and jungle until the sun began to set. As their energy level fell, Simba and Nala just walked slowly around the jungle. "Isn't this a great place?"asked Simba. It is beautiful but I don't understand something. You've been alive all this time. Why did you never return back to Pride Rock?"asked Nala.

"Well...I...I guess I needed to get out on my own and live my own life. It has been great living out here."

"We really need you at home."

"Nobody needs me."

"Yes we do Simba. You're the king!"

"No, I already told you I'm not the king. Scar is the king."

"Simba...He let the hyenas take over the Pridelands. Everything has been destroyed. There is no food and water. Simba id you don't come back, your whole family will starve to death."

"I can't go back."

"Why."

"You wouldn't understand."

"What won't I understand?"

"No, it doesn't matter. Hakuna Matata."

"What does that mean?"

"Hakuna Matata is something I learned out here. Look sometimes bad things happen and there is nothing you can do about it. So why worry?"

"Because it's your responsibility!"

"Well what about you! Why did you leave?"

"I left to find help and I found you. Don't you understand. Your our only hope."

"I'm sorry I can't be of more service to you."

"Something's happened to you. Your not the Simba I remember."

"Your right! I'm sorry I'm not the lion you used to know. Now are you satisfied?"

"No but I am disappointed."

"You're starting to sound like my Father."

"Good! At least one of us does."

"Listen! You think you can just show up and tell me how to live my life! You don't even know what I've been through!"

"I would if you would just talk to me."

"Forget It!

"Fine!" Simba walked off into an open field leaving Nala behind. "She's wrong! I can't go back,"said Simba to himself as he paced back and forth. "What will it prove anyway? It won't change anything. You can't change the past." Simba looked up at the stars and snarled. "You said you would always be there for me! But your not and it's all because of me. It's my fault. It's all my fault." Simba whimpered in the darkness of the night. Suddenly, there was a sound coming from a nearby tree. Simba was getting annoyed with noise and walked away slowly. The noise was coming from Rafiki who was watching Simba from a nearby tree. Rafiki swung from branch to branch as he watched Simba walk further into the tall grass. Simba walked onto a log sitting above a pool of water. Staring into the water, Simba sadly looked at his reflection. Rafiki dropped a pebble into the water and watched as the ripple widened. Laughing hysterically, Rafiki dropped more rocks into the pool. "C'mon...can you cut it out?"asked Simba in an annoyed manner. "Can't cut it out! It great fun,"said Rafiki.

"You're a creepy little monkey." Simba walked away from Rafiki but he followed everywhere Simba went. "Will you stop following me! Who are you?"

"The question is not who am I but who are you?"

"I thought I knew...but now I'm not so sure."

"Well, I know who you are. Come here...It's a secret. Asante Sana Squash Banana Way Wenenu, We Wanana. Haha!" Rafiki continued to laugh uncontrollably while Simba grew impatient with the baboon shaman. "Enough already,"said Simba. "What's that supposed to mean anyway?"

"It means you're a baboon...and I'm not. Haha Haha!"

"I think you're a little confused."

"Wrong! I'm not the one whose confused for you don't even know who you are."

"Oh, and I suppose you know who I am."

"I sure do! Your Mufasa's boy."

"Wait! You knew my Father."

"Correction. I know your Father."

"I'm sorry to tell you this but he died a long time ago."

"Nope! Wrong again! He's alive and I'll show him to you. Just follow old Rafiki. He knows the way!" Rafiki ran off into a patch of twisted branches with Simba trailing behind. Simba followed Rafiki to a misty pond of water. "Look out there,"said Rafiki pointing to the pond. Simba approached the water and stared into the crystal clear pond showing his reflection. Simba sighed and looked at Rafiki. "That's not my Father. It's only my reflection,"said Simba.

"How do you know that is only your reflection. Perhaps it is your Father's reflection."

"How could it be my Father's reflection if he isn't here?"

"Because he lives in you. Look into the magic pool again and tell me what you see." Simba stared into the water again and watched as his reflection changed from his own to his Father's when Rafiki touched the water. "You see...He lives in you,"said Rafiki. The sky became darker with heavy clouds of smoke. "Simba,"echoed a voice from above. Simba looked up at the sky and saw a forming picture of his Father's face. "Father,"said Simba. Rafiki disappeared into the brush and left Simba alone. The image of Mufasa appeared clearly in the sky. "Simba, you have forgotten me,"he said. "No...I didn't. How could I?"asked Simba.

"You have forgotten who you are. So, you have forgotten me. Look inside yourself Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the circle of life."

"How can I go back? I'm not who I used to be."

"Remember who you are. You are my son and the one true king. Remember who you are." Mufasa's image slowly disappeared into the night, leaving Simba alone. "Please! Don't leave me again! Father! Don't leave me!"cried Simba. Mufasa's image was no longer in the shadowy clouds. The clouds lifted out of the sky revealing the stars in the sky. Simba sat on a hill and looked up at the sky. Rafiki came out of his hiding place and approached Simba from behind. "The weather! The weather was very peculiar. Don't you think?"he asked. "Yeah. It seems the winds are changing,"replied Simba.

"Ahhh. Change is good?"

"Yeah but it isn't easy and it never will be. I know what I have to do but going back means I have to face my past. I've been running from it for so long." Rafiki lifted his stick above his head and smacked Simba on the head. "Hey! What was that for?"asked Simba as he rubbed his paw on his head. "It doesn't matter. It's in the past,"said Rafiki.

"Yeah, so what if it's in the past. It still hurts."

"It's true that the past can hurt but the way I see it you can either run from it or learn from it." Rafiki tried to smack Simba again but the clever lion ducked. "See! You learned from your past. Now what are you going to do?"

"I think I'm going to go back."

"You are going to go back!"

"I'm going back!" Simba ran off into the night and headed back home. Rafiki laughed so more at the lion and began to walk away when the shadow of Simba was no longer visible in the distance. "Follow me guys,"said Nala with Timon and Pumbaa trailing behind. "What is all this about?"asked Timon. "You have to help me find Simba. We had a fight and he just ran off,"said Nala. "You won't find him here. The king, has returned,"said Rafiki as he swooped into a tree and swung off through the branches. "I can't believe it. He's gone back!"exclaimed Nala. "What are you talking about?"asked Timon. "Simba has gone back to challenge his Uncle Scar to take his place as king,"said Nala. "So he really is the king. Simba can't fight the battle by himself. We have to go help him,"said Pumbaa. Nala began to lead Timon and Pumbaa back to the Pridelands in hopes of helping Simba reclaim the throne. Simba traveled for many days and nights only stopping to sleep. The weathers were harsh and the terrains were treacherous. Nala, Timon and Pumbaa followed Simba's paw prints in hopes they could help their friend before it was too late.

Simba returned to the Pridelands with a knot in his heart. "This used to be my home, "he thought as he walked the paths that used to have meaning to him. Simba couldn't believe that he was standing on the ashes which were once known as the Pridelands. Simba stepped onto a small branch and watched as it turned to dust. Climbing to a tall peak with a view of Pride Rock, Simba stared out at the dark and gloomy home he once knew. "I'm going in,"said Simba to himself. "No your not! Wait up!"called Nala from behind. She ran up to Simba and stood next to him looking out at Pride Rock. "This is awful isn't it."

"I'm sorry I didn't want to believe you "

"What made you come back?"

"I finally realized my mistakes with a little help from a friend. Besides, this is my kingdom and if I don't fight for it, who will?"

"I will."

"It's gonna be dangerous."

"Are you kidding? I eat danger for breakfast every morning." We better run Pumbaa. The female is thinking about food,"said Timon. Simba and Nala turned around to find Timon and Pumbaa standing there. "What took you guys so long?"asked Nala. "We're sorry we aren't as fast as you are but we need longer rest stops,"said Pumbaa. "We're gonna fight your uncle for this place?"asked Timon as he looked at the Pridelands in shock. "Yes Timon. This is my home,"said Simba. "Well Simba if it's important to you, we're with you til the end,"said Timon. The four friends looked out at Pride Rock as dark clouds began to hover about. Simba lead his friends into the Pridelands and snuck around Pride Rock looking for a way in. Their only blockage was a pack of hungry hyenas guarding Pride Rock's entrance. "How are we going to get passed the hyenas Simba,"asked Pumbaa. "We can't sneak passed. Scar has got the place on heavy lock-down with hyenas at every escape,"said Nala. "We are gonna have to use some live bait and the only way to get to a hyena is through his stomach,"said Simba. The lions gleamed and then turned their heads to Timon and Pumbaa who were not excited about the idea of live bait. "What are you guys looking at us for?"asked Pumbaa. "C'mon guys! You have to create a diversion,"said Simba. "Okay fine but if we don't make it out of this...I don't know what will happen,"said Timon. "FOOOOOOOOOOD!" The hyenas looked up and saw the scrumptious Timon and Pumbaa just sitting there. "Hungry hyenas ready for a snack?" Timon kept laying on the gestures giving Simba and Nala just enough time to sneak by. The hyenas had heard enough of Timon and chased after the plump warthog and his companion. Pumbaa ran as fast as he could away from the hyenas with Timon on his back as the hyenas hungrily chased after him. Simba and Nala snuck further into the Pridelands. "Nala, you find my Mother and rally the lionesses. I'll look for Scar,"said Simba. "Please be careful Simba,"said Nala as the two friends headed in opposite directions. Meanwhile, Scar laid next to Zira in the den with their two cubs. Scar awoke abruptly and looked out the den. Zira slowly woke up afterwards. "What's wrong Scar?"she asked. "Something doesn't feel right,"he said.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know. I don't think the lionesses are still hunting. Banzai!"

"What Scar?"asked Banzai.

"What are the lionesses doing?"

"If they were obeying your laws, they would be hunting but...they aren't obeying your rules and they aren't hunting."

"What!" Scar began to head towards the den entrance.

"Wait!"called Zira. "Scar I have been meaning to show you this." Zira walked over to a large boulder in the den and pulled out two newborn cubs. " When did this happen?"asked Scar.

"The other night when you were banishing some of the hyenas." Scar walked over to the cubs and examined their features. "These youngsters are promising but...they aren't mine,"said Scar.

"How can you not accept your own cubs?"asked Zira.

"They are not my cubs. The boy doesn't look a thing like me and the little girl just doesn't smell like me."

"Whether you accept them or not, they are your cubs." A roaring noise came from outside of Pride Rock. Scar immediately turned around and went to check on the situation leaving Zira alone in the den with her toddler cubs and her infant cubs. When Scar came outside, there was a pack of hyenas trying to block the lionesses from entering Pride Rock. "Enough!"proclaimed Scar. "This feud between the lionesses and the hyenas will come to an end. I need Sarabi!" Sarabi emerged from the middle of the lioness pack and headed up the path to Pride Rock. From a distance, Simba could see everything and was waiting for the right moment to take charge. Sarabi came to the top of Pride Rock and stood before Scar. "Yes Scar,"she said. "Where is your hunting party? They are not doing their job,"said Scar.

"Scar there is no food. The herds have moved on and your hyenas scare everything off."

"Your lying! There is food out there! Your just not looking hard enough and my hyenas wouldn't have to scare everything off if you lionesses would just do your job."

"It's over! There is nothing left on this land. We have only one choice. We must leave Pride Rock."

"We're not going anywhere."

"Than you have sentenced us to death!"

"Than so be it."

"You can't do that."

"I am the King. I can do whatever I want."

"If you were half the King Mufasa was y-." Scar smacked Sarabi to the ground which knocked her unconscious.

"I am ten times the King Mufasa was!"he screamed. Simba appeared through the distance and bolted down to his Mother's side. Scar backed away in fear, thinking it was Mufasa. "Mufasa...No, your dead." Simba stared at his Mother and nudged her gently on the neck. Sarabi slowly woke up and looked at Simba's face. "Mufasa?"she asked. "No...It's me,"said Simba.

"Simba?"

"Yes Mother...it's me."

"Your alive? How can that be?"

"It doesn't matter. I'm home." Simba nuzzled his Mother and than looked up at Scar. Scar realized it was only Simba and slowly began to approach him. "Simba...Well, I am very surprised to see you alive. Weren't you killed by hyenas after the stampede?"

"I was almost killed by your hyenas after the stampede but escaped. Now I have come back to take the kingdom which is rightfully mine. However, I have to deal with you first."

"Now Simba you don't understand...all of the pressures of ruling a kingdom..."

"Are no longer yours. Step down Scar!"

"I would nephew...I would but...however there is one single problem. You see them?" Scar pointed above his head to the dozens of hyenas that sat above him. "They think I am king."

"Well we don't! Simba is the rightful king,"said Nala with the rest of the lionesses standing behind her. Nala stood in front of Sarabi as the rest of the lionesses helped her up. "The choice is yours Scar. You either step down or fight,"said Simba. "Why does everything have to end in violence? I would hate to be responsible for the death of a family member. Wouldn't you agree Simba?"asked Scar with sarcasim.

"That's not gonna work Scar. I've put it behind me."

"And what about your faithful subjects. Have they put it behind them?"

"Simba, what is he talking about?"asked Nala. Scar smirked at Simba and circled around him. "Apparently you haven't told them your little secret. Well Simba, now's your chance to tell them. Tell them who is responsible for Mufasa's death?" Everyone looked at Simba and awaited an answer. Simba stepped forward and announced his secret to the pride. "I am." Sarabi stood up and approached her son with great grief as Nala and the rest of the lionesses soak in all of the terrible trauma. "It's not true...tell me it's not true,"said Sarabi in despair. Simba waited hesitantly and then regretted what he had to say to his mother. "It's true." "You see, he admits it! Murderer,"said Scar to the rest of the pride. Scar began to circle Simba as he tormented him with the unwanted memories. Lightning flashed constantly and Simba watched his Uncle in fear. "No! It was an accident,"he said.

"If it weren't for you Mufasa would still be alive. It's your fault he's dead; do you deny it?"

"No."

"Then your guilty!"

"No. I'm not a murderer."

"Oh Simba, your in trouble again but this time, Daddy isn't here to save you. And now everyone knows why!" Scar cornered Simba at the end of Pride Rock and walked him slowly over the edge. Simba clang onto the ledge with his forepaws. "Simba!"called Nala in panic. A shot of lightning hit the bottom of Pride Rock igniting a small flame which soon turned into a raging inferno. Scar sat in front of Simba and just watched as he struggled to hold on. "Now this looks familiar. Now where have I seen this before. Let me think...Oh yes, I remember. This was just the way your Father looked before he died,"said Scar. Simba began to slip but Scar launched his claws into Simba's forepaws and whispered into his ear. "And here's my little secret: I killed Mufasa." Simba thought back to when his Father died and flashbacked to the moment. Simba could see his Father falling into the wildebeest stampede and Simba also saw himself, as a cub, sitting atop the high ledge. Simba screamed and leaped out of his trance, pinning Scar to the ground. Scar was shocked and shaken. "Murderer!"screamed Simba. "No Simba. Please,"said Scar begging for mercy.

"Tell them the truth."

"They know the truth."

"No they don't. You and I are the only ones now tell them the truth!"

"Truth? But truth is in the eye of the-." Simba pressed his paw against Scar's throat, trying to choke him. "Alright...Alright." Scar whispered in harsh voice. "I did it."

"Say it so they can hear you,"said Simba. "I killed Mufasa!"growled Scar. The lionesses and hyenas attacked in rage. The hyenas tried to pin Simba but was stopped and hit by all of the lionesses. Timon and Pumbaa soon joined in the battle as well as Rafiki. Scar tried to sneak away but was not quick enough to escape Simba. Simba chased Scar all the way to the backside of Pride Rock leading to a dead end and a cliff hanger. Scar panicked as he looked over the side of the wall. Simba emerged through the flame wall that cut of the only escape route. Slowly, Simba walked towards his Uncle. "Murderer,"he said. "Simba, Simba please. Please have mercy I beg of you,"pleaded Scar.

"You don't deserve to live."

"But Simba I am family. The hyenas are the real enemy. It was their fault and their idea."

"Haven't you figured out that lying has caused you all this grief."

"But Simba I am not lying to you. I am telling the truth.

"No your not."

"Why don't you believe your own Uncle?"

"Why should I believe you? Everything you ever told me was a lie."

"What are you going to do? You wouldn't kill your own Uncle."

"No Scar. I am not like you."

"Oh, Simba thank you. You are truly noble and I will make it up to you. Now is there anything you want to say to me? Tell me anything."

"Run...Run away Scar and never return." Scar looked at Simba in surprise and cowered away slowly. "Yes of course. As you wish." Scar saw a pile of hot coals and seized the opportunity. "Your Majesty!" Scar swiped the hot coals and shot them at Simba. Simba cried out in pain and surprise and quickly wiped the coals out of his face. Scar leaped onto Simba with great force and started the fight. The lions smacked each other back and forth with their forepaws until Scar smacked Simba to the ground. Scar emerged through a wall of flames trying to pounce Simba. Just then, Simba thought of an idea. Simba used the momentum from his pounce and used a maneuver similar to Nala's hunting tactics and tossed Scar over the cliffhanger. Scar tumbled down all the way to the bottom of the cliffhanger. Simba looked over the edge and saw Scar laying unconscious. Scar tried to get up but had a hard time. The hyenas looked down at Scar and saw a delectable meal. "Oh my friends, I see you have come to help me,"said Scar with hope. "Friends? I thought he just said we were the enemy?"asked Shenzi. "Well that's what I heard too. I guess if we are only considered the enemy we shouldn't hep you,"said Banzai. The hyenas began to appear rapidly and attacked Scar ferociously. The flames grew large and then grew small with the incoming rain. The pride appeared through the smoke clouds along with Timon and Pumbaa. The rain came down dousing the fire and putting it out. The rain continued to drench the pride. Simba emerged from the flames and comforted his family. Simba nuzzled Sarabi and then nuzzled Nala. Rafiki stood at the edge of Pride Rock and pointed his stick up to the top. Simba knew what he had to do. He walked up to Rafiki watched as the baboon shaman bowed towards him. "It is time,"said Rafiki. Simba slowly walked up to Pride Rock and tried to remember the memories he had lost. Simba reached the top and looked up at the sky. "Remember,"said a voice from above. Simba knew it was his Father and did what any other king would have done. He roared. Simba roared as loud as he could and stood proud atop of Pride Rock. The rest of the Pride responded to Simba with a loud roar and then Simba roared back. Simba looked up at the sky again and heard the voice again and felt a gust of wind hit his side. "Well done my son. The circle of life is complete."