During that time Nala didn't return home after her mournful night nor wanted to return knowing Scar is king and wants nothing to do with him and his monarchy ruling. As she was laying there Scar spotted her and went over to her and stood behind her, Scar: "what are you doing here?" Nala looks to see who's specking to her and said with a painful calm sorrow tone of voice Nala:" please just leave me be" Scar didn't take it kindly and used his paw to turn her around harshly Scar:" that's not how you speak to your king you imbecile!" Nala snapped " I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!" she says in full of rage getting up and walked fast to find a new spot. Scar:" listen here you disrespecting cub" he says catching up with Nala and slapping her with a full swipe from his paw making her fall to the ground in pain to her face and leaving a red mark. Scar:" I am your king, your ruler, and as your king I order you to speak to me in full respect, and do as your told, and I told you to get to pride rock!" She didn't feel like fighting knowing that if she lays paws on him his group of hyenas will gang up on her and possibly kill her, so she got up and turned towards pride rock and starting walking with Scar behind her.
Meanwhile in the hot sun in the desert, Simba was surprised he was still alive overnight, but felt his body starting to give up on him, and before passing out he seen vultures flying in a circle over him knowing that food is waiting. Once Simba closed his eyes passing out it felt like no time that he felt water being splashed on his face with him hoping that he's waking up from a terrible nightmare but was surprised opening his eyes to see a meerkat and a warthog both standing in front of the lion teen waiting for him to wake up from the water with him under cool shade. Meerkat:" you ok kid?" Simba:" uhh... I guess so" he says leaning to take a drink of the cold refreshing water. Warthog:" we found you almost getting eating by vultures" meerkat:" I saved ya" after he said that the warthog puff in his face meerkat:" fine with Pumbaa's help" making Pumbaa happier Pumbaa:" thank you Timon". Simba got up and started walking away towards the desert, Simba:" thanks for your help" says with his ears flat on his head, Timon:" Hey where you going ?" Simba:" I don't know, somewhere" Pumbaa:" you could stay with us you know" he says as him and Timon catches up to him making Simba stops to hear what they got to say with ears still flat in sorrow. Timon:" hey what's bothering you" Simba:"...did something... horrible, but I don't want to talk about" Timon:" hey outcast don't worry we are too" Simba:"... Really?" Pumbaa:" yeah, but it's probably best not to tell it" Timon:" you know kid, the best you gotta do is put the past behind you" Simba:" wait what?" he says lifting his ears Timon:" sometimes bad things happen and there's nothing you can do about it except putting it behind you in the past." Simba thought about it for a couple of minutes, Pumbaa:" come on it's getting hotter out here let us show you our place" he says walking with Timon on the back of his head and Simba following them to their place.
Back at the pridelands two year has already gone by since the tragic day of the death of Mufasa and Simba and the overrun of Scar's hyena's making the heard of animals move on to a different area due to lack of water. It has been possibly a year without rainfall making the land lose it's healthy green color to a grey and yellow color with the only thing they're living off of now is leftover bones and dead grass. With Nala now a grown adult she is eligible to marry whoever, whenever and the only danger, is that Scar is without a queen which means he could try to get Nala to marry him, but if he does Nala will refuse even if it means being banished. Nala exited the cave quickly before the hyena's or Scar woke up so that she can find a hiding spot to think. After she found a spot, she took a deep breath and looked up at the dry grey clouds remembering both Simba and Mufasa. Nala said to herself like if she was talking to Simba " I wish you were here, next to me or being my true king not this ungrateful of a king" she sighed with a tear running from one eye. She then looked at the open world beyond and back at priderock "... Simba would of wanted me to do this" she says then running towards the yellow gold desert the same way Simba went. Nala:" there's gotta be somebody out there to help me" she thinks while running.
The now happy adult Simba with fully grown red mane has just woken up from sleeping in his own bed next to Timon and Pumbaa's bed which the frame is the tree root, while his bed is soft leaves. He gets up and stretches his body and legs then walks towards the water where the waterfall ends to get a drink of the fresh cold water, Once he does he makes his way up to a very high cliff to watch the sunrise like he has always done since he met Timon and Pumbaa. Since his time being with Timon and Pumbaa and living off of bugs, everytime he's alone either at night or in the morning like now he always takes a moment to think about back home like his mother, father, and most of all Nala. Simba is thinking about Nala and remembers how much fun they've had as cubs and how much he misses her Simba:" Nala if only you knew I was here, if only I was there.. next to you, if only you were here I would make you the happiest lioness, but all of those if only's will never be true all because of me" he says with his head down getting a bit emotional "it's my fault, my fathers dead because of me, I'm not there because of me, I'll never see mom again because of me" says as a tear runs down his face dripping.
After several hours of him doing nothing Simba decided to take a nap so he walks to his soft leaf bed and lays down, drifting off into his sleep. But before he was in deep sleep he heard Pumbaa screaming in the jungle with him saying " SHE'S GONNA EAT ME" and with that being said Simba darted from his bed and ran as fast as he could to see what is the problem. Several minutes earlier, after countless miles and aches in her legs and due to lack of water. She finally found fresh healthy trees and looks like a forest, Nala:" oh thank heavens, I've found fresh plants which means water" as she gets closer to the forest her luck was about to get better as she sees a Warthog following a bug Nala:" even better food" she says to herself very quietly and crouching down in the tall tan colored dead desert grass, trying to stalk the pig. As she got closer and closer Nala must of wasn't down much enough which the warthog spotted her and started to run screaming for his life as Nala quickly chased after him. Every time Nala is close it seems like the Pumbaa maneuvers as he turn making him go faster and pull ahead. As Pumbaa got ahead quite a bit he made a mistake on going under a tree root instead of over making him get struck giving Nala an advantage, Nala:" finally" she thinks to herself, but before she pounces she is caught off guard by a adult male lion jumping over Pumbaa and almost landing on her as they start to fight with each other are equally matched from the scratches and tackles. Then Simba decided to tackle her, which he does making the two roll when he lands on her and when they stopped rolling Nala was on top and Simba knew only one lioness with that much strength and too take him down like that. Simba:" Nala?" Nala's face went from teeth showing fighting to a confused look as he gets off of him and back up quickly. Simba:" is it?... is it really you?" Nala couldn't recognize him and with all the thoughts it she knows it can't be Simba Nala:" who are you, and how do you know my name?" Simba:" Don't you recognize me?, It's me Simba" Nala:" Simba?!" she says making sure that's what she heard but at the same time has disbelief. Simba nods his head yes but Nala is still in disbelief.
Nala nods her head no " that can't be right, Simba died a year ago with his father" Simba didn't answer for a second Simba:" it is me, remember we used to pin each other to see who's on top after we roll when we were cubs and you would always win, or when I taught you your hunting strategy?" Nala then believes it's him because only Simba would know those things Nala:" It is you!" she says in a really excited and relief as she puts her head on his shoulder and hugs him as he does the same with both have at least one tear of joy going down from of their face happy that they're together again. Timon walks out towards them as they stop hugging and pull away. Timon:" what's going on here?" Simba:" Timon this is Nala she's my best friend!" Nala sits down Timon:" so she's your friend but she almost killed Pumbaa!" Simba:" she didn't know, she was hungry" he says defending his friend, Pumbaa finally manages to get out of the root and walks to them Simba:" and Nala this is Pumbaa, Pumbaa Nala" Pumbaa" nice to meet you" Nala:" nice to meet you too" she then looks at Simba, Nala:" I wonder what the others would say when they find out you've been here all of this time, and your mother what would she think?" Simba:" they don't have to know" Nala:" everybody thinks your dead of course they need to know, and on top of all that your the king!" Timon:" wait he's the king and you never opened your mouth about it" Simba:" no, I'm not the king I thought I was gonna be but that was years ago" Nala looked at Timon and Pumbaa " can you guys let us talk alone for several minutes" she says friendly with a smile Timon:" whatever lady but we're not going anywhere without Simba isn't that right?" Simba:" umm... maybe you should go" Timon:" *sigh* alright lets go Pumbaa" he says leaving with Pumbaa following behind.
Simba watches them leave as Nala then looks down like if sorrowed, Simba sees " what's wrong?" he moves to where he's next to her " what's going on" Nala:" like your back from the dead, don't know how much it'll mean everyone, but it means to me" Simba:" it's going in to be ok" he leans closer than gets surprised by Nala's nuzzle that started from the bottom of his chin then work up to his face with him nuzzling back Nala:" I really missed you a lot and I love you" Simba:" I missed and love you too" he says nuzzling back as noises of purs coming from the couple as they started to walk towards the water to climb down from the rock stair like cliff. as they made it down Nala looked around the beautiful scenery, Nala:" wow this place is beautiful" Simba:" I know right, I couldn't believe they found this place either" says nuzzling Nala after he spoke. After they nuzzled Nala went around to the pond where the water from the waterfall ends it's path to finally lean her head down to quench her mouth, throat, and the rest of her drying insides as Simba also drinks the water across from her. Simba thought about telling her the real reason why he ran away but then thought again that if he does she'll speak to him with nothing but hate and hateful things to say to him, and leave him so soon, so he decides to keep it to himself as he came up with an idea to have a little fun with Nala as she looks up from her drinking and looks at Simba, who started to run at a medium fast pace by her. He grabs a vine that's holding strong to a branch with his mouth and started to run back towards Nala and the pond. Before Simba got close, Nala stepped out of the way just in time so she won't get hit as Simba goes flying out into the the pond. Nala looked down at the pond looking to see if he's ok and by surprised Simba came up and grabbed her gently and pulled her in with him going under. Nala quickly got back up to the surface of the water getting her breath and getting out to the dry land as she catches her breath while Simba gets out of the water with is wet mane soaking down around his face with a smile he said " it wasn't that bad was it?" Nala looked at him with a playing look then pushed him back in the water then ran as Simba quickly gets out of the water and chases her.
He chases her through a tall grass open field to another set of trees with a hill leading down to a fully shaded area within the forest, as Nala runs down with Simba close behind she stops turning around on her hind legs with Simba knowing what Nala wants to do so he gets on his hind legs both wobbling but managed to get both front paw on each others shoulders as they start to roll backwards down a very very long drop hill laughing and giggling while doing so. Once they finally reached the bottom Simba this time won, with both laughing Simba:" looks like I won this time" he giggles along with Nala, as Nala leans in closer to his face and licks him on the cheek catching Simba by surprise as Simba looks at her who Nala looks at him lovingly smile with Simba smiling back paying the favor with a lick back on the top of her snout all the way up to her forehead as they then nuzzle each other lovingly for a short while before breaking away and walking with each other down a smooth path that has a high up view of a waterfall in the distance with vines making a little hamming.
Simba:" isn't this a great place?" Nala:" it is beautiful and we're lucky to have this near by... But I don't understand, if you've been alive all this time why did you come back" Simba:"... well I thought a good amount of time away find a good place that would refresh me and make me happy, I did and it's great" he lies Nala:" everybody really needs you back home" Simba:" puh no one needs me after what happened" Nala:" what happened?" Simba sighed as they stop walking at a edge of the cliff. Simba looked up at the sky like he normally does when he thinks about his father, Simba:" something that was the reason that made me leave" Nala:" what? tell me" Simba:" I would but I'm afraid if I do I'll be hated possibly forever" he says with a sorrow building tone. Nala nuzzled him "whatever it is I'm sure i won't" Simba nuzzled back and sighed "ok I'll tell you, I'm the cause of my father's death" Nala looked at him confusingly " what?" Simba:" if I wasn't there, if I knew he was out, he would still be alive,if I didn't roar, it's my fault for putting him in that position, it's my fault he's dead" he says with tears rolling out of his eyes Nala nuzzled him some more trying to get him to calm down. Nala:" it wasn't your fault" Simba:" it is" Nala:" Simba if it was you, you would of been the one to kill him" Simba:" I basically did kill him" he says walking away Nala:" where you going?" Simba:" I just need to be alone to think right now" Nala did say anything instead she went to go find a place to rest.
Back at the pridelands, Scar is getting frustrated on how the hunting is going so she calls for Nala who he doesn't know is gone Scar:" NALA!" he yells from the top of the stair way of pride rock as no one came Scar:" where is Nala?!" "SARAFINA" he then yells to Nala's mother who comes up the stairs looking fearless Scar:" where is your daughter, I've called her name numerous times and never respond " Sarafina:" I have no clue I haven't seen her within the whole day" Scar:" then go look for her" Sarafina:" how am I supposed to look when I don't even know where to" Scar:" that's not my problem" Sarafina:" what do you want from my daughter anyway?" Scar:" for her to be queen" Sarafina felt a little rage in her Sarafina:" I believe she would decline`Scar:" if so I'll force her" Sarafina:" not with me standing you won't, my daughter has the right to marry when or whoever and it's not going to be you!" before she turns around to walk back down Scar slaps her with his paw making her collapse and fall down the rocky stairs possibly breaking something and bleed as Sarabi comes running for her friend. Sarabi:" are you ok?" Sarafina shakes her head no with tears at her eyes pointing towards her ribs and bleeding cut around her neck and face Sarabi:" you monster" says speaking to Scar, Scar:" she deserved it for showing disrespect to the king" as he turns around to go inside the cave. Sarabi tries helping her friend up who couldn't even stand up because of how much pain is being put on her side where her ribs are but she collapses again which Sarabi then puts Sarafina on her back and carefully walks to where Sarabi or another lioness can check her injuries.
Night has fallen as Simba is now alone to think sitting on a log above a little pond " I don't see how I can go back" then someone threw a rock making the water splash, Simba looks around to see no one but then looks at a tree near him and sees a monkey with weird face paint dancing and singing. Simba rolls his eyes and moves to another location, when he does he still hears the monkey this time louder because he's behind him. Simba:" would you cut it out?" Rafiki:" why cut it out it'll grow right back" says then laughing Simba:" crazy little monkey, who are you?" Rafiki:" no the question is who are you?" Simba opened his mouth like if he was going to answer that but ended with a sigh " I thought I knew now I'm not so sure" Rafiki:" I know who you are" he grabs Simba close " shh it's a secret" he then starts singing Simba:" ugh that's not helping" Rafiki:" it's helping you cheer up, which is actually a catchy song" he then laughs again Simba:" I think your little confused" he says trying to walk away Rafiki:" wrong" says putting his finger on Simba's nose "I'm not the one confused, you don't even know who you are" Simba:" oh and you know?" says trying to walk away again Rafiki:" sure do your Mufasa's boy" Simba stop almost instantly and looks at Rafiki, Rafiki:"...bye" he says leaping away Simba:" wait, wait up" he says chasing after him.
Simba finds him in a meditating position, Simba:" you knew my father" Rafiki: "correction I know your father" Simba:" well I'm sorry but, he died a long time ago" Rafiki:" wrong again" he leaps and laughs to a entrance of a small passage way Rafiki:" follow, I'll show you to him" he then leaps into it and starts swinging on vines and jumping from branch to branch as Simba follows below. After several minutes of making his way, Rafiki stops him at the end of the passageway. Rafiki puts his finger on his own lips saying with a "shhh' then saying quietly "down there" pointing at the pond. As Simba walks down to the pond to look in it all he sees is his own reflection. Simba:" (sigh) that's not father, it's just my reflection" Rafiki:" no, you just got to look harder" he says touching the water and when he does the image changes to the face of Mufasa. Rafiki disappears into the passage behind Simba as the wind picks up and clouds start to form what looks like a lion. Simba:" what's going on?, Rafiki?" he looks behind hi and next to him to find him gone "where did that monkey go?" before he leave a familiar voice stops him in his tracks, ?:" Simba!" Simba turns around to the cloud that now looks like his father, Simba:" Father?" Mufasa:" Simba, son, you've forgotten me" Simba:" no how could I, I think of you every day and night" Mufasa:" you've forgotten who you are and so forgotten me, look inside your self Simba, you must take your place in the Circle of life as king" Simba:" how do I go back, I'm not who I used to be or known to be now" Mufasa:" remember who you are, you are my son and the one true king... remember who you are" he says fading away as the word "remember" echos across the sky, as Simba chases after him Simba:"Father, don't leave me!" but then stops knowing all he's doing is chasing clouds of his imagination "don't leave me... (sigh)" then after the weather goes back to normal Rafiki walks up to him from behind him Rafiki:" what was that? Very peculiar don't you think?" Simba nods " yeah, looks like the wind is changing"
Rafiki:" Change is good" Simba:" it's easier said than done, but I know what I have to do, is to face my past, I've been running from it for so long" then Rafiki smacks him on top of his head with his stick like staff Simba:" OW geez what was that for?" Rafiki:" it doesn't matter it's in the past" he giggles, Simba:" yeah but it still hurts" he say checking his head making sure he's not bleeding Rafiki:" ah yes the past can hurt, but you can either run from it or... learn from it" he say swinging to hit Simba again as Simba dodges then smacks it trying to knock it out of his hands but failed. Rafiki:" Ah you see, now your going to do what now?" Simba:" well first I'm going to take your stick" says grabbing it and throwing it Rafiki:" No, not my stick" says running to get it then sees Simba running Rafiki:" Hey, where you going?" Simba:" I'm heading home" Rafiki:" my job here is done" says hoping away.