Chapter 28 and Love Will Find A Way are here! Sorry they're a little late as I was having some technical difficulties on my end. Enjoy!
The scene transitions to the savanna at night. Kiara walks slowly through the grass. As she walks, two doves suddenly emerge from the grass and take to the air, causing her to pull up short. The doves touch beaks.
DOVES:
*twitters*
Kiara watches the doves fly away, clearly wistful. She continues walking.
"Oh, Kiara…" Kion comforted his sister, knowing how it felt to be far from a lover.
KIARA:
IN A PERFECT WORLD, ONE WE'VE NEVER KNOWN,
A herd of gazelles frolics by.A gazelle couple bounds away from the herd, then stops to nuzzle.
WE WOULD NEVER NEED [Kiara watches the couple for a moment before turning and striding away.] TO FACE THE WORLD ALONE.
"Those animals are not helping the situation." Askari mused.
Kiara walks into a forested area.
THEY CAN HAVE THE WORLD. [Kiara stops and watches as two butterflies flit over her head. In a nearby tree, a monkey couple nuzzles.] WE'LL CREATE OUR OWN.
Kiara follows the butterflies out of the forest.
I MAY NOT BE BRAVE OR STRONG OR SMART, [Kiara leaps up onto a tree branch and looks up at the stars.] BUT SOMEWHERE IN MY SECRET HEART, I KNOW
"But you are all of those things, Kiara. And they will make you a great queen someday." Sarabi smiled. Kiara gratefully nuzzled her grandmother.
Kiara looks between the star formation of a rabbit and the star formation of two lions fighting: the same ones she and Kovu had spotted earlier.
"Hey, it's the stars from earlier." Bunga spoke up.
LOVE WILL FIND A WAY. [Kiara lowers her head sadly.] ANYWHERE I GO, [Kiara lies down on the tree branch.] I'M HOME IF YOU ARE THERE BESIDE ME.
Kiara looks down at her reflection in a pool. Half of her reflection is missing. A leaf falls into the pool, distorting her reflection.
"When will my reflection show who I am inside?" Dusty sang. "Hey, you wouldn't let me do a Mulan reference earlier!" Spirit pouted. "I admit that yes, it works for the Simba's reflection scene, but I feel it fits a little better here." her brother defended himself. "That's fair." She conceded.
LIKE DARK TURNING INTO DAY, [Kiara stands.] SOMEHOW WE'LL COME THROUGH [Kiara notices a bush on the far shore moving, as if someone is hiding behind it.]
"There's no way Kovu could fit behind that bush." Chuluun hissed.
NOW THAT I'VE FOUND YOU. [A frog jumps out of the bush and lands in the pool.] LOVE WILL FIND A WAY.
Kiara frowns and walks away with her head bowed. The frame changes so that she is walking on a hill covered in ash. She sits. The camera pans out to reveal Kovu standing on a hill behind Kiara. He watches her with a frown.
"There he is! If only she'd look behind her!" Makini gasped, bouncing in her spot.
KOVU:
I WAS SO AFRAID. [Kovu bows his head and closes his eyes. After a moment, his eyes snap open again.] NOW, I REALIZE [Kovu lifts his head and smiles. Kiara sighs silently.] LOVE IS NEVER WRONG, [Kovu strides down his hill toward Kiara.] AND SO IT NEVER DIES.
"Nice pipes, kid." Timon complimented. "Uh, thanks." Kovu replied shyly.
Kiara's eyes open in shock.
THERE'S A PERFECT WORLD [Kiara turns around, and her mouth falls open in delight. She smiles affectionately.] SHINING IN YOUR EYES.
Kovu and Kiara smile at each other.
"Awww.." Tiifu and Zuri cooed. "Ugh!" Makucha and Ora gagged.
KOVU AND KIARA:
AND IF ONLY THEY COULD FEEL IT, TOO, [Kiara bounds down her hill toward Kovu. He rushes to meet her.] THE HAPPINESS I FEEL WITH YOU,
Kovu and Kiara meet halfway and nuzzle.
All the couple present leaned into each other, their hearts warmed at the sight of the reunited lovers.
THEY'D KNOW LOVE WILL FIND A WAY. [Kiara licks Kovu's cheek, then walks offscreen. His eyes widen in shock before he smiles.] ANYWHERE WE GO, WE'RE HOME
Kovu chases after Kiara, who flicks ash at him. They walk side-by-side up another hill.
"They remind me of us when we were young." Sahasi smiled. "They do, don't they? Although I don't think they'll have to worry about their siblings trying to sabotage them." Ananda looked knowingly at Surak, who grinned sheepishly back.
IF WE ARE THERE TOGETHER. [Kovu and Kiara sit.] LIKE DARK TURNING INTO DAY,
Kovu uses one paw to scrape away ash on the ground, revealing a green shoot.
"Shoots are growing in the areas destroyed by the fire, and Kiara and Kovu's love has persisted through many hardships. Perhaps there is hope for the two prides to be one again." Janna mused.
SOMEHOW WE'LL COME THROUGH [Kiara stares in wonder at the shoot. She smiles at Kovu, who waggles his eyebrows.] NOW THAT I'VE FOUND YOU. LOVE WILL FIND A WAY.
Kovu and Kiara embrace. Around them, a wind carrying milkweed floss stirs the ash into the air.
"That was you, wasn't it?" Kovu raised an eyebrow at Mufasa, who whistled innocently.
I KNOW LOVE WILL FIND A WAY.
Two butterflies flit around Kovu and Kiara. Kovu watches them excitedly.
KOVU:
*gasps* Hey... [The butterflies fly away. Kovu chases after them. Kiara watches him go in confusion. He looks over one shoulder at her, grinning.] *laughs*
Kiara's confused expression clears. She races after Kovu.
KIARA:
*laughs*
"Ah, young love." Rafiki sighed.
Kovu and Kiara chase each other through the grass.
KOVU AND KIARA:
*laughs*
Kiara leaps on Kovu, and they roll until he is pinned on his back.
"Pinned ya." Kiara smirked. "That's my girl!" Nala praised her.
KOVU:
Hey!
Kovu licks Kiara's cheek.
KIARA:
*chuckles*
Many animals awwed at the two, while some gagged in disgust.
Kiara sits up, while Kovu lifts himself up on one elbow. He nuzzles her.
KOVU:
Mm. [Kovu looks into a nearby pool.] Hey, look. [Kovu's and Kiara's reflections are merged in the water so that the left side is Kiara's face, while the right side is Kovu's.] We are one.
Kiara looks up in realization.
"That's exactly what Simba sang to her when she was a cub!" Ma spoke.
KIARA:
What?
Kovu stands.
KOVU:
Let's get outta here. [Kovu races away from Kiara, then turns to face her.] We'll run away together... [Kovu crouches and shakes his haunches suggestively.] and start a pride, all our own.
"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone…" Spirit started to sing, but Dusty cut her off. "No, no, no! I know that it's appropriate since this movie took inspiration from Romeo and Juliet like the first one did with Hamlet, but still no!" Spirit just smirked at him.
"How would they make a whole new pride when there's only two of them?" Dogo asked. "Uh, I'll tell you young'uns when you're older." Reirei faltered.
KIARA:
*chuckles* [Kiara walks to Kovu.] Kovu, [Kovu and Kiara nuzzle.] we have to go back.
Kovu pulls away from Kiara.
KOVU:
You're kidding. But we're finally together!
"Yeah, and he'll probably be killed if he goes back. Not to mention Kiara will be in big trouble for both escaping yet again and being near him." Janja snarked.
KIARA:
Our place is with our pride. [Kovu looks away thoughtfully.] If we run away, they'll be divided forever.
"She's got a point there." Shupavu quipped.
Kovu's expression is uncertain. He glances back at Kiara with the same grim look. The scene transitions to the Outlands. The Outsiders, led by Zira, walk into a pond.
OUTSIDERS:
*growl* [The Outsiders emerge on the opposite shore, their coats soaked with mud.] *growl*
"That looks like it was hard to wash off." Azaad commented. "It wasn't too bad. The rain helped get a lot of it. On the bright side, it made our fur less dry and dingy." Vitani replied.
The Outsiders stride across the savanna. Overhead, gray clouds cover the sky. Thunder rumbles, and lightning flickers in the clouds. The scene transitions to Pride Rock. There is a clap of thunder, and rain begins to fall.
TIMON:
[from offscreen] I can't believe we lost her again. [Timon and Pumbaa pace restlessly inside Pride Rock.] This is the eight-thousandth time!
"Wow. Impressive." Baliyo whistled. "They exaggerated a bit, but I did ditch them a lot." Kiara clarified.
PUMBAA:
*whimpers*
Timon halts and jabs an accusing finger at Pumbaa.
TIMON:
I thought you were gonna watch her!
"Here they go again." Zazu groaned.
PUMBAA:
Me? [Timon marches around Pumbaa.] You were gonna watch her!
Timon turns to face Pumbaa on his other side.
TIMON:
I thought you were gonna watch her!
Pumbaa points accusingly at Timon.
PUMBAA:
No, you were gonna watch her!
TIMON:
You were gonna watch her!
PUMBAA:
Ah! Watch this!
Pumbaa belly-flops on top of Timon.
"Pumbaa, be careful! You could've squished him!" Ma scolded. "It's ok, Ma, I've gotten stuck under him before and never been seriously hurt. A little out of breath maybe, but never really hurt." Timon calmed her down.
TIMON:
Ow! [Timon flips Pumbaa onto his back and tugs at his lip.] Take that, you creepy warthog! Say it!
Simba strides into Pride Rock and shakes rainwater from his mane.
"You aren't fazed by this?" Ullu asked. "When you've lived with them as long as I have, you get used to their shenanigans." Simba shrugged.
PUMBAA:
[from offscreen] Fat!
TIMON:
[from offscreen] Say it!
PUMBAA:
[from offscreen] Fat! [Timon holds Pumbaa by the leg.] Fatty! Fat! Fat!
SIMBA:
What are you doing?
Timon and Pumbaa snap to attention. Pumbaa grins innocently, while Timon lands on his stomach.
TIMON:
Ah! Good question. [Timon sits up.] Uh, lemme ask you one.
"Are you two in deep shit for losing Kiara yet again? Yes, yes you are." Nuka snarked.
PUMBAA:
Hippo-thetically.
"Huh?" Beshte looked confused.
Timon hops onto Pumbaa's snout.
TIMON:
Very hypothetical. There's this guy…
Pumbaa shakes his head.
PUMBAA:
But he's not a lion!
"Well, you're lion about that." Shenzi cackled, making the lions present groan.
Timon waves his hands in denial.
TIMON:
No! No! [Simba smirks knowingly.] He's not a lion. Sheesh. [Timon wags a finger at Simba.] Definitely not a lion. And, ah... Ah, his daughter, um, [Timon holds up both his arms.] say... [Timon crosses his arms.] vanished?
SIMBA:
[angrily] Kiara's gone?!
"She wouldn't have run off if you had just listened to her about Kovu and not confined her to Pride Rock!" Jasiri barked.
Zazu flaps frantically into the den.
ZAZU:
Sire! [Zazu hovers in front of Simba.] The Outsiders are on the attack! Heading this way! It's [Zazu's eyes widen, and he pumps his wings in fists.] war!
"A war I should've won!" Zira growled.
SIMBA:
Zazu, find Kiara! [Zazu flies off.] We'll assemble the lionesses. Move, now!
Simba races away. Timon and Pumbaa exchange frantic glances. The scene transitions to a rocky plain. Thunder crashes, and lightning flickers in the clouds. The Outsiders stalk slowly across the landscape. Several guinea fowls flee from the Outsiders.
"Thunderbolts and lightning, very very frightening ME!" Spirit and Dusty sang together.
GUINEA FOWLS:
*squawk*
OUTSIDERS:
*growl*
Simba's pride strides onto the plain, opposite the Outsiders. Simba stalks along the line of lionesses.
SIMBA'S PRIDE:
*roar*
Several antelope and zebra lift their heads, then flee.
ANTELOPE AND ZEBRAS:
*bray*
Kovu and Kiara race through the rain toward the warring prides. In-between them and the battlefield, the gorge splits the land. Half of the gorge is full of water and dammed by logs. Several giraffes and okapis flee from the prides.
"Please get there soon and stop the fight before anyone gets seriously injured." Nirmala pleaded.
GIRAFFES AND OKAPIS:
*bray*
The Outsiders form a battle line, while Zira climbs a tall rock.
OUTSIDERS:
*growl*
Vultures circle overhead.
VULTURES:
*caw*
"Before anyone asks, yes, that was my parliament, but Prime Minister Jasiri asked us to watch the battle and keep an eye on things while she and Janja went to fetch the Lion Guard. And we also wanted to claim any possible fatalities." Mzingo explained.
The Outsiders stand in a line. Simba's pride forms up opposite them.
OUTSIDERS:
*growl*
Simba stands at the head of his pride. Timon and Pumbaa march out in front of Simba's pride. They turn and shake their butts at the Outsiders.
TIMON AND PUMBAA:
Nah-nah-nah-nah-nah-nah!
Many animals giggled at the duo's antics. "Real mature, guys. Real mature." Kion chuckled. "Since when were those two ever mature?" Kopa joked.
ZIRA:
It's over, Simba! I have dreamed of nothing else for years!
Timon stands on Pumbaa's head. He gestures to Zira.
TIMON:
Boy, does she need a hobby.
"Someone sure is obsessive." Bunga quipped.
SIMBA:
Last chance, Zira: [Simba juts his head at Zira.] go home.
ZIRA:
I am home. *growls* [Thunder booms, and lightning flashes.] Attack!
The Outsiders rear onto their hind legs.
OUTSIDERS:
*roar*
"Oh, here we go…" Ono shivered.
The Outsiders walk toward Simba's pride.
SIMBA:
*roars*
Simba's pride walks toward the Outsiders. The Outsiders continue their advance, now trotting quickly.
OUTSIDERS:
*growl*
The Outsiders break into a run.
OUTSIDERS:
*snarl*
Simba's pride breaks into a run.
SIMBA'S PRIDE:
*roar*
The Outsiders and Simba's pride meet in the middle of the battlefield and begin to fight.
"This is gonna be good." Kiburi cackled. "Ugh, what isss it with you crocodiles and violence?" Ushari grumbled. "It's the crocodile way!" He retorted with a huff.
OUTSIDERS AND SIMBA'S PRIDE:
*snarl*
An Outsider bites a Pride Lander on the back.
LIONESS:
*yowls*
"Ooh!" Many animals winced. "Ouch." Spirit added.
Zira continues to stand on her tall rock.
ZIRA:
Go for the eye!
"Eye-ay-ay." Dusty hissed.
LIONESS:
*snarls*
An Outsider smacks a Pride Lander in the jaw.
ZIRA:
Break his jaw!
"Wait, she said his jaw. But Simba's the only male lion there, since Kovu's still on the way." Ono realized. "Maybe it was a slip of the tongue, either that or she was visualizing them attacking the king." Anga pointed out.
An Outsider smacks a Pride Lander aside.
LIONESS:
*snarls*
ZIRA:
Hit him low! [An Outsider pounces on a Pride Lander.] Get them!
"Hopefully not too low, because that would seriously hurt." Kopa winced. "Been there, done that." Banzai added.
The Outsiders and Simba's pride continue to fight.
OUTSIDERS AND SIMBA'S PRIDE:
*roar*
ZIRA:
[from offscreen] Do what you must!
"They should've done that instead of betraying me and Scar!" Zira roared.
From across the gorge, Kovu and Kiara watch the battle in dismay.
OUTSIDERS AND SIMBA'S PRIDE:
*roar*
Kovu and Kiara exchange a glance before continuing to run toward the battle. The Outsiders and Simba's pride continue to fight.
"They'd better get there quickly before things get really ugly." Fuli spoke.
OUTSIDERS AND SIMBA'S PRIDE:
*roar*
Timon and Pumbaa stand up against a rock wall.
"Looks like they're literally caught between a rock and a hard place." Spirit snickered.
PUMBAA:
Whadda we do?! Whadda we do?!
Timon lifts a finger emphatically.
TIMON:
There's only one thing we can do, Pumbaa. [Timon smacks his fist into his hand.] When the going gets tough, [Timon repeats the gesture.] the tough get going. [Timon spreads his arms wide.] That's our motto!
"I thought it was 'Hakuna Matata'." Tiifu tilted her head in confusion.
PUMBAA:
I thought our motto was "Hakuna Matata!"
Timon holds his hands to his head.
TIMON:
Pumbaa, stop livin' in the past! We need a new motto. [Timon lunges toward the battle.] Yeehaw!
"What's the motto with your old one?" Joked Banzai, making Ed laugh crazily.
Pumbaa follows Timon.
TIMON AND PUMBAA:
*yell*
An Outsider turns toward Timon and Pumbaa.
OUTSIDER:
*roars*
Timon and Pumbaa pull up short in terror.
TIMON AND PUMBAA:
*scream*
Multiple animals face-pawed/winged/etc at that moment.
TIMON:
Like I said, [Timon and Pumbaa run away.] let's get going!
PUMBAA:
*screams*
"Those two will never change." Simba chuckled along with everyone else.
Thanks for reading! See you next chapter for more of the big battle!