Chapter 22 is on fire! Enjoy! (Spirit and Dusty play "We Didn't Start The Fire" in the background)
The scene transitions to the open savanna, where Kiara is stalking a herd of topi. Suddenly, the topi lift their heads, look around, and run away. Kiara races after the herd.
"Kiara had better get out of there before she gets caught in the fire." Surak spoke.
KIARA:
*grunts* [Kiara pauses, her nostrils flaring. On the ridge ahead of her, the herd doubles back and starts running toward her, pursued by flames. Kiara's expression turns to horror.] *gasps*
"Hapana! That fire grew quickly!" Ono shrieked. "Reminds me a little too much of when the vultures were dropping fire sticks everywhere." Fuli added with a grimace.
Kiara turns and runs in the opposite direction, with the herd hot on her heels. Meanwhile, Zira and Kovu survey the fire from a nearby ridge.
ZIRA:
The plan is in motion. Go!
Many animals growled at the onscreen Zira, mad that she'd had that fire started on purpose just for part of her plan.
Kovu runs off. The scene transitions to Pride Rock, where Simba paces restlessly. Zazu stands nearby. On the distant horizon, black smoke billows into the air.
ZAZU:
Don't worry, Simba. She'll be fine. What could happen?
"Aaand you just jinxed it. Every time someone says something like that, something always happens." Dusty remarked.
Simba pauses abruptly in his pacing and stares at a distant column of smoke.
SIMBA:
*gasps* No... No! Kiara!
Simba runs off. Zazu flies into the air and stares in consternation at the smoke.
"If only we could've helped put out that fire." Beshte sighed. "It's okay, Big B. We had to get Kion and Ono healed, although Kion's raincloud-making thing would've been helpful." Bunga patted his shoulder.
ZAZU:
*gasps*
Simba bounds down Pride Rock.
SIMBA:
Zazu, fly ahead! Find her!
"Like he's gonna be able to see her with all that smoke." Kiburi huffed. "He's no Ono or Anga, but he's surprisingly good at tracking down and locating royals." Nala defended the hornbill.
Simba races past the lionesses, who move to follow him.
The scene transitions to the middle of the fire. Zebras bray and flee the inferno. Kiara runs after them, her face full of terror.
"Kiara!" Kopa exclaimed, worried for his baby sister. "Where's the Pride Lands fire department when you need them?" Dusty quipped. "I know the Lion Guard were away, but they could've had the elephants spray dust or water from their trunks like hoses. Then again, the fire might be too big for that." Spirit mused.
KIARA:
*pants* *whimpers* [Kiara pauses, her path blocked by flame.] *pants* [Kiara looks over one shoulder at the fire behind her.] *screams* [Kiara runs into an area of thick smoke.] *coughs* [Kiara notices a ridge that is high above the flames.] Huh?
Almost everyone was getting increasingly worried for Kiara.
[Kiara runs toward the ridge, dodging around several fires.] *grunts* [Kiara leaps and catches onto the ridge with her front paws. She struggles to hold on, nearly falling into the flames below.] *grunts* [Kiara manages to leap to safety.] *grunts* [Kiara collapses.] *moans*
Behind Kiara, a dark shape with glowing eyes approaches through the smoke.
Both Banzai and Ed shriek in fear and jump on Shenzi, who shoves them off.
KOVU:
*growls*
KIARA:
*moans*
"Ugh, he should've killed her when he had the chance!" Makucha growled, making many animals glare at him in return. "Then how would he have gotten into the Pride Lands, idiot? And don't say sneak attack since that king is bigger than him and has him outnumbered." Chuluun retorted. "He has those outsiders, ya know. Most of them could keep the Pride Landers busy while a few could assist Kovu in going for the kill." Ora sneered. "All right, that's enough out of you three!" Spirit shouted, and each of the three received an extra-hard whack from the mandrills' staffs.
Kiara looks up at the stranger weakly. He bares his teeth.
KOVU:
*growls*
Kiara collapses again.
KIARA:
*sighs*
"Do you remember that part?" Binga wondered. "A little." Kiara replied.
KOVU:
*snarls* [Kovu circles around to Kiara's head and lifts her chin with one paw. She is unresponsive. He looks both ways before seizing her by the scruff.] *roars* [Kovu hefts Kiara onto his back.] *snarls* [Kovu adjusts Kiara so she is riding him full-body.] *grunts* [Kovu climbs down the ridge, the fire blazing behind him.] *roars* [Kovu races through a burning forest. A tree falls and blocks his path.]
"Go, Kovu, go!" Makini cheered.
*roars* [Kovu leaps over the tree and heaves himself over a ridge.] *roars* [Kovu and Kiara fall down a steep cliff into a lake below.] Ugh! [Kovu emerges above the water. He notices Kiara sinking underwater and plunges after her.] *gasps* [Kovu emerges above the water, gripping Kiara by her scruff.] *grunts* [Kovu swims toward shore, towing Kiara.] *pants*
"My hero." Kiara nuzzled her mate. "I need a hero! I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night. He's gotta be strong, and he's gotta be fast, and he's gotta be fresh from the fight!" Spirit sang, having used her magic to change into a sparkly red dress with fairy wings and conjure up a wand to use as a mic. Dusty teasingly raised an eyebrow. "What? I couldn't resist." She shrugged as she returned to normal.
Zazu flies overhead. He notices Kovu and Kiara.
ZAZU:
*gasps* I must tell Simba!
"And you didn't stop to check on her first or tell him that Kovu saved her?" Ma chastised. "Simba and the others weren't that far behind me, and I could tell that she was just unconscious and not dead. As for telling him that Kovu saved her, I was about to when we arrived to where they were and Simba started roaring at him." Zazu explained.
Zazu flies off. Kovu drags Kiara onto dry land and lets go of her scruff.
KIARA:
*coughs* [Kiara weakly opens her eyes.] Where am I?
KOVU:
[with a smirk] You're safe in the Pride Lands.
"Does that mean she went into the Outlands after running from Timon and Pumbaa?" Tiifu asked. "I was kind of on the edge of the border." Kiara replied.
KIARA:
The Pride Lands... No! [Kiara stands and juts her head at Kovu, who flinches backward.] Why'd you bring me here? Who do you think you are?!
KOVU:
*scoffs* I think I'm the one that just saved your life!
KIARA:
Look, I had everything under control.
"You had passed out on that ledge and could have died or suffered serious injuries if it weren't for Kovu." Nirmala interjected.
KOVU:
[with a smirk] Not from where I'm standing.
KIARA:
Then move downwind.
Kiara turns and stalks off.
"Touchy." Janja quipped.
KOVU:
*growls* [Kovu playfully steps in Kiara's way.] *grunts* [Kiara turns away, but Kovu intercepts her again.] *growls*
KIARA:
*grunts*
Kovu smirks at Kiara. She glares back at him. She tries to dodge around him, but he blocks her path again.
"Were you trying to make her angrier?" Zuri spoke up. "I was just messing with her." Kovu chuckled.
KOVU:
Huh?
Kiara attempts another dodge, but Kovu intercepts her. She crouches in front of him, as if about to pounce.
"Here comes the 'pinned ya'." Anga quipped. "I wouldn't be so sure, Anga." Dusty said with a knowing smile.
KIARA:
*grunts*
Kovu straightens.
KOVU:
What're you doing?
"That's what he said when they met!" Kijana realized.
Kiara's eyes widen. Kovu stares at her questioningly. She smiles.
KIARA:
Kovu?
Kovu smiles.
"You said that on purpose so she'd recognize you, didn't you?" Jasiri knowingly smirked. Kovu smiled innocently.
SIMBA:
[from offscreen] Kiara! [Kiara turns. Simba lunges at Kovu.] *roars*
Nala bounds toward Kiara.
NALA:
Kiara! [Nala nuzzles Kiara.] You're all right.
KIARA:
Father, how could you break your promise?
Many animals gave Simba the stink-eye.
Simba continues to glare at Kovu.
SIMBA:
It's a good thing I did. I almost lost you. [Simba glances at Kiara.] No more hunts for you, not ever!
"That's a bit harsh, considering it wasn't her fault she got caught in a wildfire." Azaad interjected.
KIARA:
But I was doing just fine! Even before Kovu–
Simba rounds on Kovu.
SIMBA:
Kovu?!
KOVU AND SIMBA:
*roars*
"Play nice, you two." Sarabi chided.
Kiara and Nala look between Kovu and Simba with concern.
NALA:
[shocked] Simba!
Simba glances quickly at Nala, then continues glaring at Kovu.
SIMBA:
*growls*
RAFIKI:
[from offscreen] Hey! You! [Rafiki appears on a nearby ridge. Kovu and Simba look at him questioningly.] How dare you save the king's daughter?
"Oh yes, how dare he save her when there was no one else around to do so?" Timon deadpanned.
SIMBA:
[to Kovu] You saved her? [distrustfully] Why?
"Because it was a good thing to do, but partially because it was part of Zira's evil plan." Goigoi mocked.
KOVU:
I humbly ask to join your pride.
Simba juts his head at Kovu, who backs away.
SIMBA:
No! You were banished with the other Outsiders.
"When he was a baby, for something he had no part in!" Ananda objected.
KOVU:
I have left the Outsiders. I am a rogue. Judge me now, for who I am. Or am I to be blamed for a crime I didn't commit?
"Innocent until proven guilty." Mzingo recited.
Simba begins to pace back and forth.
SIMBA:
*snarls*
NALA:
Simba, you owe him your daughter's life.
"She does have a point, Dad." Kion spoke up.
SIMBA:
*growls*
Zazu alights in front of Simba.
ZAZU:
Hmm, yes, sire. Clearly, we are in his debt. And royal protocol demands that all debts be paid. [Zazu puts his wings on his hips.] Though, in this case, you might want to make an exception.
"He did save Kiara, so you guys owe him one." Uncle Max pointed out.
Simba glances over one shoulder at Kovu.
SIMBA:
Hmm. [Kovu closes his eyes and straightens.] My father's law will prevail. For now, I reserve judgment. [Simba walks off.] We'll see who you really are.
"In my experience, you cannot judge someone based on a first-or second- impression alone." Azaad added in.
Kovu smirks at Kiara.
KOVU:
Hmm.
Kiara grins in delight. Zazu turns his back on Kovu.
ZAZU:
Hmph! Riffraff.
"Riffraff, street rat, I don't buy that. If only they'd look closer." Spirit sang. "Would they see a poor boy? No, siree." Dusty continued. "They'd find out there's so much more to me." They finished together.
Zazu flies after Simba. Kovu smiles sinisterly.
KOVU:
*huffs* [Simba leads the trek home. Kovu follows with the same devious grin.] *growls*
"Y-you guys all saw that, right?" Banzai asked.
The scene transitions to Pride Rock. Dark clouds roll in overhead as Zazu flies toward the summit. Night falls, and the pride returns to Pride Rock. The lionesses enter the den, while Simba paces outside.
Timon and Pumbaa started to hum The Lion Sleeps Tonight.
SIMBA:
*growls* [Simba turns and watches as Kovu moves to follow the lionesses into Pride Rock.] *gasps* [Simba hastens toward Kovu and strides past him intimidatingly.] *growls*
"Yikesss. Sssomeone didn't want another male in his den." Ushari hissed.
Kovu watches Simba in disgust. After a moment, he turns and walks away from the den. Kiara climbs onto Pride Rock and watches with concern as Kovu settles down to sleep next to a tall rock on the summit. She approaches him, while he sits, glaring at the ground.
KIARA:
Hey, [Kovu glances up at Kiara.] uh... *chuckles* Thanks for saving me today.
"You're welcome." Kovu quips. "What can I say except you're welcome?" Dusty sang. Spirit gave him the same look he'd given her earlier. "Hey, you did a reference earlier, I should get to do one too. Plus, it is a good song." Her brother defended. "I'll agree with you there."
KOVU:
*scoffs* [Kovu stands.] What kind of hunter are you anyway, princess? You almost got yourself killed out there.
"To be fair, it was my first hunt and I wasn't expecting the fire." Kiara defended herself.
KIARA:
[provoked] What?
KOVU:
[with a smirk] You wouldn't last three days on your own.
KIARA:
Oh, and I suppose you could teach me?
"You walked yourself right into that one, bro." Vitani chuckled.
Kovu looks over one shoulder at Kiara, smirking.
KOVU:
*scoffs* Yeah.
Kovu walks off.
SIMBA:
[from offscreen] Kiara!
Kiara glances over one shoulder.
KIARA:
Coming! [Kiara races after Kovu and steps into his path.] All right. Impress me. [Kiara strides past Kovu.] We start at dawn.
"Someone's an early riser." Binga giggled. "She gets it from her father." Nala replied.
KOVU:
*chuckles* I look forward to it.
At a distance from Pride Rock, Nuka and Zira watch Kiara stride back toward the interior of Pride Rock.
Zira growled at Kovu letting Kiara return to the den.
NUKA:
*splutters* D-did you see that?! He let her go! If that were me, I–
ZIRA:
Hush. [Nuka ducks down sheepishly.] The fire rescue worked perfectly, and Simba fell for it. [Zira bends down to Nuka's level.] Now, the closer Kovu gets to the daughter, [Zira strides past Nuka.] the closer he gets to Simba. [Nuka gestures wordlessly.] And once he has Simba alone... [Zira slashes at a branch. Nuka ducks just in time.] *snarls*
Everyone jumped in their spots when she slashed the branch. "Good thing I ducked." Nuka shuddered.
The scene transitions to Pride Rock at night. Simba lies asleep in the den, twitching restlessly.
SIMBA:
*grunts*
Mufasa and Sarabi looked on in concern for their son.
In Simba's dream, he is at the gorge.
MUFASA:
[from offscreen] Simba! Simba! [Simba runs to the edge of the gorge. Below him, Mufasa clings to the side of the cliff, with wildebeests stampeding far below him.] Help me!
SIMBA:
Father!
Many animals gasped at Simba's nightmare. "Oh, son…" Mufasa murmured.
SCAR:
[from offscreen] *cackles*
Simba reaches down to help Mufasa. He looks behind him to see Scar slinking toward him.
SIMBA:
No! [Simba turns back and stretches toward Mufasa.] Dad! [Mufasa reaches for Simba's paw.] Just a little farther!
Mufasa's and Simba's paws nearly touch.
"So close, he was so close… but I failed." Simba mentally kicked himself. Nala noticed this and nuzzled him.
SCAR:
[from offscreen] Gotcha!
SIMBA:
*cries out*
Simba turns to see that Scar is gripping him with unsheathed claws.
"Oh no!" Beshte shouts.
SCAR:
Trust me.
Mufasa slips down toward the stampede.
MUFASA:
Simba!
Mufasa falls into the stampede.
"He fell again? I thought he already did." Cheezi questioned. 'He's having a nightmare, fur-brain!" Janja slapped the back of his head with his paw.
SIMBA:
No! [Simba rounds on Scar angrily.] Scar…
SCAR:
*cackles*
Scar morphs into Kovu. The scar on his left eye remains.
Everyone was surprised at the morphing, and Kovu felt uneasy at seeing Scar turn into himself.
KOVU:
*cackles*
"You wanna count that as foreshadowing?" Dusty asked his sister. "Yeah, I'd say that counts." She replied.
SIMBA:
*gasps* Kovu?
Kovu heaves Simba into the stampede.
KOVU:
Ha!
Simba falls.
"Dad!" Kopa, Kiara, and Kion all exclaimed.
SIMBA:
No! [Simba jerks awake.] *gasps* [Simba looks around in a panic.] *pants*
Simba calms as he sees the stars outside and Nala sleeping peacefully beside him. He lowers his head and closes his eyes.
"My poor cub.." Sarabi breathed. "Nightmares are never a pleasant thing. How frequently does he have them?" Janna inquired.
"Well, he had a few here and there when he was living with us in the jungle, but they got less frequent as he got older." Pumbaa explained.
"Those were about the stampede, I presume?" Scar asked. "Yes, unfortunately. I had another wave of nightmares the first few weeks I was king, since I was afraid I wouldn't be able to restore the Pride Lands or be as good of a ruler as my father. But talking with my mother, Nala, Timon, Pumbaa, Zazu, and Rafiki made them lessen. But that wasn't the only thing that did." Simba replied.
"What did?" Ono asked. "You three did." Nala spoke, referring to her three cubs. "Us?" They said together. "How did they help?" Ma asked. "When Kopa was a baby and Simba had a nightmare, he'd crawl over to him and wake him up, then snuggle into his mane. Kiara and Kion did the same when they were babies. I'd often wake up finding them asleep in Simba's paws." Nala reminisced. "Aww." Beshte commented.
Well, that was one fiery chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!