Now we see the Guardians of Light and the Pride Landers bond, and thanks to Kiara's influence, we may just see where Kovu's heart truly belongs.
And we get the return of a classic song from the original 1994 film (with added lyrics), plus one from the Broadway musical version.
Enjoy!
Stars filled the night sky as the lions and Guardians of Light slept inside the den of Pride Rock.
Everyone was sound asleep… but Simba seemed to be having trouble sleeping. He was having a nightmare.
Simba's Dream:
Simba had run up to the edge of the ravine. Mufasa was down hanging on for dear life as the wildebeest stampeded below.
"Simba! Simba! Help me!" Mufasa shouted.
"Father!" Simba cried.
Simba kneeled to reach haI father when laughter sounded out. He looked up and saw Scar looking down on Simba, cackling madly in the moonlight.
"No! Dad…" Simba cried as he tried to reach out to Mufasa and he did likewise. "Just... a little... farther…"
Scar suddenly latched on to Simba's upper foreleg with his claws.
"Gotcha! ...Trust me." Scar hissed wickedly.
"Simba!" Mufasa cried as he slid down the rocky wall and into the gorge.
"Noooo!" Simba yelled before glaring at Scar. "Scar!"
Scar, laughed, slowly morphing into Kovu with a scar across his eye.
Simba gasped. "Kovu...?"
Kovu suddenly lets go, throwing Simba down after Mufasa, laughing.
"NOOOOO!" Simba yelled in terror.
At the moment of impact, Simba woke up, panting. He looked. around in fright. His Pride and friends were all sound asleep. Simba calmed himself, and goes back to sleep next to Nala.
Unknown to them, at the ledge of Pride Rock, Ansem, Xemnas, and Young Xehanort we're watching him.
"So King Simba is still haunted by what his uncle did." mused Xemnas.
"The trauma he obtained throughout the incident is still plaguing his mind." added Ansem.
"Hence his trust issues and his tendency to be so overprotective over his daughter." said Young Xehanort. "This could be used to our advantage… if given the chance…"
One by one they each teleported away. The animals were none the wiser.
Sora was sleeping when he began to hear something that made his lion ears twitch. He got up with a confused expression. He stared out to the clouds as they began to move around.
"Huh? What's going on?" Sora asked in confusion.
At that moment there was a bright flash in the clouds. As soon as it dimmed, there stood the faded image of an adult lion from the neck up. He had light orange fur, except for around his mouth, which was light peach-colored. His mane was reddish brown. It parted on the right side of the top of his head, not unlike human hair. His eyes were red and his sclera were yellow, while his eyebrows were black. His ears were just barely visible poking through his mane. He had ten dark-colored whiskers, five on either side of his upper lip.
It was Mufasa. Simba's late father.
"Greetings Sora." greeted Mufasa.
"What the hell!? Who are you?" Sora asked in shock, not having seen something like this before. "You look like Simba!"
Mufasa chuckled. "There is no surprise in that. After all, he is my son."
"Your son?" Sora then became shocked, realizing who he was speaking to. "Wait a minute…. You're Mufasa? Simba's father and the former King of the Pride Lands?"
"Indeed, I am. And I know who you are Sora. It is a great pleasure to finally meet you." Mufasa said, smiling.
Sora smiled back. "It's an honor to meet you too, your majesty." He then became confused. "But how is this happening? Aren't you supposed to be, you know…"
"Dead?" Mufasa finished before chuckling. "I am. But I've obtained a higher spiritual plain of existence. The great kings and queens of the past watch over the Pride Lands from the skies. Passing into death, we become one with all of life and nature, including living beings."
"That's amazing." said Sora. "I remember Rafiki saying something about speaking with lions of the past. But I didn't know it was something like this."
"Yes. Rafiki is a dear friend. And I have spoken with my son and grandson whenever they need my advice." Mufasa responded.
"So, why have you appeared before me then?" Sora asked, tilting his head in confusion. "I'm not a member of the royal family."
"I've seen your deeds Sora. Not just in the Pride Lands, but in all the other worlds." Said Mufasa.
Sora widens his eyes in surprise. "You know I'm from another world?"
"Yes. I do." Mufasa answered. "I've know the existence of many worlds for a long time, the world order, Xehanort and the threat of this Keyblade War in which you are fighting. I had the knowledge passed down to me from my parents Ahadi and Uru, and my grandfather Mohatu, the very first King of the Pride Lands. Your pure heart drew me to you Sora, that is why I speak to you. I wish to ask you for your help."
"My help?" Sora asked.
"Yes. It's about my son. I fear for his well-being and the future of the Pride Lands." Sora listened to Mufasa speaking grimly. "By now I'm sure you're aware of the feud between our Pride and Zira's Pride. My son's heart is full of hatred towards those who were loyal to Scar. My brother had left scars on Simba's heart."
"Yeah, I know." Sora sadly acknowledged. "Simba told us about what Scar did to you and how his life changed because of it."
"Yes." Mufasa replied with a nod. "It was a sad day for the both of us. I'm regretful I can never be there to see my son grow. And my son had his entire childhood filled with trauma he still hasn't recovered from to this day. I do not blame him for his hatred towards Zira's clan. But I fear he's letting hatred rule over his heart."
"Yeah. I can tell Simba's hate towards Scar is clouding his judgment." Sora thinks back to Simba's behavior towards Kovu. "He doesn't the fact that fighting hatred with hatred will breed more hatred. If he keeps this up, a war might break out. And I can only handle one right now."
"That is why, I'm hoping that Kiara and Kovu will save my son from going down this path." said Mufasa.
"Kiara and Kovu? What do they have to do with any of this?" Sora asked, confused.
"I watched the two of them meet when they were just cubs. And though that meeting was cut short I sensed a connection between them. A connection that will save the Pride Lands and create peace between both clans." Mufasa explained.
"A connection?" Sora widened his eyes in realization. "Wait a minute, are you saying you want to bring Kiara and Kovu together? As in romantically together!?"
"Yes. I could see in his heart that Kovu has no desire to be King… or at least for Zira's desires. And I sensed the love my granddaughter had for him. I believe that love is the light that will save my son and the Pride Lands." Mufasa explained, smiling for his granddaughter. "Which is why I'm having Rafiki set them up."
Sora was amazed with Mufasa's plan. "Wow. Love between lions in opposing prides. I never knew Kiara and Kovu had that sort of connection." Sora smiled. "This could work. Maybe this can get through to Simba."
"Yes. Which is why I am asking you, Sora, please, help my son. Save him from his own hatred. Keep him on the right path. Do not let the tragedy of Scar happen again." Mufasa asked sincerely.
Sora responded with a goofy grin. "Like you need to even ask that. Of course, I'll help your majesty. Simba's my friend and there's no way I'm letting him be ruled by his own darkness. The Guardians and I will do everything we can to keep him straight. We won't let a war happen again."
Mufasa nods gratefully. "Thank you, Sora."
"By the way. There's something I'd like to ask…" said Sora, with a worried look.
"Is it about Kion?" Mufasa deduced.
"Yeah. How's he been?" Sora asked.
"Kion is fine. The Lion Guard have recently arrived at the Tree of Life. His healing is underway." Mufasa explained.
This was good news for Sora. "Really!? That's great! Then he can be healed!"
"Yes. Though I worry. He has not spoken to me ever since he left the Pride Lands. I worry he may have forgotten me." said Mufasa, concerned for his grandson.
"Forgotten you? No way. Kion would never do that." Sora assured. "I've been told that having that scar on his face has him worried he looks like Scar. Maybe he just doesn't want to remind you of him. I'm sure once he gets his head straightened out, he'll be talking to you in no time."
Mufasa smiled gratefully. "Yes. Perhaps you are right. I can see why my son trusts you, Sora. So, allow me to give you some advice." He frowned. "I understand you're dealing with your own scar."
Sora recoiled a little. "You mean you saw…"
"Yes. I saw you hide your scar when you arrived in the Pride Lands." Answered Mufasa. "Does anyone else know about it?"
"Just Kairi. Our friends Tony and Nebula knew because they were there when… certain things happened." Sora answered. "And I prefer to keep it that way. I got this scar while fighting a powerful opponent. It was the first battle I ever lost. I ended up getting scared emotionally and physically. I don't want my friends to worry about me. We already have too much going on."
Mufasa didn't know about the MCU events but he could tell whatever happened that caused Sora to get this scar had a deep effect on him. "It seems you have a heavy weight placed on your shoulder Sora. It reminds me all too well of Kion. But you needn't carry it alone. When you are feeling lost there is nothing wrong with letting people who love you care for you."
"Yeah I know… it's just a comfortable memory I don't like to share…" Sora sighed. "What happened that day affected a bunch of us in more than many ways… we wanna tell our friends… and I wanna tell them about this scar… it's just… I can't bring myself to do it after what happened… I guess I was able to do it with Kairi because I love and trust her that way…"
"Sora. It's understandable why you would only tell so few about your physical and emotional scars." Mufasa said gently. "When you are ready to tell them is when you know the time is right… no one will force you to do it. But when you do, you will feel much better."
Sora smiled. "Thank you Mufasa. I'll tell my friends one day when I feel ready." he said. "And hey… thank you. I'm glad we had this small time together."
Mufasa nodded with a smile as he faded into the clouds. Sora then walked back into the den, and settled back to sleep.
The sun soon shone over the Pride Lands the next morning. Simba stretched, and then descended to the valley floor, where he walked slowly toward the water hole.
Kovu was above him, hiding behind a rock; his teeth and claws were bared, ready to strike.
Suddenly, Kiara jumped in front of him, from around the front of the rock.
"G'morning!" she laughed. "I'm ready for my first lesson."
Kovu was stunned; he took several moments to disguise his previous mindset and intentions.
Kiara was jumping around on her pawtips, very frisky. "Surprised ya, huh?" she giggled.
Kovu looks back toward the water hole to see Simba gone.
"Hey, c'mon. Let's go!" Kiara laughed.
Kovu was still dumbstruck.
"Something on your mind?"
Kovu almost jumped again. He turned and saw Sora, Kairi, Roxas, Naminé, and Myde come up. It had been Sora who had spoken.
"Uh, no." Kovu quickly said. "Wait, what are you guys doing here?"
"Thought we'd come see your little training session." said Roxas.
"We are curious to learn what you learned in the Outlands to make you such a skilled hunter." said Naminé.
"I see… and where are your friends?" asked Kovu.
"Well with the Lion Guard heading for the Tree of Life our friends volunteered to see how the Pride Lands are doing." said Sora.
"Simba and Nala can't be in 5 places at once." said Kairi.
"I'm surprised Daddy didn't send his friends from around here to do that." said Kiara.
"Timon and Pumbaa got their own thing going on, Zazu's just flying around for the morning report and Timon and Pumbaa were already gone." said Myde. "I bet they're relaxing over at their paradise. God I envy them."
"Then why are you here?" asked Kovu.
"Ugh the others want be to get a little training in me so I don't slack off." Myde muttered. "You're not on a mission for half a month and they're all over your ass about it."
"Well you do tend to be lazy outside of recon." said Roxas.
"I see no lies." Myde shrugged.
"Anyways… we're ready to see what you can teach us Kovu." said Sora.
"Right…" Kovu muttered. "Follow me."
Some way aways, Kovu was attempting to teach stealth to Kiara. Sora, Kairi, Naminé, Roxas, and Myde were on the side, waiting to see if Kiara got it down. But all they could hear was her mutter "Ow" in the underbrush a few times.
Kovu was smiling bemusedly to himself. He was also anticipating the pounce. "Three... two... (rolls his eyes) one…"
"Gotcha!" Kiara yelled, trying to pounce on Kovu, only for him to duck and Kiara tumbled onto the ground.
"Hey it was a good… leap." Roxas awkwardly said.
"Gee thanks." Kiara sighed. She saw Kovu looking down at her. "You could hear me... huh?" Kiara asked, slightly embarrassed.
"Only... a lot." Kovu replied. "You're still breathing too hard. Relax... feel the earth under your paws... so it doesn't shift and make noise."
Kovu unsheathed his claws and claws at the earth. Kiara did likewise. Sora, Kairi, Roxas, and Naminé did as well.
Myde awkwardly dug at the ground.
A flock of birds interrupted them, alighting beyond a nearby hill.
"Ssshh. Watch the master... and learn." Kovu smirked.
The lion ran silently down into a gully, then up the other side. Leaping over the ridgetop, he pounced with claws fully extended… right down on top of Timon, who was foraging for bugs there.
"Aaaahhhh!" Timon screamed.
Kovu froze in the position in which he hit the ground, with his mouth open; he skidded to a halt with Timon between his forelegs.
"Don't eat me! Please!" Timon begged. "I... I... I never really met your tyrant. I mean, uh- Scar. Scar. Oh, heck of a guy. A little moody, but, I…"
"Yeah sounds like Scar alright." Sora chucked.
"And from what I heard you and Pumbaa only ever saw his ghost." added Kairi.
"Timon! What are you doing here?" Kiara asked in annoyance.
"Kiara! Thank goodness! Ohh!" Timon said in relief before calming down. "Hey... for once, we're not following ya. This just happens to be the best smorgasbord in the Pride Lands. Bugs everywhere." he said, gesturing to the field of bugs, with the flock of birds eating contentedly away.
"Yeah nothing says 'good food' like bugs." muttered Myde.
"Well if Timon and Pumbaa like to eat them and Simba had to live off of them during his childhood, why are we to judge?" asked Naminé.
"But, you don't call for a reservation, and- yeesh!" Timon muttered, glaring at the birds. "Get outta here, ya scavengers. Go on! Shoo! Shoo!" he called, trying to scare them away.
Timon waved his arms at one unconcerned bird, who bit Timon's nose.
"Oh!... oh!... oh." Timon winced in pain, his nose glowing red.
In the distance, they saw Pumbaa trying to chase them away as well. The warthog rushed down the hill, and back up, scattering birds, who came back to land right where they were.
Kiara, Sora, Kairi, Naminé, Roxas, and Myde watched with amusement, Kovu with bewilderment.
Pumbaa now had a dozen or so birds sitting on his back. "Ohh... Timon, I'm getting tired. I gotta lose some pounds!" Pumbaa groaned.
Timon climbed on top of Pumbaa. "Shoo! Go on! Shoo! Shoo!" he yeled as the birds flew away from his best pal.
The lions, cheetah, and meerkat trotted back down the hill, Kiara Sora, and Kairi laughing.
"Hey! Maybe he can help. Ya think?" Pumbaa asked, looking at Kovu.
"Shoo!" Timon shouted, managing to scare the last bird off Pumbaa's tail. "Oh! Yeah... there's an idea. Right." Timon said sarcastically. "Let the vicious Outsider- Hey! Wait! I have an idea!" Timon exclaimed as he jumped down off of Pumbaa. "What if he helps?"
"What?" Pumbaa asked in disbelief.
"You wanna lend a voice? Huh?" Timon asked Kovu. The black-maned lion didn't understand. "Grrr. Guh... Roar! Work with me!" Timon said in annoyance.
"Huh?" Kovu blinked.
"Like this." Kiara said before roaring, scattering the birds.
"Wooo hoo! C'mon, do it again! Do it again!" Timon cheered, hopping on top of Pumbaa as they ran off.
Kovu roared this time, sending the birds into a rout.
"Nice one!" laughed Myde.
"Hey Sora! Kairi! Roxas! Give it a try!" said Pumbaa.
"If you say so!" Sora laughed, roaring as well.
Kairi followed likewise. As did Roxas.
The birds were now flying everywhere.
"Oh man, look at them go!" Mayde guffawed.
"This is pretty fun!" giggled Naminé.
"Yee-haa!" Timon cheered.
The seven animals ran down the hill behind Timon and Pumbaa, sending birds flying in every direction. Kovu was still clueless.
"Why are we doing this? What's the point of this training?" Kovu asked.
"Training? This is just for fun!" Kiara laughed.
"Fun?" Kovu blinked.
"You've never heard of fun?" asked Sora.
"Boy you are about to have what looks like pretty awesome fun." Myde chuckled.
Timon and Pumbaa ran by; Timon was hanging on to a bird's leg, getting carried up into the air. "Ya gotta get out more often. Fun! Yeee-haa! Ha ha ha ha... Woooo-hoo!" Timon cheered as the bird dropped him back onto Pumbaa.
"Yeee-haa! Yeee-haaa!" Kovu began to cheer.
The group ran down between a row of rocks.
"Yeeeee-haaa!" Kovu cheered excitedly as everyone laughed.
"That's the spirit Kovu!" said Naminé.
"Ride 'em cowboys!" cheered Sora.
"Yippe-ki yay!" cheered Roxas.
They all suddenly noticed at the end of the path were a bunch of rhinos. They all yelled in alarm as they skidded to a stop… Timon also being flung into Pumbaa's mouth,
They notice the tick birds all sitting on top of the rhinos' heads, blowing raspberries at them.
"Uh-oh." Kiara muttered.
The rhinos gave rageful looks and steam shot from their nostrils.
The lions, cheetah, meerkat, Timon, and Pumbaa turned tail and run back the way they came while yelling as Timon jumped back onto Pumbaa's back.
The rhinos were in hot pursuit.
"Hey rhino!" Timon yelled as as Pumbaa turns a corner using the edge of a small overhang. The lions and meerkat turned sideways into a crevice in the rocks, where they hid while the rhinos passed by. They were laughing with delight.
"What a blast!" Kovu chortled.
"Oh... sorry." Pumbaa said sheepishly, thinking Kovu meant him.
Kiara and Kovu laughed as Sora, Roxas, Kairi, Naminé, and Myde chuckled.
Timon gave Kovu a noogie. "You're okay, kid…" he chuckled.
"Hey!" Kovu exclaimed, caught off guard.
"...You're okay." Timon said again.
They tried to squeeze out of the crevice, eventually all but the regular lions getting out. Amid the "'Scuse me, pardon me" from Timon, Kiara's muzzle brushed up against Kovu's as the others got out. They looked at each other, both quite embarrassed.
"Um... s-sorr- uh…" Kiara stammered.
Sora grinned.
"You seem to be happy about them together." commented Myde.
"What can I say? They seem to be getting close." Sora shrugged.
"Hmm… yeah I can almost see that." hummed Kairi.
"Hey! Are you all comin' or what?" Timon asked.
Sora, Kairi, Naminé, Roxas, and Myde followed them. Kiara and Kovu eventually followed, purrs soon mix with their laughter.
After more fun and training, the nine soon came back to Pride Rock.
Simba and Nala were there already,
"Hey you guys!" Sora greeted.
"Ah Sora, Kiara, everyone good morning." Nala greeted.
"Indeed, good morning." Simba said before his eyes fell on Kovu. His face went neutral. "Kovu."
"King Simba." Kovu replied with an equal look.
Sensing the tension, Kairi quickly broke it. "So you two slept well?"
"Yes we did." Nala replied. "And I trust all of your stays in the den was pleasant?"
"It was." smiled Naminé. "You guys were very hospitable."
"Nothing like I'm used to but it was nice." Myde shrugged.
At that moment, Zazu flew in.
"Good morning royal family and friends." he said with a bow.
"Morning Zazu." Simba greeted.
"What brings you here?" asked Sora.
"Brushing up on the Morning Report." the major domo replied.
Kiara, Timon, and Pumbaa groaned.
"Something wrong?" asked Kovu, perplexed.
"Brace yourself kid, this is gonna take a while." Timon said, rubbing his head.
(The Morning Report from The Lion King plays)
Zazu:Chimps are going ape, giraffes remain above it all
Elephants remember, though just what I can't recall
Crocodiles are snapping up fresh offers from the banks
Showed interest in my nest egg but I quickly said, "No thanks!"
We haven't paid the hornbills and the vultures have a hunch
Not everyone invited will be coming back from lunch
(chuckles)
This is the morning report
Gives you the long and the short
Every grunt, roar, and snort
Not a tale I distort
On the morning report
Everyone watched Zazu in amusement and bemusement.
"Does he… always do this?" asked Roxas.
"Same when I was a cub." Simba replied.
"It takes a while." Kiara added.
"He certainly knows how to tell it." hummed Sora.
Zazu: Oh, the buffalo have got a beef about this season's grass
Warthogs have been thwarted in attempts to save their gas
Flamingos in the pink are chasing secretary birds
Saffron is this season's color seen in all the herds
Moving down the rank and file to near the bottom rung
Far too many beetles are quite frankly in the dung.
(chuckles)
This is the morning report
Gives you the long and the short
Every grunt, roar, and snort
Not a tale I distort
On the morning report
Zazu took a bow. Simba and Nala chuckled while rolling their eyes. Kiara, TImon, and Pumbaa simply rolled their eyes as Sora, Kovu, Kairi, Roxas, and Naminé looked bemused.
"Thank you Zazu… as always." Simba said.
"It is my pleasure sire." Zazu said. "Now then, I must be off. I will see you later."
And Zazu took to the sky.
"He's quite the character." Myde commented.
"He certainly is." Simba nodded. "Nala and I were annoyed at him several times, but we grew to appreciate him."
"Same with me and Kion." said Kiara.
"Seems as though Zazu missed all the fun in his morning report."
Everyone saw Riku, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Lea, Isa, Ven, Terra, Aqua, Xion, Minnie, Daisy, Oswald, Ortenisa, and Max walk/fly up to Pride Rock.
It had been Ven who spoke.
The nine animals joined them at the bottom of the famous landmark.
"I trust patrol went well with you lot?" Simba asked.
"It was a job well done, I say." Mickey chuckled.
"What did you mean by 'fun' Ven?" asked Roxas.
"Well it would seem as though after Zazu left certain places, various creatures of darkness decided to pay said places a visit." Ven replied. "Thankfully we were all there to stop them."
Earlier:
The rest of the worldly-travelers were across the Pride Lands keeping an eye on all the herds and protecting them from any Heartless or Nobodies or Unversed that tried to attack them.
Riku slashed at several Loudmouth Heartless with Braveheart before they could hurt the giraffes.
"That was the last one Twiga!" Riku called.
"Oh thank you Riku! You saved me and all of my giraffes." Twiga said thankfully.
All the giraffes cheered.
"Hey it's the least I can do." Riku smirked.
Lea used Flame Liberator to blast away several Ninja Nobodies attacking the gazelles.
"Is it over?" Swala asked nervously.
"You bet your grazing grounds it over." Lea smirked, twirling his Keyblade.
"You have the thanks of me and my herd." Swala said thankfully as all the gazelles cheered.
"Tell your friends it was Lea who saved you." Lea said before tapping the side of his head. "Got it memorized?"
The gazelles chuckled.
Aqua used Stormfall to cast water spells against Vile Phial Unversed that had attacked the galagos.
Laini and her galagos jumped down from their tree in front of the human-turned-snow leopard.
"Is it safe now Ms. Aqua?" Laini asked nervously.
"No need to worry Laini. They aren't gonna hurt you anymore." Aqua reassured her.
"Oh thank you!" Laini said thankfully as she and her herd hugged Aqua, making her giggle.
Terra, Darkgnaw in his teeth, casted Thunder Tracer to finish off several Aerial Knocker Heartless, said creatures of darkness having tried to attack the buffalo.
"That was the last Heartless Vuruga Vuruga." Terra told the leader of the buffalo.
"You have my thanks Terra." Vuruga Vuruga said thankfully. "You saved our lives from those strange creatures."
The buffalo grunted happily in agreement.
"Like the Lion Guard before me, I'm simply doing my job here." Terra said with a modest smile.
Isa, using Blue Moon, fought alongside Makuu and his crocodiles - and Hodari the gecko and honorary member of said float - against several Wild Bruiser Unversed.
"I must say Isa, you have quite the fight in you." Makuu commented, pouncing on an Unversed.
"Yeah you really know how to take it to them!" Hodari commented.
"Like you crocodiles, I train hard for this sort of thing." Isa replied, not taking his focus off the fight, casting Dark Firaga on a Wild Bruiser.
"We can tell. You are indeed a good fighter." Makuu said, impressed.
Ven raced around with Wayward Wind in his jaw firing Thundaga Shot spells at Neoshadow Heartless attacking the elephants.
"I must say young lion, you have a lot of fight in you!" Ma Tambo commented.
"You were so cool Ven!" Mtoto said excitedly.
"Thanks little guy. And all in a day's work Ma Tembo." Ven smiled.
Mtoto then heard something and extended his large ear to hear it. "Ven! Behind you!"
Out from behind a tree a Neoshadow rushed out, ready to attack Ven.
Quickly thinking, Ma Tembo sucked up some dirt in her trunk and spat it in the Heartless' face. Ven used this chance to cast Wind Tracer to destroy it.
"Thanks for assisting you two!" Ven smiled.
"Well the Lion Guard did teach us how to defend ourselves." Ma Tembo replied.
"And my sense of hearing is helpful." said Mtoto.
"Still, thank you for your help to begin with." Ma Tembo smiled.
The elephants all trumpeted as Ven smiled modestly.
Xion was fighting against Dragoon Nobodies attacking the hippos, Replica Kingdom Key in her grasp. The human-turned-panther used Fission Firaga to destroy three of them at once and then an another just as it emerged from the hippo pond.
"Phew!" Xion panted. "I think that was the last of them. I don't know how Xaldin managed to handle them…" She turned to the hippos. "Basi, I think you and your hippos are gonna be safe for a good long while."
Basi, Beshte's father and leader of the hippos, approached Xion. "You have my and my pod's sincere thanks for saving us Xion the Panther." he said with a smile. "You have good strength, determination, and kindness. Just like my son."
"Thanks Basi." Xion smiled. "And hey… I know Beshte will return safe and sound someday."
Basi smiled genuinely. "Thank you Xion. That means a lot."
The hippos all bellowed in appreciation for Xion's bravery. The panther could only smile.
At this time, the zebras were running away from Rapid Dog Heartless.
"Panic and run! PANIC AND RUN!" Thurston cried out.
"Get away from us you strange monsters!" Muhimu cried.
Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Oswald, Kingdom Key W, Mage's Staff, Knight's Shield, and Classic Tone in their maws, ran to the rescue.
"Hold on zebras, we'll save you!" called Oswald.
Together, the quartet slashed and bashed the Heartless as fast as they could. Mickey casted Crawling Fire on two. Oswald used Ice Barrage on three. Goofy did his Goofy-Tornado move to bash more Heartless Donald's direction as he destroyed them with a Double Thundaga spell.
Spells were cast all over until soon all the Heartless were gone.
The zebras, lion, bird, tortoise, and hare all breathed heavily. Muhimu approached the quartet.
"Thank you so much for saving me and my herd." she said thankfully. "if it wasn't for you, we would've been a gourmet meal for those strange creatures."
"All in a day's work madam." Mickey smiled.
"Hmph. I feel like I could've handled them… if I knew they could be taken down so easily." Thurston said indignantly.
"Oh brother." Donald groaned.
"Oh don't be rude Thurston." scolded Muhimu. "Be thankful they saved us!"
"It was our pleasure." smiled Goofy.
And finally, Minnie, Daisy, Max, and Ortensia, Starlight, Spellbinder, Fenrir, and Zero/One in their grasps, were saving the rhinos (and their tickbirds) from several Blobmob Unversed. Minnie casted her Esuna magic to blind two of them and then destroyed them with Flower Shoot. Daisy bashed two of them across their faces before she finished them with Icicle Mine. Ortenisa used Stopza to freeze three in place before she used Raging Storm to destroy them. And Max spun around, similar to his dad's Goofy-Tornado technique, and slashed the last of them multiple times before they were all gone.
"Thank you so much for saving us rhinos." Mbeya said thankfully.
"We always knew the Lion Guard would return." Kifaru said, not recognizing the group.
"Uh they aren't the Lion Guard Kifaru." said Mwenzi. "Sure one's a lion and the other's a bird, but one's a tortoise and the other's a clouded leopard."
"Oh they are?" Kifaru asked in surprise. "I didn't even notice the difference."
"We're just doing our jobs rhinos." smiled Max.
"We may not be the Lion Guard, but we have morals like them." said Minnie.
"And we respect the Circle of Life like they do." Ortensia chimed in.
Mbeya chuckled. "That's good enough for us." he said.
Present:
"So that was our morning! A-hyuck!" Goofy chuckled.
"Wow you guys sure were busy." hummed Kiara.
"Sorry we missed out on the battles." said Sora.
"Don't worry about it, we all held our own against those freaks perfectly." assured Xion.
"Sounds like it was rough fighting so many of those creeps. Glad I was joining in on the hunting practice." said Myde.
Sora and Co. rolled their eyes.
"Just like in the Organization, you always find some way to get out of work." grunted Isa.
"Not really, he did try to learn Kovu's methods." said Sora.
Simba wanted to retort, but a stern look from Nala shut him up.
"Sounds to me like my fellow meerkat is preferring the lifestyle that is; Hakuna Matata." commenced Timon.
Sora and Co. chuckled, having heard stories from Sora, Donald, and Goofy.
Kovu was confused. "Ha-what now?" he asked.
"Hakuna Matata." Pumbaa repeated. "It means no worries."
"A little something I grew up with when they took care of me." Simba added.
"I never understood it myself at first… but it is a good thing to live by when you have a lot on your shoulder." said Nala.
"Kion and I enjoy it very much when we get chances to be kids." Kiara giggled.
"Timon and Pumbaa can explain it to you guys." said Sora.
Timon and Pumbaa grinned as they ran up front to face the whole group.
(Hakuna Matata from The Lion King plays)
Timon:Hakuna Matata
What a wonderful phrase
Pumbaa:Hakuna Matata
Ain't no passing craze
Timon:It means no worries
For the rest of your days
It's our problem-free
Philosophy
Timon:Hakuna Matata
"I like this motto." Lea commented.
"Oh yes very catchy!" giggled Minnie.
"So it means no worries?" Kovu asked.
"Yep! Helps solve your problems." said Sora.
"Right, take Pumbaa here as an example." said Timon.
Timon: Why, when he was a young warthog
Pumbaa:When I was a young WATTHOOOOOOOOOOOG!
Everyone winced from the loud "opera" singing.
"Very nice." Timon muttered, wiggling a finger in his ear.
"Thanks!" Pumbaa smiled, missing the point..
Timon: He found his aroma lacked a certain appeal
He could clear the savanna after every meal
Pumbaa:I'm a sensitive soul, though I seem thick-skinned
And it hurt that my friends never stood downwind!
And, oh, the shame!
Timon: He was ashamed!
Pumbaa: Thought of changin' my name!
Timon:Oh, what's in a name?
Pumbaa: And I got downhearted!
Timon: How did you feel?
Pumbaa:Every time that I-
"Hey, Pumbaa! Not in front of the kids." Timon quickly said, covering Pumbaa's mouth. "We discussed this, remember?"
"Oh, sorry." Pumbaa said sheepishly.
Simba, Nala, Kiara, Sora, Donald, Goofy, Mickey, Riku, Kairi, Ven, Roxas, Xion, and Naminé rolled their eyes while the others looked confused.
Timon and Pumbaa began to dance.
Timon and Pumbaa:Hakuna Matata
What a wonderful phrase
Hakuna Matata
Ain't no passing craze!
Nala and Kiara nudged Simba with cheeky smiles. Amused, Simba joined in.
Simba: It means no worries
For the rest of your days
"You still got it, Simba!" Timon cheered.
Simba and Timon: It's our problem-free...
Pumbaa: Philosophy...
Timon, Pumbaa and Simba: Hakuna Matata!
"You guys really know how to sell us on this motto." mused Oswald.
"It's what we do." Pumbaa chuckled.
"I think I'm starting to like this…" Kovu said with a small smile.
"Say Timon, did this motto help you before you met Pumbaa?" asked Sora.
Timon:When I was a young meerkat
Pumbaa: When he was a young MEERKAAAAAAAAAAAAT!
Everyone covered their ears again as Timon was blown away by Pumbaa's tone.
"Very nice." Timon said woozily as he got up.
"Thanks again." Pumbaa grinned.
Timon:I worked in the colony, paying my dues
Accepting without question the prevailing views
That a meerkat's life was one long grind
"Sounds rough." said Donald.
Timon: Diggin' holes, standin' guard till it crossed my mind
I was wrong
Pumbaa:He was wrong!
Timon:And all alone
Pumbaa:All alone!
Timon:All that I needed
Pumbaa:What did you need?
Timon:Was to have heeded
Pumbaa:Sing, Timon!
Timon: Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase
Hakuna Matata, ain't no passing craze
At Simba's look, Nala and Kiara willingly jumped it.
Nala: It means no worries
Kiara: For the rest of your days
Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, Nala, and Kiara: It's our problem-free philosophy
Hakuna Matata
The five then began to do the signature Hakuna Matata walk as the 21 animals watched in amusement.
Timon and Pumbaa: Hakuna! Matata!
Hakuna! Matata!
Hakuna! Matata!
Hakuna!
Simba, Nala, and Kiara: It means no worries
For the rest of your days
All:It's our problem-free
Philosophy
Timon: Hakuna Matata
Pumbaa:Hakuna! Matata!
Hakuna! Matata!
Hakuna! Matata!
Hakuna! Matata!
Simba:Hakuna Matata!
Timon:Hakuna Matata!
Nala:Hakuna Matata!
Timon: Hakuna Matata!
Pumbaa: Ooh-ooh-ooh!
Timon:Hakuna Matata!
Kiara:Hakuna Matata!
Hakuna Matata!
Yeah!
Timon: Matata!
Matata!
Ha, ha, ha!
Sora and his friends cheered as Lea, Isa, Myde, and Oswald applauded. Even Kovu was impressed.
"Wow what a song!" Mickey chuckled.
"You guys must really love your motto." said Max.
"Oh we do!" said Timon.
Suddenly an okapi ran up. And he looked worried.
"Ajabu, what's wrong?" Simba asked.
"Strange black jittery creatures out in the savanna your majesty!" Ajabu said, scared. "The herds are running for safety! And so am I!"
And he ran off, heading for the hills.
"Sounds like the Heartless are back." Sora said in annoyance.
"Come on, no time to lose!" Simba said determinedly.
"Follow us!" said Nala.
"Time to put ours skills to use again Kovu!" said Kiara.
"Sure thing." Kovu grunted.
"You guys have fun!" Timon said. "Me and Punbaa are gonna go hide!"
"Oh no you don't!" said Lea, yanking the two back by the tails.
"You guys can have Hakuna Matata on your own time." said Terra.
"Come on you two, it'll be like when you helped Simba take back the throne from Scar and the hyenas!" said Goofy.
"But those Heartless are so scary!" Pumbaa protested.
"You want us to die?!" Timon asked.
"Sometimes I ask that question myself."
"You got 24 fighters by your side." said Kairi.
"You'll be ok." assured Aqua. "Now come on, let's go!"
And the animals raced off, Timon and Pumbaa reluctantly following.
"Sometimes I wonder why we bother." TImon groaned.
Savanna:
Heartless were roaming around scaring the antelope and oryxes away as they ran for cover. There were Helmed Bodies, Upright Defenders, Prank Bouquets, Rapid Thrusters, and Armored Knights.
The group of 26 ran out to see the scene of chaos.
"What in the Pride Lands?!" exclaimed Kiara.
"That's more than yesterday!" exclaimed Ven.
"Guess even Heartless try to learn to expand their numbers." Lea muttered.
Sora summoned Hero's Origin, Terra summoned Treasure Trove, Riku summoned Skull Noise, Kairi summoned Destiny's Embrace, Ven summoned Sweet Stack, Aqua summoned Victory Line, Roxas summoned Abyssal Tide, Xion summoned Sign of Innocence, Naminé summoned Shooting Star, Lea summoned Flame Liberator, Isa summoned Blue Moon, Myde summoned Mystic Water, Mickey summoned Kingdom Key W, Minnie summoned Starlight, Donald summoned Wisdom Wand, Daisy summoned Spellbinder, Goofy summoned Dream Shield,Max summoned Fenrir, Oswald summoned Classic Tone, and Ortensia summoned Zero/One.
"It's still a sight to see you lot do that." commented Nala.
"Thanks Nala!" smiled Naminé.
"Alright Kovu, if you want to continue to prove your worth, help us get rid of the Heartless." Simba said firmly.
"You got yourself another fighter, King Simba." replied the black-maned lion.
"Let's get these little bastards!" shouted Terra.
(Riku Second Boss Fight from Kingdom Hearts plays)
Mission: Defeat the Heartless
Playable Characters:
Sora
Donald Duck
Goofy
Riku
King Mickey
Kairi
Terra
Aqua
Ventus
Roxas
Lea
Xion
Naminé
Isa
Myde
Queen Minnie
Daisy Duck
Max
Oswald
Ortensia
Party Members:
Simba
Nala
Kiara
Kovu
Assistants:
Timon
Pumbaa
Aqua started the fight as she charged at a group of Prank Bouquets who tried to lunge at her. But the human-turned-snow leopard pounced on them and then slashed them with her Keyblade while receiving minimal damage. Jumping up, Aqua casted Icicle Mine to finish them. Terra jumped around, dodging attacks from three Helemed Bodies, only getting smacked and punched in the face a few times. But the human-turned-leopard wasn't fazed as he slashed them with his Keyblade and claws before he finished them by casting Double Firaga at them. Ven leapt over several Armored Knights and thrashed them with his claws. He then casted orbs of light to blind them before he executed them with Glacier. Sora jumped away from and pounced on some Rapid Thrusters, kicking some backwards with his back legs as well. When three of them tried to pounce on him, Sora used his Keyblade to unleash Dark Firaga to destroy them. Kairi ran around slashing at the Upright Defenders, while also trying to avoid getting hit by their shields. One managed to bash Kairi to the ground with said shield, but Kairi was able to recover in time, slashed at it, and destroyed it with a Firaga spell. Riku swung his Keyblade around the Prank Bouquets, even as they attacked him against his back and legs. But the human-turned-lion was able to recover fast as he quickly casted Pulse Tracer to destroy the Heartless. Using her cheetah speed, Naminé was able to rush around and slash Heartless left and right with her Keyblade. The former witch-turned-cheetah was suddenly surrounded by Helmed Bodies. But she was able speed around them quickly and then use Balloonga against them so they could be destroyed. Xion slashed at the Upright Defenders with both her Keyblade and claws, even managing to kick their shields out of their grasps. After doing that to two of them, Xion unleashed a Raging Storm spell to finish them off. Myde sent water spells at Prank Bouquets before he was knocked away by three of them, skidding across his back against the ground. But the human-turned-meerkat gut up, used Deep Freeze against them, and then jumped up to slash them all to smithereens. Lea used Fira to keep some Rapid Thrusters at bay until they slashed the human-turned-monkey against the ground. Lea just smirked as he jumped up and over them, summoned his chakrams, and tossed them like flying discs and they slashed the Heartless before Lea jammed them into their chests. Isa bashed Upright Defenders in their faces with his Keyblade and held them at bay with some Poison and Bind spells. The human-turned-mandrill then summoned his claymore and sent a moonbeam down, obliterating them. Roxas jumped and ducked from attacks from the Helmed Bodies. He used Blackout to blind 4 of them them before he leapt into the air and unleashed Transcendence to destroy them.
Mickey ran round dodging Heartless attacks while firing blasts of light at them. He managed to back kick some Armored Knights with his back legs away before he finished them off with a Fission Firaga spell. Donald flew around overhead and used his staff to fire light spells against the Heartless. One Rapid Thruster yanked Donald down by the wings, but he quickly maneuvered his staff with his talons towards said Heartless and destroyed it with Thundara. Goofy bashed his own shield into the faces of various Armored Knights. He tossed his shield like a flying disc and it came back slashing the Heartless across their faces, killing them. Max ran as fast as he could, jumping onto Heartless and slashing them across their backs and their heads. Max then leapt off a rock and then slammed his Keyblade against the ground in a Quake spell, killing two Armored Knights, two Prank Bouquets, and one Upright Defender. Oswald jumped around from Heartless to Heartless, slashing them with his Keyblade quick like a bunny. Oswald then spotted an Upright Defender running at him. Quickly thinking, Oswald leapt up, kicked the large Heartless in the face rapidly with his feet, and then killed with a Blizzaga spell. Ortensia pounced on several Helmed Bodies and began to scratch and thrash them all around. One punched Ortensia away and she crashed onto the ground. But the cat-turned-clouded leopard sprung back up and blasted it away with a Mega Flare spell. Minnie jumped at the Prank Bouquets and bashed their faces and petals with Starlight. She then used her Esuna magic to blind them, making them stagger, and then casted Seeker Mine to finish them. Daisy soared above the Heartless and slashed at them across their faces. Daisy then used her talons to hold her Keyblade high and then she dove down and slammed it against the ground, unleashing a Triple Plasma spell. Simba tackled an Upright Defender to the ground and held it with his jaws. He thrashed it with his claws and then tossed it against a tree, killing it. Nala took down a Helmed Body like it was easy prey as she thrashed it across it's armor, bit it by the scruff of its neck and dragged it down to the ground before she thrashed it some more. Kiara headbutted several Armored Knights and sidekicked two away. She attacked one by biting it in the head and then tossed it against a rock, killing it. Kovu slashed several Rapid Thrusters across their faces and then yanked one to the ground with his jaw. Kovu then tossed it up and thrashed out away with his claws. Pumbaa ran across the savannahs, headbutting various Heartless as Timon guided him, punching away or ducking from any Heartless that tried to attack them.
"How (pant) many (pant) are left?" Pumbaa asked, getting tired.
"Only 5 more!" called Aqua.
"Simba!" Sora called.
Simba knew what Sora had in mind. "Together" the Lion King called.
Sora and Simba leapt forward as rocks erupted around them, damaging the Heartless. The duo dashed towards their enemies and slashed furiously. Simba and Sora then spun rapidly in the air towards the Heartless. After twenty cumulative uses of their X-Claw and High Fang techniques, Sora and Simba released a damaging roar that created beams of light around them, finishing off the creatures of darkness.
(Riku Second Boss Fight from Kingdom Hearts ends)
Everyone panted in exhaustion as the Heartless were now no more in the savannah. Sora, Kairi, Terra, and Aqua began to cure everyone.
"Wow… that was harder… than yesterday…" panted Kiara.
"You guys are lucky." muttered Myde. "We almost do this on a daily basis."
"I haven't fought Heartless since before we found Simba…" commented Nala.
"Well you handled them like a pro." Naminé mused, making Nala shuckled.
"Yeah it was child's play." Timon said, waving his hand.
"Well the savannah is safe now thanks to all of you." said Simba. He gave a neutral look at Kovu. "You as well Kovu."
"Thank you Simba." Kovu said plainly.
"Thanks Daddy." Kiara smiled.
"It was our pleasure to help you Simba." said Terra.
"Maybe now we can finally rest." said Myde, stretching his arms.
"For once I agree, that was a climatic battle." said Isa.
"Then let's head back to Pride Rock." said Mickey.
"Good thinking Mick." said Lea.
And everyone made their way back to Pride Rock.
There was barely any Heartless, Nobodies, or Unversed left for the rest of the day.
That night, Kiara and Kovu were lying on their backs, watching the clouds and giggling.
"See that? See that? Look at that! It's really pretty." Kovu said.
"What? Oh yeah!" Kiara said before looking to another area of the sky. "Um- look... there's one that looks like a baby rabbit. See the fluffy tail?"
Kovu nodded. "Yeah... hey! There's one that looks like two lions killing each other for a scrap of meat!" he laughed, though he died it down when he saw Kiara grimace. "Ah, I've never done this before." he admitted.
"Really?" asked Kiara. "My father and I used to do this all the time. He says all the great Kings of the past are up there."
Kovu paused, looking at the sky. "You think Scar is up there?" he asked.
They looked at each other. Kovu got up and moved off. "He wasn't my father, but he was still…" Kovu sighed gently. "...part of me."
Kiara said nothing, for a moment. "My father said there was a... a darkness in Scar that he couldn't escape." she said. "Sora says the same thing. He did help my father take Scar down when the darkness overtook his heart."
"Maybe there's a darkness in me too." Kovu said sadly.
Kiara put her paw on Kovu's, and they nuzzled.
Simba was watching from a hill some distance away. He looked up at the sky. "Father... I am lost. Kovu is one of them. Scar's heir. How can I accept him?" he asked, conflicted.
Nala approached from behind. "Simba?" she asked as she stood next to her mate.
"I was... seeking counsel from the Great Kings." Simba told her.
"Did they help?" Nala asked knowingly.
"Silent as stars." Simba sighed. "My father would never–"
"Oh, Simba... you want so much to walk the path expected of you." Nala soothed, nuzzling Simba's mane. "Perhaps Kovu does not."
Simba was surprised. "What? How do you know what–"
Nala chuckled. "I can see them down there just as easily as you can. Get to know them and see." she told him.
She turned and walked off. Simba contemplated his wife's words. After a moment of hesitation, Simba followed her.
Meanwhile, at the same time Roxas was also star gazing while at the same time was thinking back to everything that's transpire up to this point.
"Man, it's hard to believe that so much has happened since I got my own heart. From reuniting with Lea, Xion, Sora, and Naminé to becoming a Keyblade Master, the Snap, and everything else that came afterwards, its hard to believe that all of that transpire within less than a few months. It seems like it was only yesterday when I was found and brought into the first Organization by Axel. It's crazy that from the start that I acted like a mere zombie with little to know words, to now having a heart with real emotions."
Roxas chuckled to himself at that last sentence but after a few seconds his smile turn into a frown.
"Still, even after getting my own heart, there were a lot of emotional moments that stems beyond what I done with the first Organization. The Snap and Thanos was probably the most darkest time out of my new life and although I go spared from the dusting, that period left an emotional scar in my heart." Roxas thought to himself before thinking back more to that time period.
"It's hard to believe that during those 5 months thanks to that Mad Titan, I thought that I would never see them again, especially since the Snap happened not too long after I got my own heart. I thought I loss them for good this time, and I can't imagine what Lea, Xion, Isa, Myde and Naminé had gone through when they were dusted. Thankfully we were able to undo Thanos' actions."
Roxas then sigh as his mind then shifted over to one former Nobody in particular.
"Naminé...she in particular has been through so much as well. Although she wasn't part of the actual Organization, she had her own emotional scars as well thanks to the events at Castle Oblivion. I'm not sure which was worse for her, Castle Oblivion or the Snap?" Roxas thought.
Roxas continued to look up at the stars as he continues to think about Kairi's former Nobody.
"Although the events of Castle Oblivion was a dark time for her. She was able to grow as a person like how I was to the point where she was able to stand up Marluxia and Larxene in regards to their plan with Sora, and now she has grown, to be a smart, kind, and beautiful young lady."
As soon as Roxas finished that sentence his eyes went wide as a feint blush appears on the human turn lion's checks as feelings start to rise within him. His mind flashes back to all the times he spent with Naminé ever since the both of them got their own hearts, such as their mission with Scott and Hope, or even when they were watching the lanterns in Kingdom of Corona. He also remembers the teasing Lea gave to him after the two helped Xion with opening herself on her feelings with Ven back at the Castle of Dreams.
"I guess you were right Lea, I think I may have feelings for her now." Roxas stated to himself in his head. "Although you and Xion are always going to me my best friends, Naminé is more than that. She and I had been through so much that I can't stand to lose her. It may just be that were the former Nobodies of Sora and Kairi respectively, but we were always able to open up to one another much more on a deeper scale. Although she can take care of herself, I want to be by her side no matter what the cost. Maybe after this mission I should talk to he and..."
"Roxas?" A voice called out.
The former Nobody yelped out of his thought process in shock as he turn around to see Namine standing behind him.
"Naminé? What are you doing here?" Roxas asked.
"I was trying to find you actually. Everyone else is resting back at the cave but you were not there, so I decided to come look for you." Naminé replied.
"Oh, sorry to worry you." Roxas said.
"It's ok, I know you can take care of yourself." Naminé said with a smile before asking. "What are you doing out here anyway?"
"Just relaxing and doing some stargazing." Roxas replied.
"Sounds fun. Do you mind if I join you?" Naminé asked.
Roxas smiled before replying to the human turn cheetah. "Knock yourself out."
Naminé walked up to Roxas and lied down as the two looked up to the many stars in the sky.
"It's so beautiful tonight. You know, if it wasn't for us being animals, I would've gotten my sketchbook out to draw out this scene." Naminé stated as she looked at the stars in awe.
"Yeah, it is. Although sometimes I wonder… which stars are other worlds, and which ones are actually stars." Roxas hummed.
Naminé giggled. "That is a good question." she said. "And the only way to find out is to travel to see them ourselves…"
"True." Roxas nodded. "It is a cool adventure to think about. I mean, this adventure is fun and all, even though it is a mission… but I'm glad I'm doing it with my friends… Lea, Xion, Sora… and especially you Nams."
"Aw Roxas." Naminé gushed. "You're so sweet…"
Roxas turned over to face the human-turned-leopard. "And I'm very happy that this is working out… we're several months to a year since you, me, and Xion have become fully human and not having to stay connected to Sora and Kairi's hearts to survive." he said. "I really am enjoying this new lease on life…"
"Me too…" said Naminé. She sighed. "I didn't like what I did when I was first created… I messed with Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Jiminy's memories… they had to sleep for a year in pods, away from their families… and Master Yen Sid had to manipulate time and space so their families wouldn't have had a clue… mostly… I wonder if I messed up Ven's memories too…"
Roxas gently nuzzled Naminé. "That wasn't your fault… Marluxia and Larxene were forcing you to mess with Sora. You both were pawns in their little coup to overthrow Xemnas. Your hands were tied."
"I know…" Naminé nodded. "And I'm glad I'm able to make up for it… repairing their memories, helping free Kairi, getting Xion to come to Sora so he could wake up, helping out Riku, now being a Keyblade Master so I can help you guys defend the worlds."
"And I'm happy you are Naminé." Roxas smiled. "You're making amends like me, Riku, and those that were in the old Organization that didn't join the new one. Your willingness to help others and set things right is what I like about you."
Naminé giggled. "Aw Roxas… thank you…"
The two continued to look up at the stars for a little bit before Naminé saw Roxas with a sad look on his face.
"Roxas, is something wrong?" Naminé asked with a worry look.
Roxas was silent before replying, "Its...its nothing".
"Usually that means that something is bothering you." Naminé remarks before continuing. "I don't want to see you sad Roxas, feel free to speak what's on your mind."
Roxas was again silent before shifting his gaze towards Namine.
"Naminé...I know that this time period was heavy on all of us. But I need to ask you, what was being in the Soul World like? During the Snap?" Roxas asked.
Namine eyes widened in reaction to the question.
"Why do you ask?" Naminé replied.
"I...I needed to know what you have been through. I wasn't there since I was one of the few people that got spared by Thanos and aside from one nightmare that I the rest of those who survived had, I have no clue as to what that place was like for you and the rest." Roxas answered.
Naminé was quiet before letting out a sigh.
"Surprisingly, it wasn't really that bad, the place was like an huge open area with nothing of particular interest to note. In hindsight despite the circumstances that brought us there, it was relatively peaceful. It was difficult at first, but by the time that Lea, Xion, Terra, Hope, Hank, Janet and I met up with the other Guardians and Avengers who got snapped, we were able to at least have each other to keep company and all of us formed a nice bond with each other during the period that we were in." Naminé replied as her frown turn into a small smile.
Roxas looked at her before closing his eyes as he gritted his teeth.
"Roxas?" Naminé asked with worry.
"I'm...I'm so sorry" Roxas stated.
"Sorry? For what?" Namine replied.
"I…I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to do something in order to stop Thanos from doing what he did. If I had known about Sora and the others being in trouble much sooner, you, Lea, Xion and the rest probably would've survived. The thought that I lost you guys again had put a huge stake in my heart during those 5 months in MCU. I'm glad that you told me that the Soul World wasn't as bad as it seems. But, a part of me still blames myself for not knowing and trying to stop Thanos sooner. If I have known what he was planning to do and helped Sora when he was in trouble, then you would still be alive." Roxas reply with tears coming from his eyes.
Naminé stared at Roxas with tears also coming from her eyes as she inched closer to him.
"Roxas, it's not your fault. All of us were unaware of what Thanos was planning until it was too late. Also, from what I heard from Kairi back when I was in the Soul World, Thanos was very powerful when she fought him in Wakanda. Even if you were able to help, let alone all of us, I think the outcome would have probably been the same. You did the very best you could to try to help and no one here is blaming you for what happened." Naminé said.
"But that still doesn't change the fact that I lost you and the others for 5 months. I missed you all greatly, especially you. You wouldn't believe how happy I was when I saw you alive when we battling the past version of Thanos" Roxas stated still having tears in his eyes.
"And I had missed you too, I was sad in the Soul World when I noticed you weren't among the others, and it took a long time for me to accept that." Naminé stated with a frown before continuing, "However, deep down a part of me was glad that you were not a victim as well."
"Wait really, why is that?" Roxas stated as he looked at the human turned cheetah.
"Because I knew that despite everything that has happened, we all had hope that those that survive were able to find some way to save us. You, Sora, and the other Guardians and Avengers were able to pull through with bringing us all back. And deep down, I knew that I would see you again. So in truth, even though you weren't able to help stop Thanos from snapping, you were able to help contribute to undoing the work that the Mad Titan has done." Naminé replied with a warm smile.
Roxas stared at her contemplating on what Naminé had told him before moving closer and started to nuzzle her.
"Thank you Nams...really I needed that" Roxas stated as he smiled.
"It's no problem. And if you needed to talk about any of this, I'm more than willing to listen to you. I care about you a lot." Naminé said.
"I will. And thank you again, I care about you a lot as well." Roxas replied.
The humans-turned-lion and cheetah separated from their animal like embrace and stared out at the stars a bit more before their eyes locked. But before they could do anything, they heard Kovu clear his throat. They looked up at him and Kiara.
"What's wrong?" Kiara asked.
"Nothing." Kovu sighed.
"Kovu…" Kiara pleaded gently.
"It's just that... my whole life I've been trained to…" Kovu stopped. He couldn't say what he was trained to do. That could make things worse. "Nothing. I gotta go." he said and began to walk off.
"Kovu- wait." Kiara begged.
Kovu paused for a moment, and looked back at Kiara's face, staring back at him with a pleading expression. He looked away and was about to go on, but was stopped by Rafiki's finger pointing up from the grass.
"And where are you going?" the old mandrill smirked.
Kovu blinked in surprise. "Nuhh... nowhere." he replied.
Rafiki sprung up. "That's what you think!" he said as he slipped under Kovu and vanished in the grass.
Kiara, Roxas, and Naminé ran up.
"Kovu are you ok?" Roxas asked.
"Who was that?" Kovu asked in bewilderment.
"Uh... a friend of the family." Kiara replied, amused and impressed.
Naminé giggled. "A very good friend of your family." she said.
Kovu looked back and found Rafiki lying on his back. Rafiki slipped off and darted away, tugging Kovu's tail and laughing.
"Come on! You follow old Rafiki; he knows the way!" he laughed. He turned to Roxas and Naminé. "You two can join as well!" he said as he jumped off of Kovu.
"Ok…" Roxas murmured.
"The way where?" Kovu asked in confusion.
Rafiki was now on a mountain ledge. "You follow- you'll see! Hurry now!" he called.
Kiara giggled. "Kovu, c'mon!"
The three lions and cheetah ran after Rafiki, who was swinging Tarzan-like from tree to tree and laughing eerily.
"Where's he taking us?" asked Kovu as they all stopped in front fo a waterfall.
Rafiki lowered himself from above their heads.
"To a special place in your heart... called Upendi!" he replied with a smile.
(Upendi from The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride plays)
The next thing the four felines knew, Kovu and Kiara were in a large leaf shaped like a heart in the river. Roxas and Naminé were in their own as well. Rafiki stood on the two lions' leaf.
Animals began to appear around them.
Rafiki: There's a place where the crazy moon
Makes the monkeys sing and the baboons swoon
And the sultry scent of the lotus bloom
Will carry you away
Kovu sniffed a lotus and sneezed.
Rafiki:While the hippos swing from the jungle vines
And the rhino rhumba in a conga line
Or the pink flamingoes are intertwined
As the stars come out to play
Various animals began to dance.
Rafiki: In Upendi
Where the passion fruit grows sweet
And it's so divine
That you lose your mind
As it sweeps you off your feet
He gave Kovu and Kiara each a passion fruit. Kovu declined while Kiara ate hers and gulped it down, lickign he lips in satisfaction .
Rafiki:In Upendi
Without a worry or a care
It just takes two
To make it true
Your heart will lead you there
Rafiki then placed a heart shaped petal over Kovu and then Roxas. Naminé and Kiara chuckled as the boys were unamused as they took them off.
"Where is it?" Kiara asked.
Rafiki bent down and covered Kiara's eyes with one hand and wiggled a finger in her ear with another. "No place you don't take with you." he said as Kiara giggled.
The leaves fell over a waterfall and the four felines well into a vat of water. Rafiki pulled a vine and they fell through onto their respective couples' leaves again.
Rafiki: You better watch your step 'cause the path is steep
Better hold your breath cause the water's deep
It's a long way down over Lovers' Leap
But falling's half the fun!
In Upendi
Where the passion fruit grows sweet
And it's so divine
That you lose your mind
As it sweeps you off your feet
Passion fruit flew down. Roxas and Naminé enjoyed eating theirs. Kovu tried to gulp one down but it was stuck. Kiara saw this and kissed him on the cheek. Kovu managed to gulp his fruit down with a satisfied smile on his face.
Rafiki:In Upendi
Without a worry or a care
It just takes two
To make it true
Your heart will take you there
Rafiki then moved Kiara & Kovu and Roxas & Naminé's muzzles together as if they were kissing, making them smile.
Rafiki was now doing a conga with animals and he held two bush branches.
Rafiki:You can beat the bush like there's no tomorrow
From Tanganyika to Kilimanjaro
But you'll find Upendi wherever you are
Or underneath the sun
"Upendi - it means "love", doesn't it?" Kiara asked.
"Welcome to Upendi!" Rafiki cheered.
Rafiki and Chorus:In Upendi
Where the passion fruit grows sweet
And it's so divine
That you lose your mind
As it sweeps you off your feet
Roxas, Naminé, Kiara, and Kovu soon sailed down the rover and waterfall and joined in the conga line with the animals.
Rafiki: In Upendi
Without a worry or a care
It just takes two
To make it true
Your heart will take you there
Kiara: Upendi!
Rafiki and Chorus: Down In Upendi
Way down
In Upendi!
The two couples then slowly flew down the ski with pink leaf parachutes shaped like hearts attached to them, other animal couples following.
The last few lines repeated and faded away. The song ended with Kiara & Kovu and Roxas & Naminé still singing the words "In Upendi".
Soon they made it back to Pride Rock.
"Good night…" Kovu said.
"Good night." Kiara said back.
"See you guys tomorrow." said Roxas.
"It was a very nice day." said Naminé.
Roxas, Naminé, and Kiara walked off to the main cavern to join the world-travelers and the lions. After looking back in Kovu's direction, Kiara sighed dreamily and went inside.
Kovu went back to his standing stone on the promontory. Simba appeared in the direction Kiara was walking. Sora and his friend's words echoed in his mind and he managed a small smile as he approached Kovu. "It's... kinda cold tonight, huh?" he asked casually. "Come on."
Kovu smiled as he followed Simba into the cave. Myde, who was watching nearby, smirked.
"Told you it would work out," he said.
"Guess you were right Myde." Kovu mused.
"Hey I ain't the brightest on this team, but I know how redemption can work." Myde said. "And I think you would work better as a Pride Lander than an Outsider."
Kovu chuckled as the two went into the den.
Vitani was watching from a distance as the two lions and meerkat made their way back into the cavern.
"Get him!" Vitani said with a hush. But KJovu didn't do anything, much to her confusion. "What are you waiting for? Kovu, get him!"
She lied down and stares with despair as she realized Kovu was not going to attack Simba or Myde. She hissed and jumps up, rushing back to report to Zira.
Outlands:
Zira snarled when Vitani told her the news. "You're sure?"
"Affirmative. I saw it with my own eyes." Vitani nodded.
Nuka was surprised. "What?!" he growled. "I knew that good for nothing termite didn't do it!"
"No… Kovu cannot betray us…" Zira seethed.
"If Kovu didn't attack, then I will!" Nuka offered excitedly.
"Nuka calm down!" Vitani said firmly. "Besides, we have a back-up plan, remember?"
Nuka blinked. "Oh yeah that."
"My friends, we must implement Plan B- the ambush!" Zira snarled. "We must kill Simba ourselves! We do it tomorrow!"
The lionesses roared in agreement as they went to their area of the Outlands to sleep. They would need their energy for tomorrow.
"At long last I'll have the honor of killing that despicable Simba." Nuka grinned.
"Oh shut up." Vitani huffed, smacking Nuka across his head.
Nuka muttered indignantly as he and Vitani went to join the rest of the Pride.
Zira could only snarl as a corridor of darkness opened. Young Xehanort walked out, followed by Xemnas and Ansem.
"So Kovu's allegiance is towards you seems to be vanishing…" hummed Ansem.
"Are you sure he is still willing to help you get the throne?" asked Xemnas.
"Of course… Kovu just needs to know where his allegiances truly lie… after all, Scar chose him… and he has that the conniving spirit that made my true king so…. powerful…" Zira replied with a determined look in her eyes.
"Then we'll see where he lies tomorrow." siad Young Xehanort as he smirked. "For now… King Simba's days are numbered…"
To be continued…
Been awhile since I uploaded another chapter for this story in the same month. But I did! Rate and review and update TV Tropes and I'll see you all soon!
Up next, we see an ambush that leads to consequences for both sides of light and darkness.
And it's my 50th chapter for this story!
Special dialogue thanks to Super Sayian 3 Odd
In Loving Memory of
Lance Reddick
(2017 DuckTales, John Wick series, Tron: Uprising, The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Godzilla, Angel Has Fallen, Godzilla vs. Kong, Destiny series)
December 31, 1962 - March 17, 2023