WE'RE AT CHAPTER 50! Took 3 years, but hey, that's progress!
Now we see one of the hardest scenes from the movie. Tendons are about to rise.
Enjoy! If you can!
Pride Lands:
Kiara was deep in the den talking to Tiifu and Zuri.
"So what did you wanted to tell us bestie?" asked Zuri.
"I wanted to tell some of my closest friends first." Kiara said before grinning. "I think… I think I might be falling for Kovu…"
Tiifu and Zuri gasped… before squealing. Kiara shushed them while giggling.
"Guys quiet!" Kiara hissed.
"Our bestie's in love!" Tiffu giggled.
"Are you gonna tell him?!" Zuri asked.
"When the time is right." Kiara said. "Can you guys keep this quiet from my parents until then?"
"Of course we can." smiled Tiifu. "You're our best friend Kiara."
"Thanks, girls." Kiara said thankfully.
"Hey what are besties for? We're totally rooting for you!" smiled Tiifu.
"Let us know how it goes!" said Zuri.
Meanwhile, Kovu was walking out onto the promontory. He was debating his decision whether to tell Kiara about Zira's plan and his involvement in it.
"Okay- I have to tell her today. Oh... where do I start?" he muttered. "'Kiara... Zira had a plot- and I was part of it. But I don't wanna be, because- it's because I love you.'l Kovu sighed. "Oh, she'll never believe me. But I gotta try."
"Something on your mind man?"
Kovu almost jumped. He turned and saw Myde scurry up to him.
"Oh it's just you Myde." Kovu breathed in relief. "Where did you come from?"
"Not the ground, that's for sure." Myde chuckled. "So why are ya talking to yourself?"
Kovu sighed heavily. "I want to tell Kiara the truth… that I was a part of Zira's plan to hurt her father and become king."
Myde was taken aback. "Wait what? You mean the same Zira who tried to kill Simba after he took down Scar?"
"Yes, my mother." Kovu nodded with a grimace. "I originally was supposed to do that. I had been trained for this sort of thing but… I couldn't. And now I won't."
Myde was still surprised that Kovu was ort of a plot to overthrow Simba. The human-turned-meerkat wanted to run and tell Sora, Simba, and the others. But then he realized something.
"You don't wanna be a part of something evil… because you're not really a bad guy… right?" he asked.
"Yes." Kovu nodded. "I mean, my whole life I was trained to do it… but spending time with you guys and Kiara yesterday, and helping fight to defend the Pride Lands it felt…."
"Better?" Myde asked. He chuckled. "Yeah I can understand that. Y'know, many months ago I was in a similar spot you were in man. I honestly thought there was no way out, kinda like what I told you two nights ago. But you seem like a pretty decent guy or lion or whatever. Choose your words right, hope for the next, and you maybe a good shot dude."
"Um… thanks." Kovu responded. "You know, I've heard that you are petty lazy. But for a lazy guy you give out…. Pretty decent advice."
Myde shrugged, the human-turned-meerkat leaning against the wall. "I see no lies. I'm not one for cool or useful advice. I'm more laid back and like to slack off when given the chance. (pauses) Sometimes with music. But when the situation calls for it, I gotta make some effort. Same when fighting."
Kovu managed a smile. He walked past Myde and went into the cavern, where Kiara and Simba were waking up. He approached Kiara.
"Kiara... I need to talk to you." Kovu said.
Before Kiara could say anything, Simba walked up.
"Kiara... I don't want you talking with him." Simba said sternly before softening. "I want to talk with him."
Kiara's face brightened as Simba winked at her.
"And I'll be tagging along." said Sora. "Help Simba fill in the gaps when it comes to the creatures of darkness."
"What about the rest of your friends?" asked Kiara.
"Either helping out the pride or on patrol." Sora replied.
"Oh… well ok then." Kovu said.
"And you're coming with." Sora said to Myde.
"Aw what?" Myde groaned. "Can't I just stick around here, maybe talk with the lionesses or… something?"
"Nice try." Isa said as he walked into the den. "You're not slacking off until an attack happens."
"Besides, it's a nice day outside." added Sora.
"Fine." Myde sighed.
"Oh don't worry, you'll be fine." said Kiara.
Later, Simba, Kovu, Sora, and Myde went out onto the promontory and down onto the savannah. Soon they were walking through the newly burnt section of the Pride Lands. Simba was telling Kovu the story of Scar.
"Scar couldn't let go of his hate... and in the end, it destroyed him." Simba said grimly.
"The darkness in his heart took over him. We had no choice but to fight him to the end before he could hurt anyone else." Sora added.
"I've... never heard the story of Scar that way." Kovu said sadly. Now he knew more about Scar than what his mother had told him. These guys knew what he was truly like. "He truly was a killer."
"Yeah that's what happens when power goes to your head." nodded Myde. "We've seen a lot of shit like that within months to a year. Some more than others."
Simba looked at the landscape. "Fire is a killer. Sometimes, what's left behind can grow better than the generation before…" He puts his paw down and raised some dust; when he lifted it, a young plant was there. The three lions and meerkat leaned down, head to head. "...If given the chance." Simba finished with a smile.
Kovu smiled at that.
"That is a good lesson to learn." Sora smiled.
"Yeah I guess so." Myde said casually.
Suddenly they heard an evil chuckle from the dust surrounding them.
"Uh… you guys heard that too right?" Myde nervously asked.
Kovu gasped as he realized what was happening.
Many lionesses appeared from the clouds of dust, surrounding them. The lionesses' eyes glowed a bright, sinister yellow.
"No... oh, no... no..." Kovu whispered in horror, something Sora and Myde noticed. But Simba was too busy assessing what was around him to hear the worried lion.
From the dust came Zira, Vitani and Nika beside her.
"Why, Simba…" Zira greeted with an evil smirk.
"Zira." snarled Simba.
"What are you doing out here, and- so alone?" Zira asked wickedly before snickering as the lionesses encircled Simba, Kovu, Sora, and Myde. She faced the black-maned Lion. "Well done, Kovu... just like we always planned."
Simba's eyes widened in shock before turning on Kovu. "You!" he growled.
"No! I didn't have anything to do with this!" Kovu quickly protested.
"And you!" Zira shouted at Sora, glaring. "You are that lion that helped Simba kill Scar... you're Sora!"
"And you're Zira..." Sora grunted.
"You will also pay for the murder of the true King of the Pride Lands!" Zira snarled.
"Scar was a tyrant who only cared about himself!" Sora replied. "His death was caused by the darkness in his heart! And he had to be stopped before anyone else got killed!"
Zira growled before she shouted, "Attack!"
"NO!" Kovu cried in horror.
The lionesses began to attack. Simba was fighting off several at once. Kovu tried to help Simba, but was battered off by Vitani and fell to the side, hitting his head on a rock.
"Hey, leave Simba alone!" Sora shouted, summoning Kingdom Key in his tail grasp. Sora charged into battle and casted Quake to try and knock several of the lionesses off of Simba.
Myde quickly followed suit and summoned Mystic Water, having to float behind his back, and the summoned his sitar, strumming a note.
"Dance water dance!" he commanded as water pillars were summoned.
Sora kicked one lioness in the face and then bashed Kingdom Key in the face of another. Suddenly Vitani rammed into Sora, sending him skidding against the ground.
Vitani laughed as she approached him. "So you're supposed to be the Sora who helped Simba kill Scar?" he asked with a sneer.
"Yeah! And who are you supposed to be?" Sora scowled.
"Name's Vitani. Zira's only daughter." Vitani replied, coming closer to Sora with her claws out. "We're helping Kovu avenge Scar so he can be king."
"What?!" Sora exclaimed, shocked.
"But apparently Kovu got cold paws and couldn't get rid of Simba." Vitani scowled.
"Sounds like Kovu doesn't want to be a killer like Scar." Sora retorted.
"Mother will have Scar be avenged. And since you helped Simba kill him, I'm sure Mother will wanna make an example out of you." Vitani said with a toothy evil grin.
"Sorry Vitani, but I'm gonna have to pass." Sora said as he got into a fighting position.
(Larxene Absent Silhouette from Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix plays)
Mission: Defeat Vitani
Party Members:
Sora
Vitani lunged at Sora and tried to thrash him across his face. But Sora jumped back in time and bashed Vitani across her face with his Keyblade. Vitani growled and jumped back at Sora, knocking him to the side with her paw. Sora got up and then blasted Vitani with a Firaga spell. Vitani yelled in pain before jumping back at Sora, scratching him across his back. Sora cured himself and charged back at the lioness. He casted Blizzaga, striking Vitani in the chest, knocking her back. Vitani lunged back up, but Sora struck her with a Thundaga Shot, making her fly backwards. Vitani roared as she charged back at Sora and crashed into him. Sora tumbled backwards and Vitani was about to slash his face when Sora kicked her in the chest with his back legs and then Sora aimed Kingdom Key at her and then casted Thunder Tracer against the Outsider.
"Gah!" Vitani growled. "Oh you really are some foe…!" she sneered.
"You may have trained your whole life to follow a mad lioness like Zira, but I've faced a lot in almost 3 YEARS!" Sora smirked.
Vitani roared and pounced onto Sora. She thrashed him across his chest. Sora yelled in pain and Vitani was about to strike again, but the Keyblade Master quickly casted Crawling Fire against her and Vitani was thrown back. Vitani jumped back up, but the human-turned-lion casted Deep Freeze against her to slow her down. Sora struck and slashed Vitani many times, making her yell and wince in pain from it all. But Sora wasn't taking any chances. He dodge the claw attacks from her, bashed her in the face with his Keyblade, and then casted Crawling Fire against her.
Vitanti was catching her breath to continue fighting when Sora held his Keyblade up, concentrating hard. Before Vitani knew it, Sora unleashed a Raging Storm spell that crashed into Vitani. She screamed as she crashed against the ground, unconscious.
(Larxene Absent Silhouette from Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix ends)
While Sora took on Vitani, Myde tried his best to keep the lionesses from attacking him.
"Man this is hard when you're a tiny meerkat!" Myde cried as he sent a water pillar into the eyes of a lioness. "Huh that was actually pretty es-AAAAYYY!" he screamed when he was suddenly smacked away and he crashed into the ground.
Nuka laughed as he approached him. "Well would you look at that?! I managed to smack away a little pest!" he cackled.
Myde groaned as he got up. "Well that wasn't fun…" he mumbled. He shook the dizziness off as he faced the scraggly lion. "Uh… who are you?" he asked.
"What a surprise, everyone knows Zira's son Kovu 'The Chosen One.' Never knowing me, Nuka, her other and firstborn son for crying out loud." Nuka snarled. "I'll never understand why Scar chose Kovu to begin with, that little termite doesn't have the guts to take Simba down! BUT I DO MOTHER!"
Myde blinked. "Uh I hate to butt into your personal life Nuka, but I think you have serious mother issues." he said, awkwardly.
"Oh ya think?!" Nuka yelled before going serious. "But seriously, I knew Kvu didn't have it in him to kill Simba. He's as much as a traitor now!"
"Well I don't think he was a killer anyway!" Myde retorted before pausing. "OK maybe for hunting or self-defense or, oh what am I sayin'?! Point is, me and my pals got to know Kovu, especially Kiara! He's not gonna kill Simba!"
"But I will!" Nuka growled. "Then mother will realize that I'm meant to be the chosen one! No one can stop me! Not Simba, not Kovu, not even that Sora lion!"
Myde looked back and saw Simba fighting off Zira and her lionesses, Sora fighting Vitani, and Kovu struggling to get up after being knocked into the rock. He grew determined.
"Sorry Nuka, I ain't gonna let you get anywhere near any of them!" Myde said firmly.
"Ha!" Nuka laughed. "And what's a little meerkat like you gonna do about it?!"
Myde smirked. "You'd be surprised about what this 'little meerkat' is capable of." he said as water-like magic swirled around his paws and his Keyblade and sitar were resummoned.
Nuka was taken aback but quickly composed himself and got into a fighting stance.
(Data-Demyx Boss Fight from Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix plays)
Mission: Defeat Nuka
Party Members:
Myde
Nuka yelled as he lunged forward towards Myde…
BANG!
Only to get a Keyblade to the chin. Nuka yelled in pain as he staggered backwards. Myde strummed his sitar and pillars of water crashed into Nuka. Nuka sneered as he tried to thrash Myde with his claws, but the Meledious Nocturne jumped and ducked from the swipes and casted Blizzard agasint Nuka. Myde then charged at the scrawny lion and slashed him several times with his Keyblade. Myde then casted Thundara to send Nuka flying. Nuka got up and roared as he charged back at Myde and slashed at him with his claws and then kicked him away with his hind legs. Myde flew with. Yell and landed against the ground. He got up and used Curaga on himself when he saw Nuka charging at him. Myde quickly bashed him in the snout with his sitar and then casted Dark Firaga to hold him back. Myde ran circles around Nuka as he casted Wateraga against him. Nuka snarled as he snapped his jaws at the human-turned-meerkat and he jumped back in alarm, causing Nuka to miss.
"Gah you are such an annoying pest!" Nuka shouted. "As if those termites weren't bad enough…"
Myde laughed as he strummed his sitar and water clones formed around him.
"Dance, water! Dance!" Myde shouted.
The water clones attacked Nuka and he yelled in alarm and pain from it. Myde sprung back into attack mode as he casted Raging Storm against Nuka. As he tried to recover, Myde bashed Mystic Water against his legs and then casted Blizzaga Pursuit at his face. Nuka growled as he tried to thrash Myde once more, managing to knock him on his back against the ground. Myde managed to get up and casted Blackout to confuse the lion. Nuka stumbled around before Myde jumped up casted Exo Spark, comically electrocuting the lion. Nuka yelled in anger and swiped at Myde, but he ducked from the attack and blasted Nuka's paw with Watera and then bashed him in the face once more.
"Ain't it a blast?" Myde taunted. He strummed his sitar. "Come on, keep to the beat!"
Water pillars launched Nuka into the air and he yelled in terror before crashing onto the ground.
(Data-Demyx Boss Fight from Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix ends)
After defeating Nuka and Vitani, Sora and Myde ran to try to help Simba out. But by the time they did, Simba was thrown to the bottom of a ravine.
"SIMBA!" they both cried.
Suddenly, Nuka and Vitani came up to them, giving toothy grins.
"What the hell how are you two not blacked-out?!" cried Myde.
"Because we were trained for this sort of thing!" Vitani smirked.
"Now you can join Simba down below!" Nuka laughed.
Before Sora and Myde knew it, Zira's oldest children ran into them head first and they fell into landed by Simba.
Vitani, Nuka and lionesses slid down the slope towards them.
"Yes! We've got him!" Zira grinned. "And we got the Keybearer and a little friend of his too!"
"Two bonus prey mother!" Nuka laughed.
Vitani, Nuka and the other lionesses attacked again, forcing Simba to flee down the canyon.
Sora and Myde launched as many spells as they could back at the Outsiders, mainly light for Sora and water for Myde.
"Remember your training! As a unit!" Zira ordered.
Sora, Myde, and Simba are trapped.
"Oh man how are we gonna get out?!" Myde cried.
"We have to climb the logs!" Simba replied.
"I'm with you Simba!" Sora said determinedly.
Sora, Simb, and Myde tried to climb up the walls of the canyon, using the piled-up logs to gain purchase.
Kovu, who had recovered, was above him on the ledge.
"Simba! Sora! Myde!" Kovu called.
"It's Kovu!" Sora exclaimed.
"Get him! Kovu! Get him! Do it now!" Zira ordered.
But Kovu didn't. He ran to try to get closer to the trio.
Seeing that Kovu wasn't gonna get Simba, Nuka jumped from the crowd. "I'll do it- for you, Mother!" he called.
Nika bounded up the logs, laughing. "Mother- are you watching!?" he called before muttering softly, to himself. "I'm doing it for you... and I'm doing it for me!"
Nuka chased Simba up a slope with several broken logs strewn across it.
In the process, Myde was able to scurry up the logs to the top.
"Sora, Simba, up here!" he called.
"We're almost there Myde!" Sora called up.
Sora jumped onto the edge and Kovu helped him up.
"Thanks Kovu." Sora panted as he walked next to Myde.
"Of course." said Kovu as he looked back at the scene before the trio,
Just as Simba reached the top, Nuka grabbed his ankle, making Simba wince.
"This is my moment of glory!" Nuka grinned.
Suddenly, the log Nuka's rear paw was on broke, causing Nuka to lose his grip on Simba's ankle and begin to fall. He was stuck in between a few logs.
"NO!" Zira cried at the danger Nuka was in.
Simba reaches the top, but the pile of logs rolls down the slope with Nuka among them. They all landed in a heap at the bottom of the ravine. Nuka lied trapped under a large log. He looks up to the top of the slope to see one final log rapidly falling in his direction. He grimaced, terrified, as the log struck him.
The dust soon cleared.
Kovu rushed down to help free Nuka, but he was swatted aside by Zira, who pulled enough logs aside to find her oldest.
Kovu, Vitani, and the Outsiders watched with bated breath.
Nuka was battered and bruised and was coughing. The amount of logs and the fall had caused internal damage. It was clear that the scrawny lion wasn't gonna make it.
"Nuka…" Zira softly said in horror.
Nuka gasped for air and coughed. "I'm sorry, Mother... I tried…" he wheezed.
Zira shushed him softly as she cradled his head in her paw.
"Well... I finally got your attention, didn't I?... Didn't I…?" Nuka weakly smiled.
Zira couldn't help but smile sadly.
Nuka could only smile weakly before he closed his eyes and his head slowly dropped to the side. Nuka was dead.
Zira was devastated as she watched her oldest son pass. Vitani appeared next to Zira on the edge of the logs. She looked on in horror and sadness at Nuka's lifeless form.
"Nuka…" Vitani said sadly, closing her eyes and bowing her head sadly at the death of her brother.
All the Outsiders were devastated at Nuka's death as well.
Especially Kovu as he bowed his head sadly.
Sora and Myde stayed behind and stared at the scene in shock from the cliffs.
"Oh man…" Sora breathed.
"Outliving your own child… brutal…" Myde whispered.
Feeling like they might have overstayed their lingering, Sora and Myde scampered off to find Simba, their own exhaustion beginning to catch up to them.
In the middle of the Pride Lands, Simba was walking wearily back to Pride Rock.
Kiara saw him from a distance off.
"Father... Father!" she cried before turning to Zazu. "Zazu, get help!"
"Oh yes! Help... at once! Of course!" Zazu nodded as he quickly took off.
Simba was walking with great pain. Kiara, Timon, Pumbaa, Riku, and Terra reached him.
"Oh god…" Terra whispered in shock.
"Shit Zazu wasn't kidding." Riku muttered.
"Father...?" Kiara asked.
"Simba! Talk to me! What happened?" Timon cried.
Simba coughed and wheezed. "Kovu... Ambush…" he panted before he collapsed on his side, groaning in pain.
"No…" Kiara mumbled. She couldn't imagine Kovu doing such a thing.
Timon grabbed Simba's tail and hugged it; Pumba hoisted Simba on his back.
"Here, we'll give you support." said Terra, both him and Isa coming to Pumbaa's aid.
"Thanks Terra." said Pumbaa. "Simba's a lot heavier to carry since he was a cub."
"We'll do what we can to help." said Isa.
They start to drag Simba. back to Pride Rock.
"It's all right, buddy... we're here for you." Timon soothed.
"Thank you all so much." Kiara said thankfully.
"Hey it's the least we can do." said Terra.
Sora and Myde soon came up looking equally injured and exhausted. They panted tiredly, Myde riding on Sora before the latter dropped down, barely keeping his eyes open.
"Sora!" Kairi shouted, running up to them.
"Myde!?" Roxas shouted, the rest following after Kairi.
"Sora! Sora! Are you okay?! Say something!" Kairi pleaded as she tries to shake Sora awake.
"For godsake, what the hell happened to you guys!?" Lea asked, stopping near them along with the others.
"We were ambushed by Zira and her Pride." Sora said, still panting.
"We were lucky to make it out alive, man!" Myde said, panting along with Sora.
"You both need healing now! Daisy, find Donald and Aqua!" Kairi asked, in panic.
"I'm on it!" Daisy flew off, looking for Donald and Aqua.
"We'll get you guys to Pride Rock right now for some medical help." Terra stated.
Riku picked up Sora with his head, carrying him and Myde on his back.
"I've got you buddy." Riku assured.
"Thanks, man." Sora said in relief before realizing something. "What about Simba? How is he?" asked Sora.
"Pretty banged up but we can heal him." said Riku.
"Just gotta get him home, he'll be safer there." said Terra.
And they all began to make their way back to Pride Rock
Back at the Outlands, the lionesses were gathered in a memorial to Nuka.
"Scar... watch over my poor Nuka." Zira said sadly.
At that moment, Zira's expression changed into rage as she faced Kovu. "You!"
Kovu looked up just as Zira swatted Kovu down the face with outstretched claws. Kovu yelled in pain.
He then turned his head, glaring at Zira. She gasped and recoiled in shock.
Kovu now had a scar over his left eye just like Scar's.
Zira recovered quickly and glared at him. "What have you done?!" she menacingly demanded.
"I-I-I didn't mean to... it-it-it wasn't my fault, I…" Kovu stammered in guilt… before it disappeared and he glared at his mother. "I did nothing!" he snarled.
"Exactly! And in doing so, you betrayed your pride... betrayed Scar!" Zira growled.
"I want nothing more to do with him!" snapped Kovu.
"You cannot escape it! Nuka is dead because of you!" Zira accused angrily.
"No." Kovu breathed, refusing to believe it.
"You've killed your own brother!" Zira yelled.
"No!" Kovu cried, turning and running out from the pride, many of whom were growling and snarling at his fast departure.
Zira hopped onto a rock. "Let him go! Simba has hurt me for the last time... now he's corrupted Kovu! Listen to me... Simba is injured and weak. Now is the time to attack! We will take his entire kingdom... by force!"
The Outsiders all snared and roared in reply.
Back at Pride Rock, Simba was lying down in recovery. Sora and his friends were with him, Sora and Myde having been cured earlier since they were smaller than the king. Donald and Aqua were doing their best to cure him from his hard injuries, being careful while doing so… which was harder since they were animals. Donald has Centurion on his talons and Aqua had her tail wrapped around Brightcrest.
"Easy there Simba, you had a rough fight." said Aqua.
"You'll be back on your paws in no time!" said Donald.
"How the heck did this happen?" asked Ven.
"Zira and her Outsider clan attacked us while we were strolling." said Sora.
"She also said to Kovu that this was what they planned, but he didn't even attack Simba." said Myde. "Dude tried to fight back but got whacked unconscious."
The travelers were taken aback.
"So Kovu didn't want a part in Zira's plan after all." surmised Naminé.
"Does the rest of the Pride know?" asked Kairi.
"They were all hunting by the time we got back." said Sora. "Right now Simba is our priority."
"Hopefully any bad animals won't catch wind of this and take advantage of the situation." said Max.
"Yeah that's the last thing we need." said Xion.
"Almost done." said Aqua, waving Brightcrest around some more.
Simba glowed slightly before he began to get up.
"Did it work?" asked Goofy.
"I think it did." said Ortensia.
At that moment, Nala, Kiara, Timon, Pumbaa, and several of the lionesses came up.
"How is he?" asked Nala.
"He should be all better." said Mickey.
"Kovu…" Simba muttered as everyone looked at him. "Ambush… he ambushed me… him and those Outsiders…" Simba growled.
"Daddy it can't be true…" protested Kiara.
Down on the valley floor, many of the animals had gathered. Word had gotten around about the ambush on Simba and they too wanted to see if he was ok.
Then then saw someone coming. Their eyes narrowed when they saw that it was Kovu.
"It's Kovu. What's he doing here?" scowled a cheetah.
"That's Kovu." growed a giraffe.
"Look at that scar... I can't believe he's here. That's Kovu?" all the animals murmured.
Kovu came towards Pride Rock.
"Kovu!" Kiara exclaimed with a smile.
Simba snarled and jumped forward, cutting her off. Kovu approached down the narrow aisle between the congregated animals.
"I never trusted him... It's the Outsider... it's that little troublemaker…" the animals all murmured.
"Why I oughtta... let me at 'im! Let me at 'im!" Timon snarled before turning to Pumbaa. "Here; hold me back." he said, giving him his tail.
"Okay!" Pumbaa nodded, taking hold of Timon's tail.
"Let me at 'im! Let me at 'im!" Timon yelled, trying to run at Kovu.
"Okay!" said Pumbaa, letting go of Timon's tail.
Timon lurched forward before turning back to Pumbaa. "I think you're missing the basic point here." he drawled.
"Uh…" was all Pumbaa could say.
"What's he doing here?... He doesn't belong here... Look at that scar on his face... He looks just like Scar…" the animals murmured.
Kovu didn't say anything before he was stopped by Simba's piercing glare.
"Why have you come back?" Simba demanded.
"Simba... I had nothing to do with what happened–" Kovu tried to explain.
"You don't belong here." Simba interrupted with a scowl.
"Please... I ask your forgiveness." Kovu begged.
"Daddy, please... listen to him!" Kiara begged.
"She's right let him talk!" Sora shouted.
"Silence!" Simba snapped, taking both animals aback. He turned back to Kovu. "When you first came here, you asked for judgment…"
"Give him what he deserves!" the animals shouted.
"...And I pass it now." Simba continued darkly.
"Kick him out! That's right! Judgment day is here!" the animals all called.
"Wait Simba hold on!" called Sora.
"Hear him out!" said Myde.
"You're being too rash!" cried Oswald.
"Calm down!" called Xion.
"Don't do anything stupid man!" said Lea.
"Just wait!" shouted Terra.
But Simba didn't listen. He glared at Kovu and shouted, "Exile!"
"No!" Kiara cried.
Sora and his friends were shocked. Even Nala was surprised.
"Exile him! Exile! Exile!" the animals shouted.
(One of Us from The Lion King II: Simba's Pride plays)
Kovu could only look on in shock. But there was nothing he could do.
"No!" Kiara tried as she tried to go to him, but two lionesses stopped her. "...Kovu!"
Kovu was then approached by angry animals, backing him up.
Animals: Deception... Disgrace...
Evil as plain as the scar on his face
Zebras: Deception
(An outrage!)
Giraffes: Disgrace (For shame!)
Hippo: He asked for trouble the moment he came
Animals: (He can't change his stripes!)
Zebras: Deception (An outrage!)
Giraffes: Disgrace
For shame!
All Animals: You know these outsider types!
Evil as plain as the scar on his face!
(See you later, agitator!)
(Just leave us alone!)
Zebras: Deception (An outrage!)
Giraffes: Disgrace (For shame!)
Animals: Traitor, go back with your own!
Hippo: He asked for trouble the moment he came
Animals: See you later, agitator!
Chorus: Born in greed
Raised in hate
Helpless to defy his fate
Let him run
Let him live
But do not forget
What we cannot forgive
And he is not one of us
He has never been one of us
He is not part of us
Not our kind
Kovu could only run away, only looking back a few times at Pride Rock. Simba's glare looked down at him.
Kiara wanted to come after him after escaping the lionesses, but two more blocked her and all she could do was look on in despair.
Chorus: Someone once lied to us
Now we're not so blind
For we knew he would do what he's done
And we know that he'll never be one of us
Kovu could only look down at the water sadly… when his reflection turned into Scar's, much to his terror as he ran off.
Animal: He is not one of us...
Antelope: Deception
Zebra: Disgrace
Antelope: Deception
Zebra: Disgrace
Antelope: Deception...
Kovu was soon far away from Pride Rock.
Rafiki had seen everything as he sat on a stone. He could only put his head in his hand in despair. Mufasa's plan to unite the Pride Landers and Outsiders had fallen apart.
Back at Pride Rock, the animals that had shouted for Kovu's exile were beginning to leave… though a select few were conversing with each other as they did about it.
"Do you think Simba acted… a little too harshly?" asked Ma Tembo.
"Hey may have." admitted Mbeya. "It's usually innocent until proven guilty."
"Indeed. Looks like Simba acted too quickly for this." said Muhimu.
"He was in an ambush that nearly costed him his life thanks to the lions that supported Scar." Makuu said grimly. "But even then, Mbeya still has a point."
"Do you think we should tell Simba that?" asked Kifaru.
"I don't think he's in the right mood to listen." said Vuruga Vuruga.
"Still… I hope Kovu's ok." said Twiga.
"Indeed… if there is more to the story… I fear something bad could happen." Ma Tembo said in concern.
Simba was standing at the tip of the promontory, staring off into the distance. Timon and Pumbaa had already left.
"Oh god… that just happened…" Lea muttered.
"Can't we do something?" asked Myde.
"I don't know…" Mickey murmured, honestly not sure what to say.
"Daddy.. please reconsider!" Kiara begged.
"You are not going anywhere without an escort from now on." Simba said sternly.
"Wait hold on, that's not fair to Kiara!" Sora protested.
"We all fell for his lies! I trusted him!" Simba growled.
"Simba, you're not acting like yourself!" Sora argued.
"Kovu tricked us for Zira's treasonous plot!" Simba snarled.
"No! That's not–" Kiara tried to say.
"He used you to get to me!" snarled Simba.
"Whoa whoa whoa, hold on a second… you think this is just about you?" Myde asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Myde, whaddya doing?" Roxas asked in surprise.
"I'm just saying I was there with Sora." Myde said. "Kovu didn't attack you once."
"He's right!" Sora nodded. "He said he had nothing to do with it!"
"Zira said this was what they always planned!" Simba snarled. "It was all just some plot to take me down and have Kovu be king! Just to avenge Scar and reclaim the Pride Lands for themselves"
"Do you honestly think that's what he wanted?!" Myde suddenly shouted. "I got to know that lion well these pat few days and I could tell he didn't want to do any of this!"
"If Kovu was really our enemy, he wouldn't have helped us stop the Heartless! Twice no less!" Sora added. "He was helping you-all of us defend the Pride Lands! Once is one thing but twice?!"
"Daddy they're right, if Kovu was our enemy he wouldn't have fought as hard to stop those monsters!" Kiara protested. "And I got to know him very well! He loves me... for me! "
"Because you are my daughter!" Simba scowled. "You will not leave Pride Rock. You will stay here where I can keep an eye on you... away from him!"
Nala and the other worldly-travelers wanted to say something, but no such chance came up when Sora spoke up.
"That is not fair to Kiara and you know that Simba!" Sora snapped. "You're not thinking clearly!"
"I thought you would be on my side, Sora!" Simba snarled. "They all tried to attack us!"
"And Kovu wasn't involved!" said Myde. "In fact, he helped me and Sora out!"
But Simba still wasn't listening. "I was almost killed in an ambush so Zira could avenge Scar… and her flesh and blood would've taken the throne! The Pride Lands would've been thrown back into anarchy! I almost died!"
"We know, and we're glad you're still alive!" Sora replied. "But you need to look far beyond the reason for the attack. And who was involved!"
"And Kovu didn't even attack you! Not once!" Myde added. "Sora and I had to fight his siblings for trying to hurt you for Zira's sake! And one of them ended up dead!"
"They're right! I know they're right! You don't know him!" Kiara cried.
"You didn't even let him have a say in the matter!" Sora added. "You just exiled him!"
"Yeah isn't the term 'innocent until proven guilty?'" asked Myde. "And yeah you didn't let the lion speak."
"Father please Kovu isn't what you think he is!" Kiara cried. "You don't know the real him!"
"I know he's following in Scar's pawprints... and I must follow in my father's." Simba said firmly, looking out to the Pride Lands.
"You will never be Mufasa!" Kiara snapped.
Simba was actually stunned by those words. He couldn't believe his own daughter said that.
The 18 Guardians of light were shocked as well and even Nala was completely taken aback.
But Sora and Myde's expressions didn't change. It was clear as day that they too agreed with Kiara.
Kiara broke down and ran back to her den to lie down, sobbing.
"Kiara!" Tifu shouted, running after her.
"Wait!" Zuri shouted, following after her friends.
"Nice going you idiot you just made your daughter run off crying!" snapped Myde.
Before Simba could retort at Myde, Sora stomped up to him, glaring.
"Simba. Now that you're king...you've let it go to your head…" he said in disappointment. "You're not listening to reason at all, not from us, your family, not even your own daughter, who knows Kovu more than you!"
"Yeah I got to know the guy myself and I saw who he really was." Myde added. "A guy who wanted a chance to get out of a bad situation, but couldn't because his hands or paws or whatever were tied and he was stuck! I was there, Isa was there, and I bet on everything on this entire kingdom the hyenas, jackals, vultures, and crocs that served Scar's spirit did too!"
"You claim your following in Mufasa's paw prints?! You didn't even hear Kovu out for his side of the story!" Sora said with a raised tone. "If anything… you're acting more like Scar!"
Everyone gasped.
"What did you just say…?" Simba demanded, more shocked than angry.
"You heard me! Only thinking of yourself, not listening to your family and friends for any reason, acting out of whack… that's something Scar would do!" Sora snarled. "Timon and Pumbaa once said to put your past behind you, and Rafiki said that you should learn from it before you do… but it's clear you haven't completely done that! And look where it led to!"
Myde then felt bold as he approached Simba, a blank expression on his face.
"You wanna be a good king like your dad?" Myde asked before glaring. "Quit living in the past and get your head out of your FUCKING ASS!" he snapped, louder than normal.
Simba jumped at that tone and everyone was started by Sora and Myde's angry tones.
"I'm gonna go look for Kovu. He deserved better than an unfair exile." snarled Myde. "You with me Sora?"
"I am Myde." Sora nodded. He faced his friends. "Would you like to join in?"
The guardians looked at each other.
"We could… but we did promise we would help patrol." said Roxas.
"Kion and the Lion Guard haven't returned after all." added Aqua.
"And… I think I'll talk to Kiara." said Kairi.
Sora nodded. "That's good. You guys do your duties." he said. He faced Simba. "Simba… I hope you learn something from this."
And without another word, Sora and Myde descended down Pride Rock and ran into the distance and Kairi went into Pride Rock.
Kiara was lying down crying. Simba almost drying, Kovu being banished, her father not listening, it was all too much for her to handle. Tifu and Zuri walk up to their best friend, giving her looks of sympathy.
"Kiara…" Tifu called out.
Kiara turns to see her best friends but then turns away, continuing her crying. The two of them were on the verge of crying themselves to see how much agony Kiara was in. Tifu and Zuri laid by her side, stroking and comforting her.
"Oh Kiara, we're so sorry this happened." Said Tifu, stroking Kiara.
"Yeah. This isn't right. You or Kovu don't deserve this." Said Zuri.
"Thanks, girls. But…it's just not fair. Why did dad have to do this? Why won't he listen to me?" Kiara continues crying and her friends remain silent. "I wish Kion were here. He'd know what to do. And dad would listen to him. I know he would."
Tifu and Zuri could only continue looking at Kiara in sorrow as she cries, understanding how much she misses her brother and that it's adding to her agony. Suddenly Kiara saw a stream of light shining through a hole in the wall. Determined, she surprises her friends by pushing her way through the wall.
"Kiara, what are you doing?!" Exclaimed Zuri.
"I'm going to find Kovu! I don't care what Dad thinks!" Kiara answered firmly.
"Kiara?"
Kiara stopped, looked back along with Tifu and Zuri, and froze when they saw Kairi.
"What are you…?" Kairi asked, but already knows the answer.
"Kairi I… I…" Kiara stammered before sighing. "I just need to get outta here…"
Kairi smiled knowingly.
"I understand." she said. "Come on, let's get out of here. Sora and Myde ran off to find Kovu. Maybe we can look for him too."
Kiara smiled appreciatively, sniffling. She pleadingly looks to her best friends.
"Tifu, Zuri, don't try to stop me. I have to do this. I've got to find Kovu and bring him back here." Said Kiara.
Tifu and Zuri exchange worried glances then give Kiara understanding smiles.
"Who said we were going to stop you?" Asked Zuri, surprising Kiara. "What happened to Kovu wasn't right. We know he's not who Simba thinks he is."
"Go find your love bestie. We won't tell anyone. We promise" Assured Tifu.
Kiara was touched. "You guys…"
Kairi walks up. "But what if anyone notices we're gone?"
"Then we'll cover for you. You can count on us." Said Tifu. "Just…make sure you look after Kiara, Kairi."
"And get back here safely with Kovu." Added Zuri.
"You bet I will! Kiara and I will be back with those boys before you know it!" Said Kairi with a smile.
Kiara smiles in gratitude. "Tifu… Zuri… Thank you."
"Don't mention it bestie. You get out there and make love grand."
"Come on, Kiara. Let's go." Said Kairi.
Tifu and Zuri watch as the two made their way through the hole and ran down Pride Rock and into the Pride Lands.
While this was happening, the others faced a still-shocked Simba. They wore expressions of disappointment and pity.
"Simba, you're a cool dude but… that wasn't cool dude." said Lea.
"Sora and Myde are right, this situation concerns more than just you." said Terra.
"We know that Zira's plot has gotten you on the edge of your paws but… it's also making you not think clearly…" said Riku.
"For yourself, for Kiara, and maybe even your kingdom." said Aqua.
"But they-Kovu-Zira-" Simba stammered.
"I think you need some time to think about this in a more… rational manner…" said Minnie.
"And calm down from everything that happened." said Daisy.
"And recover from your ambush." said Donald.
"We're gonna go on patrol." said Mickey.
"We hope you learn something from this." said Isa.
And with that, the 17 Keyblade Masters took off down Pride Rock.
Simba was still in disbelief about what happened. And then…
"SIMBA!"
Simba winced at Nala's tone. He turned and was met face-to-face with an angry lioness that was his wife.
"Just who do you think you are?!" Nala demanded.
Simba was taken aback. "Nala I was only trying to-"
"What happened to the Simba I knew?!" Nala cut in, furious. "The Simba I knew would listen to his subjects, his family, give others a chance!"
"Nala, I was almost killed in an ambush!" Simba tried to argue.
"I know." Nala nodded. "And I'm happy you're ok…" She frowned again. "But we're past that. You just brought your-our daughter to tears! I thought you could see how much she loved Kovu last night!"
"He betrayed us!" Simba tried to emphasize.
"That's not the pint and you know it!" Nala snapped. "Sora and his friends were correct! You did not give Kovu a say in the matter! You didn't hear the other side of the story! Yes you almost died but you made it out alive and only focused on the intent of the attack! You were only focusing on how this affected you! You acted irrationally and didn't think straight! Ever since Kovu came here you have been conflicted from your on prejudices and views, not once acknowledging others in the situation! You say Kovu is following in Scar's paw-prints, well I had to live with Scar growing up thinking you were dead!"
Nala backed up a bit with a cold expression. "I know being compared to Scar is the last thing you want to have said to you, but your behavior is almost reminiscent even without the bloodshed and betrayal…" she said darkly. "You weren't thinking straight and it's driven Kiara to tears… something your father wouldn't do!"
Simba was now really taken aback by what Nala said. The Lion Queen felt as though she had gotten her point across.
"If you keep this up, you may just push away those you care about without thinking." Nala said cooly. "And if you push Kiara away… I might never forgive you… but it's never too late to make things right. I hope you make an attempt to do so while you think about what you have done."
And with that, Nala took off for the den.
Everyone's words began to circle in Simba's head. Did you really do the right thing? Did he act too rashly?
Suddenly Simba felt a presence. He looked up to the clouds and was shocked.
There in the sky was the faded image of his father. Normally Simba would be happy to see his father. But Mufasa wore an upset expression as he looked down at Simba. The Lion King felt uneasy.
"Father… w-why are you so upset?" Simba asked in confusion.
"Simba… what have you done?" Mufasa asked, shaking his head.
"I was trying to protect the kingdom!" Simba replied. "Zira had a plot to ambush me! Kovu was a part of it and I banished him before he could do any more harm!"
"Is that what you were thinking? Is that what Kovu told you?" Mufasa asked sternly. "He was never part of any act to kill you."
"He used Kiara to get to me!" Simba argued.
"You didn't see what I saw!" Mufasa replied crossly. "Kovu and Kiara love each other for who they are, not because she is your daughter… but you thought this was all about you."
"Zira stated that Kovu was chosen to be Scar's successor!" Simba protested.
"Kovu was raised by lionesses bent on revenge and treason Simba." replied Mufasa. "He had no choice in the matter. He decided to leave that life after he saved Kiara. But you never let him have a say in the matter because you were only concerned how this affected you, not him, not your friends, not even your own daughter, who's heart you've just broken!"
"Father I was almost killed." Simba said darkly.
"I know. And I am ever thankful that your time was not cut short so soon. And I pray Zira will be stopped…" Mufasa nodded. "But even then, you only jumped to the conclusion that Kovu was responsible for everything. And you refused to listen to Kiara."
"I'm trying to protect Kiara! She's my daughter and I love her! I don't want her to go through what I went through!" Simba protested.
"You are already doing that yourself Simba." Mufasa said sternly. "You're treating her as a prisoner in her own home, not hearing her out. She knows Kovu better than you. Even Sora and some of his friends got to know him better. And yet you still passed judgment without hearing it all out. You broke Kiara's heart. You aren't following in my pawprints at all son."
Simba was shocked. "Father please I-!"
"Simba… you need to see that this whole ordeal is affecting everyone, not just you. You've acted irrationally by letting yourself be caught up in your own past and you are turning everyone who is trying to help you away. You have let your family break apart, and in doing so, you have broken the Circle of Life!" Mufasa said with a stern, broken, and sad expression.
Simba could only stare in shock as Mufasa's face faded away. He looked out to the kingdom. Guilt and regret began to clutch his heart. The words of his father, Kiara, Nala, the world-travelers, especially Sora, and even Myde circled in his mind. They were right. He had acted too rashly.
"Kiara… Nala… Sora… Father… what have I done…?" Simba asked in shame.
Far away, Sora and Myde were looking for Kovu, the latter riding on the former's back.
"Man… this is a lot of walking…" Myde groaned.
"What are you complaining about, I'm the one doing all the walking." Sora replied, slightly annoyed.
"Dude, it's not my fault I can't keep up with you on two legs." Myde retorted. "Any sign of him Sora?"
Sora shook his head. "No… I don't see him anywhere…" he sighed.
"God I hope we find him… Kovu's been through enough already." Myde sighed. "Being raised by a tyrant, being a part of a scheme he wants nothing to do with, losing his brother, being wrongfully accused… (pauses) And apparently getting that Scar."
"Me too." Sora said. "Rafiki's theory was correct. Kovu wasn't a bad lion at all. He was just raised by a rage-filled mother hellbent on revenge." He looked at Myde. "No offense Myde… but I'm surprised you're that eager to find Kovu too." he commented.
The former Nobody-turned-meerkat shrugged. "Hey I can kinda relate to the guy. When I was in the original Organization XIII as Demyx, I honestly had no other choice but to obey Xemnas since there was no way out… or at least one I could see. Only way to at least get through it was to do Xemnas' missions. I was so glad I was benched in the New Organization… for the most part. I did think about you guys' words in Gongmen City. After Xehanort's past self accidentally freed the piece of his older self's heart and I was retired, I saw a chance to get out. And look at me now! I'm a Guardian of Light and and a freakin' Keyblade Master!" Myde chuckled lightly. "I guess Kovu was in a similar spot like I was. Falling for Kiara and wanting to be a part of Simba's Pride, now that was his chance to no longer be a bad guy and he took it. I guess that's one way I can relate to the dude."
Sora was taken aback, but still smiled. "That's, a, w-wow that's a pretty mature thing Myde… didn't expect that outta you." he commented.
Myde shrugged again, rubbing the back of his head. "Guess I can kids relate to the lion… in a way." he said. "Bet Isa and Lea can too."
"Yeah. I bet they can." nodded Sora. He then paused as he saw someone in the distance. "Hey… is that Kovu?"
Myde turned around. He squinted his eyes. "Hey… hey it is!" he exclaimed.
And he was right. There was Kovu, wandering across the grass.
"Kovu!" Sora called.
The black-mained lion perked up and looked to his right and was surprised.
"Sora? Myde? Whaddya doing here?" he asked.
"We came looking for you." said Sora as he and Myde came over.
"We know you weren't responsible for the ambush on Simba." Sora said. "We saw everything."
Kovu sighed. "Thanks… but Simba didn't… he really does think I was responsible… and maybe I was…" he said in guilt. "I was supposed to gain his trust and kill him for mother but… but when I spent time with Kiara… I couldn't do it… I didn't want to do it… not anymore… I couldn't hurt any of them."
Sora and Myde smiled.
"We know that big guy." Myde replied. "I already knew you were a good guy, especially this morning."
"And you did help us out." said Sora. "If you really were our enemy… you would've left Kiara to die in the fire or not help us with the Heartless or…"
"Or even let Simba fall to the ambush whether he died or not." said Myde. "You did try to help."
"I did… I guess I wasn't strong enough." Kovu sighed. "I couldn't stop it… and Simba got hurt and… Nuka…"
Sora and Myde gave him sympathetic looks.
"We're sorry for your loss." Sora said softly.
"We saw that happen before we went to check on Simba." said Myde.
"Hey may have been crazy, always trying to impress Zira, and pretty much evil when he went after Simba… but he was still my brother…" Kovu said, looking down at his paws. "I saw how Zira felt… I can only imagine how Vitani feels given… everything."
"We can imagine the same for you… especially since you were just accused of a crime you didn't really commit." said Sora.
"Yeah man you didn't deserve to be exiled." said Myde.
"Maybe I was…" Kovu sighed. "Maybe Simba was right…"
"Don't say that!" snapped Sora. "You are a good guy! I know that, Kiara knows, that, hell our entire team knows that!"
"You aren't anything like Scar!" added Myde. "Simba's just having a hard time letting go of the past."
"But maybe things can be resolved if we figure something out." said Sora. "If you'll give us a chance to try."
"And I'm pretty damn sure Kiara will want to see you right now… poor girl was in tears when you were banished." added Myde.
Kovu was surprised. Kiara was upset that Simba exiled him? She did care about him. Sora and his team cared about him. He managed a tiny smile.
"O-Ok…" Kovu finally said. "I wanna find Kiara first… and maybe there might be a way to solve this."
"That's the spirit!" Sora grinned. "Come on let's go!"
And the three animals went off.
Meanwhile, Kiara was tracking the same path Kovu took while she fled from Pride Rock, but couldn't find him.
Kairi was having no luck either. She was trying to sniff out Kovu's scent. But there were two problems. 1. She wasn't around Kovu as much. And 2. She wasn't that experienced in tracking as she only spent a small amount of time as a lioness both times she had been in the Pride Lands.
"Kovu? Kovu…" Kiara said sadly.
Kairi approached her. "Hey." she said softly.
"Kairi…" Kiara sighed sadly. "This is hopeless. We'll never find him… Kovu's gone, I barely recognize my father anymore and… oh this is just too much… I honestly thought we were meant to be… he was the same playful cub I met all those years ago… never once did I ever think he could betray us… because I got to know him… he isn't Scar. And he never would be…" Kiara sighed, almost feeling tears in her eyes again. "But now… he's gone and I-I don't know where he is… and Dad wouldn't listen to reason… and now everything's gone downhill and I hate it…!"
Kairi felt sympathy towards Kiara as she rubbed her back gently. She looked at Kiara's expression. She could almost sense something in the lion princess.
"Your dad and Kovu are not all that's on your mind, is it?" Kairi asked.
"No." Kiara answered.
"You're thinking about Kion, aren't you." Kairi correctly deduced.
Kiara sighed heavily, looking down at her paws. She then raised her head. "Yeah… I-I am. I really miss him, Kairi. I miss my brother. Sometimes, I stay up at night, thinking about him. I can only imagine how much pain his scar is putting him through. I…I just hope he's doing okay." she said sadly.
"I'm sure Kion's fine, Kiara." said Kairi, smiling. "Your brother is really strong, just like Sora. That big lug can swim out of any darkness he throws himself into." Kairi said with a giggle. "I'm sure Kion is fighting just as hard."
"Yeah. I know he is. And that's why I'm still waiting for him." Kiara chuckled a little, still sniffing. "I never told this to anyone but, when we were little Kion had this habit of biting my tail. It was really annoying." Kiara said in a slightly annoyed tone. She then starts smiling and crying. "Y'know…it's funny. Right now…I would do anything just to have him here biting my tail."
Kairi looked at Kiara in sympathy as the lioness cried more.
"Sorry, sorry. Didn't mean for you to see that." said Kiara, quickly wiping away her tears. "It's just… everything that just happened… Kovu, my Dad, and now thinking of my little brother… it's just a lot…"
"It's okay, there's nothing wrong with missing your brother." Kairi assured her, smiling gently. "And I get that this is a lot of pressure on you right now." She rubbed Kiara's back. "You really love Kion, don't you?"
"Of course, I do." answered Kiara, looking down, smiling. "I know we used to argue a lot but despite all that, Kion's my brother. He's my only brother. I don't care how immature he was, I only care about the good times I shared with him. I love my little brother. And I really miss him. He's saved my life more times than I can count." Kiara looked down. "I… I really wish he were here. I could use his help right now."
Kairi became worried when she notices Kiara's paws were trembling.
"Kiara…you're shaking." Kairi pointed out.
"Kairi…I'm scared. Before my brother left he had me keep a promise to him that I didn't want to make." Kiara confessed.
"A promise? What do you mean? Did something happen between you and your brother?" Kairi asked.
"You could say that." replied Kiara.
Flashback:
We go back to the night before the Lion Guard left for the Tree of Life. Everyone is sleeping, except for Kion who stood at the edge of Pride Rock, looking out into the Pride Lands. He felt his fresh scar sting and covered it with a groan.
"Kion?"
Kion turned to see Kiara walking up to him.
"Kiara? Uh…hi." Kion greeted nervously.
Kiara stopped next to her brother. "Can't sleep little brother?"
"I needed some fresh air." Kion answered. "What about you?"
"I saw you coming out here." Kiara answered.
"Oh. Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you." Kion apologized.
"That's okay." Kiara assured, smiling. "I wanted to talk to you anyway. So, how are you holding up?"
"Better than before. The tuliza helped me a little. I'm just…thinking about what I'll be leaving behind tomorrow." said Kion.
"Yeah. Tomorrow…you'll be leaving for the Tree of Life." Kiara mused.
Kion looked down sadly. "I wanted to take one last look at the Pride Lands from here before I leave. It's…almost hard to believe just a while ago we fought back an army of Outlanders and put an end to Scar."
"Yeah. It is. And you know…I'm really proud of you Kion." said Kiara, smiling. "Because of you, Scar's gone and the Pride Lands are safe again. And you proved yourself better than Scar."
Kion smiled back. "I didn't do it alone. I had a lot of help from everyone, including Grandfather." He frowned. "I just wish things could've ended better."
Kiara became worried when Kion rubbed his scar. "Kion, are you sure you're okay?"
Kion tries to force a smile. "I'm fine Kiara. Really, there's nothing to worry about."
Kiara walks closer to her brother. "Kion, I can tell you're scared about something." Kion recoils in surprise. "It's okay. If you're afraid, you can tell me. I'm your big sister. I want to help you, Kion."
Kion sighed heavily. "I do feel fine… but I'm also worried." he confessed. "I always made sure that I would never end up like Scar and that the both of us wouldn't end up like him and Grandfather Mufasa… but after today… I'm worried about what's to come. I can never imagine hurting any of you. You, Mom and Dad, Bunga, anyone, all because of this." He gestured to his scar. "I guess…I'm just a little worried about Rafiki said." Kion admitted, looking down.
"You mean about no longer knowing the difference between right and wrong?" asked Kiara.
"The truth is I'm scared. What if…I end up becoming like Scar? What if I turn evil?" Kion admitted.
Kiara was horrified at such a thought. "Kion, no! Don't even think that! You're not gonna turn evil!"
Kion turned to face his sister. "But you heard what Rafiki said. Scar became evil because the venom in his body for too long. And now it's in me. What if I end up doing horrible things? What I hurt my team like Scar did with his Lion Guard? What if…what if I try to kill you like Scar did with Grandfather? I don't care about any of our arguments Kiara. I love you. And if I ever did what Scar did to his brother, I'd never forgive myself. I-." Kion was cut off when Kiara caressed his face.
"Kion. The scar may make you look a little like Scar, but it doesn't make you anything like him. You're my brother. I know you'd ever do anything like that to me. You've never shown any jealousy towards me being future queen. Raiki didn't say you'd turn evil. He just said you wouldn't know the difference between right and wrong." Kiara pointed out. "That could mean anything. And back there in the Outlands, you did the right thing by not using the roar to destroy Scar. You let the lions from the past pass their judgment. You did that because you're a good animal Kion."
"Kiara…" Kion was touched by his sister's words.
"Kion, you are kind, gentle, brave, etc. willing to put others above yourself. That is a true leader in my eyes, one who cares about all of us and willing to fight until the end." Kiara smiled. "And I love you with all of my heart baby brother… Yes we've had our fights but I don't care about them either. I care about you. You're an awesome brother and friend to us all Kion. And let's face it, Scar was probably already evil before that snake bit him."
"Wow…Kiara. I…I don't know what to say." gaspd Kion, feeling a little better.
"You don't need to say anything. I was just saying what I thought." Kiara smiled.
Kion looked down again. "But still…I'm scared Kiara. I don't know what I might do if the venom stays inside me for too long. Which is why I need you to promise me…if I ever do turn evil…you'll kill me."
Kiara was shocked. "W-W-What?!" she alsot screamed. "Kion how could you even think about asking me to do that?!"
"Only as a last, last resort." Kion begged. "Kiara I could never forgive myself if I ever hurt you, Mom, Dad, or anyone else… or even worse… killing you because I turned out just like Scar… or even worse… I could never live with such guilt in my heart if I ever committed such a deed. I'm not saying you should… but if it ever comes down to it… I want you do to it… to protect our family and our home… I'm not saying it will ever come to that… but I need you to do it if it ever does happen… I'm asking you because I love and trust you sis…"
Kiara was feeling torn and crying a bit. But seeing her brother's begging face, she knew he wasn't gonna back down from this. She sighed shakily.
"Okay Kion. I promise…"
"Thank you." said Kion, before looking down again, crying a little. "Kiara…I…I'm really gonna miss you."
Kiara began crying too, tears streaming down her face. "Ohh…Kion. I'll miss you too. I'll miss you so much." The lion siblings share a hug as they cry. "And even if you do turn evil, you'll always be my little brother and I'll always love you."
"I love you too." said Kion, still crying.
The two nuzzled each other in a brother-sister way, like they were hugging while still on all four paws.
"While you're gone, I'll look at the stars every day, thinking about you." Kiara said kindly. "You can do this Kion. I know you can."
"Thanks, big sis." smiled Kion. The siblings separated.
"And hey, if you ever do turn evil… I guess I'll have to remind you who of the tougher sibling is." joked Kiara.
Kion chuckled. "Oh really? And that's you? Funny I thought that was me."
The siblings laughed.
Kion stopped in his place. "Kiara?"
"Yeah, Kion?" Kiara stopped, turning to him.
"This is a little embarrassing for me to ask, but…can I sleep with you…like when we were little? I think I need it." Kion asked, blushing.
Kiara just smiles sweetly. "Of course."
Kiara laid down in the den and Kion nuzzled up against her. Kion yawned and fell asleep. Kiara smiled and gave him a kiss on the head before her eyes closed and she too fell asleep.
Present:
Kiara looks down, crying. Kairi could only give her a look of sympathy as she shakes.
"Oh, Kiara…" said Kairi sorrowfully.
"My brother made me promise that if he ever turned evil, I'd kill him. And that made me afraid. What if Kion's scar does turn him evil?" Kiara tearfully admitted. "I'll have no choice but to keep my promise and…and…" Kiara sobbed a little, Kairi herself close to tears. "But…I don't want to do that. I love my little brother. He means the world to me. Hurting him is that last thing I'd ever want to do. Just why? Why did he have to make me promise something like that!? If he turns evil, I-"
Kairi cut her off. "He won't turn evil."
Kiara stopped speaking, surprised. "What?"
"Kion is a strong lion. I've seen it during our last visit here. His personality reminds me of Sora." Kairi explained. "That lazy bum saved me more times that I can count. He's brave, thoughtful, strong, and courteous to no end. I love my Sora. Kion is strong just like him. That lug could throw himself into any kind of darkness and swim his way out of it. It's another reason why I was so drawn to him."
Kiara smiled, still sniffling.
"You know in your heart the Kion will never turn evil or become anything like Scar." Kairi added. "The same applies to Kovu."
"Thanks Kairi." Kiara smiled before sighing. "But still… I just can't handle any of this anymore… I just wish Kion was here… I was Kovu hadn't been so unfairly banished… that's two men in my life I might never see again… (tears up) especially since I-I don't know where Kovu ran off to… oh god I hope she's ok…"
Kiara looked on into the distance. He sighed heavily, trying and failing to wipe her tears away. She walked through the stream Kovu walked through, looking down at her reflection. Curiously, only half of her body is clear.
Kiara eventually walked on, still trying to look for Kovu. But there was no sign of him anywhere. The lion princess sighed heavily. It was no use.
(Love Will Find a Way from The Lion King II: Simba's Pride plays)
As Kiara walked through the Pride Lands, all around her she could see animal couples together. All it did was make her more downtrodden.
All Kairi could do was look at her sympathetically. She wasn't even sure what to say.
Kiara: In a perfect world
One we've never known
We would never need to face the world alone
They can have the world
We'll create our own
I may not be brave or strong or smart
But somewhere in my secret heart
I know
Love will find a way
Anywhere I go
I'm home
If you are there beside me
Like dark turning into day
Somehow, we'll come through
Now that I've found you
Love will find a way
Kiara eventually gave up and sat down on a sandy plain. From a distance, Kovu saw Kiara. He suddenly brightened up and walked towards her.
Kovu: I was so afraid
Now I realize
Love is never wrong
And so it never dies
There's a perfect world
Shining in your eyes
Kiara looked back and her expression broke into a happy and relieved smile. Kovu could only smile back as he walked towards her. The two lions then ran towards each other and nuzzles each other happily. Kiara even gave Kovu a surprise lick on the muzzle.
Sora, Kairi, and Myde could only smile at them.
Kovu and Kiara then ran around the sandy plain. Kovy then showed her the trick he learned from Simba: using his paw to move some dust away, revealing a tiny sprout.
Both: And if only they could feel it too
The happiness I feel with you
They'd know
Love will find a way
Anywhere we go
We're home
If we are there together
Like dark turning into day
Somehow we'll come through
Now that I've found you
Love will find a way
I know love will find a way
Two butterflies fluttered around Kovu and Kiara. Kovu brightened up at the sight of them, and laughing, rushed off after them, with Kiara in pursuit. They wrestled briefly, then caught sight of themselves in a reflection of the lake.
"Hey, look... we are one" said Kovu, smiling at Kiara.
Kiara smiled back, then realized what Kovu just said and looked shocked. "What?"
"You know… I think I can see that." said Sora.
"Me too." nodded Kairi.
"Let's get outta here. We'll run away together!" Kovu suggested, jumping around enthusiastically. "And start a pride... all our own."
Kiara chuckled. "Kovu... we have to go back." she told him.
Kovu wasn't sure. "You're kidding. But we're finally together!"
"Our place is with our pride. If we run away, they'll be divided forever." Kiara explained.
"Besides, Zira might be planning her next move." said Kairi.
"We gotta make sure the two prides don't tear themselves to pieces over a pointless war… if it comes down to that." Sora said.
"Yeah all this shit has gone on long enough man." Myde nodded.
"You see? Kovu… we need to make this right, not just for us, but for our families as a whole." Kiara said determinedly.
Kovu considered, but didn't seem entirely convinced. Myde scampered up next to him. "Hey. Don't worry man you got our support." he smirked.
"Myde's right." nodded Sora. "We'll be by your side."
"'Till the Pride Lands end." Kairi smiled.
Kiara giggled at that last part as she and Kovu smiled in gratitude.
What the five animals didn't realize was that they were about to head into the battlegrounds.
Unknown:
Ansem, Xemnas, and Young Xehanort peered over the Pride Lands on the cliffside. Dark clouds were looming in.
"Hm. A storm. How fitting." Ansem hummed.
"That's not the only the dark, dangerous situation lurking around the Pride Lands." said Xemnas.
"Indeed." Young Xehanort smirked. "War is upon them… the Pride Landers and Outsiders are gonna tear each other apart. And now that Zira is bent on revenge for both Scar and now Nuka… I doubt Simba, Nala, and the Pride Landers will come out of this… alive."
To be continued…
Tensions are high and war is upon us! We'll see how things go.
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Special dialogue thanks to Super Sayian 3 Odd