THE LION KING III: Fathers of the Kings

By Samuel Reiman

 Any references to The Lion King 1,1 1/2, or 2 I make are copyright Disney.

LET IT BE KNOWN THAT I HAVE TYPED THIS STORY FROM ALL OF MY ORIGINAL IDEAS - HOWEVER, I HAVE READ OTHER STORIES AND SEEN THAT MANY OF THEM ARE SIMILAR TO THIS ONE.  IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CONTENT OF THE STORY REGARDING THIS, JUST E-MAIL ME.  I JUST THOUGHT IT WOULD BE EASIER WRITING THIS COPYRIGHT STATEMENT THAN IT WOULD CHANGING THE WHOLE STORY

Edited, yes, edited!! I cleared up the confusing parts and fixed the grammatical errors, other than that, it’s still the same story.

Part 1:   A Debatable Move

Part 2:   The Talk with Kiara

Part 3:   Nyumba ya Kikumbuko

Part 4:   Going to the Jungle

Part 5:   Faith, Hope, and Love

Part 6:   The Journey

Part 7:   Daraka's Explanation

Part 8:   Ulaga's Pride?

Part 9:   Arguments and Acceptance

Part 10: The Cubs

Part 11: Conflict

Part 12: Death at the Waterhole

Part 13: Queens, Kings, and Aces

Part 14: The Next Generation

Please send comments, questions, suggestions, reviews, thoughts, etc. to:  srreimanabroad@aol.com

 THE LION KING III: Fathers of the Kings

 Part 1: A Debatable Move

 

    What started out looking as just another day in the Pridelands, was soon to become the start of three unforgettable days.  It was already important in that Simba and Nala had just resigned their positions leaving Kovu and Kiara as the sole king and queen.  But, Simba was still against the whole idea.

 

Nala:              I think we made the right decision

 

Simba:           We?  This was entirely your decision Nala

Nala:              What have you got against it?

Simba:           Kovu.  He's been acting kind of weird lately.  Do you trust him?

Nala:              Why shouldn’t I?

Simba:           Hasn’t it seemed to you, recently, that he doesn't want to spend as much time with her?

Nala:              But why’s that such a big deal?  I didn't mean it like that; I mean, yes, they're mates, and yes, she is our daughter, but...

Simba:           A couple of days after he joined our pride he told me that he had planned on attacking us before he fell in love with Kiara.  If he doesn’t love her any more then his…let’s say, “Scar side”, might come through again

Nala:              Scar wasn’t his father; he took him in once his father had gone

Simba:           So his father is dead?

Nala:              I don’t know Simba, I don’t even know if my dad is alive or not.  Just, stop worrying, okay?

Simba:           That's not all I'm concerned about

Nala:              (Smiling) Oh Simba, you’re not going to admit to the fact that Kovu’s your king for a while, are you?

Simba:           (Sternly) No, I’m not...(calms down slightly) I know I should trust him, but I can't do that either.  I just don't want anything to happen to the Pridelands, its responsibility I guess

Nala:              In other words, you still feel like you're king of these lands?

Simba:           These lands were passed down from my father.  Anyway, like I was saying, I'm concerned about Kovu's heir, if he'll ever have one, who will he be mates with?  (Looks at Nala who is thinking) We have to find another pride; I think that we should leave Pride Rock

Nala:              Simba!  Come on, something will come up, it always does.  Besides, only Kovu can decide what to do and I doubt that...

Simba:           (Frustrated) EXACTLY!  I don't think he realizes though, if he doesn't do something soon, then basically, we're doomed

Nala:              No we're not

Simba:           (Looks at Nala) Okay, maybe not...but the heir won't be Kovu's son

Nala:              He'll do something, and besides...(quietly and seriously) you don't want the heir to be his son, do you?

                        Simba was silent, he didn't know if it was or not.  But Nala seemed quite confident that everything would turn out right, she was probably right.  There was no threat to the Pridelands yet, he didn't think that there would be unless the king wasn't strong.  This was exactly what he was trying to prevent.  If there was no heir, Kovu would still be king when he was old and weak, then the Pridelands could be taken over.  Timon and Pumbaa walked out into the distance.  Simba remembered the life of Hakuna Matata, how he wished for that now.  He observed the lands, everything seemed normal, for the moment.

 

Part 2: The Talk with Kiara

 

                        Timon and Pumbaa walked on until Pride Rock disappeared over the horizon.  Then Timon jumped on top of Pumbaa who started to run.

Timon:           Faster Pumbaa!  If we don't go quicker, we won't be there until night!

Pumbaa:       When we entered the jungle last time, did we go right, or left?

Timon:           I thought we went straight on last time...we'll worry about that when we get there.  Faster!

                        Pumbaa kept on running until…

Kiara:            Hey, Timon, Pumbaa! 

Timon:           Oh, hi Kiara

Pumbaa:       (Stopping abruptly and bowing) Good morning, queen Kiara

Timon:           (Who had just fallen off of Pumbaa when he bowed) Pumbaa, don’t screw this up

Kiara:            (Enthusiastically) Hey guys, you’ll never guess what just happened!

Pumbaa:       Er…your parents just…

Timon:           (Glares at Pumbaa)

Pumbaa:       …um, caught some dinner?

Kiara:            No.  Even better!  They resigned their positions!  I’m now the sole queen of the Pridelands!

Pumbaa:       (Trying to act surprised) Wow, that’s great news Kiara!  And I guess that means Kovu is the sole king of these lands, right?

Kiara:            (Suddenly saddened a little) Well…yeah…I guess it does.  I haven’t really spoken to him recently

Timon:           Where is he?

Kiara:            He's still sleeping

Pumbaa:       (Realizes what Timon is trying to do) He was awake when we left

Kiara:            (Suspicious) Are you two playing at something?

Timon:           (Sighs) Pumbaa...you were supposed to leave this to me

Pumbaa:       What did I do wrong?

Timon:           (Irritated) You implied that we want her to be with Kovu!

Kiara:            What on earth is going on?

Timon:           Well, Kiara...we crossed your parents talking about you once you’d left, and we thought that maybe they were talking about...how, well, Pumbaa and I have done at our part of...um...raising you

Kiara:            (Annoyed) What does this have to do with Kovu?

Timon:           Well, it turned out that they weren't talking about us; they were talking about your relationship with him...Kovu

Kiara:            Oh...(looks back down at the ground) what did they say about it?

Timon:           They...well they said...er...

Pumbaa:       They thought that there might be a problem in your relationship with him

Kiara:            (To herself) It's that obvious?

Timon:           (Trying to change the subject) So...Kiara, why are you here?

Kiara:            I just wanted to be on my own for a while

Timon:            Why?

Kiara:            I need some time to think

Pumbaa:       (Curious) What are you thinking about?

Kiara:            I...I'm thinking about taking Kovu to the jungle for tonight, it's such a beautiful place...but I'm not sure if I should

Pumbaa:       Why not?

Kiara:            Well, what if he doesn't want to go?  And if he does, who's going to watch over the Pridelands?

Pumbaa:       Zazu's always her to help

Timon:           And your parents have plenty of experience

Pumbaa:       Kiara...

Kiara:            Yes

Pumbaa:       I really think that you should do that

Kiara:            (Smiles) Really?

Pumbaa:       Yeah

Timon:           Anyway, Pumbaa and I have got to go now

Kiara:            Where?

Timon:           (Jumps up onto Pumbaa's back) Er...just to see a friend...

Kiara:            (Hopefully) Can I meet them?

Timon:           Sorry Kiara...he's...um...petrified of lions.  Come on, Pumbaa, let’s go!

     Kiara watched Timon and Pumbaa run off into the distance.  Well, Pumbaa thought it was a good idea.  So, slowly, she turned around to fetch Kovu, and then take him to the jungle.

 

Part 3: Nyumba ya Kikumbuko

 

Pumbaa:       I'm not sure Timon...we shouldn't even be spying on them and we're just making it worse by lying to them

Timon:           Pumbaa, we're doing undercover work here.  In the undercover world, there is no difference between spying and lying, and there is no difference in who's scared of lions and whose not!

                        Timon and Pumbaa had been arguing all across the desert and now they had entered the jungle.  They were both looking for Nyumba ya Kikumbuko, Daraka's home.

Pumbaa:       Are you sure we go straight on Timon?

Timon:           Pumbaa, do yourself a favor...LOOK IN FRONT OF YOU!

Pumbaa:       (Sees Nyumba ya Kikumbuko) Oh.  (Stops suddenly)

Timon:           You know buddy, if I fall off you one more time because you…

Pumbaa:       (Nervous) Er…Timon, Daraka is a lion, right?

Timon:           …of course he is!  Why do you even ask me these things?

Pumbaa:       Look.

                        Timon looked up to see a hyena advancing on Pumbaa and him.  Some more of them came around from the sides of Daraka’s home.  Pumbaa began to run away with the hyenas in hot pursuit.  Kind of like the chase he had with Nala, except that this time he was being chased by more than one predator and Timon was riding him.  They ran into Nyumba ya Kikumbuko, and into Daraka, waking him up from his sleep.

Timon:           DARAKA!  Save us!  There’s a bunch of hyenas out there!

Daraka:         (Walks outside) HEY!  You guys, knock it off!  What did I say?

Hyena:          (Angry at Daraka) Only chase intruding lions

T & P:             (Exchange glances with each other)

Daraka:         Exactly!  And I’ll get you some food later in return, okay?

Hyena:          Yes…sir

Daraka:         (Turning to Timon and Pumbaa) Sorry about that, they do that sometimes

Timon:           (Dumbfounded) Are they your guard dogs or something?

Daraka:         Yup.  Now, I presume you’ve got something to tell me

Timon:           Yes, we have, but first, please tell us why you've got carnivores guarding your lair?

Daraka:         The hyenas are outside because there’s a lion I really don’t like coming through the jungle soon, and you two probably know what another lion is like when you get on the wrong side of them.  (Timon and Pumbaa nod in agreement) Now please tell me whatever it is you wish to tell me

Timon:           Well…Simba and Nala have retired their positions as king and queen.  However; Simba isn’t really agreeing with Nala on whether they should have done that or not because Kovu and Kiara aren’t getting on that well.  Even Kiara admitted that!

Daraka:         You didn’t speak to Kiara, did you?

Timon:           Yeah...we crossed her on the way here; she was planning to bring Kovu to the jungle tonight

Daraka:         (Smiles) There may still be hope then.  Is that all?

Timon:           Yes, that is...

Pumbaa:       No it isn't Timon.  They're also wondering about who will be the heir to the throne and who will be mates with him

Timon:           Oh yeah, good thing I remembered that.  Simba thinks that they should leave Pride Rock and find another pride that already has cubs, but Nala believes that everything will be fine

Daraka:         (Thinking) Well...if Kovu and Kiara can get on better...then...

Pumbaa:       If Simba and Nala had another cub, then she could be mates with Kovu and Kiara's, right?

Daraka:         Only the king can have cubs...

Pumbaa:       Then why did they decide to leave Kovu as the sole king?

Daraka:         I don't know Pumbaa.  In my old pride, my brother and I were both going to be kings together

Timon:           If Simba was a second king still, his cub couldn't be mates with Kovu's anyway, they'd be marrying a member of their family!

Pumbaa:       It's not that bad, Timon.  Simba and Nala are cousins, aren't they?

Daraka:         (Faces Pumbaa) You still think that Scar is Nala's father?

Pumbaa:       Well it would make sense; Scar didn't kill her when he took over the Pridelands.  I thought leaders like him killed all cubs that aren't theirs, even if they are girls

Daraka:         There's another reason for that.  I am her father.

                        Timon and Pumbaa were silent.  Daraka waited for one of them to ask.

Timon:           So...

Daraka:         (Turns to face Timon)

Timon:           ...you're making us spy on your daughter?

Daraka:         (Calmly) It's for their own good

Timon:           How?

Daraka:         (Pauses to think) Tell my mate, Sarafina, that I'm at Nyumba ya Kikumbuko, she'll know where to go, if she wants to come here.  Escort Simba and my daughter here for tomorrow night, then it will all make sense, I'll explain everything.  And don't tell them two where they're going...(he smiles) I want to make it a surprise for them

Pumbaa:       You can count on us!  (Signals at Timon to leave)

Timon:           (Sternly) You expect us to go ALL the way back to the Pridelands today, and come back here tomorrow?

Daraka:         (Nods)

Timon:           (Sternly) We’re not going to do that if there’s nothing in it for us, are we Pumbaa…Pumbaa?

                        Pumbaa had already gone out of Nyumba ya Kikumbuko, Timon ran off after him.  Once they were out of sight, a hornbill, called Huduma, came down and landed next to Daraka.

Huduma:       Do you need my assistance any more sire?

Daraka:         We're going to need all the help we can get tomorrow, Huduma.  One more day, then you're free to go. 

 

Part 4: Going to the Jungle

    

                        Kiara walked back into Pride Rock, only Kovu and Sarafina were in there when she arrived.  Sarafina had been unwell recently, everyone was worried for her, and none of them had seen her go further than the waterhole in ages.  She was asleep but Kovu was only resting, so Kiara went over to him.

Kiara:            Hi Kovu, where is everyone? 

Kovu:             They're all out hunting; it doesn't seem that they've made a kill yet

Kiara:            Did you hear the news?

Kovu:             That your parents retired their positions?

Kiara:            Yeah

Kovu:             That was very nice of them

Kiara:            Yes, it was, wasn't it?  Hey Kovu, um...we haven’t really spent a whole lot of time together recently...

Kovu:             (Looks up at her)

Kiara:            ...and I was wondering, if you wanted to go for a walk?

Kovu:             (Yawns before responding) Yeah...

Kiara:            (Smiles at him)

Kovu:             (Gets up and stretches) Yeah, it'd do me good, getting a bit of fresh air

Kiara:            (Starts to walk off) Well, actually, it's a bit more than just a walk.  I'm thinking about going to the jungle

Kovu:             (Surprised) The jungle?  Who's going to watch over the Pridelands?

Kiara:            (Calmly) My parents have plenty of experience, and Zazu's always here to help.

                        Kovu reluctantly followed Kiara outside.  With Sarafina all alone, Timon and Pumbaa saw their opportunity.  They started to walk inside, but without recognizing their presence, Nala beat them in.

Nala:              Hi Mom

Sarafina:       (Wakes up) Hi Nala, did you catch anything?

Nala:              No, sorry, Mom, you’ll have to wait.  We’ll all have to wait, it's a lot harder when the best hunter of the pride is too unwell to hunt

Sarafina:       (Smiles at her) Your as good as I am Nala, if not, better

Nala:              Only because I learnt from you.  You've taught and told me everything.  Except for...

Sarafina:       Oh, Nala, please

Nala:              Who’s my father?

Sarafina:       (Sighs) Nala, you know I can’t tell you

Nala:              Mom, I must know

Sarafina:       You can’t Nala, you’re better off living without knowing

Nala:              Was it Scar?

Sarafina:       (As if the idea sounded absurd) No…

Nala:              Then who could it be?  You told me that you grew up with your sister, your mate, and your mate’s brother.  That would be Scar, and Sarabi, if she was your sister, and she was married to Mufussa

Sarafina:       (Slightly irritated) Nala, just stop asking me okay, I’m never going to tell you!

Nala:              (Taken aback by her mother’s reaction) Gee, I’m sorry Mom, I didn’t mean to make you mad.  I just thought…you know…if you could just at least tell me if he’s alive or what he’s done?

Sarafina:       Yes, he is alive and I can’t tell you anything else

Nala:              Why not?

Sarafina:       Nala, I know more about this pride than anyone ever you’re your father did...things...that have affected this pride, and I promised him from the bottom of my heart that I would not spread any information

Nala:              Well you can tell me, I’m a member of this pride, I’m your daughter!

Sarafina:       I promised that I would not tell anyone

Nala:              Fine then.  (After a brief silence) He must have been very busy to know the depths of this pride

Sarafina:       He did a lot

Nala:              Like…

Sarafina:       Nala, don't push your luck.  Your father has been everywhere and done everything, I don’t even know where he is now…

Timon:           Sarafina, there you are, we've been looking all over for you, Nala, may we excuse you for a minute?

Nala:              (Sighs) Okay.  Hope you get better soon, Mom.  (Turns around and walks out)

                        Nala walked outside and sat down waiting for Timon and Pumbaa to come out, maybe she could ask her mother then, she wasn't going to give up that easily.

Simba:           Hi Nala, what's wrong?

Nala:              (Saddened) I...I just want to know who my father is, mom is the only one who knows, but she won’t tell me and she...she...(sighs) she can't hunt, and no one has seen her walk far in ages, oh, I’m so worried for her!

Simba:           (Gently) You know, she'll never actually go...I still speak to my father

Nala:              Yeah, I know

                        All of a sudden, Sarafina sprinted out of Pride Rock in enthusiasm.  Simba and Nala watched her run off in disbelief.

Simba:           (Amazed) Was that her?

Nala:              (Jubilant) Mom!  She's okay!

Simba:           Where do you think she's going?

Nala:              I don't know, but isn't it great, she's going to live now, isn't she?

Simba:           Hopefully.  Have you noticed something though, it seems that she’s heading towards the jungle

Nala:              So?

Simba:           Well, that’s where Kovu and Kiara looked like they were going

Nala:              How can they possibly relate?

Simba:           Well, something just doesn’t feel right.  Something’s going on down there, I’m not sure what it is but it’s something.

      

Part 5: Faith, Hope, and Love

     

                        Sarafina ran all the way to Nyumba ya Kikumbuko.  She was ready to collapse from exhaustion when she got there, but she was determined to see Daraka again.

Sarafina:       (Getting her breath back) Daraka?

Hyena:          (Approaches from around Nyumba ya Kikumbuko) He’s not available right now

Huduma:       (Flying down) Hey, mister hyena, Daraka says let the lioness be

Hyena:          Is that so?  And why should I let this particular lioness live, maybe she's a follower of Ulaga   

Daraka:         (Comes running up and roars at the hyenas making them back off)

Sarafina:       Daraka! 

Daraka:         I was hoping you’d come.  (Turns back and faces leader of hyenas) You can have the night off if you want

Sarafina:       (Runs up and nuzzles him) Why wouldn’t I want to come?

Daraka:         Don’t remind me.

                        Although his answer hurt her still, she kept on nuzzling him for a while.  Eventually, they decided to walk with each other through the jungle.

Sarafina:       So are you planning on coming back home? 

Daraka:         This is my home

Sarafina:       Come on, Daraka.  You know, Simba was placed in a very similar situation once.  He was in this jungle, and not willing to come back and tell everyone what he'd done

Daraka:         You've told me the whole story before, but I have one question.  If Scar had not admitted that he had killed Mufussa, would of you still of sided with Simba?

Sarafina:       Of course we would’ve!  Scar was pure evil, Daraka, and I guess that...

Daraka:         And also, I haven’t got an opponent like Simba had Scar have I?

Sarafina:       You've got Ulaga!

Daraka:         How'd you know about Ulaga?

Sarafina:       He used to live at Pride Rock too, Daraka

Daraka:         Talking about Pride Rock, is there still loyalty or a sense of patriotism in your pride?

Sarafina:       Yes, why?

Daraka:         Tomorrow night, Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, and our daughter are all going to be here.  I'll tell you my entire story, the parts that you know

Sarafina:       That's going to be tough

Daraka:         No kidding 

Sarafina:       (Lovingly) But until then it's just you and me?

Daraka:         (Smiles warmly) Yes, yes it is

Sarafina:       (Stops walking and nuzzles him again) I love you Daraka, I’ve missed you

Daraka:         Same here, Sarafina

                        Daraka and Sarafina however, weren’t the only two in the jungle that night, whose relationship was growing stronger.

    

Part 6: The Journey

 

                        Simba went down to the waterhole, Timon and Pumbaa had told Nala and himself that they were “going somewhere”.  He still expected that “somewhere” was the jungle, so he needed to drink for the journey across the vast desert.  Kiara, Kovu, and Sarafina had all gone off in that direction yesterday, and so had Timon and Pumbaa at the sunrise.  He looked up to the heavens, should he really go?  Kovu and Kiara were already gone, so at the moment he was the leader of the Pridelanders, did he really want to give up that position right now?  The winds were calm, but he was about to get a second opinion.

Rafiki:            Asante sana,

                        Squash banana!

                        Wewe nugu,

                        Mimi apana!

Simba:           What is it this time?

Rafiki:            Ah, I believe you've already noticed

Simba:           That the winds are calm...and that I shouldn't be worrying?

Rafiki:            Wrong!  The winds are not calm, they're still...

Simba:           There's not much difference

Rafiki:            (Seriously) Oh yes, there is Simba.  You can be scared, then you are still, but not calm

Simba:           (After a while of thinking) So...you think my fathers' scared?

Rafiki:            Maybe.  Or he could be troubled; concerned...the important thing is that the winds are still...

Simba:           Can you tell me anything else?

Rafiki:            Not that you’d want to know

Simba:           Go ahead, tell me, I wont mind

Rafiki:            Sure?

Simba:           Certain

Rafiki:            (Whispering) Stillness, is caused by the fear of death

Simba:           So…one of us could die?  I guess I should stay here then

Rafiki:            (Hits Simba around the head with his stick) Wrong again!  You're staying away from your troubles again, Simba!

Simba:           (Rubbing his head where Rafiki had hit him) But this time I'm where I should be, aren't I?

Rafiki:            (Patiently gives time for Simba to work it out)

Simba:           Unless...Kovu?

Rafiki:            Not exactly.  You see Simba, most things in our world were passed down through generations.  You must know that Scar was the one who chose Kovu, he isn't his father

Simba:           Well, who is?  (Turns around to face Rafiki but he had disappeared)

Nala:              Simba, who are you talking to?

Simba:           (Turns back to face Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa) No one

Timon:           Well, then, let’s go!

                        They started their trip across the desert, the Sun beat down on them across it and Pumbaa began to slow down significantly.  Simba wanted to know as much information about where they were going as possible, but he knew he was going to have to force it out of them.  But Timon still had to keep his promise; he could not give Nala or him any information that would make them know where they were going.

Timon:           Come on, Pumbaa!  We'd better get moving if we want to be there by tomorrow

Pumbaa:       (Wearily) You don't have to walk, Timon.  Simba, can we ride on your back?

Simba:           (Irritated by the heat) And make me collapse?  Huh, I don't think so.  So what's it like doing this walk twice in the same day?

Pumbaa:       It's difficult

Timon:           (Angrily) Pumbaa!  Simba, how did you know that?

Simba:           I saw you two walk off this way yesterday at dawn, then you were back before sundown.  Why did you come all this way yesterday?

Timon:           (Sternly) You'll know everything I do by tomorrow

Nala:              Calm down guys...(cautiously) Timon...my mom is down here, isn't she?

Timon:           And stop asking me questions!

Simba:           (Glares at Timon)

Nala:              (Calmly) Simba...just forget it.

                        They were all silent again until they arrived at the jungle, Daraka's home was straight ahead of them, but Pumbaa turned left.

Timon:           Er...Pumbaa...where are you going?

Pumbaa:       We're stopping for some water Timon; you didn't walk across that desert

Timon:           But Nyumba ya Kikumbuko is right there!

Pumbaa:       (Annoyed) But there's no more water between here and there, so we're stopping...HERE!

                        Pumbaa knelt down to drink some water and Timon fell in.  Simba started to drink too.  Timon got out of the water livid and cold.

Nala:              (To Timon curiously) Did you say Nyumba ya Kikumbuko?  I'm sure I've heard of that place before.

                        Meanwhile, at Nyumba ya Kikumbuko, Daraka was pacing back and forth, impatiently.  Sarafina was sitting down watching him.

Daraka:         They should be here by now, Timon and Pumbaa can't let me down after all this time, I really want to see our daughter

Timon:           (Sounding angry) Stop – asking – me – QUESTIONS!

Daraka:         (Smiles) That's Timon, (turns to Sarafina) they're here!

Sarafina:       Timon doesn’t sound very happy, he should calm down by the time though, shouldn’t he?

Daraka:         Yes, he…

Timon:           ARGH!  Oh, it’s you again…well guess what Mr. Hyena.  I am a meerkat, this is a warthog, and these are relatives of Daraka, you wouldn’t want him to know that you killed his daughter, would you?

                        Nala immediately figured it out.  She ran straight into Nyumba ya Kikumbuko.

 

Part 7: Daraka's Explanation

 

                        Nala went in and saw her mother standing next to a blue eyed, tawny colored, old, yet strong, lion; her father.

Nala:              (Emotionally) Dad?

                        Daraka gave her a nod, and then Nala ran up and nuzzled him, purring.  Simba entered the cave, happy for Nala, with the others beside him.

Nala:              (To Sarafina) How come you never told me?

Daraka:         (Answering for her) There are reasons.  Simba, Nala, my name is Daraka, and this is my home, Nyumba ya Kikumbuko.  Sarafina and I lived here together before you two were even born

Nala:              How did you survive in the jungle?

Daraka:         Hasn't Simba ever told you?

Simba:           (Taken by surprise) How do you know about that?

Daraka:         Timon and Pumbaa told me

Simba:           Timon, why'd you...(turns around but doesn't see him) Timon?

Pumbaa:       He just went off somewhere.  We're sorry we told him, Simba.  But he wanted to know about you, being Nala's mate and all

Simba:           That's okay Pumbaa, why'd you do it though?

Pumbaa:       He said that it was for your own good

Simba:           (To Daraka) What’s ‘for our own good’

Daraka:         I believe Timon would like to know why I set Pumbaa and him to spy on you also.  So we’ll have to wait for him to come back before I can answer any more questions…

Timon:           (Walking in with grub) You’re right…I would like to know that, Daraka

Daraka:         Okay, I guess that it's time to explain myself then; nobody lies when they say the truth is hard.  I shall try to answer all your questions that you may have for me, but that means that you've got to live with the facts.  I've had to and trust me; it's not easy

Nala:              Well, the first thing I want to know is – why did you live in the jungle, you could have just came to Pride Rock?

Daraka:         Originally, we didn't.  Sarafina and I are cousins, actually.  We came from the same pride, I was meant to be joint rulers with my brother so we could continue our legacy.  But let’s put it this way...the lands we had weren't the best lands to be king of

Simba:           So you left because of that?

Daraka:         Yes, and no.  There wasn't much food and Sarafina was, well...(to Sarafina) would you mind me saying?

Sarafina:       (Simply) I was the weakest of us

Nala:              (Understanding) So you needed to leave your pride to find more food.  Why did you come here though?

Daraka:         She couldn't travel much

Nala:              Why?

Daraka:         We were expecting you

Simba:           Bet your dad didn't take it well...

Daraka:         Huh?

Simba:           You leaving your pride, he wanted you to be king didn't he?

Daraka:         No, he didn't take it well, I returned to our pride, and he wouldn't even accept me

Simba:           But what about your legacy?

Daraka:         (Believing it to be obvious) Um...don't Sarafina and Nala live in your pride?

Nala:              So why did you break up?

Daraka:         We didn't, we got separated, we both believed each other to be dead

Nala:              How did that happen?

Daraka:         Thunderstorm.  Lightning hit a tree outside, we tried to run out but it blocked the entrance.  Sarafina made it but I did not

Nala:              (Feeling for her parents) So you've been apart all that time believing each other to be dead?

Timon:           No, that can't be true.  (To Daraka) You said to bring Sarafina here; you must have known that she was alive

Daraka:         I did.  Just after Nala was born I went to see them at Pride Rock

Simba:           So...er...when Scar took over, how come he didn't...you know...

Sarafina:       I guess that I have to explain this.  Sarabi was the first to greet me when I entered the Pridelands, I told her what had happened, and she told Mufussa.  Since he promised to let our daughter live, he managed to force a promise out of Scar too...

Simba:           (Astonished) And Scar KEPT it?

Sarafina:       He thought he was a great King, didn't he?  Everyone knows that great Kings never break promises...

Timon:           Yeah, Simba, nobody being sent to watch over the King's daughter at all

Simba:           Hey!  I wanted to be sure that she was okay...

Nala:              Please you two, stop arguing.  (Turning back to Daraka) How come you never lived at Pride Rock though?

Daraka:         Well, Scar was making secret alliances.  Trust was hard to come by so they didn't accept me either, that's why I've had to live here for the most of my life

Simba:           You could've came once I was king, I would've accepted you

Daraka:         I did!  Well, I came at the least, I saw you and Sarafina, but I didn't see Nala.  She was in the Back Den I was told, and I didn't see why I couldn't go to see you...

Nala:              So why didn't you?

Daraka:         Well...put it this way, on my way around, you weren't the first one I saw

Nala:              Who was?

Rafiki:            I was

Simba:           Rafiki!  You said there was trouble but this is the real reason you convinced me to go to the jungle, wasn't it?

Rafiki:            No

Simba:           (Surprised) It...it wasn't?

Daraka:         Um...we're getting a tiny bit ahead of ourselves here, can we backtrack a little it?

Simba:           Oh, yeah, sure

Daraka:         Rafiki, you haven't told them about Ulaga, have you?

Simba:           So Kovu's father is a lion called Ulaga?

Daraka:         (To Rafiki) Never mind

Rafiki:            Yes, I was the first one to see to see Daraka after he ran to see Nala.  He looked to be in a very happy mood, so I ask, what makes this lion so happy?  He says that his daughter is queen and he was going to see her face to face for the first time ever!  Alas, I had to tell him, there were outsiders!  A group of banished lions planning revenge...

Simba:           Wait one second!  If you knew that they were planning revenge, how come you never told me?

Rafiki:            We could not let you know, it was Mufasa who said that there must be peace between the prides, and telling you that they wanted to get back was the last thing that would make that possible.  I disagreed with Mufasa after what happened next though...

Daraka:         (Urgently) NO!  Please don't go that far ahead, please!

Nala:              Dad?

Daraka:         (Sighs then turns to face her) Nala...the reason I didn't see you was because I couldn't get you involved in this, the reason I didn't see you after Kovu and Kiara became mates was because of...because.  (Sighs again) Mufasa...he is to you all as Scar was to the outsiders, now I was a part of this plan, it was only going to work if I respected both sides requests.  Mufasa's was to see the prides become one; Scar's was to see Kovu as king.

                        Daraka was silent, as soon as the others worked out that he wasn't going to speak again, they tried to figure it out.  It didn't take Simba that long.

Simba:           But...Kovu...he couldn't be king unless…Nala and I, we had a son, and he would have been king…so…so…

Nala:              (Devastated) So you killed him?

Daraka:         (Painfully looks back at Nala) Yes.

                        There was a pause.

Simba:           Someone...a lioness tried to stop you, didn't she?

Daraka:         (Nods)

Simba:           So you killed her too?

Daraka:         I'm sorry, Simba...

Simba:           (Full of anger) SORRY!  Sorry isn’t going to do it, Daraka, you killed my child AND my mom!

Nala:              Simba, please

Simba:           (Looks at Nala and comes back to his senses) Oh, sorry Nala

Nala:              (After a while she looks back up at her father) Why didn't you just take them, you know, make us think they were dead, but, really, find them alive?  I know it's not a nice thing to do...but...it's better than this

Daraka:         Rafiki

Rafiki:            I found out Simba was alive and I never saw him...one of you was bound to find out sooner or later that way and if that happened...more than two Pridelanders would be with Mufasa now

Nala:              So, (to Daraka) why did you...you know

Daraka:         I was brought up and raised to be a king, because I'm in that position, I feel that something I need to do is something I have to do.  It's hard to explain, it's just responsibility I guess

Simba:           (Understanding from being in a similar position with Kovu) How is this meeting for our own good, is it to know the truth?

Daraka:         Pardon?

Simba:           When we came in here, Pumbaa said that Timon and he passed information on to you so that you knew about us, and it was for our own good.  How?

Daraka:         Ulaga.  As soon as I did...what I have done, he thought everything was going to plan for them, so he left to find another pride, kill their leader, and take over them.  I had to keep a communication with you to make sure that there was still enough loyalty in your pride for you to protect it, if it was going to come down to war

Simba:           (Having a flashback to his conversation with Rafiki) Are they here?

Daraka:         Yes.  Ulaga is leading his pride through the jungle tonight, Kovu and Kiara are here somewhere too, but we don't really want them to get involved in this.  Since they should be getting on quite well right now, tonight is really our best chance, because at the moment it seems that the Pridelands will always be in control of his heirs

Huduma:       (Flying into Nyumba ya Kikumbuko) Sire, Ulaga and his pride are approaching as we speak! 

Daraka:         How far?

Huduma:       About a five minute run that way.  (Signals in the direction that they are)

Daraka:         Thank you, Huduma.  We'd better get going now...(slowing down) if, you want to of course?

Simba:           Daraka, we'll come with you, and if this is a success...because of...well...(side glances at Nala) you tried to help the best you could...and...(sighs) I forgive you, Daraka

Daraka:         Thanks Simba, that means a lot to...

Nala:              I do too

Daraka:         (Surprised cross astonished) Come again?

Nala:              I forgive you too...dad

                        Daraka sat there speechless for a moment; this was what meant a lot to him.  Ever since Kopa's death he had hidden from his daughter, and now she had just said this.  He turned away from her unable to respond, he tried to get it off his mind.  They still had a job to do.

Daraka:         Well, are you all coming then?

Huduma:       Should I fly ahead, just check everything is under control?

Simba:           Hey, Huduma.  I think I know someone who might be good friends with you, he's name is Zazu.  He's in the Pridelands somewhere, that way.  (Points in the direction of the lands)

Huduma:       Well, if you're sure you can fight without me...(flies off)

Daraka:         Rafiki, what about... (Again, doesn't see Rafiki) Timon, Pumbaa, what about you?

Timon:           (Climbs onto Pumbaa) We are, aren't we Pumbaa?

Pumbaa:       You got that right, Timon!

Daraka:         Come on then, let's go!

  

Part 8: Ulaga's Pride?

 

Kovu:             (Walking down a path next to Kiara in the jungle) Hey, Kiara, I'm sorry I haven't spent a whole lot of time with you recently; I've really enjoyed being here

Kiara:            Are you going to spend a bit more time with me now?

Kovu:             What makes you think I wouldn't?  I love you Kiara

Kiara:            (Nuzzles Kovu) I love you too.  (After a while of purring and nuzzling, Kiara starts to walk on again) Um...Kovu...there's something else that I really need to tell you.  (She turns to see that Kovu hadn't restarted walking with her) Kovu, aren't you coming?

Kovu:             (Nervous) Shh, Kiara...it's not safe around here

Kovu:             What could be wrong?

                        Kiara suddenly heard a noise behind her.  They turned to face some bushes, where they believed the sound had came from.  Kovu approached them cautiously, then without further warning, a roaring lion jumped out of them.  Kiara was taken by surprise and backed off, but Kovu confronted him.

Kovu:             What do you want?

Lion:               (Snarls at Kovu making him step backwards)

Kovu:             Who are you?

Lion:               What are you even doing here?  Lions don't live in the jungle, I know exactly what you're up to.  You know Simba, don't you?

Kovu:             Yeah, but, I don't know why...

Lion 2:           (Enters from behind them) Ulaga!  Do you think it would be best if Amani and I...who's that?

Ulaga:            I'm not sure Hunter, (turns to Kovu) who are you?

Kovu:             (Trying to stand his ground) I'm Kovu...and this is my...

Ulaga:            (Merrily) KOVU!  Kovu, I'm your father Ulaga, Scar only took you in while I had gone to find another pride

Kovu:             Dad?  Oh...wow!  No, I'm not here with Simba, I just...

Hunter:          (Impatient) Ulaga!  Do you want me to go and...

Ulaga:            (Angrily) Hunter!  Can't you wait until later.  If you found a member of your family, you wouldn’t want to be interrupted

                        At this statement Hunter roared, pounced, and, after some wrestling, pinned Ulaga down to the ground.

Kovu:             Hey!  Get off of my father!

Ulaga:            He won't kill me Kovu, Amani wouldn't like it if he did that

Hunter:          (Sternly) You’re father killed my father

Kovu:             (Looks at Ulaga with surprised eyes saying ‘is that true’)

Hunter:          (Gets up off of Ulaga and walks off – feet hard on Ulaga’s chest of course)

Ulaga:            (Getting up) Aren't you a killer too?

Kovu:             Well I...

Ulaga:             Aren't you the king of the Pridelands by now?

Kovu:             Yeah, but I didn't...

Ulaga:            (Shocked) you didn't kill Simba?  Then how are you king?

Kovu:             (Signals at Kiara)

Ulaga:            Who's she?

Kovu:             She is...she is Kiara...my mate…and…er…Simba's daughter

Ulaga:            WHAT!?!

Kovu:             (Aside to Kiara) Hey, mind helping me out of this

Kiara:            (Approaching cautiously) My father...was Simba...but he...he is dead, it's just Kovu didn't kill him.  He took me as his mate.

                        Ulaga seemed quite satisfied with her explanation.  None of them knew that Simba and Nala were in the jungle.  But they were, and they were running along a path towards them as quick as they could.  But then the path split in two.  Daraka and Sarafina went left, the rest went right.  The path to the right curved back around to the left until they reached a dead end.  They turned around to go back, but a lion, more specifically, Hunter, had cornered them.

Hunter:          Simba? (Starts to advance on them as aggressiveness overcomes him) Well, surely I couldn’t have found you already?

Timon:           (Jumps on the ground in front of Pumbaa) You’ll have to get through us first!

Pumbaa:       And what's that just supposed to meanTimon?

Timon:           (To Hunter) You may have us cornered, but this warthog behind me doesn't do too well in crowds!

Pumbaa:       (Mistakenly pleased) Actually Timon, I'm not as bad as what I used to be

Timon:           Oh…Pumbaa (Hysterically) Why didn’t we just follow Daraka?

Hunter:          (Stops advancing) You know Daraka?

Nala:              Why, yes, he’s my father

Hunter:          (Overjoyed) NO WAY!  Daraka’s alive?  (Calling) Amani!  Amani!  Come here, Daraka’s alive!  My brother’s alive!

Nala:              Your brother?

Hunter:          Yeah…so how is he?

Nala:              He’s…fine…is Amani your mate?

Hunter:          Yeah, somehow or another.  I always love giving other lions a little wrestling game or two but she…man, she hates fighting of any kind

Simba:           (Slightly bewildered) So you aren’t an ally of Ulaga?

Hunter:          (Sighs) In a way…yes.  He killed my father and took over our pride; you are Simba, aren’t you?

Simba:           (Nods)

Hunter:          He wants you…well, you know…

Simba:           I’m not king anymore, his son is

Hunter:          Really?

Simba:           Yes!

Hunter:          (Urgently) Well, then we must tell him that, come on!  Follow…(turns around ready to run off but stops at the sight of a lioness)

Amani:          Hunter, did you call me?

Hunter:          Oh, Amani, this is Simba and…

Amani:          Simba?  (Enraged) HUNTER!  I don’t care what Ulaga says, we are NOT going to…

Hunter:          You’re right, I’m not

Amani:          You…you’re not?

Hunter:          No, I’m not…Amani, they know Daraka, he’s alive!

Amani:          Daraka?

Hunter:          My brother, have you forgotten?

Amani:          (Remembering) DARAKA!  He’s alive…oh, that’s great, Hunter!

Hunter:          See…I didn’t even need you to stop me from killing someone

Amani:          For once

Hunter:          (Chuckles and nuzzles Amani)

Simba:           Can we get this back on track, please?

Hunter:          Huh…oh, yeah, sure.  Amani, we must find Ulaga, we need to tell him that his son is king.  (They start to walk away)

Simba:           Come on, Nala, let’s go and find your parents

A and H:        PARENTS!?!

Nala:              (Slightly puzzled) Yeah…I told you didn’t I, Daraka’s my father…

Hunter:          But you never said that your mother…who’s your mother?

Nala:              Sarafina

Hunter:          (Dumbfounded then almost speechless) She…she’s alive too?

Nala:              Yeah…Sarafina is my mother

Hunter:          Amani…are you hearing this?  (Amani’s disappeared) Amani?

Nala:              She went off down that path.

                        None of them needed to even be told twice, within a few seconds, they were running down the path in the direction that Amani had gone, and towards where Ulaga, Kovu, Kiara, Daraka, and Sarafina, were just about to meet.
                      Daraka and Sarafina jumped over some bushes and found the others the other side.

Daraka:         Ulaga!  Where is the rest of your pride?

Ulaga:            (To Daraka) how do you know who I am?

Daraka:         I have my resources, now where is the rest of your pride?

Ulaga:            Why do you even want to know, I’m the leader of them, aren’t I?  Who are these two, Kovu?

Kovu:             She’s Sarafina, but he…I don’t know him

Amani:          (Comes out into the clearing) Sarafina!  Daraka!  (They turn and look at her blankly) You’ve forgotten who I am, haven’t you?

Daraka:         Yup

Sarafina:       Daraka!

Daraka:         Well, do you know her?

Ulaga:            (In fury) AMANI!  (Pounces on her and pins her to the ground) You betrayers!  I knew I should have killed you and your mate the moment we started!

Daraka:         (To himself) Amani, Amani…where have I…

Sarafina:       Amani!  Daraka, she’s my sister, Hunter’s mate, remember?

Daraka:         Amani!  But that means…(turns to Ulaga)…you took over my pride…you killed their leader…(Furious) YOU!  (Roars at Ulaga) You killed my dad!

Amani:          Daraka, don’t fight him!

Daraka:         (To Sarafina) Yup…it’s Amani

Simba:           (Comes out into the clearing with the others)

Ulaga:            Simba… (Turns to Kovu in rage) I thought you said you’d killed him!

Kovu:             He must have escaped…again

Simba:           Ulaga?  It’s best if you give in, Ulaga, even your son is on our side

Kovu:             And just what makes you think that?  If this comes down to a fight, I’m not going to let you kill my father

Nala:              Well I’m not going to let either of you two kill mine either

Amani:          Hey…um…

Sarafina:       (Whispering) Nala

Amani:          Nala…I think it’s best if we just leave it between them to sort it out, okay?  

Hunter:          Nala, when she says something about no fighting, (quietly) just ignore her, it's always helped me.  (To Kovu) So, your Ulaga’s son, right?

Kovu:             Yes

Hunter:          Hasn’t it occurred to you that there are seven of us…

Timon:           Nine

Amani:          Eight

Hunter:          …and two of you.  If you both just give in to us then we don’t even have to fight or kill each other

 

Daraka:         (To Amani) Have you turned Hunter into a peace loving freak or something?

Amani:          (Smiling) Oh, I hope so.  He may say different, but ever since we've been mates he's never...well, you know

Kovu:             (Considering what Hunter had just said) Hey…dad…I think it is best if we do listen to them.  (Starts to walk away from his father)

Ulaga:            Kovu, what in the Gods names do you think you’re doing?

Simba:           Ulaga…forget it!  Scar’s request was to see Kovu as king…

Ulaga:            (Sharply) by killing YOU!

                        Ulaga made his move, aiming at Simba, but Daraka blocked him, then Ulaga dug his claws into Daraka and they started to fight.  Hunter tried to run in to try to help his brother, but Kovu attacked him.  Daraka started to fight back against Ulaga, swiping his claws at him until tufts of his mane started to rip out, but Ulaga pinned him to the ground.  It was there that Simba saw his opportunity to save Daraka.  He aimed for the back of Ulaga’s neck.  Kovu stopped fighting Hunter to try and help his father, but it was too late.  Simba had made his attack.  Ulaga was dead.

 

Part 9: Arguments and Acceptance

 

                        It took a while for everything to sink in.  Simba stood over Ulaga’s battered, dead, body.  What he had just done wasn’t what was bothering him.  He had known when he was going there that it may have came down to this…but he hadn’t planned on Kovu being present.

Kovu:             (Furious at Simba) You killed him!

Simba:           Can’t say he never did the same

Kovu:             Maybe Daraka did too

Simba:           Daraka…well he…

Daraka:         I had reasons for my kills

Kiara:            (Trying to control Kovu) Kovu, what just happened between them was beyond our control…

Kovu:             (Not listening to Kiara but facing Daraka) How do you know that my father didn’t have a good reason for who he killed?

Hunter:          (Offended) MY FATHER DID NOT DESERVE TO DIE!

Amani:          Hunter, calm down, please. (Turns to Kovu) I was there Kovu, I’m sorry…but, he didn’t. He just didn’t, I’m sorry

Kovu:             It’s best if I just get out of here…isn’t it?  (He starts to walk away from them)

Kiara:            (Urgently) Kovu…there’s something I really need to tell you…

Kovu:             Not now, Kiara, I need some time to get over this whole thing

Simba:           Kovu…

Kovu:             Simba…later…

Simba:           Would you accept Daraka and Hunter’s pride into ours?

                        Kovu stopped walking and glared at Simba.  He was amazed that he had even bothered to ask him, but then he considered it.

Kovu:             (Reluctantly) Well…you did give me a chance…so I’ll do what you done.  They can live in the Pridelands, in the Back Den where Scar used to live.  I’ll pass my judgment when I know who they are

Daraka:         Thank you, I’ve forgotten where your lands are though, can you lead us there?

Timon:           Pumbaa and I have done that walk plenty of times, we’ll lead you there tomorrow.  Too much grub here for just one day!

Daraka:         Thanks for the offer, but I really want to get out of this jungle tonight

Nala:              But…Simba and I have only just got here

Daraka:         Well then Timon and Pumbaa will lead you back later

Nala:              But…(aside to her parents) I really want to spend some time with you two

Daraka:         (Slightly confused) Well, why can’t you do that…

Sarafina:       Nala, I feel better now.  You’ll have time to spend with both of us still

Nala:              Well…okay then

Simba:           So it’s settled then, Daraka and Hunter’s pride will stay at the Back Den.  Timon, Pumbaa, Nala, and I will stay here until tomorrow, then we’ll come home

Kiara:            Okay…hey, Kovu, wait up!

                        Timon, Pumbaa, Simba, and Nala watched as the others walked away down a path.  Once they were out of sight, Nala turned to Simba.

Nala:              (Sternly) What do you think you were doing?

Simba:           Huh?

Nala:               Why did you kill Ulaga?  I became your mate because I believed you were a king who made reasonable decisions, what happened back there was NOT...

Simba:           I killed him because if I didn’t, you wouldn’t have a father any more

Timon:           Hey, Pumbaa, shall we go and get some more of that grub

Pumbaa:       No thanks, Timon.  I’m not very hungry

Timon:           (Elbows Pumbaa)

Pumbaa:       I mean…yeah, sure.

                        Nala and Simba waited until they were gone.

Nala:              (Calming down) Simba, I found my dad after years of never meeting him, of course I would hate it if he died.  But that’s why I really feel for Kovu now, I just don’t believe that you should have killed him, maybe broke up the fight or something.  I mean, you said you were going to let Scar go…

Simba:           And that almost backfired on me, didn’t it?

Nala:               Maybe this time it would’ve been different

Simba:           You are going to make great friends with Amani.  Last time we were here, you were convincing me to return and fight

Nala:              It was your responsibility.  What made you feel like it was your responsibility to kill Ulaga?

Simba:           Kovu wouldn’t

Nala:              Of course he wouldn’t!

Simba:            And if Kovu’s not doing it that means I have to do it, that’s what responsibility is.  You don't need to, Kiara is a good queen, but I don’t trust Kovu anymore.  Do you?

Nala:              That depends.  Do you trust my father?

    For the second time in two days, Nala had got him, Simba didn’t have a response.  Instead, he just turned around to go and find a place to sleep for the night.

 

Part 10: The Cubs

 

  

                        The sun was already high in the sky when Simba woke up.  Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa were all still asleep in the thicket though.  He walked out into the clearing and sat down on a small hill and stared up into the heavens.

Simba:           (Sighs) Nala’s right, isn’t she father?  I shouldn’t have killed Ulaga, now Kovu’s never going to let me off.  Oh, please make everyone be okay.  I mean, Daraka, yes, he did kill…but I trust Rafiki.  He wouldn’t just rush into a decision like that…but why did they have to trust Scar?  He was the cruelest lion I’ve ever known…

Nala:              But you knew him

Simba:           (Turning around to face Nala) What’s that supposed to mean?

Nala:              Well…(walks up closer to Simba) you don’t know my dad.  I don’t know my dad.  Mom’s probably the only one who does, and she still loves him

Simba:           So…what should we do?

Nala:              Nothing.  Kovu will get over this, Simba.  You just wait and…

Simba:           (Shaking his head) No he won’t Nala, he’s not going to let me off that easily

Nala:              Well…if that’s what you think.  I mean…don’t get me wrong, I love my dad and I didn’t want Ulaga to kill him.  But, it was just a shock…

Simba:           Nala...

Nala:              …oh, Simba!  (Bows her head with tears in her eyes) I really miss Kopa

Simba:           (Calmly) I miss him too.  (Nuzzles her for a while) Oh, come on, Nala, cheer up.  The jungle’s such a great place.  You can’t just waste your whole time here crying

Simba:           (Searching for a distraction) Hey, Nala…what do you think Zazu is doing here?

Nala:              (Just as curious as he is) I honestly have no idea

Simba:           Hey…Zazu!

Zazu:              (Flies down) Hi sir, do you want a morning report?

Simba:           No, actually I want to know what you are doing here…and how everything is in the Pridelands…so, yeah, go ahead with the morning report

Zazu:              Everyone has returned to the Pridelands but nobody knows where Vitani is…although we are a little suspicious that Kovu might, and also Amani and Hunter have left their cubs somewhere in this…

Simba:           They have cubs?

Zazu:              Why, yes they do

Nala:              Well…um…where are they?

Zazu:              Amani told me that if you follow that path you should come across a den…they’re in there

Simba:           Okay…Zazu, can you stay here in case Timon and Pumbaa wake up, they’re going to be as hopeless as these cubs are if they can’t find anyone

Zazu:              Yes sire

Simba:           Come on, Nala.

                        As soon as Simba and Nala had disappeared, Timon and Pumbaa came running up behind Zazu, Timon with bugs in both of his hands.

Timon:           Zazu! I saw you and I thought, hornbills like Zazu eat small grub like this.  (Crunches a bug)

Zazu:              I happen to have a preference for fruits

Pumbaa:       Well, why do you live in the savannah then?  There’s not that much fruit there.  (Slurps up a worm)

Zazu:              (Slightly irritated) I didn’t say I don’t like bugs, I simply said that I have a preference for fruits

Timon:           So…bug-wise, do you like the crunchy or the slimy kind

Pumbaa:       Of course he likes the slimy kind, Timon.  Zazu doesn’t have any teeth to crunch with

Timon:           Well, then, he hasn’t lived!  Here, Zazu, try a crunchy bug…I’ll break it up for you.  (Snaps the bug in half)

Zazu:              I don’t want a bug right now; thank you…I’d rather have some of the berries from this tree, here

Timon:           Ah, but this isn’t just a bug…it’s a crunchy bug

Pumbaa:       (Whispering) don’t listen to him, slimy is better

Timon:           I heard that!  And that is not true!

Pumbaa:       Timon, your crunchy bugs are the worst things on the planet!

Timon:           What?  Your slimy stuff is horrible!

Zazu:              BE QUIET!  (Timon and Pumbaa shut up) Can you two agree on something or another, maybe you'll talk less that way?

Timon:           So…Pumbaa…what’s the worst thing on the planet besides slimy bugs?

Pumbaa:    Well…the parenthood of Simba was very tiring

Timon:           I agree…but even worse…babysitting Kiara.  You remember how much times she ran off from us?

Pumbaa:       I lost count, Timon.  Maybe girl cubs are just harder to keep control of…

Simba:           We’re back.

                        Simba and Nala put Amani’s two female cubs on the floor.

Simba:           Mind taking care of them until you get back to Pride Rock? Nala and I want to just have some alone time, it has been a while since we were last here.

                        Simba and Nala ran off with each other as Timon and Pumbaa collapsed on the ground.  Zazu flew off.

 

Part 11: Conflict

 

Simba:           (Walking into Pride Rock a few days later) Hi Hunter, we’re back

Hunter:          Hi Simba.  Sorry I tried to…well, you know…

Simba:           Doesn’t matter.  Where is everyone?

Hunter:          Almost everyone is in the cave around the back

Simba:           Why are they all around there?

Hunter:          I think it’s because Vitani came back and everyone wants to know where she’s been…

Simba:           Are they all suspicious?

Hunter:          Let’s put it this way; Kovu hasn’t said much since we got back, he hasn’t really been around anyone…

Simba:           As much as I’m concerned, that’s a good thing

Hunter:          …including Kiara

Simba:           Oh.  Um…does Kovu know that Amani and you have cubs?

Hunter:          Yes

Simba:           So there’s nothing at all to worry about?

Hunter:          Nope, nothing at all

Simba:           Okay, I think I’ll go and see what’s going on around the back though

Hunter:          Hey, Simba, you don’t think they’re up to no good, do you?

Simba:           All the signs point to it

Hunter:          I wouldn’t go assuming stuff like that if I were you

Simba:           Why not?

Hunter:          Well, you never know if you’re wrong or not

Simba:           I’m quite sure I’m right about this one

Hunter:          If that’s so, how come you didn’t return sooner?

Simba:           Nala didn’t think anything would be wrong, and…well, you know.  Like Amani and you, when Amani believes you shouldn’t fight usually you…

Hunter:           Amani and I.  Let me tell you something Simba…but don’t tell anyone that I said this, okay?

Simba:           Okay

Hunter:          I guess you believe that Amani has never harmed a living soul?

Simba:           Correct

Hunter:          She killed her father

Simba:           WHAT!?!

Hunter:          It’s true, but please don’t tell anyone I told you, okay?

Simba:           Fine.  I…er…guess I’ll be around the back with everyone else then

Hunter:          Okay, see you, Simba.

                        Simba walked outside and headed for the back.  Maybe he was assuming stuff incorrectly, but he still had to know what was going on around there.

Simba:           (Walking into back cave) Vitani!  Where have you…what’s going on here?

 Kiara:           (Crying) Oh, dad!  Sarafina…she’s…she’s…

                        Simba looked around, Vitani was standing over in the corner and no one was paying any attention to her, but Sarafina was lying motionless on the ground, dead.

Simba:           (Angry) Vitani!  Did you have anything to do with this?

Kiara:            Dad, of course she couldn’t have…she’s been away all this time

Simba:           Well…did Kovu?

Kiara:            He would never do such a thing!  Why would he want to kill her?  Sarafina’s never harmed another soul

Simba:           So it would seem

Daraka:         (Slightly angry and very upset) Simba…what makes you think that?

Simba:           No…I didn’t mean it like that Daraka but…she was a very nice lioness to know

Daraka:         Hmm.  Shame that…(tear in his eye) we never got to spend hardly any time together…

Simba:           The best thing you can do for her right now is to find her a nice resting place

Daraka:         Yeah…yeah, I’ll…go and find a spot.  (Walks away)

Huduma:       Daraka, he has spent his whole life trying to live with her permanently, and now this 

Zazu:              (To Simba) I believe this might be the wrong time to bring this up…but nobody has been alive since the last lion whom would have died naturally, nobody knows how to move her body

Kiara:            Rafiki should.  Hey, Zazu, Huduma, would you mind flying over the Pridelands and see if you can find him?

Z & H:            We're on our way ma’am.  (Fly off)

Kiara:            Dad, we should go and search ground

Simba:           Actually, Kiara, I should stay here just in case Nala returns.  Take the others, and please don’t go near the waterhole, Nala’s there and she might get a little suspicious if everyone is walking around looking gloomy, its best that the news is brought to her slowly

Kiara:            Okay.

                        Simba watched as all but Vitani walked out of the back den, and then he turned to her with a different phase of mind.

Simba:           I’m sorry that I killed your father Vitani…I’m not sure if you’ve heard or…

Vitani:            I have.  (Looks up at him seriously) Simba…there’s something that I really think I should tell you…

 

Part 12: Death at the Waterhole

 

                        Nala knelt down and started to drink some water.  She was glad to be back in the Pridelands now, finally, from what she knew, she could be with her parents.  She was about to go to Pride Rock when all of a sudden, she heard a noise coming from the other side of the waterhole.

Nala:              Simba?

Lion:               (Roars loudly in pain)

Nala:              (Slightly frightened and concerned) Simba, is that you?

                        No reply came, but Nala knew that she recognized whoever’s roar it was.  Just then, an object splashed into the water and then surfaced, it was a lion cub!  If there was one thing Nala hate it was water, so she was a little unsure about whether she should go into save it or not.  But the cub was a worse swimmer than she was, so she had to do what she had to do.  She briefly hesitated, and then boldly jumped into the water.  She swam over to the cub and picked it up by the scruff of the neck.  If she hadn’t, then she would have gasped.  Coming right at them was a crocodile!  Nala started to swim the other way, but the crocodile was faster.  It opened its jaws and closed them sharply on her back leg.  She tried to kick it off and eventually it had to let go of her to get a better grip.  Nala reached the land and was about to run away from the ever advancing crocodile…if she hadn’t just gone and broken her back leg.  She collapsed on the ground and put the cub down.

Nala:              (Anxiously) RUN!!  (He doesn’t move) Go on, RUN!

Kovu:             (Runs up to the crocodile and roars loudly scaring him off)

Nala:              Kovu! Kovu, why are you here?

Kovu:             There’s a whole family of crocodiles over there.  You think I’m going to let a fellow Pridelander die?

Nala:              There are two of us here

Kovu:             You know what I mean

Nala:              Yeah, I do, but you want this cub, don’t you?  That’s the only reason you’re here

Kovu:             Well, he is the only male cub around here so he’s going to be king, and Kiara and I aren’t getting on too well…

Nala:              (Sarcastically) I wonder whose fault that is

Kovu:             Nala, you are in a worse position to mother him than Kiara is

Nala:              My leg?  That will fix itself in no time.  In the meantime, I’m not going to let you have this cub if you aren’t getting on well with Kiara

Kovu:             (Showing a bit of temper) He doesn’t need a mother to raise him!  He can already walk, and he can probably eat meat by now, I’ll teach him how to hunt and…

Nala:              Or you could just go over to Kiara and start talking again

Kovu:             (Trying to control himself) Nala, I didn’t kill his parents, the crocodiles did…

Nala:              I never said anything about his parents, I’m just angry at you because of what you are putting Kiara through. But now you mention it…did you roar?

Kovu:             Roar?

Nala:              Yeah, I thought I heard someone I recognized, but if it wasn’t you then it must have been his parents.  Why were they in the lands?

Kovu:             How am I supposed to know that?

Nala:              Well, if you don’t that means that in your little fictional story, Vitani goes away for no particular reason, a cub and his parents walk into our lands and right up to a family of crocodiles and realizing that they are in danger they go and throw their cub into the water without any knowledge of our presence, is that right?

Kovu:             No, Vitani went away…

Nala:              To call the family of lions over so that you could use the crocodiles to kill his parents

Kovu:             I fail to see how you’re concluding that

Nala:              Well I can hear it in your voice, and I can’t see how your putting your pieces of the story together where as my version makes total sense

Kovu:             (Speechless in anger)

Nala:              So, once you’d called the family over so the crocodiles could kill the cub’s parents, you waited for me to come here so that you could weaken me in a fight and kill me so that you can get to Simba, then you would have total control

Kovu:             I thought you would have understood the other day that I am not the son of Scar

Nala:              You would seem like it, seeing as you’ve just gone and set this whole thing up.  Congratulations, now you may kill me, Simba will get you back later though

Kovu:             I hate to tell you this Nala, but, I don’t really think he will

Nala:              If you kill me, he will.  And if he can’t, then my dad will, face it Kovu there’s no way that you can…

Kovu:             Your dad is dead

Nala:              (After a while of shocked silence) You killed him

Kovu:             Amazing the power you have as king

Nala:              I knew I recognized it!  (Filled with tears of anger) If my leg wasn’t broken you’d be gone too, Kovu

Kovu:             (Calmly) But it is, so I might as well tell you now, want to know who killed your mother?

                        A roar of livid anger echoed through the savannah, but it was not from Nala as she sat there in disbelief.  It was from her mate, Simba.  Much like what he had done with Scar, he threw him on the ground and started to strangle him by his neck.

Simba:           (Boiling with anger) And you admit it

Kovu:             (Choking slightly but still remaining calm) You killed my father, I killed her mother, fair deal

Simba:           I’ve been here for longer than that, Kovu.  I’ve been here before, and that time I let Scar go…for a while.  This time, I’m not going to be so tolerant…

Nala:              (In tears) Simba…

Simba:           Nala, you said you would have killed him.

                        Nala was silent onward from this remark, but Simba had been caught off guard, and Kovu had taken his opportunity.  They were now wrestling till death dangerously close to the crocodile infested waters.  The crocodiles had now edged right up to the action; whoever went into the water first was the loser.  Simba and Kovu were now right on the water’s edge, Simba had waited for this point to do Nala’s flip technique.  At this point, Simba used it, and Kovu plummeted into the water, and by misjudgment, with Simba too.  The crocodiles moved in, and a lion got out.  Nala and the cub watched anxiously to see who it would be, as the crocodiles fulfilled their hunger needs below.

 

Part 13:  Queens, Kings, and Aces

 

                        Kiara had been looking for Rafiki all day; the only place that she had not searched yet was at the waterhole.  She was about to go there when she then saw Zazu flying towards her.

Kiara:            Hi Zazu, has anyone found Rafiki yet?

Zazu:              (Lands next to Kiara)

Kiara:            (Noticing the mournful expression on his face) Is there something I should know?

Zazu:              Um…Kiara…I really don’t know how to put this but…um…your father and Kovu got in a fight

Kiara:             Verbal or just…

Zazu:              One of them is dead, and your mother’s pretty beat up as well

Kiara:            Why…why were they fighting…who died Zazu…why…

Zazu:              I don’t know most of that information Kiara but I can tell you that your mom is still alive and so is…

Simba:           (To Rafiki who is using the weeds by the waterhole to make a sling around Nala’s broken leg) …it’s just; first it was Scar, then Zira, then Ulaga, and now Kovu.  As soon as everything is fine something comes up again.  Kiara’s going to be mad at me now.  I just want the Pridelands to be peaceful, just like the good old days, you know.  I wish that the only thing I ever had to do was spend time with Nala and my daughter but I know it can never be that way and…

Rafiki:            You wish for Hakuna Matata, just like that crazy meerkat did

Simba:           (Shaking his head) That didn’t work last time and that won’t work this time, it’ll just go and ruin my life again

Rafiki:            Ah, so that may be, but you still want it.

                        Simba thought for a moment.  It was true, as much responsibility he felt from being king, since Kovu had just died, he did wish that there was nothing to worry about.  Meanwhile, Kiara had been listening from a nearby tree and unlike a few minutes ago, was no longer overcome with anger.   Simba had just admitted that he felt for her.  He knew that she was upset and he understood her, she had to do the same.

Rafiki:            (Finishing the sling) There, that should do it

Simba:           Thanks a lot, Rafiki.  I’m sure she’ll appreciate it

Rafiki:            No problem, anyways, I’d better be getting back to my other duty.  Bye Simba!

Simba:           Bye Rafiki.  (Watches him walk off)

Kiara:            Dad?

Simba:           (Taken by surprise) Kiara!  I’m really, really sorry about Kovu but I…

Kiara:            (Calmly) It’s okay, dad, I understand

Simba:           You…you do?

Kiara:            Mm Hmm.  So, what happened?

Simba:           I really don’t want to go over it right now Kiara, beside, there’s something more important to deal with right now

Kiara:            And what would that be?

Simba:           It’s not what Kiara, it’s who

Kiara:            Hmm?

Simba:           (Signals to the rescued cub)

Kiara:            Oh my!  Whose cub is this?

Simba:           He belonged to a couple of outsiders but they died with Daraka

Kiara:            Daraka’s dead?

Simba:           Yes, I thought Zazu would have told you but he couldn’t have.  Anyways, the question I wanted to ask you was, do you want to be this cub’s mother?

Kiara:            Adopt him?

Simba:           Yeah…you wouldn’t mind, would you?

Kiara:            Um…Dad; please do not take this the wrong way because in the end Kovu and I were never getting on well, but I…I’m already having a cub.  My cub

Simba:           (After a moment of silence) So…you would prefer Nala and I to have him?

Kiara:            Yeah, I’ll be fine with that.  I’ve never had a brother before

Simba:           Kiara…come over here a minute.  (Walks away from the waterhole) She might wake up soon, I just didn’t want to talk about it near her.  We thought it best to not let you know until you were older, and I think you’re old enough now.  Remember I told you how my mother was killed when I was asleep?

Kiara:            Yes

Simba:           The same night, your brother was killed; mine and Nala’s son.  We didn’t know who killed both of them until recently, but now I can tell you.  Daraka did

Kiara:            (Shocked) Why?

Simba:           Daraka had to make Kovu king, for the best at the time; now though, oh I wish I had Kopa again, (sniff) and my mom

Kiara:            (Reassuringly) You do dad, Kopa was your son right, my brother, that cub over there with mom, he’s Kopa, right?  He’s just been away for a few years

Simba:           (Smiling) Kiara, sometimes, I don’t know what I’d do without you

Vitani:            You said to meet you here at sundown Simba?

Simba:           (Turning around to face her) Yes, Vitani, now thank you for telling me what was happening, I just need you to tell it to everyone else okay.  I’m not going to punish you or anything; we’ll wake Nala up and see if we can put our stories together.  I think Kovu was the only one who knew what really happened.

                        Simba, Vitani, and Kiara all walked down to the waterhole where Nala had already woken up and was playing with Kopa. 

Simba:           Hey Nala, Kiara’s got something to tell you

Nala:              I already know Simba; I was awake the whole time.  I just thought it was best if I left it just between you two

Simba:           Oh…well, okay then.  So the cub’s ours and Kiara and I have thought of a perfect name for him

Nala:              Kopa?

Simba:           (To Kiara but audible to Nala) Talk about being needed

Nala:              (Laughs) He is almost exactly the same as he was.  Look, he’s the same age, same eyes, same everything.  (Sighs)  It’s just a shame that Kovu never knew about his cub, then none of this would have ever happened

Kiara:            I tried to tell him, but he just wouldn’t listen to me

Simba:           Okay, well, now that’s all sorted, it’s time we get down to business.  Okay, Vitani, in your own words, what happened with you and Kovu that led up to tonight?

Vitani:            Well, it all started when Kovu returned.  He said that you…

Simba:           You’re not speaking to me Vitani, speak to them

Vitani:            Okay, he said that Simba had killed our father because he had tried to kill Daraka.  We were both upset so we kind of…you know…wanted to get our own back.  I had gone to go and find this nearby pride that father had told Kovu he had met on his travels.  They agreed that they would come over, though I honestly never knew what Kovu was planning to do with them.  Kovu told me on the day that Simba returned that he had killed Sarafina and that this new pride was going to be killed all apart from Kopa, whom he would take.  I just thought then that he had pushed it too far, I felt horrible for having being a part of the whole thing.  I felt guilty so I tried to make it up to Simba by telling him what had happened.  He came here and I don’t know much more

Simba:           Nala, what happened when you were here?

Nala:              Well, most of what I know is from Kovu's words, but...Dad tried to stop the crocodiles from attacking the family whom had came over here, and, he got...(sniff)...well, you know

Simba:           Nala, you don't have to relive that part, I know all that.  I want to know what happened before I came over

Nala:              Well, I went to rescue Kopa whom had fallen in the waterhole.  Another crocodile came over to us and that's why my leg is broken.  Then Kovu came over and scared him off...

Kiara:            So Kovu did save you?

Nala:              No, sorry Kiara, he was trying to save Kopa.  Once he had him, he would have probably killed me on the spot

Kiara:            Why didn't he?

Nala:              It was a matter of luck Kiara.  Kovu was nice but he just had a time where his, if you don't mind me saying, darker, side came through.  It isn't really like him to kill, he was uncontrollable but not to the point that he would kill me without reason.

                        They all knew that there was nothing left to explain now, nothing that could be explained.  A little while later Vitani walked off and left the family of four on their own by the waterhole.  Then it suddenly dawned on Simba that Hunter didn't know that his brother had died.  And, as she had not been around them at her death, Amani didn't know that her sister had been killed.

Nala:              (At the sight of Simba walking off) Simba, where are you going?

Simba:           I need to tell Hunter what has just happened, and Amani

Hunter:          No need to, Simba.  I've already heard

Simba:           And Amani?

Hunter:          What, tell her that five lions have been killed in this lands today?  That would not work out too well I think

Simba:           (Forming an idea) Hunter...

Hunter:          Yes, Simba

Simba:           We've really been having a problem finding an heir to the throne now but now we've at least got Kopa and your two cubs.  And Kiara's expecting one too.  So, I was wondering, you know, you never got to be king with your father's death and Ulaga taking over your pride and all, so I was wondering, if you wanted to be a second king with me.  For your brother?

Hunter:          If you wouldn't mind...for my brother.

 

Part 14: The Next Generation

 

                        Kiara awoke within the cave of Pride Rock.  She watched water from the rain the night before drop from the ceiling into a puddle right in front of her.  She looked into it.  Her reflection was whole.  Wasn't there anything that Kovu had left behind?  Any evidence or a part of him that was left of his presence on this world?  Her thoughts were distracted suddenly by a pain in her tail.  She turned around to see her cub playing with it.  Yes, here he was, the part Kovu had left behind, was their cub.  When she turned back around though, she saw someone she hadn't been expecting to see for a while.

Kiara:            Rafiki?

Rafiki:            Good morning Kiara, and her yet-to-be-named cub I presume

Kiara:            I really want to name him something that would remind me of Kovu, but then that would remind me of Zira, Ulaga, Scar.  Anyways, why are you here so early?

Rafiki:            We've been having a debate outside over which of the four cubs that now live here, which of them should be presented first

Kiara:            And you decided to present mine first?

Rafiki:            He is the rightful heir

Kiara:            (Grateful and happy) Oh, thank you very much Rafiki.  I hope it didn't cause too much trouble

Rafiki:            Ah, what makes you think it would cause any trouble?

Kiara:            It was quite a heated debate it sounded like, I could hear Hunter and mom yelling and...

Rafiki:            That was an entirely separate conversation

Kiara:            About what?

                        Before Rafiki could answer...

Nala:              I'm not saying that I didn't love him, I'm only saying that I think I might not have been so optimistic about his actions if he hadn't been my father

Hunter:          Nala, I know you want to agree with me, so why don't you?

Kiara:            What's going on?

Nala:              Hunter is trying to make me believe that my dad was great

Kiara:            Why are you arguing about that, you loved him, didn't you?

Nala:              Yes

Hunter:          She’s trying to not make his death hurt her so much

Kiara:            So you're willing to believe that he was bad just to try and...

Nala:              No, I'm not saying he was bad, and he was my father

Hunter:          That's the point, if it wasn't for him there wouldn't be a you...

Nala:              But if that's the only reason...

Hunter:          He did more than create you for your mom.  If he hadn't of helped out at our old place your mom would have been gone a long time before now.  Then you wouldn't of been here, and by what he's told me that would of meant Simba would still be in the jungle and Scar would still be controlling these lands and...

Nala:              Okay, I get it, I get it.  My dad saved us all, can we just not talk about this, please?

Rafiki:            Back to the matter at hand, it is time to present your cub, Kiara

                        Kiara, her cub, Nala, Hunter, and Rafiki, all walked out of Pride Rock to the sight of the animals of the African savannah before them.

Hunter:          (Amazed) Sure to get big turnouts here.  Where I came from, we might have got a couple of zebras in the crowd, and by the end of the day someone would of called them dinner.

                        Rafiki started to ascend Pride Rock with Kiara and Kovu's cub.  Timon, Pumbaa, Zazu, Simba, Vitani, Amani, her cubs, Kopa, and all else in the savannah watched as Rafiki arrived at the top of Pride Rock, and presented the cub to the cheering animals below them.

Nala:              So Hunter, you say Dad was a great help at home, how?

Hunter:          Nala, my friend, that...is a story for another day.

THE END

                        Daraka’s Story is that story for the other day.

srreimanabroad@aol.com

Samuel Reiman