Author's note: This is my first attempt to write ANY kind of story, so please excuse any grammar/punctuation errors. The Lion King name and characters are the property of Walt Disney Co. and are used without permission. I do however, give the utmost respect and gratitude to them. Meric, also called "The Ameri-lander, and "The Chronicler." is my property. The character Ansom is also my property. This story is a bit long, so if you are using a regular modem, you might want to wait until this is done loading, and disconnect.

Cast of characters:

Old characters:

Mufasa: King of the Pride Lands and father of Simba. Well built and muscular. Future friend of Meric

Serabi: Mate of Mufasa and Queen of the Pride Lands. Mother of Simba

Simba: Son of Mufasa and Serabi. Future king of the Pride Lands. Friend and future Mate of Nala. Future friend of Timon, Pumbaa, and Meric

Nala: Friend and future mate of Simba. Future queen of the Pride Lands. Future friend of Timon, Pumbaa, and Meric
Rafiki: Mystical old mandrill. Shaman and advisor of Mufasa. Future friend of Meric.

Timon and Pumbaa: best friends and future friends of Simba and Nala

Scar: Brother of Mufasa and uncle of Simba. One BAD lion

Shenzi Banzai and Ed: Three stupid hyenas. Doers of Scar's dirty work.

New characters:

Meric: Mysterious lion. Future friend of: Simba, Nala, Mufasa, Serabi

Ansom: Young tortoise who becomes Meric's friend and gives him a name.

I. Introduction

Welcome young ones, to the Pride lands of the Serengeti. These beautiful lands are the home of many creatures, as well as the pride of lions that I call "Simba's pride." Simba is now gone as well as his wife, Nala. However his daughter, Kiara and her husband Kovu carry on in their place and they are very wise and very kind. What is that you ask? Who am I?! You may call me Lander (short for my nick-name, Ameri-Lander).

Would you like to here of how I got my name? Good. I will also tell you of how I came to the place where I am today. I will tell you all I know, from the beginning of Simba’s story to the end of Kiara’s story, for that, is my story. It is also a story of the evil deeds and influences of one lion in particular.

It has often been said that the best place to begin is at the beginning. That is what I shall do.

This first story is about my good friend Simba, and how he became king. Much of it is based on the testimonies of those I met during my travels. There will be nothing from the the villain of this era, because I despised him so much, that I could not stand to talk to him. It all started years ago, when I was just a young lion. I was not a cub mind you, but I was just barely full-grown.

II. A king is Born

The African sunrise greeted me a on a day like any other day. It's red and orange rays bathing the landscape of the Serengeti in a brilliant glow, it's warmth inviting the flowers to open. This day was to be different, however, for though I did not know it, this was the day of a grand ceremony and this was a day that would change my life. Last night the new lion king had been born and today was his presentation. I, being a nomad, however, did not know this and though I tried to inquire from the passing creatures as to what was happening, as I left the cave where I was staying, they were in too big of a hurry. I was not noticed by the great herds of animals that were seemingly running toward one place. As I was new in this region, I had no idea what was going on. I walked along with a group of tortoises near the back. As we walked along, my snow-white mane blew in the wind that accompanied the moving of so many creatures.

"Sir" said one of the youngest tortoises "I have never seen you around here before, but you must be very old to have a white mane". "No” I replied, "I am not old, but I was born this way. By the way, where is everyone off to in such a hurry?" He stared at me. He could not believe that I did not know what was happening. "What is your name sir?" he asked. "I have no name." I replied, "Even though I'm sure I did, I have been on my own since I was just a little cub, so I do not know it." "Well" said the young tortoise thoughtfully "Where did you come from?" "I was born in a land called America." I replied, "Does that help?" "I'll call you Meric" said the young one. I smiled because although I knew this was not my real name, it was nice to have a name. "It’s nice to meet you Meric." he continued, “My name is Ansom, although I am not sure what it means." We walked along at a slow pace. Ansom had still not answered my earlier question about where we were going so I decided to ask him again. "Ansom," I asked, "what is so important that all these creatures are running in one direction?” We are going to pride rock," Ansom replied, “to see the new king". Now, you must understand that I had seen human kings before, and they were bad news. I naturally assumed that the king he spoke of was human. I therefore drew back a little, but because I was curious, I continued on. A little while later we reached pride rock. You could not imagine unless you had been there what a beautiful sight it was. This site was unusual because even when the landscapes around them are green, greenery can't crow on rocks (other than moss). This rock formation stretched up into the sky, and along the back, like a royal robe on a majestic ruler, were all sorts of trees. I stood near the back of the crowd ready to turn and run at a moments notice. Then, as I watched, I saw someone on the rock, which stretched from the formation toward the crowd. It was another lion, but there was something different about him, something regal and powerful, but compassionate and for as long as I can remember I had not felt compassion, only sadness. His fur was a beautiful shade of gold and his mane was as red as the sunrise. He wore a serious, but kind expression. I whispered to Ansom, "Who is that?" "That is our current ruler," Ansom replied, "Mufasa." Suddenly the crowd parted and as I looked an old baboon walked through the crowd, climbed up the formation, and walked up to Mufasa. The lion gave him a hug. Then they walked to the back of the stone which they had been standing on. Lying there with a cub in her paws was a lioness whose name, as I later learned, was Serabi. Mufasa nuzzled her and then looked up as the baboon came over. Serabi gave her cub a gentle lick and he looked up. The baboon had been carrying with him a staff, around which two gourds were tied. As I watched the baboon broke open a gourd and dipped his finger in the juice. I thought this was quite peculiar but kept watching. The baboon took his finger and rubbed it across the cub's head, making a special mark. He then picked up a handful of dust and sprinkled it across the cubs face. The cub seemed to sneeze and I wanted to laugh, but I realized this might not be the appropriate time. The baboon picked up the cub and carried him to the edge of the formation. He then held up the cub for all to see. All the animals went wild with excitement; then all was silent as they kneeled before their new prince. To this day I am not sure why, but I decided to stay and keep track of this young one.

III. The King's Brother

Shortly after the ceremony, everyone had gone home, but I wanted to see what would happen. Mufasa’s Majordomo, Zazu flew to a near by cave. Zazu was an African horn-bill. I followed to see what I could, but kept out of sight. An orange lion with a scar on his left eye had been toying with a little white mouse that he planned on eating. "Life's not fair is it." he said. "You see I... Well I shall never be king, "and you shall never see the light of another day, anew." "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to play with your food?" asked Zazu, who was suddenly standing at the entrance."What do you want?” asked the lion grumpily. "I am here to announce that King Mufasa's on his way," replied Zazu "so you had better have a good explanation for missing the ceremony this morning". The mouse had been kept from escaping by the lion's paw, but the mouse was able to wriggle out from under him."Now look Zazu." said the lion "You made me lose my lunch". "Ha, you will lose more than that when the King gets through with you." said Zazu angrily "He's as mad as a hippo with a hernia" The lion got an evil glare in his eyes. "Ohh, I quiver with fear” said the lion. Zazu began to back off. "Now Scar, don't look at me that way." Zazu said nervously. He began to fly away. "HELP!" he cried, as Scar clamped his mouth down around him. "SCAR!" a thundering voice said, before Scar had a chance to eat him. I had never heard such power behind a voice. I turned around to see who the speaker was. It was Mufasa! Scar looked back. "Mph mm mp mh" said Scar. "Drop him." commanded Mufasa. Zazu stuck his beak of scar's mouth. "Impeccable timing your majesty.” he complimented.

Scar spit Zazu out, all covered with drool. "Egh!" sighed Zazu. "Why, if it isn’t my big brother descending from on high to mingle with the commoners." Scar said. Mufasa ignored him. "Serabi and I didn't see you at the presentation of Simba." said Mufasa. "That was today?!” said Scar, "Oh, I feel simply awful." As he said this he sharpened his claws on the rock wall. The sound it made was horrible. I believe humans would refer to it as being like "fingernails on a black board". As Scar looked at his newly sharpened claws he continued, "It must have slipped my mind." This made Zazu mad. "Yes," said Zazu "Well as slippery as your mind is, as the king's brother you should have BEEN FIRST in line!" His voice had escalated to a yell. Scar clamped his teeth down and Zazu flew away and hid behind Mufasa's leg. Scar bent low to speak to Zazu. "Well, I was first in line," he retorted, "until the little hairball was born." Mufasa now leaned low. "That hairball is my son," he said, "and your future king." "Oh, I shall practice my curtsy." Scar said sarcastically, and he began to walk away. "Don't turn your back on me Scar." Mufasa said, anger beginning to show in his voice. Scar looked back. "Oh, no Mufasa," he said, "perhaps you should not turn your back one me." Mufasa growled with anger and rushed toward him. "IS THAT A CHALLANGE?!" Mufasa thundered. "Temper, temper!" replied Scar "I wouldn’t dream of challenging you.” "Pity, Why not?" asked Zazu, who was now perched on Mufasa's shoulder. "Well as far as brains go, I've got the lion's share, but when it comes to brute, strength."replied Scar. He looked a Mufasa and as he started to walk away said, "I'm afraid I’m at the shallow end of the gene pool." "There's one in every family sire," Zazu sighed, "two in mine actually, and the always manage to ruin special occasions." "What am I going to do with him?" Mufasa asked. Zazu smiled. "He'd make a very handsome throw rug." He said. "Zazu!" Mufasa chuckled. "And just think," continued Zazu, "whenever he gets dirty, you could take him out and beat him." The two walked away, laughing.

IV. Simba's Pouncing Lesson

A little while later I decided to visit the baboon and ask some questions. I found him in a great tree with an extremely wide trunk. "Excuse me, Mr. Baboon?" I called. It was probably hard for him to hear because of a storm that was passing through. The Baboon did hear me however, and came down to talk to me. He looked like he had just finished finger painting because his fingers had on them some of the same red juice as was used during the ceremony. "Welcome traveler." said the baboon, "I am Rafiki." "How do you know I am a traveler?" I asked. "I have my ways." replied Rafiki, "You had some questions for me?" "Yes I do." I replied. I asked him what he had been doing. "I have been painting a picture of Simba." He said. I was amazed that he knew my next question before I asked it. But even more amazing was that he had answered all my questions and I had only asked one. "Thank you Rafiki." I said, "Good bye". "Goodbye traveler" said Rafiki, and with that he leapt back up into his tree.

I found a place to stay near pride rock where I could watch the young cub and his family.

One morning, a few months after the presentation, just as the first rays of light touched the landscape; I left my camp and went to get a drink. As I walked, I saw young Simba on the rock. He then ran to his den and woke his father. After getting a drink, I came back to See Mufasa and Simba on the very top of pride rock, most likely discussing Simba's future kingship. After this, they walked down and walked through the pride lands further discussing Simba's future. One thing I remember Mufasa teaching his son is about the "circle of life". "Everything you see exists in a delicate balance." Mufasa said, "As king you'll need to understand that balance, and respect all creatures, from the crawling ant, to the leaping antelope." "But Dad, don't we eat the antelope?" asked Simba. "Yes Son," replied Mufasa, "but let me explain. When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass, and so, we are all connected in the great circle of life." As they neared a large rock, Zazu flew down and landed on it. "Good morning sire." the hornbill said cheerfully. "Good morning Zazu." replied Mufasa. Zazu said that he was checking in with the morning report. "Fire away." said Mufasa. Zazu began to give his report, but Mufasa became distracted by Simba, who was playfully bouncing around, trying to catch a grasshopper. I was afraid that I would be noticed because Simba was bouncing very near to the place where I was hiding. I was glad when Mufasa asked what he was doing. "Pouncing." said Simba. Mufasa Leaned close to his son and whispered "Let an old pro show you how it's done." I thought that Mufasa had noticed me in the long grass and was going to pounce on me. I was relieved again when Mufasa asked Zazu to turn around. "Yes sire." he replied and as he continued his report I heard Mufasa whisper to Simba "Stay low to the ground." Zazu turned around. "What's going on?" he asked. Mufasa smiled. "A pouncing lesson." he replied. "Ah, yes very good, pouncing.” said Zazu as he turned back around. Zazu whirled back again suddenly to face Mufasa. "POUNCING!" he yelled in fright "oh no sire, you can't be serious." Mufasa motioned for Zazu to turn around."Oh," sighed Zazu "this is so humiliating. As Mufasa once again leaned down into the grass, he whispered to Simba, "Try not to make a sound." "What are you telling him Mufasa?" Zazu asked, "Mufasa?" Suddenly, Simba Leapt out of the long grass and pounced on Zazu. The young cub pinned Zazu to the ground and Mufasa laughed. As Simba came over to his father, a mole popped up from beneath Zazu. "Zazu?" the mole asked. "Yes." replied the shaken hornbill. The Mole straightened up. "Sir, News from the underground" he reported. Meanwhile Mufasa was instructing his son. Zazu popped up from behind the rock. "SIRE!" he yelled, "HYENAS, IN THE PRIDE LANDS!" "Zazu,take Simba home."Mufasa ordered "Aww, Dad, can't I come?" asked Simba. "No Son." the king replied as he went off to defend the pride lands. "Aww,I never get to go anywhere." whined Simba. I followed stealthily. "Oh, young master," replied Zazu, "one day you will be king and then you can chase those slobbering, mangy, stupid, poachers from dawn 'till dusk.

V. My visit with Serabi. Scar's Deception

Because there was nothing happening during the journey back to pride rock, I raced ahead. I was, however, careful not to be seen by Simba or Zazu. I had decided that it was time that Serabi knew about me. As I neared pride rock, I could see Serabi and another lioness sitting in the shade. When I got closer, I think that Serabi noticed me approaching, and was ready to defend her home against me, should I attack. When I saw this, I bowed low to show that I had respect for her position. When Serabi saw me do this, I think she relaxed a little, but she still remained cautious."That's understandable," I thought, "after all, she does have a cub to protect." "Come no further" she commanded. I did as she commanded and stopped. "I mean no harm, to you or your family your highness." I said humbly. "Who are you?" she asked. "I have no name your highness." I replied. "Why is that?" she asked. I felt like I was being interrogated and maybe I was,but out of respect I answered. "My mother died was I was just a little cub."I said. The memory almost caused me to cry. Serabi smiled warmly "I am sorry to here that" she said. She invited me to come up on the rock. "As long as you mean us no harm, you are welcome here." she said warmly I thanked her and went up to the rock. As I sat near the two lionesses she gestured towards my mane and said "You must be very old for your mane to have gone white." I explained that I had been born this way. "How did you come to be in the Pride lands?" she asked. "I am a nomad your highness," I said, "and I did not come to the Pride lands until just a few days before Simba's presentation." "Yes, I thought I saw someone near the back who was a lion". she said, "What is the purpose of your coming here?" I decided to make my request. "Your highness," I began, "With yours and Mufasa's permission I would like to chronicle the events of Simba's life." She seemed curious. "Why?" she asked. "I feel, as though I have to." I answered. I paused, expecting her to say something. "I wish to have all of this information share with future generations and, in time, I will let Simba know of my presence." I continued. "Why must it be a Secret?" she asked. I replied that I did not want the child's path effected by his knowledge of my presence. Serabi seemed to understand. "You have my permission to record the events of his life on two conditions." she said "What are they Your highness?" I asked. "First,you must promise me that you will seek Mufasa's permission BEFORE you share any information," she said, "and second, you MUST promise me that you will tell Simba of your presence at some time during his life." I agreed to these conditions. About this time Simba and Zazu reached pride rock. "Good bye Your highness," I said, "and thank you". "Good bye Chronicler". she replied. I followed Simba at a distance until we came to an overhang under which Scar was sunning himself. There, I guessed, he was going to run up to Scar. I had guessed from my previous observations that Scar was envious of Mufasa and Simba, but I never guessed that he would set a trap for his young nephew. I went around to the other side of the rock overhang to see Scar's face as he and Simba talked. Once I got into position, I saw Simba run up to Scar. "Hey, Uncle Scar, guess what."said the excited cub "I despise guessing games."replied scar with a sneer. He was facing away from Simba at the time, so Simba did not see it, but I did. "Oh boy," I thought, "here we go again." "I'm gonna be king of pride rock." Simba said happily. "Oh goodie." said Scar. Simba walked to the edge of the rock on which they were standing. It overlooked much of the pride lands. "My dad just showed me the whole kingdom, and I'm gonna rule it all." Simba said. "Yes, well forgive me for not leaping for joy, bad back you know." remarked Scar as he flopped dejectedly to the ground. Simba walked over to his uncle and climbed onto his head. "Hey Uncle Scar, when I'm king, what will that make you?" the curious cub asked. Without so much as blinking, Scar answered, "A monkey's uncle." Simba rolled to the ground laughing. "Your so weird" Simba laughed. "You have no idea." Scar replied, "So, your father showed you the whole kingdom did he?" "Everything." replied Simba. "He didn't show you what's beyond that rise at the northern border?" said Scar. "No." Simba replied sadly, "He says I can't go there." "And he's absolutely right." replied Scar "It's far to dangerous. Only the bravest lions go there." "Well I'm brave." replied Simba "C'mon, tell me what's out there." "I'm sorry Simba," said scar, "I just can't tell you." "Why not?" Simba asked. "Simba, Simba, Simba," Scar replied "I'm only looking out for the well being of my favorite nephew." "Yeah right," Simba said, "I'm your only nephew." Scar smiled an evil smile. "Apparently Simba can't read facial expressions." I thought. In all my years of wandering, If I had learned one thing it was this :No matter how "charming" someone might seem, there may always be a much darker side to them, and their intentions. This was certainly the case with Scar. "All the more reason for me to be protective." he said. He then continued, setting his trap. "An elephant graveyard is no place for a young prince. OOPS!" He said this as if he had made some terrible mistake. "An elephant WHAT?!" Simba exclaimed, "Whoa!" "Oh dear, I've said to much!" Scar exclaimed. He could have stopped there, but he went on. "Oh well," he said, "I suppose you would have found out sooner or later, you being so clever and all." Scar pulled Simba closer. "Just do me one favor." he said "Promise me you won't ever visit that dreadful place." "I promise." said Simba. Scar smiled. "There's a good lad" he said, "You run along now and have fun, and remember it's our little secret." The last thing I saw as I followed Simba, was Scar's evil grin.

VI. The Forbidden Venture

As I followed Simba, he led me back to the place where I had visited Serabi. She and the other lioness were still there. There was, however, another cub in the other lioness' paws, whom she was giving a bath. Simba walked up to them. "Hey Nala" Simba greeted the other cub cheerfully. "Hi Simba." she replied. "C'mon I just heard about this really cool place." said Simba. "Simba,"she said with a hint of annoyance in her voice, "I'm kinda in the middle of a bath." "And it's time for yours." Serabi said Smiling. I get the impression that Simba did not like baths, because as soon as she said that, he tried to run. Serabi leaned down and picked him up by the head and set him down in her paws. As she began to wash him, I heard him say "Mom."She just ignored him and went right on washing him. "Mom," he said again "your messing up my mane." Serabi looked at him and smiled. Simba Jumped out of her paws and began to smoothen the hair on the top of his head with his paw. "OK, OK, I'm clean. can we go now? "So where are we going?" asked Nala, "It had better not be any place dumb." Her bath was almost done by this time. "No, its really cool" Simba replied. "So where is this really cool place?" Serabi asked. "I hope he tells her the truth." I thought, but he didn't. "Oh," replied Simba, "around the water hole." "THE WATER HOLE?!" exclaimed Nala, "What's so great about the water hole?" "I'll show you when we get there." said Simba. "Oh." said Nala. She asked her mother If she could go with Simba. "Hmm, I don't know. What do you think Serabi?" asked Nala's mother. "Well," Serabi began. "Please?!" the cubs begged together. "Its alright with me." Serabi said. "YEA!" the cubs yelled together. "As long as Zazu goes with you." Serabi added as the cubs and I started off. "No, Not Zazu." Simba said with disappointments. "Good thinking Serabi." I thought. In a short time we were on our way to the water hole. "Step lightly." Zazu yelled from the sky "The sooner we get to the water hole, the sooner we can leave." "So where are we really going?" asked Nala. "An elephant graveyard" Simba replied quietly. "WOW!" Exclaimed Nala. "SHH!" whispered Simba, "Zazu." "Oh, right," whispered Nala "so how are we gonna ditch the dodo?" They began to figure out a plan and they whispered so quietly that I could not understand. Zazu apparently heard them too and he did not understand either. He flew down in front of them. "Ah, look at you two, little seeds of romance blossoming in the savanna." said Zazu, "Your parents will be thrilled, what with you being betrothed and all." "Be what?" asked Simba. "Betrothed, intended, affianced." said Zazu. "Meaning?" said Nala. "One day you two are going to be married." said Zazu happily. "YUCK!" the cubs said together. "I can't marry her," said Simba, "She's my best friend." "Yeah," agreed Nala, "It would be too weird." "Well, sorry to bust your bubble, but you two turtle doves have no choice." said Zazu "Its a tradition going back generations." "Well, when I'm king that will be the first thing to go." Simba replied. "Not so long as I'm around." said Zazu. "Well in that case, you're fired" said Simba. "Ah, Nice try, but only the king can do that." Zazu reminded him. "Well, He's the future king." said Nala. "Yeah," continued Simba, "so you've gotta do what I tell you." "Not yet, I don't" replied Zazu, "And with an attitude like that you're shaping up to be a pretty pathetic king indeed." "Not the way I see it." said Simba, and with that the chase was on. Simba led Nala as they ran in and out of herd's of animals, all the while Shouting how he could not wait to be king. I was barely able to keep up because I had to run around the herds. Zazu did not see me , because he was looking for the cubs within the herds, not around them. "This is really foolish Simba," I thought, "and you're foolish for going along with it Nala." I was hoping Zazu would be able to keep up from the sky, but eventually we lost him. "Alright, We lost him!" Nala exclaimed happily." "Yeah," said Simba, "I'm a genius." "Hey genius, it was my idea" Nala reminded him. "Yeah," Simba argued, "but I pulled it off." "With me." Nala reminded him. "OH yeah?" asked Simba. He lunged for Nala, but she was to quick for him, and in a moment he was pinned on his back. "Ha ha, Pinned ya." said Nala. "Hey, let me up." said Simba. Nala let him up. He lunged at her again and they rolled, laughing, down a hill. I followed, but I was not sure that we should be there. When we reached the bottom Simba was again pinned on his back by Nala. "Pinned ya again." said Nala. A hiss caused us to turn around and, for the first time, we realized where we were. I was glad that Simba and Nala had not seen me. A thing that I can only describe as a "geyser of fire" had just finished "erupting." "Whoa," said Simba in awe, "the elephant graveyard. The Spot where they had landed was right in front of a gigantic elephant skull. They went over and stood up-right, leaning on one of the tusks. From here, they could see the entire elephant graveyard. "Its really creepy isn't it." said Nala. "Yeah," Simba agreed, "isn't it great?" "Oh, I don't know. I have seen creepier." I thought. "We could get in big trouble." laughed Nala. "Yeah, I know." said Simba laughing. They got down and looked at the skull. "I wonder if it's brains are still in there" said Nala. "There's only one way to know," replied Simba as he started toward it, "C'mon let's check it out. "The only checking out you will be doing will be to check out of here." said Zazu, who had suddenly flown down and landed in front of Simba, "We're way beyond the boundary of the pride lands." Simba laughed. "Little Banana-beak is scared" he said. "That's Mr. banana-beak to you, fuzzy," retorted Zazu, "and right now, we are all in very real danger." "Listen to him kids." I thought. "Danger?" replied Simba, as he got closer to the skull, "I walk on the wild side. I laugh in the face of danger." He gave a very loud laugh, "HA! HA! HA!." From inside the Skull we heard laughing, as if the elephant's ghost were laughing at those who dared venture near. Simba ran back to the little group as three hyenas suddenly began to climb out of the cavernous eye-holes. "Well, well, well, Banzai what do we have here?" asked the first. "Hmm, I don't know Shenzi." said the second whom I assumed was Banzai, "What do you think Ed?" Ed, the third hyena only licked his lips and laughed. Shenzi, the first hyena, was gray with black spots and female. She seemed to be the leader, as well as the brains of the group. The second, Banzai was also gray with black spots. He was the tough talker of the group, as well as the strongest. Ed looked exactly like the others. He had a stupid grin and his tongue was always hanging out. I think, he was the comic relief. "Just what I was thinking," continued Banzai, "a trio of trespassers!" "And quite by accident, let me assure you," said Zazu, "A simple navigational error. "Hey wait," said Shenzi "I know you. You're Mufasa's little stooge." "I madam, am the King's majordomo." replied Zazu. "And that would make you..." began Bosai. "The future king." finished Simba. "Do you know what we do to kings who step out of that kingdom?" asked Shenzi, as the hyenas began to circle Zazu and the now frightened cubs. "Ph, you can't do anything to me." replied Simba. "Ah, technically they can." Zazu said, "We are on their land." "But Zazu," replied Simba, "you said they're nothing but slobbering, mangy, stupid poachers." "Ixne on the upidstay." Zazu said quietly. "HEY, who are you calling upidstay?!" Banzai asked angrily. "Oh, my, my, my, look at the sun." said Zazu nervously "It's time to go!" "Hey, what's the hurry, we'd love you to stick around for dinner." said Shenzi with an evil grin. "Yeah," said Banzai "we could have whatever's LION around." The hyenas roared with laughter. "Wait, wait, I've got one." said Shenzi "Make mine a CUB sandwich. What ya think?" The hyenas again had fits of laughter. Ed stood up,grunted, and pointed with his legs. "WHAT ED?! asked Shenzi, "WHAT IS IT?!" "Hey, did we order this dinner to go?" asked Banzai, who was now looking in the direction that Ed was pointing. "No," replied Shenzi, "why?" " 'Cause there it goes!" yelled Banzai. Sure enough the cubs and Zazu had started running away and were by this time, a good distance ahead. The chase was on. The hyenas chased after the cubs and Zazu, and still being careful not to be seen, I chased after the hyenas. Because I was bigger, I soon out distanced the hyenas and caught up with Simba and the others. The hyenas soon caught up to our little group however and as Zazu looked back one of them grabbed him by the tail feathers. They then went back to their home. "Did we lose them?" asked Nala. "I think so." replied Simba, "Hey, where's Zazu?" We ran back after the hyenas and found them just in time to see them put Zazu into one of the "fire geysers." It erupted, and he was rocketed away. "Hey, Why don't you pick on somebody your own size?" asked Simba angrily. "Like,you?" retorted Shenzi. "oops." said Simba, and the hyenas once again gave chase. Simba and Nala ran up a pile of bones with the hyenas following close behind. "SIMBA!" Nala yelled from behind. She was slipping and the hyenas were closing in. Simba ran down and swiped Shenzi with his claws just as the hyena was about to catch Nala. Shenzi growled with anger. Eventually the cubs found themselves trapped in an elephant rib cage, with a rock wall behind them. "Here kitty kitty." Banzai taunted. When he could think of nothing else else, Simba tried to roar, but it came out as more of a loud meow. "Ha, ha, that was it?" taunted Shenzi, "C'mon, do it again." Simba tried again and this time a mighty roar echoed through the cave. Suddenly, Shenzi was knocked aside by a powerful paw. Mufasa had come to the rescue! Zazu flew down next to the frightened cubs. Soon the mighty lion king had rounded up the three hyenas and trapped them between his paws. The hyenas were all shouting at once. "SILENCE!" Mufasa thundered. "OK, were going to shut up right now." said Banzai nervously. "If you ever come near my son again..." began Mufasa. "Oh this is, this is your son?" said Banzai. "oh your son," said Shenzi, "I didn't know that, did you?" "No, did you" asked Banzai. They both looked at Ed. "Ed?" they asked together. Ed gave his stupid grin and shook his head "yes". Mufasa let loose with another mighty roar. "He he, toodles." said Banzai, and the three hyenas ran off, yelping. Simba walked up to Mufasa. "Dad, I..." he began. "You deliberately disobeyed me." said Mufasa. "Dad, I'm..." Simba began again. "Let's go home." Mufasa said. "I thought you were very brave." Nala told Simba quietly. I noticed something that bothered me as we walked out of the cave. There, on a high rock ledge, was Scar. I found it strange that no one else noticed him.

VII. The Stampede

When we were about half way back to pride rock, Mufasa broke the silence, by calling to Zazu. Zazu flew to the front of the line. "Yes sire." he said nervously. "Take Nala home," Mufasa said, "I need to teach my son a lesson." Simba crouched down, trying to hide in the tall grass. Zazu flew over to the cubs and addressed Nala first. "Come Nala." he said. He then addressed Simba. "Simba," he said "good luck." When Nala and Zazu were out of sight, Mufasa called to his son. "SIMBA!" he called. Simba walked sheepishly over to his father's side. "Simba, I'm very disappointed in you." said Mufasa. "I know." said Simba sadly. "You could have been killed. You deliberately disobeyed me, and what's worse, you put Nala in danger." continued Mufasa. "I was just trying to be brave like you." Simba explained as he began to cry. "I'm only brave when I have to be." replied Mufasa, "Simba, Being brave doesn't mean you go looking for trouble." "But, you're not scared of anything."said Simba, crying. "I was today." Mufasa explained. "You were?" said Simba. "Yes," replied Mufasa, "I thought I might lose you." "Oh," said Simba, "I guess even kings get scared, huh?" Mufasa nodded and started to smile. "But you know what?" continued Simba. "What?" said Mufasa quietly. "I think those hyenas were even scareder." whispered Simba. Mufasa Chuckled. " 'Cause nobody messes with your dad," said Mufasa, "Come here you." Mufasa picked up his son and began to give him a noogie. Simba struggled out of his father's grip and began to chase after him. All the while Mufasa ran through the long grass, laughing. Simba finally caught up to his father and grabbed his ear. The two rolled around under the starry sky. They then lay down and looked up at the stars. "Dad, we're pals right?" said Simba. Mufasa chuckled. "Right." he said. "And we'll always be together, right?" said Simba. "Simba, Let me tell you something that my father told me. Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars." said Mufasa "They do?" said Simba in awe. "Yes," replied Mufasa, "So whenever you feel alone, remember that those kings will always be there to guide you, and so will I." After a little while Mufasa sent his son home ahead of him. I decided that it was time that he knew of me. I stood up out of the grass behind Mufasa. "Excuse me, Your Majesty?" I said. Mufasa whirled around and looked like he was ready to fight. "Why does everyone always assume that I'm here to fight them?" I thought. I bowed low. "I am not here to fight you your majesty." I said. "Who are you?" asked Mufasa. "I have no name and I am but a nomad who was passing through the pride lands only a few days before Simba's presentation." "Why don't you have a name?" asked Mufasa. I once again explained my situation. Mufasa seemed to relax. "You were at the back of the crowd during the presentation, weren't you?" he said curiously. "Yes, I was." I replied. "Why didn't you come speak to us afterwards?" asked Mufasa. "I did not feel it was the appropriate time Sire." I replied, "At the time, I was not even sure that I was going to stay." I explained what had happened and what I had heard on the way to the ceremony. I decided to make my request to him now. "Your majesty, I am currently recording the events of Simba's life to share with future generations. I talked to Serabi this morning and she made me promise to ask you BEFORE sharing any of the information that I have gathered." Mufasa Smiled. "I thought I saw someone in the grass where Simba was pouncing."he said. Yes, your majesty." I replied, "That was me." "You have my official permission."said Mufasa as he turned to walk away. "Your majesty?" I said, "One more thing." "What is that?" asked Mufasa. "I would request that you not inform Simba of my presence" I replied. "Why?" asked Mufasa. I explained to him that I did not want Simba's path affected by his knowledge of my presence. "I understand. " said Mufasa, "Good night chronicler." "Good night your majesty," I replied, "and thank you."

This is my least favorite part of the story, but I must tell you what happened in order for you to understand future events.

The next morning, Scar approached Simba. I of course, was in my usual hiding spot. Scar led Simba down into a deep gorge and I could not help noticing, that at one end, at the edge of a wall that was overlooking it, there was a great herd of wilderbeasts. I stayed out of the gorge in a spot where I could see all the goings on. Scar had led Simba to a small rock that was in just about the middle of the gorge. There was a lone tree which gave them it's shade. Scar and Simba's voices echoed off the steep cliffs, so I could hear what they were saying. "Now you wait here." said Scar, "Your father has a marvelous surprise for you." "Really, what is it?" asked Simba. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise now would it." replied Scar. "Why do I think this is another trap?" I thought. "If you tell me, I'll still act surprised." said Simba. "Oh, you are such a naughty boy." Scar said, laughing. "Please?" begged Simba. "No no no, this is just for you and your daddy, a sort of father son, thing." said Scar, "Oh, I had better go get him. "I'll go with you." said Simba happily. "NO, no, "just wait here in this rock." said Scar. "You wouldn't want to get into another mess like you did with the hyenas." "You know about that?" Simba said sadly. "Simba, everybody knows about that." replied Scar slyly. "Oh." said Simba. "Good thing daddy was there to save you," added Scar, beginning to walk away. " Oh, and just between us, you might want to work on that little roar of yours." said Scar. "Oh, OK." said Simba. He seemed unsure about what else to say. "Hey Uncle Scar, will I like the surprise?" asked Simba. "Simba its to DIE for." replied Scar as he walked away. I looked back over to where the herd was grazing and under a small rock formation, behind the herd were Banzai, Shenzi, and Ed. "So that's his plan." I thought. I looked up and there was Scar, on top of one of the few cliffs that were above me. This must have been a signal because as soon as they saw it, the hyenas began to chase after the herd. I looked back down to Simba. He said something and then, noticing a small chameleon he began to practice roaring. In a moment, Simba looked down. I couldn't tell why, but as he looked up the herd came thundering down the wall of the gorge. Simba, seeing this began to run. I followed Scar back to pride rock, because if he was not going to get Mufasa, I needed to. We neared pride rock. "Oh, look sire, the herd is on the move." I heard Zazu say. He must have noticed the dust that was rising out of the gorge. "MUFASA, QUICK, STAMPEDE IN THE GORGE!" Scar yelled when he had climbed up to where Zazu and Mufasa were, "SIMBA's DOWN THERE!" "SIMBA." Mufasa gasped. Mufasa and Scar ran toward the gorge and Zazu flew ahead to see if he could find Simba. I also ran ahead. Simba was on a dead tree, hanging on for dear life. Seeing Zazu, Simba called him. "Zazu, help me!" he yelled. He was obviously frightened. "Your father is on the way!" replied Zazu, "Hold on!" "Hurry!" yelled Simba. It was very hard to hear because of the great noise that the herd made. At about this time, Mufasa and Scar reached the gorge. Mufasa looked around desperately for his son. Zazu flew up to him. "There, there, on that tree!" Zazu yelled. With no thought for his own safety, Mufasa leapt down into the gorge. Meanwhile, Simba's tree was breaking. Just as it broke in half and he flew up into the air, Mufasa leapt out of the middle of the herd and caught Simba in his mouth. I didn't see Mufasa again for what seemed like quite some time. "Oh Scar, this is awful." said Zazu. He began to babble and I could not understand what he was saying. I think that scar could though, because he swatted Zazu into a rock. In a moment, Mufasa leapt out of the herd and placed Simba on a low cliff, out of the reach of the herd, but before he could climb up himself, he was swept back into the stampede. "DAD!" Simba yelled in fright. He looked around in the herd, searching for his father. Just then Mufasa again leapt out of the herd and began to climb a steep cliff. When he got to the top, Scar was there, waiting. "Scar!" Mufasa called, as he slipped, "Brother, Help me!" Scar dug his claws into Mufasa's paws and pulled him closer. "Long live the king." he said, And with that he let go. Mufasa fell back into the herd. "NOOOO!" I heard Simba scream. He had not seen what Scar had done. After the stampede was over Simba rushed down into the gorge, which was still full of dust. "Dad!" he called. There was no answer. There was a sound, like someone was running through the gorge. "Dad?" said Simba. He saw what was making the sound. A lone wildebeest, one that was small and sick looking, ran past. The next sight saddened both Simba and me. Under the tree where Simba had been hanging on, was Mufasa's motionless body."Dad," said Simba, "get up. Come on, we've got to go home." Simba pulled on Mufasa's ear, but the lion king did not move. "HELP!" yelled Simba. All we heard was his voice, echoing off the cliffs. "Somebody!" he yelled again. "Anybody." he said. He could not yell any longer because he had started to cry. Simba squeezed under his father's paw and cried. I was about to go and comfort him, when Scar appeared. "What are you doing here?!" I thought. "Simba," he said, "what have you done?" Simba got out from under Mufasa's paw and looked at his uncle. "The wilderbeasts, and he tried to save me" cried Simba, "It was an accident. I didn't mean for it to happen." "SO that's it!" I thought, "Kill the king and make Simba think he is responsible!" That made me mad! "Of course you didn't" said Scar with a fake sympathy. He pulled Simba closer. "No one ever means for these things to happen, but the king is dead, and if it weren't for you, he'd still be alive." He said, "OH, what will your mother think?" "What do I do?" asked Simba, sniffling. "Run away Simba." replied Scar, "Run, Run away, and never return." Simba began to run. I went with him, but as I looked back, the three hyenas walked up next to Scar. "Kill him." Scar commanded. The hyenas rushed after Simba. He climbed through a crevice that was to narrow for the hyenas to get through, so they had to go around. The chase finally led to a steep hill, at the bottom of which, was a drop. Simba slid down the hill and of the drop into a bed of thorns. The Hyenas did not have the courage to follow. Because there was no way around it, I had to jump into the thorns as well. I got poked several times, but I got out without any serious injuries. The last thing I heard as Simba ran and I followed,at a distance of course, was Banzai. "If you ever come back, we'll kill ya!" he yelled to Simba.

VIII. Hakuna Matata

Nala told me later, what happened at pride rock. These are her words. "That night, when Scar came, back he gave us the awful news. "Mufasa's death was a terrible tragedy" he said, "but to loose young Simba, who had barely begun to live. For me, it is a deep personal loss." I was crying beside my mother. Hyenas began coming out from behind Pride Rock "It is with a heavy heart that I assume the throne," Scar said, "yet out of the ashes of this tragedy, we shall rise, to greet the dawning of a new era, in which lion and hyena come together, in a great and glorious future." Those were the most terrible words I had ever heard." Meanwhile Simba ran out of the pride lands and into the hot African waste lands. There was no shade here, and there were no clouds in the sapphire colored sky to blot out the sun's rays, so Simba became extremely hot. After a while, being exhausted from his flight, and thirsty because of the heat, Simba fainted on the cracked ground. Vultures began to circle him from above. Just as they were going in for the kill, I heard a shout! A warthog and a meerkat came running at the buzzards. The warthog ran into them hitting them with his tusks. "Get 'em!" shouted the meerkat as his warthog companion began to kick them with his hind legs,"Get 'em." The vultures flew away. "I love bowling for buzzards!" said the warthog. "Gets 'em every time." laughed the meerkat. The warthog seemed to notice Simba. "Uh-oh!" said the warthog "Hey Timon, you had better come look. I think its still alive." I was surprised that they had not noticed me, as I was close by. The Meerkat was Timon. He was small in comparison with the warthog, and had orange hair on the top of his head. He was light brown with dark brown stripes down his back, and his tail was dark brown at the tip. "Eww,"said Timon, "Alrighty, let's see what we have here." Timon went over and sniffed Simba. When he didn't figure out what Simba was then, he picked up Simba's paw, which had hidden his face. When Timon realized that Simba was a lion, he jumped back on to the warthog's back. "Geese, its a lion!" shouted the frightened meerkat, "Run Pumbaa! Move it!" Pumbaa was all brown, except for his white-yellow tusks. "Hey Timon, its just a little lion," said Pumbaa, "Look at him. He's so cute and all alone! Can we keep him?" Timon yelled into his ear. "Pumbaa, are you nuts? Your talking about a lion," said Timon, "and lions eat guys like us." "But he's so little." replied Pumbaa. "He's gonna get bigger." argued Timon. "Maybe he'll be on our side." said Pumbaa. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard," said Timon, "Maybe he'll be on our ..." His voice trailed off. "Hey, I've got it!" said Timon, "What if he's on our side?" Timon had just said exactly what Pumbaa had said! "You know," said Timon, "having a lion around might not be such a bad idea." "So are we keeping him?" asked Pumbaa. "Of course." said Timon as Pumbaa walked over to Simba and scooped him up with his tusks, "Who's the brains of this outfit?" "Uhh..." Pumbaa began. "Exactly." said Timon "Geese, I'm fried. Let's get out of here and find some shade." Timon and Pumbaa took Simba to an oasis where there was a pool of water, and laid him down in the shade of a palm tree. Timon climbed into the pool and began to splash water on Simba's face. This revived the cub. "You OK kid?" asked Timon when Simba had finally come to his senses. "Yeah." sighed Simba, still thinking of his father. "You nearly died." said Pumbaa. "I saved ya." said Timon. Pumbaa snorted at him. "Pumbaa helped," said Timon, "a little." Thanks for your help." said simba sadly. He walked into the sun and sat down. I was on the brink of tears just looking at the little fella'. This was something new, tears, but not tears of sadness, tears of compassion. "Hey, where are you going?" asked Timon. "Nowhere." replied Simba. "Gee," said Timon, "He looks blue." "I'd say brownish-gold" said Pumbaa who did not understand what Timon meant. "No no no, I mean he's depressed." said Timon. "Oh." said Pumbaa. He walked over to Simba. "Hey kid, what's eatin' ya?" asked the warm hearted warthog. "Nothin' ,he's at the top of the food chain!" joked Timon, and with that, he doubled over in a fit of laughter. I think he was just trying to make Simba feel better. Timon stopped laughing because he could see that it did not make Simba feel better. "So where are you from?" asked Timon. "It doesn't matter," said Simba, "I can't go back." "Ohh, you're an outcast." replied Timon, "That's great, so are we." "What did you do kid?" asked Pumbaa. "Something terrible," replied Simba, "but I don't want to talk about it." Timon was still trying to be funny. "Good, we don't want to hear about it." "The poor kid still thinks that he is responsible for his father's death." I thought. "TIMON Timon, anything we can do to help?" Pumbaa asked Simba. "Not unless you can change the past." said the depressed cub. "You know," said Pumbaa, "at times like these, my buddy Timon here says: you've got to put your behind in your past, or, I meant..." "No no no, amateur, Lie down before you hurt yourself." said Timon. He then addressed Simba. "It's: You've got to put your past behind you." said Timon, "Look, bad things happen and there's nothing you can do about it right?" "Right." answered Simba." "WRONG," said Timon, "when the world turns it's back on you, you turn your back on the world." "Well, that's not what I was taught." replied Simba. "Then maybe you need a new lesson." said Timon. He cleared his thought. "Repeat after me," he said, "Hakuna Matata." "Hakuna what?" said Simba. "Hakuna Ma-ta-ta" said Pumbaa, "It means no worries." Timon and Pumbaa taught Simba all about "Hakuna Matata." To my surprise, he forgot all about his responsibilities back in the pride lands and adopted the carefree lifestyle. Timon and Pumbaa even taught Simba to eat bugs, and he liked them! Time passed and with his carefree friends at his side, Simba grew from a cub into a strong and handsome young lion. His mane was an even more brilliant shade of red than his father's, and his golden coat was now glossier than ever. One Night, while the three friends lay under the stars, Pumbaa asked Timon if he ever wondered what those sparkling dots were. I was laying near by. "Pumbaa, I don't wonder, I know." "What are they?" asked Pumbaa. "They're fire flies," replied Timon, "fire flies that got stuck up in that big bluish-black thing." He pointed towards the sky. "Oh, Gee, I always thought they were giant balls of gas burning billions and billions of miles away." said Pumbaa. "Pumbaa, with you everything's gas." replied Timon. "Simba, What do you think they are?" asked Pumbaa. "Well, I don't know." said Simba. "Please? We told you ours." begged Pumbaa and Timon. "Well," said Simba, "somebody once told me that the great kings of the past are up there, watching over us." "It was your father." I thought, "Don't you remember?" Timon and Pumbaa exploded in fits of laughter. Simba did a kind of fake laugh. He rolled out of his area and went off alone. He came to another clearing and looked at the stars. He sighed and lay down causing dust, seeds, and bits of his fur to be picked up and blown away by the wind.

IX. He's ALIVE!!!

Rafiki later told me what happened to those particles. This is what he said: "The night that Scar gave the awful news of Mufasa's death, I was saddened, but when he told us that Simba was dead as well, I was crushed. I thought that there was no hope for the pride lands, so I reached up with my hand and smeared Simba's picture with my tears, and sat there in my sorrow. But, one morning, all those months later, as I was sitting at the top of my tree, I saw the particles and, being curious as to what this could mean, I grabbed a handful of them and sniffed them. This did not help me, so I jumped down into my tree and spread the particles out in a tortoise shell. I then grabbed a gourd and began to have breakfast. I rocked the shell gently and waited. After a moment, I saw something which cheered me up and gave me hope. Simba was alive!!! I ran through my home Shouting "He's ALIVE! I grabbed my staff, and went over to where I had smeared his picture and dipped my finger into the juice of a gourd that was laying there, open, and drew a mane on the picture! "It is time!" I shouted." Rafiki never did tell me what he saw in that shell.

Rafiki was not the only one to find out that Simba was alive that day, as you shall soon see.

Timon and Pumbaa traveled through their jungle home, singing. Simba was still asleep, so I followed them. Pumbaa noticed a yummy looking blue bug and followed it. Out of curiosity, I followed. Pumbaa wandered far from the path that he and Timon had been taking. At one point the bug landed on a log, so Pumbaa tried to sneak up on it. The bug flew away, and as Pumbaa climbed over the log to keep following it, he looked back, thinking he saw something in the tall sandy colored grass. There was nothing there so he kept going. Again the bug landed, this time on a rock. There was more tall grass in front of him. The bug again flew away, and for the first time I saw what was moving through the grass. Pumbaa did not, until it jumped out at him. It was a lioness, and by the looks of things, she was hungry. She chased Pumbaa until they came to a tree that had one root sticking out of the ground, Pumbaa tried to dive under it but he was too fat. Timon must have heard Pumbaa's cries, because he came running. "What's the matter?" asked Timon who was unaware of the danger. "SHE'S GONNA EAT ME!" cried Pumbaa. Timon climbed up onto the root and saw the lioness approaching. He got down and began trying to push Pumbaa through. Just as the lioness leapt for them, Simba flew over the root and began to defend his friends. For a moment the lion and lioness tussled while Timon comforted Pumbaa. Suddenly, Simba found himself pinned on his back by the lioness. "Only one lioness has ever been able to do that to him." I thought. "Nala?" Simba asked hesitantly, "Is it really you?" The lioness backed off. "Who are you?" she asked. "It's me, Simba" he replied. "Simba?"she said. Simba nodded. Nala by this time had grown into a beautiful young lioness. "WOW!" Simba and Nala shouted together. They celebrated, asking each other where they had come from and how they came to be there. "Hey, what's going on here?" asked Timon. Simba and Nala were still to busy celebrating. "HEY, what's going on here?!" He asked again, his voice escalating to a yell. "Timon, this is Nala." replied Simba, "She's my best friend." "Best friend?!" Timon said in disbelief. "Yeah." replied Simba, "Hey Pumbaa, come over here." Pumbaa got free of the root. "Nala, this is Pumbaa, Pumbaa, Nala." introduced Simba "A pleasure to make your aquaintence." said Pumbaa. "The pleasure is all mine." replied Nala. "How do you do..." began Timon. "Whoa whoa, time out. Let me get this straight." Timon said to Simba after realizing that Nala had just tried to eat his best friend (Pumbaa), "You know her. She knows you, but she wants to eat him, and everybody is OK with this? DID I MISS SOMETHING?!" "Relax Timon." said Simba. "Wait 'till everyone finds out you've been here all this time, and your mother, what will she think?" said Nala. That must have struck a painful nerve. "She doesn't have to know." replied Simba, "Nobody does." "Of course they do." said Nala, "Everyone thinks your dead." "They do?" said Simba. "Yeah," replied Nala, "Scar told us about the stampede." "What else did he tell you?" asked Simba cautiously. "What else matters? You're alive," said Nala, "and that means, you're the KING! "King?" said Timon in disbelief, "Lady, have you got your lions crossed." "King?" said Pumbaa with awe, "Your majesty, I gravel at your feet." "Stop it." Simba said, pulling his paw away. "Its not gravel, its grovel and don't! He's not the king." said Timon. "Are you?" Timon asked Simba. "No." replied Simba. "Simba!" exclaimed Nala. "No," said Simba, "I'm not the king. Maybe I was going to be, but that was a long time ago." "Wait," said Timon, "you're the king and you never told us?" "Look, I'm still the same guy." argued Simba. "But with power!" said timon enthusiastically. "Could you guys please excuse us for a moment?" asked Nala. "Hey," Timon told Pumbaa, "whatever she has to say, she can say in front of us, right Simba?" Simba sighed. "Maybe you two had better go." he said. Timon looked surprised. "It starts." he said, "You think you know a guy..." Timon and Pumbaa walked off. "Timon and Pumbaa," said Simba, "You learn to love 'em." Nala stood looking at the ground. "What?" he asked when he saw her. "Its like you're back from the dead." replied Nala who seemed to be on the brink of tears, " You don't know how much this will mean to everyone, or what it means to me." "Its OK," said Simba trying to comfort her. She began to nuzzle him. "I've really missed you." she said. "I've missed you too." replied Simba. They decided to take a walk through the jungle. The last thing I heard as I followed was Timon and Pumbaa, who were near by, lamenting about how they were going to lose a friend.

There were things happening between Simba and Nala that I saw, even before they did. As day turned to night, and as they strolled through the jungle under the starry sky, it became more and more obvious. Simba and Nala were falling in love. As I watched, I remembered what had been said on the day of the forbidden venture, the day before Mufasa's death: "One day you two are going to be married." Simba and Nala had looked disgusted then, but now that they were grown up, it was a different story.

X. Remember, Who You are.

After a little while, they came to an area that was covered with vines. Isn't this place great?" asked Simba "It is beautiful, but there's something I don't understand." said Nala, "You've been alive all this time. Why didn't you come back to pride rock?" Simba jumped up onto some vines that hung like a hammock. He tried to dodge the question. "Well, I just needed to get out on my own, live my own life, and I did, and its great!" he replied."We've really needed you back home." said Nala. She must have been thinking of her family. "No you haven't." relied Simba sadly, "Nobody needs me." "Yes we do," argued Nala, "You're the king!" "Nala, we've been over this." said Simba, "I'm not the king. Scar is." At the mention of Scar, My fur stood on end. He was the reason that Simba was feeling so guilty right now in the first place. I let out a low growl. "Simba," replied Nala, "he let the hyenas take over the pride lands." "What?!" exclaimed Simba in astonishment. "Everything's destroyed," said Nala, "There's no food, no water. Simba, If you don't do something soon, everyone will starve." "I can't go back." said Simba quietly. "Why?" asked Nala. "You wouldn't understand." replied Simba. "What would I not understand?" asked Nala "No no no, It doesn't matter" said Simba, "Hakuna matata." "There's a phrase that I haven't heard in a while" I thought. "What?" said Nala. She had not heard that phrase before. "Hakuna matata," replied Simba, "Its something I learned out here. Look sometimes bad things happen..." Simba..." began Nala. "And you can't do anything about it," continued Simba, who had not heard her, "so why worry?" "Because its your responsibility!" replied Nala. Well what about you?" asked Simba, You left." I left to find help, and I found you. Don't you understand? You're our only hope!" answered Nala "Sorry." said Simba. "What's happened to you?" asked Nala, "You're not the Simba I remember." "You're right," said Simba whose voice was showing annoyance, "I'm not. Now are you satisfied?" "No," said Nala, "just disappointed." Simba got very annoyed. You know," said Simba, "you're starting to sound like my father." "Good," said Nala angrily, "at least one of us does." Issues dealing with his father seemed to be very sensitive to Simba. He became infuriated. "LISTEN! YOU THINK YOU CAN JUST SHOW UP AND TELL ME HOW TO LIVE MY LIFE?!" he yelled in anger, "YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT I'VE BEEN THROUGH!" He started to walk away. "I would if you would just tell me!" Nala called after him. "FORGET IT!" Simba yelled. "FINE!" she yelled in anger. I followed Simba to see where he was going. We walked until we came to a grassy clearing. Simba paced back and forth saying to himself: "She's wrong. I can't go back. What would it prove anyway?". Finally he yelled: "You can't change the past!" He looked up at the starry sky, and I remembered Mufasa's words. "Whenever you feel alone, remember that those kings will always be there to guide you, and so will I."he had said, and if there was ever a time that Simba needed guidance, it was now. "You said you would always be there for me," Simba yelled sadly, "but you're not, and its because of me!" Simba began to cry. "Its all my fault." he said. Just then, we heard someone chanting. I recognized the voice right away. The voice was chanting something like: "Asande sanna squash banana," and then humming. It was weird. It was coming from a near by tree. My suspicions about who the chanter was were confirmed when I walked under the tree. It was Rafiki! Simba had walked under the same branch , just a moment before I had, but either he had not noticed, or didn't care. Don't be to hard on Simba though, because you must realize that he had not seen Rafiki since his presentation, so he probably didn't notice him. Simba walked sadly to a river,. The river had eroded much of the soil away and was now at the bottom of a deep ditch. Simba laid down on a log which was like a bridge across it, and cried. His tears fell into it as he thought of his father. Suddenly, something besides tears fell into the water, a pebble! Rafiki stood in another near by tree, chanting the same words again. Simba looked annoyed. "Would you cut it out?" he asked. "Can't cut it out," replied Rafiki, laughing, "its great fun!" "Creepy little monkey." said Simba. As he began to walk away, Rafiki followed. "Would you stop following me?" asked Simba, "Who are you?" He still seemed to be very depressed. "The better question is," replied Rafiki, "Who are you?" Simba paused for a moment. "I thought I knew," he admitted finally, "but now I'm not so sure." "Well, I know who you are." said Rafiki. He pulled Simba closer. "Come here," said Rafiki, "Its a secret. Asande sanna squash banana." and then he hummed again. "Enough already." said Simba, "What's that supposed to mean anyway?" "It means you're a baboon, and I'm not." relied Rafiki. He chuckled. "I think, you're a little confused." said Simba, and once again, he began to walk away. "Wrong!" said Rafiki who was suddenly standing in front of Simba, "I'm not the one who is confused. You don't even know who you are!" "Oh," said the annoyed lion as he started to walk away again , "and I suppose you know." "Sure do." said Rafiki, smiling, "You're Mufasa's boy." Simba looked back. "Bye." said Rafiki, and he ran off. "Hey, wait!" Simba called as he ran after. He found rafiki on a rock across the river, meditating. "You knew my father?" said a breathless Simba. "Correction," said Rafiki in a monotone voice, "I know your father." Simba sighed. "I hate to tell you this," he said sadly, "but he died, a long time ago." "NOPE, WRONG AGAIN!" shouted Rafiki, breaking out of his trance and grabbing his staff. It was the same one that he had used on the day of Simba's presentation. "He's alive, and I'll show him to you." he said, "You follow ol' Rafiki. He knows the way." He ran into something that I can only describe as a tunnel of vines and roots, and Simba and I followed. It was difficult to get through because all of the vines and roots were tangled together and Simba was so big that he had to break the vines and climb over the roots very carefully. "Would you slow down?" Simba called ahead. Suddenly, Rafiki's hand was in front of Simba's face. "Stop." said Rafiki. When we left the tunnel, we were in a different part of the jungle. In front of us were what looked like only grass. Rafiki pulled some of the long grass back. "Look down there." he whispered. Simba went down and there was a pond in which he could see his reflection. "That's not my father. "said a depressed Simba, "That's just my reflection." Rafiki went to his side While I stayed up out of sight and watched. "No," said Rafiki, "Look harder." He pointed to the water. Simba looked and a gentle breeze caused ripples on the water. When the water had cleared, Simba saw not his own reflection, but that of Mufasa. "You see," said Rafiki, "he lives in you." There was a quiet roll of thunder. "Simba." a voice said. Simba and I looked up and saw a most amazing sight. There was Mufasa's image, against the stars and surrounded by a cloud! "Simba," Mufasa began, "you have forgotten me." "No,"said Simba, "How could I?" "You have forgotten who you are, and so forgotten me." said Mufasa, his image becoming more and more clear. "Look inside yourself." continued Mufasa, "You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the circle of life." "How can I go back?" asked Simba, "I'm not who I used to be." "Remember who you are" said Mufasa, "You are my son, and the one true king." His image was now disappearing. "Remember." said Mufasa. Simba chased after the cloud. "Father," he called, "don't Leave me!" I was disappointed. I thought that Mufasa would tell Simba that he was not responsible for his death, but I guess that there were some things that he needed to learn on his own. Rafiki walked up to Simba, laughing. "What was that?!" he said, "The weather? PAA! Very peculiar, don't you think?" "Yeah," said Simba, "Looks like the winds are changing." "Ah," replied Rafiki, "change is good." "Yeah, but its not easy." said Simba thoughtfully, "I know what I have to do, but going back means I'll have to face my past, and I've been running from it for so long." Rafiki hit Simba on the head with his staff. "OW!" yelped Simba, "Geese, what was that for?" "It doesn't matter." replied Rafiki, "Its in the past." He chuckled at his own little joke. "Yeah, but it still hurts." whined Simba. "Oh yes, the past can hurt," said Rafiki, "but the way I see it, you can either run from it, or, learn from it." He took another swing at Simba's head and he ducked. "Ah, you see?" asked Rafiki, "So what are you going to do?" Simba Smiled for the first time in a while. "First, I'm going to take your stick!" he said. He grabbed it as Rafiki yelled "NO no no no no! Not the stick!" Simba threw the stick just a little behind him and ran off. I followed of course. "Hey, Where are you going?!" Rafiki called. "I'm going back!" replied Simba. Rafiki celebrated. As we left that jungle I thought I saw a shooting star over head.

XI. Pride Returns.

Meanwhile, Nala was searching for Simba. This is what she told me: "I looked all night, but I could not find Simba and I thought he might have gone back to his friends, so I decided to look for them too. I found Timon and Pumbaa sleeping soundly, and not wanting them to awaken with a start, I tapped Timon lightly. He woke up and seeing me, he jumped and screamed in fright. That caused Pumbaa to do the same thing. Whoa, whoa, whoa, Its OK." I assured them, "Its me." "Don't ever do that again." said timon, still shaken," Carnivores, OY!" "Have you guys seen Simba?" I asked. "I thought he was with you!" replied Timon. "Well he was," I said, "but now I can't find him. I heard laughing coming from a tree behind me so I looked up. There, was Rafiki. "You won't find him here." he said, "The king, has returned. "I can't believe it! He's gone back!" I said. What, gone back?" said Timon, "Hey, what's going on here? Who's the monkey?!" "Simba's gone back to challenge Scar." "Who?" asked Pumbaa. "Scar." I replied. "Who's got a scar?" asked Pumbaa. "No no no, its his uncle." "The monkey is his uncle?" said Timon. "NO!" I replied, starting to get mad. "Simba has gone back to challenge his uncle, to take his place as king!" "Ohhh." Timon and Pumbaa said together." They took off after Simba. Meanwhile, Simba and I had no knowledge of this and he thought that he was going to have to fight alone. I decided that once we got back to the pride lands, I would reveal my presence to him. There are times that I wish I had not returned with him because if the sight that met our eyes. We stood on a cliff at the edge of the pride lands and looked. Nala was right, in fact, no food and no water didn't even describe the devastation. The once green grass was now gray, the trees were bear, and there were animal carcasses all over the place, but the spot that was grayest, was pride rock. It was Time. I stepped out of hiding. "Simba," I said, "I am known as the chronicler, and I have been recording the events of your life, since your presentation." Unlike the others that I had talked to, Simba did not seem to think that I was here to fight him. "Everything?" asked Simba nervously. "Yes Simba," I replied, "but don't worry. I hold nothing that you did as a cub against you." He looked relieved. "You must know why I have come back then." he said. "Yes," I replied, "and I have revealed my presence to you today, because I wish to fight at your side in the battle that is to come." "I would appreciate that," he said smiling, "but you must not help me when I face Scar ." "I understand." I replied letting out a low growl. "What?" asked Simba. "Whenever someone mentions Scar, I get angry." I replied. "Why?" asked Simba. "You will see." I replied. I knew that in facing his past, Simba would probably learn the truth about who killed his father. At about this time we heard a voice. "Simba!" it called. We both recognized that voice. It was Nala! Noticing me, she asked "Who is that?"I did not want to be known as "the Chronicler" alone, so I decided to use the name that Ansom had given me. I answered for Simba. "You may call me Meric, Nala, and I'll explain later." I said, "All that need be known right now is that I am an ally who is here to fight at Simba's side." Nala addressed Simba. "Its awful, isn't it." she said as we looked at the devastation. "I didn't want to believe you." Simba replied. "What made you decide to come back?" Nala asked. "I finally got some sense knocked into me, and I've got the bump to prove it." he answered, smiling and gesturing toward the spot where Rafiki had hit him, "Besides, this is my kingdom, and if I don't fight for it, who will?" "I will." replied Nala, walking to Simba's Side. I smiled warmly. "Its gonna be dangerous." said Simba. Nala Smiled. "Danger?" she said, "I laugh in the face of danger! HA HA HA HA!" I smiled even more. She had used the same phrase that Simba had used during the forbidden venture. "I see nothing funny about this." said Timon who was suddenly standing behind us. "Timon!" exclaimed Simba. Pumbaa was with him. "At your service my liege." said Pumbaa bowing. Timon saw me and started to run. "Don't worry Timon." I said, "I would not hurt you, or Pumbaa because you are Simba's friends, and any friend of Simba's, is a friend of mine." "How do you know our names?" asked Timon. "That's not important now." I replied, "Just know that I am an ally." Timon walked over to Simba and looked at the once beautiful pride lands. "Ugh," said Timon, "We're gonna fight your uncle, for this?" "Yes Timon." replied Simba, "This is my home." "Talk about your fixer-upper." said Timon, "Well Simba, if its important to you, we're with you to the end." As we looked once more at the devastated land , we saw something that gave us hope. Storm clouds were moving toward pride rock, and rain would bring life back to the pride lands. Our little party crept closer to pride rock, using rock walls and fallen trees for cover. We were still a short distance from pride rock, when we had to stop and hide behind a fallen tree, because there were hundreds of hyenas blocking our path. "Hyenas!" whispered Timon grimly, "I hate hyenas." "I thought that there were only three." I whispered. "So did I." replied Simba. "So what's your plan for getting past those guys?" asked Timon. "Live bait." replied Simba, smiling. "Good idea." whispered Timon, who had no idea of what Simba meant. Then he understood. "Hey!" he exclaimed. "C'mon Timon," said Simba, "You guys have to create a diversion." "What do you wan me to do," Timon asked sarcastically, "dress in drag and do the hula?" Simba, Nala, and I agreed that it might work. I'll never forget the words to Timon's little dance. As Pumbaa laid down on a plate, and some leaves, with an apple in his mouth Timon sang, "If you're hungry for a hunk of fat and juicy meat, eat my buddy Pumbaa here, because he is a treat. Come and down and dine, standing space is fine. All ya' have to do is get in line. Are you achin, for some bacon? He's a big pig. You can be a big pig too. OY!" The hyenas fell for it and ran after Timon and Pumbaa while we snuck past. A few yards from pride rock, Simba turned to Nala. "Nala, you find my mother and rally the lionesses." he said, "I'll look for Scar." Nala went off to find them. "What would you like me to do?" I asked. "For now, Just stay out of sight." replied Simba, "You'll know when you're needed." "Right." I said. I got closer to pride rock on my own, and hid. I was surprised by what I saw. Nearby were at least a hundred more hyenas, some lined up in two straight lines, others scattered around the rocks. Suddenly, Scar's voice echoed off of pride rock. "SERABI!!!" he called angrily. Serabi walked slowly between the two rows of hyenas to Scar. "Yes Scar? she said in her solemn tone. "Where is your hunting party?" asked Scar, "They're not doing their job." "Scar, there is no food." replied Serabi calmly, "The herds have moved on." "How anyone can stay calm when talking to that guy, I'll never understand." I thought. "No, you're just not looking hard enough." argued Scar, as he began to pace in front of her. Up to this point, Serabi's eyes had been closed, but now she opened them. "Its over." she said, "There is nothing left." She paused as if she didn't want to say what she was about to say. "We have only one choice." She continued, "We must leave pride rock." "We're not going anywhere." replied Scar. Serabi was starting to not be so calm. "Then you have sentenced us to death!" she said, annoyed. "Then so be it." said Scar angrily. Serabi seemed shocked "You can't do that!!" She replied. Scar began to walk off. "I'm the king." Scar said, "I can do what ever I want." That was it. Serabi finally lost her patience. "If you were half the king Mufasa was..." she began. That was all she got out, because Scar knocked here to the ground with his paw, shouting "I'm ten times the king Mufasa was!!!" Just then, a clap of thunder and a mighty roar echoed across from the rocks! "SIMBA!!!" I almost shouted. I looked up, and standing there, wearing anger, like a mask on his face, was Simba. Scar looked up. He thought that it was Mufasa. "Mufasa, no." gasped Scar, backing away, "You're dead." Simba leapt of the rock that he had been on and walked over to his mother. She looked up. "Mufasa?" she whispered weakly. "No," replied Simba, "Its me." "Simba?" she whispered, "You're alive? How can that be?" "It doesn't matter." He replied, nuzzling her, "I'm home." "Simba?" said Scar, "Simba, I'm a little surprised to see you, alive!" He looked above him, where Shenzi, Banzai, and Ed sat. They backed off. Simba began to approach Scar. "Give me one good reason why I should not rip you apart." he said, as Serabi looked on, pride showing in her smile. Scar backed off again. "Simba, you must understand, the pressures of ruling a kingdom." he began "Are no longer yours." finished Simba. Scar could not go back any further because he was up against the rock wall. "Step down Scar." Simba ordered. "I would, naturally," said Scar, "But there is one problem. He pointed toward several hyenas, as lightning flashed across the sky. "You see them." he continued, "They think I'm king." "Well we don't." replied Nala. She and the other lionesses had just appeared behind Simba and started to help Serabi up. "Simba is the rightful king." she said. "The choice is yours Scar." Simba said, "Either step down, or fight." Scar got an evil gleam in his eyes. "Oh, must it all end in violence?" asked Scar with a sly smile, "I'd hate to be responsible for the death of a family member. Wouldn't you agree Simba?" So, that was Scar's game. "That's not going to work Scar." replied Simba, "I've put it behind me." Scar walked over to the place where the lionesses were standing. "But what about your faithful subjects?" asked Scar, "Have they put it behind them?" "Simba, what is he talking about?" asked Nala. "Ahh, so you haven't told them your little secret." Scar sneered, "Well, Now is your chance to tell them. Tell them, who is responsible for Mufasa's death." This was it. It was time for Simba to face his past. "I am." he said, stepping forward. Serabi and the other lionesses looked shocked.

XII. The Battle For Pride Rock

Serabi walked up to her son. "Its not true." she said, "Tell me its not true." Simba sighed. "Its true." he said. "You see?" said Scar, "He admits it!" Lightning flashed across the sky behind him. "Murderer" he continued. Simba went on the defensive. "No," he said, "It was an accident!" Scar now circled him. "If it was not for you, Mufasa would still be alive. Its your fault he's dead!" said Scar, "Do you deny it?" "No." replied Simba, remaining calm. "Then you're guilty!" said Scar. "No, I'm not a murderer!" shouted Simba. "Oh Simba, you're in trouble again," Scar sneered, as a large group of hyenas joined him, and they began to back Simba toward the edge of the Pride Rock, "but this time, Daddy isn't here to save you, and now everyone knows why!" Simba lost his footing at the edge, but as he fell, he dug hid front claws into the rock."SIMBA!" yelled Nala in fear. Lightning struck the dry grass below, and a fire was ignited. Simba struggled to get back up. Scar sat near the edge. "Now this looks familiar." said Scar, as he put one claw up to his cheek as if trying to remember why this looked so familiar, "Where have I seen this before?" "It was when you murdered Mufasa, you moron!" I thought. I know I sound harsh, but you must understand how angry it made me feel, that Scar had made Simba think that he was the murderer. "Oh yes, I remember." said Scar after a moment, "This is just the way your father looked before he died. As he had done with Mufasa, Scar dug his claws into Simba's paws and pulled him closer. "Oh no." I thought, "Not this again!" "And here's my little secret" He said. He whispered into Simba's ear, But I knew what he was saying. "I killed Mufasa." he whispered. There was a momentary hush. "NOOOO!!!!" shouted Simba, as calling upon all of his strength he leapt back up and pinned Scar to the ground. "Murderer!!" He shouted. "No! Simba, please!" begged Scar. "Tell them the truth." Simba ordered. Scar tried to avoid it. "Truth?" he began, "But the truth is in the eye of the beh..." Simba put one paw over Scar's throat, causing him to struggle to breathe. It wasn't enough to kill him mind you. "Alright, alright," gasped scar, "I did it." He had said that so quietly, that I had barely heard it, and I was sure that nobody else had. "So the can hear you." said Simba angrily. "I killed Mufasa!" shouted Scar. With that, The Hyenas charged Simba, overwhelming him, and the Lionesses ran to his aid. It was Time. I ran out from hiding and began to help. The lionesses and I so fiercely attacked the hyenas, that they began to retreat. Timon and Pumbaa also showed up. Pumbaa charged through the pack of hyenas with his tusks, knocking many aside. Two hyenas chased Simba up to a rock wall, but he easily threw them off. Suddenly, from above, a hyena pounced on Simba! I ran toward him fearing that it was too late. A stick came down on the hyena suddenly, and knocked him out. There was a loud screech. Rafiki had come to help! He jumped down into the middle of a circle of hyenas. They charged him one by one. Rafiki did several flips in mid air and knocked several more hyenas out with his staff. Meanwhile the fire continued to burn, higher, and hotter. I still laugh about one thing that happened. Timon got separated from Pumbaa, and was chased by the three hyenas(Banzai, Shenzi, and Ed) into the den. Zazu was in a rib cage. "Let me out!" he screamed when he saw what was happening, "Let me out!" Timon ran to it shouting. "Let me in!" he shouted, "Let me in!" The hyenas approached, growling. "Please, don't eat me!" begged Timon. "Drop 'em." ordered Pumbaa, who was suddenly at the entrance. "Hey, who's the pig?" asked Banzai. Pumbaa got so mad that he charged, sending the hyenas packing, and freeing Timon and Zazu. Meanwhile, Scar snuck toward the top of pride rock. Simba saw him, and followed. I ran behind him, not only to record what would happen, but to keep more hyenas from following. Simba chased Scar up to the very top of Pride rock. Scar leapt through a wall of flame believing that he would be safe, but Simba followed close behind. Simba approached his uncle. "Murderer." whispered Simba loudly. "Simba, please have mercy." Scar pleaded. "You don't deserve to live." said Simba. "But Simba," begged Scar,"I am family. Its the hyenas who are the real enemy. It was their fault, their idea." Banzai, Shenzi, and Ed had been watching near by. I did not approach them however, because they did not move toward Simba, but when they heard what Scar said, they growled angrily and backed away. "Why should I believe you?" asked Simba, as he approached Scar who was now by the edge, "Everything you ever told me was a lie." "What are you going to do?" asked Scar, cowering, "You wouldn't kill your old uncle!" "No Scar." replied Simba, "I'm not like you." Scar got up, relieved. "Oh, thank you Simba." said Scar, "You are truly noble. I'll make it up to you, I promise." Simba kept his gaze fixed on Scar. "How can I prove myself to you?" asked Scar, "Tell me, anything." "Run, Run away Scar," Simba ordered, "and never return." Scar seemed to begin walking away. "Yes. Of course," said Scar. Simba never let Scar out of his sight. Scar walked as far as a small pile of burning embers. "As you wish, your majesty!" He sneered. Before I could warn him, Scar threw some of the embers in Simba's face, burning him. As Simba brushed roared in pain and brushed the embers away, Scar charged him,and for a time, the lions fought, each one landing heavy blows. Scar finally knocked Simba to the ground, at the edge of pride rock. Simba recovered, but did not have enough time to get up before he saw Scar, making his final pounce through a wall of flame. Simba reacted swiftly, raising his back paws, blocking Scar's attack and sending Scar over the edge. Scar sprawled to the ground. As he got up, he noticed the three hyenas. "Ahh, My friends!" he exclaimed. "Friends?" said Shenzi, "I thought he said we were the enemy!" "That's what I heard." agreed Banzai. "Ed?" they asked together. Ed licked his lips an laughed. I could not bear to watch any more, but the sound of the hyenas' laughter, revealed Scar's awful fate. The battle had been won and the hyenas had been driven off! Simba walked down from pride rock, Rain began to fall, dousing the fire, and washing away the animal bones. Timon, Pumbaa, and Zazu walked up to pride rock with the others. Serabi watched Simba descend. He approached her first, and nuzzled her. I now walked down, but I stayed out of the way, and watched with tears of joy in my eyes, another new experience. Nala walked up, and Simba nuzzled her affectionately. Rafiki's staff rattled, causing Simba and the others to look up. Rafiki motioned to the area of pride rock on which, Simba had first been presented, "Throne ledge". Simba approached him and Rafiki put his hands on his shoulders. "It is time." said Rafiki. Simba gave him a big hug, and approached his "throne" as we looked on, awestruck. Mufasa's voice echoed through the last thunders. "Remember." he said. Simba gave a loud roar, celebrating. The lionesses and I responded by giving loud roars. The celebration lasted for quite a while. The king had returned!

XIII. Time to go

I stayed for several days, talking with King Simba and the others, whom I had watched and talked with in my travels. I was even there for Simba and Nala's wedding. As I watched Rafiki perform the ceremony, I could feel tears of joy, streaming from my eyes. A few days later, as I was getting ready to leave, King Simba approached me. "Thank you," he said, "for fighting by my side." I smiled warmly. "There were others who did much more than me your majesty." I replied. "Please, just call me Simba." he said, smiling, "That may be, but it was not your responsibility, and yet, you were willing to help, but it was my responsibility, and it took Rafiki, Nala, and even my father to get me to come back "Thank you Simba" I replied. "That was not the only reason reason that I wanted to talk to you." continued Simba, "I have come to ask if you would like to join our little family, here in the Pride Lands." "Thank you for the offer Simba," I replied, "but it is time for me to move on." I could tell that he was concerned about me. "Where will you go?" he asked. "I am thinking of heading back to where I came from." I said. I chuckled. "After all, you've faced your past," I continued, "and now perhaps, its time for me to face mine. Good bye my friend." "Good by Meric," said Simba, "Remember, you are always welcome here." With that, I began my journey home. Simba had taught me allot, even before he knew about me. Watching him grow up I learned to feel, not just for myself, but for others as well. Love, compassion, joy, friendship. Those were all new to me, and things I would never forget. I know that it is late and you must find a place to spend the night. If you wish, come back tomorrow to hear Kiara's tale. Good night young ones.

To be continued...