"Rafiki! Rafiki!"

"Uhh...what...?"

"Can you hear me, Rafiki?! Please, open your eyes!"

The pain in Rafiki's head was awful. He rubbed his eyes and temples to make it easier. He must be dreaming.

"Dad, I don't think he can hear us. Perhaps..."

"I know he can! Rafiki! RAFIKI!"

"Alright!", the mandrill finally gave up after getting tired of these annoying voices. He opened his eyes and saw Simba and Mufasa right in front of him. Alive.

"Y-you..."

"Careful, you're still hurt. It was very close that we didn't die", Mufasa tried to push Rafiki back down.

"Mufasa! Is that really you?! Or are we in the afterlife?", the old baboon ignored his friend. Father and son looked at each other and then at their family friend.

"No, we are not. It is me, old friend", Mufasa smiled, offering his paw to Rafiki to prove that this wasn't a dream. The mandrill hesitated but then offered his hand and grabbed it. When he noticed that it was indeed real, joy appeared on his face.

"Unbelievable...so you're truly alive! ALIVE HAHHH!"

While Mufasa and Rafiki embraced each other, Simba watched them, smiling. He had never met Rafiki personally before since the monkey spent most of his childhood by traveling around. This was the first time they met after Simba's presentation.

"Let me take a look at you", Rafiki said when he let go of Mufasa. "Yes, I could recognize those gentle eyes everywhere. But how...?!"

"I promise to explain everything soon. Now you have to calm down. Alright?"

"I think I can do that since you ask so kindly. But first, let me take a look at this young one here", Rafiki walked to Simba. "Ah, little Simba. You've grown so much the last time I saw you."

"Well, Nah...", Simba looked embarrassed. Remember, he's a teen now.

"You were so tiny when I blessed you. The future king, ready to rule everything. And here you are, almost an adult. You resemble a lot of your mother, though. Same kind eyes."

"Eh...thanks", Simba muttered. This was annoying.

"Uh son, why don't you go and play with your friends while Rafiki and I catch up?", Mufasa suggested. Nodding, Simba fled quickly out of sight.

"Teenagers", the lion sighed.

"He's at a difficult age. But now, really I must hear everything. What if we have a little stroll?"

"Sounds great. Let's go."

*Meanwhile*

"There you are! Is your father doing okay?", Timon asked Simba as he arrived at them.

"Yeah, he's fine. But..."

"You're okay, kiddo?", Pumbaa looked concerned.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine. How bad is the damage on The Savannah?"

"Well, some of the areas are ruined by the fire. But other animals said that this isn't anything new."

"I have seen forest fires plenty of times before. Trust me, this place will heal", Simba said. "What do you say we go back to our match?"

"Fine with me! How about we raise the stakes? The one who loses will make a delicious meal."

"Well, in that case, I'm not the one! Let's go", Pumbaa grabbed the watermelon. "Get ready!"

"Right", Simba muttered. He could only think of Rafiki and how he appeared here out of nowhere. Seeing him brought lots of memories back...and not good ones.

I wonder what Dad and he will talk about...

"SIMBA! Are you sleeping or what?! COME ON!"

"Coming, coming!", Simba ran off to play. Still, he was feeling kinda restless.

*Elsewhere*

"Ah, this air...winds are changing. I hope it rains before the dry season", Mufasa took a deep breath when he and Rafiki arrived on a high grass hill and set a "camp" there.

"It sure is. This place is a total paradise. Enough food and different environments. Like The Pridelands...", Rafiki said. Mufasa closed his eyes sadly and his friend could see how this topic hurt him.

"Mufasa, please. I have to know since this situation is against every law of life I know."

"Yes, of course. But the story is not going to be easy."

"I'm ready."

"Well, where do I even start..."

And so Mufasa started telling. Remembering the stampede was awful but talking to Rafiki was always easy. He was a great listener and understood Mufasa's deepest thoughts and fears. No wonder they were such good friends.

"And after seeing how Scar took over Pride Rock, we didn't have a choice but to leave. Simba wouldn't have wanted but I knew we couldn't stay. He was too young to understand..."

"I think you acted wisely. You protected your son and Scar would have indeed killed you. I won't blame you for leaving."

"Thank you, I knew you would understand. But where was I? So, we traveled for a couple of days until we bumped into this big oasis on the other side of the desert. I lost Simba for some time but luckily he was saved by a warthog named Pumbaa and meerkat called Timon. At first, we didn't get along but after time went on, we became a real family. They have been a great help during our journey of fitting here."

"I would love to meet these two kind souls. How has Simba taken everything?"

"Well, we have had some problems but I think we have won them. At least I think so..."

"You don't believe it?", Rafiki asked.

"No, to be honest. What he went through...I just don't know..."

"You still haven't told everything. Go on, I'll wait."

"Right..."

It wasn't easy for the former king to reveal the rest of the story. Shanira and the fennec foxes, this mysterious creature who wanted them, Cala, Bebe, The Land of Mists...

"I also saw this mystical place you once told me about. The City of Lost Souls wasn't it called...?"

"Yes. Oh, I didn't believe it existed. But I would never doubt your words. Thanks for sharing the story with me", Rafiki smiled.

"I have wanted to talk to someone for so long. How are things in The Pridelands? How is Sarabi?"

"You want me to be honest?"

"Yes, please."

"I'm afraid the news isn't very good. Scar is cruel and demanding towards everyone and he hardly allows the pride to leave Pride Rock. And there is no food left since hyenas..."

"Oh my god...", Mufasa gasped. This was exactly what he was afraid of. While he enjoyed life and adventures with his friends, his wife and other lionesses suffered under Scar's control. He felt so guilty now.

"Mufasa. Before you say anything, listen to me. I spoke with Sarabi whenever we had a chance. She was devasted by your loss but she is strong and keeps going for others. And I know she's not blaming you for this. Trust me", Rafiki patted his shoulder.

"But I..."

"No, my friend. I know what I'm talking about. What matters is that you're alive and doing well. All we need to do is..."

"Decide if I want to return or not."

"Exactly."

"I...of course I want! It's not me I'm worried about. It's Simba."

"What about him?"

"I've been telling him that we can't go back when it sounded impossible and I started believing so. As a cub, he was homesick but now he is different. What we've been through has changed him a lot. He has built a new life here and has met new friends. What kind of father will I be if I take it away from him just when we started to heal?"

"Well, only you can answer that question. But remember, you can't bury your past and pretend it doesn't exist."

"I know, I know. You're right, we have to go back and take our places in The Circle of Life. I'm sure Simba understands when I explain the situation to him", Mufasa stood up.

"I support you all the way. Shall we go immediately?", Rafiki asked.

"Yes. It's better to get this done right away."

And besides, our bond is stronger now. I'm sure he agrees.

*Later the same evening*

The group had gathered around Rafiki's fire. When he was introduced to Timon and Pumbaa, they were surprised to hear that he was Mufasa's old friend and how they were needed back in The Pridelands. Deciding the join them, the duo couldn't wait to see their friends' homeland.

"I bet it has lots of delicious bugs!", Timon slurped.

"Not quite. The land is badly damaged. But with everyone's help, I know we can do this", Mufasa smiled.

"You have ours. Just tell me when we leave", Pumbaa bowed.

"Will do", Mufasa said and focused on his son who lay under a tree. Now would be a good moment to talk to him.

"Enjoy this beautiful night, friends", the lion smiled and headed to Simba.

"Hey, son."

"Dad..."

"Why aren't you joining us? The food Rafiki made is very delicious."

"I'm not hungry", Simba muttered. Sensing boredom in the air, Mufasa chose to be careful with his words.

"The sky is beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yeah..."

"I remember the night when I told you about the Great Kings. You were so small back then and..."

"What are you doing?"

"What do you mean?"

"What does that old monkey want? You were with him a very long time", Simba wanted to know.

"Well, I..."

"Let me guess. He persuaded you to go back to The Pridelands. Am I correct?"

Mufasa sighed. He wasn't expecting this kind of way to bring this out but it would have to be done sooner or later.

"No, he didn't persuade me. I simply told him how we are alive and what has happened. Then Rafiki explained how Scar has ruled while we've been gone."

"And?"

"And the truth is that things are not looking good, son. Your uncle is putting your mother and our friends through horrible misery. And the kingdom..."

"Here we go", Simba stood up. "So we shouldn't have left, then. It's our fault."

"No, of course not. We didn't have a choice and..."

"Well, why did you keep saying that we can't go back?! You knew how I missed home and Mom!"

"I thought so for a long time. And even though Rafiki appeared here, it won't change the fact that returning is dangerous. But we have to try."

"Why? You said we are doing fine without our former, boring roles."

"I know you're frustrated. You've been through a lot of changes and I don't blame you. But sometimes we cannot escape things. You know we belong to The Pridelands."

Simba stared angrily at Mufasa. True, these often changing situations were hard to maintain and he was still recovering with his time with Shanira and everything. And now this.

"You know what, Dad? I don't think you understand how hard everything has been for me. First I see you nearly getting killed, then I get separated from you guys for weeks, and when I just have started recovering and making new friends, you demand to go back! No way!"

"Simba!", Mufasa was shocked. He had never seen his son like this.

"I'm not going back! You can if you want but my life is here now. Good luck ", the teenager turned his back to his father, ready to leave.

"Do not turn your back on me, young man! We're going back and that's final. Better get used to it!"

"Forget it! I hate you!", Simba disappeared into the night. Mufasa was too devastated to go after him.

I don't know him anymore...what has happened to my beloved cub?!

"Problems?", Rafiki walked to his friend.

"You could say so. Simba got mad when I said we have to return. He doesn't want to."

"It's understandable. He is still young and is searching for his own path. Give some time and I swear he'll come around."

"I sure hope so...I should go after him."

"I suggest letting him be alone for a moment. Only Simba can help himself to get rid of his demons. That's a part of growing up", Rafiki leaned against his stick and smiled.

"Maybe you're right. I think I'm the last person he wants to see now", Mufasa shook his head. He could only hope that his stubborn boy will understand his point of view.

*Nearby*

Going back...yeah, right. He has lied to me all along...he said we can't return and we are free! He said Mom would be fine!

After Simba got tired of frustrated pacing, he sat down. His mind was a mess. One part of him felt regret but another was mad. Mufasa had no idea how he felt. It was not easy to forget homesickness and then return just like that.

He doesn't understand...I knew this lifestyle isn't meant for him. He belongs there. And I don't...

"Wow, don't you look grumpy."

Jumping up, Simba whipped around and met a very familiar pair of eyes glowing in the darkness.

"Oh, you..."

"Good to see you again, runt. Boy, you sure have grown", Shanira stepped into the moonlight. "Still a long way to go, though."

"Haha. I'm nearly as big as you!"

"Almost. And you have started growing hair", Shanira wiped Simba's mane. "You're going to be looking exactly like your foolish father."

"Thanks", Simba spat. "So, what have you been doing?"

"Why do you care?"

"I don't. Just being a smartass."

"Hah hah! Right. Well, I've been here and there. Ever since we parted ways, I've been traveling a lot, just like you. You can't even imagine what I've seen."

"And your little allies...?"

"They're not around, don't worry. I wouldn't want you to eat them alive."

"Heh, very funny. Take care", Simba started walking.

"Why such a hurry? Ah now I see, Daddy issues", Shanira grinned.

"What?!"

"I'm not stupid, brat. I can see you have fought with him."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, I fought the same way with my folks and I acted just like you, unfortunately. So what's the problem?"

"If you really wanna know, he thinks we should return home."

"Does he now? Why?"

"Some old friend of his appeared and told how my uncle has ruined everything there. And now all of a sudden, Dad thinks we should go. I dunno..."

"Hmm, what a situation. And you don't want that?"

"I don't know. Maybe, but I just...uhhh, why do I even listen to you?! Get lost!"

"If that's what you wish. Then you won't hear my suggestion."

"Suggestion?", Simba turned around. "What do you mean?"

"I may have a solution to your problem. But it means I get something in return", Shanira said.

"Like that's new. So, what do you have in mind? I'm all ears."

"Fair enough. So, ears open..."

*The next day*

"SIMBAAAA!"

"Simba, hey!"

"KIDDDDO!"

"Did you find him?", Mufasa asked.

"No", Timon and Pumbaa shook their heads.

"Damn it...what is that boy thinking?! He knows I get worried!"

"Maybe he took some time to cool down. He's not a cub anymore."

"I know. I just..."

"Mufasa!", Rafiki waved at him. "Come here!"

Looking at each other, the trio ran to the baboon. He smiled.

"I have some good news. Some gazelles saw Simba yesterday. And he told them to give you a message."

"Message? What message?", Mufasa raised eyebrows.

"He told that - well he told that he is going back home to defeat Scar and he apologizes for being so rude."

"What?! He is going back and without us?! Hah, as if", Timon shot the idea down.

"My sources are never wrong, meerkat", Rafiki grunted. "And that's not all. He was seen with a black panther."

"Panther?! You mean Shanira?", Mufasa was surprised.

"Apparently, if she's the one you told me about."

"But why and how could she suddenly find us here?! We haven't seen her or those foxes for months."

"I have no idea, but I trust Rafiki's word. If they have gone back, we have to go after them. Are you still with me?", Mufasa asked.

"Of course. Just show the way", Pumbaa nodded.

"Thank you", Mufasa smiled. When the group started their journey towards The Pridelands, many questions ran in his mind.

It will be the first time in forever I get to see those familiar fields again...but what is that black lady up to now?! And what is Simba trying to prove?! I need to stop them before it's too late. But in any case, here I come, brother. And we'll gonna end this battle once and for all.

TBC...