know earlier, then Simba and the pride could have been more prepared before the worst case scenario. Kovu’s reluctance was due to the fear of being banished or even assaulted by the pride for his treachery; and even losing respect from the one who he loved and who healed his heart: Kiara. It was a very hard decision for him at the time, but it did not matter to him anymore as it was now settled between the prides. Still, he really felt that Simba should still know the full truth.

“And so…” Simba continued after Kovu spoke, without paying much attention to Kovu’s thoughts, “that will conclude the lesson. I think that I have taught you all that I know; and it will now be up to you to make your own decisions from here on.”

“With all that you have taught me,” Kovu replied, “I feel that I have just had the chance to start a new life. I know now how to walk the correct path; and I promise that I will not let you or the pride down.”

“And remember,” Simba concluded, admiring Kovu for his words of wisdom, “if you need help and guidance, all you have to do is ask me; even when my time comes, because all the great kings of the past look down on us from the stars.”

“Kiara once told me that.” Kovu almost immediately remarked; remembering his first date with his love three nights ago when they went stargazing together after a great day of enjoying the first taste of fun in his life; “But I had no idea that they acted as guides as well.”

“Yes, they are always available whenever you need help or you are feeling alone. They are always watching. I will tell you more about this later tonight when they stars are shining in the night sky.”

“Okay.” Kovu nodded, then immediately turned his attention to the thoughts on his mind about what he wanted to tell Simba.

“Uh, Simba…” Kovu began.

“Yes, my son?” Simba replied.

“There is something that I have to tell you: Something that I should have told you two days ago when you took me aside to talk; where you got ambushed before I was able to let it slip out.”

“Oh, yes, of course.” Simba immediately replied, supposedly understanding that Kovu wanted to tell him everything about his previous life in hate and evil. He was also looking towards the south west side of Pride Rock, and decided that it was time to move to another location of the Pride Lands considering that they had both stood in the same spot for too long. “Come;” He continued, gesturing towards the south east where he was looking at, “let’s continue walking further south and you can tell me everything.”

“Okay, let’s go.” Kovu approved with a light smile and a wink, which Simba returned in a friendly fashion.

And so they both started walking down the elevated slope and towards the south east of the open savannah. At this point the sun had fallen slightly as the late afternoon was about to begin and the light on the savannah was turning from a bright pale yellow to a golden glow. The furs of the two lions became illuminated by the darker light like the blessing of the Lord himself had just touched their hearts as they continued on to the south west of the landscape.    

…To be continued in part IV.

Simba, Nala, Kiara, Kovu, Vitani, Mohatu, Ahadi, Uru, Zazu, Mufasa, Scar, Sarabi, Timon, & Pumbaa © Walt Disney.

© December 2010.