this was happening:

"Kiara has learned well about the meaning of being 'one', and my son has learned the importance of trust, so now their leadership is very worthy of acceptance from their allies. Kovu is also strong enough in that he is brave and very sensible, and my son has taught him well about good leadership. He will do us proud."

"I believe you, my old friend." Rafiki replied. "You always had faith in him and his heart had indeed overcome everything corruptible that he had been through. Both mentally and physically he is strong to lead."

"Yes, and now we hope that the land will continue to be safe as long as the unity remains." 

Rafiki nodded in agreement before Mufasa's presence swept through the wise baboon again; this time with concern in his voice.

"But I am also sensing fear amongst the Royal Family."

"Fear?" Rafiki enquired, his joyful smile fading. "I do not see why after everything that came good."

"There is belief that there may still be a potential threat at large. This may include the possibility of Zira still being alive had she indeed survived the currents in the river. It is unlikely but we must be alert for further potential threats. The pride is stronger now and they have the ability to defend the kingdom, so it is essential that they remain prepared for battle."

Rafiki thought for a moment. The idea of Zira still being alive had him worried again, but at the same time he knew that Zira would not be able to survive out there alone now that she had no pride to turn to.

"I see your point." Rafiki therefore remarked. "But even if Zira is still alive, where would she go and who can she turn to?"

"There is suspicion that another one of her offspring, who is biologically connected with Scar, is living in the north. If Zira can find him, then he will end up suffering the same fate as Kovu when she brainwashes him and another ambush will be encouraged. This may not happen but there is always a small chance that it could, so please ensure that the pride stays alert."

The old and wise baboon suddenly vaguely remembered another one of Scar and Zira's offspring being born shortly after the dark lion's reign had begun. He recalled that he was their firstborn cub and he was made to be the next in line to take the throne after Scar's time would eventually come. However, he noticed that this cub spent more time with the hyenas than his own father and also despised the actions and attitude of his leadership. He finally remembered that he eventually ran away and he never saw him again.

"I believe I remember him now." Rafiki then responded. "And if what you and they believe may be a vision, then we must indeed stay alert. I will make sure of it. Thank you, my friend."

"Anytime. I must leave now. Keep well."

 

"Goodnight, Mufasa."

And with that, The Great King's presence was lifted up by the wind and taken back into the night sky. 
I do hope that everything is and will be alright. Rafiki thought as his friend's spirit disappeared.

*

It was mid morning in a lush tropical oasis close to the east coast of central Africa. The natural environment of this jungle consisted of vast thick trees covering the ground floor of the forest, several waterfalls and rivers, many pools, and occasional oxbow lakes. But as beautiful as it appeared to be, it was also barely inhabited by common African fauna. The only notable animals that existed in this land consisted of tropical and native birds, buzzards, bats, orangutans, and chimpanzees. The reason behind the lack of vast wildlife was due to the fact that it was very isolated from the rest of the more notable national parks of the continent, and therefore it would have been very hard for animals to find.

But two animals had been here before and they knew exactly where to find it, and they both immediately appeared from the barren drylands that bordered the jungle and were about to enter their original home. But before they could, they came to a stop; and right after they did, a mandrill bird appeared above them and then lowered himself down in front of the two. He then looked towards the jungle himself before turning his attention back to his 'escortees'.

Zazu, the royal majordomo from the Pride Lands in Kenya, had been, under the order of his king, supervising Timon the meerkat and Pumbaa the warthog on their long journey back from there to this place so that they would be able to make it back safely. The duo had been living in the Pride Lands with the Royal Family and their pride for some time and now wanted to come back to their original roaming ground to relive some memories.

"So," Zazu began to them. "this is where you had lived, including taking care of and raising Simba while he was in exile?"

"Correct-a-mundo!" Timon responded in excitement. 

"Yep." Pumbaa also replied, slightly emotional at the homecoming. "This is the Tropical Paradise. After we became outcasts and met up with each other, we set out to find our true place in the world, and we eventually came across here. We never looked back since."

"Yes, this is where we discovered Hakuna Matata, or the 'No Worries' lifestyle." Timon proudly added. "Our wonderful problem-free philosophy. And when Simba joined us, he perfected it, and our lives had never been more slick since."

"Not just that, but there was a very special bond that we shared together." Pumbaa then remarked. "First it was parenthood, then it turned into brotherhood. The three of us became 'brothers-in-arms' in a way, and being outcasts, it was just the thing that we needed to survive; so there was a bit of a spiritual connection there."

"Exactly what Hakuna Matata gave to us: not just a perfect life, but a family."

"That is very touching." Zazu replied, both moved and impressed. "I can understand why you wanted to come back here. I would just like to praise everything that you did for Simba. Without your help, he would not be where he is now on the throne. I am sure that he would owe it to you to be alive."

"That means a lot to us, so thank you." Timon replied, flattered by the gesture but at the same time a little heartbroken at the mentioning of their friend now that they were going to be away from him for the first time in years.

"And we only hope that Simba could be here to relive the good memories with us." Pumbaa put in, likewise saddened. "He loved it here."

"Yes, but at least he will cherish them forever." Zazu replied. "So please remain happy for him."

"We sure will." Timon immediately responded.

"So now," Zazu continued. "this is where I leave you. Welcome back home and best of luck to you both. Please stay safe and we will see you again soon."

"Thank you, Zazu." Pumbaa replied. "Have a safe flight back and we hope the Pride Lands remain safe."

"And please give our regards to Simba." Timon added.

"I certainly will. Farewell, you two!"

And Zazu spread out his wings, flapped them and lifted off the ground. He then began to fly back towards the west. The meerkat and warthog nodded and waved him off as the hornbill got further away from them, and he looked back and gave a smile and nod of his own in acknowledgement. They kept their eyes on him until he was finally out of sight, and then turned back towards the other sight of their original homeland.

"Hop on, buddy!" Pumbaa then excitedly exclaimed to his friend, encouraging him to jump onto his back, which he immediately did. "We got some great memories to catch!"

"You betcha, old pal!" Timon likewise replied in excitement. "Let's go and feast on the good ol' times! Memory Lane; here we come!"

And that said, Pumbaa started running and it eventually turned into a sprint as the duo headed back towards their old home in the Tropical Paradise to relive their wonderful memories of the past life.

*

That same morning at Tsavo National Park, Kufuzu and Hekima's pride had just set out for another hunt, but on this occasion they were being helped out by the hyenas as they were now a part of the clan, and the catch was that these wild dogs would assist in any way possible, despite the irony of traditional competition between the two animals. 

Out in the west of the Tsavo reserve, the lionesses crept low in the long brown savannah grass, with the small number of hyenas following closely behind, who were led by leaders Shenzi, Banzai and Ed. Hunting leader Tanya stopped suddenly and signalled the others to do the same with a silent whisper, but she barely had to as her sudden movement gave a hint to them all to follow suit.

"Quiet!" She silently commanded to her 'troops'. "I see a set of antelope a little distance ahead. Have a look."
Most of the hunting group got a little closer around their leader and took a peek into the direction where she had indicated, and sure enough, from the view of the high grass they spotted several numbers of antelope grazing in the grasslands. Most of the lionesses grinned as they knew they were about to get their feed. Even the hyenas came up close and had a look of their own, and even they could sense what was coming.

"Ahh!" Banzai quietly remarked. "Some more nice juicy antelope meat to add to the menu. This ought to be good."

"Now, don't get excited too soon, honey." Shenzi whispered to him. "We have

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