It was night when Shanira and Simba arrived in The Pridelands. When the teen saw his home for the first time in ages, he was devastated. The kingdom looked exactly the same when he returned home as an adult in the movie, so let's skip detailed descriptions completely. In any case, the former prince was feeling horrible now.

"Liking what you see?", Shanira grinned.

"Very funny. Oh man, this is terrible..."

"Well, we can always turn back if you want."

"Seriously? This is my home! Please quit joking around."

"Jeez, when did you become such dullard? Okay, any idea of how do we sneak closer?"

"There is one place we can try. Let's just hope that hyenas won't notice us. Come on", Simba started running, his companion following closely behind.

"And what if that doesn't work?"

"Then we improvise. I know these lands, I was born here. Don't you worry about that."

"When you say do not worry, it's the moment when I worry the most. But if you're sure..."

"YES I AM", Simba raised his voice. Shanira was so irritating when she wanted to be.

"Uuu, the big boy gets mad! I'm so scared", she pretended freaking out.

"You should be. I'm not a cub anymore, so I could easily take you down."

"I doubt it. Even though you are bigger but you have no experience of real fighting. If you have power but you don't know how to use it, you're doomed. Remember that, kid."

"Whatever", Simba said. "Can we go?"

"Sure, sure. Lead the way."

"Finally..."

*Meanwhile*

Mufasa, Rafiki, Timon and Pumbaa had arrived back in the kingdom as well but they were on the other side of it. Following Simba's scent, Mufasa was in a hurry to find his boy before he does anything stupid.

"So this is where you live", Timon looked around. "It's kinda...uhh..."

"I told you this place needs fixing. My brother has never been very kind, so nature acts as he behaves. It saddens me...", Mufasa closed his eyes.

"Well talking about a little fixing up here...so, what's the plan anyway? How are we gonna take him down?"

"I'm not sure yet. I have to make sure Sarabi and others won't get caught in the crossfire."

"I'm afraid it's going to be quite hard. Those hyenas are everywhere", Timon jumped onto Mufasa's head and looked over the rocks. "Hrr, I hate them..."

"We have to be quiet so that they won't notice us. Why don't you and Pumbaa go and make sure the coast is clear while I have a word with Rafiki?"

"Great...come on, piggie of mine! You heard the boss", Timon said. After he and Pumbaa were gone, Mufasa turned to the mandrill.

"Rafiki, there is something I need to..."

"Is this about Simba?"

"Yes. What is that foolish boy thinking?! Why did he leave without telling me? Have I failed so badly?"

"No, Mufasa. Simba is almost an adult and it confuses you. Teenagers usually act without thinking and I hate to say this, but Simba is very impulsive. And sometimes it's not only a good thing."

"I know...I need to find him. But what is that panther doing with him?! She..."

"Take a deep breath, friend. You need to stay calm."

"Fine", Mufasa closed his eyes and relaxed. Soon Timon and Pumbaa came back.

"We didn't see any hyenas over there. Are you sure Simba went this way?", Pumbaa asked.

"Yes, I can smell him. Follow me, they can't be far", Mufasa started running, keeping his nose tightly against the ground. They couldn't be far from them now...

*Elsewhere*

"Alright, there it is", Simba pointed at Pride Rock. "Cool, isn't it?"

"Well...kinda small", Shanira answered.

"Of course...man, I didn't realize how much I have missed this view. Home..."

"Okay, don't get all sentimental. I hate sobbing babies."

"I'm not sobbing! I'm just trying to find out how to surprise my uncle without getting spotted. His allies are everywhere..."

"So you say we need a destruction. That can be arranged", Shanira turned around. "Okay, you can come out now!"

"What...?", Simba looked around as well. When he saw two very familiar foxes coming from the darkness, he chuckled.

"Of course..."

"Nice to see you too, runt. Trust me, we wouldn't do this if we didn't have to", Jengo showed his tongue. "You are fatter, btw."

"At least I can use you as a dust feather if I want to. And you can't do anything about it", Simba grinned back.

"Save your mocking. So, what do you want us to do?", Mosi asked Shanira.

"Simple. You need to get rid of those hyenas while we sneak closer to this moron's uncle. Can you do that?"

"If you mean using us as baits, forget it!"

"Shut up, Jengo. Let's go", Mosi forced him to move and they ran towards the hyena group. "Idiots, over here!"

Lifting their heads up, hyenas started drooling when they saw the brothers. While the dogs started chasing them, Simba and Shanira kept moving.

"I'm brilliant, aren't I?", she grinned. Simba just grunted.

*Nearby*

"What is that?!", Mufasa and others heard the sounds. "Like someone is running."

"I can take a look", Rafiki ran to one of the dead trees and climbed up. "Hmm, I see. There is a couple of foxes chased by hyenas. I wonder..."

"Jengo and Mosi! So they are here too?!", Timon stared.

"Apparently. It can only mean that Simba and Shanira set this scene up. His scent continues behind...", Mufasa stopped when he saw Pride Rock.

Oh my god...

"So that's it? Your home?", Pumbaa asked.

"Yes, Pumbaa. This is where Simba and I come from. I didn't even notice how much I have missed this view..."

"Home sweet home, I guess...so, what do we do now? Follow Simba?"

"Actually Rafiki and I can take care of that. Meanwhile, you could...", Mufasa pointed towards Mosi and Jengo.

"What?! You want us to be baits?! NO!", Timon refused. "I didn't come all this way to be eaten!"

"Please, I need your help. I'm sure you are smart enough to win them. And you'll be rewarded."

"Well, in that case...", Timon rubbed his chin. "Okay, we do it. Come on Pumbaa, let's kick their asses! HIYAAAA!"

"Good luck", Pumbaa yelled before the duo ran after the hyena group. Not waiting, Mufasa and Rafiki continued tracking Simba down. Luckily he and Shanira hadn't managed far since they had faced another problem. The lionesses were tightly guarded in the den, so sneaking by it was too risky and impossible.

"Great, did our luck turn?! I need to see my Mom", Simba whispered angrily.

"Even I have run out of ideas. I guess we have to give up."

"I'm not giving up! Okay, I simply go there and hope for the best. You better stay hidden."

"If that's what you wish. Good luck."

Rolling his eyes, Simba gathered his courage and prepared to move. Suddenly, he heard a very familiar voice.

"SIMBA!"

Turning around, Simba saw Mufasa and Rafiki running towards him and Shanira. When his father reached him, he nuzzled his son.

"Oh thank goodness we got here before anything happened! What were you thinking?!", Mufasa asked angrily.

"Well, I..."

"Running off like this and without telling me is not smart, Simba. We were worried about you."

"I know and I'm sorry. I just needed to come back."

"But why? I thought you didn't want to."

"Yes but then I realized how stupid I was. You're right, we belong here. I was just too scared to return in case Mom would blame me. I'm sorry, Dad", Simba looked at the ground.

"Oh Simba, it's alright. I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have demanded this so suddenly."

"No offense taken. I was a fool and I see it now. Deep inside I always missed Mom and home but I was too hurt to admit it and blamed you. Can we forget such nonsense?"

"Yes, we can. I'm so proud of you", Mufasa smiled. His joy was cut off by an annoying clapping and his expression turned irritated.

"Well, good to see you again as well", he turned to Shanira. "It's been a while."

"It sure has. You have gained weight the last time I saw you."

"Ahah...so, what are you doing here?"

"What do you care?"

"I do because you talked Simba over and persuaded him to come back. Why?"

"It's simple. I want a place to live peacefully and your kingdom is suitable. You owe me, thanks to the mess between our ancestors."

"What does that mean in reality?"

"Even simpler. That jungle where Lakicia was exiled from will be mine after this is over. A small price for the freedom of this rotten place. Do we have a deal?", Shanira asked.

"I promised we have. But first, Scar is taken down."

"Fair by me."

Mufasa just nodded. He didn't have time to argue and this promise was a little compared to the gift he would get after assuming his rightful place again. He had been gone for way too long and he wasn't going to give up without a fight.

"Mufasa!", Rafiki stopped their conversation. "Look, there he is. Scar."

Sneaking to the mandrill, the cat trio looked down. There Scar was, standing on the cliff and looking angrily down.

"That...that traitor!", Simba hissed. "I'm gonna..."

"Calm down, son. We must wait for the right moment", Mufasa warned him. He was disgusted to see his brother but he buried such feelings deep down. True king never lets anger control his actions.

"SARABIIII!", Scar roared. Simba and Mufasa looked at each other, then down again. Soon their beloved wife and mother walked towards the top while hyenas mocked her. But she was calm as always.

"Mom...", Simba whispered.

"Yes...", Mufasa nodded sadly. "Oh, Sarabi..."

When Sarabi arrived at Scar, the group wasn't able to hear what they were talking about (read: the no food- scene from the movie). Not until...

"If you were half the king Mufasa was...!"

"I'M TEN TIMES THE KING MUFASA WAS!"

That was enough for Simba. After seeing how his mother was slammed the to ground, he couldn't hold himself back. Jumping up, he began to run down.

"SCAR! I KILL YOU!"

"Simba!", Mufasa tried to stop him, but it was too late. Stopping in his tracks, Scar stared at his nephew who ran towards him. At first, he didn't recognize this youngster, but eventually, he did.

NO WAY...

"S-Simba, my lovely nephew! Is that really you?! I thought..."

"Save your tongue, scumbag! You tried to kill me and Dad and now you have taken our rightful places! GET LOST!"

"Wow, now that was...", Shanira said. "Tsk, tsk..."

Ignoring her, Mufasa and Rafiki ran down as well. Scar and Sarabi couldn't believe their eyes when they saw the former king.

"M-Mufasa...?!", Sarabi gasped. "No, it can't be..."

"Oh love", Mufasa ran to his wife and helped her up. "I'm so sorry..."

"But you are dead! This is..."

"No Sarabi", Rafiki smiled at her. "I thought so too, but it's true. They're alive."

Looking at the baboon and then back at Mufasa, Sarabi broke into tears. Nuzzling each other, the king couple felt how longing, sadness, and relief went through their bodies.

"I can't believe this is happening...where have you been?! What happened?!"

"I tell everything later. Now we must..."

"Hey, Muffy. Good to see you."

Separating from Sarabi, Mufasa turned to see his brother who stared coldly back. His expression had turned from surprise into anger and disappointment. Obviously he wasn't happy about this little turn of events.

"Hello, brother. Good to see you too."

"Yes...so coming back from the dead, I see? How great..."

"Yes indeed. Sometimes plotting doesn't work. Like dropping your own brother off the cliff..."

"What are you talking about? I don't understand."

"Don't pretend! We saw you! You arranged the stampede to get rid of us and you know I saw you throwing Dad down. He played dead and we heard how you said that the kingdom will be doing well under your rule. You pile of crap!", Simba shouted angrily. Scar turned to see him.

"Well, I suppose I can't find ways to defend myself. But if you think about taking me down, I suggest thinking twice. I have an army by my side."

"Think again!", Rafiki ran out from the den, lionesses behind him. He had sneaked in while Scar was focusing on his relatives. Despite being old, he was fast like a cheetah and cleverer than you might think. So stupid hyenas had no chance against him.

"Nala!", Simba yelled happily when he saw her. She had grown as well and my goodness what a beauty she now was.

"S-Simba?!", Nala couldn't believe her eyes. "Is that you?!"

"Yeah. I'm so happy to see you!"

"You too. But how...?!"

"I'm so happy to see you, everyone", Mufasa smiled at his herd. "I know all of you may be confused but everything will be revealed in due time. But what I want you to know is that my brother has played with you and forced me and my son to stay from The Pridenlands for a long time. He has betrayed us."

Surprised mumbling echoed in the group. Scar started retreating away.

"Heh well, I can explain..."

"You better, murderer", Simba approached him. "Oh just wait when I get my paws on you."

"Two can play this game, little prince. You may have caught me off guard but you certainly won't get me alive. ATTACK!", Scar yelled while ran down from Pride Rock. Hyenas and lionesses started fighting against each other and the chaos was ready.

"Mufasa!", Sarabi yelled.

"Take cover! I handle Scar", the king answered back and ran after Simba who was already chasing his uncle.

"Give up, Scar! You can't win this!"

"Never!"

"Simba, Scar! Stop! Mufasa yelled. He feared that this situation would end badly. While following his relatives, he saw Pumbaa who was still running away from the hyenas. Timon, Jengo, and Mosi sat on his back.

Good, they are taking care of those monsters. All we need to do is to stop Scar.

Scar ran as fast as he could, keeping a close eye on Simba who was right behind him. That cub had sure gotten faster after growing out of his tiny paws.

"Give up already! You can't win!", Simba demanded his uncle.

"Hah, try me!", Scar yelled and disappeared behind a huge rock. When Simba got there, his uncle was gone.

Where did he go?!

Looking around, Simba couldn't find him. He took a few steps and...

"SLAM!"

"Ouch!", Simba was pinned to the ground. He looked up and saw Scar grinning at him.

"Heh, gotcha. Or should I say, pinned ya."

"Let me go!"

"I don't think so", Scar put a claw against Simba's throat. At the same second, Mufasa arrived.

"Oh hi, big bro! You're just in time to see how I will skin your brat alive."

"No, please!", Mufasa panicked. "Leave him alone!"

"Or what? As if I would do as you tell me to."

"Scar, you don't have to do this. I'm sorry I have ignored you, it has never been my purpose. We can still fix this."

"How?! My times as the ruler is over now that you two are here! I'm never going to be king!"

"Being king is a hard job, I'm sure you have noticed it. It's not just commanding others and telling them what to do. It's all about listening, focusing on troubles, helping..."

"Blah, blah, blah! You should have changed your behavior years ago, now it's too late to seek peace. Say goodbye to your brat!", Scar raised his paw, ready to strike Simba who gulped. Yelling in horror, Mufasa was about to attack his brother, until someone threw a rock at Scar and it made him lose his grip and Simba got free.

"Come here, Simba", Mufasa forced his son behind him. Rubbing his head, Scar looked up.

"Who was that?!"

"THUD!"

"THUD!"

"THUD!"

"Ouch, ouch, ouch!", Scar tried to cover his head from the falling rocks.

"What is happening?!", Simba wondered.

"Hey, idiots! I knew you would need my help", Shanira sat on the rock and threw little rocks at Scar. "Looks I saved your life once again!"

"Good timing!", Mufasa thanked.

"Who the heck is that?! Some adopted daughter if yours?!", Scar said furiously.

"Not ever", Shanira said. "I'm simply a visitor. I was just passing by."

"If that's so, then why are you throwing rocks at me?!"

"You looked like a moron and I love teasing dummies. Bad luck kitty, bad luck."

"Aarrhhh...you will NEVER catch me! I rather die!", Scar turned, ready to escape again...only noticing that he had arrived next to the gorge. The sky was so dark that he hadn't noticed it before.

"Whoops, trapped, are we now?", Simba said while he, Mufasa, and Shanira circled Scar to the edge. Looking down and then at his relatives, his anger wiped away from his face.

"Well, I guess this is it. Congratulations, you got what you wanted."

"Don't be such a martyr! Be reasonable and face your crimes", Simba commanded.

"Simba, let me speak. Brother, it's not too late to change. I can forgive you if you just give me a chance", Mufasa approached his little bro.

"And live under your control? I don't need your mercy", Scar spat. "Goodbye", he let himself fall over the edge.

"NO!", Mufasa sprinted fast and jumped after him.

"DAD!", Simba screamed and ran to the edge, looking down. Luckily the wall wasn't very steep and Mufasa hadn't fallen. He was clutching against the rock, holding Scar with his other paw.

"Wow, this goof always manages to surprise me", Shanira came next to Simba.

"Dad, are you okay?!"

"Yes, don't worry! Scar, climb up!"

"No!"

"Don't be such an idiot! Come on!"

"I'm not! I don't belong there!"

"Why are you being so selfish?! Yes, you do! You are my brother and I care for you!", Mufasa insisted. He saw a surprise flashing in Scar's eyes but it was only a moment.

"No, Muffy. I can never make things up to you. So, farewell", Scar hit Mufasa's face with his claws. Screaming in pain, Mufasa lost his grip on Scar and the younger sibling fell into the canyon.

"SCARRR!", Mufasa yelled. Simba and Shanira could only stare silently.

"Dad, did he fall?!"

"..."

"Dad?!"

Mufasa closed his eyes in pain. Why, why did this have to end like this? He thought Scar knew how much he cared for him.

But I guess I was wrong.

"Dad, what happened?! Where is he?!", Simba asked when Mufasa climbed back up.

"He's...he's gone, son. It's over."

"Over?! What do you mean?!"

"Trust me, Simba. Let's just go home", Mufasa shook his head. "There is nothing we can do."

"But what about his actions?! Will he remain unpunished?"

"I will discuss this with Rafiki and your mother. You don't have to worry about it."

"Shouldn't we at least make sure he really is down there? I can do it."

"No, I want to gather our family together asap. Pride Rock is still in danger."

"It looks like those pesky dogs know their boss is gone", Shanira sat in a tree next to the lions. "I can see them running away."

"Really?!", Simba climbed up as well. "Wow, you're right. They are truly going away, Dad! We did it!"

"Yes...", Mufasa smiled. Although he wasn't able to celebrate.

Brother, why...why?!

"Well, I guess that's it then. You have your little land back, congrats", Shanira said when she and Simba landed on the ground.

"Thank you. It wasn't the most usual plan but I'm not complaining. Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. And since Simba promised, the jungle is yours", Mufasa bowed with his head a little.

"Great. So, we're good?"

"Yes, we're good. You and your relatives are welcomed here from now on. I'm righting the wrongs my grandfather did."

"At least you're wise for once. So if we're done here, then I'm gonna pick my little allies and then we're on our way. See ya..."

"Hold on a minute", Simba interrupted her. "I have a question."

"Oh really?"

"Yep. We never saw your boss, so I'm curious to hear who he was and why did he want us."

"Right, I haven't told you. Well, do you know what kind of creature is a saber-tooth tiger?"

Simba and Mufasa shook their heads. This amused Shanira.

"Hah, right. Well, he was once the ruler of the oasis, biggest and greatest of everyone. He was the last of his species so he knew he needed allies to survive. He saved my life as well as Mosi, Jengo, and Jelani's. That's why we had to work for him as a reward, otherwise we would end up dead."

"Why didn't you leave? Why working for him?", Mufasa asked.

"I let you decide. But when you two arrived in the jungle, my boss said he wants your heads on the plate because of your flesh. He had once learned that eating lion's meant would mean eternal life for its eater. Especially cub's meat."

"So that's why you took Simba. But then you didn't give him in."

"Do you believe I should have?", Shanira asked.

"I pretend not hearing that."

"Hah, you know what. I'm really gonna miss you, dummies. It has been quite a journey but it was worth it. Rule fairly", Shanira ruffled Simba's half-mane before she sprinted into the darkness. "Sayonara!"

"Goodbye! And thanks!", Simba smiled...until his expression turned confused. "Wait a minute...do you believe she was telling the truth? Eating my meat would make you immortal?"

"Guess we'll never know", Mufasa said. "But now, it's finally over. We did it."

"Yeah, we did. Come on, let's go see Mom! I have so many things to tell her."

"Sure thing. Let's go home."

*Months later*

Things had changed a lot after the return of the king and the prince. Shanira got her jungle and Mosi and Jengo were eventually able to let their grudge against Timon and Simba go. But since they were still outcasts, they fled from The Pridelands as soon as Mufasa assumed the throne again.

"Some of us live with love..."

The kingdom started healing after years of Scar's tyranny and it didn't take long until it was back to its glorious days. And because Simba was still a teenager upon their return, he wasn't ready to rule yet.

"And some have to live with the scars..."

Timon and Pumbaa fitted in pretty fast and were now official members of the royal family. They enjoyed endless bug nests and agreed that you cannot get closer to paradise than this. So meeting the self-exiled father and son was a good idea after all.

"But the sun rolling high through the sapphire sky..."

Sarabi, Nala, Sarafina, Zazu as well as the rest of the pride heard all about Simba and Mufasa's adventures in the oasis and outside of it. They were glad to have them back and things were like they used to be. It's like they had never been gone.

"Hope, faith, despair..."

And what happened to Scar? Well, his body was never found in the gorge, but his fate remains unknown. Some believe he survived and is living in exile somewhere far away, some say hyenas ate him since they felt betrayed. Nobody knows and maybe it's for the best.

"Dad! Over here!"

"Coming, coming", Mufasa climbed to his son who sat on the edge of the cliff (the place where the cubs are shown). Simba was now a young adult and his mane had grown into its final length. It was as bright red as his father's.

"Do you see this? Look how beautiful!", Simba pointed out the sun.

"I sure do. Listen, Simba..."

"Yes?"

"As you know, it won't take long until you get the throne. So I want you to keep everything I teach you tightly in mind. Understood?"

"Of course. But do you think I'm ready?"

"You're more than ready. And how are things with Nala? I've seen you two together quite often."

"No comments", Simba grunted. Mufasa chuckled.

"Ah, alright then. I guess you tell me when you want."

"You can hope. But hey, what do you think that happened to Scar? Is he dead?"

"I'm not sure. I have heard rumors but they don't confirm anything. Perhaps it's simply best we forget him. As much as my heart hurts...", Mufasa sighed. Simba patted his back silently. Then, the father and son watched how the kingdom bathed under the sun.

"I love this view...", Simba smiled.

"Me too, son. Me too. We're home", Mufasa smiled as well.

Where we belong. Forever.

"IN THE CIRCLE, THE CIRCLE OF LIFE!"

THE END