It was almost dark by the time Bambi returned to the Baobab tree. "Ah, there you are," said Rafiki.

"About time," grunted Timon, "You wouldn't believe this guy. Going on and on about psychobabble."

"It is called philosophy," retorted Rafiki defensively, "You could learn a thing or two from Pumbaa. You do not hear him complaining."

Pumbaa just stood there, staring into nothing with his mouth agape. "I think you broke him," said Timon.

Immediately, Rafiki whacked Pumbaa on the head with his staff. "Huh, wha?"

The baboon turned his attention to Bambi. "Give me the water," he said.

Bambi put down the coconut. "And hello to you too," he said half sarcastically.

"Hello," said Pumbaa, oblivious.

"Yeah, hi, now go on. 'Wow' us with your energy." Timon was impatient.

"Hey, watch it," muttered Bambi and almost instinctively, he unsheathed his claws. Timon noticed and jumped slightly. Bambi realized what happened and quickly apologized. "That's never happened before," he said, mostly to himself.

After making sure that some water would be left untouched, Rafiki put various herbs and juices into it. After a few moments, he waved his staff above it. He looked thoughtful.

"Well," came a collective response.

Rafiki looked blank. "It is just water," he said simply.

"Water?"

"Water."

"You mean all of this was just for water?!" No one was shocked that the response came from Timon. "How's that supposed to help us get Simba back?!"

"Easy there," said Pumbaa.

"Easy?!" Timon spat, "Didn't I say it was a mistake to listen to this guy?" He turned his attention to Rafiki. "You're nothing but a...!" Pumbaa quickly covered his mouth. Timon continued to rant. At last his mouth was uncovered. "As far as I'm concerned you take that...!" And then was quickly covered again. At last, Timon stopped and Pumbaa uncovered his mouth once more.

"Are you finished?" asked Rafiki. Timon nodded. "I understand your anger," the baboon continued, "I might still be able to do something with this. Just have a little faith."

Timon was still upset. "A little faith is all you have left," he said pointedly and went to retire for the evening. Pumbaa, without a word, followed him.

Rafiki immediately got back to work, leaving Bambi isolated. That was fine by him, he had plenty on his mind to keep him occupied.

***

"...and that's pretty much it." Simba finished telling Faline his story. For a while, all she did was stare. "Faline?" Simba tapped her leg. "Fali-ne?"

"Sorry," she said, "but you have to admit, that is a lot to take in."

"You don't need to tell me. I lived it."

"So, what now?" asked Faline

"What?"

"What are you going to do now?" she repeated.

Simba sighed. "I don't know. I think I'm doing at least okay, now."

"But don't you miss it? You're old life?"

His face fell. "If I did go back... Look at me."

"What? You look fine."

"Sure. Fine for a deer, though. Prey. That's all they'll see me as. I... I don't know if I can handle that." Tears filled his eyes. He looked away.

"I'm so sorry, Simba," said Faline sympathetically, "I only..."

"No. You didn't do anything. I'll be fine. Really."

There was a moment of silence before Faline finally said, "Well who said anything about seeing anybody? You could just go in, look around and come back. Simple."

"But, but..." Simba couldn't argue. He knew she had a point.

"You have options. Just think about it, okay?"
Faline left him to organize his thoughts. Simba stared in the direction of the gateway.

***

Nala, meanwhile was still full of excitement. She returned to the den with a big grin on her face. Scar was there, waiting for her.

"Well, what's gotten you in such a good mood?" he asked.

"Oh nothing particular," replied Nala, keeping it cool, "It was just a good day, that's all."

"Really? Tell me about it."

"There's not much to tell. I guess there weren't a lot of things that went wrong."

"I see. Did you see anyone interesting?"

"Like who?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe an exiled protege?"

Nala's pupils shrank but she held her ground. "No."

Scar stood firm and domineering. "Listen to me," he said, "I know you're lying. I know you were with him and what you were talking about."

Nala looked anxious.

"But you needn't worry," Scar continued, circling her, "You didn't really do anything wrong. I can certainly look the other way." He paused. "If you do something for me."

"What...?" asked Nala slowly.

"You will go with your little friend tomorrow and find Simba... and you will report back. Everything you see, everything you learn, you will report to me."

"Why would I?" Nala tried hard to hide her suspicion.

"Can't an uncle be concerned for his nephew?" he asked sweetly.

Nala snorted. She didn't buy it for a second.

"Fine, don't do it," said Scar, "but remember..." He held up his paw and examined his claws.

"I don't take kindly to defiance."

Nala winced, "Fine..." she muttered.

"I'm sorry?"

Nala looked Scar in the eye, "Yes sir."

Scar smiled wickedly. "Good. You're dismissed." And he left her to herself.

Nala refused to enter the den. She stared out into the open and sighed heavily, shaking her head.