The golden sun was just beginning to rise, casting warm light across the Pride Lands. Birds soared overhead, and the distant roar of waterfalls echoed through the land. It had been a peaceful morning—until a figure appeared on the horizon.
Nala was the first to notice.
She was walking along a ridge when she spotted the silhouettes in the distance—four figures approaching steadily. Her eyes widened. One of them was large, dark, unmistakable… Scar. But the other—
Her heart skipped.
"Simba…?" she whispered.
She didn't wait. She turned and bolted toward Pride Rock.
At the base of Pride Rock, Scar, Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa were approaching slowly.
Simba was taking in the familiar sights with awe, his eyes wide. "It looks… smaller."
Scar smirked. "That's because you've grown."
Simba chuckled. "It's good to be back."
Timon looked around nervously. "Are we gonna get eaten?"
Scar gave him a flat look. "No. Stay behind me."
Pumbaa snorted. "I don't think they'd eat us. We're guests!"
Scar said nothing, but inside, he felt the weight of the moment. He was bringing his "nephew" back to the Pride Lands… but it wasn't just a reunion. It was a test. How far had things changed since he left? Would Mufasa trust him the same way?
At Pride Rock, Nala burst onto the platform where Mufasa was speaking with Sarabi and Zazu.
"Mufasa! They're back! I saw them—Scar and Simba!"
Mufasa's eyes widened. "Simba?"
Zazu squawked in surprise. "The prince?!"
Mufasa stood tall, a smile slowly forming. "Let's go welcome them."
Minutes later, the two groups met at the edge of the Pride Rock pathway.
Simba's eyes met Mufasa's, and for a second, everything was quiet.
"Dad…" Simba said, smiling.
Mufasa stepped forward. "Simba. You've grown strong."
Simba nodded. "Scar trained me well."
Mufasa turned to Scar. "Brother."
Scar dipped his head respectfully. "King."
They stood there a moment, reading each other's eyes. There was tension, yes—but also a strange sense of understanding.
"You returned as promised," Mufasa said.
"I keep my word," Scar replied.
Timon leaned toward Pumbaa. "Uh… this feels like one of those weird family reunions."
Pumbaa whispered back, "Shh! Just go with it."
Mufasa stepped back and looked at his son. "Come, Simba. You'll tell us everything. Scar… you too."
Scar nodded. "Gladly."
As they walked toward Pride Rock, the rising sun painted the savanna in gold.
The prodigal prince had returned.