Back Before Sunset

[Scene opens: dim moonlight casting over the golden grasses of the Pride Lands. Crickets chirp in the background. The camera pans across two young lionesses, MZURI and NZURI, tiptoeing quietly through the tall grass.]

Nzuri (whispering):
We’re almost there. I can see Pride Rock!

Mzuri (panting):
That was way too close. Did you see those Outlanders? One of them looked like they hadn’t eaten in days.

Nzuri:
Well, yeah. That’s why Mom told us never to go there. But nooo, you had to see what was past the Bone Canyon.

Mzuri (smirking):
And now we know. Totally worth it.

[They move faster now, trying to be silent but occasionally crunching twigs under paw. As they near a rocky path, a shadow appears in front of them.]

[Suddenly — WHUMP! — Mzuri yelps as someone steps on her tail, making her trip and tumble.]

Mzuri (yelping):
HEY! Ow—watch it!

Chiku (calm but firm):
Right where I thought you’d be.

[The moonlight reveals CHIKU, slightly older and taller, with her mother Kiara’s sleek build and her father Kovu’s piercing eyes. Her paw rests on Mzuri’s tail.]

Nzuri (groaning):
Oh great. Royal patrol.

Chiku (sternly):
You two were supposed to be back over an hour ago. You missed dinner. Again.

Mzuri (scrambling up and glaring):
We were just—walking! Since when is it a crime to walk around the Pride Lands?

Chiku (deadpan):
Walking? Don’t insult my ears. You both reek of ash and Outlands dust. I know that smell.

Nzuri (rolling her eyes):
Oh come on, Chiku. We’re not little cubs anymore. We can take care of ourselves.

Chiku (stepping forward):
The Outlands are dangerous. You know that. There’s a reason my Mother banned anyone from going there alone—especially cubs with no training!

Mzuri (tail flicking, defensive):
We’re not cubs! We’re almost full-grown, and I don’t need you playing “future queen” with me. You’re not our Mom. You don’t rule us.

Nzuri (huffing):
Ugh, can we not do this drama thing? We're already in trouble. No need to make it worse.

Chiku (voice lowering):
You will be in trouble when your mother hears. Or would you prefer I tell her myself?

Mzuri (growling under her breath):
You wouldn’t.

Chiku (smirking):
Try me.

[A tense pause. Crickets chirp louder. The moon hangs above the silhouetted figure of Pride Rock.]

Nzuri (sighing):
Let’s just go back. I'm starving and I'm not in the mood for royal lectures.

Mzuri (quietly):
Fine. But we’re not sorry.

Chiku (starting to walk beside them):
You will be if you pull something like this again. Next time, I will report it straight to the my Uncle's Guard.

[The three lionesses walk toward Pride Rock, Mzuri dragging her paws, Nzuri trotting ahead, and Chiku keeping pace just behind them like a silent shadow.]

[Fade out.]

Base Made By ~ @Rethza

Base Made By ~ @GryphonsArt