Tadashi was excited. It was his first time to explore the Pridelands. As long he can remember, he was really bored of being inside the cave. 

But he felt completely isolated, all the other cubs get to go hunting with their mothers, and do what every cub can do without being scolded. 

The young prince sighs, as he went out of the boring environment, as he stretch out his legs. 

He sat on the top of Pride Rock, as he gazes at the lands, wondering what was out there. "You're nervous, aren't you?"

He turns to see it was his uncle, Zuko. He sat next to the young prince, as he knew he was trustworthy. 

"Well, I'm very conflicted. Mother rarely lets go out to venture into the Pridelands. I'm not a little cub that needs to stay put." 

The lion chuckled. "Well, i know how Aziz is being careful. It is very dangerous to be exploring -" 

"And what is this about exploring?" A voice interrupts their conversation, as both lions knew who it belongs to. 

"M-morning Mother." Tadashi said, as the queen looks at the cub. "Tadashi, I know that you wanted to explore the lands so desperately, and you have to right to, but it is very important to be -" 

The cub had heard his mother's conditions many times as he wants to go out, "To be near at Pride Rock at all times. 

Stay away from any strangers, don't go near them. Come straight home before dark. All right, I get it so just please let me go." 

The siblings smiled at the eager cub, as Kaku walks towards the group as he said, "Tadashi, please be kind to your mother. She seems well." 

"Of course I will, Pa." 

Aziz points out, "Oh, I nearly forgot. Don't go to the Outlands. That place is forbidden." 

"Forbidden? Why would it be? What's out there?" 

"Oh, well, there is some murderous, vile, Outsiders. We can't trust them." Zuko said, as the young cub was confused by his uncle's words. 

"Really? What could they be that cruel?" 

Aziz said, "It's nothing to be concerned about, my son. Now, I'll let you go now." 

"But mom, i.." 

"You'll understand once you're an adult. So, go on." 

The cub said, "I will be home soon." 

"Stay safe, Tadashi!" Zuko said, as Kaku laughs at his wife's behavior. 

"Oh, my goodness, Aziz. Geez, you really become a such a worrier with Tadashi. He really has come out of his shell lately. It's hard for him, he knows exactly that being a royal isn't going to be easy. 

Does he remind you of someone you used to know?"

Aziz said, "Tadashi reminds of who?"

"You. Who else I was referring to? You caused us trouble, I still remember of how we went to that Elephant Graveyard in his age." 

Aziz chuckled as she pins her husband down, "And yet, you followed me till Papa saved us." 

The lovers muzzled, as Kaku stands up, "I'm sure that our son would be fine. Let him be as he is." 

The queen was still hesaint, that she couldn't bear of loosing her only child just like her childhood was. 

If it wasn't for her two adoptive fathers, Timon and Pumbaa, she wouldn't be able to survive and that she can rule the Pridelands in peace. 

She makes sure that nobody could see, as she whispers, "Timon, Pumbaa, can you guys come here for a split second? I have a request for you." 

"Hey, Aziz, what's the matter?" The meerkat asked, as the lion replied, "It's bout Tadashi. I'm sure that things would not be pleasant." 

The meerkat reassures her, "Don't worry, we'll take care of him." 

"We will?" The warthog asked, wondering that the cub wouldn't be too pleased of his mother babying him. 

"Just trust in me. We'll be fine." Timon said to the warthog. 

Meanwhile in the Outlands, Neteyam and Kayo, the older sons of Zira and Mufusa was having a mock battle while, they were being watched by Asani, the youngest. 

"You're going to be impressed, sister. I will beat Kayo today." Neteyam declares as Kayo rolls his eyes. 

He knew that why he wanted to battle him, he wanted to get their mother's attention. He never admires Asani because of her spending time training patrols with her. All the attention was on her, only on her, because she was the "Chosen One." 

The young brothers fought, as the lioness couldn't bear of watching her older brothers. She wanted to do something different. 

Something that would throw off their game. That was when she had a bright, sneaky idea that formed into her mind. 

"Well, they are going to be busy fighting each other, I can escape and explore the rest of the Outlands myself. 

I'm sure that Mother wouldn't mind at this." 

As Asani leaves, the lioness wasn't truly aware that an encounter would change her perspective about her life choices and who she truly wants to become.