We returned to Pride Rock together, and Tanabi came running down to meet us.

"Wow, Auntie Usiku! I'm glad you're back!"

"Me too, Tani," she replied, smiling.

"Where'd you go?"

"Uh, maybe I'll tell you another time."

"OK, sure!"

As we approached the rocks, Nala and Mtifu came down to meet us as well. Usiku looked at Mtifu, and her eyes were touched with sadness. But Mtifu was notoriously good natured, and, she didn't lose friends that easy. She went up to Usiku and licked her on the cheek in a loving gesture, before the two of them headed up to the cave together. Sava and Tani ran off to play with a few of the other cubs, and I was left with Nala.

"Hey," I smiled at her.

"What's up?" she laughed happily.

"Just a small problem, it's all over now."

"Oh, I am glad," she laughed again.

"Everyone seems happy again. The Pride's back together, the River Pride are miles away, and Usiku's back. They won't have a problem with her."

"No, you did a good job Simba."

I nuzzled her and we sat together for a few short seconds looking out across the grasslands at the cubs playing.

"Fancy going for a walk?"

"I'd love to."

We set off, in silence, though it wasn't an unhappy silence, more a relieved one. We were both happy just to wallow in our own thoughts for now, and contemplate what the future might bring…

"YEEOOWW!!" I heard.

I'd accidentally stepped on a tail which was draped across my path.

An animal jumped up across my vision. It looked distinctly like a meerkat…

He stopped and looked at me, not realising who I was, "That hurt you stupid… Hey Simba! How are you?"

"Fine," I replied, incredulously. "What were you doing down there?"

He put on hand to his mouth in a 'whispering' gesture before saying "Lying low, Simba. Can we come out yet?"

I laughed at their inability to understand my metaphor.

"Yeah, c'mon guys, out you come."

"All right!" shouted Pumbaa, appearing from a little way off. "I thought I was going to have to stay crouched forever. It's hell on the knees, don't ya know?"

"I, er – no, I didn't!"

"Yep. It's hot down there too. Difficult to move. I hope you never make us lie low again Simba."

"I'll try and make sure it never hap…"

"C'mon, quit talking," interrupted Timon, "me and Pumbaa need to go get some grub. See you around Simba ol' pal!"

I laughed as they headed off stiffly into the distance towards their favourite 'grub' location, before continuing my walk with Nala.

We went off together, towards the waterhole. I told her all about what had happened, with the River Pride, and Jimbala, Shuku, Usiku and her mother, and she was shocked and pleased in equal measure by the end.

"It must have been tough for you," she said thoughtfully, pawing the water as we lay at the side.

"Well," I thought about it for a moment, "Yes, but I knew it would be all right really."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I just remembered what Rafiki said."

"What was that?"

"Have faith in yourself, and everything will be alright."

The End

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed it, wasn't too long etc. I've no plans to write another one, but i've had a few ideas, so never say never ;) Anyone's welcome to use any of my original characters by the way, but it'd be appreciated if you'd let me know, cos I'd be interested to see what you'd do with them.

Ta!