A/N: Italics represent Simba's unspoken thoughts and...something else but read to know more...
He had tried. He really did.
When Scar had whispered the truth into his ears, blind rage overtook him. His whole life was a lie.
And yet...he still completely and utterly bestowed the blame for his father's death.
If only I hadn't gone with Uncle Scar...if only I had not been so stupid as to stay in the gorge alone...if only I'd helped Dad out of the stampede...
Yes. Everything concerning Simba was filled with "If only"s.
A unbearable pain ripped through his front leg. His scream pierced the air as Scar grinned evilly in triumph.
No. I'm not letting you win again.
Simba, with the last of his dwindling strength, pushed his Uncle away from him. The pain was getting far worse; a wage of nausea swept over him.
His brain was becoming foggy and suddenly, he realised that he was lying on the rock, eyes shut.
I've failed. I've failed everyone- Nala, mum...Father.
Simba felt a pang of remorse.
...Oh Dad!
And then, out of nowhere, he heard his voice. Of course... he must be dreaming. Was he?
"Come on, son, up you get now."
Simba's breathing became heavier, he opened his eyes a fraction but merely saw a dark shadow standing over him. He closed his eyes again and tried to reply to his father's voice but was too drained to do so...
"Don't do this to me, Simba- please get up."
A few moments later and: "P-please!"
The voice wobbled slightly- almost sounding on the verge of tears. That couldn't be Mufasa then...
Simba accidentally twitched the broken leg which caused him to cry out in agony.
"Ssh...I've got you..."
The exhausted lion felt someone lie down beside him. A paw was draped around him...it felt warm and comforting...and Simba realised he was being rocked very gently...
***
He had the sensation of feeling extremely small. But also slightly scared; he was sobbing quietly.
There was a troubled sigh from above. "Another nightmare, sweetheart? Don't worry."
Another voice entered...it was deep and meaningful and good and pure..."We can't have that now, can we? Hmm..."
Simba sniffed and there was a chuckle from the second voice: "Alright, alright! I'll be a few moments, Sarabi."
"Missing you already." The reply was light-hearted and sounded vaguely familiar, as did the deeper voice.
He was wrapped into a strong embrace and felt instantly better. Something that felt soft, like a mane, brushed across his nose and he sneezed.
Another friendly chuckle. "You're a cute little thing aren't you, Simba?"
Silence for a few seconds...then- song. A tune filled his ears; except "tune" was not the best word to describe it. It was...inspirational and hopeful...it lifted his heart...
***
And this beautiful melody still echoed within Simba's mind even when the long forgotten memory faded away...
Yes, this was quite a bit shorter than the last chapter but Simba's hurt, you can't expect him to think of much. (Actually, I couldn't really think of much. *grins*) Hopefully a little of Mufasa and Scar (Taka, whatever you want to call him) in chapter 3.
IMPORTANT:- I've noticed a number of people have added this story or me to their favourites. I'm very pleased but please, please review. If I don't know how to make my fanfics better, I can't write anymore. As we all know, that would be a tragedy. Joking, everyone!
So, once again, review please and I shall be eternally grateful. *grins again*