A/N: So, I've had this idea in the works for a couple of months now, ever since I re-watched the Lion King, which in my opinion is without a doubt one of the greatest films Disney films ever, and quite possibly one of the greatest films in general. But then, that's just my opinion. That said, I kind of mulled over the idea of what would have happened if Mufasa managed to survive that fateful stampede? A lot, that's for sure. And I'm sure others have thought the same. Nevertheless, this is my take on the idea, and I hope you lot enjoy it!
Also, a little fun fact, today is World Lion Day, so I thought it would be fun to post this tonight. Happy Lion Day, everyone!
Disclaimer: I do not own The Lion King or any of the characters, Disney does.
…
Simba clung to the dead tree for dear life as the herd of wildebeests thundered just beneath him. A few of their heads seemed to just graze the tips of his back paws, that dangled helplessly as he struggled to maintain his hold on the dead wood.
The tree wobbled violently as the stampeding beasts repeatedly collided with it in their charge, unaware of the Prince of Pride Rock precariously perched just above them.
Simba could feel his entire body shuddering. Was that his body reacting out of the overwhelming terror he felt, or was it simply the vibrations coming from the earth as it was trampled?
Like he could be…
He then felt a rush of both hope and desperation as a familiar face emerged from the dust that was being kicked up all around him…a blue bird with a long orange beak…
He'd know that face anywhere!
"Zazu, help me!" he pleaded, his cries barely audible over the chaos surrounding him.
"Your father is on the way, Simba!" Zazu shouted as loud as he could. "Hold on!"
"Hurry!" Simba's claws were digging into the wood, but he could still feel his grip weakening and his body slipping closer to the sharp horns and hooves below.
'Dad, please hurry!' the cub screamed inwardly, his eyes closing tightly as he tried to block out the horrific sound of the wood groaning, fearing at any moment the branch would snap, sending him tumbling to his doom.
"Hold on, Simba!" a commanding voice rang out. "I'm coming!"
A wildebeest slammed headfirst into the base of the tree, nearly separating it from its roots and shaking Simba loose.
"Daaaad!" the young prince shrieked as he momentarily lost his grip, regaining it just in time. A second later and he would have fallen.
But he couldn't hold on much longer.
Then it came. A sickening crack! reached Simba's ears and in an instant, he felt his body fly into the air, all four limbs flailing helplessly as a bloodcurdling scream sounded from within him. But before he could crash to the hard ground, he saw his father emerge from the horde and launch himself above them, catching Simba between his jaws.
Simba panted as his father wove in between the wildebeests, carefully navigating his way around those nightmarish hooves and horns. Simba wanted to feel safe now that his father had him, but they were still in the canyon, there was no way out. Their only hope was to manage not to be trampled.
Suddenly, a wildebeest rammed against Mufasa, nearly knocking the king off his feet, but successfully knocking Simba from his grasp.
The lion prince grunted as he hit the ground and rolled for a moment. Disoriented both from the fall and the dust filling his eyes and nose, Simba staggered about blindly, trying to avoid being stepped on.
It happened so quickly…he felt the pain cut through him like his father's claws through a zebra carcass. Agony filled his entire body. He couldn't even scream.
Then, everything went black.
…
King Mufasa's eyes widened in horror as he saw the crimson streaks staining the golden fur of his son and only child.
He had just had him! He had dropped him, but it had only been for a second!
That may be all it would take…
No! He would not lose his son. He couldn't!
He had to focus. He was the king, and Simba's father on top of that. If he fell apart, it would do no good. Certainly not for Simba.
Steeling himself, Mufasa lifted the seemingly unconscious cub as gently as he could back into his jaws, careful to hold on tightly, but not so tightly it hurt his son.
As he rushed for an opening in the canyon walls, Simba squirmed in his hold, only letting out a soft cry that faded into a pained mewl.
'Hold on, Simba. We're nearly home,' Mufasa encouraged inwardly.
He had to get him back to Pride Rock. Rafiki would be able to help.
Mufasa reminded himself of that fact over and over again in his mind as he raced home with his son.
Rafiki would be able to help. He had to!
…
…
Alright, I'm going to go ahead and leave it there for you. Yes, I know cliffhangers are evil. And that's precisely why I use them. But no worries, I can assure you that this Friday evening, you will have a new chapter so you can see what becomes of poor Simba. But that's the only hint I'm giving. In the meantime, I do hope you lovely folks enjoyed this first chapter. If you did, and you'd like to leave a review, I would greatly appreciate it. And until Friday, everyone!