Hey guys, I'm back with more good stuff.
I'm finishing another story right now, so I'm just glad that I remembered to get this one up and running. Just ignore any spelling or grammar errors they can be so easy to miss.
But anyways, continue now.
As the days rolled by, the Pride Lands was making great progress to become the once beautiful land it was. Simba had been doing his best every day to make sure that his pride was well cared for, but ever since his near panic attack of losing Nala he had become slightly overprotective of her. Simba was fully aware that his mate didn't want to be treated like a cub, she was a mature adult lioness who was more than capable of protecting herself and those around her.
Yet Simba still couldn't shake off that feeling that something terrible would happen to her if he wasn't careful. She was his everything, the only lioness he had ever loved since they were children. It would be too much to bear if he lost her. He could never forgive himself if he did. Simba was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't hear Zazu at all. It wasn't until the bird flew right up into the king's face catching him off guard that he had his full attention. The bird didn't look to amused by Simba's lack of concentration.
"Your Majesty, I would kindly implore you to pay attention to what I have to say".
Simba resisted the urge to roll his eyes "Zazu we go through this every morning, is it really necessary".
"But of course, the king must always have the latest details in the kingdom no matter what. We mustn't break away from this important engagement".
He sighed "I'm sorry Zazu, my mind is just elsewhere right now".
Zazu flew down to perch on his shoulder "I understand completely about your worries for the queen, but sire, a word of advice. If you go about worrying too much then it will affect your health and as ruler of the Pride lands you must be in peak condition".
Simba didn't want to hear Zazu lecture him. He wasn't in the mood for that, but he knew that Zazu was right. He had been worrying non-stop for weeks now, he knew that he was tired but what was he supposed to do. The hornbill cleared his throat "If pleases you sire, perhaps we can postpone the morning report for a little while".
That was the best news he had heard all day. Zazu could be a little persistent, but even he still cared for Simba as a friend and knew that the king needed some time for himself. He gave him a soft look "Thanks, Zazu". He watched as the hornbill flew off to survey the land.
No sooner had Zazu left, than Timon and Pumbaa had found him "There he is! The mighty, the powerful, the wonderful King".
"Come on Timon, cut that out". He didn't like having his title flaunted in front of him, even if Timon was just joking around.
"Nala told us that you've been a stick in the mud, so that's why we're here".
He raised an eyebrow "Huh?"
"What Pumbaa is trying to say is, that our best friend in the world deserves a little relaxation and carefree fun fit for royalty".
"Look guys I don't- ", "Timon cut him off, "Nope. Not another word out of you. We insist that you take some luxury time to let your cares go and Pumbaa and I won't take no for an answer".
The warthog smiled "Come on Simba, please? Do it for us".
Seeing his two best friends like this was more than enough to make him give in. He knew that they were worried about him, and he appreciated that. They had always helped him out no matter what. Besides he couldn't remember the last time they had all been together as a trio.
He sighed "Oh, ok. Maybe for a little while".
His answer pleased them both greatly "That's perfect! Timon and I found the best spot in the Pride Lands that has the juiciest grubs, let's all go check it out".
Since becoming king, Simba hadn't eaten bugs since he thought that it wouldn't be dignifying for a ruler to be seen eating bugs. But secretly he had missed chowing down on grubs with his best friends and would occasionally sneak a few bugs in secret. It brought back old memories of when he was a cub and he first started eating bugs.
"What did I tell ya? This place is great, bugs everywhere!".
"Oh, you were right Timon, that's why you're so smart".
"Naturally, I am clever fellow".
Simba couldn't help but chuckle. Timon had always been like that, but he knew that the little meerkat cared very much for his friends.
"Next stop now, no time to waste".
They all ended up in a sunny spot somewhere near the watering hole, Simba had to admit the feeling of warm sunshine did feel great. It was even better when his buddies snuggled up against him.
"Ah, this is just like old times".
"Couldn't have said it better myself, the three of us together all enjoying some good sunlight. Nothing beats this".
The king breathed in deeply, he did have to admit that he had missed the good old times that he had spent with Timon and Pumbaa. They used to lay together for hours in the sunlight just enjoying each other's company. It was almost like they were back in the jungle right now. Moments like this were rare but worth cherishing.
"Hey Simba?"
"What is it?"
"That annoying bird told us about Nala. So Pumbaa and I wanted you to know that we're here for you buddy".
"You guys…".
"Timon's right, we'd never let you suffer all alone. That's why whenever you're in a jam we'll always be there for you".
"You know, Nala's kind of grown on us. No wonder she's perfect for you".
"Oh, yes. She's so nice and pretty".
There was a warmth that filled his chest to the brim, the memories of being a cub, lost and alone came back to him. His years spent away in hiding were painful and difficult; but Timon and Pumbaa were always there for him no matter how scary it got. They were more than just his best friends, they were his family. Simba couldn't help but smile as his strong forearms took them into a hug. He felt so much better now than he had in weeks. Timon and Pumbaa would always be there for him when he needed them.
"Thanks guys".
Elsewhere in the Pride Lands, Nala was walking by herself in search of any sort of food. While the herds still had not returned yet that didn't mean it wasn't a possibility that something was out there, and as the queen Nala had her duty to help her pride in any way she could. She had done this hundreds of times before. Zazu had told her that no Outsiders had been spotted, but she knew that she still needed to be careful. Nala was fully aware that Zira wouldn't miss any opportunity to strike and now that she was officially the queen, Nala had to be extra alert.
For a while she roamed around looking for a sign of sorts. It was much too quiet for her liking and as she continued walking, she was getting this weird feeling that something was watching her. Having survived Scar's reign Nala had tuned her senses to be alert for the slightest sign of danger. She kept looking over her shoulder, but she didn't see anything there. It was starting to make her worry.
"I'm being paranoid. Calm down" she told herself.
Nala kept on walking but that uneasy feeling of something following her didn't go away. She stopped suddenly and smelled the air. It was faint, but she could clearly tell that something was there. So, she wasn't being paranoid, someone was following her. She needed to think for a moment. She didn't know for sure if it was an Outsider, if it was a member of her pride, they would've made themselves known a long time ago. Whoever this was, they kept their presence hidden well; even she couldn't tell who it was exactly.
She thought a moment longer, the logical thing to do would be to head back to Pride Rock. But if there was supposedly more than one, then that would also prevent her from going back since they wouldn't allow her too. It was safe to assume that their intentions were hostile and whatever they had in mind involved her in some way. She tsked to herself in annoyance, she needed to get back to Pride Rock quickly. The fastest way to do that would be to try and lose them, the sooner the better. Nala didn't want to fight, but she would if she honestly had too.
She started in a direction that she knew would be the fastest route back. She was still getting the scent of the one trailing her, they weren't far behind. So, she picked up the pace a bit, she kept going for some time, but her sharp ears could hear faint footsteps. Whoever they were now they were catching up to her and were getting too close for comfort. Nala reminded herself to remain calm, she briefly looked over her shoulder, she didn't see anyone, but she knew they were there. She was almost home, just a little bit further.
From behind her ears told her they were gaining ground, and it wouldn't be much longer until they caught up with her. Her senses were telling her to go faster for her own safety and she did just that, in the distance she saw a wide, deep ravine if she could get across, she'd lose her pursuer for good. It wasn't without its risk, there were sharp jagged rocks at the bottom that could easily skew her if she fell but it was a risk that she was willing to take if it meant she could get away.
Running now and full speed, Nala held her breath as she jumped across it. She really had to hold on as she thankfully made it to the other side, but she yelped in pain as she accidentally cut one of her back legs on a sharp ledge she hadn't seen. Using her strength Nala pulled herself up to the other side and she knew at once that she was safe.
Whoever had been following her was gone now, it seemed as though they knew better than to keep pursuing her.
Nala looked down and hissed slightly, there was a large gash across her right hind leg. It had cut deeper than she thought. Well shit, this was most certainly a problem. She still needed to make it to Pride Rock, but at least she was safe. She made a mental note to tell Zazu to warn everyone in the pride as she slowly but surely walked back. Her leg was still bleeding and stinging like crazy, but she was almost there.
It had been her mother that spotted her first, Sarafina was alarmed as she ran out of the den. "Nala! Are you alright?! What happened to you?"
"I'm fine mom, it's just a scratch is all".
Her mother's nose was on high alert as she noticed her injury. She gasped in surprise. "You're bleeding heavily!".
"It's nothing really, I just had a little accident".
Sarafina wouldn't hear it, "Don't move I'll help you inside. We must get Rafiki quickly".
Nala huffed a little "Mom, I told you it's just a scratch I don't need any help" as if on cue she nearly toppled over as the pain in her back leg intensified and Sarafina was there to catch her.
Once Nala was inside the den, Rafiki was sent for and Sarafina took a look. "Oh, my. This looks bad. What in the world happened out there?".
Nala explained to her mother how she had been followed, and how she had jumped across the ravine to make her escape since she knew that they couldn't keep following her that way. Sarafina couldn't help but nuzzle her daughter "My darling child, I'm just glad that you're safe". The queen nuzzled her mother back, knowing that she was simply worried about her is all.
"What should we tell Simba? He'll be very concerned when he hears this".
She didn't have time to answer that question as the sound of his voice was close by. He was coming in fast.
"Nala?! Are you ok?!" There was a flash of color, and the next thing Nala knew, Simba had appeared taking her in his embrace and the sudden movement made her wince in pain. Timon and Pumbaa had caught up a few moments later completely out of breath. Simba had sprinted as fast as he could back home, and the meerkat and warthog had been right behind him to see what the commotion was all about.
"Simba you're hurting me". He quickly backed off to ease her pain, apologizing to her "Zazu told us that Rafiki was coming to check on you. He said that you had been bleeding!".
Before she could get a word out, her mate was asking a million questions too fast and Sarafina had to tell Simba to breathe before he passed out. Much to Nala's annoyance he was all over her trying to help her out when he was just getting in the way. Rafiki had thankfully appeared when he did and shooed the worried king outside with Timon and Pumbaa in tow so that he could examine Nala.
"Hmm, this is very bothersome indeed". He said as he looked over her leg, "But it is nothing a little rest will not fix. It's not as bad as it looks". He wiped away the dry blood with a bit of water he had brought with him to reveal the gash. The bleeding had stopped, but it was still tender.
"How long until it heals?" he tapped her nose.
"Now, now. There is no need to be anxious, it will heal on its own time. Just make sure to stay off your back leg for three days".
Sarafina sighed in relief knowing that it wasn't a serious injury. "Now tell me Nala, what were you doing to acquire such a thing?".
As she relayed her story, Rafiki nodded as he listened "I see. That is a worrisome thought".
"I'm glad that I lost them when I did. But I don't want to jump to conclusions and say that it's a sign of something to come".
"Rafiki patted her shoulder "Do not worry my dear, this old monkey will help in anyway he can, I am just glad that you are safe".
Nala looked worried "What about Simba?"
Rafiki laughed as he winked at her "Don't worry about him, I'll talk some sense into him".
She knew that if anyone would be able to calm Simba down it was Rafiki. He always had his way of helping, even if it wasn't the most direct of approaches. She trusted her in her friend. Once Rafiki left after applying a special paste to her leg to help it heal faster, Sarafina cuddled up against her daughter and Nala welcomed her mother's affection.
"It's going to be alright my sweet. He knows what to do".
"It's not that mom, it's Simba that I'm concerned about. You know how he is".
"He's only acting the way he is because he loves you".
"I know that. But still, I don't want something to happen to him because of me".
From outside the den entrance, they heard Simba yelp in pain and they both laughed, knowing that Rafiki had hit him on the nogging for worrying too much for his own good. It was just the distraction that Nala needed to feel a little better.
"Let's just focus on your leg getting better. I'm sure that whatever it is that Rafiki has to say to Simba it will help".
Nala could only nod as she leaned against her mother. Today she had gotten lucky but maybe next time she probably wouldn't have the same fortune. These were going to be troublesome times for a bit.
Sorry this chapter took a while. I was busy with other things also. With school around the corner for me I'll see what I can do to have the next chapter up soon. So, in the meantime, please review and until next time everybody.