Simba hated his life. Everything was so unfair. He did so many things to help others. He'd saved lives. Everyone else thought of him as a hero. So why didn't his parents? Why couldn't they understand?
They just didn't listen. They didn't pay any attention to him. They just thought he was immature, uncaring, and selfish – when really it was the complete opposite. He was just trying to protect them. If they knew the danger he got himself into, then they would never let him leave the kingdom again.
But it was far too late for that now. They knew. Knew all about the danger, the horror, and the villains.
Why couldn't he keep his big mouth shut? His parents were idiots. Complete and utter idiots. He was more responsible than the two of them put together. If he was the King right now, then he'd be doing a much better job!
Simba leant back against the tree, staring at the shimmering water by the water hole. "It's not fair," he said, closing his eyes. "No one ever understands around here."
Whenever Simba was having a tough time, he always sat by this particular tree. It was the tree that he and Nala first met by. Something about it just… calmed him down, somehow. It made him feel better. Maybe it was because it was part of a good memory – one of the happiest memories in his life.
Simba looked up at the sky, groaning. "What am I going to do?"
He couldn't go back. His parents would ground him for ever, and he wouldn't ever be able to speak to either Nala or Haiba again!
His life would be over. Maybe his parents wouldn't even let him become the King! They might decide that he wasn't fit enough, and would pick some other cub to take his place. Or his parents might have another cub of their own, and banish Simba for all eternity!
He pushed the thought out of his mind, shaking his head. "Whoa, Simba," he said to himself. "You're getting ahead of yourself. That's what you get for having an overactive imagination."
"Are you quite finished talking to yourself?" asked a voice from above Simba. "I'm finding it rather hard to sleep up here."
Simba rolled his eyes and whacked the tree with a paw. Suddenly, a rustling sound was heard from above, and a few seconds later, Zazu plummeted to the ground.
"Simba, how could you?" he yelled, picking himself up. "Where are your manners? You don't knock people out of trees when they're trying to sleep in them!"
"Zazu, what are you doing in my tree?" Simba asked. "I was trying to have a few peaceful seconds by myself. Is that too much to ask for around this dumb old place?"
"Were you not paying attention before?" replied Zazu. "I told you, Simba. This tree is one of the best in the Pride Lands. In other words, it's perfect for a little hornbill like me."
Simba chuckled. "We're gonna have a war over this tree one day," he joked. "Did you know that this was where Nala and I first met?"
Zazu frowned. "Where the nightmare began," he remarked. "I'm just lucky that I don't have to follow you two nuisances around the place anymore."
"'Nuisances'?" Simba repeated. "Zazu, just what is your problem against us? If it wasn't for Nala and me, then you'd probably be dead. Face it, Zazu: you can't look after yourself."
"I beg your pardon?" Zazu yelled, looking absolutely offended. "I'll have you know that I can look after myself just fine!"
"Oh, really?" Simba challenged. "Zazu, when have you ever had to defend yourself before? You were cowering like a baby when Hago and Uncle Scar tried to take over the kingdom. In fact, you were going to let them kill us just so you could save yourself."
"I don't cope well under pressure," Zazu told him. "But when push comes to shove, I can be a most formidable force."
"Yeah, right," said Simba, rolling his eyes. "There's not a strong bone in that tiny body of yours."
"That's what you think, fuzzy!" Zazu shot back.
"Okay, so if you're not a coward, then prove it," said Simba.
"And how am I supposed to do that?" asked Zazu. "Would you like me to perhaps throw myself off the edge of a cliff? Would that suffice?"
Simba shook his head. "Nah, that's not dangerous enough," he said, causing Zazu to look shocked. "Look, I've got an idea: why don't you come with me on a dangerous adventure? That way you can prove to me that you're not just a great, big scaredy-cat."
"You want me to come with you?" Zazu said slowly, trying to figure out if the cub was being serious or not. "Is this some kind of joke?"
"Not at all," replied Simba. "I was planning on getting out of here, anyway. Come on, Zazu – it'll be fun." A sly look appeared on his face. "Unless, of course, you're too scared…"
"Scared? Me?" said Zazu. "I'm not scared at all! I don't care if you drag me into a fiery pit of death!" He folded his wings. "I will refuse to show any signs of fear."
Simba chuckled sinisterly. "Then where do you want to go, Zazu?" he asked. "The Cave of Doom? The Waterfalls of Certain Death? Pick your poison."
Zazu's eyes widened in fear. "Uh… Well…"
"I haven't got all day…" said Simba in a singsong voice. "Or would you like me to choose for you?"
"Yes!" said Zazu quickly. "You choose, young master! What did you have in mind?"
Simba laughed again. He loved this. The day was turning out to be a lot less depressing than he first thought. "Oh… you'll see…" He rose to his paws, walking along the edge of the water hole. "Come on, Zazu. Here's your chance to see what it feels like to be me."
Why do I get the feeling I'm going to regret this for the rest of my life? Zazu asked himself, before spreading his wings and flying off after the Prince. "Don't go too fast now, young master! I don't want to lose you!"
He's doomed, thought Simba with a sneaky grin. Not only was he going to get away from the Pride Lands, but was also going to have a massive amount of fun torturing Zazu.
It really couldn't get any better.