"You know, when I said Simba was fast, I didn't mean this fast," Haiba said, as he and Nala trekked through the jungle.

They had been walking through the seemingly identical plants and trees for hours now, and they had seen no sign of Simba. Not even the tiniest glimpse. "Are you sure he would have come this far?"

"Yes," replied Nala. "Of course he would. He wants to get as far away from his family as possible. They're just a bunch of big meanies to him. They don't appreciate all the things he does for us."

"Okay, I'll admit they're a little… cruel, but wouldn't they have a reason for it?" asked Haiba. "There's always a reason for something, isn't there?"

Haiba didn't know Simba's parents all that well – having only just settled in to life at the Pride Lands, so he had no idea how their minds worked. He didn't realise how upset they made Simba when they refused to acknowledge that he had done something good. And that occurred a lot.

So Haiba was pretty much stumped on this one. He didn't know what to say. He just couldn't decide on who was right:

Simba or his parents? "Haiba, when you've known Simba for as long as I have – and that's pretty long – then you can see when he's wrong, and you can see when he's right," Nala told him. "Do you get what I'm saying?"

"I… guess," Haiba replied, scratching his head. "I'm still feeling a little confused, though. Could you explain this a bit more to me?"

"His parents are wrong," Nala explained, "but they just won't admit that. They think he just throws up straight into trouble!"

"He does, doesn't he?" said Haiba. "It's what I know him best for. If you want to endanger your life, then Simba is the cub you go to."

It was true that Simba often got Nala and Haiba into danger. But it wasn't exactly like they were protesting against it. They knew the risks, and never disagreed when danger came into the equation. They were a team, and they were going to stay that way for ever – fighting against evil until they day they died.

"We are the ones who get ourselves into danger, Haiba," Nala corrected him. "Simba may be the leader, but we know what we're getting into, don't we? It's not like he… forces us into trouble, is it? We agree. We don't care."

"That's not what his parents say," replied Haiba. "I mean, Simba is pretty reckless." He shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe they're right."

"I can't believe I'm hearing this!" Nala exclaimed, a shocked expression on her face. "Are you going to believe… rats like them, or honest bugs like me and Simba?"

"I don't know who to believe!" Haiba replied, his eyes widening. "It's all very confusing for me! It's this jungle heat." He looked around, grabbing the fur on top of his head. "It's getting to me. I'm going crazy! Help me, Nala! Help me!"

Nala slapped Haiba again, causing him to fall to the ground. "Yes!" he cried triumphantly, a grin forming on his face. "I knew you'd do that! I give it five more weeks and you'll be all over me!"

"I'd rather die," said Nala, a frown forming on her face.

She just couldn't understand Haiba sometimes. She assumed that he had some kind of a crush on her, but it was just… creepy, she had to admit. She wouldn't ever fall in love with Haiba. She liked him as a friend – as some kind of quirky brother – but that was it. She harboured no romantic feelings for him. She just hoped that one day this wouldn't ruin the neat little family she had…

"Oh, all right, fine," Haiba said, a little smile on his face. "Maybe I should wait until the afterlife, then."

Nala sighed, rolling her eyes. "Come on," she urged, gesturing for him to follow her. "We need to find Simba – before he hurts himself. For all we know he could be sinking in a pit full of quicksand right now. He could be lying on his back in the middle of the desert, starving slowly to death!"

"Aren't you exaggerating this just the tiniest bit?" Haiba asked. "Don't you think Simba can take care of himself for a couple of hours?"

"Of course he can," Nala responded. "It's just that he can do stupid things when he gets angry. And I've gotta be there to make sure he doesn't put himself in danger. I worry a lot about him."

"Do you think he worries about you?" Haiba asked, causing Nala to stop dead in her tracks. "I mean, he did just run away. It wasn't like he even said goodbye or anything."

She slowly turned around. "What are you talking about?" she asked. "Simba loves me! He's only just running away because he's angry."

"Are you sure?" Haiba questioned. "For all we know, he could have run away to a far-off place, and never ever wants to see us again."

Nala seemed to consider that possibility for a few moments, but then shook her head, denying it. "No," she stated, continuing to walk. "He wouldn't do that. He's just confused. Very confused."

Haiba stayed in place for a few moments, watching as Nala walked away. His eyes flashed a sinister, glowing red for a few moments. He then shook his head, as if something had invaded his mind, before following her.

"He's gotta be around here somewhere," Nala said to herself, keeping a careful look out for Simba's golden-brown fur and handsome auburn eyes. "We're, like, halfway through the jungle. Would he really go this far?"

"We could always ask," Haiba suggested. "You know – ask if anyone has seen him passing through. You never know."

"That's a good idea," Nala agreed. "But just who the heck are we going to ask around here? It doesn't seem like anyone has lived around here for miles."

Suddenly, a rustling sound was heard from nearby.

"Tojo, stop it!" a voice cried. "Pulling on it is only going to make things worse!"

"But I can't get it out, Tama!" exclaimed another voice. "It's way too hard!"

"Simba, I still think we really should return to the Pride Lands," Zazu insisted, an urgent look on his face. "I can see you're having a good time, but this is just ridiculous!"

Simba was having the time of his life right now. He was sat in a shallow pool, having his shoulders massaged by a rather attractive lioness. "In what way is it ridiculous, Zazu?" Simba asked the hornbill. "Life just doesn't get much better than this."

"I beg to differ," replied Zazu. "I find the only suitable home for me and you is the kingdom of the Pride Lands – not some pride with a pushy attitude and—"

"Now, now, Zazu," Simba interrupted, giving him a warning stare. "You don't want to go blabbing bad things about our new home. It might not make my people very happy."

Simba gestured around the pool, where all the lions and lionesses of the Mungu Pride had gathered round, to watch who they believed to be their god. "And you don't want to upset them, do you, Zazu?"

Zazu looked around, and became nervous at the sight of the Mungu Pride glaring angrily at him. "Oh… no. Not at all, young master. Maybe we should stay here after all."

Simba smiled. "Good. Let's make sure it stays that way – otherwise the God just might have to punish you. I saved your life before, Zazu, but I can take it away in a second. You don't want that now – do you?"

Zazu shook his head, an innocent smile on his beak. "You may do as you please, young master – so long as I don't end up in any unfortunate accidents."

"Don't worry," said Simba. "I'll make sure nothing happens to you. After all, you work for me now, Zazu, and I need you in good shape."

"Work for you?" Zazu was outraged. "Do you think I'm insane? I only work for the great King Mufasa!"

Simba shook his head, frowning. "Oh, no, Zazu. Times have changed. You have to do what I say from now on. It's either that or I throw you in the Dark Cave of Perpetual Suffering. And I hear they have tickling monkeys there now…"

Zazu shuddered. "As you wish, young master Simba. I shall…" He sighed, feeling like he'd hit a brand-new low. "Work for you for the foreseeable future."

"Perfect!" Simba exclaimed, a grin forming on his face. "We're going to be very happy here. Especially once Nala arrives.

That way I'll never be upset again!"

"How do you even know she's going to find you?" Zazu asked. "What makes you think she's even started searching for you yet?"

"It's Nala, Zazu. Of course she'll be looking for me," Simba assured her. "And if not, then I'll just have to get her myself."

I hope she gets here, too, Zazu thought to himself. She's the only cub who'll b e ab le to change his mind.

To say that Tama wasn't happy was an understatement. She was furious! Not furious with a person, but furious with this jungle! It was stupid! It was mean! It was causing her an infinite amount of trouble!

So why had she decided to live here? Because she loved it! The jungle was great! The jungle was wonderful! The jungle was beautiful! She had never ever lived in such an amazing place before in her life!

But sometimes it could be stressful. Right now, it was one of those stressful times. She was stuck in quite a tricky situation, and she didn't quite know how to get out.

And, to her dismay, neither did Tojo.

"Look, just try and rip it with your claws!" Tama shouted, turning her head to look at Tojo.

The two of them were dangling from the branch of a tree, tangled up in a seemingly infinite amount of thick, green vines.

Needless to say, they were having a lot of difficulty escaping. "I'm trying!" Tojo shouted back. "But I told you before: my claws are underdeveloped!"

"I thought that was just a fancy word you liked using!" Tama responded. "You never told me it actually meant something!"

"Well, it does, Tama," Tojo informed her. "My claws aren't very strong, and even if they were then I doubt they'd be able to cut through these thick vines."

"Then bite through them," Tama instructed. "Surely your teeth can't be underdeveloped too, can they?"

Tojo tried munching on one of the vines, but it was no use. "They're still… too… thick," he said, before letting go of the vine. "Ow. That really hurt my mouth." He looked at Tama. "Wait a second, why can't you try and break through the vines?"

"Uh…" Tama chuckled nervously. "No real reason. I just thought you wanted to be my brave hero."

"I thought I was your brave hero anyway," said Tojo, feeling a little hurt on the inside. "Even if I don't show it with my complete lack of physical strength. But I'm sure my mental strength more than makes up for it."

Tama giggled, and kissed Tojo on the cheek. "Of course you're my hero, Tojo," she told him. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Tojo's cheeks turned red, and he giggled quietly. "Thanks, Tama," he said. "Y-you're my hero, too – if that makes any sense."

Tama smiled. "It makes perfect sense, Tojo."

"Hey, are you in some kind of trouble?" asked a voice from below the two cubs.

Tama and Tojo looked down to see Nala and Haiba on the ground. "Oh great, it's Prince Cheesy," Tojo said, rolling his eyes upon seeing Haiba.

Haiba grinned. "Nice to see you, too," he remarked. "What are you doing all the way up there? Trying to impress your girlfriend?"

"Haiba, be nice," said Nala, giving him a little nudge on the side. "How did you get stuck up there?"

"It's a long story," replied Tojo. "But we would be very grateful if you could help us down. As long as you don't want some kind of reward."

"Well…" Haiba walked over to an ancient tree, which was attached to the branch they were dangling from. "It just so happens that I know a Grand Lands trick. A trick that may be of some use to you."

"So what is it?" Tama asked.

"You see, you have to…" Haiba started patting different parts of the tree with a paw. "Find the weakest point of the tree," he continued, before his face lit up. "Aha!" he exclaimed. "Now, brace yourselves!"

Haiba gave a certain part of the tree an almighty whack, causing Tama and Tojo to tumble to the ground.

Thump! Tama landed on top of Tojo. "Whoops," said Tama, looking down at Tojo. "Sorry, Tojo. I didn't mean to crush you."

"Apology accepted," Tojo said in a wheezy voice. "Now could you please get off me? My lungs are starting to fail."

Tama rose to her paws, smiling at Nala and Haiba. "Thanks," she told them. "I don't know what we would have done if you two didn't show up. If there's anything we can do for you, just—"

"Well—" Haiba began, before Nala clamped a paw over his mouth, stopping him from speaking.

"Actually, there is something you can do for us," Nala cut in. "You haven't seen Simba hanging around nearby, have you?"

"Simba?" Tama looked at Tojo, and then grinned. "Ha! I knew I was right! That cub who walked past us was Simba!"

"Wait, he walked past here and didn't even try to help you?" asked Nala, confused.

"He seemed to be a bit caught up in a conversation with some bird guy," Tama explained. "But I saw him head…" She pointed forwards. "That way."

Nala looked in that direction. "Great," she said, frowning. "Now I've gotta walk even further." She pulled Haiba away.

"Come on, Haiba. We're going."

"Well, it was fun seeing you, Tojo," Haiba told him. "I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again real soon."

"Uh… yeah," said Tojo, narrowing his eyes. "Whatever that means." He waved at the two as he left. "Bye."

Tama pulled Tojo up to her face. "So, Tojo, since I won that bet, I think I deserve a little reward."

"Does it involve kissing?" Tojo asked.

"Oh, yeah!"

"So how long are you planning to stay here for?" Zazu asked, hoping that this was just a phase Simba would grow out of.

Surely he couldn't want to stay in this odd pride for and ever?

"I'm staying here for ever and ever," Simba replied, causing Zazu's face to fall. "It's so great here. I'm their god. For once, I'm starting to get some respect! And that's all I've really ever wanted."

"I don't think your family are going to approve of this," said Zazu. "You're going to be in serious trouble when they find out. Maybe if we turn back now then I just might be able to work this whole mess out."

"I don't think so, Zazu," said Simba, shaking his head. "I don't see why you can't see what I see, you see?"

"No, I can't," Zazu agreed. "For a furry little cub, you perplex me to no end, Simba. I just can't figure you out. It seems that only your closest friends can."

"Speaking of which," said Simba, a smile spreading across his face. "You might be interested to see who's shown up."

Nala and Haiba were being dragged towards the pool Simba was sat in by Kiongozi and Kiume. "Hey, watch the fur, pal!"

Haiba threatened angrily. "I didn't grow this all for nothing!"

"Is this how you treat all your guests?" said Nala, glaring at Kiongozi threateningly. "If the answer is 'yes', then I doubt you get many!"

"Be quiet, girlie," Kiongozi snarled, before signalling to Kiume. They then both threw Nala and Haiba at Simba. "Here you go, God. We caught them snooping around the territory. What should we do with them? I recommend a painful execution… by drowning."

"That won't be necessary," Simba told them, before looking at Nala. "Hey, Nala. Nice to see you found me at my new home."

Nala was taken aback by this. "Your new home? Simba, what the heck are you talking about? Just what are you doing all the way out here?"

"I'm living here now, Nala," Simba explained. "Did you hear the way my mom was talking about me? I've had enough of them! They don't appreciate me one single bit! So now I'm staying here, where I am recognised as a god."

"A god?" Haiba was surprised. "It's amazing what you can accomplish in a few hours, isn't it?"

"Wait a second," said Kiongozi. "You mean to say that you recognise these people?"

"Of course I do," Simba replied. "They're my best friends."

"That's odd…" Kiongozi had a suspicious look on his face. "Because we don't know the God to have friends." He then grabbed Simba by the throat, holding him up to his face. "Considering you were supposed to have only recently been reborn!"

Simba chuckled nervously. "Oops. Guess I should have kept my big mouth shut, huh?"

Kiongozi unsheathed his claws. "Prepare to die," he said, ready to tear Simba's throat open. His pride's reputation had been tarnished by this untrustworthy trespasser. And now he would pay for it with his life.

"How did I know this was all going to end in tragedy?" said Zazu, looking up at the sky.

Haiba pointed at Zazu. "Hey, what's the bird doing here?"

"Excuse me, but that bird has a name!" Zazu yelled angrily. "And there are more pressing matters than that – like the welfare of the Prince!"

"Yes," said Simba, as he tried to wriggle away from Kiongozi, who had his claws tightly around Simba's throat. "Like my… Uh… What Zazu said."

"Then I would suggest Attack Plan Twenty-Two," said Haiba.

"What's Attack Plan Twenty-Two?" Nala asked.

"Pounce at the enemy and tear him to shreds," Haiba replied, before pouncing at Kiongozi, crying out at the top of his voice.

Kiongozi was taken by surprise, and dropped Simba in an effort to dodge Haiba.

But it was too late. Haiba landed on Kiongozi's back, extended his claws, and slashed the back of his neck.

Kiongozi snarled, looking to Kiume for help. "Kiume, help me!"

Kiume shrugged. "Sorry, Kiongozi, but I ain't going near that cub. He is one crazy guy!"

Haiba slashed Kiongozi across the back. "It's only gonna get worse, you know," he told the lion.

Kiongozi growled, wrenching Haiba from his back and throwing him violently to the ground. "For you, maybe," he retorted, before stamping the ground with his forepaws, gaining the attention of his fellow lions and lionesses. "Brothers! Sisters!" he called. "Hunt down those three cubs and rip them apart! Oh, and rip off the bird's wings, too."

"Yeah, I think it's time we were leaving," Nala muttered, before running back in the direction she had been dragged. "You should all be following me, by the way!"

Simba and Haiba nodded at each other, before running after Nala. "Don't forget about us!" Simba called. "I don't want to be torn apart!"

"Me, neither!" Zazu cried, before flying after the three cubs. He glanced behind, and could see the rest of the Mungu Pride chasing after them. "I'm too young to die!"

"So let me get this straight," said Mufasa, upon hearing Simba, Nala, Haiba and Zazu all explain their story. "Zazu decided to take you all on an 'educational trip'?"

The three cubs and Zazu all nodded, false grins on all their faces. "That's right!" Haiba exclaimed. "Simba was all in the mood for education!"

"'Simba' and 'education'," said Sarabi, who was standing next to her mate. "I never thought I'd hear those two things together in a sentence."

"Oh, yeah." Simba nodded innocently. "I learnt a lot of things. There was nothing remotely dangerous involved. Zazu showed us lots of not-dangerous things, like… plants."

"And other very safe things," Nala chimed in, trying to sound convincing.

"Well…" A smile formed on Mufasa's face. "I must say I'm very impressed, Simba. You seem to be showing some maturity. Well done."

With that, Mufasa and Sarabi walked away, leaving the three cubs very pleased. "You see?" said Simba, smiling. "We managed to ditch the Mungu Pride, allow Zazu to keep his job, and also made it look I was mature. If that's not a victory, then I don't know what is!"

"I can't thank you enough, young master," Zazu told him, truly grateful. "If the King found out I'd been off on an adventure with you, then he would have fed me to an elephant!"

"No problem," said Simba, smiling. "And do you want to know something, Zazu? You're not that bad."

"Really?" Zazu was surprised. "I'm not?"

"Nah." Simba shook his head. "Sure, you were a little scared, but not as much as I thought you would be."

Zazu was almost bursting with happiness. "Oh, this had just made my day!" Zazu exclaimed, before flying off into the sky.

"I'm going to tell everyone I know! The Prince actually likes me… Likes me!"

"He's happy," said Nala, before putting a paw around Simba's shoulder. "And so am I."

Simba shrugged. "I guess I am, too," he admitted. "Especially now that my parents trust me a little more."

Haiba wanted to ask Simba a question. "So, would you have really stayed as their god if we hadn't shown up?"

"Hmm…" Simba didn't exactly have an answer. "I'm not sure. I mean, I was kinda angry back then – and you know what my dark side's like."

"Yes, thank you," said Haiba. "We've all met the King of Dreams."

"So I actually might have stayed with them," Simba told his friends. "I mean, if you were in my place, then wouldn't you have felt the same?"

Nala and Haiba looked at each other and shrugged. They didn't have an answer, either.

"Exactly." Simba smiled, before heading back towards the den. "Now come on, guys. It's evening, and that can only mean one thing."

The three of them grinned. "Dinner!"