Bouncing along

Author Note: Hey! Okay, this is not going to be my main writing focus, but I decided to write a one-shot about The Loin King. So, review and enjoy!

The African sun beat down on the savanna. Simba gazed across the Circle of Life, his tail twitching, flicking away flies. His golden pelt glistened into the sunshine, his matching yellow and black eyes squinting. It would all be his when he was king, just like his dad.

"Simba, why don't you take a stroll?" his mother suggested, "check up on everything for us, why don't you?"

Feeling somewhat important, he nodded and padded down. Trotting across the ground, he saw over all of the Circle of Life up close. It was all beautiful, and this was for him real soon.

"Hey, Simba," a familiar voice called, "ready for our walk?"

"Oh, yeah," he turned to her, "let's go."

Simba trotted alongside his best friend, Nala. She was so beautiful, just like the savanna. Her cream colored fur glinted in the early morning sunlight, and her eyes were wide and intentive.

He noticed how slow he was going. Really the need to have speed, he tore off. The next second, she was by his side, heart pounding like his own.

"Can't catch me!" he taunted, going as fast as he could.

About five minutes later, he felt the hot, hard, dusty ground. The two cubs went rolling, Nala pinning him down easily.

"I wasn't ready," he snorted, "get up!" He pushed her, and she jumped up.

"Ready now?" she inquired.

"Yep," he crouched.

When she pounced, he shoved her on her chest. Going backwards, she rolled him to the side. Pouncing on top of him, she had him pinned down again.

"Get off!" he pushed her off again.

Giggling, she pushed him softly.

"You can't beat me," she challenged.

It was true. She was graceful and beautiful with a massive brain and cunning eyes. Why couldn't have Mufusa had her instead? He wished to be normal, even though he wanted to be king. She was better than him. She noticed the sad look in his handsome eyes.

"Simba, you're future king," she smiled, teasing in her voice, "I am trying to keep up. I will never be as good as you."

Silence.

"Well," she finally spoke, "feeling sorry for ourselves isn't working. So..what now?"

"Let's get to the watering hole," he suggested, "great swimming spot."

The two best friends tore off once more. Suddenly, there was a sickening pop. Nala screamed in pain as she fell onto the ground.

"My ankle…" she moaned, looking at her slightly twisted left paw.

"We have to get you back," he pulled her onto his back, "just hang tight, Nala."

"Okay," she fell asleep on his back.

The future king rushed up Pride Rock with new strength.

"You were very brave," Mufusa smiled at his son as she rested, "I am proud of you."

"She's better than me in so many ways than me," he sighed, "don't you want her as a daughter?"

"No," he shook his massive head, "because I love you, my son. And you are mine and destined to be king. Nala will one day queen, and the Circle will soon be in harmony."

"I'm not marrying her!" he protested, but inside he liked the idea. She was so amazing with her cream colored fur and feisty attitude…

"Hey, future king," Nala trotted past him, "we got the day ahead of us. Hurry it up!"

"But your ankle.." he began, but she shrugged.

"I do not care," she declared, "race you!"

The two were soon going off again. That was the best thing about her: No matter what happened, they'd always keep bouncing along. :D