Simba's Struggle

Chapter One

Mufasa's Son

The sun broke over the horizon the begin yet another glorious day on the plains of Africa. Pride Rock cast a shadow of gargantuan amount, it covered a area so vast that for some of the animals it was hard to see where the rock formation formed and the shadow ended; thus creating a very ominous scene from which the King could reside.

Inside the darkened sleeping zone of Pride Rock, the largest of the lions began to rise from his slumber. His shaggy, auburn mane fell upon his rugged muscular back and chest in a very elegant manner considering he has only just awoken. His golden form stretched out and he yawned a little before striding out towards day light.

As Simba emerged, the sun bounced off him creating a warm, powerful glow which encased the King. He began to move towards the edge of the rock as a flash of blue appeared before him.

"Good morning sire."

"Zazu, what a beautiful day." replied Simba.

"Yes it is. Now Simba; the morning report." Zazu looked to Simba, and the lion nodded his permission for the age old tradition to begin. "The herd of wildebeest on the east side have decided then need more land due to the arrival of spring and new calves, however Sir, the elephants refuse point blank to move as they say they must remain close to the watering hole because of the hot weather." Simba yawned, he'd never enjoyed the morning report. "Sire, I hope I'm not keeping you awake?"

"Of course not Zazu." lied the King.

Zazu went to continue but before he could, a dozen lionesses appeared from the bottom of Pride Rock carrying a few zebras between them. Simba bounded down the incline and nuzzled his mate and queen; Nala.

"How was the hunt?" Simba enquired. Nala looked around the lionesses before her eyes landed one who was plainly the oldest.

"Fine." she replied firmly. Simba kindly smiled and nuzzled her again. She responded by licking his jaw. The other lionesses, wanting to avoid this public display of affection, began to carry the carcasses of the zebras into the shade where they could avoid rot and flies. The oldest lioness remained still.

Nala suddenly noticed that the old weathered lioness wasn't helping.

"Zira, are you going to help?"

Zira glared back at the Queen, and snarling slightly, replied:

"I have a young cub I must attend to." Nala went to speak, but Simba spoke before she had the chance.

"As do we, but they will be just fine in the cave with my mother and Nala's"

The other lionesses had now stopped carrying and pulling the zebras. They all stared at this growing confrontation.

"I should be with him; he's my son." growled Zira.

"And you may be, after helping the other lioness." said Simba firmly before striding away with Zazu in toe.

Zira simply smiled, and muttered something under her breath to another lioness who smirked and nodded.

Simba's eyes were glazed over as he made his way towards the watering hole. Zazu noticed this and became anxious about the new King.

"Sire," said Zazu, flying above Simba. "Kiara will be just fine at home with your mother and Nala, its now time for your duties as a King."

"I know Zazu" came the glum reply. "I know my mother can watch over a cub, as can Nala. My worries lie with Zira and some of the other lioness."

"With Zira?" said Zazu, surprised.

"She was Scar's mate, and some of the others don't seem to respect my orders."

"But they must know the pride lands are much better, now you have taken the throne."

"Are they?" Simba said sadly.

Zazu didn't have time to reply, as the King and his royal servant had now reached the watering hole, where a herd of wildebeest stood on one side, and the biggest elephant Simba had ever seen stood on the other. They stared at each other in deadly silence. The mood was sharp, and the eyes of the gigantic elephant bore into each of the wildebeest, who in turn stared straight back at him. Simba made his way over to the elephant as Zazu flew towards the wildebeest herd.

"Andre." said Simba, as he shyly approached the huge beast. "How are you?"

"I'm angry Simba."

"I know you are, but the wildebeest have off-spring on the way, they do need more space." said Simba with caution. Andre moved his head from side to side, his heavy trunk swaying, and his tusks slicing ominously though the air.

"We need the water. If not, we'll get too hot and die." as Andre said this, he turned his eyes towards Simba for the first time. Simba felt the huge cranium focus on him, and a daunting feeling engulfed him. "You know this Simba."

"I know, but." Simba became lost for words, and fortunately Zazu returned.

"Sire, the herd say if they do not get more space they will simply stampede."

Suddenly, Andre's voice boomed out.

"They can try." and directing his attention to the herd, he repeated. "They can try."

Simba now found himself in between a rock and a hard place. His head and focus moved from herd, to elephant, elephant back to herd as he tried to come up with a solution. He decided to talk to the herd. He bounded across the edge of the watering hole before coming to a halt a metre or so away from the front 'beest.

"I could find you a new area, in-land." Simba offered.

"Then our young will grow thirsty and die as they cannot walk yet." said the leading wildebeest.

"I thought things were bad under Scar." said another,

"Mufasa would've known what to do."

"Enough." said Simba quietly. The wildebeest continued to mutter. "Enough!" the King roared. The 'beests were silent. "Look, I will find away. In a few days I will find a solution, until them just try to remain cordial to each other." he looked to Andre and to the herd as he said this.

"Fine." muttered the lead wildebeest.

Andre nodded, and his cornucopias ears flapped. Simba exhaled and turned back towards Pride Rock, Zazu flying beside him. Just as he was leaving ear shot, the King heard a wildebeest exclaim;

"Are you sure he's Mufasa's son?"