Lion King 9: Battle Plans
After their calming talk Simba and Nala returned to the den where Fahari and Shupuva were waiting on them. Sitting in the shade Simba watched as Nala went over to get a drink of water with a huge grin on his face.
Walking toward Simba with a mischievous grin, Shupuva: Well it looks like someone is feeling a lot better now. Looks like you and Mufasa was right to have the 2 intended Fahari. They make a good couple.
Embarrassed, Simba: Couple, what are you talking about?
Nudging Simba, Fahari: You and Nala of course. We see the way you 2 look at each other Simba. Even as newborn cubs that hadn't even opened their eyes yet you 2 were drawn to each other and let's not forget you rushing to her defense and ready to kill Shupuva because he attacked her.
Glaring at both lions and in a low growl, Simba: You're pushing it.
Bursting out laughing, Shupuva: Looks like we hit a nerve. Look at him, he's thinking about attacking us right now.
As Nala approached the 3 she raised her eyebrow in confusion wondering why Fahari and Shupuva were laughing and why Simba looked like he was ready to fight.
Sitting next to Simba, Nala: Should I even ask what this is about?
Glaring at the 2 lions, Simba: Nope.
As the laugher died down, Shupuva: Alright enough fun let get back on topic. Nala how is the pride holding up?
Nala: Not so great. The pride is starting to show the signs of weakness do to hunger. The pride barely eats since the hyenas steal the majority of our kills and prey is getting harder and harder to find. Most of the lionesses and sub adults want to go to war with Scar but Sarabi, Kama, Ciri and my mother don't think it's a good idea. They feel the sub adults aren't ready for a full fledge war yet and in their current state they can't fight and worry about them at the same time.
Fahari: How strong are Shwari and Suamu?
Nala: They aren't on par with me or Simba but they have grown strong enough to where the hyenas second guess trying to fight them.
Fahari: How many hyenas are roaming the Pride Land?
Nala: Around 250 maybe 300.
Shupuva: I understand why Sarabi wouldn't want to fight Scar and his army. With those kinds of numbers and in the pride's current state going to war wouldn't be a smart idea and that's not even factoring in Scar and Zira joining the battle. Noticing Simba lost in thought, What do you think Simba?
Simba: I think now is the best time to head back and fight. From what Nala has said time isn't on the pride's side and every moment we don't do something the pride suffers. We can give the pride the much needed strength it needs. I will handle Scar. Fahari you can take on Zira and I'll leave the hyenas to you and the pride.
Proudly, Fahari: Spoken like a true leader. I'm impressed Simba.
Shupuva: I'm guessing you have a plan to how you'll take down Scar as well.
Simba: The 3 of you will go find the pride, rally lions and bring them to Pride Rock. With Fahari and Shupuva making their return with you tagging along all the hyenas and Scar will be solely focused on you 3. While everyone is forced on you 3 I will head straight for Scar by using a secret passageway behind Pride Rock.
Concerned, Nala: But that means you'll be all alone. Do you really think that's a good idea?
Simba: Scar will be shocked by their return and will be worried about what you could have possible told them. Since Scar believes I'm dead, he will never see me coming beside that passage way is only big enough for one lion. Once I catch him off guard he won't have much time to give the hyenas orders. I'll let the pride deal with the hyenas and in the chaos I'll bring down Scar. I want this battle to be over quickly without anyone getting injured.
Fahari: Sounds like a decent plan. Well done young prince. Let's all get some rest. Well need to leave early in the morning before the sun rises if we want to arrive in the Pride Lands by noon.
After a quick training session between Simba, Fahari and Shupuva the 4 lions spent the rest of the day relaxing and sleeping. A few hours after the sun had set Simba awoke and walked off into the jungle. Lost in thought, Simba didn't notice a pair of bright blue eyes watching him as he walked away.
Looking up at the stars, Simba: I hope I know what I'm doing. Father I'm sorry. Up until now I didn't feel like I had the right to try and speak to you. I don't know if you can hear me but please watch over everyone tomorrow. I can accept anything that happens to me but I don't want anyone else getting hurt or killed.
Sensing someone watching him, Simba: You should be sleeping Nala.
Walking out of the darkness and into the moonlight, Nala: I could be saying the same thing to you. What are you doing Simba?
Simba: I know I just have a lot on my mind right now but why are you up?
Nala: I was having a hard time sleeping.
Simba: Why?
Nala: Simba is it really smart for you to be sneaking around Pride Rock all by yourself. Why don't you have me, Fahari or Shupuva go with you.
Simba: That path wasn't the safest place we used growing up. Remember how upset our moms were when the caught us sneaking home. Besides at our size now the secret pass behind Pride Rock will be impossible for 2 of us to use. We struggled walking on it as cubs. I can get through it a lot quicker if I'm alone.
Nala: But if anything goes wrong you're going to be on your own and although most of the hyenas will be focused on me, Fahari and Shupuva there will still be a large number of them at Pride Rock.
Simba: I know Nala but the hyenas won't be a problem. I can easily take down a group of them.
Nala: But….
Cutting Nala off, Simba: Nala, I need you to lead Fahari and Shupuva to the pride and get everyone ready to fight. I won't make a move until you all make it to Pride Rock and once the battle start we'll watch each other's back.
Sitting under Simba, Nala: I guess your right but be careful Simba.
Leaning on Nala, Simba: Don't worry I will but you need to be careful as well. I don't know what I will do if something bad happens to you.
Chuckling, Nala: That might be a little hard since the only time I seem to be in danger is when you're planning something crazy.
With a slight grin, Simba: Hey that's not completely true.
Playfully rolling her eyes, Nala: Sure it isn't Simba.
After sitting and staring at the star Nala still sensed something was off with Simba.
Nudging Simba, Nala: What's wrong Simba?
Simba: I'm just worried about how the pride will react after the battle is over but more importantly how will my mother react. I haven't been home in almost 3 years and I have changed so much.
Nala: Physically you have changed a lot. You resemble Mufasa more but you're pretty much the same Simba I remember. Although Sarabi has been working extremely hard to help train us and keep the pride together, losing you and Mufasa has been really tough on her. She's going to be so happy to see you Simba and how much you have grown. The pride will be the same way. Everyone misses you Simba. I wasn't the only devastated by you death. Shwari, Tama, Askari, and especially Suamu will all be happy when you return.
Lightly chuckling, Simba: You're right. I guess I was just worrying for no reason.
Grinning, Nala: I'm right most of the time Simba but you know what? You're actually pretty cute when you're worried.
Walking back to the den Nala left Simba behind slightly shocked and fluster. After shaking off the initial shock of Nala's words, the pair returned to the den to get a few more hours of sleep before the biggest fight of their lives.
Watching Simba and Nala fall asleep next to each another, Shupuva: Well that didn't take long. Guess if we ever need Simba to calm down or do something all we'll need to do is have Nala talk to him.
Looking at the pair, Fahari: I don't know about that. Simba doesn't seem to be as submissive as you are.
Leering at Fahari, Shupuva: What was that!
Laughing light heartedly, Fahari: Admit it, when it comes to Kama she has you wrapped around her claw. You know how many times we were out chasing gazelles and you stopped because Kama said we were acting like cubs.
Turning over, Shupuva: This coming from the lion who spent a week avoiding Sarafina because he was too nervous to confess to her and needed help from me, Mufasa, Sarabi, Ciri and Kama to talk to her. If it wasn't for Sarafina forcing it out of you who knows how long it would've took for you to finally confess your feeling.
Chuckling, Fahari: That was a low blow Shupuva but you're right. I was so nervous I thought all the hair in my mane was going to fall out.
Shupuva: You think Kama and the rest of the pride are really ok?
Fahari: I know the past few years had to have been rough on the pride but I'm sure Kama, Ciri, Sarafina and Sarabi have kept everyone safe and trained the young one well. Look how great Nala turned out.
Shupuva: Tomorrow going to rough isn't?
Fahari: Yup, but we been through worst. Remember when we had to fight off the Shetani Brothers.
Shupuva: Yeah. We were outnumbered 2- 1and they were way stronger than we thought. If it wasn't for Sarabi, Kama, and Sarafina me you and Mufasa might have died. Do you really think Simba will be ready tomorrow?
Fahari: Look at him Shupuva. Simba isn't just fighting Scar to avenge Mufasa anymore. He's fighting for the ones he cares about and to end the prides suffering. Simba will be fine and reclaim his place in the circle of life.
