Chapter 21: It's them!

Shumba left the cave. What had happened last night? Well what ever had happened it was too late to do anything about it there was no denying it, Nia was pregnant. Shumba reached the edge of the jungle. Ahead there were open plains, Shumba made out the black figures of zebra's grazing near by. It was almost impossible for them to see him in the dark. Shumba stalked through the long grass, eyes fixed on a target. The Zebra stopped grazing and lifted his head its ears pricked up. Nothing. Shumba stood still poised to strike. The zebra went back to grazing. The sky was turning blue, morning was fast approaching. Shumba had to strike now before he let his guard down. He sprung into action, thowing himself at the oblivious zebra. He wrapped his arms round the zebra's neck pulling it down. The rest of the herd ran in all different directions making an enormous amount of noise. After a 10 minute struggle Shumba had killed the Zebra. He was just about to drag the carcass back into the jungle when he heard frustrated voices. Shumba Crouched don in the grass as low as he could. A male lion roared

"THE HERD!" He exclaimed angrily, watching the herd disappear over the horizon.

A lioness stood next to him

"Don't worry Abdul it wasn't you, something must have spooked the herd"

Shumba's eyes flew open. Abdul? Abdul's face looked like someone had slapped him. Shumba could make out loads of scars on Abdul's face and by the look of it he'd lost one eye. Shumba shuddered

"Come on Zora lets go back to the ridge." Abdul and Zora ran towards a big rock.

Shumba stood up Abdul? Zora? Shumba had wondered onto Ridge Pride territory. Shumba threw the Zebra on his back and ran back towards the jungle. If anyone picked up his scent both him and Nia would be in trouble. After what seemed like years Shumba reached the cave entrance. He ran into the cave with the zebra still on his back. Nia was asleep on the pile of leaves. it was obvious she had cried herself to sleep she was holding her onto her stomach breathing quickly. Shumba threw the zebra on the floor and walked over to Nia. He stroked her cheek gently with his paw. Nia was sweating but she felt stone cold Shumba licked Nia's cheek. Nia's entire body jumped. She sat up breathing faster she looked at Shumba. Nia stood up. She felt dizzy again and sat back down. Shumba dragged the dead Zebra carcass over to Nia. Nia stared down blankly at the carcass and sighed. Shumba cleared his throat.

"I'm not hungary" said Nia.

Shumba had never felt so uncomfortable before. He sighed and sat by Nia.

"Nia please eat" begged Shumba. He stared into Nia's saddened eye's.

Nia frowned and lay down where she was sat. tears streamed down her face, Shumba rubbed her neck trying to soothe her but Nia pulled away giving off a low growl Shumba knew Nia was still mad at him.

"Nia i'm sorry okay one thing led to another and then we..."

Nia threw Shumba a filthy look. Shumba closed his mouth. Nia turned away from him clutching her stomach Shumba rushed over to her, worried that she was hurt. Nia just wasn't in the mood. She Snarled at Shumba before walking back to the pile of leaves. The best thing Shumba could do was leave her alone. He turned and left.

"Now where are you going?" She snapped

"I thought i'd leave you alone" replied Shumba confused.

Nia scoffed, and kept her eyes on Shumba.

"Not again!" She scolded "I've been bored here all by my self!"

Shumba now really was confused.

"But I..."

Nia growled "I'm sorry am I being unreasonable?"

Shumba was lost for words.

"I... I..." He began looking around nervously.

Nia walked towards him, their faces were centimetres apart She then rubbed her face on his mane and purred loudly.

"I'm sorry i'm being harsh on you" Said Nia wrapping her claw around a strand of Shumba's hair "Mood swings and what not..."

Shumba half hugged Nia who then pushed him onto the floor. She rubbed herself against him Shumba smiled.

"How long does pregnancy last anyway?" Asked Shumba.

" Three months" replied Nia still purring.

'Great' thought shumba, 'Three whole months od mood swings...'