"EEEKKKK!", Pumbaa's screaming echoed all over the jungle. Staring at him in confusion, Mufasa and Shanira weren't sure what to say.
"Pumbaa, what's wrong?!", the former king finally began.
"I...I'm sorry, it's just that...oohhhh this tension is too much...", the pig fainted.
"Hah hah hah! And you call this fool your sidekick? Let me laugh", Shanira mocked.
"Be quiet", Mufasa spat, letting the panther go. Despite she irritated him more than anything, but friends were more important.
"Pumbaa, Pumbaa!", the lion went to shake his friend. No avail.
"Oh come on now...Pumbaa! Wake up!", Mufasa kept shaking him. Sitting up and licking herself, Shanira opened her mouth.
"Wasting your time! His nerves are anything but good."
"Would you please shut up?!", Mufasa lost his cool. "You aren't helping!"
"Was that sarcasm?"
"Maybe", the annoyed cat answered. "Unless you have something else to say."
"Not really", Shanira answered. Turning his back to her, Mufasa expected to hear running echoing away, etc but instead, heard nothing sort. Looking over his shoulder, he began again.
"Yes?"
"What?"
"You may go. Why are you still standing there?"
"What do you care?"
"I don't, just asking."
"Hah, as if", Shanira started circling her enemies. "This is just so fun that I wouldn't miss it."
"What is?", Mufasa snorted. "Like harassing innocent animals?"
"You said that, not me. Now, what are you gonna do about him?"
"That's not your concern. Just leave us alone", Mufasa tried to lift Pumbaa up, but failed. Then, he tried to carry him...but thanks to his still healing wounds, the operation turned out to be too much.
"He hehe!", Shanira laughed at Mufasa's failing attempts. "What's the matter kingy? Can't do it?"
"None of your business", Mufasa grunted. "Urrhhh...Pumbaa, seriously wake up!"
"He won't. You need eucalyptus for that."
"Eucalyptus? What is that?", the confused king raised his eyebrows.
"Oh please, you don't know about it?!", Shanira asked, making Mufasa shake his head in annoyance.
"No, I don't. My friend is more familiar with plants...I, on the other hand, not."
"Just pathetic...and you call me an idiot", Shanira rolled her eyes. "Fine, wait here while I try to find some."
"You are helping?! But why?", Mufasa asked in surprise.
"You aren't any use or fun in this condition. I don't want my targets giving up that easily", Shanira answered, sprinting into the woods before Mufasa managed to say a word.
That's one weird personality...oh dear.
Realizing that he couldn't do anything but wait, Mufasa settled himself protectively next to Pumbaa. Rubbing his ears, he sighed.
This isn't going anywhere...every time when we are trying to find them, something comes up...
Looking at the cloudy sky, Mufasa tried to count how long it had been since he last saw his son. Days? Weeks?
What he has been through by now? How he has managed? And where is Timon? I wish I knew...
It was hard to keep the hope up. Pumbaa was everlasting optimistic who loved his Hakuna Matata lifestyle. And despite Mufasa had learned a lot about it, there was still a long way to go.
I miss The Pridelands more than I can ever tell...
The sudden pain in the chest stopped Mufasa's brainstorm. Grabbing it with his paw, he breathed.
No panic, don't panic. Remember what Pumbaa said. Fearing or flipping out won't do any good or help Simba. Cut it off.
Concentrating, Mufasa breathed slowly in and out. And eventually, felt much better.
Excellent.
Shaking himself, Mufasa stood up as heard steps. Soon, Shanira appeared from the bushes, holding a bunch of plants in her mouth.
"There", she dropped them at Mufasa's feet. Then, the two cats just stared at each other.
"Uhh...now what?", Mufasa asked.
"Oh, right...well hold these in front of his stinky snout! That should do the trick", Shanira snorted, retreating a bit. Obeying, Mufasa grabbed the plants, waving them in front of Pumbaa's nose. And like a miracle...he blinked his eyes.
"Good, it worked!", Mufasa smiled. "Are you all right Pumbaa?"
"I...I guess so", the warthog sat up. "What happened?"
"You blacked out."
"Oh, right...sorry. I just ummm..."
"It's fine. Now, lay down before it happens again", the former king commanded gently.
"Ri-right...", Pumbaa sat down, holding his head. It was obvious that he was still feeling a bit funny.
"Blah...what a show! I'm outta here", Shanira turned to leave, but Mufasa stopped her.
"Wait!"
"Yess...?"
"Why...why did you help us in the first place? I want to know."
"Because I felt like it?"
"Really? I don't quite believe it", Mufasa eyed Shanira who started to feel rather uncomfortable.
"What are you trying to say fuzzy?"
"Well, maybe deep inside...you feel guilty and that's why you are helping us. Perhaps you aren't so tough as you appear...", now it was Mufasa's turn to circle Shanira, who started to get pissed.
"Ah, back off noobie! You don't know anything about me."
"Oh, I think I know a lot. I've seen your kind. Thinking they are so smart, strong, scary...but in reality, they are afraid of themselves."
"Stop it...", Shanira hissed.
"I see. Yep, I can really tell you are acting. So why are you doing this? Why my son interests you so much? Obviously, you don't wanna harm him."
"How can you tell?! I would gladly rip his tongue off right in front you, without showing any remorse!"
Mufasa listened...and started chuckling. Pumbaa and Shanira stared at him.
"What's so funny?!"
"Oh please, you don't want to hurt Simba. Since if you really wanted that, you would have done so much earlier. But no, I can sense you are unsure in my presence. Even scared..."
"You are imagining things. I'm nothing like that", Shanira shook her head. But Mufasa knew this behavior way too well, as he had seen it before.
She's so much like Scar...
"Fine then, suit yourself. But believe me, I know more than you think..."
Being really, really pissed, Shanira moved far from the king. Somehow, she felt nervousness around him.
How can he...?!
"You...you are out of your mind! Get lost!", Shanira started running. "You won this round but next time, you aren't that lucky!"
With that, she disappeared into the woods. Looking after her for a long time, Mufasa sighed.
"What...what was that?", Pumbaa broke the silence by coughing.
"I'm not sure..."
"Really? She sounded rather nervous when you roasted her. Where did you learn to do that?"
"I have my secrets", Mufasa smiled. "Secrets indeed..."
"Scar!"
Ignoring his brother's screams, the skinnier lion kept walking. Mufasa was sure he heard him but pretended ignorance.
"Not again...Scar!"
"Yes...?", the annoyed one finally stopped and turned around.
"Why didn't you stop earlier?! I know you heard me."
"Oh did I? I'm sorry, I didn't sleep very well last night. My ears must be filled with wax or something", Scar dug them with this claw. But Mufasa wasn't going to buy such a poor excuse.
"Absolutely...well good that I finally reached you. Since I have some news."
"Why I feel it can't be anything good?", Scar jumped on the rock.
"What do you mean?"
"No offense Muffy, but since I know you so well, your good news usually mean bad for everyone else."
"Always so smart...well, in any case, would you please listen? This is really important."
"Do have I a choice?", Scar snorted. "Well then, what is it?"
"Sarabi's pregnant", Mufasa smiled. "We are gonna have a cub!"
Dropping his paw, Scar stared at his brother. He had to ask him to repeat so that truly understood.
Oh no...tell me this is a bad dream. How I'm gonna be king now?!
"I see. Well, that's..."
"Wonderful, isn't it? I'm gonna be a father! I'm so happy!"
"Hey ho", Scar spat. "Wonderful indeed..."
"It is, you should be happy for us! You are gonna be an uncle", Mufasa nodded. Scar snorted again.
"Can't wait...so, when the little one will arrive?"
"We don't know yet, I'm gonna ask Rafiki to check on her. But hopefully not too long. Now, I'm gonna have my patrol. I talk to you later", Mufasa left, smiling. The news might be great for him, Sarabi and the kingdom but not for everyone...
"Mufasa?"
"Y-yes?", Mufasa snapped back to reality.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your thoughts but now that we are freed, maybe we should go to look for Simba and Timon", Pumbaa suggested. "The storm is over now."
"You're right...ah, my mind is so messed up. But where should we go? I have no idea..."
"Perhaps I can help", a voice answered. Turning around, the duo saw the red parrot which had stayed back to observe the situation.
"Excuse me?", Mufasa asked.
"Yes, I know you two. Mufasa and Pumbaa, right?"
"That's right...but how exactly...?"
"Listen", the parrot interrupted them. "You are looking for your cub, is that correct?"
"Indeed. But would you please tell me how do you know me and my son?"
"He's been traveling with a hippo group which got caught in the stampede. They saved him from a flock of vultures who were chasing him and hid in a cave nearby until the storm was over. And he is actually with them right now."
Mufasa's body froze on the inside. This was a miracle...Simba had indeed survived, kept going all this time. He was alive and apparently, safe.
"A hippo group?", Pumbaa wondered. "Are you talking about Bebe?"
"Yep. He found that poor kid from the river when he was trying to get back to the oasis and took him in. We told we were going to look for you guys and he was really happy about it", the parrot told.
"That's great! See Mufasa? I told you Simba is tough."
"Yes, you said it...oh dear! My little boy...", Mufasa began to sob, covering his face with his paws. All this longing and worrying and uncertainty day after another had dried him out, tested his strength, crossed his limits several times. And finally, when he finally received some good news, it broke the barrier he had covered himself with.
"Oh bud", Pumbaa comforted his friend. "I can see how hard this has been for you. Hopefully, this eases your pain a little."
"You have no idea...and the fact that Simba knows we are looking for him makes me believe. I really appreciate you told the news. Thank you", Mufasa smiled at the parrot.
"The pleasure is all mine, your son is a really cute little fellow. Wanna see where he is?"
"Absolutely. Are you ready Pumbaa?"
"I think so. But what about Timon?"
"We can go after him once we see Simba since only his whereabouts we know for sure. And I really need to see him after all that has happened. I'm sorry...but I just have to."
"Yep, you're right. Timon is tough, he will manage. But are you sure that Shanira is gone?"
"Positive. And I really don't care about her or those annoying foxes right now, so they can do whatever they please. Let's move", Mufasa turned to the parrot. "Lead the way."
Nodding, the parrot began to fly, Mufasa and Pumbaa following closely behind. As they disappeared out of sight, Shanira watched after them on a tree she had climbed. And obviously heard the whole conversation.
I see. So that runt is with the hippo group. Luckily I know a couple of shortcuts...no one insults me like this!
Jumping down, Shanira sprinted after the trio. She was going to make Mufasa pay for the humiliation he gave her. And without showing any mercy...
*Nearby*
Cala and the blue parrot were heading through the woods. Their cave and the area around it weren't only places where the storm had done bad damage. Palm trees had fallen down and the ground was covered by leaves, vines, rock, muddy ponds, etc. No wonder every single rational animal had left, only an idiot would stay back.
"Are you sure you saw them here?"
"Yes, at least I hope so. It was raining hard back then. But I doubt they would have gone far."
"I hope so. I'm only worried how Bebe will handle things..."
"I wouldn't be worried about him. Fear for that poor cub. All alone, separated from his father..."
"Ikr. Let's hope he is safe."
"Yeah, but I wonder..."
*Snap*
Stopping, Cala turned around.
"What was that?"
"What?", the parrot asked.
"I...I think I heard something...", Cala said. "I can hear something in the bushes around us."
"Hmm...", the parrot flew above the area. "I don't see anything."
"I'm certain I heard someone. Like...", Cala didn't have time to finish as from the bushes jumped a huge tiger. Screaming, Cala tried to escape but since she wasn't the fastest animal, fell down. The tiger circled her, claws scratching the ground.
"Help!", Cala yelled. The parrot tried to defend her but didn't have many chances against such a huge cat. Deciding to get help as fast as possible, the parrot took off, even if it was really risky. But there was no other choice. Trying to defend herself, Cala kept yelling.
"Help...HELP!"
*Meanwhile*
On the other side of the river but not far, Mufasa and Pumbaa followed their flying guide. Since Mufasa was so anxious to see his son again, nothing would come in his way anymore...
"HELP! SOMEBODY!"
Stopping in their tracks, the trio looked around in surprise.
"Did you hear that?", Pumbaa asked.
"I did. Like someone was yelling for...?", Mufasa began...
"HEEELLLLPPP!"
"I know that voice! It's my friend", the red parrot said. Soon, the blue one appeared from the woods.
"Oh god, please help! Help!"
"Calm down my friend. What's wrong?"
"It's Cala! She's in trouble! A tiger attacked her!"
"Cala? Who is she?", Mufasa asked.
"She is part of Bebe's herd. A very nice lady, Simba and I met her earlier", Pumbaa told.
"Yes and we were actually looking for you since we have some news about your son", the blue parrot explained. "But first, we must rescue her!"
"Why something always comes up...well, lead the way", Mufasa sighed and the group headed across the river, soon arriving on the scene.
"Somebody, please help!", Cala kicked mud towards the tiger. Commanding Pumbaa and parrots to take cover, Mufasa roared and attacked this another cat. Despite his condition was kinda weak, but the adrenaline replaced physical power.
"What power...", the parrots sat on a branch.
"Yeah. He already pissed Shanira off", Pumbaa said, still clearly remembering the nasty encounter between her and Mufasa. He could only imagine what his lion friend will do to Mosi and his bros...
"And better not try that again!", Mufasa chased the tiger off, who jumped into the bushes. Shaking, Cala stood up.
"That...that was close. Thank you!"
"My pleasure dear", Mufasa smiled. "I'm sorry if I go straight to the point, but your parrot friends told my son is with your herd. Is that correct?"
"Oh, so you are Simba's father? Thank god we finally found you! Yes, Bebe saved that poor child down the river when he was attacked and brought him to our secret cave. But unfortunately after the storm, we went to check the damage and during that, he disappeared..."
"Disappeared?!", Mufasa gasped. "Where?!"
"We're not sure...everything happened so sudden. Bebe is looking for him right now, told me to find you. I'm sorry...", Cala apologized sadly. Feeling how this was way too much, Mufasa began to roar desperately. Once again, his hopes were crushed.
"No...NO! SIMBA! NOOOO!"
"Oh not again...", Pumbaa sighed as Mufasa collapsed to the ground, sobbing.
"I can't take this anymore...my little baby! Lost, scared, in danger! I will never see him again!"
"Hey", Cala walked to Mufasa, patting his back. "Simba was very happy when heard that you are after him. He had been through a lot and was really exhausted and scared. And now he is still out there somewhere, waiting for you. You have come this far, please don't give up. We all will help you."
Lifting his gaze towards Cala, Mufasa sighed and wiped his eyes.
"Maybe you're right. It's just that all of these dead ends...so frustrating. And our other friend is missing as well..."
"Poor Timon...", Pumbaa closed his eyes. "I hope we see him again..."
"I'm sure we will", Mufasa eventually stood up. "Cala, would you please show your cave? I might be able to pick up Simba's scent if we're lucky."
"Of course. This way", she turned around and started running as fast as it was possible with her legs. As Mufasa and Pumbaa followed her, the parrot duo flew above them.
"We will go to look for your son, friend, and Bebe. We'll let you know if we spot something."
"That would be great. Thank you very much", Mufasa smiled and the birds flew in the opposite direction.
"Don't worry Mufasa, I'm sure we are gonna see Timon and Simba soon", Pumbaa encouraged. "Have faith."
"Don't I always?", the sad king smiled a little, cursing this place to hell in his head.
Hang on son...I will find you, no matter what!
TBC...