CHAPTER 2: FLEEING INTO HIDING

"NO!" spat back one of the hyenas. They began to move in, one by one. All of a sudden, they were all rushing at him, teeth bared. He growled and swatted at them. He even gnawed at one's ear, causing it to retreat, yelping. Simba hissed, and started to run as fast as he could towards Pride Rock, the hyenas in close pursuit. He began to get closer, and felt relief sink in as he saw his mother's sitting form on top of the ledge that served as their front porch.

"MOM!" he cried, still running, trying to catch Sarabi's attention. "Nala! Anyone! ZAZU!!" he yelled desperately, for the creatures were beginning to snap at his heels. He thought quickly and kicked with his hind paw, catching the lead one in the nose. It howled in pain, and stopped to rub its injury. The other two fell over her, and started growling and barking at the poor animal. Simba smiled, he was home at last. "Mom! Hyenas!" he gasped when he reached her.

"Oh my gosh! Where is your father?" she asked him, concern filling her eyes.

The cub looked down sadly and told his mother the short version of how his father had died. "I have to tell the lionesses!" she said, bounding off. The other lions all bowed their heads, but when they heard about hyenas, they all jumped up, ready for the fight. Sarabi fiercely led them to where the vermin were still arguing, and the short battle began.

When it was over, several of the female lions ere wounded, but nothing serious. They all came home and they held a silent service for Mufasa, with Sarabi telling the eulogy. Ashamed of his father's death, Simba, when all of the lions were asleep, made his way down to Nala's corrie. "Nala, are you awake?" he called softly. A muffled reply could be heard.

"Yeah, I am now." She grumbled coming out of her home. "What's wrong Simba? You know what happened wasn't your fault," she asked him.

"I know, but I just feel as if it was," the prince said, tears beginning to slide down his furry cheeks. "Anyway, I don't think that I should be here."

"Simba, don't do anything stupid. What do you mean? Where are you going to go?" Nala asked, pinning him down to demonstrate that he shouldn't go anywhere.

"I don't know, Nala. I'll just have to live on my own for a while, that's all." He replied, getting up. He said goodbye and began to pad down the rocks.

"Hey! Wait! I'm coming with you!" she responded, leaping after him.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to be in any danger," he said, turning around.

"Me? I laugh in the face of danger, remember? Ha ha ha ha!" she replied, smirking. They laughed and once again began the descent. Finally, they reached the bottom, and stared out at the pridelands. "Well, here we go," said the young lioness.

They gulped, and began their perilous journey into the wild, unsheltered world.

((this is my second chapter, and I hope you all like it. Chapter three will be up soon. R&r people!))