Diata, Sarabi, Sarafina and the rest of the pride were relaxing over the banks of the watering hole. Standing along the banks with the water that was a mere inch from her paws, Diata leaned down her head as she proceeded to drink. All the while, she continued to worry for her adopted daughter. Even with Timon and Pumbaa watching them, there was always the possibility of something happening.
Diata paused, raising her head from the water below. She then glanced off to her left at the thick jungle foliage across from her. While she didn't wish to be be so overprotective of Elsa, she couldn't shake the feeling of something happening to her. Even within the borders of their territory, such dangers she feared her daughter would encounter would still come to be. Just as it did from her own cub.
Laying under a tree behind her, Sarabi and Sarafina looked to the white lioness in concern. Having to have noticed the expression of concern over her face. They glanced to one another, knowing what it was that she what it was that she was pondering.
Sarabi glanced back at Diata.
"Diata?" she said.
Diata glanced back to them. Seeing the expressions over their faces, she could already tell that they knew what it was thinking off. Diata sighed, shaking her head.
"I'm sorry," she said, turning to them.
"I'm... just a little worried."
Sarabi smiled and shook her head to her.
"Think nothing of it," she insisted to the white lioness.
"But you mustn't worry. Since the attack, Mufasa has been patrolling the kingdom a lot more."
"There hasn't been any hyena sighted in weeks," Sarafina reminded her.
"As long as they stay within the borders, Elsa is safe."
Diata narrowed her eyes.
"I hope that's true." she said.
It was right at that moment she head some familiar voices from the nearby foliage. Diata turned and saw Timon and Pumbaa emerge from the brush, singing to themselves the old saying they always say. She them squinted her eyes, curiously, having to noticed that Elsa, Simba and Nala were not with them.
"Here we are, guys," Timon proclaimed, raising his arms into the air.
"Where there's all you can eat bugs under every log."
"Timon!"
Timon and Pumbaa both turned and saw Diata walking toward, them.
"Oh, Diata." he said, turning to them.
"We were just teaching the kids all about..."
"Where's Elsa?" asked Diata curiously.
"What are you talking about?" he asked, curiously.
"She's right-"
But as the two glanced back, they saw that Elsa, Simba. Nala and Zarya were not there.
"Elsa...?" Timon said.
"Simba...?"
"Uh, oh." Pumbaa said, glancing up at him
"Timon, where are they?" Diata asked, curiously.
Timon and Pumbaa turned back to her.
"They were here a minute ago," Timon insisted to her.
"Back near the river..."
"The River?" Diata exclaimed to them.
Diata cocked her head, gazing nervously in the direction they came. She had told Elsa never to go near the river. Nor to ever cross it. She knew her daughter would never disobey her. But even still, the waters were still shallow enough for any predator on the other side to cross over.
Diata then turned and scurried off into the foliage. Timon and Pumbaa glanced back at her, curiously.
"Hey, where are you going?" Timon asked, curiously.
They then turned and followed after her.
The four cubs had wandered far from sight of the river. By now the sound of it's rushing currents had long faded into the distance. Though none of them had noticed. Their curiosity to what lied on this side of the river distracted them. Though as they continued on, they found that their curiosity did not lead them to anything that they might have hoped to find.
"I wonder what Bagheera was talking about," He said.
"This place doesn't seem so bad."
But even still, Elsa couldn't help but feel nervous. Glancing back in the direction they came, she could hardly hear the currents of the river.
"Guys, maybe we should go back," Elsa said, turning to them.
"The pride might be looking for us."
Simba looked back with a look of disbelief. Through not really surprised at all. Elsa had to be such a scaredy cat when it came to things like this.
"Come on, Elsa," He said, as he continued on.
"It's fine. There's nothing to be scared of."
The four cubs continued on through the jungle, with Elsa following behind them in hesitation. Unannounced to them of the pair of green eyes, staring at them from the shadows of the foliage behind them.
Diata emerged from the jungle undergrowth. It was there she saw Shara and her cubs laying outside their den.
"Shara?" Diata said.
The tigress glanced up from her cubs and saw Diata approach them. Shara stood up on her feet and walked out from her shelter of leafless bushes.
"Diata?" she said..
"Have you seen Elsa?" Diata asked, curiously.
Shara nodded her head.
"Yes, I saw her, Simba and Nala pass by not too long ago," Shara insisted, gesturing her head in the direction they went.
"Zarya went with them."
It was without an explanation that Diata turned and took off into the jungle. It was right at that moment that Timon and Pumbaa emerged from the foliage behind her. Upon seeing she went off in the other direction, they proceeded to follow her.
"Hey, wait for us!" Timon exclaimed to her.
Diata paused for a moment, narrowing her head as she sniffed the ground below. She then caught whiff of Elsa's scent. As well as Simba's, Nala and Zarya's, leading ahead toward the river. Diata raised her head in awe as she proceeded on ahead through the jungle, passing by Bagheera, who glanced curiously back at the white lioness.
"Diata?" he said.
Bagheera then turned forward, where her saw Timon and Pumbaa coming toward him. Only to then pause to catch their breath.
"Diata... wait..." Timon sighed, out of breath.
He then leaned over, gasping for air as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. Bagheera came up to them.
"What is going on?" Bagheera asked, curiously.
"The kids..." Timon said.
"We lost... the kids... near the river."
Timon pointed ahead toward the direction of the river.
"The river!" the Panther exclaimed.
Bagheera gazed back in the direction she had gone. He had saw the kids back near the river not too long ago. He had overheard them talking about seeing what lied on the other side of the river. He had stopped them before it had gone any further. Although it appeared they had waited till he left before crossing to the other side.
The four young cubs continued explore the jungle far from sight of the river. They came into a small clearing that overlooked the jungle from below. Simba came and looked down over the jungle, astonished.
"Hey guys, look!" he said, looking back at the others.
Elsa, Nala and Zarya came up behind the prince. It was there they gazed upon a great view overlooking the jungle below.
"Wow!" said Nala in awe.
Elsa stared out over the jungle below with the same look of awe and wonder.
"It's beautiful." She said.
"Yeah." Agreed Zarya.
The four cubs continued to stare out over the jungle below. When suddenly they a small rustling in foliage behind them. Elsa glanced back at the leaves and ferns behind them. It was there she noticed something through behind the shadows, staring back at her. Squinting her eyes, Elsa slowly crept forward toward the foliage.
"Hello?" she asked, curiously.
There came no answer. Nala turned back to Elsa.
"What is it?" She asked.
Elsa turned and looked to Nala.
"I think there's someone's there." Elsa insisted.
Suddenly, a leopard pounced out from the bushes, letting out a loud roar. Elsa and Nala quickly jumped out of the way as the leopard came in between them. Simba and Zarya cocked their head back as they then scrambled to get away.
"Run!" Nala exclaimed.
The leopard glanced to Elsa, who was now separated from Nala, Simba and Zarya. Elsa gasped. She turned and quickly leaped down the hill, as the leopard chased after her.
The young icy blond hair girl fled through the jungle, plowing through the vegetation as the leopard chasing her. Elsa looked back to the leopard and saw it gaining on her. She tried running as fast as her two legs could carry her. She leapt over a falling log that was in the way as she continued running from the big yellow and black spotted cat. The leopard jumped over the log and went after Elsa.
she fell and was rolling down a hill of plants and grass, all the way to the bottom. She was laying on the ground on her right side till she leaned up off the ground.
Elsa looked up the hill and saw the leopard come into view at the very top. She let out a gasp of fright, her eyes widened. It looked down at her and let out a roar. It began to come down the hill. Elsa quickly got up and ran into the further jungle. The leopard jumped down close to the end of the hill and continued pursue its chosen pray. The icy blond-haired girl ran past countless trees and plants.
The jungle girl came into a clearing. She then paused, glancing around for anyplace to hide. She heard the leopard's growl from the foliage behind her. It was getting closer.
Elsa turned forward toward one of the many trees that surrounded the clearing. With many thick branches above that would make it hard for the leopard to get to her. Though she would be able to slip through easily. Elsa quickly ran toward the tree and began to climb toward the canopy above. Clawing her way up the trunk, grabbing the branch above as she pulled herself up. Her foot suddenly slipped, causing her to gasped. Though she was quick to catch herself as she continued to climb.
She then heard the leopard's growl from behind. Looking down into the clearing, she saw the leopard emerge into the clearing as it scurried toward the tree. Elsa gasped as she glanced up and came to the first branch. She grabbed on to the branch. She pulled herself up into the canopy above. The leopard leaped up onto the trunk of the tree.
Digging it's claws into the trunk, the leopard proceeded toward her. It then raised it's paw and swiped it up at Elsa, who leaned back from the narrow opening. Elsa backed away against the trunk of the tree behind her. Her heart beat so rapidly in her chest. The leopard came to the narrow opening between the branches, where it proceeded to swipe it's paws at the jungle girl
"GO AWAY!" Elsa exclaimed.
The leopard only continued to reach for her, trying to warm it's way through the narrow opening. It's paws slowly grew closer to touching Elsa, who turned her head as she tried desperately to avoid it's claws. Closing her eyes, the girl-cub braced herself for what was to come.
BANG!
The leopard suddenly paused, hearing the sudden and loud sound in the distance. There was a moment's pause, it's eyes gaping open in fear and contempt. They then heard again.
BANG!
The leopard quickly wormed it's way between the branches before leaping down to the ground below. Elsa gazed down at the leopard, where she saw it scurry back into the jungle. Elsa gazed down both in shock and confusion. It was right at that moment she heard a rustling sound from below. Elsa gasped as she leaned back into the shadows. She then heard a voice below.
"It came from over here!"
She slowly peered down to the clearing below, where she saw a two men emerge into the clearing. One was big and burly with a white beard, wearing a large brown vest, a white shirt and brown cargo pants, holding a rifle in his hands. The other was a black man, with short black hair, small beard, wearing a light brown, short sleeved button shirt and cargo shorts. They walked out into the middle of the clearing. They then paused.
"I don't see it." the white Bearded man said.
The native guide kneeled down to the ground, inspecting the leopard's paw prints.
"Looks like it took off into the jungle," The native man proclaimed.
"We must of scared it off."
The white bearded man sighed in relief, lowering his rifle.
"First time any animals of gotten near camp in a while." the man proclaimed.
Elsa continued to watch from the canopy of the tree. She was both curious but also weary. It had been so long since she had ever saw someone of her own kind. Even before she had come to the jungle and was adopted by the pride. She had only ever been around her parents and the staff for most of her life. But never anybody outside of that.
She then heard another voice from below.
"Uncle North?"
Elsa glanced down to the foliage below. It was there she saw a boy the same age as her, with white hair, a blue t-shirt and brown shorts emerge onto the clearing. The two men turned to the boy.
"Jack, what are you doing here?" he said.
"I told you to stay back at camp with your Aunt and sister."
"I wanted to come help you and Mattias." Jack insisted to his uncle.
North shook his head to his nephew.
"I told you, no," North proclaimed to him.
"It's too dangerous for you to be out here with us."
Mattias stood up as he turned back to them.
"It's gone for now," he insisted to them.
"But we probably be getting back to camp before it comes back."
He then turned to the tree across from them, where he saw the leopard's claw marks embedded in the bark. A clear indicator that the leopard had marked it's territory.
"Aw." Jack moaned in disappointment.
"Trust me, Jack." said North, draping the strap on his rifle over his shoulder.
"You won't be thinking that if you actually meet one. Now Come. Let's get back to camp before it decides to come back. The last thing I need is to tell my sister her sons been eaten by a leopard, no?"
"Alright." Jack sighed in disappointment.
The three then began making their way back to camp. Unaware that they were being watched from the canopy of the tree above. Elsa continued to gazed down at them, curiously. Mostly toward the white haired boy. She made her way around the canopy of the tree, where she came over another branch. She continued to gazed down at the boy. While she was still hesitant, her curiosity was getting the best for her.
She then began climbing down out of the tree, dropping down into the foliage as she followed after them.
Simba, Nala and Zarya emerged from the foliage, far from the sight of the hillside. They then paused, seeing that they had lost the leopard.
"Did we lose it?" asked Nala.
"I think so." answered Simba.
Zarya gave a sigh of relief.
"That was close." she said.
It was right at that moment Simba noticed that Elsa was no where in sight.
"Wait, where's Elsa?" He asked, curiously.
Nala and Zarya then paused. They looked around at the jungle around them, but saw she was no where to be seen.
"Elsa!" Nala called out.
But they heard nothing.
"Uh oh." said Simba
"Come on, we have to find her!"
The three friends then turned and scurried back into the jungle..
Elsa continued following the three humans through the cover of the cover of the lush, jungle foliage. Crawling on all fours through the leaves and palms, peering ahead at the two men and the boy with them. They continued walking along the narrow path through the foliage. None of them suspected that they were being followed by the jungle girl.
North gazed up at the narrow opening of the trees above. He then took a deep breath and exhaled some of the jungle's fresh air.
"It's such a great day, no?" he asked, glancing down at Jack.
Jack shrugged.
"I guess." He said.
"Aw cheer up, Jack." said North, padding the boy on his back.
"You'll have the chance to see more animals when we go on that hike tomorrow."
"That sounds great, uncle North." said Jack, glancing to the side.
North sighed, glancing to the side. Jack hasn't been himself since since he and his sister came to visit them. The reason being that his parents were going through a divorce. There had been nights where he overheard his mother and father arguing over the loss of their fathers job. Sometimes his five-year old sister Anna would come into his room, crying. Their mother and his sister, Jill sent Jack and his younger sister to stay with him and Tooth till she got things sorted out.
Jack, North and Mattias came into the clearing from the jungle, where there were three wooden cabins and a large safari jeep parked right next to one. Elsa peered into the clearing from the cover of the foliage.
"Tooth, Anna!" North called.
"Come out, it's safe."
It was then that two more people emerged from one of the cabins. A short women with brown hair, wearing a light blue t-shirt and brown shorts. She carried in her arms a girl with reddish-brown hair wearing a short green dress. In her arms a stuffed doll with the same colour dress and orange hair.
"Jack!" She said, coming down the steps.
"I thought I told you to stay in the cabin."
"Sorry." said Jack, frowning.
"There's no need to worry." North said, raising his hand to her.
"The leopard must of heard the gunshot and got spooked. It was gun before we got there."
"The bad kitty gone?" Anna asked, curiously.
North rubbed the top of the girl's head with his big hand.
"Of course, sweetie." He said.
"The bad kitty far away."
"That's good." Said Anna smiling.
North nodded his head in agreement.
"Here," said North, taking his niece into her arms.
"Why don't you and your brother go play, no?"
"Yeah!" Anna proclaimed.
North placed Anna down on the ground as she came up to Jacks side.
"Come on, Jack!" She said, tugging on his arm.
"Alright, I'm coming." said Jack, following his little sister.
Elsa continued watching from behind the cover of the tree. She gazed at the Jack and Anna as they walked to the back of the camp site. The girl slowly crept through the foliage as she followed them.
Diata, Bagheera, Timon and Pumbaa continued to follow the cubs's scent. They then emerged from the foliage, where they came to the river. Diata lowered his head, sniffing along the river banks. She then raised her head, gazing across the river as she caught whiffs of their scent over the stone path leading across.
"Oh no." Diata said, realizing where they had gone.
She looked back at Bagheera, Timon and Pumbaa coming up from behind. The panther came up next to her, gazing across the river. Knowing that the cubs had crossed over to the other side. Even after he had advised him not go.
"They crossed the river." He groaned.
"And after I specifically warned them not to."
Diata stared in utter disbelief. She had told Elsa to never come near the river. She couldn't believe that her daughter would disobey her. Though she couldn't say that she was surprised by this. Kids sometimes never abide by the wishes of their parents. She herself had done the same when she was Elsa's age.
But even still, they had to find them before something happens.
Diata glanced back at Bagheera.
"We have to go find them!" she proclaimed to
"Well, what are we waiting for?" Timon asked, curiously.
"Lets go!"
"Hold on kids!" Pumbaa said.
"Uncle Pumbaa's coming!"
It was then the warthog then leaped into the air. Before Timon could say anything, they then landed in the water as Pumbaa began paddling across to the other side.
"Almost there!" he said in his thoughts.
"Pumbaa!"
Pumbaa paused as he glanced up at Timon, who was soak and wet.
"There's a bridge right there." he said, pointing over at the large rock protruding from the stream.
Pumbaa stood, dumfounded.
"Oh... right." He said, grinning dumbfoundedly.
The panther rolled his eyes, shaking his head in disbelief. Diata then turned and crossed over the bridge of stones to the other side. She hoped that Elsa, Simba, Nala and Zarya were okay. Though after this, there was no way she would let Elsa out of her sight again.
Jack was holding two sticks to his head, chasing after his little sister, who giggled.
"Roar!" Jack said, pretending to be a wild animal.
"I'm gonna get you, Anna!"
His little sister giggled as she ran from Jack.
"You can't catch me!" said Anna.
As the two continued to play in the clearing, Elsa watched from the cover of the foliage. Seeing the two sibling play, chasing each other, much like she and the lions cubs of the pride, Elsa couldn't help but be curious. She only ever knew how to play with the cubs of the pride. But never had she ever known what it was like to play with other children her age. At least, those that were her kind.
Jack caught up to Anna, he threw down the sticks.
"Got ya!" Jack proclaimed, taking her into his arms.
Anna laughed as Jack pulled her close. Jack then sat down as she began tickling her. Jack chuckled, giving a big smile to her little sister.
"Hey Jack?" Asked Anna.
"Hmm?" He said.
"Why are mama and papa mad at each other?" Anna asked, curiously.
Jack narrowed his head, frowning. For the past few months, their parents, their parents constantly argue. Their father had lost his job at the ice rink because of the lack of funding. Their mother insisted on getting a job, but he keeps insisting that he would find one. Though there wasn't much work to be found in the city.
Jack shook his head.
"I don't know." said Jack, glancing down at her.
"Do you think things will get better?" Anna asked, curiously.
"I hope so." said Jack.
Anna narrowed her head. She hoped that things would be back the way they once were. Before their parents were fighting.
"Hey." said Jack, as he lifted head up to face him.
"Don't worry, everything's going to alright."
Jack then took Anna in her arms and hugged her tight. Anna closed her eyes, laying against her brother chest as he held her close.
Elsa stood up from behind the foliage, getting a look at the sight. She could help but smile at the two sibling, seeing how close they looked. It reminded her of how close she was to Simba and Nala. And to some extent, her mother.
Jack open his eyes, before glancing over to the foliage across from them. Suddenly, his smile disappeared from his face as he saw something looking back at them. Was it an animal?
Elsa gasped, seeing that she had been spotted. The jungle girl ducked down behind the leaves and palms, peering through the narrow opening of the foliage into clearing.
Jack placed Anna next to him as she stood up. Anna glanced up at him, curiously.
"Jack?" asked Anna, curiously.
Jack didn't answer. He only crept slowly toward the foliage for a better look at the thing looking at him. But as he got closer, what he thought was an animal looked almost like...
Like a girl!
"Anna, stay there." he said, glancing back to her.
Jack looked back toward the girl. He then continued to approach, creeping slowly as to no startle her.
"Hello?" Jack asked.
Elsa slowly backed away from the bush. What was first a feeling of curiosity that had led her to watch the girl, now replaced with that of shock. Seeing the boy coming toward her. She suddenly felt the erg to turn and run.
"It' ok, it's ok." Jack reassured.
"I'm no going to hurt you."
Just before he could become face to face with the girl, Elsa suddenly turned and ran away into the jungle.
"Hey wait!" said Jack, running after her.
"Jack!" said Anna.
The boy glanced back to his sister.
"Anna, stay there!" said Jack putting his hand out to her.
Jack then turned and ran into the jungle, following after the mysterious girl.
(That's all for now, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If anyone has a request or idea for this story, please feel free to share it. It would really help speed this story along. And as always please comment and review!)
