Chapter Four: The Trap
The cubs at this point were crowded around Simba, who was lying on his back moaning as he clutched his aching jaw. Nala was sympathetically stroking the back of his head, earning a small, hidden smile from the miserable cub.
"Wow, that must have really hurt," she muttered as she continued soothing him.
"Who in the world would throw rocks at random cubs for no reason?" Tojo asked.
"Someone who really hates lion cubs?" Chumvi suggested.
"Well, whoever it is, they'll pay," Tama snarled, her claws unsheathed.
At that instant, they heard a panicked cry echo across the savannah.
"Help! Help! Somebody help me! I'm stuck!"
Simba stood straight up, listening to the sound.
"That's Nuka!"
"Who's that?" asked Nala.
"My cousin. He's in trouble! Let's go!"
All eight of the cubs ran as fast as possible to the source of the sound, rushing through grass and over rocks, until they finally found a large clump of reeds. Simba stepped in front and parted the blades before looking down.
Nuka was trapped in a cub-sized sinkhole, squirming desperately while squealing in terror. He tried in vain to reach his front paws out of the hole.
"C'mon guys!" Simba shouted. "Let's rescue him."
One by one, the cubs climbed down the small hill to reach the sinkhole, and just as Simba was about to grab Nuka's paw, a flash of tan leapt through the air and knocked him to the ground.
The cubs stood there in shock as Vitani stood triumphantly over Simba, who was lying on his side groaning. Nuka climbed out of the hole effortlessly, causing everyone to frown.
"Who are you?" Nala shouted. "And why did you just tackle my friend?"
"Well, listen here, pretty little princess," Vitani snarled. "He's Nuka, and I'm Vitani. We're Simba's cousins. We just dropped by to say hi. The rocks didn't get your attention, so we figured we'd bring you here to meet us."
Nala and Tama felt a burning hatred for Vitani. There was no guessing as to the fact that she was pure evil. But Mheetu stared at her, entranced.
She's amazing, he smiled. That sly look, those hooded eyes, her little bangs...add that to her wonderfully evil nature…she's definitely the cub for me.
Mheetu sauntered over to Vitani, and she frowned upon seeing him.
"So," Mheetu asked, "I see you enjoy your evilness very much. That's a beautiful trait. Most lions don't appreciate that much, but I do."
Nala smacked a paw to her forehead. Her little brother was hitting on her best friend's cousin! At least he's found someone evil like himself, she reasoned. Maybe they'll cancel each other out. But the world just doesn't work that way, does it?
Vitani smiled seductively at Mheetu. "Are you evil too?"
"Very much so," he smiled.
Nuka then interrupted, "Uh, Vitani, shouldn't we be tormenting them some more?"
"Oh, of course!" she giggled. "Almost forgot. Sorry cutie. We'll have to talk later."
She winked at him, and then began to chase the others as they fled in a panic.
"How could your cousins be this awful?" Chumvi shouted at Simba.
"My aunt's a psycho!" Simba shot back. "I don't know what Uncle Scar saw in her!"
As the gang ran away from Nuka and Vitani, Mheetu stayed behind, watching the proceedings.
She called me a cutie, Mheetu smiled. I think she and I will make a fine little evil couple…heh heh heh heh heh…
Well, it seems you guys were right about Mheetu and Vitani! Let's face it, they're perfect for each other. I actually was debating in my head whether or not to go with it, but obviously I decided on doing so. It's much more interesting now, I think.
Again, don't forget to PM me if you want more info about the guy who worked on TLK, which I'm sure you probably do! Tune in tomorrow, because we'll see even more of everyone's favorite evil cubs!