Lion King (the Cub Days)

Hyenas

"Nala," called Simba as he leaped over a rock and landed close to Nala's den. He heard scuffling as she appeared, her eyes bright and energetic.

"Yes Simba," she asked.

Simba pawed at the ground excitedly. "Do you want to come with me to the wateringhole," he asked as he kicked at the ground with his hind legs.

Nala turned her head. "Can I go to the wateringhole with Simba," she asked.

Sarafina padded forward and shook out her fur. "Well....alright. Just be back soon, okay Nala?"

"Of course mom," assured Nala as she sprang forward, her claws kicking up dust and grass. She followed Simba as he led her along the path toward the wateringhole. They had no idea that Zazu was flying just overhead.

"I'll race you there," offered Simba as he wiggled his haunches.

Nala let out a purr and nodded. "Ready. Set. Go!"

She shot out quicker and Simba sped after her with his muscles rippling. Excitement shot through him. He loved running. It made his heart lift and his whole body shake. Nala was still in the lead but he knew that he'd catch up to her, at least some time.

She suddenly skidded to a halt a few feet from the wateringhole. "Why did we stop," he asked panting as he padded up beside her with his head still down.

"Simba, look."

Simba raised his head and saw hyenas prowling the wateringhole. They were stalking toward the lionesses who had just brought down a fat gazelle. They hyenas snapped at the lionesses and they whimpered as they drew back.

"What are you doing," cried Simba as he halted between the prey and the hyenas. "They are trying to steal our prey!"

"We know young price," rasped a gentle speaking lionesses named Trayla.

Simba curled his lip while Nala sulked toward him with her fur pressed against her body in fear. She would stand by Simba no matter how afraid she was of the hyenas.

"Leave the prey alone," snapped Simba as he reared on his hind legs and slashed out at a hyena. The lead hyena leaped back and chuckled threateningly.

"Is this cub telling me what to do," he asked as he clicked his teeth together. "I don't think so." He surged forward but Trayla grasped Simba's scruff. He was pulled backwards with a frightened yelp.

Nala was yanked too by Liliy and the lionesses surged toward Pride Rock, abandoning their kill.

Simba was very confused and he didn't understand why they didn't stand up to the hyenas. He would have to ask his dad about that later.