Zuka Zama Part II: The Scourge of Kopa | The Lion Guard

8. Hiding Out

It has been two days since Kopa made his way north towards the Pride Lands. The closer he got to his destination the more the environment changed. He would noticed the change in color and texture of the grasses just outside the Outlands. Instead of brown, frail and prickled the grass beneath his paws were green, lush and soft to the touch. He was startled by the grasses that grew in large expanses on the savanna. He had no idea that some grass could grow so high. When walking through it, his nose would begin to tingle from the blade tips gently swaying and parting across his nose.

Listening in on the conversations of other creature apparently making their way to the Pride Lands as well, there was an anticipated event rumored to happen any day. What it was Kopa did not know, which frustrated him immensely. Every time Kopa believed he was about to learn the reason for this large gathering the speakers would bound off or even be chased away by predators. After literally 5 times of this happening the lion chalked it up to some higher power wanting him to find out for himself. He quickly accepted that challenge to figure this out himself. Peeking over the grass that kept him well hidden, Kopa could see the Pride Rock standing tall and proud. Not only that but he see what seemed to be the endless herd of animals of all kinds of species and breeds making their way there.

But Pride Rock itself still seemed to be some miles away. More than he could cover in the night, especially on an empty stomach. But hunting around here would be a risk all in itself. Even though prey here seemed plentiful the sight of a rogue male lion will definitely bring unwanted attention. The lion felt he had come way to far to be chased off by a pride of defending lioness.

Perhaps it would be best to just lay low. If can wait it out in the Outlands, I can wait it out here, the hungry cub reassured himself. But either way he couldn't stay in this patch of grass. No doubt with this large horde of mainly herbivores making their way around here it was only a matter of time before one of them stopped for a meal and discovered him. Standing on the very tips of his paws and bunching his muscles, he prepared to dart out and duck behind underneath a pile of rocks. There was a hole at the bottom that was big enough for him. He had been looking at it for a good while and was sure that there was no other creatures inhabiting it. Taking a deep breath and surveying around the feline took his chance and darted out of the grass, quickly squirming and scrabbling his way under the formation of rocks.

Inside the formation was small but still spacious enough for him. There was enough room to turn around and peak through crevices. He had n idea how long he would have to stay there. Maybe till night fall. That was always a safe time for to lurk around. But aside from being stuck there Kopa was presented with two new problems; his stomach was rumbling and unfortunately he was hit with the urge to empty his bladder.

Kopa had no idea how long he was sitting there, but the sun was just about set. At this point the poor cub had been pacing in place. He refused to go inside the place he was hiding as it was too small and he would have to sit in it. Daring to look out, he peeked through a crack and looked around. Seems that everyone has dispersed for the day.

"Thank the stars", Kopa muttered to himself. He crawled out of the space leaned down to stretch.

"Feels great to stretch out again", the feline yawned. His paws felt numb and his hips ached from pacing around. Kopa stood up and scanned around. Immediately his eyes fell upon the patch of grass he was hiding in before. Figuring it was a bonus adding privacy, Kopa dashed into the soft tall grass. Without even scanning the area around him, the lion cub let out a heavy sigh as the euphoria of relief washed over him. Taking a deep breath and finishing up, the lion's ears twitched. Turning his head towards the direction there was a hare sniffing around some stalks.

Perfect, Kopa thought to himself as he gently shook himself off and got into hunting position. All I gotta do is catch it, eat it and move on. The rabbit looked back to the grass below, leaning forward to take tiny nibbles on the stalks. Kopa kept his paws light and made long, slow strides to keep the grass from rustling. Taking a deep breath and flexing his claws, Kopa made a great leap and pinned the lagomorph under his paws. Working quickly, Kopa delivered the killing bite before it could make a sound and alert someone. When the prey fell still Kopa picked it up and decided to pick it up, moving it back under the rock formation. It was a safe place to quickly eat. Once he was finished he would move closer to Pride Rock.