eyelids lowered. "Well, when I'm king, I'll run 'em off easy."

"Yeah," Nala agreed, arching a brow at Zazu.

Zazu's eyes popped open and he whirled around to face them. "Have you any idea how dangerous those ruffians are?"

Simba's mouth opened, and he glanced at Nala again, confused. He turned his head back to blink at Zazu. "But y'just said they were slobbering-mangy-stupid poachers," he leaned his head down to look at the hornbill.

"Yes, well," Zazu staggered away from him, bottom of his eyes scrunched in ruffled embarrassment as he grumbled under his breath, turning his back on the cubs, "tell that to the birdie-boiler."

Simba snorted a short laugh. "Bannana Beak is scared!"

"I beg your pardon, I most certainly am not!" Zazu dusted his feathers. "I was merely pointing out--"

"Yeah, well," Simba strutted past Zazu. "I'm gonna find Nadra. Nala, wanna come?"

Nala began to go after him, but a roar from behind her made her freeze, ears flattening in dissapointment. "That was my Mom," she grumbled, turning to go back into the den. "Sorry, Simba. I gotta go."

Simba's ears drooped in frustration. "Fine, I'll go on my own."

"No, wait, you can't--" Zazu cried.

But Simba was already off.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Naaaadra!" Simba called as he trotted through the grass. "Nadra? C'mon, Nadra, quit hiding!"

Suddenly Scar appeared, panting. "Where is your father?"

Simba arched a brow and frowned at him, confused. "Why?"

"There has been an accident. A cub is in danger!"

Simba felt excitement thrill through him. "He's busy--off with some hyenas or whatever. What's wrong?"

"The white cub--your friend--she is trapped in the gorge--we must warn Mufasa!"

Simba froze. "Nadra? You mean Nadra's in the gorge?"

"Yes, and I fear she will be picked off by predators--hyenas, of course." Scar's eyes were wide. "I wouldn't dream of sending you, my favorite nephew..."

"Yeah, sure," Sima grunted. "I'm your only nephew, Uncle Scar," he said.

"Precisely," Scar suddenly got a gleam in his eye.

"No problem," Simba growled smugly. He darted past Scar, who didn't budge but allowed himself a sly smile.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This better work, Nadra thought, rolling onto her back in the only stretch of shade she could find, under a scrawny tree. The gorge was horribly hot. I don't get it. Having Simba save me would be great, but how will this drag his attention from Nala to me?
 

Suddenly rocks clattered onto the ground in front of her.

Simba was scrambling down the last boulders of the huge cliffs to get to her!

Nadra sat up and tried to look scared.

"Hang on, Nadra, I'll getcha out of here!"

"Yeah, sure," Nadra nodded vigorously. "How? Should we climb back up?"

"I dunno," Simba answered, scaling the cliffs again. "This way's too steep for climbing now. Let's find another place."

Suddenly the pebbles on the ground clattered again.

Nadra felt her ears droop. What was happening? This wasn't part of the plan--Scar had promised they'd both be safe here!

"Uh...Simba?" Nadra gulped.

Simba was still scaling the cliff. He turned at the sound of his name. Eyes widening, grin disappearing, he flinched. "S-Stampede!" he cried.

Turning, he ran and shoved Nadra forward with his nose. "Move, let's go!"

"Wh-wh-where?" Nadra stammered, trembling as she ran.

Thunderous hooves sounded above. A herd of wildebeasts were trampling toward them, looking sullenly frightened as they hurtled down the cliffs toward the two cubs.

"Oh no!" Nadra cried.

Simba winced.

Here they came...

TO BE CONTINUED IN NO CRUSH: PART 2!