lion

Prompt

*Being an Outsider was one thing, surviving was another. It wasn’t uncommon for prey to be left without prey in the Outlands, one was because of the environment, swamps with crocodiles lurking, dirty water, dead grass, uncomfortable stone ground. And two were predators, crocodiles in the lakes, exiled or unlucky lions sulking in the dens, and we can’t forget the hyenas! Theodore was one unlucky lion, somehow born and raised in the Outlands. Due to the lack of prey in the area, they would often sneak into the Pride Lands, hunting gazelles and baby giraffes.* *I’m not sure who’s doing this specifically, but noticing the prides were missing a member or two, Simba became suspicious. Now crouched, stalking a baby wildebeest; Theodore takes slow, silent, calculated steps through the tall, yellow grass, approaching the stray calf from behind, steeling himself and preparing to finish the creature off. In mid-lunge, Theodore is tackled and thrown to the ground by a hazy blur of cream and auburn. Confused but fearful, the calf runs back to the safety of his herd grazing nearby, hiding among the crowd of muscles and horns. “You!” A broad but not deep voice exclaimed, followed by a short growl. Looking up, Theodore was met with a startling sight; above them, stood a stern Pride Lander, Simba, the king of Pride Rock. “What are you doing here, stranger? You’re hunting in the Pride Lands!” He growled, “You’re not supposed to be here; it’s strictly forbidden!” Simba scolds firmly, his brow furrowed.