The Lion King and the Whispering Forest EP01

VN21 Originals

One sunny morning in the Pride Lands, the golden savannah was alive with the sounds of chattering birds and rustling grass. Young Simba and Nala, full of energy and curiosity, were playing near Pride Rock. Simba crouched low, his tail twitching as he prepared to pounce on Nala.

“Gotcha!” he roared, springing forward. Nala, however, was quick and agile. She dodged his playful attack, laughing as she did.

“You’re getting slow, Simba!” Nala teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“No way! I’m just warming up,” Simba retorted, grinning. “Bet you can’t catch me!”

“Oh, we’ll see about that!” Nala challenged, darting after him.

They chased each other through the tall grass, their laughter echoing across the savannah. Simba zigzagged, trying to lose Nala, but she was fast and determined. She finally tackled him, and they tumbled together, rolling and giggling.

“Gotcha!” Nala declared triumphantly, pinning Simba down.

“Alright, alright, you win,” Simba laughed. “But only because I let you.”

“Sure you did,” Nala said, playfully rolling her eyes.

They lay on the grass, catching their breath, when Simba’s ears perked up. He heard voices coming from nearby. “Hey, do you hear that?” he whispered.

Nala lifted her head, listening. “Yeah, it sounds like Zazu and your dad.”

Curious, they quietly crept closer, peeking through the tall grass. They saw Zazu, the majordomo hornbill, talking to Mufasa, the great king of the Pride Lands.

“Your Majesty, we have a troubling situation in the Whispering Forest,” Zazu said, flapping his wings nervously.

Mufasa’s expression grew serious. “What has happened, Zazu?”

Zazu took a deep breath. “As you know, the Whispering Forest has always been a place of tranquility. The trees would softly whisper the good deeds and cherished memories of those who passed through. It was a place where one could reflect and feel at peace.”

Mufasa nodded. “Yes, I remember. The forest was a sanctuary for many. I recall walking through the forest with my father. The whispers spoke of his wisdom and courage, and it gave me strength and pride. It was a place where I felt connected to the past and inspired for the future.”

Mufasa then looked intently at Zazu. “But how do you know something has changed?”

Zazu straightened, his feathers ruffling slightly. “Several animals came to me, sharing their disturbing experiences. They spoke of the whispers bringing up past regrets and fears, rather than comfort and peace. It sounded so alarming that I decided to investigate myself.”

Mufasa raised an eyebrow. “And what did you find?”

Zazu continued, “When I ventured into the forest, I experienced it firsthand. The whispers were no longer gentle and soothing. Instead, they were eerie and unsettling, as if the forest itself was trying to torment those who entered. I could feel it in the air — something was terribly wrong.”

Mufasa’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “That is indeed troubling. Have the animals said anything else?”

Zazu nodded. “Many of the animals have fled the forest, unable to bear the new whispers. Others have gone missing entirely. It’s as if something is luring them away, but we don’t know where or why.”

Mufasa’s expression grew more serious. “Until we understand what is happening, we must keep everyone away from the forest. Alert the pride. No one is to go near the Whispering Forest until we find out what has caused this change.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. But how do you plan to approach this problem?” Zazu asked, his concern evident.

Mufasa took a deep breath. “I will visit Rafiki myself come morning. His wisdom and knowledge of the ancient magic might provide us with the answers we need.”

“Very well, Your Majesty. I will inform the pride and ensure no one ventures into the forest,” Zazu said, bowing slightly before taking flight.