A Prince's Tail
Another calm morning at the Pride Lands. "Out of the way!" Well... sort of. Simba runs through the Pride Lands, forcing some animals to move away, while he continues running hurriedly and with some concern on his face. After a long run, Simba arrives at her best friend Nala's home. Once there, he hides behind a bush and calls out: “Psst! Hey Nala.”
The little lioness looks at the bush and is amazed to see her best friend hiding there. “Simba? What are you doing there?”
"We need to talk." Says the young prince in a worried tone.
Nala looks at Sarafaina: "Mom?"
"Go there." Sarafina says with her usual smile. "But be careful." The adult lioness nuzzles her daughter.
"Yes mom." Nala purrs, also nuzzling her mother, before running to her friend. “Hey, Simba. What's wrong?"
"Come with me. We're going to a place where no one sees us.”
"O-kay..." Nala follows Simba, confused by his strange behavior.
The two walk for a while, Nala walking ahead and Simba always sneaking through trees, bushes and stones, which leaves the little lioness very confused. What is he hiding from? She looks around and sees nothing or anyone who might want to harm them. “Simba. What are you afraid of?”
“Nala! Quiet!” He continues walking, always hiding.
After a few minutes, the two cubs enter a small cave. “Ok, Simba. Now can you tell me what's going on?” She asks in a serious tone, already sick of mystery.
“Nala. I have something to show you. But you have to promise me that you won't laugh.”
“Simba! Come on! Show me!"
"F... Fine." Nervous, the little lion turns his rear on the lioness.
Nala is surprised by what she sees. Her best friend's tail is different. Now the little prince has a big, fluffy tail of light gray fur with black spots. Suddenly, Nala starts to laugh wildly, pointing to her friend's new tail. “Hahahaha! Simba! Your tail! Hahahaha!”
Simba just looks at his friend with an upset face. She shouldn't be laughing at his tail problem. "Have you finished?"
“Hah. Yes." She responds, now calmer. "What happened to your tail, Simba?"
"I don't know. Today, when I woke up, I found I had... this.”
"Did you tell your parents?"
"What? Nala! Are you crazy? After what happened to our bodies, I would be grounded forever.”
“So what if we talked to Rafiki? He must know how to solve your problem.”
"What if he tells my parents?"
"Do you want to keep that tail forever?"
Simba thinks for a few seconds. "Ok. Let's talk to Rafiki.”
The two friends leave the cave and go to Rafiki's Tree, calling: “Rafiki! Rafiki! Come here!"
Rafiki comes down from his tree. "Hi? What are you two doing here?”
Nala is the first to speak: “Rafiki. Simba has a tail problem. Do you think you can help him?”
“A tail problem? Mmmm.” Rafiki walks to Simba's rear and watches his new tail. "Well, well, well."
“W-What is it Rafiki?" Simba asks in a tone of concern.
“Simba. You have a snow leopard tail.”
"What?" Simba and Nala are confused.
“For some reason, your body developed this new tail. It is a very special tail, Simba.”
"Special?" He remains confused.
"Oh yeah. I am feeling a big energy in your new tail. Maybe...” Rafiki is thoughtful.
"Maybe what, Rafiki?" Asks Nala.
"No. It cannot be. It is impossible."
“Rafiki! Tell us!” The felines demand it.
“Simba. This tail is not an ordinary snow leopard tail. This is an Uchawi Mkia.”
"A what?!" Simba and Nala are confused again.
“An Uchawi Mkia, a magical tail. A long, long time ago, a young lion also had an Uchawi Mkia. His name was Kaidi and he was very fond of pranks and was very stubborn. Then, one day, he discovered that he had a different tail. Like you, Simba. His tail was magical and managed to change other animals, changing their tails, paws or even all their bodies. However, the lion eventually lost control of his tail and caused many problems for his friends and family. Until, one day, his tail disappeared as mysteriously as it appeared. No one knows for sure how or why, but many believe that it was the great lions of the past who wanted to teach that lion a lesson. Uchawi Mkia is very powerful, but also very dangerous. You have to promise me that you will be very careful, Simba.”
"I promise, Rafiki."
“Rafiki. Can you get Simba back to normal?”
“That is a very good question, young Nala. I will have to consult the spirits to find the solution to this problem. But it can take hours, days, weeks...”
"Don't worry, Rafiki." Says Simba. “Take as long as you want. I promise I won't do anything wrong with my tail.”
"Yes. I believe not, young Simba.”
“Come on, Nala. Thank you, Rafiki.”
"Be careful, little ones." Rafiki returns inside the tree, while Simba and Nala leave.
“It doesn't even look bad. I like my new tail.” Simba wags his tail elegantly, while walking next to his best friend.
“Simba. Watch out." Nala warns. "Rafiki says it is dangerous."
“Oh, come on, Nala. How can a tail do so much harm?”
Suddenly, without they realizing it, Simba's new tail shots a small blue ray that crosses the Pride Lands and makes a giraffe get zebra's stripes.
Meanwhile, at the border, the hyenas observe the Pride Lands.
“Okay, boys. Remember: be as quiet as possible.” Asks Shenzi.
“Come on, Shenzi. You know us.” Banzai responds. “We are super silent. Right, Ed?”
Ed shakes his head in denial, until Banzai kicks him in the head and he nods in agreement.
“Okay, guys. Enough. Let's go get our breakfast.”
The three hyenas sneak into the Pride Lands.
Simba and Nala are playing tag, when Zazu flies to them: “Simba. Nala. I finally found you.”
"Oh no." They are disappointed to see Zazu interrupt their game.
“Simba. Your parents are very concerned. You shouldn't have left without telling them.” Zazu notices Simba's tail. “Simba? What happened to your tail?”
“Zazu. I present you my new magical tail.” Simba smiles with pride.
"Magic tail?!"
“Simba? What are you doing?" Nala whispers in Simba's ear.
Simba responds to her friend. “Don't worry, Nala. I know what I'm doing.” Then to Zazu: “Look, Zazu.” Simba plays with his tail, trying to do magic, but nothing happens.
“Oh wow. Very good, Simba. I loved it." Zazu jokes. “Now follow me. Your parents are waiting for you.” Zazu starts flying back to the Pride Rock.
"I don't understand, Nala." Simba's discouraged. "Rafiki said the tail was magical."
"You may have to aim."
"Like this?" Simba points to Zazu.
“Simba! Watch out!" Nala screams.
"What's up?" As soon as Zazu looks back, he's hit by a blue ray from Simba's tail. "What was that?" Zazu feels a little shiver, but ignores it. “It must be just the air flow. Come on, boys. Let's move.” And he continues to fly.
Simba and Nala watch the bird above them. Now Zazu has an egret crest on his head. "Oops."
After a few minutes, the three arrive at Pride Rock. "Sir. I found young Simba.” Zazu says, landing next to the king.
“Thank you, Zazu. You can go now. ” Mufasa thanks him.
“Yes, sir. I'll see what I can add to the morning report.” Zazu leaves.
“Mmmm. I never noticed those big feathers on Zazu's head.” Mufasa thinks, before speaking to his son in a serious tone. “Simba. We have to talk.”
"Yes, dad." Says Simba, approaching his father with his head and ears down.
“Nala. Does your mom know you're here?” Sarabi asks.
“Yes, your majesty. She knows that I'm with Simba.” Nala responds to the queen.
“Simba. You know you can't leave without warning. You are still a cub.”
"I know, dad."
“Have you forgotten what happened a few weeks ago? You and Nala were very irresponsible!”
"But dad, I..."
Simba is interrupted by his mother who notices his son's new tail. “Simba? What happened to your tail?” She asks, curious and concerned.
“Oh. That's why I left without telling you. I didn't want you to see me like this.” The young prince responds with dismay.
"What did you do this time, Simba?" Mufasa asks suspiciously.
"Nothing! Yesterday everything was normal. But today, when I woke up, I noticed that my tail was... like this.”
"Rafiki says that Simba's tail is magical." Nala adds.
"Magical?" Mufasa and Sarabi are confused.
"Sir! Sir!" Zazu returns, screaming with concern. “Hyenas in the Pride Lands!”
"What?! Where?!"
“In the zebras' territory. Hyenas are about to catch them. We have to be quick.”
“Okay, Zazu. Simba. Nala. You have to...” Simba and Nala disappeared. “Simba! Nala!”
The two cubs ran out of Pride Rock as soon as Zazu spoke about the hyenas. They are on their way to the zebras' territory.
“Simba. Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“Relax, Nala. I have a magic tail, remember?”
"Ok. But be careful.”
“Hah. You know me, Nala. I am always careful.”
Finally, they reach the zebras' territory and hide behind a bush, watching the hyenas, who are getting closer and closer to the zebras.
“Come on, zebras. Slow down.” Shenzi asks. "We're not gonna hurt you."
"Yes. We just want to eat you.” Banzai clarifies.
Ed just laughs with his tongue dripping saliva.
“Simba. What's your plan?” Nala asks.
"Just watch."
In the distance, Simba points his tail at the hyenas and shoots a blue ray with his magical tail. However, the little lion is still unable to control his tail well and the ray deviates, hitting a zebra. The zebra turns into a gazelle.
"What?!" Hyenas are amazed to see the zebra transform.
“Damn. I failed. Let me try again.” Simba shoots again and this time turns a zebra into an antelope.
"What's up?!" Banzai asks, quite confused.
“Simba. Maybe we better wait for your father.”
“No, Nala. I can do it." Simba continues shooting several rays with his tail, but he never hits the hyenas. He can only turn zebras into other species. After a while, hyenas are chasing a group of zebras, gazelles, antelopes and gnus.
"Boys! Let's go, before we turn into giraffes!” Shenzi shouts.
"You don't have to say it twice!" Banzai says.
Frightened, the three hyenas run back to the Outlands.
"Hahahaha!" Simba and Nala jump and laugh happily.
"You did it, Simba!"
"Yeah! Did you see how they ran? Stupid hyenas!”
"What happened here?" Mufasa appears and he is amazed to see the herd with random animals and the hyenas running outside.
Simba runs to his father, looking happy and satisfied. "I did it, dad!"
"Simba?" Mufasa is also amazed to see his son there. "What are you doing here?"
"Dad! I chased away the hyenas!”
"What?"
"I used my magic tail!" Simba proudly shows the tail to his father and, accidentally, a blue ray strikes the king, transforming him into a lioness. "Dad!" Simba is distressed, realizing what he just did.
“Simba! What did you do?” Nala is also distressed.
"I... I didn't want to. It was an accident.” The little lion sheds some tears.
"What are you talking about?" Mufasa is confused. "And... why do I feel so... weird?"
"Dad. I'm sorry. I... I... I turned you into a lioness." He cries.
"What?" The king understands and starts analyzing his body and realizes that he has become shorter. In addition, his mane has disappeared. “Simba. Did you do this?” The king asks, also pointing to the herd of different species.
"Yes." The son responds with some dismay, but then smiles again with confidence. "But... I expelled the hyenas."
“Simba. I am very disappointed.” Mufasa speaks in a serious tone, while Simba lowers his head and ears in dismay. “Once again, you put Nala in danger. And look what you did.” He points again to the transformed animals. Then he looks at the little lioness. “Nala. Go back to your mother."
"Ok." Nala responds sadly. "Goodbye, Simba."
"Bye, Nala." Simba sadly watches his best friend leave.
“Now, Simba. I hope you know how to get us back to normal. ”Mufasa remains serious.
"N-No." Simba responds a little scared.
"In that case, we will immediately speak to Rafiki."
"Yes, dad." Simba follows the lioness Mufasa towards Rafiki's tree.
Meanwhile, the hyenas return to the Outlands, frightened and confused.
“The Pride Lands are very strange.” Banzai comments.
"You can say that. We started chasing zebras and, suddenly, we were chasing other animals.”
Ed mumbles something, apparently scared.
"I think it is better for us to never go back to the Pride Lands." Banzai suggests.
"What did I just hear?" Scar talks from a high rock, always serious and watchful, making the hyenas shrink before his presence.
“Oh Scar. Don't mind the idiot Banzai says. Of course we are going back to the Pride Lands.” Shenzi smiles, trying to calm Scar by showing her loyalty to him.
“Yes, Scar. I was just kidding.” Says Banzai. “We are really going back there. Huh... When are we going back there?”
Scar jumps off the rock, walking among the hyenas with a sly smile on his face. “All in good time, my friends. I have a plan. But I have to wait for the right moment to put it into practice.”
"Let me guess. We are part of the plan, right?” Shenzi guesses.
"Very well. Perhaps there is still hope for hyenas.” Scar rubs his paw over Shenzi's head, who smiles with pride. “I will attract little Simba to you. All you have to do is...” Scar rubs his paw on his own neck, showing the hyenas that they must kill Simba. They smile when they realize what they have to do. "And if you don't fail, which will not happen, my brother's idiot may also be part of your menu."
"Yeah!" The hyenas celebrate and laugh, eager to eat the prince and the king. Scar just watches them with a huge smile.
Mufasa and Simba are already talking to Rafiki, trying to figure out what they can do to get the king and the other animals back to normal.
"Unfortunately, only the great lions of the past will be able to decide when your tail will be back to normal." Explains the mandrill.
"And do you think you can undo Simba's magic?"
“I'm sorry, Your Majesty. But there is nothing I can do. The most certain thing is that everything goes back to normal, as soon as Simba's magic tail disappears.”
"Hey! I can try." Simba smiles enthusiastically.
“No, Simba. You have already done enough damage.” Warns the king, discouraging his son again.
“Mmmm. Perhaps there is a way.”
“Rafiki? What is it?” Asks Mufasa.
“Let me train your son. I can help him control the magic of his tail.”
"Yes. Yes, dad! Come on!” Simba begs.
“Rafiki. Do you promise to keep my son out of trouble?”
"That's why I'm going to train you, your majesty."
Mufasa thinks for a while. "Very well. Simba. I want you to respect Rafiki. He will be your magic teacher and you have to obey him.”
"I know, dad."
"As for me, I will talk to Sarabi about this situation and ask her to help me while I am... like this."
“Don't worry, your majesty. Soon, everything will be as it was before. Isn't it, young Simba?” Rafiki rubs Simba's head, who grumbles slightly.
“Thank you, Rafiki. Simba. Don't let me down.”
"I won't, dad."
Mufasa leaves, leaving Simba with Rafiki. The mandrill begins to explain to the lion. “Very well, Simba. The tail has the magic, but it is your mind that controls it. Whenever you decide to use your magic tail, you have to focus your mind on your tail, controlling its movements and energy. Then, you should fix your gaze on what you want to achieve and point your tail there without losing your concentration. Once you are completely focused on the target and completely controlling your tail, you can use magic for great deeds.”
“Rafiki. That looks complicated.” Simba isn't very confident.
“Don't worry, Simba. It will take some time before you have complete control of your magical tail. You just need to train and that's what we're here for. Come with me." Simba follows his teacher.
The little lion is very enthusiastic, imagining everything he can do with his new magical tail. He smiles as he imagines what he can do with his tail, from making animals change bodies, to changing their voices. But, there is an idea that doesn't leave his head. Can he use his magic tail on himself? It would be incredible if he could transform himself into a big adult lion with a huge mane and strong muscles just like his father.
Rafiki guides Simba to an uninhabited area of ​​the Pride Lands, where there are only a few rocks and small trees. "What are we doing here, Rafiki?" The lion asks, curious.
"This is going to be your training place, young Simba."
"What? But there is nothing here!”
"Exactly. Away from problems, away from confusion.”
Simba looks at Rafiki with an upset and disappointed face at the same time. What kind of magic can he do here? Turn trees into stones and stones into trees? This is not interesting at all.
“The first thing you have to do is improve your aim. Do you see that tree in the background? I want you to concentrate and hit that tree with one of your rays. Think of a color and change the color of the leaves on the tree.”
"Okay, Rafiki." At the moment, Simba isn't very enthusiastic, but he does what the mandrill asks him to do. The little lion concentrates and stares at the target tree. Then, he points there with his magic tail. Finally, he decides to shoot, but the ray passes by the tree. "Damn."
“Don't be discouraged, Simba. You just have to keep practicing.”
"This is ridiculous. I want to do magic! ”
“Calm down, young prince. Patience is a virtue.” Simba snorts. "Now try again."
"Fine." He grumbles, before trying again and failing again. “Aaaah! I don't believe it!" Now he's furious.
"Don't give up. Keep trying."
"I'm leaving." The lion turns to go, but Rafiki hits him on the head with his staff. “Ouch! Rafki!”
“You are not going anywhere. You have to learn to control your magic so you don't mess up.”
"But Rafiki..."
"Now. Try again.”
"Ok."
Simba repeats the same exercise for the rest of the day. But he's always failing. Sometimes he can hit the tree, but he cannot change the colors of its leaves. Once, he manages to make the tree smaller. Again, he can change the color of the trunk, but he can never change the color of the leaves. Finally, at the end of the day, Simba manages to hit the tree with a ray and the leaves change from green to brown.
“I did it, Rafiki! I did it! Cool!" The lion leaps for joy.
"Very well. Now it's time for you to return to Pride Rock. Tomorrow morning you will continue with this exercise.”
"What?!" Simba doesn't want to believe what he's hearing. “But I already managed to change the color of the leaves! Come on, Rafiki. I really want to do magic.”
"Yes it's true. You made it. But it took you a long time to do it. Tomorrow come to me here.” Rafiki says, while climbing a tree to leave.
“Pfff. Yes of course. Tomorrow. I'll show you what I can do.” Simba says with determination.
The next morning, Rafiki leaves his tree and goes to the training place. When he arrives there, the mandrill is surprised to see the landscape all modified: stones with different sizes and shapes and tall and low trees with different colored leaves. Finally, he sees Simba using the magic of his tail to change the color of the leaves on the last tree.
"Good job, Simba." Rafiki goes to him. "I see that you learned to control your tail with your mind."
"Not really." Answers the little prince. "I just did what you asked me to do."
"Hahaha. Exactly. How long have you been training here?”
"I left the Pride Rocks before the sunrise."
“This is what it means to be determined. Are you ready for the second part of your training?”
"Is it now that I'm going to do real magic?"
"Look around, Simba." Rafiki points to the trees around them. "This is real magic."
For a few seconds, Simba looks in amazement at the unusual colored trees. But then again he is disappointed and a little upset. “This is not real magic! I want to do other things! Cool and fun things!”
"Now you're going to do the same exercise, but with you on the move."
"What?!" Simba's enthusiasm disappears. "But I already changed the colors of the leaves on all the trees!"
"So now you are going to have to put them in their original color."
“Rafiki. This is boring. Can't you teach me how to turn small animals into big animals?” Simba smiles at the mandrill, hoping he will let him do some real magic. But...
"No. Your exercise today is to change the color of the leaves again as you run from side to side.”
The lion sighs with annoyance. "Fine."
Another day of training. Simba does what Rafiki asked, but it takes all day to get the landscape back exactly as it was before Simba modified it.
"Done." Simba puts the last tree with the leaves again green, before falling from tiredness, after having been doing magic all day and running from side to side.
"Very well. You learn quickly. Now you can go to rest and tomorrow you will train the transformation.”
"Does that mean that tomorrow I will finally use my magic on animals?" The lion again shows enthusiasm.
"This means that tomorrow you will learn to turn stones into trees and trees into stones."
"Seriously?" His enthusiasm disappears again. "When are you going to teach me how to use my tail for really cool things?"
“Your tail is not a toy, young Simba. Uchawi Mkia is a very dangerous thing. You have to learn to control it.”
"As you wish." Simba doesn't seem interested in hearing the mandrill.
"Now go back to your parents and tomorrow we will continue your training." Rafiki leaves.
"Tomorrow my training will be different." Simba smiles. He has just had a fantastic idea that can help him improve his magical abilities.
The next morning, Zazu flies over the Pride Lands, looking for something to add in his morning report. “Nothing to report, nothing to report. Nothing happens today.” Suddenly, Zazu sees something out of the usual. Many animals look confused, running from side to side. However, Zazu also notices that some of them look different, especially in the colors of their hair and their sizes. “Something is not right. I better go and warn the king. I mean, the queen. He... She... I'll warn royalty.” And flies back to the Pride Rock.
After a while, the lioness Mufasa watches the animals, surprised by what she sees. Gazelles have pink and red fur, antelopes have yellow and orange fur and zebras are mixed in each herd of different species.
"Do you believe me now, Sir?" Zazu asks.
"Simba." Mufasa says in a serious tone, realizing what happened.
Simba is running alongside a herd of... different species, while using the magic of his tail to change the color of the animals' fur. He also turns a rhino into a zebra. "Hahaha! I'm finally doing real magic!” The lion is happy. Finally he's training with animals instead of trees and stones.
"Simba!" Mufasa calls after him.
"Dad?!" Simba stops and looks at the lioness in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"What are you doing here, Simba?" Mufasa is clearly upset. "You should be training with Rafiki."
“But Rafiki only teaches me how to change trees and rocks. I really want to do magic!”
“Simba! You have to learn to control your tail! Besides, you can't just walk around transforming animals! The Pride Lands are in chaos because of your magic!” Simba lowers his head and ears in dismay while listening to his lioness father. "Son. This is serious. You have to be more responsible and focus on your training to avoid further confusion.”
"Yes dad." Simba agrees with dismay.
“Now go back to Rafiki and continue your training. If you disobey me or Rafiki again, you will be grounded. I will ask Zazu to watch over you. Don't disobey me again, son.”
"Yes dad." He speaks again, discouraged.
“Now I'm going to calm the animals. Zazu. Take Simba back to Rafiki.”
“Certainly, Your Majesty. Simba. Follow me."
Simba follows Zazu, but not before looking at his father, still discouraged.
After this, Simba returns to training with Rafiki, following all the instructions of the mandrill, even if they are boring.
Over the course of several days, Simba learns to control his magical tail, also improving his concentration to be able to master his tail energy through his thoughts. After successfully changing colors, Simba trains the transformation, starting to switch stones and trees. Then, the little lion learns to levitate stones and to change sizes. In the end, he trains his magic on many animals. Of course, always with authorization and putting them back to normal at the end of the training. Some animals are not very comfortable with this situation, but they end up accepting to help the little prince.
After having full control of his magic tail, Simba has to put all the animals in the kingdom back to normal. Obviously, the first animal to recover its original body is King Mufasa.
"Are you ready, dad?" Simba asks confidently.
"Are you sure you can do it, Simba?" Asks Mufasa.
"Don't worry, your majesty." Rafiki calms the king down. “Simba is prepared for anything. His intensive training did wonders for his tail.”
"Okay. In that case, I'm ready. Whenever you want, son.”
As he learned, Simba focuses. He fixes his gaze on the lioness and points his tail at her. Finally, a blue ray is shooted and hits the lioness Mufasa, who starts to itch all over her body. It doesn't take long for the lioness to transform into what she was before: a strong and wise lion, the king of the Pride Lands.
"How do you feel, dad?" Simba asks with some fear.
"I feel..." Mufasa analyzes his body and realizes that he has returned to normal. "Fantastic!"
"I knew it was going to work." Says the cub proudly.
"It was an interesting experience to be a lioness."
"I know. I've been through that, remember, dad?”
"I would rather not remember that."
"Very well. Now it's time to get the other animals back to normal.” Tells Rafiki.
“You heard him, Simba. You can go." Mufasa smiles at his son, pleased that he's following the rules without question.
"Okay." Simba nuzzles his father. "I love you, dad."
"I love you too, son." Mufasa does the same.
While walking with Rafiki, already outside the Pride Rock, Simba is very thoughtful. Rafiki notices that and asks: "Are you all right, young Simba?"
"What? Oh. Yes. I'm fine.” Simba responds with some nerves.
"Are you sure?" The mandrill doesn't seem to believe him.
“Yes, Rafiki. I'm fine. Listen. I'm sure you have many things to do. I can go alone and fix everything I did.”
"Your dad won't like this."
“Come on, Rafiki. I have already mastered the magic of my tail. Besides, you know that I'm not going to cause any more problems.” The little lion smiles and the mandrill looks seriously at him. "Pleeease!"
Finally Rafiki gives in. "Ok. You can go."
"Yes! Thank you, Rafiki.”
"Yes, yes."
Meanwhile, in the Outlands, Scar speaks to the hyenas: “It's today, my friends. You know the place. Wait for my signal and you will soon be able to eat a lion cub.”
"Yeah!" The hyenas celebrate.
“After that, Mufasa will be weak and it will only be a matter of time before he joins my irritant nephew. And then, with me as king, the Pride Lands will be ours!”
"Hail the king! Hail the king! Hail the king!" They celebrate euphorically, while Scar smiles with his perfect plan.
Simba runs alone and stops in an area with few animals. "This looks like a good place." The lion prepares his tail and points it at himself. His mind is now focused on a single thought: BEING ADULT. He has long wanted to become a strong, adult lion like his father. Being an adult means being king, not taking orders from anyone, doing whatever he wants and, best of all, giving those ugly hyenas a big kick.
Simba smiles at his thought and prepares to hit himself with his magic. However, his smile disappears after a few seconds, becoming a worry. If he becomes an adult, what will happen? Will he still have his magic tail? Will he still know how to do magic?
Suddenly, a certain lioness jumps on him: "Pinned ya!" It's his friend Nala. “Simba! Can we finally play or what?”
Lately, because of all that training, Simba barely had time to play. However, this is still not the ideal time. He has to fix the damage he has done with his magic in the past few days.
“Sorry, Nala. But I still have things to do.”
"What?" Nala is disappointed. “Simba! Now you never have time for me. You never have time to play. Since when did you become so boring?”
"Boring? Boring?" Now Simba is upset and pushes his friend, getting up immediately afterwards. "I'll show you what it's like to be boring!" The lion points his tail at his friend.
“S-Simba? What are you doing?" Nala is a little scared.
"See what this boring lion can do." Simba hits Nala with the magic of his tail and she turns into a baboon. "Hahahaha!" Simba rolls on the ground, laughing wildly.
“Simba. This is not funny.” Nala speaks in a serious tone, after realizing what happened.
“Hahahaha! Oh Nala! Look at you!” He continues laughing.
“Haha. Very funny, Simba.” She says ironically. "Now put me back to normal."
"Hah! Are you kidding? You look so cute as a baboon.”
“Oh. You think I am cute, huh?” Nala smiles boldly.
"Nala?" Now Simba is a little concerned.
"I'm not cute!" Baboon Nala jumps onto Simba's back and starts tickling him. "Put me back to normal."
“Hahahaha! No, hahaha! Stop!" Simba tries to stay upright, but Nala continues to tickle him and he can't help himself. Once again, Simba falls to the ground and rolls around, crying with laughter. “Hahahaha! Nala!”
Nala keeps tickling him, this time in his belly. "I only stop when you give me back my body."
"Hahaha! Ok! Ok. You won.” He has no other option and ends up giving in.
"Good." Nala stops tickling him.
Once again, the little lion uses his tail to hit his best friend with one of his magic rays. This time, Nala stops being a baboon and goes back to being the lioness she was. "Thank you, Simba." She thanks.
“Heh. I'm an expert on magic, Nala. It was easy.” He boasts.
Nala smiles at her friend and jumps on him. The two begin to play, kicking each other and rolling on the ground. Suddenly, someone calls: "Simba."
"Huh?" The two cubs stop playing and see Scar approaching them.
“Oh. Hey, uncle Scar.” Simba smiles, getting up. He always loved talking to his uncle. It is true that he's a little weird and not as cool as his father, but Simba loves his little conversations with Scar.
“Hello, Simba. I want to talk to you for a while. Do you think you can come with me?” Scar shows his irritating nephew a smile.
"Sure, uncle Scar." Simba responds with joy. He hasn't spoken or seen uncle Scar for some time. “Nala. I'll see you later.”
“Okay, Simba. It's good that you show up.” Nala warns.
"Sure." Simba watches his friend leave, before talking to his uncle again. “So, uncle Scar? What are we going to talk about? Is it about my magic tail?”
"Your what?" Scar is confused. He's been walking away, avoiding his brother's idiot and his nephew's iriitant. "What about your tail?" Only now did Scar realize that his nephew has a different tail. He spends all day in his den or with the hyenas. That is why many of the things that happen in the kingdom go unnoticed to him.
“This is an Uchawi Mkia. I can do magic, uncle Scar.” With pride, Simba tells his uncle everything he has done in the past few days. The young lion tells his uncle everything he knows about his tail and his magical powers. "Isn't it cool?"
"Fantastic." Scar responds in irony.
Scar finds everything that is happening to Simba strange. If the cub is right, it can disrupt his plan. However, now it's too late to go back. Furthermore, for sure, three hyenas are enough to kill a single lion cub.
“Simba. I have something to show you. Come with me."
"Cool." Simba starts to follow his uncle. "What are you going to show me, uncle Scar?"
"I'm going to take you to a place in the Pride Lands that I don't think you've ever seen."
"What? That's impossible, uncle Scar. I know all the Pride Lands.”
“Oh Simba. I guarantee you that you have never seen this place.”
Simba finds it strange that there is a place in the Pride Lands that he has never seen. But it also makes him very curious. Then, without further questions, Simba follows his uncle.
The two cross a large part of the kingdom and arrive at a place that is a little dry and without animals, located near the border.
"I... I don't think I should be here." Simba speaks in a serious tone, although, deep down, he's enjoying this new place. It's interesting, a little scary, but very cool. “My father doesn't like me to come near the border.
"But your father isn't here, is he?" Scar tries to convince his nephew.
"Yeah. You're right." Simba smiles. He trusts his uncle. "What did you want to show me?"
"Oh no." He pretends to be worried.
"What is it?" Simba is really worried.
“I forgot something. Wait here, Simba. I'll be right back."
"Do you want me to be here alone?"
“What is it, Simba? Are you afraid?" Scar smiles.
"Afraid?" Simba is confident and brave. “I have a magic tail, uncle Scar, remember? Nothing scares me.”
"In that case, don't get out of here."
"Okay, uncle Scar."
Scar leaves thoughtfully: Simba having a magical tail was not in the plan. I just hope those three idiots can handle him. Scar spots the hyenas and makes a sign with his paw.
"That's the signal." Tells Shenzi, watching Scar. "Let's go boys."
The three hyenas surreptitiously walk towards the place where Simba is. Banzai hides behind a tree and, suddenly, that tree becomes small, forcing him to jump onto Shenzi's lap who is behind another tree.
"Get off me, you idiot."
“But... the tree! It got small!” Banzai is a little scared and Ed just laughs.
“Don't be ridiculous, Banzai. Trees do not change in size. They are trees. Next what? Will you will tell me that this tree will get bigger?” She jokes. But, nevertheless, the tree begins to grow. "What the...?"
"Aaaaaah!" Banzai screams, but Shenzi hits him in the face.
“Shut up, idiot! We don't want the lion cub to hear us.”
"But... but... the trees." He's still scared.
“Forget the trees. We came to eat a lion, not trees.”
"Hmm?" Ed stops biting a tree trunk and looks at Shenzi in confusion.
“Come on, guys. We have work to do. And to eat."
The three continue to sneak up on the little prince.
“Why is he taking so long? What are he doing?” Simba is tired of waiting for his uncle.
“Ooohh. Poor cub. His uncle left him alone.” Tells Shenzi.
Simba looks back and sees the three hyenas already close to him. The little lion is startled and slowly steps back, unable to say a word.
“Look at him, Shenzi. What a scary kitten.” Banzai laughs and Ed joins him.
"I... I'm not scared." Simba tries to show courage.
"Good." Shenzi smiles. "In that case, you won't make us run."
Suddenly Simba turns around and starts running at full speed.
"I knew it. Catch him, boys.” Shenzi orders and the three run after Simba.
They chase Simba through trees and bushes. The lion looks back several times to see if the hyenas are far away. Unfortunately, they are getting closer and closer to him. He continues running, until he's forced to stop, since in front of him there is only a high wall of rocks. "Oh no." Simba stops at the wall and looks back. The hyenas are very close and it is impossible to go back. The little prince is cornered.
“Don't worry, lion cub. We promise it will be fast. Right guys?”
“Yes, Shenzi. It will be a fast food.” Banzai says. "I mean: it will be fast."
Ed nods, laughing and dropping sticky drool from his tongue.
Simba remains scared, until he remembers something. “What am I doing? I have a magic tail.” His confidence increases.
"Last words?" Asks the female hyena.
"You better get away." Simba warns with a smile on his face.
“Oh. Look, Shenzi. It looks like he gained courage.”
"It is a pity that it's too late for that, Banzai."
The three hyenas continue to walk slowly with their mouths open, ready to attack the little lion at any time. However, the lion is no longer scared. Instead of retreating, Simba points his tail at the hyenas, who look at him with some confusion, before laughing. “What are you going to do with that? Tickle us?” Shenzi comments, before continuing to laugh with his companions.
Without warning, Simba uses his tail and hits Banzai with his magic. Banzai has red fur now. "What?" He stops laughing, examining his body, while Ed laughs wildly at the new look on his friend. "What are you laughing at?" Banzai is upset with Ed. Suddenly, Ed is also hit by Simba's magic and his fur turns all green. Now it's Ed's turn to be confused and Banzai to laugh at his appearance.
“Idiots! Stop it!" Shenzi asks her friends to calm down, before addressing Simba. "You. I don't know how you do that, but you will be sorry.” When she threatens Simba, he hits her with his magic and her fur turns pink. "What the...?" Now it's Ed and Banzai's turn to laugh at the appearance of the female hyena. "This has gone too far!" Shenzi gets angry and approaches Simba again, Ed and Banzai joining her.
When the hyenas are about to jump to attack Simba, the young lion uses the magic of his tail and hits the three with a huge blue ray. When the lightning disappears, the hyenas are not there. Simba walks a little ahead, until he stops and looks at the grund with a huge smile on his face, watching three small rats with a confused look.
"What happened, Shenzi?" Asks the rat on the right.
“I don't know, Banzai. But I think it was Simba who did this.” Responds the female.
The rat on the right jumps with a startled look, muttering something. "What is it, Ed?" Banzai asks.
Ed points up and the three see Simba looking at them with a sly smile.
"Oh no. Ruuuuuun!” Shenzi screams and the three rats run quickly back to the Outlands.
“Hah! I'm the best." Simba says proudly.
"Simba!" Mufasa appears to run towards his son. "Are you okay? Scar told me that you were being chased by hyenas.”
“I'm fine, dad. I sent sent them away with my magic.”
“Simba. You have to be more careful. Fortunately, you're fine. But one day things can go wrong and I don't want to lose you, son.” Mufasa nuzzles his son, who nuzzles him back.
"Yeah I know. Sorry dad. Next time, I promise to ask for help.”
"Well. I hope there is no next time.” The two smile at each other. “Come on, son. Let's go back to the Pride Rock. And don't forget to put everything back in order, just as you did with me.”
"Sure, dad." Mufasa starts walking and Simba walks behind him. When looking at his father, Simba realizes that the tuft of his tail has a different color. "Oh no."
“What is it, Simba?" Mufasa stops, worried about his son.
"Uh... Nothing." Simba tries to convince his father.
"Are you sure, son?"
"Yes father. Everything is fine. Don't worry." He smiles and convinces his father.
"Very well. Let's go."
Mufasa continues walking and Simba looks again at the defects in his father's body. After all, Simba may not yet be able to fully control his magic. Or it was just an oversight. It doesn't matter. Nobody will notice the king's tail, right?
In the Outlands, the three colored rats talk by a pile of bones.
"I can't believe that stupid cub turned us into rats!" Shenzi is clearly upset.
"Come on, Shenzi." Banzai tries to calm her down. "I even think you're very cute as a pink rat."
"What did you say?" Shenzi looks at him menacingly.
The two begin to argue, almost fighting, and Ed laughs wildly. Even though he's a rat, Ed continues with his carefree attitude, always with his addictive laughs and his tongue hanging out.
"Ridiculous." Scar speaks in his usual serious tone, scaring the three little rats.
“Scar! We... It wasn't our fault.” Shenzi explains.
“Yeah, Scar. You didn't tell us that the lion cub knew how to do these tricks.” Banzai says.
"You're saying it is my fault?" Scar is upset.
“Don't mind what the idiot Banzai says, Scar. Of course, you are not to blame.” Shenzi covers Banzai's mouth with her paw.
“You have failed again. I think you are not useful to me anymore. But... you are rats now.” Scar looks at them with a cheeky laugh and they are scared. "After all, maybe you can be useful for something."
"Really?" Banzai asks with some hope.
"Sure. For my belly.”
Scar begins to chase the three rats, who flee at full speed.
At the Pride Lands, Simba spends the rest of the day putting all the trees, rocks and animals back to normal. Rafiki accompanies him for being his master and Mufasa accompanies them to make sure that everything is fine. At sunset, Simba hits the last animal with his magic: an elephant that turns into a zebra.
"Very well, Simba." Rafiki is pleased to see how Simba already works magic as if it were something that has been with him since he was born. "I don't think you need any more training."
"Really?" Simba smiles enthusiastically. Finally Rafiki will stop chasing him with those boring trainings and those annoying conversations.
“Clearly, you can already control your tail without any problem. You can already connect your mind to your body and make your tail do what you want.”
“Cool! Does that mean I can already have fun?”
“Simba. Magic is not for fun.” Mufasa tries to calm his energetic son. "You should only use it if necessary and you should always use it wisely."
"Yes dad." Simba is no longer so enthusiastic.
"Yes, yes. The king is right.” Rafiki agrees.
"So... You mean I'm going to have a magic tail for the rest of my life and I only can use it once in a while?"
“It is true, young Simba. But we don't know if you're going to have that tail forever. Only the great lions of the past have that answer.”
"Thanks for everything, Rafiki." Mufasa thanks him.
“You don't need to thank me, your majesty. Asante sana, squash banana...” Rafiki goes away humming... whatever that is.
“Come on, Simba. Let's go back to the Pride Rock.”
Simba follows his father to the Pride Rock and lets out a light laugh. He can't stop looking at his father's tail. "Tomorrow I'll work it out." He thinks.
When they reach the cave, Sarabi goes to his beloved king and nuzzles him with love. Mufasa does the same and the two begin to purr. Simba watches his parents nuzzle each other in love. "Disgusting." He thinks.
Then, Sarabi looks at his son with a smile and pulls him to nuzzle him too. "Come here, my son."
"Mom!" Simba grumbles. He's too old for this kind of caressing.
"I'm glad you are fine."
“Come on, mom. I'm smarter than any hyena. Besides, I have this now.” Simba proudly lifts his tail.
"So what about the kingdom?"
"It's everything okay, Sarabi." Mufasa clarifies. "Simba has already put everything back to normal."
"It was easy." Simba's bragging again.
“Very well, son. You must be tired of doing so much magic.”
"What? No. I could stay up all night.” Simba smiles, before letting out a big, cute yawn.
Mufasa and Sarabi laugh at their son's attitude.
“Of course you could, son. But now it's time for you to go to sleep.”
"Okay mom." Simba would prefer to stay awake, but the truth is that he's really tired. It was an intense day. "I love you, mom and dad." He nuzzles his parents who nuzzle him back.
"We love you too, Simba." Says Mufasa.
"Good night son." The queen licks her son's face before he lies down at the bottom of the cave.
Mufasa and Sarabi lean their heads together, while watching the future king lie down to sleep.
Before falling asleep, several thoughts run through Simba's mind. At first he was happy to have a magical tail, but now maybe that isn't so cool. If he can't have fun, why does he want a magic tail? Tomorrow he will put the tuft of his father's tail back to normal and then go to Nala. He promised that he would play with her and a future king must always honor his promises. After what happened to the hyenas, Simba realized that he can handle anything, now that he has a magical tail. Maybe he can wait some more time, before he becomes an adult. Suddenly, Simba realizes that he forgot to remove the egret feathers from Zazu's head. It doesn't matter. That annoying bird looks better this way. Maybe he can wait a few days before putting Zazu back in his normal feathers. With so many thoughts in his mind, it doesn't take long for Simba to finally fall asleep.
The next morning, Simba wakes up and looks at his sleeping parents. Before waking them up, it may be time to put the father's tail in its usual color. Simba goes to the king's rear and looks at his tail. "What?" His surprise is total when he sees that his father's tail is again normal and Simba didn't even need to do magic. Then Simba looks at his own tail and sees that the snow leopard's tail has disappeared. His old tail has returned. But... can he still do magic?
Simba walks out of the cave and points his tail at a small rock. Maybe he can change the color of that rock to yellow. His concentration is total and he focuses on his tail, trying to use his energy to launch one of his magic rays. However, despite all his efforts, nothing happens. Maybe it works with animal transformation.
The little lion goes down the Pride Rock and runs to a herd of zebras. In the distance, Simba points his tail at a zebra and tries to launch a ray to turn the zebra into an antelope. Again, nothing happens. He tries again, until a voice interrupts him.
"It will not work." It's Rafiki who is in a tree.
“Rafiki? Do you know what's going on?”
"Uchawi Mkia has disappeared."
"Uh... Really? How about telling me something I don't know?”
“The great lions of the past have decided that you no longer need the magic tail. Your mind and your body are finally connected as one.”
“I don't understand. What does that mean?” Simba is confused.
“It means that the real magic is within us. You are still young, Simba. You still have a lot to learn. But the great lions of the past know that you are capable of great deeds. That's why they chose you to learn magic.”
"But why did they take the magic tail off me?"
Rafiki doesn't respond. Instead, he says: "You are destined for great deeds." And starts to climb the tree.
“Rafiki! Wait!" Simba tries to call out to him, but the mandrel just keeps jumping from tree to tree, leaving.
Simba sighs. "I think it's better to go to Nala."
However, in the Outlands, Shenzi, Banzai and Ed are hyenas again and they are trapped in a small cave. They ran away from Scar and hid in that cave with a narrow entrance. Now that they are back to normal, they are unable to leave the cave.
"Great. Now we are stuck here.” Shenzi complains.
"At least you're not taking Ed's stinky breath." Banzai grumbles. Ed has his face turned to Banzai's ear, breathing at him.
“Don't worry, guys. I'm sure Scar will get us out of here. I hope."
Back at the Pride Lands, Simba walks with Nala, telling her what has happened since the last time he saw her.
"You should have seen the face of those hyenas when I turned them into rats." Simba laughs.
“Wow, Simba. You were really brave.”
"I know." Simba blushes slightly, before becoming discouraged. “But now my magic tail is gone and I can no longer do magic."
“Yeah. But we can still play. You don't need magic to play.” Nala tries to cheer up her friend by nuzzling him.
"It's ok. Do you want to play now?” He smiles.
"You know I want to." She smiles back.
“Got ya. Your turn.” Simba touches Nala and starts running.
“Hah! I'm faster than you, Simba!” Nala runs after him.
"But I'm smarter." The two continue to play and laugh.
In the distance, Scar watches them with an upset face. “Next time, you won't be so lucky. Then, I will finally get rid of you and your father. And the Pride Lands will finally be mine, the rightful king.” Now he smiles, probably with a new plan in mind.
From the top of the Pride Rock, Mufasa and Sarabi watch their son playing with his best friend. They realized that Simba's tail returned to normal and they are happy about it. After all, magic is not something a king needs to rule a kingdom. In addition, Simba is still too young to handle such situations.
"Our son is growing up." Comments the king.
"One day he will be a king as strong, wise and kind as his father." The queen praises him.
Mufasa smiles at his mate's comment and leans his head against hers. Sarabi does the same and the two continue to watch the future king, now relaxed and fun, playing with his best friend, without thinking about magic.
The End