Chapter Two: Morning

…At least that’s what Janja thought. Everyone in the den the next morning was talking about the “mighty roar” that they’d heard coming from the edge of the Outlands the previous night. “Hey, Janja, did you hear it?” Chungu asked. “Yes, I heard it,” Janja said, in a complaining tone of voice. “You weren’t in the den with us last night Janja!” said Wajinga. “I told the clan that if somehow you didn’t make it back, that I’d be the new clan leader! Ha ha!” Janja rolled his eyes. “Well, where were you last night?” asked Cheezi. “I had this craaazy scary dream. About lions! Yeah! Tearing us up, and well, I missed cuddling up to you! You know how I always do that when I get scared!” Janja’s face blushed. He’d always let Cheezi lay by him if the frantic little hyena got scared. He didn’t want him to get too crazy with his nightmares, and that always seemed to calm him. But he’d always promised Cheezi never to tell the others! That fur brain! “Yeah, well, uh..” he stammered. “I was…not here.” “Obviously!” said Wajinga, frustrated. “All right, I’ll tell you,” said Janja. “I was trailing that spy, Jasiri. And to be honest, I did see Kion last night. But he didn’t see me, so it’s all good, ok? Now stop talking about it!” A hush fell over the hyenas. They all began to scatter in different directions, many of them with their noses to the ground, hoping to catch a scent of an animal who may have wandered into the Outlands. Janja went back to the den and stretched out on the ground. Chungu bowed to Janja. “Is there anything I can do for you, Janja?” he asked. Cheezi slapped Chungu aside. “Or me! Pick me! What do you want me to do for you, Janja? Huh? Huh?” Janja smiled. “I feel so honored, fellas, but you know, I really just feel like taking a moment to relax after a long night.” Cheezi plopped down alongside Janja and began to snuggle up to him. “Oh, Janja,” he said, running his nose alongside Janja’s side, “You’re so warm and cozy…” “Would you stop!” Janja shouted. “I don’t want to cuddle, fur brain!” Chungu burst out laughing loudly, “Hee hee hee!” Janja pushed Cheezi away and snarled. “Get out of my presence!” he shouted. “I need some time to myself.” “C’mon Cheezi, we’d better go,” said Chungu. “Janja’s gonna get real mad if we don’t.” “Aww, Janja just needs a little lovins, that’s all!” Cheezi said, giving Janja a playful glare. Chungu jumped between them. “Let’s go,” he said. “We’ll go see if Wajinga has leftovers.”