What's Up Croc?

What's Up Croc? is a short story inspired by The Lion King. It was published by Scholastic on September 19, 1997, as part of Short Stories.
==Synopsis==
One night, Rafiki told Timon, Pumbaa, and Zazu a ghost story about Mambo Croc, a crocodile who had died many rains ago but whose spirit continued to devour unsuspecting passersby. After the story, Pumbaa insisted that he was not afraid, but Zazu pointed out that many legends were based in truth. He then remarked that he would not go to Crooked Creek after nightfall. A haughty Timon accused Pumbaa and Zazu of being cowards, which made both of them indignant.
Just then, Simba approached, and Timon jumped onto Pumbaa in fear, as he mistook the lion for Mambo Croc. Timon made fun of Pumbaa for being jumpy, but Simba pointed out that being brave did not mean that one had no fear; rather, he explained, it meant that one did what they had to in spite of fear.
The next day, Timon and Pumbaa spent the day hunting grubs. After dinner, Timon suggested that they visit Crooked Creek for a drink of water, but Pumbaa was reluctant to do so. However, when Timon insisted that Mambo Croc was only a legend, Pumbaa agreed and followed his friend to the creek.
Once the duo arrived, Pumbaa questioned if Timon was certain that this was a good idea, and Timon asked Pumbaa when he had ever let the warthog down. Pumbaa started to name several instances in which Timon had been wrong, but Timon interrupted that this time would be different.
Suddenly, everything went dark, and Timon started screaming that Mambo Croc had caught him. However, when the moon came out, it was revealed that he had simply been sitting on a rock and feigning danger. Timon had a good laugh over Pumbaa's fright but quickly sobered and warned Pumbaa that Mambo Croc was approaching from behind. At first, Pumbaa did not believe his friend, but then he turned around and beheld the legendary Mambo Croc himself. In the defense of his friend, Pumbaa warned the crocodile to stay away, and the beast agreed, as he respected Pumbaa for his bravery.
Once Mambo Croc had disappeared, Timon thanked Pumbaa for saving his life and praised him for being so courageous. No sooner had Timon said this when Pumbaa fainted.
After Timon and Pumbaa left Crooked Creek, Zazu (who had been in costume as Mambo Croc) protested that he could not stay underwater as well as a fish or hippopotamus. Simba emerged from the underbrush and commented that Pumbaa had displayed his inner bravery; thus, Timon would never call him a coward again. The lion then swore Zazu to secrecy.
==Appearances==
Category:The Lion King short stories
Category:Real world
Category:Short stories