Strangers in the Pridelands [PRIVATE]

[AdAstrα]

"Oh..thanks, dad." Kiara said, beaming at Simba. As they began to walk, she became aware of a sudden, rustling noise coming from somewhere not too far ahead. "Do you hear that?" she asked, listening carefully.

[KingKovu44]

"Yes, I hear it. Stay low," Simba instructed as he crouched down. He then waited for the appearance of whatever was making the sound.

[AdAstrα]

Kiara crouched down next to her father, trying not to make a sound. Peering through the tufts of grass, she waited for the creature, whatever it was, to show itself. She sniffed the air and smelled the scent once again, stronger this time. It smelled remotely of lion, but also of something unidentifiable that she couldn't recall ever having smelled before. Something strange, and a little bit frightening.

[KingKovu44]

"I've never smelled anything like this before, Kiara. I wonder what it is," Simba said, waiting to strike if he needed to.

[AdAstrα]

"Neither have I, dad." Kiara whispered, anxiously looking around. A sudden movement in the grass ahead of them made her jump, but she didn't scream, which she normally did when startled by something. She didn't dare make a sound.

[KingKovu44]

"Stay strong, Kiara," Simba instructed, not wanting his daughter to be afraid.

[AdAstrα]

Kiara turned to her father and nodded. As she did so, a lioness appeared on the path before them. A small lioness with dark fur and eyes as blue as the clear sky. She took a few wobbly steps forward before she collapsed, panting heavily and groaning with pain.

[KingKovu44]

Simba walked over to the lioness and examined her before turning to Kiara. "Kiara, go and get Rafiki. Hopefully, he can help her," he instructed.

[AdAstrα]

Kiara nodded and ran off to find Rafiki, her heart pounding inside her chest. The poor lioness seemed so helpless, yet she couldn't help but feel like this wasn't a safe place for anyone anymore, not even for her father. She therefore felt a little bit reluctant to leave him out there all alone. "Oh don't be silly!" she muttered to herself as she started running faster, "It's probably nothing. Rafiki will probably know what to do about the lioness..whoever she is.."
She stopped as she reached the tree in which Rafiki usually spent his days. "Rafiki!" she called, "Rafiki, we need your help, quick!"
There was an instant rustle in a bush right next to her, and only seconds later, the monkey appeared. "Oh what is wrong, Kiara? You look very worried." He asked with a look of bewilderment on his wrinkled face. She nodded.
"Yes, yes I am! You have to come with me, quick!"
"Then show me the way!" he exclaimed. And off they went.

[KingKovu44]

Simba waited for Kiara to return with Rafiki. After some time, he finally saw them coming.