[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[LionPrincess]

Almasi got up and jumped on Daxis pinning him to the ground " of course i do you dummy" she said and she then liked him over his muzzle, she then got off of him and started to head back into the main den " you coming" she asked as she turned back and flashed him a smile

_______________________________________________________________________________

Mosi looked up at his brother as he answered his question with a question " no its not that i dont like it i would just like to be with cubs my age" he told his brother as he lay down and started to play with Darions mane

[NightmareMoon]

Mila listened to what Kivuli said while looking over at her father like he was doing. He seemed to be a bit preoccupied and Mila knew that King business was stressful and needed much attention, so Mila didn't think it was that great of an idea.

"I'm sure he has other things to do, like help all these newcomers settle in." Mila said while she shot Kivuli a warm smile. She knew that her father had much work, but the main reason she didn't want to confront Simba with Kivuli was that it would be awkward. An awkward feeling was something Mila did not enjoy and saw no reason to go looking for it.

Mila began walking away from the promontory of Pride Rock and towards the grassy lands beneath it. She knew Kivuli would follow her. If he had stayed with her all night while she was sleeping, he would definitely follow when she was awake. When Mila reached the base of the structure, she began walking aimlessly in a direction. She felt the cool, calm breeze brush her fur, and since she had been in the confides of the Main Den for such a long time, it was a beautiful wind and the beauty of the wind cooled her down.

Mila was not having any pain from the injuries that she had acquired the day before. They were healing up fairly nicely and since the wounds were only bruises and long scratches, Mila was now able to walk fine. There was something that Mila could not get out of her head ever since she had awoken such a short time ago. Her mom was pregnant. Kivuli knew about it. Why didn't she know?

Mila put this thought to the back of her mind as she heard Kivuli approaching and put on a smile for Kivuli to see. She wanted to enjoy some time outside with Kivuli, and now that it wasn't against her fathers will to do so, Mila knew she would be spending much more time with this lion that she had finally been able to talk to without fear. To have no fear was great and she knew she would be spending a great deal of her time with the lion she had been crushing on for the past few days.

[Mike]

Kovu groaned. He now regretted that he'd taken the time to speak to Kopa when the alternative could have been time alone with Kiara. He wondered how Simba must feel, having to deal with even more responsibility. As Kovu got more and more into pride life he found that his respect for his leader only grew. Kiara teasing him didn't help, but given the choice he sure wouldn't have told her to stop.

"Coming, coming" Kovu said with an exaggerated depression, and moved up to keep pace with his mate.

They weren't at all far from Pride Rock, so in almost no time at all they'd moved up the path and were at the entrance to the main den. Kovu's sharp eyes quickly picked out that there was some sort of trouble going on, with Kopa supporting an injured lion, and yet another stranger in the main den. Taraji was predictably trying to hide from all the excitement, though Nala, being the wonderful mother she was, was on top of the situation.

Kovu decided that he was best suited to help Kopa with the injured stranger, and quickly went to his side, leaving his mate free to attend to Taraji if she wished. In his haste to help Kopa he decided that the strange lioness inside wasn't his top priority at the moment.

"Here Kopa," Kovu said, offering his assistance, "we'd better get this poor guy inside. Who is he?"

-------------------

Vitani followed Santiago into his new den, It was indeed comfortable, and Vitani wasn't surprised to hear that he had no complaints.

"Oh." Vitani said nonchalantly. "Well now you know. Every now and then Simba likes to get the pride together for a pep talk or something. I don't think it's useful, but he considers it important, so I do my best to show up. I've only missed it once, and Simba wasn't too happy with me. I've learned to go along with it since then."

Vitani swished her tail having run out of words. She was almost never awkward, but in another male's den, even acting as a guide, she had to think about whether to plop herself down casually or remain upright. In the end she decided that it was time to head back to Pride Rock anyway.

"I guess we better start back then. You know where you're sleeping, so we can carry this on on the way."

------------------

"It wasn't hard actually." Shani replied honestly. "The pride was behind me through everything I did, and I never got close enough to miss them. I consider that I've had a relatively lucky life in fact. I've survived, and I've learned to be a winner. It looks like this pride plays by slightly different rules though. Everyone seems to love our king. I have to admit he's very generous. It's interesting that he's letting in so many newcomers. I'm grateful naturally, but I wouldn't have been so open in his position. Sometimes the new people you let in aren't very trustworthy. Simba doesn't seem very concerned about that."

Shani was already feeling more comfortable around Caine. Now that there wasn't any misunderstandings he felt like they were back to the old companionship that they'd shared before.

-----------------

Rafiki had been away from his tree, gathering odd herbs that were either useful for healing, or for drawing on his tree, or that just smelled nice. He arrived withing sight of his home tree just a moment after Simba arrived, and the wind carried his words over to the old monkey. His eyebrows shot up at hearing that he was again required, and he kicked his body into high gear, quickly reaching the base of his tree with a "one moment" to Simba as he flashed past. He was up his tree in no time, and carefully deposited his new finds where they wouldn't blow away, and equally carefully selected some healing and painkilling herbs that would surely be useful. After another surprising burst of energy Rafiki was again at the bottom of his tree, and ready to keep pace with his King and old friend on the journey back to Pride Rock.

[KiarasMate]

Seeing Taraji’s reaction, Nala sighed softly as she flashed the young cub a stern gaze, even though she couldn’t see it with having her eyes covered with her little paws. Nala was about to reprimand Taraji’s actions, when Kovu and Kiara’s presence at the den entrance, caught her attention.

Seeing that her mate had found the need to help Kopa and a young looking male cub who seemed to be in poor condition, Kiara left Kovu to his own free will as she moved into the main den, spotting her mother with Taraji and a uniquely colored lioness she had never seen before. Happy to be back with her adopted daughter, Kiara moved in close behind Taraji, who was still huddled in an adorable ball as she spoke quietly to her.

”Mommy’s back Cutie. Why are you hiding, hmm?”

Looking up at the new lioness, Kiara smiled in a friendly manner towards her as she introduced herself, as was common nature for her.

”Hi there. My name is Kiara. I take it you must be knew around here, since I know I’ve never seen you around before, and if you don’t mind me saying so, that’s a beautiful fur color you have.”

As Kovu approached, Kopa heard what he was saying, causing him to shrug his shoulders as he replied.

”I don’t know Kovu. He seems to want something to drink but obviously he can’t walk down to the waterhole on his own. Simba went to go get your pride’s shaman though to help him with his leg. They should be back soon, I hope.”

Little were these words spoken, when both Simba and Rafiki made their appearance known. Stepping aside to let the unusual looking mandrill do his work, Kopa just watched in awe as Simba spoke quietly to Kovu.

”Ahh good, Kovu, just the lion I was looking for. The Pride meeting should be getting underway soon, so can you please go and gather anyone you can find? You don’t really have to worry about the younger members as you well know, but anyone else should attend.”

Hearing what Simba was saying, Kopa perked his ears as he moved over to where Simba was, politely asking as he did so.

”Excuse me Simba but you didn’t happen to see Rahina on your way back here, did you?”

Frowning slightly, Simba shook his head as he responded in an apologetic fashion.

”No, I’m sorry Kopa. I can’t say that I did.”

Sighing hopelessly to himself, Kopa nodded as he spoke up again.

”I should go find her. I’ll try and make it back with her before the meeting starts Simba but if we don’t make it in time, please don’t be cross with us.”

Giving an understanding nod, Simba watched as Kopa bounded off, turning his focus back to Kovu before he stated.

”Well, just make sure that you’re present for the meeting Kovu. It’s going to be quite the night, I’m sure.”

Giving a quick glance over to Rafiki, who already seemed to be examining Ashur, Simba figured that he should stay where he was for the time being, just in case the wise shaman needed him for anything. He figured that he would check up on Jamelia after Ashur’s leg was tended to.

==========

Bounding off into The Grasslands, Kopa had no idea where he would start looking for Rahina, as her whereabouts were completely unknown to him at this point. His only hope was to pick up her scent and having such a wide open field around him, this proved to be almost futile as there was an abundance of smells to encounter, none of which were even close to Rahina’s scent. Knowing that she must not have gone too far, or so he hoped, Kopa picked up the pace as he followed the warn trails within the grass, hoping to catch sight of his beloved mate, or at least, any signs of her presence.

After a short while of searching, Kopa found himself a short distance away from Pride Rock. Feeling a bit flustered by this point, the hopeless male was about to turn back, when a small herd of animals caught his attention. Making his way slowly over to where the commotion was emanating from, Kopa’s face lit up when he spotted his one and only love in life. Completely forgetting about all that had happened between them, just feeling overjoyed to see her beautiful figure once again, Kopa dashed over to where she was like a cub at play, pouncing her to the ground as he nuzzled her uncontrollably, speaking in an apologetic voice as he did so.

”Oh Hina! I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry for everything. Please, don’t be mad at me. I love you so much and I can’t be away from you. It’s all my fault. Whatever made you so mad at me, I’m sorry for and I’ll do whatever it takes to make it up to you, I promise.”

Wrapping his fore legs around his precious mate, Kopa hugged her close to him as the two lay in the tall grass together, Kopa’s heart pounding wildly in his chest as he continued to smother Rahina with his loving ministrations.

[SimbasMate]

Ashur nodded at everyone who talked to him. He was so shy now.. why did everyone want to be his friend? he obviously knew that he was a total stranger to them, and they were only curious, but Ashur had wished they kept their distance. Ashur stood up, little did he know that his leg wouldn't budge. He tried to move it, but it just didn't obey. It was numb as if it had frozen. Ashur whimpered, and lay back down. Was he going have to stay here forever? He licked his paw, and wiped it on his face. He eyed everyone who was curious about him carefully. All of them looked very caring and safe to him, and meant no harm. Ashur glanced at Kopa. I don't mean to be rude.. but when is Simba coming? Because I have no way of even moving this leg now. Ashur said, trying not to complain.

[Lodrill]

Taraji instantly raised to her paws and snuggled her body against Kiaras Paw while looking up to her. With Kiara close to her and hiding behind her paw Taraji finally dared to peek around the paw and look at the strange lioness again.

Her big cubby eyes were looking at the unique fur of the lioness. Even though Taraji still was shy about the lioness she felt a bit more secure with Kiara being here with her. More as with Nala maybe also for the point that Nala tried to confront her with the shyness and fear of strangers and Kiara pampered her and let her flee from her shyness.

[hr][/hr]

Rahina gasped in surprise as Kopa jumped on her. She had been so in thoughts that she was completely taken off guard. It took her a moment to realize that it was Kopa and she stopped fighting back. But still the guilt she felt made her look away and not into his eyes. She let herself fall back until her head lay on the grass and silently whispered. "Sorry my dear. I..." But Rahina could still not tell about her pregnancy. Again she felt the live in her kick her in her belly. Maybe the cub was angry at her or just had a bad dream?

Rahina closed her eyes. Even if she still felt bad about the way she yelled at Kopa it was nice to be with him here. He was so caring. He took all the blame for himself but... Rahina could not even tell him the reason. She did not dare to tell him about what made her angry or what was going on with her. Rahina asked herself why it was like that but could not find an answer. She just lay under him with her eyes closed and a silent purr developing in her throat.

[Mike]

Seeing that Simba had finally arrived and was taking control of the situation, Kovu left the problem of Ashur's injured leg to the king and his highly capable shaman Rafiki. As dissapointing as it was to have to leave Kiara again so soon, Kovu knew that his job was important.

"Right you are Simba." Kovu said, abandoning his initial attempt to help Kopa with Ashur as Rafiki took over. "I'll be right back with Vitani and that new Santiago. Hopefully Kivuli and Mila aren't too far off."

With that, Kovu exited the main den on his mission. His last sight of the den was a heartwarming reunion between Kiara and their little adopted cub. He saw Caine with Shani sitting just outside, but he didn't bother disturbing them. They both knew about the meeting and he could bring them in when he returned with the others. Instead he made his way quickly into the grasslands. He spotted Mila with Kivuli who were walking slowly and aimlessly together, and he closed the distance between them quickly. He raised his eyebrow at the sight of the big bad warrior behaving like an umbrella for Mila, but strove for politeness sake to keep anything too sarcastic out of his voice.

"Hey there you two," Kovu called. "Simba sent me to gather everyone to the main den. I'm going to go find Vitani and Santiago, but you guys should be back at the meeting by the time we are. Simba's just about ready to start."

-------------------

Arriving at the main den Rafiki took stock of the situation. It was obvious that the lion in trouble was the poor creature on Kopa's back. He eased him down and onto a nearby sleeping pelt, and then dragged the pelt into a slightly less hectic area of the den with surprising strength for an old monkey. It helped that Ashur was a relatively small lion. Unfortunately the stranger was getting rather agitated by all the attention.

"Shhh little lion." Rafiki said calmly, while at the same time gently examining the bad leg. "I may be able to help you, but first I must know who you are."

[SimbasMate]

Ashur examined the mandrill carefully. Then he remembered that he stupidly had forgotten that the king had gotten his helper for him! This was a king, no stranger that he met in the middle of nowhere. Ashur regretted even checking that he was safe. Then realized that he wanted to know who he was. Oh.. I'm Ashur sir. He said absently to the mandrill. He was feeling a little uncomfortable, but he knew that his leg couldnt' move at all, so Ashur gave up. He licked his dry muzzle. Just help me already so I can get up and walk to the water hole..Ashur thought to himself.

[KiarasMate]

Watching Taraji retreating back behind her daughter’s fore legs, Nala couldn’t help herself as she directed her commentary towards her daughter.

”Taraji was just in the middle of introducing herself to Jamelia here Kiara.”

Glancing over at her mother, Kiara smiled as she nodded and replied in an unconcerned voice.

”Oh really? Okay, well, go ahead Cutie.”

Not bothering to move, as she didn’t really see anything wrong with Taraji’s current position, Kiara waited for her adopted daughter to speak up but was caught by her mother’s words instead.

”Why don’t you step back and let Taraji do what she needs to Kiara.” Nala stated in a suggesting tone.

Looking perplexed at her mother, Kiara asked inquisitively.

”What do you mean Mom? She looks fine to me right now.”

Taking a more serious tone with her daughter, Nala replied in a straight forward manner.

”I think you’re sheltering her too much Hun. Taraji has to learn that not everyone is a threat and the only way she’s going to become independent is if you let her do things on her own. You won’t always be there for her to hide behind Kiara and she needs to learn that. It’s a part of growing up and essential for pride life.”

Taking what her mother said to heart, Kiara looked down at Taraji with an indecisive stare as she regretfully took a few steps back, positioning herself so that there was no place for Taraji to take refuge under as she stated in a soft and caring voice.

”Okay Cutie. Be a good cub and say hello to Jamelia.”

==========

Hearing Rahina’s soft voice, Kopa shook his head as he did his best to reassure his beloved mate that she had nothing to apologize for.

”You don’t have to say anything Hina. It was my fault and I never want to make you that angry or upset with me ever again. I can’t live without you my precious and whatever is bothering you, whatever is on your mind, you know you can tell me and we’ll work things out Hina. We always have and we always will.”

Not caring that they were in the middle of the grass, clearly visible to anyone who might pass by, Kopa leaned in close and licked sensually over Rahina’s neck in the way he knew she loved, his large body blanketing over hers as he laid as close to his beloved lioness as was possible. Purring softly, his fore legs still wrapped securely around his one and only love in life, Kopa spoke soothingly to her once more.

”I love you more than anything Hina and I need you in my life. Never forget that, because that will never change.”

Giving his dark furred lover a loving kiss over her soft muzzle lips, Kopa untangled himself from around her now, moving slowly off of her warm body as he sat up in the tall grass. Looking down at her with a loving stare, Kopa asked softly.

”That meeting that Simba spoke of, it’s going to be starting soon. Do you want to go attend it my precious or would you rather us go back to our den?”

==========

Seeing that Rafiki had things under control with Ashur, Simba took up his spot at the center of the neatly adorned sleeping pelts that were placed around the main den. Going over the matters that he was going to bring up once the meeting got underway, keeping an ear out just in case his presence was needed by any of the pride that was now present within the large den, the patient king waited for everyone to arrive before things would unfold.

[SimbasMate]

Ashur begged in his head for Simba not to leave. Now he had a very good feeling about the king. He realized he was very gentle with young cubs, and he liked that. Ever since the curse was put on his parents, Ashur had never felt so loved in his life. He watched Simba leave. Ashur thought about that chic lioness that had approched him earlier. She was lucky to have a king like Simba. She looked perfect. Her eyes really got Ashur. He shook his head. Enough of those thoughts, she was Kovu's mate! Ashur looked at the monkey sourly. You gonna help me or what?