[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[SinChei]

Daxis sat up and looked in rahinas eyes with a thankful gaze and he rubbed his chest where her claws were before. He still wasn't dare to look in the Kings eyes but he listened to everything he said. The red maned cubs gaze fell on Laini who seemed to be very scared this moment. Daxis didn't want Simba blaming her it wasn't her fault.
As Laini cowered on the ground Daxis did the same and widened up his eyes when simba told him he would exile him. It was like a flashback in his past as his father exiled him. He was in the same position and full of blood but his father beat him out of his lands. He didn't notice that Simba finished speeking to Laini and him. The first thing which let Daxis look up was Laini who tryed to grp daxis by the nape. But he knew she wasn't strong enough to handle this and followed her slowly. It seemed to be that he was to slow in her opinion an animated him to move quicker. Daxis did it and went in the same pace in their den Laini did. He layed down in the darkest and smallest corner he could find. He felt so sorry for Laini and was scared she would tal with him about this. But which was even worse ... maybe she would leave him that would broke his heart. The dark brown furred cub licked his paw and realized slowly what he really done.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli heeded Mila's words. After listening he sighed, and then lay beside her snuggling in gently. Im sorry. I shouldnt lure you into these things. I just really like you Mila. There is something about you that just eases my mind when im with you, and calms me. Your also kind, and caring. Like when you just met me, you gave me shelter from the storm, and you didnt even know who I was. I could ahve been a evil outsider.

Kivuli then hung his head. The sides of his mane drifted down covering his face. The strong lion, was crying. He tried to hide it from Mila, but the tears ran down the length of his muzzle before dripping onto the moist ground below. Kivuli spoke again, except the strength in his voice was gone. It had been replaced with a warbling tone I have never known such kindness..... Never thought I would.....Not since my mother.... He stopped. His painful memory returned. After almost 3 years of forgetting it. It came back and made Kivuli more vulnerable that ever

[NightmareMoon]

As Mila finished speaking, Kivuli immediately spoke up. The lioness listened to him, taking his words into thought. She listened as he told her that he liked her. As he told her the things he liked about her. She was amazed to see he had as many nice things to say about her and she had to say about him. She was filled with a bit of excitement and butterflies now formed in her stomach. She realized - this was very real. More than likely, something was going to happen between them. If not now, very soon.

Mila was about to attempt to form a response to that comment when Kivuli hung his head down low and started to cry. Mila's mood went from bad to worse as she knew she had started this in the lion. She had no idea if Kivuli's tears were those of sadness or those of something else. She was taken back by the mere action, as she never imagined this strong, handsome lion to be sitting in her arms, crying.
Mila suddenly forgot about her fears and focused more of Kivuli. She wrapped her arms around him, and attempted to comfort Kivuli. The poor lioness had no idea on how to even begin to reply to this sort of action. She never expected anything like this to be happening. While Kivuli just cried in Mila's arms, Mila attempted to comfort him. Just seeing Kivuli in this state was enough to cross Mila over into the same state as well. Kivuli's sadness combined with her uncertain feelings created the few tears that began to trickle down her cheeks.

Mila picked up Kivuli's head and made the lion look at her. Seeing the lion cry like this... made her know he was the one. She was absolutely sure of it now. He had deep feelings for her. He protected her from ultimate danger. He showed his deep concern for her. And after seeing him cry... the tears shed over her made her realize that she could do this. She could trust Kivuli with her deepest feelings and the most important thing to her - her heart.

Mila looked into Kivuli's eyes. The pair had tears dripping down their cheeks. This did not stop Mila from doing what she wanted to do so badly at that moment. The lioness closed the gap between the muzzle between Kivuli and herself in a light kiss. It was the moment that would change her forever. It was the start... of a perfect relationship.

[KingKivuli]

As Kivuli lay there sobbing, he felt Mila come closer to him to comfort him. It was a nice gesture but his memories were too strong to over come. Then Kivuli felt something cool trickle down his side. Was Mila crying with him? What reason did she have to do such a thing? Kivuli didnt look. Right now he was lost in a pit of sadness. That was until he felt her paw bring his face round to meet with hers. It was true. Mila was crying

As his fire red eyes met with her shining sapphire ones, Kivuli realised that he was one of the luckiest lions alive to have such a lioness at his side. The twilight gaze of the two seemed to last for an eternity. Mila then leaned forward to give him a gentle kiss before breaking away again. This left Kivuli with a feeling he never felt before and for a while it puzzled him

What is this I am feeling? He thought It feels like, my love for my mother, but still different somehow. Its just as powerful, if not more. Is it possible that I am truly in love with Mila? Is that what this feeling is? It must be. But I dont know if I am capable of such things. What if I hurt her? Kivuli gently shook his head and a smile appeared on his face No! I can not doubt myself no more. If I am in love then I will make sure I make Mila the happiest lioness around! Ending his thought, Kivuli leaned forward and locked muzzles once more. Passionately kissed Mila, hoping he was doing the right thing

[Lodrill]

Laini curled down in another corner of her den. She was slightly shivering. She had chosen another corner than Daxis so that she could face away and don't show him that tears were dripping down her cheeks. She did not know what to do. She was afraid of the punishment Kovu would give her but also the happenings made her a bit afraid of Daxis. She ever hated and feared brutal force and he did attack another member of the pride... would he also attack her? Because she was confused and frightened her mind even thought about this. Deep inside she did not believe that Daxis would attack her but her mind played with her right now and all the fears from her past surfaced again.

[hr][/hr]

Rahina rushed to the main den and stoped next to Kopa looking down to Almasi and Mosi. "Are you okay?" she asked the two cubs with a worried voice.

[hr][/hr]

Taraji had calmed down enough to be able to speak even if her voice was very faint. "I.... I.... am afraid.... they.... will.... attack....".

[LionPrincess]

Penda was overjoyed as she wandered back into the pridelands, she had been away for so long looking for her son that she could hardly remember what the pridelands looked like, she had given up looking after a few months and now she was week and tiered, she made her way back to the main den to tell Simba and Nala of her return, the black furred lioness made her way gracefully threw the long grass and headed in the direction of pride rock, she couldent help but feel that she had failed her teenage son and that her eforts were not enough, as she reached the bottom of pride rock she let out a sigh, what would the pride think of her, she couldent find her own little boy, as she climbed the majestic structure of the rock she couldent help the thought of throwing herself off but what good would that do, as she reached the main den she seen a few lions she had never seen before but then she quickly spotted Nala, she walked over to her with her head hung to look at the ground , as she reached her she lifted her head "Nala i couldent find Rajali, i have failed in my mission to return my son to these lands" she told the Queen in shame of what she had failed to do

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Almasi looked up the Rahina and smiled to her "he will be ok, Nala told me so" she told the lioness that had been caring for her, she then leaned in and nuzzled Mosi and licked him across his muzzle, she then turned back to Kopa and Rahina "can one of you take me home now, im getting tiered and i dont think i want to play anymore" she told them with a large yawn

[SinChei]

Daxis knew he did something wrong and felt sorry for Laini. He was very scared to lose her. His eyes closed slowly while he was still thinking about the happenings earlier this day. The red maned cub hoped almasi was alright and was worried about the punishment he would get the next day. Hopefully Kovu wouldn't exile him. He didn't know what was wrong with him earlier it was like he just could see the fight and just could taste his blood. The red maned cub drifted slowly to sleep while he was thinking abot all these things.

[KiarasMate]

Having the pleasant mood of his upcoming retreat with his mate, being tainted by the events that had just taken place, Simba made his way back to the main den, intent on telling Kovu about what his first act as king would be. Upon arriving back at the main den and seeing that Kovu, Kiara and Taraji were enjoying some much needed family time together however, Simba didn’t have the heart to interrupt his daughter’s and son-in-law’s special time together. Figuring that he’d address the matter before Nala and himself departed at first light, Simba turned around to make his way over to The Private Waterhole, recalling that Kivuli was the last pride member who had wished to speak with him since the meeting had ended. Taking the back route to The Private Waterhole, Simba spotted the grey furred male and his adopted daughter, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. Normally, Simba would have let the pair be, much like he had done with Kovu and his daughter however, knowing that Kivuli might have had something important to speak with him about, the polite king quietly stepped forward and spoke in an apologetic voice.

”I hate to be a mood killer here, but did you wish to speak with me still Kivuli? If not, I’ll leave you two alone, as I can see my presence here would only be a distraction.”

Flashing the grey furred male a keen smile, Simba took a seat a few paces away from the entangled couple, turning to give Mila a warm smile as well while he waited for a response from Kivuli.

==========

Hearing Almasi’s request, Kopa nodded as he took one last glance at Mosi before turning his focus to his mate and the young lioness, speaking to Almasi in a kind voice.

”Of course Almasi. Let’s all head back then.”

Figuring that Mosi would be in good paws, at least for the night, since both royal couples would be present to care for him in the mean time, Kopa took lead as he exited the main den, making his way down the slope leading into The Grasslands and pausing at the base of Pride Rock to wait for Rahina and Almasi to catch up. Once Almasi was alongside him, Kopa spoke to her once more, addressing her previous statement about what had happened between Daxis and Mosi and trying his best to reassure the young lioness that it wasn’t her fault.

”I know you must feel bad for what happened to your friends Almasi but you shouldn’t blame yourself. It was Mosi and Daxis who chose to act the way they did. I’m sure my mate can agree with me, having put up with me for so long, that when it comes to males, sometimes we act stupid and think more with our muscles rather than our minds. It’s just the way we are sometimes and you can’t blame yourself for the way nature works sometimes.”

Hoping that Almasi would understand what he was trying to explain to her, Kopa smiled warmly down at the young lioness as the trio continued to make their way back home under the night sky that hung above, the moonlight blazing a eary white trail of light across the lands as Kopa looked over at his mate with a loving stare, wondering if she would still want to have the private talk she had spoke of before the pride meeting had taken place. Figuring that he’d bring this issue up once they arrived at their den and after Almasi had fallen asleep, Kopa merely enjoyed being out with his precious lioness and Almasi as he walked along the warn trail.

==========

Hearing Taraji’s words, Kiara looked genuinely intrigued as she inquired in a curious tone.

”Whose going to attack Cutie? What did you see in your dream, hmm?”

Looking over at Kovu, hoping that he was listening to his daughter as well, despite everything else that was going on within the main den, Kiara turned her attention back to the crystal eyed cub as she waited for a response, twitching her ears and straining to listen to Taraji’s tiny voice, which proved to be rather difficult to pick up due to all the other noise that echoed throughout the main den itself.

==========

Nala had just started to situate herself when a familiar voice reached her ears, causing the cream colored queen to raise her head. Spotting the unmistakable figure of Penda standing before her, Nala’s bubbly personality rose to the surface once more as she hopped to her paws and moved in, giving the black furred lioness a friendly nuzzle as she spoke in an overjoyed voice.

”Penda! You’ve finally come home. We’ve all missed you.”

Hearing her old friend’s comment about her journey however, Nala’s ears flattened against her head as she frowned and replied in a sympathetic fashion, her voice tailoring to the situation.

”I’m very sorry Penda. We all were hoping that you would find Rajali but just because you didn’t, doesn’t mean you should lose hope.”

Looking about the main den, realizing that there were so many new faces that Penda would need to meet, yet knowing that time would be a factor, Nala spoke up once more as she met with Penda’s blue eyes.

”Listen Hun, there’s a lot we need to catch up on, since a lot of new members have joined our pride since you left, but more importantly, I need to let you know that Simba and myself will be leaving at first light tomorrow. We need a few moons to discuss some very personal matters and decided to leave Kovu and my daughter in charge for the time we’re gone. I’d love to fill you in on everything new that’s happened but you look exhausted from your travels and I think a nice rest would be best for you now. If you’re hungry, there’s some wildebeest over there in the typical spot, so please help yourself Hun. If there’s anything you’d like to ask though now, please do so.”

Smiling at Penda, Nala waited next to the ebony lioness as she waited for a reply, a bit saddened in the fact that her friend couldn’t find her son, yet still having the sense of reassurance in her own situation ever since Kopa had returned.

[KingKivuli]

As Kivuli and Mila were enjoying their moment, Simba appeared to speak with Kivuli. By this time Kivuli's tears and stopped and the brave face had returned. The gray beast turned to Mila and nuzzled her Hang on sweetie, I wont be long With that Kivuli rose up and walk to Simba. Before sitting Kivuli bowed to the king and took his seat

I wish this talk was on a more light hearted note He said But I feel I should warn you of those rogues some more. I did chase them off, but as I said they are quite devious in their ways. I ask that you please keep an eye out on you small vacation. If they learn that you and Nala are alone and find you, they will attack. You might win as they are still quite flimsy despite their training, but i assure you. You will not come out of that attack unharmed. They are relentless, and wont stop until they are either dead or thy will run at the last second.

Kivuli turned his head to look at the kings daughter next to the water You saw what they did to her. They were not even attacking, they were trying to mate. Im sorry if this has put a damper on your plans but I do care for this pride as I once did. If we lose you, we wont stand a chance against them Kivuli's eyes were now fixed, staring deep into Simba's so that the king knew he was serious

[KiarasMate]

Taking into consideration everything that Kivuli told him, Simba listened thoughtfully as the grey furred male warned him about the eminent danger that could befall him and his mate while they would be away. Understanding that this threat was very apparent however, knowing the precise location to which he and Nala would be staying at, this fact didn’t worry the king as much as it probably should have. Once Kivuli was finished informing Simba about what was on his mind, Simba nodded and thanked him for letting him know.

”I understand your concern and appreciate your efforts to keep myself, as well as our pride safe during these uncertain times Kivuli. While neither of us can foresee the future and what might happen, it’s very reassuring to know that you have your prides best interest at heart. I will be sure to keep a close watch on both my mate and our surroundings when we’re away, just as long as you promise to do the same for Mila and our lands.”

Offering Kivuli a genuinely appreciative smile, Simba glanced over at Mila momentarily before returning his gaze back to Kivuli, keeping his voice low enough so that what he spoke next, would only be heard by Kivuli’s ears.

”I’m entrusting you with one of the most near and dear things to my heart Kivuli. Mila is very special to me, as you well know already and I know you’d never put her in any danger if it could be helped. Even though your past seems to never let you be, I want you to know that I don’t blame you for what happened to her. If it wasn’t for you, things would have turned out a million times worse, and in my eyes, that outweighs the fact that those rogues were after you initially. Nevertheless, I would strongly advise you to not let Mila out of your sight while I’m gone, although I doubt that will be a problem for you. I just can’t imagine losing her.”

Sighing thoughtfully and realizing that he was rambling now, Simba politely excused himself so that Kivuli could get back to more important matters. Giving the grey furred male a respectful nod, Simba casually made his way over to where Mila was, giving his adopted daughter a fatherly nuzzle as he spoke softly to her.

”Just in case I don’t see you before your mother and I leave tomorrow, I want you to know that things will be fine Mila Sweetie. You’re in good paws here with Kivuli and your mother and I will be back as soon as possible. I know you’ll do your part to keep our lands and your fellow pride members safe and united while we’re away and we both will miss you when we’re gone Sweetie.”

Smiling warmly at Mila, Simba turned to take his leave now, once more, returning Kivuli and Mila to the privacy of their special moment together as he started to make his way back to the main den, thoughts of what Kivuli had warned him about, churning in his mind.