[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Mike]

Vitani flicked her tail in irritation at Santiago's question. "The usual," she said, a bit of frustration creeping into her voice, "Or a bit more than that. One of our infantile males antagonized another until he snapped and bit him. That's Shani and Kivuli for you right there... Breaking that up was fun. Oh, and then there was Daxis who managed to scare the lioness who was caring for him right out of the pridelands. Kovu made Kivuli look after him instead as a punishment. That was pretty sweet, but I don't think it'll last..."

Looking past Santiago, Vitani's attention was diverted by Kovu and Kiara. Kiara was speaking in a pained undertone, and Kovu was sitting next to her looking earnestly useless. "'Scuse me a moment." she said to Santiago, though not rudely, and got up to check it out. As she did so, Kiara briefly tried to shift into a sitting position, before falling back with a grimace. "Kovu?" Vitani said softly, "What's the matter?"

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Kovu turned to see Vitani approaching, looking concerned. He raised his head but kept one paw gently stroking Kiara's head. "I think Kiara's ill Vitani. I don't know what it is. I was about to go get Rafiki, but I don't want to leave you alone like this." Kovu's last words were addressed to Kiara and he cradled her head in his paw. A mere moment later his eyes were called back to Vitani though, as she spoke.

"You know, Zina's den is closer." she said, and something in her voice told him that Vitani was thinking hard, "She talks pretty big about being a shaman. I can dash down there and be back with her help."

Vitani had made the case pretty well, and Kovu had to nod tightly. "That sounds good to me. Kiara? We're gonna get you some help. I'll be right beside you."

[JaguarOne]

Santiago hadn't stuck around the Pride Lands long enough to be confident in knowing what "the usual" was for the pride. Typically, "the usual" behaviour could vary from pride to pride. And then, of course, there were those days where EVERYBODY went nuts... Which is sort of what the Pride Lands sounded like while he was gone. "I always thought there was something...odd about Daxis," He said, the feline having noticed that the younger cub had a some dark quirks.

The lion just chuckled and smiled as he shook his head, sending the thoughts away as he noticed Vitani's attention turn to something behind him. Looking over his shoulder, the feline spotted a pained Kiara on the ground, Kovu by her side and Vitani making her way over to the two. Allowing curiosity to get the best of him--as well as wanting to do something to help the downed lioness--the black-maned feline walked over to the group and overheard Vitani talking about fetching Zina.

[KiarasMate]

Uncurling herself momentarily as she spotted both Vitani and Santiago approaching, Kiara forced another meek looking smile upon her muzzle as she gazed up at the two felines who had joined them now, hoping not to cause any alarm in either of them as that was the last thing she both wanted, and needed at the given time. Perking her ears up from hearing Vitani’s suggestion after her brother had filled her in on what was going on, Kiara felt slightly embarrassed that she herself hadn’t thought of that idea, as she just now recalled the white furred lioness whose name was zina, had made mention that she was indeed, a Traveling Shaman by her own account. Thinking that this was probably her best bet, as a trip to Rafiki’s baobab tree, combined with the time it would take to actually locate the usually illusive mandrill who acted as the pride’s Shaman, would take quite a long time indeed to accomplish, Kiara nodded weakly as she spoke up in an appreciative voice towards Vitani.

”Yes, please do so Vitani and thank you.”

Closing her eyes as she did her best to try and relax in order to minimize the pain in her stomach as much as possible, Kiara let out a mixture of purrs and whimpers as Kovu’s reassuring touch competed with her burning belly, neither side appearing to have much advantage over the other, yet having her mate by her side, Kiara’s resiliency remained strong as she waited for Vitani to return with Zina’s company. Thinking fleetingly about Taraji for a moment, Kiara hoped that her adopted daughter would stay asleep until things started looking up for her, as she didn’t want to cause any worry to the crystal eyed cub if she could avoid it. Still, it was getting later and eventually Taraji would wake up, which prompted the golden furred lioness to begin thinking up an explanation that would be understandable for her still developing mind to comprehend if the situation should present itself. Opening her eyes as she stared up at Kovu, Kiara spoke up softly as she gently nuzzled her head against her mate’s strong fore leg.

”Thank you for staying with me Honey. You know I love you so much. Do me a favor though and keep Taraji nice and warm too if you can. If we can keep her asleep for the time being, then we won’t have to tell her that Mommy feels like crap right now.”

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Back in her assigned den, Zina’s morning was going much more favorably than Kiara’s was, as the white furred Shaman dozed peacefully, her mind replaying all the past events that had taken place the former day. From her first initial run in with Shani, to her introduction to the queen and king of the lands. From there, the confrontation between Shani and Kivuli briefly passed through her thoughts, as well as her not so memorable first impression of Vitani. Thankfully however, Zina’s mind quickly shifted gears as the more pleasant memories of the intimate moment she had lured Shani into, became the centerpiece of her dreams, evoking a lustful looking smile to work its way over the white furred feline’s muzzle. Feeling as though she were reliving the entire event over again, Zina’s body unconsciously started to react to her dreams as the enraptured lioness found herself rolling onto her back, her hind legs splayed unabashedly towards the entrance of her quaint living quarters. Purring deeply as her muscles twitched and spasmed involuntarily as if provoked by Shani’s touch in her thoughts, Zina started to purr aloud as she unknowingly murmured in her sleep, blissfully unaware of the company she was about to have.

”Mmm, you really know how to make a lioness feel welcome into your pride, don’t you Your Majesty!”

[Mike]

Without further ado, Vitani nodded to Kovu and set off towards the Den's exit at a light trot. Reaching the sunlight, she paused for a brief moment to take in the new day and give the pridelands a quick once-over. It was promising to be another bright and sunny day, with clear skies and the rock beneath her paws already starting to warm up. As she stood there, Vitani noticed that Santiago had followed her outside. She stretched a bit to get the blood flowing, then glanced over her shoulder at him. "You coming?" she asked, "I wouldn't mind, but we've gotta head off now."

That said, Vitani headed for the path down Pride Rock. She took it in a few graceful bounds that sprung her from stone to stone, and reached the bottom very quickly. Slightly exhilarated, just from the feeling of putting her muscles to good use, she burst onto the grasslands and set off at a jog towards Zina's den. The long shadow she cast in the early morning sun ran with her over the land and grass, and a second shadow ran with her as well, this one slightly more three dimensional. It wasn't long before she reached Zina's den and peered inside.

Vitani was just in time to catch the gist of Zina's erotic murmured comment, and hesitated for a moment in plain confusion. Taking a distasteful look at Zina's position, and even the expression on her muzzle told Vitani exactly what was on the Shaman's mind. Either Zina was pathetically lonely and had a wild imagination, or else she and Kovu had spent more time together than Vitani had realized. Vitani silently vowed to pluck off every last hair from Kovu's mane if that was the case. Indulging in the perks that came with ruling a pride was one thing, but she still expected her brother to keep a high standard of what was tasteful and dignified.

"Good morning Zina." Vitani called, rather loudly, "Hate to disturb you when you're obviously enjoying yourself so much, but someone's fallen ill and we need your help."

[KiarasMate]

Finding herself being abruptly withdrawn from her most enjoyable dream as Vitani’s voice permeated through her thoughts and shattered the explicit images of her memory, Zina lazily opened her yellow orbs as her vision focused upon the entrance of her den in order to see just who had addressed her. Spotting Vitani, along with an unfamiliar lion to whom she had not yet been introduced to, the white furred Shaman hastily rolled into a sitting position, her hind legs quickly coming together in a more suitable state as she let out an exhausted sounding yawn. It took the sleepy lioness several minutes to actually register what Vitani had stated and even when she had figured out why she had been summoned, Zina acted on her own free will as she rolled onto all fours before giving her slender body a much needed stretch to wake herself up a little more. Shaking out her snow white pelt, the apathetic lioness made her way over to her herb pouch, which she had left situated against the far wall of the cave. Leaning her head down and using her dainty fore paws to assist in her efforts, Zina carefully fastened the hide pouch back around her neck before turning to face Vitani once again. Speaking up to the tawny coated lioness, Zina finally acknowledged Vitani’s former remark as a look of mock concern crossed her countenance.

”Well, my second day being in these lands and my services are already being called upon, hmm? Should I be flattered or worried?” “Halting directly in front of Vitani, Zina motioned that she was ready and for her company to lead the way as her voice mirrored that of Vitani’s tone that had woken her moments ago. ”Lead the way Dear.”

As much as she despised being ordered around by the likes of Vitani, Zina’s dedication to her practice forced the white furred lioness to comply as she wasn’t about to turn her back on a suffering individual, especially now as she thought about the situation more, it would probably put her in Kovu’s good graces if she would be able to cure whatever ailment was plaguing the pride member in question, something which Zina herself was almost certain that she could do as her skills when it came to being a Shaman were second to none. Dawning a coy looking smile from how badly this fact would probably rub Vitani, Zina was almost grateful for the opportunity to let her unique talents shine if it meant besting her company’s ego. Noticing the male who had accompanied Vitani, Zina took a moment to gauge his looks and demeanor before speaking up nonchalantly towards Vitani, a hint of sarcasm laced in her words as she did so.

”Oh, didn’t know you had a mate Vitani. I’m sure he’s lucky to have landed himself someone of your quality.”

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli walked over to the leg and ripped a chunk of meat off for himself before walking back to the cave entrance, giving Daxis space. While he ate thought ran through his mind about his past that Daxis had awakened That cub, he reminds me of me when I was exiled with Zira. I didnt want to be with no one, snapped when people got close and tried to help, thinking they wouldnt understand. Eat up well my young friend, I dont think today is going to be an easy ride

Kivuli sat patiently and waited for Daxis to finish before speaking in a calm tone I know you dont want to be bossed round or talked to, I can respect that, but the scent of your friend isnt going to last much longer we need to leave soon if we wish to find her, do you want a drink before we leave? Kivuli was trying his hardest to keep calm in the situation, not wanting to cause anymore bother between himself and the cub

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Anga walked into the den, finding many of the inhabitants awake and ready for battle Well well you finally back Anga, took you long enough The black and white lion looked round to find the source of the voice. He looked up and bounding down the rocks was Zane Your a fine one to talk Zane. How was you mission?[b] Before Zane could respond Merementa appeared, from round one of the rocks [b]It was a success, we have 7 more fighting for us, also a few stragglers followed us, in total we have 23 fighting excluding you me Zane...[b]

Merementa gazed turned to Makali [b].....and him. Who actually failed in his simple task of getting some food! Merementa instantly knocked Makli down with a swift blow to the head. He moved in for another strike when Anga stood in his way ENOUGH MEREMENTA!!!!! THERE IS NO POINT TO THIS Anga went over to Makali and bent do to talk Makali are you ok? There was genuine concern in Anga's voice. His patience with Merementa's actions, was growing thin

[SinChei]

Daxis turned kivuli his back when he came closer to get some food and continued eating while ripping some spots of his fur out again. His skin already hurt and turned red. Daxis gave his paws a short lick to get the blood of it. His soul missed laini and it wanted everybody to see his pain that was the point he destroyed his body. Daxis started growling in the middle of kivulis speech and opened his muzzle while he was still growling.

You are trying to tell me that you respect me?! Come on stop talking like you would be my friend! I have no friends besides Laini! I will go now! I don't need you so i don't need to drink something too!

With his last word he dashed past kivuli out of the den, feeling the hot touch of the sun on his dark brown fur and burning on his naked spots. The first time it was very painfull but he adjusted to it soon. He slowed down his pace because he didn't know where to go and was waiting for kivuli. He stopped near Laini and his old den and smelled something around it. He was to excited to notice that it was not Laini who returned to her den. Daxis started running towards it and had a smile on his muzzle when he saw something upon the den and started shouting already in his higher, happier voice he used not much the last few hours with kivuli.

Laini! Laini!

Daxis reached the first ocks of the den and started climbing on them stomry. He could not reach the unknown lioness completely because of one last rock was to big for the small cub. But he stuck his maw over the rock and fought his forpaws against the rock.

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Makali was scared from Zanes voice and looked around to find the source like anga did. But as he looked around he saw angas leg again and calmed down nowing Anga would protect him. Makali felt safe when he was around until he heard his voice. Makalis blood froze in his veins and he couldn't move.
Why do this monster find so many new lions to fight on his side?. He thought and stepped back as merementa's eyes turned to him and he lowered his eyes on the ground.

I'm sorry ma...

The tiny cub could not continue and felt Merementa's giant paw hitting his head painfully. Makali layed on the ground. Dizzy from the first strike makali lifted his head up seing merementa preparing for a ssecond strike to his head. Makali widened up his eyes and turned his head away in fear. still waiting for the next painfull strike makali heard Anga's voice and turned his head forward. Makali could not believe Anga really protected him. The dark furred cub needed some time to understand what anga asked him and just nodded to answer but added something.

I hate merementa... why don't he hunt himself when he is hungry..

[Lodrill]

Rahina put on a face as if she were hurt and answered "So YOU think I am FAT?" she walked a few fast steps forward to Kopa but had to slow down because she felt dizzy. She was too proud to show her weakness though and so she covered it up with a smile. "Maybe it is just you who is too lazy to catch something to eat for me?" she smirked and as she finally reached him she nudged him. She had a hard time to not raising the frequency of her breath and give Kopa any sign that she was not feeling well. She trusted Kopa but she still covered up her weaknesses like she had done on their way to the pride lands. One reason of it was that she cared for Kopa and did not want him to worry. The other reason was her pride. She never had shown any weaknesses (also because she did not have that much before she got pregnant) and she did not like to show any.

Even if Rahina was wondering if she would manage to climb up pride rock all the way to the main den her pride would have been hurt if Kopa would leave her here. "Come honney, lets go. But I think we should enjoy the morning. It is so beautiful." It was true that after the rain last night the morning was wonderful. The sun was shining in a red light and painted the rocks in a bronze light. But Rahina had another purpose again. The few fast steps before had shown her that she could not walk fast this morning. She did not want to stumble or faint and having Kopa to carry her home.

[JaguarOne]

"That depends on whether or not you can help. Kiara's not feeling too well and she doesn't know what's wrong," Santiago commented from where he was standing, his expression and tone indicating that he was being serious. While he was always one to crack a joke about various things and could even be known for his darker humor, the black-maned lion also knew that there was a time and place for everything, and that included idle wisecracks. For all he knew, Kiara's condition could be highly contagious and/or potentially fatal--the latter he highly doubted, however. That being said, he decided it would be best if this was taken seriously.

"We're not mates," Santiago said after a moment of hesitation, a moment which would most likely become a surefire sign that he was interested in the lioness. That coupled with the expression on his face which only became more stern as Zina patronized the gold-furred lioness he had accompanied to fetch her. "However, I'd much rather have a rough and tumble mate than I would one who's full of themself. Which reminds me, considering this is Kiara, I hope that you're all you're cracked up to be. Because if you're not? You're going to look very, VERY stupid."

Confident that he had thoroughly chewed out Zina, the black-maned lion turned and headed for the exit of Zina's den, pausing only momentarily to look over his shoulder. "Now let's go. Kiara's waiting."

Making his way out of the den, Santiago waited for Vitani to catch up with him--he was almost certain that she would considering he had just burned Zina. Once she did, he exchanged glances with her, his expression telling her that he didn't fully trust Zina at the moment. There was something about how readily she tried to cut down Vitani that didn't sit well with him.

[KiarasMate]

Eyeing Rahina closely as he could sense that something was amiss about the way she presented herself, Kopa was right about to question her further on whether or not she really was feeling up to the trip to Pride Rock, when his beloved lioness motioned that they should get a move on. Opening his muzzle as if he wanted to protest, Kopa quickly thought better of it as he didn’t want to give Rahina any reason to snap at him. Still keeping faith that his precious mate knew her limits better than he himself did, Kopa nodded as he started to walk alongside his lover, their pace being noticeably slow compared to most other times previously. Understanding that the extra weight that Rahina was carrying around, probably had something to do with this fact, yet knowing better than to confirm his thoughts by asking her directly, Kopa simply enjoyed the leisurely stroll with his one and only love in life, his eyes constantly glancing at her, that same look of concern still vaguely apparent in his gaze. Meeting with Rahina’s onyx orbs and losing himself in her loving stare, Kopa purred quietly as he moved in to give his adorable mate an affectionate nuzzle before murmuring softly to her.

”I love you so much Hina. You know you’re the most beautiful lioness in these lands and I still consider myself to be the luckiest lion alive to be able to call you mine.”

Planting a gentle kiss over the dark furred lioness’ cheek, Kopa gave Rahina’s sagging belly a light caress with one of his fore paws before moving onwards, the distant figure of Pride Rock still looming quite a ways away from just how sluggish of a pace they were traveling along at. Prying his gaze off of his beloved mate for a moment, Kopa stared up into the blue sky above before mouthing a silent prayer for Rahina and their unborn cub. AS if to answer his unspoken words, a brisk gust of wind whipped past the two wandering felines, Kopa’s mane being blown freely in its wake as a pleasant smile worked its way over his muzzle. Directing his attention back to Rahina now, Kopa’s playful side surfaced once more as he reached back and brushed his fore paw against Rahina’s muscular hind quarters, his paw toes tracing over her curves as he spoke up in a joking voice, a goofy looking grin now featured upon his face.

”So when do you think our little bundle of joy will arrive Hina and better yet, when can we make another one?”

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Rolling her eyes in utter annoyance from the way this new lion spoke to her, as if she were nothing more than a servant to the pride, Zina had to all but resist the urge to verbally lash out at him, her innate nature of disliking males slowly surfacing from the tone of his voice. Having no prior knowledge to who he was though and not wishing to perhaps, jeopardize her chances of staying in The Pride Lands by saying something she’d regret later, the white furred Shaman held her tongue while she waited for her company to finish speaking. Closing her eyes momentarily as if to try and gather herself once again, Zina finally replied in a casual voice as she addressed the outspoken male.

”I’m sorry, have we met before? Isn’t it proper decorum to introduce oneself before belittling others or is that just the way I was raised? Well, it’s clear that you seem to know more about me than I myself do, so it would seem. For not being Vitani’s mate however, you sure have a funny way of showing it. Regardless of whether or not you have faith in my skills of being a Traveling Shaman, I assure you that there has yet to be an illness that I have not been able to cure. Perhaps you’d like to have a go at healing…Kiara…was it now?” Zina stated, her voice trailing off as she realized just who her patient was going to be.

Quickly coming to terms with just how crucial her performance was actually going to need to be, Zina’s self-satisfaction only multiplied with just how convenient this all seemed to be. Having failed in her attempt the previous night to get Kovu sick, here things were, almost just as perfect. If she would be able to cure whatever ailed Kiara, surely Kovu would be more than grateful to her, perhaps even enough to win over his trust and in turn, bruise Vitani’s ego as well. Completely forgetting about what had just transpired between herself and this lion to whom Zina could care less about, the white furred lioness focused her entire efforts upon the task at paw, her own demeanor becoming serious as well. Shifting her gaze away from the pushy male, Zina called over to Vitani in a quizzical tone, hoping that the tawny furred feline would be able to provide her with a little more information so she could pre-emptively assess Kiara’s current predicament in her own mind before hand.

”Would you be so kind enough to tell me what symptoms Queen Kiara is showing Vitani, if any, or should I perhaps save my inquiries for her majesty herself?”