[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Mike]

In his enormous Baobab tree Rafiki was taking one of his several daily naps. It allowed him to be just as active in the night. He was suspended by three looped vines that made a makeshift hammock. It looked uncomfortable, but Rafiki enjoyed the gentle swaying motion. The wind suddenly picked up, nearly throwing Rafkiki out of his hammock. It thoroughly woke him up, and he glared at the sky with irritated, squinting eyes.

"Pah, will you not leave me alone while I sleep? Just because you don't sleep up der doesn't mean you can wake up old Rafiki anytime you please." He wagged a naughty finger at the sky, but the only response was a mysterious gust of wind that threatened to knock Rafiki's stick out of the tree. He ran after it and just snagged it before it fell. "Oy! Leave da stick alone! Okay okay, I'm awake. What do you want?"

Rafiki sat down with legs crossed. He closed his eyes and muttered to himself. "Kivuli... and Kopa..." He sat there for a moment, and almost got up to return to his nap, then his eyes snapped open. "Simba!"

Rafiki grabbed his stick and began to climb down his tree.

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

Kovu stood outside the main den, completely at a loss for what to do. While he trusted and admired Nala, he didn't feel close enough to intrude on her grief like this. Not alone anyway. I need Kiara for this stuff... he thought despondently. He then left Pride Rock in search of his mate. He couldn't leave Nala alone like that. Maybe together they could help her.

[NightmareMoon]

Mila's eyes were closing as her fur was in contact with Kivuli's. She was beginning to become drowsy from not sleeping the previous night and the warmth that Kivuli's soft fur had to offer made her a happy yet sleepy lioness. Until she heard a scream at her, at least.

Upon hearing someone scream at her, Mila's eyes darted open and she quickly stood up, and turned around just to see Simba, with an obviously angered expression written all over his muzzle. Her thoughts immediately went to how Kivuli wasn't supposed to being seeing any member of his family, and being protective of Kivuli and not wanting to see him get hurt or anything of the sort, decided not to say anything regarding this until spoken to about it. She had to play this smart if she wanted to have Kivuli stay for this one. "What?" She asked curiously, making a good effort to conceal any form of nervousness she currently kept within her.

Vitani apparently had come too, but seeing as Mila had paid full attention to Simba waiting for a reply she hadn't noticed her approach. She listened to Vitani's words and was utterly disgusted. Kivuli, and her? Together? Such an accusation was an insult to Mila. It made her feel like a... the word she thought of was not a pleasant one.

"What the HELL Vitani!?" She screamed in a disgusted manner. "TAKE IT THIS FAR?? "NEWLY INFATUATED?" It was obvious that Mila was now in a rage. A lack of sleep combined with a sudden horrible accusation made Mila a furious lioness. Suddenly finding herself walking up towards Vitani, she found herself muzzle to muzzle with the lioness very rapidly. Looking Vitani straight in the eye, she whispered "Don't covertly call me something like that without expecting me to do something about it." Her face and cheeks were now steaming with anger. Her sudden anger problem had gotten her so worked up that she had taken things too far. This was not something Mila would have normally done. Her nature was to be passive and kind, but seeing as Vitani had made such a blind statement as to say that she was... she couldn't believe it. Vitani was someone she liked. Or someone she used to like.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli was enjoying Mila's company. She was a sweet lioness, he was only to happy to help her dry off and stay warm. As the both snuggled up, Kivuli say Mila begin to drift a little into sleep. The grey lion knew who she felt. H was almost out of it to. Then came a loud thunderous voice from beind. As both lion and lioness turned they say Simba, closly followed by Vitani.

After hearing that pair speak Kivuli got ready for a fight just incase. His stnce was low but strong, ready to strike. He glared over Vitan and said What are you on about Vitani? Nothing s going on between us. Kivuli hifted hs eyes to Simba who also look ready for a fight. However Kivuli was still bigger, and years of training made him stronger. Kivuli did not want to rush head on in. Look last night during the rain, Mila was kind enough to let me take shelter in her den. We just talked nothing more. Morning came i thought we could come a drink, then after as a thank you i would show her how to hunt. Kivuli kept lookng over at the king. Simba was still glaring at Kivuli, ready for a fight As we were drinking Mila fell in. I was just trying to warm her back up again, the mix of water and wind in fur is freezng you know

[KiarasMate]

A bit taken aback by Mila’s actions towards Vitani, Simba was about to interject, when Kivuli’s voice snapped him back into focus as the King’s eyes returned upon the grey furred male, listening with a condescending expression plastered clearly upon his muzzle. Waiting for Kivuli to finish speaking, Simba quickly spoke in response to what he had said, an obvious air of disbelief present within his tone.

”A likely story Kivuli. You expect me to believe that my little Mila invited you into her den for the night and then, you two just happened to come up here for a drink, and Mila fell in the waterhole? Honestly, you expect me to swallow that load?”

Turning back to face Mila momentarily, Simba spoke to her in a slightly more reasonable pitch.

”Tell me the truth Mila, is what Kivuli saying true? I honestly can’t believe that you would do such a reckless thing as to invite a strange male into your den, one that you don’t even know, nor one that hasn’t even been in our Pride for more than a moon. If he’s sweet talked you in some way or another, you know you can tell me. I always look out for you now, don’t I Sweetie?”

Hoping that he would at least be able to draw Mila’s attention away from Vitani, not as though Simba didn’t think that Vitani could hold her own against Mila, but Simba refused to allow two of his lionesses to be at each other’s throats if he could help it. Waiting for a response, spotting how Kivuli was positioned, knowing that he was expecting a confrontation of some sort, Simba readied himself just in case. He wasn’t about to make the first move, as being passive was something he always tried to uphold, but if it came to the safety of Mila, he would fight tooth and claw no matter what the outcome might be.

[Lodrill]

Rahina observed the situation from her far seat. She did not hear the conversation or at least only a few word. She just saw the two male lions getting ready for a fight. Rahina was not sure if she should wake up Kopa and try to step between them.

On the other side it was not Rahinas duty to step between them. She was here just one day and it was not her territory. Rather than stepping in she observed the both males. The gray furred lion looked a bit stronger but even so Rahina notices two or three weaknesses and habits that she would be able to exploit in a fight. The golden furred lion on the other hand seemed not so see them. "That's why males are stupid. They do not study their oponent. Just clashing against each other..." Rahina thought and again licked over the head of Kopa as if she wanted to say sorry to him for this thought.

She had trained Kopa. In fighting, in hunting, in observing and tracking. He still was not as good as she was but he was above the level of the rogues who came into the jungle. If not for... Rahina shook her head. She did not want to think about the events that made them flee from the jungle.

Rahina put her head on Kopas head again and closed her eyes half. Through the small gaps she continued to observe the quarrel at the water hole. She purred. She was so happy to be with Kopa that not even this disturbance could bring a bad feeling inside her. May they rip each other apart. As long as they let Kopa and her alone she would not mind.

[Mike]

Vitani bit back an ear-curling retort as Simba got there first. As he spoke Vitani was given the time she needed to calm down and look at the situation from a longer-term perspective. If she retaliated now, any chance of carrying out Simba's training orders would be lost, and Simba could blame her for that. As long as she kept her mouth shut it wouldn't be her fault if Mila turned her back on the training. Besides, this was exactly the kind of behavior she predicted in her carelessly spoken warning to Simba a moment earlier. No reason, and no respect. She'd deal with it.

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

Rafiki traveled across the pridelands with surprising speed for one so old. He knew the lands better than almost any other creature, and had found routes through the few trees that allowed him to speedily swing through the branches. Where there were no trees Rafiki used a loping gait on all fours. He knew that his presence was required near Pride Rock, though what for he didn't exactly know. Speaking to the Great Kings was an imperfect art after all.

When he reached the waterhole, he saw the cause of Mufasa's disturbance. He was a bit surprised not to see Kopa on the scene as well though. It seemed that Mila and Kivuli had been caught in a compromising position. Rafiki was tempted to laugh, but he knew that damaged relationships between these lions could fracture the pride for a long time to come. And so, gathering his wits about him, Rafiki made his presence known.

"Hey!" Rafiki called to the group of lions. A huge grin was on his face, and with one hand he pointed his stick accusingly at Kivuli, the other was placed on his hip in mock-rage. "Hey you! How dare you woo de King's daughter?" He then collapsed at the top of the hill upon which he stood, laughing uncontrollably and beating the ground with his fist due to this deja-vu he was feeling.

[KiarasMate]

The tension was impalpable as Simba waited for a response, all the while, keeping a sharp eye on Kivuli. It felt as though something was going to give at any second. The way Mila and Vitani glared at one another, the way Kivuli and Simba stood at the ready, like snakes about to strike. Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, the thickness of the brewing situation was shattered by the unmistakable voice that could only belong to one creature in particular. Upon hearing Rafiki’s words, yet not quite comprehending why exactly the wise old mandrill had shown up when he did, Simba hastily sheathed his claws and took up a more respectful posture as he called over to Rafiki, who was lost in his own laughter by this point.

”Do you know something about these two that I should, Rafiki?” Simba inquired, still keeping a close eye on Kivuli, just in case he decided to take advantage of this slight moment of distraction.

Over in the den that overlooked this whole situation, Kopa remained tucked in sleeps gentle grip, the past days events clearly drained him of his energy, combined with the lack of sleep kept him subdued even with the ruckus from outside. Feeling the loving licks over his head, instinctively knowing that it was a sign from Rahina that all was well, Kopa purred quietly in his slumber as he snuggled in a bit closer to his beloved lioness, feeling warm, safe and secure in her presence.

[Mike]

When Rafiki had spent himself on the ground he rose again to his feet with the help of his stick to greet his old friend. He spoke while approaching the group, stopping a short distance away from the lions that had been at each others throats a moment ago. Rafiki was amused by Kopa's absence from the scene, considering what he'd heard from the Great Kings. He resolved to berate Mufasa when he returned to his Baoab tree. How could he be expected to carry out his old friend's will if Mufasa himself did not know what to do.

"And hallo to you as well Simba. He said with a low and formal bow. "Well when a monkey gets as old as I, he's seen a lot in his life. Like you Kivuli, I never thought to see you again. Has Simba welcomed you back into de pridelands?"

The two had never been formally introduced, but Rafiki never forgot a lion.

[Lodrill]

Taraji woke up by the soft waking up call of Kiara. Still in the grasp of dreams she opened her eyes and smiled tired as she saw Kiara. She snuggled against her once more and felt her warm body. Her tummy began to make noises. Now that the slumber started to wear off she felt the hunger she had. Still a bit sleepy she searched for the milk that she knew was on the belly of the lionesses. Due it was Kiara that next to he unfortunately nothing came out by Taraji's suckling.

---

Laini meanwhile finished her morning procedure with a good stretch. She was as clean and beautiful as every day. Even the dirt of her paws was completely gone now.
Laini started her journey to the water hole. The sun already was high on the sky as she padded towards the crowded watering hole. As she reached it no lion was in sight. Only a few gazelles that did not consider her as thread were playing around in the water. Laini quenched her thirst with long and slow gulps and thought about what all happened. She was chased out of her den and now this new den...

... It had been less noisy than Laini suggested it would be but still it was to big for her opinion. She felt a bit lost alone in the big den. Well the night had been alright because Nala has been there. With another lion the den would be okay but... Laini did not really feel well around the other lions. At least she got used to the company of Nala a bit even if she still felt uneasy around her too. Nala just was to high of status.

'Maybe I should get a look at my old home?' Laini suggested to herself and backed off the water. In thoughts she made her way towards her old den. She just hoped this lion would not be there and chase her away. Even if Daxis was young Laini was a bit startled by him all the time they met. It was because he was so different from her. He seemed to try to brawl with anyone.

[KiarasMate]

Feeling Taraji’s light suckles, Kiara sighed softly to herself. Deep down, she wished she was able to provide the necessary nourishment that Taraji so desired but knowing that this wasn’t the case, Kiara gently removed the hungry cub from her belly and leaned in to give her a loving nuzzle as she spoke apologetically.

”I’m sorry Cutie but Mommy can’t make milk. My body just isn’t prepared for that sort of thing, erm, I don’t know how to explain it to you Cutie. Maybe you’ll understand when you’re a bit older.”

Giving Taraji’s cheek a light lick to show her love towards her adopted daughter, Kiara still felt a bit stupid in the fact that she was trying to explain something to a cub that probably didn’t even comprehend the way a lionesses body worked, let alone, how milk was produced and why. Taraji most likely only understood where the milk could be found and the absence of said milk would still remain a mystery in her developing mind. Still, Kiara was never the type to leave anything unanswered and she always tried to give any creature the benefit of having a broadened intelligence if she could help it. Looking down at her adorable daughter, Kiara smiled a warm smile as she gently leaned down and picked up the small cub by her nape, setting her softly atop her large, warm, furry fore paws as she spoke once more.

”How about a bath Cutie? Gotta look your best for everyone, you know. That’s something that will always get you points with the males around here.” Kiara stated, giggling quietly to herself as she waited for an acknowledgement from the crystal eyed cub, not wanting to administer a bath session if Taraji didn’t want one, seeing as she didn’t look all that dirty to begin with.

”Speaking of males, I wonder where Daddy went…” Kiara murmured to herself as she leaned down to lightly lick over Taraji’s exposed paw pads in hopes of tickling the little cub to pass the time.