A Rogue's Destiny [Private: S66, Rogue, FallenAngel]

[TheRoguePrince]

Pile of rocks? Kovu thought. He has single handedly "saved" Kiara and Tivani, as unwillingly as the second one had been, it was probably the only true one. It seems the abode of heroes is a small pile of rocks with an overhang. Which amounts to a dry spot with a large chance of being crushed by boulders. Kiara, how thick can you get? He would make sure that she didn't get off easily when the Outsiders returned. Perhaps Shari or Vitani would like to get back at her, and he certainly wouldn't stop them from trying.

It was growing dark and the storm persisted. Kovu had half a mind to sneak into the den and kill Simba where he slept. It could work, you never know. There was a good chance that he would get killed, but at least there was still Shari to rule. As much as Kovu hated the idea of getting killed, he didn't know if he could stay here much longer. He had to sate his lust for revenge soon...

Kovu moved to the ledge and sat down. He profered the risk of death, which was already present, to being wet. How he longed for his ledge in the termite mound back in the Outlands, where people actually liked him. He could see Tivani pouting, the little whelp looked a lot like an Outsider, but she would never make the cut. She may have injured Shari, but on any given day he would have killed her with a few more seconds. Kovu would make her pay for interfering with the plan, oh how she would pay...

[Harvs]

Simba looked around for Tivana's little brother, Tuva, to tell him the news. He really didn't want to, but Tuva would eventually find out, and Tivana didn't like to tell of her failings. Thinking about what had happened, Simba discovered something. He had never treated Tivana well at all. She had always gotten the short end of the stick in the pride. She was older than Kiara, but was not allowed to hunt. But why? The answer was simple... Simba didn't trust her.

But now, things were changing in his mind. Tivana risked her life to save his daughter, and she succeeded. Even if she did require the help of Kovu, she still stood in the way of the Outsider and Kiara. Whether she looked like an Outsider or not, she was a Pride Lander. And she deserved to be treated as such. Especially in her time of need. Finally, Simba spotted Tuva with Timon and Pumba. He walked up to the cub and gently said "T-Tuva... I... I think you should know..."

What could Simba say? Was he just to come right out and say it? Or maybe he could compliment Tivana's bravery first. This was all happening so fast, Simba just couldn't keep up with all of it. Finally, he decided it would be best for him to just describe what happened. "Tivana fought with an Outsider today... she did it to defend Kiara, but... she got hurt in the process." Simba didn't know what else to say now. He just stayed with Tuva in-case he needed some company.

-------

Shari sat in the termite mound, his wounds being looked after by the pride lionesses. A zebra limb lay in-front of him for his valiant efforts today. And he ate it up like there was no tomorrow. It felt good to finally be getting the recognition he deserved in the pride. But he knew it wouldn't last. As soon as he was up and ready to move again, he anticipated returning to the Pride Lands to help Kovu with his mission. Or at least keep an eye on Kovu and make sure everything went according to plan. Even if Zira did forbid him from doing such, he wouldn't listen to her.

One of the lionesses looking after Shari approached him and said "Your leg will be fine after a day or two... but your scars will likely never heal..." At first, Shari was upset about the news. He would never be as handsome as Kovu was. But after a moment, Shari thought about it deeply and compared himself to Scar. He was now twice the lion Scar was. Twice as strong, twice as bright, and twice as scarred. He gave a small smile and said "Excellent."

[TheRoguePrince]

Vitani watched Shari with some interest. He was every bit the wicked fiend that this pride needed these days. For some reason he and Kovu had gotten a long for quite some time, but truly Shari was more of a killer, despite his slightly less impressive form. He had done well today, despite the eventuality of being ambushed by a lioness, well, at least he did damage to her, and Kovu would take care of the rest. Zira was quite pleased it seemed, and that made life easier for the rest of them. Who knew, he could even make a good prospect in the future, given that he survived...

She had long known that her role in all of this would be somewhat small, despite her close association with Zira as a spy and confidante. She did, however see a great deal of good coming when Kovu finally returned, and she would personally exact revenge for her difficult life. They would pay for sure. Now that the plan was in motion all they could do was wait in between intermitten spying missions. At least it wouldn't take long. Simba was bound to make a mistake sooner or later, and Kovu was always nearby.

She grinned with wicked glee as she thought of what was to come. Soon the Outsiders would have a 3 to 0 ratio of male lions and would be ready to take down the Pridelanders. Despite the fact that Nuka was basically incompitent, Shari and Kovu would be a great asset in the fight to come. The blood of the Pridelands lionesses would be spilled to quench the bloodlust of the Outlands Pride. At last she would be sated everyday and would sleep happily, knowing that her family, the rightful rulers of the Pridelands, were back on the throne...

[FallenAngel18]

Tuva was pouncing on Timon playfully when Simba walked up to them. Tuva, being the little scared cub he was, sat there, almost tremblng. He hadn't done anything wrong right. When Simba spoke of Tivana, his heart stopped.

"She's. . . .she's hurt?" He stuttered. He wanted to find his sister and make sure she was okay. She looked around the cave.

"Can I go see her?" He asked, looking at Simba hopefully. He wanted to see her.

--

Tivana sighed, rubbing at her nose as it itched. She looked at the cave wall, wondering about the lion. He wasn't like Kovu. He was strong, and skillful. But something about him. Something was different. She couldn't quite find it. It was like under all that muscle and scars, there was a heart or soul. She would just have to find it if he ever came around again.

[Harvs]

Simba bit his lip at Tuva's request. He didn't know if Tivana would want Tuva to see her like this. But he was her own flesh and blood... and he would have to know some time or another. "Yes." Simba said in a slight whisper. He slowly turned and started trekking up to where Nala had laid Tivana. "Follow me."

Simba saw the lionesses around the den. They looked unsure and worried. Never before had Kiara's life been in danger like this, and never before had an Outsider saved her. There was so much happening that Simba didn't know what to make of it. Tomorrow, first thing in the morning, he and Kovu would talk. Whether Kovu wanted to or not, he would explain himself. Why he was now a rogue. Why he was attacked by such a powerful Outsider. And why he protected Kiara.

Finally, Simba reached the top of the pile of rocks on which Tivana laid. He stepped aside so that Tuva could go to his sister. Simba thought for a moment and realized, that if it wasn't for Tivana... Simba would be mirroring this moment... only with Kiara in Tivana's place... and Simba in Tuva's. Before hopping off the formation in the den, Simba looked Tivana in the eyes and said "Tivana..." The words got caught in his mouth. He had already gotten her attention, he had to finish it. After a small break, Simba uttered the words "Thank you."

[TheRoguePrince]

Kovu kept a careful watch on the various activities going on around him. Every motion could be his chance, but none came. He feigned sleep to avoid suspicion, now would not be the time to seem too interested in Pride lander activities. Not one word had been spoken to him since they arrived here and no thanks seemed to be forth coming from Simba or anyone else, only looks of carefully guarded distaste and anger. Let them stare, soon they wouldn't have the power to be to beligerant in the face of the rightful King.

One thing had stirred in him though, Kiara had been the only one to show any manner of kindness, despite the poorly directed way in which she presented it. Perhaps things wouldn't be quite so bad for her after all when his mission was complete. At the very least he wouldn't be the one to kill her, and that was saying something. At one time in his life Kovu had almost become her friend, not to say that he would do that now, but she was the Pride lander he hated the least. She wasn't a tyrant, and she didn't betray her obvious heritage like that Tivani girl...

Dark was closing in, and only the faintest shinings of day light were still upon the face of the land. It was time for the Pride to sleep, and only Kovu would stay awake, always watching for his chance. He gave a small chuckle as he he thought of the things to come, and then he thought of Kiara. He would have to consider more what he would do with her. She was the only one he wasn't sure of, and that gave him pause. Why didn't he feel justified in killing her? Kovu looked up in some distress, Why?

[FallenAngel18]

Tuva followed Simba until he saw his sister, lying there, looking at the wall.

"Tivana!" Tivana looked up to see Tuva rushing into the den, worry in his eyes. Tivana smiled as Tuva jumped over her to get under her front paw. he laid down.

"Are you going to be okay?" He asked, looking at her. Tivana chuckled, nuzzling her little brother and licking his little tuft of fur.

"You know me Tuva. I'll be up tomorrow, don't you worry. Right now you need your sleep." She said. Tuva smiled, nuzzling her back before curling up and closing his eyes. Tivana smiled, until seeing Simba standing there. Simba thanked her. She couldn't believe it! He had thanked her for saving Kiara! She smiled.

"I'm a pride-lander, no matter what fur color I have. I'll always be loyal to the pride." She said quietly. She sighed, closing her eyes.

Kiara walked in moments later, taking one last look at Kovu. She sighed, shaking her head. They had once been friends, back a while ago. It wasn't hard for her to be mad at him. After all, he had saved her along with Tivana. She smiled when she saw her friend curled around her brother. It was sweet. Kiara got on her favorite rock in the den, lying down and curling up. Sleep had finally overcome her.

(Do we just want to skip to the next day?)

[Harvs]

Simba left Tivana and Tuva for the night as the storm raged outside the den. He walked over to Nala to find that she had already gone to sleep, purposefully leaving a spot open for her mate. Simba smiled at her caring gesture. But he couldn't help but wonder why Kovu had done what he did. The question had bothered Simba ever since he discovered who the Outsider was. And now, he had to sleep on these thoughts.

Simba laid down next to Nala and closed his eyes to rest. Perhaps the answers would come to him in the morning. He would then question Kovu and understand why he did what he did. Perhaps his answers would make sense and he would be able to justify Kovu staying in his land, or exiling him to a distant land. The Outlands were no longer safe for this rogue. And Simba had to understand why.

But for now, his eyelids became heavy as he silently drifted into his sleep. Morning would be here sooner than they thought, and who knows why Kovu hid behind his mind.

(Yes we can just skip to the next day.)

[FallenAngel18]

(So sorry. been busy and then my computer crashed and I didn't have time to get on)

Next Day

Kiara yawned, opening her eyes to the sunlight. The storm had finally ceased, and puddles of water fell in near the entrance of the cave. Kiara giggled, wondering if Kovu made it through the night, unwet. She yawned, getting up from where she was lying on her side and standing up. She stretched her front legs, then back, before heading toward the entrance of the cave.

Something grabbed her front paw, and she looked to see little Tuva pouncing on her. Tuva looked up and grinned. She grinned, knowing he was trying to pounce.

"Keep at it Tuva, you'll get good at it." She said, looking at Tuva's expression. Tivana was awake, and though her leg was aching, she was up and watching him play around. Kiara walked over to Tivana, who smiled.

"You better?" She asked. Tivana rolled her eyes.

"Kiara I might be hurt. But I'll be up in a day or two. Don't worry about me. Worry about the little runt attacking your tail." Tivana said, motioning to little Tuva attacking her tail. Kiara laughed, before rubbing their cheeks in a friendly matter. She then yawned.

"I'm going to talk to Kovu, wish me luck." She said, before trotting out of the cave. Tivana smiled. She was still wondering about the other Rouge. Why was he here?

[Harvs]

Simba awoke on this morning to be greeted by what appeared to be a great day. The sun was shining, the storm had passed, and his mate Nala lay beside him with a content smile. He had been asleep for quite some time, just part of aging he supposed. He used to be full of energy and ready to tackle the day. But recently, he had been tired and less energetic. He rose to his paws and shook the sleep out of his bones. He then leaned down to Nala and licked her cheek without waking her. "I love you." he whispered, quietly so that she wouldn't wake. If she was anything like Simba was this morning, then she wouldn't want to be woken.

Simba started walking toward the cave exit, when he noticed Tivana, Kiara, and Tuva already up. A small chuckle escaped Simba's lips as he watched the playful cub attack Kiara's tail. Tuva had always been like that, and it reminded Simba a bit of himself as a cub. But eventually, Kiara started heading out of the cave with him. Simba heard something about Kovu, and he suddenly remembered. He had business to attend to with the outsider. Simba quickly called out to Kiara, "Good morning Kiara. Did I hear you say something about Kovu?" he inquired curiously.

Simba remembered that he had to talk with Kovu this morning. He had to know why he had saved Kiara, who that other lion was, and why he was bent on killing his daughter. All of the questions had to be answered, and Kovu was the only one who could do it. And he was going to answer them today if he intended to stay in the Pride Lands for more than one rainy night.