[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[SinChei]

Daxis got more hungry every minute and was worried about Laini maybe it happened something bad or Simba watched them last night and gave her a tongue-lashing. He exit the den and was dazzled of the sun but after a few seconds his eyes adjusted to the sunlight. The red maned cub looked for a place to waiting for her and tryed to climb on the den. He did it and layed down on the entrance.

[NightmareMoon]

Mila had slept for a fairly long time. She slept well and had great dreams which had included Kivuli in them, and what she wanted them to become. Her dreams were cut short though as she awoke from direct sunlight hitting her golden fur, instantaneously creating heat and thus awakening the lioness. She slowly opened her eyes as she realized the sun was hitting her fur, meaning that it had been day for quite a while.

Upon opening her eyes, she noticed something under her paw, which was odd. Looking down, she noticed food, stuffed under her leg for good protection. Mila was a bit confused by this and wouldn't have expected this from any lion around... or...

Kivuli? why would he?

Not wanting to think about why Kivuli would do something as odd as that, but being thankful, Mila quickly devoured her free meal that had been so kindly given to her. After finishing, she exited her den without wasting any time. She wanted to find Kivuli and thank him. The only thing is she would have to thank him without Simba finding out, which would be a... hassle to say the least.

Stretching herself elegantly, Mila found her way out of her peaceful den to take a walk around. She figured she would see Kivuli eventually if she just wandered around the Pridelands, so that's what she decided to do.

An hour or so had passed, with Mila hopelessly wandering the Pridelands, passing by the private waterhole, pride rock, and the main den multiple times. She had seen a lion whom she couldn't identify, and Nala and Taraji walking in the distance. She figured that the day hadn't been very active and headed back towards her den to rest for a bit.

Mila came upon a little hill in the Pridelands next to the border, and stopped. She studied it for a second, looking at the magnificent greenery that had decided to grow there and the beauty it held without even trying to posses any. Having just walked around for a good hour, Mila decided it would be best to lie there on the little hill, so she laid herself down with ease and closed her eyes, letting the suns rays beat down on her golden fur which made her stand out like a sore thumb from anywhere in the pridelands. Paying no attention to this matter, Mila dozed in and out of day dreams, thinking about what she would say once she saw Kivuli.

[Lodrill]

Rahina did not want to make Kopa suspicious about her state and that she was not at her best stamina. Also she did not want to stopp his enthusiasm about exploring thr pridelands.

"That would be wonderful. Just not to far for today. We need something to explore on other days too." Rahina giggled. If she would run out of stamina she could tell him that her paws starts to hurt. They sure did still hurt a bit but not as much as keeping her from running around. But knowing that she still was not used to the hard surface it might be true in some time.

Rahina licked the cheeks of Kopa and nudged him. "You lead the way." she purposed and placed a small kiss on his muzzle.

[hr][/hr]

Meanwhile Laini entered the main den. She saw Vitani sleeping in one corner and tried to go as far around her as possible to not wake her up. It took her some times to adjust to the dark den and scan it for any left food.

[KingKivuli]

Near the boarder of the Pridelands, two well built males stood looking round the area. The first was a light tan colour, with his underbelly, paws and muzzle a slight red shade. His mane was light brown, 3 groups of hair stuck out to the front and slightly right. The second male was grey. He looked almost like a mutant lion. His paws and mane were black and white in perfect mix and order. His eyes wer also un-natural. Red and purple with slits as pupils that looked like deep chasms of darkness. Both had claw and teeth scars over their bodies. They had been in a huge fight.

The second male bent over and sniffed the ground. They were hunting something, or indeed someone. He cam back up and looked over at his partner Its offical Zane. He has come this way, only 2 days ago Zane looked out into the lush Pridelands and smiled Excellent. After a year looking for him, we are finally cataching up. Are you sure it is him though Anga? Anga came muzzle to muzzle with Zane and stared straight into his eyes Tell me one time my senses have been wrong

Zane backed off from Anga, knowing full well what he was capable of. Your right, you have never failed us before. Now it sbrught us to our most beloved prize. I know hes here. Merementa will be glad when we fine him. Lets move The pair started wo walk into the Pridelands. They had never walked on such pleasent ground before, it was a comforting feeling under their paaws to feel such lush grass

[KiarasMate]

Smiling happily at his precious mate, Kopa returned the affectionate kiss to his mate before he made his way out of their temporary den, giving his legs a quick stretch before he turned back to his mate, speaking in a playful tone.

”Okay, let’s go my precious. If you get tired, just let me know but I’ll probably be the one who calls it quits first.”

Grinning to his mate, Kopa took lead as he darted off, making his way into The Grasslands away from The Private Waterhole, not quite sure of where he was going, but knowing that there were obvious paths that were noticeable within the lands, Kopa just followed those, sprinting at a nice pace to give his body a good work out, while keeping a watchful eye on his beloved lioness.

Typically, Rahina would be right beside him, or would have taken lead, but Kopa noticed that her pace seemed a tad bit sluggish. Still not knowing about her pregnancy, Kopa playfully shot back a remark at his trailing mate.

”You okay Hina? You seem a little slow today. Pick up the pace hot lips.”

Chuckling openly, Kopa continued along the beaten path, his mane blowing wildly as he zipped along, passing Pride Rock at a healthy pace and quickly advancing towards The Elephant Graveyard, to which Kopa was unfamiliar with at this point. Taking another quick glance over his shoulder, just to make sure that his precious lioness was still behind him, Kopa slowed his pace a bit so Rahina could catch up to him. Looking slightly concerned, Kopa waited for her to come up alongside him as he spoke to her once again.

”Is it your paws that are bothering you my precious? Maybe there is someone who can check them out for you, just to make sure that they aren’t injured in some way.”

Traveling along at a light jog now, trying to figure out what was wrong with his mate’s performance, it didn’t take the pair very long to arrive at the slope leading down to the eary looking environment. Skidding to a stop near the dip in the landscape, Kopa paused momentarily as he gazed over at his mate with a questionable look.

”Should we go explore in there or just go around Hina?”

Kopa just assumed that there was nothing dangerous within these peaceful lands, as Simba had not informed them that they should stay away from any parts of The Pride Lands in particular, nor did Nala. Waiting for his mate’s reply, Kopa’s tail swished to and fro as his energy and spirit seemed to be rising with every passing second that the couple remained still for.

==========

Kiara had been keeping a close watch over Vitani and was beginning to wonder just where her mother had gone off to, when Laini’s presence in the main den, caught her attention. Observing the younger lioness, Kiara could tell that she was searching for something specific and knowing the main reason why any creature would come to the main den, Kiara just assumed what she was doing here, speaking in a soft voice as not to bother Vitani while she rested.

”Excuse me Laini, but if you’re looking for something to eat, there is a small amount of last night’s dinner over there in the corner.” Kiara stated, giving a nod towards the direction to which she was indicating. ”Feel free to help yourself.”

Continuing to eye Laini as she remained where she was positioned, Kiara thought about striking up a conversation with her fellow pride mate, but the look on Laini’s face seemed to indicate that she was doing something important, so the golden furred princess opted to stay mute unless she was addressed by the younger lioness.

[Lodrill]

Rahina nodded and was relieved that Kopa mentioned her paws first. To be honest they did hurt a little bit but this would not stop her from running. It was probably just because the just healed sore paws were still a bit sensitive. Rahina refused to believe that the kick she recieved by the hoof of the gazelle she caught with the last of her energy just before they arived at the pridelands was the reason. Her paws had not hurt more than normal after it and in addition this paws did indeed hurt a bit more but all paws hurt so this was definetely not the reason.

Rahina purred and snuggled her head against Kopa to lower his suspicion. "They just hurt a bit. If you want to explore these... devasted lands... I will follow you." Rahina smiled. She hung in there. Her stamina was drained already to less than half. She knew that even if they would return now she would struggle hard at the end. But she did not want to kill the excitement of Kopa and also she did not want to show how weak she was in front of him. "Just let my paws get a little rest before." she asked him and sat down to lick her paws. The main purpose of her was to rest a bit and recover her breath.

[hr][/hr]

Laini bowed in respect to the princess and then rushed to the rest of the gazelle. She took enough for herself and Daxis and with another bow to the princess she retreated as fast as possible out of the den. She ran as if she would be chased by something.

As she reached her old den she saw Daxis on top of the entrance. It was pretty high and Laini was a bit afraid of him falling down. "Come down. It's dangerous up there. I got something to eat for you." Laini placed the food at the entrance and lay down in the sun. She sliced of a small piece that was half as big as the rest and began to eat leaving the rest for Daxis.

[SinChei]

Daxis saw laini already as ahe was still a few Meters away from him and smiled proud of himself, cause he climbed up on the entrance. His smile and proud faded away when ahe told him its dangerous she don't really thought its was brave.
"ok mommy"
He climbed carefully down and a few small rocks fell down but finally he reached the bottom. After he saw the meat he said still a bit disapointed.
"thank you"
After he went to the food he Started slowly to eat

[Mike]

[[OOC: Kovu has terrible luck around Nala XD always comes off looking like an idiot. Sorry, just had to mention it ^.^]]

Having had a nap of a few hours, Kovu's biological clock found it increasingly difficult to stay asleep while the sun shone brightly outside the den. He slept lightly, and after a while began to drift into consciousness. Kovu yawned and stretched, the force of both pressing his eyes closed for a moment as he woke. When he managed to pry his eyelids apart he found that he was being treated to a magnificent view of not Kiara's golden body, but Nala's cream-coloured rear.

He froze in mid-yawn, with his mouth wide open, and lay there staring stupidly for a moment. Then he exploded to his feet and tripped over his own paws scrambling to greet Nala properly. After nearly bashing into the den's wall, he saw what Nala's reason was for being in the den at all. Taraji was feeding again.

"Uh, Hi Nala." He said, striving to keep at least some kind of dignity. "Good morning, I thought we were alone in here. Did you come to give Taraji a snack?"

[KiarasMate]

Nodding happily at his mate as he waited for her to catch her breath, noting the way she was tending to her paws, which did look a bit sore still, Kopa replied in a caring voice as he took a seat next to her.

”Sure thing Hina. I think maybe we better not go exploring in there with the way your paws look. That terrain seems pretty rough, from what I can view from here, so let’s just stay in these grassy lands. Maybe there’s something interesting to see down the other path.”

Leaning down, Kopa playfully licked over the same paw that Rahina was attending to, their moist tongues meeting with one another as he did so. Kopa still was a cub at heart and no matter how much he had matured since the unforgettable day he had met Rahina, he still let that side of him show every now and then. Flashing his beloved lioness a goofy smirk, Kopa licked over her nose a few times before he backed off, waiting for her to give the word, so they could continue their little escapade within their new lands.


=========

Kiara just watched Laini taking what she needed and leaving, nodding in response to the respectful bow that was presented to her. Sighing softly to herself and shaking her head from the younger lioness’ behavior, not aware of the tension that remained between her fellow lioness and Vitani, who was still resting calmly next to her, Kiara turned her focus back to the former Outlander, waiting for either her mother to return, or for Vitani to stir.

=========

A bit startled by Kovu’s initial reaction, Nala perked her head up from where she was laying, observing as her daughter’s mate tripped over himself and seemed to be a bit flustered. Realizing that the cause of his odd behavior spawned from the way she was positioned, Nala couldn’t help but let a small fit of giggles to escape her muzzle as she replied in an amused tone to what Kovu had stated.

”Well, good morning to you too Kovu. Hope I didn’t bother you with my presence there. I’m sure that’s not the first time you’ve had a glance at something like that though Hun, or maybe it is, seeing as I don’t have any grand-cubs yet from Kiara.”

Flashing Kovu a smile, the cream colored queen continued to playfully poke fun of her dazed son-in-law.

”Hmm, so you were hoping that we were alone, huh? Need I even ask why that might be?”

Adopting a more serious tone now however, Nala let Kovu be as she politely answered his former question.

”Yes, I’m here to give your daughter a little something to eat, but it wasn’t planned you see. While you were off in dreamland, I found Taraji wandering around The Pride Lands, near The Private Waterhole. I think she was looking for Kiara. I’m not trying to scold you though Hun. It’s just, you have to be a little more careful and aware when you have a cub around. Even if you’re dead tired, you should always make sure that your cub is by your side. Simba might keep our lands safe, but you never know when trouble could strike.”

Pausing for a moment to allow Kovu to respond if he wanted to, Nala stayed quiet as she winced from Taraji’s little teeth, causing her to fidget slightly.

[KingKivuli]

Anga and Zane ventured deeper into the Pridelands, following the scent they had searched for We still on the right track Anga? The grey lions head was close to the ground following the scent Of course we are, its me. I dont let us down They kept moving at a rapid pace, getting deeper into the heart of the lush savanah

While they walked something caught their eyes ontop of a small hill. It was a young lioness, Mila. Zane had a large grin acrss his face. Our day just got interesting! Fancy claiming that as a prize? Anga was not as interested as Zane was about the lioness. If you want her Zane ill help you get her Zanes heart raced. To be faced with such a lioness was better than a fresh kill Ok, Anga you go that way, ill go this way. We will creep up on both sides and take her by suprise

Anga nodded in agreement, before heading off to the right. Zane went left. Both lions kept low in the long lush grass to hide themselfs, as they crept up on the unsuspectibg lioness. A strong wind quickly blew past, almost making the two lions lose focus briefly. The continued up the hill. They were finally ready.

Anga made the first move. He jumped onto Mila's hind quaters and forced her on her side. Her exposed underbelly was open to Zane who pounced and pinned Mila. He looked at his prized. She was perfect. Young, fit, and good looking. Zane brought he muzzle to meet hers Well my dear, whats a young lioness like you doing alone. You dont have to worry, ill take care of you With that he began to run his tounge across her neck several times

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

At the main waterhole of the Pridelands, Kivuli was taking a much needed break. The Outlands and the surrounding area were clear. He needed a drink after such intense running. When he approached the waters edge, without hesitation, he dipped his head right under and gulpped away, takening in the crytal fluid.

As he pulled his head out a wind blew past making him shiver with the cold. He smelt somehing in the air. Something familiar. He losed hs eyes and concentrated on the smells. It didnt take long to notice Mila. The other two, took some time but eventaly were recognised. Kivuli faced the direction the wind came from It cant be.. He said almost panicked. Without wasting more time he ran off to chase the scent