[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[KingKivuli]

Kivulis patrol was over. He and Shani arrived back at the Private waterhole. There had been no sign of Zane and Anga. They had obviouly left the area. Kivuli went to the water and dipped his head right in, submerging his muzzle as he began gulpign down. After a refreshing drink Kivuli shook the water off his mane and looked over at Shani To answer your question Simba exiled me as a teen. He had banished the outlanders. In his fury I was kicked too since I had friends among them. I spent two years training to kill him, Now Im back, and ive learnt that revenge is not always the best option. Other things are more important. Kivulis thoughts turned to Mila. Once he was done with Shani he would go see her You mostly quiet on the patrol. You must take the role quite seriously

In the depths of the outlands, Anga was helpign Zane with his wounds. Wow Zane, he really did a number on you. Hes stronger than I remember Zane snorted at Angas remark He only caught me off gurad, though he most likly would have still beat me. That fool most likly thinks that Merementa is still dead. He couldnt be mroe wronf Merementa will want to destroy him, and he will Zane erose from the dust and started walking off Lets get goign and report to Merementa as soon as we can Anga egearly followed Zane out of the Outlands and into the wilderness byond

[Mike]

Kovu glared at Kiara with mock-irritation at being assigned the delicate duty, and even stuck his tongue out at her before considering the question. He was unsure whether to go with a metaphor or just tell Taraji outright that she wasn't old enough to understand. He felt that Taraji was a sufficiently curious cub however, that she would never be satisfied without an answer.

"When grown ups play together it's not the same as cubs playing together." Kovu began slightly awkwardly, but soon got right into story-telling mode. "Cubs play in public, with anyone they like, but when you get older things change. It would be odd if you saw Kiara and I playing hide and seek or pounce right? That's because Grown ups aren't supposed to act like cubbies. Grown ups play together in private and without telling or inviting anyone, because they'd be embarrassed if anyone else saw that they were still playing like cubbies. Do you see why grown ups keep it private and between each other when they play together?"

He finished triumphantly and looked at Kiara with a silly grin on his face that said "You thought I couldn't do it? so there!"

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

As they stopped for a drink, Shani listened attentively to Kivuli's answer. He noted with interest that there was no noticeable bitterness in his reply. Maybe he really meant it, maybe not, but that level of restraint wasn't something he'd been expecting from Kovu and Vitani's descriptions.

"Not the best option?" Shani repeated, thinking it over, "No, perhaps not. But then again, surely you have the urge to test yourself and your body. As you can see I'm perhaps too small to challenge Simba head-on, but I've been tested against lions my own size, and I always come out on top. Did you ever have a real challenge?"

Shani was now actually curious, stepping into unknown waters about Kivuli's past.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli listened to the question, which left the gray lion going back to his hurtful past I had a challenge once. Those lions that attack us before were two out of three lions that I battled in the wild with my friends. It was three on three. We had constant battles for months on end. On day we decided to have one final fight till the death my friends fell first. In my rage I knocked Zane and Anga, believing they were dead. Then was came my greatest fight. Merementa. For two days we battled. It didnt look like it would ever end.

Kvuli took a breath of air and regained his composure Our final fight was near the top of a waterfall. He got the upper hand and I almost lost my life. This is until I managed to kick im over the edge nd into the pool below. Thats the last I saw of Merementa. For days after I just lay there exhasted trying to regain my energy. After 3 days I summoned the stregnth and caght a few fish to regain my strength. No ones has ever been as strong as Merementa This was the end of the tale. Kivuli waited for a response

[Mike]

Shani listened impassively to Kivuli's admittedly impressive tale. He thought that the idea of a battle lasting days was completely unrealistic, but let nothing but encouragement show on his face, every inch the suitably impressed warrior listening to another's tale.

"That's quite a story Kivuli" Shani said when the other had finished. "I can see now why you're leaning towards retirement. After a battle like that you can afford to take the back-seat in life and watch others make their own history, happy to know that your greatest deeds are behind you. Anyway, the only challenge around these parts would be to overthrow Simba himself, and let's be frank, he has too much support for his pride to let that happen."

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli laughed at Shanis remark Retire? I dont think so. I have yet to make my place in history. I called those fight 'The forgotten War'. No one knows what happen except us survivors and we wont tell what happened just by you asking. Sure you have a basic idea but not a full story. As for Simba, one day we will fight, as frends to test our might. Im stil young and have a long life ahead of me

[KiarasMate]

Doing her utmost to restrain the laughter that wanted to burst forth from her muzzle by her mate’s subtle, yet still very amusing explanation to their daughter, Kiara ended up burying her muzzle within Kovu’s side as she did her best to compose herself as her mate finished speaking. Letting a goofy sounding snort leave her nose as she coughed playfully to gather herself, Kiara nodded and did her best to back up her mate’s entertaining words.

”That’s right Cutie and you wouldn’t want to see Daddy and I playing, since Daddy always cheats and ends up winning anyways.”

Grinning cheekily at Kovu, Kiara leaned down to give Taraji a loving nuzzle as she continued to speak in a tender tone to the curious cub.

”The important thing here to remember Cutie, is that Kovu and I will always love you and you always come first in our lives. We will always keep you safe and happy no matter what and our love for you will never fade, nor will we ever be apart. We are one Cutie.”

Gently licking over Taraji’s adorable little head to try and coax the exhausted little cub to sleep, Kiara purred happily, relishing the moment of being with her family once again and having everything in the world being right once more. Resting her head against Kovu’s thick mane and shoulder, Kiara smiled as she murmured lovingly to him.

”Good job Honey. You’re the best daddy ever, you know, and Mama loves you too.”

Leaning in, Kiara planted a soft kiss over Kovu’s cheek before she closed her eyes, leaning her weight gently against Kovu’s strong frame so that her body could keep Taraji nice and warm and secure, while still feeling the delicate touch of her mate’s warm body as well, being the best comforting feeling that the two of them could share together given their current circumstance.

[Lodrill]

Taraji smiled as Kovu mentiones that they play like cubs but as he said that he did not want to play when she was around the smile faded away. "Why can't I play with you? I won't tell the others." Taraji never played with other cubs. Some times her mother played a bit with her but also this had been very rare because in the cage it was hard to even play. Even harder without the humans to notice.

Taraji wanted to learn what playing was like. "What do you play when you are alone?"Taraji yawned as Kiara licked over her head. She snuggled against the warm frame of her mother. Even if she really wanted to hear the answer her eyes fell closed and she yawned again perking her small little ears up to maybe get an answer before she fell asleep...

[hr][/hr]

Raina was a bit shocked by the reaction of Nala. "I am sorry if I asked for too much. It is just... well I really want to know even more about Kopa. I mean I met him aproximate half a year ago and we have been through a lot together but..." Rahina interrupted herself as she did not want to make Nalas sadness even stronger. She felt that the older lioness did not really want to talk about the times of Kopas cubhood.

Suddenly she smiled. "But if you judge by the smile of Kopa he really is your son. It is as you discribed it. Also he still is very cubbish sometimes. He is just wonderful..." Rahina put her head into the neck and her black eyes were sparkling in love for Kopa as she thought about him. She suddenly felt an urge to be with Kopa. But she did not want to be unfriendly to Nala. Her energy was nearly back to normal from the long rest in the den.

[SinChei]

Daxis was still searching for someone to play and got bored now. His paws were movin slower and slower. The red mane o his head was nearly draggled on the ground cause he hung his head and sighed. His Voice sounded bored and was low.
"No one wants to play with me...."
He continued his way around pride rock and saw many other lions but he knew there would be to old for him and never want to play with him. At least he layed down on the big surface in front of the main den.
A slightly breeze blew through his mane while his muzzle let out the next sigh. Daxis rolled on his back and watched the sky.

[KiarasMate]

Forcing a half hearted smile towards Rahina, not wanting her to think that she had caused this sudden change in mood from her, Nala spoke in a reassuring tone as she tried to mask the feelings that remained bottled inside her.

”It’s okay Rahina, don’t worry about it. I’m just happy that Kopa has found someone who is as caring and sweet as he is. Whatever might have happened to him when he was younger, he definitely deserves to live a good life and if that life involves me and Simba or not, as long as he’s happy, that’s all that matters to me.”

Realizing that there was still important matters to be dealt with, Nala casually rose to her paws as she spoke in an apologetic voice.

”Forgive me for taking an abrupt leave, but I still have to help these two injured lionesses here. I should go retrieve some medicine from our pride’s shaman. He’s quite the character, let me tell you Rahina. Perhaps you will meet him one of these days. Anyways, I will let you get back to your mate and I will see you first thing tomorrow, right?”

Giving a polite farewell gesture to the dark furred lioness, Nala quickly made her way out of the main den, spotting Daxis, who was sprawled out in the middle of the path. Smiling openly, the cream colored queen took a running start, easily leaping her gorgeous frame over the lounging adolescent as she dashed off towards the sight of Rafiki’s tree.

Catching sight of the queen of the lands leaving the main den, Kopa figured that Rahina’s examination was over with. Slowly making his way over towards the main den, giving Daxis a curious look as he did so, Kopa waited for his beloved mate to come outside to meet him.

[Lodrill]

Rahina rushed out of the den to get to Kopa quickly and nearly fell over him. She stoped shortly before him nuzzled him. "You waited for me here? I just wanted to rush to you." she smiled and snuggled her head against his. She had noticed Daxis but did not consider him as threat and so she ignored him for now.

"Did you already go atop of this rock? Was the view as good as we thought?" Rahina tried to distract him with her excitement so he would not ask about the examination she received from Nala. Also she wanted to cover the thoughts that went through her mind. She did not want to talk about them... yet. She purred slightly and licked his cheeks. Her onyx eyes looked deep into his eyes waiting for a response.

[hr][/hr]

Laini meanwhile got thirsty. Also she wanted to return to the her den. She still did not feel completely well in the new den. She wanted to stay in her old den as long as possible but she also knew that Daxis would most likely want to stay here. It was pretty lonely in the outback but Laini loved to be alone. Well at least she used to love it. The little time she spent with Daxis made her also feel like another lion or lioness to talk to would be nice once in a while. Still she was still to afraid to confront the other lionesses yet Simba or the other new lions that were sneaking around lately.

As Laini got out of her new den she looked around. At the edge of the cliff of pride rock right in front of the main den she could see the red mane of Daxis. She padded towards pride rock and slowly advanced towards the main den. Maybe she could get a share of food for Daxis before they would go to the waterhole? She would not have to return here by the time all other were inside the den later.

As she reached the place before the main den she clearly spotted Daxis who was bathing in the evening sun. Two other lions were in front of the main den snuggling against each other. Laini was just happy they did not notice her.

She sneaked forward to Daxis and nudged him slightly with her nose. "I wanted to go and get a drink. Do you want to join me? Maybe we can look into the main den if there is something for your dinner too." her soft voice was even more silent then before due she did not want to get the attention of the lovers right next to them.