What I've Been Through [PRIVATE: AC & Nakisisa]

[AustralianChaos]

Tanga took the offered assistance, but once he was standing had to keep his injured leg off the ground to avoid hurting it any more than it already was. He wasn't quite sure what to think as Bardu labelled the fight a test of his strength and skills, and both him and Nala proceeded to lick him. "I...uhh..." he was at a complete loss for words. "Now what?" he finally managed to say, sitting down to give himself time to let everything sink in...and to let his adrenaline rush subside.

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Simba was also at a complete loss for words. Everything he knew about Bardu seemed to change right before his eyes. He saw Nala's 'told you so' look, but did not respond to it. If Bardu's taunting and goading of Tanga was a test...then what was everything he had put simba through earlier?

[Nakisisa]

"Now, i think we sleep" Nala said, sitting opposite Tanag, "And let you both rest" She said, but not before whispering something to Bardu, who groaned. Bardu walked over to Simba, and looked at him. "I'm sorry about before" was all he could manage to say

[AustralianChaos]

Tanga watched as Bardu left and apologised to Simba for his earlier action, before looking at Nala. "As surprises go, that definitely was not the best I've had," he said, with mildly forced humour. "But I guess I had to prove I was something more than a shy weakling, right?" he said, lying down under the shade of the exact same tree Bardu had thrown him into, staying close to Nala. Although, as the reality of happened began to sink in, he was not entirely pleased with her for springing such a violent test on him, he knew it had to be done, and as such could accept it. "I guess I should be thankful I even got a chance, right?" he mumbled, this time managing to actually smile as he settled his head on his paws.

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Simba was slightly stunned at Bardu's apology. Recovering quickly, he got straight to the main point he wanted resolved. "So...you take back everything about Sarabi?" he asked, his voice neutral. Thanks to this evening's nightmarish outcome, he was less than happy with Bardu, but was willing to give him a second chance...if he truly did not mean all the things he had said earlier.

[Nakisisa]

"Yes everything, if you still hate me, then please tell me to leave. otherwise..." Bardu said quietly extending a paw. A wave of happiness flowed over him, but he didn't know how long it would last.

---

"My son likes to test everyone, even those he would only meet once" Nala replied licking some of the newer wounds in Tangas body, as she nuzzled up closer to him to make him feel safe and happy.

[AustralianChaos]

Simba considered Bardu's extended paw for a few brief moments...before finally taking it. "I'll admit, Bardu, I'm not happy about your actions, tonight," he said, a hard edge in his voice despite his attempts to keep it level. "But I'll give you another chance."

He sighed as he looked towards Nala. "It sounds like she's been through worse than I have," he said sadly as he watched her snuggle close to Tanga, who looked rather exhausted. "Scar used to be such a fun guy to hang out with...I don't understand how he could have become such a monster that he would do such a horrible thing to Nala."

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Tanga sighed. He wanted to protest the way Nala was tending to his wounds, but instead of words, he only found a light purr escaping his muzzle as his exhaustion from a long, hard day finally caught up to him. "Goodnight, Nala...I love you..." he whispered, before falling asleep almost as soon as the words had left his muzzle.

[Nakisisa]

"Thank you" Bardu said, taking the paw and taking into an embrace. Bardu was not happy with what his mother had made him do, but he had to keep her happy. Scar changed a lot in the time you've been away, he is now a sadistic overlord, you don't want to anger him. Bardu said looking back at Simba, "it pains me to speak ill of my true father, but thats what i must do"

---

"I love you to" Nala said as she to laid down, nuzzling into Tangas mane, and giving him an affectionate lick. Nala felt safe at last, for the first time in Scars reign, she nuzzled up closer to him, as to keep him warm, and herself happy. "Good night my love she whispered

[AustralianChaos]

Simba nodded. "I understand how you feel...Scar was, and still is, my uncle. But if he has indeed let the Pridelands fall into ruin, let the hyenas have their way in our land, and done those horrible things to his fellows leonines, then he must be made to stand down. I have absolutely no desire to kill him...I could not do that to him, no matter what he's done...but if he refuses to step down quietly, then I guess I'll have to do what I have to do..." he then looked over at Nala and Tanga, who already seemed to be fast asleep. "...or, Tanga will," he corrected, sighing. "I lost all right to Pride Rock when my father died...none of the lionesses will want me as king after everything that has happened. Tanga seems like he'll be a good king, in time...even if he has no right by blood."

He then gestured his head towards Nala and Tanga's chosen sleeping area, where there was plenty of room under the expansive tree for them all. "Come on, we'd probably better get some rest ourselves."

[Nakisisa]

"I understand" Bardu said after Simba had finished the first thing, "I know it would pain me so for many moons, but I will help you, My father has taken things to far, needs he needs to be stopped" a more determined tone establishing itself in his voice. "Tanga will make a good king, i promise you of that, but would you stay after he becomes King, maybe his advisor?" Bardu asked, ignoring the statement about sleep, he was to alert and adrenalin filled to sleep.

[AustralianChaos]

Simba nodded slowly to Bardu's request. "That's probably for the best...but if the pride wants me gone after Scar's been dealt with, I won't challenge that. I would not blame them at all if they asked that. But yes, Tanga may need some help. I'm sure Zazu and maybe Sarabi will assist him, but I doubt he's ever considered the idea of being king. If he wants my help, I'll give it to him."

At this point, Simba yawned. It had been a long and eventful day for him, and he was absolutely exhausted. He turned, noticing Bardu still seemed alert. "Well, it's been a big day for me...I'll turn in for tonight." He took a few steps towards the tree, before turning back. "I know tomorrow's not going to be easy, but I promise you that I'll do everything to show Scar mercy...if he's willing to accept it."

With those words, he moved under the shade of the tree, settling down a short, respectable distance from Tanga and Nala, curling up in the grass. He sighed as he looked at the two of them, but could not bring himself to feel jealous over it. He still had Nala as a friend, and a part of Simba hoped that, if he was able to return to Pride Rock, that he would find another lioness some day.

But his exhaustion soon took over, as he slowly drifted off, wondering what tomorrow would bring. One thing he knew for sure, though, was that tomorrow would change the fate of the Pridelands forever.

[Nakisisa]

Bardu smiled happily, he knew that simba would keep his word, and that Tanga would make a very good king, even if he did need help. Tomorrow was going to be storage for all of them. His mother would return with a mate Chaka hung for the throne, Simba would retur for the first time since his fathers death, And I, will I help them? Or will I return to my fathers side? Bardu thought.

"Goodnight" Bardu said kindly as he watched Simba go to sleep under a tree. He then looked over at his mother and 'new' father sleeping peacefully. Bardu had two choices he could make. Would he sleep with his parents, or alone? It didn't take long to decide.

Bardu turned and walked to his parents, jumped and started climbing the tree behind them, "Goodnight" he whispered as he climbed. Settling on a high branch, Bardu looked down at the two new lions bellow, he knew his mother had chosen well, and Simba would always be there for her, no, them.

It didn't take long for sleep to call that night, Bardu was exhausted and as he shut his eyes, and began listening to the sounds of the jungle, he quickly realised how alone they were. He happily began to purr, and fell into an alertive state, allowing him to sleep, but still listen for danger. That night they would all be safe.