The Pride Lands (Amanda, Moka, kovu42)

[kovu42]

Bakari didn't even have time to react as the strong lionesses pinned him on his back. He landed on his back with a thud and tried to wriggle out from under their grasp, but the lionesses had him pinned down. He gave up on struggling, he knew it was useless to do so, and his fear of rejection was greater than ever. His gaze turned from his captors to the other lions surrounding him, and a sense of hopelessness overwhelmed him and he saw the king staring at him. He could feel his gaze burning into his fur but there was nothing he could do, even if he told the story, the male lion would never believe a rogue like him, but it was worth a shot.

"I'm Bakari, and I was just passing through when I saw your daughter was surrounded by hyenas. I helped her get away and she led me here. I came in the hopes that I would find a pride who could accept me." he told the king in a slightly panicked tone. The lionesses who had him pinned were sneering at him, obviously not believing his story, but it was the kings opinion that mattered.

[Panda-chan]

"You're lying!" the King snarled. "You tried to kidnap my daughter!"
"No! Father, he's telling the truth! Bakari saved my life!" Uzuri cried.
"Silence!" King Mbwana roared.
Uzuri was so shocked she couldn't speak anyway. Her father didn't even look happy to see her. He was more interested in dealing with the rogue.

[kovu42]

Bakari winced at the kings harsh words, but this time was definately different. Bakari was surrounded, pinned and being held captive by a lion who thought their daughter was in danger, and that can bring out the worst in a lion. A horrible thought flashed into his mind. If he really thinks I endangered his daughter, he thought, he might sentance me to death right here! At this point any sign of aggression could endanger his life, so he let his body go limp to the lionesses who had him pinned.

"I'm telling the truth, every word." he replied. "I would never harm a princess and I really did save her from a group of hyenas. You could probably scent them on us!" He realized then what a mistake that might have been. Just because he was near hyenas didn't mean who would carry any of there scent. Hopefully there was enough of a trace to carry out his story. "Please, if you don't believe me now then keep me here as a prisoner. Maybe time will open your mind to the truth." He tried to sound as dignified as he could while being pinned on his back, and he looked at the gopher and Uzuri, begging them to help him, for his life could be in there paws.

((OOC: This is my last post before I go to Denver for the week.))

[Moka]

During his struggle, Khali found his way to the exit. The less competitive males in that den the better. Who knows? He might be next.

[ Have a great time in Denver ! ]

[kovu42]

There was nothing Bakari could do with that male watching him so closely, one false move could end his life on the spot, and he could only curse himself in his mind. I knew somthing like this would happen, it always does! Bakari thought bitterly. Maybe Uzuri will still be able to help me. His chest was becoming sore from being pinned this whole time, hopefully the king would do something with him like take him prisoner so he could at least get up.

((Edit: Sorry Moka, missed that detail....)

[Moka]

[ Great news! ^^ by the way, Khali is another male lion, the gopher is still there ]

[Panda-chan]

[I'm so sorry I haven't posted in forever! ]
"And where do you think you're going, rogue???" roared King Mbwana, springing in front of Khali, and blocking his way to the exit "Off to steal another innocent little cub?' He raised an enormous paw and was about to deal him a blow that would have knocked him to the ground, had it not been for Queen Busara.
"Stop Mbwana!" she cried "I know that lion! He's Khali. The lionesses and I sometimes see him wandering alone."
King Mbwana looked as though he would have liked to argue, but since he had none, he just grumbled to himself.
"He's in our pride, Mbwana," continued Queen Busara more calmly "He's the son of Halima [Swahili: kind, gentle]", she said, gesturing to a young lioness to her left. "Surely you recognize him. You were the one who let him stay."
"Don't remember," grumbled King Mbwana loudly, even though he did. Embarrassed, he turned his attention back to Bakari, who was now staring at him closely. King Mbwana knew the young lion was trying to appear calm, but he could see fear in his eyes.

[Moka]

Khali was motionless and speachless. It seemed whatever action he took, Mbwana would become angry. This was why he avoided the den and other lions.

[kovu42]

Bakari was shocked at the kings sudden reaction. He wasn't the only lion getting some unwanted attention, but at least this Khali seemed to get off fairly light. Although the look in his eyes was enough to let onto his fear and confusion. Suddenly, Bakari could feel the kings gaze burning into his fur again and he tried to return the kings glare. He hates me and he doesn't even know me! he thought. He tried to speak, but no words came, and he knew that Mbwana could feel his fear. This really isn't my week... he thought back to his many unsuccessful hunts and his run-in with a very moody rhino. "Can you at least let me up so I can face this like a true lion?" he found the words, hoping he could get back a little dignity at this point.

[Panda-chan]

Mbwana ignored him. All his energy seemed to have been spent, and now he just looked as arrogant and full of authoritiy as Uzuri was used to seeing him. He addressed a number of lionesses nearby: "Take that filthy rogue out of my sight. Take him outside and kill him. I've heard enough lies from him." Even though the King had murmered it, everyone heard his command, because the den was so silent. At once Bakari struggled and begged to be let go, but the lionesses ignored him and dragged him out of the den. At last, Uzuri found her voice.
"Father! He's telling the truth! He really did save me from the hyenas. Why won't you believe me?"
When the lionesses continued to drag Bakari outside, she knew she had no choice. She sped after them and tried to wrench Bakari out of their grasp.
The lionesses, unsure of what to do, stood still. They looked to King Mbwana for assistance, but his face looked as stony as ever.
Uzuri spun around to get support from the other lionesses that were still surrounding the den.
"Bakari saved me from the hyenas! He wasn't trying to kill me! Gopher, back me up!" she shouted to the gopher, who was crouched in a corner.
"I don't know, Princess," he said quietly, "It's usually not a very smart idea to disobey the King. Just do as your father tells you and be quiet." All this time the gopher had been looking meekly at his paws, as if he were wishing he didn't have to say that.