[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[Mike]

Kovu was shaken out from under his thundercloud by Zina's carelessness. He hadn't been paying much attention to his surroundings, and was knocked down into the grass. He noticing the identity of the lioness that bumped into him Kovu's instinctual tension was dispelled and he got to is feet slowly as Zina spouted apologies. He recalled Zina's agreeable character from their meeting that morning, and smiled in forgiveness, and even returned her slightly silly bow.

Zina took off without another word, leaving Kovu alone a short distance from Pride Rock. Putting the incident out of his mind, Kovu finished his journey and was soon stepping out of the now pouring rain into the warmth and safety of the pride's den. He shook himself vigorously, getting rid of the majority of the water clinging to his fur, but leaving himself, and his mane in particular, looking slightly bedraggled as a result. His eyes cast around the den, searching for the two people that he most wanted to see.

He found them cuddling cutely on a pelt, and moved over to join them with a happy smile on his face. "Hey my love." Kovu said gently, not wanting to disturb the pair too much. "I'm home."

[KiarasMate]

Quite some time had passed since Kiara and Taraji had settled down together within the protective confines of The Main Den. While Taraji had effortlessly drifted off to sleep while laying in between her fore paws and resting up against her warm chest, Kiara herself had tried to fend off sleep as long as she could as she wanted to be awake for when her beloved mate would finally return. She had just begun to start drifting off herself, when the sounds of falling rain from outside the spacious abode brought her back to a more conscious state. Keeping her focus centered upon the entrance of the den, Kiara hoped that Kovu was at least keeping dry for the most part. She had barely seen her mate for the majority of the day and each minute that ticked by without him by her side seemed like an eternity in and of itself. Having faith that he was alright though and that everything he had to do, would go smoothly, Kiara’s tail flicked nervously as she continued to await his arrival.

Perking up her ears at the faint sounds of wet paws hitting against the cold stone edifice, Kiara’s ears swiveled as her eyes strained to see out through the constant downpour outside. Spotting a familiar looking figure making its way into the dry den now, Kiara could feel her excitement bubbling over as she so desperately wanted to dash over and greet her sorely missed mate, although having Taraji snuggled up against her body, she was unable to do this. Purring happily as she waited for Kovu to join her upon the large sleeping pelt, Kiara couldn’t help but to giggle from the way his mane looked after he had shaken himself at the mouth of the cave. Leaning in close, Kiara affectionately nuzzled Kovu while softly murmuring to him as not to disturb their slumbering daughter in between her fore legs.

”Oh Kovu! I missed you so much. Welcome home Honey. How did things go with Kivuli and Shani? Looks like you got caught up in the rain too, you poor thing. Here, lay up next to me so I can warm you up Honey.”

Waiting for Kovu to do as was bid of him, Kiara tenderly began to groom her beloved mate, starting with his face to clear away as much of the rain water from his fur as possible. Keeping her ears perked in order to hear his response to the question she had posed, Kiara moved her attention to Kovu’s mane as she began to run her rough tongue through it, straightening it out with every strong stroke of her broad muscle. Unbeknownst to the golden furred lioness however, her tongue passed over the small amount of herbs that had managed to stick in Kovu’s mane, due to the thickness and dampness of it. Blissfully unaware of what she had just ingested, Kiara finished her bathing session upon her mate’s mane before planting a soft kiss over one of his cheeks. Pressing her warm body against Kovu’s as she did her best to bring up his body temperature with her own, the golden furred lioness cuddled her head against her mate’s, as she nuzzled him lovingly once more, feeling the need to show him truly how much she had missed his company.

[Lodrill]

Rahina was a bit hurt in her pride by Vitani's words. Maybe Vitani did't want to say what Rahina understood but for the young lioness it sounded like if she was weak. For a very short moment this was readable in her eyes but she quickly put on a smile and did as if she would not mind what Vitani just said. But for Rahina it was clear that Vitani was looking down on her and Kopa and she hated that. For the first time since they arived in the pride lands she felt not welcome or rather not really home. Rahina thought if this was only because of her mood swings how Nala had called it but anyways she was a bit cross with Vitani.

Knowing it better Rahina did not show her emotions but raised to her paws. Unfortunately she needed two tries to do so. Rahina did not want to admit it but her body clearly was telling her to rest now.

"Well the last thing I want to do is drag your hunting party down." she answered with a smile but her voice was slightly different so that at least Kopa who knew her might have noticed that she indeed was hurt by Vitanis words. Rahina looked out of the den where the rain still held up. The rain was not even visible due it was pitch dark now but the noises of the splashing water echoed in the den.

"If you need me you know where you can find me. At least most of the time I will be around here I guess. If you want to wait for the end of the rain here you are welcome to stay in our den, right Kopa?"
It was just a weak gesture of Rahina. She thought it would be very rude if she would kick Vitani out of her den no matter if it was with nice words or not. Rahina slowly walked towards Kopa and lay down next to him before she put her head over Kopas shoulder to look at Vitani and wait for her decision.

[Mike]

Vitani noticed that Rahina wasn't taking very kindly to the prospect of time-off, and she supposed that she couldn't blame her. Vitani also found it hard to be put out of the action. Still, it was just common sense in Vitani's mind to keep Rahina away from any big hunts until she was feeling back at her hundred percent, and it didn't occur to her that Rahina would be offended in anything more than a surface bruise to her ego.

"Hey, it's nothing to be ashamed of." Vitani said, shrugging, "You're pregnant." She stood to take hear leave, but was temporarily stopped short by Rahina's kind gesture. Kind though it was, Vitani wasn't interested, and preferred to leave for a refreshing walk through the rain. "I appreciate it," she said, with a brief nod of thanks, "But I'll be fine. Goodnight."

With that Vitani stepped outside and into the storm. It was very late, and the sky was for once not filled with stars, but with great thunderous clouds. There was almost no light to see by, and the rain was all that she could hear and feel. It was surprisingly disorienting after the shelter of the den, but Vitani was still able to navigate on instinct and with the little light that was left. Even with her skills though, Vitani had to be very careful to avoid tripping over an unseen rock or crevice in the earth.

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Kovu dropped to Kiara's side with a tired groan as he relaxed and began to feel his worries leave his mind with every stroke of Kiara's sweet tongue through his mane. He lay beside Kiara, feeling her soft fur and comforting body heat beginning to relieve his slightly chilled frame. He closed his eyes and rumbled his contentment from deep in his throat.

"Oh, about as well as they did with Daxis." he said. He meant the words to be wry, but lying with his mate he didn't have the heart for anything other than loving or contented. "I told Shani he's not a scout anymore after provoking Kivuli like that, but I don't know if he really cares. I told Kivuli he's stuck looking after Daxis, but Daxis is a mess right now to be honest. He and Kivuli might not work too well together."

Kovu sighed and shifted position slightly to allow Kiara to keep grooming his mane, but at the same time rested his chin on her back. "This whole King thing is a lot more than Zira made it out to be." he said. "I can't wait for Simba to get back. I mean I'd love to lead our pride someday, but he's just better at it than I am I guess. Obviously comes from having more experience." he quipped, but his heart wasn't quite in it.

[KiarasMate]

Watching intently as Rahina and Vitani’s conversation came to its conclusion, Kopa noted both the extra effort his beloved mate seemingly needed in order to rise to her paws, as well as the subtle change in her mood due to Vitani’s statement about her status within The Hunting party. Staying where he was as his precious lioness joined him atop their sleeping pelt and rested her head over his neck, Kopa patiently waited for Vitani to vanish within the darkness outside their quaint abode before he gradually moved himself out from underneath Rahina’s head. Thoughtfully repositioning himself so that she had the majority of the sleeping pelt below them, Kopa lovingly moved himself back in close to his mate, carefully situating his fore legs around her upper half so he could snuggle in close to her without irritating her belly region. Nuzzling the back of Rahina’s neck, Kopa finally spoke up in a comforting voice as he planted several affectionate kisses over his lover’s soft cheeks.

”Don’t let Vitani’s words get to you Hina. You’re still the best hunter, even in your current condition. I’m sure she only has your best interest at heart my precious, as do I. Besides, you’ve done so much already Hina. Maybe taking a few suns off will do you, and our cub, some good.”

Hoping not to incur one of Rahina’s mood swings, Kopa hoped he had chosen his words wisely enough and that his beloved lioness would understand that he was concerned about her well being and their unborn cub’s health as well. While he had all the faith in the world that his mate was strong enough to take care of herself, Kopa also knew that Rahina could be stubborn at times too and never settled for just taking things easy. Keeping himself next to her as he cuddled her lovingly, Kopa figured with the way the weather was currently, there would be no need for either of them to stand guard this night. Thankful for this fact, as Kopa himself felt a stronger need than usual to stay by Rahina’s side, the thoughtful male continued to show his undying affection towards his precious mate as he lightly traced a fore paw over Rahina’s pregnant belly, feeling the flurry of activity coming from within, which brought a smile to his muzzle. Speaking up quietly as he moved his paw away now, Kopa addressed Rahina in a soothing tone.

”Why don’t you get some rest Hina. You look so exhausted my precious. Seems like all your energy has been given to our cub, as it seems pretty lively right now.”

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Lowering her ears slightly from what Kovu was stating about his own views about how he was performing as stand-in king, Kiara wanted to give him a reassuring hug, although having Taraji tucked in between her fore legs prevented her from being able to achieve this. Settling for reaching a fore paw over and lightly caressing it atop one of Kovu’s larger fore paws to show him that she sympathized with him, Kiara finished up her grooming session upon her mate’s mane before once again nuzzling him tenderly. Letting out a tired sounding yawn, Kiara did her best to snuggle in closer to Kovu to provide him with as much warmth and solace as she possibly could without disturbing their daughter’s sleep. Speaking up in a hushed voice, Kiara murmured quietly to Kovu as her head gently rested against his neck.

”Don’t be so hard on yourself Honey. You’re doing just fine. I know my father would be proud of the way you handled things today, just like I am. You will be a wonderful king when the time comes for us to take our places as such and you proved that fact today. I just hope when you do become king, I will see you a lot more than I got to today. I really missed you Honey.”

Moving her head in close to Kovu’s, Kiara stole a quick kiss over her mate’s muzzle before yawning tiredly once more. Happy to have her one and only love in life, back by her side, Kiara started to settle herself in for the night as her eyes gradually began to close and her head lowered until it was resting upon Kovu’s fore legs. Realizing how chilly this night might become however, Kiara opted to move Taraji so her little body would be better protected against the elements. Gently picking up the dozing cub by her nape, Kiara softly set her down in between both her and Kovu’s warm bodies before returning herself back to her former position, head atop her mate’s fore legs as she purred contently and nuzzled his strong chest before giving into sleep’s gentle grip.

[SinChei]

Daxis smelled Kivulis scent soon enough to snarl deeply while cutting and biting his forleg. He attached his ears when he heard Kivulis wet paws approached him every step he did. Daxis tried to held up against kivuli trying to get his claws off his leg. The red maned cub darted his head snapped towards kivulis face. Before daxis could react kivuli cleaned his wound. Instantly daxis minds were filled with memories of Laini again. He knew her not for a long time but his time was the best in his life. But he was thrown out of this thoughts when kivulis soaked mane wiped through his face. Daxis started growling again and bit in kivuli's ear and crawled backwarts. Daxis listened to the bigger males voice when it echoed through the den and daxis small head. The red maned cub tried to listen to him as good as he could listen while his legs were pulsating. Again kivuli made him a good offer but it all argued against Daxis view of the things. He tried to roar what sounded more like a faint hiss and shouted towards the entrance where kivuli was laying.

Stop talking such a trash! I tried to do something, but you had to act like kovus little pet and have done wehat he told you! I will go alone even though i have to leave the pride! Get out of here!

Shouting towards kivuli and clawing the ground in anger Daxis did not notice he were crying again and his voice were shivering. He had talked himself in rage and breathed hard after screaming his actual feelings towards kivuli. Daxis scratched his wounds again to end the pulsating which was getting worse. He just waited for the reaction of the grey furred male and were still hoping he would leave.

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Makali nearly fell down into the grass again when Laini got up so fast and looked in her scared face and let anga talking to the strange female. He moved his head towards anga again while opening his muzzle and thought about what to say after the lioness agreed joining them.

Anga will you take the prey? i try to talk to the lioness

Makali was not aiting for a reply and just ran beneath one of Lainis paws and looked up. The black furred cub was not the trype of lion who trusted everyone so fast. But this lioness was really... like the better twin of his mother. A lioness he have ever wanted as mother. Not this agressive, mad and awful lioness his mother was. He had good memories with his mother but after she did something good to him Makali ever got it back in the form of slaps in his face, kicks in his butts or beating him menatlly down. Makali was not scared to open his muzzle and trying to talk to her.

Hi... I'm glad you are ok and ... come with us. I am Makali ... how is your name?

A warm smile formed on his muzzle and waited for the lioness to answer him or keep silent.

[Mike]

Kovu couldn't help but let his troubles go as he listened to Kiara's compassionate voice. Her faith in him recharged his mental reserves and refreshed his soul. He would be a great king, if for no other reason than to justify his love's faith in him. He smiled at Taraji as Kiara passed the little cub over her own body and settled the little bundle of life between their bodies.

"I missed you too..." Kovu replied in little more than a whisper, looking down at his mate's beautiful resting form. Her eyes were closed and there was a soft and peaceful smile lingering on her muzzle. Moved by impulse, he bent over to gently lick Kiara's cheek before settling in for the night himself. He rested his head next to his mates, and as the rain pattered persistently down outside Kovu drifted off to sleep.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli looked over at Dais as the cub raged at him. It reminded Kivuli of how he was when returning to Priderock. It was not that long ago but it seemed it. Kivuli learned fast that sometimes anger was not always the best way to tackle a situation. Daxis needed to learn that quick. He was still a young lion and would not be able to survive in the wild alone

Look...Daxis...I know how you must be feeling, trying to have someone forced into your life, but you cant let your anger take over you. I was like you when I came here, thats until i learned that to survive sometimes you need to let other help you. Tomorrow I will help you out in whatever way I can. Im not doing this for my own benefit I am also trying to help you With that Kivuli closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep

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Anga walked over to the zebra corpse and tugged the body onto his back ready for transport back to the outlands. He walked up to the duo and spoke in a hasty fashion We must hurry back, the rain is coming on hard and no doubt Merementa will demand his feed he turned his head to look at the lioness Come if you wish be stay close to us at all times He then took off heading back to the den with as much haste as possible

[Lodrill]

Rahina sighed and closed her eyes while she nuzzled Kopa for good night. "I know darling. Thank you for your care. As long as you are at my side I will be able to rest I think. With a smile on her muzzle she leaned back against Kopa and soon her breath went steady as she drifted of to sleep.

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Laini looked at the black cub and returned the smile with a very faint one. Trying to not stumble over the cub beneath her she started to follow the other lion who was carrying the prey. Even if Laini had promised herself to not look back her gaze went back to the pride land and where pride rock was. She still was uncertain if she wanted to leave Daxis there. This black cub had reminded her of Daxis even if it was a bit smaler. "I am Laini. her silent voice came out of her muzzle a while after Makali has asked his question. She still was half in thoughts about if it was right that she left pride rock and leaving Daxis there.

[SinChei]

Daxis couldn't believe Kivuli did not accept that the cub hated him. His anger rised by every word escaping the grey males muzzle. Daxis eyes were glistering by some moonlight reflected by the rain. A deep growl was rolling up his throat out his muzzle. His fangs were red by the dried blood from biting himself. Daxis turned around with a hiss and let his hind paw whip over the ground to raise some dust from it.

Just shut up! you know nothing freak!

Daxis breathed snatchy to calm himself down and it worked as he expected and layed down to get some rest. Daxis was almost asleep when his hindleg started to pulsate. He instantly sat up and got his body into the ankle Laini showed him to clean himself. The shivering cub bit his leg as if something was itching. Daxis returned to his laying position with a few tears in his eyes and watched his body. Everywhere he had bitten himself was hairless. His forlegs, his hindleg and his shoulder. Daxis just layed his head on his paws and drifted slowly to sleep.

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Makali were feeling something was wrong with the lioness. He eyeballed her over and sweeped some wet streaks of his small mane back out of his horizon. Lainis paws were not big in contrast to his tiny or Angas giant paws. The black furred cub turned his eyes to hers when she replied him.

Nice to meet you Laini ...

Makali was playing with the thoughts telling her about merementa to get sure she wouldn't make a mistake. The female was not looking very strong.

Well... I think you got to know that our leader is very... not like me and my friend there.
He is kind of a monster... i hate him i wish i could go away but when he ever meets me again I would be a dead lion i guess. Just want you to know

Makali was proud telling Laini about Merementa. He would feel bad if he had hurt her without saying the truth before. Makali looked forward again and continued his walk normally.