Return of the Exiled [Closed to Kina]

[Baya]

A cool breeze swept through the pridelands, wavering the yellow Savannah grass as it did so. The sun began to rise slowly across the horizon, making the sky a mixture of red, orange and pink. Different species of animals began to walk out of their dens, and beginning their morning routines.

The light of the sun slowly crept its way to pride rock where the pridelanders were slowly awakening from their own slumber. Vitani was the first to awake, letting out a loud yawn and stretching her refreshed muscles. She shook he heard, blowing her bangs out of her eyes with slight annoyance, whilst she maneuvered her away around all the other sleeping lionesses. Some of the ex-outlanders were awake as well, waiting outside the den for Vitani to lead their hunt for the morning.

Vitani scanned several of the ex-outlanders with her blue eyes, and smirked wide. All of her usual girls, out here and ready to go! "Ready gals? Time to go for a quick hunt!" Vitani said proudly as she flicked her tail and quickly made her way down pride rock. The ex-outlanders followed after her without hesitation.

When the prides had merged, things had really changed for Vitani and the ex-outlanders. For one, they didn't live in constant fear of death and they were treated fairly by their rulers. Also, they no longer needed to practice fighting or defend themselves from foreign invaders too often. However, that never really stopped Vitani from harassing Kovu into fighting her for fun.

In this paradise Vitani was content, but everyday that went by she felt saddened that her mother had gone insane from her affection for her lost lover and she also missed Nuka very much. The thought of her brother's death made Vitani relieve all of her painful memories of growing up in the outlands. The fact that she was a pridelander now was her only real comfort.

Vitani and the ex-outlanders were all crawling on their bellies through the grass near a herd of Gazelle. The plan was that they'd bring home at least two or three adult gazelle so that every could be full for most of the length day. When the Gazelle least expected Vitani quickly jumped up onto the hind quarters of one sinking her teeth in, whilst she watched her fellow pridelanders help bring it down along with another gazelle.

//

After several more of the lionesses woke up and left the den, Simba slowly began to awake and looking around at his environment. His graying mane drooped over his eyes and he had to move them out from that position. He let out a yawn and stretched, looking to see Nala was still asleep beside him.

For these past two years, Simba had contently ruled over his complete pride. However, recently he was getting a bit old and having trouble keeping up with his duties like chasing out rogues and disobedient creatures. He also was getting really no good at hunting. He was starting to feel that he should step down from his position as king and just let Kovu have it. Simba noticed a problem with that plan however. Kovu was a confident lion, but not in the face of such great responsibility. Simba knew that Kovu would have trouble adjusting to the fact that he would be the one taking care of everyone after Simba had given him the power.

Simba looked to the future king at the thought of him, and smiled warmly as he and Kiara had been sleeping very close. Perhaps Kovu was worried about being king, but Simba knew that he would be as great a king as he was a mate to Kiara.

//

A breeze blew sand across the desert as the hot sun began to warm the sand at dawn. "Curse this damn desert! Why are we going back to the stupid outlands Akili? What in the great heavens above could we possibly want there?" Kicha shouted, as the sand blew into his eyes and making him rub both his eyes with the back of his right paw.

"Oh stop your whining fool. We will be in our nice and cozy old home soon enough, and the sand can't do a thing." Akili murmured with a roll of his eyes as he shielded his eyes from the sand before it could get in his eyes. Kicha snorted, which was a big mistake since some of the sand went up his nose now.

"I hate the desert! I HATE IT!" Kicha shouted and coughed as the sand traveled in his throat now. Akili ignored his brother's whining at this point and looked to his traveling companion, Amkia who also seemed to be annoyed with the sand but not to the point of whining.

Eventually the trio got to their destination. The old termite mound Kicha and Akili had once called home. Kicha snarled as he walked into the den, the snarl echoing off the walls. Akili let Amkia walk in first before he did as well, and looked around the inside of the den.

"Not much has changed, has it?" Akili muttered as he looked around his old den with obvious boredom plastered on his face.

Kicha began to cackle now, and Akili looked over to see he was already torturing the termites like he used to. "Yep. Absolutely nothing." Akili muttered with a sigh.

[Kina]

Something brushed the lioness's thinly scarred nose as it moved past, causing Buzi to wake with a sneeze. The ex-outlander shook her head, fangs gleaming in the morning light that bathed Priderock as she yawned, stretching. Her extended claws slowly resheathed when she straightened, before padding out of the den. The burnished golden-tawny lioness halted behind Vitani, tail slowly swishing as the younger female spoke. Buzi smiled slightly, before trotting after the regular huntresses with a word of greeting.

The early morning savannah breeze was refreshing to all of them, bathing the tall grasses ahead of them in golden light. Her soft umber gaze trailed over her surroundings as she walked, soft dirt stirring underneath her paws. It wasn't long before they reached where the gazelle were grazing, though, her ears perking forward as the elegant creatures waded through the tall grass.

She slowly dropped to a low crouch, padding forward with the others. When Vitani struck, the nearest to them popped his head up in surprise. They pounced - The three of them taking down the male easily as he tried to bolt.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Weariness momentarily plagued the aging Queen as she awakened, morning light drifting across her lightening pelt. Silver and white flecked her once rich fur, reflecting on her Circle passed. "Sleep well, Simba?" she murmured between yawns, before nuzzling her longtime mate.

A knowing smile crossed Nala's muzzle when she noticed Simba's stare, sitting beside him. Her tail curled around her haunches as she observed her daughter and Kovu, the tuft waving slightly in the wind. "He'll be fine. You had your doubts before, and you see the result before you," she reminded him upon seeing the pondering in his gaze, also referring to their past issues. Her emerald green eyes strayed back to Simba after a moment, softening more so.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Harsh sunlight already branded the wastelands ahead of them, burning their hardened pads as they moved across the barren lands. Shifting sands blew in their faces, causing the trio to walk with their heads tilted towards the ground with their eyes squinted. The two males strode alongside Amkia's right flank, the golden lioness's earn flattened against her head in annoyance. Kicha had been whining since before sunrise, despite it being far cooler then. "Stuff a rat in it, Kicha," the feminine rogue growled, glancing over to glare at him. Her shifting blue eyes were narrowed, patience running thin.

She bit back a chuckle at Akili's commentary to his brother, in full agreement on the first part. It was questionable as to what the den would be like, though, in such a barren area. Brambles occasionally appeared here or there, dotting the now hardening ground with charred roots. Smaller ones crumbled underneath her paws when stepped on, leaving a gritty powder stuck to the dark pads.

The lioness paused when Kicha made his way over to the massive termite mound with leafless trees surrounding it, before following. An echoing snarl bounced back at them as she followed the tawny lion in, Akili's darker frame flanking her. Barely five paces in, an irritating itch bit at her paws. Lovely. Amkia's claws dug into the dirt, kneading it. Grateful to be out of the sand, but now in an infested den. "... Did you live here long?" she queried quietly, though now watching Kicha with mild amusement as he dug his own claws into the termites along the walls. Her ears perked forward again now that there was not the risk of sand infesting them as well, her almost glowing eyes taking in the dark den.

It was large, and deep orange-red in color. Parched sand and stone mixed together to form the abandoned mound's floor, though claw marks digging into the stone and walls made it clear that it had indeed been used for shelter before. Akili's and Kicha's old pride? Amkia shook her head after a moment, doubtful that the two males held a true alliance and affections for them.

[Baya]

By the time the little scruff was over, the lionesses had managed to pull down three gazelle in total. Vitani panted as she released her jaws from the dead gazelle and looked to her fellow huntresses. "Hah! Good job girls! I see we haven't gotten even a little rusty!" Vitani said proudly with a grin as she looked to the gazelles and frowned slightly. She knew that there would be scavengers nearby and if they left the gazelle here to go get the others it would be half gone by the time they got back.

Vitani debated carrying the gazelles back up pride rock in her mind, but shook her head knowing it would be far too heavy. Vitani looked to Buzi and smiled slightly. "Hey Buzi. Think you can go and get the rest of the pride to come here and eat? Don't think it would be safe to try and carry it, even with our great strength." Vitani explained.

Vitani noticed that some of the lionesses already began to eat. They weren't nearly as savage about it as they used to be, and Vitani was just glad for that. As masculine as she was, she still figured that since they were no longer outlanders they shouldn't eat like they were.

//

Simba's ears twitched as he turned his gaze lovingly to Nala, and a smile spread on his muzzle. "You know me, I can't help but worry. He has proven himself trustworthy enough time and time again. That's the trouble of being a father I guess. Worrying no matter what." Simba pointed out. He looked again to Kiara and Kovu noticing the two starting to wake up.

Kiara opened her amber eyes slowly and let out a quiet yawn. She nuzzled Kovu's cheek affectionately to try and wake him up as well. "Come on Kovu. Wake up. We've slept in too much already." Kiara whispered with a small giggle.

"Don't bother him Kiara. He needs his sleep. He helped me patrol last night." Simba whispered. Kiara smiled.

"Well you seem refreshed and awake, and you went to sleep later then he did." Kiara pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm more used to it then he is." Simba counter-pointed with a grin.

//

Akili walked first to where his mother had slept alongside him and Kicha when they were cubs. Nostalgia washed over him, remembering all the baths, stories and affection their mother gave them to Zira's dismay. It was a pity she got ill and died, as she was probably the only sane lioness left in the outlands prior to their merging with the pridelanders. Akili walked onto the spot, the sun beaming down on his tanned fur through several holes in the ceiling. His emerald eyes shone slightly, reflecting the light and he laid down on that spot. He then heard Amkia's question, and he looked to her with no true expression.

"We lived here for a big chunk of our cubhood. This was our life before the desert. We never knew anything else but pain, hunger...irritation and hatred." Akili explained in monotone, again with no true expression. His claws unsheathed on his right paw and he began to chip away at the stone floor out of boredom.

"Yeah! Way better then traveling the desert and FIGHTING! This place is boring Akili, what are we going to do?" Kicha murmured as he flicked some termites out of their organized lines. Akili sighed and he closed his eyes, beginning to rub his temples out of annoyance.

"We are here to reminisce good old times." Akili said, coating each and every word with his infamous sarcasm. Kicha cackled, and slammed his paw on a huge group of the termites.

"Don't have to be so sarcastic big brother. Come on. Just tell me so I can stop freaking asking you!" Kicha snarled angrily, baring his teeth. Akili chuckled and shook his head slowly.

"I've been over this more then a million times. Remember when I said we would someday get our revenge on dear uncle Kovu and his precious pride? Well that day is drawing closer as I think we are ready. Now all I need to do is put my many plans into action, taking the pride landers out one by one...and I take my rightful place as king." Akili explained as he sat up and grazing his goatee slightly with his still revealed claws from his right paw.

Kicha cackled for a moment, then burst out laughing. He was in hysterics, rolling on the ground in a matter of seconds, almost not being able to breath. Akili waited for Kicha to finish before bothering to say anything else. "That amuses you little brother? Why is that?" Akili asked with a slight frown.

"You look like Scar, sound like Scar and now you THINK like Scar! Baha! Bahahah!" Kicha said breaking down laughing once again. Akili chuckled, and began to laugh as well.

"Now if only you could understand how wrong you are dear brother. You see, Scar made the mistake of letting his pride get in the way of his judgment. He let his power go to his head, and didn't stop to think his plans fully through. Had he made sure Simba was dead, he would've stayed in power. Now, that is my plan. Get rid of anyone that could pose a threat to me, then take the throne." Akili murmured, trying to emphasize his words with the the crushing of soft sandstone in his paw, crumbling it into red dust.

Akili looked to Amkia's direction, and saw how uncomfortable she was. He didn't do all of this to bring her discomfort, but it would only be for a little while. She would be happy enough when she was part of the pride that Akili planned to rule, and food and water wasn't going to be a problem. For the meantime however Akili was inclined to ask her "Are you hungry or thirsty?" Akili asked the rogue lioness in a monotone.

[Kina]

Buzi's ears perked back upon hearing Vitani speak, turning to face the younger lioness. She chuckled lightly, though smiling. No, they hadn't been slacking. Considering how important prey was to them in the Outlands, their hunting skills were quite proficient. The tufted lioness had a fair point, though. "No worries, I'll be back soon. Don't want the pride to go hungry, do we?" she queried idly, but in a kindhearted manner. They had quickly become attached to the Pridelanders, even if it was a little awkward to speak with some of them after the battle.

"Just a bit," she added, nodding once before bounding through the tall grasses. The faster she got to the pride rock and back, the less time scavengers would have time to arrive and try to chase the rest of them off.



Cool rock met Buzi's paws as she climbed up the incline, lithe frame easily regaining her balance with each large rock she bounded up. The lioness's muscles rippled underneath her burnished pelt as she moved, though almost landed on the extremely aged Sarabi - And her longtime friend. "Oh, I'm sorry ..." she murmured, now fidgeting as she tapped a forepaw against the rock.

The dusky lioness simply shook her head, offering a smile as she curled her tail around her haunches once more. Although Sarabi had aged greatly in the past three years, her shaded fur only carrying a wisp of the old color she knew it to be, it was clear her mind was as sharp as ever despite being unable to hunt now. "It's all right, Buzi. Accidents happen. Did your hunt go well?" the elderly lioness inquired, noticing the flecks of scarlet on the younger one's pelt. Her soft amberish-umber gaze fastened upon Buzi with interest, slowly flicking the still dark tuft of her tail.

"Mmmhmm, it did. We have three gazelles waiting for the pride," the younger female returned, though grateful she hadn't annoyed the mirage lioness. "Speaking of which, I need to fetch them. Would you like to come with me?"

Sarabi nodded in response, slowly pushing herself up. "I don't see why not," she said, though wincing when her joints popped. Her expression clearly said 'the joys of getting older', though proudly held her head high as she fell in step next to Buzi. Although the pace was a little slower out of courtesy for her friend, it wasn't long before they reached the main den where the rest of the lionesses and royal family rested still. Hesitance found it's way into Buzi's step as she came within a few lion-lengths of Simba, still wary of fault for fear of change of heart. Her own change in pace did not go unnoticed by Sarabi, though, whom motioned her forward.

"... The morning hunt is complete, sire. It would be advisable to head down before scavengers try to chase off the rest of the hunting party," Buzi said softly, though her ears were drooping slightly in show of submission. Simba certainly seemed kind enough, but it was clear that he still disliked memories of their old pride leader. She simply did not want to risk rejection when she finally had peace.

Nala nodded in response to Buzi's words, though offering a ready smile to the now shy lioness. It was clear that her hesitance bemused them, and it seemed that both of the older females were trying to draw her out. They did mean well, at least.

Kovu promptly let out a jaw-popping yawn when Kiara made move to wake him, claws extending as he stretched. "G'morning ..." he groaned, making it clear he wasn't entirely functional yet. A small smile touched Buzi's muzzle, finding it amusing that the mighty prince was so cub-like when he woke. It reminded her of when he was born, though she had only been an adolescent at the time.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Amkia's brow arched at Akili's reaction, though sitting down after a moment. He had made himself comfortable, so it was safe to assume they were staying. Her tail slowly swished around her haunches as he spoke, listening thoughtfully. Providing it was what he said, then perhaps it explained some of his demeanor. The sunrise colored lioness outright chuckled at Akili's sarcasm, having used the same tone herself before.

As she had learned from her time with the male duo, though, Kicha was not one to toy with. His own response to his elder brother was an irritable snarl, causing the blue eyed lioness to sigh. Almost as moody as the unfortunate males she'd encountered moons ago. It was a pity, but ... At least they had something to work towards. It was better than just wandering around.

Her ear twitched when Kicha suddenly started laughing, almost hysterically so. She had heard of Scar before, but only a brief mention at times. From what she gathered on off comments, he was a dark maned tyrant obsessed with power. It wasn't a bad thing to have power, but common sense said how far to go. Obviously Scar had lacked a little common sense when it came to doing some things. Mulling over the phrasings she used before speaking, she observed the two males for a moment. They were truly opposites, constantly displaying a stark difference.

"As I do not hail from these lands, I do not know much about them. Why is this Simba, as well as your mentioned uncle, so horrid?" she inquired calmly, tonelessly save for a hint of curiosity. They had mentioned Kovu far more often than the latter, though it was clear bad blood coursed between them. Or at least Akili. Knowing more of the situation would certainly help, though.

Amkia paused at Akili's question, admittedly surprised. It was not often that he did so. "A bit of both, more or less. Is there a water source nearby? Perhaps I can fish out something as well," the golden lioness mused, observing the darker male.

[Baya]

Simba's ears twitched at the sound of lionesses entering the den once more. He looked to Buzi as she spoke, and flattened her ears in submission. It confused Simba as to why some of these ex-outlanders felt the need to be so..."polite". Simba accepted them for what they were and yet they continue to change themselves in fear that he would be disappointed in them or something. Simba smiled kindly towards Buzi, and nodded his head. "We will be there soon. As soon as the prince decides to wake up." Simba said with a raised eyebrow as he looked to Kovu who was just stretching.

Kiara giggled at that comment and gave Kovu a good morning nuzzle. "Come on Kovu. It's breakfast. I'm sure you sister would be insulted if you aren't one of the first lions there. Though, I think she particularly enjoys the hunting anyways." Kiara pointed out with a sigh.

Her relationship with Vitani had improved immensely during Vitain's stay in the pridelands. The two had really connected even though they were almost exact opposites. Vitani really got into her role of "sister in law", teaching Kiara how to defend herself and even how to hunt at times. Kiara in return showed Vitani how it was to be more "lady-like" and ways to avoid intimidating others.

Simba began to make his way out of the den with the rest of the pride following closely behind. Simba walked slowly down pride rock, and could already see the huntresses not too far in the distance. The pride lionesses moved quicker past Simba towards the kill and began to feast. Of course they were planning on leaving the greater parts for Kovu, Kiara, Simba and Nala.

Vitani had already eaten and was sunbathing a little. She was no longer scrawny as she used to be. Now she had a good amount of meat on her bones from the great steady food supply that was almost always available! Had she not been so intimidating some males wouldn't be afraid to call her beautiful these days.

//

Kicha chuckled, and scratched his head. "Simba? Simba is King of the pridelands. He killed our grandfather, Scar. Of course, Scar killed his father and in turn Simba returned and killed Scar when he was all grown up." Kicha explained with a snort. "Our grandmother Zira was hell-bent on killing Simba but only because he killed Scar." Kicha murmured, looking over to Akili, so that he may finish the story.

Akili closed his eyes for a moment. "Zira mated with another male after Scar, and had a cub named Kovu. Kovu was to be Scar's heir to the throne. However, he decided to betray us and refuse to kill for the throne. Instead he went off and married the princess, ending up being king anyways. Now, the reason I want the throne is simply because it does not belong to that traitor. I also have a bone to pick with him over the fact that he is the reason my father is dead." Akili said with no true expression.

"So, how we gonna kill him Akili? We gonna make him watch us kill all his family first and then put him out of his misery?" Kicha asked as he laid down on his back, scratching his stomach. Akili rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"The point is not to make him suffer. I only want the throne, and if we don't stay on target then I will never become king!" Akili said, with a slight glare at his younger brother.

When Amkia told him the answer to his previous question, he stood and stretched. "We are going to have to sneak into the pridelands and steal ourselves a gazelle. We'll find some water there on the way." Akili muttered, feeling hungry and thirsty himself. Kicha's eyes widened slightly.

"You know, I'm not one to refuse a fight, but what if we get caught huh? Wouldn't that throw off the element of surprise that you and I are still alive?" Kicha asked Akili. Akili chuckled.

"We don't need the element of surprise, when we have this." Akili said as he tapped his own head with his index paw toe. Kicha rolled his eyes and followed along closely after his brother as Akili made his way for the den's entrance. "Come on then Amkia. Remember though, try and stay low." Akili said in a nonchalant manner.

[Kina]

The burnished gold lioness offered a small smile in return as Simba spoke, dipping her head briefly in response. "All right, sire. We may as well rejoin the rest of the hunting party, so we have less scavengers trying to move in," Buzi returned, though still mildly pleased. Her tail slowly swished as she waited for them, though chuckled slightly at Kovu's lagging response. It seemed the Prince had been up a good majority of the night patrolling with Simba.

"Ngh ... Breakfast?" Kovu queried between yawns, though when he finished stretching he at least appeared functional. The dark maned lion straightened as he spoke, lifting his head as a gentle breeze swirled around Priderock. Scented leaves blew on the wind, leaving behind a sweet smell as they passed. Nala smiled affectionately towards her son-in-law and mate when several got stuck in both Kovu's dark mane and Simba's auburn one. The aging Queen found it to be rather endearing, encouraging the much softer side that surfaced oftentimes when they were weary. Kovu promptly sneezed as they proceeded to trail up his hooked black nose, jerking fully awake. "Mmm ... I think you're right, Kiara. Vitani has always been one for the hunt," the Prince mused, shaking the rest of the leaves out of his mane as they began walking.

While the rest of the pride trotted on ahead to the fresh kill, Buzi hung back to walk with Sarabi in particular. She felt that the extremely aged lioness, a past Queen herself, was rather special to her. Considering the once dusky lioness had taught her half of what she knew as a cub, and told tales of Mufasa's and Simba's early reign so vividly, that she was a shaman in her eyes. In her time, the elderly lioness had seen and done much - So much more than what was accomplished in Buzi's short years.

The younger lioness's soft umber gaze trailed between the royal lions and lionesses as they walked, all of them plodding along. Once cool stone was beginning to warm underneath their paws as they slowly made their way down the large piles of rocks that led up to the den, though she stayed even with the past and current Queen as they made their way down. She and Nala both jerked forward when Sarabi stumbled, their shoulders giving the wizened female enough support that she didn't fall down the rest of the walks. Sarabi sighed audibly, clearly disheartened at her increasing physical restrictions, but continued more carefully down the remaining ones. It unfortunately seemed that she was all but confined to Priderock with age, despite wanting to travel elsewhere and still be of use to the pride.

"The hunting party has done well today," Sarabi observed wistfully, a small smile gracing her muzzle despite the touch of sadness in her eyes. Her dulled claws kneaded the ground when they stopped by Vitani briefly, as if recalling her last - if not first - hunt.

"That they have. They're all adept huntresses, Vitani," Nala said, nodding to the tufted lioness. Sunlight gleamed off of all of their pelts now, rippling with light whether dark or light. Wind continued to toy with the male's manes, as well as Vitani's tuft, as they stood there. Buzi's head lifted further as well, sighing contentedly as cool grass waved against her burnished pelt. Even though her mentor was growing older, as were all of the pride members, life had improved so much. It was a far cry from the barren outlands, and in a good manner.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Amkia listened with rapt interest, now that they were finally talking. It was a rather intriguing change now that Kicha was actually speaking seriously, rather than his usual bloodlust or complaints ringing through their ears. She the nodded once it seemed the first part of the tale was done, Akili having just finished speaking. "A family feud, then. Intense, though, to have lasted more than one set of cubs. It is obvious whom is in the wrong, though ... One should be loyal to their kin, after all," Amkia mused, tail curling around her haunches as she spoke. The stark onyx tuft twitched slightly when her paw swept termites off the ground in front of her. Less to bite on her.

The burnished gold lioness shook her head at Kicha's following words, though continuing to speak calmly, quietly. "Fixation on vengeance alone certainly would distract from the main goal, yes ... That aside, when one is seeking revenge, it is best to be prepared for two deaths," Amkia added offhandedly, chidingly on the last, though her point was clear. The seeker and the recipient could both die. "Your tactics could work, however, Kicha - But they could also slap you across the face later. Some react differently to losses, you know," she added, tone sharpening in emphasis. While he may have been willing to risk his hide for their goal, she had only recently joined them. Thus, had a much lesser reasoning at the moment.

"Gazelle sounds like a nice change, over mice and bats. Lead the way," she said, gaze fastening on the darker male. Standing after a moment, her paws padded across the sandstone. Her ears perked forward when the two males started off ahead of her, though oddly enough particularly grateful for their presence this time seeing as she wouldn't die of thirst. It was usually mere tolerance that kept their trio together, rather than full pride-like affection. They had their moments, though - Of both good and bad, though it was certainly a mixed gathering of them.

"There are still three of us, Kicha. Surprise would still happen in their initial reaction, as well. It would give us time to strike, or time to flee depending on how many there are. Besides, one should know their enemies as well as their friends. If you've any plans of striking out, you need to know their forces," Amkia pointed out nonchalantly, though in practical honesty. Although her words were blunt, they were spoken with experience - As she had gone after, and killed, the remaining lion moons ago. She had turned his very strengths against him. And had taken utmost satisfaction in returning his actions, except less merciful and less hormonal.

Burning sand seared her back to the present as it bit into her almost cracked pads, unaccustomed to the harsh wasteland heat on the ground as of yet. It wasn't long until welcoming golden-green savannah grasses met their eyes, less than two leagues away from the termite mound. Her senses were almost overloaded with the stark contrast in scenarios, everything in them coming welcome to her. However, the markers of pride territory were staring them in the faces across the river. Slashed bark and dirt trails that appeared reguarly walked, along with fresh scents.

Spoiler: show

OOC:
Sorry about how long it took me to reply, Amadeus. I've also got to go, but I hope that you like it. *Nuzzles.*

Goodnight, my friend. I shall see you on the morrow.

[Baya]

Vitani looked to Kovu and Kiara as they arrived, and she smirked trotting towards Kovu. "I see you are awake oh gracious king." Vitani said sarcastically, with a teasing shove at Kovu with her head. Vitani hadn't changed on how she chose to be a big sister what so ever. She didn't really encourage Kovu, but she didn't discourage him either. She still taunted him, and teased him frequently but she was sure he knew by now that was the only way she knew how to show affection.

Vitani had smiled at Nala's comment. "Thank you my Queen. I didn't let any of em get soft!" Vitani jeered proudly. The lionesses around Vitani chuckled, approving of what she said. Vitani looked to Simba as he was eating, taking note of how slow he was chewing, and admittedly Vitani felt a bit bad for the old king. It was sort of depressing actually.

After the pride had finished eating Vitani could've sworn she smelled a familiar scent being carried along the wind. She couldn't quite put her finger on who it belonged to, but it was one she had not smelled since she had left the outlands. Vitani looked to Kovu, trying to read his face to see if he recognized it at all, but alas he was just talking and laughing with Kiara. Vitani needed to know where the scent was coming from and whom it belonged to, in case it was a threat. However, he did not want to needlessly worry Simba or Kovu.

"Uh, I'm going to go for a quick walk. Buzi, care to join me?" Vitani asked the older lioness. She needed Buzi to come along just in case it was someone Vitani wish she didn't find. Vitani knew she could fend them off, but if the other lion had reinforcements there would be huge problems branching off from that.

Vitani began to walk away from the remaining bits of gazelle and walked towards the direction of the scent.

Meanwhile, Kiara had been thinking hard about something and it was clear she was due to the expression on her face. What she was thinking about was how to break the news to Simba and the rest of the pride that she and Kovu had conceived a cub. Her stomach had expanded a bit, but not so much that it would catch anyone's eye, not even Kovu's! She had yet to even tell her mate of the great news! Kiara figured that would be the best place to start if any, telling Kovu.

"Uh, Kovu, could I talk to you in private in the den?" Kiara whispered quietly to her mate.

//

Kicha listened to Amkia's reasoning, and cackled wildly as the three made their way slowly to the boarders of the pridelands. "You honestly believe numbers will really mean anything? These pridelanders are weak fools! They would panic and scatter, giving us time to kill them one by one!" Kicha cackled, his teeth baring in slight anticipation.

Akili's eyes narrowed slightly as he listened to their conversation. "Kicha. Just silence yourself for the time being. Remember the essence of hunting is silence. The louder you are, the less likely we are to find food." Akili said quietly as he stepped on the prideland soil. It was a nice change from the soft ,shifty and hot sand. Akili wondered if there was a watering hole nearby that he could have a quick dive in so he could wash off the filth of the desert.

Whilst the trio walked through the pridelands Kicha stopped for a moment. He sniffed the air and a chill ran down his spine. He instantly recognized the scent of his aunt Vitani and another ex-outlander making their way towards their general location. Kicha looked to Akili who seemed completely calm about it, so Kicha figured he should as well. In fact, Kicha hoped that Vitani found them so he could end her life first and foremost!

Akili looked back to Amkia, slightly worried for her safety should Vitani find them. She had not done well against those males so Akili questioned her fighting ability slightly. Then again, he wasn't one to talk as he was no where near as strong as Kicha. He sighed, knowing that Kicha would have both his and Amkia's back should Vitani find them.

The trio approached the watering hole and Akili allowed Amkia and Kicha to drink first before he would dive in. Perhaps he could possibly push Kicha in as well and get rid of his "strong" odor.

[Kina]

An anticipating smirk crossed Kovu's sandy muzzle when his dark green eyes caught Vitani trotting towards them, before idly headbutting his sister in response. She certainly hadn't changed much, and what had changed was for the better. While the burnished gold lioness continued to tease and jibe at him, she helped more than she knew. "Heh, of course. Would you expect anything less?" Kovu inquired, affectionately poking his sister with his forepaw. His deep green gaze flicked to the aging Queen when Vitani spoke again, falling silent to allow her to speak in return.

Nala herself couldn't help but chuckle lightly, nodding in return. "So I see, Vitani. They're excellent huntresses, and I'm pleased to see Kiara's technique is improving as well," the pale lioness said, casting Vitani an approving smile before moving on to join her mate and the rest of the lionesses. It didn't escape any of the ex-Outlanders notices that the royal mates were aging swiftly, though, causing concern among many of them. They had given the lionesses a second chance, rather than casting them aside to live in solitude as rogues. It was nothing less than regret that touched many of their eyes, Buzi's included.

She withdrew from her piece of the antelope when Vitani spoke up once again, tongue quickly cleaning the scarlet marks off of her fur. When she glanced up, though, realizing what had her attention. The faintest wisp of a vaguely familiar scent caught her attention, ears perking towards it. One, however, was entirely foreign to her as she wandered further away from the rest of the pride to get a better grasp of it. "Certainly," Buzi returned quietly, almost tonelessly. She turned after a moment, before padding lightly after the younger lioness. Both of the golden females soon vanished from sight, rustling grasses being the only thing that betrayed their movement. The scents of the gazelle would likely be clouding the rest of the pride's senses as they ate, therefore giving them cover should they need it.

Plaintive curiosity, however, was all that crossed Kovu's mind when he saw his sister walking off. Recognizing the slight prowl that accompanied her movement, as well as Buzi's. His thoughts drifted when his mate spoke, though, a small smile gracing his muzzle. "Of course, Kiara," the russet lion returned, his voice equally quite as not to draw attention considering her tone. He nodded to Nala as she glanced up, the much older Queen moving to sit next to her own mate when he finished.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Amkia's ears pinned backwards in annoyance at Kicha, the golden lioness attempting to ignore his hyena's cackle. It was nothing less than fur raising. A slight growl accompanied her tone when she swung around, glaring. "Arrogance will only get you killed, Kicha. However, as you do not seem to care, I may not either," the slender female said coolly, venom lacing her tone. Her partially extended claws gouging into the grass as she continued to walk, her pace carrying her neither nearer to or away from the other darker lion. Now maintaining a stoic stance, her patience having already been tried.

The cool grass, however, was wonderful on her dry and burning pads. While still irritated, it was placating to her mood in general. The Pridelanders did indeed have a pleasant home, one that would be coveted to be welcomed in. However, accepting charity was not part of her nature even if it arose. Bits of Akili's ideas seemed to fall in step perfectly with the scenery and surroundings, though his bitterness towards his uncle was understandable. While she was still learning of their ideals, Amkia could agree that this area was lush with life. A far cry from their recent living conditions.

"I would listen to your dear brother, Kicha. Silence yourself, unless you wish to go hungry longer," the lioness added, her tone almost forcefully returning to clamness as the wind twined around them. Pausing, one paw slightly off of the ground when Akili bristled. Bemusement lightly touched the lioness's eyes, twitching the tuft of her tail. The scent of another two lionesses was unfamiliar to her, but expected. They were in the lands of a much larger and more formidable pride, after all.

The two lions both seemed exhilarated at the prospect of entering these lands, though for different reasons. Blood lust was recognizable in Kicha's eyes, while changing mood met her from Akili's. It was no longer irritation that glazed his gaze, but something she was altogether unaccustomed to seeing from him. Concern. An audible sigh drifted from his muzzle as they reached a waterhole, though staying back to allow them to drink. Amkia nodded in thanks, before beginning to lap up some of the cool water. It was nothing less than refreshing, and it already washed away the dirt that clung to her paws as they touched the water. Her rippling reflection stared back at the golden lioness, burnished pelt almost brown despite her attempts. Ugh.

She quickly moved fully into the water, though sure to leave time to Akili to drink, a murky cloud following the lioness. It wasn't long before she was mostly clean, though the same couldn't be said for the water in that spot. The female hauled herself out of the deep end of the waterhole after a bit, shaking like a wet hyena to get the majority of the water off of her, before grooming herself. The harsh crimson scar across her shoulder remained in plain view against her shimmering sunrise colored fur, shining despite the lioness being underweight. With the grime gone and mostly dry now, it was apparent that her ribs were all but jutting out. However, Amkia ignored that as she licked the rest of the water off of herself, knowing that she'd be hunting soon. From the males' reaction, however, it seemed as if they would possibly be in battle as well. Something she would anticipate.