Past Demons [PRIVATE: AC and TheIvanMuse]

[AustralianChaos]

Tanga watched the small conversation between Simba and Nala, noticing that Nala's answer was vague, and that she looked very distracted...it seemed that she had some personal stake in the situation involving the rogue. As she approached Tanga, the gold-furred lion shied away instinctively, his fear kicking in once more. At her words, however, he did manage to calm down a bit, his small trust in her just enough to let him believe she was not going to hurt him, but his instinct forced him to keep a safe distance, just in case.

Noticing Simba also step past him, and realising that the move left him with nothing between him and Sarabi, Tanga gave a scared, faint mewl and scurried after Simba and Nala...he'd much rather stay close to the two of them, than be anywhere near Sarabi. Not noticing Sarabi continuing to watch silently, a sad look on her face at Tanga's frightened reaction to her presence, Tanga turned as he heard Nala gasp, only to see relief wash over her features, obviously thinking she'd seen something horrible for a second.

When she beckoned both Simba and himself to come look, Tanga, for once, gave into his curiosity, and took a peek over the edge of Pride Rock...although he kept a small distance between himself, and Simba and Nala. Looking over, he noticed the lioness, Nala's mother, appeared to be talking to another, strange lion, and Tanga sighed in relief as he did not recognise this lion...it was not a member of his old pride, and therefore was not someone he truly had to worry about...they might still be mean, but at least they did not know him.

Simba, however, was confused at the sight, and turned to Nala. "Nala, do you know that lion?" he asked, pausing for a moment, before elaborating. "I mean...your mum seems to know him, but I've never seen him before." His words were simply an indication of why he was confused, but his tone betrayed his curiosity. He wanted to know who this lion was, how he knew Sarafina, and whether he was nice or not...although if Sarafina knew and liked him, then he probably was.

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When Ardahi queried about Nala, Sarafina finally broke eye contact with her mate, slowly slipping out from his embrace and turning away, sitting in the grass a short distance from him, sighing. How could she explain this to him? He had to know, and she knew that she had to tell him...but how to break the news to him? A millions possible ways passed through her brain, and she dismissed them all. Eventually, though, she realised that she had to say something, and as such, finally spoke up, although she still kept her back to Ardahi, her bowed head and low stance showing her almost sad nature.

"Nala...Nala is a lioness who is very dear to my heart...and the only reason I have been able to keep on going after you left. She doesn't know it...but just by being there, she kept me strong, kept me hoping that I would see you again...that you would come back..." she trailed off slowly, knowing she was stalling, before turning back to Ardahi. "She means everything to me, because in a way, she is a part of me, just as she is a part of you..."

Deciding that she had stalled enough, and that it was time, Sarafina sighed once more, before standing, slowly advancing on Ardahi again, although there was no aggression, only a soft sadness...mixed with what seemed to be a hint of regret. "Nala is a cub, Ardahi, a child...our child..." Again, at this point, she trailed off, not knowing what else she could say, as she waited for Ardahi to respond to that sudden revelation, one that she knew must be shocking him to the very core.

[TheIvanMuse]

Nala was still looking down from Pride Rock on her mother and the rogue. As Simba and Tanga approached as well to see what was happening,she was wondering of what was exactly going on down there,why were they staying for so long,what were they saying? ''I have no idea who that is.'' ,she responded to Simba. Nala shrugged to Simba's further explanation,she didn't know how her mother knew that lion. But she surely wanted to get to know him. If her mother liked her,she was sure that he must be a very nice lion.

With relief,she grinned and turned to Simba,happy that everything was apparently going in the right way. ''He must be a good lion though.'',she said while also turning to Tanga. She smiled and then looked back down,her desire to go there was growing stronger. She then turned back around and asked Sarabi: ''Can we please go down?'' She knew that she probably wouldn't let them,but she wanted to ask nonetheless. She then turned to Simba,hoping he would help her maybe convince Sarabi to let them down there.

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As Ardahi asked Sarafina about Nala,she turned away from him. It was obviously very hard for her to tell him the truth. He still didn't know what it might be however,why would another lioness be that much of a deal,he didn't even know her. Sarafina seemed as the words to come were very hard to say. Perhaps she was afraid of what he would say or how he'd react. ''Tell me...'' he told her while taking a step towards her.

As Sarafina started to speak,it seemed to him as if she had met some other lioness when Ardahi got away. But how did that have anything to do with him,he couldn't have met her... As she turned back to him,she said something that made him lose his breath. A part of him and a part of her... It couldn't be,could it? Ardahi didn't know what to say to her. But maybe he was just assuming wrong,he waited for what else Sarafina had to say.

As Sarafina approached closer,his eyes were widened. Could it really be true? Everything seemed to stop around them as she started to speak. Upon hearing the words,Ardahi was left speechless. He seemed to be left dug in at where he was standing. He didn't know what to say,he felt shocked. But after the moment of surprise passed by,he felt the way he had never felt before. His whole point of view on life seemed to change in an instant. Of course,he was over the mountain for finding out that he is a father,but at the same time a feeling of grief came over him. The whole matter of him leaving wasn't just about him and Sarafina anymore,he left his cub behind as well. ''Oh Sarafina...'',he said,while approaching her and nuzzling her. ''I am so sorry...'' What else could he say after finding that out,he knew that his cub must have wondered of where the father was. This whole thing came to him so fast... ''I am a father...'',he said while giving away a little giggle. The sorrow of the whole situation meant less to him now that he knew that he was a father. He would do his best to be the best father someone could wish for,the cub deserved it,Sarafina deserved it... He had to make up for everything.

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Mufasa was now already very near to where Sarafina and the rogue were standing. As he got closer,he thought of all the ways in which this could escalate. He always liked to have all possibilities covered when dealing with something. But what if the rogue was the one Mufasa thought he might be...

As he finally came closer to the two,he was still hidden in the bushes. But then he saw it,it was him. Ardahi was alive,and he was back. Mufasa couldn't help but smile,he was glad his friend was back. At the same time still a bit concerned of how this whole thing would affect Sarafina and Nala. As he was already near,he stopped running and continued at a steady pace. As he came to where he'd surely be spotted,he sat down and said with a serious expression on his face: ''You've returned...''

[AustralianChaos]

Simba frowned as Nala mentioned that she had never seen the lion Sarafina was talking to before. All this did was tell Simba that the lion was not from the Pridelands, which only brought up more questions: Who is he? Where is he from? How does Sarafina know him? As Simba looked at Tanga briefly, he saw that the gold-furred cub seemed too distracted by his own inner thoughts to be listening to them, but that he had noticed the lion, and the fact that he was not shaking with fright over a stranger for once was a good start.

But then Nala spoke up again, and Simba had to smile and agree with her, having had that thought himself only a second ago. As she looked at Tanga, Simba also turned, noticing that Tanga had snapped out of his thoughts at Nala's comment about the lion possibly being nice, and was now wearing a rather skeptical look, causing Simba to shake his head in half-amused exasperation. "Come on, Tanga...I'm sure this lion'll like you, too. Not everyone is mean." The last statement had been meant as a joke, but Tanga's sad look, obviously telling Simba that he did think all lions were mean, at least to him, showed that Tanga had not seen it that way.

Giving Tanga a strange look, clearly wondering what the little guy, even by Simba's terms, could have gone through to make him so scared of every lion he met, the young prince nevertheless put it aside as Nala turned to Sarabi, asking her if they could go down. Sarabi, for her part, gave them her 'stern parent' look, a look she always gave them when reminding them of a rule or guideline they had conveniently forgotten in their attempts to head out on an adventure. "Mufasa told everyone to stay here...that includes you, and it includes me, too." Her voice was kind, but firm as well, reminding them that they were supposed to stay back here, and wait for Mufasa.

She did decide to give them something to hopefully appease them a little. "But, if this lion is as nice as Sarafina's actions have suggested so far, I'm pretty sure Mufasa will let him stay for a while." Despite the fact that Sarabi had known Ardahi, being the mate of her best friend, the thought never crossed her mind that the lion down there could be him...with Sarafina's grief over his sudden disappearance, the pride had adopted a policy of not bringing him up henever possible, and as such, Sarabi had almost completely forgotten about the lion.

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As Sarafina sat there, in front of her mate, she could almost see the flashes of emotion in his eyes as he came to the realisation that he had a daughter. She could definitely understand his shock, it was not every day you were told you had a cub that you had never known about, until months after it had been born. The simple fact that he had not fainted from sheer emotional overload made Sarafina believe he was already handling it fairly well.

When he finally did speak up, whispering her name and apologising softly, Sarafina could see the pain of regret in his eyes, and knew that he was probably kicking himself now, knowing that, by leaving, he had left her to raise Nala alone. As he nuzzled her, she nuzzled him back, opening her mouth to speak a couple of times, but not finding any words. When he muttered abotu being a father, seeming like he was convincing himself of the fact, Sarafina could not help but smile at his giggle, glad he was beginning to take this new revelation in his stride.

But the smile faltered as she spoke up once more. "But...I haven't told Nala yet. She never asked about you, and I never said anything. She doesn't know she has a father, but I'm sure she's watching us now...and I'm certain that it's about time you met her." She smiled at her last statement, realising that Nala was probably going to get the biggest shock of her life today. She was going to learn that she had a father who was still alive, and even get to meet him at long last.

But before either of them could say any more, Sarafina jumped, spinning around as Mufasa's words broke the moment, turning to face him, noting the serious expression on his face. Not sure how the king would respond to Ardahi's return, Sarafina nevertheless stayed by her mate's side, leaning her head against his mane. She just hoped Mufasa would accept him back...she did not want to lose him again, not now, not ever...she did not know if she could take it a second time.

[TheIvanMuse]

Nala couldn't help but smile back at Simba upon them both agreeing that the lion is probably very nice. But Tanga at the other hand still seemed,as it was to be expected,rather unsatisfied that there'll be yet another lion for him to meet,if Mufasa let him stay here. Of course she was still concerned of how Tanga will react to this whole situation,since he hasn't actually adapted to anyone but Mufasa.Simba then made a comment to Tanga and as he ended it up with a joke,Nala,nudged Simba,obviously not agreeing with him joking at that point. She knew that Tanga would probably not find something like that funny,it would have the completely opposite effect it seemed.

As she asked Sarabi about leaving Pride Rock,as expected,she refused to let them. She gave them a stern gaze,as she'd always do when she didn't agree with their intentions. No matter how much she disliked not being able to go down there,she knew that it was probably for the better,despite her dissatisfaction. But as she gave them hope with telling them how Mufasa'll probably let them meet him,Nala couldn't help but giggle and smile back at Simba and Tanga. She was happy,and she hoped that her happiness would at least to some extent cheer up Tanga. Simba probably wouldn't need much cheering up,as he was always the first one to drag Nala into fun situations.

Nala now turned back to Simba and Tanga and smiled. ''I can't wait to meet the lion,I think he'll be great!'' She hoped that the other two cubs would share her enthusiasm about meeting the lion. But something told her that this whole thing would have a much deeper impact on her than it would on the others...

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Ardahi was back with Sarafina,nuzzling her,he was a father,things were only getting better after he had returned. He couldn't believe that all this was happening to him. He couldn't be happier,he had a family,he had his loving Sarafina and now a daughter. Everything else seem to mean less to him. His revenge,his disbeliefs of whether Mufasa would even let him back to Pride Rock. Everything was put on second place,all that mattered now were Sarafina,Nala and himself. He had only optimistic thoughts of what the future might bring. Whoever would try to mess with his vision,he would fight with all his might,he didn't want to have the past repeated once more. Even if it meant...

Sarafina spoke up to him and told him that Nala doesn't even know he existed. He understood it though,how could she explain to such a young lion that her father is gone,or even worse,that he's dead. ''I understand...'',he told her,while smiling at her. ''I promise,I will never leave you again,and I will be the best father Nala could wish for.'' He got butterflies in his stomach by Sarafina's mere mention of that he'll meet Nala. He couldn't help but just laugh,the happiness was too strong to be held back in just a smile. The seemingly perfect moment was the suddenly interrupted...

As Sarafina suddenly turned around,Ardahi was already looking Mufasa in the eyes. Both of them having a nothing but serious expression on their faces. As Sarafina leaned on Ardahi's mane,he gave her a discreet rub with his muzzle,while still keeping his eyes up on Mufasa. Sarafina was clearly afraid of what might happen next. However,Ardahi stood his ground firmly,not even showing a little bit of fear. ''Yes,I have,Mufasa...'', Ardahi responded to him.

Mufasa was slowly approaching him at this point,still not showing a single emotion. The same image was returned by Ardahi. As he came closer,Mufasa stopped and gazed at Sarafina and then back at Ardahi. It was so long since he saw them together...

As Mufasa was still not showing a single emotion,Ardahi was getting worried. He couldn't keep up the emotionless face anymore and he lightly frowned at this point. He felt as idf he was being judged for something. He actually was,when he thought about it again... He just hoped that Mufasa would welcome him back into the pride. He didn't know what he'd do if he didn't. Would he get away with Sarafina and Nala and live as rogues... Would they want that...

Mufasa saw the concerne in Ardahi's eyes,he was afraid for Sarafina,maybe even for Nala if Sarafina told. He couldn't keep up the poker face anymore and that point he started smiling. The smile soon became actual laughing. He was glad his friend was back. The laughter was returned by Ardahi,who seemed really relieved at this point.
''My friend...Where have you been...'',Mufasa asked him,even though he knew he'd probably be left without an answer.

''It's a long story,Mufasa...'',Ardahi said while giving away a smile, ''But I'm happy I am back...'' With the last line,Ardahi looked At Mufasa with a serious gaze. ''I ask you to join your pride back...'' Ardahi hoped Mufasa would accept him back,not because of himself,but because of Sarafina and Nala.

[AustralianChaos]

Tanga barely listened to Simba and Nala, instead watching the scene in the grass between Mufasa, Sarafina and this strange lion. Sarafina really seemed to like him, showing a level of affection Tanga had never even seen...love did not seem to exist in his old pride, and as such, he had no knowledge of it...he knew what friendship was, but anything beyond that may as well have not existed to the young cub. He simply concluded that the two of them must be really, really close friends, and let out a small sigh, wishing he could find someone like that...a friend who did not ridicule him, who he could trust completely, who was his own age. So far, only Mufasa and Nala really fit into that category...although Simba seemed alright, too. Maybe there was hope for him here, after all.

Tanga did snap himself out of his thoughts long enough to hear Nala getting excited about meeting this strange lion. While he did not share such enthusiasm, still wary of strangers, Tanga nevertheless could not help but give a small smile at Nala's excitement, finding himself trusting her just a little more with each passing minute.

Simba, on the other paw, had no such misgivings. "Yeah, he seems awesome!" he said excitedly, before turning and grinning at the still-smiling Tanga, glad the little guy was cheering up a little, but worried he still might be too nervous. "What about you, Tanga, you gonna say hi to him?" he asked happily, hoping Tanga's nervousness had faded enough for him to be able to meet the lion with them.

Tanga shuffled nervously, remembering Mufasa's calm request for him to at least try and get to know the others...and if Simba and Nala were nice enough, then... "Well...I guess I can try...if you're there as well," he said timidly, getting a vigourous nod in response from the young prince. He did not really want to, but if this lion was as nice as Simba and Nala suggested, and if Mufasa's pride followed in his example, then maybe he could begin to fit in here...

But Simba was not quite done with Tanga just yet. "But Tanga, while we're waiting...I know you don't like my mum right now, but could at least say hi, and try again? She really is nice, I promise." As Tanga shuffled nervously once again, glancing over at Sarabi, who offered a warm smile, having heard everything being said so far, Simba turned to Nala, silently asking her to help him convince Tanga that Sarabi was not a bad lioness, despite him being rather frightened of her.

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Sarafina became more and more worried as the tense silence drew out further and further between Mufasa and Ardahi. What if Mufasa did not welcome him back? She did not want to lose him again, not now, not after just getting him back. She could not, would not, go through that pain again...but at the same time, she could not take Nala away from Simba, and knew that no matter what, her place was at her daughter's side. Everything rested on Mufasa's shoulders now...

But when Mufasa grinned, and eventually both males started laughing, Sarafina could not contain her relief, a giddy smile appearing on her own muzzle as she giggled along with the males, happy that Mufasa seemed to be welcoming Ardahi back with good graces. When Mufasa asked about Ardahi's past, and Ardahi answered vaguely, Sarafina just had to speak up, nudging his shoulder lightly with her cheek. "I don't care how long that story is, you are going to tell me all of it first chance we get!" she said, her happy, but firm tone offerring Ardahi no chance of an argument.

But when Ardahi asked for the chance to return to the pride once more, Sarafina turned back to Mufasa, saying nothing, but her expression was full of longing, along with a silent plea, praying that Mufasa would not split them up again...surely he understood how much this reunion meant to her...to them. Surely he would not turn Ardahi down...?

[TheIvanMuse]

Nala's felicity regarding meeting the lion was at least to some extent returned by Tanga. He smiled at her, and she was glad he did show at least a little bit of cheer. On the other hand, Simba was already expressing his more evident happiness, clearly sharing what Nala felt about a making a new friend. Upon seeing how Tanga and Simba interacted, Nala was glad that Tanga began to show trust in Simba as well. It was not much, but it was a start. She smiled at the two cubs, happy that Tanga decided to join them in acquanting with the new lion. Upon Simba telling Tanga about how he should give Sarabi another chance,he turned to Nala,obviously asking for her help in convincing him to interact with Sarabi. ''Yes Tanga,don't be afraid of her,she is really nice.'' With that she approached Tanga and whispered to him. She's Mufasa's wife,if you like him,you'll like her.'' She then went back to Simba and stood by his side and smiled at him. I think he should be okay now.,she whispered to him.

Nala hoped that Tanga would stop being so afraid of Sarabi as he had no reason to do so. But something else had more of her attention,she turned away and walked to the ledge of Pride Rock,eagerly awaiting what will happen down there. When she looked down,she now saw Mufasa as well. But his reactions weren't quite what she'd expect them to be,by the way he reacted when seeing the lion from Pride Rock. It seemed that he was laughing,and with him, the other lion was as well. She was now absolutely sure that everything was going to be just fine,if Mufasa accepted the lion,then he surely trusted in him. She then turned back around,wanting to see what will now happen between Sarabi and Tanga.

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When Ardahi and Mufasa started laughing, Ardahi could almost feel the relief on Sarafina's side, he didn't even have to look at her to feel it. She giggled along with their laugh, apparently able to summon nothing more than just a giggle, obviously this was a lot for her to handle. Upon hearing Ardahi's answer Sarafina then spoke up. He was actually a bit startled by her sudden respond. ''Of course I will...'', he said while giving Sarafina a nuzzle. ''But it is not a very cheerful story...'', he said while turning his head away and looking up at the sky.He didn't know how he would break it all down to them,things would change... They would change a lot,after what they would find out about a certain lion. But they had to know,and he wouldn't let him get away with it anyways.

Mufasa looked at Sarafina when she admonished Ardahi that he has to tell them,to which he agreed. He nodded at Sarafina and turned his gaze back to Ardahi,who responded to Sarafina. ''Despite it not being a happy story,it's something we must know.'',he said,obviously making it almost seem like a condition to return to the pride. Then,upon Ardahi's request to be welcomed back into the pride,Mufasa just looked back at Sarafina,who was now almost begging him to get him back. It seemed as if she was more willing to convince him to let Ardahi back than Ardahi himself. Mufasa waited for two seconds and then smiled at him and nodded. ''Welcome back!''
He was glad himself,that Ardahi was back,and furthermore he was glad for him and Sarafina being back together. He wouldn't be the one to break them apart.

Ardahi nodded at Mufasa telling him that they have to know what happened to him. He was however mostly concerned of how the story of his past will affect Mufasa, he would surely be more concerned about it than anyone else. After Ardahi asked him to return to the pride,Mufasa,after a moment of delay,nodded and told him that he is welcomed to return. Ardahi was so relieved,as was Sarafina probably too. He just couldn't help but smile at him. ''Thank you,Mufasa...'', he said.

Mufasa smiled and nodded at Ardahi who was showing his gratitude for allowing him back into the pride. However,he wanted the others to meet the newest old member of the pride back. He looked up at Pride Rock and then back at the newly reunited couple. ''Let's return back up,the other have to find out the news.'' ,he said while smiling at them. he then turned around and started walking back.

When Mufasa told him and Sarafina that they should get to Pride Rock he replied: ''Yes...'' ,but with a note of disbelief in his tone. He was perfectly fine with meeting all the other lions back,except for one... The one who was to blame for Ardahi's departure. However,when looking back at Sarafine,he thought of his little daughter,the one who he couldn't wait to meet. He hoped that she would accept him though,as he was willing to do anything in his power to show him just how sorry he was and how much love he will give to her. As Mufasa started walking back,Ardahi turned to Sarafina and licked her cheek. ''Let's go.'', he said and then smiled at her. After that he slowly started to walk back.

[AustralianChaos]

Tanga looked from Simba to Nala, his fear and nervousness fast...he did not like being teamed-up against like this, it reminded him too much of the bullies that tormented him back at his old home. "I-I...I can't...no..." he stammered softly, looking away from all three of them, Sarabi so he did not look into her misleadingly kind muzzle, and Simba and Nala to avoid their looks of disappointment, and any pleading looks they might give him.

"Come on, Tanga!" Simba whined, taking a step closer to Tanga. "She really is nice, I promise...you shouldn't be scared of her," he pleaded, a little disappointed that Tanga was avoiding his gaze, meaning he could not put his best cute face into effect. It generally worked well on adults, but he had learned that cubs were just as vulnerable to it, as well. He doubted Tanga would last along against it.

Tanga did look up, but only at Sarabi, and even then, only long enough to see her take another step towards the group, which only discouraged Tanga. "I...no...I can't. I won't do it!" he finally said, backing away from Sarabi once more, who took the hint this time and backed off a few paces, a sad frown on her muzzle now, letting Tanga relax slightly.

But Simba misread Tanga's relaxed features, thinking he was beginning to cave in, usuing the oppourtunity to put on his best cute face, since Tanga was facing him now, Simba made the mistake of trying to apply a little more force to the situation. "Come on, Tanga, please? I'll be right here, too, so there's nothing to worry about!" he said with conviction, grabbing one of Tanga's forelegs and attempting to lead him towards Sarabi, not noticing the horrified look from Sarabi, who knew where such an attempt would go on a psychologically fragile cub.

Tanga's response was forceful, although far from violent, as he shoved Simba's paw away, leaping away from him, feeling betrayed. "I said no!" he cried, looking at Simba, his eyes brimming with tears, feeling completely betrayed by Simba, whose eyes bugged out as he realised what he had done. "Tanga, I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

but the damage was done, and before anyone could do anything, even Sarabi, Tanga fled, shooting past Sarabi and down Pride Rock. By the time Sarabi got up to follow, he had already vanished into the grass. "Tanga?" she called, not really expecting a response, but trying, regardless. "Tanga, come back!" Realising it was hopeless, she sighed, trying to figure out what they could do about this. Tanga's scent would be easy enough to track...but only someone he trusted implicitly would be able to bring him back...someone like Mufasa.

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Sarafina's massive release of the breath she had been unconsciously holding was the only sign of her immense relief, as she happily nuzzled Ardahi's mane. "Thank you..." she whispered to Mufasa, before getting up, falling into step beside her mate as he licked her cheek and followed Mufasa back towards Pride Rock. She smiled as she thought of all the things Ardahi had missed...all the thing he would get to catch up on. As well as Nala, Ardahi had left before Sarabi had been aware she was carrying Simba, too, so he could not know that the king of Pride Rock now had a little prince as well.

"Just wait 'till you get back," she said wistfully. "So many things have changed...but so many things are still the same, Ardahi. A few of us have passed on since you left...but we have some new cubs, too." She nuzzled his mane, before smiling at him. "Everyone's going to be so excited that you're back...and once Nala gets over the shock of meeting you, I'm sure she'll love you." She sighed. "First this strange cub comes to us in the dead of night, half starved and half-dead...and now you show up..." she chuckled weakly, her mood ruined a little as she remembered the skinny, bloody cub. "It's been an eventful day for us, I guess," she finished, looking at Ardahi once more with a happy smile.

[TheIvanMuse]

As Nala turned her sight from her mother and the other two lions from under Pride Rock,she approached the group back. At this point,Simba was already trying his best to convince Tanga into trusting Sarabi. Nala stood next to Simba and looked towards Tanga with a sadness in her eyes. She didn't know what she'd do,what they would do. When would he finally overcome this mental barrier.

Nala was eager to make Tanga realize that Sarabi was no one he should fear, but as her attempts of doing so,together with Simba, resulted in Tanga getting even more afraid, she let out a silent frown. It was slowly making her upset that he was still so afraid. Not upset on him, but upset about how this will all turn out and what cause him to be so afraid. She hoped it would all eventually turn for the better. Tanga's refusal to make an approach towards Sarabi was only intensified as he let his gaze down,avoiding any eye contact. At this point Nala didn't know what else she might do to facilitate Tanga's adaption to the new lion and lionesses he met.

Before she could say anything,Tanga once again refused to come anywhere near Sarabi and this time it was more convicted. Then Simba did something that obviously was the drop that spilled the cup. As he got into talking him more into it, Simba grabbed his fore paw,willing to go to Sarabi with him together. But as Tanga pulled his paw away with denial,he almost screamed that he wouldn't do it. Nala was a bit startled by this and as Simba tried to apologize to him,Tanga,just ran away,flying past Sarabi and into the grass. A this point,she noticed that Sarabi was trying to make him stay,but he wouldn't surely listen to her. She looked at Simba and then fired off in the direction Tanga went,and called out loudly: ''Tanga!'' She continued to run after him,even though she didn't see him at this point. ''Come back!'' ,she called hoping that he would listen to her. What would Mufasa say if he found out that they drove him away...

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Mufasa was now walking ahead from Sarafina and Ardahi, he knew that they have a lot to tell each other at this point,and he didn't want to be the one disturbing it. He knew more than anyone else just how annoying that can get,with Zazu always pleaching in when him and Sarabi wanted to be alone. He laughed a bit to himself, happy that Ardahi was back. Happy for himself,happy for him and Sarafina and more than everything else,happy for Nala. He was certain that Ardahi would make a great father. He could get flarey,but he was a wise lion and always got along with youngsters as well.

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As Sarafina was walking next to him, Ardahi once more felt a togetherness that he'd been missing for such a long time. No one ever walked by him while he was out there,he was always alone, left out to whatever was thrown at him. But it made him grow tougher,he was surely not the same lion as when he left. He was stronger... As soon as she started talking, Ardahi smiled at her,she seemed so excited in introducing him with everything that has been happening since he was gone,and so was he. ''I bet they have changed...'', he said with a slight tone of grief. Upon nuzzling her back,he asked her: ''Cubs? You mean,someone else as well?'', he said while giving a hint towards Mufasa, who was ahead of them and couldn't hear what they were talking.

As soon as she mentioned Nala, he felt excited and lighthearted. ''I hope she will. I can't wait to see her!'', he said with a grin on his face. He couldn't bear the suspense anymore,he wanted to just rush up there and meet Nala. As Sarafina mentioned another cub,he raised his eyebrow and told her: ''I hope that cub's okay.'' Apparently lots of things had added up at this day. ''I can see it has been.'', he said,while continuing to come closer to Pride Rock. He bumped his head slightly at Sarafina, while smiling at her and looking into those beautiful eyes. He was so glad...

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As Mufasa was in front of Ardahi and Sarafina,he already came to Pride Rock. Before he could notice that some members of the group were missing,he told Sarabi: ''Our friend came back.'' But as he smiled at her,he noticed that she had a sad expression on her face. As he looked around,he saw that they weren't in the same number that he left them in. ''What's wrong?'',he asked her.

[AustralianChaos]

Tanga ran...he did not care to watch where he was going, he just ran...he had to escape. As he ran, he silently scolded himself for trusting Simba...he should have known...everyone as always the same, always trying to make him do something...put him in some situation that would hurt him. And now Simba had proved he was no different. And if Simba had decieved him, what about the others? Nala, Sarafina...Mufasa, even? Were they all out to get him, just like his old pride? His doubt and fear had returned in full force, and so he kept running...he just had to escape for a while...just needed some time alone.

by the time he finally stopped his mad attempt at escape, he was already a considerable distance from Pride Rock, the towering formation just a shadow on the horizon now. Panting, he looked around, and realised he had no idea where he was...or where he could go. Never noticing Pride Rock on the horizon, as it was obscured by the grass around him, Tanga realised that, in his attempt to escape Simba, he had gotten himself completely and utterly lost. Looking around rapidly, he tried to figure out what he could do, but nothing presented itself to him. He was lost, alone in the vast wilderness, with no survival skills, and only the meat from last night to sustain him, which would not last long. Despair started to creep into his mind as he realised his horrible mistake...he should not have left.

As if the further add to his stupid mistake, Tanga's ears raised as he heard a nearby voice, then flattened instantly as he recognised the voice...from his old pride, as he turned and backed away from three approaching shapes. They were three older cubs from his old home...three that had delighted in tormenting him, and now they had found him...lost, alone, and injured...the perfect setting for them. "Hey, hey guys, look! Look who's here!"

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Sarafina's smile was threatening to become permanent as she walked and talked with Ardahi, absolutely revelling in the feel of having him back in her life...it was almost too perfect. All she needed was for Nala to meet and accept, and she could almost claim that her life had become complete, then. But for now, she could settle for simply walking beside her returned mate, helping him catch up on everything that had happened in the Pridelands since he left.

As Ardahi questioned the presence of other cubs, while hinting towards Mufasa, Sarafina's smile widened as she nodded. "Yeah...our pride has a little prince," she said, before stopping as Ardahi continued on, causing her to giggle at Ardahi's excitement at meeting Nala, he was going to be a wonderful father, even if he was a few months late on the job. "I can't wait to introduce you, either." Her gaze then turned a little less excited and joyful as the new, injured cub came into the conversation, and she simply nodded, smiling at him as he bumped his head against hers, causing her to sigh in pure happiness. This day was going so well.

Which of course meant that, as soon as they returned to Pride Rock, things turned very bad. They got to Pride Rock just in time to hear Mufasa ask Sarabi what was wrong. Noticing the rather sad and horrified look on her muzzle, Sarafina looked around. She saw Simba, looking rather guilty, his head bowed...although his gaze did look off into the distance...out to the north. It was then that she noticed that Nala...along with the strange new cub...were both missing. "Sarabi, what happened?" she asked, her happy mood vanishing in an instant. "Where's Nala?"

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Sarabi managed a brief, half-hearted smile at Ardahi as the lion came into view...he was obviously the 'friend' Mufasa had been talking about. But she winced as Sarafina asked what had happened...she was not going to like this...and neither was Mufasa. "Simba and Nala were trying to help Tanga...the new cub," she added quickly, knowing Ardahi and Sarafina would probably be a little confused at the unfamiliar name. "They were trying to help him talk to me...he's a little frightened of me. But Tanga would not have any of it...he's run off, and Nala went off after him as well. I tried to call them back, but Tanga will only listen to you, Mufasa...and Nala, I don't know...I think she just wants to make sure Tanga doesn't leave."

As Sarabi spoke, Simba looked up, looking at his dad. "Dad...I'm sorry..." he said softly. he had gone and screwed up again...so soon after the incident with the Elephant Graveyard. "I was just trying to help him, honestly..." he pleaded, trying to make his father understand that he was just trying to help, that he did not mean to scare off Tanga. "But you have to get him back, please!" he begged, although he did not move from his spot, still sitting and staring at his paws, feeling horribly guilty and ashamed.

[TheIvanMuse]

Nala was still running,hoping that she'd catch up to Tanga,but it didn't seem like that would happen. It seemed as if his fear was stronger than her eagerness to stop him from fleeing. At this point,Naka stopped and took a look around,unsure of whether she was still on the right path. She glanced around while gasping,she was already a bit weary from running so much after Tanga. She leaned more on her back paws,trying to get a higher look from the surroundings,but no one was there,she didn't see anyone,and what's more important,she didn't see Tanga. She lost him... Te panic started to take over her,what would she say to everyone when she returned,what would she say to Mufasa. But more importantly,where was Tanga? She was very worried.

At this point,she just sat down,a tear forming in her eye as she felt sorry for what happened. It didn't however escape the eye. She pondered of what she'd do,but then something caught her attention. She perked her ears up as she heard some voices coming from nearby. It was too far away to determine who it might be,so she started to follow where they were coming from. As she came nearer,it was clear that those voices weren't familiar,it wasn't anyone from Pride Rock. It intimidated her,because she was always told not to talk to strangers,but she couldn't help but to think that Tanga might be there,that he might be in trouble. She sneaked up silently,which she always managed to do without anyone hearing her,and then stayed hidden in the tall grass. She saw these three lions,it seemed as if they were walking towards someone. When she looked from a different angle,she saw that it was actually Tanga. She wanted to jumop right out of the grass,she was so happy that she didn't lose him. But something was weird... The three lions,they knew Tanga,but they actually didn't seem friendly. Nala lowered her head, she didn't know what she'd do now.

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The three lions came closer to Tanga,always showing a lot of intimidation towards him. They always liked to pick on him back in the pride. They enjoyed how he wouldn't be able to fend himself off,probably because he was the only one weaker than them in the pride. ''Oh,if it isn't baby Tanga...'', one of them said with a rather nefarious tone. The others were just smirking at him,while approaching nearer and nearer,clearly not having any good intentions. They could sense Tanga's fear and it made them excited that someone feared them like that,they felt control,they felt power...

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Sarafina's smile was only ever so happily returned by Ardahi, he felt a togetherness like he hasn't for a very long time,a much too long time... ''A prince...'',Ardahi said while giggling to himself. He was glad Mufasa had a cub as well. It was kind of strange for him to find out that both him and his old friend now had cubs, it's going to be interesting watching them grow up. ''Yes, my little girl... Our little girl...'', he told her after her comment of her introducing him to Nala. As she nodded sadly at him and smiled back upon his bump his head at her,he just felt so... Loved...

As soon as him and Sarafina arrived at Pride Rock,Ardahi just thought to himself:Home sweet home... He looked around and saw that everything was still the same,at least from the looks of it. as Sarafina spoke to Sarabi,he smiled at Sarabi, he was glad to see her again. However,upon the mention of Nala,the seriousness of the situation came to him. His daughter apparently vanished. This made him quite lose his good mood. As he listened to what Sarabi was saying,the worry in his rose,and his eagerness to go search for Nala. He didn't know who this Tanga was,but it must have been that cub Sarafina was talking about. As he turned to Mufasa,he saw this cub apologizing to him,it must have been his son. However,now was not the time to stick around and make acquaintances. Ardahi looked at Mufasa,obviously both of them knowing what they have to do at this point.

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As soon as Sarabi started explaining of what happened,it was more than clear to Mufasa that something went wrong. He knew that Tanga was afraid of pretty much anyone who came across him,so he should have known that if he wasn't there that Tanga would have been even more nervous. But he had no other choice. ''Ran off...'', he said while gazing at Sarabi. It was not an angry gaze,but just serious. Simba came towards him and looked up,apologizing to him. ''It's ok,Simba I know you were.'' Upon Simba asking him to find him,he noticed the gaze from Ardahi,which he returned. Ardahi had to be worried about his daughter,despite never even meeting her. He knew what that gaze meant and he knew that they had to go search for them straight away,especially because of how weak Tanga was and what dangers could be lurking after what Tanga told him. ''Me and Ardahi will go search for them!'', he said out loud to everyone,upon setting off to find them,with Ardahi running by his side. They didn't have any time to lose...