[Open] We Were Proud Once and Young (PG-13)

[DGFone]

An AU RP, very long explanation, so here is the full backstory and information (lots of reading):
viewtopic.php?f=101&t=15980

Everyone are free to join. Apart from OCs, here is the list of characters that have yet to be taken: Nala, Zazu, Sarafina, Sarabi, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Scar, and Mheetu. This RP is trying out a FFA system, where untaken characters can be used by everyone until that character is claimed.

All characters in Simba's and Nala's generation are teenager-young adult.


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Simba walked into the Priderock den. It was the day after Mufasa told the pride, and sent off Zazu to inform the other prides in the kingdom, that the Southern Kingdoms have finally decided to help their northern neighbors, and join the war. The Southern Kingdoms need to prepare and assemble an army, to be sent north to the front lines and join the fight.

Simba and his friends had discussed the implications of this decision. It was no secret that the Southern Kingdoms most likely would have had to get involved. The entire African continent was effectively united entirely under an alliance system. Now the Northern Kingdoms were busy fighting the Asian alliance, and were suffering badly. For close to half a year, the north kept sending messengers pleading for the south to help them. Finally, Mufasa, representing the Southern Kingdoms, after a long consultation with the other rulers, announced the plans to get involved in the war. They needed to build an army and go and help their allies at the front.

That was one day ago. Now Simba slowly walked up the path to the den. He had an important decision to tell his father, and he knew that most likely, Mufasa would appose it. But Simba had already decided, along with his friends. There was no backing down now.

He came upon the entrance of the den. He saw Mufasa, Sarabi, and Rafiki inside. For a moment, he paused unsure. With a deep sigh, he cleared his throat in order to get the other's attention. When they looked up, Simba saw Mufasa and Sarabi smile lovingly. "What is it, my son?" Sarabi asked.

Simba took a few nervous steps forwards, trying to find the words. "Mom, dad, we have decided... My friends and I have decided... that we would like to volunteer and join the army." Mufasa's and Sarabi's eyes grew in surprise. Simba continued, trying to explain. "Our friends need us up north, and I thought that we would be best to help... We are the perfect age, and the south doesn't have an army yet, so we decided to volunteer, and be one of the first groups to help the front. And we thought that it will be better to go as a group, not individually. So we ask your permission to volunteer for the army." Simba finished, and waited nervously for his father's reply.

[TheGunner18]

 Vahvuus, Malka and Kidogo were all standing outside the main den at Pride Rock, eagerly anticipating the response to Simba's request. They all knew that they wanted to help fight, and win, the war as thought it was the right thing to do by going to fight for their friends and family in this new war. They may not have known what would await them in the war, but they were all very enthusiastic about it. Maybe their attitude would change in due course. For now, though, they were adamant about going to war together and if that meant they would die together, so be it, but that outcome wasn't on Malka, Vah, or Kidogo's mind right now.

Protecting and fighting for their home was of utmost importance to Kidogo and Vah especially, as they were both very patriotic. Sometimes this could mean that they became quite arrogant and stubborn to foreigners but they were actually very nice lions to be around. When they were fighting, Kidogo and Vah were sure that their patriotism would make them fight even harder and therefore survive longer. Hell, it would make them really enjoy the fight they were being given. 

Each of three friend's gave each other nervous looks as they listened in on Simba's request, unbeknownst to anyone in the den, not even Simba. They made sure that they wouldn't be seen by standing around the corner outside the den, not daring to speak in fear of being discovered by someone. Each of them knew that what they were asking to do was very dangerous but in their eyes, it was more than worth the risk. The next year, and even possibly beyond that, would surely be the darkest days of their pride's history. 

((OOC: Is this alright?))

[DGFone]

ooc: yes, that's good. Nice job!

Simba smiled a little when Mufasa reluctantly gave them permission. "Thanks dad." he said softly. His nervousness still din't allow him fully comprehend the fact that he just got permission for what he thought would be a great adventure. He turned back to leave the den and inform his friends, but Sarabi stopped him.

"Please, son. Be careful. I want you to think it over again." She nuzzled him, and he returned the gesture.

"Don't worry, mom. I'll be fine." he said into her fur. Her affection made him realize that he would miss Priderock, but he already made up his mind. They would go and help out in the front. Moving away from Sarabi, he left the den and made his way to his friends. Finding them outside the den, he took in a deep breath and walked forwards. They looked at him as he approached, waiting for the verdict. He smiled broadly. "We can go!" he announced proudly.

As a group, they celebrated the fact that they had permission to go and volunteer. They were all excited. "Just imagine," Simba said, "Us, the first Pridelander Division! The front will not even see us coming!" Not seeing Tojo in the group, he asked, "Where's Tojo? Shouldn't he be informed also? On the other hand, we can tell him later." he said. He saw Zazu fly up to the den, no doubt with the morning report. "hey, Zazu!" Simba called out. "We're going to the front!"

Surprised, Zazu landed in front of Simba. "What do you mean, you're going to the front?" he asked. Simba explained how Mufasa gave them permission to volunteer. Zazu's eyes widened. "You're volunteering in the war? Young master, this is excellent news! The sooner we can help our allies the better!" He stopped. "How did Mufasa react, by the way?" he asked. Simba motioned to the den, where Mufasa and Sarabi were still inside. Zazu took off inside the den, leaving the young lions alone outside.

Simba turned back to his friends. "This will be so exciting! Can't wait to leave!" He laughed. "Dad looked very worried. But really? What's there to worry about?" He spotted Tojo walking under Priderock. "Hey, there's Tojo. Let's go tell him!" As they started heading down, Simba spotted Mufasa emerging from the den, Simba stopped. "Hold on a sec, guys. I'll catch up to you later."

[TheGunner18]

Malka swallowed nervously as he waited patiently, eagerly anticipating Mufasa's response. Every single lion out of the four friends knew what they wanted to do, it was just a matter of getting permission from Simba's father. They knew that Mufasa would be reluctant in letting Simba go to the frontline, as he was the heir to the throne. Prince of the kingdom. It would be disheartening to hear that they weren't allowed to go, though. It would take a while before the four of them would get their spirits back up, but by that time they would probably be on the frontline anyway, as surely Mufasa needed to send someone soon.

Kidogo, Vah and Malka each heard soft paw pads quietly beat the ground, getting closer with each step. They all knew it was Simba coming to tell them the news. The three lions held their breath and sat as still as wax figures, waiting for the sight of golden fur exiting the den. The three of them weren't disappointed. Simba emerged from the darkness and stood in front of them. At first, Kidogo thought that Simba was going to give them the news they had all been dreading but thankfully he was proven wrong. They could go.

Van, Malka and Kidogo each let out a relieved sigh, almost in unison. They were so happy that they were able to go to the frontline that none of them could even think to celebrate. They each just looked at each other in a state of ecstatic shock. Sure, they were optimistic about being given permission to go, but it was amazing, and also quite surprising, to know that Mufasa had actually let them go. "Thanks, Simba, you're the best!" Malka exclaimed, being the first to react to the good news. Kidogo, Vah and Malka sat still again, each listening intently to Simba as he spoke.

When Simba mentioned Tojo, Vah glanced around his immediate surroundings and frowned. They had indeed forgotten to bring Tojo. His frown soon turned into a smile as he began to imagine Tojo's reaction to the amazing news. If anything, Tojo had been the most enthusiastic and eager to go to the frontline, and Vah couldn't wait to tell him. The three lions stood up together and started making their way down Priderock and over to Tojo. Kidogo looked over his shoulder and nodded at Simba, flashing him a smile. "No problem. We'll just be down with Tojo." Kidogo turned back and ran to catch up with Vah and Malka who had continued to walk on ahead. Eventually, they reached Tojo and Malka immediately sprinted over to him "Hey, Tojo! Guess what? We're going to the frontlines."

[Nitro]

Mufasa sighed and rubbed his temples. He did not know what he was thinking when he gave his son permission to go into battle, of all things. But he knew this day would come, from the first moment he had brought Simba along with him on his Kingly duties and they vistited a training camp for the soldiers. When Simba's eyes lit up like the Fourth of July, Mufasa knew that his only child would someday fight for his country. He just desperately hoped he would not die for it. The king turned to his faithful Queen and soulmate.

"Our boy, fighting on the front lines!" Sarabi exclaimed, though her expression was tinged with pride. Mufasa smiled, as he imagined the heroics he knew his son would perform when the time came.

"Zazu!" he called loudly, startled out of thought by remembering what happened to most heroes. They just got lucky with their "great deeds" and died like an ordinary foot soldier. The small bird appearedin a flurry of bright azure feathers and squawking.

"Yes, sire?" Zazu asked as he bowed to his old friend.

"Get a message to Ni. Tell him the prince and his aquaintences will be enrolled as soon as he gets word back," Mufasa commanded in his deep baritone voice. The messenger nodded and flew right out the window, already starting his journey to the training camp that housed the intructor.

"Oh, Simba..." Mufasa sighed. "What am I going to do with you?"

~~~~

Tojo yawned as he lazily lounged on the grass outside of his home. It was only a small patch of luscious, emerald beauty but it was the lion's sacred haven where he came whenever things got too much for him. The little bluebirds he had raised as a cub sang noisily around him as they blended in harmony. Their little hatchlings fluttered uneasily behind them, trying to stay up on tiny wings.

He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. Just a few more minutes, then he would help is father with his chores... Or maybe a few hours, he thought as he closed his eyes, dozing off while humming along to the peaceful melody, basking in the heat of the afternoon sun, enjoying the light breeze on his face....

"Hey, Tojo! Guess what? We're going to the frontlines."

The brown-maned lion's eyes sprang open in alarm as he processed Malka's words. 'Front lines," he thought aloud. "I'm going to be a soldier!" With a woop and a holler, he was up and doing a victory dance around his dead yard. He shouted obscenities at the people who had doubted him at random, with an occasional "yee-haw!" to accompany his joy.

[DGFone]

Sarafina hid in the tall grass, watching as Nala stalked a gazelle. Nala was certainly an exceptional hunter, but she still had a lot to learn. "Remember, low and slow. get as close as as you can before striking." she whispered softly to her daughter. Next to her, Nala nodded slowly and crouched even lower, moving ever closer to the oblivious gazelle. Only a few more steps... Nala tensed, preparing for the dash...

And the gazelle bolted as loud cheering reached its ears, frightening it. Nala cursed her luck and sprang from hiding, but it was pointless, and she gave up the chase, furious. She went back to Sarafina, who was trying to figure out who was causing the commotion. "Sounds like they boys," she told Nala. Nala rolled her eyes. Boys. They need to grow up already.

"I'm going to figure out why they decided to be so loud suddenly!" she told her mother, and ran off. The cheering was still going on, getting on her nerves. After a few minutes of running, she came upon Simba and his friends, quieter now, but still smiling and laughing. "What's wrong with you guys? You just ruined my hunt!" she asked furiously. The boys only laughed even harder, finding amusement in her failure.

Simba and his friends were still celebrating, made even longer by the amusing act of Tojo, who insisted on hunting down all those who doubted his volunteering, and taunt them. A lot. Needless to say, Tojo made the day for them at that moment. Simba saw his best friend, Nala, run up to them, and his smile wavered a bit when she asked them rather furiously why they were causing all the noise. "Why, we are volunteering to serve! And dad gave us permission! Isn't it great?" Simba replied proudly. "We're going to leave for training tomorrow morning, and then, the front lines to teach a few lessons about messing with Africa!" His friends nodded in agreement.

Nala lost her fury when Simba explained it. "Wait, you're volunteering? Why? and why didn't you tell me before?" she demanded.

Simba took a breath before explaining. "Because, Nala, they need us over there. And because I really feel like helping out and serving our nation. And at a what better time to volunteer than right away? The only reason I didn't tell you was because until a few moments before, I didn't even know if dad would even allow me to volunteer. But he did, and we can go! I can't wait until tomorrow morning. This is so exciting Nala, you can't even begin to imagine..."

Having enough of the boy's demeanor, Nala quickly said her goodbyes and left. She'll have a chance to properly say goodbye the next day, right before they would leave. Hopefully they would be cooler by then.

[Thegeni99]

Scar was currently wandering about the Elephant Graveyard, ignoring the idiotic jokes about the war the hyenas made. He himself had considered joining the war, and had thoguht about proving how tough he really was, using his cunning mind. Also, he could prove what good a king he really could be to his over-powering brother, King Mufasa. The hyenas suddenly made a joke about how Scar would be in the war a he sprang out at them. "Will you just stop it you useless inmates?!" He growled, he couldn't believe his only true friends had just mocked his weak frame.

Scar sauntered out of the toxic gas and steam of the Graveyard into the cool, fresh air of the outside world. Suddenly he noticed Nala as she got away from the mocking of Simba and his pals. "Well, what have we got here?" he questioned at the excitement of the young males.

[DGFone]

Simba and his group of friends stopped celebrating when they noticed Scar. "Oh, hey Uncle Scar!" Simba greeted him. "We signed up! Leaving tomorrow!" he said. He wanted to explain how it was going to be an adventure, but didn't when he saw Scar's solemn face. "What's wrong, Uncle Scar?" Simba asked, hoping that he didn't somehow offend his witty uncle.

[Thegeni99]

Scar couldn't help but sneer at them. "You've signed for the battle I see, well that's nice of you Simba. You know being, future king and all." Scar wished he could just rid of them all right know, but he had to move slowly, using cunning. Suddenly an idea popped in his mind. "When exactly are you young males going up for it?" Scar couldn't help but chuckle evily under his breath, he would destroy them all at the moment they least expected, when they were all fighting for the same motion.

[DGFone]

Simba relaxed when his uncle didn't show any negative feelings at the news. "We're leaving tomorrow morning! We will head to the training grounds. Zazu's going to tell us where those are sometime later today, I think." He smiled at his uncle. "We're just happy now in that dad gave us permission to go. We didn't know if he would allow us, and I didn't want to just leave suddenly against his will." He then turned serious, in order to explain his reasons for wanting to go off and fight. "I've heard the reports dad keeps getting. They really need us up there, and the sooner we come there, the better."