[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[KiarasMate]

Raising a fore paw to politely silence Vitani’s emotional outburst, although looking very appreciative for her defensive nature over him and her Pride, Simba’s gaze never drifted from that of Kivuli’s, even when the younger male advanced upon him. Holding his regal stance, the king of The Pride Lands responded in a normal tone, despite the situation slowly heating up.

”I had my reasons for banishing you Kivuli and I stand by them. They probably aren’t the reasons you’re thinking of but they were justified none the less. If you’ve come to settle the score however,”[/b Simba stated, ejecting his claws and taking up a defensive stance. [b]”I suggest you think twice about that. If you’ve come for forgiveness however, you have an odd way of showing it. Not exactly the best way to gain my favor you know. So tell me, what’s it going to be Kivuli?”

Both mentally and physically preparing himself for the worst case scenario, Simba stood, proud and ready for whatever Kivuli decided to do, knowing that he had the full support of Vitani, as well as the rest of the Pride. All it would take would be a single roar and the alert would be sounded.

==========

Relaxing her body once more as she felt Taraji enjoying her supper, Nala seemed at peace as she laid upon the cool den floor. Kiara on the other paw, appeared a bit anxious. There seemed to be some invisible tension that hung in the air but for what reason, the golden furred lioness was completely unsure of. Trying to ease herself of this feeling, Kiara spoke quietly to her mother.

”Mom…do you think Kopa is still alive?”

Lifting her head slightly upon hearing her daughter’s question, Nala sighed softly as she replied in an equally low tone.

”In my heart Kiara, he is and always will be.”

Kiara nodded but continued to press the matter further.

”I know Mom, but do you think there really is a possibility that he’s still alive.”

Realizing what her daughter was getting at as Nala was quick to catch on to things, the cream colored queen responded in an uncertain voice.

”I take it you met that Kopa lion today, did you not dear?”

Kiara nodded before Nala continued.

”Well, if you think that he is the same Kopa that your father and I lost a long time ago, I can’t give you an answer about that Kiara. To tell you the truth, I did think he might have been my little Kopa but the way he seemed so withdrawn and didn’t even see me as his mother, it started to make me believe that it was just a coincidence.

Frowning from what her mother had told her, Kiara spoke up.

”But Mom, what if…” Kiara began to say, but was cut short by her mother’s voice.

”Please Kiara, don’t bother me with this subject. I have too much on my mind as it is.”

Sighing apprehensively, Kiara respected her mother’s wishes, falling silent as she watched her adorable daughter with a thoughtful stare upon her muzzle. There just had to be a way to prove that this Kopa lion was indeed, her brother and long lost cub of her parents. Kiara wasn’t about to drop the subject completely and as she awaited her mate’s return, her mind already began to formulate a plan.

[KingKivuli]

Hehehe, you think thats all i came for? a fight with you? No thats not my intention. Kivuli softened his stance a little but was still ready to go at it if needed I want back in. I already noticed you have brought the Outlanders back, id recognize Vitani anywhere with that gung ho attitude. I want the same. Im tired of running round doing nothing all my life. I want to be where my heart is. At these Pridelands

Kivuli waited for the Kings response. As he did, the shadow lion noticed Simba prepared for a fight. The thought of fighting Simba was bliss to Kivuli So you want to tussle? Im up for that Kivuli then took a fighting stance and had his claws ready I always wanted to fight you. Even before you exiled me. I wanted to test my strength against the great king Kivuli lowered his posture and with a grin on his face said So Simba to you accept me into the pride. More importantly are you ready to fight? No tricks. Just an honorable fight between two males

[KiarasMate]

Observing Kivuli with a serious expression, Simba listened to what the younger male spoke of, perking his ears up as the grey furred lion compared his situation to that of the former Outlanders. Hearing Kivuli’s final remark and knowing now, why he had returned, Simba retracted his claws and spoke in a stern voice.

”My eyes have seen more bloodshed than you could ever imagine Kivuli and I’ve learned over time that fighting for no reason doesn’t solve anything. If it’s a fight you’re looking for, go else where. My lands have been peaceful now for quite some time and I plan to keep it that way. As much as I’d like to give you the chance to take all your frustration out on me, I have better things to do with my time. As for your request however,” Simba exclaimed, narrowing his eyes as he glared at the confident young male. ”My mate told me to take it easy on you and I try my best to give everyone a second chance…even if they may not deserve one. I will allow you to stay, but only under a few conditions.”

Pausing for a moment, allowing for the grey furred lion to accept his proposal, the king casually revealed the conditions that Kivuli would have to submit to in order to be welcomed back into the lands he was banished from so long ago.

”You are to pull your weight around here without any questions, regardless of the history that we hold. You will acknowledge that I am your king, and by that, you will treat me with respect, as well as all of your fellow pride members, regardless of their rank or position within the pride. Lastly,” Simba stated, taking a much more serious stance as he concluded. []b”You are to stay away from my mate and daughter. Is that clear?”[/b]

[Mike]

Vitani grinned in satisfaction, admiring the way Simba handled himself, deflecting Kivuli's challenge and turning the conversation to an ultimatum that Kivuli would have to answer, and all without giving the impression of being unwilling to fight. Vitani shook her head in a condescending manner. Clearly Kivuli still had a few life-lessons to absorb. He'd been alone for too long, and seemed to have forgotten what pride-life was like. Vitani was happy to jog his memory a little.

"You still don't understand what it is to be in a pride do you Kivuli? It's not a free-for-all where might makes right. You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us. Simba knows that, and that's why he protects us all equally. It's also why we're loyal to him. If you want to join us you'll need to learn these things, and if you don't... Don't expect us to sit and watch while you attack out King."

[SinChei]

Daxis looked a last time to the entry of the main den and herd some voices there. HE turned around to Kovu and followed him slowly down Priderock. The red maned cub was offended he had to left Priderock so soon and didnt look at Kovu as he asked him a question.
And replied with anger in his voice.

How could i feel compfortable here? I got the smallest den! Everyone annoys me and you arent able to stay where you want!


Then the red maned cub stopped and throwed an angry view on Kovu and waited for a reply or something else.

[Mike]

Kovu's speedy gait faltered when Daxis stopped. He couldn't see the other lion's face too clearly in the pale moonlight, but it was clear that Daxis wasn't too happy. Kovu beckoned to Daxis, urging him onwards towards his far-off den, before continuing on. Daxis' answer to Kovu's question didn't come as a huge surprise though as Kovu had noticed that Daxis was having trouble fitting in. Maybe the poor guy just wasn't built for pride-life.

"Uh huh." Kovu said in a casually understanding way. "You must have loved life on your own then. No rules, nobody telling you what to do or where to go. Just you and the wild. Why did you even give up life as a rogue?"

As Daxis was catching up, Kovu took a moment to glance back at Pride Rock, which was steadily disappearing behind them, and wondered how things were going with Kivuli. He wished he could be with the rest of his pride, feasting on Vitani's generous kill.

[SinChei]

Daxis caught up and waited next to Kovu till he continued his walk to follow him. Daxis' face went normal nearly sad and he started to thought about his parents and his old pride and a tear rolled over his face but the red maned cub tried to hide it from Kovu and turned his head away from him. He replied Kovu and tried dont affect sad.

"You really want to know why? But please dont tell it someone!"

Daxis then looked up at Kovu and showed his tears. He still thought of his past and had to cry even more.

"My father banished me he was scared i could dissposs him and lead the pride. And as i went away he called after me (Get out of my land you are nothing but dirt under my paw so leave my pride) And the whole pride acclaimed him!

With his last wors Daxis collapsed crying.

[Mike]

While Kovu was moved by this unexpected display of emotion from Daxis, he was nonetheless slightly exasperated by the way he completely broke down with no warning. He looked longingly back at Pride Rock for a moment before sighing and moving next to Daxis.

"Come on, get up. It's not as bad as all that. You were banished because you were strong. Get a hold of yourself. Do you want to tell me about it on the way to your den? Or about your time alone maybe."

As long as Kovu was stuck with Daxis he might as well learn more about the lion's past, and Daxis did have an interesting past Kovu was forced to admit.

[SinChei]

Daxis thought Kovu would leave him and go away but it was wrong he rose his head and looked with his tearstained eyes in Kovus and rose completely. They continued the way to his lonely den and the little red maned lion was happy kovu didnt leave him and walked as close as he could next to him. He thought of his past to tell Kovu the important things. He looked straight on the bottom as he told him a few things and was still crying.

"Well ok as i was banished i went straight in one way and saw many other lions" he broke up and talked quietly to himself "A mother a father and a cub and i had nothing" he closed eyes shook his head and continued where he broke up "Then i entered a dark aerea Hyenas hurt me and wanted to kill me but I fortunally escaped. I had to eat carrion grass and insects. It was awful"

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli glared Vitani in the eyes as she spoke and he replied No i don't now what being part of a pride really is. I was born in scars rule, banished before Simba had full control, underwent brutal, and now seemingly meaningless, training from Zira, before spending my early adult life as a rogue with no friends or family. Kivuli then stepped back so Vitani and Simba were both in view

This is what i have become. A free spirit doing as he will, and yes Simba i blame you for that. However i am willing to start anew and forget the past. I will obey your laws and do my part. As for your family you have nothing to fear from me. I would die before letting them get hurt Kivuli then bowed to the king Good day my king With that Kivuli turned round and walked out.

He kept walking to the tip of Priderock, where he stopped and stood still over looking the Pridelands of the last rays of the setting sun illuminated the lands in spectacular reds and oranges. Last time Kivuli was here it was dark and bleak. Through all his years of travel Kivuli had never seen such an amazing sight. A gentle tear left his eye as realizing he was now home. Kivuli then lay in the dirt and rocks of Priderock to watch the last of the setting sun over the peaceful lands