[Private RP ~ Baya and Songo ~]

[Baya]

Tuli had a really positive relationship with his cousin Sarabi, ever since they could both really communicate. He helped her learn much of how things ran in the pridelands, and was often assigned to baby sit her -- Zazu being HIS baby sitter of course. They got along really well, and much of the time when Sarabi had a question, she came to Tuli first. Tuli was always ready to play with and humor Sarabi too. When she asked, Tuli looked to Kovu who nodded his approval. "Yeah. Sure Sarabi." Tuli said with a grin.

"Energetic thing she is." Baya murmured, midnuzzle as he glanced at Sarabi from the corner of his green eyes. He looked at his suckling cubs, and felt something wash over him. It was pride. Pride, and new found fears. Those two would grow up one day, and be strong. Until then, what could he do? He had to protect them. He had to keep them safe. Not only for his own sake, but for Vitani's as well. Losing Nuka had taken a toll on her, but if she lost much more, Baya wouldn't know what her state of mind would be like. He wasn't about to find out.

"I love you." Baya murmured three more words he had never said to anyone else in that order, right after Vitani said it to him. He took note of her fatigue. "Do you want any food?" Baya inquired as he licked the watering eyes of his mate. One rule he held close to his heart still was never crying, even when the time came for it. He never wanted to see Vitani cry either, even if it was out of joy.

Kovu seemed very happy for Baya. He had met Baya in the outlands, when he was a mindless brute. A morally void monster, and murderer. Now here he was, nuzzling Kovu's older sister in such strong compassion. It made Kovu think, what conditions of life really could do to someone. What they did to him was one thing, but lions like Baya...it was so grotesque to think about their life experiences. Now, Sarabi and Vitani's two cubs could live a normal life of prosperity and never have to turn into such monsters.

"Fatherhood changes the worst of us, hm?" Simba asked with a chuckle from beside Kovu. Kovu nodded in agreement with a smile. "On that note, we have to talk outside Kovu..." Simba said, his voice taking a serious tone. Kovu nodded once more as he stood and walked out with Simba.

"Kovu..." Simba started. "My time is limited. I'm aging, and don't know what's going to come your way as king. I just wanted you to be very weary. If there's any advice I want to give you as king, is to try and keep your guard up. Our pride has grown alot since the merge, and I already know some have left...but there's alot more males around. Ambition can corrupt even the most noble lion." Simba explained, as he looked out to the african landscape.

"Baya, and his cubs should be watched. So should Tuli..." Simba stated boldly after a sigh. "There is no ambition in their eyes today...but one day they might just turn on you. That is my advice...and I don't want it to go unheeded."

"How will I know? It's easy to act Simba. It's easy to pretend." Kovu muttered, looking down in somewhat guilt. He had put on a facade himself, and that's how he knew how easy it was.

"Your heart will tell you who is with you, and who is not. Someday, some will just leave out of instinct. Others will try to fight you for dominance. This is the law of the land." Simba concluded as he hung his head low and made his way towards the den. "Never hate yourself either. That won't make your job any easier." Simba added as he entered the den.

Kovu sat there, and thought of what Simba had just said. These fears were already there, but Simba just reaffirmed them. Kovu didn't want to think such horrible thoughts, but they cross his mind out of instinct. Baya could easily just kill him, and take the throne. Tuli, once old enough, could definitely do the same. Those were two known possibilities. He didn't even know if any lionesses here were out to kill him, or if his new nieces or nephews would become ambitious and power hungry. All he did know, was not putting trust in those he called family was something he could never do.

When the time came, Kovu would cast his judgement. For now, he would live in his somewhat ignorant bliss.

//

~ At the elephant Graveyard~

Mrithi coughed and gasped as he looked to the three lionesses assembled before him. One of them was Songo, the other being the rough and hotheaded lioness, the third being a pale lioness with scars along the right half of her face. "Curse my age. We will have to go a bit sooner then planned..." Mrithi growled.

"That cough doesn't sound too good my lord, perhaps you should rest..." The scarred lioness purred with a smile. "I can do alot better taking care of you then this..." She cooed, pointing to Songo with her nose.

"You will be quiet, and listen. That is what you will do!" Mrithi growled as he gripped the scarred lioness by the throat. "You will address Songo as your Queen. She will be bearing your next ruler, so you should watch your words..." Mrithi hissed as he released the scarred lioness. She gasped for breath, and shot a glare at Songo. So unworthy was she to be so passionately defended by Mrithi.

"Now if you are done abusing her, how about letting me know of the plan, huh? You growing senile? Already forgot what we are supposed to do?" The rough lioness chuckled in a sinister manner. Mrithi coughed again, and glared towards her.

"I may be older now, but I still have enough life in me to take yours..." Mrithi warned, shutting the lioness up. "You three will infiltrate their pride. You will seduce Kovu, and make him give into his desires. Once the queen see's this, we will throw their royal order into shambles!" Mrithi growled at the seductive scarred lioness.

"Do I get to keep the cub if I bear one?"

"Bear one and find out." Mrithi snarled at the seductive lioness. She gave a bit of a tut and looked at her claws in the better light of the den.

"You are just awful Mrithi..."

"As for YOU. I expect you to stealthily kill the cubs, one by one." Mrithi murmured to the rough lioness. The rough lioness snorted in response, and looked away from Mrithi.

"And finally...Songo." Mrithi purred as he nuzzled her neck. "You will kill Kiara when the time is right, and destroy the pridelander morale."

The scarred lioness rolled her eyes. "This is not going to work. They'll figure us out sooner or later, and we are all going to die ~" The scarred lioness said in a sing song voice. Her voice was a bit melodic, but Mrithi was still not amused.

"If they find us out, we will go to WAR! It is THAT simple. This is more of a poetic way to go about it, but if it comes to brute force...We have more than enough numbers now." Mrithi snarled, coughing more shortly after. He dismissed the other two lionesses with a wave of his paw and smiled at Songo.

"Sometimes I wonder why you stand by a frail old thing like me." Mrithi murmured, nuzzling her face. Patches of his face were greying and his mane was beginning to lose its old sleek look. He wasn't bad looking, or rather old looking to be put bluntly. He had retained his youth feel appearance, at the cost of his declining inner health. Part of him just wanted to mate with Songo, so she could bare him an heir to pass on his life's ambition. Though that would be a foolish move. He would put all of his ambitions onto Songo's mind, driving her mad. He never wanted that.

[Songo]

" Did you hear that mama? Tuli promised he'd take me to the watering hole!" she said with a big grin as her mother gave her a small bath. She wiggled free from Kiara's grasp and ran over to Tuli's paws. She took a seat on one and looked up at him, "Will we get to see the giraffes?!" she said squealing with excitement. Her amber eyes got all big as she waited for Tuli to answer, she looked up to him like a big brother.

Kiara gave a small chuckle at Baya's comment, "Now you have two of your own to chase after all day.." she said with a smirk. Kiara noticed her father ask to speak with Kovu and she watched her dad come back in. She stood to her paws and nodded for Tuli to watch Sarabi, " Kovu...Are you okay?" she asked softly as she stepped from the den into the light. She gave him a small nuzzle and sat beside her mate, she knew something was on his mind by the way he was staring out into the Pride lands.


Vitani smiled at Baya's words and she nodded when he asked her if she needed food. Her body was weak and she wasn't about to stand up, so she just nodded. "Thank you...hurry back.." she said as her blue eyes flickered his way. Flipping her head back she moved the tuft of fur from her eyes and she gave a small laugh as she got in a more comfortable position, her tail curled around her cubs and her tightly.

She gazed down at her new cubs and nuzzled them lovingly and she noticed Tupa give a small smile her way. She lifted her head and grinned, "This is how you felt when Tuli was born, I know Nuka would be so proud of him now and how big and strong he has grown."



--Deep in the graveyard, the voices are whispering--


Songo gave a snarl and snapped at the seductive lionesses leg as she passed by, the lioness snickered and quickly bolted. "Oh sometimes id love to rip her from nose to tail..." she spat annoyed. Her ears twitched as the silence was interrupted by Mrithi's older tone and she gave his muzzle a lick.

"My love Mrithi, no one has been there for me like you have. I was with you in your prime and I will be there till the end." she said her own green eyes catching his. Songo wasn't the youngest lioness in the group but she was fresh and still fare and no grey or old rough fur was on her lean body. Songo laid to her belly in the den and gazed up at Mrithi as he spoke, " You are my King and always will be and if that lioness gets any closer to you I will kill her." she said with a snort.

Her eyes narrowed at the thought and she simply let out a sigh, "Thank goodness we have ones that are as foolish as her that would run up into a Pride and seduce a King. She will be distracting everyone else while I make my move...." she said with a snicker of excitement. As Mrithi approached her she looked up at him and nuzzled under his chin before giving his muzzle a lick, "But beside that I love you and I only wish for you to be truly happy.." she admitted softly. She had a softer side but only gave to to Mrithi at the right time, the rest of their Pride got her mouth or her claws.

[Baya]

Kovu shook his head no to Kiara's question, and gave her a loving nuzzle back. Nothing was actually wrong, just the troublesome mind of a young king. "Your father just gave me some advice. It's nothing super important." Kovu whispered.

Tuli smirked as he looked teasingly at little Sarabi, and began to paw at her in a playful manner as she ran around. "Best you two take this outside." Simba said with a smile, not wanting Vitani to get annoyed right after giving birth. Tuli nodded with a chuckle as he began to walk outside the den with Sarabi.

Baya gave Vitani's muzzle one last lick before he turned to go hunting for some food for his mate.

~ Several MORE months later ~

The morning sun broke the horizon, as it did every day in the pride lands, putting on a spectacular show. There was not much stirring in the den at this point, with the exception of some of the lions and lionesses so entrenched in their dreams. Baya would every now and again nuzzle Vitani or subconsciously give her an affectionate lick.

Again, not much had changed in this short passage of time except for growth and experience. Tuli had grown even further, and looked alot like Nuka would have if he actually managed to have a well groomed mane. He was now a young adult lion, always happy to help the pride whenever he could and even fight a few rogues here and there. Mind him, Baya and Tupa had to save him on a number of occasions due to his lack of battle experience.

As for Baya's own two cubs, Ukame had grown into an adorable cub, with her tan fur and green eyes. She, like her mother, had a patch of fur on her head that had the bangs look. [I'll leave the description of her brother to you ] She was adventurous, rebellious and any parent's worst night mare. She got herself in all sorts of trouble to the point that Baya would hardly even let her go past the first Baobob tree. She was grounded on several occasions by a stern Baya, only wanting the best in safety and security for his daughter.

Ukame was among the first of the pridelanders to stir within the den after a few minutes, stealthily getting through the lionesses and lions without waking any of them up. She smirked a mischievous smirk as she tip toed her way out of the den, and trotted out to the edge of pride rock. She gazed at the rising sun, and smiled at its beauty. This was one thing she'd always try to get up early to see, the rising of the sun. It started the day with such a great show! How could she not be thrilled by it as a young cub?

"Ukame? What are you doing up so early?" Tuli asked sleepily as he also stepped out of the den, rubbing one of his magenta eyes.

"Pfft. Whats it to you?" Ukame said with a smirk. Tuli rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"You know, you could show me a little respect. After all, I saved your butt so many times..." Tuli trailed off. Ukame giggled.

"Oh? Well, dad saved YOUR butt while you were saving mine, so technically, he saved my butt." Ukame pointed out. Tuli looked cross eyed at the logic and then shook his head.

"Eh, whatever. Looking at the sun rise?" Tuli asked. Ukame nodded, and looked at it once again. It had almost completely risen.

"I wanna go to the desert someday. My brother is too much of a wimp to even talk about going to the desert let alone going...I mean...He's just like dad. Always so careful and precise. If something goes wrong, he panics right away. I don't like being like that. I want to go to the desert and fight like my dad used to..." Ukame muttered. Tuli snorted, then he laughed very loudly.

"Y-You? Want to go to the DESERT?! Hah!" Tuli kept laughing, making Ukame a tad bit angry. She growled.

"What's wrong with it, huh? You think you would last longer than me?" Ukame asked bitterly. Tuli wiped a tear of joy from his eye, and let out one last chuckle.

"Oh gosh, no. You don't have to go to the desert Ukame. You got your brother and your parents to keep you from that sort of thing. It's not a fun place you know. Baya probably never told you how horrible and death ridden it is. Everyone there is out to kill ya, and you can't even sleep without being afraid." Tuli explained. Ukame huffed and puffed out her chest.

"I can be strong like my dad! Everyone would be afraid to hear my name! Ukame, demon of the desert!" She said with a proud grin. As she said that, another lioness stepped outside. It was none other than the adolescent Sarabi.

"Morning princess." Tuli said with a small grin. Ukame pushed past Tuli quickly and placed her paws up against a now adolescent Sarabi's front right paw.

"Morning Sarabi! Thank the kings above you are here, Tuli was just being a stick in the mud!" Ukame said with a look of disdain at her cousin. Tuli and her had these moments, just as Nuka and Vitani did. At its core though, Tuli would die to save his little cousin and vice versa.


[OOC: Just woke up so its a bit iffy xD. Want a short time skip again, so these cubs can run around?]

[Songo]

A cool breeze passed through the den and Tanto shivered, something was missing. His blue eyes popped open as he felt around for Ukame, he quickly snuck from between his parents and heard chatter outside. He went out to investigate,the wind quickly whipped his slowly growing black hair tuft and it made him shiver. He was the spitting image of a young Baya, but with his mother's gentle blue eyes. His brown pelt shook as he stretched forward yawning, "Why is everyone out here...?" he questioned stepping beside Sarabi.

"Ukame did you ask dad if you could be out here?" he said side glancing to his sister.

He sat back and took a breath of fresh air before looking back at Ukame, "You know dad doesn't like you outside if he doesn't know where you are." he said scolding her lightly. Tanto wasn't sure what made Ukame tick but she always felt the need to get into big trouble and he was always right there stuck in the middle of it. Lately, he had been making sure he kept a good eye on her. But in the past few days Baya had promised Tanto he'd take him out to practice his pouncing and Tanto was sure today was the day. He knew his uncle Kovu gave his dad the day off to spend some quality time with him and to say the least he was excited.

Tanto wanted to be just like his father when he grew up big, strong and always ready to protect. One day Tanto caught his father fighting off a rogue lion and he stared in awe at how quick he was. To Tanto his father was the strongest lion he knew and his biggest role model.



Sarabi chuckled and looked at Tuli, "He can be such a spoil sport at times.." she said teasing him with a big grin.

Sarabi looked down at Ukame and sighed, "BUT on this subject id have to agree with Tuli. The desert is no place for you Ukame, your dad left that place a long time ago for a reason." she added poking her in the nose with her paw.

Tanto looked over at them, "Oh shes talking about how she wants to go fight in the desert again? Just face it Ukame...dad isn't going to let you. Plus your a girl!" he said rolling his eyes.

Sarabi put her paw on Tanto's small hair tuft and she laughed, "What does that mean girls cant fight?" she said raising an eyebrow.


"Well...er..I..meant.." Tanto said stumbling over his words, he looked at Tuli and shrugged looking for some backup.




--Good morning Shadowy area!--


Songo woke up quietly and let Mrithi sleep soundly in their den, she stepped out into the grave yard in the early morning. Her green eyes watched the lionesses slowly start their duties, "Move your asses! Stop slacking off we need food and then get on with your training....our time has almost come." she said giving out orders. The lionesses narrowed their eyes and got moving quickly. Even though they didn't like being bossed they never crossed Songo her words were sharp and her claws sharper, she was quick and very silent when attacking. One minute she could be smiling and the next you'd be pinned against the dirt ground with her teeth around your neck, Mrithi sure knew how to pick them.

Songo paced along the high ledge as the lionesses got into formation and began their practice fighting and her green eyes narrowed at a younger one having problems. She quickly hopped down the ledge and intervened, "You...Whats your name?" she said inspecting the young lioness.

"Trixy...." she muttered hesitantly.

"Well Trixy if you don't pick up the pace you're going to be Pride lander food. You hear me...your moving to slow and when you should be waiting you jump ahead. You need to watch your opponent always keep an eye on them." Songo said instructing the lioness to get low and get prepared. "Never turn your back on a Pride lander..." she snarled before hopping her way back up to her ledge.

She reclined back to her hinds and watched the rest fight giving a nod of approval or telling them the right way to go about it. "What you ladies fail to understand is we are the underdogs here...we are underfed, but we will be victorious. We must be victorious!" she growled out loud. Her dark green eyes continued watching the lionesses and her ears twitched at the sound of Mrithi stirring from his slumber.

[Baya]

Ukame rolled her eyes as her older by a few seconds brother stepped out of the den. "Uh oh. Kill-joy is awake..." Ukame whispered to Tuli and Sarabi. Her ears flexed back as she listened to her brother scold her, and basically try to make her feel guilty for not listening to Baya. Again, Ukame could care less about her father's paranoia. She was just standing out in front of the den for crying out loud!

"Don't say that near your mum, or mine." Tuli warned with a grin at Tanto. "They were both great fighters too. You should know your dad kind of fell in love with your mum because she could fight so well." Tuli said with a chuckle. Him and his own mother had such a positive relationship, that she would tell him these things. There were details Tuli liked having left out, like how she and Nuka use to flirt and tease each other. There are just some things a lion just didn't need to imagine.

"Hah. Well, I'm sorry to hurt your ego Tanto, but who won our last own little fight, hm?" Ukame said with a proud grin. Tuli looked to Tanto to see his reaction. "Well, lets put all this pointless non-sense aside..." Tuli murmured.

"No, do go on. I'd love to hear about my love life some more..." A voice murmured from behind the cubs. Baya was sitting near the entrance of the den, giving all the young lions and lionesses a cold gaze. Ukame smiled as she trotted over to her dad and nuzzled his arm. She disobeyed her daddy, but in the end she loved him to bits. She could never believe he was a vicious killer the way he would talk to her and nuzzle her when she was upset. She would over hear him talking to Vitani about what he would do to any lion that dare try and court his little girl. The gruesome details oddly made Ukame feel like Baya really did care.

"Morning dad." Ukame said with a smile as she placed her paws on his one large right paw.

"Morning. Looking at the sun rise?" Baya asked in monotone, as he gave his daughter an affectionate lick on her head.

"Gah! Dad! My fur!" Ukame whined as she fixed her fur bangs. Baya actually cracked a bit of a smile and chuckled in amusement. Not in the prospect of battle, but at the antics of his little Ukame.

"Your mother will help you fix it. Tanto, are you ready for your lessons?" Baya asked with a tilt of his head.

"About that dad, can I come too?" Ukame inquired, trying to fix the fur on her head. Baya looked at his daughter hesitantly.

"No." Baya murmured simply as he began to make his way down pride rock. Ukame was distraught by how bold he was about it. No explanation!

"Why dad? Why can't I go?" Ukame called after him, but with no answer. Once Baya left with Tanto [Sorry for g-mod x-x], Ukame had to usher up all her will to keep from crying. Why did her father always do this? He would go off and teach Tanto some important lessons and excluded her from them. Tuli sighed as he nuzzled Ukame.

"He probably has a good reason for it Ukame...don't take it so hard. You know he loves you." Tuli pointed out. He looked to Sarabi. "How about you, Sarabi and I go do some training of our own, huh?" Tuli asked with a bit of a smile as he looked back down to Ukame.

"Will you actually teach me somethin'?" Ukame sniffed. Tuli nodded in response, and looked to Sarabi for confirmation. Baya was such a mystery, so much of one that even Tupa didn't know why he did things sometimes. Tuli couldn't see anything wrong with him taking Ukame and Sarabi for some simple hunting basics.

//

Mrithi slowly opened his eyes to Songo ordering the lionesses and rallying them. He tried his best, but with his age he was growing more and more tired everyday. It was harder for him to wake up every morning, with simple pains intensifying all over his body. He would be afraid for both his own and Songo's safety if not for the new addition to their little pride.

His name was Sahau, whom was also a former pridelander. His story was one of heartbreak and great pain. Mrithi always found Nala an annoying little brat, just like Simba, but Sahau had a love for the lioness that some what impressed Mrithi. He hated Simba possibly far more than any other creature in all of the elephant graveyard. His hatred was a great asset, but then there was the problem of his love for Nala. It stopped him before from taking the finishing blow, so what would drive him this time? What would make him forget Nala's interference and simply kill Simba. Until the deed was done, Sahau pledged himself to Mrithi, in exchange with mating rights with Nala.

"Songo, Songo, Songo...Oh how I love you." Mrithi purred as he slowly stood, and made his way towards her. "Every day I'm more inclined to have our heir, and simply leave our vengeance to them. Though that is something that filthy Zira would have, and actually has done...I want to see Simba's eyes as his world crumbles around him...watch him feel the pain I felt..." Mrithi purred. "Though all that aside, I hope I live long enough to give you an heir..." Mrithi purred.

"Oh how weak of mind you are for such a sly creature Mrithi...If you were to die, she'll move on. Turn your back, and she will just run off and mate with the next available candidate. That's how all lionesses are..." Sahau murmured from where he lay upon the ground. He now bore a scar across his right eye from his many years in the desert. His left eye was a pale cyan color, indicating it's blindness. "You just better hope she doesn't kill you in the end..."

Mrithi chuckled as he shook his head at Sahau. "What makes you say something like that? Because that is what Nala has done to you? It isn't her fault at all my friend. You know this deep down. It's Simba who corrupted her thinking. He courted her, and instinct took over. Even I can fall to instinct, and I would not be angered if Songo did such a thing out of instinct. There is only so much we can control..."

"You are right. That is why Simba must die. I will kill him myself. I won't hesitate. I won't be diplomatic about it anymore...Nala WILL be my mate..." Sahau growled as he crushed a small animal skull below one of his now mighty paws.

"Good. Save that hatred for the war that is to come..." Mrithi said with a smile as he nuzzled Songo once more.

[Songo]

Tanto followed his father quietly and a few thoughts crossed the cubs mind as they walked through the Pride lands. "Dad...Did you really kill those lions in the desert?" he asked his big blues looking up at his father.

Tanto didn't think he father could be a killer, but he soon realized there was a lot of secrets the grown ups talked about when the cubs weren't around. He quickly put his little legs in motion to catch up on the right side of his dad. He was glad Ukame was left behind they barely got any time to spend together and when they did Ukame was whining and being a pain.



Sarabi looked to the sad Ukame and sighed, "Its a thing fathers do with their sons...Ukame. You and your mom will do something too.." she said softly trying to make the cub smile. Sarabi's ears twitched as sounds stirred from the den and Vitani emerged with a small smile, she gave her Aunt a nuzzle. "Morning..." she whispered.


Vitani's blue eyes looked down at Ukame and she gave her sad cub a nuzzle, "Come now Ukame me and you have a very good day planned. We need to let Tanto spend some time with his dad...you know how long hes been waiting for this day." she said softly with a grin.

Vitani looked to Tuli and Sarabi, "Morning you two. Thanks for watching her, she just seems to break all the rules." she said with a small chuckle. Vitani paused a moment before they left Pride rock and gave Ukame's head a few licks fixing her small bang.

"There we go....Now I can see the eyes of my beautiful little girl." she cooed proudly. As Vitani and Ukame made their way down Pride rock Vitani side glanced at Ukame, "I know you wanted to go with your daddy, but its important him and Tanto have some alone time. Plus its more fun being with me." she said with a sly grin and a wink.


Sarabi chuckled as Vitani saved the day and she stepped aside Tuli to take a seat, "Tuli...my parents have been speaking about picking a suitor to marry me. So the throne is spoken for, but I don't want to be rushed into anything. They don't seem to understand.." she said softly a frown crossing her muzzle. Her amber eyes watched Vitani and Ukame disappear into the distance and she looked at her cousin, "Now what am I going to do?" she muttered between sighs.



//--//


Songo let out a purr of her own at Mrithi's affections and her green eyes narrowed at Sahau, "You know Sahau, I'm surprised you let a lioness like that cripple you for life." she said with a snicker of her own.

She frowned at Mrithi's words, the thought of an heir has crossed her mind many times but the lion she loved was so unsure. She looked at Mrithi and nuzzled his greying mane,"An heir would keep you alive my King...forever. Its not like I haven't thought about it...." she said softly.

Songo's green eyes watched Sahau get upset and start complaining like he always does and she shook her head, such a strong lion with a broken heart. "Simba and Nala both will pay...they get to watch me squeeze the life out of Kiara and her daughter.." she said evilly lifting her paw and showing the motion.

Songo felt Mrithi's nuzzle and she knew his time was slowly slipping away it made her heart break on the inside and she nuzzled closer to him. "I don't want to loose you..." she whispered in his ear.

[Baya]

Baya remained silent for alot of the journey with his son, but finally spoke up a few minutes after Tanto asked his question. He figured his son was old enough to know at least who his father used to be, as opposed to who he was now. After all, strength requires some knowledge to kick it off. "I was a warrior of the desert. I killed many lions and lionesses. Though it was for survival, so don't you go off trying to do the same. You are growing up in the pridelands...and will rarely have to fight." Baya explained silently as he gave his cub a playful nudge.

Baya laid down on his belly, and looked to his cub. "When even the faint scent of your pray is in the air, you get on your tummy and try to blend in. Every step has to be planned, or you could step on a stick and scare them off..." Baya whispered, waiting for his son to mimic his movements. This honestly brought so much pride into Baya's heart. He never had a father to teach him such things, and here he was teaching his own son how to pounce!

//

Ukame walked alongside her mother, with a bit of a hurt face. "Mom...does dad think I'm just nothing but trouble? Does he wish I was never born?" Ukame asked, her ears flat against her head. She knew that she was punished far more often than Tanto, and she also knew that Baya grew very frustrated with her at times. She never meant to be so rebellious or a "free spirit" as Nala so generously put it. "I wanna fight just like him some day...even if I am just a girl..." Ukame murmured more to herself than her mother.

//

Tuli scrunched his nose at the predicament that Sarabi was facing. He wished he could help, but he had no definite answer to Sarabi's question. "Well...It's not really my business to poke into matters of business...but you should try telling your parents you don't want them to push someone on you. I mean...King Kovu is pretty lenient if I'm not mistaken..." Tuli pointed out. "Then again, you might just actually fall in love with your suitor. You never know." Tuli pointed out with a grin.

//

"Today is the day you present yourselves to the pridelanders. Sahau will stay with me and a few other lionesses. Let's all hope this goes down well.." Mrithi murmured with a bit of a cough.

[Just got home, sorry. Pm me if you have any awesome plot ideas C:]

[Songo]

Tanto's eyes widened as he looked at his dad and nodded as Baya explained the desert and the life he lived. He was quiet for a moment thinking about his dad running through the sand and beating up any lion that entered his path. It was only when his dad gave him a nudge and rested low in the grass, quickly Tanto mimicked his every move. His little brown ears flattened then raised at the sound of something, his blue eyes looked to his father with excitement.

He quickly ran closer to his dad and skidded across the soft grass on his belly, his wet pink nose lifted and sniffed. "What is it..?" he whispered softly.





//


Vitani paused and looked down giving Ukame a nuzzle, "Ukame I dont ever want you to think that, your father loves you very much. He named you when you were born! " she said giving her a lick lovingly.

As she continued her stroll with her daughter she gave a small sigh at Ukame's chatter, she looked down at her curiously. "Ukame, your father fought because he had too. The desert is much different then the Pride lands and its no place for a Pride lander." she said sternly. "Your father and I stayed in the Pride lands because we don't want that life for you or Tanto."

Noticing how upset Ukame seemed Vitani quickly scooped her up by her scruff and bounded out towards the watering hole. She set her daughter down and her blue eyes watched the animals all around, "Now Ukame be careful and mind your manners." she added while quickly taking a drink. Opening one eye she noticed her daughter not paying attention, lifting a paw Vitani sent a splash Ukame's way and gave a small giggle.


//


Sarabi frowned, "Yes and no. They want me to follow the rules even though I heard my mom and dad werent really suppose to be together anyway." she said softly. Rolling her eyes at Tuli, "How will I know if I love them...this whole suitor business is exhausting." she muttered gazing out at the landscape.

Sarabi decided it was time to change this subject and she looked to Tuli, "So did my dad say you could be a Pride protecter? Would Baya be training you?" she asked curiously. She knew that Tuli was close to his full mane and that the Pride would expect a job for him, but she heard that his fighting definitely needed some work.


//

Songo's gave Mrithi a lick on his muzzle and stepped back quickly shaking the tears from her eyes, she turned to Sahau sternly. "Hit me..." she spoke calmly. Their was a silent hush over the lionesses as they wished both their pride members luck on their new mission. But Songo had the right idea, she had to be a bit roughed up and look in need of help.


[ooc: I am still thinking, but when i do I will explain! I'm just flowing right now. >.< ]

[Baya]

[-hug- It's ok I know you are sick and its difficult to formulate ideas.]

Baya sniffed once more. "Gazelle. Now sshhhh." Baya said placing his paw over his son's muzzle. He looked forward and slowly edged closer on his tummy. They poked their eyes through the tall grass, and sure enough several gazelle were grazing right in front of them! One of them lifted their heads and looked around for a moment, before continuing to munch on some grass.

"Watch..." Baya whispered as he unsheathed his claws into the dirt for better traction. He had to apply just the right amount of pressure so that his claws helped him run as opposed to anchor him into the dirt. He got ready by lifting his hind legs just a little, and finally pounced out towards one of the gazelle. He skimmed the leg of an old female, and surprised the rest of the herd. The old female's rear right leg was hurt but it also began to run anyway. Baya frowned slightly as he ran after the injured female, figuring he could tire her out.

He had to take it down fast so he didn't get too far from Tanto. He quickly pushed himself in front of the Gazelle and pounced at its neck. His weight on its neck brought down kicking around in the dirt. With one swift motion, he cracked its neck with a sickening crack. Circle of life. Baya panted as he licked the blood from his muzzle. He signaled Tanto to come out from where he hid. "Your mother is better at hunting than me. I'm more of a fighter, but that was the basics of pouncing. Baya managed to tear off a leg [God this is grotesque to write...], and threw it aside to take back for the rest of the pride. He tore a bit of the left flank of the kill and placed it in front of his son.

"Eat. You will never grow stronger by just watching a kill." Baya said in monotone. His ears twitched and his eyes widened as he slowly looked around.

"Tanto, when I tell you to, run." He whispered. A few seconds passed, and a pale lioness jumped out from the grass behind Baya. Baya roared and quickly moved aside, the Lioness tumbling onto the ground, but quickly getting back up. "Tanto, now! Run home! Don't look back!" Baya ordered.

"Well aren't you a sight for sore eyes, gentle Baya..." The lioness said with a cackle. Her blue eyes met his emerald green ones, and Baya frowned slightly. He remembered this lioness from the desert. From when, he did not remember. He saw three scars across her muzzle, and made the connection.

"Oh, it's you..." Baya murmured. The scarred lioness chuckled as she looked at Tanto, whom already begun to run off.

"Ah, that cub looked alot like you my dear. Did you actually settle down with a lioness this time? It seems as though you love him alot..."

"What is your business here?" Baya asked in a stern tone. The scarred lioness sighed, but smiled.

"Still got that rough exterior, hm? I've got to say, time has its toll on everyone, but you? Still just a simple brute..." The scarred lioness said with a smirk.

Baya roared and pawed at her face roughly, sending her flailing to the ground. She cackled as she shakily stood back up, glaring at Baya. "Ever since you slashed my face, males didn't even LOOK at me. When they did, they turned away in disgust! You ruined my face..." She whimpered slightly, tears almost forming in her eyes. Baya could say that he felt a twinge of guilt, but did not act upon it to say sorry. His eyes narrowed as he stepped back slightly, ready to strike again if need be.

"Here you are with your cub, teaching him how to hunt. I would never get that joy, because of that day you slashed me...now the least you could do is give me a cub for my own." She growled as she slowly approached Baya. "Give me the cub you owe..."

"Stay away." Baya warned, his eyes fierce. The female let out a roar of anguish as she jumped at him once more, claws extended. Baya let out another roar of his own and pawed her face once more, but not before she landed a slash across his left cheek. Blood slowly dripped down his face as the impact of his own pawing had knocked her unconscious. He placed his paw against the unconscious lioness's throat, his claws extended. He wanted to kill her. He wanted to end any further problems. He just couldn't. The demon of the desert was no more, and Baya could not bring himself to do it. He left her there, and began to slowly make his way back to pride rock with the leg of gazelle that he had torn off earlier. His wound stung, but he paid it no mind.

//

Ukame was deep in thought whilst her mother spoke, but was brought back to reality when she received a splash of water. Ukame giggled as she walked near the waterhole and splashed her mother right back. "We are just gonna ruin our fur, you know that right mum?" Ukame pointed out with a raised eyebrow and smug sneer. Though her fun was cut short as she noticed Tanto running towards them from the distance. There was a problem, Ukame knew because of the look on her brother's face.

"Tanto? Where's dad?" Ukame asked, her voice shaking.

//

"Uh. Yeah. My mom trained me a bit, and Baya said he would train me when I could at least successfully sneak attack him without being caught. It's gonna be a long time before I'm a royal guard of any sort..." Tuli said with a sigh. He then looked out to the pridelands.

"You are gonna get to rule all this you know. Aren't you excited?" Tuli asked, his ears flexed backwards. All this land would belong to Sarabi and her lucky mate one day.

//

Sahau stood slowly, eyes wide at the offer. "You want me to hit you?" Sahau asked with a snort. "Are you mad?" Sahau said with a slight cackle. The rough lioness rolled her eyes.

"You can talk alot of trash about lionesses, but can't bring yourself to hit one? You are so full of elephant dung." The rough lioness growled as she walked up to Songo and pawed her across the face. Mrithi frowned slightly and stopped the rough lioness before the next blow.

"There are easier ways..." Mrithi murmured. "And less painful." He said as he licked Songo's cheek. He picked some dirt up in his paw and blew it in Songo's face. He then ruffled some of the fur on her head. "There. No beatings necessary." Mrithi said with a smile.

"They will never believe that! Hey Sahau! Hit m-" Before the rough lioness could finish Sahau already struck her.

"Ow! Sahau! Great kings above! Not so hard!" The rough lioness growled. Sahau chuckled as he pawed her face again.

"You IDIOT!" The rough lioness snarled as she jumped at Sahau and began to fight with him. Mrithi rolled his eyes and chuckled.

"There is some tension there, I sense." Mrithi said with a smirk. "Keep an eye on them." Mrithi whispered to Songo.

[Songo]

Tanto watched his father take down the gazelle and he was excited and then closed his eyes as the crack from the neck rang through his ears. He opened his baby blues to see his dad licking blood from his muzzle and Tanto gave a sigh of relief. "That was great dad!" he said proudly, " Your the best!"

But Tanto's lunch was cut short when his father quickly told him to run and not look back, with fear Tanto bolted into the tall grass. He skidded to a stop before he hit the longer grass and noticed his dad fighting a lioness, he quickly ran. As he pushed through the bushes he spotted his mother by the watering hole and he was panting heavily as Ukame asked him questions. "Mom..dad..lioness...hurry...!" he said between breaths.

//

Vitani panicked and quickly set Tanto on her back and grabbed Ukame by the scruff a bit rough as she ran to Pride rock. Her blue eyes flickered with fear as she climbed the ledges to the dens, she set Ukame down. "Tuli, Sarabi dont let Ukame and Tanto out of your sight!" she growled. After setting her cubs down and giving them each a lick despite there protests she bolted out into the Pride lands, her other concern was to make sure Baya was okay.

She ran fast and her eyes scanned through the bushes and it was a familiar scent, Vitani lit up at the sight of him. "Baya...whats going on? What happened...are you okay? Look your bleeding.." she muttered out giving his wounds a few licks. Vitani lifted her head and was about to head to check out where he came from but was stopped by him, she quietly turned around and followed beside him.

"Are you going to be okay?" she said once more giving his new wound a few more licks, she was about to have a heart attack. It wasn't like being back in the Out lands, she had her cubs and Baya to worry about losing one would kill her.

//

Sarabi looked at them and then to Tuli, "Watch them I'll go get my mom and dad!" she said quickly making her way up to the higher den. Quickly she reached the top of the rock formation and stumbled in panting, "Mom..dad somethings going on!" she said loudly and the other lionesses quickly were rallying together at the attention.

//

Kiara lifted herself up to her paws and joined Kovu by his side as they stepped to the edge of Pride rock, she squinted her brown eyes. "I see Vitani and Baya..." she said softly to her King. They waited for news on what exactly was going on.

///------///


Songo's green eyes peered through the bushes as Baya knocked the lioness unconscious and she quickly moved to her aid as the coast was clear. She let out a growl and shook the lioness away, "What are you doing!? You pathetic fool...you'll ruin this whole plan! Dont forget why we are here..." she snapped angrily.

Giving the lioness a few more seconds Songo frowned, she missed Mrithi already and her heart ached silently. She let the lioness stand back to her paws and she eyed the leg of gazelle on the ground, her green eyes stared at Pride rock in the distance. The time had come and she looked to the two other lionesses, "Hurry!" she said pasting a frantic look of worry on her muzzle. Quickly Songo ran towards the formation hoping the Pride landers were as naive as they all thought they were.