[Request] The Wayfarer

[Ushujaa]

Quick out of character moment [spoiler]Planning section Link[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Prologue / Plot:

It was a clear night, the stars lit up the sky brightly. Ushujaa walked alongside his older brother atop Pride Rock. When will the sun rise. He thought. He anticipated tomorrow to be a big celebration at the same time he worried.

With the sunrise, Ushujaa would be old enough to leave his pride. His older brother was the king of the lands they lived in and for his whole life, he had to live under his brother’s laws. At sunrise this would be no more. No longer would he have to abide by what his brother set in stone. No longer would he just be the king’s younger brother, living in the shadows cast before him. No, he would be able to be his own person.

Ushujaa knew this conversation would be filled with tensely strung words, he was worried for his brother’s reaction but it had to be done. Tomorrow would be the day he left, with his brother’s permission or not. As the two siblings reached the tip of the rock he looked at his brother when their eyes finally met, Ushujaa looked to the starry night. He was lost, looking to the kings of the past for guidance in how to start this difficult conversation. “Look Simba, I know you’re trying to protect me by keeping me here in the Pride Lands but I need to do what’s right for me, I need to go out and see the world for myself!”

Simba, looked to his younger brother, wishing they could at least keep eye contact. He knew this would be difficult. He did not want to let Ushujaa go, even though their bond was forged under strenuous circumstances, he had learned to love him. “ Listen Ushujaa, I know that with the rise of the great circle of life... You will be considered a cub no longer, and I can’t stop you from leaving these lands, as much as I'd like to.” He put his paw around Ushujaa’s shoulder and they both looked to the starry night together. “You know that he’s watching over us, and he always will be...” Simba paused for a moment, as a tear ran down his face. “Please, just promise me you’ll visit every once and a while.” He looked to the solid rock beneath his feet as the tears silently fell from his face.

Ushujaa put both his arms around his brother, tears falling from his eyes as well. “How could i not? I've got a lot to teach my little nephew.”

Simba let Ushujaa hold him tight for a moment, when they finally let go of each other they both laughed cheerfully and looked to the sun as it rose over the horizon. “Well, i think it’s time for me to hit the road.” Ushujaa looked back as he reached the bottom of Pride Rock, his eyes met with Simba’s one last time as if for a temporary goodbye. He knew he would return, but on his own terms. He was finally free, grown yet with still so much growing up to do...[/spoiler]

And without further delay, lets get this show on the road!

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Ushujaa could feel the cool winds taking him toward the western border of the Pridelands, He could feel the grass beneath his paws. it was a nice feeling with the sun shining brightly across the entire land. Finally he was free to go to see the bordering lands, maybe he would travel even further. Who would he meet? What would he see? Where would he go first?

The truth was he didn't know exactly where he was going, still he knew the great kings of the past were watching over him. Surely they would guide him on his journey.

Ushujaa thought back to the words of wisdom his brother had put upon him as the sun was rising He's watching over us, and he always will be... He wished that he would be able to stay, but he knew deep down that he needed to see what the world had in store for him. Just follow your heart, it's never wrong. This was a code that Ushujaa learned to live by long ago.

He thought back to all he was leaving behind, he would miss everyone dearly. The more he thought of it, the more he wanted to turn back, but his heart yearned for adventure and he knew if he turned back, that yearning would never truly be fulfilled. I knew this would be bitter sweet, still I have to follow through!"

Ushujaa had made the decision to leave when his nephew, Kopa was born. He still could vividly remember the anger in Simba's voice when he had first told him. Those words If you leave don't come back! echoed through his mind, they had kept him awake most nights until he had worked it out with Simba, he was grateful that they were able to come to terms with each other.

When Ushujaa could finally see the western border of the land, he felt a presence he couldn't shake. It was like a bad itch he just couldn't reach. Was he being followed? No, his brother wouldn't do that, after all they had just been through. Still he had the need to look over his shoulder. It's probably nothing...

As Ushujaa reached the western border the feeling that he was being tailed grew stronger and stronger. Hello, is anyone there? Timon? Pumbaa? Zazu? He looked around. He could see nothing, the only sounds that could be heard were the whistles of the winds blowing into the western canyon. He could imagine the taste of a ripe fruit from another land. the foreign smell of adventure was just within his reach, he hadn't come this far just to be brought back by his brother's friends.

I'll ask one more time. Is anyone there? Ushujaa yelled.

With every step Ushujaa took, a page would turn in the story of his life and he wasn't about to be taken back to the beginning .

[Songo]

She remained quiet as her green eyes peered through the blowing blades of grass, he was almost out of reach. If there was any chance in Amini's preordained life now was the chance for her to change it. The conversation had played through her mind many times as Ushujaa prepared to leave his home to explore. For days now Amini felt her heart jump to her throat at the sight of Ushujaa, she wanted to run up to him and scream, 'Dont leave!' but she waited. It occurred to her how Ushujaa kept his distance and she knew he wanted to disappear before she woke up that morning, lucky for Amini; Simba gave her a heads up.

The warm sound of Ushujaa's voice brought her back to reality and she slowly rose from her grassy camouflage. Her chocolate brown fur swayed lightly in the morning breeze and she padded beside Ushujaa. "I guess the last thing I could do is fulfill your final request." she snorted slightly.

Amini lifted her head to look up at Ushujaa as hurt flickered through her green eyes, her own fury white ears flattening back tightly with disappointment. "You know I don't want you to leave..." she added in a soft whisper.

Turning her gaze to the thick grass of the western border she lifted her petite paw and seamlessly squished the blades down. Conversations like the one she was having made her a bit nervous, but she only wanted the best for her best friend. Inseperable since Amini could remember and now they were young adults and Ushujaa was ready to leave her behind? Blinking back tears, Amini let a sniffle escape. "You promised you'd always be there to protect me..." The lioness quietly looked to the horizon as the sun was barely visible, she waited for a good reason to let him leave.

But Amini had been having thoughts of her own and she warned her mother she might not return. She was aware of the life she was going to live in the Pride. Be a hunter and one day fall in love and have cubs, but in her dream she was always roaming through a jungle or a desert. The possibilities were endless beyond the Pride boarders and even if Ushujaa disagreed on her coming along, she would find a way to change his mind.

[Ushujaa]

Ushujaa couldn't believe who he saw before him. Even if it wasn't exactly a big secret that today would be the day he left, he hadn't expected to have to say goodbye. He was never good at seperation and he couldn't bear to look Amini in her emerald eyes, he turned away from her. He could feel the pain she felt. Saying goodbye was not an easy thing and looking out on to the distant land almost made it easier for him. Amini... He whispered back to her. I know this is hard but it's something I have to do...


Ushujaa hoped he had left early enough not to have to say goodbye to everyone, especially Amini. This isn't goodbye forever you know. I promise I'll be back before you know it. Somehow he knew that the words he spoke wouldn't make it easier for either of them but he didn't know what else to say. The truth was nothing could make this an easy process, still it was necessary for him to leave.

Ushujaa was about a year older than her and he could still remember when they first had met. Amini and he had been friends for years, it was no surprise to him that she would want to come to see him off, but how she always managed to sneak away would remain a mystery to him.

Ushujaa looked down at the necklace around his neck. it was a simple design, just a piece of vine with a single claw hanging from the middle. Amini, I want you to have this. It's the only thing I've ever had to know my father by. Whenever i'm wearing it, I know i'm being watched over, being protected. Ushujaa lowered his head as he let a small tear run down his face. So many things to tell her... I just can't bring myself to. How can I let her know?

Please take this with you, it will keep you safe... Ushujaa looked to the sunrise as it slowly came over the distant horizon. Ninabaki kifo inajiri... I stay, death comes. This is why I have to leave. It will be the end of me. He didn't know how he was going to bear leaving her behind.

Simba had told Ushujaa that he wouldn't be allowed to take Amini with him. No matter how much he pleaded, she was still too young to leave the pride, that and she had a plan set before her. A preordained destiny. The tragedy of an endless cycle Every day that passes is a day wasted in my eyes, and in my heart. I- I just wish I could take you with me! Have I gone too far? Simba would never allow me to take her. His heart would guide him through this, like it always did.

[Songo]

"Wewe ahadi yangu ..." she spoke softly to Ushujaa as the morning breeze passed between them. She felt the breeze lead them out of the western border and her emerald eyes gazed at the sight before them. "You promised me Ushujaa...You have to keep that promise." she added.

Amini listened to all of Ushujaa's words and her long chocolate tail curled around her paws slowly. She smiled as her gaze turned to his necklace, "No don't be silly, I could never take your necklace." she said. Lifting her right paw she gently pressed it against his fluffy chest fur, pinning his necklace to his heart. "Well, the only logical solution for us both. So we don't have to say goodbye is to leave Pride rock together. That way you can keep a eye on me at all times, I promise I'll always be there when you need me." she managed to mumble out in a long speech.

"Plus, have you seen the size of the animals in the jungle? I heard they could eat a whole lioness up and we both know I'm not to big, Not saying they'd come and get me. But if you left....I'd have to go after you." she muttered stubbornly. Slowly Amini realized she still had her paw pressed against Ushujaa's chest fur and she dropped it back to the ground with a small blush.

Noticing the sun had joined their conversation, Amini could see Pride rock clearly now in the distance. "I am ready, lets go. I don't want to stay at Pride rock anymore." she protested, finally Amini lifted herself back up to her petite paws.

"I don't care what anyone says, plus I don't think you should be going on this journey alone. You need me." she stated bluntly.

It was settled regardless of how Ushujaa's face protested Amini quickly sprang over the western border and into the open territory. She breathed a small sigh of relief, but in all honesty she wanted to be gone before Simba sent out scouts for her. "Come on Ushujaa.." she yelled taking another few steps forward.

Amini's heart was pounding from her chest, but at that very moment she finally felt like she decided something for herself. Her green eyes flickered in the sunlight and a small tear fell from her eyes, "Bye mom, I'll be back. I promise." she whispered faintly to the wind.

Change had finally come and Amini wasn't about to let it get away..

[Ushujaa]

Ushujaa took a deep breath. He knew how this would end. If he fought with Amini, she would be upset and she wouldn't go back. If he didn't fight with her, at least they wouldn't be angry with one another. Weighing his options against each other it seemed though the only choice would be to let her come with him. Well, I guess that we could always just tell Simba that I didn't know you were following me. He chuckled for a moment. I'm not going to be the one to tell him that I kidnapped you away from these lands. Ushujaa knew that Simba wouldn't be happy with this decision but what was he to do?

Ushujaa Knew full well that Amini would follow him, it would be irresponsible and negligent to act like she would not. Ushujaa looked at Amini.If you're going to come with me, you need to make a promise to me. Ushujaa knew that things could go bad on this exploration, he knew full well of the risks he was taking, If Amini were to travel with him he needed to be sure that she would make it home safely. Even if he did not. If anything should happen to me, promise me you will come home without hesitation! He spoke with an earnest tone. This was no laughing matter to Ushujaa.

Ushujaa was literally taking Amini's life in his hands if she were to travel with him, something that was very precious to him and the rest of the Pridelands. Something he wasn't about to let go to waste. He would protect her, no matter the cost. If he was ever unable to do so, he would never forgive himself.

The sun was now clearly visible. Ushujaa took a moment, letting the wind run through his crimson mane. He sighed Well we better get going. The sun will only give light for so long. We've got a lot of distance to travel. He started to take his final steps in the Pridelands, when he reached the very edge of the border he looked back. I'll return, I make this vow to myself. I will come back.

[Songo]

Amini's green eyes looked over at the chattering Ushujaa and she smirked at his serious face. Giving a nod in his direction she slowly walked beside him, their sizes very opposite. Ushujaa had grown big very quickly almost overnight and Amini still kept her lean slender frame, she frowned. "Well, I PROMISE I'll head straight home. But that doesn't matter because we will be back to visit the Pride lands together." she spoke coolly, her head turning once more to glance at the rock formation.

Even though they had left their families behind Amini didn't feel so alone, she gazed up at Ushujaa. "Do you think were going to meet other lions?" she asked curiously. As they walked through the grass Amini started to think, "What if we meet other lions that eat lions..? Are there lions like that Ushujaa? Oh boy, how many do you think you can defend off at once?" she rambled with a small chuckle.

Getting quiet once more she strolled next to her best friend, the chilly wind blowing past her back. Feeling a small shiver rattle her spine she continued forward, "I'm glad you let me come." she whispered. Her fluffy white ears twitched and then flattened down as she gave him a small nuzzle, "It wouldn't of been the same without.."she muttered sheepishly slowly pulling away.

Noticing a patch of yellow flowers Amini ran ahead of Ushujaa, the lioness sprang into the colorful patch giggling. Petals, pollen and sweet floral smells lifted into the air around them. The sun hit her green eyes and she blinked a few times before giving her pelt a shake,. "There beautiful.." she mused, her paw lifting to pick one flower. Feeling the pollen enter her nostrils Amini gave a small snort and then sneezed, dropping the flower back down to the grass.