[Closed] Little Stranger (Taraji Chapter 1)

[SinChei]

At first Daxis looked at her with a mad gaze to her and started to growl silently. But his throught stopped vibrating of growling after he heard her words. The red maned cub was embaressed and hoped Laini didnt heard what Almasi told him at one paw the golden furred lioness maybe would tell him she was right and this more then one time and on the other paw maybe she could notice Daxis was feeling more then friendchip or Almasi. Daxis unsheathed his claws and bared his teehth again after Mosi said something in their direction. Daxis' eyes expressed "dont mess with me. I'll get you sooner or later" and he set his first paw towards Mosis direction while growling deeply with opened muzzle.

[LionPrincess]

Almasi was upset with Daxis's reaction to Mosi "Daxis there is no need to be like that, you know i hate violence" she told him hoping to calm him down, she really did hate violence and it was definetly not a way to impress the little lioness, after seeing her mother being riped apart by hyenas she didnt like to see any fighting "if your going to be like that i will just go, but if you dont want me to tell me" she told him

[Mike]

Vitani followed Simba to the relative solitude of the promontory of Pride Rock. She wasted no time in spilling her opinions to Simba. Though she wanted to stop short of blatantly criticizing her king, she was deeply disappointed in his decision to leave the pride to it's fate for a while.

"Simba with all due respect, why now?" Vitani asked with suppressed frustration. "The pride's in a more critical situation now than it has been in some time. You saw how Kovu and Kivuli were fencing just now, We could have trouble here without you. Kovu himself doesn't even think he's ready, and that's saying something considering the size of his head. I know we can call you back in an emergency, but your presence could prevent anything nasty from happening in the first place."

Vitani's loyalty to Simba battled with her feeling of abandonment. It wasn't for herself that she wanted Simba to stay - Vitani was a very independent lioness - but she had come to expect more from Simba in terms of responsibility and dedication to the pride. It seemed very hypocritical for Simba to leave because of the uncertain times in the pridelands. She wanted to shout at Simba that he had a duty to make things right before he went wandering off, but she held her tongue. Simba's decision to leave was bringing very unpleasant feelings churning around in her gut as she was once again forcibly reminded of Shani's past.

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"You're sure taking it well" Kovu remarked happily, once again feeling comforted by his mate's support and casual confidence. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of time alone in the den." he chuckled After all, we can just kick everyone out if we want to." Kovu leaned forward for a kiss just as Kivuli's unwelcome voice fell on his ears. He closed his eyes and counted to three before turning around with an unnecessarily wide smile.

"Of course, of course." he said. "Let's just step over here." Kovu lead Kivuli to a relatively unoccupied area of the large den, and sat down, still with a forced grin on his face. He spoke lightly, but his eyes were much cooler than his voice. "You know Kivuli, I know some of us can just lie around for hours at a time with a certain female friend, but I actually have duties and a busy schedule. It'd be nice if, at the end of the day, I could get some time to be with the ones I care about, and no offense, but that isn't you."

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"I wouldn't expect anything less" Shani said with a grin. He followed Caine outside and up to the highest point of Pride Rock. Far down below he could see Vitani and Simba who were talking alone together, but suddenly with Caine, they seemed less important to him. He passed a moment in comfortable silence, for once not willing to think about how this would affect his life in the pride, but content to just enjoy the moment. He knew that at some point he'd have to decide what this meant to him, but not tonight.

"I told Simba this earlier, but you guys here are so lucky to have a place like Pride Rock." Shani said, quietly so as not to break the mood. "Do you come up here often?" Shani expected that the answer would be yes. Caine seemed the type to look to the stars for guidance, or companionship. It wasn't that Shani had never looked at the stars before; he enjoyed it as much as the next lion, albeit in total privacy. however, sharing the experience was something totally new to him, as was sharing just about anything else.

[KingKivuli]

Kivuli smirked at Kovu's remark about his family I understand, ill try and make this quick and simple. We are both proud males with very strong view points. You must think im kind of up my own backside through the way I act. Its understandable as the idea of being in a pride is still new and weird to me. However the reason I want to talk with you is to sort whatever issue there are between us. Simba's going away leaving you in charge. I have no problems following orders but dotn you think it will make everyoens life just a bit easier if we got along? Even just a little?

Kivuli kept his word and was straight to the point. It was not normal for him to step down so easy, especially when he was having fun. But with Zane and Anga out there and Simba leaving. Kivuli wanted to make sure everything was fine for the safty of the pride, and mIla

[KiarasMate]

Lowering his ears slightly but still keeping a serious expression upon his muzzle regardless of what Vitani was telling him, Simba stayed quiet until she had gotten everything off of her chest before he looked at her with an understanding gaze and spoke in a reassuring voice.

”I know this must seem like the worst time for Nala and I to take a vacation, with The Pride Lands being the way they are and with all of these relatively new faces showing up Vitani and I understand your concern, but you know I’d never leave my pride unless the matter in doing so, was very important, right? I’d also never leave if I wasn’t for certain that my Pride would be in good paws while I was gone. I won’t be around forever you know and your brother will have to learn to take responsibility sooner or later, so would you rather him take the reigns with no experience under his belt or would you rather him at least have a bit of practice before my time comes to an end?”

Quite out of character from his usual demeanor, but feeling quite compelled and touched by Vitani’s sincere concern over her pride’s well being, Simba moved in and lightly nuzzled her under her chin as he spoke in a softer tone.

”I assure you things will be fine Vitani. Your brother has the necessary skills to run this pride while Nala and myself are gone and besides, you’ll be here to help, as well as my daughter and everyone for that matter. Don’t let this get to you. Change can be a good thing after all.”

Pulling back now, Simba offered the former Outlander a warm smile before addressing her once more in a polite voice.

”Now then, is there anything else on your mind Vitani? I promise I’ll fill you in on all the details of what my mate and I discuss when we return. I would have done so during the meeting, but these matters seem to be a bit confidential it would seem, or so Nala leads me to believe. Whatever happens though, I just want you to know that I know you, your brother and everyone else will do what needs to be done in my absence, in order to keep our pride and our lands safe, secure and above all, united.”

Standing before Vitani now as he waited for a reply, his mane blowing regally in the passing breeze that lightly circled around the pair, Simba had no doubt in his mind that things would be fine and he hoped Vitani would feel the same way after what he had told her.

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Giving a quick nod to Almasi as Kopa watched her bound off across the den to speak with her friend Daxis, Kopa looked over to where Mosi was heading, calling after the young male in a friendly tone.

”We’ll be right there Mosi. Just hang on a minute please.”

Turning to meet with his mate’s gaze, Kopa spoke quietly to her as he leaned in to nuzzle her lovingly.

”Why don’t you wait for Almasi to finish up with Daxis my precious. I’ll take Mosi back to our den and wait for you both there. Don’t be too long though.”

Purring softly, Kopa licked his beloved mate over her cheek before he moved off and outside of the main den, catching up to where Mosi was waiting before he spoke in a kind voice to the young male.

”Alrighty, let’s head out Mosi. Maybe we can get to know each other a little better on the way back to our den.”

Starting to make his way towards the location of The Private Waterhole, Kopa kept a steady pace so that he could easily converse with Mosi as they walked.

”So, my name is Kopa, just in case you didn’t catch that by now. My mate is Rahina, the sweet lioness that offered to look after you for the night. We’ve actually only been in these lands for a little while now but everyone seems very friendly here and we’ve managed to fit in somewhat, so yeah, that’s basically a little bit about myself and my mate. Care to tell me a bit about yourself? I thought I heard something about you having a brother, is that right? That must be nice. I don’t have any siblings that I know of, but I can’t really remember my cub hood very well.”

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Smiling sweetly at her precious mate, Kiara leaned in close to meet his loving advance, only to be interrupted by Kivuli’s voice, causing the golden furred princess to frown slightly as she was once more, pulled away from her mate while he went off to speak with Kivuli. Sighing softly to herself, Kiara turned her focus to Taraji, noticing the little cub’s very light trembles that she could now feel in between her fore legs. Leaning down to gently rest her head against her adopted daughter’s body, hoping to provide her with a bit of warmth as she figured that Taraji’s shivering was caused by the cold weather, Kiara hummed quietly to herself as she waited for her mate to come back to her so they could spend some much needed quality time together as a family.

[JaguarOne]

Caine was staring up at the stars just like he usually did if he was outside after sunset or before sunrise. He enjoyed just gazing at the stars above and knowing that his mother and father were up there along with the Great Kings of the past. He didn't bat an eye when the other lion spoke, nor did he break his concentration on the bright lights above. "Fairly often, yes," He replied as he finally broke his concentration and looked over to Shani, realizing just how attractive the other was for the first time.

"I've grown used to gazing up and thinking about the love I received from my parents before they passed away from age. My mother didn't give birth to me until fairly late in her life. They often called me the 'miracle child' because they didn't think that they'd ever have a cub," Caine replied, making it obvious that he missed his parents. They were wonderful parents to him and made sure to raise him right and he thanked them immensely for it. Now he was doing his best to make them proud.

Even if they had passed on.

[Mike]

Kovu dropped his falsely cheerful look and sighed. All very well of him to mention the problem and then totally neglect to say that he'd work on it. Well it wasn't like he'd expected anything more from Kivuli, and he supposed that the action of coming to talk about it meant at least something.

"I guess this is as close as you get to saying that you'll actually pull yourself out from up your own rear huh?" He said resignedly "Well I appreciate the effort. I hope you can pull it off. Look, I don't really have a problem with you, I just frankly don't like your attitude. I'm sure it won't get in the way of us working together if the time comes." He looked over his shoulder to Kiara, who was still cuddling Taraji, clearly waiting for him to come back. "If that's everything..." He said pointedly.

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Vitani was slightly abashed by Simba's reassurances; she didn't really think that he'd leave the pride if he though there was real danger. She knew Simba better than that. She wasn't prepared for Simba's personal show of support and care, but she found it reassuring nonetheless.

"No Simba, I wouldn't want to pry. I know you think we can handle it, I just hope you're right." she said in a more subdued tone once her king had finished. "Thanks." She said, with a heartfelt nod.

Simba seemed to radiate confidence and peacefulness. It was like watching a mighty tree standing solidly in a forest, dwarfing and sheltering everything that fell under it's canopy. It was hard not to feel reassured by such an figure.

Vitani turned and headed back towards the den with a greater piece of mind than when she'd exited. Not even Simba had managed to clear her mind of the niggling feeling that trouble lay ahead, but at least the sense of impending doom had vanished.

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"I'm sorry." Shani said. "You must think I'm a monster because I don't feel the same way about my parents. I don't know. I guess I never had a relationship with them like you did with yours."

Just sitting outside with the cool breeze running through his nose and lungs, the stars shining down on him, and the lion sitting beside him had an intoxicating influence on Shani. He felt more open and at peace now than he ever had before in his life. It was kind of like staring down off a tall cliff, and feeling like there would be nothing better than to take the plunge. Though it was possible that the fact that he was so high up had something to do with that.

[KingKivuli]

Yes that is all. Kivuli replied. He turned to walk away but stopped briefly to say something more. Kivuli looked back over his shoulder and spoke And Kovu. I am part of this pride, I know im no better than anyone. Give me any job and I will obey Kivuli then walked off back towards Mila

As he came close to the young lioness, the gray lion reached down and nuzzled her I am going out for a walk, and to get a drink. If you want to follow be my guest Kivuli's voice was playful, almost teasing. He gave Mila a cheeky wink before exiting the cave. He wondered if she would indeed follow. As Kivuli waited he looked over at Simba hoping to catch his stare for just a second. When Kivuli believed he had Simba's short attention he indicated that the kings presence was required, over by the private waterhole when Simba was ready

[NightmareMoon]

Mila stayed mute throughout the meeting. While she stayed mute, she was busy day dreaming about all the different things that had just happened and the things that she thought would come because of it. She stared off into space and thought about Kivuli; his warm frame pressed up close to her own, their opposite color eyes gazing into one anothers while both stayed breathless and incapable of words. She thought about her unusually playful mood earlier and the comments she had made that regarded the gray furred lion. She was still shocked herself at how that conversation had turned out and she was shocked that it had all led up to this simple yet loving snuggle the two were in; and even though it wasn't much, it was enough.

Mila finally snapped back into reality once the warm frame of Kivuli suddenly left Mila's side exposed to the cold air that rushed into the main den from the cold night outside. She then looked up towards her cuddle buddy as he spoke his mind, and how both outlander siblings quickly made an effort to put him down and back in his place. At these comments, Mila became embarrassed. The subtle fight that Kovu and Kivuli had gotten themselves into was a bit like childs play and Vitani only strengthened that point. It just seemed like they were looking for a reason to put him down, and because of it Mila put her head down and just sighed.

Mila's head stayed down and she almost went into another day-dream when her name was spoken. Flashing Simba and Kivuli a cheeky, embarrassed smile, Mila blushed a bit. Her blush slowly flushed away as other things were spoke of and the meeting ended. And that was that.

Mila's day dream came back after Kivuli left her side. She was fairly tired and needed her rest sooner then later. She seemed to not care about what Kivuli and Kovu were discussing. Her sudden tired mood and her daydream were the two things Mila were focused on at that moment. When Kivuli came back to her side Mila let out a yawn. She was ready to go to sleep until Kivuli offered to go on a walk with her with a playful tone and a cheeky grin to go along. Unwilling to pass such a perfect opportunity up, Mila happily accepted. "Of course I'll go with you." Mila happily chimed. "Did you think I would abandon you or something? That's the last thing I would do, considering your dedication to me this morning and how we've been hanging out all day. My turn to return the favor?" Mila smiled warmly at the lion after she had finished speaking, and stood up to stretch. Her fatigue was quickly pushed aside and Mila attempted to wake up so that she could spend a little bit more of the precious time she had to spend alone with Kivuli. The lion that she had fallen for. The lion.... for her.

[KingKivuli]

As Mila came to Kivuli's side he smiled and gave her a lick on her muzzle. The couple the set off to the private waterhole. Nothing was said on the way, but both were snuggled into each others fur. The meeting had started late. As a result the sun had set and moon lingered in the sky. It bright light shimmered off the water making it sparkle in the nights sky

Kivuli walked into the shallows to take a drink. Once he was done, he used one of his paws to playfully flick some water over onto Mila. As Kivuli laughed, he managed to let out a few words Why dont you join me? It quite refreshing Kivuli watched Mila over his shoulder, hoping that she would accept his offer