A Twist in the Plot

[Dakota]

~ Posting for Nailyila ~

Simba used all his willpower he could possess not to shudder and growl when the lion told him Scar was the king.
no wonder instead of peace there seems to be such hatred and brutality amongst them all. Scar...why have the gods favoured him

"Where are you from?" Realising he was being spoken to, Simba slowly moved his head back to face Kovu, he was so confused ...what was happening, was he loosing his mind, why was he trapped in this nightmare that seemed to have no ending.
Simba still stood there staring at Kovu intently, his mind was rolling in all directions. Why didn't Kovu recognise him, he was still the same, he hadn't been disfigured , and these lands he knew them like the back of his paw, they were the same yet different.
what do I say to him, I love him like my own son, he's my daughters mate
why is he doing this
Trying to keep his emotions under control, Simba picked his words carefully.
" It seems that I have travelled all my life moving from one place to another, searching for something, yet not sure what, I have truly forgotten where I was born now, I know my father was killed, and as for any others,in my family I don't know where they may be."

Hoping that would satisfy Kovu and he would let it go, the older lion looked away and at his surroundings.
" Have you not had much rain around these areas, I would have thought that these lands would be rich and fertile for your pride, but all I seem to come across are rotting carcases, dried land and not very pleasant looking waterholes.."

Simba watched him closely, waiting for any signs of anger that was about to be unleashed, he had to stay calm, he needed to find out so much more, and if Scar was indeed in control with this scrawny Prince Kovu second in charge running around with his own private band of 'helpers', he needed to stay one paw ahead of them all.

[Deleted]

Meanwhile back at Pride Rock Nala had been resting for a while. As she raised herself into a sitting position she sighed, “time to go looking for Simba.” She muttered. Nala trotted to the cave mouth and grabbed a chunk of meat hiding it from Scar. Nala ran down the side of Pride Rock and followed the scent of Sarabi, hoping that if she could find her Sarabi could have some food, Simba as well if she found him.

Nala followed Sarabi’s scent to the same deserted barren valley as earlier, Nala frowned, what’s Sarabi doing her?! Nala thought, she shrugged the thought away then followed the scent. Nala smiled as she saw Sarabi by the murky pond, “Sarabi? Here.” Nala said quietly dropping some meat down for her, “I’m sorry.” Nala said sadly, with a final glance at Sarabi, Nala padded away following the scent of Simba,

Nala followed Simba’s scent until it ended, frowning she looked around, there was Kovu and he was talking to someone. Was it? Could it be? Yes! Nala grinned, “Simba! Kovu!” Nala said running to them both, “here you two.” She dropped the meat between them both. “Hey Kovu.” Nala laughed. “It’s not like you to disobey Scar.” She said to him quietly.” Nala smiled then brushed herself against Kovu accidentally, “Simba? Is that really you?” Nala asked, “it’s been so long.” Nala looked at them, sitting down she looked at them both, “explain?” She said gently, Nala flicked her tail patiently.

Waiting for them to explain, smiling at the sight of her long lost friend. Nala looked at Simba and couldn’t hold it. She burst into tears of happiness, “I’ve missed you so much!” She said trying to calm herself down. “Please explain what’s been going on you two?” She begged looking from one to the other. Scar’s not gonna be to happy and I'm not gonna be the one to tell him she thought smirking slightly.

[mahewarac]

Shenzi wandered around the plains, no where to go, no one to see. Sitting down to scratch a flea, she noticed the texture of the dirt. In the days when she could sneak into the pridelands during Mufasa's rein, the dirt was always packed and warm, but with a tinge of moisture, as well as a deep orange. These days, the soil was shifty and dry, with a sick gray color. Frowning, she let the dirt go.

Nala sped by, going after the Spoiled Brat and.... some random lion. Rolling her eyes, she went after her. The Spoiled brat was standing by a lion with orange-yellow fur, yellow and black eyes..........no. No. It's impossible! She killed Simba herself!

The bitter taste of blood filled her mouth as the tiny lion yelped, his body collapsing around him. The wet fur stuck to her tongue as she let him go, his tiny eyes closed in death.

"GAAHHH!" She yelled. Why was she having these flashbacks?

[Deleted]

Nala turned and saw Shenzi coming towards them. Nala had, had enough, "SHENZI!" She roared angrily," AS SCAR'S QUEEN I HAVE A SINGLE ORDER! STOP FOLLOWING ME!" She snarled and she ran off furiously, I've had enough, I'm gonna have a word with Scar. Nala thought furiously. Nala climbed up Pride Rock and stood in front of Scar snarling, "Scar please! Stop Shenzi from following me! I won't run away I promise! Please!" Nala begged.

Without a single word she ran past Scar to the back of the cave and curled up there.

[cheezeegriff]

Kovu watched the goings on around him with... bewilderment. Nala thought this was Simba? He laughed a little, once she took off back towards Pride Rock.
"Hello, Shenzi,"
he said to the hyena, then looked back at this strange lion, who Nala thought was Simba, and smiled.
"To answer your question: why this place looks so barren... I'm afraid my King is perhaps a little too generous in terms of... who, he lets into this territory. As such, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
He glanced at Shenzi.
"I'll escourt you to the border. Shenzi, come with us. I might have use for you."

[Dakota]

~ Posting for Nailyila ~

Simba stood there watching Kovu uneasily,until a lioness burst on the scene and pushed between them staring up at him. It's Nala ,, my love, she knows me . Finding himself start to lean down to nuzzle her in welcome, he pulled himself up short. He didn't know what to do, should he acknowledge his mate in front of Kovu... Kovu didn't recognise him at all.. why did Nala..

Regardless of Kovu he found himself lifting a paw to bring him closer, when from the corner of his eye he saw the hyena casually approach, but what startled him and made him step back hastily was nala scream out " I'M SCARS QUEEN". Trying to control a growl that was building up inside, Simba clamped his muzzle shut tight

she's mine, she loves me, Nala is my mate... why has she given herself to Scar

Bringing his head around fast as his mind absorbed the words Kovu said to him " Why do you want me to leave, couldn't I be some use to you here ?"

[cheezeegriff]

Watching the emotions flicker across the lion's face made Kovu more curious than ever... and even more cautious. He waited though, and as usual Nala ran off after making another stupid outburst. She used to be such a sensible girl, but as usual, those who got closest to the King usually wound up on the verge of insane. Think of Vitani, or Sarabi: one maddened with anger, the other beaten to submission, a shadow of their former, pompus self.

" Why do you want me to leave, couldn't I be some use to you here ?"
the stranger said.

"You'd only take our food. Time you leave." He looked the stranger in the eye.
"Walk ahead of me, back the way you came."

[cheezeegriff]

(Posting for Goanna whilst she's on holidays).

"Scar please! Stop Shenzi from following me! I won't run away I promise! Please!"

Scar simply stared out over the plains as Nala ran to the back of the cave. Shaking his head, he scoffed, and rolled his eyes: she had been more sensible even as a cub. Nevertheless he grinned to himself a moment later, and pulled himself off the ground, approaching Nala who was cowering in the back.
"Whyy my queen; my bride-to-be. Shenzi is simply your bodyguard,"
he said, plopping down beside her, nudging her shoulder.
"You don't really think I would limit the freedom of royalty, hmm? It's for your own safety, dear."
Smile fading, he leaned closer, whispering in her ear,
"After all, not everyone in this land looks well upon those who once persecuted hyenas... you'd best be looking over your shoulder. If you're ever caught out in the plains alone... who knows what might happen?"
He looked her in the eye, then wandered back the way he came, holding his nose in the air as befitted his kingliness, and speaking in a slow, sympathetic voice,
"No: I'm afraiid Shenzi will stay by your side until you're dead and buried, lest you end up some other hyena's lunch."
He grinned.
"You should be thankful I care so much about you to... waste such a resourceful hunter on minding you."

[Nailyila]

Simba let out a low growl under his breath.

Dare to order me? I was once the king of the this Pride with Nala as my queen! he thought to himself. But, being here where everything appeared to be twisted around, was he in any position to contradict?

"Very well. I will leave." Simba said, bowing his head and turning around and padding back the way he came.

I will be back sooner or later. I will find out what's going on later when i'm not surveyed by Kovu. I will be back. Simba thought to himself.

"I can take it form here, thank you. I appreciate the escort. I will not bother your Pride any longer. It appears to have no essentials i would want anyway." He said, smiling and narrpwing his eyes. He turned and padded up the rockface that led out of the Pride he had once known and loved. "I will be back." He said under his breath.

[cheezeegriff]

Kovu waited for the old male to turn around, then said under his breath,
"You won't be leaving."
With that he drew his claws and attacked while the male's back was turned. It would be an easy victory: he was young and nimble, and this old lion wouldn't put up much of a fight. Nevertheless Kovu roared with pleasure at the chance to unleash his rage and frustration. It would be over soon, but he would enjoy it while it lasted.

[Nailyila]

Simba turned quickly, his claws and muscles had already been tensed. He lunged for Kovu, he may be older, but he had more experience. He raked his claws down his shoulder and sank his claws in his shoulder throwing him across the clearing.

"I hate to hurt family, I really do, but sometimes you have to give out 'tough love'." Simba said smiling. He knew Kovu would get up, and still be as quick as ever, but he was prepared.

[Deleted]

Nala watched Scar still frowning slightly. She didn't need a body guard she had great experience, wasn't it her who brought meat back to the surviving pride, wasn't it her who went and tried to escape many times before. Nala stood up and went to the peak of Pride rock. as she surveyed the area she saw two males fighting.

Nala bounded down Pride rock and ran toward the two males. "Kovu? Simba?" She said watching them slightly. She tried to stop them but she was rooted to the spot, fear filling her.

[Dakota]

Sarabi pulled herself out of the water feeling refreshed for the first time in many days, she slowly moved herself over to lay under the shade of the reeds. Dropping down she stretched and lay there with her head resting on her front paws, just enjoying the solitude and the unbroken stillness.

Her ears twitched with an approaching noise, yet she still just lay there, she had given up on running away or standing to fight, it wasn't worth the pain anymore. Waiting she closed her eyes, she didn't want to see who had found her hiding place this time.

Hearing a small thump land beside her face, her eyes snapped open in surprise..it was Nala bringing her food... About to question her as to why she would go against Scars wishes, Nala simply apologised then ran off.

Looking down at the fresh meat, Sarabi heard her stomach start to churn in recognisation of the smell. This was another thing that Scar and Kovu witheld from her, she got old dry leftovers if she was lucky or maybe some bones to suck on....this was indeed paradise.

Slowly she lowered her muzzle and licked the meat, savouring the flavour. Her lips opened and her teeth took little nibbles pulling away at the flesh and gently swallowing so it wouldn't get stuck in her throat.

Stopping for a moment as her eyes filled with tears, all she could think of was why had her life come to this, would things have been so different if her son hadn't of died, and was now ruling the lands, if her Simba was still walking proud.

[Deleted]

Nala heard movement close by and trying to ignore the two males she padded too it, it was Sarabi. Nala sat down by her looking worried. "A-are you ok?" Nala said as she saw Sarabi was close to tears. She put a comforting paw on Sarabi. "I'm sure everything will soon turn out ok. Listen though Sarabi." Nala lowered her voice to a whisper, "I don't want to upset you anymore but look over there Kovu and Simba are fighting. This is sort of my idea, I don't really like Scar after all the torture he's put us through but I said I'd be his queen so that if anything happened to perfect Kovu he'd probably ask me to go investigate and I'd leave for a few days help Simba get his health up, then return with him to pride Rock which would equal him dominating Scar! The only problem is will Simba defeat Kovu."

Nala looked at the ground sadly then padded over to the two males watching them, hoping Simba would succeed.

[Dakota]

Sarabi lay there lost in memories, till once again she was interupted by the lioness. Tilting her head up when she heard Nala offering sympathy, the older lioness snarled at her.
" Don't come to me with your sorries and your silly stories, if Simba had indeed been alive all this time, where do you think he's been... what hiding under a little bush somewhere...while his family were been starved, killed and tortured by your precious new mate.. I don't think so Nala, so why don;t you just run along now and do what your queenly duties require of you."

Turning her back on the younger lioness, Sarabi pushed her self off the dusty uncomfortable ground and moved away in the opposite direction from the one that Nala took, she was starting to drive her crazy with the insessant talk about her son still being alive.

[cheezeegriff]

"I hate to hurt family, I really do, but sometimes you have to give out 'tough love'."

Kovu righted himself in a flash, growling low - mostly at himself. This old interloper was tougher than he looked... but then the meaning of his words clicked.

"Family?"
he said, frowning, stalking closer.
"Who... are... you?"

[Deleted]

Nala had, had enough, she ran to Sarabi and blocked her path, "I'm doing my queenly duties and I'd hate to order you!" Nala emphasised on the "you". Nala looked behind Sarabi, "please just look." Nala begged, "Humour me." Nala hung her head and padded towards Kovu and Simba, she caught a glimpse of what Kovu said, "Family." then shortly after, "Who are you?" Nala smiled to herself a bit, Kovu understands! He recognise him a bit. It may just be a bit, but it's definate Kovu might not be as daft as she thought.

Nala stepped forwards toward Kovu, "you finally understand huh?" She said gently to Kovu. She took a small step toward them. She looked at Simba, He's changed SO much. I can't believe it. He looks so handsome! She thought, realising she was looking Simba in the eye's she looked away feeling hot.

[mahewarac]

Shenzi looked up, seeing the two lions fighting. She didn't know why, but she had to stop it.

"Your highness, I think it would be better if you not fight, we wouldn't want to risk you being hurt." Reluctantly she added, "In these hard times we need your strength."

..........................................................
Vitani sulked in the cave. If she wasn't princess, what WAS she? What COULD she be? Just another lioness, living to serve Scar?

"Oh, mother." She whispered. "How did this happen? You're gone and now Kovu has taken Nuka and my place. Scar isn't even his father! What right does he have to be in this position?" Getting up, she paced the cave. "Years ago Kovu was nothing but a scruffed up little nobody. And now he's prince. Who's fault is it? Not mine, of course. As much as I wish it was, it's not really his." Suddenly, her eyes lit up. Sneaking out, she watched as Nala talked to Scar. "It's hers. She charmed my father into her little, girly paws. And I'm going to get him out." Baring her teeth, she smiled. "That little tramps gonna go."

[Nailyila]

Simba glared at Kovu, panting and his lip curled back in a snarl baring his teeth.

"Family? Who... Are... You?"

Simba sat up straight, and looked back at Kovu. The fighting has stoped... for the most part at least. Kovu's words rang in Simba's mind and finally, Simba found his voice to speak.

"It's me, Simba." Simba said, holding back his smile. He wanted to greet his family with joy, especially Nala, his best friend. He wanted to see Sarabi again as well.

[Deleted]

Nala grinned standing by Simba, "You've changed a lot Simba." She purred. She looked at Kovu and muttered to him, "Scar ain't gonna be to happy." She then turned back to Simba, "Simba. Listen to me please. Your mother won't believe me I've tried everything to get her to know your alive but she won't listen. Please come with me, I'll take you too her." Nala ran towards where she last saw Sarabi. She looked around until she finallly spotted Sarabi. She ran to Sarabi's side, "Sarabi! Stay here. Please, I've got something fantastic to show you!"

Nala stood her ground hoping Simba would listen to her and follow her.

[cheezeegriff]

Kovu screwed up his face, and walked towards Simba as Nala had her back turned.
"You're not Simba. Simba died long before I was born, in a stampede. I certainly never met him."
He turned to Shenzi - she had been alive at the time. Nala seemed so convinced though, and though lately she had been acting like a mad lioness, usually, she kept her cool.
What was going on?
"Shenzi? Simba, the old king: he did die, didn't he?"
Kovu asked.

[mahewarac]

"Shenzi? Simba, the old king: he did die, didn't he?"

"Yeah, I killed him myself." She turned to the weird lion. "Look dude, I dunno who you are or what you did to make yourself have these delusions, but maybe you should get out of the sun or get some water or something, because given the fact I killed Simba it's very difficult for me to believe your him."

"Simba. Listen to me please. Your mother won't believe me I've tried everything to get her to know your alive but she won't listen. Please come with me, I'll take you too her."

Shenzi rolled her eyes. "And you should stop because your making her highness lose it, too." Whispering, she added. "Then again, that would suggest she had a mind to lose."

[Nailyila]

Simba rolled his eyes and gave a low growl, too soft for anyone to hear. He turned away from Shenzi and Kovu to face Nala. "ALright, Nala. I'll go to speak with my mother. I hate to think she's delusional." He said, following after the lioness.

[Dakota]

Sarabi had pushed herself up off the ground and was moving away, when Nala blocked her path and of all things flung at her
"I'm doing my queenly duties and I'd hate to order you!" .

The older lioness stopped and slowly lifted her head higher in a regal pose, and looked down her nose at Nala. Not a word was said while Sarabi gave her a contemptuous look over from head to toe, then she stepped in close to the younger lioness and lowered her voice, making it drip with sarcasm.

"You....you.. will order me, just who do you think you are my dear... you are just like the rest of us...a nobody, and the sooner you get used to that idea, the better off you will be. You might keep Scar and Kovu warm for a couple of nights and do their bidding for them, then you will be out on your ear and you wont have anyone to blame except that big fat head of yours, full of self importance."

Sarabi was beginning to enjoy herself with this little fool standing before her, trying to give her orders.About to turn away from Nala, she stopped and gave her one departing remark.
"Oh and Nala, I wiped your butt for you when you were little, and don't think I won't and can't do it again...except this time it will come with sharp claws attached."

At last she turned and left her standing there, she needed to get away for some peace and quiet, what a stupid girl thinking she would actually want to show herself to Kovu and be ridiculed and another beating forthcoming. Breaking into a trot Sarabi didn't even bother looking back at the younger lioness, she just kept moving.

[Deleted]

Nala snarled then turned to see Simba following her, "Simba! Come here and look over there." She pointed a paw to Sarabi's filthy body. Nala now had no choice but to get Shenzi to help her. "Shenzi! Come here I've got a job for you." I'm not gonna order Shenzi to kill Sarabi but I'm gonna get her here to go and bring Sarabi back to me and Simba Nala thought, she sat her eyes still on Sarabi's retreating figure. Could she trust Shenzi though? She wasn't so sure now. Everyone seemed to hate her for becoming Scars queen. All except...Simba She hung her head now waiting for Simba and Shenzi to come here. None of them knew her idea was that if Scar said anything to her she could warn them beforehand. The only problem was would they believe her. Nala slumped down on the ground putting her head on her paws. She was fed up of everyone having a go at her. She sighed annd started watching Sarabi's figure again.

[mahewarac]

"Shenzi! Come here I've got a job for you."

"Of course, madam, your wish is my command." She mumbled in a mocking voice as she trotted over. "Yes?" She asked. Seeing the delusional lion coming too, she slumped. This guy just won't let it go, would he? She had better things to do then babysit a bunch of cats. When she also saw that nutcase Sarabi, it was too much. "What is wish all these delusional lions?" She shouted.

[Deleted]

Nala looked at Shenzi, "Shenzi, could you bring Sarabi back here to me. Do NOT kill her and do NOT attack her if she won't listen to you just do what you can to get her to me! I want a friendly girl to girl chat." Nala looked at Shenzi. "Can you do that for me?" Nala asked turning to watch the retreating Sarabi.

[mahewarac]

"Shenzi, could you bring Sarabi back here to me. Do NOT kill her and do NOT attack her if she won't listen to you just do what you can to get her to me! I want a friendly girl to girl chat."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Does she really think I'm stupid enough to attack someone when she's standing right there? Approaching the old lioness, she sighed. "Queen Nala wants you for a 'girl to girl chat', as she calls it." She turned to lead her back to Nala. "I suggest you come. She is the queen. And you of all people should know to follow the queen."

[Goanna]

Scar lay quietly in the corner of the cave, wondering where all the others had gone. He furrowed his brow, thinking of Nala, then remembered Shenzi was with her. He wasn't sure he needed to use Shenzi on Nala, as she actually seemed to be succumbing to his power, yet he couldn't lose another skilled hunter, as well as the fact that now she was his Queen, and couldn't be seen to be escaping from him. The great king got up and walked to the cave entrance, scanning the horizon. There seemed to be vague shapes out there... moving. He squinted, noticing they were half his pride. Wondering what all the fuss was, and annoyed at not having any idea of what was going on, he started moving towards the group. As he advanced upon them, he glimpsed the strange lion... who he had told Kovu to dismiss.

Kovu appeared to be questioning the lion.. still?
Scar frowned; surely the heir to the throne wasn't... directly disobeying the king?
Confused and slightly anxious, Scar crept closer to the group.

[cheezeegriff]

Kovu saw Scar coming. He waited until he drew closer, then went and sat by his master's side.
"He thinks he's prince Simba,"
Kovu said.
Behind him, his hyenas were drawing closer too. Good: extra muscle.
He waited for Scar's response.