Adolescent Ages

[Fire]

The older one jumped to her feet and was half-asleep when she tried to balance herself, now realizing her mistake as Zira was in her presence, bowing her head in shame and then slinking off into another part of the rock where she waited her judgement. Malli, on the other paw, was shaking like jello in her knees as they were knocking together in fear. She never had meant for this to happen. She just wanted to be out of here and away from the terrorizer of the pridelands.

Fire was just glaring back at Zira with the fur on the back of his neck standing on end, just waiting for Zira to pull something out of her head that was at the spur of the moment. He walked right up to her in a bold move and snarled in her face. A dangerous move at that, but it showed that he was nowhere near ready to give up just yet..

[This Land]

Sukari Didn't resist when seleter Brought Sukari closer. Sukari even shuffled over herself, to make her even closer to seleter.
"Its alright Seleter, we all make mistakes" she said gently
Sukari wrapped her 2 front legs around Seleter's Leg and started purring, one thing she has never ever done before.

"we all make mistakes.......we all make mistakes......
Sukari be carful,
i will mum, just going to wonder around
Mum help!, Hyenas!
Sukari Run ill will find you,
I dont ever want to leave you mum,
SUKARI GO!
Mum you dying.
Sukari RUN!!!!.
Blackout

Sukari opened her eyes, which she thought she didn't Close, she gasped for air and went completely shocked. Her claws bared through fright and dug into Seleter's leg. Sukari quickly let go and scrambled out of Seleters paw which was holding her. She sprinted a few paces and turned around and looked back.

Sukari was going to say something, going to do something to explain, explain what just happened, but all she could do was just lye down on the ground and tucked her head into her paws and dampen them with tears.


(OCC. Just bringing Seleters history into the rp bit by bit. it will all come clearer later in the rp why)

[Deleted]

Remba stood there, she couldn't stop trembling, little tears dropped slowly down and over the purple swirl under her eye and dripped onto her nose. The look on Seleter's face gave her a flashback from when she was left stranded in the desert by those evil lions, she thought they were going to kill her, the looks on their faces were what she had just seen on her friends face.

Flinching when Seleter reached out and pulled her into an embrace, she slowly let herself relax leaning into the warmth of the cheetahs fur, maybe everything is going to be alright afterall.

Just as Remba thought all was fine once again, she felt Seleter move, and then watched in surprise as Sukari started running away, "Suki...where are you going?"

She moved as if to go after her friend "don't run away Suki....STOP". when suddenly the cub lay on the ground her paws over her face. Remba stood there in shock, not knowing what to do, her little ears flattened making the purple spots on top stand out even more.

Looking towards the black lion in bewilderment she let out a wail "Charlie..what's happening to Suki, I'm scared, I don't like this, I..I...." and promptly burst into small shuddering tears once again.

[Kirsui]

Zira waited... and waited... and still neither of them spoke up. Fire and Nala were silent, and so it seemed the stripe headed would be forced to break the silence of the cave.

She chuckled then, amused by the situation. She looked at the lionesses she had brought with her into the cave.
"You three" she said, pointing at those who she meant.
"Take Nala to the back of the cave and keep her there. She is not allowed to talk to anyone, except Scar or myself."
She turned to look at Fire, a smirk playing upon her muzzle. She didn't want to risk sending Fire with the lionesses. It was too risky, especially what he already had managed to do with the young Malli...

"I will keep you company, Fire..." the stripe headed said, watching as the three lionesses approached Nala.
"Scar has some... things to... discuss with you."
She had to force back the devilish grin, and instead let the slight smirk remain on her muzzle.

---

Seleter's eyes widened slightly as she felt Sukari's claws dig into her leg. She looked down at the cub in confusion. Sukari ran, stopped, looked back and fell to the ground in tears. Seleter barely heard Remba's worried words that she spoke to Charlie. Her attention was completely on Sukari.

The cheetah looked at Charlie, wishing he would understand to try calm down Remba. They needed to move, but they couldn't as long as the cubs were upset. She slowly rose to her feet and approached Sukari, her ears slightly flattened. with a sigh, she sat down next to the cub, and with her other front paw she pulled her closer.
"Sukari..."
She stroked Sukari's fur gently, then laid down once again so that she could look closer at the cub.
"It's all right to cry..."
She gently licked the back of Sukari's head, something her own mother had done when Seleter herself had been upset.
"If you want to talk about it, I'm always here to listen."

[Dakota]

Charlie stood there with a look of amazement on his face. First Sukari was in tears, now the other cub as well, and Seleter was giving him funny looks as if he was an idiot.

Shrugging, he looked down at Remba...what was it he was meant to do, he wasn't a mother, he was a lion, a fighter. Sighing he looked back over to see how Seleter was handling things. it seemed he needed to lean down and talk softly and maybe hold the cub.

Turning away, he was about to speak to her, when he realised his paw felt funny, looking down at it, he saw his fur was all soggy and ruffled and Remba was using it to wipe her face on, while her body was giving little shakes.

Lowering himself so he could appear smaller to her, Charlie's face was by hers. "Remba, look at me, everything is going to be ok, Sukari just got a little scared with all thats been happening. Seleter and myself are here, and we wont let anything bad happen to you, I promise..ok ?"

Moving slightly Charlie pulled her towards him with his paws. His back was blocking Seleters view and he knew she couldn't see, so he held Remba close rubbing her back letting her feel his warmth.

Hearing some noise behind him, Charlie quickly put the cub back on the ground, and gave her head a little pat. Giving a small cough, he looked down at her "You think we should go and see how Sukari and Seleter are now, if you are feeling better and brave again, you can hop on my back and I'll give you a ride if you like ?"

[This Land]

Sukari kept sniffing, trying to clear up these tears, she didn't want to cry, she had to be strong, but at moments like these she couldn't, especially when it involves a past which she seem to cant of remembered properly.

"We.....all make mistakes Seleter.....but some are so bad......" she said upset
Sukari looked up at Seleter and blinked her eyes a few times, trying to drain the tears
"Do you think she would forgive me" she said upset and confused

Sukari wrapped her body around Seleter, she was the one who Sukari saw first when she opened her eyes , became conscious and in great pain for some reason. She knew her more, so she felt safer.

[Fire]

Fire just glared at the lioness when she was ordering the lionesses around. They almost seemed that they were forced to do her bidding only because she was queen to Scar, which was the worst form of leadership he could think of. He was almost a little afraid as she heard the words directed at him. The red-maned lion knew that he was in trouble from the way that the lioness smirked like she did, the look in her eyes almost holding back wanting to do more. He stood his ground and dug his claws into the earth, the hair raising on the back of his neck. He did not show teeth as he didn't want a fight, yet he didn't exactly want to go with Zira's bidding, either. "I just want to know that Nala will be all right.. If go so as even 'touch' her, my claws will surely show you just how much they love giving revenge.." He said while stepping towards Zira with a glare, always keeping an eye on Nala to ensure his almost-agreed deal. "As much as you love being so sadistic, I can assure that I won't be such an easy target as the rest of them.. especially since I always know you're there and you can't go behind my back."

He grinned a rewarding grin on his muzzle as he stared at her, not exactly knowing if he hit a tender emotional muscle, but it felt so good saying it. The lionesses surrounded Nala and then nudged her on, forcing her to walk out of the exit of the cave.

[Kirsui]

Zira chuckled, her red eyes flashing slightly. Fire's words.. Amused her. This lion was in no position to give threats like this to her, but obviously he didn't realize it himself. If he did, he would have kept his mouth shut. But he was Fire, and the stripe headed knew he wasn't giving up that easily.

"Fire, Fire, Fire..." Zira spoke, shaking her head with a sigh.
"No harm will come to Nala."
She looked directly at Fire, staring deep into his eyes. How much he reminded her of Simba... In more ways than just the looks.
"But that is only as long as you behave."

She took a step closer, then begun circling around Fire like a hungry vulture around a carcass. She was toying with him now, testing him.
"I almost beg you to give me a reason, Fire... Do give me a reason to sink mt claws into her flesh... You wouldn't like that now, would you, Fire? You know what I can do to her."
She smirked, and a dark smirk it was.
"You know", she begun, lowering her voice so that only Fire would hear her words.
"A lion can still live after some ah... parts of them have been removed. Eyes, for one. She doesn't need those, really. Nor her ears or tongue."

The circling came to a halt as Zira found herself standing right in front of Fire, glaring down at his eyes. The smirk was no more on her lips. when she continued speaking, her voice was still low.
"Do something stupid, Fire, and I will make sure Nala can not sense anything of this world. She will be blind to see, to hear, to speak... She will not be able to protect herself, and she will die..."
She paused, keeping her eyes locked with Fire's.
"And you wouldn't be so cruel to her as to give me the reason to do just that now, would you?"

---

Seleter listened Sukari's words, stroking the cub's fur gently with her other front paw. The golden cheetah was silent for a while, trying to figure out the best way to continue from here. She glanced over her shoulder at Charlie, a slight smile rising to her muzzle at the sight of him trying to comfort Remba.

Turning her attention back to Sukari, she nuzzled the back of the cub's head with her nose. She wasn't exactly sure who this "she" was that Sukari mentioned... But she had an idea.
"Yes, I think she would", she whispered at Sukari's ear.
"There is no reason why someone should be angry at a being such as yourself."
She gently whiped Sukari's tears away from her cheeks with her paw.
"You are a wonderful creature, Sukari", she said.
"And if anything, you are very brave. I don't know if you remember it, but... I saw you do something I never thought a cub of your age would be able to do. I saw no sign of fear when there should have been that. You are brave, Sukari.."
She gave the cub another nuzzle with her nose.
"And I like you just the way you are."

Letting out a sigh, she lifted her head up, looking at Charlie and Remba before smiling down at Sukari.
"Do you think you're ready for some traveling again?" she questioned.
"I'll carry you, all you need to do is hold on."
Giving a tight hug at Sukari once again, she gently placed the cub to her back before rising to her feet. She looked at Charlie, her gaze telling him that she was ready now, and that they shouldn't waste any more time around these parts of the Pride Lands if they wanted to get to the jungle alive.

[Fire]

He hated it when anyone cricled around him, knowing that they would strike at any moment and he was unprepared to do so. He had held his ground in a sitting position with his head lowered to the ground, trying to block out what Zira was saying to him. Her words didn't seem like they were getting to him because he was quite good at not showing any emotion. But the blood that flowed through his veins was boiling at a tempature that could only be described as a ticking time-bomb of lusting revenge.

The lioness had almost taken it too far when she talked about dismembering her, his paw shooting out with claws extended right at her right temple. His paw had halted just before the claw touched her skin, his paw trembling with anger as he wanted so badly just to slice into the main artery that connected with her brain, watching her slowly bleed to death. The paw was right on her temple and it wouldn't be much to get his claws right into the place he wanted to permanently make her disappear... Yet, he wasn't exactly sure that it would kill her. A threat was all it was. He retreated his claws back and then slammed his paw to the ground, respecting the lioness's word. "Mmph.. You damn well know I wouldn't.. And if the roles would be reversed in this situation and you were in my place, I bet Nala wouldn't even have any body left after all of the stupid things you've done.." He said right to her face, almost being defiant, but not pushing the boundary.

[Deleted]

Nala stood there watching Fire and Zira talk. About what, she did not know as she was just out of hearing distance. She was about to take a step closer when she was ushered away by a group of lionesses.

"Do you mind? I was trying to listen to that!"

She exclaimed loud enough for all of the lionesses to hear.

"What is it with you guys and taking orders from that beast anyway? Look at you all. You're all as skinny as a tree.. even skinner! I remember when Mufasa ruled the lands.. none of you were as skinny as you are now."

Nala continued rambling on, looking up into the sky.

"And doesn't that tell you something..?"

[Dakota]

Charlie stood there looking at the cub, all her tears had gone thank goodness, and she seemed to be shuffling her paws trying to decide whether to take up the offer of a free ride.

Looking over at Seleter with Sukari already on her back waiting to go, Charlie lowered his head and just picked up Remba and placed her gently on his back.

"I think that will be more comfortable for you Remba, we need to travel fast and move away from here where it's going to be safer for you and Sukari....So hold on tight".

Moving slowly so Remba could get her balance, Charlie came alongside Seleter. Looking quickly at Sukari, he was glad to see the other cub had calmed down.

"I think we are all ready now, lets get going , you're right we need to loose ourselves in the jungle and quick, "

[Kirsui]

Zira remained completely still as Fire's paw came to her face. She didn't pull back, she didn't blink her eyes... She just stared at Fire, apparently not caring what he was about to do with his claws.

But from those blood red eyes of hers one could see she was amused of his reaction. She watched as Fire slammed his paw at the ground, not moving from where she stood at all to any direction. She listened at his every word, and remained silent for a while after he had finished.

Then, she tilted her head forward and chuckled lightly.
"Fire", she begun, her voice barely louder than a whisper.
"If the roles were reversed, I would keep my mouth shut."
She tilted her head back to its original position.
"If the roles were reversed, I would have never divided your pathetic little group in two, leaving two cubs in the care of a fragile cheetah and one lion..."
She glanced at where Nala was, seeing that the younger lioness seemed annoyed at her guards.
"But I am not you, Fire, and you are not me. I am the Queen of these lands, chosen by Scar himself, and you... you are just a wandering lion who trespassed on our territory."

The stripe headed chose to ignore Fire for a moment, shooting a glare towards the lionesses guarding Nala as in a warning "keep her quiet or suffer". She then glanced at the cave entracne, wondering momentarily what Scar was up to. She was itching to get rid of Fire as soon as possible, and then perhaps leave to track down the rest of Nala's pathetic friends.

"Nala seems to like you, Fire."

Zira said that quietly, not wanting her words to be heard by anyone else than the red maned lion. She turned to face him again, a faintly curious expression on her face.
"Did you know you look a lot like someone else? Someone who Nala thought a dear friend... and who was to become her mate one day."
She tilted her head slightly, the curiosity gone from her expression.
"You remind me of Simba", she continued, her voice going even lower when she spoke that name.
"And no doubt you remind her of him too... You look awfully lot like him, and your behaviour on many ways reminds me of him... I would dare to say that if he was alive now, he would be just like you."

She looked at him, examining his expression with a blank stare. Momentarily she wondered why she was telling all this to him, as if she cared... which she didn't, of course. So she just shrugged these thoughts away and blamed her curiosity to see Fire's reaction.
"I warn you, Fire, even if you don't appreciate my warnings... It might not be you who she likes in you, but the things in you that remind her of Simba."

[Fire]

Fire's eyes shifted so that his gaze was to the lioness's and no one else, He was almost fixating his anger so that it was as if he had dagger-eyes aimed right for the striped lioness. He wanted to blow her off with one of his swift comments, needing to blow off some of this rage towards her before he indeed, did something stupid. His attention was quickly diverted to Zira when he heard her say these words that would change his feelings altogether.

Nala seems to like you, Fire...

Her voice was getting lower as if not wanting anyone else, his ears automatically and slowly rising to be able to get a better sense of what the lioness's words were. It was something that Fire had admittedly not expected for Zira to say, not knowing that the striped feline was interested in the latest gossip or personal issues of others. The way that she spoke, the words that she chose. They were getting to him... He did remember one time when the two of them were in the cave together that she mentioned that he looked like Simba.

When he spoke back to her, he kept his tone just as low and quiet as Zira's was, not knowing why he did it, but it seemed right at the time. His face turned that of not just anger, but a mixture of fear, regret, and other things that calmed himself down seemingly. "Nala... would 'never' think like that. As much as I hate to agree with you, from what she has told me, I do look a lot like him. I know Nala likes me for who I am.. " He looked over to Nala while displaying that same look.

***********************************************************************

The lionesses, meanwhile, were glaring at Nala as if telling her to stay back not from following orders, but it was for her own safety as well. One of the spoke to her in a grave tone, still keeping that glare. It was a lioness that wouldn't be considered a cub, yet, she did look as if she was maturing through late adolescence. "Scar was the only thing we had after Mufasa and Simba were.. *gulp* killed. And so far, it's the best we've got. Please... Do anything that you can... God, your friend looks an awful lot like Simba..." She noticed this from before when she entered the cave.

[Deleted]

Nala looked at the young lionesses that was talking to her.
"Thank you!"
She let out a sigh of relief.
"At least one of you knows what you're on about."
She then heard what the lioness said about Fire. It was true. they did have a lot of similarities.
"Yes. that is true. But he is different.. in his own ways."
And with that she continued moving away from the pair who were still in mid conversation.

[This Land]

Sukari Held on tight to Seleter, She wrapped her paws lightly around seleter's neck and nuzzled it with her Cheek.
Sukari's expression changed to confusion
"I don't remember....anything.....hardly. Only things i remember is images that i see now and then........and in my sleep. Its hard....it really is, trying to remember things you want to."
Sukari then started to smile
"But who needs the past, all that matters is now...... and not then, Aye Seleter?. Not to mention i have you and everyone" seleter said as she hugged tighter.

Sukari cuddled into Seleter's neck, she was nice and cosy, and just all of a sudden, her eyes started to close. Sukari yawned a little, and got sleepy.
"Thankyou seleter.........for everything" she said gently
Before you knew it, she was strangely............straight off to sleep.

[Kirsui]

Zira chuckled at Fire's foolishness.
"You can always wish, Fire", she spoke with that whispering voice of hers.
"You can always wish... But you can never be certain. She might not know it even herself, that it is the Simba in you that attracts her."
The stripe headed admitted to herself that maybe she was being cruel now, trying to play around with the feelings Fire and Nala perhaps had developed between themselves.

But the situation was just way too good to let it pass. And she was also curious of Fire's reactions to what she spoke.
"Sooner or later", she continued, "she'll mess you two up, you and Simba... And her heart will break when she realizes her mistake. She never forgot about the dead prince, even though so long has passed since they spoke for the last time. She loves him, Fire..."

---

"Thankyou seleter.........for everything."

Seleter smiled as she walked along towards the jungle side by side with Charlie. She listened closely at Sukari's breathing, her smile widening slightly as she heard her breathing calm down. She knew the cub had fallen asleep, and so she tried to make her steps as soft as possible.
"Poor little thing..." she whispered, glancing at Charlie from her eyecorner.
"It's been a long day..."

She shook her head slightly as she let out a faint sigh. She looked forward, trying to figure out how huge the distance between them and the jungle was.
"How long do you think it'll take until we reach the jungle?"
She tilted her head slightly, not really waiting for Charlie's reply before she spoke again and rpelied to her own question.
"With good luck we'll be there before dark..."
She glanced at the horizon.
"...which is not too far away."
The cheetah turned to look at the jungle again. If they didn't stop now, they would reach the jungle soon enough... She just hoped they wouldn't meet any hyenas before the jungle... not to mention Zira or Scar.

[Fire]

Zira's words were slowly getting to him again, making sure that the lioness did not see his claws dig into the dusty earth that was beneath his feet. How 'dare' she say such hurtful and oblivious words. She probably didn't even know what she was saying. She probably got dropped on the head as a cub... or did she?... The thought that Nala did have feelings for Simba before he died was no question to him as Nala herself had told him this, which is why his denial was soon running out of fuel to keep himself believing that she liked him for who 'he' was, not who Simba was..

He steps closer to Zira with dagger-eyes aiming right to the lioness, almost muzzle-to-muzzle as he growls low and deep, getting all of what he could from within his chest. "If you... say 'ONE' more word... about her... I am going to slice this claw right.. into your face..." He says in a grave and harsh-whisper voice.

"I'm afraid that if you do that, Fire... You'll just end up like her, hmm?..."

That voice.... Scar... He had come from the entrance of the cave with that evil smirk on his face, sauntering in and sitting down next to Zira, glaring at Fire who was stepping back slightly. Two versus one weren't exactly good odds. But Scar just kept walking up to him and when Fire felt his rump back into a wall, Scar could only grin as a paw came crashing against the side of his face, sending him tumbling right over to where Nala and the lionesses were. Fire was almost ready to scream in pain as he had heard something crack and there was a pain right where his jaw was. That bastardizing lion... He broke his jaw... Even the lionesses had to wince a little at the blow, but Fire was only concerned about how Nala would feel.

"So 'this' is the one that has been causing hell throughout the pridelands?" Scar snickered as he acted as if meeting him for the first time. His lanky body was walking over to Fire and giving him a jab in the side. "Get up, you lazy lion."

Fire groaned slightly and then got up as he was told. He ddin't know why he got up for Scar, but it seemed like the right idea. He lifted his body up and then turned to face Scar with his mouth bleeding from the blow...

[Dakota]

Charlie walked alongside Seleter, as they both carried the cubs on their backs. Peace and quiet surrounded them with just the oaccasional bird or insect flying around, or the sound of undergrowth crackling as their paws stamped down, crushing the debris into the dirt.

Hearing a sigh, the black lion turned to glance at Seleter, just as he was about to ask her what was wrong she started to speak. 'How long do you .......'

Opening his mouth to reply, she ignored him and carried on talking, charlie snapped his mouth shut, does she want me to answer her or not, or am I meant to nod my head at everything she says.

Charlie quickened his pace, sneaking a peak to see if Remba was still sleeping on his back, he had got used to her as strange as it was as he had never carried a cub before, and had never been around them, sighing, Charlie realised this was all about to change.

Looking ahead he could see the telltale signs of the jungle approaching, everything was becoming more lush and dense. First thing they needed to do once they had entered was to find them all a secure spot, where they could rest and not be noticed by anyone.

[Kirsui]

Seleter glanced at Charlie, catching him glancing over at Remba. She chuckled lightly, her usual gentle smile on her face.
"You're doing fine, Charlie", she said.
Then her smile turned slightly teasing.
"Actually... you look rather cute carrying Remba around..."

With a quiet giggle the golden cheetah turned to face the jungle again. And much to her joy, they were very close to it now.
"You know, Charlie..."
Seleter tilted her head slightly.
"I've never been in a jungle before... Only the savannah. We cheetahs don't really live in jungles, not enough space to run."

---

Zira remained completely still as Fire threatened her. Really, she wasn't afraid of this lion. Sure, she was a lioness, but she knew how to fight! And if it was a fight he wanted...

A smirk rose to her muzzle when she heard Scar. He surely knew the right times to appear...

And her smirk grew only wider when she heard something break, when she saw the pain written on Fire's face, saw the blood trickling down from his mouth.. Streching her neck to release some tension in her muscles, she stepped next to Scar.
"Unfortunately this indeed is the creature causing so much trouble..."
She watched in amusement as Fire got up from the floor.
"Always so brave..."
Her voice was soft as she spoke, the tone quite opposite to the smirk on her face. She followed the blood flowing down from Fire's mouth, watching as a small drop fell to the cave floor, following its movement with her gaze.
"...always so... foolish..."

[Deleted]

Nala moved back away from the scrawney lionesses that were meant to be watching her, she didn't want to leave Fire alone with Zira, goodness knows what she would to do him.

Pressing herself against the cave wall when Scar walked in, it was like he didn't really see her, he walked past and made straight to where Zira was.

Standing there quietly waiting to see what was going to happen, made her start to shake, they wouldn't kill him would they, she couldn't bare to have someone else she loved taken away from her.

Nala gasped as she saw Scars paw come out and give Fire a blow against the side of his face that lifted him off the ground and threw him over to where she stood. Nala screamed out
"NOOOOO, leave him alone, I promised you I would do whatever you wanted, don't hurt him"

Pushing herself forward she tried to move to where Fire lay hurt, but found two lionesses had blocked her way, sucking in her breath she bought up a paw with her claws extracted, and bought it heavily down on one side of the skinny feline. With a firm voice, she stared at her "Now get out of my way".

[Fire]

The lionesses were getting frightened as they saw the determination in Nala's eyes, acting as if they were pushed off and letting Nala go towards Fire. The red-maned lion was slowly getting up with placing a paw just under his chin, wincing his eyes together as he clicked it back into place. A small tear was falling unintentionally from his eye as his mind was being overwhelemed with the pain sensors that were firing at his mind. He heard Nala and almost broke into a smile as he coughed lightly.

Scar rolled his eyes as he saw Nala go towards the lion. "Uughck, that disgusts me.. Miss goody-two-shoes going after the rebellious fool.. How... typical." He says with a small chuckle as he watches what was going on, leaning his head over to whisper into Zira's ear. "Guard the door to make sure he doesn't get out..."

[Deleted]

Nala didn't wait for the lionesses to move, she used her shoulder and shoved her to the side not realising it had pushed her to the dirty ground,letting out a threatening growl as she moved past.

Seeing Fire move unsteady and watching a pain filled tear roll down his cheek, hurt Nala more than she realised it would.

Sucking in her breath, anger flowed through her. Zira was now in front of her with her back turned. Nala couldn't hold back any longer, her claws extended, and her voice cold.

" It's your turn now for some pain, seeing you are a coward inflicting it upon others."

[This Land]

The light that was filtering through the Dense forest, was starting to dim, being replaced by warm orange glow. the sun was setting, and it was time for Kikome to find a snack.

Kikome had been wandering around the jungle for a while, the last few days he been Dependant on food sources that lions don't normally eat, so it was time for some lovely meat. To Kikome's fortune, the forest soon started to thin down, and he finally had came to a end of this forest.

He cautiously stepped out into the wide open space, making sure that the area was safe. he scanned the area, keeping a sharp lookout for food....but nothing in sight. His stomach started to complain, he was getting very hungry very rapidly by just the thought of a hopeful area to find decent food.

His eyes picked up something that he wouldn't be able to eat.... . He spotted a very small group, one of the group was a different type of Cat. it seemed bizarre that this different type of cat was with this group. he had to take a closer look. he didn't want to invade their own personal space nor frighten them. he was just curious, it was very weird to see this sight.

He slowly made his way to the group, and things got weirder, this cat turned out to be a cheetah...a solitary animal. He could also see a little ball of fluff of a lion cub curled right up on this Cheetah's back. why would a cheetah be looking after a lion cub?, he thought to himself. His curiosity finally lead him almost right close to the group without him even noticing. He soon diverted his path so he wouldn't get too close.

Well this left him something to think about, he wanted to ask this cheetah loads of questions, but he'd better not, they seem fine without him . he slowly made his way past them, taking smaller steps just in case they stop him and they start a conversation, giving him a friendly chance to ask this cheetah about why she isn't leading a solitary life and instead carrying a cub, looking out for another and being with a Lion.
Could that cub......nah.....how many cubs are there in Africa
a thought passed in and out of his mind.

[Kirsui]

Zira nodded as a reply to Scar and slowly backed away towards the cave entrance, her eyes never leaving Fire. Her expression was blank, almost bored... But if one knew her well enough, one would know all her senses were focused on sudden movements.

"It's your turn now for some pain, seeing you are a coward inflicting it upon others."

Zira lifted an eyebrow at Nala's cold voice. Really, the girl had some nerve to say that to her! A faint smirk rose to her muzzle as she turned to glance over her shoulder.
"Really, Nala", the stripe headed spoke.
"If you think you can hurt me, why don't you do so?"
With a sudden move she spun around, pinning Nala to the ground, her own claws extending dangerously as she placed her other front paw on Nala's throat.
"You missed your chance, Nala", she said on a whispering voice.
"Always strike first, then attack... Coward I am, you say... You are as much a coward as I am, Nala, for running away from the Rock, from your pride... And all this just because you met the oddest group I have ever seen."

Zira lowered her head slightly, to whisper to Nala's ear.
"He is not Simba, and you know it... You can try to fool yourself to believe it isn't Simba in him that you so... love... You can always try to fool yourself, but in the end when it's too late, you will realize that what you love is only a memory..."
She pulled her head away, a disgusted expression on her face as she looked down at Nala. Momentarily she pressed her claws tighter against the other lioness' skin.
"Don't try to fool around with me, Nala, for I am far more skilled fighter than you. If you attack me, you will only end up hurting yourself."

And with that, she took her paw away, returning to her duty to guard the entrance. Her eyes perhaps were focused on Fire and Scar, but she kept listening to Nala's movements, just in case the younger lioness decided to do something stupid.

---

The jungle was so very near now, and Seleter could already smell the scent of trees and plants that grew in that area. Her excitement grew so large that she had to fight her urge to run to the trees and examine the area. But her excitement was visible in the way she walked - her head held high, tail swinging from side to side, also held higher than normal, her eyes shining slightly at what little light was left before the sun went down completely... Yes, she indeed seemed to enjoy this new experience.

It was then when she picked up an unknown scent of a lion that her walking came to a sudden halt. She blinked her eyes, curious of who it might be, and yet still slightly afraid that it could be someone from the Pride Rock. But the scent was different... it didn't carry the other scents of those who were part of the pride...

Tilting her head, she noticed the lion, apparently trying to avoid straight contact with herself and Charlie.
"Good evening..."
Seleter mentally slapped herself. What was it with her and her ability to not keep her mouth shut? Shrugging these thoughts away, she smiled slightly at the unknown lion, tilting her head slightly. Surely, she was curious now, because as far as she knew, Scar didn't like other lions around the Pride Lands... especially if they were male.

[This Land]

As Kikome started to move away from the group, his ears picked up a very friendly sound. Good evening.

A smile appeared on Kikome's face. not only that was the very first friendly thing a stranger had said to him for several ages, he knew now that this cheetah and the group where not afraid or felt dangered.

Kikome took the opportunity for engaging a conversation, after all he wanted to know more about this cheetah that seemed far more different then any other. And yet again it was not normal for a cheetah to make conversation with a stranger, they normally stick to them selfs and mind their own business........but she was different, and he like it straight away.

Kikome soon turned around and faced to the direction of the group and made his way towards them. when he got there, he smiled again and nodded, the nod almost gentle and big enough to be a bow.
"Such a good evening it is." he said politely
"Apologies if i am in your territory , but i have just manged to find my way out of the jungle which i have been lost in for several days, now i have found my way out, i am in great need for some proper nourishment, i hope you don't mind." he questioned politely.

Kikome Sat down to where Seleter was standing. And his constant curiosity of Seleter's uniqueness built up so much, had had to ask the question before she could answer his earlier one.

"Sorry if i sound direct, but i find it very abnormal, not in a bad way of course that you, unlike any other Cheetah, are mixing in with other Cats and even looking after 2 cubs that most likely are not yours. Any other cheetah i came across would either walk off or ignore me. You are different, you are unique and you have no idea how much i like Animals like you who do not want to feel bound in their normal nature. For a cheetah like you, i would love to address you by your own name." he said smoothly with excitment, waiting for her answer.

Kikome stared at the 2 cubs, they looked so cute. Kikome changed his glance over to the lion who was with this Cheetah, Again he slowley nodded and smiled at him.

[Kirsui]

Seleter was surprised at what this unknown lion said to her. She was... unique? Never before had the golden cheetah thought herself as such, she had always been just the normal and no way interesting Seleter.

Now, however...

She snapped out of her silent surprisement and smiled at the lion.
"My name would be Seleter", she introduced herself, nodding her head slightly as a faint bow of respect towards this stranger.
"Though, I must say that these aren't really our lands..."
With a sigh, she glanced at the direction on the Pride Rock, the rock formation looking a whole lot smaller than it was when one stood right next to it.
"These lands used to mean so much to me... so long ago... I still wish I could think of them the same way, but unfortunately after some..."
She paused, her ears flattening slightly at something she seemed to remember.
"...events, I am not so sure if I can..."

She turned to the lion, a slightly apologising smile on her face.
"Do forgive me and my wandering thoughts. The reason why I now travel with a lion and two cubs is in fact lying on my back."
She chuckled lightly, glancing over at Sukari over her shoulder.
"Had I not met her all alone and scared, I believe I still would be one of those ordinary cheetahs who run away from lions..."

Her expression became sad all of a sudden, and she let out yet another sigh. She turned to face the lion once again, and though she smiled, her eyes remained sad.
"Unfortunately, I, as well as my companion here", she said, motioning at Charlie, "can't stay at these lands. The... King has some things against us, as well as against our two friends who are currently held captive."
She quickly glanced at the jungle.
"Our destination was that jungle, for at the moment it seems we have no other option than to leave and hide. Before our friends were taken, it was our goal to reach the jungle, and now, since we can't really help our friends escape, the best option where they could find us if they escape is to go where we originally planned..."

[This Land]

"Seleter........nice name indeed, i do not know why but that name just fits you. I would be rude to ask you your name without telling you my name myself, therefor my name is Kikome, and it is a great pleasure to meet you Seleter, and your friends" he said happily.

Kikome looked over at pride rock and a growl escaped his throat. he never knew he was actually here. He never saw pride rock again until seleter pointed it out, his eyes must of missed it, as he was concentrating on seleter earlier.

"That new king ruined my family. He death threatened my Mate and my daughter, we got split apart from each other."
Kikome dug his claws in the ground
"Then i found her days later......dead in the middle of nowhere, she had been attacked. And my daughter was nowhere in sight. I knew she probably be dead aswell, she is alot easier and prone to be killed and carried away. All i could smell around that area was the stench of hyenas. I swear any hyena i come into contact with i will show it no mercy." He said angered.
Kikome took a deep sigh and retracted his claws.
"My Apologies....... Just i still miss my family, and that pride rock to me is a very bad symbol. It angers me more that it isn't just me it has affected." he said gently

"You say that your friends have been held captive?. My many sympathies for you and your group, things like this annoy me so much so i feel a duty to stay alongside your group and change this bad happening, thats if that is ok with all of you? But then again im sure you have faith in your friends who are captive, and they can find a way out of there. I leave the decision entirely in your and the groups power Seleter, last thing i want is, for me to do something to help, that you and your group are not too comfortable with, especially as at this time, i am a stranger to all of you ".

Kikome Paused speaking for a moment

"But for now, you are very wise to go into the Jungle for secuity from dangers, i can even show you a good shelter i came across when i was in there, that we would be able to reach before it gets too dark. You can sleep there and i will be able to keep watch. You guys must of seen alot of action and i insist all of you have a decent sleep without the slightest of worry. But before we set off there, i must eat, if that is ok" he again said politely.

Kikome stood up and looked at the cub curled up on Seleter's back
"I know how you feel Seleter, I know how cubs can change you, and your entire life. If i still had my daughter today i would of been so proud and honored to introduce you to her. My Little Sukari i know for sure would get along with you straight away" he said with a warm smile then looked up at the sky and exhaled deepley.

Kikome Looked back at Seleter and kept his warm smile.
"So, would you like me to get something to eat, i bet you, your friend and them 2 little cubs are starving" he smiled and winked

[Dakota]

Charlie stood there akwardly, looking from Seleter to this new Lion called Kikome. All the fancy words coming from his muzzle was starting to confuse him. He didn't understand Seleter, why had she just accepted him, did she know this...this..Kikome from some other place or another time.

Still standing there not saying anything Charlie felt some resentment rising, it was as though he wasn't even there, being ignored. Starting tomove forward a little, he was about to carry onto the jungle and let Seleter catch upto him, when the lions words reached his ears.

'I can show you shelter...and I can keep watch'.... Charlie whirled around to face kikome.
"So you will stand guard, so we can rest, even though you don't know us, and even though Zira and Scar are looking for us, and you want nothing in return, is that correct ?"

Charlie tried not to let sarcasm enter his voice, but failed miserably. Staring at Kikome, he knew they needed to enter the jungle as night was falling quickly and the cubs needed food and shelter. He was about to apologise for his behaviour when he heard the lions next words.

'My daughter, my little Sukari'

A loud gasp escaped through Charlie's lips, and automatically he stepped back alongside Seleter as if he was trying to protect her. His mind was churning with all possibilities of hearing those words.. Slowly he turned his head looking at Seleter, dreading what he would see on her face.

[This Land]

Kikome's eyes focused to Charlie
"That is correct, and first impressions, i say that isn't a very good start. But then again, we have only just met and your confidence in me properly isn't strong."
Kikome sighed
"You have every right to be suspicios of my offer. but i will say this.........Scar and Zira ruined my family, i want to make sure that fellow animals like yourself do not go down the same path as me. The least i can do, no matter how brief i may be with you, is to help in any power i can".

Kikome took a few steps back as Charlie gasped and stood by Seleter. Kikome's expression now changed to confused.

"Did i say anything to offend you" he questioned

[Kirsui]

Seleter heard Charlie gasp and took a sideway step when the lion suddenly took a defensive position over her. The cheetah.. well.. she stared at Kikome, her mind refusing to register with what she just heard him let out of his mouth.

'Sukari...'
She couldn't help but glance at the small cub on her back.
'My dear, sweet Sukari...'
She smiled, shaking her thoughts of the cub away as she turned to face Kikome again. He asked if he said something wrong, something to offend them..
"Charlie, it's ok", she whispered at her lion companion.
"Let me handle this..."

Seleter gave a small smile at Charlie, stepping then around him to face Kikome.
"It happens to be that the name Sukari is..."
She paused.
"... familiar..."
Seleter mentally slapped herself of being so foolish. Sukari had told her of what had happened to her parents, she should have recognized Kikome's story... But she hadn't, not until he spoke the cub's name.

For a moment, the golden cheetah wondered why Kikome hadn't recognized Sukari's scent. She thought that maybe it was because Seleter's own scent was all over the cub - after all she carried Sukari almost all the time.
"Perhaps", she begun, stopping when she stood between Charlie and Kikome.
"Perhaps it is that your daughter isn't as dead as you think."
She turned slightly, to let Kikome see Sukari better from the place in her back.
"I found this cub some time ago, alone, crying... She had been chased by hyenas, which isn't all too surprising when considering how much she looks like another... cub... that I had seen so long ago..."

She tilted her head slightly, examining Kikome's expression and keeping a close eye on his movements. What she was about to say.. well... she had no idea how he'd react, and was ready to sprint out of the way if that would be necessary.
"I took the cub, I couldn't just leave her out there alone. I felt I had to protect her, even if she wasn't mine or even the same species. I met others, lions, became friends with them, and kept this cub safe... until Zira came along once again. This brave cub attacked her, attacked a full grown lioness. And as a payment she now suffers a memory loss."
She sighed, looking at Sukari with a gentle smile on her muzzle.
"And it happens to be... that this cub... is called Sukari."