Adolescent Ages

[Judas]

OOC: I hope this is good enough :3
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IC: Dust, that was a reoccurring theme throughout these lands, make that dust, withered grass, and dead trees. Crimson eyes narrowed as he scaled the hill, now he could finally have a good look at the lands he had now passed into. He could see for miles in every direction, and for all those miles stretched and endless sea of scorched earth, dead trees, and nearly dried rivers. "Feels like home.." the crimson-eyed lion muttered to himself, his voice held a strain of mixed surprise and disappointment.

Without giving the horizon a second glance the crippled male made his way down the mound and to wards the most striking landmark of these velds, the massive Pride Rock kopje. Julan's pelt proved perfect camouflage in these ashen wastes, as his fur held a grayish ash hue, and the charcoal black of his mane echoed the burnt deadwood. It was as if he had been born from the ashes, of how well he matched his surroundings. The young male held himself quite well, and his posture neither his gait seemed to suffer from the missing of his right hind-leg and half of his tail.

The smell of lions and especially hyena's overwhelmed him the closer he got to the stone formation. "I /hate/ hyenas..." the male growled to himself, as his ears flipped back against his skull. Julan had an almost racist dislike for hyenas, and most of the time the feeling was mutual. The thing that puzzled the male the most was how the smell of hyena and lion seemed to blend as if they both lived on this rock, to Julan the very thought of sharing the living space with hyenas make his stomach curl, and a soft snort of disdain escaped him. Despite the repelling fragrance that lay over the area, the young assassin pushed on, further closing the distance between himself and the large kopje.

[This Land]

Kikome Froze solid and his mind went blank.
Sukari........
Kikome just managed to lightly breathe in through his nose, and he couldnt believe that he didn't recognize it before, he picked up Sukari's faint scent that had been covered over by Seleter. Kikome didn't know what to do next. This was indeed his daughter. To add to the whole of things, she had lost her memory .

Kikome's head started violently shaking, his eyes barley opening. he fully bared his claws and dug then deep in the ground.
"Zira....." he growled deeply
Kikome, managed to just open his eyes again and stared at his daughter, his tears of anger slightley blurring his vision, Sukari looked so happy and sleeping nicely. Kikome growled in his throat once again and slowly stopped shaking and his claws re-tracted.
He suddenly burst out in deep breaths, pushing his hate of Zira deep down, He didn't want to scare Sukari if she woke up.

Kikome switched his eyes to Seleter
"You.....have been looking after her....even when you didn't feel the duty to..... you took her in........kept her safe....." he said with tears coming down his eyes.

Kikome lept onto his Hind Legs and in a flash wrapped his arms around Seleter and dug his head deep into her shoulder, trying not to move or disturb Sukari. Kikome let out all of his good emotion on Seleter and started Crying happily
"Thankyou.....thankyou.....thankyou" his said with his voice muffled.

"My Daughter is alive thanks to you, i thought i would never see her again........you are truly......one amazing Cheetah Seleter" he cried.

Kikome let go of Seleter and stared closely at Sukari.
"My........little........daughter, she looks so peaceful"

Kikome gave a Friendly nuzzle to Seleter, tears still streaming down his cheeks
"I just want.....to give My Sukari such a big hug, but at this time, i know it wont be appropriate" he said upset.

Kikome chuckled
"Thats my Sukari.....sweet and innocent, and she attacks a full life size Lion. Funny, when you try and teach your daughter basic self defense skills.......it all backfires. And now due to my over-protectiveness, she tries to use it, and ends up not knowing a thing. My teachings basically made her loose her memory. I am a failure for a dad....... complete failure". kikome said in anger to himself as he slapped the ground.

Kikome took a deep breath once again, and exhaled slowly.
"But i cannot bring all this up now. I dont want to pile my my own mistakes on all of you, All that matters is that My daughter is alive, that is all i have wished for ever since i lost her, and my wish has came true. I just cannot thank you enough Seleter......I really cant" Kikome Hung his head and started breaking into tears. the true reality of of that his Daughter Sukari is Alive......is now settling into his mind.

[Dakota]

Charlie stood there slowly registering all that was being said between Seleter and Kikome....the cub was his daughter..which meant he would want to take her away from Seleter. And what about Remba who was still curled up sleeping on his back, Sukari was her playmate and friend, she would be devastated.

Taking a few steps back away Charlie found that a few emotions were flowing through him, one being that he felt suddenly he was of no use any more, and this lion was about to take his place. All he had were those before him, seeing as they didn't know if they would ever see Nala and Fire again and now it was all changing.

"I think I'll start to move forward with Remba and leave you two alone to 'discuss' things, catch up when you feel like it". Looking at Seleter, seeing her look upon Kikome, Charlie frowned and moved onto the trail quickly away from them.

Casting his eye over the cub still asleep on his back, he wondered when it was that he started to care for her, maybe it was best if he handed her over to Seleter, and then he could leave and go about his own business.

[Fire]

Fire growled low within his chest at Zira, making sure that Zira knew that he was there just in case Zira tried to pull something like that again. He was too late for him to do anything about it now. This also brought Scar's attention as well to Nala and Zira, chuckling softly as he walked over to Fire was a smirk on his face. "I think it's time for you and I to have a little chat, dear boy..."

Fire turned his head to the black-maned lion and shook his head. "You really think I'm going to say 'yes' to that after what you've pulled?" He spat some of the blood before Scar near his paw and then walked ovr to Nala to help her up. "Whereever Nala goes, I go... Got it?"

[This Land]

Kikome looked up towards Charlie, shaken his tears away , smiled and cleared his throat towards Charlie.
"Charlie, i cant think of any reason why you must go, you are part of this group so its fitting that you stay with seleter, after all you have known her more then me so its a bit unfair that this moment in time should break us up." Kikome said warmly and smiled.

Kikome couldnt resist of getting right up close to Sukari. so with a few careful steps, he did. His nose almost touching her lovely, little, cute, small ball of fluff of a body. He gently inhaled through his nose, tying not to wake her.
He had not got this close to his Daughter ever since she had gone. Kikome closed his eyes as he felt a wave of heart full emotion coming, he wanted his eyelids to block the tears. He ever so gently touched Sukari with his nose, hesitating a few times, trying not to wake her.
His heart full emotion taken over his careful mind and without resisting, he gave a very light, quick lick on the side of her body. Sukari stirred in her sleep, inhaling and moved a tiny bit, but to only to fall straight back again into her sleep, exhaling slowly with gentle Purr.

Kikome retreated his head quickly, because the moment he did, he opened his eyes, the tears flooded down his cheeks, he breathed through his nose, making a light slurping sound. He took a few paces back and looked at Seleter and Charlie, with a Longing smile on his face and tears continuing to flow down.

"The touch of a daughter who has been away from you for so long, cannot be described in words, it truly cant" he said quietly, as his voice was being overtaken by great joy.

[Deleted]

Nala was suprised when she was flung to the ground by Zira. She let out a snarl when the lioness started speaking.

"Fire isn't Simba..

"And Scar isn't Mufasa."

She stated in reply simply.
Nala stared at Zira intently, listening to every word she said. How did she get herself into these situations? The lioness looked up at Zira.

"Oh. so all of a sudden they'remy pride now our they? If only they were. It would make the world a much better place."

[Judas]

The crippled lion was surprised how easy it all seemed. He had crossed the border a few days ago, and so far he hadn't encountered any sentry's what so ever. And now he was crouching upon the resident pride's den, and still an alarm hadn't sounded and neither any sentry's where to be seen, to the assassin the rock despite it's overwhelming scents seemed abandoned. Though Julan knew this was far from the truth, and not just cause of the odor, but fresh tracks where all over the place all lion and hyena.

The ruler of this wasteland didn't seem like a very capable king as he didn't bother to guard his borders from intruders, but then again what rogue would bother to challenge a king that rules a land that is slowly dying. The dust stirred beneath the assassin's paws as he crept among the many rocks covering the huge kopje, despite the eerie silence of the place Julan kept his senses on alert for possible hostilities; hyena and lion alike.

The crimson-eyed lion began scaling the lower plateaus of the kopje while he made sure to stay as hidden as possible. From his low outcropping he could see the main den, right on the base of a great promontory of rock. Giving himself a mental note about giving the cave wide berth Julan continued his slow ascent, he was quite a fast climber despite his handicap.

[Kirsui]

Seleter was slightly startled by Kikome's sudden show of affection towards her. Sure, she had taken care of Sukari, and sure she could understand it was wonderful to see one's lost daughter again after having thought her to be dead...

But she still wasn't quite used to being hugged by someone she just barely met.
"It wasn't really a big problem, Kikome" the golden cheetah said, glancing at Sukari after Kikome had finished speaking.
"And... You can't say you would've failed as her father. Had Sukari not been there, it could be quite possible that none of use would be here right now."
She smiled faintly.
"Sukari is strong. I believe she'll get over her memory loss, it's just a matter of time."

Seleter glanced at Charlie, knowing well that her companion was restless. She sighed, looking at Kikome once again.
"Would you want to come with us, Kikome?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Or could we come with you? I'm not sure how Sukari will react, but... It could help her to remember if you were around."
Gazing at the direction of the Pride Rock, she sighed.
"And me and Charlie really need to get out of here for a while, as I already explained."

---

Zira growled at Nala, but didn't turn to look at the younger lioness. She had no idea... no idea at all! And she wasn't going to explain to her, she wouldn't even try to understand. For a short moment, Zira thought that maybe Scar had made a mistake when he had let Nala live after Mufasa's death...

But only momentarily. He must have had a reason for letting this happen. And she wasn't going to question Scar's decisions anyway.

Suddenly Zira's line of thoughts was interrupted by one of the filthy hyenas. She glared at it, making it take a step backwards and shiver slightly.
"What is it?" she growled at the beast, keeping her voice low as she didn't want to interrupt Scar's "fun time" with Fire. The hyena whimpered, muttering something about intruders. Zira's eyes narrowed dangerously at the hyena and the filthy beast literally ran out from the cave.

Great. So if dealing with Fire and Nala wasn't enough, there had to be an intruder too? She fored herself not to roll her eyes in annoyance. Scar told Zira to keep watch on the cave entrance, Nala was about to pounce on her nose, and now this.

Sometimes, Zira just hated to be Zira...
"We have a visitor", she informed aloud to Scar.
"At least... according to some of our hyena friends."

[Dakota]

Charlie stood there listening to what Kikome was saying. As he watched he saw the lion take a step towards Seleter so he carefully stepped in the same direction. Charlie still wasn't quiet sure if he trusted this new one, even if he was the rightful father of the cub Sukari.

Watching as he bent over the cub and breathed in her scent, and the emotion clearly on his muzzle, even made Charlie turn away with slight embarrassment.

Moving back away again as he realised sukari wasn't about to be hurt or snatched away from Seleter, Charlie turned his glance down at the cub still sleeping on his back, I don't think we knew how much the past few days have taken it out of this little one, she must be exhausted.

Starting to move away, he stopped and turned "I really think we should make a move, dusk is falling, and we have the cubs to consider more importantly". Not waiting he raised his paw and bought it back down forcefully on the ground and pressed ahead.

[Fire]

He saw the hyena enter the cave before Zira had realized, not bothering to give her a heads-up since he was too busy figuring out just what was so important that they he had to interrupt this 'meeting'. Scar also had stopped his attention towards Fire and was focusing on the hyena, even taking the time to make a bold look at Fire of curiosity.

It was until after Zira had told Scar about the intruder that Fire took his chance to run up and push Zira off of Nala, standing near her and protecting himself and Nala from any intrusions by the lioness, Scar reacting by standing beside Zira. This would benefit the situation in two ways. It would give him a chance to block Fire from pulling off anymore tricks. It also would give him a chance to hold Zira back from slicing his head off... He knew just how much Zira could get mad...

"Very well, then... Zira, deal with the intruders. I will stay with these two and have a little discussion.. Although, since you were gone, I will have to have some sort of backup." A snap of his paw-fingers indicated three lionesses to zip into the cave, standing for attention beside the black-maned lion. "Unless you had other ideas.." Scar murmured to Zira.

"Yeah.. I got an idea.."

Fire spoke up from where he stood after helping Nala to her feet. He walked over and stood right in the distance halfway between from where he was originally standing, glaring at Scar. "How about you just walk away now and not have to worry about your neck getting severed?..."

Scar growled within his chest, but one of the lionesses who looked about 2 or 3 years older than Scar walked over to Fire with a very big smirk on her face. She leaned her head in to bring her lips up to his ear, not touching him whatsoever. "I wouldn't do that, if I were you.. Scar definitely has a way of always getting what he wants.. Just like I do.." Fire then shivered as he felt the tounge of the lioness dragging along his ear and then along his neck, just closing his eyes and just wishing that the lioness would back off. He was worried that Nala would overreact, which was exactly the lioness's plan. Over the shoulder of the lion, the lioness gazed down at Nala with a 'back off *****, he's mine' kinda attitude. She then gazed up at Fire.

"You certainly are a bad boy for being such a rebel.. I like that a lot in a lion.. Maybe you and I can get to know each other later, hmm?" The lioness gave a little bit of an evil giggle and winked up to Fire, himself holding his own and trying to resist saying anythig, for he knew that the lioness was clever..

[Deleted]

Nala stood there, not sure what to do now Zira had been 'ordered' out of the cave. She was about to make a run for it when some more lionesses entered the cave.

"Great, just great, this is all I need".

Watching as one of the uglier ones moved closer and started making 'eyes' at Fire.
Nala stood her ground, she knew she had overeacted last time, she would just wait and see what happened.

Her eyes narrowed as she saw the lioness pink tongue come out and lick along his body. Taking small breaths to control her anger, nala turned her head away, not giving anyone any satisfaction by seeing her response.

Turning her head back quickly she forced a laugh from her muzzle, "He's all yours if you really want him, but I doubt he would drop his standards just to accomodate....you "

Walking away, Nala made to move towards the cave entrance, seeing how far she would get.

[Judas]

Something was wrong, the assassin could feel it. Julan's brows furrowed as he glanced around him carefully. "It's too quiet.. way to quiet!" the grey-furred male repeated in his mind as he resumed his climb, he had reached the backside of the kopje. This place saw little light except what little may gain as sun set in the horizon. It was mostly a slope all the way from the savanna floor and up to the very peak of the kopje, though it was dotted with rocks, and minor crevices some big enough for an adult lion to fit into them.

The assassin trudged carefully through the rocks and hiding holes, making his way down the slope and heading for the open grassland. But still the eerie feeling wouldn't leave Julan alone, it nagged him it felt like he was watched.. or worse hunted by something hiding somewhere among the rocks. If that was the case Julan wouldn't be surprised, he knew very well that if something lived here his passing wouldn't go unnoticed, although the young assassin had wished it would.

[Deleted]

Remba tiredly opened one eye, looking around her. She was still on Charlie's back, his black fur was so nice and warm, she snuggled down even more and it looked like they were moving into the jungle, everything was green and pretty.

Her ears twitched a little and in shaking her head she heard a new voice, a deep voice, one she hadn't heard before. Feeling frightened, her little claws dug in deeper to the black lion, and she started to tremble.

Knowing that Charlie wouldn't let anything hurt her, it still wasn't enough.

"Charlie.....Charlie who is that, I'm scared, what's he doing with Seleter and Sukari?'

[Fire]

The lioness just tossed a little bit of tuft that she had on her head in a sort of snotty way, a 'hmmph' soon coming out as she grinned to Nala. "You know, I do admire the fact that he goes for the little goody-two-shoes.. But someday, he will want more action and excitement in his life.. He'll know who to go to." The lioness then winks at Fire once more before walking away in a cocky manner, rump high in the air and leaving Fire growling within his chest and Nala probably steamed out of her mind.

Scar was watching all of this and enjoying it quite a lot to see Fire get so worked up over such a little thing as that. If he thinks he can get through what I am going to do with him with that kinda behaviour, he's in for a real slap in the face... The black-maned lion thought to himself as he walked over quite slowly. "Come with me, Fire.. Even though I am a crooked lion and evil lion.. I 'do' have my respects to the female variety.. She will not be harmed, and my own ladies will make sure of that.. No one gets hurt.. if you cooperate." And there was that flashy grin of his, knowing tha he had something up his sleeve...

[Deleted]

Nala stood there listening to Scars words, worried about what he was planning for Fire. She knew he could look after himself, but Scar always played dirty.

Trying not to let any emotion pass over her face she stood her ground, then slowly moved and took her place next to Scar, ignoring the lionesses as if they were of no importance, of course which they weren't to Nala anyway.

Standing there she looked over her shoulder at Fire, making eye contact with him, hoping he could see her determination that unless held down she was going where he went as well.

[Kirsui]

Zira nodded to Scar, signaling she had understood and would do as she was told. The stripe headed shot one more glare at Nala before moving outside silently. She was like a shadow as she moved down from the cave entrance. She made sure not to make the small loose stones fall down and inform of her precence.

Zira paused, lifting her nose to the breeze and sniffing. Under the all ways so present scent of hyenas and the pride lions, she could detect an unknown scent. Her eyesnarrowed. It belonged to a lion - a male lion. She had to fight back a growl. Scar wouldn't like this, not at all... She could only hope this lion hadn't heard of Nala's little group of pathetic friends.

The stripe headed smirked faintly as she took of to the path leading down. It didn't take all too long from her to finally see the intruder. A male lion indeed. What she hadn't expected though was that he was missing half of his tail as well as one of his hind legs. She lifted an eyebrow momentarily.
"Hey, you!"
Zira smiled faintly, calling her most curious and innocent look to her face.
"What are you doing up here?"

---

"I really think we should make a move, dusk is falling, and we have the cubs to consider more importantly."

Seleter tilted her head slightly as she turned to look at Charlie and Remba. She nodded at her friend before turning at Kikome once more.
"I apologise, but we indeed have to go."
The cheetah smiled.
"But you can all ways tag along. I can't really force you to be away from your daughter anyway. As Sukari's father you have the full right to be with her."
She smiled again before turning to follow Charlie towards the jungle.
"If you're not coming with us right away, we'll be around, inside the jungle."

As Seleter came closer to Charlie and Remba, she could see that the cub on her friend's back was awake and watching Kikome. She let out a faint sigh before looking at Charlie's face.
"I'll go ahead a little", she told him.
"I'll try to find a good place to rest, preferably with some shelter from possible rain and such..."
She glanced back at Kikome, making sure at the same time that Sukari was securely on her back before she begun a light trot to the jungle. She reached the trees quickly, excited of the new enviroment in which she had never been before.

[This Land]

Kikome followed Seleter into the thick forest and soon walked up beside her.
"carry on in this direction" kikome said as he motioned with his Muzzle.
"I came across a very large hollow tree on my way out of here, how it still stands up is beyond my own thinking and the coincidence of it being there is humourous" he chuckled
Kikome stopped
"I'm going to go back and get us all a bit of dinner, just carry on in that direction and you will come to it. There will be plenty of space for you all. Make yourself comfy and i will be back soon" he smiled and nodded.

Kikome turned around but then turned his neck around facing back to Seleter as another thing entered his mind
"Oh and Seleter, if My little Sukari wakes up. Don't tell her you have found her father. To her just keep it at.......that I am a Friend. I will tell her the truth in my own time. Telling Sukari a thing like this after she has lost her memory can be a scary experience, I will tell her when the right time and place is present" he smiled and winked.

With that Kikome slowly jogged off back to the outside plains in search for food. Kikome stopped for a brief moment, he looked up into the sky as another tear came from his eye.
Thank you my love. We both miss you he said in his thoughts as he continued to look into the sky.
Kikome then looked ahead of him in search of food. he could smell prey near by, so he set off.

[Dakota]

Charlie looked the other way as Seleter took the lead and the newcomer followed her. He turned and reassured Remba, that all was well and he slowly made his way into the jungle after Seleter.

Catching up, he heard the words kikome mentioned about finding food for them all, and wearily watched through hooded eyes as the Lion turned and made his way further from them disapearing through the lush green foliage.

"Seleter, wait up for us, remember we are all in this together, so stop charging ahead, you don't know whats around the corner and you have a cub with you, So will you please slow down and just wait."

Charlie was getting flustered, he wanted to get the cubs somewhere safe for the night, wherever Kikome had suggested, then he needed to just have a look around the area for himself. Seleter may have taken the lion for his word, but Charlie still had reservations.

[Kirsui]

Seleter smiled faintly at Kikome when he reached her and nodded her thanks to the lion. She did stop, howeve, when Charlie's voice reached her ears. The golden cheetah stood still until her friend har deached her side. Then she begun walking again, heading to the direction where Kikome had instructed.

She sighed faintly, glancing at Charlie from her eyecorner.
"My apologies", she said, flashing a quick smile.
"A new area makes me excited... And to think we're finally out of the area Scar rules, yet still close enough to know if something happens there..."

Her smile disappeared then and once again she looked too serious when compared to her usual cheerfulness. She didn't speak at all for some time, not until they came to an old tree. The cheetah stopped, looking up at the tree with amazement written all over her face. She had never seen a tree as old as this one - if Rafiki's tree was counted out. Though she thought this tree might have been even older than the one in which the baboon lived...
"Wow..."
That was all she could say.

Seleter approached the tree slowly, her ears perked up in curiosity. She circled around it, constatly sniffing the air and taking in the new scents. As she reached the other side of the tree she stopped on her tracks, her mouth wide open in surprise.

There was a... cave... in the tree. That was how the cheetah best could describe the hollow tree.
"Charlie!" she called as loudly as she dared with Sukari fast asleep on her back.
"Come check this out!"

Carefully she approached the entrance to the inside of the tree. She noticed that oddly enough, the floor inside was filled with short grass. It was odd, for there was very little light inside the tree. But the gras was fresh and green, no matter how short it was. Happily the cheetah laid down, lifting Sukari from her back to place her between her front feet.

This was a perfect shelter, and Seleter was happy that Kikome had lead them here.

[This Land]

Sukari stirred in her sleep, she felt someone moving her, she opened her eyes slightly to see she was now between Seleter's 2 front paws. Sukari looked at Seleter half asleep.
"Where are we?" she asked as she let out a little yawn
Sukari Snuggled up to under Seleter's head and buried her face in Seleter's neck and curled up. Half asleep, half awake.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kikome Continued to scan around the area, Keeping a sharp eye for anything he could take back to eat. He walked through some long grass at that moment, his eyes stuck onto something.......pride rock. A deep growl escaped his throat.

When the right time is present, i will return to pride rock, i will see the king and queen face to face. I owe my daughters life to Seleter and the group that she is in. So I will return the favour and give the group their life back, get them the freedom they deserve, no matter how hard the task will be. Kikome thought to himself.

As Kikome stood there continuing to think, he realised later how much he had blended into the long grass, and since he didn't move, a near stray Zebra had not recognised him.

Kikome Smiled, just for the one reason that he knew that the Zebra would become dinner and a great indicator to see if he hasn't lost his killing touch, after being in the jungle for several days.

Kikome slowly turned to the direction of the Zebra. he stretched back into a pouncing position, he stretched as far as he could until he couldn't hold it in much longer and leapt high out of the grass. In a twitch of a whisker, Kikome has sunk his teeth into the zebra's neck from the side while he was still in mid-air, his body flipping over in a front forward flip, causing the Zebra's neck to twist and break violently and Kikome then landing back on on 4 paws.The Zebra was dead with a single sound, the soft sound of a bone being snapped. Quick and quiet kill. the way he liked it.

Kikome licked his muzzle clean and smiled. that was his favourite move.
Kikome took a little bite out of the Zebra before he lifted it up on his back and set off back to the tree. After all Kikome was very hungry, and he couldn't resist a first quick bite. Now he just hoped that the group has found the Hollow tree, and them and Sukari are safe.

[Dakota]

Charlie bought his head up, when he heard Seleter call out his name with urgency. Moving quickly towards where he heard the cheetahs voice ring out, his eyes widened, there true to Kikome's word, was the great tree.

Hesitantly the black lion moved forward with Remba still on his back. As he came to the cave entrance he heard the cub give a small gasp with what they could both see. Inside was the perfect place to shelter and to hide away from any intruders eyes.

Bringing his muzzle around he picked up Remba by her neck and lowered her to the fresh green grass, placing her beside Sukari, then Charlie moved back towards the entrance, and stood watching his surroundings, waiting to see if indeed Kikome bought them food.

[Kirsui]

Seleter smiled at Charlie when he placed Remba down next to her and Sukari. She then watched as the lion moved to the entrance, apparently keeping watch.

She then tuned to look at Sukari.
"We're inside a special tree at the jungle" she explained.
"We met someone during our way here. He was nice enough to instruct us here. In fact..."
She paused momentarily, smiling at Sukari.
"...he told he would go catch some food and bring it here."

The golden cheetah then looked at Remba. Both of the cubs seemed fine and completely happy to be near her. This made her wonder... Would she be a good mother?

The cheetah flattened her ears and turned to gaze out at the jungle through the entrance, suddenly seeming saddened by something.

[Dakota]

Charlie lay there staring out lost in thought, he was confused still about everything and wasn't sure what he should be doing.

Should he stay here with Kikome, Seleter and the cubs, or should he go and see what he could find out about Nala and Fire, and maybe help them get away from Scar and Zira.
Worst of all he knew he was slightly jealous of the new Lion, especially now it seemed he was Sukaris father and Seleter had a deep attachment to Sukari....

Charlie's tummy rummbled slightly, realising it had indeed been a while since they had all eaten, looking behind him he saw the cubs happy together and then his gaze moved over to Seleter, she looked sad. He blinked quickly and looked back out the entrance, still not sensing anyone approaching.

Looking back at Seleter he let slip his thoughts, not realising he had actually said it outloud.

"I suppose this means you don't need me to teach you how to fight anymore?"

[This Land]

Sukari looked up at Seleter, still half asleep. She opened her eyes fully and had another yawn.
"This is such a lovely place" she said in amazement
Sukari soon stood up and took a little walk in a circle, examining and sniffing the inside of the tree with her tail waving while giving her legs a bit of life. Sukari looked over to Seleter and smiled wideley as soon as the word "food" was mentioned.
"Aww, im starving" she said in excitement
"Who is this Lion that you mentioned, because im confused i didnt wake up. I wake up straight away if my nose detects a lion or lioness that i havent smelled or come into contact before." Sukari said confused.
Sukari's smile soon returned and sat outside, waiting for the lion to bring back the food.

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Kikome soon was entering the thick forest with the Zebra on his back. He made sure to step carfully and not to catch the Zebra on anything, he wanted the meal to be perfect when presented to the group, except the bite he took out of it, Kikome was a bit of a perfectionist. He soon picked up the scent of the others, even though he knew which direction he was going, it waas still good to follow their scent, just incase they veared off direction and missed the hollow tree.

But soon enough Kikome's worries where put to rest, as he saw the Hollow tree ahead. And a even nicer suprise when he seen his daughter, looking really happy, staring right at him, just as if she knew him and she was going to pounce and welcome him and say somthing like "Hello daddy" just like she used to. Of course Kikome didnt get his hopes up, he was just in his own thoughts, hoping one day, that will happen again.

Kikome tried to hide a tear as he appraoched his daughter, but her smile and excitement just made Kikome go all soft, just kept bringing him back memories. Kikome soon got close enough and the courage to speak to her
"Why hello little one. You must be Sukari" he said warmly with a big smile
Sukari suddenly went all shy and hid her face behind one paw and her tail, but still keeping that big smile on her face. and let out a tiny giggle.

Kikome continued into the Hollow tree and carfully laid down the Dead zebra
"I see you all got here safe, and now have a good eat. Its only my own personnel manners that i let the group have a good feast before i have a bite. I will be keeping watch outside." he again said warmley

Kikome soon walked outside past Sukari again who was still hiding her face with her paw and tail by the entrance of the tree, still with that big smile on her face.
"Go on little one, have a bite to eat, you need your strength" he again said warmley with a big grin.

With that, Sukari soon ran over and almost literally dived into the zebra, ripping a big chunk of meat off, and soon dragging it away and started to nibble on it.

Kikome turned and watched Sukari's actions for a moment. another tear came out of Kikome's eye, it was so hard for him to take all this in at once. He Knew though it would soon all sink in. He just is Longing for the moment when one word comes out of Sukari..........."Daddy".

[Kirsui]

"I suppose this means you don't need me to teach you how to fight anymore?"

Seleter blinked her eyes as Charlie's words reached her ears. Before she could reply though, Sukari spoke out and checked the hollow tree. The cheetah watched as the cub went around, and she couldn't help but smile. Sukari went out, and soon enough Kikome came inside, carrying a zebra with him. Seleter smiled and nodded slightly at the lion, and then chuckled as Sukari came running inside and literally dug her way inside the zebra and caught a piece of food for herself.

Seleter nuzzled Remba and motioned at the zebra.
"Dinner time, sweety", she whispered.
Then she got up and walked over to Charlie, circling around the food. She would not eat yet, not before she talked with her lion companion.
"Charlie..."
Seleter let out a faint sigh and sat down next to the dark lion.
"What makes you say that...?"

She turned her flashing purple eyes at the lion, a determined expression on her face. When she spoke again she had lowered her voice so no other than Charlie would hear her.
"I would have no other teach me, you should know that. Would I have asked if I wasn't sure of this? I am, and I want to learn. Cheetahs don't fight, we run..."
She shook her head with another sigh and closed her eyes.
"But there are times when running is not an option. I have to protect Sukari and Remba, and even though Kikome is here now they need you too. They both don't know Kikome - Sukari because she doesn't remember."
She opened her eyes, but avoided looking at Charlie.
"And..." she begun, her voice becoming very quiet.
"...When I am to have cubs, I want to be able to protect them. And I want them to learn as well."

Seleter stood up, but didn't say anything else. She turned towards the zebra and the faint smile returned to her muzzle as she approached the food. She took out a piece of meat and carried it outside. She nodded at Kikome slightly as she passed him. Seleterdidn't want to eat inside with all the others, she had to get some time alone, at least for a moment. She laid down a bit away from the tree so that everyone inside could still see her, but also as far so that she wouldn't hear what was said there. And she ate.

[Reagen]

Reagen walked through the desert, with a smile on his face. He had just found an oasis, and better yet an antelope near it. With drink and a full stomach, he felt like a new Cheetah. The only thing that worried him was the size of this dessert. it seemed to stretch on miles. Ah well, he thought. it can't go on forever. I ought to reach the end of it soon enough. his brown eyes gleamed as he thought of an open field full of tall grass. plenty of water, plenty of food, and somewhere nice and cool to lie down and take a nap. And, what's this? He can see something in the distance! Feeling gleeful, he broke into a trot. Nothing could possibly be worse then being stuck in this desert.

[Dakota]

Charlie slowly let out the breath he had been holding once Seleter walked away from him. He watched her from the corner of his eye as she took some meat and moved out of the cave.

Still standing there, he didn't really know what to think or to feel. everything seemed to be confusing. Hearing his tummy rumble he moved over to the zebra and bent and ripped a piece of flesh off harshly and walked over near the cubs lowering himelf down, starting to eat.

Chewing slowly, he went back over what Seleter had said to him. Something was annoying him, he knew he was missing a point in all that she had stated. It was good that she still wanted him to teach her how to fight, because the cubs did need protecting, especially Remba as Sukari now had her father looking out for her.

Swallowing, Charlie ripped off another piece of meat and was about to sink his teeth in ,when the words 'And when I am to have cubs' rushed into his mind and echoed around.

Sitting there stunned for a moment, he shook his head No that can't be right, there hasn't been anyone here except me....wait..what about Fire.

Not being able to chew anymore, Charlie let the meat fall to the ground. Raising his head he looked out the entrance to where Seleter was lying by herself eating. Is she really going to have cubs or did I mishear her, and what will happen to Remba if she does

Pushing himself up, he needed to go for a walk by himself and some much needed air. Turning he looked down at Remba and Sukari "I wont be long, and Seleter is just outside", Carrying on Charlie walked outside and not looking at anyone he just announced into the
air " I wont be long, just having a break" then carried on not looking back.

[Reagen]

Reagen sagged through the jungle. He had mentally taken back his statement that nothing was worse then the desert. This is not nearly the "tropical Paradise" that he had in mind. Whoever told me that jungles are beautiful is in so much trouble next time I find them.

He climbed a tree and rested. He picked up the scent of many types of prey, but he hadn't seen one animal since he got here! Except bugs, that is. He sniffed the breeze, and longed to sink his teeth into the faint whiff zebra he smelled. Wait. That's not just zebra. Is that a lion? And another cheetah too! I should stay clear of them, but...

[Deleted]

Remba lay next to Sukari happily chewing away on her piece of meat. She looked up slowly when Charlie left them to go out side the cave, now it was just her and Suki who ahd the cave to themselves.

Feeling her tummy full, and not wanting anymore, she lifted her paw up to wipe at her face, giving it a quick wipe over. Pushing herself to her paws she walked to the opening and looked outside.

Seleter was laying there eating and the other big new lion was further away. Looking to the other side she could just see Charlie's blackness move through some bushes and go out of sight. Chewing on her bottom lip, Remba moved forward, hesitated at looked back to where Seleter was, then turned and moved quickly after where she last saw the black lion go to.

[Reagen]

Reagen had made up his mind, although he didn't like relying on anyone but himself, he needed to ask for help. Deciding he'd probably have better luck with his own species, he made a bee line for the cheetah.

He stopped once he got within her view. "Excuse me," He tried to sound the least intrusive he could. "I hate to intrude on your meal, but I've gotten myself lost in this jungle. Do you know the fastest way out?"

He didn't sit down, because he didn't want to stick around too long in case that lion he smelled showed up. He only hoped he didn't sound to stupid. He still felt embarrassed about getting lost in a jungle.