TLK IV

[Reagen]

Zazu was slightly startled, but pleased that Malka wanted him to continue being the royal adviser, he wasn't nearly as bad as he had expected him to be. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to have a change in leadership after all. Although he would miss Kovu and Kiara.

He flew to his favored perch on the rocks. "Well, your majesty. I already had a chance to talk with some of the lionesses. I don't think it's that they don't like you, although frankly I don't think they do, I think it is that they don't really trust you. They think your going to become the second Scar."

He shuffled around on his perch a little. He hoped he wasn't making Malka angry. "I suggest that instead of doing anything major yet, you wait until things have... cooled down a bit. If you do anything now while they are still worried about what kind of king you'll be, they'll find something wrong with it and become even more worried angry. In my opinion your majesty, I would try letting them carry on with their normal lives for the most part. Just don't let them think that you're lazy or weak by not doing anything, Perhaps when your wounds are healed you should hunt to show that you aren't going to make them do all the work. Or perhaps go and speak to Kopa."

He thought for a moment. "Of course, this is just my opinion. Maybe you already have a plan."

[silvermoon]

timon and pumba continud their path towards the mighty pride rock...or at least they did untill pumba suddenly slowed down and glanced longingly in the direction where they knew the water hole was. hey, "what`s the matter, with ya, did you step in some snail sludge?"
"well.. i`m starting to get really thirsty, and the water hole is right around th corner so i just thought.." he trailed off. let me do the thinking here budddy, timon started. At pumbas words he realized that his own throat was dry like sandpaper. I actually wouldn`t mind a little detour to the water hole, he thought to himself. "ya know buddy, we haven`t as much as seen any water in forver, so here`s an idea, what if we take a little stop to the water hole?"
with that they changed dirction, and went for the water hole.
in the moment the stumbld out from the long grass, the noticed the had company, a bunch of familiar looking lions stood by the shore. obviosly arguing ovr something
"hey why the long faces he shouted to them".

[cheezeegriff]

"Hey why the long faces?"

Kovu looked over the long grass.
"Timon... Pumba? Oh no..."
He crouched down in the grass and started slinking away. Why was it when he just wanted to be miserable the people most incapable of understanding turned up wanting a chat?

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Do nothing?"
Malka said.
"That doesn't sound very kingly... though maybe you're right. Any decision I make they could end up detesting me even more for. Say, what would you do about the elephants? I'm guessing you saw that they didn't bow to me? I've ordered them hunted exclusively until they do... I know you're not going to like that, but what would you do in my place? After all... I can't have them prancing around supporting Kovu. Animals as large as elephants... they could incite rebellion."

[Dakota]

~ Posting for Sarafina ~

Sarafina left Sarabi and kept walking, she wasn't about to look back as she was sure her friend was telling them all her decision to go to Malka. Her pace slowed for a moment, self doubt clouding her mind. stop dillydalling, you want to go and help him, they all know, so just keep moving.

Raising her head in a proud gesture, the lioness made her way up to the cave. Stepping in she was surprised to see Zazu already there, already taking up the role of Royal advisor.

"Zazu, how long have you been here,? Simba and Nala... you must go say hello, they are all together by the waterhole...well "

Suddenly realising she needed to explain why she was there, Sarafina felt shy and unsure of herself. She couldn't tell him that she had feelings for him, it was nala that he wanted, maybe she would just care for him till he didn't want her around any more.

"I'm here to tend to your wounds Malka, if you let me that is ! "
Stepping around to his side Sarafina lowered herself slowly so as not to bump his wounds, she could see Kovu had certainly inflicted damage on him.
Looking down she slowly started licking, cleaning up area after area, just stopping for breath, then ever so gently, so not to cause him any more pain she carried on.

[Reagen]

"Ah, yes. The elephants. That I'm not to sure about. In my personal opinion hunting them alone might make them even more angry. Perhaps you should-"

"Zazu, how long have you been here,? Simba and Nala... you must go say hello, they are all together by the waterhole."

He turned from Malka to Sarafina and back again, unsure who to adress. "Oh, er, I suppose I should, but I was just speaking with the king and um..."

He was slightly confused as to what he should do. He turned to Malka, hoping he'd tell him what he should do.

[Deleted]

Sarabi slowly walked to where the others were all arguing, coming to stand by her son.

"STOP all this nonsense now, you are all doing what Malka hopes you will, bringing discord among ourselves instead of coming to a solution. He is doing this for another reason beside showing Simba that Nala is his to do with as he pleases, you all have to work out what it is. "

"We have our two prides, Malka has only seized one of them to rule. Kopa is still King of the other, in case you have all forgotten. Unless he gets my grandson so riled up and challenges him, we still have a chance.>"

Looking over her family's heads she watched Scruffy adn Vitani move away back to where the border river was, with the Outlands on the other side. Zira..., still causing trouble, even in absence

[cheezeegriff]

Malka winced: Sarafina's tongue was like sandpaper, still, it was doing him good, he knew.
"Ahh Sarafina! I thought you might be the only one brave enough to attend the king's wounds,"
he said, giving her his most charming smile, then turned to Zazu.
"Finish what you were saying about the elephants, Zazu, then go and say hello to all your friends. And tell Kopa that I'd like to see him, when it's convenient for him of course."
He looked back to Sarafina, at her eyes, which watched him closely, though not with fear.
An odd pride indeed.

[Reagen]

"Yes, of course." Zazu started again. "Perhaps you should pretend you didn't notice what they did. Well, no. What I mean is, act like you don't think they are a threat. If you let them sulk about it, they'll probably just get over it eventually, elephants are fairly passive when it comes to these matters, they usually won't take action without a very good reason."

He shuffled a little. He was hoping his advice would work, or Malka might change his mind about letting him keep his position. And that would be terrible news for him. He really did enjoy living at pride rock.

"Well, I supposed I'd best see how the rest of the pride is doing." He said as he flew off.

_________________________________________________________________


Zazu landed near Kovu, Kopa and all the others.

"Ah, hello everyone. I'm glad to see none of you are dead." He looked at Kovu. "My, you don't look well though, do you? Terribly sorry about you losing your position as king. But I supposed these things are bound to happen from time to time."
Zazu wasn't sure what to say, there wasn't much he really could. He hoped that he wasn't intruding on anything.
"In any case, Kopa. Malka told me that he wanted to speak to you at some point. I think he intends to arrange a meeting."
He looked around. "Say, do you know where Scruffy and Vitani are? I haven't spoken to either of them all day."

[Tamber]

Tani watched around her as the others reacted to her arguments. There she went again, encouraging dispute between those she loved. She saw the broken-hearted look come upon Kovu's face, the frustration slip into the speaking of Sarabi and Kopa. Tani was just making everything worse. She chose not to speak of it anymore, with anyone. Turning around she saw Scruffy, sitting patiently as she waited for someone to join her. Look how composed she is. Why can't I be more like her in times like this?

Without another word, Vitani trotted over to Scruffy, her body language confident but her face telling a different story. She looked rather unsure, but she resolved not to speak to anyone for another few hours unless she found Zira. Her words were just making everything worse, and she needed time to compose herself, to prepare her mind and senses to see her mother again, to shake off all her mistakes and use them to her advantage. It was time to become the strong, serious Tani again.

Still, she realized that ever since her mother returned in her life, Tani had become real.
_________________________________
Nala sat perched upon the rock for several minutes, watching the lionesses shuffle around and adjust to all that was happening. The sun was rising, now, the clouds clearing away and the rains all resting upon the earth, no longer hastening through the air from the clouds that used to hold them. She needed time to think, and she didn't even glance in Malka's direction for several minutes; not until Zazu flew in from the corner of her eye.

Thank god. Maybe Zazu will help straighten this guy out a bit.

She had faith in Zazu. Though he never had any power, he had the most executive experience of anyone in many generations of this pride. He had always been there for them, and he was very intelligent, a great negotiator. He would help them, most certainly.

When she saw him fly away she decided to visit the rock again, remembering that it was, in a way, her job. Still, she wondered how she could be Malka's "little hornbill" if he already had one.

Reaching the platform, she saw, unsurprisingly, her mother grooming Malka and tending to his wounds. I guess there is one lioness here who is willing to bite. She left them alone for a few moments, listening to what they might have to say. They faced away from her, so she could eavesdrop comfortably. Whatever her mother was doing, Nala didn't feel so good about it. What exactly was she thinking about this new king? Why was she so different from the others?

[Dakota]

Kopa turned quickly away from Kiara and Sarabi, looking around when he heard a flapping sound. A smile broke out on his muzzle seeing Zazu.

"You have come back my friend, it's been too long... you arrival is good timing, we need you with us against Malka, we need your guidance and skill."

Stopping with his greeting, his eyes widened with what Zazu next spoke.
"what do you mean Malka wants to SEE ME."

Looking intently at Zazu, Kopa moved in closer...
"are you saying you are now guiding Malka, and not staying with your loyal friends, and you are doing his bidding.?"

Kopa's head turned and looked at the rest of his family, minus Nala and Sarafina who were already with Malka it seemed>
"Has the almighty Malka forgotten that he is only one half of the ruler, and that I AM still king of my lands ?"
"Maybe Zazu, you should report back to your majesty and tell him that your other majesty would like to see him down here byt he waterhole."

Grinning, Kopa turned and walked away moving to lie down by the water, lapping slowly, while his mind turned over any possibility to try and find a solution to what they now found themseleves in.

[Reagen]

Zazu was slightly startled at Kopa's anger. He looked at him very seriously. "Kopa, please, You must remember that it is my duty to serve the king of pride rock. I'm not trying to betray anyone here. I am just trying to do my job."
He looked around, as if to check for spies, Then continued.
"I think Malka does overestimate his power, however. I was rather surprised when he wanted me to summon you. I do intend to tell him you would not agree to that, but my main focus outside of serving the king at this point is to try not to start a war between you two. I ask you to not send him a message that will make him too angry. He's... not like the lions around here at all. I don't know what to say about him, really. He's quite aggresive. He does seem to trust me, though."

He looked around at everyone, and sighed. "Oh, what a mess we're in."

[cheezeegriff]

Malka endured Sarafina's cleaning with the best grace he could summon, opening his eyes every now and then to check if she was nearly done, and finding there were still dozens of welts and scratches left to clean. After a while he got used to the rhythm though, daydreaming to keep his mind off the pain, and his mind went back to happier times.

There had been a lioness who had cleaned him in a similar fashion to Sarafina, lost to him now, lost to cruelty and malice. For a while he let the delusion take him to a happer place, and he closed his eyes: the cleaning was uncomfortable, but the care behind it, the trust, the joy of sharing a moment alone with someone... they outweighed the discomfort a thousandfold. Only when his eyes drifted open did he realise where he was, and all that had happened in the meantime, that he had no friends: that there were people who hated him, who wanted him dead, that Sarafina might be one of them, and in a moment of panic he roared with fright and anger and leapt to his feet, backing away against the wall of the cave.
Of course, he knew what he had done instantly, and slowed his breathing as best as possible.
"Sorry,"
he said, huffing, settling himself, and walking back to Sarafina's side.
"I really am sorry... you came here and showed me kindness and I must have scared you half to death. I do appreciate your attention, but I must ask... why?"
He looked behind him for the cubs further back in the den, and at the exit, seeing nobody. They must have used the hole in the rear wall to escape.
"Did Nala send you to take my guard down so she could break my neck? Or was it Simba, perhaps?"
He looked her in the eye.
"Or... is it from the kindness of your heart?

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Kovu listened to Kopa's rage and winced: he would argue with him, if he thought he would listen, but instead he just wagged his head at him, and made sure he noticed: did he want to make Kovu's mistake of letting his heart rule his head?
"I'm going to find somewhere to rest in peace,"
he whispered in Kiara's ear, then licked her cheek.
"Do what you think is best."
He meant either for her to follow him or to act in some fashion with the others. Right now he was too drained to care, and began hobbling away slowly.

[Dakota]

~ Posting for Sarafina ~

Sarafina lifted her eyes from her task, to find Malka watching her. Holding his gaze she let a small smile grace her face, then looked away to reposition herself around the other side of his body, so she could clean up the remaining wounds.
If Malka has this damage, I wonder what kovu has had inflicted on him

Feeling Malka relax and loosen up, Sarafina slowed down her licking, making her movements more soothing. Bringing up a paw she was about to stroke his fur when he roared and sprang back.

Falling back on her rump with fright, Sarafina held up a paw in front of her, thinking Malka was about to strike her for displeasing him.
"Please don't hit me, I was being gentle to you".
Hearing no reply, she moved her paw away and looked up to see him standing beside her, speaking softly.
"I really am sorry... you came here and showed me kindness and I must have scared you half to death. I do appreciate your attention, but I must ask... why?"

Sarafina swallowed, not really knowing what to say, should she tell him of her feelings or just keep her muszzle shut in case he laughed at her and sent her away.
Sighing and nibbling on her lower lip well what have I got to loose, I'm already by myself

Raising her head in a graceful gesture Sarafina met his eyes. Blinking slowly she stared for a moment longer, just watching the expression on his face.

"I came because you needed someone, I know its my daughter you still have feelings for, feelings from when you both were young, but I thought maybe... I could be the one for now, that takes care of you, is there for you when you are lonely."
About to lower her head, Sarafina instead held it higher, not ashamed ofwhat she was saying to the younger lion, but she softened her voice to a mere whisper.

"I also know what its like to be lonely Malka."

[cheezeegriff]

"I also know what its like to be lonely Malka."

Malka snorted, and turned his head away.
"You're lucky your daughter is still alive... I wasn't always alone, you know. I had a partner once... a whole family. Dead now. Does that matter to you, that you won't be the first? That there's many ghosts in my past?"
Huffing once, Malka rested his cheek on the stones, feeling the sting below his left eye, where Nala had clawed him.
"I do love Nala... she was the first person I EVER loved. If I hadn't been... driven from this land, we could have so easily been together. She might be mine."
He raked his fingers over the stone, gritting his teeth in anger.
"I might be your son-in-law. I might have born you grandchildren."
Sighing, silent for a time, he listened to the sounds of the savannah outside, to the wind in distant trees, over stones. It was much like the mountains here, in the den. Much like everything he had lost.
"Gain, loss... gain, loss... And I will ALWAYS love her, on some level, and I'll always watch out for her. You might win my heart more than she after a time but it'll be a long, hard slog.
"So after hearing all of that, are you really so interested in seeking company with me? That happy exterior I put on wins friends, and sometimes I actually mean it, but that's not all that I am. Do you really want to tangle yourself in the mess that's Malka?"
He leaned closer still.
"And if I ever find you're trying to get into my affections for them, that you're playing at my weakness, my loneliness, so you can stab me in the back, it won't be pleasant for you here."
Then he put on his charming smile, just to show her how easily it came to him, and raised his brows as if he were asking a casual question.
"So, still interested?"

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Kiara turned away from Kovu when she heard Zazu's voice. She was going to say hello, but he began speaking of Malka and she got a nasty taste in her mouth. Malka was scum to her right now, and would probably stay at that status to her for a long while. She let her tongue rest on the roof of her mouth and waited for Kopa and Zazu to finish. Kiara gave a small wince as her brother got slightly angry. She hated to see her brother unhappy.

When they had finished, she licked Kovu back. "I'll be with you in a few moments, darling." she whispered in his ear. She turned back to Zazu. "Well hello Zazu! I haven't seen you in ages! I'd stay to chat, but I think I should probably stay with Kovu for the time being." she said to him warmly. She gave a bright smile as she turned and trotted after Kovu, who was only about fifty feet away. She felt badly that he couldn't move as fast as he used to because of his injuries.

She caught up with him quickly and matched her stride to his, which was definitely slower than she was used to. She nuzzled him softly and looked into his eyes. "Where are you planning on going?" she asked curiously, her head cocked to one side.

[Kirsui]

Scruffy had waited patiently, her face blank and her gaze jumping from each lion present to the other when they spoke. Frustrating, that was what the whole thing was right now. But she didn't let it show, just as she didn't let her joy show when Vitani finally came to her and they were able to get on the move again.

Though... Another thing holding her joy back from showing was the expression Vitani had. The fluffy necked glanced at her old friend as they made their way towards the Outlands. She could read her almost like an open book, after all she had been the other one to babysit Vitani and Kovu when they had been but small cubs.
"'Tani, it's gonna be ok."
She said this on a reassuring voice, though deep in her mind even she herself wasn't sure if things were "gonna be ok".

---

She didn't know what it was in this place that made her feel somewhat calm. The eerie green glow the whole place had added in with the shining white bones that were gathering dust, the place was more creepy than calming.

But as she laid on that ledge, gazing down at the stony, green, dusty, misty and bony place, she truly felt at peace. She was like a queen, gazing down at the long forgotten kingdom of... well, dead elephants and other animals that had met their fate at the unforgiving enviroment that was this place.

Oh she knew there had been life here. She couldn't remember, but it was just like with those termite nests. She knew lions had lived there, just like she knew there once had been hyenas here. But the filthy little beasts were gone, the only thing left behind by them were the clawmarks and a few rotting skeletons.

She laid her head on her corssed paws, her eyes half closed as her gaze kept wandering around. Here she felt at peace because there was this precence here that she knew she was familiar with but that she couldn't remember. Absently she scratched her torn ear before taking a deep breath and closing her eyes completely to dwell on the familiarity of this place without falling asleep.

[Tamber]

"'Tani, it's gonna be ok."

Tani was slightly interrupted from her thoughts by the soothing sound of a comforting Scruffy's voice. She looked up to her friend, seeing a calm, reassuring grin upon her face that soon disappeared, as if it wasn't a smile worth keeping. Tani knew that it wasn't, but was grateful for the smile, nonetheless. She was grateful for Scruffy.

"I hope so," she said softly. She had nothing else to say; plenty of thoughts, plenty of opinions and feelings, but nothing to say. She still felt that words wouldn't be the best choice at this point. She was just happy to be in silence for the time being. As the minutes passed by she began to feel more calm. Her raging thoughts cooled down and eventually floated along into different categories. She pondered life, pondered her past and her future, why she was acting this way and why she hardly ever had before.

I just wish I knew what it was like to have a mother who loves me...to have a parent. Everyone here seems to know what that's like like the backs of their paws. It seems like it makes them so happy and complete. That must be why they're so much more peaceful and accepting than we are, why Kovu's that way. Sure, strength has been branded on us, but there's that praise and acceptance that we've always gone without. I guess I...well...as much as I hate to admit it...I envy them in that way."

[Dakota]

~ Posting for Sarafina ~

Sitting there still looking up at Malka, a litle sigh of relief flowed through her. She listened intently when he spoke of his losses and his loves.
so he did find another to love after Nala, but who took them away from him, that has turned his heart into stone.

Slowly Sarafina rose to her paws, shaking her self, while her mind was in a turmoil what do I say to him that wont make him more angrier
Facing him, she took a small breath .
"I don't know what you want to hear Malka but I'm not going to lie, just to soothe your bad mood. I came here to you, to help you and care for you, and whatever else you might need, but I won't turn my back on my Daughter and her children. I love them, even though they don't seem to have any time for me these days I'm just left alone to pass the hours.
If they need me I will go to them. I'm not here to play spies, I would rather we all be living in harmony again..but what will be, will be."
Looking out towards the entrance of the cave, Sarafina stared for a moment, then looked back at Malka.
"So . maybe instead of you asking me its your turn now, to tell me whether to go or stay."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Simba lay in the shade a while longer, while staring up at Nala poised on the ledge. Was he about to loose her and her love to Malka, was the lion just back here among their pride to seek revenge from when they were cubs.

Moving his head sightly, his eyes followed Kopa as he moved away from the others, to sit by himself.
guess it's time for a father son chat, to put a few things in perspective

Using the strength in his front limbs. Simba pushed himself quickly up and moved agilely towards his son.

[cheezeegriff]

Malka listened to Sarafina, not looking at her, but gazing out the entrance of the cave at the savannah.

"So . maybe instead of you asking me its your turn now, to tell me whether to go or stay."

Interesting. Was she simply trying to gain his trust to stab him in the back? Was she sent here by her daughter, or Kovu or this Kopa? Should they conspire to kill him he knew which side Sarafina would take. At the same time...

"Stay,"
he finally said,
"though you must be mad. If something about me makes you happy, who am I to deny it to you? There's enough misery in the world without me adding to it any further."
Malka looked to her and, after a moment, gave her a wry smile.
"I'm not usually quite this miserable. Alright, Sarafina, you're welcome in my den, for the time being at least. Now,"
He rolled onto his back.
"Tell me how I may gain the trust of your relatives as well. Do you have any advice for how to best run a kingdom?"

[Dakota]

Kopa walked away once he saw Vitani and Scruffy set out on their journey, he didn't have his hopes up that Zira would willingly come to pride rock, if she came, well they would have to deal with it, he just hoped that it might give Tani some perspective about her life.

Watching Kovu and Kiara move away to be themselves, mmm he's going to lick his wounds as they say, and my sister will be licking his wounds, giving a small smirk Kopa turned just in time to see his father approach. it will be good to get his advice I need to know how to handle Malka or we are all going to loose what we hold so dear

"Hello father, I was just about to come looking for you, Malka has requested that I pay him a visit, I...need some help...please, and maybe grandmother, seeing she's now alone, she always has something interesting to say."

Turning around Kopa shouted for Sarabi to come join himself and Simba.

[Dakota]

~ posting for Sarafina ~

Sarafina stood there not looking at Malka, keeping her eyes focused on the horizon she could see out of the cave entrance. SHe was listening to what he had to say, but trying not to show any emotion, she was sure when he had finished he would send her packing.

"Alright, Sarafina, you're welcome in my den, for the time being at least. "
Surprised, her head swung around, with her mouth hanging open a little at what he had said.
"You want me to stay ?"
About to smile, his next words made her feel used and a frown appeared on her face

"Tell me how I may gain the trust of your relatives as well. Do you have any advice for how to best run a kingdom?"

Stepping closer as he rolled onto his back, she gave him a glance over.Looking the way he did, softened him greatly,he almost seemed approachable the way he was relaxed.
Stepping up beside him now, Sarafina lowered her self down slowly so their heads were aligned.

"Malka, I dont doubt that you have had sadness and love lost in your life, and I don't know how the pride you were in ruled, but here we all try to live in harmony. There's no one issuing rules do this and do that, its just the way it is, and we all try and look out for each other."
Pausing, Sarafina looked him in the eye "Maybe you should go for a walk and meet with Simba and Kopa, and take Zazu along as well?, instead of demanding, work together....just a thought".

[Deleted]

Sarabi turned her head sharply when she heard her name called and watched as Kopa and Simba stood there talking with their voices lowered. She knew it could only mean that something had to be done about Malka, Kopa wasn't the sort to gove up without a fight, even though it wasn't him who had lost his crown.

Looking through her lowered lashes trying to be discreet, she saw Kiara wander off after her mate, she wondered if Kopa would forgive him for loosing the fight and letting Malka half rule.

Sighing, she finally moved over to where they now lay, moving her head slightly to see Nala still standing there by her self. I wonder how Sarafina is getting on, its her choice whether she wants Malka as a mate, hope she realises he wont make it eady for her .

"So, I presume you are discussing ways to throw Malka out on his ear ?"

[Reagen]

"That's the general Idea, yes." Simba smirked as he replied to his mother. "I would say that Kopa fighting him is to risky, if he loses then Malka won't budge off the throne. Perhaps starting a rebellion would be the best course of action."
He waited for the opinions of Kopa and Sarabi. Between the three of them, surely they could think of something.

________________________________________________________


Zazu had been listening to the conversation so far.
"You know... It is my duty to tell the king of any threats against him."
He looked very serious, but then he smiled.
"However, I suppose it is a shame that I was so busy speaking to my good friend Kovu that I didn't even notice you three together, isn't it? Well, I suppose I should be off then. After all, there are probably things to be done all over the kingdom."
He flew off.

(OoC: Sorry for the weird post, I'm not really sure what to do with anyone.)

[cheezeegriff]

"Maybe you should go for a walk and meet with Simba and Kopa, and take Zazu along as well?, instead of demanding, work together....just a thought."

Malka looked at Sarafina and pulled a face.
"What's a king if he doesn't make demands? What's a king if none follow his demands... Gah. I requested that Kopa come and speak with me... I should give him the chance to reply."
He sighed, looking about, realising they were alone.
"Then again, no point in hiding here, doing nothing."
Malka pushed himself up. Not only his injuries ached but his muscles too, and he walked slowly towards the exit, testing himself, making sure he could make himself appear to be strong.
"Then again again, maybe I'm better than I thought. Heh... must be your licking, Sarafina: I feel better alrea-"
He cut himself off and stopped midstride. There, crouching by the entrance was Nala, eyes wide as if she'd been sprung doing something wrong.
She had been spying on him.
They're plotting to kill me, he thought, and flexed his claws. Nala didn't say anything, or move, so he lowered his head and said,
"Seems I've found a little hornbill to replace you, Nala. You need not trouble yourself to come near Pride Rock again. Understood?"
Remembering Sarafina, he looked over his shoulder and sighed.
"Though for your mother's sake, I'll pretend that this time your motive was only her safety. Show her some respect, would you?"
Then, stepping closer so he could speak without Sarafina hearing, he said,
"Besides, if you play your cards right you could be part of the royal family again."
He smiled at her before striding away, keeping his ears on her rather than his eyes. From the tip of Pride Rock he looked over his new land and spotted a large group of lionesses standing about the nearby waterhole, a little hornbill fluttering amongst them.
Oh Zazu. Not you, too.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Where are you planning on going?"

Kovu looked up at Kiara, and from the corner of his eye saw a lion standing on the tip of Pride Rock. Only Simba or himself would stand there with such... arrogance, he supposed. It was Malka, so of course it must be arrogance.
He settled down in the damp grass, where it was long and he could hide himself.
"Here will do,"
he said, then stretched carefully. He could still hear the party talking from here, and his ears pricked when Simba said,

"Perhaps starting a rebellion would be the best course of action."

Kovu grunted: A rebellion? He sighed; all he wanted to do was sleep and rest, but he wasn't going to let them start a bloodbath. Wincing at Sarafina he said,
"Maybe I'm needed back there before they all do something stupid,"
and heaved himself back on his feet, hobbling the way he had come.
Zazu was talking when he arrived. He shot Vitani's back a dark look as she wandered off with Scruffy, and said,
"So... what - exactly - are we planning to rebel against? I agreed to the duel and lost: the crown is his by right. Just because we don't like the fact that he is king doesn't justify a rebellion or Scar and Zira would have been right to kill Mufasa. Boy, I hope I don't ever fall out of favour."
It only struck him that that the situation wouldn't apply anymore, and he cleared his throat.
"If I'm ever king again. Anyway, if you want a legitimate rebellion that doesn't set one half of the pride against the other, we'll need a reason to throw him out that everyone agrees with. If we turf him out before he proves he's not fit to lead, won't that justify others to do the same to us, or our children?"
He looked to Kiara as he said the last.
"We need to wait for him to make a mistake. A big mistake... then demand his leaving. After all, he's no ruler: he's bound to make one some time or another."
He looked at Zazu.
"One thing I learned under Zira: in order to trick someone into following bad advice, you need to make them trust you. 'Nine truths. The tenth is a lie,' as the saying goes. Guide him well... gain his trust, then we'll lead him into the biggest mistake of his life."
He settled onto the ground with a groan.
"So, does anyone have any ideas? How can we make him make a mistake?"

[Dakota]

Kopa lay there listening to his father talk about a rebellion, not saying anything he turned to Sarabi, waiting he hoped for something wise to come out of her muzzle. Just as he was about to question her, who should walk up but the one who had started it all.

Staring at him briefly, he tried not to appear too snide.
"Kovu how kind of you to join us, thought you were off with my sister licking your wounds..ooh sorry she was licking your wounds."

Turning back to his father and showing compromise on his features, Kopa was about to speak then glanced up at pride rock. there he is surveying his so called kingdom, there has to be a reason he came back to priderock, not just because of mother. It was almost as if he picked a fight, with the weakest one of us, knowing he would win, then he couldcarry out some sort of plan.. revenge plan maybe...I just don't know what

"I think, I need to go and talk with him, all of us congregating down here, he might get stupid ideas in his mind."

Grinning slyly Kopa stood up, shaking himself vigorously. "but on the other hand, if he makes it down here and we don't cross paths, remember there is four of you to his one, I'm sure you could all end his 'reign' somewhat suddenly."

Holding his head regally, Kopa slowly strolled in the direction of pride rock, he wasn't going to appear in a hurry or contrite, after all half of this was his as well, and he wasn't about to let Malka forget that as well.

[Sarafina]

Sarafina looked around. He couldnt leave now! She sighed and walked forward after he talked to Nala. She stopped and stared down her daughter.

"Nala go back to Simba....Your not needed here anymore..."

She was dead serious too. Her daughter had done enough to ruin her life. She couldnt risk this. She stood tall and then looked over at Malka. She walked by Nala and walked forward. She then stopped and sat a little behind Malka. She wasnt going to say anything.

She looked at Priderock and sighed. This was better then before. She wasnt entirely alone. Yet again.. she was still extremely alone. Nala was sure to tell Simba.. Simba would of course tell Sarabi. If Sarabi knew.. Would she stop talking to her?

She really didnt think this through. She stared at the ground and sighed. Maybe this isnt supposed to be. Maybe Malka wasnt supposed to help her. Maybe she was supposed to stay alone forever. She looked up at the sky and wanted a response.. nothing. Maybe Mufasa gave up on her too.

[Tamber]

"I don't know how the pride you were in ruled, but here we all try to live in harmony. There's no one issuing rules do this and do that, its just the way it is, and we all try and look out for each other."

Nala nodded her head with a smile at her mother's words. Hearing Malka's response, it appeared that he still couldn't get used to what both Nala and her mother had tried to tell him. Still, she could only expect so much. She was at least glad that her mother wasn't just caving in to everything he said.

What was going on between her mother and Malka, Nala wasn't sure, but if he made her mother happy, she supposed it couldn't hurt anything. Her mother needed someone beside her, and as busy as Nala herself was, most of the time Sarafina was left alone. But she would be watching. No part of her trusted Malka, and if he layed one paw on her mother, he'd have a few more scars to tend to, and no one but himself to clean them.

Suddenly she heard Malka walking toward the entrance. She sat up and looked at him sternly as he glared at her and unsheathed his claws. He was smart...he knew she was spying, but Nala chose not to react. She listened calmly to his words, still not reacting, not looking at him but staring into space in front of her.

"Seems I've found a little hornbill to replace you, Nala. You need not trouble yourself to come near Pride Rock again. Understood?"

As Malka walked away she chuckled and spoke to herself under her breath. "Well...some good news today, afterall."

Turning to her mother, who walked out shortly after the haughty king, she gave her a smile. Still, it didn't last for long, remembering that she had been eavesdropping. Then Sarafina said something that broke the former hornbill's heart.

"Nala go back to Simba....Your not needed here anymore..."

You're not needed...something about the combination of these words and her mother's seriousness made Nala's heart wrench. It couldn't be...that now maybe her mother hated her, too. Nala felt tears well up in her eyes, but in a painful strain, she kept them from falling. Instead, she dropped her head, watching her mother walk away after Malka.

"I'm sorry, Mom, for eavesdropping, but I don't understand what I did to you otherwise," she said quietly and solemnly, not looking at her. "I just hope you know what you are doing." With this Nala stood up and walked away from them. The days had been long. She didn't want to see anyone, didn't want comfort from anyone but herself. She needed to be alone.

[cheezeegriff]

Malka looked at Sarafina with surprise. It was easy to hate Nala when she was presenting that cold-hearted contempt. That mask of anger hid what she was really feeling, and it was easy to put aside any feelings of compassion he might have for her.
But when her own mother had rebuked her there hadn't been a mask. He had seen the real thing, and the hurt her own mother had caused her.
"What did you do that for?"
he said softly, not with any anger but with concern for Nala's sake. Then he realised he had almost done the same thing... well, not quite. Kicking someone out of Pride Rock wouldn't hurt as much as being rejected by their own mother. He walked back to Sarafina and laid his paw on hers.
"As much as I appreciate you being on my side, I'd prefer it if you didn't alienate yourself from the other pride members. I'm aiming to attain a little stability here. The more Nala hates me - or us - the more likely we'll have to settle it violently."
Then it occured to him: maybe that's what Sarafina wants: make herself out to be on his side then start a fight with the others, and turn on him at the last moment. He glanced at her eyes pleadingly, searching them for signs of deception, but finding only sadness. Rubbing his cheek with her he said,
"For the sake of the old kings, make up with Nala. Someone's life could depend on it."
He looked back over the savannah, at the creatures gathered by the waterhole, noting one was walking this way.
"Then again, maybe you're needed here."

[Sarafina]

Sarafina looked at Malka. She looked away and pulled her paw away from his. She WAS making a mistake. Her heart wrenched and twisted. Why though? Becuase she realised that her love for Malka wasnt all there? Or that she rejected her daughter? She knew all he wanted was to get closer to Nala.

She looked at him and then at the lion coming. She shook her head and sighed.

"Youll have to deal with it yourself..."

She had had enough of being played. She turned and stood up. She kept her head down and sniffled.

"Im sorry..."

She then looked up a little and ran down Pride rock. Yes she was running away alot, but she couldnt help it. She ran and ran. Passed everyone at the watering hole, passed the savannah, the grasslands, and into the Jungle. She wanted nothing to do with anyone. She had a feeling no one wanted her there either. She knew her own daughter hated her right now. Who didnt hate her?

[Deleted]

Sarabi didn't get chance to say what was on her mind, before Kopa announed he was going to visit Malka. Sighing quickly, the older lioness looked at Simba.

"I'm beginning to wonder, if what this kingdom needs is a female paw on how things should be run, because you males aren't doing a very good job, in fact I've a good mind myself to go pay Malka a little visit.."

Turning to Simba, catching the surprised look on his face "I'll be back my son"

Sarabi wasn't sure what she was going to say, but something needed to be said, and she wasn't sure how Kopa was going to behave as well.

Marching after Kopa, but not catching up with him, her eyes widened as she saw Sarafina run down priderock and just as fast run off . ok thats done it, he's hurt my friend and now he's really got some explaining to do, the measly little runt