TLK IV

[Dakota]

"Is this the best ya can do, Yer Slowness?"

Kopa grinned broadly, this was the Scruffy he loved to play with, uninhibited, speaking freely with that sharp tongue he liked so much.
Watching as her sleek body started to move in front of him, Kopa didn't even think, he just acted on his impulses and surged along side her, feeling their bodies gently rub against each other while moving and the breeze upon them both, no one to watch, no one to care or critisise.

' Should I make a move, while we are are out here alone, should I give in to my weakness for her, how would she react I wonder'.

Kopa took a breath and with concentration he pushed against her hoping it would make her stumble and fall to the soft dry dirt they were running on.

[Kirsui]

One moment she was gaining lead and getting ahead of Kopa, the next moment he was beside her, pushing her so that she would stumble and fall.

Quite a cheater, this King of hers was...

Kopa's push was strong enough to send her off balance, but that did not mean she would have fallen. She could feel she was collapsing to the side. She could almost hear Zira's voice ring in her ears on one of the balance lessons the stripe headed had given. She could hear her yell at her for failing, and then the next moment praise her balance for succeeding.

The voices of her memories faded fast though when her reflexes kicked in and she swiftly jumped to the side she had been falling to, and then continued running. She had not fallen, but she had been slowed down so that Kopa was now leading.

Now what? She would not let Kopa get away with his little trick, but what could she do? The old gorge was ahead of them, she could already see it faintly in the distance, and she was not sure at all that she would catch up. In fact she was certain it would be too much to try get ahead of him if he kept running like that.

That is, if he kept running. A mischievous smirk appeared to her muzzle as she once again sped up her speed to catch up on Kopa. She didn't approach from straight behind, instead she kept on running so that she would have at some point reached his side. But that wasn't her aim, and when she estimated she was close enough she pounced, opened her arms and then aimed a perfect tackle at Kopa. And while they rolled at the ground her only thought was that she would need to begin running again when they would finally stop.

[Deleted]

Sarabi was walking along head down, her mind racing along trying to think of different plans about what to do with Malka.

If he hadn't of been so pig headed in how he dealt with what he thought was eveyone against him all the time, he wouldn't have most wanting to see him fall and break his neck, he could have settled in quite nicely, but nooo

Looking up a moment she saw Sarafina and her dopey son slowly make their way to the cave, she also wondered how long Malka would let her stay.

[Dakota]

Kopa heard the lioness coming up closer to him once more, he was enjoying the freedom of it all, out where no one else could see or hear him, behave like an adolescent again.
About to swerve and try and knock her down again , he was surprised when he felt her tackle him with open paws. As it was unexpected Kopa lost his balance and stumbled, but then his eyes widened as he felt her warm paws grab at him and they rolled over clutching each other for support.

well, well, this is indeed my lucky day, a second chance at a bit of fun with my Scruffy, wonder how much of a fight she'll put up this time.

Kopa pushed out a paw and unsheathed his claws and dug them quickly into the soil, slowing down their fall while gaining himself some time, his other paws came out and took hold of her tightly so she couldn't move without him allowing her too. Finally they came to a halt, dust clouds falling down around over them and resting back on the ground.

He had the advantage at last, Scruffy lay on her back while Kopa lay stretched out partially covering her body with his own. Not moving, he lay staring down at her while a grin passed over his muzzle, maybe he would have a bit of fun with her, while she was still undecided what he was actually going to do.

Bringing up a paw he gently smoothed any errant fur away from her face, so he could see clearly any emotions that passed over, she was good at hiding things rather quickly he had found from past experiences. Not moving his gaze from hers, his paw travelled to her cheek, stopping and caressing in a circular motion, and then to her lips. Kopa wasn't about to let her sharp teeth lay claim, so moved on with his paw.

Licking his lips slowly he could taste the layer of dust, but enjoyed watching Scruffy.
"Well this is a most pleasant little excursion we have found ourselves in, isn't it my dear?"

Kopas paw moved over her chest slowly and gently as he could. The feel of her soft fur and her heart beating so fast under his inspection, bought a loud purr from in his throat and out so she could hear it as well.
Hesitating for a moment he waited, there wasn't a sound he heard from the lioness, again his paw moved, stroking her like she was a perfect gift that had fallen from above into his lap, all the while his gaze still held hers.

There was nothing in his mind, just him and Scruffy alone, would all these past weeks of hoping and dreaming that keept him awake at night and restless during the day, would it all now be possible.

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

Sarafina kept walking with her son, she had thought he would understand what she was telling him, that it was ok to be his own person, no matter what others said.

Hearing his words once more she stopped, and held up a paw stopping him also.
"Mheetu, it doesnt matter what others think of you, hold your head up high, no one will hurt you while you are here amongst us all, they mighten understand you and the words you speak, but you wont be harmed. Simba, Kopa and Malka won't let that happen.. please trust me on this. But... Mheetu you also need to open your ears some more, and also listen to what others speak of to you, most have many years of wisdom and knowledge, things that you also need to learn."

Sarafina was about to move forward once more, but hesitated and tried not to let a sigh pass through her lips.

" Cheetah... Mheetu ?"

[kyto7878]

Mheetu looked at his mother and smiled "Im glad I found you all agian. And the cheetah, the cheetah taught me a few things...like how to scavenge food from the ground and the jungle...and some of the oddest places to find food"

Mheetu hugged his mom "So? Now that I'm back I think it would be best if, I stay with either you or nala for a bit"

[Deleted]

Sarabi stopped in her tracks, what on earth was she doing heading up towards where Malka was, Sarafina and Mheetu were on their way there too, she was sure they would be accepted, but not her, if anything seeing her would maybe make Malka angry again.

Turning around she went back the way she had come, she needed to speak to Nala and Simba, theyhad to get some sort of plan together, or were they happy with how things had turned out.. and what about having Zira here. They all knew it was Zira, no one had the guts to speak out loud and get it all over and done with.

Moving forward Sarabi couldn't see clearly in the distance, maybe it was Simba, then again could be Kovu, off sulking with kiara.

[Dakota]

~ Posting for Tura ~

Nala slowly moved forward, the hot dirt spreading over her paws, leaving the dust to gently fly around and land again where it had been misplaced.

She could see her mate in the distance and it looked like he had the pleasure of Timon, Pumba and Tojo's company. Letting a smile spread across her muzzle, she was please to see them, they bought fun and games whenever they were around, the pride needed something like that at the moment, everything was doom and gloom and unhappiness.

Just as she sped up to reach Simba, she saw him shake his head, the fur on his mane standing up in the breeze, making him appear more majestic than any other lion she had seen... and he was hers. Watching him he stepped back from the three, and instead of them moving forward with him, they turned and went in the other direction.
Mystified she stopped in her tracks and waited for her mate Simba to reach her.

[Lyonize]

Simba walked with his friends as he had done so many times before.
All at once, his good friend, Tojo, appeared.
"What's the haps, Simba? Who are these guys? Lunch?"

Simba laughed. No, quite the opposite. These are my friends, Timmon and Pumba. He looked back up at Tojo just to see the expression on his face. Then, something caught his eye.

He looked up to see Nala waiting for him. His heart leaped in his chest. She was standing there looking as beautiful as ever and better yet, she was waiting for him. With the sand being blown around her, she looked as if she was an angel haloed by the swirling dust. As Simba approached her, he picked up his speed to a slow trot leaving Timmon, Pumba and Tojo behind him. When he finally met her, he nuzzled her forehead with his an wrapped a paw around her arm.

"How have you been?" Simba asked lovingly.

[Dakota]

~ Posting for Tura ~

Nala waited for him to come close, she needed to apologise to him for not listening to him properly, she knew he was worried for her safety, worried about what other retributions Malka might make against her, just to try and bring Simba and the rest of the pride to heel, but he also had to realise she knew how to look after herself.

Feeling him nuzzle her and hold her, Nala realised she would die for this mate of hers, he was everything to her, everything that mattered.
"How have you been?"

"lonely... I've been looking for you Simba, we need to work together if we want things to settle down, not work against each other. We have to get Kovu and Kiara, Kopa and Vitani all together again.. we need to unite, everyone needs to see us pull together or else there mighten be a future."

Falling silent after she had said what was on her mind, Nala pressed against his side and gently nuzzled his cheek back and forth.

[Lyonize]

"we need to unite, everyone needs to see us pull together or else there mighten be a future."

Simba couldn't agree more. They had to unite everyone and try to bring things back into balance. Nala paused for a moment after she had finished speaking and then nuzzled his cheek. Simba returned the nuzzle. For a moment, all Simbas worries, everything that was going on fell away while they stood there with each other. If only these few seconds could last longer. Simba pulled his head away from hers gently and looked into her eyes to ask about Kovu, Kiara, Kopa and Vitani.

"Do you know where they are? We need to get everyone together so we can sort out everything that's been going on."

[Deleted]

Moving a bit faster, Sarabi was keen to see who it was up ahead, it was time to get things moving, she was getting bored with everyone bowing and scraping to Malka.
Getting closer she could see that it was Simba and Nala sitting there.

Good, just the two I need to talk to first, hopefully they wont be too gutless about what I have to say.

Placing her paws down hard on the dry ground the lioness bought herself to a stop and looked from one to the other, raising her eyebrow slightly.
"So my son, whats to be done ?"

[Zorayda]

Tojo was frustrated. Here he was, alone again, stuck with the two hunks of meat Simba called "friends". Well, Tojo couldn't be too picky about it--it would be hypocritical, he thought as one of his birds landed on his head.

"So, uhhh...." Tojo wasn't quite sure how to introduce himself to the meerkat and warthog, and he was partially distracted by Simba and his mate talking to one another as Sarabi showed up.

[Ushari]

Kiara knew she must have been laying there for hours now, as twilight had set on the savannah. She was out here, alone, with her thoughts. She silently debated waiting out here, in the tall grass for the rest of the night, just to prove a point, but she didn't know what point that would prove. No, if anything she needed time to think.

She loved Kova, without a doubt. And she knew he loved her. But she needed more than just the knowledge- she needed his reassurance that he honestly did love her. She sat for at least an hour more there, not so much debating whether or not to go back, which was already decided, pretty much. No, she was debating how they would solve their problems, and what would have to happen for her to truly trust him. After all, he didn't trust her, why should she return it?

Because you love him, you don't need another reason said her concience, and she knew it was right this time. She had to forgive, or, if she could not, at least forget. Kova was unpredictable sometimes, and had his mood swings from time to time... a shiver ran along her pelt. Something was wrong... but she couldn't place her paw on it.

She quickly headed back for Pride Rock, hoping to find him there. If not, she would need to find out where he was, so they could talk this out. She was determined that things be set right, before they got too out of hand...

[Dakota]

~ Posting for Tura ~

Just as she was about to suggest to her mate that they could think about things in the morning, that now was there time to spend alone, who should wander up but her mother-in-law. Sighing a little and raising her eyebrows, Nala looked away.

why couldn't she have waited till morning, a few more hours wouldn't have mattered, I'm sure this will be the last peaceful interlude we might begetting.

She heard Sarabi speak to Simba, but her gaze landed on Timon and Pumba in the distance, with ..was it Tojo? Not about to leave Simbas side just yet, she hoped Sarabi hadn't come up with another stupid scheme, that might get her killed this time.

[Ushari]

Kiara slowly ascended the rock, looking around for her mate. It seemed to her that everyone was being unusually orderly. There were a small number of groups around the rock- Timon, Pumbaa and Tojo looking rather uncomfortable, and her parents in another with her mother.

Then there was the group of females protecting the den... for what reason, she could not fathom. Instead, she approached her mother, who seemed put off by her grandmother. She once nudged her, then walked away, hoping to become updated on the situation here.

[Lyonize]

These were the moments that Simba wanted to last forever. He valued very few things compared with the time he spent with Nala. But as always, times like these were always interrupted by one thing or another. This time, it was Simbas mother, Sarabi.

Nala looked away and raised her eyebrows when she saw her mother in law. Simba knew that reaction all too well. He wanted the same thing she wanted. Time alone together. Times like these make you even more thankful for what you have and right now, he was most thankful for Nala. Was it too much to ask to just be alone with her for a while?

"So my son, whats to be done ?"

Simba averted his gaze and sighed.
"I don't know. I'v been trying to figure that out. Maybe if we all got together we could think of something."

Just then, Kiara came by and nudged Nala. She didn't say anything before walking away. Simba called out to her.

"Kiara. Maybe you and your grandmother should go find Kovu and Kopa and Vitani. Tell them that we need to meet tomorrow."

Simba hoped that this would give Nala and himself more time to be alone together.

[kyto7878]

Mheetu looked at his mother and smiled "Im glad I found you all agian. And the cheetah, the cheetah taught me a few things...like how to scavenge food from the ground and the jungle...and some of the oddest places to find food"

Mheetu hugged his mom "So? Now that I'm back I think it would be best if, I stay with either you or nala for a bit"

[Ushari]

"That's the thing- right now, I'm looking for Kopa, and can't find him. He came back, but I don't know where he went since" she said, looking about. "By the way, why are Timon and Pumbaa doing here? And aren't you afraid that Tojo will eat them?" she asked, grinning as she looked over her shoulder. "Or at least Timon." She almost laughed, and would have, if it weren't for Kopa, her Kopa, being missing.

[Kirsui]

Scruffy blinked. She really had no idea how she had gotten herself into this position. She had only intended to distract Kopa so that she'd gain the lead. And instead Kopa had pinned her. Briefly she thought that perhaps he had gotten this skill from Nala. After all, the old queen was famous of her pinning skills...

"Well this is a most pleasant little excursion we have found ourselves in, isn't it my dear?"

The former outlander couldn't help herself though. There was something soothing in Kopa's touch, and she found herself close her eyes. She heard Kopa's purr, and for a moment she too wanted to do exactly that.

Instead, she opened her eyes and stared up at Kopa. He had very beautiful eyes, she noticed, and without really realizing what she was doing she lifted her front paw to stroke his frontal mane out of the way so that his eyes would not be covered so. Oh if things just were different...

She sighed, and reluctantly pulled her paw away.
"We can't do this, Kopa..."
Perhaps she didn't notice that she had used his name instead of the typical use of his title... Or perhaps she said his name purposefully. It was unclear, for her face was blank again.
"I don' deserve yer love... I've shed so much blood, I faithfully followed Pride Lands' worst enemies, I trained an assassin that was supposed to murder yer father..."

She took a shaky breath. For a moment it seemed that she would push Kopa away... But she did not. She simply stared deep into his eyes, as if she was trying to read his mind.
"Why me, Kopa? Why do you want me...?"
<And why do you want to do this to 'Tani....?> she added in her mind.

---

Zira broke out of her horror very slowly. She didn't know how long she had been running, but one thing was clear. She remembered who she was, and she was horrified of this. So horrified in fact that she hadn't realized where her paws had led her until now.

She blinked, and gazed around herself. The soft green tones of the Elephant Graveyard surrounded her, and she once again found herself seeking for Scar's presence to soothe her horror.

Except that... this time it was not working. The old lioness looked around herself with a horrified expression. She knew she had done terrifying things, all because of Scar. She did not remember what, but she did not have to. The bones around her mocked at her, taunting her, and she was certain she had taken more than just one life...

With a whimper the stripe headed turned around and fled from the Graveyard. She headed back towards the Pride Lands as fast as her old paws could carry her. The only thing she wondered right now was how she could make up for what she had done - what ever it had been.

[cheezeegriff]

Kovu tumbled out of the den with a cloud of dust, puffing and panting as he struggled to regain his balance. Every muscle in his body ached. His flank burned from recent slashes... but not half as bad as his pride - the pride in his head, that is. He looked back into the cave at Malka peering out from the darkness... looked at all the faces of the lionesses guarding the cave, who stared at him with shock. Then their guard dissolved; they went their own ways. He was left alone, as even Malka turned back toward's the den's depths.

Turning around and starting off, he nearly ran into Sarafina. He excused himself and passed on, only to come across Simba, Nala, Sarabi, Timon and Pumba in a huddle. The last thing he needed was an inquisition right now, so he turned and struck off towards the long grass of the pridelands.

[Ushari]

She saw Kovu come out of the den, and walk right into Sarafina. She saw the scars along his body, the markings of a beating at the paws of that... that fake. But she knew there would be a chance later on to take care of the king-who-wasn't. Right now, she needed to straighten things out between her and Kovu.

"Kovu!" she called out as he began to run into the grasses. She quickly caught up, and tried to stop him. "Please, Kovu, just listen to me. I'm sorry!" she said, then began to cry as the sudden realization of the whole experience began to hit her. She had almost lost Kovu, he had almost died, without a doubt. Now, she needed to help him reclaim his rightful place as ruler of these lands, and be rid of that usurper.....

[Zorayda]

Tojo watched the exchange as the slightly paranoid dark lion, Kovu, had passed thru with scars marring his body, and his mate, Kiara and Simba's daughter, chase after him. He shook his head.

He trotted up to Simba, trying to rid himself of the meerkat and warthog.

"Buddy...what happened here...?" Tojo asked, a sad edge to his voice.

[cheezeegriff]

(Hey Ushari:) Please insert your character's name in each post, if you please. It took me a while to figure out who you were playing:)

Kovu looked on in astonishment as Kiara fell down in the grass before him, and cried. His heart felt a pain equal to that in the rest of his body, and after the moment of shock had passed he fell down on top of her, nuzzling her tears as they streaked down her chin.

"Shh... I love you. I love you. It's my fault. I love you."

The pain in his heart intensified with the knowledge that he had brought it upon her himself. Agony filled him from head to toe, but for the sake of his love he bit back tears, and held her close, despite his aches and pains.

[Nakisisa]

(finally here, if this is contradictory in anyway please let me know)

Vitani awoke. It must have been several hours since she fell asleap, it looked like late afternoon, she felt strange, a mixture of love and hate filled her thoughts. She needed to find Kopa, they needed to talk yet she didn't wan to see him, not yet anyway. on that matter, where is Kopa? Vitani thought, he should be looking for me.

She tried to say Kopas name but the words never left her mouth. Her throat was as dry as sand and she needed a drink quickly. She tuned to head towards the waterhole, thinking to herslef, Ill have a drink, then I'll find you, my love

[Dakota]

Sarafina looked down upon her son, she just wasn't sure about his mental state,all she knew was that it was upto her to look after him for now, keep him alive and happy.
" You will be with me Mheetu, I have no one, Nala needs to spend time with her mate Simba, of course you can go play and talk with her whenever you want, but for now, I'll be the one that guides you, after all I gave birth to you and you are my son."

Leaning down she gave him a quick nuzzle on the top of his head and then paused as her eyes got a movement up towards the cave... Lionesses.. Malka had them guarding him, well only one way to find out if she was welcome or not.
Giving Mheetu a slight nudge, Sarafina turned, hesitated for a moment and then forged on, only to meet Kovu who was scurrying down as fast as his paws could carry him.
I wonder he was doing up there with Malka and now, more important, what mood is he in and will he want both of us with him

[Ushari]

(Sorry about that lol)
(BTW, love the post Griff, very nice, especially in the last paragraph)

Kiara moved closer as Kovu lay beside her. She tried to stop her tears, but failed, and loved him all the more for rubbing them away for her.. "Shh... I love you. I love you. It's my fault. I love you."

"No, it's not, it's not your fault. You could take anyone at Pride Rock, and they would be at fault ten times more than you. You, love, are not to blame. Nobody would blame a king" she said. She knew it didn't come out right, the way she said it. She couldn't express how she felt about him, how she thought that he was a gift from her ancestors, pure in every way, everything perfect in the world. She loved him more than anything, like her heart was about to burst.

But he'd become cold once Malka had taken the throne from him. She knew how much it meant, not only to him, but to everyone else as well. This was a problem that couldn't be solved without blood being spilled. But she feared for him, her Kovu, her mate. She held him close while she could, while he was still here, and wished this moment could last forever

[Dakota]

~ Posting for Tura ~

Nala sat there mystified by the nudge that kiara had given her and then to top it off it looked like Kovu was skulking along in the long grass trying to avoid then, what on earth was happening with them all.
Turning to Sarabi, the lioness nearly laughed at the expression on her face, she had seen Kovu as well, and if looks could kill, poor Kovu wouldn't be going very far.
"Sarabi how about you go and find Vitani and then perhaps we'll all meet back at the waterhole, oh and if you pass kiara and Kovu, maybe you could...hmm... convince them to join you."
Looking at her mate she smiled and turned back to the older lioness.
"Simba and my self will follow along...shortly."

Not waiting to see what Sarabi was doing, and not allowing her any time for protests, Nala moved back along side Simba and rubbed herself against him and whispered in his ear.
"Come.. lets take the other way around back to the waterhole, just have some time to ourselves...come Simba."

Letting a small purr pass through her lips, she held his gaze waiting for an answer.

[kyto7878]

Mheetu looked at his mother a little embarrassed. He was a full grown lion but he had the mind and intilect of a cub. He never had a real chance to grow up, and now he had alot of catching up to do. Mheetu looked at his mom with a smug grin "Thanks mom.Could i maybe? go catch up with the others right now?" Mheetu's pale mane bristled as the cold wind pushed and pulled at it, the tip of his fur began to rise.

Then Mheetu noticed Nala running by "Mom?Could I?" He motioned to follow nala, but then he saw simba...he never thought simba would accept him, even when he was a cub if nala and I were playing he would leave but if nala and him were playing they wouldnt let me in...this is just one big mess "Nevermind..." Mheetu plopped onto the ground with his ears laid back.

[Lyonize]

"Buddy...what happened here...?"

Simba turned his attention to Tojo and sighed.
“I’v been asking myself the same question.”

Simba thought about all that had happened recently.
“Malka has returned and he’s taken over half the Pridelands. Since then, we’ve all been split. Just one thing after another. Not to mention Zira.”

Simba looked from Tojo to Nala with a saddened expression over his face.

[Nakisisa]

After Vitani arrived at the waterfall and had a drink she didn't know what to do, could she follo through with ignoring Kopa or would she go and find him? She was about. To jump into the wattering hole as a familliar sent Wafted down wind, no two. Two sents she would never forget. Kopa and scruffy, now what are they up to? she silently asked herself.

The sents were still a long way off being near, but feeling refreshed from her drink, and well rested from sleeping for most of the day, she started walking toward the wind, the sent getting ever stronger. It would be some time before she reached them. But life was slow for Vitani, she had time to waste.