TLK IV

[Sarafina]

Sarafina walked out of the den and sat at the tp f the rock. Her family was scattered everywhere. She saw her daughter and Simba talking to two males. Sarabi was no where to be found. She sighed and looked around again. Kopa and Vitani were talking to eachother. Now she fet left out again.

She muttered something and looked at the ground. She layed down and let her paws hang over the edge of Priderock. She swung them a little. She sighed and looked over the horizen. She wanted someone to talk to. She rested her head on her paws and hoped soeone would come up soon.

[Deleted]

Sarabi moved quietly into the coolness of the cave along side Scruffy, her mouth opening wide in shock as she saw the sleeping lioness. Snapping it shut quickly in case she made any noise to alert..that thing.. that was curled up on the ground.

She needed to get a better look at this one who Scruffy thought was Zira, she couldn't relly tell at this distance and in the darker cave.

Looking back at Scruffy, Sarabi motioned her head that she was going in further and wanted her beside her, after all you can't attack two at once.

Taking a breath the old lioness took a few steps then stopped, still nothing coming from 'Zira', glancing at Scruffy, she nodded her head again and they moved closer.

Stopping suddenly Sarabi sat down on her rump and just tilted her head at different angles trying to get a better look at the lioness. well whoever it is, she's looking a bit tragic and worse for wear

Looking over at Scruffy, she shrugged her shoulders as if to say, 'well what do you want to do', as far as Sarabi was concerned the sooner this one was awake the sooner she could get some answers out of it.

[Kirsui]

She saw him again, that lion wrapped in the shadows. The dark fur blend well into the black mist that floated around them. The only thing she could see were the striking green eyes.

He nodded his head slightly at her, a silent greeting from times she couldn't remember had ever happened. She was at peace, everything seemed fine.

A flash of fire lighted up the area, forcing her to cover her eyes with her paw for a while. When she lowered her paw she could see a flaming red lion coming towards herself and most importantly the shadowed lion. And when she turned to him she saw he was fading, disappearing as the light of the fiery lion touched him more and more. His eyes were locked on her, and for some odd reason she could swear she saw a scar over his left eye.

Her eyes widened when she suddenly realized the shadowed lion was speaking. She could not hear what he said, but she felt it was important...

She reached out with her paw, as if she could stop him from disappearing. But she couldn't, and as he was now completely gone she could only whisper out his name...

---

Scruffy nodded at Sarabi when the older lioness motioned her to follow. She quietly padded forward, her gaze locked on the form of the sleeping lioness. She glanced at Sarabi and saw the older lioness glance at her before walking forward.

Then they stopped and Sarabi sat down. They were closer now, but the position in which the lioness was laying didn't give them much to look at. She could see the lioness' back, but the thin fur was so dirty that any markings she might have had weren't visible. The tail tuft didn't help much either as almost all longer for was gone.

Scars, those were what Scruffy could see. She knew the lioness had many of them, after all she had seen her twice before... But it was still startling to see so many old scars scattered all over the lioness' body. And she was so thin...

"Taka..."

Scruffy's ears perked up and her eyes widened in shock at the whispered word. She quickly glanced at Sarabi before her gaze locked on the lioness again. For a moment she thought she had imagined it, that she possibly couldn't have heard right...

But then the "sleeping" lioness moved and lifted her head, yawning widely while blinking her eyes. Then all of a sudden in the middle of her movement the lioness froze, sniffing the air.
'Uh oh...' Scruffy thought.

And then the lioness turned her head to face them. Her the torn ear came into view. For a moment something close to recognition flashed in the lioness' eyes before her expression turned into one of great confusion.
"Who are you...?" she asked, her voice rough and barely louder than a whisper.

Scruffy glanced at Sarabi, completely lost with how to continue from here.

[Deleted]

Sarabi sucked in some air when she saw the torn ear on the dirty lioness. if this isn't Zira, well... she's got everyone fooled

Licking her lips when she heard she was being asked as to who herself and Scruffy were, Sarabi looked quickly at the younger lioness then back again.

"I'm Sarabi and this is my friend Scruffy, we got a bit lost away from our pride, and thought we would take shelter in here from the heat of the morning sun, and it's much cooler in here and as we travel best in the late afternoon, I'm sure you won't mind sharing."

Giving her a look of distaste, Sarabi moved slightly towards Scruffy who was still just standing there staring at 'zira', and gave her a small nudge. As the older lioness slowly stretched her limbs and gracefully lay down onthe cool earth of the cave floor.

"So, now we've told you who we are, who might you be ?, Can't say we've seen anyone around these parts for a very long time, "

[Tamber]

Tani took a few deep breaths as she listened to Kopa's studdering and explanations. She hated to make him upset that he told her, but what he said was just...Tani couldn't believe her ears. She had had dreams and gut feelings for months that Zira would come back to haunt them again, but she never really expected it to happen.

"No, no," she said, trying to reassure Kopa. "I'm glad you told me. Thank you," she said.

She heard his reassurances that it might not be Zira, but Tani had no doubt in her mind that it was her. She had not even seen the lioness, and yet she was positive that there could be no mistake. Perhaps it was just the fact that her mother now had the possibility of being alive, and she couldn't let it go.

But Tani tried not to let it frighten her. Rather, she became quite defensive and hasty. "So her ear has the same chip?" she said standing up, trying to put a stern look on her face. "What about the stripe on her head? Her long, narrow eyes? Isn't there any other evidence?"

Without waiting for an answer, half knowing that Kopa wouldn't have any, she began to move again, not waiting for her mate. "I want to see her. Show me. Where is she?"
__________________________
Nala decided that listening to the boys talk was quickly losing her attention, and that Simba could handle himself on his own. She looked up to the ledge on Pride Rock to see her mother lying by herself, looking rather lonesome. Nala had not seen her all day, and she felt horrible for not visiting her.

She gave Simba a smile as she walked off and padded up Pride Rock to see Sarafina. Just seeing her mother's shining eyes made her smile, after the stressful day she had started off with. "Hi, there, Mom," she said dearingly. "How are you today?" Nala layed down beside her mother and purred as she licked her head and nuzzled her.

[Dakota]

Kopa stood there watching Tani's reaction, which didn't seem to be bad as he feared, but when she suddenly moved , he knew he had to take control over the situation.

" Tani...WAIT"

Kopa tried to keep his voice down so it wouldn't travel, but he had to stop his mate from rushing in wildly, he trusted Scruffy and had told her he would back her up, and his grandmother was with her, he had to give them time to find and talk to Zira, if it was her.

Coming up beside her quickly, then moving in front of her to stop her from crossing over the old tree providing a bridge across the river, Kopa blocked her way.

"Tani, I'm sorry if you don't like this, but you're not rushing over to where Scruffy and Sarabi are. You and I both trust them completely, so we are going to let them have their time exploring to see what they can find out. We are going to cross over, then find somewhere we can look down on the termite mounds and the cave, and WE WILL WAIT. "

Kopa kept constant eye contact with Vitani as he spoke, letting her see that there was no room for argument, what he had said, was how it was going to be.

"Now come, lets make it over this river and to the other side, where we will wait and see what those two happen to do, and will will talk about the possibility of your mother being alive after all this time. If it is her, I'm not sure of what the consequences will be, for all of us."

[Sarafina]

Sarafina lifted her head when she heard paws. A small smile over came her frown and she laughed a little. "Well hello, baby." hs esaid softly. She licked Nalas head and nuzzled her. Sarafina gently shrugged her shoulders. "I guess im okay. I could always be a lot better, I guess."

Her answer was plain, simple, and all true. She could be a lot better if she had someone to socialize with twenty-four seven like everyone else did. She nuzzled her daughter again and sighed softly. "But anyways, how are you? Hows Simba? Have you seen the kids this morning?" she asked wih a smile. She liked to ask questions..couldn't you tell?

[Kirsui]

She watched these two closely. Sarabi and Scruffy... Why did their names sound familiar? She had not heard of them before, had she? She looked at Sarabi, she looked so... so... royal. Had she been a leader once? Was she a leader now? She turned to look at Scruffy. There was something even more familiar in the younger lioness, she could swear she had seen someone with a fluffy neck like that, someone with a greyish-brown fur like hers...

But she couldn't remember.

"So, now we've told you who we are, who might you be ?"

She looked at Sarabi again.

Who might you be?
Who might you be?
Who might you be....?

Did she have an answer?

---

Scruffy glanced nervously at Sarabi when "Zira" didn't reply. To her it seemed like the old lioness had fallen into deep thought. She could see the old lioness was struggling to find an answer.

The the old lioness sighed.
"I do not know", she finally said, turning to look at the tree stump next to her.
"I feel like I know this place, like I once lived here... Yet at the same time I feel like this is not my real home."
She turned to look at the two lionesses again.
"I can't remember. I have lived here for some time now. I have flashes of a great amount of water, of tree logs, of a shore and bushes, of tro prides of lions that in fact are one."
She shook her head.
"But I only know I crawled my way here, dripping wet. I don't know what happened or who I am..."

[Deleted]

Sarabi listened carefully to what the dirty lioness was saying, watching her face intently, to see if she could catch her on any lies, but it seemed that she believed all that she was telling them.

"So, how have you survived out here all by yourself ?, you are by yourself aren't you ?"

Sarabi was about to launch into more questions, but swallowed back her next, seeing the look of puzzlement upon the old lionesses face, instead turning to Scruffy.

"Scruffy dear, do you think you might like to sit down as well and rest your paws, seeing we have been travelling for a while !"

Thinking she had given Zira enough time to come up with an answer, she turned back to face her.

"sorry, I didn't hear what you were saying, you are by yourself ?"

[Tamber]

Vitani was about to leap onto the log ahead of her when her heart and body halted, Kopa jumping right in front of her and keeping her from crossing. He looked sternly at her, and she listened to him. He told her not to go, not to see the lioness that was possibly her mother. He told her to wait and go with him. Tani couldn't believe it. She was so anxious. What if it was her mother? She just had to see her.

Tani wanted to argue with Kopa so badly. She tightened her face and flustered through angry facial expressions, trying not to snarl or overreact. She huffed and puffed, wishing she could just change Kopa's mind. Before long, she looked down, and her expression weakened into one of despair. She looked up to Kopa desperately, but didn't give him time to linger on her upset for too long. Standing up, she spoke. "Fine, then hurry. Lead me somewhere. Come on, go! I won't wait any longer than I have to."

[Dakota]

Kopa's expression softened slightly as he watched all the expressions cross her face. he couldn't blame her at all, he would want to rush on in if it was his mother who had been presumed dead and long gone.

Once Kopa heard her promise not to do anything rash and listen to him, he stood back and let her pass, following closely behind her. Half way over he picked up the strong scent of Sarabi, what was she doing lingring on this tree I wonder , shrugging slightly, he made to the other side where Vitani was impatiently waiting for him.

"I'm sorry Tani I know how hard this is for you, but it's just the way to handle things for now, I promise you, you will get to see this lioness whether she's your mother or not."

Kopa gave her nudge motioning her forwards, to where he could see a large clump of bushes that overlooked down onto the termite mounds, it seemed to be a good place for now where himself and Tani could observe and not be seen in return.

Settling himself down, he glanced at his mate still standing there surveying the area "Tani, will you come sit down before someone sees you, especially Sarabi and Scruffy, if they think they have been followed, there goes some trust, now come here please".

Kopa was trying by this time not to sound annoyed, but was failing fast, why couldn't I keep my mouth shut, and left Tani behind and just come after them myself to see they weren't hurt

[Tamber]

Nala purred as she lay next to her dear mother. It was good to see her. She always had a peaceful and content aura about her.

"I'm alright. A little tired of chatting boys and newcomers, but I suppose Simba will handle it well." Hearing her mother's inquiry, she began to consider what she had been asked. "Hmmm...I have caught a glimpse or two of Kiara, but haven't spoken to her. I believe she's speaking to Kovu somewhere over there," she said with a motion of her paw. "She was indeed a late riser this morning."
___________________________

Tani stayed silent and didn't say another word to Kopa for the time being. She didn't feel like speaking. This was too much of a shock for her, more than Kopa could understand. Tani was good at hiding her emotions, and for the moment, as she tried to be sneaky in following Kopa to a hiding spot, she looked as composed and calm as ever. A part of her wanted to be alone, but more than anything she wanted to see her mother. There was no doubt in her mind that it was her. It was as if the possibility of it being someone else did not exist. She crouched behind the bush next to her mate and looked across the red grounds of the Outlands, the land she used to call her home.

For a moment, something hit Vitani. Her mother alive, her sitting under the hot sun and the dry air of the Outlands...it was as if she were still an exile.

[Kirsui]

Scruffy couldn't turn her eyes away from the old lioness. She knew she was staring, she knew it wasn't polite. But the fluffy necked couldn't stop herself, and the old lioness didn't seem to care.

But when Sarabi spoke Scruffy snapped out of her state.
"Sit...?"
Her mind refused to register Sarabi's words completely. Why would she want to sit?!
"OH!"
She then completely understood what had been said to her, and she realized they were most likely going to spend a bit more time around...

Flashing an apologetic smile at the old Queen she sat down. Really, was she this dazed to see someone looking so much like her old leader? The fluffy necked turned at the dirty, old lioness once she replied to what Sarabi had asked.

---

She didn't have to think for the answer this time. No, a slightly amused smile appeared on her face. A hint of an amused sparkle lit her eyes momentarily before it died. It was replaced with the more usual dull stare, one belonging to someone who had once maybe seen much but who couldn't recall any of those events.

The smile remained though.
"Yes I'm alone... When you count the termites out."
She chuckled, the first sign that she knew how to laugh.
"Those little pests keep getting on my nerves, I am not surprised when the pride that has lived here so long ago moved away..."
She nodded towards the deeper parts of the Den.
"I know there has been a pride here, I see signs of it even when their scents have faded long ago. Claw marks here and there, a branch that has been bitten by small teeth, a skull of an antelope that, I assume, has been used as a practice target."

She furrowed her eyebrows. Why did the skull feel familiar...? After a moment of thinking her expression relaxed again.
"Nevertheless, it is rather surprising to see you two here."
She examined the two lionesses closely. Sarabi had said they had gotten lost and they were taking shelter from the sun... But... Something made her think she made that up. An instinct, that was what she called it now. Had she had her memory she maybe would have been able to tell how she could feel like this, maybe it was something she had forgotten.

Then she realized something. The behaviour of the younger of the two lionesses gave it away, again an instinct from a time she couldn't remember. The way how Scruffy was looking at her was as if she knew who she was.
"Haven't I seen you before...?"
She tilted her head, examining Scruffy more closely. Then her torn ear twiched slightly and her eyes widened faintly for a brief moment before returning to normal.
"I saw you yesterday, didn't I? You came here, then I saw you again by the river."
She saw how Scruffy glanced at Sarabi.
"I believe I also heard you say you thought you knew me."
She saw how Scruffy swallowed, apparently feeling very uncomfortable while she sat.
"Why did you call me Zira...?"

[Deleted]

Sarabi grimaced at the expressions passing over Scruffy's face, if she wasn't careful she was going to give the game away in five minutes flat.

Turning back when she heard 'zira' say,
"Haven't I seen you before...?"
I saw you yesterday, didn't I? You came here, then I saw you again by the river."

The older lionesses let a sigh slip through her lips at the mention of what was said, turning to Scruffy, she pretended to be angry
"Scruffy, didn't I tell you not to wander while I was having a nap yesterday, what if you had of got lost, what am I going to do with you ?."

Tilting her head she looked back, not sure what to say now. "well we used to know someone called Zira, and with the sunlight playing on you, maybe Scruffy thought she was seeing her old friend again.... but you haven't answered yet, you are ??"

[Dakota]

Kopa lay there, not knowing what to say to Vitani, he thought of plenty of things to say but knew if they left his mouth, she wouldn't want to hear them anyway.. she was in her own little world, and for now he was content to leave her there .

Wondering what Scruffy and his grandmother were doing, he knew they would be fine together, and he trusted her completely too look out for Sarabi. All they would do for now was wait, whether they stayed here all night as well.

Kopa knew they were both down there, he just wasn't sure if they had found the lioness they now all presumed to be Zira. It was too strange a coincidence with the description Scruffy had given them, for it to be anyone else,.. no other lioness had a piece missing from her ear.

Sighing Kopa stretched his limbs once again, making his large body more comfortable, he wasn't about to close his eyes, as he wasn't sure Vitan would do something stupid, he knew his mate wasn't too happy about the situation they now found themselves in, but she would just have to grin and bear it, till they heard or saw Sarabi and Scruffy.

[Kirsui]

Scruffy paled when the old lioness questioned her, though in the faint light inside the cave it was hard to see. She turned at Sarabi, flattening her ears as if she was sorry of "leaving" the older lioness to her "nap". She did flinch slightly though when Sarabi called Zira an "old friend".

Her attention was turned to Sarabi again though when she questioned her more. She frowned, clearly not liking the tone Sarabi used.
"I told you already", she replied, the frown still on her face.
"I do not know who I am or where I come from. I only feel that I have been here before, that I have lived here, though I must say I have no idea why anyone would want to live in a place such as this."

She let out a sigh, her expression relaxing.
"I do not have an answer to your questions. How could I when I do not even remember my own name?"
She turned her gaze from Sarabi to Scruffy. Really, did they think she was blind? Did they think she hadn't noticed how Scruffy had flinched...?

The old lioness though it was time for her to ask the questions.
"I think you are not telling me the whole truth, Sarabi..."
She turned her gaze from Scruffy to meet the older lioness.
"Zira was not a friend, was she? Please, do not lie to me of this..."

[cheezeegriff]

(Assuming the role of Kovu... now I know how Scar felt when he got the throne:D)

I'll help any way that would make you more comfortable with all this, dearest."

Kovu thought for a moment, then leaned into Kiara's neck near her ear, and whispered,
"Watch him."
He indicated the bird man, Tojo.
"He seems harmless enough. If you see him doing anything suspicious, let me know. And DON'T leave him alone with Simba."
He gave her a final lick and then strode back to the group, sitting before Tojo and clearing his throat, closing his eyes formally.
"I apologise for my attack on you, Tojo. It was born of anger and frustration. Seeing as you're an old friend of Simba's, I'll defer to his decision as to whether you can stay or not. With his blessing, welcome to the pride.

"Simba, if you ever have a moment, I'd like a word,"
he added as he stood and walked past the older king. Then he walked a little to the left of pride rock, where he could see Nala and Sarafina talking.
What in the world had posessed him to attack Tojo? Malka was the real threat. Even though his leg was injured, Malka had managed to take down a zebra, all by himself, AND drag it back to pride rock. If Malka challenged Kovu for the throne, it wouldn't be a fight Kovu was sure he could win.
I learned from the best, he had said. So had Kovu. Only he had been trained how to kill lions, more than anything. He was an assassin. It worked on prey too, but essentially, that's where his speciality lay.
Then again, Malka had killed the zebra at night... could he have recieved similar training?
Then he noticed something out of the corner of his eye: Malka, up on pride rock with Sarafina and Nala. Great. What if he was gathering himself supporters? He did have a certain charm... a very dangerous lion, indeed.

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

Malka glanced over Simba's shoulder and saw Nala heading up pride rock, vanishing out of sight. It would be nice to speak with her without Simba around... plus he should really make an effort to get to know more of the pride. When Kovu apologised and walked away, Malka said to Tojo,
"Er, actually, old friend, lunch might have to wait. Besides I'm sure Simba wants to catch up." He gave his old friend a grin, then, circling around Pride Rock once, he found Nala speaking to one of the older lionesses that had been at his... reception.
"We-ell now I know where Nala gets her good looks,"
he said, bowing politely,
"And that she'll be pretty for a long time yet. Greetings! I don't think we've recieved proper introductions yet. I've probably said my name, but for the sake of hearing yours I'll say it again: Malka, at your service."
He gave Nala a broad grin, then lay down a few inches from the older lioness. In fact, with Nala around it was easy to grin as broadly as a cheshire cat, but he directed the latter half to her mother as well.

[Sarafina]

Simba looked at Kovu and nodded. He had heard what Malka said and just pushed that thought behind. He grumbled under his breath. He followed Kovu away from the others a little and smiled gently.

"What May I help you with Mister, Kovu?"

He smiled and looked at him. He was actualy little nervous to see what he had to say. He continued to smile not wanting to show thathe was a nervous wreck. Actually. he was already nervous wreck. With his old friends coming along, it made him feel really un wanted for some reason. His eyes glanced over in Nalas direction. His ears went back sadly and he turned back to Kovu.

"Is everything alright Kovu?"

He asked softly.

. . . . .

Sarafina smiled and looked over at Nalas friend. He seemed to kind. She smiled and then looked at Nala. Who was he? And how exactly did Nala? She wondered. She smiled and nodded nicely to Malka.

"Pleasure to meet you Malka. Im Sarafina."

Her voice was soft and elegant. He seemed nice, but he was so making a move for Nala. That worried her. Would Simba be able to handle that? She didnt know. She looked at Nala and smiled. Her nose gently rubbed against Nalas cheek.

"Nala, Im going to go take a walk. Ill probably go see your son...Not sure. Love you.."

She smiled and licked her cheek in a loving way. Her head turned toward Malka.

"I hope we have the pleasure of talking again."

She smiled and then trotted off into the distance.

[cheezeegriff]

Malka watched Sarafina get up and walk away, and momentarily let his jaw drop. What incredible luck! His grin returned and he looked at Nala. Really, he was here to meet people, but being all alone with Nala wasn't something he thought would happen very often. He had to make the most of it.
"So, I hope you enjoyed the zebra I brought back this morning."
He grinned, puffing out his chest. Oh no no no, that won't do. Let somebody else flatter you, you fool. With a sigh Malka glanced at the lionesses who were feasting on his kill - their grateful looks were thanks enough - then looked at her again.
"It's really, really good to see you again, though,"
he said, meeting her eye momentarily and then glancing away. He was grinning like an idiot he knew, but hardly cared.
"I thought about you a lot when I was away. And Simba. Heh... I think back now about the way he acted around us... he was jealous."
He tapped his head knowingly. Stretching out, he flexed his claws and yawned, wriggling a little closer, cocking his head and resting his chin on his arm.
"You know, he once took me off to play chase... I didn't know at the time but now when I think back on it, I can remember the sneaky look in his eyes. I... think he was going to leave me alone out there, to get rid of me. Has he changed, Nala? Is he better than that now? Or does he still have flights of cruelty to those he simply doesn't like?"
He cleared his throat, and his smile drop as he became serious, looking into her green eyes with his own brown/orange ones as he wriggled even closer, and said in a low voice,
"I suppose, what I'm asking: should I be watching my back?"

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

Kovu went rigid as he saw Sarafina walking away from Nala and Malka. What was she thinking, leaving those two alone??
"I think Malka's a threat,"
he said plainly, then gazed at the ground as he pondered.
"His leg is injured, and yet he managed to take down a whole zebra by himself. A zebra, Simba. Just think: if he wanted to challenge for the throne... do you think I would win?"
He gave the fact a moment to sink in, then said,
"I take no pleasure in undermining Kiara's decision to let him stay, but I believe it was a mistake. She trusted him too readily... I think she thought you trust him, but seeing you now, it's clear you don't."
He straightened up.
"I want to hear what you think of him plainly. Convince me he's not a threat, Simba, and I'll bother you with it no more. But if our thoughts are similar, then say the word: you won't need to worry about him anymore."
Kovu lowered his head, part in shame about what he might have to do.
"I'm going to act before he's healed."

[Tamber]

It was a peaceful moment, just laying there beside her mother, and Nala was happier than she had been all day. She nuzzled her mother, greatful that she was still in her life.

But then a stink seemed to come upon the air...

Nala could see the fuzzy ears and the annoying smirk of Malka padding up the rock, and she looked away uncomfortably. How low could he sink, complimenting her mother's looks? It made Nala sick, but at least she had her mother there with her-

Sarafina then rose and bid Nala a farewell. As her mother blocked Malka's view of her, She widened her eyes incredulously and angrily at her mother, trying to get her to stay, but she kept walking, and Nala watched her desperately as she left her alone with...Malka.

As sooon as she looked over to him, she could see him beaming wildly. He wasn't looking at her, for the moment, but he soon would. His eyes finally fell upon her, giving her a deep grin. Kindly she returned the favor, but this was all she would do.

"Ahem..um...yes, the pride seems to enjoy it," she said of the zebra he had caught. Show off. He then went on to talk about how much he had thought of her. "Great! Just what I need. He doesn't give up, does he? It's gotten worse, if anything" He then met her gaze for a moment, peering sweetly into her green eyes. For a guilty split second Nala found herself transfixed. She had to admit, Malka was a handsome devil, and his eyes were no exception.

But luckily he soon looked away from her again, allowing her to regain her sanity. He continued to scoot closer to her, speaking of his past with her and with Simba. He mentioned his negative moments with Simba and his skepticism of him, and Nala immediately jumped into mental defensive mode. He would be smart not to put bad comments on Simba, for Nala wouldn't have it. But he questioned him, and Nala was left to give him an answer.

With a deep sigh and a quick rest of her eyes, Nala spoke. "Well, Malka," she said as she arose, finding herself instinctively planning to leave the area, "I sincerely believe that your back is safe, so long as you take the time to think about your actions. I'm sure you know the fundamentals of what Simba expects of you." With that vague statement, Nala began to walk down the rock, hoping Malka would not stop her from leaving to be with her mother once more.

[Sarafina]

Simba nodded and looked over as it was only Malka and Nala. A low growl came to his throat.

"I do to Kovu No Worries. Hes hitting on my Mate .... he did it then... but hes NOT going to do it now ..."

His voice was harsh and cold. He looked at Kovu and stopped growling. He cleared his throat and shrugged.

"Did you see him cath the Zebra, Kovu? If you did, then his leg cant be hurt that bad. It must not pain him now to stand on it and make a move on Nala. It must be better than before. He is a threat, butonly if you give him an opportunity to be one. You need to stop and have a talk with him Kovu."

Simba nodded and smiled. He knew Kovu could do this without his help. He winked.

"You are a strong Lion Kovu. Just do what you think is right. Now, If you dont mind, I am going to walk with Nala. If you need anything else, call for me and I shall come to you."

Simba nodded and smiled. ala. He stopped next to her and sighed.

"I dont like that guy one bit, love. "

He snarled and licked her cheek. He wo0uld always stick by Nala. He hoped shed always stick by him.

[cheezeegriff]

Malka watched Nala walk away, and groaned, rolling over and staring at the sky.

They used to be such good friends, back in the day. Now Simba, that selfish lump, had turned her into a spoiled brat, too high-and-mighty to speak to the likes of him. Talking to her was like panning for gold: occasionally he would see a glimmer of the cub he had once called a friend, but most of the time, he felt he ended up covered in dirt. Had she forgotten the way he had comforted her, during Scar's reign?

Still, not all was lost. He might be able to win over this Sarafina. Well... if she didn’t keep walking away from him. He had to get to know her better. As the mother of Nala she was nearly as pretty, and probably quite influential.

But not just yet, he thought, as he gazed at the lionesses eating his zebra. They were talking amongst themselves and glancing at him, smiling. Malka smiled back: not everyone thought of him as mud, evidently.

He plodded over, trying not to hobble, and they made room for him to eat.
“Why, thank you, ladies,”
he said, grinning, tossing back the loose fringe of his mane.
“I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced. Malka, at your service: I trust you’re enjoying my zebra?”

They nodded, thanking him. When they started giving their names and, better yet, introducing their children, he knew his magic was working.

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

Just do what you think is right.

Kovu went rigid: what would be right? Certainly, what he was going to do wasn't 'right', but letting this interloper destroy everything they'd work for... that wouldn't be right either.


He sighed, blowing out his cheeks: Lesser of two evils then. Poor Simba: you must never know. With a growl he forced himself to move on this horrible business, loping up the slope of Pride Rock, towards Malka and the lionesses eating from the zebra carcass, and announced loudly,
“Time to hunt!"

Malka lifted his head up, still chewing on a piece of flesh. His eyes rolled around cautiously.

“Erm… Your Highness… we already have a bounty…”

“You killed a zebra all by yourself last night,”
Kovu said, a little louder than he intended.
“I think we could learn something from you. Consider it your first duty, if you're going to be part of this pride. Now, let's go.”

The lionesses without cubs followed him instantly, cautiously, sensing his mood, and he turned around with them on his flanks, three on each side. On the way down the slope he eyed Nala besides Simba, and met the old queen’s eye: follow me, please, he thought to her.

Nala was strong, both in body and mind, and didn't see the world so clear cut in good and evil, as Simba and Kiara did. She would understand... and perhaps, if not, she would be able to convince him of another way.

Besides, he didn't want this to be his own horrible secret.

Cautiously he glanced over his shoulder to make sure Malka was following, and in the interloper’s fiery orange/brown eyes, Kovu saw a sad understanding.

[Deleted]

"Zira was not a friend, was she? Please, do not lie to me of this..."

Sarabi lay there beside Scruffy trying to keep the look on her face neutral as Zira turned her gaze back onto her. Hearing what she spoke to them made the anger start to grow inside.

Swallowing back a sharp reply, the older lioness took her time in answering, trying to pick through the words in her mind, instead of just blurting out the truth.
what do I say, this hag is starting to annoy me, always did and always will

Sarabi moved her head, looking briefly at Scuffy, she could have swon she was twitching slightly, then back to face Zira's piercing eyes, that were watching her every movement.
well, here goes nothing I guess

" You are correct Zira, you weren't a friend, you were actually the most hated lioness around and I'm surpised you weren't killed one dark night, and pushed under a dirty large rock where we all thought you came from."

Stopping herself, Sarabi turned towards Scruffy to see what expression her face now held, seeing she had stated a few truths.

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Kiara stopped and thought. Watch him? Tojo? She had always heard such lovely things of Tojo. Her dad had spoke of him alot in her childhood and everything was always about how great he was..... or seemed to be. Though time had changed her, and even the Pridelanders and the Outsiders, who now lived together in the Pridelands. So, it was fitting that Tojo could've changed, and she loved and trusted Kovu.

She snapped out of her thought induced trance and looked to see him speaking with her father. Kovu seemed genuinely concerned of Tojo.... but why? All he had done ws attract some birds. She then looked up to where her mother was leaving. There looking after her, was Malka. She internally rolled her eyes, annoyed. She knew that he was constantly hitting on her mom, and his leaving and now coming back hadn't changed that.

Kovu called them to hunt and she considered going. Malka was apparently going to show all of them how to hunt. 'This oughta be good' she thought. She quickly sprinted over to them and fell into step with Kovu. She gave him a brief smile and waited to see what exactly was going to happen.

[Dakota]

Kopa lay there occasionally glancing sideways at his mate, still noticing the sour expression that passed over her face.
I doubt that she's going to forgive me for a while about this, but it's what had to happen

Pushing himself up off the dry dusty ground, Kopa shook the remnants of what was sticking to his body off himself vigorously.
Leaning down slowly so his head was beside Vitani's, Kopa gave her a small nuzzle. Feeling the softness of her fur against his own, made his tail swing slightly. Seeing that she wasn't about to pull away, he leaned in closer and ran his wet tongue down her cheek, hoping for some show of awareness from her. When none was forthcoming, Kopa sighed and stepped back,

"I'm just walking further over towards the other ledge Vitani, see if we can see anything amiss, you could come as well, unless you would like to sit there mulling over 'what if's'.."

Kopa stood still waiting to see if he would get any response, or the silent treatment was going to continue.

[Tamber]

Vitani sat silently, holding her gaze still and focused on a random rock in the field, knowing she would be waiting for a while. Kopa tried to score some brownie points with her, but nothing was taking. Tani didn't slip out of a bad and nervous mood easily, especially in this cirumstance.

You could come as well, unless you would like to sit there mulling over 'what if's'.."

Tani's expression grew engraged as her vision was immediately diverted from the rock. She jerked her head around to glare at her mate as she stood up angrily. "What do you want me to do, Kopa? Laugh and joke about the fact that my mother may still be alive? How do you see this situation...as just a big...happening?"

Tani stared into her mate's eyes and waited for him to speak, but got no reply. "You weren't here Kopa. You don't know Zira the way I do, the way the rest of us do. I have had mixed feelings of her since I was born, and even after she died. I've never known what to think of my mother, so how am I supposed to know now?

"Find your own bush to hide behind. I'll be fine behind my own." With that Tani stormed off, trying to slyly scan across the desert for a good place to hide. Soon a good-sized rock came into view, one she remembered, and she took cover behind it, covering her face, in case the termites and microorganisms arond her would see her frustrated tears.
________________________
Nala was relieved to see that Malka was staying put, and Simba was coming up to greet her. Normally she would be happy, but the scowl on his face made her feel differently. Was he angry with her?

Whew! No, just Malka. She nuzzled him quickly as she gave him a smile. Looking back up to Malka again she felt the hatred for him that she had let herself develope, but as he lay there on his back, staring at the long, narrow African clouds, Nala could see something she had forgotten. Malka had always had a carefree spirit about him. Whenever something got to him, he would just swallow it, push it aside, and carry on. Nothing seemed to phase him, and his relaxed position reminded Nala of when they had been cubs. She had indeed liked him back then, as a friend...and perhaps even more. She was taken now, and happily so, but a little voice inside of her told her to try to let her negative feelings go, so she could just have a friend in Malka again.

She turned back to Simba and replied to his statement. "I know," she said calmly. "He's jealous...just remember that. You have the upper hand, Simba, so make sure you don't lose it. Malka is smart and wiley, and he's hard to predict at times." After pausing for a moment and looking at him again, she turned back to Simba. "I do want you to remember that he is our friend. I will never betray you, darling, but as long as Malka is reasonable and just being himself, let him be. I will watch him, so don't worry that you always have to."

With that Nala caught Kovu's gaze. They were obviously going off for a large hunt, and she got the impression that he wanted her to tag along. With a grin to both him and her mate, she dashed off after him. But first, before reaching the group, she looked up to where Malka lay and gave him a nod of her head, asking him to come along with her. She knew she was strong enough to handle him, and she wouldn't let him get away with more than he deserved.

[cheezeegriff]

Well Malka, this is it. This is what you've come here for. Why be afraid now?

Because he wasn't as young as he used to be. Because he was injured. Because he hadn't counted on this Kovu character - who moved more like a lion hunter than a game hunter - let alone him being King in Simba's place. Malka's heart pounded in his chest, and he tried not to look as fearful as he felt, but when he met Kovu's eyes, they confirmed his worse fears.

This was your own idea: live with it.

Nevertheless when Kiara joined the group and licked her mate's face, Malka relaxed a little at the sight of Kovu's horrified expression: the king hadn't expected the queen to tag along. It had been she who had given Malka permission to stay: perhaps he wasn't going to die just yet. Then again, with so many lionesses under Kovu's loyal command...

Malka swallowed, and hoped the 'magic' he had weaved so far would be enough to stall things.

When Nala joined the group and gave him a sterile nod, he felt as if a rhino's horn had stabbed him in the gut. No, Nala. Not you too. Surely she didn't hate him that much. With a huff to hide his fear - which most likely failed - he said to her, hoping and begging his instincts were wrong,
"Well, Nala? My back is safe on this little hunting trip, isn't it?"

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

Kovu flinched from Kiara's smile as plainly as if she had struck him across the face. By the Old Kings... she can't be here for this. He was going behind her back and besides, he didn't want her to see him becaving so... cruelly. Clearing his throat and giving her a quick smile back, he waited a moment, walking a bit further, then looked over his shoulder and hissed,
"Nala!"

Nala was making eyes at Kovu, further back, as if he had just finished speaking and she was thinking of a reply. Foolish woman, don't encourage him, he thought, then cringed at his own harshness. He took a look over Malka - whose head was lowered, legs bent as if waiting to be struck, eyes wide and fearful, peering out from under his fringe - then dropped back beside Nala, distracting her before she had a chance to reply by whispering in her ear,
"I need you to get rid of Kiara for me. She can't be around when..."
He swallowed.
"With me and Malka. Wait a while until we get further into the plains, then take some of the lionesses with you and Kiara when you see the opportunity to hunt by yourselves."
He didn't look to see her expression, but turned around.

"Malka!"
Malka flinched, then met his gaze.
"Up front." Where I can see you. "You're the teacher today. Take the lead and head out west. You can show us how to hunt the wilderbeast out there.

Malka nodded, and his smile returned, quirky and confident, quivering slightly at the corners under his wide, terrified eyes.
"I do hope you'll forgive me if I take things a little easy. My leg, you see..."
Malka wandered forward between Kovu and Nala, and Kovu didn't miss the look the two of them shared. Nevertheless he fell in behind the intruder as he wandered out into the long grass of the plains, beginning the journey west, to the hunting grounds.
Where the hunter would be hunted.

[Kirsui]

The old lioness watched when Sarabi struggled with her anger. She had somewhat expected a snappy reply, but surprise flickered in her eyes when the reply finally came.

" You are correct Zira, you weren't a friend, you were actually the most hated lioness around and I'm surpised you weren't killed one dark night, and pushed under a dirty large rock where we all thought you came from."

Scruffy froze, gasping at Sarabi as she looked at the old queen in horror. Her gaze quickly turned at the supposed Zira, almost expecting her to pounce from her seat and kill them both - if she could, that is.

But "Zira" didn't move. She looked struck, horrified, confused, sad... But not angry. Something close to recognition flickered in "Zira's" face. Scruffy was holding her breath, not daring to move even the slightest bit just in case she would catch "Zira's" attention that currently was focused on Sarabi.
'Scruffs, this ain't as good idea as ya thought.........'
But Scruffy's line of thoughts was stopped when "Zira" finally seemed to gather herself to reply.

"You are not lost, nor are you looking for shelter from the sun."
The supposed Zira rose to her feet and calmly walked down towards Sarabi and Scruffy.
"Those were simple excuses. You know your way around these lands, or the lands where you came from anyway. And you came looking for me, did you not?"
She stopped when she was standing a few feet away from Sarabi. For some reason Scruffy thought that "Zira" couldn't see as well as she let others think.

But even if this didn't surprise Scruffy, the lioness was indeed rather old and filled with scars, her calmness indeed did. It wasn't something Zira would have had in this type of situation.

"Listen carefully when I say this, Sarabi, I will not repeat myself again."
The supposed Zira paused taking a deep breath.
"I do not deny that you could not come to me like this and accuse me of things you say I have done... But I can not remember. I do not know what has happened to me before I found my way to this cave, I do not know how I ended up looking like a drowned hyena on that very same day, I do not know how I have gotten all the scars, and nor do I know who Zira is or was."

She sighed then and continued to walk around the two lionesses, heading towards the cave exit. But before she had walked even half way to the entrance she stopped.
"If you say I am Zira who was the most hated lioness around, why did you come to me? What did you wish to acomplish while questioning me of who I am when you already had the answer?"
She glanced over her shoulder at the two lionesses.
"Why question anyway when you refuse to hear what my answers are?"

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Kiara almost stopped dead in her tracks when Kovu flinched from her. She looked at him, confused. He could atleast tell her what was going on... couldn't he? His fears, his beliefs, his suspicions. She felt hurt that he seemed to be hiding something from her. She knew that he seemed untrusting of Malka, so why didn't he just tell her? She had only allowed Malka to stay because she had been told he was a friend of her father's. She didn't trust Malka either. Didn't Kovu understand?

She looked at her mate's face, trying to make him do so. She wanted to scream at him, to ask him why he wasn't just telling her, to tell him that she wasn't as naive as he seemed to think her. She saw him whisper something to her mother, and then the anger began. 'So he'll tell my mom, but not me?' she thought, 'He just doesn't get it.' She rolled her eyes.

She looked back at Malka, who looked unsure and afraid. She suddenly realized that Kovu wanted to hurt Malka. Why couldn't they just ask him to leave or something? Her dad didn't seem to fond of his being around and neither did her mom. If none of them wanted him around, then why couldn't they just banish him? She searched her mate's eyes to really see if this was really his plan. It seemed to be so. She gave him a reassuring smile, telling him that she trusted his decision and slowed down a little, falling into step with her mother.

[Deleted]

Sarabi stood up to attention when the scarred lioness came towards her, slightly standing in front of Scruffy in case she was going to attack. It truly seemed as though she didn't know who she was or anything about her past, but Sarabi wasn't one for taking any chances.

Listening to her have her say, didn't sway Sarabi at all, a stab of pity entered her mind, but then she brushed it away just as quick, having seen what Zira'a actions had caused over the years.

I have to stop my thoughts and feelings clouding my mind, we all have to think about Vitani

Moving away from Scruffy, Sarabi with her head held high and proud, moved past 'zira' and blocked the entrance, so no one could leave.

"Scruffy, come my dear, I think we have out stayed our welcome."

Sarabi made to move out of the cave, but stopped again and turned to stare and 'zira',
" Well if you are in such a snitt with us, I guess you don't want to meet your daughter again, do you?"

Nodding her head at Scruffy, with a hurry up look, the regal lioness carried on out of the cave, back into the sunlight and soaring heat.