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Post by kovu on Jan 28, 2009 2:01:53 GMT -8
It seemed a normal day- bright blue sky above and soft green grass below. The animals of the kingdom were going about their daily business of survival. All as it should be- but to the young lion that stepped from the caves below Pride Rock, everything felt...wrong.
He gazed at his surroundings, the trees looked younger and there was no scars on the land from the heavy drought that. Ahh, Kovu shook his head, it wouldn't do to dwell on the past. One he never knew the truth of till a few weeks ago.
"Where is everyone..." he padded forward, squinting as the sun beamed down at him. "Everything looks the same but..."
Walking further along he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong...
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Post by mufasa on Jan 29, 2009 16:20:34 GMT -8
The hot African Sun blazed brilliantly in the morning sky while King Mufasa slept with his pride in the cool lion’s den; but the king’s sleep was one tainted with reoccurring nightmares that had been coming now for a fortnight. When Simba died in the gorge many years ago, the young son would sometimes visit Mufasa in his dreams. At first the dreams were pleasant and occurred only once in a while, but recently these pleasant dreams became ugly and frequent. He was constantly reliving the time Simba died, but the scenario had been changed....
The Wildebeests came stampeding towards Simba who was barely clinging on to a branch for safety. Terror filled the cub and his eyes widened when he felt the branch crack. Snap. Simba was falling, falling right into the herd when suddenly mighty Mufasa snatched his son and sprung toward the cliff face, setting the cub down in safety on an outcropping. And then he fell. The lion had been struck by the hooves of the wildebeests, but with great strength managed to leap up and catch the cliff wall climbing towards the top. But his grip was weak! As he scratched at the rock, struggling against gravity, he glanced up into the face of his younger brother who had watched the whole scene occur.
“Scar! Brother! Help me!”
The younger lion’s claws slammed down into his paws so hard, Mufasa let out a painful rawr. Scar leaned down close and said victoriously,
“Long. Live. The King.” He threw Mufasa off the wall.
The only thing he heard over the rush of wind was Simba’s horrified scream.
Mufasa woke up with a start. He always woke up before he hit the ground. The great lion panted for breath and saw that some of the lionesses had already left to hunt and Scar was nowhere to be found. With a yawn and a stretch, Mufasa got to his feet and padded towards the entrance of the cave. As the sun’s rays beat down on him, Mufasa could tell it was going to be a hot day. Needing some time to himself to clear the dream which lingered from his mind, he decided to head towards the waterhole. A fresh drink would feel good right about now.
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Post by kovu on Feb 2, 2009 13:54:59 GMT -8
The large cat's ears swiveled a bit before he focused on the sound of something large walking through grass. Old instincts had him hunker down and hide in the tall grass.
When he spotted Mufasa however he gave a sigh of relief and padded out of the brush.
"Your highness; I'm glad to see you!" Unknown to the younger lion, the familiar gold coat and red mane did not belong to Simba- but rather to another lion that Kovu had only heard about in whispers.
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Post by mufasa on Feb 7, 2009 10:15:15 GMT -8
Mufasa walked slowly across the land as he attempted to analyze the dream for what felt like the hundredth time. Had his brother been so jealous of Simba that he was willing to kill his own nephew? But that couldn’t be! Mufasa had made the same argument over and over after Simba’s death: Scar came to him for help. Scar had found him and explained that Simba was in the Gorge where the stampede was; he’d tried to help save him! But what about this new twist to these nightmares? Why was he dreaming that he had died instead? Had that been Scar’s intent? If he died, Simba would be King, but since he was still too young to rule, Scar would until the cub was old enough to take his place. And if Scar didn’t’ want to give up his position… he would have to kill them both.
A low and unexpected growl crept up into Mufasa’s throat and he tossed the thought aside with a shake of his head. If these dreams would not stop torturing him, he would have to seek help elsewhere, and the best animal he knew for that was Rafiki. He would seek the baboon out after his return from the waterhole.
An unfamiliar voice reached the King’s ears and when Mufasa looked in the direction it came from he was surprised to find a strange lion coming toward him. It was certainly clear that he was not a member of his pride, so where did he come from?
“You are?” Mufasa’s deep voice held no traces of suspicion, since the lion seemed genuinely pleased to see him. “That is always a good thing. What would you like?”
How long had this lion been travelling? The sun would have to set and rise again for days before the nearest pride could be reached.
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Post by kovu on Feb 11, 2009 16:29:07 GMT -8
When Mufasa turned around and spoke, Kovu's ears flattened against his head. While from a distance the lion had looked familiar, Kovu now realized that he had no idea who this guy was!
Obviously royalty if he answered to 'Your Highness'; the younger lion cautiously stepped up. Giving a short bow before raising an eyebrow.
"I'm sorry I think- no, I know I've confused you for some one else. I'm sorry."
Ok...now things were making less sense then before. This was the Pridelands, the giant rock behind made that much clear. So then...where was Simba? Or Kiara...
"I'm looking for someone, a lioness. Her names Kiara."
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Post by mufasa on Feb 14, 2009 13:22:25 GMT -8
"There's no one here by that name," Mufasa replied. "Where have you come from?" The great lion appeared calm, but inside he was somewhat concerned for the lion with the dark coat He looked confused and lost now that he realized that he was not who the lion had expected. But then who had he expected? Mufasa ruled over all that the light touched. What other kings were there?
"What is your name?"
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Post by kovu on Feb 15, 2009 0:49:46 GMT -8
Kovu's shoulders hunched- Kiara wasn't here but; that was impossible. She'd fallen asleep right beside him last night.
"I thought I hadn't traveled at all...but- I may be wrong."
He glanced around again- this was making absolutely no sense!
"I'm Kovu- I" he paused for a brief moment, he had no idea what was going on or anything. No information to work off; with a small bow he finished, "probably took a wrong turn somewhere."
He waited another moment before speaking, "Uh if it isn't too much trouble, sir- do...you know the way to the Outlands?"
Ever since he was a cub, his mother had told them that Simba had made the horrible land they were forced to. No lions had ever lived there before (or since).
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Post by mufasa on Feb 17, 2009 11:00:24 GMT -8
“The Outlands?” Mufasa repeated in a puzzled tone. Now he really was concerned. As King, Mufasa knew all the regions in his Kingdom, even if he hadn’t visited every single one. There was no such place called the Outlands, although perhaps the lions who resided in this location called it something else among them. “Well I’m pleased to meet you, Kovu, but I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of the Outlands. Is there another name for the place you’re looking for?” The lion glanced towards the east. Perhaps he should ask this stranger to join him at the water hole. The cool liquid might help clear both their heads.
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Post by kovu on Feb 23, 2009 11:19:29 GMT -8
"Another name? Uhm...not really." So the Outlands didn't exist, ok that wasn't really as comforting as he thought it would be. What had happened to his pride, his family...more importantly to Kiara.
He stared up at Pride Rock, almost willing someone familiar to come onto the outcropping. Kiara, Nala, Simba...even that bird; anyone who could tell him what sort of strange dream he was having.
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Post by mufasa on Mar 8, 2009 20:56:54 GMT -8
Mufasa’s gaze followed Kovu’s before his milk chocolate eyes settled on the young lion himself. He inhaled deeply as he pondered over what to do next. By now a deep curiosity had grown regarding this wanderer; the lion looked so troubled and yet the way he acted seemed as if he had been here before, but Mufasa could not recall a prior visit from Kovu.
“Have you traveled far?” he finally asked. “I’m going to the water hole, you’re welcome to join me.”
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Post by kovu on Apr 2, 2009 12:29:06 GMT -8
He blinked out of his thoughts and looked up at the supposed gone king. Kovu shook his head and couldn't help a small smile.
"Actually- it feels as though I haven't traveled at all."
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Post by zazu on Apr 2, 2009 12:32:08 GMT -8
Ah! FInally- his morning duties for the most part were over. None to soon either if you asked him, it seemed that the beginning of the dry season was always the worst. Longer mornings and the herds were all in varying moods.
He hmphed to himself before circling Pride Rock in search of a familiar red-man.
"There he is...but who is that with him?" The fur pattern looked like Scar, but good heavens that lion was too built to be that flea rag of a Prince.
Catching a breeze, Zazu glided down, landing a few feet away from the pair and giving a bow.
"Good Morning your Majesty!" he eyed the other lion with hidden mistrust. "A visitor so early?"
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Post by mufasa on Apr 2, 2009 21:59:16 GMT -8
Mufasa chuckled happily. “I wish I had more days like that.”
A disturbance in the sky caught the great King’s attention and he watched a brilliant blue dot come closer towards them. Immediately he recognized the object to be one of his most trusted confidants and a pleased smile settled on the lion’s face as Zazu came in for a landing.
“Good morning, Zazu!” His gaze shifted towards Kovu. “Yes, this is Kovu, he’s lost his way. Kovu, this is Zazu, my majordomo.” Mufasa had not felt it necessary to introduce himself to his guest earlier, for the lion had already indicated he knew who he was. He glanced down at Zazu. “We’re on our way to the waterhole. Come, Zazu; you can fill me in on the morning report on the way there.”
At a relatively lazy pace, Mufasa proceeded forward, glancing back briefly over his shoulder to see if Kovu was following him and offered a small smile.
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Post by kovu on Apr 3, 2009 11:00:31 GMT -8
Kovu couldn't help but frown; the bird hadn't recognized him. Just what was going on? Mufasa was alive- and no one knew who he was or what the Outlands were.
"It's, nice to meet you, Zazu."
He couldn't hold back a soft frustrated sigh as he followed Mufasa towards the watering hole. It was obvious the younger lion knew the way; which was good since Kovu was letting his mind wander. Remembering everything he did yesterday.
It was an easy enough day, woke up, chased a few birds, helped the lionesses with a hunt, ate, slept for a bit before Kiara decided she was bored and dragged him off to the Savannah.
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Post by zazu on Apr 3, 2009 11:09:38 GMT -8
"Of course, of course!"
He flew up and landed on Mufasa's shoulder, talking about a mile a minute and waving his wing every so often for emphasis.
"So then I asked what was the matter and the hive told me it was the bee's knees. Not sure how that came out but really; it's no surprise- never take a break do they? No; and this is what happens."
He seemed to be eying Mufasa on that bit, Kings needed to rest as well!
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Post by mufasa on Apr 5, 2009 20:47:36 GMT -8
Mufasa had taken the hint and his eyes rolled up toward Zazu, a wearing a wry smile. “But why should the bees do something that is against their nature?” he shot back, defending his own actions in the subtext. “If they stopped, it would disrupt the balance in their work. I’m sure they know what’s best for them, no matter what the consequences.” The lion had always been busy before Simba’s death, but ever since he lost his son, he seemed to find more excuses to take less time for himself.
Up ahead lay a sparkling blue oasis, several animals already drinking from the liquid sanctuary.
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Post by kovu on Apr 7, 2009 13:46:43 GMT -8
Kovu listened to the two, Simba had invited him along on morning duties a few times. Zazu, it seemed, had not changed at all. The younger lion paused only long enough to glance at Pride Rock before following the pair ahead of him.
The mumur of Zazu's speech lulled him a bit, and he tried to gain some sort of sense of what had happened. That night- that night was no different then any other; except for that monkey being at the den.
His ears perked up- of course! That baboo, he seemed to be some sort of mystical type. A little crazy but it wasn't anything dangerous.
....now what was his name?
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Post by zazu on Apr 7, 2009 13:50:34 GMT -8
"There's nature sire; then there's pushing things beyond their normal limits." He'd had this talk with hire sire a good amount of times since...then.
The death of the prince had hit them all hard it seemed, Sarabi and Mufasa though had taken the brunt of it. The Queen rarely smiled, and the King rarely stepped down for even a few hours.
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Post by mufasa on Apr 7, 2009 21:34:48 GMT -8
“Zazu,” Mufasa warned with a hint of firmness in his voice, “Not now.” Perking up, the King added, “We have company,” and glanced back to dark furred lion. “Kovu, why don’t you tell us more about the Outlands,” he requested, before stooping to lap up some water.
Zazu’s comments were not always that easy to tune out, and since Mufasa did have respect for the bird, he wondered if perhaps he should spare even a little time for himself. He would suggest an outing with Zazu later, as a compromise between managing the kingdom and slowing down. And if Sarabi were willing, a stroll under a blanket of stars might do them both some good. It had been a long time since they had simply walked without an intended path.
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Post by kovu on Apr 16, 2009 23:23:40 GMT -8
Kovu watched the two speak in obvious code; but code for what he couldn't even pretend to guess. Instead he took a cool drink and looked out across the savanna. Everything was familiar, but something still struck him as vastly different.
He blinked up at Mufasa and gave a nod, "There isn't much to tell. My pride was banished there a little after I was born." this was hard, it was so easy talking about his past with Kiara; but with a strange lion. That was something else entierly.
"There was little food and water- it was a daily struggle to just survive; but that was a while ago. My family is now back where it belongs." Even if he, apparently, wasn't.
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Post by zazu on May 13, 2009 13:40:43 GMT -8
Zazu couldn't help but shake his head and reluctantly agree to keep his words to himself. For now at least.
The bird relaxed and listened to the younger lion. These Outlands did not sound at all pleasant. He wondered what had caused that pride to be banished to such a hostile seeming area.
"Banished? Good grief..." he murmured, wing going to his throat for a moment, "And your sovereign has let you return? How...benevolent."
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Post by mufasa on May 23, 2009 20:53:43 GMT -8
“And yet… you want to go back there?” It was evident the King was confused. Someone who seemed to have suffered a hard life in a place such as that must have an important reason for wanting to return there. It was then that he remembered the lioness that Kovu had mentioned earlier.
“Is that where you’ll find Kiara?” He raised his head and sat back on his haunches looking at Kovu with an expression that suggested he was curious to know the answer, but was also trying to look like he wasn’t prying too much. Of course, as King, why shouldn’t he pry into the business of outsiders; those that gave him reason to be suspicious that is. Kovu had given him no such reason however and this had to do with the simple matter of curiosity.
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Post by kovu on May 27, 2009 17:19:19 GMT -8
"oh, we're not in the Outlands anymore. Sim-,...the King let us come back home. That's where Kiara is."
Or so he hopped. This was really getting confusing, Zazu (he was sure the bird was Zazu) didn't recognize him or the Outlands. Plus, Mufasa seemed to be the one in charge, not Simba.
Which was leaving Kovu's head spinning. How could he get more information, without sounding like he'd been hit in the head too many times.
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