...I Will Remember You...♥ [Closed]

[Nala]

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NALA
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There are certain moments in life that define one's character in some way. Bringing life into the world, falling in love, losing someone you love...But like every Pridelander knew: such was the way of the great Circle of Life. Accidental encounters, that could either be governed by fate or perhaps simply bad luck, also played a significant part here...

Sometimes more significant than you knew or could ever think possible.

That morning when Nala woke at dawn to gather her hunting party, she knew the significance this day held more than anyone, except for her mate and King, Simba. She'd given birth to their first born, a son, a few years ago to this day and every year since his disappearance and assumed death they would take the time to pay respect in some way; even Kiara who never got the chance to meet her sibling.

Perhaps it was recent events--including the pride's youngest cubs wandering into the Highlands--that caused memories of her own nightmare to surface or maybe it was inevitable the closer it got to this day, but after the hunt the queen left word of her whereabouts with one of her lionesses to inform her mate, their daughter or son-in-law should any inquire. She was returning to what could very well be considered a landmark in her relationship with Simba.

The waterfall was just as beautiful as she remembered it to be on the day she found him after thinking he'd died with King Mufasa in the stampede and it was here that they fell in love. Kopa was the first result of that love and then there was Kiara. Looking up at the sky for a moment, a deep breath was taken before closing her eyes.

[Simba]

S I M B A

In the early morning hours, the darkness of the night began to fade into the light of the day. On the eastern side of the Pridelands, the bright African sun rose on the horizon like a bright glowing orb. As the morning sunrise progressed, hues of bright orange and red painted the sky like a work of art. It was at this time of day that creatures big and small would awaken from their night's rest to greet the day with the rising of the hot African sun. For many of the creatures of the Pridelands, it was but another day in the circle of life, for others however, it was another day to be thankful for being alive.

With the sun barely cresting over the horizon the king of the Pridelands awoke from his evening slumber. A deep yawn separated his jaw as he slowly got to his feet. He glanced around Pride Rock's cave, noting that many of the lionesses had already started their day before the rising of the sun. Although it was not uncommon for the hunting party to set out so early in the day, Simba was surprised to find his mate, Nala absent on this morning. For the two of them, this day was much more than just another mark on the calendar, but rather the anniversary of the birth of their son, Kopa. Ever since Kopa's disappearance, this day had become one of the most significant for the king and queen of the Pridelands. The loss of their first born son was a hard blow to the royal family who were still seeking answers as to their son's disappearance. When Kopa had vanished, the entire pride had searched well beyond the borders of the Pridelands for the missing prince, though their search was inconclusive. Found neither dead or alive, Simba and Nala found a gaping hole in their hearts for their son, whose whereabouts were still left unanswered.

Simba knew his mate well enough to know where she had disappeared to so early on this morning. It had become a tradition among the royal family to take this day to pay their respects to their long lost son. The king made his way across the savannah, heading toward the Vinelands territory. It was within these borders that one of the most significant events in his and Nala's life had taken place a few years ago. It was here that Simba had sought refuge after being banished by his uncle, and guilted into believe that his father's death was all his fault. He had grown up here, raised by a meerkat and a warthog instead of by the pride of lions he was born into. But it was at one specific location in the Vinelands that Simba's life was finally put back together by the lioness who had meant so much to him growing up.

As Simba approached the waterfall, he saw his mate staring up into the bright blue morning sky. It was in this location that Simba had been reunited with the best friend that he thought he would never see again. Although years had passed and the two of them had grown, the bond between them had not weakened, but grown stronger. It was here that two best friends were reunited and deeper feelings blossomed between them.

Simba made his way toward Nala, saying nothing as he approached her. He knew that for just a moment the two of them needed the silence. They needed this time to let the memories of their relationship wash over them. To feel pain and mourn the loss of their son. To reflect on so many things that had happened over the course of a lifetime. His shoulder brushed lightly against hers as he stood beside her, allowing his own amber eyes to follow her gaze up toward the sky. He stood in silence for a moment, allowing a deep breath of the misty air to fill his lungs before lowering his eyes back to his mate. "How are you?" He asked, though he knew that as the years passed, the loss of their son did not get any easier.


Words [ 695 ]
Thoughts [ sorry for the quality of it, i'm a little rusty. also, so sorry for the delay in replying! ]

[Nala]

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NALA
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The silence surrounding her was surreal. It was almost as though even the many creatures that called the Vinelands their home was recognizing the significance as well, or perhaps Mufasa had a hand in it as he was always watching over them from his place in the Heavens now. Regardless of the reason for the tranquility that existed at the moment, she was grateful. Kopa…

Was he beside his grandfather watching over them as well? It was a question Nala would probably never get the answer to, but it was her hope that answer was a ‘yes’. It was one of the few things that had given her some semblance of peace after their tireless search efforts proved fruitless when the young prince first disappeared and now as she sat there alone with her thoughts, it was this hope that the Queen continued to hold onto. It was unclear just how long she sat there embodying the strong lioness she’d matured into, but inside she could feel the emotions she buried on a daily basis—be it by conscious or subconscious means—threatening to surface. Her alert senses provided her with the assurance that there was no immediate threat in the vicinity, so if she did need an outlet for those emotions she would have it.

Nala still held them back in spite of wondering on a subconscious level: why. That answer came in the form of the warm body of fur suddenly brushing her shoulder. It was quite obvious that her senses weren’t as alert as she thought they were if it wasn’t until her mate touched her that she was aware of his presence. Her blue eyes slowly opened to meet his amber gaze upon hearing his question and for a brief moment all she could do was stare at him in silence. Soon however, she moved closer to him and he would notice the slight rippling effect that seemed to fill her eyes. Knowing she couldn’t manage any words just yet, she affectionately rubbed her head under his chin and her tears finally fell. They were partners since both were old enough to play in the den as young cubs and now that it progressed into something more intimate, with his presence she was reminded that they were in this together—always. And when she couldn’t be strong this was a reminder that she also didn’t always need to be.

“I’m better with you here.” Her head was still nuzzled under his chin against his mane with those soft words for a while longer before slowly tilting her head to see him once more. “And you? I’m sorry for leaving the Pridelands without telling you. I know we usually do this together at sunset…but when I woke at dawn this morning…It’s hard to explain the feeling that influenced my actions.” Being his mate a large part of that title not only entailed enforcing the rules of the land, but she also had to follow them as well. It was always better to lead by example.

[Simba]

S I M B A

A silence lingered between the two lions after Simba's words were spoken. As Nala's bright blue eyes looked up into his, he could see the tears welling in her eyes. Before the water could overflow, she hid her face beneath his chin to let the tears flood from her eyes. He lowered his head slightly in respond to her touch, trying to comfort her in some way. As the two mates stood there in silence, Simba could feel the tears building in his own eyes, blurring his vision as he forced them back from streaming down his face.

He closed his eyes as all the emotions of that day came flooding back to him. The sheer panic they had both felt when Kopa had not returned. He could see the scene unfolding in his head as he and Nala ran frantically across the Pridelands, searching behind every rock, bush and tree shouting his name. For days they searched the Pridelands and past the borders without finding a trace of their son. Had Kopa simply wandered to far beyond the borders and could not find his way back? Or was the outcome one that no parent ever wants to think about?

Simba remembered sitting on the edge of Pride Rock with Nala at his side after weeks of searching. Her face was buried against him as the two of them wept as they realized they might never see their son again. It seemed that in this moment this scene was unfolding again. Nala's soft reply interrupted the silence that lingered in the air, bringing Simba back from his thoughts of the past. He nuzzled his head against her before she pulled herself away from him to meet his gaze.

”Same as you,” he replied, a soft smile spreading across his lips. ”Much better now that I’m with you.” He pressed his nose gently against hers before pulling back to look into her eyes. ”Don’t worry about it, I understand completely. Besides, I had a feeling I might find you here…” His voice trailed off as he pulled his gaze away from hers. ”Today is just a difficult one…” He added softly, as all the emotions came rushing back to him again.

[Nala]

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“Simba…” She knew him well enough to know that he was being strong for her right now. If something ever happened to him…Nala shook her head slightly to clear the thoughts threatening to surface. She’d lost him once before and even before they were in love it left a painful void in her heart in spite of being that young. The lioness wouldn’t lose anyone else that she loved; she couldn’t. Smiling when his nose was pressed against hers lightly, when his voice trailed off with his following words his queen licked his cheek affectionately before meeting his eyes again. “I keep thinking each year that maybe the next will be easier but I don’t think that will ever be true. Not completely. And honestly…there’s a part of me that doesn’t want it to ever get easier; I don’t want to forget him.” She didn’t think there was anything that could ever cause her to forget her first born, but the fear that some day that could happen was very real regardless of her efforts to dispel it.

She was silent for a moment while allowing the memories of all they had been through—good and bad—to surface. Then without warning she playfully pinned her king. As simple of an act it was, it felt symbolic and as heavy as her heart was for their lost son at the moment, she was in better spirit. “Thank you…For coming back to me so many years ago, for Kopa and Kiara, for being here with me now…for everything.” Almost on cue a small flock of birds flew from a nearby tree, but their departure left a strange silence in the area. It wasn’t like the tranquility that existed before and as a result Nala’s ears twitched as she released Simba to take a slightly defensive stance.

Something was here…

[Simba]

S I M B A

As Nala said his name, Simba squeezed his eyes shut, fighting back the tears that threatened to stream down his face again. He took a deep breath as he felt her warm tongue caress his cheek. He opened his eyes again, connecting with her deep blue spheres as she spoke to him again. "Everyone always says things like this get easier over time, but they never do..." He pulled his gaze away from hers to glance up at the sky. "... I still have difficult days when I think about my father, and they haven't gotten any easier even with all the time that has passed." He lowered his eyes back to Nala's again, "And I don't think Kopa's loss will get any easier for us either."

Simba thought back to that day years ago when he was just a young cub. Although it had been years since then, the image was so vivid in his mind that it seemed to be unfolding again in front of his eyes. No matter how many times he tried to put this behind him, he could not escape it from haunting him from time to time. The events of that day had been seared into his memory, bringing him back to the place time and time again that he did not want to be. He could still hear himself screaming out as he watched his father fall to his death, and could feel every emotion of devastation, anger, and guilt.

Now the loss of his first-born son was another image that always crept into his mind no matter how many times he tried to hide it away. All the feelings of fear and sadness that came that day would come flooding back when he least expected it. It seemed at times that it was Kopa’s way of reminding him not to forget him, that he was watching over his parents somewhere, or to give his parents hope that he was still alive.

Then, before Simba could react, he felt his body being shoved backwards onto the ground. All of the air was forced from his lungs as his back made contact with the soft earth, pinned again by his mate. He could not help but smile as he stared up into her face above him. He could tell instantly that her dejected mood had lifted, causing his spirits to rise as well. He leaned up and licked her cheek affectionately before letting himself fall back toward the ground. “No thank you, Nala” he said, looking into her eyes, ”For finding me and bringing me back and for being there for me even when I wasn’t there for you. Without you, none of what we have now would be possible…”

The sound of squawking and the flapping of wings as a flock of birds took flight from a nearby tree suddenly caught the attention of the two lions. Without hesitation, Nala released him, and Simba rolled to his feet taking a defensive stance at his mate’s side. His nose sampled the air for any traces of scent that would indicate who or what had interrupted their tranquility, but found nothing. The soft rustling of the underbrush was becoming more audible as whatever it was drew nearer to the two lions. Suddenly, the all noise stopped filled again by an unsettling silence. Simba’s eyes fixed to one area of the brush where he knew the sound had been coming from. Although he could not see anything, Simba knew that there was someone there watching them…

[Nala]

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NALA
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He blamed himself for not being there for her after his father’s death, and as she and the Pride believed his death as well. Sure there were times following that dreadful day when she ventured off on her own now that her partner was—according to Scar—dead and she would yell at the Heavens hoping he would hear how angry and hurt he made her. And most of all, how much she missed him. When the beautiful land she’d been born into started to die under Scar’s reign and the herds started to leave, Nala knew if she remained there any longer she would watch her mom, Queen Sarabi and the other lionesses starve to death as they hunted to keep Him and his hyenas fed. So it was with their support that the youngest and strongest lioness of the hunting party left the dying Pridelands to find help. She never would have guessed in her wildest dreams that help would come in the form of Simba being alive and well.

Their initial encounter wasn’t exactly graceful as it became a fight when he challenged her to protect his friend Pumbaa, but when she pinned him like she had so many times before and he said her name…To this day that night remains one of the best moments of her life, with the birth of Kopa and Kiara being the only other two in the same category. She was about to playfully growl at him when he apologized for something that was in no way his fault, but now both the Pridelands’ King and Queen were standing on guard beside each other, knowing they were no longer alone.

Her gaze was fixated on the same spot in the bushes Simba’s was and when soft chuckling was heard, her canines were revealed as a growl started. “Show yourself!”

“Temper, temper, Queen. This isn’t the Pridelands, so you have no authority here.” At first only his words were heard, but soon the male lion stepped forward calmly and to her surprise it was the same young lion she’d encountered not that long ago as they were forced to outrun the herd of Buffalo he angered. “And this must be the great King, himself. Simba…” His blue eyes were somewhat narrowed on the pair as he spoke, but it was the growl he was barely suppressing that had Nala stepping in front of Simba.

[Simba]

S I M B A

Both lions stood on alert, their attention fixated on the brush not too far from where they stood. Simba felt the muscles in his body become tense, as he prepared himself for whatever could be concealed from his view. His eyes flicked toward his mate who also stood on the defensive, ready for anything that may emerge from its hiding place in the dense vegetation. As Simba stared in the direction of the intruder, he wondered who or what would interrupt the king and queen's moment of mourning. For years since Kopa's disappearance, they had come to this spot without a problem. Why today of all days would someone intrude on their private moment? Sending both lions from a serene state of mind to a defensive one in a matter of seconds. Their private moment together had been disturbed, completely removing their focus from each other and their long lost son to the mysterious creature who had decided to join them.

Hearing a soft chuckling sound in the distance made Simba's lips pull back from his teeth, revealing the long white daggers behind them. Nala's growl confirmed that she too had the same reaction that he did. Simba positioned himself shoulder to shoulder with his mate as she demanded the intruder show himself.

The sound of his voice came before the revelation, and by the words he spoke, it appeared that he and Nala had shared a previous encounter. A young male lion emerged from his cover in the brush, exposing himself to the royal pair. As he spoke again, Nala moved forward, positioning herself between the newcomer and her mate. "Do you know this lion?" Simba whispered with his teeth still bared. Soft enough for only Nala to hear. His gaze moved between the male and his mate wondering what had previously transpired between the two of them in the past. The fact that the lioness had positioned herself between the two males hinted to Simba that whatever it was, must not have been positive. His amber eyes narrowed as his gaze fixed on the newcomer. "Who are you and what is your business here?"

[Kopa]

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Here he stood, with both the King and Queen of the Pridelands on the defense and was he even a little intimidated? No. Not even close. Just why that was wasn't something he would be divulging today or anytime soon for that matter. Not until he was ready to do so. For now his posture remained relaxed, although hearing Simba's words the low growl that resulted couldn't be helped. "No offense your Highness but, like I told her, this isn't your kingdom. Which means I don't have to do anything you say or even listen to you if I so choose." Starting to pace around the pair, he paused behind Nala.

"By the way, you're welcome. Just in case you 'forgot' to tell the King here that I practically saved your life when that herd of buffalo attacked." Conveniently leaving out the fact that he was the one who angered the herd and that it was only because they worked together that they were able to escape unharmed, he spoke again to prevent Nala from adding in the truth of just what happened that afternoon.

"Well, this is technically my territory and you both are currently trespassing; just what should I do about that?" Frowning slightly his blue eyes were fixated on both lions.

[Nala]

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With Simba already knowing just what transpired that day she was hunting, the truth and the entire story, she was about to confirm that this was in fact the lion when he chose to answer the King's question. Already from his first words she knew that whatever followed would be offensive as much as he claimed that wasn't his intent and her response was a louder growl. Whether Simba was the King of this land or not, the fact remained that he was still a king and as such respect was due. She didn't care who this young lion thought he was, he still had no right to speak to them like he did.

"Be very careful about what you say from here on." There was no threat behind those words, but from her tone it was safe to assume that it was a promise. While Simba didn't need her to fight his battles, as head huntress and most importantly as his Queen, protecting him was her duty. Like when they were younger they would always have each other's backs. Still, she would rather not have a confrontation. Today was supposed to be about remembering their lost son and simply being there to support each other; she didn't want to fight.

Glancing at Simba, from her eyes and simply because he knew her so well he would know that she wanted to leave. It was the other lion's words that had her returning her attention to him. Was he threatening them? "Apparently your parents didn't teach you-..." His loud roar had her words trailing off as he charged towards them. So much for not wanting to fight.

[Simba]

S I M B A

The male lion's words were spat at the king and queen of the Pridelands like the venom of a poisonous serpent. With the way the male spoke to them, there was no way that Simba could prevent the low growl from escaping his gritted teeth. Just who did this male think he was? The two of them were in the Vinelands, but they had been having a private moment together, not bothering any member of the pride. It was this male who came and sought them out, looking for a fight when a simple move on would have sufficed. For years, Simba and Nala had been coming to this location ever since the disappearance of their son and no member of the Vinelands had ever questioned or disturbed them in the short time they spent here once a year.

As the male began began to circle around them, Simba shifted his body to follow the male's every movement. He had learned young from his father to never turn your back on a stranger, a message that he had taught his cubs as well. As moved to face the male, Simba did not like the way he stood behind his mate, the expression on his face, the relaxed posture of his body. The way he spoke to them was degrading, and although the king and queen of the Pridelands were no leaders here, there was a mutual respect that existed among the prides toward the other leaders. The way this lion was behaving, no such respect was being shown.

The male shared his previous encounter with Nala, an event that she had told him about the day it had occurred. As best friends since they were cubs, Nala and Simba shared everything with one another. Simba knew the truth behind their encounter that day and how this male had been the one to start the stampede of buffalo that nearly trampled them both. The two of them would not have been able to escape without the other, so why was it that this male was turning on Nala now?

Out of the corner of his eye, Simba caught Nala's quick glance in his direction. He knew that she wanted to leave this place without needing her to speak the words out loud. As much as Simba wanted to get them both out of this situation as soon as possible, he knew that this male seemed to have another idea in mind. Turning his back on the male and heading back toward the Pridelands would spell disaster for the king and queen. Instead he held his stance and his gaze with the lion to be away from this lion just as much as his mate did.

Nala's voice was cut off by the loud roar of the male lion. Within the same second, Simba's own deafening roar exploded from his throat. As the male lion began his charge toward them, Simba lunged forward teeth bared and claws extended. If this male wanted a fight, then it was a fight he was going to get. In a matter of seconds, the gap between the two male lions had closed completely. Simba's muscular limbs propelled his body forward as the opposing male's did the same. The two lunged for each other in the same instant, their upper bodies colliding in mid air. Menacing snarls erupted as teeth and claws met flesh in the beginning of the fight that the king of the Pridelands had been trying to avoid.

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[Tao]

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The young, three year old lion had been watching Simba and Nala from within the safety of the green cover of the jungle's undergrowth, simply watching them. A smile was on his face, he enjoyed listening to their conversation and simply observing the dedicated love between the two; if only he could love some one like that..

Of course he never meant them any harm and he never would've expected any lion to attack them; the king and queen of the Pridelands! but that land is soo powerful and respected! Why would... KOPA!? interrupted his thoughts abruptly as Kopa attacked the king.

Tao couldn't help it. He knew he was always so shy and helpless.. helpless.. I am helpless! All I've ever been is helpless! So why should I be now? I won't be helpless this time; I won't just watch!

His seemingly violet eyes shined through the leaves, surrounded by their yellow, adding a slightly creepy touch. Tao lunged out of the thick undergrowth, scattering leaves and plants behind him as he ran to Kopa and Simba, ramming his whole body and head right between them in their attack, separating them from eachother.

Tao stood in front of Simba and turned to snarl at Kopa who had stumbled and fallen in front of him into the leafy plant life, even though Kopa was a much larger beast than he. He didn't care if Kopa knew him or not, he knew him. Tao didn't even really remember why he butted in, but he pushed the thought away and bared his teeth at Kopa, snarling brutally, "KOPA!!"

[Kopa]

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Growing up, as a young lion Kopa imagined a reunion with his parents on multiple occasions. Or perhaps, plotted would more accurately describe it based on the various scenarios that played themselves out in his mind. His first encounter with Nala was definitely not what any of his plans entailed; this encounter strayed even further from it. The absolute last thing that was going to happen was his surrender. They tried to decide his fate so long ago when, as far as he knew, they planned to have him killed. That cub had grown up and now he wasn't afraid of anything.

He was still trying to decide just how he was going to deal with this second accidental encounter, but then the Pridelands Queen, his mother spoke and her words angered him more than even he expected them to. His body was reacting before his mind fully had a chance to process just what he was doing and when he finally did he was already being met by resistance. That resistance came in the form of Simba's muscular body impacting his; both males' roars echoed throughout the once serene jungle. In all of his plotting he did imagine a fight with his father; as fate would have it that fight was now. Kopa's sharp claws were extended and unleashed on his father without hesitation. Even as the pain of Simba's claws sinking into his flesh fueled the resulting painful growling, adrenaline fueled his rage.

Focusing his attention completely on the fight since he knew Nala wouldn't intervene until her King needed her assistance, imagine his surprise when someone, male from the smell of it, was not only intervening but attacking him directly. The moment he hit the ground he was on his feet again, fur standing on end and teeth completely bared. Blue eyes glared at the younger male that was now blocking his path to Simba. Who is this kid? Those thoughts would have been voiced had his name not left the lion's mouth. Shock registered in his eyes for only a fraction of a second before a dangerous growl sounded from behind those clenched canines. "It's not good to eavesdrop. Isn't that right your Highness? Walk away now, kid. I'll only warn once. This doesn't involve you."

Just who his lion was would be determined later. Even more importantly, just how he knew the lost Prince of the Pridelands name.

[Nala]

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Had the lion not been showing them the utter disrespect he was, Nala would not have insulted his parents' teaching. As ironic as her insult truly was considering just who his parents were. She didn't expect the resulting attack, but as lead huntress she was always ready for the unexpected. Teeth bared as she crouched low to brace herself for the attack, her roar was overshadowed by Simba's and before she knew it both male lions were clashing.

As much as she did not want to fight here of all places, like Simba she also knew just what turning their backs on the male lion would mean. A fight was inevitable. Nala circled them, ready to come to her King's aid but also knowing she couldn't interfere. When another lion chose to, the queen was at her mate's side growling fiercely. Just whose side he was on remained to be seen, but the moment he mentioned their lost son's name it didn't matter.

How dare he eavesdrop and use that name in vain? "You have no right to utter that name!" Charging towards him, her aim was to pin him to the ground.

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[Simba]

S I M B A

The moment the two male lions collided, Simba could instantly feel his opponents claws tearing through his flesh. His deafening snarls of pain and anger exploded from his jaws, as his own sharp talons dug into his adversary's skin. In all his years, Simba had learned to expect the unexpected, but he never could have predicted what was happening now. The day had been so uneventful up until this point, with the king and queen spending a brief period of time alone with one another. Coming to this location was a yearly routine that had been unexpectedly interrupted. From the moment he had revealed himself, the opposing male's disrespectful words and behavior, indicated that he was not going to allow the two Pridelands' leaders to leave without a fight.

And it was a fight he was going to get. Since the beginning, his opponent’s demeanor and language toward them had been enough to agitate the king. He had not questioned their intentions in this territory, nor had he asked for them to be on their way. But having them leave peacefully did not seem to be the male’s intentions. His charge for Nala triggered the fight that he seemed to crave, for it was one thing to be disrespectful toward the leaders of another land, but another to try and attack its queen.

So violence was met with violence as the two large males brawled. Simba, protecting his mate and the other battling for a reason the king did not know. Teeth and claws sought flesh as both males focused entirely on the battle they were engaged in, rage and adrenaline fueling their every move. But just as soon as the fight had begun, Simba felt something slam against the side of his head. His body was being forced aside by an outside force that separated him from his opponent. The force of the blow caused the king’s vision to blur and a loud ringing to flood his ears. As he struggled to bring the world back into focus, his immediate reaction was that it had been Nala who had intervened. However, as his vision began to clear, the appearance of another male, informed him that this was not the case.

The king’s teeth were still bared and his claws unsheathed as he glanced from his opponent to the newcomer. The young male had positioned himself between the two fighters, turned on Simba’s adversary. Over the ringing in his ears the king did not hear the name uttered by the newcomer, although his senses had returned in time to hear the harsh growl that came from his opponent, as well as the words that followed. ”Well you seem to be quite the expert at eavesdropping yourself.” Simba spat back through clenched teeth as he watched the direction of his opponent’s fury shift to the new male. But Simba could not help but wonder why this new male had intervened on his behalf, seemingly protecting him from the male he had just been brawling. What was it that had caused this male to insert himself between two fully-grown male lions to protect the Pridelands king?

But before Simba could question the new arrival, Nala’s furious snarl drowned out the others as she made a lunge toward the young male. Something the male had said had been enough to upset her, and she was not holding back. As much as Simba hated to watch his mate engage in a battle with the mysterious new lion, he knew that Nala was perfectly capable of holding her own against him. The force of Nala’s attack had been enough to push him out of path between Simba and the other male, opening up the space between them. The king only allowed his eyes to linger on his mate for a moment, before they shifted back toward the male across from him. Although the newcomer had broken up the fight between them, tension was still running high and tempers flared. Despite the intrusion, Simba knew that he could not allow the male to catch him off guard. ”Do you know him?” The king spoke through clenched teeth, the adrenaline from the situation still coursing through his veins.