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Post by Scar on Aug 27, 2011 22:17:19 GMT -5
It was a day like any other in the paradise like lands of the jungle. The once crown prince was heading to the river in order to get a drink and maybe, why not, also take a refreshing bath. Most lions would wrinkle their noses at the idea, but this one right here had grown with a completely different perspective of life and didn't have the issues his kind had with water.
Simba walked over a slippery log and went under an arched root, pushed a large hand-shaped leaf with his head and there it was! His one favorite spot in the whole river... leaning forwards to take a drink was he, when he smelled something strange.
Sniff, sniff.
The strange scent made him lift his head, but a quick look around revealed nothing, so the teenage lion shrugged and began to drink from the cool water. |
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Post by mistwolf on Aug 29, 2011 14:18:03 GMT -5
Tojo had never known exhaustion quite like this. He had lost track of how long it had been since he'd left his home, since the hyenas had chased him away. He'd wandered into the Outlands, but, finding nothing there, had found himself wander further and further into the barren desert land that the wasteland of the Outlands eventually turned to. He was further from the Pridelands than he had ever been before.
At first, he had simply planned to seek out the North pride, where his childhood friend, Malka, lived. But he had been unable to find the lions, and, since this area of the savanna was unknown to him, he had gotten utterly lost. A thunderstorm had pushed the poor adolscent even further from his intended path, and now, after many days of straight traveling, being terrified that Scar's hyenas may yet find him, even out here, Tojo now found himself being beaten by the scorching desert sun. The young lion walked across the cracked earth, his paw pads burning from the heat. He looked up, his blue eyes bleary with thirst, hunger, and lack of sleep. The sun pelted him mercilessly, and his hide burned. The teenaged lion took a few steps forward before his body finally gave out, and he collapsed to the ground. For a while, he simply lay there, lacking the will to stand, to continue. Finally, he opened his eyes and looked forward. Far, far in the distance, so faint that the young male thought it must be a mirage, was a tiny speck of green. Was it...? Was it a jungle?
Tojo struggled to rise, finally pulling himself painfully to his feet. His body did not want to move again. He was so tired! Half of his brain told him that there was no jungle, told him to lie down and go to sleep, to give up. And he almost did. But a sudden realization dawned on him. If he fell asleep, he would never awake again. He'd die here, in the heat of the desert, leaving Nala, Sarabi, Sarafin, Kayani, his pride, behind, without any hope of one day overthrowing Scar. He had to keep going. No matter how painful.
Grunting with exertion, Tojo pulled himself up and limped along towards the growing green mass. He could only hope it wasn't his imagination. Hope was all he had left, and even that was leaving him.
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Post by Scar on Aug 31, 2011 14:21:44 GMT -5
So once his thirst had been quenched, Simba simply gazed at his reflection. He moved his head a little so he could see if his teenager mane had grown any more since last time he looked at it. The lion smiled satisfied; he just knew he was going to be one fantastic lion when he was finished growing.
The Simba in the water smiled at him, but then suddenly he seemed surprised by something. Oh! He still had a piece of grasshopper stuck between his teeth since dinner! Simba sat down and brought out one fore claw and intended to get it out... but it was of no use. Sheesh, Timon! The lion thought. The meerkat really had to stop filing his claws... he did it all the time! As if he was some kind of bloodthirsty murderer that'd--
Suddenly, his head sank between his shoulders. Murderer... Come to think of it, he was a murderer. Killed his own father and didn't even know how or why.... all he knew was that "If it wasn't for him, he'd still be alive." Feeling increasingly worse, Simba thought about Timon and Pumbaa. What if they found out? Simba's orange gaze went back at the river, and erased any sign of sadness from his features. Nope, that wasn't like he had been raised! Leave the past in the past, that's what he had been told. And that's what he would do.
Simba sprung on his paws and was about to walk back into the jungle when he, for some reason, looked back. His current location was at the jungle's edge, and he could see some of the desert through the fading vegetation in the distance. He thought he saw desert vultures flying through a gap in the foliage. A smirk appeared in his muzzle, and since he didn't have any better plans for today, he decided he'd try some of this buzzard bowling...
Swiftly, the young lion made his way through what was left of the jungle before the river went underground, and into the dry lands beyond. But then he saw something which made him stop on his tracks cold.
Surrounded by vultures above, and hard to see against the golden desert sand, there was another lion. |
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Post by mistwolf on Aug 31, 2011 17:52:08 GMT -5
He knew the vultures were circling him. And he knew that they were pretty much spot on. He was dying. He didn't want to admit it, but he was dwindling.
Tojo raised his head once more, bleary blue eyes peering out at the desert. The jungle was in the distance, closer now. It hadn't faded. Maybe it wasn't a mirage. A tiny spark of hope jumped inside him, but it was quickly extnguished by the pain he felt. His tongue was swollen from thirst, a feeling that he had never felt so badly. Hunger roared in his belly, a vicious predator waiting to devour him. Just like the vultures that soared above his head, waiting for the moment when he would finally succumb to his fate.
But he lifted his paws, he kept walking. He panted, swollen tongue trying desperatly to cool his body. As he looked up once more, he saw a shape in the distance. It was orangey and red, and to his bleary eyes looked almost lionish. He was scared. If he walked onto another lion's territory, and that lion was hostile, he knew he could not fight like this.
He stepped forward again but fell, and this time he was unable to rise again. He let his head fall to the ground. If the lion in the distance was going to kill him, then so be it. He let his eyes close, and that thought was the last one in his mind, before everything went black.
((ooc:He is not dead.))
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Post by Scar on Aug 31, 2011 19:05:21 GMT -5
Boy, it had been AGES since he saw another lion! Part of him just wanted to run at this newcomer and bombard him with a ton of questions... but the other half felt wary: what if he was some sort of challenger who wanted to take over their jungle? Simba did not approach. He stood still, ears pinned.
The hot desert made the distant shapes dance and wave. It was difficult to take in details, but the stranger appeared not to notice him. At this Simba was puzzled. His eyes narrowed, trying to gather more information. The rogue was slowly coming closer and this revealed some more input: He seemed exhausted, his steps were shaky and slow. He seemed like he was just about to--
Collapse. He did. Poor guy. What could have happened to him, why was he in such a miserable state? Seeing him fallen, the vultures started to descend; and the forgotten Prince ran to the rescue. Dead or not, he knew the vultures would snack on any helpless animal they could find. He couldn't allow that. There may still be hope.
"Leave him! Get outta here!" Simba snarled as he swiped at the feathered menaces.
The vultures jumped out of the lion's way, but refused to go, merely keeping their distance and watching him with leery eyes.
"I said GET OUTTA HERE!" Simba roared atop his lungs, and this sent the carrion birds back into the sky.
With a little smirk at his victory over the buzzards, Simba turned to Tojo. Then his expression became grave. This guy was in bad shape, but the water was right at the corner's bend...
"A little further," Simba urged, "There's a river." |
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Post by mistwolf on Aug 31, 2011 19:51:31 GMT -5
There was a voice. Even in the gloom of his mind, where exhaustian fight with sense and consciousness, there was a voice. It took him a bit to interpret it, as if his brain, as tired as he was, simply could not understand words. But finally the meanings sank in. And the word "River" brought him round. River meant water. And he desperatly needed water.
His blue eyes blinked open and a vision swam into veiw. Two lions? No. The picture merged into one lion looking down at him. his orangy-brown eyes concerned. Tojo's heart leaped in his chest. This male could kill him! And like this, Tojo didn't stand a chance!
"Please," he croaked, voice hoarse. "I...don't kill me. Please. I didn't mean to trespass."
Of course, since he had not seen the cub in years, and would not know him as an adolescent, Tojo did not recognize his old friend, Simba. Instead, he pleaded for his life, certain that this male was going to end it then and there.
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Post by Scar on Sept 1, 2011 17:21:17 GMT -5
Well, the vultures were gone... but was the stranger still alive? The lion only lied there, immobile. Simba resisted the urge to poke him with a paw, instead only stared at him intently. He did remind him of someone... But who? How... and why was he wounded all over? So many questions... but the lion was clearly in no shape to answer them at all, so Simba kept them to himself.
Consciousness then returned to him and he started blurting nonsense about how he didn't want to trespass.
"Wait, wait, wait! I don't want to hurt you. I'm not a threat." Simba attempted to calm him down.
"There's water a little further. Can you still walk?" |
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Post by mistwolf on Sept 1, 2011 17:50:41 GMT -5
Tojo was surprised at the male's promises that he was not a threat. He wasn't sure if he beleiived him, but he spoke of water. And he would do anythig right now for water.
"I...think so..." he said softly, when the lion asked if he could stand. He struggled to rise, his legs just seeming not to have the strength required to push his body up. They felt as if all the muscles had been taken out of his legs, and his bones were all that was left to suport him. But there was a sort of fire in his heart that drove him, and he pressed himself to his feet, standing, though unsteadily. He took a step forward and stumbled, then paused to regain his balance. He didn't expect the young male to help him. He wasn't going to kill him, but he was sure he resented his presence, and would just show him where the water was to get him out of here as soon as possible. Tojo looked forward to a lonely future, for he'd obviously never be allowed to remain here.
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Post by Scar on Sept 1, 2011 19:32:05 GMT -5
Since the other lion didn't look particularly dangerous in his weakness, Simba decided to stay close to help in case he fell again. Honestly he wouldn't mind some company in this jungle where he was the only of his kind, and he didn't think Timon and Pumbaa would mind either... Unless, wait, what if the newcomer didn't like bugs? He sighed at the idea.
Scarce meters stood between them and the jungle's edge. The river's roar was within earsight, yet he was moving so slowly it seemed like it would take forever. Oh well, not much to do here but stay around to help in case he lost his balance again. A wild fire seemed to fuel him past the limits of other lions, but he didn't appear like he would rise from another fall.
Yet the certainty of knowing this lion, and his inability to tell exactly who he was, was driving Simba insane. The worst part was, in case this lion was from the Pridelands, did he know about his father's death? Did he know... How he died..? Simba didn't even dare to think of it. |
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Post by mistwolf on Sept 1, 2011 20:33:48 GMT -5
Tojo was surprised that the male stayed close to him, as if he was making sure he would be all right. Surely he resented his presence? He must have a pride around here. He was young and strong, Tojo's age, and seemed like one who would easily win a mate. But yet the male guided him into a lush, veritable paradise of a jungle.
But the first thing that Tojo heard was the sound of water. And he saw it, ahead of him. His heart leaped into his throat and he staggered forward before leaning his head down and taking long, slow drinks, savoring thje coolness against his hot, dry mouth, his swollen tongue finally finding releif. He waded into the water, allowing it to bathe his sore, hot, cracked paw pads and cool his burning body. His mane fell into the water, but he did not care. After a long time, he finally lifted his head, staring at his reflection. His eyes were brighter than he had imagined they had been. But he looked like death. Flecks of blood stained his coat from the night he'd been chased out of the pride. There were dark circles under his eyes, from where he'd passed up many nights of sleep, to scared to drift off for fear that a hyena would catch him and kill him where he lay. His face was tired and bedraggled. But at least now he had found a little help. He saw the male over his shoulder, his short adolescent red mane stood out against his golden pelt.He reminded Tojo of someone, but he couldn't place who.
But sighing, he came to the conclusion that the male would want him to leave. Strength slightly regained, though not by much, he back out of the water and turned to look at the male.
"I'm sorry for intruding," he said. "I won't bother you any longer."
He turned to look back at the desert and sighed. But he must press on, and started back towards where the jungle turned to dry and cracked earth.
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Post by gem on Sept 5, 2011 10:57:16 GMT -5
Nala had been tracking Tojo as soon as the fight against the Pride and hyenas happened. She had tried to get Sarabi, her mother, and the other few who opposed Scar to come with her. But the fight had scared them and Sarabi and her mother had admitted to being too old to make such a long trek. Nala had left with a heavy heart, knowing that both lionesses would be greatly punished. Luckily Scar and Zira had underestimated her and Nala had been able to just slip away. At least from the Pride, some of the hyenas had noticed her and gave chase. But after a short scuffle, Nala continued on her way.
She had spent days tracking her friend but while Tojo had just kept going nonstop, Nala had kept hydrated and somewhat fed. She had fallen behind by doing that but she was in a better shape then Tojo was. When Nala came the edge of the desert, she actually turned back to find food and water before she started crossing that dry cracked earth. Then Nala had started an soft trot, slowly gaining on Tojo without realizing it.
When the jungle had come into sight, the lioness took a deep breath of relief. She was hungry, thirsty, and tired. Not in a mood to mess with a lioness at thta moment. When she actually reached the jungle, her tail was dragging int the dust and her paws were barely moving but she hadn't collapsed. Nala stopped just on the edge and tried to get a scent from Tojo... there!
Nala's energy picked up just a bit as excitement slowly overcame the hunger and thirst. But then she caught the scent of another male lion and fear overcame everything, giving her a burst of energy. "Tojo!!" Nala yelled, her eyes searching for that familiar coat and body. She started to run as fast as she could which was only a medium jog in her exhastion.
Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she the other male lion and it stopped her dead in her tracks. Musfasa! That was impossible! She turned her head to look at the lion head on and was disappointed. It was just a young lion just like Tojo and herself but he was fit and strong. So where was Tojo? Anger rose inside her which equaled out the fear, Nala spoke in a clear voice filled with rage, "Where is Tojo!? Tell me, now!" |
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Post by Scar on Sept 5, 2011 11:31:40 GMT -5
WHAAAT? Leaving so soon? And what was he supposed to do with all the questions he had in his head? No, no sir, he had all these questions and Tojo would answer...
Hadn't he opened his mouth to say something when an angry lioness suddenly emerged from the foliage, demanding to know the whereabouts of someone called Tojo. Wait a minute...
"To....jo?" Simba repeated, swallowing nervously and backing off a little from the crazy lioness.
What incredible blue eyes... was he thinking as he did so, a little out of place if you ask me, but she did remind him of someone...
!!!
It was all too obvious.
"Tojo from the Pridelands? ...Nala...?" He asked, dumbfounded. |
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Post by mistwolf on Sept 5, 2011 11:35:16 GMT -5
"Nala!" Tojo cried when the lioness leaped from the foliage. What was she doing here? Where did she come from? HAd she been following them?
Then she was growling at the young lion. Tojo stepped forward.
"I'm fine," he lied. "I'm right here."
Then the young male said his name, and Nala's. Tojo stared at him. he thought he had looked familiar, but from where? And how did he know them?
"Who are you?" Tojo demanded, peering at the lion. "And why do you know her name?"
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Post by gem on Sept 5, 2011 11:52:49 GMT -5
Nala watched the male lion very closely, ready to attack with claws and teeth if he did something to Tojo. She listened as the lion said Tojo's name very slowly, as if tasting how it sounded coming out of his mouth. Did this lion know Tojo? Why had she thought he was Mufasa? Maybe it was the half-grown red mane. But there was something about those eyes, the way the lion carried himself, the way he spoke.
Nala was so close to figuring it out when she heard Tojo call her name. All her attention went straight to Tojo. But when she saw him, her heart dropped. "Are you ok? What happened to you? Did he do something?!" The lioness growled the last part as she swung her head and started stalking towards the other male lion. "What did you do to him!?"
But she had barely finished her question when she heard the other lion say her name. Her growl deepened before it stopped and Nala straightened up. Then it hit her, her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "Simba?" Nala knew it was him, that was why she had first thought he was Mufasa. Her heart started to beat faster as all she could see became Simba. Nala started shaking slightly, unable to believe it until Simba told her that it was really him. [/size] |
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Post by Scar on Sept 5, 2011 12:03:42 GMT -5
Simba gave yet another step back when Tojo suddenly recovered his strength and came forwards, standing between him and his best friend. However, his best friend seemed like she was going to kill him after she noticed Tojo's wounds.
"I gave him water!" Simba growled, lowering his head to protect his throat in case she attacked.
He didn't want to fight Nala, of course not, but if she came at him he had to do something. Another step back brought his paw into the shallow water. The cold water brought a chill up his leg, but he had no time for that now.
Then she was suddenly hit by the realization of who he was. She called his name and his ears perked, head rising and abandoning his defensive pose.
"Yes. It's me." He confirmed.
"But what are you doing in here? What happened to Tojo?" |
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