(Prelude - night before) Pridelands - Central Cave --------------------------------- This is a warm, spacious cave, heavy with the scent of lion. There is a small dias towards the back where the King and Queen may sleep, and two separate passages offset at angles to each other, leading to different caves. In addition, a path leads steeply upwards, heading outside and then curving out of sight. Scar's ear flicks around and he looks as he sees Mufasa enter. For a moment he looks startled, and possibly even frightened, and he practically jumps to his paws. But his expression softens and a mocking smile comes to his muzzle. "Mufasa! You startled me." (Scar is a thin, and smaller than average lion. His fur is a darker, burnt color, and his mane and claws are jet black. His long muzzle nearly always wears a frown, and over all he seems to almost emit a barely-hidden anger from deep inside. Though thin, a glare from his green eyes is enough to convince most that it's not a good idea to mess with this cat, and that perhaps he is not one to turn your back to for long..) Mufasa steps into the cavern, having given Simba a gentle and loving lick before he left, and pauses upon seeing Scar.. He nods once, eyeing his brother carefully, before stepping closer. "Forgive me.." (Mufasa's description is not available.) Scar's body is clearly tensed, but he's trying to mask it with an air of casualness. His paw comes up and he waves it off, "Of course, of course, I was just.. focusing on something else." Mufasa nods a little, eyes narrowing slightly.. Scar was never much of an actor when nervous.. All those times as cubs when he tried to lie to Mother come flashing through the huge lion's mind.. He steps up, nodding, "I see. You look tense, brother." Scar's teeth come together and he inhales sharply, holding it a moment. Finally he nods, slowly, watching Mufasa carefully. "I have been under great stress lately, Mufasa." He pauses a bit, evaluating him, holding further thoughts. Simba is about to enter the central cave at the heart of what he knows as his home... but cautious steps lead him, and have been for days... and he dares not return from the promontory. He hides, quietly watching his father and uncle from the shadows. (There is no grander symbol of the Circle than a youth looking ahead. The naturally complex innocence of this youth is a glimpse of nothing less-- but his world is changing. The pride which is his only home is harboring difficulties... and he is learning that life can be perplexing and stranger than his cubhood revealed. He knows that responsibility is his future, and yet fears what it will do to him. To be a king is no doubt harder than it looks. Simba is this juvenile's name--it means "lion"--and a lion he is, though still a young one. His orange coat, sandy in shade but smooth in texture, reminds one of the dawning sun. His muzzle and toes are a touch lighter, closer to yellow, but not jarringly distinct. His eyes are yellow, and his tail tuft is dark brown. His nose is a cute strawberry pink. His build is normal for his age, but his ambitions are high, his actions all directed in some way toward reaching his true spot in the Circle of Life. He remains small, but his power and his comprehension are growing.) Fitina pads into the Central Cave, where he sees Mufasa... and Scar, but he does not say anything as of yet. (********************************* Fitina ******************************** * * * Before you is a mischivous lion cub of average size as other cubs. * * He is thin which is normal since he is a cub, and the color of his * * fur is golden brown in color all that is except his muzzle, paws, and * * his underbelly which is a creamy white color. When you look into his * * eyes you see that they are green in color, and when you gaze at this * * cub you never know what he might be thinking, or what he might do... * * ++++++++++++++++++++++++ He sees you looking ++++++++++++++++++++++++ * * * *************************************************************************) "So I've heard.." Mufasa tilts his head lightly to one side, remaining standing before the smaller, scrawnier form of his brother.. His face still as of yet unreadable, the King continues to look down inquisitively as though studying the long, slopping lines of Scar's face. "Why don't you tell me what's been on your mind." Scar frowns darkly, looking around some. His face contorts some as he goes through several emotions, considering his move. Finally, he sighs heavily, and nods. "No doubt everyone knows now." He growls some. "It would seem that the disrespect shown for me and my position has spread beyond our borders," his eyes narrow as he meets Mufasa's gaze, almost unblinking, "to the extent where I am responsible for every act those traitorious hyenas perform." Fitina sits down as he remains as silent as possible, while he listens to the conversation not noticing Simba is there in the cave. Mufasa feigns surprise. "Really? How so?" he asks, looking genuinely surprised. Hey! Why can't he be sneaky and underhanded some of the time? :) One of Scar's eyebrows raises. "You did say, that you'd heard," he speaks slowly. A small smile forms for just a moment. "I can't imagine anything else that you may have heard, I've even been polite to Sarafina lately." For a moment, his joke amuses him, but his mood falls again as he meets Mufasa's gaze again. "Faraa of Gesten's pride came into the cave here, telling the cubs, and myself to my face, that I had sent hyenas after Simba on her lands. She indicated as her proof that one of the hyenas spoke my name." His eyes wider, he looks desperate. "A HYENA, Mufasa! I've kept them off the Pridelands since Zazu's attack... they are trying to get back at me!" Fitina thinks a little to himself about what Scar just said, but he still does not come out to the open... As he is not ready to be seen yet, while he listens to the conversation with a keen interest... Simba listens to this and learns nothing he didn't already know... but it all goes to make him less sure of himself. Could the hyenas really have been that smart? Or maybe, could Faraa have misheard them? He shifts farther back in his alcove, hanging onto every word. "I was refering to your duties, of course.." Mufasa explains, nodding a little, however. "Though that subject did come up.. I guess I will most likely have to have a few words with Gesten and Faraa about this accuation." He pauses, eyes squinting slightly, "I would shudder to think that they could want to slander you.. Either way, I will learn the truth of this matter." Scar frowns some, now appearing angry. "Have I no real power, Brother? Everyone else has told me to my face that I am no King, do you intend to now, as well? I have already sent word that I would meet with Gesten to adress these issues. No matter how sure of herself she may be, she had no right to threaten me in my own home!" Fitina slowly sits down on his rear haunches as he remembers that conversation, while he still does not not notice Simba or appearing not too... Since he does not look away from Mufasa, and Scar... Mufasa shakes his head slowly, "Now Scar.. Calm yourself. I'm sure there's a rational explanation." he pauses, inclined to believe his brother, but still more than a little disturbed by the whole mess. He shakes his head, trying not to jump to conclusions without sufficient evidence, "Brother, I have given you every opportunity in the past. You've even impressed me on more than one occasion with your skill. There's no need to get all upset now.." he smiles a little and leans in to nose at Scar, "The truth always has a curious knack of surfacing, so don't fret." Simba hears these words and is stuck in his own mind, pondering them. "The truth always has a curious knack of surfacing..." Strangely, Scar doesn't look the least bit comforted. In fact he draws back from the nosing, frowning some. However, he takes a few deep breaths, and seems to manage to calm some. "Of course," he finally replies, "You have given me some opportunities." He pauses a moment, looking down a moment, then looks up again, seeming unhappy. "I only wish you had made the others give me the same chance." Mufasa shakes his head a little.. "I cannot control what others think.. or what rumors they adhere to." He also frowns a little.. Yet another thing which has bothered him ever since he let Scar take on some added responsibilities.. Fitina twitches his ears as he thinks to himself, 'What did Scar mean by I only wish you had made the others give me the same chance?' Scar nods slowly. "Sometimes, Mufasa, I think a stronger stance is required." He frowns some. "Of course I can not make even the slightest declaration without being laughed at. But I *will* earn their respect, Mufasa, I swear it." Mufasa nods slowly, "That's the spirit.. Show them that you are serious. Show them what you're made of." *grin* The most genuine smile of the evening creeps across Scar's muzzle now. "Precisely." He laughs, "Maybe we think more alike than I thought." Mufasa chuckles a little, shrugging, "I don't know.. Maybe." Fitina slowly comes out in the open, but he still remains silent... So as not to disturb the conversation. Simba doesn't know, either. He feels insecure in his position... betrayed by his deepest, most sacred instincts... by the essence of himself that exists even at this young stage and has since he gained awareness... from the day he arrived on the planet... and blinking, stepped into the sun... and he shudders coldly, knocking a pebble out of its dusty place. Scar may not truly have been the malefactor he seemed so strongly to be... but Mufasa is quite clearly not going to do anything about him. Confusion is only growing for poor Simba... Scar just watches Mufasa for a moment, tipping his head. His expression fades again, and he asks, as though afraid of the answer. "Do you think it's true, Brother?" Mufasa pauses a moment, looking back at his brother a moment. Face clouded once more, he rather avoids the question altogether, "I intend to look into the matter.. I don't believe it is though, but I will find the truth no matter what that may be." Scar nods slowly, his eyes narrowing again. "I believe that you will, Mufasa." Fitina lets out a soft yawn, while he comes out further into the open... While he looks around the area, after which he lays down and rests his head on his paws while he faces Mufasa, and Scar. Mufasa nods once, the innuendo rolling right off his back.. Scar turns his head, looking at the cub for a moment. His ears drop, and his head shakes slowly. "Simba will never trust me again," he says, as if just realizing it. Fitina slowly closes his eyes as he starts to think about his life, and wonder what the future will hold for him? Along with thoughts of his new adopted mom Sarafina, and his sister Nala... Mufasa, still unaware of his son's eavesdropping, shakes his head slowly... Scar smiles crookedly. "I've been jealous of you, Mufasa, for Simba. I hope my son will be as strong." Mufasa smiles genuinely, looking back at his brother, "He is something, isn't he?" the pride more than evident in his eyes and voice. Simba gulps. He paws the earth and backs off slightly, wanting even less to be seen. Strong? How is he strong? He feels very shaky right now... Scar nods, not wishing to go further down that train of thought. He exhales gently. "It's time for me to make my rounds, Mufasa. Brother.. things are very confused right now, but I'm glad we had a chance to talk." Mufasa nods, "Be well Scar.. I'll speak with Gesten and his pride in the morning." Fitina slowly starts to drift of to sleep, while he continues his train of thought... Scar seems about to reply, then just nods. "Thank you." He gets to his paws and heads towards the exit, pausing just before he leaves. After glancing around just a bit, he moves onward and exits the cave, seeing and saying nothing. Simba is gone now, across the promontory to the pinnacle of its expanse, halted by the wideness of it all... the vast world... staring out over he knows now what. Simba enters from the outside rather a while later. He seems to be bearing the coat of night, covering the coat of day, covering the light coat of fur he was given as he grew... he has a feeling of deep sadness that he doesn't quite show... he is drained, but too alert to rest... he comes into the cavern and sees Mufasa, his father, and pretends that he wasn't listening to the conversation before. He gathers a breath and lets it die, and sits down in the cavern. Mufasa's attention, having previously been directed out one of the caverns numerous exits, his mind miles away, is brought back onto terra firma by the sound of his son entering and setting down.. He looks back over his shoulder, "Simba.." Simba looks at his father. His eyes are questioning and searching... acknowledging more than a father there... more than a King. "Dad," he says, mumbling. His body slumps, though his head remains high. "Still upset by all this?" The lion slowly rises and lumbers over to Simba, placing a paw lightly on his back.. Simba feels crushed by the paw. He simpers, ears stretching and falling flat. His neck weakens. "I don't know," he says. Mufasa lightly strokes his paw, brushing the fur tenderly, "You look preoccupied.." Simba nearly whines when he answers quietly, "I -am- preoccupied." He looks away toward the way outdoors, toward the open path, and he sniffs... perhaps in sadness, perhaps catching the air's aromas. "Am I going to have to worry about Scar my whole life?" he asks weakly. "Am I never going to be sure about him?" "Now Simba.." Mufasa lays down next to the lionchild, prodding him with his muzzle, "I said we'd get to the bottom of this. If there's a problem, it will be dealt with, so don't worry..." Simba nods, gaining a bit of assurance. A little more time... time for his father to work. Slowly, but surely, that's the king. Simba arches his back somewhat and loosens up. "I hope so," he answers, smelling his father's fur. Mufasa chuckles a little, "You'll see.. You'll look back at this moment and laugh, I'm sure." "I won't laugh," declares Simba lowly, already distracted, but not far. His thoughts have turned to the borders of the sun's jursdiction, to the places far away where the light does not touch. His mind is overwhelmed... and yet here he is, lying beside his father's body, sapped of energy and lying still, so still as not to speak, or to move... asleep now, having remained there for the better part of an hour. His last waking thought is that he appreciates how long his father has stayed there beside him, to se him off to sleep. Mufasa sighs softly but gently strokes his son while he sleeps, watching him and the worried expression. Oh, he WILL get to the bottom of this.. (it starts...) Pridelands - Southern Savannah -------------------------------------- The wide expanse of the southern savannah stretches out around you, broken to the south by the deep tear of a long gorge, and to the north by the unmistakeable landmark of Pride Rock. Finally, to the east, further along, lies the Kopje valley. Here is a noontime most ominous for the Lion Prince of Pride Rock. The sky is partly cloudy, but seems like it's covered all the way over, with no hope of the same sun ever showing itself again. The young lion exits the Rock with calm footsteps, looking around in every direction in a way he never has before this week. Zira slinks down from behind some boulders unseen, from the direction of Scar's cave. Her features well defined in the sunlight. She watches young Simba witha smile fixed on her face. She sets her composure to a sad frown, and pads laden from behind the boulders. She studies her paws as she walks. (Zira's golden-orbed eyes, set back beneath her high domed brow stare through you with an intensity that makes you want to cower in dread. The expression on her narrow face reflects an ever active mind; always conjuring and plotting her next move. Beginning with a point between her eyes, a dark stripe runs the length of her head, ending between her accentuated shoulder blades. She sways as she walks, sort of a pridefilled swagger, raising her head to look down disdainfully upon anyone who crosses her path in the wrong way.. Capping each toe, a sharp, black claw arches, ready to serve it's master at a moments notice. Her black tipped tail twitches restlessly from side to side as her scarred ear flicks in agitation. You look upon a creature who even at rest is in motion.) Simba studies her too, as soon as he sees her. Zira. He keeps walking, southward, purpose in his steps. His head keeps flipping between Zira and the endless path, the path that has no reason to end when there are no boundaries... but Simba is stopped by a sudden emotion. Pausing, he turns back and looks at Zira over his shoulder. Zira pauses and looks in the direction she is turning, she looks towards the Northern Border, and swings her head along to look to the gorge. She appears to be crushed by the weight of her strides as she pads on towards the gorge to start her sentry. Simba sees that Zira isn't concerned with him. He turns back, queasy, to the south, and keeps walking. Only the immediate concerns him now. He is bolstering his courage to run away... going a little farther each day... Zira sneaks into the grasses unseen, her eyes narrowed with frustration as her first idea failed miserably with him turning away, he was supposed to follow! Simba is walking, getting just a little cheerful, a little springy, though sadness still weighs him down. He's free-ranging it for now, looking out in all directions, passing through the grass. The light shines down, and Simba feels a bit of nature's glory as he stops for a rest. Zira's eyes roll to the side and she begins to mutter under her breath something about a spoiled brat. Ensuring she is well hidden, and of correct wind she flexes a claw idly, trying to think how on earth she get him where he needs to be! Simba slowly rises some time later. The wind is gradually changing... and he knows it, and hardly cares. He's not trying to spot anyone, or stay hidden either... he's just interested in perceiving what there is to perceive. -- There's more to do than can ever be done; more to see than can ever be seen!-- Zira sees a chance! When his back is turned to her, she swiftly turns her body in a thrashing motion in the grasses making a horrid rasp!... Keeping low and stealthly she works her way to towards the Gorge.... Zira has rethought the plan! Simba notices Zira long before he internalizes what the sound is. He doesn't recognize her from this distance... but cautiously approaches. Could this be a wounded animal? Could he put it out of its misery? Win meat for the pride, without even being a hunter? His countenance becomes bemused as he stealthily follows the rasp toward the gorge... Zira can sense he is following her. With a wicked smile hidden by the reeds, she makes her way noisily towards the egde of the gorge. % There's far too much to take in here... more to find than can ever be found... % Pridelands - Edge of the Gorge -------------------------------------- The gorge runs east and west from here, and there is a steep path leading carefully down to the deep floor. It's normally quiet down there, and dry, with only the wind blowing through it to distract from the desolation. Zira lies beside the gorge, her eyes full of tears.... she is crying as though she'd been for hours. Toward the gorge Simba follows the curious noise, growing closer and ever less cautious. He emerges from the tall grass expecting a potential enemy... and perhaps he's found one... but Zira, in a state like this, isn't what he expected. His shoulders fall; his face softens, and he walks plainly toward Zira, in utter silence. The sky is silent too. Zira's eyes do not emerge from her folded paws. They are soaked with, seemingly, tears. Laying on her side, she looks as though something absolutely horrible has occured. Simba walks forward. The sky seems very wide over a gorge... very still. There are no birds that he can see, but then, he isn't looking for them. His paws are moving toward Zira of their own accord. He sees her and thinks of the night, two nights ago, Zazu's nest... a misstep, a slip into a rocky face, a lioness landing on her belly, saying she was all right... Simba is there, at her side, wondering if he's guessed right, his face empty. "Zira." Zira's puffed eyes glaze up at Simba. "Simba? It is you! Oh thank the kings! My dream... oh my dream! You were the one to accompany me on my trails!.... I... I.." she falls silent, looking down at her paws. "Now that there is no longer an heir...." Zira sniffs sorrowfully before falling into her paws again. "Scar's son.... he's.... he will never rule half..." (Shenzi whispers that Zira is a little whacked. (To Gomi)) (Shenzi's description is not available.) (Gomi whispers back, "She's s'posed to be. She loves SCAR. You'd hafta be whacked to love him." (To Shenzi)) (Gomi is an older hyena, and quite battle scarred. True to his kind, however, it doesn't make him any more cautious, and the first thing many notice about him is his attitude, and it's not good. His mane is ragged and poorly groomed, and his muzzle is scarred in many places from fighting for a scrap of food. The rest of his hide is scarred from defending himself against those his mouth has annoyed. All the same, he's still easily amused, if often by the wrong thing, and he didn't get to his age by being weak. Under his filthy coat lays a thick layer of strong muscle, and his claws, while not as sharp as a cat's, are still something to watch for. The only part of him that's not filthy are his teeth. Bright, sharp, and visible most of the time, anything trapped in his jaws has little chance of coming out unscathed.) (Shenzi whispers, "I never thought she was like that, though.." (to Gomi)) (Gomi whispers back, "What can I say? `Sides, she's luring Simba to his death. She can't be all bad." (To Shenzi)) Simba stands still, scared stiff. What dreams...? What trails? He knows in a moment that he's guessed it--but he shakes inside. Something is strange about Zira... even beyond what he believes she thinks of Scar. He comes closer and speaks, but seems to be regretting it even as he does so... "What was your dream, Zira?" he asks, lowly. Zira's head lifts up again, and she looks beyond Simba to the sun-lit sky. "The kings came to me... they told me I would not walk alone on the boarderlands, but that a future king would walk with me. It... it couldn't be..." she points to her belly and sobs. "...so... I thought they were mocking with me..." She reaches forward and places a paw on his shoulder. "Now I know,... they have blessed me, instead." (Gomi rolls his eyes from their hiding place. "Man, she lays it on thick." (to Shenzi and Ed)) Simba does not move in reaction to the paw on his shoulder. He looks into the gorge and his eyes dilate distantly, seeing more than they should. "The kings," he whispers to himself. Then to Zira--"I'm sorry to hear about your son," says the young lion. "Have you told Scar yet?" (Ed keels over and plays dead. "We can't be ruled by a weepy queen!" (to Shenzi and Gomi)) (Looking off into the vacant space, drool, slowly dropping from his half open mouth, Ed seems to be preoccupied for what ever is going in his tiny mind. His shagged fur, with rumples and mats, hide the true fit form that Ed is in, but boldly states his lack of grooming. Suddenly with a quick shake of his head and a small giggle, he turns to you and narrows his eyes. He studies you, as he tries to decide whether you are friend or food, praying you are not a lion.) (Gomi grins back. "Nah, Ed, she's just sucking him in." (to Shenzi and Ed)) (Shenzi rolls her eyes. "Will you two shut up?" (to Gomi and Ed)) Zira's paw and head falls with the weight. She shakes her head in misery. "I.... I... couldn't... I don't know how I will... That is why I have left the cave while he still sleeps... he.. he has no idea." She suddenly looks up, looking a bit frightened. "Oh Simba! You must go with me! I need someone to listen! Someone who holds the wise counsel of the kings... you are a future king, truely they must speak with you?" Simba pulls his head back, and what little fur covers his scalp frays, scared. "What do you mean? What are the Borderlands? Who wants to speak with me?" (Ed replies, "Not with empty bellies we won't!" (to Shenzi and Gomi)) (Shenzi growls and glares pointedly. (to Ed and Gomi)) (Gomi says, "Shenzi's right, shut up, Ed. We have to wait for buddy Scar." (to Shenzi and Ed)) (Ed replies, "err.... oh yeah. (gigglegiggle)" (to Shenzi and Gomi)) Zira shakes her head, seeing she has frightened him, she wipes her eyes with a damp paw and sniffles. "Simba, they have told me the one who will walk with me holds great wisdom and power, he will be the one true king of Pride Rock... the one to reunite it." Simba looks back toward Pride Rock--it can't be seen from here. Only the grass of the savannah... a few hard, compact trees... a barren blue sky. He looks at Zira again. "Walk with you? Walk where? I don't understand..." Zira's nose turns to her paws again. "Walk the borderlands with me. Help me to think this through. I will protect you from harm... after all.... I have nothing... to lose.. now." She begins to sob again. Heaving her excess wieght up she looks down into the gorge, forlornly. "Please Simba... I... have no one else to go to..." Simba looks down into the gorge as well, half to avoid looking at Zira's anterior, weighted deadly, as he fears it is. His muscles become tense. "I will walk with you," he says slowly, "since I have nowhere in particular to go. But I don't understand why you must walk the borderlands." Zira begins to carefully climb down into the gorge. She speaks to the distant ground below as she winds down. "You will understand, when you are king..." her voice is still tear strained. Pridelands - Down in the Gorge ------------------------------ You are down at the floor of the deep, ragged gorge. Shadows grow quickly down here, and sounds are muted by the steep, narrow walls. The gorge runs east and west, and a small, steep path here seems to be the only visible way back up. Simba follows Zira at a distance. He has never been here, and wishes that he did not have to be. The shadows of the looming walls frighten him, or at least disconcert him. He hurries suddenly to catch up with Zira. "Wait! I'll talk with you. I'll try to understand. Zira! You're in danger more than you know. I have to tell you..." Zira stops and looks back at him, sorrow still in her eyes. Her breath stops in her chest at his words. "What?... what is it?" She sniffles. Simba stops, looking straight ahead, but seeming to see everything. He takes a few breaths, letting his thoughts pour though him... making up for the breeze that does not blow. "You can't tell Scar," Simba states quietly, a touch mournfully. "You have to make him believe you're going to have a son. And... and you have to leave, I guess. Leave these lands and run away." He comes alongside Zira and peers at her, no longer revolted. "If you tell him, he'll kill you," he says. "He only wants you to have a son for him. After he has that, he'll get rid of you...because you know too much. And he's going to kill me, and probably my father too... and Nala.... if we let him. He's been fooling you, Zira. Fooling you! He doesn't care about the hyenas coming in... because he's friends with them! And he means to change everything... to rule, Zira. To rule unopposed." Zira's eyes widen in absolute horror at Simba's words! She seems speechless for a long moment her jaw fluttering in silence. "No! Not again! No Simba! Tell me this isn't the truth!! Please!!!" Simba stands, shivering. "I can't prove it," he says. "I can't convince you. But it's what I think... and here I am, walking with you in the gorge... I feel like the kings, wherever and whoever they are, have touched me... and I hope you listen to me, Zira. We're in deep trouble... really deep... I'm even afraid to go back at all. But we have to go back, right, Zira?" (Meanwhile, Mufasa, in the Southern Savannah, walks along, doing his duties, and listening to the loud mouthed bird. :) ) Gomi creeps down the path, in plain view of the gorge, and looking clearly nervous for it. He makes a fair bit of noise with pebbles and shuffling paws, however. Zira reaches out a paw to hold him tight... "Simba, we don't have to do anything."... She suddenly stiffens as she gazes at the path he came from. "Simba.." she whispers. "You must listen to me... stay here! Whatever happens do not run back up the path! I am not important, but you must live onwards! Just.. stay... here.. do you understand?" (Zazu sits on Mufasa's shoulder.. not really blabbering a lot.. only making idle comments as they go along. Eyes look over the great expanse of the area, looking around and keeping an eye out for anything unusual.) (Arrogant, and rude, that's how he seems to come across to many. But to those he serves and cares for he's the exact opposite. Respectful towards his king, Mufasa, the bird also seems to have been given charge over the young prince, Simba. Always willing to give advice and a bit of encouragement.. yet quick to scold and throw a sarcastic comment. An object of pouncings and teasings, the bird is easily annoyed. He's the majordomo of the pridelands, a good and faithful messenger. He does his job, and he does it well, earning the respect and companionship of the King as well. Small compared to those he's around, he's not so among the avian race. A rather medium sized bird, but light and small enough in form to perch upon a lion's shoulder, which he does often. Like all birds, long wings carry him upon the wind, giving him view of everything above and faster ability to travel. Feathers of a sky blue cover the back of his head and wash over his back, tail, and wings. White covers his undersides and beneath those graceful wings as well. The tips of his tail and wings are dipped in black, a stripe of black extends over the top of his head and end in two small feathers that stick up slightly. Thick black eyebrows give him expression, perched above large round white eyes with black pupils. Three-toed orange feet allow him to perch on the odd branch, rock, or shoulder.. occasionally carrying him when walking. But his most distinguishing feature is the large beak, from which his species got the name, Hornbill. Often called banana beak, the bill of the bird extends out and curves slightly, being rather thick and brightly colored in yellow and a patch of orange on each side.) Simba looks at Zira and beyond her. It is a blank moment before he nods, somberly. He will stay... he has no wish to move, for now. Zira's body moves back in a seemingly natural motion in release of a hug... Then she suddenly makes a mad dash, screaming to the Hyena up the path. "DIE YOU SCUM!!" Gomi looks at the two lions, freezing, taking a few breaths before turning towards them. At that moment Zira launches herself, and with a YIP! of genuine fear he whirls and races up the path. Zira chases after him haphazardly.... soon they disappear over the edge of the gorge ... Simba awakens from his real dreams, his ponderings, and scrambles around. A hyena! No! He backs away, afraid for Zira first, and only then for himself. The other direction seems clear--he takes it. He runs deeper into the gorge. Sounds of a fight erupt over the edge... [Pridelands - Edge of the Gorge] Scar looks over to where he knows the hyenas are waiting. "Wait for my signal..." he mutters to himself... Gomi tears through as fast as his legs will carry him, eyes panicked. He vanishes into the brush soon enough. Zira grins, "That went well. Go get him!" She whispers. (To Scar) Upon seeing Zira safely out of the gorge, Scar climbs to the peak of the small rock he'd chosen - the signal for the hyenas to do their work. Zira lies down, cleaning the mixture of saliva and tears from her paws. "Humph! Some pack of lies he tried to tell me. Scar only wanting a son, Hah! He'll get his son." She grins as he kicks her. Slouching down among the rocks where they hide.. Banzai sighs.. blinking as his stomach growls. "Shut up.." Shenzi snaps, eyes watching the wildebeest idly, also blinking as Gomi rushes by. "I can't help it! I'm so hungry!" Banzai whines, suddenly standing up. "I gotta have a wildebeest!" Shenzi growls, pointing a paw emphatically. "Stay there." Banzai sits again, "Well, can't I pick off one of the little sick ones?" he asks. "No!" Shenzi says back. "We wait for the signal from Scar." And then as he appears on the peak, she grins. "There he is, let's go..." and off Shenzi goes, leading the trio with Banzai following at her heels. Ed giggles in sinister, licking his lips and nodding an agreement in his simple way. Yes! Now he would eat! He followed obediently, narrowly suppressing his malicious and relentless appetite. (Simba, in the Middle of the Gorge, is sitting apprehensively out on the open, facing toward the west.) Cackling despite herself, Shenzi trots along the fringes of the wildebeest herd, ears standing upright. "Split up.." the female 'yena commands. Banzai grins devilishly as he branches off to another side. Waiting until he's in the position. Shenzi nods to Ed, parting her maw in a loud whoop and charging at the big antelope. Banzai follows... the 'beasts spooking and rearing up. "C'mon! Get your lazy butts in gear!" Shenzi shouts as she snaps at a few fleeing wildebeest. It doesn't take long until the whole herd is in an uproar, Shenzi and Banzai leading two sections towards the cliffs and leaving the rest up to Ed. From his vantage point, Scar smiles and climbs down, watching for the last of the herd to flow into the gorge. And Ed is left with... THE REST! Mad with lust, violent with a savage passion, he races after 'the rest'. He meanders after them, not sure which one is most alluring to his belly. He expresses a loving malice at them, his beloved food, and hated enemies as well. It would not be this way if they did not run, and did not fight back all the time. But this was all right, after all, nothing in life was meant to be easy, right? "eee HEE HEHEHEHEHE!" he cries in his battle cry, and yes, to him it was very different than his normally cool, logical approach to conversing on a given topic. The thundering hooves of the wildebeests echo through the area, the leaders of the herd moving the panicked followers towards the edge of the gorge. The animals leap over the edge... skidding and starting to spill downwards into the gorge in a blind panic. Shenzi and Banzai continue to bark and snap at the rears of the wildebeest, soon coming to the edge of the cliff as they watch the last of the herd descend. (Simba's ears flicker. His attention shifts from the direction he saw Zira run in toward the slope... what's that sound? He clambers to his feet quickly, and heads in its direction... wondering if Zira's in trouble. But it's not long at all before he realizes what it is... a stampede!) [ Pridelands - Southern Savannah ] And then the low rumbling in the distance catches Zazu's attention.. the bird blinking as he looks in that direction. A brow arches.. that's strange.. the herd isn't due to migrate for a week at least. "Oh look sire, the herd is on the move." he comments with light perplextion. (Simba turns around and runs. He runs! No more thoughts of guilt or betrayal or foolishment. This is an event of the outside, a harsh contribution from nature... Simba thinks as he flees that maybe running away from home wouldn't be such a great idea after all...) Mufasa blinks a little, ears perking up at the rumbling sound before the avian's acute vision picks up the movement.. He turns his head and looks over in the gorge's direction and frowns a little, "Odd.." (Scar takes a leisurely moment to compose himself, smirking, taking a few deep breaths and messing his mane. Abruptly his expression changes to fear, and it's a good one, and he sprints off towards the rock.) (Ed tears after the wildebeest, but stops at the edge. Oh, sugar!! They were lost, all lost, he snaps his teeth after them, but can do nothing but watch them run away. Was he crazy? Yes, he took pride in his role, for it was a dirty job, but somebody had to be nuts. He wasn't crazy enough to go after dem wildebeest, tho.) Scar comes tearing towards Mufasa and Zazu from the direction of the gorge, his eyes wild. "Mufasa!" he shouts, panting. "Stampede!" He looks back briefly. "In the gorge!" Short pause, then the final line: "*SIMBA*s down there!" "Simba?!" The massive lion's face registering first curiosity which quickly shifts to surprise and then to horror.. No longer mindful of the little passenger perched upon his back, the King sprints off at a lope towards the gorge. Zazu blinks and turns to look Scar's way.. Eyes widen slowly as the news reaches his hearing. "Oh.. God.." the avian gasps.. not Simba! He would be crushed! Spreading his wings, Zazu quickly lifts off Mufasa's shoulder.. quickly flying ahead as fast as his wings can carry him. Scar runs with Mufasa to the edge of the gorge, putting on the act of his life, apparently genuinely concerned. Scar runs in with Mufasa, skidding to a stop at the top of the gorge, looking down at the sea of pounding hooves. [ Pridelands - Down in the Gorge ] Simba sees them now. He keeps his head turned eastward, wondering how fast those hooves can run... and for a flickering instant, why they are running. But speed is his main concern... that and not tripping over roots... The news of the stampede has certainly reached the avian.. and thus a blue streak dives into the gorge.. beak clenched in desperation. Zazu desperately tries to locate the young lion through the mass of rushing wildebeest. Simba is overtaken at last. His running feet get tangled in themselves, in rocks, in dust. He looks back to see a huge body running toward him! He ducks and rolls, scampering to his feet again. Which way now?? Simba eventually finds a temporary solution, and runs toward it with all his might. The height of that crooked tree--it might support him out of harm's way, for a little while. He sees emptiness between the legs and sprints for it--and a leap brings him into those scant branches. Safe, for the time being... it seems. Zazu flies over the sea of charging antelope.. soon spotting a golden form far ahead. Simba! The avian pushes himself harder.. Zazu flying with all his might to catch up to the young lion. As the young prince grabs hold of the scraggly tree.. the bird easily catches up.. "Simba!" he shouts, although his voice drowning in the sounds of thundering hooves. But the avian draws near.. flying within' close range of Simba. Simba slips and flails with his forelegs, managing to hold his position. He sees Zazu heading toward him... and wonders what is happening. "Zazu," he calls weakly, not certain if the bird can hear. Large eyes hold sheer terror as he see's the young lion slipping.. he must act quickly.. drawing right up next to Simba. "Your father is on the way! Hold on!" he shouts above the noise.. turning around quickly to head back towards the two adult lions that appear on the cliffs above. Simba's eyes are wide as he regards Zazu. His legs are moving feebly, his support weakening in the rumble of the huge herd, which still mystifies Simba in the very back of his mind... Simba calls pitifully for help! In an sense of urgency.. Zazu shoots up from the gorge where the wildebeest continue to charge. Spotting the adult lions, the bird quickly comes up to them.. pointing a wing franticly towards the scraggly tree in the middle of the antelope masses.. "There there! On that tree!" Mufasa scans around, but doesn't take long to focus onto the decayed branch.. "Hold on son!" he calls out before charging headlong into the gorge.. Scar watches the Majordomo's approach, and Mufasa's reaction to the news. Following the bird's pointing, he frowns, Simba is indeed alive and clinging to a tree, safe for now. Scar follows Mufasa's progress at the top of the gorge wall, glaring and padding slowly. Simba is barely keeping his hold in his place of shelter... but the beasts are rumbling awfully close, and he fears that his muscles will leave him... another wail goes up from Simba into the air. Zira hides in the shadows well behind Scar. Hovering in the air near Scar, who is apparently perched on the small overhang above the stampeding herd, Zazu watches with horror as Mufasa plunges into the mass. "Oh, Scar this is awful! What do we do!? What do we do?! Ahh! I'll go back for help!" Diving down into the river-like flow of the animals, heart pounding and adrenaline rushing through his veins, Mufasa's sole concern is his objective as he clings onto the petrified branch for dear life... With the beating of hooves and his heart pounding in his ear, the massive lion charges towards his son, getting battered about by the stampeding wildebeest. Scar glares at the panicked bird, hating more than ever now. His plans will not be unraveled that easily! His paw flips up as he back-swats Zazu, sending the bird flying against the stone wall. Simba notices nothing else, not the slap nor the efforts or even presence of his father... all presence penetrates no farther than his subconscious. His consciousness is this -- the branch breaks; the tree slumps; the wildebeests pummel the ground, and Simba is nearly crushed. Once more, he finds himself dodging for dear life, and now the stampede is thicker... he can't survive much longer... "That's what I'll do! I'll go back for...!" *SMACK!* The bird is struck hard by the paw... sending the bird flying into a granite wall... a squawk of pain coming from him as he strikes with a smack. Falling backwards, Zazu lands on his back... dazed and soon falling unconscious. Zira sees the bird is out cold, she slinks up beside Scar, careful to remain below the lip of the edge of the cliff. She looks up to him, eyes cold yet gleaming with excitement... Until the solid clamp of his father's jaws close down onto the young lion's body, engulfing him in the King's maw swiftly... He charges down, veering to the side to get to the canyon wall, only to get slammed into by one of the beasts... A roar is heard and the poor cub once again goes flying. Zira's ears fling up as she hears the roar. She is DYING to know... but doesn't dare reveal her presence in case it doesn't work. Simba is stunned. He felt his father like a warm blanket and a vice at the same time... he turns and tries to get back to him. "Dad!" he shouts, drowned in the sea of wildebeest. A foot comes down an inch from his skull; he tries to get back... Scar growls as he watches the progress. He knows Zira is behind him but doesn't yet acknowledge her, ignoring the bird and moving onward to follow the action. His teeth are clenched as he attempts to will fate itself. Zira closes her eyes in her hiding place, uttering a silent prayer to the Kings of the past to see this through. Her ears lay flat against her skull as she concentrates! Mufasa once again finds himself closing his jaws onto his precious son, this time on the nape of his neck before rearing up in the constant flow of beating hooves in order to safely place his son upon the a high ledge... At last, Simba is safe... He only needs to pull himself up as well when he's struck at midriff by one of the frightened animals... Scar's ears fly up - "No!" he hisses! He continues to pace, his eyes searching... was Mufasa taken down? Zira's ear lifts as she hears the strike... she closes her eyes even tighter, never missing a beat in her silently muttered prayer.... Simba sags, not knowing where he is. Is this the end of his sight? Is he destined for the sapphire sky, out of earshot of the horrible hooves? No -- reality is still here... just below. He scrambles and runs eastward, trying to see what is happening. Mufasa has disappeared... There's no sign of him for a few long seconds as eyes are trained on the charging, writhing mass below... Until suddenly, from nowhere, the lion's tawny form lunges up and out of the traffic to claw itself onto the rock, scrambling to get up. Scar growls... "No," he hisses again, this time to Zira. "He's going to make it... they're BOTH going to live..." Zira's lips curl up... Zira hisses softly, "Go get him! Shove him down! Something! Anything!!!"" Simba is out of sight. He's headed for safety, knowing his dad is strong... and can take care of himself... wondering what happened to Zira... and where Zazu is. Scar looks indecisive for a moment, then his eyes narrow, and his head comes over the edge of the cliff, looking down at Mufasa, seeing where he is. Zira coaches silently from behind, out of sight. Her voice is heard only by Scar. "Kill him! Then nothing stands in your way! No one!" Mufasa isn't QUITE out of the frying pan just yet... The slope he's on is sheer with no footholds... The lion's enormous bulk held on by the hairline cracks in the stone face which his claws have just BARELY managed to grasp ahold of... He looks up and sees hope, his brother... Scar nods once, slowly. He may just be adjusting his viewpoint to look better at Mufasa, watching him scramble up the sheer cliff, defying gravity itself to spite him! His heart hardens as he sees Mufasa's struggle. (Why can't you just die, brother? Why do you fight so hard?) He lays on the edge, balancing himself as he watches. The stampede rages on, reaching its thickest point of all. No creature could withstand that force... this is the highest terror of the Pridelands gorge. "Scar!" Mufasa's struggling voice is heard from below, accompanied by a low growl as the great lion struggle to find a better foothold, his claws merely scrabbling at and scoring the stone, "...brother... Help me!" Zira hisses softly, "Hah! Some brother! The worthless half of the kingdom is yours... take his!" (Now you need me,) Scar thinks bitterly, (and tomorrow you will only find another way to rub your success in my face.) His eyes are locked on Mufasa's face, as he calmly studies him for a moment. He snarls as his paws fly out, his claws sinking deeply into the muscular flesh of Mufasa's forelegs, holding tightly. Zira smiles wickedly as she sees this, "yes!" she says to herself... "Yes... do it..." Mufasa roars out in pain briefly, before he looks up into his brother's eyes, curiously... That was slightly uncalled for, the other lion having not looked too panicked earlier... Now confident of his hold, a smile crawls across Scar's face as he realizes his dream. For once, HE is in control. He leans in close to Mufasa, nothing in his world but Mufasa's face and the thundering stampede below. Slowly, but clearly, he savors every word of his victory speech: "Long Live the King." He watches Mufasa's reaction as he speaks the words, then throws his forepaws outward. Mufasa's expression is one of only surprise. Surprise that the brother he loved so much, had helped, defended, even protected as a younger lion, would betray him... His scream is briefly cut short by the thud of his body below and drowned out by the thundering of hooves. Zira leaps forwards in hopes of catching the death blow, she stands beside Scar, looking pensive... had everything they worked so hard for come to pass? Or to no avail!? She had to know! The stampede begins at last to subside. Flashes of crushed gold appear-- there seems to be no more life at the floor of the gorge... only wildebeest running through it. Simba is trying to find his way back into the safe part of the gorge... watching from afar as the last few animals leaves it, on their way for some safer pasture... he is shocked with fear. Zira's eyes dart back and forth everywhere for the sign of betrayal of life... Scar speaks quietly. "Zira, return home. I will call for you when I return." Zira nods swiftly, she nuzzles him softly. "I obey you, my king." She smiles and dashes out of sight... Scar continues to watch from the ledge, until he sees Simba making his way down the gorge. He begins to descend into the gorge himself, needing to see the proof - and needing to finish up loose ends. Dust hangs heavily in the canyon after the last of the beasts has passed, no sign of the resident king visible.. Simba comes searching through the gorge, at last having found his way through the perilous cliffs to the path he ran before, so recently. The hyena he saw -- it was the same one who had laughed at him in the Valley and made fun of his shelter... he wonders what became of him, what happened to Zira, what happened to -- Dad. Dread is what Simba feels when he sees the remnants of the disaster, dread and a shock at seeing his future twisted and cut, so that no more than a minute is visible, nothing is there for comfort -- all he sees is his father's body, trampled and lying still. "Dad!" he yells, running nearer. "Dad! Come on Dad, wake up! We have to go home! Dad!" And he reaches the great lion, and touches his side... Simba is still for a moment. "Dad," falls from his mouth. He has seen death, this juvenile... he is old enough to accept what is there, even if he understands none of it. He is oblivious to the shadow coming nearer, which represents so much... he lies upon his father and hears no heart in his breast. "Father..." Scar stands back, out of sight in the dust. He hears Simba's calls, and listens to the words spoken, straining to hear a response. Simba closes his eyes, knowing the truth. No more action is available... not for this moment. Scar comes forward now, no response is forthcoming, and Simba's voice says it all. As he draws near, he sees Simba near Mufasa - his brother, laying still, no longer mighty and proud. He focuses on the young lion, now. "Simba... what have you done?" Simba looks up, too stunned by everything to be frightened of Scar, to know what to think of him. He blinks, eyes wide and childlike. He has no answer. Scar looks over Mufasa's body, studying him, then looks back at Simba again. His voice is soft, and understanding. "How did this happen?" Simba sits there thinking, trying to put things together in his mind. He shakes his head feebly... "I don't know," he answers, more truthfully than he realizes. Words swim in his head...he can't decide whether to speak them. Scar's figure is looming all too large. Scar lifts a paw, and rests it on Simba's back gently. "Simba, the King is dead." Simba looks at Scar, unable to know what he must say, or to sort words in his head from what he says. "He is... and you know, Scar, I thought it would be you... I thought you were going to kill him. You always wanted to rule... you tried to make me think he was safe, but you had your friends outside... they weren't just being controlled, they were going to fight him!! -- I thought." Simba's head hangs. "I guess I was wrong about you. The wildebeest did it. Not you. Only them... only them. And now I'm alone." Ed sneaks in, watching the whole scene meticulously, but not making a move yet. Scar gently tries draws the cub nearer to his leg, looking at Mufasa again. "Simba..." He pauses for a long time, choosing his words carefully. "There will be many questions, Simba, what will you say?" He frowns momentarily, his resolve failing for a moment - the cub seems to trust him again... or does he? Scar's mind is torn by indecision. Simba looks down at his father again, and then, doubtfully, back up at Scar. "Questions about what? What did I do? Zira left me here!" He pauses, a ray of lucidity breaking into him, even as the soft touch of his father's pelt turns cold. "Where is Zira?" he asks. Scar looks around quietly, pausing. "She is safe," he says quietly. "She was frightened for you, and came for Mufasa and myself to help." He frowns now, certainly he can't allow accusations against Zira. "Couldn't you help him once you were safe?" Simba frowns, barely even allowing a moment for contemplating the last sentence. The scent of a hyena is in the air... he notices it in the background. "Zira left here, to fight with a hyena," he says. "Did she win? Is she hurt?" He glowers more. "Did she tell you her tragedy?" Scar nods, not missing a beat. "She's safe, she's not hurt. She must have scared him off." He seems to miss the tragedy comment. He grumbles quietly, thinking to himself. He could just launch the hyenas after the cub, certainly Simba will soon become suspicious. Perhaps there is no other way... unless... he catches the last part of Simba's comment... Zira's tragedy? Maybe... "What tragedy?" Simba stands up, touching his dead father warmly with one paw pad for one last time before removing it. He faces Scar firmly. "I don't think I should tell you myself," he says. He spends a few moments trying to figure out how he feels... the sky beats down on him harshly. "I'm sorry, Uncle," he says. "I don't know what to do. I'm not old enough to be the king. Maybe I should just leave... leave and let you rule. I'm so scared... of a lot of things..." Tears are beginning to form. Scar nods slowly, it's possible. He strokes the cub's back gently, as if to comfort. "Simba, I will rule and take the throne while you are young. It is now, however, that I most regret the unpleasantness that came between us, that I do not believe we can be close enough for me to properly train you." He tips his head. "Perhaps your training would be better established under another King... Gesten, perhaps?" Simba trembles, seeing Scar in the light as the clouds pass away, both real and mental, and the emotions fade gradually. He nods, timidly. "Training..." He glances toward the hyena's scent -- but it's gone. Looking back, he takes a large breath. "But I'll miss Nala," he cries, "and everyone else. I already... miss... you... Uncle Scar." Simba is fully teary now, and will not look the older lion in the eyes. "But I'm afraid of you. I'm afraid that you want me to die... and I'm afraid you'll kill me if I go back. And I'm even afraid now... so I'm offering to leave. I'll run away, and never come back, and let you rule Pride Rock... if you let me live, in return. And tell everyone else that I've gone south. Tell Nala, especially... we can both promise... give our words, Uncle Scar." Scar ears are up and his eyes are wide, his heart almost breaks at the teary child's pleas. He strokes the cub gently, shaking his head. "You've suffered so much," he almost whispers, "you poor child." A quick check at Mufasa reaffirms his safety, and he nods slowly. "If that is what you want, Nephew, then run. Go knowing that I love you for your sacrifice, and for being my nephew. I will tell everyone where you have gone... perhaps you will see Nala again." Gomi has arrived. Simba nods with a weak resolve, pulling with care and wonder out of Scar's strokes. He backs away, nuzzles Mufasa's body once, warmly, and then faces Scar. "I swear," he states, "on the spirit of my dead father, who was a great king... that I will never return to Pride Rock as long as you rule there." Simba's head falls. "I'll remember you all, Uncle," he says, in parting. And then he turns his tail. Scar stands there quietly, watching the cub depart, making his decisions about his next steps already. When Simba begins to fade through the dust, he smirks at his brother's still body. "My dear, naive brother. For you, it's over. For me, it begins. I'm sorry it had to be this way." Pridelands - East End of the Gorge ---------------------------------- Here the gorge comes to an end again, the wall rising steeply above. The slope is a little less than the steep walls, however, and if one had to, he could probably scramble up to the top. Gomi creeps in behind Simba, smirking. "Hey, kid, remember me?" Simba is walking slowly, little caution about him, only his thoughts occupying him now. He whimpers as he goes... wondering if he's done the right thing. Simba turns his head and panic comes onto his face. He squeals and moves forward faster. "Stop! Go away! Scar wants me to live! He told me I could live!" His tail waves frantically behind him. Gomi laughs! and sprays up dirt as the chase begins. "Hey, wait! I gotta bone to pick with you! Your stupid lioness got me hurt!" Simba runs at full speed now, angry with himself and Scar alike. "She's not my lioness!!" he yells. "She's Scar's mate! Complain to him!" Gomi's teeth >SNAP!< loudly as he draws near, then falls back as he misses, cursing. He laughs. "Zira? No! That other one, Faraa!" He leaps at Simba again, snarling. Simba's body races, and as it does, his mind does too. Adrenaline speeds the process of sorting out questions... this hyena knows the names of both Zira and Faraa... Zira did not hurt him, at least not badly, despite the sounds of a fight between them... Scar said that Zira wasn't hurt either. The hyena and another one or two were lurking, and this one waited until Simba left... they weren't chased away, yet Zira returned home. This is strange. So she didn't fight them after all... she was lying when she left Simba... yet she told him to stay put, and not to leave the gorge... And then it clicks! Oh no!! Oh no!! Simba dodges over a root and up the steep cliff, vying for life and freedom... this slope won't stop him! Pridelands - Top of the Cliff ----------------------------- This is a precarious position, the top of a steep cliff, with the end of the gorge on one side, and a long slope into painful thorns on the other. Gomi arrives from the gorge after a tough climb. Gomi snarls again as he draws near, but he's having no luck catching the frightened lion. "You can't run forever, cubbie! The end of the gorge! What th'?!" He slashes across the rocks as Simba scrambles up, then jumps, trying to keep up, his claws making good purchase on the smooth rocks difficult. Simba turns, driven by fear. He sees the hyena struggling and instinctively slashes out a claw and strikes the hyena, aiming to draw blood... then he realizes it's no good to fight, only to run... and run he does, into the thick of the thorns. Gomi yelps! at the unexpected slash, slipping back a bit as the claws add to the crisscrossing scars on his face. He leaps forward, but skids to a stop at the edge of the thorns, trying to see the cub in them. "You damned brat!" he calls angrily. "If you ever come back, I'll kill you!" Simba hears the cry and it sticks with him... but far worse is the echo of his own words, his oath: On the spirit of my father, who was a great king... I promise never to return to Pride Rock... never to return... never to return... The distance becomes long and meaningless. Fatigue has arrived. (aftermath..) Pridelands - South of Pride Rock -------------------------------- You are standing on the south side of Pride Rock, which rises steeply beside you. In the distance to the south, across the savannah, you can just make out the line of a deep gorge, and a small mountain range. Fitina twitches his ears as he hears Sarafina's voice when he enters and he nods his head towards her, "Hi, mom." He says still not used to having her for his mother yet... Scar pads slowly towards Pride Rock, his shoulders slumped and his head down. His tail swishes side to side, otherwise his body seems to be moving almost on it's own. Sarafina looks to Scar saying softly, "Scar you alright?" Scar looks up to Sarafina as he draws near, and then to the others in this small group. His face seems strained, and his ears remain folded. He holds a moment, then speaks very quietly. "There's been an accident." Fitina turns around to face Scar with a surprised and curious expression showing on his muzzle to see what happened while he remains silent. Sarabi wanders in slowly, humming softly as she does. At Scar's words, she halts and quickly moves over to him, "What happened... is it Simba? Where is he?" (Standing before you is the lithe and elegant form of the noble lioness, Sarabi. A very beautiful lioness, her supple form immediately seizes your attention. Her soft pelt of tawny-gold is complemented well by the soft cream that shades her underbelly, the tips of her paws and her muzzle. Slim and sleek, she is beauty in motion, every movement a graceful ballet of muscle and fur. Her face is nearly always graced by a smile, the beauty of which is only suppassed by the deep amber eyes from which she gazes upon the world.. eyes which seem to draw you in and swallow you whole. Her rounded ears are placed perfectly upon her head, adorned by rings of black along the inner edges. Her long tail, accented by a tuft of tan sways tantilizingly as she moves gracefully upon her rounds. Sarabi possesses an air of queenly grace that is evident wherever she goes and she maintains the kindness and serenity befitting a royal and regal queen.) Nala moves closer to her mother as she listens, her eyes growing wide. She knew something like this was going to happen... she just knew.. Scar looks softly to Sarabi. He speaks slowly and his eyes are sad. "Dear Sarabi..." he pauses. "There was a stampede in the gorge. Simba was there, and Mufasa went to save him." Sarafina raises a brow, "A stampede? What happened?" (Sarafina's description is not available.) Tears form in Sarabi's eyes. A stampede? Kings, no! But she knew they were alive... hurt, yes, but alive... Weren't they? "He saved him... right.. he had to have." Scar lowers his face, looking to the ground. Another pause, longer now, then his head comes slowly up. "I will take care of you now, all of you." Sarafina sighs soflty, her eyes closed at those words... Fitina sits down on the ground where he is listening to the conversation in silence, as he frowns as to what he is hearing... Sarabi's fur turns cold as his words ring through her mind 'I will take care of you'... "No..." She wouldn't accept it... couldn't.. but somehow it hit her and she sinks to the ground, her husband and son, in fact her whole world was gone. Sarafina looks to her friend and pads to her and nuzzles comfortingly... Nala blinks away her tears.. Simba was dead? But how.. and why? Scar watches Sarabi quietly, padding closer and placing his paw on her shoulder. "I'm sorry," he offers, "There was nothing I could do.. by the time I knew, it was too late." Sarabi would normally take offense, but all of her fight was gone. At her friend's words, she looks up at Scar, "Where was Zazu? Surely, if there was a stampede, he'd have come to get us for help." She shakes her head, then rises up to her paws, "I want to see them Scar." Nala moves over to her mother, her cheeks tear-stained, and cuddles up against her, too shocked for any words at the moment. Fitina turns away as he closes his eyes, while he still remains silent... "Oh, no." Sarafina sighs a bit upset keeping Nala close to her... Scar shakes his head. "I don't know what happened to Zazu.. perhaps he got too close, trying to help." He shakes his head softly. "You can't do anything, Sarabi, it will only make things worse." Sarabi's amber eyes flame as she looks at Scar, "I want to see them! Until I do, I won't believe a word of this." Sarafina looks up to Scar and says softly, "Can we see the bodies Scar?" Fitina slowly gets up on all fours and pads over towards Sarafina, and Sarafina as his eyes water a little... Yet, he still remains silent. Nala buries her face in her mother's fur as she cries. Scar nods slowly. "Very well, I will take you to see." He sighs deeply. "I don't agree that everyone should see, however. But, Sarabi, I will allow you to decide." Sarabi nods, "I agree with you there." She looks to her friend, "Fini, you stay with the cubs, I'll go with Scar." Scar turns around and pads back towards the gorge, stepping as if lifting his paws was a great burden. [ Pridelands - Edge of the Gorge ] Scar enters, with Sarabi walking along next to Scar. Scar stops at the lip of the gorge, looking down into the rift. He looks back to Sarabi, and indicates into the rift. "Do you really want to go all the way, Sarabi?" Sarabi nods, her resolve not wavering, "Yes, I do. I have to..." Scar oocly will stay here. Mufasa's already been relocated, so there is nothing to look at... Everyone except me and Sarabi should be OOC, unless you're sneaking along ;) Scar descends slowly into the gorge, picking his way among the rocks with almost painstaking care. He moves down the gorge, the thick dust of the stampede now settled over everything, including the regal coat of the King, now visible as he draws near. He stops some distance away and waits, not saying a word. Sarabi follows slowly behind. Not a word is uttered until a cry emerges from her throat at the sight of her beloved's still form. In a flash, she is by his side, crying and hugging the still, now cold form. Scar says nothing, watching quietly, apparently out of respect. He looks up and down the valley briefly, looking for something, but mostly avoids looking at Sarabi and Mufasa. Sarabi's grief is heard up and down the silent gorge, floating up to any ears in range. This goes on until she was spent. After whispering tender goodbyes to her love and a last kiss, she regains herself and rises up, looking expectantly to Scar, "Now, take me to my son." Indeed, if he knew where the hyenas had taken Simba, that would wrap things up nicely. Scar looks concerned as he scans the valley for any clues, pacing a short distance in several directions. Finally, he looks back to Sarabi helplessly. "Dear Sarabi.. he was here, right beside Mufasa. His scent is still here, you can tell for yourself." He frowns softly, "There are other scents, and he was small..." he trails off. Sarabi growls slightly at that, "He could also have been alive and /you/ left him for dead!" Scar steps towards Sarabi, eyes gentle. "Sarabi, dear, you're hurt, and not thinking clearly. He was not alive, look at Mufasa. Could Simba have survived a stampede that would do THAT to my brother? Of all times, please don't fight me now, we need to be strong. We have both suffered a terrible loss." Sarabi suddenly shakes her head, all resolve again gone as the impact of her loss hits her like a gazelle's hoof and she collapses in a heap, sobbing, "Why did this happen? Why them? Why now? WHY??" Scar steps close again, resting a paw on Sarabi's back gently. "Dear Sarabi, I'm so sorry. So very sorry." They're alone, and he's feeling brave, if tactless. "Sarabi, I will take care of you especially, I owe it to my brother's memory. I will be King, this is not how I wanted it to happen, but it has happened. Be my Queen." Queen? But... she was the Queen.. at least she was. Suddenly his words hit her grieved mind and she looks up at him through her tears, "/Your/ Queen?" Scar just nods quietly, watching her expectantly. "I will protect you forever." Sarabi's ears lower against her head, "Scar... please... can it wait? I'm in mourning..." Scar nods slowly. "I expected as much. Take your time here, Sarabi, then return to Pride Rock. We still need you. For now, I will give you your privacy." Sarabi nods quietly. Scar turns and pads quietly back towards Pride Rock, a crooked smile crossing his features as he moves away from Sarabi. Pridelands - Scar's Quarters(#508R) ----------------------------------- This room is dark.. even when the brightest sunlight illuminates the pridal cave. Your eyes need a moment to adjust to the light, and then you can look around. The room is in some disarray, with some bones scattered here and there, and a ragged pelt in the corner, with the heavy scent of a lion, likely used as a bed. It doesn't seem as friendly nor inviting in here, and you feel as though you may be trespassing. Zira is crouched on the other side of the door, staring out like she's stalking something as you come in... her eyes are wide in anticipation. Scar enters the cave, standing tall with a grin to beat all across his muzzle. Certainly he's never looked so strong or confident as he does now. "Zira!" he calls, quietly, but with strength. "Come to me!" Zira slinks out of the shadows and to you, reading you like a book! She runs her whole length beneath your chin before turning around to nuzzle you cheek. "We are victorious?" She whispers, in case others are just outside. Her purring never ceases. Scar smiles darkly, nuzzling against your fur and inhaling your scent. "The Pride is in mourning, the King is dead. Long live the King." He returns your nuzzle with a grin. "And his Queen." Zira purrs even louder, she flops onto her side, laying on her back looking up at you sweetly paws a kimble. "Your Queen... I like the sound of that. Long live our legacy." Scar smirks. "Now we shall have the respect we deserve.. none shall defy us now." He frowns. "I shall have to get word to the hyenas that they may move now.. we will need them in case any gets any, er, ideas." Zira nods softly, still purring, "Exactly, we wouldn't want any.... err... rebellions." Scar nods. "We also need to summon Gesten so that I may tell him that his pride is no longer welcome on the Pridelands." He smirks darkly. "That will take care of dear Faraa." Zira chuckles. "Two birds with one stone. Excellent, my King." You say, "It is the beginning of a glorious new age, and we are the bringers of it. Tonight I shall give my eulogy and officially assume the throne. Come tommorrow, the Pridelands will begin it's transformation!"" Zira's head falls back into a full throated laughter! "And soon our son shall be born into this glorious new future!" Scar smirks widely. "My son... yes. I will pass on my knowledge and these glorious lands, and he will remember my name... I will never die!" Zira paws at you mane softly. "You have truely achieved immortality." Scar smiles as you touch his mane, and he touches your cheek lightly. "I thank you now for all you have done and will do. This would not have come to pass without you." Zira blushes and shrinks down into a ball like a cub. "Awww, well... it was the least I could do... "she looks into your eyes, "For the only one to ever look at me and see worth." Scar smiles. "I know what it is like to be considered worthless. I am happy to reward those who deserve it." Zira purrs softly, uncurling. "Your son... he's reaching for you." She giggles, displaying her belly for you to feel. Scar smiles like a cub himself, running his paw over your belly. "It will be soon?" he asks. "We will need someone to assist you." Zira grins as she feels the life in her respond to the pressure. She begins to laugh softly, "He's growing impatient!" Scar lowers his muzzle to your belly and speaks softly. "Patience, little one. Let me rule a bit first!" He chuckles softly. Zira looks down and grins. "We better be careful or he'll be the first newborn ruler!" Scar suddenly tips his head and looks at you. "Zira, Simba told me that you had a 'tragedy' to tell me about." Zira's head darts up for a second... the previous events having flooded her mind. Then she nods quickly. "Oh.... that. It was nothing. I had a tiny fall. Just slipped a bit on some rocks. Nothing to be worried about." She lays a paw on her belly. "He's telling me he's alright." Scar frowns some. "You must tell me of such things, Zira, it is my right to know." His expression softens some. "I am glad that he is all right. This would all have been for nothing otherwise." Zira's smile doesn't falter. "It was a triffle, cubs exaggerate such things." She laughs... "Though it was what I used to get him to the gorge." Scar half-smirks, though for a moment he seems troubled. "The cub was very brave at the end.. he told me he would miss me, but that he was afraid. He would leave, and never come back so long as I let him live. I almost didn't have the heart to let the hyenas go." Zira's ears perk up. "Is it over? Is the bloodline finished?" Scar says, "Gomi finished him.. I saw the blood on his muzzle." Zira's smile widens, tinged with evil. "Wonderful! Then we are truely safe." Scar smiles. "The hyenas are crude, but thorough. There was nothing to even show Sarabi." Zira grins, "Not even a body?" Scar shakes his head. "His body is likely strewn from the desert to the elephant graveyard by now." Zira claps her paws together "Excellent! Oh Scar! This is better then I imagined! Scar nuzzles. "Let me rest with you a bit before my coronation." He lays behind Zira, curling around her some. "We have much to do in the next few days." Zira nuzzles into your fur, purring softly, lulling you to rest. "Sleep as long as you desire my King... I shall keep vigil." (fade out...)