The Journey (cont. from second journey)

simba watched as events unfolded and was quite restless himself. But he also shared Kovujin's sentiment - too an extent. What could he do? Granted he'd been involved in his share of fights and probably none too safely. Still, now was not the time to try and prove himself. There were plenty of adults around and the last thing he wanted to was to be under paw when they were trying to handle things themselves.

He looked to Kovujin as Kijana's question was asked. He only gave a slight nod to the other cub to signal that they'd be ok then turned to look at Kijana once more. He could tell his friend was restless and didn't want to keep him from helping the others, especially if it were something he knew he had to do.

"We'll be ok. Hurry and see what you can do."

The scar on Malaika's head hurt as he woke slowly in the morning sun. he looked around yet something seemed to be wrong. He was already outside his parents cave. He didn't realise he was still unconsious. Yet it felt real to him.

From with-in the cave came a voice. He recognized the voice and saddened him. It was the sound of his mother. He knew she was dead but he could still hear her voice. Was he dead. No the pain wouldn't be there if it was. Then where was he?

Malaika laid upon the ground shaking covered in sweat. Though the wounds had healed the best they could there was somethings they could not heal. The claws of one of the lions had had poison on it.

Kovujin smirked, "I can take care of the little guy" Kovujin said putting his paw around Simba's back pulling him close to him and smiling, even though Simbaji was bigger, and older than him.

"Don't worry about a thing, Go on help them out, They need your help... I can feel something.. Just isn't right Kijana" Kovujin said worriedly.

He turned his attention back to Simbaji, He wondered if he felt it too, the same feeling he was having, the feeling that something bad had happened, or something bad was about to happen, then he just wondered if it was himself and his nonsense about thinking for the worst all the time. he shook his head trying to get the thoughts out of his mind

'Everyone will be okay... They have to be' Kovujin thought to himself

Malaika entered the cave slowly his mothers voice sounding distorted soon it was replaced with the voice of his father which also faded into his uncles voice. As he drew to the back of the cave he stopped and let his eyes adjust to the darkness. The voices faded slowly away as he looked about untill his eye fell upon the outline of a mandrill.

"Welcome my child. I was expecting you to be here sooner. Time is of the essence." She spoke.

"Who are you?"

"Now is not the time for triviality. No you are not dead, not yet any way. Your friends are trying to save you while you remain here. You have been forced into dream scape since you have not come to visit for yourself. What you saw in the dream was in fact a vision. The events you witnessed was, shall we say, a link between you and the leader of the rogues. Some one who's same blood line runs through your vane's."

"But who..."

That is a question I can not answer. You must find that out for yourself. Forget coming here to your families cave. To the north is pride valley you must past through there into your families true land and origon. There you will find what you seek. Be carefull though he will now be watching everything you do. He will kill you when he see's fit."



Malaika's breathing as he laid upon the earth slowed yet he still shivered as though cold. Only one animal could help him now. The only one of the group who knew about the healing herb of the savannah.

Simbaji

simba couldn't hear the cries of battle any longer and grew more concerned. Just because he didn't hear anything didn't mean that nothing was happening. And besides, if nothing was happening then that meant one of only two things; either Malaika and the others had won, or they had failed. He didn't know why there wasn't any word but he was becoming anxious. Maybe Kijana would find out.

(um is anyone going to continue? I know school is in but its been a couple weeks now.i've been working on the book and it would feel weird to get to this point in the book and just stop and wait for everyone)

((ooc: Oops :| for the longest time I had no clue what to post >.>! Sorry Malaika I'm like, Confuzzled lol, Have no clue.. On what to post about so this post might seem, Stupid lol xD I think its Kijana's turn.. Or it could be mine.. I'm not sure.. lol.....))

Kovujin turned his head to the right to look at Simba, he seemed to be staring off in the distance from where the fight had origionated from, His ears went flat on his head and sighed, He didn't know what to do, even if there was something to do he probably couldnt do it, His age, was one thing he hated about himself, He wished he was more grown up and older, that way if anything were to happen he could help protect his friends and atleast offer some natural abilities he had to his friends.

He inhaled the wind that blew in his face now and smiled a bit, Hoping for the best that everyone was okay, but him he didn't know anything that was going on. The real things that were happening were still a mystery to him, and Simba too.

"Simba, Do you think they will be alright..? I mean, Malaika and the others, You think they made it out safely? From the fight? What are your thoughts about this.." He asked looking away from Simba now to look in the direction of the fight, and where the sounds were coming from until they had finally come to a halt not to long ago.

simba had watched as Kijana had gone off to see what the matter was but quickly lost sight of him. The fact that even now by this point there was still no word or indication as to what had happened only made him more worried.. and more curious. He knew that Malaika and the others had tried to keep him safe and even sent him and Kovujin out of harms way, but there was too much mystery for him to ignore. If Malaika and the others had been successful, wouldn't they have sent word, or at the very least come themselves to say so? But then, too, if things had fared badly, why was there no one coming after them? Too much a mystery.

The cub swiveled his ears as he heard Kovujin ask him what he thought, and moments later his eyes and gaze followed as he looked at Kovujin. He could tell that the other cub was as much at a loss as to what to do as he was, and, were all things equal, probably feeling like there was little they could, or even should do. However, simba's own time and experiences in the past had forced him to adapt, to find ways to make the impossible happen and do what he could no matter the cost. A few times some of that experience was gained at the hands of naivity and curiosity mixed with potential foolishness, perhaps more than a few. But no matter the case he couldn't just sit here, no matter what the others said - it just wasn't in his nature.

"I don't know, but I'm going to go find out for myself. It's been too long, someone should have said something by now."

Malaika felt alone in the cave even with the Mandrill there. It dawned upon him that he might end up well past dreamscape. Though he was unsure of where he was. Dreamscape he knew well enough but this place felt different kinda forbodeing. It chilled him to the bone. There was no denying that he could very well die again but this time not be able to return. If that were so then all would be lost. Even the mandrill knew this yet said nothing. Malaika wispered silently to himself.

"Please Ahieu guide my friends and watch over them in our time of need."

Malaika tried to keep himself from crying but faild to keep the tears back as he wept into his paws. The mandril placed her paw on Malaika's back causing him to jump slightly but never taking his head from his paws. Slowly she petted him hoping she could give him some comfort.

(its been a while since anyone has replyed. Please we need to continue. I understand school and everything. It doesn't take a lot of time to post. Please who ever is next say something at least.)

Feirefiz continued to keep the other lion pinned to the ground. He thought he could vaguely hear the paw steps of others, but wasn't too sure.He Looked around at the distance, hoping however came could help. He planted his claws into the back leg muscle as the attacker struggled. They slowly slide in and the struggle ended. It would be no use to run if his muscle was hurt.

He raised his nose and sniffed. Someone did indeed seem to be coming.

((ooc: Sorry Malaika xX I just don't know what to do anymore, but here goes :P))

Kovujin looked at Simabji, for he was correct, The cubs just couldn't sit by and not do anything, And If at all, They could contribute somehow to the matter at hand, Kovujin would help if any at all. "Yes your right.. Lets go see what's happened Simba, I fear something is going terribly wrong" Kovujin said with a slight shake of his head, Somewhere in the back of his head, His mind was telling him that this.. Fight, Might not end so well, And that something drastic was happening now, Nothing good was coming out of the fight that he though of, Images filled his mind as he looked back over in the direction of where the fight had taken place, and he let out a slight growl from his muzzle which turned into words.

"Lets get moving!" Kovujin yelled as he ran forward, Running in the direction of where Malaika and the others had went off in.

simba looked back to Kovujin and noded. He was hesitant about letting him come since he wasn't sure what would happen, but in the end he himself was going against the others trying to keep him safe. The path looked different on the way back. He had been carried by the nape of his neck and only seen the swaying ground. Now the ground was steady, but his eyes still moved from side to side occassionally as he tried to catch any glimpse of Kijana or the others. The noises of battle, as much as he could tell, were silent still. So many had been involved, surely someone should have survived, good or bad.

"I think I see someone up ahead!", he called to Kovujin, trying to keep his voice low enough to keep from being heard beyond his friend.

Kovujin looked back at Simbaji when he spoke, then stopped to wait for him, "What do you mean?" He said turning back around to face forwards again in the direction of which the battle had taken place. "Who is it?" Kovujin asked, "Anyone we know?" Kovujin said as Simbaji padded up beside him, He kept his voice low so no one could hear him, Incase it was someone they didn't know, or was the enemy.

simba peered ahead then looked to Kovujin again as the spoke, keeping his voice low as well as he too didn't want to attract any undue attention. As the cub looked on he wish it were easier to reply to the question. Unfortunately they were still too far ad the figures so undefined that he could only guess.

"I'm not sure. I think so."

((ooc: sorry for the not so quick reply xP Homework. xX))

Kovujin looked out now, and soon saw the figure of what Simba was talking about, "Should we.. Call out?" Kovujin asked looking at Simba awaiting his answer, he was far wiser than Kovujin, and had been in many predicaments like this probably, and he thought it was best if he left the decision making to him, and him alone.

((ooc: Um, well I guess I'll fit myself in somewhere here. I last left Mizani running after your guys trail, so can someone tell me where you guys are exactly? Please and Thank-you:D))
Mizani padded slowly along the dusty trail. She had been traveling for quite a while now, and she was starting to get hungry. Her blue orbs would often flicker across the plains, in search of food. The land was fairly empty, even though the land was fairly suitable for living. Perhaps the animals were somewhere further ahead, for she had yet to see a water source. Her golden fur was shimmering in the sun, due to her good grooming, but it was probably not best if she didn't stand out.
Suddenly a scent hit her nose, that made her shudder. Hyenas.

The smell wasn't very fresh, but it wasn't old enough to ignore. She didn't see a den around, but she'd have to keep an eye out all the same. She searched the distance once more, and she stopped when she saw a small herd. She lowered her whole body, and inched forward, quickly, almost darting. Only until she was alot closer, did she slow down, and let her movements become more precise. Then she was so close, it was hard not to spring out.

Then in a flash, she sprang out of the grass, and trailed in hot pursuit of her target. Flinging herself at its neck, she severed the animals neck with one swift bite.
She lifted her head to check for Hyena's as she regained her breath, but the smell of blood was strong, and she couldn't smell anything. She tried again, before sinking her teeth into her kill, and enjoying her feast.

simba looked over to Kovujin as the appraoched closer and noded. He was hesitant to make too much noise since it was not only your friends, but your enemies as well that could hear you. And so he motioned the other cub to stay still as he turned towards the direction that they had spotted the other figure and let out a small soft call. It was almost imperceptible and surely would have to be strained to be heard, but better to start with something that someone might not be sure about than give away their position conclusively.

Malaika laid in the cave afraid and alone. The mandril had left after a while and never returned. He was afraid to leave the cave having seen what could happen in Dream scape. Was it going to be safe to stop in his parents cave in the heartlands? Would it have been taken over by the rogues? The only thing left would be to head strait to Pride valley to the north of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Some how he would need to inform everyone to not try and take him to Mt. Kilimanjaro but to another safe place. No one knew of the cave at the bottom of the reveine. The reveine had been a plce of refuge in time of war. Only once had Malaika been there and that was the night that his father had been killed.

Malaika closed his eyes and used all the strength he could muster and had the earth try and send a message to simba. With all his strenght all he could manage was "Simbaji....please help me." It had drained so much energy that Malaika had fallen unconsious.

will someone talk to me?
i am so alone:tears:

((ooc: Have you signed up for this RP? If so, then please try and make your posts longer and detailed. Its kind of a rule in RP's;)))

OOC: my dear sweet sasha we would love to talk to you. I would be delighted for you to join our Role Play. Most characters when they start into this role play usually start by themselves and then meet up with the characters that are together. Right now we wouldn't be able to find you since we are stuck in a predicament. My character is in somewhat of a coma right now and no one realises it. He was poisoned when he was attacked. Another lion had fgallen in battle and since we've not heard back from him lets asume he is dead. The only one who can help Malaika is Simbaji the cub. Since he has the knowledge of medicine. He wouldn't be able to do it out in the middle of where they are for fear of being attacked again. we don't have this story planned out fully. what is known is there is a shadow amoungs the rogues forming his own legion bent on stopping Malaika from finding whatevery it is he is looking for and killing his friends at the same time. Right now there is a conection between Malaika and simbaji the only one visible right now is the fact that they had been mates at one time. that goes back to another role play where just after Malaika had returned from his homelands in th shadows of kilimanjaro he was without his memory. FOr more info on him though you'd have to read the post I had placed in the profiles section.

Other than that you are welcome to join in this role play but I would recomend reading it first. ALso i am in the preocess of writing this out as a book as well. also this story has nothing whatso ever to do with the lion king time line,era, or whatever you call it.

As simba neared the scene they had feld earlier he kept a watchful eye. Of course there was the figure that still loomed in the distance, but something else caught the cub's attention that caused his ears to perk. It was feint but clear. It was Malaika's voice. The cub picked up his pace instantly, glancing behind himself to make eye contact with Kovujin to let him know he felt something was up.

Eyes quickly surveyed the surrounding grounds as the young cub looked for his friend. There were many bodies from fallen foes. Fortunately he hadn't seen anyone from their party yet. Soon though he did see one. As if guided right to him, simba hurried and padded up to the older lion and looked him over for signs of wounds. He then nuzzled Malaika and whispered:

I'm here, I made it. What do I need to do?

Kovujin continued to follow closely to his cub friend simbaji, he felt his heart beat start to increase slowly by the second, Probably due to anticipation, Or was it because of fear... He couldn't quite sort out which emotion it was that he was feeling that was making his heart race, but he did know one thing, That this place was soon starting to freak him out. He looked to his left and noticed the body of a lion, A strange red liquid had surrounded its body and formed a pool of water, But it wasn't water..It was blood.. A shiver went down his spine as the liquid continued to pour out from the Lion's still dead body, And though he was dead, It seemed as if his body still wasn't as it continued to push the liquid throughout the openings in his body. He tore his gaze away from the lion then saw himself staring at simba's face, then the face he was staring at quickly turned around, Probably a motion to let him know something bad was about to happen, and he already knew that bad thing had already happened, Because.. Everywhere around him, There were bodies.. And it almost made him want to cry his heart out, Just for the victems of the battle, Even though they had attacked them.. He still felt sorrow for the Lions and Lioness that had died during the fight, He felt pain, and anguish, almost as if he could feal the pain that they had so felt before they died. And this pain.. It hurt.. It hurt so badly, almost enough to kill him.

He moaned quietly as he tried to close his eyes to keep away the visions, but even as his eyes were closed he could still see the dead bodies of the creatures all around him, and it was soon going to drive him insane, The blood, The killing, The death, all of it was around him and it was inevitable, He couldn't escape him, These images.. Would probably haunt him forever, but what he couldn't understand was.. Why he felt these emotions.. They were the bad guys.. It was good that they died... No.. No it wasn't, It wasn't good that they died, no one should die.. Everyone should live and have a chance.. As mom said.. There is no such thing as a bad animal, Its just the decisions they make are bad, They aren't bad.. The things they do are bad.. He told himself,

He groaned again. "simba... I don't like this..." He muttered softly as he padded up to the cub's side, he then saw him shoot off in a random direction, Then he noticed it wasn't a not so random direction.. That direction was to the body... Of Malaika..

"Oh my.. g" He said before stoping himself from finishing, He looked away fast, And right now he beleived he was dead. Tears were almost about to burst out of the cub's eyes and stream down his face.

"Is... Is he alive.." Kovujin questioned looking away from his body through closed eyes.

simba felt Kovujin come to rest beside him. He averted his gaze for a moment at the question asked and could see so much fear and sorrow in the other cub's eyes. Was he himself so blinded by some unknown force that he couldn't appreciate the devestation all around? Had he become so detatched that the scent of blood no longer made his stomach ill? He had to quickly shake his head. But when he looked back to Malaika he feared too for the older lion's fate, his friend's fate and so many other feelings that loomed in the back of his memory like wraiths waiting to be let free to ravage his sanity. He musn't let them out, no.

"I'm not sure. I don't think so.. I hope not so. He hasn't woken but I think I saw his chest rise from a small breath."

He watched as the images of his son slipped into the forefront of his mind. He was always so eager to do something, wanted to help in any way he could. The small niche around the backside of his kopje where he worked hard for days to prepare pastes and powders. His son eating of one of the berries along a trail side and finding it to be toxic to some extent and the times they shared in the grasses... the grasses... you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray...

"No!"

And the images were gone. He blinked his eyes and looked at Kovujin and apologized.

"Sorry.. just, just some memories. This is horrible, horrible! We need to see if we can get some stuff to help his wounds and revive him."

The cub looked around and wondered what had become of the others. With any luck and a lot of hope, that they hadn't seen their bodies yet was a sign that they would not be found amoung the devestation that surrounded them.

Kovujin sighed as he heard his friend talk, And his words brought some joy to him when he finished, At least he was breathing, For as long as there was breathing, Then there was a chance that a creature could live, and Malaika.. He just had to live.. He just.. Had too.. Kovujin put his head to the ground and put his paws over his head trying to disrupt the images of the lions around him, and kept muttering, "Death.. Killing.. Blood.. Death.. What is it for..." He said with a tear dropping down his face as it hit the ground below him, Then simba yelled, and he jumped in fright,

"What!" He yelled as he saw simba in front of him, Then he spoke again, and Kovujin only nodded, "Its okay simba.. I know what you mean.. I have memories that I don't want to lose, but I want to get rid of them at the same time.. Ya know.." He said in a soft voice, He came up to his friends side to stare at the form of Malaika's body laying on the ground, He had been wounded, and the wound... Didn't seem to be normal, it was like somethign was eating at the skin around it, "Look.. There.. Do you think its the work of something else? It doesn't look like everyone else's scars and scratches.." He said softly walking around him once then coming back at the opposite side of simba.

"I fear.. Something bad has happened here simba.. But I don't want to believe it.. But right now I don't know what to believe anymore..." He said in a slightly dull voice. "And you are so right.. But.. What can we get to help Malaika? I mean.. What can we use? I'm just a cub.. I have no clue what to do to anyone if they are harmed but just let them heal over time.. And I don't think we can do that here." He said with a slight groan. "Do you know of something that we could possibly use? Or certain ingredients or maybe a herb.. Or Something?!" Kovujin said quite desperately.

Now not only was his heart racing, The cub's mind was also being filled with thousands of thoughts racing into him, and he growled slightly as the thought of Maliaka's death entered into it and he quickly shook his head, No... He will Live.. He must... He kept repeating himself. He then started to look around him to see if he could find any familiar faces amoungst the dead, and not one appeared to him that he knew, or had seen, He hadn't.. Known anyone quite that personally save for simba and Malaika. But just because he didn't see them in this place, didn't mean they were still alive... Stupid thoughts! Why do I need a mind anyways, to torment me on this stupid onslaughts of misery!? He screamed in his mind. Then he muttered.

"Hang on Malaika.."

Malaika felt a chill swirl around him as pain shot through him. The world around him seem to fade and produce a new location. At first he didn't recognize it but once he lokked about him he could see Simbaji sitting next to a lion crying. Could it be himself? No it can't be.

'Have I died?' Malaika thought to himself.

Suddenly everything changed again and he stood beside Simbaji as the cub trudged on with Kovujin and the others. But he was no where to be seen. They were heading away from Mt. Kilimanjaro. Simbaji stumbled and couldn't get up. Tears welled up in his eyes.

'Malaika,' He whispered trying to hold back his greif but could say no more.

Malaika turned away not wanting to see what pain had been caused but as he looked away a shadowed figure seemed to apear in the mist. It was the sahdow of a lion but not true feature could be seen. His eyes glowed bright yellow.

"Who are you?" Malaika asked wonering if any of this was real.

"You should know who I am." It called in a deep voice. A voice that would send any animal or man into dispare. "I am you. Your dark side. I am your hate, your anger. I am your worst nightgmare. There is nothing you can do to rid yourself of me."

This sent a cold chill through Malaika. He turned to run only to find the shadow again.

"Its no use to try and escape. You thought you could get rid of me once and look what happened. How much pain did you cause during that time? How many of your friends and loved onse did you hurt?"

"Please don't." Malaika cried out. "Havn't I suffered enough living through all that. I don't ned to be reminded about that time."

"But it seems you do. simba is still hurting from then."

"How do you know all of this?"

"You will find out in due time. For now it is not your time to go. Ahieu is watching over you and simba. There is still much to be done. I can not say more." The shadow started to fade. "Untill next we meet. I shall always be watching."

simba could hear the fear and confusion in the other cub's voice. And who could blame him? Things really were terrible no matter how you looked at it. And wether fortunately or unfortunately, he himself had seen enough in his life to have given him the ability to deal with some situations better than not. That experience didn't apply everywhere and certainly he was still caught off guard when that experience didn't kick in, but then what could anyone expect? He'd do what he could, just as anyone else would, and that's all anyone could ask.

"My dad taught me how to use healing pastes a while back. Plus I've experiemented a little on my own. We need to quickly look around and see if we can find a plant that has blue flowers. The flowers have to be small and should have 6 petals with white stems in the middle. I'll go and see if I can find a special kind of red berry. Meet me back here as soon as you can, even if you can't find anything - don't want to end up caught in the middle of anything and get lost or hurt."

He looked around himself and silently despaired. Such a dark and, in places, barren land. There were plenty of things around, but bodies accounted for a lot of tha, and what plants or trees there were didn't seem the right type for what he needed, but he'd look anyways. Surely there had to be something to work with. And with that he nuzzles Malaika, told him to hang on as well, then took off in search of the plants that might help him heal his friend.

Kovujin watched in awe as his friend spoke of medicines of healing and how he actually knew how to use them, "Wow.. Amazing.." He said, then simba ran off and he in turn did, He sprinted off in some random direction he knew nothing of, and of where it would lead him. But before he even got a few feet away from Maliaka, He turned around, and dipped his head down and sighed, "Stay alive buddy.." He said softly. Then turned around and started off staring at the ground in all directions possible.

Blue flower, 6 petals, White stem, Blue flower, 6 pedals, White stem.. These were the only words that were traveling through Kovujin's mind right now, And thats all he said to himself "Blue flower... 6 Petals... White Stem.." he said in a low voice, he looked to his left, then to his right and out of clumseiness(Sp?) Tripped on his own four feet and went head over paw landing on his face. "Merf..." He moaned getting back up on his paws and rubbing his chin with his paw,

He looked around him once again, Then scratched an arrow pointing in the direction of where Maliaka was so he could remember where to go once he had found what he was looking for, If he ever found it...

Malaika shivered still trying to get out of his mind that his own shadow would speak to him. To him he felt like he ahd been here before. Even during the time he had had the dreams of the whole pride being killed. This time though was different. Was he supposed to die. No it still wasn't his time. Even his shadow had said so.

Malaika gave into despare. He knew Simbaji could help him but out in the baren wastelands they had found themselves in he wasn't to sure about if Simbaji could find what was needed to help. How could he have let this happen to him. Sure he had been iin battle many times before. but something was different.

He wasn't losing his touch. The enemy is differert this time. An enemy to surpass even the humans and himself. His father had fought a similar battle but it took not only his pride but others as well. That option isn't there any more. Just a mere group of rouge against an army of rogues. It was going to be a loosing battle yet some how they were going to pull through.

'Whats it all for anyway?' Malaika asked himself. 'The heartlands will never be the same.'

"I'm dissapointd in you Malaika." Came a voice that surprised Malaika.

"No, it can't be."

simba had himself set off in search of the things he was looking for. Akili had taught him mainly how to use the healing pastes, not how to create them. His dad had disappeared for some time during one point in trying to search out the ingredients to create more. It was during that time that simba had worked on trying to decipher the secret. A lot of it was trial and error, and sometimes the things he came up with were completely different than the things his dad used. What he learned most importantly was that the lands provided many things to help those who lived here. Each part had something to offer.

Quickly he searched still however; just because there were useful things to be found didn't necessarily follow that they were the right ones at the time. And time was one thing they didn't have on their side. He could most likely help Malaika, he hoped, but if helped too late it might not make a difference - and that was one scenario he didn't want to see played out.

"You seem to have lost your way."

With a sigh Malaika sits down and looks at his fathers spirit.

"I'm sorry father. Yes I am lost. How can I find my way home? It seems like an empty dream lost to the night." He sighs again. "I feel alone."

"Listen my son don't try and go to what you know to be our home. Your journey lies to the north. You must go to the Valley pridelands there you must face your fears. The truth will come to you when you are ready."

Malaika shivers at the words and like a distant dream he recalls the last time he had spoken to his father.

"Before you go I want to know something. You told me I wouldn't be able to see you again yet now..."

Shujaa cut him but raising his paw.

"You are on the very ede of life and death. Right now a very young cub is trying to find some plant that can help you."

*****

The lion laid in pain and could no longer run anywhere but instead looked up at Feirefiz. The heat of battle long over the lion still had fire in his eyes but not the strength to fight. He looked over at Malaika who was hardly breathing.

"Watch as your friend suffers." The lion rasped to Feirefiz. "Even if you could save him it would be useless."

He narrowed his eyes and pressed his claws deeper into the lions leg muscle. He didn't like the games this lion was playing.

"What have you done to him?", he hissed in reply 'Who are you and why are you even doing this!?"

He could feel the anger welling up inside of him, he felt a struggle to maintain his urge to end the life of his capture. The game he was playing with everyone, or so it seemed like some sick game. It was a life. He had so far spared this attackers life, why should the same not be granted to others?

He took his other paw and pressed the head of the lion into the dirt. Holding him down, claws poking past the fur of his paws. He was tired of this slow guessing game

"What have you done, and how can he be helped?" ,he calmed his voice as he spoke "This may be your last chance to answer before you bleed more..."

Kovujin looked around him once more, He was in a vast field of many grasses, and a few flowers were dispersed throughout the lands, but none of which were the ones he was looking for. His eyes looked out for a Blue Flower, and he saw what he was looking for. With a huge grin set on his face he let out a gasp and a sigh of relief hoping he had found what simba had told him to get. He scrambled to his paws energetically and started to trot towards the bluish colored flower.

As he grew nearer and nearer to the plant he started to think to himself yeah its blue but what if it doesn?t match the description simba told me.. He thought, and he was soon contemplating himself and questioning himself with all these different random yet stupid questions. And as he grew closer to the flower, he began to choke noticing the green stem, ?Its not white? Its not?White..? he said sadly. He sat down upon the grass disappointed in himself once again and sighed deeply, Shaking his head left and right repeatedly. He closed his eyes and thought of Malaika once again, He had only just met him a few days ago, And now thanks to his stupidity in not being able to find a SIMPLE FLOWER. He was doomed to die.. He had disappointed himself, Malaika, and simba by not finding what he was supposed to find. And he soon found himself weeping.

A cold wind blew against his back and it forced him to shiver, but he opened his eyes and sighed once again, But thought. What if I keep looking.. I still have a chance? He?s not gone yet! He told himself. He turned around and looked through the grasses once again, and saw himself staring at the many colored flowers and petals upon the flowers themselves, There were tons, almost like a meadow filled with them, The llush grasses were somewhat wet, But not with blood thankfully, But with liquid, Water. When he moved around on the grass he could feel his paws beginning to wetten from walking and it somewhat soothed him and his mind. Then his eyes closed somewhat halfway as he set his gaze upon a white stemed flower, then noticed it was blue.. ?This is it.. THIS IS IT!? He said happily and ran towards the plant. The time whilst he was running thoughts were flying through his minds, and all of them relevant to Malaika. Once he was at the white stemed flower, he started counting the petals with a claw, and when he reached six, his eyes lit up with joy and he smirked. ?Now that wasn?t so hard..? He said mischeaviously and grabbed the plant by its stem from his teeth and ripped it from the ground. Now to find simba.. He told himself as he turned back around to find the arrow he had drawn early so he could tell where he was and where Malaika was.

He ran back as fast as he could, feeling the wind blow against his face as he ran at a fast paced speed and a smile still on his face, the flower still held firmly in his muzzle, Clenched inbetween his teeth. It almost looked as if he was on a date having a flower in his maw, but that surely wasn?t the case here. And when the thought went through his mind he could do nothing but chuckle at himself and his stupid thoughts once again. He saw the arrow and his claws dug into the arrow head of the arrow as he ran forwards, messing the arrow up completely so no one else would follow that arrow, He knew loads of animals were very.. Curious. And soon he started to see Malaika?s body come into view, and continued to run as his heart pounded harder and harder, his breathing increasing at a rapid state.

The lion only laughed as his head was forced into the ground. It was the feeling of the lions claws that caught his attaention.

"Ok I'll tell you. He now how the incurable disease. The poison was only to make it work faster. We knew we wouldn't be able to bring him down ourselves since he is stronger. But even if you cure the poison you will never be able to find a cure for the uncurable disease."

The search had taken simba far longer than he had hoped but really expected no less and ultimately was greatful for the find. Hind paws pressed into the ground behind him as he stretched as much as he could to reach the patch of berries he had found. That he could find anything was almost amazing but it still remained to be seen if the berries he had found would do the trick. There were lots of different kinds of berries to be had and just because it was red didn't mean it would do the trick. Still he had no other choice than to hope that something good would come of it. There too was the prospect that these berries might do something altogther different, and hopefully good - or perhaps nothing at all or worse. Only time would tell.

The cub finally got a good hold of the branch that held the clumps of red berries and twisted his head slightly while at the same time biting down into the branch that held them secure. The taste of the branch wasn't all that pleasant but the quarry finally came free. He backed himself out from the bush that he had burried himself in to get at the berries and pulled free with his find. Not a moment went by before the young cub was turned around and dashing back to Malaika. He ran with all deliberate speed, the whole time thinking and hoping that Kovujin was successful. Unlike simba's task, the flower that Kovujin had to locate couldn't be mistaken for anything else. In his mind he started to plan out how he would prepare the pastes and wished that he had access to the small and dwindling supply that his dad had given him back home. At least he had already begun exploring how to make these himself. Time and luck. He needed a little of both, not much, just a little. Just a little.

Kovujin continued to run his paws out to no extent, his heart was beating almost as fast as his paws were running, his heart continued to push up against his chest and it felt as if it were going to fly out at any moment. His legs were tired, sore and his brain was killing him. So much stress from today, and he was only a cub. How could one take so much pain and torture... But no matter the consequences, he continued to push his body past the limits. Even though his mind told him to stop and stay, to just rest for 5 seconds, he continued onwards knowing that there might not be another five seconds that Malaika might live.

Soon the body of Malaika was in view, and what suprised him more was when he was drawing closer to the form of Malaika, was two lions, one on top of the other. He had him firmly pinned down, Paw at the neck, though he couldn't tell if his claws were out or not. But from the look upon the lion's face he knew he meant business. Kovujin smirked as he saw the pitiful body underneath the lion, it was almost... Pathetic looking. It seemed that the muscular lion on top was trying to extract information out of the attacker who had poisoned Malaika.. Or if it was another lion or lioness. Or creature for that matter, Kovujin didn't know. But one thing was for sure. He didn't really care about those two lions right now.

He skidded to a halt almost ten feet away from Malaika, Pushing his paws in front of hi again, Feeling his paws run into the soft dirt, and he tumbled head over paw, Somersaulting and then landing on his belly. "Ooof, not a good experience" he said softly then getting up and shaking his head left and right, He looked around him for he had dropped the flower, and once he found it he smirked widely. "Tried to get away from me didn't you.. You sneaky little devil.." He said out loud. He bent his head downwards and picked up the flower by its stem, Holding it between his muzzle. He came to sit next to Maliaka's side and brushed his head up against his fur. His body felt cold, and lifeless. But his breathing proved him wrong, and from this he knew that Malaika was slowly dieing. And it was all coming down to one thing for Malaika to live. That simbaji knew exactly what he was doing.. And this was what had to happen. simba had to be able to do this.. And if he couldn't then Kovujin could at least help out to make it a little easier, Not a lot.. Just a little bit..

Why did this have to be such a forbidding land? As the distance rushed past, simba could see no signs of great scenery or vegitation. He had to take that back, there were a good variety of things, they just looked desolate. It was a rather odd sight and sensation alike since nearly all of his journeys and explorations into different lands always held their own variety of beauty and wonder. This place, this place however seemed to feel as though eyes were everywhere, smothering everything that tried to grow or pass through. What was it about this place and why were things turning out the way they were? He could only hope that everyone would pull through.

He wasn't sure how long it had taken him to get to where he was and therefore had no idea how long it would take for him to get back, but he hoped it wouldn't be much longer. In his mind he tried to go over what his dad had taught him about the pastes he had made and how to administer them. He also kept going over the different things he had learned during his own experimentations and which processes and parts of roots and flowers and berries yielded which kinds of results. He worried for a moment. He could probably find something well enough to mix and prepare the pastes with with the exception of water, that and something to actually mix them in. All the while he worked on his plan as he drew closer to Malaika.

Time seemed to take forever but finally, in the distance, he could see the vague outline of a large lion, Malaika. Next to him he saw a smaller form and felt relieved that Kovujin, if that was who it was (as he hoped it should be) had made it back ok. Hopefully he had found his item as well. To cover the last bit of distance, the young cub burst with what little extra speed he had to offer and quickly closed the gap between him and the others. His heart cheered up a bit as he saw Kovujin holding something in his muzzle. As soon as he got to the two he layed the branch with the cluster of berries down and nuzzled Malaika then turned to the other cub.

"You made it! Were you able to find the flower?"

Kovujin looked up from where he had nuzzled the sleeping form of Malaika, this was what he told himself, that he was just asleep. And not possibley dieing.. Just resting, yeah thats it.. Just resting.. His eyes came to meet those of a young cub as he heard the sounds of paw pads hitting against the ground, and a smile came upon his muzzle as the creature grew nearer and he was able to idenfity him. He made it... Finally.. He said to himself whilst watching the cub come closer and closer to him and Malaika. He watched him lay down the branch with the berries upon it and he stared at them, then looked up to simbaji once he asked his question, and he slowly bent his head downwards and let the flower drop to the ground beside the berries on the branch.

He smirked and saluted the young cub. "Yes sir! I found them, with much difficulty, but they are here!" Kovujin said whilst grinning through his little speech.

"So what else do we need to possibly cure him?" Kovujin questioned, he tilted his head to the right then gasped lightly, then pointed in the direction of a lion ontop of another, "And them... What about the guy under him?" He questioned again, Eyeing the two lions again before staring back into simba's eyes. And in those eyes, he could tell that simba was not only thinking of what to do, he was worried about what he had to do. Maybe he was unsure about himself, or in his ability to do this or accomplish his current goal. Then Kovujin thought to himself, What if.. No it can't be...Don't worry about that Kov, just do what he tells you. He told himself.

simba looked briefly over to the other two lions that Kovujin had motioned to and asked about. Fierfiz seemed to be the one on top and had control of the situation, he hoped. Seeing the two lions locked like that briefly brought up memories of a time in the past when he was the same lion being pinned, and for something he hadn't even done or had knowledge about. That it was his own father made the situation unbearable, even if he had been adopted. He almost seemed to get stuck in his own memories and bad experiences then shook his head and looked back to Kovujin.

"It'll be fine, they're not close enough to us to be a threat so we should be ok for now. As for the flower let's get to work, there's a lot of stuff we'll need to do. We need to find some water, just a small amount will be enough and somehting to mix this stuff in. If we were back at my kopje it wouldn't be a problem, I have some empty gourd shells that I would use. We'll need something like that as well as a stick of some kind."