Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Apr 20, 2021 7:35:29 GMT
Kabili frowned a little.
He guessed that was true, but what happened if and when they got into trouble? For all he knew Simba was going to throw him out on his behind. And while for the most part he really doubted that, he also didn’t want to underestimate whatever might go down, right?
He rubbed his arms a little, more than thankful when Zuri decided to go along with it. “I mean how bad can it be?” He asked her as he started to lead the way and from a safe enough distance. “I know that the Outlands are dangerous - but I still haven’t seen a single hyena or anything.”
The teen paused as they came to a stop in front of the cave, tilting his head. “Ermmm are you sure we’ll fit in there?” He asked curiously as his stomach tension started to build just a little.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2021 8:40:34 GMT
Just like that, the two pressed on, coming to the mouth of the cave. The creatures could do a lot with creative use of their environment, they didn't even need to build this trap. The vulture smiled, it was definitely a smirk but his beak muddled his expressions. "Certainly, certainly! You just need to get down on all fours, like the lion you are." he said, and why should he care what Kabili was? He had no respect for lions, if he disapproved the comment was simply insulting lions!
If only the lion cubs knew the danger they were putting themselves into... but experience is what teaches us.
Zuri kept close to Kabili as they would pass through the tunnel, which led only into a cave. No other way out, except straight up. Only birds could find them, and only younger animals could come in. Waiting for them would be vultures of course, but also jackals and hyenas. Bandit and Njaa were not among them. Snakes and birds were also mixed in. Thankfully only two each of the jackals and hyenas, and they were younger than Njaa at that.
Zuri gulped as she looked around at the creatures, "I'm not liking this... Kabili..." she gulped. She whispered, "Don't say a word about how we shouldn't be here, or all these birds will tell everyone..." she said normally after that, "There's not many of you, but you birds will uh, quote us, yes?" she gave a charming smile.
The vulture snickered, "That they will... go on." he faced the crowd, "You wanted to so they say, extend the olive branch? You may speak kindly and freely." He certainly didn't mind sharing the fruits of the trap.
Zuri looked at Kabili, expectantly holding her smile.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Apr 27, 2021 21:53:37 GMT
Kabili frowned at him.
He wasn't sure if it was meant as an insult. But he also didn't want to immediately take it as one. After all, he'd had to explain in the beginning that he couldn't simply crawl on all fours all the time. It was dangerous and hurt him - could even cause damage as far as he knew. He did however get down on his knees and carefully crawl through the tunnel. Honestly, it was kind of a tight squeeze even though he was small, but not too bad.
Of course, he hadn't exactly expected what met them. How many outlands animals were there here? He brushed himself off, but couldn't quite have anticipated what she said next. "Yeah, me either," He murmured. "It's all good. I still have my knife. They aren't going to see a weapon coming. It worked before."
He did however not know exactly what to say with... ALL of these animals watching. "I thought you told us we were just talking to the vultures... No one said anything about half the Outlands," He managed nervously. "But I guess that proves that vulture are smart creatures."
As he was saying that, he was already looking for alternative exits. Using his eyes directly in hopes that no one would notice.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2021 7:05:09 GMT
Zuri didn't seem to place any particular value on the lion comment, nor did the vulture continue upon it. It was rude but whether that was the intent... was clearly muddled.
The vulture followed the two in, blocking the way out until they were well and truly into the area. He did move ahead of them afterward, but their escape would be visible, and slow... with the jackals small enough they would be in danger if they tried anything right away.
One jackal spoke up, a male voice. "Vultures? Ha! They use a lot of big words is all!" he mocked, and he looked to Zuri to speak in their defense, clearly wanting both to do their part.
Zuri whispered, "I hope you are right, Kabili..." she faced them, closing her eyes some, regaining her normal sassy demeanor. Comedy? That was an idea, it was obvious they were coerced anyway...
"If they didn't use big words, it would take them until dinner to decide on breakfast." she joked with a smile, "Besides they would be happy to dumb it down for you if you ask." she nodded, speaking loud and clear, before talking to Kabili, just above a whisper. Enough the vulture leading them could hear, and be in on it. "Tell them something vultures do better than hyenas."
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on May 6, 2021 3:59:42 GMT
Kabili didn’t like their odds.
Honestly, the longer they were there the more nervous he got. Maybe Simba had honestly had a point about not going searching or messing around in that area. But at the same time, he had hoped that diplomatic immunity he could get into if...
Wait, did she just make a backhanded compliment? Kabili struggled to keep a straight face. Though he honestly had to agree with needing to dumb it down for Hyenas. But what DID they do better than hyenas? He had to think quick because she did have a good idea. Even if a risky one.
“Oh yeah! I mean he was just telling us that vulture’s are by far the smartest species in the Outlands,” he then added. “But they’re also the fastest. Like I’m pretty sure it takes hyenas six weeks to get to us. But this vulture took thirty minutes.”
He then added. “You know now that I think about it there’s a lot of things vultures do better... Don’t you agree, sir?” He asked the vulture
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2021 18:40:32 GMT
The vulture raised a brow and wing at the question, being put on the spot. Perhaps the praise was not quite what he had expected, as Zuri and Kabili should be able to pick up on the other species being insulted. A hyena spoke up, "Hey, we're not uh... we're not slow!" he protested, not helping his case at all.
The vulture stepped back, and Zuri stepped toward him. "Yeah, you're better at stealing leftovers, you are plump little guys." she put her paw to the vulture's belly, trying to make him a target, "But words can only do so much, I propose a test! We will prove who is the best." she smiled, nervous. "Any suggestions on the test?"
A few ideas would erupt, from different voices. A jackal spoke up "A race, Kabili's wrong!, we're the fastest!". The vulture would speak up, "Er, a song contest?" he shrugged, knowing he would have to offer something, and it fit his strength with words. One hyena voice chirped, "If we just want vultures to lose, let's do a kissing contest or somethin! They don't have lips, do they?" he cackled, and Zuri winced at that suggestion. The other jackal that hadn't spoken responded, "Uh, or you know a fight?"
Zuri put on a smile, "All great ideas, Kabili... how should we test our vulture friend? I'm thinking two tests, a tiebreaker in the unlikely event the vultures lose." She seemed to trust they would follow the rules, and likely plans to run off in the victory dance.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on May 13, 2021 21:21:13 GMT
Well, that certainly worked a lot better than he was expecting.
If Kabili was being honest he half expected for it to backfire on him. But honestly, he couldn't help but grin a little at his own mad idea that had just worked a little too perfectly. Now if they kept them really occupied they could get the heck out of there without any issues. He just had to keep his smart thinking up - and God he hoped he would.
"You know, that race idea sounds perfect." He decided. "And you can do it twice. Instead of two tests. Best two out of three."
He really hoped that Zuri was catching onto where he was going with this. "First one to... Let's say, the clear other side of the Outlands and back twice wins." He replied with another big grin.
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Post by Deleted on May 17, 2021 17:30:35 GMT
A smile grew on Zuri's snout, she said, "Yes, that way it's not just who is fastest, but who can go the longest, and clear obstacles." she looked at the vulture, clearly to show she is thinking about him, "And it proves who is smartest on the second one! Perfect." she adjusted her posture, looking proper regal.
However it wouldn't be that easy, the vulture asked "Will you be running with us?" A hyena chipped in, "Yeah! We wouldn't want you runnin' the other way..." he laughed a sinister laugh. They were too smart for an obvious trap, but that just meant thinking another step ahead or two.
Zuri looked at Kabili, "Well, we certainly could! If we win then you should be ashamed of yourselves." she giggled, "If you really don't trust us, keep the slowest behind to watch me." she said, "If one little lioness, especially me, gets away from you..." she laughed, her poor reputation was actually a great asset, more often than people thought. It let her get all the way out here, and it encouraged under-estimating her.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on May 27, 2021 5:35:00 GMT
Kabili nodded along to what Zuri had to say on the subject.
Honestly, he was thankful she was at least mostly going along with what he had to say. Even though he was sure that it was a little too on the nose in some ways, it at least helped. "I mean, if I ran how would any of you look, losing to me? I mean, come on, humans are already not that fast. Hardly as fast as anyone here," He managed rather honestly. It was true after all. "But if I win, then you're all going to feel cheated, somehow."
Wait, stay behind to watch her? On one hand that was a good thought - but on the other hand, wouldn't that backfire? Honestly, he could probably go and race with them, find an easy way out in the midst of all of this. But at the same time... Well damn. "But I mean, I guess I could use the exercise," He then admitted. "Plus, humans are sort of considered Apex Predators where we come from. Maybe that could be tested too... Possibly."
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2021 5:08:31 GMT
Despite her act, Zuri was starting to feel scared. Her toes, with their beautiful claws, were curling inward. Kabili was going with splitting them up? That made her worry more, but it only helped their case. That was good, and with him talking the outlanders weren't paying her as much mind as she got more scared.
The group all grouped up in two lines, ready to start the race... shorly followed by a hyena and a jackal each being kicked from the line. "You're the slowest one, fur-brain!" one of the hyenas said, while the 'slow' jackal just rolled his eyes and went opposite of the hyena. Zuri put on a smirk, but showed her nervousness "Enjoy your race. We'll be waiting~" she said, adding a bit of flirtation to her tone.
The outlanders would make a spot for Kabili. "Yeah, yer running with us!" a hyena said, "Ain't no way a human could beat us on our own turf!" he laughed. "Especially the way we play..." he added with a growl.
Finally, each of those staying behind would speak. The hyena, "Ready!", the Jackal, "Set...!" and finally Zuri, "Go!"
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Jun 2, 2021 20:35:38 GMT
Kabili had a few ideas going through his mind.
First of all, the animals here weren't smart. He'd gathered that much in spite of the lying he had to do to get them to agree. Secondly, they expected him to be slow, which also worked to his advantage. The first thought he had was to fall behind... On purpose. They'd probably assume he'd really fallen behind. While he snuck back in all reality, took out the dumbass guard, and got the heck out of there with Zuri.
All the same, he had to make a good show of it.
So he actually made some attempt to run in the first leg. But when the rest had gotten some distance on him, he let himself slow down and feign exhaustion. Taking a deep breath, he waited until they were out of view to turn tail and sprint. Thank God for those lessons from Fuli. After all, it wouldn't be too hard right?
When he'd gotten back to where they'd been, he immediately slipped his knife from his pocket and got down on all fours. Quietly, he remembered everything Simba and Nala had been teaching him of wild fighting as he looked silently for his opening. Moving stealthy around like a lion might do to stalk their prey. "I hope I'm ready for this." He muttered.
When the moment was right, the "guard" would be pounced from behind. With Kabili immediately going for their neck with his knife.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2021 18:58:41 GMT
Stooges though they were, Zuri could only wait for the race... or for Kabili to initiate his attack. The group sped ahead, ironically being the dumber ones for falling for the ruse. Or they trusted their guard that much?
"I coulda be leading that pack out ther', not babysitting." the jackal complained. Zuri looked for exits whenever their attention left her, which they didn't seem to mind. As confident in themselves as their packs were. The hyena would naturally be the easier target, getting up close and personal to him... Kabili might notice something. He would notice the same about the jackal. In an almost practiced movement, the hyena threw his head back.
The jackal may be the slowest of them, but he was still not far away, and he let out a vicious snarl as he tackled Kabili, and went for pinning him to the ground! "Kabili!" Zuri cried out, she was far too worried about him to try abandoning him or attacking from behind.
"Shut it!" the jackal snarled, putting his paw to Kabili's gut if he hadn't escaped. "That was uncalled for."
Zuri gulped, her face turning white. "You can't hurt him, he's-"
The jackal snorted, "Yer in our turf! You know the rules." he turned to Kabili, staring him down. "It don't matter who yer new daddy is. You come into our home and start a fight? Pumzi! Make sure the lioness don't get away." The jackal's intent was clear... the two were in over their heads. Their only hope was that someone had come looking for them, or stumbled upon them.
While the jackal threatened Kabili, Pumzi moved in and kept Zuri busy.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2021 2:07:12 GMT
"STOP!"
The loud snarl echoed through the place as on top of a tall rock, a new figure showed up. If Kabili was on his feet, the feline's face would be leveled with his shoulders. Bright golden fur, with discolored spots on his hind legs. His claws out and on show, his mane red and vibrant... And yet, he was just a fun side lion!
But what a fierce fun-size lion! The growl in his voice was deep, and the snarling teeth clearly didn't try to hide his intention.
"Let go of them! They are coming back to the Pridelands with me." And he jumped down the rock, slowly stepping closer to the scene where the hyena, jackal, and vulture mixture threatened his friends and... worse, his family.
Kion made no attempt to hide the Lion Guard mark on his shoulder, but he also didn't speak about it. If they knew about it? Good. If they didn't? They'd learn not to mess with lions and the royal family the hard way. "Step out of my brother, jackal! I will not ask again!" And another step forward. Zuri seemed to be in less imminent danger than Kabili is the Jackal managed to pin him down, so there's where Kion was acting first.
What were they even doing in the Elephant graveyard? This was supposed to off-limits for both of the cubs.
The lion lowered himself, preparing for a fight. A hyena and a jackal? He could do it.
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Samwel Igwe
PRIDELANDERS
Human Prince of the Pridelands
Posts: 536
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Post by Samwel Igwe on Jun 11, 2021 8:12:30 GMT
Well - that had been unexpected.
The yelp escaped Kabili as he did indeed go down. Though he threw a swipe the jackal’s way anyway. It wasn’t exactly the best position to be in, but Kabili did have a few options. He could again go in for the attack while he was still down, or... Honestly, OK there was one option.
While the jackal was gloating, he used his two legs to kick out at his ribs. After all, in some ways his size was an advantage. And with any luck he’d slip out from under him as...
Whoa! He had not seen Kion coming at all.
Of course, on one hand he was a little kid protecting him. But on the other, the jackal had gotten the upper hand and Kion was more prepare to fight him. Hell, he’d even let a small smile escape at the mention of brother... Even if that didn’t look good on him.
“Y’know, I’d do what he says,” he said with a little slyness. “My knife will hurt, but his roar will knock you right the hell out.”
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2021 8:50:02 GMT
The hyena burst out laughing. "Haha-HAHA!" he looked at Kion, "Aw were you supposed to be watching your little brother?" he mocked.
The jackal lurched back from the kick, sliding back and into a growl "Grrr! You may have a mane but you're still puny!" he scoffed, and barked at Kabili. "You stay down and shut up!" he snarled, "Mgen!i" he said, the word had a... harsh tone to it. Kabili could tell without knowing the meaning that it was a harsh insult.
In fact Zuri's eyes widened as he said it, "H-hey! That is uncalled for..." she defended. The jackal snarled, "Shut it, you." he said with a quick glance.
The hyena grinned, "Oh so it's okay when you say it?" he asked, as they both turned their attention to Kion. But what did he mean by that?
The hyena looked at the jackal, "Yeah he's got this roar that sends us flyin!" he gulped, and the Jackal snarled. "You're a hair-brain but-" He was interrupted by the hyena. "Fur-Brain..." he rolled his eyes, and the jackal continued. "...Whatever. But I believe ya..." he looked around, "You think we're gonna back down, cub?" he rubbed his ribs where he had been kicked, the hyena keeping a watch on Kabili. "Fur-brain! Let's stall 'em til our friends get back!" he barked.
Zuri looked down, as if in thought. "Kion! Do something!" she practically shrieked. At least as bad as Kion's sister. The hyena smirked, "Yeah Kion, do a trick!" he said, mocking Zuri's tone. It was a bit too obvious that they would equally talk or fight to stall!
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