Knowing the Lay of the Land

Traveling in the direction they came from, Meika, Duke and Achak traveled by scent with Nala and Simba to show them proof of their arrival. "Shouldn't be too far now," said Duke to Simba. For his sake and his friends, he hoped so. Otherwise, they're lion chow for the whole Pride. He knew that his species were fearsome predators, but not enough to take down a full grown lion single-handedly. If he had a bigger pack that be a different story, like the seven of them against...a lioness. Against a male like Simba, probably more difficult considering the mess of mane around his head and neck. Even with someone as big as Elda, it's improbable for them.

"You sure you're going the right way?" Simba's voice snapped Duke out of his train of thought. They had been traveling for some time and it almost seemed like they were almost nowhere near the site.

Suddenly, Achak caught wind of something as he sniffed again. "We're close. I recognize the scent I left behind before we left. Don't worry, we're getting near." They continued onward and sure enough there it was; the crates were still untouched. The group made their way over and investigated.

"See, told ya we'd find it," said Duke, his confidence up.

"It is strange seeing how such things could carry another animal like yourselves." Nala spoke.

"I'm sure they've done the same for your species as well."

"Hmph. As if this cage would hold me," said one of the lionesses in a doubtful tone. She was built a little bigger than the other lionesses from earlier and had a scar along her cheek.

"You'd be surprised," said Achak.

"But why would these...humans do so?" asked the other lioness. She was a cream colored tanned lion whose voice was sweet and kind.

"What else? To transport us from one place to another safely," said Duke. "It may seem like we're being taken from our home but when you find out the reason why, you'll get a better understanding. I can't really explain it any better than that. Sometimes we just go with our instincts. We are animals after all."

Meanwhile over at the Pride Lands, the rest of the gang were getting the grand tour of the land. Kiara and Zazu were playing tour guide for their new visitors as they took them as far as the grass could take them. As they were nearing the large near lake-sized watering hole, the boys were awed and amazed by the strange and unique animals they saw. From the large gray skinned titans known as elephants and long spotted giants known as giraffes to the various types like the half meter sized klipspringer to the curved horned Sable Bull. Asides from thoughts of wonder, one of the thoughts on their mind was which was edible and which weren't.

"Man oh man! I'll tell you what, you cats got it real good 'round here," said Colt, amazed at what this place had provided. "Open plains, no fences, and more food here than you possibly imagine."

"Don't you wolves have an abundance of food as well?" asked one of the lionesses, who's hide was a honey yellow and was near Borris. The wolves were also surrounded by the lionesses that followed them.

"Oh we do," said Radolf. "Just not like this."

"What do y'all ll usually eat around here?" asked a curious Colt. If they were going to be here for a while they might as well know what they're up against.

"Antelope usually. Along with zebra and wildebeest." Kiara replied as she was leading the group on foot (or paw if you rather).

"But on occasion, we like to go for the water buffaloes if the group goes for a hunt," another lioness chimed in. She looked like the youngest in the group, possibly around Kiara's age. "It takes a group effort to bring one of those things down."

"Guess we'll just have to do the best we can then," said Elda standing between a lioness and Radolf. "That's usually our strategy as well but a little different."

"How so?" asked Kiara, curious by what he meant.

"Maybe if we're cleared to stay here, we'll be happy show ya." Colt answered. He then looked to Borris to see that he's been quiet through most of the tour. "You okay there, little guy?" he muttered to him. "You still look a little intimidated."

"Oh no I-I'm fine it's just that well..." Borris did a little side eye back and forth before muttering, "This lioness next to me has done nothing but look at me since we got to Pride Rock." He indicated so with his head.

Colt looked to see the lioness occasionally glancing at the little wolf whenever she thought he wasn't looking. A sly smile was drawn on the wolf's face. "Well shoot me down and call me dinner," he muttered into his little friends' ear. "Looks like you got someone crushing on ya, little man."

"What? Nooo! No-no-no-no! No way!" Borris replied in denial. "There's absolutely no way."

"No way what?" asked the curious lioness as she caught wind of his reply.

Borris flinched as he gave a little yelp in surprise. "Oh uh..uh just um…uh about if you lions were...uh wanting to show us where you usually hunt or not. It's a stupid thought, sorry."

"Oh no, we wouldn't mind," she assured him. "In fact, Kiara and Zuri are close to their first hunt by themselves. In a week's time, they'll try hunting on their own and make their first kill. I'm sure the others wouldn't mind, if Simba is alright with it."

"Wolves and lions hunting together. Heh," said Elda just thinking about it. "That's a site I don't think anyone would believe."

"I wouldn't mind as much. Hell, in times like this I'd be happy with any kind of help," said Colt. "Why, if any pretty ladies like you lot can rope down a big beastie like these, it's all fine by me." He winked at the lioness near Kiara which made her giggle from being flattered.

"Calm down there, Casanova. You're gonna get us in trouble," whispered Radolf warily.

"Ah relax, Raddie. Just a little harmless flirting. Ain't nothing wrong with that now. Who says it wouldn't hurt?" was the reply from the southern wolf.

"Says everything pertaining to biology and reality." Radolf hissed. "It's very unlikely that despite some possible attraction, there's no way in heaven or on earth that-wait did you just call me 'Raddie'?"

Before Colt could answer, a crested porcupine had came across their path. The traveling band of wolves and lions had almost bumped into them if Zazu hadn't stopped them. "Beg your pardon there, sir. You almost ran into us."

"Then maybe you dumb brutes ought to watch where you're stepping, hmm?" the porcupine retorted gruffly.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I said watch where you and your fur balls are walking, you stupid feather brain! Can't you see I'm walking here?"

"There's no need to be rude about it," said Zuri.

"I'll ask for reminders in manners when I ask for it, you walking floor rug! I don't have to listen to lazy predators that think they own the whole Pridelands because they're considered top of the food chain."

"Now hold on there, man. That's no way to talk to any lady like her." Colt interjected just as Kiara was about to speak. He stepped towards the walking pile of needles.

"And what are you suppose to be?" asked the porcupine shrewdly.

"I'm the critter just trying get along with everyone and everything. You must be the other kind of animal."

"Easy, Colt," said Radolf. "Don't do anything you might regret."

"Now look, buddy. I'm willing to forgive and forget if you apologize to the young lady here." Colt continued. "Now kindly please-"

"Oh yeah sure, as you will it," the porcupine responded. "I am sorry...that your fat ass is the result of the many animals you've ate!"

Zuri looked hurt as he said that, but that was enough for Colt to bare his teeth. "Alright, you walking pincushion! If you don't apologize to her right now, Im'ma gonna make your hide into a backscratcher!." He snarled, curved teeth of white being revealed by a vicious snarl.

"Ease it down, Colt. You know what that guy can do to you if you're not careful," said Elda as he took a half step in front of his fellow lupine.

"Heh! He don't look like he has the balls to do so," said Colt unimpressed as he kept his eyes on the quilled jerk. "All I see is a walking pincushion that doesn't even have the gall to even-YIPE!!" Colt yelped when unexpectedly the jerk of a porcupine swung his tail as the wolf came after him and got him just square along the side of his muzzle. He took a few steps back and pawed at it but it only made it worse.

"Don't pick at it!" said Radolf.

Elda looked at the four legged bed of nails and growled. "That was completely uncalled for, you little shit," he snarled. The other lionesses snarled as well as they looked intimidating the porcupine who was feeling a twinge of fear inside him as now a whole group was staring him down, Borris halfheartedly only because he was still nervous.

"If I were you, I'd make that apology right now," growled Kiara. "These wolves are still guests here and an injury to them is a reflection of how badly we treat newcomers unless otherwise. So unless you feel brave enough to do the same to all of us, you better say you're sorry."

"'Cuz if you don't, we'll just use your quills to pick out our teeth after finishing you off," said the lioness next to Borris, threatening the quilled bully.

Seeing the reality of the situation, the porcupine relented. "Alright alright I'm sorry. I'm sorry for the attack on your friend," he said in a panicked tone.

"And?" asked Elda.

"Aaaaand also for insulting that young lioness. I'll...just take my leave now." The porcupine scurried away, looking back in case any of them came after him.

Once gone, the gang turned to comfort Colt. "I am so sorry about what he did to you," said Kiara to Colt.

The suave southern wolf tried to play if off. "Ahh shoot, princess. It ain't your fault. I'd say from the smell of him it was the deuce bag talking." He chuckled and tried to smile but winced when he remembered 'oh yeah, the quills'. He whimpered in pain after touching it.

"For crying out loud, Colt. You could have been more careful," said Radolf.

"I was just being chivalrous." Colt complained.

Sighing, Radolf looked over to the lionesses and hornbill. "I don't suppose you know anyone who could help with this, do you?"

Kiara nodded and looked to Zazu. "Zazu, fly up ahead and tell father that we're heading to Rafikis'. You can tell him about what happened if you want."

"Oh yes. Yes, of course." Zazu bowed and flapping his wings headed off into the direction where the others were at. As he flew off, Kiara looked back to the wolves satisfied. "It'll be alright, Colt. If anyone has the capability of removing those quills, it's him. You'll see."

"Just whatever you do, don't lick yourself!" Elda said firmly.

Colt nodded his head in humility. As the group proceeded to their next location, the young wolf looking over at the retreating porcupine, muttering under his breath. "Jerk."