2nd Roar [Voice/Action] More like a Whimper

[pantheraleo]

[Ever since his arrival to Luceti Simba has been plagued with occasional nightmares. However, lately they've been getting worse and more frequent. In House 45, some whimpering and moaning can be heard from where Simba usually sleeps on the floor. His legs twitch as if he's running in his dreams, and eventually wakes up screaming.]

NOOOOOOOO!

[He looks around in a panic, ears plastered against his head as he pants. Eventually he realizes where he has and starts to calm down. Using a paw to brush some tears away, his eyes then fall on his nearby journal. Needing someone to talk to, he pulls it over and opens it up. It's really early in the morning at this point and he's not sure if anyone will be awake but... he'll try anyway. He stammers a bit as he talks to the book.]

Is anyone there?

Comments

action

[ahappylie]

[It seems a bit odd to wipe away a lion's tears, but he does so, smiling at Simba as best he can.]

I do think so. I think he would rather it have been him, than you that fell in that terrible place.

[He puts a finger under Simba's chin, trying to raise his face a little.]

You'll likely always miss him, and always feel this hurt, little one. Nothing much can take that from you. But missing him and honouring his memory by living well is the greatest joy you, as his son and treasure, can give him as your father.

action

[pantheraleo]

[He's met so many kind humans here, and this guy is definitely one of them. Simba stares up at Souji his eyes widening a little.]

Really? I... I want to do that.

[Sniffling a little, Simba then turns his eyes up towards the stars. This isn't his home, and the stars look different but... maybe his dad is still up there?]

action

[ahappylie]

If you want it, then you can make it happen.

[He lets go and looks up to where Simba is looking. The stars? Is there something significant about them?

He looks back down and studies Simba's expression for awhile and notices something like yearning. Sadness? Loneliness? ...Hope?]

He will watch over you, wherever you are, and likely be proud of you, whatever you do.

[Perhaps that's the right answer.]

Re: action

[pantheraleo]

Yeah... he promised.

[Simba believed that what his dad said was true, or at least he wanted to believe it. He then looks over at Souji.]

But how do I do that? Especially in a place like this?

action

[ahappylie]

What would you have done at home?

action

[pantheraleo]

[Simba looks down at his paws now, ears flattened.]

I... dunno. I ran away from home. Last thing I remember I was in the desert. The hyenas told me that if I ever came back, they'd kill me.

action

[ahappylie]

[Souji doesn't know what a hyena is, but whatever they are, he doesn't like them already. He reaches out and pets Simba's head gently.]

The place doesn't matter then. It's what you do that matters. To honour your father, live well, be proud, and-- [he tries to lift Simba's chin again] --never be ashamed of who you are.

Re: action

[pantheraleo]

[Simba blinks at Souji then turns his gaze away.]

I guess I'll try.

[He then manages a little smile.]

Thanks

Re: action

[ahappylie]

[Souji smiles back and tucks his hands into the sleeves of his kimono.]

You don't need to thank me. If you ever need to talk again, I'm always up at this hour.