The Last King

[Judas]

No way on earth would Judas turn and run, he hadn’t lost a limb to this just to bail out of it when the only one in this room he actually cared about was in trouble. It had been to Kesho his limb had been lost, but it hadn’t been for Kesho he had rescued him but for the sake of Ayesha, the same with the incident of her brother. It was rare for Judas to display such compassion for anyone without a very strong reason behind it, his charity wasn’t for free unless he believed it could achieve something otherwise he wouldn’t care.

That was the reason he killed that prince; not because the royal pain-in-the- had been a sleazy *** in that respect Judas was no better than him. But he had wronged someone Judas had cared about, and he reckoned that the world would be better off without the brat; but first and for most the drive had been revenge. The reason for him embarking on this little endeavor was an emotion just as powerful, perhaps even more; love, even if this hadn’t been evident at the start.

The crocodile’s question was at first answered by Ayesha who seemed to have taken offense to the question though despite her thorough answer Judas himself knew he too had to say his reasons but in all honesty he didn’t know well he did but he wasn’t sure the answer would satisfy his travelling companions. He didn’t care for royalty, he didn’t care if Kesho became a good leader or not, he didn’t care if the little one got his own pride, what he did care about however was that anyone should’ve been given the chance to escape death if possible.

“I have no hopes for him.” Judas spoke, his still neutral gaze flickering to Kesho’s body and Ayesha before back to the crocodile, “because the future is not predictable. And I am not one to give myself false hope where there is really none.” The crippled soldier fell silent he knew his words would possibly not hold much favor amongst the rest of the group but they were his true opinion and it seemed that lying to this… being, would be a very bad idea.

[cheezeegriff]

"Does he look scared to you?"
the crocodile said, his big eye rolling down to the little cub, who may have either been asleep or dead. The crocodile, however, didn't move an inch.
His deep voice spoke softly, but still loudly, and said,
"As for what I've put you through: everything you did was your choice, not mine. Usiku guided you as best as she could. Perhaps you should show her some gratitude."

Usiku lowered her head humbly, perhaps in thanks, and the crocodile raised his head again and spoke so those further away could hear.

"I am pleased to hear both your answers, and how interesting they are. One who wishes to help him become a great king; the other who avoids hope, in case he loses it."
He fixed his gaze on Judas.
"Take some advice from an old lizard, warrior: there are many things of value in this world, hope being one of them, love being another. They're rather similar in the argument I wish to present: deny yourself either for the fear of losing it, and your life will be poorer as a result. It's hope, as much as hunger, that drives a young lion to the hunt. Without hope he would only lay down and die. It's hope that makes a male approach a female to ask for courtship. I rather think you have more hope than you realise,"
he said, and winked.
Then he looked again at Ayesha.
"Just a few more questions, then I will be satisfied with your payment. Judas. If I've read you correctly, you're no royalist. Tell me: what is your position on the role of kings?"
Then he looked down at Ayesha.
"I would be interested in yours too, if you would share it."

All the time, Umoja watched, wondering why no more questions were directed at him.

[Dakota]

"Tell me: what is your position on the role of kings?"

Ayesha was about to move forward more closely under his jaws to pick up the prince when the leaders voice reached her ears, making her shiver and her stomach roll.

Looking back over her shoulder, her eyes met Judas, they seem to hold encouragement and something else she wasn't quite sure of, glancing away she came to Umoja surprised look and moved on.

"My position.. you want to know...well..., A king to me should be able to mix with the ordinary person and feel at home, as well as those who seem to have higher privledges. He should be there for all his pride, he should be encouraging and honest and caring and show respect and then he will receive back all those as well.. humility goes a long way."

Ayesha feeling a bit foolish about what she had let slip, turned away and lowered herself down to where Kesho lay.Nudging him gently with her paw, she then ran it over his head slowly.
"Kesho.. it's me Ayesha.. wake up please, come to me ."

[Judas]

Judas blinked as the large reptile shot an advice his way, the old creature did have a point, but that was really beside the point though. He had no hope for Kesho because the fact whether little one would grow up the expectations or not was still left to the future and putting unnecessary pressure on him was from his own experiences with it quite bothersome. Everyone expects you to be great but when you can’t satisfy their expectations it truly becomes worse for yourself and you disappoint people.

“I think the role of kings is an obsolete system. Circumstances of birth and the privileges given through birth alone and not merit are extremely unfair. You’re born into the prosperity while those around you work hard to feed you and your family with food that could equally shared with those that worked and risk both life and limb to get it while you sit around in your comfortable den governing their lives. Kings pah! They’re little less than slavers.” He muttered, the king does not patrol the territory, no he was too important, he king is to be kept safe at all costs, that was at least how it had worked where he came from. Judas had seen some of the same tendencies in this pride but knew better than to speak out against it.

[cheezeegriff]

(Sorry about the length, guys: wanted to cut to the chase in case I can't post this upcoming week)

"Ah, then we are in agreement,"
the crocodile said, a smile creasing its eyes, perhaps, but making no change to its lipless mouth.
"'Circumstances of birth and the privileges given through birth alone'... is being a king really a privalege, or more of a burden?"

Umoja blinked. He sure as hell knew what he thought about that, but he soon forgot as fear entered him again as the crocodile regarded him.

"Umoja. What made our little prince's father a successful king?"

Umoja cleared his throat. He raised his head and his chin, and said calmly,
"His honour, his integrity, the support of his loyal subjects, his-"

"Umoja."

Umoja silenced himself, regarding the crocodile's eyes, which looked even more dangerous. It said in a slow, calm voice,

"I'm going to ask this one more time. Answer me, if you value your life: what made the prince's father a great king?"

Umoja narrowed his eyes.
"His strength."

"Indeed,"
the crocodile said, looking over the at the others again.
"Your king was a giant, was he not? Shoulder as high as an average lion's head. Arms as thick as a gorilla's. Your king was king because nobody could take the crown from him. It must have been a strange pride of yours, Judas, if the king did not earn his place through blood and violence.
"The only way a lion of weaker stature could advance as far as king would be because his subjects loved him enough to protect him. Though, judging by present company, I doubt Kesho's father's subjects were so dedicated."

Again the crocodile narrowed its eyes at him. Umoja flexed his toes.

"Nevertheless, little Kesho being of the same blood - regardless of you might think of the circumstances of birth, Judas - it is likely that he will grow to be as big and brutish as his father. Will he become a king, per se? That is his choice. Will he become a leader? Will others look to him for protection? If he grows as large as his father, that is inevitable. The title of king seems irrelevant, no? He will be a king, of sorts, in everything but name.
"What kind of a king, though - one that protects, or one that conquers - could be up to you.
"So: who is willing to die for our little prince?"

Umoja started. This was his chance to prove himself.
"I would die for my prince in a second."

"Then come, and place your head between my jaws."
the crocodile said, opening its mouth wide.

Umoja blinked.
"What... why would-"

"You said you would die for your prince. Well, come and die for him, as the final payment for knowledge that is garanteed to save his life. You did not think questions would be the only payment, did you?"

There was a chuckle in its voice and a smile in its eyes more malevolent than ever before. Its tail swished violently. Umoja stood, backing away slowly, eyes wide with fear. Even Usiku took a few steps away.
"I... just like that? You want to kill me?"

"You would die for your prince, yes?"

"Yes,"
he said, the diplomatic instinct kicking in.

"Then come and do so, or he will die."

"No!"
Umoja backed away until his feet reached the cave wall. He looked to the others, eyes wild. They were looking at him... looking at him, as if he were a coward.
"It's pointless!"
He growled, though in his own ears it sounded more like a shriek.
"We could go out and catch a gazelle and bring it to him. Besides, look at all the meat he already has!"

The crocodile sighed, his voice raspy in his throat.
"I am rich, and obviously greedy. What knowledge I can give WILL save the prince's life. So: is there anyone here who would die, so that little Kesho might live? Anyone?"

Umoja didn't move. The crocodile opened its jaws again, waiting.

[Judas]

If Judas had hands he’d face palming right now, there were of course things about his own pride he hadn’t told. The allegiance with the crocodiles for example, the tsavo’s attention snapped back to the brute of a reptile as it asked who would die for the prince. Judas immediately took that as a literal question, though it didn’t seem Umoja did speaking before thinking. ‘Of course it’s pointless, dipshit.’ Judas thought to himself as the older lion exclaimed that the whole thing was of no use that they could just go out and catch gazelle or something. Judas’ gaze trailed from Umoja and too the massive croc, “Haven’t we sacrificed enough for him already?” Judas asked his voice and gaze cold as ice,

“I gave a limb to one your kind so that the fur ball didn’t drown.” He then stepped sideways showing how his back limb had been ripped clean off. “But if that is not enough, and if this is the only way for the child to escape death.” He took a deep breath, “Then I’ll do it, for what little it might be worth.” His gaze flickered to Ayesha, and around to the rest of them before taking a step towards the crocodile his own motives for this could've been atonement; he had after all murdered someone even if the deceased had been a ***. Now he could save a life to make up for the one he had taken there was really no heroics in this. Just the plain ol' 'somebody have to do it'.

[genie]

Ayele had slid of Judas's back during the confrontation and had backed up a little away... it was't that he was a chicken... but he'd been nearly drown and he was but a fluff ball for the croc's tooth. How could he be expected to be brave at his age against that thing.

[Dakota]

Ayesha stood there hearing the crocodiles words, her legs started to tremble, why did someone have to die to save the cub, what difference would it make.

Just as she was about to pull the kesho towards her she heard Judas voice echo around, proclaiming he would die, so the prince could live.
Ayesha turned around so fast so felt dizzy for a moment.

" NO, you will not die for the prince, he is not even from your pride, you have no ties to any of us... you cannot sacrafice yourself... UMOJA say something, stop this?"

Slowly she moved away from Kesho and stood in front of the 'leader'. Looking over at Usiku first with sadness, Ayesha turned her face she she was level with him.

"Why do you ask this of us, you know we have fought and lost some along the way, to get the prince to you, why do you need any more sacrafical lambs....why ?"

[cheezeegriff]

Umoja looked back at Ayesha, watching her mouth move, but hardly listening to her words. He glanced over at Usiku, the black panther, beside the massive crocodile, and remembered the words she said so long ago...

"I'm here representing my master,"
she said simply,
"Who offers a cure for your sick king... for a price."

A gasp ran about the gathering. Before anyone could interrupt Umoja said,
"What price?"

"Hmph. You wouldn't pay it if you knew, but you might not have to,"
she said with a wry grin, then sat on her haunches by the water and indicated them all in turn.
"It might be one of them. Somebody must pay, but for the rest of you... it'll be worth it. Your 'kingdom' will be saved... the pride will live on. Without your king..."
She shrugged.
"It will be a lot worse. For each of you, bar one."

Bar one.
Umoja swallowed, looking over at Judas, who was willing to sacrifice his life. A willing sacrifice for the payment they'd all known was coming, even if they didn't know its nature back then.
Ignoring Ayesha, he said to Judas,
"Judas, if you are willing, I will ensure your name is sung in ballads for as long as Kesho's line remains."

Then Ayesha turned from him, towards the crocodile, and said,

"Why do you ask this of us, you know we have fought and lost some along the way, to get the prince to you, why do you need any more sacrafical lambs....why ?"

If the crocodile's eyes had smiled before, they were grinning now, and the bent and toothy fixture of his face seemed entirely appropriate.
"Look around you, Ayesha. I have become one with Death.
he said.
"I am called Corpse Gatherer. My belly is full of rotting corpses. I exist just on the wrong side of death, enough to see into it's eternity, enough to drag things back from the brink. Who are you to ask me about death?
"Besides, it has been a long time, and I hunger for a lion's flesh."
He winked, then turned to Judas.
"When you're ready, Judas, place your head in my jaws. It will be swift."

[Judas]

Sacrificial lambs? Judas certainly didn’t see himself as such; he was far from the innocence a lamb represented. The crippled tsavo knew the Liard would be against it, naturally he knew he would’ve done exactly the same had Ayesha decided to take this mantle. He heard Umoja’s words but he didn’t answer them, if the older lion was true to his words he’d get at least some type of immortality. But then again fame and glory was not really his main wish, or the reason why he did this he stepped up to Ayesha hearing her to rant to the crocodile. “Ayesha, it’s enough.” He spoke quietly; hazel eyed gaze trailing the female, in truth Judas was only one here that didn’t sacrifice anything in doing this.

Ayesha had a brother, Umoja was needed to raise the prince, and Judas didn’t lose anything except perhaps a future but such a thing was a small price to forfeit especially when it gave so many others just that, a future. This wasn’t his choice to make, this task had fell to him and even if he indeed had said that he would pay whatever price it took to make the prince healthy again; and now he would live up to his words.

[cheezeegriff]

"Why are you delaying, Judas?"
the crocodile said, watching, mouth agape, as the small group stood around.
"Are you going to give your life for the prince, or not?"

[genie]

Ayele looked horrorfied at what was going on, this was terrible, why did anyone have to die, why?? He hid his eyes behind a paw, maybe if he did't look, it was't real...

[Dakota]

“Ayesha, it’s enough"

She stood there staring at Judas her eyes watering, and the tears beginning to fall down onto her fur.
"Please don't Judas, there has to be another way, we just have to think of it...please !"

Turning around swiftly she stared at Umoja while he uttered those words.
"Judas, if you are willing, I will ensure your name is sung in ballads for as long as Kesho's line remains."
Ayesha couldn't believe her ears at what she was hearing and a snarl left her muzzle.

" You will do what Umoja!... you think a song about Judas, will take the place of his life.. that... that will fix everything, where is your integrity and morals, gone out the door.. again. My mother told me you were honest and reliable, someone to look upto.. she also told me you might be my father !!"

[cheezeegriff]

" You will do what Umoja!... you think a song about Judas, will take the place of his life.. that... that will fix everything, where is your integrity and morals, gone out the door.. again. My mother told me you were honest and reliable, someone to look upto.. she also told me you might be my father !!"

Umoja looked at Ayesha, letting her words sink in. He replied with a sombre voice, his eyes still betraying his fear,

"Then better he, a willing sacrifice, than my own daughter, or your own father."

[Judas]

Judas knew the crocodile despite his age was not a patient person, even if the tsavo could’ve just walked over there and seen it done with he was still not certain what good his sacrifice would do. He frowned seeing her tears and hearing her words pleading him not to do it; the Liard thought it perhaps could be another way if they thought it over. He exhaled a sigh as Ayesha snapped at Umoja for proclaiming him a song, in some ways Ayesha was right no story could justify a life but still being remembered for something be it good or ill amounted more in the scheme of things, and it was more than most other creatures even if that was not reason he did this. “I never said I was willing Umoja, yet unlike some I said I would do it. No one wants to die, especially not when they’ve found an anchor point for life.” His gaze trailed from the older lion and back to Ayesha, “I am sorry Ayesha.” He whispered giving her a tender nuzzle, “If I knew it would’ve come to this, I wouldn’t have let it go this far.”

Of course he was speaking of mutual feelings between the two of them, it would’ve saved her a lot of grief had he not presented his feelings for her and denied her had she given him hers. “I don’t expect you to remember me; but if you do I ask only that you let it be with a light heart and a smile on your face. Rather than anger and tears.” The tsavo added lowly as he stepped back from her breaking the caress he had shared, a gentle smile curved on his face. Judas turned to face the crocodile taking steps towards it stopping just in front of the massive brute. He then placed his neck across its jaws his breathing shallow as he his eyes closed. “Make it quick!” the tsavo sneered lowly.

[cheezeegriff]

Umoja watched in horror, unable to drag his eyes away, as Judas placed his head in the crocodile's mouth. He looked no bigger than a cub, next to that great monster. The mouth could have eaten him whole.

The crocodile's jaws were opened wide like a trapdoor, and there was a pause after Judas had said his final words. Then green eyes flashed with greed and hunger, and the jaws closed with a bang.
Umoja jumped and closed his eyes, wincing in the silence. Then, when nothing happened - no screams of horror from Ayesha, no crying from Ayele - he carefully opened one eye, and looked.
Judas was still standing. The crocodile had moved its head, and slammed its jaws shut right in front of the warrior's nose.
"So you have given your life for your prince,"
the crocodile said, seemingly louder than before.
"Go now, and serve him. From this moment forth 'till the day you die. Let it be in service to King Keshomaliki,"
then he added more softly,
"Or, next time I meet, I might just satisfy my hunger."
He winked.

Umoja blinked, but then the great crocodile reared up, growing two feet taller just by stretching its stubby little legs. It crawled to the end of the stone platform and said,
"From now on, Judas will take charge of the prince's upbringing, and he is to lead this party as he sees fit. This is the remnant of the kingdom of the Water Tree. You, Judas, are its regent."

A cold pit welled inside Umoja's stomach.
"Wait,"
he said, too quickly to draw back,
"That's my job."

The crocodile's eyes narrowed in mischief.
"Good sir, as Judas himself said, of what value is a regent who would not give his life for his king?"
He looked down at Judas.
"Or, what value is a leader who would not give his life for his subjects? Judas is the only person here who thought that their life was worth the life of a sick little cub."
He glared at Ayesha.
"Therefore, he is the only person here worthy to lead."

Umoja's jaws hung wide. He didn't know what to say.

[genie]

Ayele was a little confused over what was happening but he seemed to get the idea that the big fat stupid crocodile was being nasty to his sister and he moved forward suddenly showing some courage in front of her. "Rraaarrraaroooraarooo" he pipped up, not at all threatening.. but he was a little cub after all "My sister looks after me!" though he had acted in defense of her.. his little legs were shaking.

[Dakota]

"Then better he, a willing sacrifice, than my own daughter, or your own father."

Ayesha was so appalled at what came out of Umoja's mouth she just stared for a second, all she knew was that if she had been standing beside him, he would have felt a stinging blow to his body.
" You are not my father, and you never will be. Look at how you have spoken and treated me, all because you thought I was a nobody, and now you're running scared. look at you standing there trembling away, and Judas look at what he's offering, the sight of you makes me sad..just go".

Turning away from the older lion, Ayesha stepped in closer placing her face against the side of judas giving him one last caring gesture and couldn't help herself she whispered in his ear.
"please don't forget me... know that I am yours now and forever, if I didn't have Ayele, I would fight for you, for however long it took..I...I'm sorry I bought this on you, please forgive me."
Standing there beside Judas, Ayesha had forgotten all about Ele and kesho. she was too busy saying her last farewells. when she heard a scuffle of paws beside her and turned quickly to find her brother was roaring at the crocodile.
"Ele no.. don't ". Leaning forward she grabbed him by his back paw,and pulled him fast towards her, before anything else could happen.

Hearing Judas words back to her, Ayesha couldn't stop the tears from falling, she moved back taking Ayele with her and gathered Kesho as well, holding them close, and turned her back on what was about to happen, hoping she was blocking out any sights and sounds so they couldn't reach both cubs.
Straightening her spine, she sat there not making a noise, just waiting, and then it happened, she heard the bang of the crocodiles jaw and teeth snapping shut and she let out a whimper of pain. He was gone, just like that, it was now over and done with, Judas was dead and gone from her life. Keeping her back turned Ayesha took a deep breath, till the creatures words made their way to her.

"So you have given your life for your prince,
Go now, and serve him. From this moment forth 'till the day you die. Let it be in service to King Keshomaliki,Or, next time I meet, I might just satisfy my hunger.".

Whirling around so fast, she just about fell over, Ayesha stared.. he was alive Judas was standing before the crocodile unharmed. Blinking a few times in case it was all just a hallucination of what she was really hoping for, she made to move towards him when it spoke once more.
"From now on, Judas will take charge of the prince's upbringing, and he is to lead this party as he sees fit. This is the remnant of the kingdom of the Water Tree. You, Judas, are its regent."

Her eyes left Judas and moved over to Umoja.. he hadn't even given thanks that Judas had been spared, all he could do was stand there muttering because he had lost his pecking order. Ignoring him once more she moved and stood beside her soldier, nuzzling him and so glad she could feel the warmth emitting from his body onto hers.

[Judas]

Judas eyes clenched shut as crocodile’s jaws slammed shut with a bang, but nothing happened; no pain, no nothing. The tsavo squirted open one eye seeing the snout of the crocodile just inches from his nose. Having held his breath Judas took a deep gasp of air as the tense muscles relaxed indeed he almost lost balance feeling dizzy. But then he caught the reptile’s words at first he couldn’t believe it, even if he wanted to protest saying that he wouldn’t exactly make a good stand-in for Kesho he knew better of it. He had given his life for the prince and was now bound to serve him ‘til the end of his days, although it was a better fate than death losing one’s freedom as far Judas could tell this did entail a loss of his freedom.

Then he felt a form coming up beside him noticing it was Ayesha a quiet purr escaped his throat in silent acknowledgement of her presence. He restrained his wish to bowl her over in a fit of happiness that he was still alive; Judas had fully believed that the crocodile intended to kill him. “I-I’ll do my best.” He swallowed as the ancient reptile announced that he was now the regent of the Water Tree, if his own father had seen him now… or wait, perhaps it was better that old coot didn’t know as no doubt he would point out each and every minute mistake Judas committed.

To be honest the burden was heavy enough already, but Judas knew it would get worse as the lands he had inherited were lifeless and not exactly very fertile; but then again Judas was used to harsh conditions and he knew how /not/ to govern one; no way on Earth would he follow his own father’s example. Just then a brief thought flickered through his mind if he was a regent if only temporarily did that make Ayesha a regent too, even if he was king only on borrowed time it would make Ayesha queen now wouldn’t it? Whether or not he could certainly use her advice and determined spirit to make sure he didn’t complete screw it all over.

[Dakota]

Ayesha stared at the beast, trying to comprehend his words.
"You are letting us all live?"
Turning once again to Judas she looked at the amazed expression on his muzzle as well, what was happening, something didn't seem right, should she leave things as they were, or question what the panthers' leader had spoken.

Moving away from the lions side, she once again pulled Ele and kesho close to her, moving them in front of her and tucked in against her grey body. Hesitating for a moment, she turned her head looking at Umoja , and then moved back her focus landing once more on the creature.
Licking her lips, she posed her question without anger but her eyes holding his.

"What about the prince ?, we made this journey, because your...your friends , said you would heal him ? He's the last of the royal blood, are you going to help him or not?"

[genie]

Ayele was a little confused, there he had been one moment standing up for his sister - or at least thats how he thought it. The next moment he'd been dragged back and held close to her. He looked up at her with big puzzled eyes but did't do anything more because she shushed him.

[cheezeegriff]

(Dakota: Umoja isn't flanked by panthers:) They didn't follow the party down).

The crocodile turned, lifting its gross body, shifting on its pedestal of stone.
"Unfortunately I can't cure the prince's illness. However, I can cure his symptoms. Heed my advice and he will live a normal life.
"Around water there often grows a moss which grows with tiny white flowers. When combined in the proper proportions with ground rhinoeye toadstools and water, it forms a solution which assists the stomach in fighting back unwanted bacteria. This will prevent the bleeding young Keshomaliki suffers from.
"The herb grows on the rocks behind the waterfall, back the way you came. The mushroom grows amongst piles of rotting leaf litter, or bodies."

"Come, Ayesha,"
Usiku said, leaping down from beside the crocodile and across the pool of bodies.
"Follow me to the cave entrance. I will show you where it grows, so you can find it yourself when you leave here."

The crocodile looked at Judas.
"One of you must find the mushroom with Usiku. The other must go back behind the waterfall and find the flowering moss. Bring both moss and mushroom here and I will show you how to mix it."

Umoja was lost in thought: he hardly listened to what the crocodile had said. Everything he had struggled for for so long had been undone in an instant. He had lost the safe, powerful position he had cultivated for his old age... now what would he do?
"Wait,"
he said, and stepped forward. He lowered his head, glancing at Ayesha, but not meeting her eyes.
"I have... much to be ashamed of,"
he said.
"I was afraid, afraid for the death of the prince, afraid of the water, of the heights... in my fear I acted irrationally. Please, Judas, let me help you. I love this prince as much as you... let me see which herb makes him well, so that I can help him, one day, if you or Ayesha cannot."
He dared a look up at the crocodile, who gazed at him with narrow eyes.

[Dakota]

Ayesha stood there protecting the cubs from the crocodiles prying eyes, listening intently to his answer, she wasn't expecting him to help them, she thought he would now tell them to be on their way, so she was indeed surprised by what she heard.

Before she could even speak Usiku had lept down from where she had been sitting and stood before her.
"Come, Ayesha,
Follow me to the cave entrance. I will show you where it grows, so you can find it yourself when you leave here."
Ayesha leaned down and picked up Ayele and placed him on her back, she wasn't going anywhere without him from now on, there had been to many close misses already. About to move with the black panther she stopped when Umoja spoke out loud, she noticed he couldn't meet her eyes, and honestly she was glad he didn't, her thoughts were in a turmoil when it came to him.

"Wait,"
"I have... much to be ashamed of,"
"I was afraid, afraid for the death of the prince, afraid of the water, of the heights... in my fear I acted irrationally. Please, Judas, let me help you. I love this prince as much as you... let me see which herb makes him well, so that I can help him, one day, if you or Ayesha cannot."

Ayesha paused and looked to Judas to see his reaction, she wasn't going to reply, let Judas treat Umoja how he saw fit, she needed to follow Usiku and gather the mushrooms, sooner not later.
" Judas I leave Kesho in your care, I'll return as soon I can."
Giving the soldier a small smile, she turned making sure she didn't come into contact with Umoja, for now she was lost for words, especially if he was indeed her father.

[Judas]

The tsavo was silent his face blank, yet his mind was wiring with mixed thoughts. He snapped out of it the moment he heard Umoja’s voice, the older lion had been so silent that Judas had half expected him to have left. His brows knitted hearing the proposal; he excused his behavior on fear? Hah, Judas had been scared too, almost scared stupid. But Umoja seemed sincere in his offer to aid in help of the prince, Judas being the typical cynic took the elder’s words as if he was trying to reclaim some of the power he had lost, however if he too could help the prince the duty wouldn’t solely be Judas’ anymore as the crocodile had dictated. And if he was to be honest Judas didn’t like the restraint this regent position gave him; he had no freedom anymore, but he was bound to remain on the beck and call of the prince. What if he wanted to leave someday? The Water Tree hadn’t been the assassin’s first home, and it wouldn’t be the last if Judas had anything to say in it. “Very well, it would be foolish to deny help when it is for the better of the prince.” The tsavo spoke, giving a nod to Ayesha who announced that she was leaving with the panther.

[cheezeegriff]

"I will look after the prince,"
the crocodile said,
"For the way back behind the curtain is treacherous. Leave him here. I will let no harm come to him. Place him before me."

Umoja started forward, then paused, looking towards Judas. After all, it was his decision. He was the prince's regent now.

[Dakota]

Ayesha stopped in her tracks waiting to see what Judas would do, she had asked him to watch over the prince, not Umoja nor the crocodile, and they had both requested Kesho.

Her head moved back from the crocodile and still she stood there watching the back of the black panther, willing herself not to turn around and face the wiry lion, for she knew, whatever he spoke next would make some decisions all the more harder.

[Judas]

The tsavo would take the crocodile for his word and leave the prince in his care. Even if he was sure Ayesha would be opposed to the idea as she told him to watch the prince, but Judas couldn’t take the kid with him where he was going, no, it was safer if he remained here. “Very well, I’ll trust your word.” Judas spoke to the crocodile before he walked past Umoja without a word heading towards were this odd flowering moss grew.

[cheezeegriff]

"Bring him to me, Usiku."
Usiku glanced at Ayesha cautiously, then walked forward and picked up Kesho by the scruff of the neck. Leaping across the carcasses floating in the water she placed the prince before the crocodile's jaws, and slowly backed away.
Once back at Ayesha's side, she said,
"Come, Ayesha. My master did not eat Keshomaliki before: he will not eat him now, and with Judas only having three working legs, climbing back up behind the waterfall will be treacherous indeed. Come: let us go find the mushrooms and have your little prince healed."
She turned towards the cave exit, but paused with one foot raised to see what Ayesha would do.

[Dakota]

Ayesha made sure Ele was on her back safely, and then turned took one last look at Judas and Umoja, pressed her lips together tightly and turned away as the black panther picked up the prince,
Quietly she lowered her head and whispered
"goodbye kesho, you have two watching over over you now, live long and be happy."

Moving forward she started to walk towards the cave entrance and then halted as Usiku walked past. Not caring what she was saying Ayesha followed till they were away from them all and stopped in her tracks.

"Usiku, thats far enough, you know where the mushrooms are, you can go gather and take back to the others, this is where my brother and I go our seperate way from you all., We are leaving by ourselves, we are of no consequence now, Kesho will be saved, he has Judas and Umoja. You can tell the others what ever you want, but the time has come it seems."
Looking at the black panther once last time, Ayesha turned with Ayele on her back and carried on walking her had held high.


( AYESHA AND AYELE ARE NOW OUT OF THIS RP)

[Judas]

Judas had left the prince in care of the crocodile and gone ahead before Umoja to official find this moss, but Judas didn’t love the prince no he regarded the child with indifference he always had. Though he fact that he was now regent and had accidentally swore his life in service to the prince was something the tsavo found extremely hard to swallow. After all he had run away from his home to both to escape execution for regicide but also to escape responsibilities and expectations. He was his own lion; he wanted to make his own decisions and wouldn’t want anyone to dictate how he was to live his life. If Umoja loved the prince as much as he claimed and wished to help him so much then he could be Judas’ guest because the tsavo was fed up with it all.

He trudged towards the waterfall were the moss grew the climb so far had been extremely treacherous but despite his lack of a leg he was doing surprisingly well only having two close calls so far. The tsavo then found the moss but was left there standing just staring at the plant, no doubt Umoja was not far behind he needed to act quickly if he was to have a chance for freedom! In no less than four jumps the crippled tsavo had made it to plateau and solid ground above the waterfall the savannah and familiar shrub forest stretched as far as the eye could see, “Sorry, Umoja!” Judas called out the older lion would hear the echo of his voice no doubt but when he would reach the moss the tsavo would be long gone. Not that Judas was really sorry, no he was happy he had managed to get away from it all before he lost something more valuable than a leg none of them had probably predicted this treacherous move from Judas but once a backstabber, always a backstabber it was even written in his name.

((Judas is out.))