Part 3: The Coming Twilight

[Zorayda]

Reicheru cleared her throat once more and came closer to her leader, Ina.

"Er... Ina...? Can I talk to you...?" Reicheru felt very nervous and was eager to hear the reply.

She'd wanted to ask about fighting more actively for ages--Reicheru felt as if she were put on the back burner, and she thought perhaps that she could ask to be put on the top of the list for fighters. She could, after all, control heavy things with her mind and hurt others with concentrated thought--much like a small rock flung at extremely high speeds.

[Deleted]

Ina hadn't noticed Reicheru the first time she spoke, but when she cleared her throat and started speaking once again, she quickly turned her head to face the lioness. Staring at her slowly and letting her eyes wander over her, she wondered what she had to say, if there was any thing of importance to be said.

"Oh, sorry dear. I was off with the fairies for a moment there."

Ina stepped away from Kirsui and Spinger, leaving them together and walked away from them, pausing she motioned for Reicheru to follow. Once they were out of hearing range, Ina stooped and beakoned Reicheru to come closer.

"What's wrong dear. Is something on your mind that I should know about?"

[Judas]

The embers of anger was flaring up though luckily Vincent was not one prone to short-tempers. The vampire regarded the mortal as he settled down in the grass and the pale wanderer's eyes narrowed at the lion. "I rarely involve myself with mortal affairs," Vincent paused to answerer the mortal despite the fact that this lion had the nerve to offend him. "At least not directly, I am like I said before worried for my home. How it will fare in this war, some of you have powers capable of turning otherwise fertile lands into barren dead wastelands. I need to know if there is a chance at this happening here, my intelligence is old that is why I seek information." Vincent was in some ways repeating himself now, but apparently this mortal couldn't answerer a simple question.

"I am a rogue, clan-less yet this is my home. The clans scatterd throughout these lands don't care about your mortal's affairs only about the blood you can give them" Vincent glanced at the girl for a moment observing her emotional state, before he gaze returned to the offender. "I have no allegiance to neither Bruja nor Feraga.." the vampire was cut off as the male spoke, the clever fool finally blurted out the obvious. "I care cause this is my home.. this war affects me just as much as it affects you!" the vampire sneered, "And as I said before I mean no harm.. how hard to understand is that?" Vincent noticed the male's exposed claws but he made no action to wards it.

"If it will ease you're troubled mind, I can tell you that I was once like you.." Vincent paused for a moment glancing at the girl once again. "Over 300 years ago, I wandered the world devoting my time to hunt down traitors, murderers and other evil-doers, but I specialized in vampires. Unlike you I wasn't born with extraordinary powers all I had was my brains, and skill. But I was also cocky, and arrogant, too confident of my abilities in truth I thought I was invincible. And that proved to be my undoing.." a soft sigh escaped the pale faced feline. "Pride became my downfall, and I became what you see before you. A cursed being, neither living nor dead forced to feed upon the innocent, a ravenous monster." the vampire paused.

"I don't seek solance or comfort in telling you my tale, all I ask for is respect." the vampire glared at Chaka, "I still devote my time to take out traitors and others like I did in my mortal youth." the vampire took a step back, "You day-walkers pride and arrogance are tearing these lands apart, I at least try to take a step to stop you from destroying it."

[Kirsui]

Kirsui smiled at Spinger, watching how Ina went to talk to some member of Burja. Reicheru, if she remembered right...
"I met a couple of lions", she explained.
"They fell from the sky, it seemed... I let them go, seeing as how they didn't know a thing about what has been going on around here recently."
She chuckled, pointing at the two feathers.
"And then the other oe of them gave me these feathers, as a sign that they owe me. So as long as I have atleast one, I should be all fine."

She shook herhead, her thoughts momentarily slipping at the strange meeting with the winged Feraga lion called Pulsar.
"And what comes to the special abilities..."
Kirsui grinned, her eyes sparkling with slight excitement.
"It's so strange, Spinger... You remember when I told you about my... home pride? That I was the only one with abilities?"
She shook her head with a chuckle.
"It's so different here... They all have abilities. I don't feel so left out anymore, not as I felt like previously."
She smiled happily.
"And", she whispered, making sure no one else than Spinger would hear.
"Ina is... Considering to make me her heir... The next leader of Burja."

[Pulsar]

As Mwezi hugged Pulsar, he let out a chuckle as he hugged her back with one paw.
When she backed away from the hug he put the paw back on the ground.
He glanced at Inlasta as he was asked what happened to her and letting out a sigh he shook his head slowly.

"We had a little mishap not just long ago..."
Scratching the back of his head he stared at the ground briefly gather his thoughts and how to word them.
"We were on our way back from a patrol we had been doing for quite some time..."
Pulsar began his little tale as he looked back up at Mwezi.
"See.... It's been a while since we've been back in this territory, we were out on the northern most boarders of our prides lands.... You know, the one that starts running along the mountain range far to the north..."
He gestured his paw at the mountains which seemed like they were miles and miles away.
"Anyway..."
The lion continued with his story.

"On the way back we kinda got lost, while we had spotted both dens we forgot which one was which.... heh..... I guess being away that long made me forget some land marks I use to tell areas apart...."
Pausing he smiled faintly.
"You know, from the sky it all looks the same.... there aren't any visible signs of where one prides land ends and another's starts...."
It may have seemed like an excuse in some case as to why they got lost, but it was a true fact non the less.
"But, what happened was that while we were flying high in the air, we encountered a strong headwind. Unfortunately Inlasta got knocked off her platform..... you know how clumsy she can be at times with her powers...."
Pulsar let out a quick breath of air that seemed to resemble a quick and faint laugh.

"And well, you know me, could hardly let her fall to her death... even if her crystals are the bane of my life...."
Pausing again he sighed as a serious looked appeared on his face.
"Sadly though I did save her from a fatal fall, we ended up crash landing in some small jungle area. Thankfully I was able to recover...."
And so Pulsar explained the story of how he had a run in with a Burja, but that they weren't the cause of Inlasta's condition. He also explained that he gave the lioness two of his feathers in exchange for letting him and Inlasta go, but also mentioning that he would probably one day have to repay the Burja in kind.

"All in all it was a usual day in my life, but hey, when it comes to me, who's surprised?"
He chuckled lightly to himself.

"How did your search go by the way?"
He asked Mwezi curiously, hoping she had found what she had set out so long ago to look for.

[Zorayda]

Reicheru flattened her ears at Ina's openness--shy Reicheru wasn't used to being the center of attention.

"Um... I'd like to fight... I know we haven't been active lately, but I wanted to tell you that I wish to be a part of upcoming battles..."

Reicheru looked Ina into the eyes, her own green ones glowing.

"I have strong abilities, and I have been practicing--and I may not be strong physically, but I am intelligent, so I can help with tactics if we are ever attacked by the Feraga--or if we are to attack them.

"I don't want to be left behind--'on the back burner', so to speak--I wish to fulfill my duties as a Burja pride member," Reicheru said, and near the end of her request, her voice was strong and passionate--Reicheru may have been unaccustomed to speaking frankly, but she was very stubborn and proud.

Reicheru shook the fringe out of her face.

"I can show you what I can do, if it's okay..." Reicheru said, her quiet voice coming back.

Her purple forehead swirl glowed along with her brilliant green eyes before Ina could answer, however, and Reicheru went to work.

She lifted the nearest heavy boulder, an impossible task for even twenty lions at that size, and suddenly the rock was riddled with divets and chips, as if it was suffering miniature explosions.

Reicheru put it back down and looked at Ina again, sending a mental message just to emphasize her point.

< I can also send my own thoughts into others' heads from many many miles away. I can do many things, if you'll let me... I look young, but in reality I have the experience of three hundred years. Will you let me help you? >

[Tamber]

Timbre was surprised to hear Milo's openness in the conversation. He immediately revealed his powers to Timbre, something this big cat had never seen done before. He had met a few others with strange abilities, but never had they been so eager to reveal them. Everyone he met that had powers was always ashamed of them for some reason. Timbre never understood this. His powers meant the world to him.

"Well," he began in his reply, "I can make music, and I'm an exceptional jumper." The strange feline shrugged his shoulders. "They may not seem too special, but I don't need strong powers. I don't have a need to fight anyone.

"And in case you're wondering what on Earth I am, your guess is as good as mine."

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Milo nodded, "Oh I wasn't paying much attention to what you were, but now that you mention it..." He circled the feline quickly and turned back to face him, "You have quite a few looks to you."

He sighed looking up. He usually would spend these starry night out with his friends, goofing off out in the grass. Now he was with a complete stranger. He looked around at the stars. It was beautiful, but he brought himself back.

He looked to the stranger, "Jumping... Interesting. And how exactly do you make music?" The making music baffled him and he was curious.

[Kirsui]

Mwezi lifted an eyebrow as Pulsar explained what had happened. She tilted her head to the side, listening closely at every word that was said until Pulsar had finished with the question of how her trip went. And yet the cheelion still remained silent for a while, just watching Pulsar with her dark teal eyes.

Finally she broke the eyecontact and turned to gaze at the savannah.
"My search..."
She snorted.
"I did not find what I was looking for. My father has either died or moved so far that I can not reach him. I followed the leads as far as I could, but then they disappeared completely."
Letting out a faint sigh the cheelion turned to look at Pulsar again.
"I returned. What good is it to run across the lands if there is no way of finding a thing? Besides, my skills are needed here."
Her eyes narrowed slightly and her voice became lower than a moment ago.
"Especially so after the recent events... Of which I assume you are not aware of...?"

---

Kirsui chuckled at Spinger. Oh how she had missed that energetic behaviour.
"I think I'll let you tell them yourself if you want", she said.
"It's really everyone's personal thing to tell or not to tell. Some might ask them out of curiosity, but not all. I know I was accepted well without letting them know all my abilities."

Kirsui looked momentarily at Ina and Reicheru before turning her attention back at Spinger.
"I'm very much sure you'll be allowed to stay", she continued with a smile.
"It's enough that I know you, there shouldn't be a problem at all. When I joined, I knew no one."
She suddenly grinned.
"Say... Would you want to go for a walk? I could show you around the area and such."

[Deleted]

Ina was a bit suprised at what the lioness bought forward.

"Well.. uhh.."

Before she could say anymore, a large boulder started to hover above the ground, and start having mini explosions. The white lioness was quite shocked. She stood there staring at the boulder in amazement. Then she heard a voice, but Reichuru's lips weren't moving. She looked at Rei and smiled simply.

"Of course. If we need to fight again, i'll be sure to let you fight. You can prove yourself then."

She looked back over at Kirsui and Spinger, and they seemed to be walking off. Ina decided she'd let them catch up.

"Was that all, love?"

[Zorayda]

Reicheru nodded her head, a soft smile now gracing her muzzle.

"Yes... thank you, Ina, I won't disappoint you!" She bowed her head and dashed out of the den, passing both Kirsui and Spinger as they walked away.

She would be able to fight! She would be able to let herself be known and give herself a name in the huge pride.

She ran off to find someone to tell this news--she was far too excited to hold it in for too long a time.

[Tamber]

Timbre was quite excited to hear Milo's interest in his powers. Most people only enjoyed them after they warmed up to them a bit. But Milo semed very understanding right off the bat. Of course, he did have powers, as well.

"Well, I don't have to change much," he answered, grinning a bit. "Most of the time I have to concentrate for a second, on my mood and on the music I want to play. And I have to consider how loud it will be, or if it will just be in my head. But sometimes it just happens on its own." Timbre paused and turned hsi head, looking in the general direction of his back, before turning around to the front once more. "When that happens, I've been told that my eyes and the cleff on my back flash white." He shrugged, unsure of the rumour. "But, I'v never seen it myself, so...I have no idea if it is true."

[voluptuous♥penguin]

"Hmmm interesting," Milo continued, "So you play music and jump. These are interesting." Milo looked down at his strange, teal lightening bolt on his leg. He looked back at Timbre, "Yeah. Mine doesn't do anything but draw stares." He gave a small laugh.

He thought, 'So he doesn't know what he is? How do you not know? That doesn't make sense...' But he threw it out, happy that he finally met someone who had powers like him. He spoke once more, "I have a secret. It has to do with my powers. If i tell you, do you promise that you won't tell anyone? It could cost me my life."

[Kirsui]

Kirsui chuckled at Spinger's words.
"Lets go this way", she said.
The creamy lioness begun to walk away from the Den. She'd show Spinger the borders, and yet be careful not to go too close to them, in case any Feragas happened to notice them.

"Tell ya everything about Burja, huh?" Kir asked while she walked.
"That's a lot of stuff you want to know there, Missy..."
She smirked faintly.
"As far as I know, Ina has been the leader for quite some time now... There was this Sitama, who almost managed to take control of the pride..."
She chuckled un-amusedly.
"She got kicked out, and end up getting herself killed too."

She stopped speaking momentarily, gazing around the area for any sign of movement. When she noticed none, she continued:
"I joined Burja after Sitama's death. Met her before, though... Didn't like her."
She tilted her head.
"Otherwise, I think Burja is the more peaceful of the two prides... From what I've experienced. Ina isn't as hostile leader as the one leading Feraga, and I don't think I'll be either when Ina decides to step down.."
She sighed faintly.
"That's about it... You can ask more from the members. Aaand we're coming closer to the border now, and got to keep our sences alert all the time."

[Deleted]

Ina lay down on the ground, and let her head drop down on her paws . Different emotions passed over the lionesses face and she lay there thinking.
She'd have a pride meeting later to anounce the news, and the story behind her reason.
They'd all understand. Of course they would.
Some of them might be a bit devostated, but they'd get used to it.

[Tamber]

Timbre snapped out of his daze and turned to face Milo again as the cat asked him an interesting question. A secret? Why did Timbre deserve to hear of Milo's deepest secrets, particularly on ehat could cost him his life? He had just met him. Perhaps this lion was desperate to release his hear to the world. Oh well, no matter. Timbre was fine with secrets.

"Ok, shoot," he answered. "If you're comfortable in telling me, that is."

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Milo thought for a second about whether he should really divulge his secret to Timbre. He didn't seem to be too "evilish". Milo fought down the smirk at his little made up word and then looked up at the stars. "Well," he said, more to the sky it seemed than to Timbre, "As I just said, I can become invisible and make forcefields. Well, there's only one way to call me out of invisibility early." He looked around, then became invisible. "That little secret is to say my full name. My full name... is Milo Dromedaxis," He became visible once more, "But don't tell a soul. This could put me in an akward place with my powers."

[Pulsar]

Pulsar titled his head back ever so slightly as he raised one eyebrow curiously.
"'Recent' events?"
His voice in an uncertain tone. While he didn't know exactly what Mwezi was going to tell him, but for some reason he knew it wasn't going to be pleasant news to receive...
Inlasta stirred in her position on the ground.
<Thank the kings... she's ok...>
The black lion thought as he glanced at her for but a moment before turning his attention back to his old friend.
"Do tell...."
He said in a firm yet curious voice as he frowned slightly, ready to hear what had happened in the absence of both himself and Inlasta...

[Kirsui]

Mwezi examined her old friend closely for a moment before she sighed and turned to gaze up at the moon.
"Xena... is gone... killed by Burja."
She glanced at Pulsar from her eyecorner before returned her gaze at the moon. She had fully recovered her strenth now...
"Sumai has become the leader, and he is leading Feraga to a revenge."
Her eyes flashed slightly at the word "revenge".
"Burja heated this up, they attacked our pride, claimed our Den and chased Feraga away from our lands. Xena lead our pride back, but while battling with the two pathetic Burja guards over the Den, one of them hit her down..."
She growled slightly.
"Both of those Burjas are dead now... But their pride knows we claimed the Den back, they are expecting a revenge attack... But they do not know when we will strike..."

Finally the cheelion gave up on gazing at the moon and turned her head at Pulsar, a calm yet determined expression on her face. She watched and waited, wanting to hear his reaction to all this that had been going on.

---

Kirsui chuckled at Spinger, grinning slightly at her old friend's comments.
"You got it all said rather well there: 'damn' indeed."
The creamy lioness sighed faintly and shook her head, feeling how the two feathers tied on her hair settled down better against her shoulder. She gazed around in the darkness, glad that she didn't notice any movement nearby. Feraga border was close, and Kir didn't dare to go closer.

"I dunno if I like this mess I've gotten myself into..." she said quietly.
"But I don want to leave Burjas alone. They've become a family to me that I never really had a chance to have..."
She sighed again and turned to head back to the Den. There was nothing to see here...
'I bet Feragas are too busy planning their strike...' she thougt.

And that was what she really was worried about.

[Deleted]

Ina lay there thinking about what she had to tell the members of her pride, she knew they would understand, it was just her time was coming to an end. The lioness had led them into many battles, some lost some won, now what they needed was a new leader. and she had chosen Kirsui.

She was going to wait till later, but Ina wanted to get this over and done with. Pushing herself up off the dusty ground, she moved towards where she saw Kirsui emerge, coming towards their den.

"Kirsui, I need you to call all the pride together for the meeting, I'm going to announce you as the new leader, some will like the idea, others may take a while to get used to it, but my decision is made and thats that... so please go, I will be waiting back at the den."

Ina turned and left Kirsui standing there with a surprised look her on face.

[KanuTGL]

OOC: Well, well. Look who came around to make a post! Ah, and Sumai takes his job a little too seriously; don't mind him =P

IC: "Mhrr, n-no...! No! Don't! Co... come back!" Satoba whimpered in his sleep, tossing and turning as always. Getting some peaceful rest lately had been a rare thing for him, and the dreamless nights were something that he missed dearly. "Mmm... rr... Wait! Wai-- Ow!" He had hit the cave wall and thus couldn't roll any further. This also woke him up. The young feline turned over to lie on his belly and rubbed his aching forehead with a paw. "Ow..."

"You alright, kid?" a voice said, from the left.

"Y-yeah. Yeah, I'm fine, Teli..." Satoba mumbled. "J-just another bad dream, that's all..." He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. Nightmares... A shiver went down his spine at the thought. What had actually happened in the dream had already faded, but the eerie feeling of it was still there and wouldn't go away... Satoba got to his paws and shook his fur thoroughly, as if that would rid him of the nightmare's shadow. Then he padded carefully towards the source of the chilly night breeze that occasionally swept through the den. It was a refreshing wind, and it calmed the young male down somewhat. He stepped outside and took a deep breath of the crisp air, exhaling slowly. The stone beneath his paws was cold and the scents of all the night's creatures were about him. Home; safety... He smiled, for a moment happy and at peace. The nightmare was even almost forgott... en... Satoba cringed. Well, not anymore... He sighed and then decided to find someone to talk to that could chase away the creepy sensation. Whatever it was that he had dreamed tonight, it must've been worse than usual...

Most of the pride members were still asleep and he didn't want to disturb them, so the grey-furred feline had to find someone else. He didn't know how late at night it was, but someone was always awake, and to his delight he sensed the familiar blue glow that was Ina not too far away. Kirsui was also there; Satoba was still fascinated by her two-coloured glimmer. There was another, too, nearby - an unknown lion... or lioness by the scent of it. There was Reicheru as well, not too distant, the purple flickering light told him so. "Good evening." he said, stopping to hear if they replied.

--------------------------

Satoba wasn't the only one plagued by nightly demons; the Feraga leader, high general Sumai, was also troubled by uncomfortable dreams. He hadn't been asleep for long, but when he finally awoke, with a start, it still felt like he had just lived through the whole terrible day of three nights ago. He didn't want to think about it, but Xena's death wouldn't stay off his mind. As soon as he was alone, it came to him; haunted him... He shivered. Why wouldn't those images go out of his head?

"Sir?"

The old lion twitched. "Yes?" he grumbled, not all too happy about that his last precious moments of sleep were probably lost.

"I, uh, hate to disturb you, Sir, but Pulsar and Inlasta have returned from their long time patrol." replied the other lion.

Sumai raised both his eyebrows in surprise. "What? When?" he said, getting to his paws while he spoke.

"Uhm... Aah, just a few moments ago..."

"'Just a few moments ago'?" The guard nodded. "And you did not let me know immediately?" A spark of fire flared up by the old lion's paws, a sure sign of annoyance, and the other gulped nervously. But Sumai seemed to be able to calm himself down before anything unpleasant happened, and the cave was quiet again. "Well... I'll let you off this time. But know this; anything, and I mean anything, out there could be a threat against us at this time. We never know for sure who our friends and enemies are in war. Things aren't the same now as they were the last full moon. This is different. This is no game. I need to be aware of every single movement out there. Understand?" The other lion nodded silently and then slipped away past Sumai, as discreetly he could, and into the deeper parts of the cave to get some sleep before dawn. The old lion sighed. A mistake like the one just made could be disastrous; they had to learn... Time to leave that now though... Pulsar and Inlasta were back; he hadn't seen those two for quite a while, not before the war started anyhow. Did they know...?

The old lion stepped out of the cave and was almost immediately met by Pulsar's impressive figure. He was easy to spot in the night, despite the black fur; the big yellow mane and white markings made him stand out from the dark surroundings. Mwezi was also still there, so Sumai couldn't have been asleep for too long... And Inlasta was... on the ground. Hmm. In the east one could now see the first glimpses of morning. The sky was brightening and promised dawn soon. Almost time to relieve the guard on the Western border, then... "Good morning, Pulsar." Sumai said and nodded at the winged lion. "It is nice to see you again. Welcome back." He sat down next to Mwezi, facing the other male. "You may have found things being a little different from what they used to be around here... I'm sure Mwezi has recounted the most important parts for you." Sumai's eyes gleamed. "We're at war." He looked away towards the light in the East, silent for a moment, as if reflecting over his own words. Also expecting a reaction from Pulsar, no doubt. Then he continued: "Now... would you mind explaining... that?" The general motioned towards the collapsed Inlasta, who still seemed unconscious. Then he looked back to Pulsar, eyebrow raised, and waited for a clarification.

[Anu]

Anuojat was at great pause. As time had passed; He had gazed at all these other 'members' that seemed to be way too busy to notice him.

Almost ready to think about having a nap or even a piece a true rest, Anu moved to the oppisite tunnel than where the cheelion he had spoken to went. If there were any rules where someone could be or couldnt Anu didnt give a heed, he simply laid down in a little deeper side of the tunnel. It was comfy and warm to curl up in a round shape, and Anu really hoped that either someone was going to start a conversation or that noone would bother him.

Time passed and nothing happened. Therefore Anu prepearead to fall into slumber. Nice it was to sleep, to forget about everything... To not get involved in things he neither knew nor cared about...

[Pulsar]

The expression on Pulsar's face as Mwezi described the past events, could only be described as one of calm emotional collection. However, the lion's true feelings were far from calm as his deceptive expression may have portrayed.
He was outraged, shocked, enraged! How could the Burja do this? Fair enough, the prides had never seen eye to eye and there had been some small conflicts of interest here and there.... But this... It was inexcusable! Murder of the Feraga leader....
As his mind played out the past events from what he was told, his body began to tense up as the rage built up.
<Relax Pulsar, let's be reasonable about this...>
The lion let out a deep breath releasing the tension from his racing thoughts and easing his muscles to come to a more, relaxed stance.
<Let's think about this...>
Pulsar looked at the ground with a distant stare as he pieced together what he knew.
<They may have killed Xena..... But..... That one Burja did let me and Inlasta live.....>
Turning his head he looked to the horizon.
<... But is that a trade off?...>

It was at this point that Sumai had exited the cave and approached Pulsar, Mwezi and the still unconscious Inlasta.
As Sumai said good morning, Pulsar turned his head, a blank expression on his face very briefly before it struck him who he was looking at.
"Sir!"
He said in a respectful tone as he quickly stood to attention and saluted Sumai with one paw before placing it back on the ground and remaining at attention.
Pulsar may neglect certain things expected of soldiers when it suited him to. However, when in the presence of a superior and not 'at ease' he would always show the most dedicated soldiery.
As Sumai welcomed him back, the lion simply nodded briefly and quickly.
"Thank you Sir"
His reply as quick as his acknowledgment of the welcome.

As the newly appointed leader of the Feraga spoke, Pulsar listened intently to what his commander, leader and good friend had to say. He waited until his friend had finished speaking before he replied.
"Yes Sir, Mwezi was.. kind enough, to tell me of the recent tragic events which have blighted the pride.... I'm sorry to hear about Xena..."
The lion looked away sorrowfully for but just a moment before looking back.
"I wish you congratulations on your new position m'lord, I wish that such a glorious occasion as your new position of power had been obtained under less tragic circumstances however."
He paused and looked at the ground frowning, knowing that he should say something supportive to Sumai.
"I couldn't think of any better lion i'd rather see leading the pride now, I'm sure you will do Xena proud Sir..."
Smiling faintly he then turned his attention to Sumai's last question.

"That was my fault she is in her current predicament sir..."
Pulsar paused as he collected his thoughts.
"You see....."
And so, he explained to Sumai of how, on return from their patrol from the far boarders of the prides territory, that they had gotten lost and had a mishap. Or more precisely, a crash. Continuing on with the story he explained that Inlasta had been badly injured along with himself, but that he had managed to find time to heal their wounds. Pulsar then went on to tell that they had been discovered by a lioness while he was preforming his healing and that they had found out she was Burja only shortly after meeting the lion. He continued, explaining that he had made a deal with the Burja to spare the lives of him and Inlasta. That he had given her two feather as a token that he owed her for letting them live.

"So you see Sir, we escaped, mostly undetected, only that one Burja as far as I know had seen us....... But at the time I had no idea of the events that had transpired here while we were gone..."
His yellow eyes glanced at Inlasta as he spoke his next sentence.
"Inlasta's condition is stable for now, however she is unconscious and I would recommend leaving her to rest for a while before she re-assumes active duty..."
Pulsar paused for a moment.
"I told that Burja, that even though I owed her for letting us go that should I see her in the battle field the feathers will only prevent me from killing her as long as she had at least one left and that I wouldn't hold back fighting...."
He also noted in as he snorted slightly and looked to the horizon.
"A life for a life so to speak..."

Shaking his head as if to clear his head of the recent events, he looked back at his Leader.
"Sir, I'm happy to report that in our patrol we encountered no Burja activity along the boarder. Also it should be noted that we observed no signs of any intentional advance from Burja troops in that area toward our land."
Pulsar scratched his chin briefly as he thought.
"To put it simply Sir, the area we patrolled is free of enemy activity and no future enemy activity in that area is expected... But I could be wrong, especially with the most recent developments..."

The yellow maned lion stood still at attention waiting for his leaders reply... and orders, if any.
His eyes flashed as he looked at Mwezi briefly, wondering if she would have anything to say to the matter, he then turned his attention back to Sumai.

[Kirsui]

When Kirsui saw the Den once again she was caught by surprise when Ina suddenly approached her and told she would have to gather the pride. She knew Ina was giving up the leadership, but she surely had not expected it to be this soon.

She glanced at Spinger momentarily before she headed off to gather up the different pride members. She had to wake some of her pride members up as the day still was rather early, telling them Ina wanted them gathered up for something the leader wanted to announce. After she had told her pride members to spread the word she headed to where Ina was, just in time to see Satoba arrive. Kirsui smiled at the lion, though she knew he wouldn't be able to see her smile.
"Hello Satoba", she greeted him.
"Ina has something she wants to announce..."

Kirsui sat down on a comfortable spot not too far away from Satoba, watching as the pride slowly begun to gather around. For the first time she begun to feel really nervous of what was to come. She bit her lip, curling her tail around herself as she tried to look as calm as possible. Though she was an adult she was still very young. She hadn't seen as many days as some other Burja members, and she certainly had not been part of the pride as long as almost everyone else...

She took in a deep breath and slowly let it out before turning her gaze at Ina. The pride had gathered, they were waiting... It was time for Ina to speak.

---

Mwezi nodded her head as a polite greeting when Sumai came out from the cave. The cheelion remained silent, listening at what was said by both Sumai and Pulsar. There was a silence after Pulsar had finished his report, a silence which she broke.
"I would assume..." she begun with a thoughtful expression, her gaze locked at the ground.
"...that the Burja do not dare to move from their Den. Perhaps they are afraid to have guards patrol on the outer borders and choose to keep as many close to their Den as possible."
She narrowed her eyes, pawing her amulet momentarily. That was a habit she had had for a long time, to play with the amulet while thinking.

Then Mwezi let her paw drop and placed it back to the ground.
"If this indeed is the case, there might be more Burjas at the Den than it is good for us if we are to strike them. The less there are them present the less will be able to get away. If those who are not present at the Den would be spread all over their lands it would be harder for them to gather up and strike back... And easier for us to hunt them down."
The cheelion lifted her gaze and looked at both Sumai and Pulsar.
"Perhaps a move to make them send members away from the den would be in order...?"

She paused, being careful while making this type of suggestions. When played right this could be a way for Feraga to strike... But it could also go terribly wrong.
"We would not have to send too many troups out there to cause disturbance", she continued.
"If a few could move around fast enough around Burja area we could make them confused of how many of us there are and in how many groups we have divided ourselves. Most of the pride could remain in one group, aiming for their Den once the Burjas have sent enough patrols to check out the cause of disturbance..."
She paused once more, again playing with her amulet. Her eyes were closed this time as she went through some options she had in mind.
"Flying maybe", she said suddenly.
"I do not recall seeing Burjas have any guards on air from the last time I spied on them before my trip. By flying one could change location faster than by walking, and it would be less likely for those Feragas causing the disturbance to get caught."

[Deleted]

Ina watched as her pride gathered before her. Once they had all settled down she made her way onto a large rock, so she was looking down upon everyone.

"I know you're all itching to know why i've gather you all here. So i'm going to cut straight to the chase."

The lioness started off, and looked over at Kirsui and smiled.

"It's time for me to hand over the title as leader to someone else. This lioness hasn't been with us for a very long time, but i have alot of faith in her. And i believe there was a reason she was sent to this pride."

She browsed over the whole pride, trying to come into eye contact with as many of the pride members as possible.

"So, from this moment forward. Kirsui is your new leader. Any objections?"

[Tamber]

Timbre watched as Milo demonstrated what he had told him. Timbre raised his eyebrows at the feat, then continued to walk forward again. "Swear on my life," he said to the lion, promising not to tell a soul about his secret. "Don't really know anyone I'd ever have to tell," he said with a grin.

Timbre noticed that they were coming upon another large den. It seemed to be bigger and more ominous. Yes, it was indeed a different one from before. A few lions were stirring outside and chatting. They seemed rather serious, so Timbre stopped walking, motioning for Milo to do the same. He turned to the lion and spoke quietly.

"This is the second den I've seen today, and the second pride, and I've seen other den's as well, in recent days. I think I've passed this den a few times. The two prides I saw today seem a bit close for comfort." He stayed silent for a few moments, then motioned with his head for Milo to follow him. He walked low and stealthily, shutting off the music in his head so that he could listen carefully to the other lions and to the noises he made. He did well not making much sound, as did Milo. Before too long they were on the Southern side of the den, looking at the back of it. Timbre stayed low in the taller grass, seeing that it ended not too far ahead of him, growing much shorter. His cover would easily be blown if he stepped out.

"I'm really curious about this pride. Have you heard of the wars that have taken place around here?" he asked the dark lion beside him.

[voluptuous♥penguin]

Milo followed Timbre, contemplating on whether he should become invisible or not. He stared up at the den, taking in how huge it seemed to be. He finally decided that invisibility would be a nice stealth technique, so he, body part by body part, slowly became invisible.

He watched carefully where he stepped, though he could never be sure exactly where he was stepping because even he couldn't see himself. He listened carefully for any snap of a twig or breaking of grass. The lions inside were discussing something, and his curiousity was making him listen extremely carefully.

"No, I haven't heard anything actually. I'm not from around here, and my life used to be pretty sheltered," he whispered, his hushed voice seeming to come from empty air, "Why? Have you?"

[Deleted]

Ina stood there, moving her head from side to side, resting on each member of her prides face, looking to see if she could ,if any of them were about to object.

Hearing nothing, not one word come from anyone's muzzle, the lioness stepped back.

"Kirsui, come to me please ?"

Waiting till Kirsui was finally beside her, Ina turned to her pride and smiled before looking back to Kirsui and giving her a gentle nudge forward.

"Everyone, please say hello to your new leader."

Stepping back, paw by paw, Ina moved back until they could no longer see her. Looking once more at Kirsui standing there proiudly as their new leader, Ina knew in her heart she had made the right decision. Turning, the lioness moved slowly away , away where she could be by herself.

(ooc . Ina is now out of the roleplay)

[KanuTGL]

OOC: Yargh, I'm so sorry for delaying you all D:

IC: Sumai listened intently while Pulsar reported and nodded slowly once the other had finished as if to confirm that he had heard and understood.

"A life for a life so to speak..."[/i]

Those words lingered in the old lion's mind longer than the others and his gaze hardened once again as he silently contemplated them. 'A life for a life'. Yes... Yes, indeed. Sumai looked back to Pulsar. "Well done, soldier. I am proud to have such honourable lions of this pride in my service. At ease, friend." The general's weather-beaten face softened and he smiled, quietly thanking the Gods for providing him with such loyal pridemembers... There was only a few seconds of silence before Mwezi broke it again and what she had to say interested Sumai very much indeed.

"I would assume... that the Burja do not dare to move from their Den. Perhaps they are afraid to have guards patrol on the outer borders and choose to keep as many close to their Den as possible."

The old lion nodded slowly, but he was not entirely convinced. Several days had passed since they had last seen even the shadow of an enemy lion, but the memories of the last few times they had shown themselves on Feraga grounds were still all too clear. The only time that his pride had made an offensive strike was when they had reclaimed what had been so viciously stolen from them... Burja's first attack had felt quite unprovoked. The scar Sumai now carried on his back from the rock that the black lion Chaza had thrown at him would surely always remind him of it as well...

Mwezi continued to speak and Sumai listened with both ears and eyes fully focused on the cheelion. "A move to send them scattering you say..." he mumbled, licking his lips and looking to the sky in thought. "Not a bad idea. Not at all." The tone of his voice was one of approval and he congratulated Mwezi on the plan. "Flying would certainly be helpful for an operation like this one." he continued, glancing at Pulsar "But yet we do not know for sure if things are as you suggest, Mwezi..." Sumai made a brief pause for thought. He would like to wait and investigate the matter more carefully before making any sudden moves.

...what would Xena have done?

"However, we do not have the time these days to act slowly... If you would kindly meet me after my patrol, Mwezi, I would like to discuss the plan further with you and I will gather the pride for an assembly tonight." Saying that had been a difficult decision for him, but it could not be helped. They needed to act and he knew this. "You have all done well and you deserve rest. I am proud of you." With this Sumai stood up to stretch out his old back before announcing that he would be going out on guard duty but that he still wanted to be informed if anything should happen. "And you will be left in charge until I--" Suddenly he stopped. The red lion's eyebrows furrowed and he turned around staring into the darkness in the shadows of the rocks that formed their den. "What's..." There was a scent there. A scent that wasn't supposed to be there... and any unknown creature's, especially a lion's, smell was a potential threat.

"Pulsar, Mwezi..." Sumai hissed and motioned towards the shadows. "Something, or someone, is in there... Come." He let out a low growl and crouched down to sneak towards the scents. Pawing then in a wide arch, he came to a stop once the scents became stronger and their owners clearly were in the area. Seeing now was near impossible in the shade out of reach of the coming dawn light, but Sumai was quite sure that there were two lions in there. He growled again and then stomped on the soft earth with a back paw to summon a flame. The bright flare sure made seeing a whole lot easier - suddenly the two hiding lions became very visible indeed. The general let out a roar of anger and the hovering red fire grew to twice its initial size, now surrounding the red lion almost completely and it lit up the area like daylight. "You!" Sumai roared and charged towards the strangers, stopping only inches away from them being quite literally in flames. "What is your purpose here? You are on Feraga territory and you have no rights to intrude our grounds!" he growled.

Looked like Elan would have to stay on guard duty for a little longer.

--------------------------

"Hello Satoba."

It was the voice of Kirsui. Satoba liked her. She always seemed quite friendly and the glow from that shifted in pink and blue surely drew his attention to her. Every other creature that the young male had met that had had a glimmer like that, which wasn't many, had been special. Meant for something bigger... He wondered if Kirsui was of that sort as well.

Ina had invited the pride to an early gathering and Satoba wasn't late join the other members. He felt at once that there was something in the air... he couldn't quite decide what it was, but something was going to happen... Satoba made sure to keep close attention to the glistening azure-blue glow that was the leader.

"It's time for me to hand over the title as leader to someone else. This lioness hasn't been with us for a very long time, but I have alot of faith in her. And I believe there was a reason she was sent to this pride."

The grey feline's jaw dropped in shock and surprise. What? Next Kirsui moved forwards and Ina proclaimed her the new leader of the pride. Satoba gasped. Well, this had been unexpected. Apparently the rest thought so too since a dead silence was among the Burja lions and lionesses. While Satoba was happy for Kirsui, since he had thought from the first day that there was something special about her, he felt an incredible sadness well over him at the same time. Ina had always been his mentor, someone that he had felt safe around, and now she would go! Too paralysed to go after her he noticed the now former leader's light grow dimmer and dimmer as she slowly made her way away from them. Satoba wanted to go after her, but he knew that it wouldn't be right. He wiped a lurking tear from one of his blind eyes and let the glow fade away into nothingness. She was gone.

[Kirsui]

Kirsui was extremely nervous when Ina announced her as the leader. Her nervousness grew when everyone fell silent, so much so that she almost failed to make her feet carry her next to Ina. Ina nudged her forward and she was forced to face her pride.

Yes, her pride. A smile came to her lips and she momentarily turned to look over her shoulder, to see Ina walking away.
"Farewell, My Lady..." she whispered gently to the cool morning air.
Then she turned to face those gathered around her, looking at each lion and lioness before she spoke up.
"I know I'm not Ina", she begun.
"And that I never could be her. During the short time I've been part of this pride I saw how gentle leader she was, never forcing any of us to do something we didn't want. And I always believed her words, trusted she made the right choises."

She paused, closing her eyes momentarily as she took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again she had a determined shine in them.
"She chose me to lead you, to see Burja would not fall. I am honoured of this, for I myself would have picked some of you older members to take the lead had I been in Ina's position... But I trust her choise, and I will see that we stand our ground at this unfortunate time."

Her eyes flashed. She could see mixed emotions among the pride. Some were looking at her with doubt, some with trust... Kir decided she would work hard for the pride, to gain all their trust.
"I'm sure", she continued, her voice strong in the silence, "that you all know Feraga is planning something. We don't know what they're up to, when they'll strike, where they'll strike..."
She smiled faintly.
"But I know... We must not fall for their traps, for if we do we are bound to be doomed. What ever they do, we must stand strong. I promise to you all now, I will protect this pride, what ever it takes."

She knew that promise could easily mean she could face a situation where her life would be taken to save the Burja. But she didn't show signs of fear. She crushed the feeling and buried it deep to the back of her mind. She would dwell on it in time, but that time certainly wasn't now.

And so she let her promise linger in the air, watching and waiting for her pride to speak out.

---

"If you would kindly meet me after my patrol, Mwezi, I would like to discuss the plan further with you and I will gather the pride for an assembly tonight."

Mwezi nodded.
"As you wish, Sumai..."
She followed the Feraga leader with her gaze when he prepared to go on his patrol. That was until he suddenly tensed and told there were unwelcome visitors. The cheelion narrowed her eyes. In normal conditions she perhaps could have picked up the scents that Sumai clearly had noticed... But a lot had changed in the pride during her absence, she would have to learn the pride scents all over again.

Instantly the black feline was on her feet. He whole body shimmered before she melted into fine cloud of mist that maintained the appearance she had in her normal form before she slipped into the long grass, looking like a normal cloud of mist that floated undetected. Mist had no scent, mist made no sound. Had she been in her normal form she would have smirked. Sumai surely knew how to keep the two lions' attention on himself with those flames of his, and she sure would use this to her own advantage and float around the unknown lions and surprise them.

When the cheelion was right behind the two lions her mist form shimmered for a brief moment and then she was standing there in her solid form, seemingly appearing out of no where. She had a faint smirk on her muzzle, her long tail flickering behind her.
"This Mwezi recommends you answer, lest you wish harm to come upon yourselves..."
Really, she knew she didn't have to say that. Sumai in his current state was intimidating enough. But she had been away from this kind of events for far too long and she simply couldn't resist. Plus there was always the chance these two were Burjas who had been stupid enough to wander this close to Feraga den.........

Oh yes, she very much enjoyed the situation.