Part 2: Dawn of Revenge

[KanuTGL]

The general had barely noticed Zalira approach, and it was with not so little surprise he looked at her. Just padding through the battlefieled she was, apprently completely oblivious to whatever had happened out here. Didn't it interest her the least? The fate of her pride? The fate of herself? And their lands...? Where had she been anyway? Inside the caves?

"What did I miss?" she asked, and the general did his best not to let his jaw drop. Only the thought of that someone in his own pride could be so completely careless...! But he calmed himself, knowing that he was being too harsh. "You missed what could've been our most important battle in this war." he replied to her question, but coldly. Zalira had been absent during an occasion where she could've been needed, and the fact that Sumai appreciated her as a wise and clever fellow member didn't exactly make this easier on him. "There are no excuses for such a thing." he continued, bitterly. "We could've needed you." Of course, they had done well anyway against an outnumbered bunch of inexperienced opponents, but still. "Xena will most definitely have a word with you as well..." hissed Sumai between clenched teeth. "Where have you been?" He turned to look at her, emerald green eyes not sure wether they should widen or narrow upon gazing at the light-furred lioness. Xena's words cut through their little to-be conversation however, and the general turned to look at the black lioness again.

"Mount up... we're headed home... Asha can see to our wounds once we reach it..."

Sumai changed into a more alert stance, and his expression turned stern once again. Well, then... "We're headed home..." The general stepped up to his commander's side, stopping half a step behind her, then yelled to his pride: "You heard! Now is the day to reclaim our home! And if you can show me the strength and brilliance with which you fought here now, it'll be ours again before they know it!" 'They' were of course the Burja pride. Sumai took a deep breath and glanced for a moment to the sky, it was azure blue and the sun beamed cheerily hopeful above them, but in the distance, near the far off mountain chain, there were stormy clouds of thunder lurking...

[Deleted]

Ina's mouth dropped as the hyena spoke of Sitama's death.

"Si.. Si.. Sitama.. is.. she's dead? Oh my..."

The lioness wasn't really sure what she was meant to feel about this. She was a little sad because Sitama had been a good friend, and pride member. But she had also been an enemy at one stage. So he had mixed emotions. But then her attention was drawn back to Stardust as he spoke.

"You were in a battle with Feraga? Hmm.. My pride has also been in a battle with them.."

Ina did not mention that she herself was not in the fight, incase it made her look like a bad leader, which she did not want.

"Well, if you're sure that is what you want, i could take care of her for you, yes."

===========

Zalira could tell Sumai had some hard feelings about her not fighting in the recent battle. But she didn't worry at all. If she got kicked out of her pride, she would just go and find Lorien.

"That is all very well. But i would not have fought against my best friend."

Were the last words Zalira said to Sumai before walking off after Xena and the rest of the Feraga pride, as they were headed home. Of course Sumai would have no idea what she was talking about. But he would know soon enough.

[Fire]

No... I'm too late...

These were the thoughts that raced through him as he came back onto the recent battle-scene that was lying there before him. More casualties were streamed around as he scanned the area for any signs of life left. Nothing... Nothing that could at least give me some hope that I would have done something.. His face filled with sorrow and embarrassment as he was walking back to the Feraga den, head hung low and his legs barely even carrying him across the deserted wasteland. He wanted to collapse down right on the ground and cry his eyes out. He was ashamed of himself because he was so ignorant of himself. He could have fought in the battle and at least fended everyone off. But, at least a lioness up ahead was making his job easier. It was a lioness that Fire knew she was in the Feraga pride, and she seemed to know where she was going. Keeping a distance where he wouldn't be noticed, Fire followed the lioness back to where she could see a gathering of lions. His throat seized up as he was running through his mind what he was going to say to them. He knew Xena was going to chew him apart. What was he going to say to her? That he ran off like a chicken because he didn't want to fight for a tyrant?... Well, that was the main reason, really.

He managed to swallow down the lump in his throat and approach up to the gathering, seeing that Xena was pushing past through everyone. Here was his chance to show himself to Xena. Closing his eyes, he made a ball of fire appear in front of himself just to show his face. He just saw there with a blank expression on his face. Out of the corner of his eye, he barely got the glimpse of Sumai before looking back to the group and Xena approaching out.

[Kirsui]

"Well, if you're sure that is what you want, i could take care of her for you, yes."

Stardust smiled with a relief.
"Thank you, My Lady" he spoke. "I appreciate very much that you are willing to take her into the pride..."
The hyena bowed his head slightly, glancing then back towards the place where he had left Kirsui.
"Could I ask you and possibly a few others from your pride to come with me to get her?" he asked, looking pleadingly at Ina.
"As I said, my friend is in a very weak condition and not able to move much right now."
The hyena went silent, waiting for Ina to reply.

[Katari]

OOC: I just had to cover some stuff I didn’t get to while I was away.... And if it contradicts anything Roog wrote, well, it’s my character, so what I say goes. ^_^

IC:

Chaza’s heart was pained as much as his body as he watched Lorien walk off. She had trusted him, and he had let her down, had betrayed her, all to stay alive. To save himself. It wasn’t like he had harmed her; physically, she was in fine condition, unhurt. But emotionally, he had put scars on her heart that might never be removed. And he would never be seen as a friend in her eyes, not ever again, not if she was wise. A feeling of sadness came over him, even as he waited for judgement on his own life. Still, he smiled tightly at the body of the one-eyed lioness -- Asuka, was it? -- one day, Lorien would learn the lesson that everyone who wanted to survive had to learn. She was already beginning. Unfortunate that he would not be present to see it; their relationship would not be the same, could not be...for both their sakes. Sighing, Chaza tried very hard to forget about that, and concentrate on himself. Unfortunate indeed.

The next words addressed to him were registered in his mind as ridiculous. “Going home, Xena? Going back to your home?” He sniffed. “You say that as if it means something to you. Know that from this moment forward, I have no home. I have had no home for years. It means nothing.” Her next words were obvious enough; only a fool would have let him stay without watching him, and even some fools would know better, as Xena had just proved. He inclined his head slightly, what was meant to pass for a gesture of submission...even if his true intentions were anything but. This was a waiting game now, and one that Chaza intended to win.

“As you wish. I’ll make no trouble.” None that you’ll take notice of. At least, not at first. There were, Chaza knew, some in the pride that disagreed with Xena’s decisions. If he could only talk with them, alone and unheard, perhaps he could rally support to his side without being noticed. And then, when the moment was right.... He flexed his claws. That would be a moment to remember, and well worth the waiting beforehand.

With a roar, Xena led her pride away from the scene of battle and their overwhelming victory. Chaza smiled in spite of himself at Sumai’s actions and the praise the general had received. Pompous idiot that he was, Sumai would play no large part in Chaza’s plans, but he would make a fine “example” of what happened to resistors. Yes. That would do just fine. Asha wouldn’t see to his wounds, not if he could help it. He’d changed his thoughts on that; much better to accept the pain as part of the price for his ignorance earlier.

Almost snarling aloud when Xena shoved her way past, causing him to stumble, Chaza let the anger seep into his eyes instead, glaring at the backs of the passing lions with unmasked disgust. His glance turned interested when Zalira emerged from inside the cave -- there was one who might be convinced to see his side of things. She and Fire both. Neither were particularly aggressive, rather on the pacifist side, actually, but there was still potential there. He would find a way.

The question of just what was going to happen next pushed through the others. So they were going home, meaning the land taken by Sitama and her Burja pride. That was something. Another battle, more blood, more death. Would he be expected to fight? Surely not. But to give out information on the enemy...yes. And Chaza knew that he didn’t have as much information as he would have liked Feraga to think. If Xena asked any specific questions, he might not have the answers. That thought sent a chill down his spine, knowing also that if his deception was revealed completely, he might well be truly alone, with enemies on all sides and no allies anywhere. He needed answers, and fast.

Ah, well: improvisation was an art, and Chaza was an artist. That was how the game was to be played, for the moment, and he was, as always, playing to win. Every lion for himself.

OOC: It’s good to be back.... ^_^

[Deleted]

Ina nodded with a smile. This hyena was very, very polite. Wait. What was that he had just asked? For her and a few members from her pride to come with him... It could be a trap. But the hyena seemed a bit to polite to be evil.

"Very well.. let me gather two others."

The white lioness nodded her head to excuse herself from their conversation and started to walk back to Gaizka and Satoba. Before she reached them she came to Lorien, who was still walking quite slowly.

"Lorien dear, could you stay here and look after the pride while i'm gone. Make sure nothing goes wrong. I shan't be too long."

Ina smiled at her before trotting over to Gaizka and Satoba.

"Would you two like to accompany me to fetch our newest pride member? She is very weak at the moment and we need to retrieve her. Who's coming?"

====

Zalira walked along silently, behind Xena, but not too close to her. Her eyes darted around the area, watching her other pride members walk. But then some firey coloured fur caught her attention. It was Fire. He obiously hadn't been in the fight either.

The golden lioness trotted up to him and nodded her head in greeting.

"So.. uh.. you weren't in the fight either?"

[Fire]

"No, I wasn't..." He said softly and then looked over to Zalira with a nod. "I want to talk to Xena..." He said this while standing in his same position, revealing himself to her as best as possible with his light in the darkness.

((I suggest we wait for Cova to post until we continue. *Nods*))

[lionroog]

OOC: Since this reply doesn't have to do with Cova's character(s), I'm going to post it...plus I may not have a chance to get on that much here in the next week, so I don't want people to be waiting on me.

OOC: And Katari, that's why I didn't want to go too deep when I was doing your character for you. I wasn't sure how you'd want him to react and all that to the situation.

IC: Gaizka nodded at Ina's request. It seemed that he had arrived in the midst of an important battle. But this battle confused him, it didn't seem like it involved the Burja pride. At least not directly. By going with Ina and the hyena to retrieve their newest, and injured, member of the pride, he would be able to study the field to which he knew he'd soon be fighting on and for.

[Cova]

((OOC> Sorry peeps. been away, kinda un-expectedly alot))


The path that was to be ahead was one of slight un-certainty's as Xena's usual brick wall of planing could only reach so far. As the Group were pointed in the direction of their old home and old lands dark clouds were to be seen rolling over the mountains, if the winds kept the same, soon they would be out to natures mercy indeed.
She would have hoped to take their old den without any confrontation if not for a scout or two. Xena thought that most probably Burja would still be in their Man Cave, she very much doubted they would want to move up to the Feraga cave and take solitude there....she certainly hoped not as two battles in the same day would never come out their way.

Xena took the initiative to begin to walk, leading her Pride South back home. Some lions a bit worse-for-wear but the thought of home a comforting thought indeed seemed to bring the group to pace. Xena looked back over her shoulder to see Chaza standing there still not moving but looking around. She knew how his mind worked...she knew he would be as trustable as a hyena...but she knew he would soon have to prove his worth or else be dealt with, whistling at him and tilting her head as if calling some sort of Pet, smirking when she saw his reaction.

Zalira had finished talking to Sumai to come up behind Xena, her gaze coming to meet hers just as she ran past. Xena growled as she watched where Zalira went to. that girl was pushing her luck and it seemed almost expected that she should run to another who had of little to same worth. Fire stood there with a orange fire glowing in front of him, illuminating the fast incoming dark to show his face a solemn one. Xena to returned the solemn look at him and kept on walking until she reached the pair, eyes till fixed on Fire.

"Well...well...another has shown up to claim the fruits of victory..."

She said in a slightly mocking tone as he would have to pull something out the bag to explain himself, her eyes shifting slightly to look at Zalira as she had just as much explaining to do as he...but she wasen't looking for it from her at this time, she had more of an attitude problem and would be dealt with differently...it was better to deal with these sorts of things Lion to Lion rather than in groups as everyone handled it differently.....where some feel anger, others feel remorse.

"Walk with me Fire"

She said now moving past the two, clearly expecting him to follow her alone. Whilst the rest of the pride brought up the rear.

[Fire]

Fire just stood there with anger and resent boiling through his mind. He hated that sarcastic and mocking tone that she gave. Even if she used it on other lions and lionesses throughout the pride, it still sent that goose bump-like chill down his spine. He gritted his teeth slightly as Xena walked past him, seeing and hearing her call his name and asking him to follow her. He knew that this meant trouble. His eyes went to Sumai and then to Zalira in an attempt to tell them that he was going to be all right.

He then turned around and started following Xena with the flame acting as a light to show the path ahead and to see each other's faces. He started off with a solemn tone. "Xena.. Why are you doing this to us? We do not want to fight in this battle.. I have spoken to many of the pride members and they have seen too much. They would rather go live somewhere else and rebuild their pride there than to risk getting every single one of us killed.."

[KanuTGL]

Satoba waited for Ina to return, ears perking forwards curiously as he heard her come closer.

"Would you two like to accompany me to fetch our newest pride member? She is very weak at the moment and we need to retrieve her. Who's coming?"

A new pride member? The young male raised en eyebrow. Accepting new members in times like these felt a little... risky. But suppose a weak lioness couldn't be that much of a threat... he hoped. "I'm coming." Satoba said and got to his paws, following Ina's glistening blue glimmer.

OOC: Writer's blooock >.<

[Deleted]

"Good. That's settled then. Let us be off to retrieve the new lioness."

Ina announced as she trotted back over to Stardust, with her two companions following behind her.

"Alright then, which we are we headed?"

(OOC: I'm with ya there Nu.)

[Kirsui]

Stardust watched as the white lioness returned to the cave, spoke to two lions and headed back to him with them. These two others were both males.
"This way, My Lady..." Stardust spoke, bowing his head in respect for Ina.

The hyena turned to walk to the direction where he had left Kirsui. He surely hoped that the lioness was ok, that no one else had found her. He had had to take that risk when leaving her alone in that weak state where she tried to regain her energy.
Stardust let out a sigh. He would propably have to wait until Kirsui woke up and explain the situation to her. And after that he could continue on his own adventure. He smiled slightly. Even the mere thought of going where ever he want made him excited.

Soon enough after walking a while, Stardust finally saw the tree.
"She's there..." he spoke, motioning with his head for the three lions to come over to the tree.
He himself waled under it, and to his relief he saw Kirsui lying there, still unconscious.
"Basically, she is just regaining her energy" the hyena explained to the three Burja lions.
"I'm not sure how long it'll take from her to wake up again. It could be after a few hours, or right now at any moment."
The hyena let out a sigh, looking down at his unconscious friend.

[lionroog]

"Good thing you decided to seek help for your friend.", Gaizka said, looking down at the unconscious lioness. Without being able to defend herself, the lioness was vulnerable to any enemy or hungry scavenger.

"I could carry her back while everyone else keeps watch", Gaizka offered. He stepped to the side of the lioness, making sure not to step on her reddish-brown hair. Looking out into the distance, he could see that they were alone, for now at least.

[Lorien]

Lorien stared at the ground as she walked, A lot was going through her head, yet her tears had finally subsided. She was finally home where she belonged, but something still didn't feel right. Sighing heavily, she wished that she had never gotten herself into this big mess. She should have just stayed with the Burja pride that night, and none of this would have happened. She wouldn't feel so miserable.

She continued walking, these thoughts of regret playing lividly through her mind. They raced from what she had done to the one-eyed lioness, not just that she had blinded her halfway, but of what had happened in the last battle. The only other to have suffered that sort of fate was her mother...and she really hadn't thought about it in a long time. She knew that the lioness back at the battle field was still alive, it had been different than with her mother. The tears began to come back, and she hated herself for what she had done. It was a cheap shot, and she deserved the wounds...or death...that would have resulted from a real fight. Lorien shook her head, trying to rid her mind of such thoughts.

Walking there, she felt so alone; Sitama was dead, Chaza had abandoned her...she sobbed slightly at the thoughts. She should have known better to put her trust in Chaza, and now her eyebrows were furrowing. She barely even knew him, and she thought he was a great friend. She huffed to herself, her tears falling now out of hurt and anger. How could she be so naive? Did she think that they would all come out unscathed with a battle against an entire pride? How could he lead them into such a fate? She swiped a paw at the ground, uprooting some grass in the process. She felt betrayed and hurt, yet knew it was her own fault. Still...she felt lonely, and wished she were back with Chaza or he with her. She felt safe when he was around for some reason that she couldn't explain. Sighing, she lifted her head and saw Ina approaching.

"Lorien dear, could you stay here and look after the pride while i'm gone. Make sure nothing goes wrong. I shan't be too long."

Lorien looked up at her pride's leader and gave a nod, not saying anything. She walked silently to the den, which was now quite close, the thoughts taking a backseat to how she felt right now. It was as if she had never left...Ina didn't seem mad, but didn't seem glad to see her either. She wondered if she knew about Sitama as she spotted Stardust in front of her. Where was Kirsui, Lorien wondered. Shaking her head, she just kept walking. When she reached the group, she nodded in greeting to Stardust and Satoba...and the new lion whom she didn't know...and jumped up on the rock she usually perched herself on and lay down, resting her head ontop of her paws, her tail curling around her body as if to comfort herself.

Lorien watched as Ina came back and the group in front of the den left. She wondered what was going on, but didn't say anything. She wasn't quite in the mood to speak at the moment. All she did now was try and fight the tears that tried to push their way from her eyes...that and watch over the lands she had been absent from for so long.

OOC: Sorry I've been neglecting this RP...I had a pretty long response written out the other day and then the computer decided to close out of the window...so I've been quite unmotivated to write another one....my first was better, dang it.

[Cova]

Xena walked patiently at a slowish pace for Fire to catch up with her. As he did, she knew he would be the first one to speak, so did nothing to stop it, he was ahead strong Lion who would indeed need to learn his place or else would find himself on hard times indeed. As Fire finished talking, she found his tone to be quite insulting and instead of reacting to this she gave him a chance, speaking calmly.

"Watch your tone Fire.." she said as she kept on walking dead ahead not looking at him "Remember who your speaking to and more importantly WHY your speaking to me....WHY this pride is where it is at is none of your concern...but of course it wouldn't be or else perhaps you might have been here with your brothers and sister when thy stood fighting for their homes!!"

Her voice getting more of an edge to it as she came to the end few words of what she had to say, finding it increasingly difficult to not put him in his place right now. Xena stopped for a moment and looked at him.

"Tell me why you deserve the title of a Feraga Lion Fire."

[Fire]

Fire lowered his ears and then just stared ahead into the darkness that they were walking into. Mind you, the light that Fire provided certainly could help them on what they were stepping on. But, it could not see the blackness and the barely visible star-lit sky that was all around them.

Fire's eyes shot open as she was talking about his family. Especially since he felt like she was talking to them in disrespect. When Xena stopped and sat down, Fire did so as well in front of her, always keeping in mind that even though she is a leader of the pride, she deserves to be hated like everyone else. "Xena... How 'dare' you talk about my family like that. The only reason that they fought in the war was they were forced to! Like I said, only a few wanted to fight. You're pretty oblivious to your surroundings, despite being a leader." He sighed gently and then realized what he had just said, shaking his head and going to answer Xena's question.

"Why do I deserve the title of being a Feraga lion?.. Why do you even have to ask, Xena? A Feraga lion stands out within the crowd of hundreds. Standing tall with his head held high in proud stature, knowing that he belongs to a brotheren of friends, family, and even combatants waiting to defend their territory at all costs. I always love walking around the land and others asking me where I'm from. I tell them that I am a Feraga lion. I am not lying to you, Xena when I say I have a smile on my face every single time I say that"

Fire sighed and soon he was pacing in front of Xena with his head swimming with thoughts. "But we are not all this great. Some of us are bloodthristy, sick-in-the-mind, lusting for power savages. Some of us are so apathetic that they don't care if they get killed. Some of us wish that they don't even want to live in this world with all of the corruption and the stuff that's going on."

"But, I can guarantee you this.." He now himself with his chest puffed out in pride and his eyes piercing into Cova's. "Whenever others ask "Why don't you just go onto the next life?" or "Why don't you kill them already?". They say that they possibly can't. Why is this? Because how can you take down a whole pride that not only revived you and healed you into better shape than you were before, but they also taught you the meaning of friendship and what it means to be together. I may have had my mistakes, Xena. But according to my description... I am the perfect Feraga lion..."

[Katari]

firehazard said:

He now himself with his chest puffed out in pride and his eyes piercing into Cova's.

"...into Xena's."

IC:

Chaza's features were perfectly serene as he walked among the Feraga lions. But he watched everything around him carefully. Every piece of information could be vital to his living on another day. As Fire and Xena went a ways off from the pride proper, he called up a wind to do a bit of eavesdropping. Interesting conversation, but not much good to him. He was amused at some of the words that were being spoken between the two, knowing that no one would suspect him of listening, because how could they, when he showed no signs of it outwardly? But every word came through clearly enough.

All's not well in paradise, he thought with a cynical smile. And that might just give him the inroad he needed to cause some serious trouble. If he could only stay out of trouble himself. That was easier said then done. But it would have to be done.

He wondered idly, not really listening anymore, what had become of Lorien in the end. Probably back with her natal pride, and that was all for the better. Though he didn't look forward to having to engage that pride in battle; she would be safer with Burja than out on her own, though, in any case.

Letting the wind roam where it would once more, Chaza quickened his pace a little, not wanting to be seen lagging.


OOC: Okay, so I had nothing much to go on.

[Deleted]

Ina smiled at Stardust.

"Of course..."

And with that she trotted off slowly after the hyena, with her two companions. Then after a while of walking, in silence, they came to a tree with a beautiful, yet unconcious, lioness underneath.

"So this is her. "

Ina smiled sweetly at the lioness before her. Then gaizke suggested carrying her on his back.

"Thought would be best.. would it not Stardust?"

[Kirsui]

"So this is her. "
Stardust nodded at Ina's words.
"Her name is Kirsui" the hyena said, hearing then how Gaizka sugested that he could carry the unconscious lioness. Stardust smiled in relief at Gaizka.
"Thank you.." the hyena spoke.
"I would carry her myself, but", he shrugged, "she's too heavy for me. One of the many bad sides on being a hyena..."
Stardust let out a sigh.
"Would you want help lifting her to your back?"

[Cova]

Xena's temper was short at he best of times. Fire had been here a long time and so should know. She had certain respect for him, it was why after all she allowed him to express his mind. But his condescending tone had reached its limit to what she would allow. "I am the perfect Feraga lion..." Her face contorted to allow her eyes to squint at him, stepping forward to stare back at him, eyes glinting as she smirked at first.

"YouU!...the perfect Feraga lion!....HA" Xena's voice now going alot colder and raising in volume alot more. "ARE YOU BLIND! you describe to me a Lion who is not afraid..Standing tall with his head held high in proud stature, knowing that he belongs to a brotheren of friends, family, and even combatants waiting to defend their territory at all costs.....Tell me where you were!! when your brotheren were fighting and Dying TODAY to defend their territory at all costs!!!"

Her voice bellowing now as spit flew from her mouth when she put particular emphasis on certain words. Her posture in a very offensive one as she growled after finishing what she had just said. Her tone calming somewhat.

"You think me Oblivious to my surroundings...Nono it is you that is oblivious...oblivious to The threat of extinction the threat of starvation the threat of SHAME!......Shame to every Feraga Lion that has died for this cause, died for our lands that have been passed on for generations...Burja wont stop just because we say we are tired of war! why dont you wake up......Wake up...Put your chest away...and go walk with the rest of the pride whilst i decide what should be done with you."

Breathing out a heavy breath as it was clear her words were final, breaking eye contact with him to Look ahead and pass him, leading the way further on towards home as the wind Blew harshly in her face.

[lionroog]

"Would you want help lifting her to your back?"

Gaizka smiled at Stardust, lifting Kirsui onto his back with ease, "No, thanks. She's not heavy at all."

Gaizka made sure to secure the unconscious lioness to keep her from sliding off of him. His ability to increase his strength made his job easy. Now it was time to get Kirsui to a safer place and out of harm's way.

"I'm ready to head back when everyone else is", Gaizka announced to everyone, making sure that there is no other business to attend to while there. Gaizka slowly started to pad towards the Burja cave, turning to look back at the others to see if they were coming along.

[Deleted]

Zalira's eyes widened at Xena's words and her ears flattened, along with her head drooping down as low as it could go without running into the ground.

"I wonder what she's going to say to me then.."

The golden lioness mumbled to herself worriedly.

====

Ina smiled at the lionesses name.

"Kirsui.. that's.. pretty."

But her thoughts, that she had spoken out loud, where interupted by Stardust and Gaizka conversing about carrying the lioness.

"Well off we go then..."

The lioness announced once Kirsui was placed upon Gaizka's back. She then turned to Satoba.

"You ready Satoba?"

[Fire]

"There is a difference between defending your territory.. and going for REVENGE, XENA!" He knew that he had just disobeyed his leader. He knew that he would get in a lot more trouble than he had planned on. But, at least now he had voiced his opinion to Xena and he was satisfied that he let Xena knew how he felt. "You damn well knew that we could just run away and rebuild potentially something better than what we have here. I don't know about you, but I would rather have my pride hurt than to walk away with losing something else that I treasure dear to me.. my life."

Even though Xena wanted to make this conversation final, Fire had other plans. His boy glowered a little as his breathing got deeper, now cascading light in a bigger surface area around the two of them. "Why can't you just put aside your personal grudge against the Burja and come back to people that care more about you than your revenge does? Even though you are a great warrior, you are as thick-headed as a frozen tortoise shell and as stubborn as a ***ed mule..."

[Cova]

Xena stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes widening as she slowly turned her head to look back at the glowing figure of Fire standing there breathing fast, now growling fiercely and spinning around to face him.

"DON'T YOU DARE! SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT!! YOU HAVE ABOUT AS MUCH RESPECT AS YOU HAVE BRAINS YOU PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A LION!!"

She bellowed at him as she now started taking steps towards him, he had gone over that line that shouldn't be crossed with Xena as she wouldn't let it lie now. Her head raised up as her teeth were bared at Fire, the eyes of the pride behind clear to see as they all watched the spectacle.

"From your own words,a Feraga lion should be 'waiting to defend their territory at all costs' i am merciful!.....if you actually payed enough attention to things going on around you FIRE....you would remember Burja advanced on our home...and then on to where we are now...AT WHAT POINT DID I TAKE THIS PRIDE TO CLAIM REVENGE!!!! even now we march to simply go home..."

Her eyes narrowing as she stopped in front of him, her claws sinking out from her paws to claw into the earth, the sky having begun to dim in light and her pearly white fangs were on clear show as her lips pursed upwards in a snarl. She'd put him in his place if he wasn't very careful.

"You want to scurry away and protect you own precious life that you hold so dear....go ahead......ELSE.......move back...."

[Fire]

Fire was almost in a rage himself as Xena was mentioning his life as 'precious' in a sarcastic way. He truly did wonder if Xena really cared if they all died or not from the tone that she gave him. "Xena, let me tell you something.. I can't imagine my life being controlled by someone that I have so much trouble holding back from spitting on the ground she walks on. I don't my family to die in this war, Xena. They mean too much to me... My friends as well. I suggest that we negotiate... a 'peace treaty'.."

He knew those two words in front of Xena were probably going to make her pop more than a few blood vessels in her neck. Yet, it was a logical thing to do. And if the Burja didn't accept the peace treaty, well then.. He guessed time will only tell.

[Cova]

((OOC> was kinda trying not to have a back and forward between us two but it seems this thing will die if i dont reply again ))

Xena snarled and moved her shoulder forward in Fire's direction, her paw following it quickly as she slapped Him around his muzzle, her claws were not drawn, but all the same it was a harsh blow intended to cause him pain. Her teeth bared as she put her paw down and started yelling at him.

"YOUR AN INSUBORDINANT PIG FIRE..how dare you talk back to me like that....when i tell you to get back you do it...you dont voice your opinion until i say you can...you not here to think...your not here to do as you please...you are here to follow me....and if you wish to remain part of this Pride you WILL respect my authority... "

Her posture in a clear attack position as her head was dipped and she glared at him from the tops of her eyes...Paws spread apart wider than her shoulders as she clearly had no problem in doing this in front of the whole pride..she had no intentions of killing him, but would show her leadership was un-questionable if not put in the proper terms. She would listen to her pride..but she would never be spoken to like this.

[Kirsui]

((OOC: Shall we get this RP back on the move? =3 This might become long, too... I just want to get Stardust out! xD))



Stardust walked with Gaizka, keeping closely eye on the unconscious lioness on Gaizka's back. He thought of how he could explain to Kirsui that he was going to leave... It would be hard, especially to her.

The hyena shook his head, letting out a sigh as he thought of the day he had found Kirsui unconscious from the desert... She had been very close to death, and would have died if Stardust hadn't found her and taken care of her wounds. She had never told him what had caused those wounds, and the hyena had not asked. However, Kirsui had explained why she was all alone on the desert, so far from other lions.

"I left... They did not want me to be with them. I was different, in a way they could not understand. Or most of them, anyway... For long these abilities have run in my family's blood... For long my family were the ones to ask advice in bad times... Until something changed..."

Stardust glanced at Kirsui, at her peaceful face. She had explained that when she had been very young, her grandfather had been the leader of that pride. her mother had died, and soon after that the leader changed.

"He admired my abilities... And feared them. I was a threat to him, and he tried his best to get rid of me. It was when he raised his paw to kill me that I released my abilities for the first time, and after that my life became a nightmare..."

The hyena shook his head. He understood how she felt... What it felt to be an outsider. He shared her nightmare, the memory of his past was haunting him every time he fell asleep. How he himself had been thrown out of his pack, only because he had made a stupid mistake while playing with his best friend.

---

Kirsui heard voices. She did not know how long she had been unconscious, nor did she know if the ones speaking were friends or enemies. A panic rose inside her, and she became more and more awake as she felt being lifted off the grond and as the one carrying her begun to walk.

Her eyes fluttered open, though otherwise she didn't show she was awake. She saw Stardust walk next to her and the one who was carrying her. Her blue eyes scanned the area as far as they could without her moving at all. She didn't see much, only a glimpse of two other lions that were a bit behind.

"Dusty...?"

She saw as the hyena's head suddenly rose and his purple eyes met hers.
"I see you're awake..." the hyena said with smile.
Kirsui just nodded tiredly.
"Who...?"
"Burja lions..." Stardust simply replied. "I arranged that you can stay with them."
Kirsui froze, staring at her hyena friend. She had expected this to come at some point.
"You're leaving, aren't ya?"
"Yes" Stardust replied. "I have been a wanderer all my life, Kirs... I begun my journey alone, and alone I am going to finish it."
He gazed back at Inari and Satoba.

"I believe you will be in good company with these lions, Kir..." he said, turning to look at Kirsui again. "I saw Lorien around... I'm sure she'll help you to get along with other Burjas."
Kirsui flattened her ears and closed her eyes.
"Take care, will you..." she said, feeling that she would need more rest to gain her energy completely back.
"It was nice to meet you, Kirsui..." Stardust said, giving a slight nuzzle to the tired lioness. "Survive, my friend... Just like you've survived up to this day."
Kirsui opened her eyes and watched as the hyena left behind. She closed her eyes, signing slightly as she fell back to her unconsciousness.

---

Stardust left behind and walked to Inari and Satoba.
"She was awake momentarily" he said. "I explained her the situation..."
He glanced at Kirsui once more, a smile on his face.
"I know she will be all right... As long as she stays with your pride."
He bowed at Ina.
"I will be on my way now... It was nice to meet you, my Lady."
And with that, the hyena turned and walked, heading away towards the horizon. He smiled widely. The whole world was waiting for him now...



((OOC: Stardust offically out, Mwezi shall come in soon. ^^ And again, sorry that it is quite long... I have school and I don't know when I'll get a chanse to RP properly... =3 ))

[KanuTGL]

The pride had long since stopped its march to watch Xena and Fire. Much to Sumai's dismay... He wanted them to move, to regain their true home and lands, not until then could they rest and sort out possible disagreements... However, the general soon understood that this was a serious discussion, or no longer a discussion, it was an argument, that involved a very touchy subject. Sumai cringed slightly and came to a reluctant halt, turning slowly to watch the two figures not too far away. Fire had surely stepped on more than one of Xena's toes, and the old lion feared a real fight might break out.

The general stayed on his spot, watching, and hearing, the two parties exchange louder and louder exclaims. Xena had now clearly changed into real battle stance and Sumai clenched his teeth, hissing a quiet sigh to himself. This was not good on any part; Fire's because he now surely had his leader against himself, and Xena's because her leadership may become questioned by the rest of the pride if she carried out actions Sumai predicted she might... He also didn't like that some of the members were stirring again, as if they really did want to leave.

"...and if you wish to remain part of this Pride you WILL respect my authority..."

Xena looked like she was going to charge at Fire, and Sumai decided to act.
"That's enough!" he roared and leaped to stand between the two. Or, well, not directly in between them, but close enough to prevent one from attacking the other. Then he didn't know what to do. It was easy to shout and fire false insults at his subordinates to make them listen, but at his superior... That was something he had never done before. Sumai took a deep breath and looked from Fire to Xena. "We have other things to keep ourselves focused on at this very moment." The general looked over his shoulder, to the members of the pride who all watched with wide eyes. "Like re-claiming our rightful home. I think we deserve to live in our proper den than to hide away in those sorry pieces of gravel we've been calling 'home' the last few days..." he said with a loud voice, trying to hide the fact that he was actually insecure in this situation. "So please, Xena... Not here, not now..." Sumai stepped back and turned around, hoping they had listened and would put this aside from now. Why, yes, it disappointed him that a skillful lion like Fire didn't, and refused, to take part in any battles against the Burja... But it was not worth splitting the whole pride just because of it.

---

Satoba had walked in silence, a few paces behind the others, lost in deep thought. Thoughts about everything and nothing; about what this apparent "war" would lead to, who this new lioness was, where Gaizka had been all this time, what the weather could be like and so on and so on... It seemed they had reached this lioness though, because he could discern a faint, shifting glow just ahead. It was a tint of pink, but also... blue somehow. It was changing colour, and that was something Satoba had only noticed twice in his life before. It was a really odd thing.

Gaizka offered to carry the still weak lioness back, and no one else had any objections to this, so after a few moments Kirsui, as was her name, was placed safely upon his back and the little group began their return. It was with little surprise Satoba noticed the hyena trail off on his own, and for a moment wondered where he was going. Out to see the world perhaps? See the world...

OOC: This became a little longer than I expected xP

[Cova]

Xena Stood in waiting of a reaction from Fire. Her mind a flurry of anger which when put in a situation like this was hard to control, she knew full well what fighting another pride member meant...But there was no room for this in the pride...and it was her iron fist ruling style that had got them to where they were today.

Xena snapped her head back and lost her snarl as Sumai Landed In view of her. Xena had respect indeed for the general and as he spoke she stayed quiet. He was of course correct, this was not the time nor place but Xena didn't think that Sumai really got the idea of why she was putting Fire in his place like this. Sumai's words ending to say "So please, Xena... Not here, not now..."

Her train of thought Having to be calmed by herself, as besides her better judgment....She decided to drop it for now, she wasen't to sure what leaving it like this meant...Xena showed this by stomping her paw on the ground and growling before Turning her head away from fire, leaving him to stare at her tail end.

"Better things we have indeed to do..."

She spoke out before Heading onwards on the Path South.