The Dry Season

[Kirsui]

Kikome's reaction was sort of what Scout had expected - except it wasn't. She had assumed - hoped - that he might get angry at her for mentioning his daughter, but this... This magnitude of rage was certainly not what she had expected.

She realized, a tiny bit too late, that Kikome was surprisingly fast when enraged like this. For a brief moment she had time to wonder whether bringing up his daughter had been such a good idea, but that thought had to step aside when her battle instincts took over.

Scout dropped into a low crouch with a menacing growl and watched the other lion come closer. When it seemed he would certainly hit her, she lunged, using her hind legs to give her the speed she needed. She aimed her swing at Kikome's feet, hoping that the amount of power he put on his attack would make him too slow to avoid her. Her goal was to trip him over while remaining at least mostly unscratched so that she could then attack him when he was on the ground.

[linaru]

Kiara ran after the two, sat down and just simply watched.She wanted no trouble with anyone o she just carefully listened, as if she weren't there at all.

[This Land]

Kikome Charged at Scout without much thinking due to his surge of rage, in which cost him greatly, the next thing he knew was his front legs buckling under him as a powerfull swoop hit him and sent kikome head first into the ground, he lay still for a short moment then lifted his head, he looked around the group - first at the lioness sitting down watching the whole scuffle and the lion by the last remains of the waterhole. His vision started to blur from the aftershock of the crash but he shook his head which remedied it.

Kikome focused his gaze onto scout, then oddly enough a faint smile came across his face
"Ok, so the rage tactic didn't work"
Kikome walked up to scout but kept a little distance
"Lets try this way then....."
Kikome took a deep breath
"Stop Scout, I will be polite and say Please stop.....I don't want to make you number 3. The last 2 I never got to know, they just came up out of nowhere and tried the kill maneuver on me, i had no time to ask questions and they didn't seem too negotiable so they had what was coming to them, i didn't want anything getting in the way of finding my lost daughter. I have been reluctant to do to you what i have done to them because in a short space of time i had got to know you somewhat and its easier for us to reason with each other. You said you haven't got anything personnel against me and these are only orders, if that's the case you have a choice......either we both die trying to defend ourself because believe me with this injury left untreated i'll make sure you come with me before i die......OR you break your orders from your upper commanders and i promise i will do everything in my power to protect you......and everyone here."
Kikome glanced around at the other 2, nodded and looked back
"As i mentioned earlier, we are all in these desperate times together Scout, we can all in this group help each other, i just need a little help right now"

Kikome Felt his fur on his underbelly being soaked in blood from his wound, he looked down at the ground and dug his claws into it to try and vent the pain, he looked back up at Scout with pain in his eyes
"Your choice..."

*****************************************************************************************************************

Meanwhile, the other young lion soon arrived to the edge of the valley were he was first spotted from, he peeked over the edge just at the time when the elder lion down below started to talk. He felt really bad attacking his the way he did, even more so when he spotted the blood stained ground around the elder lion he attacked, guilt flooded his heart along with agreement in what the elder lion below was saying to everyone about helping and looking after each other, he was right.

The young lion knew what had to be done, he just hoped that the elder lion below didn't take another swing at him. He stayed at the top of the valley for time being to see what would first be of this outcome between the Lioness and this elder lion - before we wandered down so he knew what he would be up against, It could get better or turn ugly but either way he knew he would have to go down and help soon.

[Kirsui]

Scout was mildly surprised. Not that her attack hit, but that she escaped her lunge unharmed. Coming to a halt she spun around and prepared to pounce on her opponent, when his words made her pause.

"Stop Scout, I will be polite and say Please stop."

Why she actually stopped was beyond her. She wasn't supposed to listen to her targets. She was to get rid of them no matter what they tried to say, and then return to her pride. Failure to do so was not an option.

"-- you have a choice......either we both die trying to defend ourself because believe me with this injury left untreated i'll make sure you come with me before i die......OR you break your orders from your upper commanders and i promise i will do everything in my power to protect you......and everyone here."

She couldn't hold back the bitter laughter that now escaped her. "It's not that simple. You say I have a choice, and you're right. My options aren't what you claim though. Either I kill you, and apparently die in the process - or they come after me. Either way, my life is forfeit, and there's nothing you can do to change it."

"Failure... is not an option", she repeated her earlier thoughts, opening her eyes. "You'll have to kill me, and honestly, I'd rather die by your hand than theirs. You don't know what they do to those who have failed their missions."

She paused, closing her eyes briefly to calm herself. She could not back down, no matter how much Kikome tried to persuade her.

But she was tempted. A part of her didn't want to finish this mission. Maybe she wasn't ready for this kind of assignment after all. Her commanders had warned her what would happen if she ever befriended her target. Either she would succeed in her mission and rise in rank, or she would not be able to do it, and they would...

She let out a frustrated growl, shaking that trail of thought away as she opened her eyes once more. Kikome was staring at her, his eyes filled with pain. Her eyes widened slightly at the look in them. She had seen that look before, in the eyes of those that had been betrayed, but it had never been directed at her. Her battle stance faltered, and she took an unintentional step back.

"I can't..." she started, but no other words came out as she remained locked in place by just Kikome's gaze.

[This Land]

Kikome listened to what Scout said, it seemed that he would have to do what he didn't really want to do, he mentally prepared his mind and body for one last fatal fight, the other attacks were warnings, this would now be the serious stuff.
Something then unexpecting happened, it seems like she had a change of heart because her eyes and expression changed and she took a step back
"I can't"
Kikome wondered for a moment if this was a trick to stand down on his guard, but something in her body language and expression said different, it seemed genuine.
"Go with what feels right in your heart Scout, not some orders by a bunch of lions who think they have the right to assassinate anyone they please and if being the task isn't done, he.......gets hunted down aswell"
Kikome Lowered his head and cleared his throat, He then looked back up at Scout
"I know what it feels like, trust me scout, i will help you in every way i can, i will hold no grudge against you, you were just following oders"
"Im very forgiving"

*********************************************************************************
The atmosphere seemed to have cooled down, the young lion felt obliged to help the lion he had injured in self defence, he decided to make his way down, with a few careful slides, he came down and stopped at the bottom. He hesitated at first to say anything because of what he did, but he finally spoke out
"Just came to say im sorry.......I..........I was scared, anything i can do to help ?"
********************************************************************************
Kikome heard many scuffling and sliding sounds behind him, he looked around to see in surprise the lion that had attacked him. He was at an adolescent age, with a brown coloured pelt, the beginnings of his mane being darker in colour.
"Just came to say im sorry.......I..........I was scared, anything i can do to help ?"
Kikome looked into his guilty looking green eyes
"Dont worry about it, you were scared, i could see that...."
Kikome looked back at Scout and smiled
"You see..."

[Kirsui]

"I know what it feels like, trust me scout, i will help you in every way i can, i will hold no grudge against you, you were just following oders."

Scout lowered her head, finally being able to look away from Kikome when he said he wouldn't hold a grudge. She wasn't sure if she completely believed him. How could someone forgive something like this? She had just tried to kill him, not to mention that if she actually stayed with him from now on, they both would be hunted for this. If word spread that she was with him, they'd get double the amount of hunters after them in no time. Not to mention that...

She shook her head in frustration. She didn't want to deal with any of this. She wanted to go back to when life was simple, and all she had to do was follow orders. But no matter how much she wished, she couldn't. Death would've been merciful, compared to the sudden rush of emotions she was now experiencing, panic and hesitation among them. How could Kikome say that he understood how she felt? He couldn't possibly...

Her eyes widened. Technically, he could know. She had never been informed of why exactly it was that he was to be assassinated. Had he...?

"Just came to say im sorry.......I..........I was scared, anything i can do to help ?"

Scout was visibly startled when she heard a new voice speak out, and she flattened her ears and took yet another unintentional step back as she turned to face the newcomer. It was rare that someone caught her by surprise, and she hated that.

"Dont worry about it, you were scared, i could see that.... You see..."

She glanced at Kikome, realizing that his last words were directed at her. Somehow, seeing him smile after this whole mess made her feel a tiny bit better, and she managed to regain her calm demeanour. She now properly looked at the newcomer, realizing he was just an adolescent, and quite hesitant too. Realizing introductions would be - once again - in order, she glanced back at Kikome, knowing that the introductions would have to wait for a bit.

"Your... wounds", she started, more hesitant than she had been the whole day. How was she supposed to talk to someone she had just tried to kill? "We should... clean them."

[This Land]

"Your... wounds", ......."We should... clean them."

Kikome smiled again but pain was still hinted in his expression
"Thankyou Scout.... i wont let you down."

"But cleaning these wounds is not going to be an easy task with what water left, licking them can only do so much, plus i need to stop the bleeding..."
Kikome lay down on the ground on his side, half curved around the water, his legs giving in easily as he done so,
"Not too deep luckily"
Kikome first leant over and lapped some water to sooth his dry throat. he then used his paw to splash some water onto his belly, he done it this way as not to contaminate the water, just a few splashes of clean water should do the trick, a few sharp stings shot through his belly, Kikome let out a subtle growl. He then proceeded to lick the wounds. After a few moments he had finished for now.
Kikome turned his head and looked around and seen a patch of grass
"Perfect"
He got up and slowly walked over to the grassy patch, not to kick up any dirt, he then lay down and curled up on the grass patch in a attempt to keep the wounds from opening and the grass would stop any dirt from the ground contaminating them.
Kikome Looked at Scout, then the 2 other lions and liones, then looked up at the sky, it has started to dim and the sun was starting to make its approach to complete sunset.
"We should stay here for the night, we have water, and mild shelter, we just need to keep on the lookout, I wont be much use im afraid....."

Kikome Concentrated his look at Scout, he nodded slowly and smiled - a bit more warmly this time
"But i should be fine"
***********************************************************************************************************************************

The Young Lion watched as Kikome cleaned himself up, he started to feel really bad what he did, but kikome insisted not to worry about it, but he still did. He decided to introduce himself properly to kikome at a time where kikome was more himself after a good rest.
The young lion turned to the lioness you Kikome named as Scout and the other lion and lioness.
"Sorry to intrude between you all, i have no-where else to go, now i feel in debt"
The young lion motioned over to Kikome laying down.

[Kirsui]

"We should stay here for the night, we have water, and mild shelter, we just need to keep on the lookout, I wont be much use im afraid..... But i should be fine."

Scout offered Kikome a brief, hesitant smile as a reply. She felt guilty for having caused more pain to Kikome, and even more so since she had attacked him when he was at a disadvantage. How she'd ever be able to make it up for him was a complete mystery to her. However, there was something she could do now to make all their lives a bit easier.

"I'll take first watch", she said, with a tone that didn't really allow objections. She was trained to keep alert, after all, and could manage a while without a good nights sleep.

"Sorry to intrude between you all, i have no-where else to go, now i feel in debt."

Scout turned her gaze on the young lion. "That's... fine, I suppose. I don't think any of us have anywhere to go now." She paused, glancing at the other members of their rag-tag group. She didn't really know any of them - heck, she barely even knew Kikome! And thus she had no idea whether or not they actually had some place they called home.

"Well, I suppose we should introduce ourselves", Scout said, turning back at the young lion with a half smile on her face. "Though I suppose you might have picked up on our names already. This is Kikome, and I'm called Scout. The others are..."

She paused, blinking her eyes in realization, then smiled sheepishly. She couldn't remember their names. She wasn't even certain whether or not the rest of them had actually introduced themselves. Even if they had, it seemed that she had been concentrating too much on her mission to notice.

[KanuTGL]

OOC: Right, third attempt at making this post. *barges in and ruins everything*

IC: "So... just how much further is it to this waterhole you spoke of then?" The Nanuk grunted, struggling to keep up the pace in the searing heat. He wasn't made for this kind of climate, and was sure to remind his companion of this as often as he could. Why did they have to travel through the burning daylight anyway? It was sheer stupidity to challenge the sun. Especially right now, when it seemed nothing short of furious; as if it intended to slowly burn away everything in the world.

"Come now. It's not far!" the tall, sand-coloured feline replied, turning his head over his shoulder to smile at his friend.

Easy for him to say. The Nanuk groaned and carried on, dragging his thick-furred paws behind him, the long fluffy tail hanging slack. Heron was a lithe, long-legged creature, his fur short, ears large. This kind of weather did not bother him as much. But the Nanuk, as a noble snow leopard, did not belong here. Not in the least. He was made for the high, snow-capped mountains of the north, where 'Survival of the fittest' reigned far supreme. Oh, how he wished he was there now... Preferably lying covered in snow on some high peak, enjoying an icy wind. Maybe even nibbling on an icicle, waiting for the replacement to arri-- "Oof!" The Nanuk came to a sudden stop, bumping head-first into his companion. "What are y--" Heron turned his head and gave him a silencing glance. The Nanuk's face took on a serious expression and he lowered his voice to a whisper. "Trouble?"

Heron nodded. "Down there." He motioned forwards with his head, through the tall grass they were currently crouched in. In the little valley ahead, strangers had evidently arrived since Heron's last visit this morning. And they weren't nice guys either... The duo eased closer, peering over the edge of the hill, still protected enough by the height and the grass around them. The yellow vegetation was perfect camouflage for Heron and even the Nanuk could easily lose him in it, had it not been for the former's green eyes. The Nanuk blended in less flawlessly, but he still knew well how to go unnoticed. They both looked and listened, staying absolutely motionless. There were five characters down there, of which two were clearly engaged in some sort of struggle. There was a scuffle, and then conversation. Heron pricked up his caracal-like ears; they almost be aching from the strain of trying to hear. It was difficult to make out the specific words, but there was definitely something about death. And how they would be hunted down. And something about... assassins. The two companions on the edge looked at each other, eyes wide, then they both nodded. This could be a lead.

Some minutes passed. The duo stayed downwind, deciding not to interfere just yet but none the less not taking their eyes off the group. It seemed that a peace had been established between the strangers, for the time being. The stench of blood was however thick in the air; the older of the male lions was wounded and had made an attempt at cleaning said wound. He was now lying on a patch of not-quite-so-dry grass. Heron then caught the lioness' suggestion of introductions. Not a bad idea.

"Heron and the Nanuk." he said, rising from his cover, as if materializing out of the vegetation itself, with the Nanuk stepping out close behind (though not entirely happy about it) and padded forth, down the slope. He stopped and gave a polite bow. "Good evening to you." Heron knew well he could be playing a dangerous game here; judging from what he had managed to hear and see, these felines weren't exactly harmless. But that kind of lion was exactly what he needed.

[This Land]

The Young Lion smiled and nodded,
"I'm Sheek, nice to meet you"
Sheek looked over at the other 2 lions who seemed to be sticking to themselves, so he let them be and would just see if they wanted to properly introduce them self or be making their separate ways. Suddenly a voice caught his attention.

"Heron and the Nanuk.......Good evening to you"

Sheek was kind of shocked by how openly they introduced themselfs and walked down the slope, Sheek not being a good judge of character decided just to go with the flow and be just as friendly as they seemed to be.

"Good evening both of you, Sheek's the name, feel free to have some water, before it soon goes" he said cheerfully trying to lighten the whole mood of this place after what has been going on.

The mention of water reminded Sheek of what his very purpose was all along....water. He had already invited them first now, best not to seem rude. Sheek walked over and stood by scout.

"So, we all seem a lovely bunch, what is everyone's story..." he said with a grin.

Sheek's words made Kikome smile.

[Kirsui]

Scout nodded politely at Sheek when he introduced himself. However, she had no time to say anything else as two more felines emerged from the vegetation. She mentally slapped herself for not noticing their presence earlier. But then again, considering how shaken up she was, it wasn't such a surprise.

She examined the two newcomers with faint curiosity - or the other one of them, at least. He was some sort of a leopard, but not the kind that she had ever encountered. Perhaps it was the thick fur, but she thought he was clearly out of place in this relentless sunlight. What ever had caused them to come here... Well, she thought that it had to be pretty important.

"So, we all seem a lovely bunch, what is everyone's story..."

Scout chuckled at Sheek's words, glancing at Kikome momentarily and noticing his smile. "Oh nothing special", she said with an amused smile. "Kikome and I met not too long ago, funny story that one... Played hide and seek in the tall grass, then decided it was pointless and headed over here to get some water. Then..."

Her smile faltered slightly, and she hesitated for a moment before coming to the conclusion that there was no point leaving anything out.

"Then I tried to kill him", she continued. "And he convinced me not to, and it seems we're both on the run now."

She paused, shaking her head slightly as if to rid herself of the thoughts of her fight with Kikome. She then turned her gaze on Sheek, glancing also at Heron and Nanuk, with the amused smile from before back on her face.

"And you?" she asked from all of them. "What brings you to this merry, little land that is far too hot for anyone to properly enjoy it?"

[KanuTGL]

OOC: Bah, not proud of this post. At all

IC: "Many thanks, good sir." Heron replied with a nod and a smile to the young lion's offer of water, but he didn't take any. It felt unwise somehow to turn his back on these lions at this moment. And he wasn't thirsty any more anyway.

The Nanuk on the other hand didn't need to be offered a second time and trudged straight up to the small waterhole for a very welcome sip of refreshing water. Oh, how wonderful even this tepid liquid felt against the heat-blast of the sun... The snow cat licked the drops of water off his lips and rejoined his companion, lying down seemingly casually next to him. But his ice blue eyes were watching the others intently. The older lion, Kikome, seemed like an interesting enough character at a glance, but in trouble now, wounded like this. The lioness seemed troubled too, there was surely a long story behind those eyes... And from what she was now telling them, they could both possibly hold a clue to their quest as well. And then maybe he would be able to return home... Maybe...

Heron raised his eyebrows at the lioness Scout's words. "Well, that's quite the story." he said, definitely interested and tried to hold back his excitement, as such a thing would be highly inapproriate to express here. But none the less, this sounded so promising. "As for us" he continued, addressing her question "Our tale is not nearly as interesting... Let's just say we're on a bit of a journey. Looking... for someone." A darkness seemed to come over him for a moment, but he caught himself before he made any more remarks. He took a deep breath, recomposed himself. "On the run, you say... from who?"

[Blackdrake]

Ace backed off during the fight, putting a distance that left him within hearing and seeing distance. As the fight progressed he noted the different fighting styles and the ways the two acted in the presented situation.

As the fight concluded Ace wandered back thinking to himself
'how am I going to introduce my self. I didn't do anything and there are more people who can probably ah screw it'

He decided to walk up carefully and slowly, trying to grasp the last bits of discussion that occurred when he was zoning out thinking what he was going to do.

"On the run, you say... from who?"

As he padded up he walked around the little water hole but didn't join the group.

"If they are on the run then they are probably running from scouts pride, which may be my old pride, or not. Sorry for the intrusion by the way."

[This Land]

Kikome shook his head to Heron's question
"I don't know who exactly, but once I re-gain my strength tomorrow, i will do everything in my power to help"
Kikome looked down to the ground
"This Silly chain has to stop"
Kikome then perked his head back up, his mind just caught on to something Heron said a moment ago
"Looking for who ?"


Sheek jumped as he heard another lion approach, he bared his claws for a moment out of natural reaction but the lion stayed clear of the group, he didn't look that dangerous and seemed to be avoiding them. Sheek sheathed his claws and went up to this lion, but still keeping some distance.
"So what's your story?"

[Blackdrake]

Ace looked as a lion came closer, and chuckled when he stopped with some distance between the two.

"So what's your story?"

When this was said Ace looked back into his past and felt a pain of sadness, as he looked down. Then regaining his composure he looked up and took a few steps closer as he said
"Well first off i am not here to harm anyone." After saying this he sits down "Secondly, my name is Aceiro, but most call me Ace. And my story is one that I wish not to relive. Yet it still haunts me to this day."
He wondered what their reactions would be when he told them that he was meant to be exiled, and how they would respond to the reason of why.
"I was banished from my pride for something stupid that I did. Apparently it was enough that they leader felt that it was harmful to everyone if i stayed."

[This Land]

"Sorry to hear that" Sheek replied
"I cannot really say much else, heh, just that i hope things work out for you" He smiled
"Best thing we all can do is stick together, seems like we have all came from different places, with different paths and different purposes, lets just hope it dont result in more conflicts aye" Sheek said as he looked over to Kikome then Scout with his continuing smile.

"My story is simple.....my pride and family was too perfect, same routine everyday, i needed to Live!. So i left" Sheek chuckled
"Wouldn't trade this life for the world. Yeah its dangerous and things could end up fatal, but if you dont live with risks you dont feel alive inside, you just feel dead."

Sheek went over to the small waterhole and took a few laps of water and then sat back down next to ace.

Meanwhile Kikome had curled up into a tight ball, it was risky what he was doing, being so defenceless, not being aware of all the new faces around him,but all he needed was one night....just one night to stop the bleeding, and then things would be better, and as sheek mentioned which he overheard, you gotta take risks. He just hoped that Scout wouldn't turn back on her word, if she did Sheek would soon jump in because he "owes" kikome and he wouldn't last lost against that skill, another life lost in Kikome's paws.

[KanuTGL]

"If they are on the run then they are probably running from scouts pride, which may be my old pride, or not. Sorry for the intrusion by the way."[/b]

Heron turned his head around to take a better look at the 'new' lion; admittedly he hadn't quite paid attention before, but what he had said had caught his attention indeed. However, the caracal-like feline didn't have time to respond before Kikome spoke, and he, too, had interesting things to say... A chain... What chain would that be? A clue, maybe? At the older lion's question, Heron grimaced and for a moment wondered whether or not to reveal their quest.

The Nanuk saw his friend's indecision, but remained silent. He was 'only' the companion after all.

"We're, ah... looking for my brother." Heron said in the end. "And I strongly believe that to find... him... we must also find... certain lions. Or a certain lion." He looked down at his paws, hoping to hide at least some of the pained expression in his eyes. Regardless of how many times he had gone over it in his head, whenever he had to speak it out loud it was as if everything became real. It wasn't just a story in his mind, it was an event that was very real and very unchangeable. Shuriken would never come back. And that was a reality he still couldn't bear to face.

"The problem is..." said the Nanuk suddenly, speaking with a deep voice almost as low as a growl "that we don't know what they, or he, looks like. Or where to find them. Or what their names are." A slight tone of ridicule was in his voice.

Heron smiled faintly; what a thoughtless journey they were on. He took a deep breath and straightened himself up. "So we're after any leads that will take us closer to whoever it is we're looking for. Does the nam--" Heron stopped himself. Kikome was clearly in pain and had curled up into a ball beneath him. Maybe now wasn't the best time to interview him... Instead, he listened in on Ace and Sheek's stories, smiling at the young lion's words. Enthusiasm of the youth, indeed. And he would hopefully have a chance to ask Ace more questions at some point... "Well, then" said the sand-coloured cat after the pause in conversation that followed Sheek's tale. "Sticking together sounds like a good plan. Shall we perhaps get some rest?" The sunlight had after all faded and the darkness of the night was swiftly covering the land. Heron stretched his front legs, then lay down on the still warm ground, resting his head on his paws.

The Nanuk promptly did the same and closed his eyes, but he would not be sleeping this night. Someone had to stay guard...

[This Land]

"Rest Sounds like a good idea" Sheek nodded in agreement

"We can continue to get to know one another once we are all refreshed and stuff"

Sheek lay down in-front of Kikome, but he tried not to make himself comfortable, he only wanted to sleep lightly, just incase any intruders were to come along he would be one of the first to jump up.

"Scout, if you ever need to rest during watch, then let me know alright" he re-assured

By this time Kikome was fast asleep, regaining his strength and letting his body get hard at work to repair itself.

[Kirsui]

OOC: to make waking this little RP up easy, I'll make it morning :3

Scout left out a soft sigh as the sun's finally rose. She hadn't taken up on Sheek's offer, and had instead remained awake the whole night herself. It had been a tough night. She hadn't exactly had what you could call a good night's rest for some time now, but at least staying awake had given her time to sort her feelings and thoughts.

Hence she was mostly back to her normal self as she walked over to where Sheek and Kikome were resting. By the look of things Kikome didn't seem to be in quite as bad condition as he had been the night before. But one could never know with injuries, and the best way to figure out his health would be to wake him up. For a moment she hesitated, knowing full well that since he was a fighter, he might not be very happy when suddenly woken up. But she had good reflexes, and she trusted them enough to get out of harms way if he did anything.

"Hey, Kikome", she said, softly nudging his shoulder with her paw. "Wake up, sleepy head."

[KanuTGL]

Morning. The sun's warming rays spread across the plains and slowly shed its golden light on the group rested in the small valley. For it being an extremely hot dry season, the nights were surprisingly cool; dawn was almost pleasant. The Nanuk opened one eye ever so slightly and watched, otherwise motionless, as the lioness Scout moved over to nudge the wounded Kikome. The snow leopard had not slept, feeling the need to keep a close watch on the rest of the group, but every now and then, closing ones eyes wasn't so bad... Heron would of course have slept like a rock. How he always did so in a world full of danger would never cease to amaze the Nanuk. He felt no need to stir yet, wanting to see what the other two would do...

Heron had however no such sense of caution. Usually a heavy sleeper, a noisy pack of nearby guinea fowl had woken him. He groaned, his muscles stiff from the night's sleep and slowly rose to his paws. Yawning, the pale cat stretched the front half of his body and opened his eyes to look around. The guinea fowl had quickly moved on, it was probably the presence of this group, and Scout's movement, that had frightened them. "Good morning." he said to the lioness, smiling sleepily, before padding over to the little pool of water for a morning drink. Such a thing was a rare luxury during these times. "I do believe today will be another lovely, sunny day." he continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Heron felt at ease, for now, with this group. The night had passed without any assassinations, after all.

The Nanuk sighed. So much for quiet, careful observation.

[This Land]

Kikome Stirred in his sleep, the soft nudging on his shoulder made him open his eyes slightly, he groaned in Disappointment as he wanted more sleep, this ball he was curled into was quite comfortable. He flipped out his front legs and gave them a stretch.
"Morning" he mumbled, half asleep
He hesitated to uncurl his lower half of the body for a moment, but he eventually done so to see how the wound was doing. It was still a bit open but had stopped bleeding and that was good enough for him, he shrugged off the fact that his underbelly fur was just -red-
"This is what we just call a scratch , isnt it scout?" he looked up and smiled faintly.
Kikome went onto all four legs and walked around a little to wake himself up, he then went to the small puddle of water and took a few laps just to moist his throat.
"I wonder what exciting things will happen today" he smiled again over to scout

Sheek had been in and out of sleep all night, he kept his eyes closed and listened in to the things Kikome was just saying which made Sheek again feel ever so guilty of what he had done. He had never used his claws properly on another lion and was surprised how effective they are against them, it was only meant to be a defensive strike. You think since lions are such powerful animals that they are alot more armoured then their prey, but they are not, this is one thing Sheek had learnt.

Sheek carried on listening to the conversation while his eyes were still closed, somehow wishing that they would continue with the subject and start talking about him.

Kikome looked over to Heron and was about to walk over and greet him, but instead looked at Sheek and smirked
"Sheek.....get up......i can spot someone playing "Dead" any time"

Now rather embarrassed, Sheek soon got up and tried avoiding eye contact with Kikome, he didn't know how serious he was being so he just made a walk over to Heron, greeting scout with a Nod along the way
"Good Morning"

[Kirsui]

"Good morning. I do believe today will be another lovely, sunny day."

Scout laughed softly at the Nanuk's sarcastic comment.
"Oh yes", she agreed, nodding lightly and taking a small step away from Kikome as she spotted him stirring. "It'll be especially lovely for you and me with my dark and your thick fur, won't it?"

She might have said something else too, but her focus turned completely on Kikome when he finally woke up and slowly began to uncurl himself to examine his injuries. From what she could see the wound didn't look so bad now.

"This is what we just call a scratch , isnt it scout?"

She chuckled. "Not sure if I wanna see what you would call a major injury then."

The teal lioness yawned widely and stretched, trying to get the small aches of sitting still all night away from her muscles.

"I wonder what exciting things will happen today."

She cringed slightly at Kikome's comment, watching as he began to head towards Heron - only to pause when he was passing Sheek and telling the younger lion to stop feigning sleep. The corners of her mouth twitched upward at Sheek's embarrassment, but she didn't out right laugh aloud at him. Poor thing was probably still feeling guilty for attacking Kikome the way he had, if the looks he gave the older lion were any sign of that.

Either way, Scout really hoped that nothing quite as "exciting" would happen today as had happened the day before. She really hoped they could get a day to relax for a bit, especially with Kikome's injury. She wasn't being too optimistic though, knowing full well that news of her betrayal and decision to not kill Kikome after all would reach her pride sooner or later.

[This Land]

Any confusion, then read my first post on this page to get the back story
Heron seemed to be in his own thoughts and mustn't of heard Kikome or thinking it was directed at someone else, so Kikome turned back on himself and sat down next to scout.
"Your body language is telling me something scout...." he looked at her concerned
"You don't seem too convinced about this whole situation" Kikome looked down at the ground and sighed
"We were all trained in the same way Scout, we were all taught the same, the same techniques, the same way of fighting. We know how each of us think, plan and execute them. But you scout, you are different...."
Kikome looked up at her
"You went with your heart and you backed down from a fight that would of made you vulnerable......you are smarter then the other assasisins. Of course backing down isnt always the answer but it shows you know what right thing to do and when to do it, and you can use that in other combat scenarios. I myself like to think i am the same, but all it takes is not to think for one moment and look what happens..." Kikome sighed as he looked down to get chest
"I backed down from an assassin job sometime back.....just like you did, because i knew it wasn't going to be combat worthy and the said target could be a great use in the future. Since i didn't follow my orders they sent 2 assassins after me and then you"
Kikome looked back at scout
"They can either suffer the fate like the other 2 assassins or they can join us"
Sheek placed his paw over Scouts and smiled
"Trust me, we will get back at the lions who tried to use us for their own good"

[KanuTGL]

OOC: I think I spotted the mistake xP I thought Sheek was saying good morning to Scout, not Heron ^^;

IC: Heron took another few sips of water. Thought he might as well seize the opportunity while he could, there was, after all, no telling when they'd next find a drink. He let his thoughts wander for a moment... What was this mad journey they were on? Would it be worth it? It would've been easier to just stay in the highlands. To accept his fate... But Heron would not have it. He could never just sit there and do nothing. Someone had to answer for this! There had to be someone to blame! The world could not just keep on spinning - how could it keep on spinning, as if his death was of no importance!? Heron let out a quiet sigh. No, this quest had to be completed, no matter what.

The Nanuk had lifted his head and lay silently on his spot, eyes closed, letting the bright rays of sun warm his face. He looked entirely without a care, but he had practised that look well and underneath he was always alert; listening, smelling, looking out for the slightest change in his surroundings. And the current conversation between the lions Kikome and Scout was most interesting... Heron would certainly want to hear more about this. The snow leopard rose slowly to his paws, stretched and strolled seemingly casually over to his companion. He bowed down to have a drink, but instead whispered to Heron, who still was leaning over the water himself. "I think you'll want to join our new friends..."

Heron nodded slowly; he had heard some of it himself. He stood up and was about to join the rest of the group, but a sudden sound stopped him in his tracks. It was as if someone had stepped on a dry branch, but none of the others had moved... Heron looked around; was it just him or had everything else turned silent suddenly? No buzzing of insects or chirping of birds. That normally was not good. Very, very not good. "Hey..." he whispered, but the Nanuk was already at his side.

"Yes... We should move." said the snow cat with almost a growl. It bugged him immensely that someone might have sneaked up on them without him noticing.

Heron walked up to the others. "Y'know, let's go for a stroll, shall we? Shame to waste a good morning like this, don't you think?" If they were as skilled as they had made it seem, they would also be pretty glad to get a move on. If someone was watching them, they should at least shift themselves to a less vulnerable spot.

[Kirsui]

"Trust me, we will get back at the lions who tried to use us for their own good."

Scout smiled faintly at Kikome's words. She wasn't certain if revenge was the answer - that was usually what had gotten her sent on assassination jobs in the first place - but she did understand that running forever was not really an option. She wouldn't like living that kind of life where she would constantly have to watch over her shoulder.

She was about to comment something when she suddenly realized something. She flicked her ears slowly, not wishing to attract attention while she casually took in the sounds. Or in this case, the lack of them.

This was bad.

"Y'know, let's go for a stroll, shall we? Shame to waste a good morning like this, don't you think?"

Scout summoned a perfectly natural smile on her face as she turned to look at Heron, keeping her body language as relaxed as ever.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea", the teal lioness said nodding her head lightly. "Might as well take a walk now rather than wait for it to get immensely hot again, don't you think?"

She moved slightly closer to Kikome, as if intending to help him stand up due to his injuries. Her true intention, however, was to get close enough to whisper to him without anyone else hearing her or seeing her mouth move.

"Something's wrong", she muttered quietly. "Act normal. I think we're being watched."

[This Land]

Kikome Slowly Got up gritting his teeth in the process. he nodded to what scout said.
"A walk it is" he said, only just smiling
Kikome started walking ahead of the group and went towards the opening. Breathing through his nose.....just incase.

Sheek stayed at the back of the group and waited for them to move first, he glanced over to Kikome then back down to his paws that were still a bit blood stained...he took a deep mental sigh.

[Lokisenna]

(OOC: I do apologize If I am doing this wrong. )

Occelia lay flat on a rock, watching the group move along the horizon, she flicked her tail in annoyance. why hadn't she gone up and helped them? and Why did she always see lion groups with wounded members? she stalked along the landscape for some time and followed them. She didn't know why she kept at a distance, but she began to get the feeling that one of the members knew she was watching them.