On The Brink

[Hypercube]

"Wait..." Xoren said softly at Ruby's comment, his mind working faster than a sprinting cheetah as she started to walk away, "Ruby! Wait! Do you mean?" Xoren wanted to follow his mate he could not get his feet to move after her and Iris as they made there way down to the base of Pride Rock, leaving him and Sola behind. He couldn't figure out how to feel; he was extremely happy, but this turn of events made him even more nervous about bringing his pregnant mate along on this journey. What if something were to go wrong? What if... Sola walked towards her father, his stare into the faceless rock giving his complicated state of mind away. "Dad?" she asked with a concerned voice; she had not heard what Ruby had said to him, "are you okay?" "Yes Sola..." he said slowly lifting his head such that their eyes met, "I'm just thinking..." "About anything in particular?" she asked in her normal inquisitive tone hoping that she could help in some way. "Nothing important," Xoren lied not wanting to make his daughter worry about something as heavy as this. "Okay," she responded with a smile as she began to turn. "I'm going to follow them down" she continued as her eyes moved to watch her mother and sister walking away, "don't take to long okay?"

Xoren stood in the silence for a while, his gaze switching from object to object in the encroaching darkness of the night. "Sola?" he said just loud enough to catch his daughter as she reached the slope, "Can I ask you to do something for me?" "Sure" she chirped back with an eager turn of her head. "Just... just watch out for your mother for me okay?" Xoren said with a troubled voice, "I don't want anything to happen to her if I... if I can't be there..." "Dad..." Sola said as she walked back towards him in long strides, "I would never let anything happen to this family if I could prevent it; I love you all too much." With her words she nuzzled into her father as she purred and he returned the gesture with a smile and a small tear escaping his closed eyes before they walked towards their temporary home in the footsteps of their kin.

---

"Could you all please leave us for a moment?" King Simba said, his sickly voice weakly bouncing off of the cave walls. As the multiple guards shuffled from the room leaving only Ezca, Farore, Nayru, and the king himself, no other sounds were heard but the painful coughs of the dying king. "You all know this already," he said through his pain, "but riding on this journey is the future of this pride and the lives of all its inhabitants. You cannot afford to allow Scar's minions to resurrect him or the lives you have all built here will be nothing more than memories in the wind." He attempted to continue but his lungs forced him to stop as he coughed loudly and looked towards Ezca as he retired further into the cave system. "What he would like to tell you" Ezca said continuing for the king, "is that even if he is not to be resurrected, you are to resurrect someone, anyone, as long as it prevents the use of the stone by those who wish to use it for the revival of Scar. furthermore, he has left the decision of who is to be brought back in the hands of you Farore, if it is to come to it that is." "Let him know I am honored" Farore said to Ezca before he continued to speak. "The king has also made the decision to allow the injured stranger to join your party if she is able to. The same goes for the hyena that appeared to assist us." "Din will not be happy about that..." Nayru said, her head tilting downwards in anticipation of his fury. "Whether or not he enjoys it" Ezca continued "it is not his decision any more. Nayru, King Simba has asked to speak to you in private, even without my presence. Farore and I will leave now so you can speak with him alone."

Ezca and Farore walked from the chamber as Nayru walked in the opposite direction towards where Simba had went. "Nayru" Simba said as she walked into view, "what I am about to tell you is only known to you and one other person; the only lion I can trust in this world without any doubts whatsoever: Tavari. If this knowledge is somehow lost before it is needed, she will know my true wishes." Simba paused his speaking for a moment to catch his breath, his troubled gasps leaving Nayru uncomfortable. "As king" he continued after a bit, "I have learned that not everything goes according to plan in most scenarios. That is why I have a laid out my wishes for who is to rule these lands even after Ezca, just in case something terrible were to happen. If anything is to happen before Ezca can name an heir, I have entrusted my kingdom, and all it represents, to you Nayru." The silence of the room penetrated Nayru's still heart and her eyes as wide as the full moon. "Your majesty..." She managed to say with a completely surprised voice after what felt like an hour, "I am beyond honored but... a queen as leader? Has that ever been done?" "Whether or not it has been done, it is my will and the proper option between the three of you. You are most fit to rule in my place if Ezca is otherwise unable to. Unorthodox or not, it is my will and as king my will shall be done."

[Accalia]

Kivuli's infinity was so real as she felt the warm sun on her maw and felt her family's presence and pelts once more as they moved around each other and talked as if nothing had split them from the earth that Kivuli walked and she didn't have to soon return to that work without them to face the dark terrors of being without known faces and surrounded in imminent death. She didn't think if that though, she was with her family and she spared every moment she could have with them, real or not.

Kivuli awoke to the light chuckle of the female and felt her body covered in leaf bandages and herbs. Her surroundings were the same and so were the people surrounding her yet still she wasn't sure what to make of the position she was in or of the deep concentration filling the females face. She felt a strange sensation covering and slowly creeping into her body and her eyes grew wide as she was surrounded in a bright light, her mind telling her to worry, but her body felt slightly strengthened. She looked up at Tavari, her eyes still slightly wide. She was not sure what had just happened nor that such things could be done, she simply looked blankly up towards Tavari as she sighed and moved her paw very slightly, pain shooting up her arm as she did so. Kivuli took a long and shaky breath in and said extremely quietly "Thank you.."

Her ears turned back against her head as the loud voice echoed within her skull and she shut her eyes, everything still seemed amplified and her ears hurt with his loud demeanour. In her malnourished state she was not in control of her powers and as Din continued to shout and assert his power she suddenly flickered from appearance and she remained in her unseeable state for several long seconds. Her body was filled with nervous energy, she didn't want the other lions to know of her powers let alone the large male talking to Pulsar. She desperately tried to regain control as her mind fluttered and panicked. She couldn't have them know of her powers, they would kill her right then and there and wouldn't even think twice. They would think her dangerous and a threat despite her weak health, she couldn't have them know.

As her body finally returned to view she heaved a deep and slightly startled sigh of relief and quickly searched the room as fast as her still ill body could manage. She craved for the faces she saw to be blank as if they had seen nothing and hoped pulsars conversation had been enough to distract them from her.

She watched as Pulsar walked towards them and Din walked out of the cave in his humph and she looked up at the dark male with slightly more awake eyes. She watched his eyes scan her over and couldn't stop herself at least asking a few questions, "Why do you care?" She asked frailly, her eyes continued looking up at him as she awaited a response, her mind not quite understanding why he helped her, she knew she had come in hope of aid but she didn't quite understand why this male had helped her she assumed that she would either be directed to the healers or be told to leave, she didn't know that Simbas pride was truly as caring as the rumours said.

[Pulsar]

As Tavari worked her way and her powers on others within the cave that needed her attention, Pulsar remained with Kivuli, still observing her body and it's now bandaged wounds. His eyes shifted as he noticed her looking at him out of the corner of her eye, probably still too weak to lift her head and properly look at him. It was then that the female spoke to him, albeit in a very frail voice. She had asked him why he cared, a question that he couldn't help but faintly smile at. It was a simple question, but the answer was possibly not as much. He returned her look for a few moments of silence, his yellow eyes glowing in the otherwise dimly lit cave. They burned almost, at least that's what it seemed, as if they were burning, not with a roaring fire but more a gentle flame as if idly waiting to be stoked.
"A curious question." He began, his voice rather clam and relaxed, reflecting his relief that she was probably going to be ok. "If I had to guess as to why I cared what happened to you..." he paused, his head tilting slightly as he contemplated his words, his body posture relaxing. "I suppose the simplest answer would be to say that I myself was in a situation not too dissimilar then yours. I know how it feels." The male paused once more, his eyes wandering to the back of the cave that was void of activity or presence of creature. "I guess that I saw myself in you." His eyes darted back to meet hers.
"In truth though, it was for other reasons I assisted you." Turning his body to be horizontal to hers he then proceeded to slowly lower himself and lay onto the ground, making sure to keep his distance.
There he remained for another few moments, silence once more. His gaze had turned to Tavari who he watched as she tended to others who were sick or injured, his view blurred as his mind was too busy wandering to tell his eyes to focus.
"I came from a pride... who they are, I suppose isn't really important or relevant. But... In that pride I took an oath, part of that oath was that as long as I remained a guardian of that pride, I would fight..."
His voice paused, his eyes once more shifting, this time looking to the ground between his front paws.
"I would fight on behalf of those who could not fight for themselves." The yellow maned lion took another pause, his mind clearly constructing and contemplating his words before his mouth ever dared speak them. His face betrayed him as he frowned for a moment as if reluctant to speak of the topic further. "Although that pride is long since gone, I suppose old habits are tougher to kill."

Turning his head he looked Kivuli in the eyes once more for a brief moment before a gentle smirk creeped onto his face. "Also, had I not assisted you, you might have died up there. What kind of lion would I be if I had let a interesting creature such as you perish?. That and well, you were making a mess when you were bleeding everywhere."
Pulsar turned his head back a bit and looked onto his back, some streaks of dried blood ran down his sides from when he had carried her down. "Speaking of, I suppose a bath will be in order at some stage."

[Ruby_Fehu]

(OOC: GUYS! I found motivation, granted the post won't be long, but it's still a post.)

Ruby raised her head when the scent of her oldest daughter caught her attention and she watched her approach before smiling and nuzzling her, shuffling along a little so she could lie beside either one of the two or if she wanted in between them. "Where is your father?" She asked Sola, stumbling over her words a little as the tiredness began to sink in. As if making his presence known Ruby spotted Xoren a little behind Sola and she smiled before she opened her jaws in a yawn and blinked away the tears that formed from it. The hybrid stretched herself out and shuffled a little to rest her paws in front of her so that she could rest her head on them, she glanced towards her daughters sleepily and smiled a little. She watched as Iris snuggled closer to Ruby then turned her gaze up to her mate. Waiting for him to join her so she could rest against him instead - she always found he made quite a comfortable pillow. She grinned to herself at the thought and instead placed her head on her own paws and waited for Xoren and Sola to settle. "Xoren, tomorrow. Before we leave." She said, hoping that he would understand that she meant telling their daughters what she had just told him. "It's too late now." She continued, gesturing to Iris who was completely out of it, even a stampede wouldn't wake her now, she was like her biological father in that sense. Ruby frowned bitterly before dismissing the thoughts, Xoren was her father now. "We should all copy Iris and try to sleep, like Nayru and Farore told us, we're up early tomorrow." She looked at her small family and smiled slightly. With another yawn the hybrid followed her own advise and settled down to sleep. 

(OOC: Yeah, yeah it's short but still)

[Deleted]

Kaimu watched Kulaani and sighed. "So basically, you expect everyone to end up like your parents killer?"
Kulaani looked at the hyena. "Yes."
"How do you know that they will end up like that?" Kaimu asked.
"How do you know they won't?" Kulaani countered.
Kaimu shook his head. "I don't, but the way your treating everyone certainly won't help. These are nice lions, you could make friends with them, maybe even join their pride."
Kulaani glared at him. "I don't think so. I'm not looking for friends, and I certainly don't want to be stuck with others. I just want to find this killer and be left alone, and I don't need your prying."
Kaimu growled in frustration. "You're impossible Kulaani. If you're so determine to be alone for the rest of your life, then go ahead and keep treating everyone badly. You'll live alone and you'll die alone." With that, Kaimu turned away from Kulaani and curled up to sleep. Kulaani shook his head and walked away from the hyena. "Stupid mutt...." Kulaani looked around the area, seeing everyone settling down to sleep. He found a spot away from the others and lied down. He wasn't tired, but he still put his head down and closed his eyes, focusing on his thoughts until sleep would finally overcome him.

[Mercy]

Abeni lay stretched out in the shadows slightly to the side of Pride Rock, on a slightly raised bit of stone. She preferred being away from crowds, they were often times too noisy, too distracting, and predominantly full of rude lions. Not to mention she was new to the pride and hadn't been here very long. She wasn't even sure if the Generals, or Ezca, for that matter, knew she was here. Abeni wasn't very noticeable and was easily forgotten. She had stopped by these lands and only planned to stay for a few days on her journey home, but then she had heard rumors of a quest. If it could be called that. Now, she was rethinking her potential request to join the party, upon witnessing just who would be leading it. She was quite unimpressed by the whole assembly. She had watched with half-lidded eyes as the weak and wearied King Simba addressed the crowd of lions and then felt the first sparks of annoyance in her when General Din, with his pompous air of disgusting self-inclination, decided it would be much better to interrogate the injured lioness and then find out if she was strong enough to answer his questions. Abeni curled her lip, remembering the situation. She had been about to stand up for the young lioness if that yellow maned male hadn't gotten to her first.


Silently, Abeni stood and got to her feet, flicking her tail as she stretched. She was tired, and feeling rather moody. These lions weren't so bad. She particularly liked Ezca and that one General...Farore? He seemed intelligent and kind. Two traits she highly esteemed. She looked up and watched as most of the crowd dispersed in twos and threes. Abeni looked off to the horizon and wondered about this journey. It looked as though many lions and lionesses were going, and Abeni wasn't exactly social. She liked her independence and though she was very obedient to her superiors, it was much easier to carry out orders when she respected those who issued them. Of course, she honored Simba. He was a great King and she was sorry to see him suffer. She would love to help his pride, and find this wondrous stone. However, she also wanted to continue on her way and see her family again. It had been a long time since she had seen them, and she missed her mother and father. Abeni swallowed hard as a lump formed in her throat and tears pricked her eyes. It had been so long! She took a few deep breaths and felt herself calm down. Crying made her uncomfortable and she certainly didn't want to appear weak in a new pride.

After she felt a little more relaxed, Abeni decided to weigh her options. She always did this when faced with a tough decision and usually it came out well for her. She could either take the journey home, and risk going without a secure source of food and water until she returned home. Or, she could go with this assembly and try to find this stone. They also wouldn't have a secure source of food and water, and there could be danger, but at least she wouldn't be alone. Abeni laughed to herself. Danger was faced everyday and though she was cautious, she was no coward. She flattened her ears to her head. Not that she was aware of anyway.
So....the odds were about the same for either choice.

Abeni quietly sat and curled her tail over her paws. She couldn't leave Simba's pride. Not when she could help this pride in need. If they would take her, she would go. Her family lived in her. After all, she belonged to two prides, the pride of her father Nthanda, and the Great pride of the Kings and Queens of the Past. They would watch out for her. They always did and she hadn't lost faith in them yet. She took a deep breath and sighed, closing her eyes as a gentle breeze caressed her, playing with her windblown pelt. She then opened her storm cloud eyes and stared intently out into the savannah. The only thing left to do now that she had made her decision, was speak to someone in charge.

[Hypercube]

(OOC: Sorry for taking so long! It isn't much but it's something =P)

Xoren walked behind her daughter until they entered the cave that the rest of their family was waiting in. As Ruby asked for him Xoren moved towards her, a small, tired smile on his lips - he still couldn't get what she had said on out of his head. He laid beside her as Sola did the same on his opposite flank and rested his paws on the ground so that his head could perch upon them like Ruby had as he listened to her speak. "Yes, I would agree" he responded once she suggested when they should inform their daughters of the situation before continuing jokingly, "I don't think Iris would even stay up long enough for us to get the sentence out." Xoren looked to Ruby as she smiled and couldn't help reciprocating and then looking to his two daughters, one almost asleep and the other just beginning to rest her head on his flank. "Good night everyone" he said as he let out a huge yawn before falling into the needed embrace of sleep.

[Accalia]

Kivuli watched his response carefully, her head too heavy to lift properly, she stared at him with her one visible eye. She watched as the corner of his mouth turned upwards in a small smile. She wanted to smile back, but the effort involved was too much, she was tired and beaten and doubted she was going to make the meeting in the morning, but she had to, she needed to. She watched as his yellow eyes glowed and they reminded her of the sun. Inside she smiled and remembered the sun light on her grey pelt, she closed her eyes and listened to Pulsar's reply, his words echoing within her head. They gentleness of them soothed her and the gaps between his speech seemed to melt away. When he said how she reminded him of himself she opened her eyes slowly and met him gaze, her blue eyes mellow and yet somewhat alight, as if her mind were buzzing and that her body was left behind. She watched as he lay down near to her bed of leaves. The background of noise formed a lulling sound that repeated its different tones. From the way the male was acting she could tell what ever he was about to say was hard for him and so she turned her eye on Tavari instead and watched as she lovingly tended after a patient with a nasty gash cross the neck. She turned back to Pulsar when he looked at her and she found his smile contagious, replying with a very frail one of her own when she talked of how much of a mess she had made. It was only then that she noticed the long streaks of dried blood running down his sides that she stopped her smile. "Sorry" she whispered, her eyes following the steaks down his side.

After a long moment of silence she looked into Pulsars yellow eyes and said quietly "Will you promise to wake me tomorrow?" She knew it was a silly thing to ask of him, but she knew that no one else here would. Tavari wouldn't do it because she knew how healers were about sleep. She lay there starring at him with her blue eye, the small swirl beneath sinking away as the dark of the night approached. She wanted more then anything to be better, to be able to freely wake herself the next day and walk to the gathering at Pride Rock without trouble. She wanted to be free from the pain and memory of the lions who inflicted the long streaks of blood into her side, their faces filled with hunger, their body's muscular but thin. Their eyes... Their eyes filled with hate, pride and need. They were her pride, the pride she was forced to join the one she was forced to fight for, she almost had to continue the generations for it. She hated that pride, how it had killed her family, her small, loving family. She remembered the picture of them strewn across the floor, eyes sunken, lying in their pools of blood.

Her mind set her body to rest as sleep enveloped her, that night no dreams came, just a void of silence and in a way peace. No pain, no hate, no love. She spent the night in nothingness.

[Pulsar]

As Kivuli apologised for bleeding all over the male, he couldn't help but return a warm smile "Don't worry about it, you're not the first to bleed on me." pausing for a moment he looked at his paws, his smile fading "Not the first to apologise for it either..." he added though in a more hushed voice as if speaking aloud but to himself. This happened only for a moment before he turned his gaze back to her and his gentle smile reappeared on his face. "These things happen, all that matters is that you pull through."
His smile once again faded when his ears caught the faint whisper of her request that he awaken her in the morning for the journey. His expression now more solemn as he nodded in response. He found himself curious as to why she was so set on partaking in the pride's endeavour. She was an outsider after all, had only arrived, she knew no one here, had no real reason to want to help. "I wonder..." Pulsar frowned to himself. "Could she be a member of scar's ranks?" From what he had heard, he certainly wouldn't put it past Scar's troop to try somehow get someone into this expedition. Then again, her state was so critical. The yellow maned lion shook his head ever so slightly as he dismissed his thoughts, deeming his suspicions a bit too far fetched. It was then that he realised that he was frowning and still while looking at the stranger. Thankfully for him, she had already fallen asleep, no doubt due to her injuries.

Pulsar took a moment and lifted his head to look around the cave, observing Tavari and her assistants as they tirelessly tended to those in the cave. Passing past each other back and forth as they fetched medicines and plants for various needs. Most doing their jobs without any real command from Tavari herself. Evidently she had trained them all well.
Slowly standing up, Pulsar made his way to a small pool in one of the cave's corners. It was a little well that had been dug out by the healers, the water in it collected from the ceiling as it dripped down. The water was also over some sort of vent he believed the healers referred to it as. A hole more or less, but through it heat emerged and caused the water to be nice and warm. It made a great treatment for lions that had pulled a muscle and managed to sprain themselves somehow. Slowly he made his way into the pool, inch by inch his fur became wet until he was up to his head deep in it, the blood, slowly seeping out from him and splaying out onto the cleaner waters. He would have worried, but the water's of the pool seemed to circulate themselves, no doubt through the hole near the base. This kept the water clean and fresh, even when lion's washed bleeding wounds and the like in it. The male let out a sigh as he felt his body relax and his fur be cleaned by the waters. The nice heat and low bubbling of the vent made for a relaxing environment, especially with the faint white-noise of the healers working in the background. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath in through his nose then let it out through his mouth.
"Don't get too comfortable cub, your muscles will fall asleep on you and you'll drown."
The old voice of lady Tavari sounded out from behind him. Slowly turning due to the water's resistance he looked up at her. She stood at the pools edge, her wrangled face looking back at him, a slightly smirk upon her mouth.
"Sorry Tavari, I just needed a bit of freshening up before I go to sleep."
"Humph, no doubt. So.. That oaf is sending you on that fool's errand I assume?"
"Fool's er- Tavari, I know you disapprove of Din, but this is something all the generals have decided to do, it's in Simba's and the pride's best interests."
"Is it?"
Pulsar paused, a deep frown creeping onto his expression. As his brain registered her comment. His head tilted and turned slightly.
"Is it?"
He repeated, one of his eyebrows raising in curiosity, as if asking her to elaborate on her statement.
"Everyone has their time, not even I could heal the king, perhaps it's a sign." Pulsar opened his mouth to respond but was cut off by the older female. "I adore Simba, I do. I've known him many years even back when he was but a little ball of fluff as a young'n. Still... This.... Stone..."
Silence feel as a concerned look played upon Tavari's face, her eyes gazing into the water's of the pool, the surface of which rippled slightly from Pulsar's minute movements. "This stone, there's something, not right. Something with powers like that surely must have a cost in using it." She paused once more. "With great power, one more often then not has to pay a great cost." As she spoke her eyes looked up and met Pulsar's. He knew what she was implying, knew all too well the dangers of having access to great powers. "You believe there is a drawback?" he finally asked as his yellow eyes gleamed from the light of the cave. "Well dear, you should know that nothing comes free. Ask yourself, do you think something with the power to defy death itself doesn't come without some sort of cost?"
"I don't know and I won't know, until I see the stone for myself." He replied, his voice slightly determined but also respectful.
"Just be cautious dear, that's all I'm saying. You don't live as long as I have without seeing and learning a great many things." Tavari turned her head and looked at Kivuli, her action drawing Pulsar to do the same.
"This world, it is a beautiful place, full of awe and wonder, but often cruel and unforgiving. Those who forget that are often the ones that fall prey to it." Turning her head she looked back at him, once more causing the male to follow suit and return the look. He could see a look of determination in the female's eye, she definitely believed her concerns were valid and in many senses, they were. "If you are going with them tomorrow, please do what you can to protect them... because I won't be there to." After a brief pause Tavari turned and walked off to attend to those that needed her. Pulsar remained in the pool, looking at his reflection. Taking a deep breath he submerged his head under and gave his face and mane a quick rub down with his paws before resurfacing for air. The water trickled down his fur till it touched the greater water mass he stood in. His thoughts busy mulling over what the old lioness had said to him. She had no way of knowing what the stone would be like, just like he had, or anyone else. At least, not to his knowledge. That meant that the stone could possibly restore life, or it could not. Maybe it didn't have any cost of use, or maybe it did. All he was sure of was that they would need to reach it to find out, assuming it even existed at all.
With that the male pulled himself out of the pool and made his way back toward Kivuli, the sound of drips and drops as the water ran from his mane and fur hit the ground causing a faint echo through the otherwise quiet cave. His eyes locked to his wet paws as they squelched against the dry rock. Once he returned to where he had been, he found a bed of leaves had been set up. Looking around he caught the eye of one of the female assistants who then turned their gaze to someone else. Pulsar's eyes followed theirs until they fell upon Tavari. The male couldn't help but smile for a moment before lying down and resting his head on his paws to get some rest.

[Ruby_Fehu]

(OOC: I'm going to introduce another NPC, a second healer who can travel with the pride when they start the quest. If need be I can just remove her if people are in disagreement with it)


Ruby woke with a start the next morning and sent her gaze flickering around the cave as she tried to get her bearings. It took her a few slow moments to realise that she was in the main cave of Pride Rock. She raised her paws and placed them on top of her head, bringing them down in a stroking motion as she cleared the sleep from her eyes with a low moan. She sent her red gaze over her surroundings again before standing up slowly she pushed her front paws forward and arched her back in a stretch. She looked down at her still sleeping family and then heard a slight sound nearby, she snapped her gaze up and came face to face with Nayru who smiled warmly at Ruby who, after a few moments of hesitation, returned it. She glanced down at Xoren who was still asleep before she carefully stepped over them and padded to Nayru who dipped her head in greeting, "Good morning, Ruby." 
"Nayru." Ruby greeted.
"I noticed that you and your mate were having a very serious conversation the other night, are you quite alright?"
"Oh, yes. Nothing to worry about, it's just Xoren being protective of me."
"Oh?"
"I'm expecting a cub and Xoren does not wish for me to travel in such a condition." She explained, trying to avoid sounding sarcastic.
"I can understand why." Nayru replied, tilting her head to one side, her sapphire blue eyes thoughtful. "Come, we shall speak to Tavari, she is an expert on these situations."
"Nayru, while I appreciate that you are concerned, I'm more than certain that I will be fine. It's still early. I highly doubt our journey will take four months."
"You cannot be sure, Ruby. This task will be dangerous. Please follow me." Nayru gave Ruby a firm look, and the hybrid scowled a little before obediently following Nayru.



The walkway to the healer's cave was long and winding and Ruby was almost expecting it to never end when eventually the only female general reared left and entered a large open cave. Ruby scanned the area and her gaze fell on the lioness from before, she was asleep and looking far better than she had been the night before. The healer's had done a good job, she thought evidently impressed. She allowed her gaze to wander again and this time she noticed a large mountain of black fur with a shock of white and yellow. Ruby couldn't help but laugh as she looked at Pulsar who, from past experience had learnt that he never liked to let is guard down. He looked rather peaceful. Smirking a little she followed Nayru over to a greying lioness who raised her gaze to them, Ruby was taken aback by how... young, the elder looked. The hybrid sent her gaze sweeping over the lioness, pausing briefly on her eyes, one was white and misty with an ugly scar covering it, the other a startlingly beautiful lavender colour that shone with mischief. Ruby bowed her head respectfully only to have a laugh in reply, "Now, now cub. Please don't bow to me, I'm not the almighty Simba." She said, her voice playful and a crooked grin creeping onto her lips. Ruby was taken aback by the elder's tone and looked up at Nayru who had the signs of a smile on her own lips. "Tavari, Ruby and I wish to ask for your professional advice on something."
"And what is that advice you need Nayru?"
"Ruby is withchild yet she is joining this journey. Do you think that wise?"
Tavari fixed her good eye on Ruby thoughtfully, giving her the once over, "Will you be alone amongst the gathering or with company?"
"I will be with my mate and two daughters. But an old friend will be travelling with the group too." She gestured with her head to Pulsar who was still asleep.
"If you are travelling around your family and Pulsar and the general's of course. You have plenty of cats to protect you. And one of my younger healers - still new to this - will be going along." Tavari looked around the cave and gestured to a young female who was currently tending to a young cub. "Afya is quite intelligent for such a young healer. Afya, come here." Tavari called and Afya started, Ruby looked to the lioness who padded over and Ruby noted that she was no older than Iris, maybe if Sola if she pushed it a little. The lioness was small in size with muddy coloured fur and bright green eyes. 
"Lady Tavari." Afya said nervously, "Did I do something wrong?"
Tavari gave Afya a warm smile and shook her head, "No child. I'm just telling you to keep an eye on this young hybrid here when you start the quest today."
"Oh?" Afya said in surprise, "Well, of course I will. It is my duty as a healer to protect all who are travelling. It's a pleasure to meet you -"
"Ruby."
"Ruby." Afya repeated with a smile, "Lady Tavari, could we possibly leave this for a few moments? I need to finish tending to Aiyana."
"Yes, my cub. I'd like you to report to me at least half an hour before you leave, understood?"
"Yes ma'am." Afya murmured, "I need to continue gathering herbs and the like before, I'd like to run by you that everything I collect is correct for the necessities. If that is quite alright with you?"
Tavari nodded and smiled at Afya before turning back to Ruby and Nayru who had remained quiet the whole time. "Anything more? It's just I too should get back to work."
"No, nothing else. Thank you lady Tavari." Nayru smiled dipping her head respectfully and turning back to Ruby, "Come, we shall return to your family."

---

Iris woke up with a start when a slightly cold breeze washed over her and she jolted up into a sitting position, whipping her head around the cave until she realised why she was so cold, her mother had moved and was no longer close enough for Iris to snuggle into, she frowned a little before scooting over to her father and nuzzling into him, the concoction of the cold and the lack of her mother and woken Iris and even if she wanted to she wouldn't have been able to fall back asleep. She nibbled on her lip before peeking over at her father who was sound asleep, his breathing content. After a few moment Iris decidedly began pawing at her father hoping to wake him up, "Dad." She whispered, "Dad, wake up. Mum is missing." She said, nudging him a little harder. "Wake up dad." Iris pouted sitting up and starting to gnaw and tug on his ear hoping that would wake him. With a slight huff, she stood up and began looking around the main cave for her mother. She could say various felines from the night before and she had a feeling she could see the hyena but she wasn't really sure, it could just have been a lion with the same colouring. With a slight pout she padded away from her father and allowed her gaze to rest on a dark tunnel leading to deeper parts of the cave. With a mischievous smirk she sauntered over silently, her gaze shifted around and paused on the lions nearest to the entrance of the tunnel - they were all asleep. With a grin Iris started to pick up her pace and run down the tunnel, looking for an adventure. 


The young adolescent snickered and started taking random turns until she reached a large room, and sure enough she spotted her mother conversing with Nayru, and two other lions. With a cublike curiosity Iris slipped behind a large monument like rock and poked her head around trying to eavesdrop but as she took up a comfortable position her mother and Nayru started to leave, with a slight pout she slumped onto her haunches to sulk about not being able to hear anything. She huffed noisily and she thought for a moment her mother had heard her but Ruby just shrugged and continued leaving the cave they were currently in. Iris, not wanting to go back to her parents and told off decided to stay and watch as what Iris had figured out to be healers continued about their daily chores. She looked over to the lion she knew to know her mother before sauntering over to him and starting to prod at his face and flick his mane, unbeknownst to her, just like her mother used to do.

[Deleted]

Kulaanis eyes flew open and he lifted his head to look around the cave. His sleep had been filled with nightmares about his parents death, which was pretty common but it always affected him. With a heavy sigh, he stood up and walked out of the cave. With the dawn light shining on him he gave a long satisfying stretch, then with a shake of his short, pale mane, he walked over to the edge and sat down to look at the distance. As he gazed out on the horizon, he let his thoughts wander off about the upcoming journey. Soon they would be off to find the Resurrection Stone and keep it from the paws of Scar's followers. He desperately hoped that his parents murderers would be among them, but part of him suspected that they wouldn't. That didn't matter much to him now though, since his new plan was to use the stone to bring back his parents. He could be with them again, the only problem was using it without the Pridelanders knowledge. Kulaanis eyes widened as a thought crossed his mind. King Simba was seriously ill, and it wouldn't be long before his dies. What if the Pridelanders use the stone to resurrect Simba? They might keep extra care over it to make sure it doesn't disappear. Maybe they should, he was their king. Perhaps they should use it to bring him back. Kulaani shook his head and let out a low growl. No, he wasn't going to change his mind. He would find a way to get the stone and bring back his parents. He didn't care about these lions, let them sort themselves out.

“Good morning.”
Kulaani jumped a little and spun around to see Kaimu standing behind him. He growled, more frustrated with himself than the hyena for letting his guard down.
“Stupid mutt, can't you find someone else to scare?”
Kaimu shrugged. “I would, but a lot of the lions here don't trust me yet and they might mistake it as an attack.”
Kulaani rolled his eyes and turned back to look at the horizon. Kaimu walked up to sit down next to him and look at the distance, but after a few moments he turned his head to look at Kulaani.
“You look rough, bad night?”
“Why do you care?” Kulaani growled.
“I heard you whimper several times, you even clawed the ground a few times.” Kaimu told him, looking concerned. “I'm surprised no one else heard it.”
Kulaani snarled. “Alright, so I have nightmares now and then. Everybody does.”
Kaimu shook his head. “Not everyone went through what you did.”
“Are you going to start prying into my life again?” Kulaani asked.
“No, but I'm here if you do want to talk.” Kaimu told him.
Kulaani growled, it looks like he was stuck with this mutt. He was starting to regret letting the hyena tag along but maybe having him at his side won't be too bad, Kaimu could prove to be useful.

---

Kaimu couldn't figure out what was wrong with Kulaani. It's usually common to want the comfort of others when they've suffered for so long, but he was different. He wanted nothing to do with anyone, which made Kaimu wonder if there was something else that Kulaani refused to reveal. He would keep trying to figure it out, but he will be more subtle about it from now on. Kulaani is already starting to get frustrated with him due to his constant poking, he didn't want to make it worse. Kaimu hoped however, that Kulaani would eventually decide to talk to him and let out everything that was bothering him. He was sincere when he told the lion that he would listen, because he wanted to help him. For now though, he would just have to wait and instead focus on the quest. He looked forward to it not only to help this pride, but to show that he is not like the other hyenas. Although, he had a feeling that proving himself to that one lion named Din would prove much more of a challenge than the rest of the pride, He won't let it put him down though, he will do whatever it takes to prove himself.

[Mercy]

Abeni blearily opened her eyes and blinked slowly as the first rays of sun caressed the savannah. She yawned and turned to look over her shoulder at the small huddles of lions that seemed to be rising from their slumber. She hadn't even realized she had fallen asleep. At least it had been a peaceful night, and she had gotten a restful sleep. She stiffly rose from her place on the edge of Pride Rock and flexed her shoulders. She sighed and then stretched her legs and shook her windblown fur in an attempt to become fully awake. Birds were starting to sing and greet the morning and the air was saturated with their melodious voices. Today was the day. She would approach Ezca or someone else in charge and try to join the expedition. She would talk to anyone except General Din, she decided finally. He would get nothing from her except a slight nod or shake of the head. Flicking her tail, as she thought to herself, Abeni hastily sat back on her haunches and gave herself a few licks on the chest and pawed at her forehead in an attempt to seem more put together. She wanted to make a good first impression on the leaders of Pride Rock, and her slightly messy pelt was not going to provide any assistance.
Abeni sighed and then stood back up. She stretched one final time, and then padded around the corner of Pride Rock towards the entrance of the cave where she knew the Generals (except Din), Ezca, or someone of a kind nature, could certainly help her join the group heading towards salvation.

[Hypercube]

Xoren awoke to the sun shining into the cave, its rays bouncing from rock to rock and its heat warming his fur. With a large yawn he stretched out his legs and began to stand, being very careful not to wake his still sleeping family. It wasn't until he rose that had noticed both Ruby and Iris were missing from the cave. He groggily scanned his surroundings and failed to find any sign of his mate or younger daughter. "Sola," he said with a still-sleepy voice, "Sola, it's time to get up." The younger cub twitched her eyes open for a quick moment before rolling over to her other side, presumably fighting the fact that it was time to awake. "Come on," Xoren said playfully nudging her with his paw, "we need to go find your mother and Iris." With a reluctant energy Sola finally stood up and stretched, her eyes clenched shut in an attempt to wake up.

Xoren and his daugther walked outside of the cave and both looked around the surrounding area of Pride Rock. "Where do you think they went?" Sola asked her father. "I'm not sure," Xoren responded with a hint of concern in his voice, "but I think I have a guess." Xoren started to walk down the nearest pathway with his daughter following closely behind. After a few moments of walking they intercepted Ruby and Nayru as they were traveling back to their temporary home. "Mom!" Sola chirped when she saw her, "we weren't sure where you went, are you alright?" "She's just fine," Nayru said with a smile before looking to Xoren, "we were just discussing a possible concern with the journey." "Is there something to be worried about?" Xoren said with obvious concern as he made sure not to clue Sola off to the nature of the issue. "Not at all," Nayru said looking back to Ruby "with the amount of company there will be on this mission there is no reason to have any trepidations." Xoren let out a heavy sigh of relief before moving towards Ruby and nuzzling her affectionately before realizing the obvious. "Ruby," he said in a curious tone, "was Iris with you?"

[Accalia]

A lazy eye lid slowly opened as Kivuli arose her drowsy body and mind. She lay there with her eyes half open for quite some time, her aching body remaining stationary for as long as her mind would allow. She didn't quite take in anything of her surroundings for several long minutes. The many sounds of the morning all seemed to melt and intertwine with each other to form a complex yet soothing sound. There were several groaning sounds from other animals that too had been hospitalised and the ever going shuffle of Tavari and her assistances as they fetched ointments or herbs to solve the lions groans and maladies. Her eyes began to open wider and she attempted to see her surroundings without shifting her head, but she did not prevail. All her eyes could see clearly was the cave ceiling which seemed to hold Kivuli's concentration for a long while as she traced the lines of different colours of rock and took in the difference between the smooth and rough rock that was immediately above her. As her mind began to kick in and start up she rubbed her eyes with a slightly floppy paw. The dry blood that had trickled down her long limbs crackled slightly as she did this as the long fur on her legs was forced to move with the tensing of her muscles and movement towards her face.

Suddenly she remembered everything of the day before and involuntarily snapped upwards, her body immediately regretting the decision as her muscles groaned with an aching pain. She propped herself up with her arm and franticly tried to gather the strength to push herself up from her bed of leaves. Her body no longer buzzed with the sting of fresh wounds and she would have to thank Tavari if she saw her for doing that for a stranger, if she could pluck up the courage. She sighed and grimaced as she turned over and pushed herself up from the lain out leaves. She looked down at her legs, realising how she appeared in the bandages and in her mind gave a small smile, she looked ridiculous. Her legs wavered slightly with the effort of keeping her up. She spun her body around to face the rest of the cave and let out a small sigh as she rolled her shoulder backwards in a poor attempt to loosen the taught muscles attached to her shoulder blade. She looked to the space around her bed and noticed the large black mountain of fur that was the male from the day before. She watched for a moment to she if he would stir before turning around once more and beginning to walk out of the cave, her legs burning aching quite severely, but that wouldn't let her at least attempt to join this journey. She hobbled her way up the trodden path that she hoped would lead toward Pride Rock, she didn't remember any of the path Pulsar had taken her down the night before and so was simply hoping she was headed the right way.

[Pulsar]

While Pulsar had slept through the night, he had found his dreams haunted by the same nightmare he would get from time to time, always the same situation always the same outcome. Such a thing always vexed him. This had caused the male to toss and turn a bit during his slumber, but oddly he never really awoke from this nightmare of his. The fog of sleep slowly lifted from his conscious as he felt an odd sensation of something touching him. Instinctively the male rolled over onto his back with a slow thud, his legs splayed out in all directions and his tongue lolling out of his mouth a little. It had seemed he was oblivious to the attics of Iris, however, his sleep was not to last as Tavari - who had just been excused from her conversation with Ruby and Nayru - noticed the cub prodding and playing with the male's mane and made her way over.
"No no dear, that's not how you go about it." She said as she approached Iris and used a paw to move the cub away from Pulsar.
"Let me show you how it's done, in order to wake THIS one up, one requires a bit more finesse."
As she spoke she stood very dignified, ever so slightly tilting her head up as she raised a paw and in one swift motion and as nonchalantly as possible... smacked him across the head with the back of her paw.
This sudden shock on the senses caused the yellow maned male to sharply flinch on the spot, his eye darted open and his entire body coiled and vaulted him into an upright position, all in the span of a second or two. He let out a low growl as the crystal upon his head flared with light and sparks of lighting ran along his fur from head to tail-tip. His head shifted left and right as he looked around for the source of his attacker. It took one or two 'scans' before his mind finally kicked in. As his eyes came back across Tavari and the cub they stopped on the old female. She looked at him with a raised eyebrow, a faintly whimsical yet plain expression upon her face. His brows furrowed as he looked at her with what could only be described as pure seething hatred. The energy running over his body slowly disappeared and the crystal jutting from his skull darkened back to it's normal brightness.

The two remained like this for several moments before his expression returned to normal. With a loud thud he slumped to the ground, as if his legs had given way from under him. This was followed by a deep low groan as he placed one paw on his face and slowly dragged it down.
"One of these days I'm going to kill you and I'll laugh all the while."
"Spare me, as if you could stand in a fight against me."
"Why must you do this to me? What possible evil could I have commited to deserve such a punishment." He added as he withdrew his paw from his face and looked up at her, clearly unamused by her behaviour.
"Well, i've done it so many times that at this stage it's practically a tradition!"
"This is why I never sleep in or around Pride Rock anymore, you know that right?"
"Oh hush, stop being such a cub."
The male grunted and raised himself to his feet, his eyes and brain finally catching sight of Tavari's companion and no doubt accomplice in crime. He was still groggy from the fact that he had to go from being asleep to hyper active and aware in the span of all of two seconds or so. The tiredness of such a thing slowly settling back down upon him.
"She was trying to wake you up, I was showing her the proper technique."
"That is not the proper technique! If anyone else ever does that to me I'll rip their damned head off!" He snapped back though in a rather normal tone of voice, a look of complete contempt present on his face.
"Do I even want to know?" he spoke as he almost rolled his eyes backward, his eyebrows raising accordingly. As he looked forward once more his yellow eyes turning back to Tavari who simply shrugged in response.

"I swear, Tavari... What age are you again? Remind me, please..." Pulsar shook his head and let out a deep sigh before raising a paw and massaging the bridge of his nose between his eyes. It was too early for this kind of behaviour, far too early. They probably woke up the outlander fema-
Pulsar's eyes shot open as they darted to the leaf bed beside him where Kivuli should have been.
"Tavari, where's the outsider?"
The sudden realisation struck the old lioness. She had been too busy toying around with Pulsar that she didn't even realised that the patient was missing. As Pulsar looked to her he could see the concern and shock on her face.
"Great Kings damn it all!" he grunted before turning and darting out of the cave. He needed to find her, he was SUPPOSED to be guarding her.
He left so suddenly that he never even had a chance to interact with the cub that had been with Tavari, though at the current moment in time he had more pressing matters.
How did she get the strength to move?! His mind wondered as he slid to a halt as he emerged from the cave entrance at the base of Pride Rock. The early morning sun shone in his eyes as his head and gaze darted around the immediate area. Nothing but pride members were to be seen, going about their daily routines as usual.
"Maybe she's gone to the top of Pride Rock again..." he muttered to himself as he darted up and around. Drawing attention from the members standing around as they watched him run off. Sparks suddenly shot around his fur as Pulsar used his energy to accelerated his speed. It took only a moment before he caught up to her on the path leading up the side of Pride Rock.
He appeared to instantly stand before her, the air rushing past briefly as he stopped so prominently, a little dust plume followed as small sparks of energy surged along his body and into the immediate surrounding air before the effect eventually began to dissipate. His stance was firm, he stood horizontal as if to create a barrier before her. His eyes glared at her, the yellow in them flashing as a residual side effect of his power, it caused them almost to look like flames flickering in the wind.
"What are you doing up here?" he spoke in a most demanding tone. She was still an outsider after all, she can't just go waltzing around as she pleased.

[Ruby_Fehu]

"You mean she's not with you?" Ruby demanded, glaring at Xoren a little. "She was asleep, I've only been gone ten minutes, how on Earth could you have lost her in such little time." She snapped, "Did she not even TRY to wake you up before she went off where ever?" There was an annoyed silence as Ruby began to scan the area looking panicked, even years after being reunited with Iris she still got a horrible sinking feeling whenever Iris left her sight, before the any of the felines gathered could say anything, Ruby had turned on her heel and raced off back down the way she'd been. As she began to reach the main cave a large black mass of fur hurtled into her, knocking her to the side hard. "Watch yourself Pulsar." Ruby shouted angrily over her shoulder when she saw the bright yellow mane as well. She pushed herself back to her paws, the irritation clear on her face as she stalked into the healing cave and spotted Iris talking to Tavari, "Iris!" The hybrid exclaimed when she saw her daughter, the anger in her tone more noticeable than she had wanted. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes to came herself before speaking in a slightly steadier voice, "What are you doing here?"



Iris looked up at Tavari when Pulsar blanked her looking both offended and furious. "He needs to cool off." She grumbled, a slight smirk playing around her lips as she placed a paw in the nearby water and allowing her cyan gaze to glaze over and become a luminious blue. As soon as Iris realised what she'd started to do she removed her paw from the water and scolded herself. It was all well and good showing Tavari her talent with water but her parents had forbidden her from using her power unless necessary. "It's no wonder mum never mentioned him to me. He's a jerk." Iris continued, earning a husky laugh from Tavari as she looked back at her, clearly feeling more at ease now that the black male had gone off after the outsider. The adolescent turned suddenly when she heard her name being called, looking like a deer in headlights. Her family had obviously noticed she had gone. 
She turned and saw her mother stalking towards her looking terrifyingly furious. Iris couldn't help but cower away from her mother, she'd never seen her so angry - except maybe that time she'd got into a fight with an eagle. "Mum..." Iris stammered, stepping back a little bit. "What are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here? What are you doing here?" Ruby demanded, her voice scarily soft. 
"I woke up and saw you'd gone so I tried to find you. I was scared."
Ruby's expression softened as she knew what Iris was getting at, Iris quite often got nervous if she couldn't find her mother. Even though she had Xoren and Sola now she'd always been a mummy's girl and after her nightmare of a cubhood she always became frightened in case the 'bad people' had got her mum instead of her. 


Nayru had walked off towards the front of Pride Rock to try and help find Iris when she noticed a nervous looking lioness with slightly scruffy fur, she watched as the lioness looked around carefully before approaching her. "I don't think I've ever seen you." Nayru observed looking down at the lioness with her head tilted. "Are you okay?" She asked gently. 

[Deleted]

Kaimu was lost when his thoughts when something drew him back to reality. He turned around to see Ruby talking with Xoren and looking around frantically before running off down a path.
“I wonder what's going on.”
“The hybrid probably lost something.” Kulaani replied. He hadn't even turned to look at the commotion, he must have figured out who it was just be listening.
“Her name is Ruby you know.”
Kulaani shrugged. “Great, I know her name. Does that mean I friends with her now?” He got up and started to walk away.
Kaimu sighed and watched him. “Where are you going?”
“Hunting.” Kulaani replied.
Kaimus' ears folded back nervously. “You can't hunt on this prides territory, you might get in trouble!”
Kulaani stopped in his tracks. Kaimu watched as he growled and sat down with a thud, like a cub would when they throw a tantrum.
“This is stupid, I hate staying with groups.” Kulaani muttered.
Kaimu shook his head. “I know, but if you want to go on this journey, then you need to follow the rules.”
Still growling, Kulaani got up and continued on. “I guess I'll just walk around then, I'm sure they can't get mad at me for that.”
“Only if you give them a reason to be mad.” Kaimu muttered.
Kulaani headed for the path that Ruby had ran off on. He had never been back that way and so he was a little curious to see what was back there. As he walked he came across three lions. One was the injured lioness who had arrived yesterday during the meeting. The second was another lioness who approached the injured lioness and was talking with her. The third was the black lion that carried away the injured lioness during the meeting. Without giving them a second glance, he continued on down the path.

[Mercy]

Abeni swallowed nervously before padding hesitantly up to Nayru, one of the Generals. She could hardly keep the tremor out of her tail as she attempted to compose herself. She seems...oh gosh is she glaring?! Maybe I should try and make an acquaintance before introducing myself. No...best to do this now. Get a hold of yourself idiot! They won't take you seriously if you don't.. GET A GRIP! Her thoughts were out of control. She took one deep lungful of air, raised her head and allowed the faintest glimmer of a potential smile to grace her lip. That's how it's done. She purred inwardly. It's all about attitude. Nayru seemed to have taken notice of her and Abeni felt herself shrink as her eyes met the gaze of the blue-maned lioness. "I don't think I've ever seen you. Are you okay?" The slim lioness inquired gently. Her wide eyes were bright and vivid and her voice sounded like  a stream. Bubbly and yet quiet. Abeni looked cautiously at the General and saw that her eyes, while vivid were also guarded and hid intelligence. This explained her rank, since the small, sleek form did not seem to be built for battle. She shook herself in an attempt to focus. "Hello. I am alright, thank you for asking. You are General Nayru correct?" She stumbled over her words and felt a blush rise in her cheeks, clearly her attempt at confidence had failed. She hoped the marks on her forehead did not stand out.

Nayru nodded and gave her a small smile. "I was hoping to join in the expedition going to the ocean. I would like to help. If you will have me... My name is Abeni." Abeni finished her introduction and smiled nervously, even though she felt like deflating under Nayru's calculating stare. The lioness did not seem intimidating, and yet the extreme intelligence beneath her surface was clearly visible to Abeni. Surely, Nayru would see that she would make a good addition to the group. Abeni sat down on her haunches and lifted her head and neck in an attempt to show off her muscular forelegs and shoulders. She would be an excellent huntress and warrior. If given the chance. Nayru opened her mouth to speak, but clamped it shut a heartbeat later. The General's eyes narrowed and her stare shifted to something behind Abeni. A small crease formed between her brows. "NAYRU!" A grating roar sounded out from behind Abeni and she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Just perfect. Things were certainly going to get interesting now. Whatever happened she wouldn't lose her temper. She would be sweet and simpering and kind. She would not speak unless spoken to. For the voice belonged to General Din.

[Leto]

The summit of the Pride Rock was eclipsed by a shadow cast in the light of the morning sun; the sound of flapping wings slowed the dark creature to a halt landing with grace onto the cool rock, his paw pads feeling the cold stone beneath his feet. A flap of his massive black wings threw some dust into the air but then folded gently along his back The talon like claws of his right paw was securely gripping the carcass of a hare, the rodent was merely a snack for a creature his size but the food was not intended for him. He leaned down and was about to pick it up his maw when an excited voice tore through the chill air, “You’re back!” the voice was accompanied by the frantic patter of paw steps as a small tiger cub with a blue-grey coat, no more than 9-10 years old rushed up to the much larger winged tiger. His broad paws made him a little clumsy in running halfway tripping over himself in excitement, “I’ve been waiting ages!” his face scrounged to a fake pout as he came to a skidded halt before the winged tiger, the youth's words draw a wide, amused smirk across the adult's muzzle.

“Patience is a virtue, baby boy.” Yuuchi chuckled heartedly, “I’m no baby, I’m 10 years old!” he protested but the smile on the older male’s face didn’t vanish. “That you are… so, think fast!” he exclaimed as soon as the words left his maw he outright threw the hare into the air forcing the little tiger to catch it before it hit the ground, he did manage to catch it alright but his landing was not exactly graceful as he tumbled over with the catch that was quite heavy for someone as small as him.  He was left splayed on the ground gripping his meal with all his might, “You got the jumping down, but you need to learn to control your falls.” He mused upon coming up next to the cub, “I wish I had wings like you and daddy.” the youth's ears splayed back, the black tiger exhaled softly clearly it hadn’t been the first time that issue had been graced “Perhaps one day you’ll-” “NAYRU!” his words were cut off as a roared name echoed from behind them, it came from the promontory rock below.

“What’s going on?” the tiger cub asked voice muffled by chewing while he downed mouthfuls of hare, not able to wait any longer, as he was positively starving. Yuuchi walked over to the edge and peered down it was a long fall, particularly for anyone without wings but he could still make out lions down there, it seemed the pride was up and about. That was when it dawned on him what was meant to happen today, he remembered most of yesterday’s gathering even though he had spent it sitting in the far back just observing; it had been almost a week since he had learned of his former Commanders’ plot to use the fabled Resurrection Stone in an effort to bring Scar back from the dead. The winged tiger had delivered the information to the attention of the King and Council of Generals it seemed that now the Generals had finally decided to act upon it. Today was the day they would embark upon the mission, the mission to stop his former Commanders from completeing their insideous plans.

“Akira?” the black tiger inquired drawing the gaze and attention of little tiger cub his muzzle covered in blood from his breakfast, “I may have to go away for a while.” He muttered under his breath, causing the little boy’s ears to fold back, he always hated it when his father would be sent away, something that had happened more often lately, it hadn't been like that before. Despite knowing his son's objections Yuuchi knew he could not object to this mission, he was honor bound to join it, and in part he wanted to… as much as he should avoid any contact with his former superiors it was also through them he would find Izo, and he’d drag that stubborn oaf back to his senses even if it became the death of him!

“Why must you always go away?” Akira’s voice broke through his father’s stupor drawing his vivid teal gaze to the cub's bright blue. “This time, I am going to find daddy.” He muttered lowly offering a weak smile, “I want to come with you!” the boy beamed rising up his back paws as he placed his forepaws onto his father's leg pressing onto it with enthusiasm. This drew a soft frown on the black tiger’s face, “Akira, I don’t thi-” he cringed but the little tiger scoffed, “You never let me do anything fun!” he nearly growled turning from the elder; a sharp exhale exited Yuuchi's maw, “It’s dangerous!” his voice raised a notch reigning in the urge to snap at the child. “Then why should you go?!” he shot back glancing at his father over his shoulder, his eyes were glossy, the boy was too clever for his own good sometimes. The words forced Yuu to silence, “Because I don’t have any choice.” He whispered lowly almost hissed gaze breaking from the little boy, “Dad, I promise I won’t get in the way.” He hesitantly approached trying his luck again to see if he could come with, Yuu shook his head in silence… “You know it’s not really up to me.” His ears folded back eyes turning back to regard the little tiger.

“The Generals and King Simba expects me to come along.” He spoke, “And I am bound to do so.” He added taking a deep breath, “I am sorry, buddy.” He muttered drawing the tiger cub into a gentle hug, conjuring a soft purr from the little boy. “Eat up your food, and then go find Iris, maybe she would like to play with you.” He gently smiled leaning back from the embrace as he let the youth return to his food, “I have some business to need to finish, I promise to come see you before I leave.” He muttered as he turned around and spread his wings then outright jumped from the summit edge and soared down to the promontory below flapping his wings to slow his decent.

[Hypercube]

"Nayru!" A Din's furious voice bellowed as he approached the lioness, "What were you thinking!? Letting a pregnant lioness AND her two cubs come on this mission!?" "Because it would be dangerous to leave them here without their mate and father" Nayru said with a calm air about her that expressed her thought that it was the right decision, "and how did you know about that anyway?" "To Hell with how I found out," Din said with an angry tone "but them coming along will put US in danger! They'll slow us down and you know it!" "Listen Din," Nayru said with her voice still collected and passive, "it isn't your decision either way and Tavari already confirmed my suspicions that the lioness's pregnancy should not come to term within the extent of our mission." With a rage still strong in his expression Din continued to bare his teeth and stare into Nayru's eyes for a bit before noticing the other lioness that sat near them. "And who are you?" he asked Abeni with a strong tone of accusation and judgement.

---

Xoren flinched a bit at Ruby's angry tone before realizing that it was only because she was nervous. He had often felt the same feeling whenever he was not near Sola as a result of the past despite the long time that they have been reunited and the obvious self-sufficiency of the young adult lioness that stood beside him in place of his once young daughter. As she turned her back and walked towards the healing cave Xoren and Sola followed behind being sure to give Ruby enough distance so that she did not place her worried anger on them.

When the feline entered the cave, her sights on Iris, Xoren and Sola waited at the mouth of the cave before Xoren told her daughter to stay there with a quick look and a reciprocated nod of the head. Xoren moved up to the back of his mate and waited for her and Iris to finish speaking before he himself spoke up. "We know you were scared Iris," Xoren said with a calm tone and a neutral face, "but we were worried too. You know that if you wanted to go find your mother Sola and I would have happily taken you and all of these nerves could have been avoided completely." Xoren wasn't angry at his adopted daughter, rather he had the same mentality as his mate when it came to not knowing where his children had wandered off to. He moved up to the cub and patted her on the head gently as he spoke with a smile: "just don't scare us like that again okay?"

[Accalia]

The sound of a lioness slightly startled Kivuli. She stopped and turned to face the lioness, unsure if she was addressing her or some one else. Once she turned to look at her it was obvious that she meant her. Her eyes were focused on her and a calculating gaze falling on Kivuli. Nayru's head was titled as she looked at Kivuli and she looked back for quite a while, the bandages on her body still wrapped around her injured body.

Kivuli thought of an appropriate reply, her eyes wide and somewhat startled by the sudden attention. "Well.." She lost herself within her eyes and watched them as she thought of the colour, but there was something else within them, something more chilling, more intriguing. "Ye-" Suddenly the hairs along her back stood on end and she lowered her head, sparks in the air trailing a dark bolt of black, bright streaks of yellow and white joining the black. She slowly turned, unsure of what else to do. Her eyes met the intense stare of Pulsar and the way he stood there, upheld and strong, his mane rippling in the morning air, his eyes watching and burning into hers as she stared back with a startled gaze. His tone was strong and very nearly a demand. She shivered and felt the stares of several lions fall on her. She had never know others in this area would have powers, but that much didn't matter now. She began to loose control and her breath picked up its pace, her heart beat following suit. She could feel and see the danger and anger in Pulsar's eyes, their flames pressing and filling her mind. Her chest hammered with the intense pace of her heart, the thumps seemed to fill her ears and she shrank in size. She knew her powers would take hold soon, she had never had much control over them in recent times, fallen out of practise to retain them from vision for she had no one to hide them from, she had always been a solitary creature. She would not be able to stop her powers much longer. Her glance flinched from Pulsar to the blue manned lioness. She felt the release of invisibility slowly creep closer and she shut her eyes as she flickered in and out of visibility. Her mind raced as she tried to regain control, her logic and instincts battling for control. The soft fizzing began to cover her and her body felt safe within her casing of invisibility, even though her mind knew that it was far to early to reveal her powers. She watched the reactions of those around her, the nearby lionesses and lions watching in awe, unsure if the scene before them was true, many had never seen a lioness capable of invisibility. Her mind desperately searched for a solution.

Several moments passed, Kivuli was still startled and she was now fully invisible, her hair on edge, her body rigid. They would never let her join now, even if she assured them she would use her powers to scout out the approaching land, but she doubted they would listen, she would be forced from safety and into danger and would end up like Mithu, not more then a pile of shredded body and blood. This seemed to make her forget of the faces around her and her form slowly came back into sight, her body still in the same position. Her bodies protective casing began to break away as it faded. She looked back to pulsar, flickers of tears hinting at her blue eyes, a small sound came from her mouth in an almost whisper "I'm sorry." She knew why he was angry, she was an outsider running around their pride lands and she had no right to do so. She slowly flickered for the last time, her body gradually relaxing to a submissive pose, her long tail resting against the ground, her legs tight together and her head hanging low. She had made a fool of herself and over one small thing. She needed to get a grip on things, she was immature and needed to act her age.

She hoped that they would think of her powers as a play of the light and dismiss the fact that she had disappeared right before them. However she would not state anything to do with her powers until she was instructed to do so, which she hopped would never be asked of her. Her eyes trailed to the floor, her body tension slowly lessening and her fur slowly calming.

Kivuli missed Mithu, she would have been able to deal with this with ease, a quick thought to her mind and she would have apologised and sorted out this mess, but she wasn't here anymore, she never would be. A tear fell from her face and fell on the dry ground. She was a mess and had no idea what was going to be fall her. Kivuli watched carefully the movements of Pulsar, unsure of how he would react.

The murmurs of hushed talk flowed into her ears and she realised that her powers would never have gone unnoticed, she had passed from sight and several lions had seen. Kivuli didn't care of that for now, she just wanted to go on this journey, to go and help the king of this land, the king of prophecy.

[Pulsar]

Pulsar stood before Kivuli, watching, waiting for her response. Of all the ridicules things, what was she thinking? An outsider just wandering around Pride Rock as it suits them. Her wounds may have been treated and she may have been given a warm greeting, but that does not mean that she was given permission to saunter around as she pleased. After all, they still had no idea who she was or what her intentions were, not to mention that fact that her wounds might not even be healed yet.
As the male stared at his female charge, he couldn't help but notice a faint flicker. At first he dismissed it without thought, he was still annoyed at her up and leaving the cave after all. Then it happened again, causing the male to very slightly raise one eyebrow curiously. What was that? the light just playing tricks?
It became evident quite quickly to the yellow maned male that this was not the case. The creature before him started to vanish, if not a bit inconsistently at first.
"So... another one that posses powers..." he thought to himself as his stern gaze intensified and his brow furrowed deeper. She had the ability to somehow disappear, but to what extent? was it a form of movement? like his speed? was she still there? A moment or two passed and he now found himself staring at the ground where Kivuli once occupied, taking a moment or two before fully grasping that he was staring at what presumedly was nothing. Before he could start panicking about the security risks an outsider with the ability to vanish would pose, she started to return.

Pulsar let out a very light sigh through his nose at the relief that he wasn't going to have to hunt her down or panic about her being a threat, he had only woken up after all and it was far too early in the day for that type of serious stuff... at least as far as he was concerned. But he couldn't help but wonder if his concerns about her being a spy or enemy of some sort were true. The ability to do what she could do, it is something that would be strategically invaluable. It was then that the faint splat sound of a droplet falling to the ground caught his attention. She was upset...?
What had her brought her emotionally to tears? He hadn't been THAT harsh with her, had he?
When she whispered her almost inaudable apology to him, any anger he had seemed to vanish in an instant, like a parent who was remorseful for scolding their child too harshly. The sound of whispering broke his attention from her to the broader surroundings and the apparent eyes that she had drawn from the nearby lions.
With a stern look still on his face, his eyes shifted to those standing around gawking at his female counterpart. When the other lions noticed him looking at them, they stopped whispering and carried on as if they hadn't just witnessed a creature disappear into thin air.

Letting out a deep sigh he turned his attention back to Kivuli, his expressions softening and his frown dissipating.
"You can't just get up and leave like that..."
He started in what was a half-hearted firm tone of voice, his stance loosening as he spoke.
"I'm in charge of making sure you're ok and that you don't also pose a threat to the pride."
Walking closer to her he lowered his head to look her in the eyes. He remained like this for a moment or two before opening his mouth to speak further, but before he could do so his words were cut off by another's voice.

"Well well, that's a very... unique skill you have there friend."
It was Farore. Apparently the common members of the pride weren't the only once who noticed her little "show". He made his way up to the two of them then stopping a foot or two away. "Pulsar." He said nodding to the male as he briefly looked over then turning his attention back to Kivuli. "Sir." Pulsar replied, returning the nod to Farore as he stepped away from Kivuli and took a more firm militaristic stance. "You're that injured outsider that burst into the middle of our meeting yesterday aren't you? You caused quite the commotion you know." Farore's voice was calm yet had a slight hint of intrigue to it. Oddly though, he didn't allow time for her to reply before continuing to speak. "A skill like yours is certainly something that would be useful on our little quest." He added as he ever so slightly tilted his head to one side. "Sir?" "You don't agree Pulsar?" Farore turned and looked at the black and white lion one of his eyebrows raising as he did so. Pulsar tensed a bit before relaxing back into his stance. "It's not that of course, it's just that she's an-" "Outsider, yes I'm aware." Once more Farore cut him off mid sentence, causing Pulsar to frown and grunt slightly. "Have you looked at the rag tag band of lions we have for our journey? what's one extra outsider to add to the mix." A faint smirk appeared on Farore's muzzle. "Besides, I'm sure she won't pose a threat to the mission if someone keeps an eye on her." His eyes locked with Pulsar's as he spoke. "I see..." The black and white lion reluctantly replied, knowing all too well what Farore was suggesting. "I suppose I could valunteer for such a duty... but evidently I've accepted the job already." "That's the spirit Pulsar!" Farore laughed as he pat the male on the shoulder causing Pulsar to shake slightly before steadying himself. The decision didn't really come as too much of a surprise to Pulsar, Farore wasn't exactly known for following the rules or playing it safe. "So it's settled, she shall join our little band on our quest and be under your supervision. I'm sure Nayru and Din won't mind." He added as he looked over his shoulder at the two other generals who were still in the midst of their spat. "No point bothering them with the details, since they're already preoccupied." Turning his attention back to Kivuli he smiled faintly at her. "Well my dear? Will you be joining us?... That was what you sought after all, was it not?"

[Deleted]

Kulaani stopped when he heard people talking behind him. When he turned, he saw everyone looking at the injured lioness, or rather where the lioness had been standing. Looking around, he couldn't see where she had gone and he couldn't figure out what was catching everyone's attention. It was then that Kulaani saw the lioness reappear from no where, still standing in the same spot she had been. His ears perked up with interest at this revelation. So, she can turn invisible.
"That is a neat trick." Kaimu observed.
Kulaani jumped and growled loudly at the hyena next to him. That was the second time that morning Kaimu had sneaked up on him.
"Are you going to make a habit of this?!"
"Possibly, it's quite entertaining to do." Kaimu answered, his smirk barely visible under his mask.
Kulaani let out a frustrated sigh. "Of all the creatures that I could have been stuck with, it had to be you."
"I'm happy for it." Kaimu turned his attention back to the lioness. "That is an interesting power to have."
Kulaani grunted. "I just hope she can learn to control it."
Kaimu looked at him surprised. "It almost sounds like you care."
"Not care, understand." Kulaani corrected. "Look at her, she probably thinks that the pride won't accept her now because she is different. I know all too well what that feels like and I bet you know that feeling also."
Kaimu nodded. "It's awful and difficult to live with."
Kulaani shook his head. "You learn to deal with it. I simply choose to avoid others and you try to be helpful, neither of us are really concerned with how others see us."
At this point, he noticed that Farore was talking with the lioness now. Kulaani looked over and noticed the other two generals, Din and Nayru, in a heated discussion.
"I'm moving on before General Grumps over there decides to chat with us." Kulaani whispered to Kaimu, motioning towards Din.
"A grump calling someone else a grump, that never gets old." Kaimu responded.
"Shut it mutt." Kulaani growled as he walked away from the group with Kaimu in tow.

[Mercy]

Abeni swallowed cautiously as Din turned to face her. She lowered her head but flashed her storm-cloud eyes at him. She could control her temper. She could, she could, she would. She opened her mouth to speak and then took a deep breath. Din was just a lion. Just a lion. She raised her head higher and looked the General right in the eye. "I am Abeni. I am here to assist you in the quest of your King, General. I was discussing with General Nayru the possibility of joining in your expedition. You both seem to have a good eye for members." She continued smugly noticing that Din seemed a bit flustered with her answer, especially after she had just witnessed he and General Nayru arguing over the recruitment of a certain pregnant lioness. "I am strong, I am fast, and I am skilled." Abeni went on stubbornly. "I am intelligent and diligent. Besides, if you are bringing a pregnant lioness with you, and while her pregnancy may not come to term, she will need someone to watch her cubs for her when the rest of you are out scouting or hunting. She will need rest when she can get it." Abeni finished slyly. The Generals could hardly argue with her on that point. A pregnant lioness would need rest even if the expedition returned to the PrideLands safely. Her growing cubs would need extra nourishment and when her hormones began to fluctuate she would really need rest. The others would only be able to assist her sporadically as they departed from the safety of their homeland, and with two young cubs to look after this lioness would certainly need an assistant. Even if the Generals didn't see the logic of this argument they would certainly notice that Abeni was a good fighter and hunter. And she was saving the best for last. They didn't even know her as The Ambassador yet. She was guided by the Great Kings of the Past. And even better than that, they didn't know she had powers.

"Yes." Nayru said. Abeni shook herself and blinked at the lioness. "Yes. You will do nicely." Nayru said decidedly. "WHAT?! Din cried. "This lioness is a stranger Nayru! We know nothing about her! First that injured lioness arrives spilling blood and now you are going to allow this lioness to join our group!" Din snarled extending his claws. Abeni extended hers slightly, the sharp tips glinting. Nayru turned cooly looking first at Abeni and then Din. "Din, she is a warrior and she is also offering to take on a secondary role not only as cub-sitter but also as an attendant to Ruby. She obviously would like to come, and she is humbling herself by offering to take on a role that others would scorn, let alone even offer to commit to."

"Yes, but.." Din interrupted impatiently. "General Din. Look at Abeni." Nayru spoke with a solemness and her tone made even Abeni give herself a once over. Din puffed out his chest and then turned with narrowed eyes to look at Abeni. "She has broad shoulders, good for tackling. She has large feet, good for not only running but swimming as well. She is lacking in scars meaning she has either experienced very few battles, which I highly doubt since lionesses of her age have been in at least a couple of scuffles here and there, or she is a skilled fighter and has left scars for her opponents. You cannot argue with these observations. This lioness is clearly strong." Nayru finished and cocked a quizzical brow at Abeni. Din looked absolutely enraged but even he could see that Abeni was an asset in terms of battle and hunting potential. He nodded barely to Nayru but remained silent, then after shooting a discreet sneer at Abeni he paced past her. "Watch yourself, lioness." he murmured slightly as he passed.

Abeni felt her gut roil at the words. "Things are not always what they seem, General." she purred under her breath. She looked up to Nayru and smiled at her slightly, a smile which was not returned. "I am supporting you in your request to join our expedition. But, if you act in even the slightest suspicion you will be cast out. We do not normally accept rogues, but we will need as much help as we can't get on this mission. Try to prove your usefulness and try to stay out of Din's way. I have appeased him for now but you are on his watch list. I can tell." Nayru spoke in a voice like glass. Her face was unreadable but her message was clear. "I will do my best to be of service, General Nayru. Thank you." Abeni said. Nayru nodded once and then turned and made her way over to a small gathering of lions and Abeni felt herself deflate. She trembled as she padded away to the edge of a small rocky outcrop. Suddenly, she looked up as she heard the fluttering of feathers overhead. A massive, black, winged shadow was fluttering overhead and as the creature landed Abeni felt astonishment rise within her. A winged black tiger! The creature landed beside General Nayru and leaned in close speaking with her for a few moments. Abeni stared as they spoke. Such wings! Such power! Suddenly, the black tiger raised his head and locked eyes with Abeni. His stare pierced her and she immediately whipped her head around.

[Leto]

“Are you sure it is wise for a pregnant lioness to join our mission, ma’am?” he proposed to General Nayru, the general had lost count of how many times she had heard this sentiment today. “She’s not due until a few months; none of the generals think this mission will last that long.” She retorted fatigue plain in her voice that she was getting tired having to vouch for Ruby at every turn, the poor girl didn’t deserve to be treated lesser just because she was expecting, although she did recognize that the tone of the tiger’s words as nothing but benevolent concern. “You should consider taking your son with you; there will not be many remaining behind.” Nayru proposed. “Ma’am, Akira’s too young for this sort of thing, I-” Yuuchi bit his tongue; he knew Akira wanted to join him more than anything, after all the poor kid missed his father. “But I should show more faith in him.” The black tiger resigned it drew a small smile across the General’s muzzle.

Nayru excused herself leaving Yuuchi alone, would it truly be wise to bring these many civilians with them on a mission of such importance? The tiger was having doubts, a team of trained warriors could’ve handled this much more effectively, but it was not his place to question strategy, and certainly not when he had been allowed back amongst them after having been deceiving them for so long if anyone deserved his faith it was the King. It was then he could feel it, it almost felt like eyes were burrowing into him; he turned towards the sensation finding a lioness quickly diverting her gaze, obviously an attempt to keep herself from staring. With casual steps he approached her eyes scanning her form; she looked ordinary enough, as far as lions went at least. “Did you want something?” he asked upon coming up to speaking distance with her, there had to have been some reason why she had stared at him; although Yuuchi reckoned it likely had something to do with his appearance, it left most people staring, with both awe and a good dose of fear.

[Hypercube]

As Xoren and his family walked form the cave he could not help but look to the scene that began to unfold near the injured lioness that had suddenly appeared the day before. As she moved with an obvious sense of turmoil he noticed that it seemed as if her body had faded from existence for a split second, only to return the very next moment. "Xoren?" Ruby said with a questioning voice upon seeing him stare at the lioness, "is something wrong?" "No," he responded absently minded, his brain still attempting to make sense of what was occurring. Can it be? he thought to himself, does she have powers too?

"I see it too" Sola said to her father as she walked next to him. The feline had calmed down substantially at this point but the curiosity of what they had both just seen was still a strong force. Xoren and Sola silently led the way to the lioness as Farore began to speak to her and Pulsar with a faint smirk on his lips. "I have never seen a power that intriguing before" Xoren said to the lioness, "I could not agree more with Farore's thoughts regarding the usefulness of such an ability on our journey." "See?" Farore said to the feline "You would be a great addition to our band of misfits!"

Ruby could feel the lingering tenseness of the stranger and was more than aware that her mate could not sense the feeling in the air. "It seems that my mate has neglected to introduce us," she said with a playful smirk as her eyes darted to his, "I am Ruby and this is my mate Xoren and our two daugthers Sola and Iris." "How did you do that!?" Iris asked with a huge grin as she pushed her way forward towards the stranger. "Iris" Sola said with a small chuckle, "give her some space, I'm sure she needs it. I won't lie though, I'm curious too!" Xoren looked to Ruby as they shared a smile over their daugthers' antics before looking to the lioness.

[Accalia]

Kivuli looked up, only to find Pulsar's eyes right in front of her own. A shudder stammered through her momentarily startled body, but his words before calmed her slightly and her shudder wasn't all to visible for others to see, but the cold that flooded her afterwards was almost nauseating. The voice of another lion caused her to turn her head to face the area which it came from, but she was surprised to find it was Farore. She gave a small bow with her head, never looked straight into his eyes, or let her vision linger, instead she looked to the floor. She listened intently for the first several moments of the conversation, his easy going voice filling her ears. She kicked the floor slowly and watched how the dust floated upwards, she felt the acceptance of her gifts warm her and she felt her posture relax slightly with the release of hiding it from everyone. At the mention of the quest she couldn't help but move her head upwards to look at his, she had no idea how this lion knew of her longing to go on this quest, nor that there were many other lions like herself, blessed or cursed.

Her mind raced as it tried to consume it all, but it all seemed almost fabricated as if this were simply a dream that felt as if it were real. She didn't catch much of the other things Farore said for it didn't seem to be so much angled at her then it was Pulsar. With his final words she looked directly into his eyes, and a small smile spread across her face, she gave a quick nod and attempted to form words, but none would come. She simply nodded again and smiled at him, dazed by all that had just occurred. Her wounds seemed like a distant ailment that was no longer in the way and had long since been repaired.

A voice came from behind her and she turned her stunned face towards him. The orange lion commented on her powers as if powers were a common attribute that lions and lionesses had. She blushed slightly, but was hesitant to reply. She could not quite grip what was actually happening, her actions were purely done, not quite thought out in detail. The lioness beside the male seemed to notice her distant behaviour and introduced herself and her family and Kivuli smiled at them all, as the small cub showed herself Kivuli gave a shy smile and said quietly "Well Iris I simply close my eyes," she does so, "And breathe before pushing my body into wanting to be invisible, then I disappear." She opens her eyes to look down at the small cub. Kivuli watched the small cub and was reminded of her own days as a cub, care free and calm and filled with imagination, she missed it.

She turned to face Farore, her body now capable of speech and said to him gratefully, " Thank you for your offer, and I would be willing to join! I will not cause harm to either you or the people of this land." She said with enthusiasm. She knew these lions had absolutely no reason to trust her, and yet they did, they trusted her with the life of the king. She gave a small smile to the ground before looking upwards and seeing the colours of the sky form the dazzling scene of clouds and the sun and the moon. She looked back to the floor and attempted to shut everyone out, all of this attention made Kivuli anxious and she began to fiddle with a rock beneath her paws.

[Pulsar]

Pulsar stood there, observing, as he does. It seemed that Farore's offer had put the outsider at ease. He still wasn't too keen on Farore's choice to let the female join the expedition, they still didn't know anything about her after all. After Ruby, Xoren, Sola and Iris approached and introduced themselves, Farore took a bow to the group "If you'll excuse me, I need to attend to other matters." he said as he excused himself from the discussion before turning and making his way toward Nayru. Pulsar turned and watched as Farore walked away, a brief sigh escaping his nostrils as he let off some stress. Turning back to the group he looked toward the female outsider who had been speaking to one of the cubs. "Since evidently you'll be joining us, perhaps you could tell us your name, unless you'd prefer to be referred to as outsider.." the black and white male began, but just as he finished speaking a voice called out his name. "Pulsar! I wish to speak to you." Din had something he wanted to talk about it seemed. "So much for that." he though as he turned from the others and started walking toward Din before stopping briefly and turning his head around to face Kivuli. "I'll be back... DON'T get yourself into trouble, you may have been given permission to join us, but make no mistake. You're still an outsider." His voice came out in a stern tone as he looked at Kivuli with a frown upon his face. He didn't stop to wait for her to respond or to find out her name as once he had finished talking he continued walking toward Din who was now standing away from the rest of the party.
As he approached Din, the two started speaking. Disgruntled sounds could be heard from Din who was clearly still a bit annoyed from his conversation with Nayru.

Nayru and Farore met in the middle of the collection of members of the group, both nodding greetings to one another as they stopped a foot or two away. "I see you were having a lovely discussion with Din." Farore said with a smile as mischievous as a cub's. Nayru blankly stared back at him, all too aware he was trying to coax a response. "Are you prepared?" "Of course! are you?" "Always... Shall we begin?" "I suppose we can, if you're that intent on dodging my comment." Farore's smile changed to a playful grin as both of them turned and stood side by side. "Everyone's here I believe." "Agreed, in any event we can't afford to delay any longer." Faroe nodded in response though he was not looking at Nayru as she spoke. "Alright, everyone, if you'll all gather round' we'll get this little adventure going!" Farore spoke loud enough to get the attention of everyone standing around them, his gaze scanning the crowd to make sure everyone had heard.

Din and Pulsar both turned from their own conversation toward Farore as he called out. "We shall speak later Pulsar.." Din added as he briefly looked at the yellow maned lion, before turning and walking over to Nayru and Farore, his posture strengthening, clearly giving off a commanding look. Pulsar followed behind but passed the generals and took place among the others that were gathering in front of them. As Din approached he stood beside Farore, so that the male was between him and Nayru. Farore nodding in greeting as the third general took his place beside him. A very faintest of smirks appeared on Nayru's face, she'd never admit it, but she enjoyed watching Din have his little tantrum at her expense, you could say that it was a pastime of hers. Din looked over past Farore to see Nayru's slight smirk causing the big male to let out a grunt as he frowned in disapproval before looking back out toward the gathering group.