A Shadowed Past

[Deleted]

Bahreeka smiled. "Feeling any better yet?" She asked her new friend.
"Oh, by the way.. i'm Bahreeka." Bahreeka introduced herself to the new lioness who seemed to be with the group.

[Fire]

Fire walks over next to Bahreeka and then nods softly. "I think we better let him eat, Bahreeka. He looks really hungry and I think food will make him able to talk more..." He says to her with a smile.

(Eep. Short post. Sorry. )

[genie]

Cheabosa gave a nod to them, to show he was grateful for the food and ate more, stoping after a while, cheetahs were't big eaters, due to their bodies being lesser than lions to start with, and as he was, he could't force any more down. It was certainly working on him having that food, he was already feeling more with it, as his body broke down the food to energy he said shortly "Thankyou..."

[Deleted]

Bahreeka just nodded at Fire. She then smiled back at Cheabosa. "You are most welcome.."

________________________________________________________________

Amaiza walked up to Zander. "Are you feeling alright? I mean, after what happened in there." She said motioning to where the had come from.

[Lorien]

Zander looked down at Amaiza where he sat and smiled. "Yes, I believe I am fine." He sighed and watched as the cheetah got some food down. This was good, soon he would be able to move on his own....and they could continue the journey. The thoughts of the vision were still in the back of his mind, lingering silently.

"It was only a spell, no worries," he said, looking back to Amaiza.

[Deleted]

"If you're sure..." Amaiza said to Zander. She then watched the new cheetah eating the food they had brought him. "We'll be able to move off soon.." She noted to Zander. "Which direction are we heading in?" She asked curiously, trying to make conversation.

[Kirsui]

Meri had too ben watching the new cheetah. She hadn't really been thinking much, just watching. Cheetah's were fascinating creatures. So fast, so beautiful when they ran, so... Tiny when compared to a lion.
Then she heard Amaiza's words.

"We'll be able to move off soon... Which direction are we heading in?"

Meri turned her attention from Cheabosa to Zander. She too was curious of where they would head next.

[Lorien]

Zander looked out at the horizon. Sighing, he finally brought his eyes to the mountains. "We have to pass through those mountains." He looked first at Meri, then back to Amaiza. "It's going to be a tough road ahead. If anyone has decided that they don't want to go, it's fine with me." He looked once again to those mountains. "I don't expect you all to put your lives in danger on account of my visions. Friend or no friend."

[Kirsui]

Meri smiled slightly at what Zander said. She gazed out of the cave, looking at the mountains Zander had mantioned. She took a deep breath and turned then again at Zander.
"What ever we are about to meet... I'll still come with you" she said.
"Any other place is fine with me, just as long as it's far away from this current area. I am too close to..."
She sighed a little, looking at the direction where the group had come from, thinking of her former pride and how the pride leader was looking for her. She did not want to be found, and leaving with Zander was better option to her than wandering alone.

[Lorien]

Zander heard as she trailed off. He knew something was on her mind, something not good, but he didn't want to bring it out, not unless she wanted to talk about it. So, he tried to stear here mind someplace else.

"Thank you, Meri. It really means a lot to me that you would put yourself at risk for my sake." Looking again to the mountains, a sigh escaped him. There was a long road before them, and he wasn't sure that he was ready to face it.

[Deleted]

"Yes, well i'm with you all the way.. whether you want me to come or not.. you're stuck with me!" She said and nudged him lightly. "I wonder where this journey will take us..." She said, thinking out loud. She pondered on the thought for a while before coming back to reality.

[Riley]

From out of nowhere, yells erupted, growls were to be heard too. It was two males, not unusual. After all, territory wasn't endless, and a weak lion would readilly give his up to a younger one. If they were listening, the lions would have heard the following conversation. Well, argument.

"DAD! I'm NOT a little kid anymore!"
This was the voice of a younger lion, adolescent probably. Before one had time to ponder, the deep voice of who was, presumably, his father, came back.

"You are not grown! While you are under MY care, YOU will LISTEN TO ME!"
It sounded brutal, after a while. Eventually, the younger gave up. He didn't give in, but he did yell final words.

"You NEVER listen! I don't know what YOU WANT!"
The younger suddenly bounded into the area of the other lions, likely to be scared out of their wits. The intruder stared at them for a moment, bewildered and embarrased. He let out a cry of frustration, before pacing, now not caring of the others.

"He treats me like a baby, then he wonders why I don't act grown up! 'Why are you doing this Anrai? That's the wrong way Anrai! You're absolutely pathetic and I don't have any use for you you lazy bum Anrai.' "

Obviously this male's name was Anrai. He cried out in frustration once more before sitting down with his head hung. His back was turned to the group as he started to sob, his body shook, whether from the tears, the anger, or from both. He hated it, this was obvious, as he wiped the tears away angrily. He turned to them, barred against any words.

"WHAT?!"

OOC: Ah, crappy post. Sorry.

[Deleted]

Amaiza turned to the group. "I'll handle this one.." She said with a smiled as she rose to her feet. She padded over to the lion and sat next to him. "Are you alright?" She asked, concerned. "Anrai, if I am correct.. My name is Amaiza." She added on with a weak smile.

[Riley]

Anrai stared at the female, now coming closer. She didn't seem timid. It was almost certainly the opposite if she was near him in this mood. He began to growl, only lightly, but ceased slowly. His glare was gone, replaced by a look a dispair. He was pathetic right now, crying over something his father had said or done. It felt, though, as if he were looking at her through a mirror, not really seeing the world but a reflection. His body shook once more, but it too stopped.

She was asking if he was alright now. Her voice was soft, and she obviously meant no harm. What should he say? Yes, of course I'm alright. My dad thinks I'm the least worthwhile thing in his life right now. I'm not a kid anymore, not that it matters because he still thinks I am. Of course I'm okay! Anrai hung his head and looked at his his paws. His cheeks were tearstained and ruffled from where he had pawed at them. He looked up again, and found the female sitting next to him, looking somewhat concerned. At least that's what it seemed like.

He shook his head.
"No, I'm not."
Even his voice was pathetic. It came out squeeky, not the voice of a leader, not like his father's. His father, the bearer of bad news, false happiness.
"I just....."
He looked around at the rest of them. They were all staring. Never would his father have broken down.

Never.

Speaking of the devil, here he came now. Large, fuming, a lion that would scare many with his size. Abrafo looked at the female, and then at his son.
"Anrai!"
Anrai looked up, both with fear and anger.
"What?!"
Abrafo scowled.
"Let's go, you're scaring these nice lions to death with your attitude. We need to have a talk."
Anrai stood. He wasn't quite his father's size, but any of them could tell he was the spitting image but for his eyes.
"I...I'm not...going."

[Deleted]

Amaiza looked up at the lion. "Look.. uh.. sir.. it's fine. He's not scaring as at all." She said and smiled politley. "My name's Amaiza by the way. " She said and bowed her head to the lion. "Is that your father?" She whispered into the Anrai's ear.

( sorry for short post.. -.-)

[Riley]

Abrafo turned to the lioness.
"It is very nice to meet you, Amaiza."
He turned back to his son. Anrai shook his head. His face had a pleading look upon it.
"Dad..."
Anrai looked around. This wasn't fair.

As if to answer him, he heard a soft voice in the wind now blowing from an unknown place...

Sweet darling, you worry too much. My child see the sadness in your eyes. You are not alone in life, although you might think that you are... So sorry your world is tumbling down. I will watch you through these nights. Rest your head and go to sleep because, my child, this not our farewell.

Anrai closed his eyes softly for what seemed like an eternity. He could almost see his mother's smile, feel her warm embrace. Now there was only silence. He looked at his father and there seemed an invisible rope between them, binding them to eachother.
"Dad..."

Abrafo sighed. He nodded slowly, unsure of what he was agreeing to.
"Fine..."
He turned his back, but looked over his shoulder.
"I'll be back soon..."

After he was gone, Anrai shut his eyes. Why did she have to go? Without saying anything, he walked a little way off, not too far. He could still see the lions.

"Mother...."
He looked up at the sky, and felt the warm wind around him. He sighed.
"I never thought this day would come so soon. We had no time to say goodbye... How can the world just carry on? I feel so lost when you are not by my side. There's nothing but silence now around the one I loved... I don't know what to do...."

Lyrics (c) to Within Temptation - Our Farewell

[EvaJanus]

(OOC: First of all, sry for not posting in a long time. >< Secondly, I love that song, Riley. ^^)

IC:

Eva had been sitting quietly for a long time, just sort of observing. It seemed that the cheetah was getting better now that food was there. Everyone seemed friendly so far. She gave little smiles and short nods to everyone when they greeted her. Part of her was at ease to finally be amongst others, and yet she felt a bit unease also. Though she was finally with others, her heart and mind were focused on her one goal... She remembered how she got the vibe that Zander was sort of rushed. Something urgent tugged at his mind, she could tell. The way she knew this was that she was the same... She looked to him now and caught his gaze towards the mountains.

After a pause, she turned and came to stand beside him. "Pardon me if I'm interrupting something... but could I speak to you a moment, Zander?" She was kinda nervous naturally and she had no idea anyone's personality here, so she was a bit cautious in her tone. "It'll be only for a minute, I swear."

[Deleted]

Amaiza smiled. "Same to you.." She watched as Anrai got up and walked away. She waited for a moment or two before getting up, and slowly apporaching him, once again. When she reached him she just stood next to him. "I know we have only just met.. and you might feel uncomfortable telling me this stuff.. but if you need to talk.. about anything, anything at all.. just let me know." She said to Anrai smiling at him.

[Riley]

OOC: Yeah, it's a good song.

Anrai jumped slightly when he heard Amaiza's voice. He hadn't thought anyone was there, and to be honest, for that moment he hadn't wanted anybody there. But for some reason he had no problems with her being there. She didn't have any problems with him. She was one of the few people, well, the only one, who wasn't pointing out his every flaw.

"Hey..."
He smiled slightly, but his eyes showed a different story. He was hurt, not physically, but emotionally. He never told anyone, he wasn't a feelings type of guy; yet, for some reason, he felt almost a connection with Amaiza. He had a feeling she wouldn't laugh at him, or tell him he was silly for being a dreamer. She wouldn't call him stupid for wondering, for asking questions like how they got there.

He shook his head. He didn't have any problems with her being here. He looked at her through his crimson bangs. He was defiant, and anyone could tell.
"If you want a long story, I'll give it to you."
He laughed. He played it again in his head and it sounded stupid.
"If not...."
He raised a brow.
"Your choice."

[Lorien]

Zander was brought out of his trian of thought by shouting and finally the scene between Anrai, Amaiza, and then Abrafo. He felt sorry for the adolescent, yet was sort of jealous. Here he was, couldn't remember his past, and what little had been brought back was sorrowful. This young lion had his father still, even if he was a bit doting. The only image he had of his own father was that in his vision, the one of him...Zander looked to the ground before looking back to the mountains. A look now of determination filled his face before he was brought from his thoughts by a voice beside him. It was Eva.

"Of course, Eva." He stood from the cave and walked a bit away from the group, waiting for the lioness to follow. He would hear her out with whatever she had to say.

[genie]

Cheabosa just laid were he was, he was feeling better but he didn't really know the group and was indeed unused to such a large gathering, especially lions which had not precisely been very hospitable towards him previous times he encountered them, to be very truthful he was distinctly nervous... this was so new to him.

[Deleted]

She watched Anrai carefully as he stood there before he replied. She was gald when she heard his response. She was happy that she hadn't been told to go away, and that someone would actually spill their problems to her. She liked to help people out like that. Amaiza smiled. "I have time..." She said with a grin and sat down next to Anrai, waiting for his response.

[Riley]

Anrai sighed, and looked out. There was a distant sort of look in his eyes, as if he were trying to remember. It was as if he wasn't sure where to start, where he had begun. For a moment he was lost in his own world, and all seemed right in that happier place and time.

But he glanced around and pulled himself away. Looking down, he pulled at a bit of grass. It seemed like an eternity before he began to speak, though he was sure it had been only a few seconds.

"Where to begin? The begining I suppose."
He smiled.
"My mum was...beautiful, to say the least. I only have a faint memory of her, as I only saw her once but... Well, what I did see of her I have kept a strong hold of. From what I heard of long gone friends, she was my father's best friend, companion, and lover. Before she died, he wasn't strict. He was carefree but strong. She was gentle, and many have described her as a flower, one who sleeps in the winter, waiting only for the spring when she can wake again and shine. It sounds nice doesn't it?"

He looked down at Amaiza. A small lump rose in his throat but he shoved it away. This was no time to start crying.

"Well, my father said that she was overjoyed when they found out she was pregnent. He said that she had never been happier. Not too long after they found out, I was born. I remember looking at mum. She looked like an angel, and se would have still, whether she had a halo or not. I just remember now that the sun was behind her, making her glow. She had beautiful dark fur, and dark eyes. Everything was right.

"The next morning, I woke up, but I was now with my father. He was crying, though he tried not to show me. I didn't understand. I never saw my mother again. There was one day, when I was messing around though, that I saw some cubs being bathed by heir mothers. It brought back painfull memories, and I had to know. I found my father, alone as he always was, and sat by him. I asked him why I didn't have a mother. He told me, quick and sharp that my mother had abandoned us. Then he told me to go away. I never asked him again."

A hurt look came over Anrai's face as he told this part of the story. He remembered, very, very well the pain of his father's words.

"It was a while later that I found out from a friend what really happened. My mother, not long after giving birth, started to bleed. From what he said, she died to to loss of blood. I denied it for a while, then I came to the realization that she was gone. I was so angry at my father. He had lied to me about my mother's death! We have grown apart on this I suppose, though I am not sure it was my fault. I feel somewhat guilty for my mother's death; yet I know that it was not my fault. Sometimes I wonder if my father blames me."

Anrai took a shaky breath.

"That lion......he's the only dad I've ever known. I've never known the guy who picks you up and catches you, or wrestles with you, or tells you how much he loves you, or how proud he is of you.... All I ever wanted, all I'll ever want, is to be like him. But he doesn't care. To him, it seems like I'm the air. I'm always there, but he forgets.... I'm not sure I'll ever know what having a loving father is like. I do know that my mother is with me, no matter what and I can never forget that...."

Anrai stood at the last bit, proudly. For that moment he looked like his father, but happier, like the times he described before his mother's death. But the moment was gone now. He looked like a worn down soldier. He laid down and laid his head on his paws. He looked atAmaiza, searching her face for some sort of reaction, some sort of anything really...

"And that's my story. Stupid really, huh?"

[Deleted]

Amaiza listened carefully. By the sounds of things the lion had had a sad life so far. As far as she was concerned she was going to change that. As she continued listening a tear came to her eye, but she didn't let it fall. "No, it's not stupid at all.." She said simply and lay down next to him. "I'm sorry about.. well everything really." She paused, not really sure of what to say. "Have you talked to your father about your feelings? About how you think he feels towards you?" I'm sure he's just.. overprotective, that's all. He lost his mate and you are the only memory he has left of her, as well as you being his son. And he doesn't want to lose that. " She smiled. "I think he's scared.." She said to Anrai. " Of loosing the only thing he has left to live for."

[Riley]

Anrai looked up, and shook his head doubtfully.
"Yeah, maybe. Have you ever talked to him though? He just....just stares right through you, like you're not even there!"
He stood and began to pace, his voice getting angrier with every step.
"And then! Then he has the nerve, the nerve to tell you that you're wrong when hasn't even tried to communicate with you! He doesn't look at you, because he's trying to ignore the world! Why he doesn't just throw himself off a cliff is beyond me because it might make both of us-"

Abrafo, who suddenly walked into the scene cut him off with his deep voice.
"Happier?"
His voice trembled with rage and disbelief showed on his face. How could his son be telling this, this stranger all of this.
"None of that is true,"
he snarled. He looked at both of them as he said this.

Anrai's eyes had been wide with shock, but were now narrowed in anger. He jumped in front of Amaiza when his father glanced at her.
"Don't even blame her. She has done nothing."

OOC: Gah, short post.

[Deleted]

(OOC : You call that a short post? You should see MY short posts!! ;D )

Amaiza listened sadly. She was about to say something when Abrafo appeard again. She jumped slightly when Anrai jumped infront of her. "Umm.. Anrai." her voice trailed out from behind him. "May i have a quick word with your father.." She would have said his name, but she wasn't exactly sure of what his name was, so she closed her mouth and waited for Anrai's reply.

[Riley]

Anrai had almost forgotten that Amaiza was still there. He turned when she spoke, but glanced angrily back at his father before facing her. He walked forward.
"I guess..... I don't see why not. But I am going to be watching you, Dad."

Abrafo stared, bewildered at the pair, and then relaxed his shoulders. But while he did this, he rose to his full hight, and stared at Amaiza condesendingly. He was grimacing, and he was still angry at his son. To tell the truth, he wasn't in the mood for talking. But he thought that it would be rude to deny her. After all, as painful as it was for him to admit it, his son was right.

Anrai stared at his paws before turning back to his father.
"I mean it dad, don't yell at her. Don't be a jerk...."
Abrafo half-roared, and finished with a low dangerous growl. Anrai was apparently used to this, as he simply shrugged it off. He didn't look back.

Abrafo turned once more to Amaiza. His look was stern, and angry.
"You wanted to speak to me."

[Deleted]

Amaiza watched silently until Abrafo spoke to her again. "You wanted to speak to me." He said simply. She nodded and walked closer to him and sat down. "Look.. i don't meant to sound like I am telling you how to live your life or anything like that.." She started off. "But your son, Anrai, well.. all he really wants is for you to believe in him, and to actually talk to him. He wants a father who will have fun with him. And after what he has told me.." She continued on, staring at the lion infront of her. " .. I think you're scared of loosing him, after what happened to his mother." She smiled weakly at Abrafo. " At least for the time being.. a day or say, you and Anrai should stay with me and my friends.." She motioned towards the group. "And you should try and get to know your son a little better, have fun, and relax. Be proud of him for who he is and the actions that he takes.." She stopped and laughed. "I know i sound a bit like a councilor or something.. but I really think you should do at least some of the things i have mentioned.." She finally concluded, waiting for Abrafo's reply. She was ready to be yelled at and told to mind her own buisness. But she wouldn't jump to conclusions..

[EvaJanus]

Eva followed Zander aside from the group. She glanced back a moment, then turned to Zander again. "I don't mean to pry, but is there something bothering you? You seem very eager to go somewhere..." She already knew that something was bothering him, but she wanted to hear him confirm it. Also, she just wanted to feel connected to someone again. Zander was the first of the group that she had met and so she automatically felt more comfortable around him. "Maybe no one else can see it, but I can tell." She paused, then finally opened up. "I have been searching for someone... I share in your eagerness to be on your way."

[Lorien]

Zander sighed a bit and glanced at the mountains before turning back to Eva. "You can see right through me." He chuckled a bit before continuing. "I am eager to be somewhere. You see.." He didn't know how he was going to explain this, or even if she would believe him, but it was no use hiding it from her, especially if she was going to travel with them. "Before I found you, and before I was with anyone in the group, I was attacked by...something, I don't really know. Fire and Amaiza nursed me back to health, but I couldn't remember anything at all. The only thing I could remember was my name." He looked to the ground a bit, remembering how much he had depended on those two in that time. "I've been having visions, some of my past, and some of a lion who's telling me what I need to do." He looked up to Eva, trying to see if he would believe him or not. "I have to find him, and he told me while we were hunting that I needed to be in haste. I just don't want anything to happen to the group, and I think the quicker we find him, the better." He looked again to the mountains, a feeling of foreboding consuming him. "You see...I think my father is on our tails, either that or waiting for me somewhere. He wants to finish the job he started." He looked down to Eva again, his blue eyes trying hard to stay focused. "I believe he is the one who attacked me. He wants me dead."