[Private] Kiarasmate and Kivuli

[Baya]

"I felt something rip through me this morning." Ayari said, not even making reference to what she had said. "Maju has crossed the line. It is the question of what he has done to cross the line." Ayari looked down and closed his eyes. Bits of his mane dropped over his face as he took a deep breath. "I know that our feelings should never be entwined with war. I know that I'm a rogue, and you are a pride lander. Titles. Nothing more then titles Vitani. You think I ever cared of what became of these lands?" Ayari said quietly, looking to Vitani. "I thought I came here seeking refuge...but it appears that the only reason I came back was to tie back into what I had missed so dearly. Now I must fight to protect what I have missed for all this time. I will fight to my last breath." Ayari said quietly as he took his paw out from under Vitani's.

Ayari licked Vitani's cheek gently, and looked down again. "I don't know what it is that drives me to fight. Is it you? Or is it my deep dark feelings that have developed over the course of my self-exile." Ayari muttered. "Vitani. I think...I actually want war." Ayari said quietly. "I think I have become exactly what I am fighting against." Ayari murmured.

~ Back At Pride Rock ~

"Don't comfort her! Welcome to the world! There is loss every where you turn! Are you going to mourn every single of your companions' deaths? You'd start bleeding from your eyes if you could sob so much. You are a rogue, and yet your fabulous leader has blinded you from what it truly is like out there." Husudu growled.

"That is enough Husudu." Shwari warned, his tone very stern. Husudu snorted.

"You are defending her? For what purpose? To be accepted by this sorry piece of work? This so called shaman?" Husudu asked with a narrowed glare at his younger brother.

"I said that's enough Husudu! I wish you were on the other end of this! So you can feel the pain of loss! Just because you are incapable of loving something, doesn't mean you can lash out at others that can! What you have isn't a strength brother! It is a weakness. It is the same weakness Maju, and all his pride share. It is the same weakness those jungle rogues shared when they murdered father, and mother!" Shwari said angrily. Husudu chuckled darkly.

"Fine. Live in your fairy tale. Sooner or later, you'll realize the true nature of life. It's not about gain, it's about loss!" Husudu roared. He then proceeded to make his way out of the den. Shwari panted in anger as he looked down to Siri who had stopped crying, and was only muttering Kivuli's name to herself over and over again.

"Don't listen to my brother. It is ok for you to mourn the ones you love. He's in a better place now, I assure you." Shwari said gently.

"N-No. Your brother is right..." Siri said quietly with a hiccough. "It is silly for me to even cry over this. I have lost my brothers, my sisters, my mother and my father. Death should be natural to me by now." Siri said darkly. Shwari shook his head.

"Death is a part of living." Kovu broke in to the group. "His death, will give life and motivation to all of you. Don't let his death be a simple brush of the paw. Point the finger at where it really deserves to be." Kovu said quietly. "At Maju and his pride. As much as I hate war, it is necessary to put these savages into their place. Siri, I am really sorry that you had lost a loved one. Were you two?..."

"Yes. We were." Siri said wiping her drying tears from her face. "My cub will be without a father...and it is all because of those damn rogues..." Siri said as her sorrow quickly turned to anger.

[KiarasMate]

Taking in everything that Ayari told her, Vitani’s ears lowered as she swallowed hard. Hearing the disparity within her friend’s voice and seeing him this way, she couldn’t help but to feel a bit uncertain of what exactly to say to convince Ayari that he was nothing like Maju. Once Ayari fell silent, Vitani gently nuzzled him under the chin, lifting his head up as she spoke in a low murmur.

”Ayari…I love you. I love you because of who you are. The same caring and strong lion that I knew way back when. You haven’t changed Ayari. It’s the things you fight for, that have changed. That doesn’t make you any less of a lion. Unlike Maju and his heartless band of rogues, you have a reason to fight, as do I. We fight for each other, as well as our friends and family. Maju has nothing to fight for but hatred itself. Hate corrupts the mind and can blind those who follow the darker paths in life. My mother was a perfect example of that.”

Pausing for a moment, Vitani looked straight into Ayari’s eyes, a genuine look of both understanding and fear apparent within her gaze as she continued.

”You’re going to have to face Maju sooner or later Ayari but you’re never alone. I will fight by your side until I draw my last breath. You aren’t the only one fighting for someone you love, you know.”

Planting a soft kiss over Ayari’s muzzle to show him exactly what she meant, Vitani leaned her frame gently against Ayari’s as she resumed speaking.

”I won’t lie to you Ayari. I’m worried about what the future holds. Ever since you stepped paw back into these lands, it’s like my mind has only been focused upon what is going to happen, instead of actually seeing what was happening right in front of me. We can’t live in the past, nor can we thrive in the future if we don’t focus on the present. Right now, our lands are under siege and times are going to be very tough for us, but we’ll always have each other, you and I, and everyone in our pride supports each other. That’s what sets us apart from Maju and his horde.”

Staring into Ayari’s captivating eyes one more time, Vitani muttered the words that she had spoken many times previous, ever since they were cubs.

”We stand as one Ayari. Now, and forever.”

==========

Zina’s jaw almost hit the den floor as she heard the news about Siri. If her fur hadn’t been white to begin with, the shock of this turn of events would have surely done the trick. Unable to even vocalize her surprise, the baffled shaman just lay there, gazing up at her friend with a dumbfounded expression. It wasn’t until Kovu’s words reached her ears, did the white furred Shaman shake herself out from the stupor that she had been put in from Siri’s words. Rising to her paws now, Zina nodded as she spoke in a more menacing tone.

”Damn straight! Maju’s made this fight more personal than ever and if it’s a fight he wants, then so help me, it’s a fight he’s going to get.”

Slamming her paw down upon the den floor as if to punctuate her words, Zina looked over at Siri as she spoke reassuringly to her.

”We’ll make them pay Siri. For Kivuli, for your cub…for everything!”

Turning to Schwari, Zina flashed the grey furred male a gracious look as she addressed him in a rather kind tone.

”Thank you for sticking up for me and Siri Schwari. I didn’t mean to snap at your brother like that but…well, you know.”

[Baya]

" There will come a time, where I must face him alone Vitani. You and I will fight the horde side by side, but he is mine. I must speak to him first, and if need be, I will kill him on my own." Ayari said quietly. "It is not a matter of safety, or a matter of pride. He was like a brother to me at one point, and the privilege of killing him is mine. Only a brother can kill the tyrant..." Ayari said looking down again. He then proceeded to nuzzling Vitani. "I'm afraid you know. Afraid of what I'll lose in this war." Ayari murmured quietly.

~ At Pride Rock ~

"You don't need to thank me. I did not say what I did to defend you...I said it because it is how I feel about the situation. I apologize for my brother's arrogant, and sadistic behavior. He just doesn't understand what it's like to lose someone you love very much." Shwari explained. Siri snorted as she licked the remnants of the tears from her own face.

"You know the pain of losing a loved one? Is that why you were sticking up for me?" Siri asked with a growl. Shwari looked troubled for a moment, and then looked to Siri to explain.

"I have tried in my journey to make many friends. Of course I did...but with every friend I made, their death quickly followed. I know pai-"

"You don't know a thing. You don't know what love is, so how could you possibly know the pain of the loss?" Siri said bitterly. "I am the mother to his cub. Did you lose a mate, and a cub before?" Siri asked grimly. Shwari looked down in silence.

"I-I apologize. You are right. I don't know that pain." Shwari said with a sigh as he got up and began to walk out of the den. Siri looked to Zina with a troubled look on her face.

"Those two are freaks...One of them is too sadistic, and the other is full of...full of...you know!" Siri snarled.

[KiarasMate]

Purring softly from Ayari’s affectionate ministrations, Vitani sighed apprehensively as she nodded in response to what he had said about Maju. Replying in a worried, yet still understanding voice, the former Outlander addressed her old friend once more.

”I…I understand Ayari. You do what you have to but I can’t imagine losing you. I know there is the real possibility that either of us could be killed from this inevitable feud but I want you to promise me that , no matter what happens, you’ll do what your heart tells you to.”

Not knowing what else to say, as she knew that Ayari’s mind was made up, Vitani stayed quiet as she rested her head against Ayari’s chest, listening to his heart beat as she nuzzled there gently, murmuring to him once more.

”I love you Ayari. I’m happy that you did come back and I wouldn’t change anything from these past few days, even if I could.”

Moving away from her old friend now, Vitani turned her head as she quickly swiped away a tear that was beginning to form in her eye, before she spoke in a low voice.

”C’mon, we better get back to Pride Rock. I’m sure my brother will want to get things situated as soon as possible.”

Before her emotions could get the better of her, Vitani took her leave, knowing that Ayari would follow as she made her way back towards the main den.

==========

Lowering her ears from Siri’s hurtful words towards Schwari, Zina felt a bit torn between who she should stand by. One side of her wanted to try and console her friend, while the other side urged her to defend Schwari. Not Used to this type of feeling, Zina opted to stay where she was as she spoke softly to Siri.

”He’s not that bad Siri. They just don’t know what you’re going through. I can’t say that I even know the pain you must be feeling but you know I’m always here for you Siri.”

Leaning in to give Siri a friendly nuzzle, Zina whispered quietly.

”So, you never told me that you and Kivuli mated. I thought you two were just growing close to one another. When did this come about?”

[Baya]

"Alright. Be on the look out Vitani. Neither of us are safe in the midst of that tyrant..." Ayari said quietly, not even referring to Maju by name anymore. He quickly followed after Vitani, not wanting her to be prowling around alone. "Are you hungry?" Ayari asked quietly.

~ At the den ~

"I know he meant no harm." Siri said as she looked down in shame, and anger. "Though his brother...he speaks the truth Zina. The world is actually this dark. To be a rogue, you have to be willing to lose everything you love. Ayari should be prepared to lose Vitani, and not get upset over that. I should've never broken down like this...and I took it out on Shwari. That is a mistake I hope I never repeat." Siri said quietly. After hearing the inquiry about her and Kivuli mating her ears pricked in embarrassment. "I prefer not to talk about that...but I must raise our cub regardless of Kivuli's presence or not." Siri said quietly.

[KiarasMate]

Hearing Ayari’s inquiry, Vitani shook her head as she replied in a soft voice.

”No, thank you Ayari. I have too much on my mind to even think about eating. Besides, it’s too dangerous for hunting anyways.”

Trying to reassure Ayari that she was okay though, Vitani moved in close and licked her old friend over his cheek, smiling happily at him as she continued on her way. As they approached Pride Rock, the two felines passed by a gloomy looking Schwari, causing Vitani to whisper quietly.

”Wonder what’s up with him.”

Making their way into the main den, Vitani called out to Kovu as she made her way over to her brother’s side.

”We’re ready to hear your plan Kovu. What do you propose we do now?”

Watching both Ayari and Vitani making their way into the main den, Zina’s attention was momentarily distracted as she turned back to Siri, nodding with a grin.

”Fair enough Siri. I just never would have suspected is all. You’ll be a wonderful mother though. You’re caring and strong and I know Kivuli will be proud of the both of you.”

Leaning in a bit closer, Zina lowered her voice as she added in.

”Do you want to break the news to Ayari, or should I? You’ve known both Kivuli and Ayari longer though, but if you’re not up for telling him Siri, I will do it for you.”

[Baya]

"I-I don't think it would be safe to break the news to him. I think it also wouldn't be safe to tell him where Maju is right now." Siri murmured quietly.


Shwari was sitting outside in the meantime, looking gloomily across the pride lands, thinking back to what Siri had told him. He had lost alot of loved ones before, friends and family. Did he truly not know the pain Siri was going through right now? Was what she was feeling really just exclusive to her? Was Shwari really just trying to defend Siri for Zina's attention like his brother had said earlier? Shwari frowned to himself as he pushed a rock angrily from under his paw, and glared to the ground. Why could he not be like his brother? Why was he the one that had to have the annoying burden of emotions on his mind? Why did he care so much, and why was he subject to a kind nature?

At that moment Shwari noticed that Ayari, and Vitani had come back from where ever they were. He paid no mind to them, since he was lost in his own thoughts.


"I have no idea what's wrong with him. I've never seen him upset like that." Ayari murmured as he entered the den. He looked to Vitani as she asked Kovu for the plan. He was wondering what they should do himself.

"Vitani, that is a troubling question. We need to prepare for war...Simple as that." Kovu said quietly. Ayari looked down for a moment and sighed.

"We will lose many Kovu. We can't risk using Maju's tactics. To him it can be war, but to us it doesn't have to be. I'll throw myself in the front lines, and clear as many as I can out." Ayari offered.

[KiarasMate]

Shaking her head and keeping her voice to a whisper, Zina tried to reason with Siri as she spoke.

”That might be Siri but it won’t be long until he asks where Kivuli is. We’re going to be at war soon and Ayari will need to know where Kivuli is. I’d say, better to tell him now, instead of him finding out when we need him the most. You know Ayari better than I do though, so I’ll leave the choice up to you, but he’s going to have to know the truth sooner or later.”

Giving her friend one last comforting nuzzle, Zina made her way over to where Ayari, Vitani and Kovu were discussing the plan of action. Waiting for a pause in the conversation once Ayari had finished speaking, Zina chimed in.

”I’ll be at the front too, unless you will allow me to go gather some herbs before we act, in which case, I’ll stay back and attend to those who become injured during the fight.”

Waiting for the white furred Shaman to state her position, Vitani spoke next as she met with her brother’s gaze.

”I’m going to be at the front as well. You know as well as I do Kovu, that when it comes to fighting, I’m the lioness for the job.”

[sorry for the somewhat lackluster post. ^^ I’m in the middle of studying for a midterm. ^^]

[Baya]

"I'm sorry Zina. You will have to be on the side lines, treating injury best you could. I do not want to lose anyone to Maju." Ayari said quietly.

"Pah. Too late." Husudu murmured as he stepped into the den again. Ayari's eyes narrowed as he turned to Husudu for a moment, with a questioning look.

"What do you mean? What happened?" Ayari asked quietly. Husudu snorted.

"They didn't tell you? Well, I might as well. This morning your shaman, and my fool of a brother found the emotionless male dead near the outlands." Husudu said with a grin. His eyes then widened as Ayari slammed him against the den wall, with a paw.

"You best not be lying...or I will cut your throat right here." Ayari growled dangerously, pushing down against Husudu's neck. Ayari looked to Zina.

"Zina. Is this the truth?" Ayari asked darkly, feeling everyone's eyes on him.

[KiarasMate]

Taking a few steps back from Ayari as she watched her leader exerting his force against Husudu, Zina swallowed hard as Ayari posed the question about Kivuli to her. Stammering for a response as she knew telling him the truth now would probably send Ayari over the edge, but lying would surely result in Husudu’s life being ended. As much as she disliked the older of the two grey furred males, Zina bit the bullet and replied in a shaky voice.

”Y…yess, it’s true Ayari. Schwari and I found Kivuli this morning, severely injured and…and since I didn’t have any herbs, I couldn’t save him. We…we were just, well, waiting for the right time to tell you is all.”

Lowering her ears and cringing slightly as she waited for Ayari’s reaction to the news, Zina felt a cold chill run down her spine as she instinctively backed up slowly, away from Ayari.