The King of Grass Walls [Private: ImaniFaith and Amadeus]

[ImaniFaith]

Snarling, Bahari rolled his eyes at Zuzu's antics. Why did the creature have to be so obnoxious all the time? And those stupid questions!

"Fine! Fine! We'll get something to eat!" He snapped, "And as for everything else-- don't worry about it! I know what I'm doing!"

Frustrated, he shook the last vestiges of the water out of his auburn mane. "The girl isn't all that important... on her own; but if she breaks down and tells her little pride about Tenga-- all will be over for him." A malicious grin lit his gaunt features, "They'll chase him out of the land-- or kill him; and I won't have to lift a paw. Everything will soon be free for the taking, Zuzu-- you'll see!"

//

Another day had dawned over Grass Walls, and Imani felt as though she'd been run over by a wildebeast stampede.

After that stupid 'Bahari' had said those things to her, she had gone home more confused than ever. What if Tenga really was using her? It would make a lot more sense than him actually liking her in any way.

But, no, her mind told her; he was just going to walk away when they'd met. He came back and taught her, never asking for anything in return except a drink of water-- not even food, when he was obviously starving.

Even though her faith in him was slighty shaken, she had decided she would give him the benefit of the doubt... for now.

And, on a more happy note, her mother had chosen to come along with her today! Of course, Leta didn't know Imani was going to introduce her to anyone-- only that her daughter had 'found something cool' and really wanted her to see it. It was probably going to be a pretty big shock when she saw Tenga sitting there instead of a shiny rock or whatever else she was expecting.

Still, she knew her mother wouldn't betray her. Out of her entire pride, Leta was the only one she trusted.

"This had better be good." Her mother was grousing, "To come out all this way for nothing wouldn't make me happy."

"It's good, Ma." She forced a smile, hoping she was telling the truth, "And we're almost there."

All of a sudden, Leta froze. "What is that?"

"What?" Though she knew....

"I smell...." The lioness' eyes grew wide and panicked, "Rogue! Imani, we need to go back!"

She shook her head, "No, Mom, I smell it, too, and we're perfectly safe right here." Pushing aside several blades of grass, she smiled. "It's a friend."

Tenga lifted his head at their arrival.

[Baya]

Tenga lifted his head, as he watched the arrival of Imani, and the other lioness he figured was her mother. Tenga stood up straight and looked towards her as Imani stopped in front of him with her mother. "It is very nice to meet you." Tenga muttered quietly, whilst he bowed his head. He knew it was a horrible thing to hear your daughter was friends with a rogue, and he wanted to make a good impression on her so that she didn't forbid Imani from seeing him.

"Imani told me that you have some problems going on in this land. Regarding rogues. I'm offering my help to keep them away. Should you accept it your land will be flourishing again in no time without any rogue interference." Tenga explained quietly. He had to market himself well in this situation. If he didn't then she'd just deem him dangerous and nothing else.

Tenga sat down and waited to see how she'd react to him. At first, before Imani told her that he was a friend she was quite afraid. Though Tenga hoped with the fact that he spoke with her in the calmest tone he could muster that she realized he wasn't a threat. With all his heart he hoped that Imani's mother would understand him and Imani's "relationship" considering her mate was a rogue before, and currently Imani was just friends with him. It wasn't all that bad, right?

[ImaniFaith]

"This is Tenga. He saved me from hyenas, Mom." Imani added tentatively, "If he hadn't been there to help me, I don't think I would have come home yesterday."

To her surprise, her mother only shot her an irritated look, "And that's why I tell you that exploring is foolish."

Imani had expected a much worse reaction than that, and found herself smiling sheepishly. "Well...."

"Well nothing." Turning back to Tenga, Leta scowled, "So... Tenga. You saved my daughter, and you say you want to help us. I want to know why."

//

Bahari had woken that morning in a glorious mood. In fact, Zuzu hadn't seemed to know what to do when he didn't get yelled at for losing them their breakfast; and, indeed, it felt as though nothing could get him down.

At least, it hadn't. Until he'd spotted that stupid lioness moving through the grass below with what could only be her mother in tow. So, despite everything he'd said to her, Imani was still going to go through with her plan!

Standing at the entrance of his den, Bahari sucked in his breaths through gritted teeth, "Well, two can play at that game, can't they?" he said, but the shrill desperation in his voice was obvious, even to him. "I can't lose-- I won't lose, not now!"

'For if I lose now,' He thought in despair, 'I'll never get another chance!'

[Baya]

Tenga's eyes widened slightly, and he didn't know how to reply. He couldn't tell Imani's mother, straight to her face, that he was doing it because his feelings were strong for Imani. He could tell the lioness before him was really impatient so he pushed his mind to make up an excuse. "She reminds me of my older sister. I lost her a long time ago, and I'd hate to see that happen to Imani. That's why I'm helping. Though if you feel you don't need my help, I'll be on my way just as fast. I didn't come here to cause any trouble." Tenga said quietly, trying not to raise his tone with her.

Tenga waited for Imani's mother to respond, hoping that Imani herself knew that was a complete lie. Tenga was pretty sure Imani was aware of his feelings for her from all the tender affection he'd been giving her recently, and from that draw the conclusion that he couldn't possibly tell her mother that he felt that way. How would she react to THAT? It was obvious she didn't like him too much because he was a rogue, but perhaps if he helped around a bit she would form a different opinion about him.

[ImaniFaith]

"She reminds me of my older sister."

Imani didn't hear anything beyond that. It seemed as though a bolt of lightning had hit her brain and knocked out all comprehension.

Though Tenga's words did relieve her fears of being used, as Bahari had claimed she was, it did nothing for the small hope that had been building inside her over their short time together. No male had ever shown her the attention Tenga had, and she had thought that, perhaps... but now she knew she had been an idiot to think such things.

"No... I'm not asking you to leave." Leta's voice sounded tired, but void of hostility. "You... haven't attacked us; and you did save Imani. I... I suppose I can give you a chance."

"But," She added, hesitantly, "I will say this: our pride isn't as open as I am. I don't dare to tell them you're here right now. As it is," she griped, "I'll have to think of a good lie to tell to Fola and Folayan...."

Imani nodded absentmindedly, imagining her aunts' reaction to news of a rogue in the area. What would they think, if they knew who their sister and niece were talking to right now? Nothing good, that was for sure. "We'll have to wash before we get back, to remove Tenga's scent." she said.

"And we should be getting back soon." Leta's tone was firm. "If we stay, the others are going to wonder."

"Can I stay just a little longer?" She asked, "Tell them I wandered off again or something."

Her mother opened her mouth to reply, but then shut it. However, before departing, she gave her daughter a look that clearly said 'This isn't over', "Fine, but be back soon."

The moment she was out of earshot, Imani turned to Tenga with a half-hearted smile, "Well, that went way better than I thought it would. Leave it to Mom to surprise me, huh?"

Tenga didn't say anything, but seemed to be studying her closely. Above all else, she desired to ask him about... but she couldn't.

However, she did say, "So, your sister... was like me."

How, she wondered, would he reply?

[Baya]

Tenga sighed as he watched Imani's mother leave before looking to Imani. When she asked him her question Tenga shook his head and looked down. "My sister was a hateful, filthy traitor. She was nothing like you. What else could I tell your mother, that she would actually believe? I'm a rogue, and your mother made it quite clear my kind aren't accepted around your pride." Tenga murmured as he looked to Imani for a moment.

"Of course the real reason I want to help...is because..." Tenga looked down, his tone quiet. "Imani, I feel strange around you. I don't know why, but it isn't a bad feeling. This is the first time I've ever experienced such a thing and I think I care alot about you. If I told your mother that, how would she react? 'Oh look! A rogue finds my daughter attractive! Better keep her away from him because he's just a mindless savage looking for one thing!' Tenga said. His face went emotionless once more, and he looked down, totally embarrassed.

"I-I know what I'm saying sounds silly. We've only known each other for a short while. Part of me thinks its just nature, you know? Though I had more then enough chances to father cubs, and I never took them. I've never felt this before." Tenga said quietly.

[OOC: He doesn't want to be her mate YET. That'll be at the end of this chapter of the rp . After Bahari is foiled and the land comes to life blah blah blah. But the love is there :3]

[ImaniFaith]

For a moment, Imani stared disbelievingly at the young rogue, searching him for any signs of deceit... and then he dipped his head with visible embarrassment, and her heart soared. He was telling her the truth, she was sure of it!

"I feel... the same way." She said nervously. "I mean, I just thought... I was the only one who did."

But then another thought came to her; a darker one, "Those rogues-- the ones we smelled-- they cornered me yesterday, after I left you. One of them said he knew you, and... that you were using me. I think they were after something-- the Grass Walls pride, most likely."

Guiltily, she bowed her own head as well, "And I almost believed them. I'm sorry, Tenga."

//

From his hideout above the scene, Bahari was horrified-- livid. He paced back and forth, growling, feeling everything he had spent over a year working on here slipping through his paws-- all because of this new rogue and his stupid little crush! If he hadn't been so proud, he would have broken down and cried.

As it was, he had already terrified Zuzu in his mad frenzy, "It isn't fair! It isn't fair! He could have gone anywhere, found a pride anywhere; why here?!""

"I can't let him do it!" He continued in a near-shriek, "I can't let this happen! If I do, I'll-- I'll-- I have to calm down."

Taking a deep, shuddering breath, he lay himself on the dusty ground and massaged his aching temples, "I have to think. What else can I do?" He asked bitterly. "I didn't plan this out properly; I was too certain of my success, too blinded by my... but no more!"

Zuzu, who had been cowering in the corner of their den, now peeked out at him from the opening curiously.

"I'll bypass them all!" Bahari suddenly grinned, the wild look on his face sending Zuzu fleeing back inside, "Yes, I don't care if it kills me-- what more have I to lose?! I know this pride; I've been watching them for months, after all! I know who will listen to me!"

Turning to his companion, he cried, "Buck up, Zuzu, and follow me! There's still hope!"

[Baya]

Tenga smiled as he realized she felt the same way, but when her tone took a quick change, he looked up at her. She explained to him what had happened to her last night, and his eyes widened. "Using you?" Tenga growled as his temper rose. "I don't care what he wants, but use you? Why in the name of the great king's would I use you to become king? I don't even want to be king!" Tenga sputtered angrily as he looked to the floor with a glare. He closed his eyes, and calmed down with a deep breath.

Tenga looked to Imani and gently touched nose with his own, and slid his head over her's in an embrace once more. "I promised you I would not let any rogue take your pride. If he really does plan to take the pride, he is my enemy. He will die." Tenga reassured as his heart pumped harder with the adrenaline in his blood.

"And don't you feel bad about doubting me either. You must always think twice about someone, before trusting them. At least I know now that you are honest as well. You are even more admirable then before." Tenga purred quietly.

//

Zuzu looked at his leader having a nervous breakdown and temper tantrum. It was quite a funny sight at first, but then it turned into a sad one. Zuzu was confused over why this was so important to Bahari. Why not just join a pride? Zuzu did not dare ask these questions out loud as his boss would probably kill him for the stupid questions at this point.

By the order of Bahari, he followed. "Boss? Don't you think we'll need some brute muscle to beat up Tenga? You are smart right? Why don't you trick some stupid creatures to work for you, and then get rid of them when you have a pride." Zuzu suggested. The only reason Zuzu actually came up with a decent plan this time, was because the situation was serious and this called for Zuzu to think logically.

[ImaniFaith]

As Tenga tenderly embraced her, Imani's heart nearly burst with joy. For so long, she had dreamed of being wanted, being loved by another-- and now, here he was, telling her how much he thought of her. She was so glad he had forgiven her for doubting him....

Yet a shadow continued to loom over Imani's happiness, and diminish it.

True, she did not trust Bahari. In fact, she would be quite happy to run him out of Grass Walls herself; but to kill him...? Tenga was a rogue, though, she reasoned; certainly he knew better than her how these things should work.

But... still.

"Does he really have to die, Tenga?" She asked, "He's so old, and weak. I think he's sneaking around because he's too afraid to actually attack anyone."

He gave her a quizzical look, and she sighed. "I don't like him, or what he's done-- and if it has to be that way, then fine. But... I just don't want to end someone's life so quickly, without giving them a second chance."

//

The golden sun hung high in the afternoon sky, sending waves of dry heat over the plain. Moving swiftly, Bahari ran through the tall blades of grass, straight into the heart of Grass Walls territory.

He would never have dared to come here before, but desire and desperation now drove him to it. If he had to, he would kill the old king himself; but first, if it could be done....

After all, he thought as he leered at the lazy lionesses basking in the sunlight, he did so hate to fight. "Lie low, Zuzu, and don't question me any longer. I know what I'm doing."

His eyes landed on one particular female, who was stretched out beside Imani's mother. She was a slightly lighter shade of tawny brown than her sister, and she wore an expression of snide disgust as she conversed with her. This, then, was Fola-- one of the biggest gossips in the pride. Bahari knew her routine well; well enough to know that as the sun reached its zenith, she would take leave of her relatives and walk by herself to the shaded spot behind an old tree that stood a little ways downwind. If he could catch her there, he would have his say, and perhaps there would still be a chance for him.

However, there was always the possibility that it could go wrong. He had learned that lesson well in the last two days, and a strange thought overcame him as he glanced back around to his foolish companion. Should Fola send up an alarm, Bahari would be destroyed, and Zuzu along with him....

Though he couldn't muster up the will to like the scrawny rogue, an odd sense of pity stirred in his chest. He had, after all, raised the idiot.

"If, by chance, something does go... wrong...." He began, "Do as I tell you immediately-- and ask me nothing. Do you understand, Zuzu?"

[Baya]

Tenga looked into Imani's eyes for a moment and as much as he despised Bahari for spreading lies about him, he could not possibly kill him if Imani had doubts about him. It was true, Tenga was a rogue but a rogue that had fallen for a pride lioness. Normally, rogues would just do their thing with the lioness and leave, but Tenga had no intention of doing that. As he mentioned before, Imani was his purpose in life now and should she ask him to not do something, he would oblige.

"Very well. I'll leave him to his own fate. Though if he comes near you ever again, I'll tear him limb from limb." Tenga growled quietly, but quickly he embraced Imani again and calmed down.

"Regardless of what your mother may think, or what others might say Imani. The only reason I'm here is because I admire you. If I hadn't met you, I would've moved on by now. Perhaps it was fate that brought us together, ending both our problems at once." Tenga murmured with a smile.

Tenga removed his head from the embrace and gazed into Imani's eyes again, and leaned his muzzle to her cheek and gave it a gently lick. He knew what he did was sudden, and he was moving too fast but his feelings for Imani were absolute. It wasn't often that one would be so kind towards him, and that had triggered his admiration for her.
//

Zuzu followed Bahari silently for the longest while until he finally got orders from the lion. He quickly laid down beside Bahari waiting for the next order. His ears perked up slightly as Bahari spoke again nodding his head at the next order. Zuzu walked alongside Bahari as they made their way after Fola, as she walked towards her shaded spot.