[PRIVATE] A Loner's Pride

[zorayda]

Taro saw all of Zera's reactions, her wobbly knees, her scrunched-up face, and her slight irritability, and he finally couldn't help himself.

"Can I please help you carry him?" He blurted out, concerned. It just wasn't in his nature to refuse to give help to others, and it seemed that Zera was struggling. "I...well, I need my exercise," the golden lion muttered, blushing. He didn't want to insult this somewhat touchy lioness...but, for some reason, he couldn't figure out why he felt the need to keep her happy. It wasn't like she was his friend or anything, yet...

Eeve glanced over at her friend, noting the blush creeping up onto his face. She was somewhat confused for a moment, but her eyes flicked to Zera, then back to Taro, and then repeated the process a few times before a sly grin crept up onto her face.

"Yes, Zera, let him help you," she said sweetly. "So he can impress you with his macho self." The wheat-colored lioness burst into a fit of giggles as Taro suddenly glared at her, his face flaming hot.

"No! I just, I just want to help, is all!" Taro said indignantly.

Eeve bounced easily away from his big, swatting paws, teasing him with a mantra of "Taro's got a girlfriend!" over and over.

"Err...sorry," he said to Zera, not quite meeting her eyes. "But, uh, seriously, I can help you with him..." He finished, pointing with his nose at Sius.

[XxRinaRoguexX]

Zera looked to her side over to Taro who was expressing his concern once more for taking Sius onto his own back. Though she would not admit to the weight getting to be too much for her to handle, she didn't show any kind of weakness in her face...did she? Sure, she was slightly annoyed but that was only because she had a short temper and proving to be even longer than she thought it was with the situation she had seemed to had gotten herself into. Zera's deep blue eyes peered over at him slightly drifting upwards to peer into his emeralds and waited for him to say something; he seemed to be able to talk himself into a nervous rut pretty quickly.

When Zera's ears flicked over to where Eeve was, she waited for the lioness to finish only to find that she was mocking her friend for trying to offer his aid. She didn't know it was such a bad thing to mock someone for being a gentleman...?

Ignoring Eeve's childish behavior she turned over to look back at the tall male over her and then to her back where Sius was resting. Exercise? She pondered it for a moment, but something in those green orbs of his revealed something more than merely getting his exercise out of carrying the heap of a lion on her back. Thus, she sighed out and closed her mouth. "If you insist" she replied, she nodded her head for him to kneel down as she knew that simply plopping Sius on Taro's back would probably give Sius more injury not to mention hurt the one he currently had and do damage on the other male's back.

Once it was all done, the lioness looked Taro straight in the eye before she mouthed, "thank you" and smiled sweetly. What the heck?! First I was making sure they were safe and now I'm smiling sweetly? Something is wrong with me. Very wrong, she cursed mentally to herself before she cleared her throat and walked on to lead the others. "I think it should be this way according to what Sius said" she spoke straight from her chest and it echoed around them that she could get loud enough if she wanted to send a message across the Pridelands. She didn't look back to see if they were following but she only did to make sure Taro was handling the newly gained weight on his back that Zera had been packing. Once she was sure that the others were catching on where she was looking, her head directed back to looking forward like a leader would...or at least one of the only ones who could keep track and focus.

[zorayda]

Taro, face still warm from his blush, gathered the lion under himself and shifted him up onto his own shoulders. The lion was surprisingly sturdy, and Taro wondered how Zera had gotten him this far already. Eeve pushed Sius up the rest of the way, her eyes still twinkling with mirth at Taro's behavior. She meant well...she was sort of like the annoying little sister friend to Taro, always teasing and making fun at every opportunity.

The golden lion smiled, showing his white teeth against his chocolate muzzle. "You're quite welcome, Zera," he said sincerely, before giving her a little wink and trotting off in the direction she pointed out. Sius's paws flopped about Taro's shoulders as he walked.

Eeve meandered around, watching Taro to make sure he didn't need help, and ended up walking alongside Zera.

"Hey," she began, addressing the other lioness. "So...how do you know all these lions? Were you guys all a pride or something? You all act like you care so much about each other..." she grinned, nodding at Sius. "I mean...not a lot of lions or lionesses would help a guy out this much. So...is he your mate or anything?" Her voice was carefully curious, trying not to reveal that she had a mild interest in the lion currently hitching a ride upon Taro's back.

[XxRinaRoguexX]

She paused before he walked, seeing him go past her and then towards the direction she had stopped leading. All the others were going with his lead so she figured she might as well get herself together and make it with the others to the same way before she herself got lost. It was capable with her luck and lack of being able to follow directions. But she knew landmarks...if she could see the den site once, she would be able to find it forever. When she realized that Taro was replying back to her with his own form of a..."sweet smile", she blinked before rolling her eyes sarcastically and smirking.

And as Zera wandered with the others to where they were supposed to go, she felt Eeve ease lightly off of the others and more towards the taller lioness that Zera was, making Zera smile down at her lightly before looking forwards and making sure Taro was keeping a close hold on that struggling Sius over his back as well as knowing that he wasn't going to be falling off of the lion's back. Eeve was being very approachable which brought Zera to warmly look down at her before setting her eyes back on the path ahead. But once the mood in her voice changed...she knew something was going to be said about either Sius or Taro...and she was hoping it was Sius.

Were they a pride? Not in the lease. Why, did they give off that pride-feel about themselves as a group? She hadn't thought that they did but more that they were more focused on keeping the bad guys out and the good ones in. But if they were acting like a pride, there was all the more reason for Zera to leave; if they were going to be a pride, based off of Eeve's translation, they would have no problem entertaining themselves and making sure that one another were safe. "N-no, we're not. I just met all of you today, actually" she replied confusingly looking around her to the others. Besides Eeve, they were all sporting the body language of being safe around the others with their heads high enough that they were confident but as they walked they were still relaxed and their shoulders rolled with each step they took just as Eeve and Zera were.

And then it came: Sius. Though she was relieved it was about him and not Taro, she couldn't help smirking. She could play games with Eeve just as she sought out to do with Taro, but then she could also turn the jokes into a serious matter where she could disrupt something great happening for both of them. She knew the right thing to do...but who said she couldn't do both things? With a smile pressed firmly on her lips, she looked over and ahead, whispering for only her and Eeve, "like I said we all just met, so don't be afraid to strut your stuff for Sius, dudette" she winked lightly down at Eeve's smaller frame compared to Zera's and smiled forwards. It may not have seemed like it, but Zera knew how to flirt and she knew when there was a certain...flirtatious arouma in the air, not to mention the voice in Eeve's throat was quite distinguishing. Soon she looked to her side and spotted a den site. It looked a lot like what Sius had described so no point in keeping her opinion unknown if it meant making the two lions feel better; Sius to get some rest in his happy home and Taro able to rest his back and legs. "Would that be it, then?"

[Harvs]

After making the transition from Zera's back to Taro's, Sius felt a little bit more confident that he would make it back to his den. It wasn't that he didn't think that Zera could make it, but if anyone could feel her legs weakening from his weight, it would be Sius. And more than happy to not accidentally crush Zera under his large body, he made the transition without a complaint or suggestion. When the switch was complete, Sius saw a bit of his blood on Zera's back. He shied away from looking at it too much and tried to keep his mind on other things. At this point, making it back to his den before sunset. The sun was already creeping down the horizon at a frightening pace... not a good sign with that suspicious character Mufalfa lurking nearby.

Sius closed his eyes to catch a little shut eye before they reached his den. Until Eeve asked her question. It was... quite a question indeed. Such a question in-fact, that Sius didn't feel comfortable answering it. He was completely clueless that Eeve was giving off obvious signs of care for Sius. Completely oblivious to such feelings which he had never felt, Sius remained silent on the large lion's back.

It turned out to be a good decision, as Zera soon answered for him... and then said something a bit much for Sius' emotionless mind to comprehend. His ears perked up, soon followed by his head. 'strut her stuff?' Sius blushed a bit and turned away from Eeve and Zera. In truth, Sius also had feelings for Eeve... but he didn't want to say anything until he knew how she felt about him. Instead, he brushed it off as nothing... except something that could get him a potential mate... maybe.

The group approached a familiar sight to Sius: two trees around a hole in the ground. Indeed, it was Sius' den. As quickly as she finished her sentence, Sius responded by saying "Yeah, that's it. Make yourselves at home guys. He was still blushing a little bit from Eeve's questions, so his muzzle remained away from the group.

[Nukascar101]

Wafu looked at Mufalfa for a while debating if he should confront the lion right now about the fact that he was his father. He wanted to know so many things. Where was he? How did he survive? How did he find him? But right now Wafu decided to save the questions for another time, after all his father may want this time to think. He had just met his son and also he said something about an complex plan to take out the lions of this pride.
Thinking of that made Wafu ask once again why he was following through with that plan, these lions had never done anything to hurt him, in fact he had just met them. But he just decided to say that he's simply following his father's wishes and that was reason enough.
"I'll just leave you to think dad" he said to Mufalfa and then slowly stalked in the direction the other lions had gone wanting to keep and eye on them. Slinking past as to not confront any of them he made his way to one of the tree's surrounding the cave and climbed it with leopard like agility settling on one of the outer branches to keep a close eye on the cave. From his perch he just blankly stared at the other lions.

[XxRinaRoguexX]

It was...quaint. Not too big, not too small. If anything it was the perfect size for a male like himself to be living in, but not her choice in scenery by a long shot as she was more used to wide open ranges to look out of when she wanted something to look at when she woke up or was bored. But to each is own and all Zera could do was smile and be thankful that he was willing to share a home with the other lions and lionesses. It was funny how when he said to make themselves at home, it was started to rain. African weather was best left unpredicted in Zera's honest opinion.

Not that she even had the thought of walking into the den with the others, but what compelled her to stay outside was the aching feeling around her that there was something misleading about going in there. She didn't mind the rain nor did she mind these others, but if there was something bugging her there was no point in leaving it to drive her up the wall. Not to mention she liked a little outdoor sleep once in a while. As the others headed in she turned her body around and walking to the front of the enterance, set herself down lightly with her paws crossed over each other, her head erect for the reason of finding something so distracting as to making her stay outside. She imagined there were eyes on her, but she kept her position and her mouth shut not owing an answer unless asked for it.

All she did was silently flick her ears once in a while to lunge the water off and onto the already soaking ground.

[Ushujaa]

A young lion was lurking in the back of the den. He was an adolescent, almost into his teen years I wonder any of these are Kasi's brother? Do they know I'm here yet... and what if he's not with this group? he thought.The rain continued to pour out side. An echoing noise of thunder crackled and throughout the den. The noise startled him a bit, he stepped into a sliver of light given off by a crack in the ceiling of the cave. he felt the rain drip down the back of his golden tan fur for a few moments.

... Did Kasi even tell him i was going to be hiding out here? he reflected on his situation, Okay, i have to approach these lions very calmly... I Don't want to make any sudden moves... The stranger started to emerge from his hiding, trying to get closer to the injured one of the group It might be easier to get answers from someone who can't fight back... if it comes to that.

He considered what he was getting himself into, if the group of lion's were not with who he thought they were he would be at their mercy... he started to speak in a soft tone yet still loud enough for everyone to hear. Hello, do any of you know Kasi of the Pridelands? He hoped the answered that followed would be yes, but he still crept closer and closer to the injured of the group please just say yes, i hate having to take hostages... He prayed and awaited the answer...

[Nukascar101]

Wafu bared his teeth at the pouring rain having little shelter from the tree he was in but made no sound not wanting to alert the lioness that had recently came outside the cave.
'Is she keeping guard of something?' Wafu asked himself mentally but didn't bother to think anything of it and jst kept watch. His only moves where his blinking every now and then as water got in his eyes dripping from his wet growing mane and he now kept his hears down to decrease the amount of water that could go in them.

[Harvs]

They arrived in his den. A warm welcoming feeling crept through Sius. Nothing unexpected ever happened in his den. Especially not right now. "You can just set me down here Taro, I really appreciate this" Sius said with a gracious tone. Not only did he appreciate Taro's help, but he was also very grateful to Zera, whom without her, Sius would have never have found friends. Let alone, found friends of such wonderful caliber. Syira was a hard egg to crack, but all she needed was some love and compassion, and she opened right up. And Taro and Eeve, be them siblings or just friends, they were an inseparable duo. As for Zera, Sius had never felt the urge to talk with someone until he saw her. And look what it got him? A scratched belly, yes, but a potential pride. Never in all his years of being a rogue did Sius ever think he would have a pride. And with such compassionate lions. It was almost too good to be true.

Once Sius was on the ground of his dry cavern, he looked over at the corner just west of the entrance. That's strange... Sius thought as he glanced around the den. He was searching for an antelope he had hunted for and killed yesterday for his lunch... but now, it was nowhere to be found. Perhaps someone raided my den while I was out. He thought to himself. It was a shame. Sius had hoped to treat his guests to a piece of his hard work. After the day they had had, it seemed like the least he could do. But now, there was simply nothing he could offer them except shelter from the bitter rain. Sius laid his head down and sighed. So much for being a good host.

Suddenly, his ear perked up. Something shifted in his den. A rock turned loose or something. At first, he was only surprised since he was usually alone in his cave. But he brushed off the sound as one of the other lions moving around. But something was very wrong indeed. Sius could see a shadow creeping alone the wall of his den. The shadow of a stranger. Who was in his home who wasn't supposed to be?

Sius lifted his head and slowly turned toward the origin of the shadow. Half expecting to see Mufalfa, Sius turned with an expression that said "You're not welcome here. Get out." When he reached the caster of the shadow, he was somewhat surprised. It was a young lion... one whom he had never seen before. When the adolescent spoke, Sius reluctantly listened. This guy was trespassing in his home, and as far as Sius knew, he might have done away with the rest of the food. But when the lion spoke familiar words, Sius dropped his tough guy act... not that he was fooling anyone with several cuts along his stomach. He turned with new found kindliness and answered "Kasi? Yeah I know Kasi. He's my younger brother. The fastest lion in all of Africa." Sius exclaimed with a proud tone. Sius thought very highly of Kasi, and Kasi thought very highly of Sius. Which is why both of them looked out for each other... Kasi just did a better job than Sius.

Sius waited a moment and then completed his thought "And who wants to know?