[HIATUS] Prideland's Hope

[KionScar]

"That's a no to both," Mlezi sighed, "Mother was going to tell me more about him, she didn't get her chance to…"
She started off in the direction of the waterhole, but waited near enough to hear her response. "When I get back, I'd like to hear more about him and Shenzi and her gang…"

[Braveheart]

"Sure. I'm a historian of sorts. Then where do you plan to stay?" Ashanti have a slight worried look but nodded when Kion stood up.

"I will go with you. I know this place better."

[KionScar]

"Not too certain at the moment, maybe that could be figured out on my return" Mlezi shrugged her shoulders, looking to Kion "Yes, that would be appreciated considering how large these lands are"
She smiled again, this time keeping from blushing near him...

[Braveheart]

"..." Kion just cocked his head. "What is it, Mlezi? The waterhole is nearby."

[KionScar]

The cub had a concerned look on her face soon after.
"Not sure, but I think I smell… dog?" She shook her head, "Regardless, we should hurry. I know their scent from before. Lead the way."

[Braveheart]

"What? They don't seem to local around here." Kion nodded and resumed their journey. He summoned Ono who set off surveying the area.

[KionScar]

"They aren't, also… these guys don't give up easily…"
On reaching the waterhole the cub managed to get a drink before being jumped by a large fluff ball with a splash. She scrambled to get away from him once out of the water, as a pack of canines joined the pursuit. She hadn't of gotten far when he clamped down on her right rear leg causing her to cry out in pain.
Mlezi managed to smack the strange hyena right on the nose causing him to release her with a whimper.

"Kuumiza! We need that cub alive!" A large muscular dark brown lion with a golden mane roared stepping over a ridge.
"Sorry Master!" The half-breed now known as Kuumiza responded.

[Braveheart]

"Mlezi! Get behind me!" Kion pulled her behind him, acting as a shield against the intruders. He landed one strong punch at an nearby assailant, causing a nose crack. "Where are the rest of the guard?! Ono! Besthe! Fuli! Bunga!" The slicked mane lion resumed a battle position before striking another.


Elsewhere:

"Did you hear that? It must have been from the waterhole! We should save them!" Ashanti dropped a bone, her jaw slackened. She wanted to help her friend but suddenly that path has been cut off by Ayo.

"No."

"Why?!"

"These are not our lions. Why should we get involved in the pridelands business directly? But I will send a scout to Simba...Zam! Tell Simba there have been an attack at the waterhole."

"My queen."

The dark lioness known as 'Zam' bowed and dashed off to find the king.

"Where is King Simba!"

"See? Done. Now get back to eating." Ayo shrugged and resumed her meal.

[KionScar]

"Can't.. move" Mlezi murmured, plopped down on her left side "Hurts bad..."

Machukio shoved past Kion with a glare, his icy blue eyes furious. "Halfbreed. Due to the crimes committed by your parents, breaking our royal tradition is a considerable offense punishable by death. However, due to the circumstances that neither of your parents still live the council has ruled instead that you shall bear his mark" With that he smacked the lipard cub across the face. "If it were up to me, you'd already be dead."

He then roared out a warning, and challenge to the current king as the cub whimpered. "Dismissed." He left with his cohorts, to somewhere nearby the waterhole. Save for a few dogs that hung back attempting the last few attacks in. "Lion Guard Leader, we shall meet again"

Mlezi covered her face with her left paw as best she could, sighing sadly. "That was Machukio. It appears he is a part of this… Shadow Council. They're ranking system has rather specific titles. His is Death."

[Braveheart]

"Damn, I should have used the roar. I'm sorry Mlezi, let's find Rafiki. He knows the way. We'll get the whole bunch of them next time." Kion sighed and put her on his back as he went to look for Rafiki.