[Private] Kiarasmate and Kivuli

[Baya]

Ayari closed his eyes for a moment, and looked like he was going to kill Husudu regardless, but released him. Ayari's nostrils flared, and he said nothing as he stepped away towards the den's entrance.

"Ayari! Don't do anything stupid!" Kovu called after him.

"It's either you, or him. Get in my way, and I'll kill you." Ayari said, in such a chilling, cold fashion it almost reminded Kovu of his mother.

"You'll die you fool..." Husudu coughed, as he took deep breaths. "You think he'll be unguarded? You want Kivuli's death to be in vein? If you go now, and get yourself killed -" Husudu explained.

"You shut your mouth. You talk like you care about any of us. Go crawl back under what ever dark ditch you came out of, and keep your useless advice to yourself. He killed Kivuli... one of my closest friends, and allies. I'd trust him with my life, when I didn't even trust myself with it. Now he is killed, by one that I thought was the same as I at one point. I will murder Maju. I will make him suffer for what he has done."

"Now isn't the best time Ayari! Please, control your temper." Kovu said gently.

"Then when should I go for him Kovu? Whenever you've lost a friend? When Maju kills Vitani, or your mate?" Ayari snarled angrily, feeling growls emitting from his throat when ever he opened his mouth.

[KiarasMate]

Listening to the heated conversation, Vitani could tell that something was going to give any minute. Knowing that there was only one way to talk some sense into Ayari in his current state, Vitani did what she had to as she stepped forward and spoke to her old friend in a stern tone.

”If you go Ayari, I’m going too. That way, if we die, we die together.”

Regardless of Ayari’s threat that was directed towards her brother, Vitani walked proudly up to Ayari as she stood by his side. He would either have to kill her, or think things over from a different perspective, as she wasn’t about to leave him now. Seeing what Vitani was doing, Zina understood and quickly chimed in.

”I’m going too. If we’re all going to die, might as well make it a group effort.” Flashing Ayari a hopeful gaze, Zina continued. ”As much as I hate to say it, Husudu is right Ayari. Maju knew what this would do to you and he’s just expecting you to come looking for him. With your mind the way it is, you’ll lose not only your life, but the lives of everyone else you care about. We need you with us, focused and clear headed. I know, it’s hard to deal with loss, but look at Siri. She’s still strong and refuses to give in, even in the darkest of hours.”

Happy that someone had seen through her plan, Vitani picked up from where Zina left off as she turned to look at Ayari with a loving gaze, speaking to him in a tender voice.

”Don’t let yourself be swallowed by hate Ayari. Then, you truly will be just like Maju. You’re better than that and I know you can deal with this Ayari. Please, just calm down and listen to reason. If we think out a plan, we’ll be able to rid ourselves of Maju and his horde, once and for all. If we just charge blindly into battle, we’ll all die and Maju will win in the end.”

Nodding in agreement, Zina chimed in once more.

”All we need is a little time Ayari. Maju will get what’s coming to him but let’s do this for Kivuli and everyone else Maju has hurt. I know I don’t say this often but, I’m really counting on you to pull us through this Ayari. If anyone can, it’s you. You’re a great leader and without you, I probably would have been one of Maju’s many nameless victims.”

Putting the icing on the cake, Vitani leaned in and gently nuzzled Ayari, hoping that her loving touch would be enough to convince him that everyone was behind him and that there was still hope to be found within the current situation. Planting a soft kiss upon his cheek, Vitani whispered quietly to him.

”We all care about you Ayari and are always by your side, so what is it going to be?”

[Baya]

Ayari sighed, and realized that they were all right. If he let his hate for Maju, devour him, he would not even be Ayari anymore. He'd just be a mindless stereotype of what a typical rogue was. He nodded as he sat down. If he put any more of his friends in danger, then he would never forgive himself. "I just feel like it's my fault. Maju was my responsibility to begin with. I could've killed him a few seasons back. I had the chance...I could've prevented any of this from happening."

"It's good that you didn't kill him." Shwari said as he came into the den, with a bold stare at Ayari. "If you gave into the temptation to kill him then and there, you would be the one attacking the pride lands with a horde of rogues right now. A hero can only call themselves that until they are consumed by what they claim they are fighting. Ayari, if you killed Maju for the greater good, you would have become far worse then him. Now you have alot to fight for, this isn't even about your friendship between Maju now. Now you have a choice. You can let him kill all your friends, and loved ones..." Shwari said looking to Vitani, then Ayari. "Or you can end his reign honorably, and without turning into him." Shwari murmured. "I am sorry for your loss Ayari. I don't know about my brother, but I will put every effort I can into helping you put an end to that murderous tyrant." Shwari said bowing his head.

"We must change our routines around here." Ayari said quietly as he looked to Kovu. "We must not ever leave this den alone, and not one of us should be missing by sunset. Do you hear that Zina? No late night herb hunting. That includes you too Shwari." Ayari murmured quietly. Kovu nodded, knowing that this was a measure of safety.

"If we are to defeat Maju, first we must put up a defense. Then, we charge at him with an offense." Ayari explained. The lionesses in the den listened intently. "If there's one thing I learned from being a rogue, it is how to fight. The first thing you all must do, is drop down all your restraints! Strip yourselves of your civility. Do not be afraid to rip, to tear, to kill the enemy. They will not show you mercy, and just like respect, mercy must be received before you give it." Ayari announced.

"You want us to fight like them? Isn't that defeating the point?" Kovu asked confusingly. Kiara nodded, not really understanding it either.

"If we don't fight like they do, then we die like the rest that just fought with honor. Kovu, you are aware even the outlanders knew better then to fight their opponents with any hint of mercy. I know it was wrong, and I know what I'm saying sounds terrible, but war is full of sacrifices. You either fight without limits, or die because you refused to." Ayari said with a sigh.

[KiarasMate]

Purring happily and nuzzling Ayari once more, pleased in the fact that he had settled down now, Vitani listened intently to what he stated to everyone present within the main den. Vitani herself even seemed quite impressed by just how much Ayari’s leadership skills were shining through as she spoke once he had finished, just to support everything he had mentioned.

”Ayari’s right Kovu. Do you remember back when Mother trained us for the fight against Simba? She failed to realize that without having something that we felt, was worth fighting for, we never would have been able to defeat The Pridelanders. Now, we actually do have a reason to fight and we know what we’re fighting for is true, unlike Maju and company. I can take some of the lionesses out during the mid day and train them a bit better. We just have to stick very closely together, like Ayari said.”

Zina nodded in agreement as she turned to face Schwari, addressing the grey furred male in a thoughtful tone.

”Well, since the night time is off limits now, we’ll have to only go out during the day. I’ll need your company while I gather as many healing herbs as I can find around these lands Schwari. Even if I am only going to be in the shadows during the fight.” Flashing Ayari a smug smile, just to try and lift the mood a bit, Zina resumed speaking. ”Maybe I can come up with an extra surprise for Maju and his filthy followers too while I’m at it.”

Managing a small giggle from Zina’s words, Vitani turned her focus back to her brother as she asked in a optimistic voice.

”So, does this sound fine by you Kovu? You still are the king here and you know I support you just as much as I do Ayari.”

[Baya]

"I will go with anything that'll keep this land free from his tyrannical shadow. It will be agreed then. We are under a strict curfew, and training measures. Inform everyone outside would you Shwari?" Kovu asked quietly. Shwari nodded, as he quickly made his way out the den.

"So now we actually have a plan of action. I wonder If Maju is scheming himself right now." Husudu murmured.

"Being so close to our lands would only make it easier for an assault. We have to stay on guard at all times. No more patrols though, we can't risk it." Kovu said looking at Vitani.

"I was just going to suggest the same thing." Ayari said quietly as he looked to Vitani with a small smile. "Is it getting dark out now?" Ayari asked. Husudu got up ,and stepped to the entrance of the den.

"Yes. Stars shining and everything." Husudu muttered.

"Good. Come with me Vitani." Ayari said with a small grin. "If you need me Kovu, I'll be playing out on pride rock. I need to understand something before I sleep tonight." Ayari said quietly.

[KiarasMate]

Giving an understanding nod to her brother’s comment about canceling any further patrols, Vitani’s ears perked up as she heard Ayari mentioning to her that he wanted her to follow him. Wondering what exactly was on her old friend’s mind, Vitani gave one last glance around the den before she followed Ayari out onto the promontory of Pride Rock. Husudu was correct, as the former Outlander spotted the countless number of stars that adorned the night sky as she took a seat next to Ayari, before asking in a quiet voice.

”What’s on your mind Ayari?”

Back in the main den, Zina was left to her own accord, as Schwari had been summoned to inform the rest of the pride about the newly implemented curfew. Turning her attention back to Siri, as she didn’t wish to interact with anyone else, Zina took up a comfortable position next to her friend as she spoke in a gentle tone.

”You’ve been awfully quiet Siri. Is there anything I can do for you right now? Would you like me to leave you alone or would you like someone to talk to right now. Like I said, I’m here for you Siri. You don’t have to be alone with your sadness.”

[Baya]

Siri looked to Zina with a sad look on her face. Though she was smiling. "I'm...I'm just glad at least we came across these lands, even if Kivuli is dead...at least my cub will grow up without the hardships I grew up with." Siri murmured looking down. Kiara walked over towards Siri.

"It is a tragedy, but everything will balance out. Those who do evil deeds, are met with fatal ends. Hatred and greed build a path to self destruction." Kiara said comfortingly. Siri's eyes closed tight, and she shook her head.

"As much as I hate those that killed Kivuli, I can't- I can't have malice towards them. All I can say is that I hope the great kings will have mercy on them from above, because I know Ayari won't. I don't want my child to be born into a world where I am putting my attention to slaying those who have hurt me." Siri said quietly. Kovu chuckled from where he was sitting. Siri glared at Kovu from where she lay down.

"Does something amuse you king?" Siri said bitterly, as she bared her teeth. Kovu stopped chuckling, and smiled.

"I agree with what you are saying. It's just funny because I've been through that. I'll tell you that you are doing the right thing by letting fate deal with Maju and his horde rather than anticipating a retaliation." Kovu explained, not meaning to offend Siri. Siri looked down for a moment, and then placed her head down on her front paws.

"Revenge is a poison..." Shwari muttered quietly. "It'll make you ill, go insane. Then it will lead to your end. The worst part is there is no herb to heal a wounded mind." Shwari said as he gazed at Zina.

~ Outside the Den ~

"When I was traveling, I bumped into an old hermit. That hermit told me that every star in the sky is the spirit of a dead creature. Of course I didn't believe him then, but now... After Kivuli just died..." Ayari explained as he looked to the sky, with a blank look on his face. "There's a star there that wasn't there before. It shines brighter than any of the others..." Ayari murmured quietly looking to Vitani for a moment. "Do you believe what that hermit said?" Ayari asked quietly.


[OOC: Now here you can play a new character if you wish ^_^. It is time to introduce Maju's son, Tume. He can have siblings if you like ;D]

Maju walked through the dark and desolate elephant graveyard looking to all his sleeping subordinates. He snorted as he pushed some bones out of his way, and was stopped by Kiburi.

"M-My dear. Our son...He wants to speak with yo-" Kiburi stated but quickly moved back as Maju swiped towards her.

"Our son? That worm that fell out of you? The runt you produced for me?" Maju snarled, glaring at Kiburi. Kiburi chuckled nervously.

"H-He is a runt no longer! He is full grown! Yes! He is at your disposal!" Kiburi said as she pointed with a claw behind Maju. Walking up behind Maju was another lion of the same size. This lion had Maju's amber eyes, but light sandy fur, a muscular build and a black mane that had curled tips. Maju's eyes widened, as well as the smirk across the sinister tyrant's face.

"Th-This is my son? I thought he died during the first week." Maju gasped. "What is his name?" Maju asked looking to Kiburi. Kiburi smirked, releasing she had pleased her mate.

"Tume. He is at your disposal my dear. He is the strongest, and the most obedient soldier you will ever find." Kiburi said proudly.

"My life belongs to you, sire." Tume said quietly, and in monotone as he bowed his head to Maju. Maju laughed.

"Excellent! Marvelous. With such a warrior on our side, how can we fail now?" Maju grinned. "Ayari my old friend, your fate draws close." Maju purred as he walked by Kiburi, into the rib cage of the elephant he slept in.

[KiarasMate]

Hanging on every word that Ayari spoke and following his gaze upwards into the endless night sky, vitani noted the specific star that her old friend was referring to before his inquiry brought her back to reality. Returning her gaze to Ayari, Vitani couldn’t help but to be reminded of the countless times that both her brother, Kiara and even Simba at times, had mentioned about The Great Kings Of The Past to her, causing the former Outlander to nod as she replied in a supportive voice.

”You know, if you would have asked me such a thing back when I was blindly following orders under my mom’s rule, I would have told you that you were crazy Ayari, but after being a part of this pride and hearing many of the members speak of the very same thing you just mentioned, I’m more inclined to believe that now-a-days. Sometimes I’d try and convince myself that both Nuka and my mom are up there, somewhere, maybe pushed far off into the back rows of the stars but there was just something comforting about believing in something like that, even if it does sound as farfetched as my mind wants to tell me it does. Whether it’s true or not though, it’s gotten me through some pretty rough times.”

Leaning in close, resting her head upon Ayari’s strong shoulder as she sighed softly, Vitani continued to speak quietly as she purred soothingly to try and ease her friend’s emotional pain, even if he wasn’t openly showing it at this point, Vitani knew Ayari better than anyone and she could sense it.

”If anyone deserves to have a star among the fallen, it’s most definitely Kivuli Ayari. I’m sure he was a great friend and I’m sure he’s proud of you for the decisions you’ve made tonight. I won’t lie and try and soften the feelings that you’ll probably have with you for a long time, but eventually, the hurt does lessen. It never truly goes away but with time, it gets easier to deal with. At least the one you lost was a good friend at heart, and not a heartless lioness or a brother who was a few zebra short of a herd.”

Lifting her head upwards slightly, Vitani licked gently over Ayari’s cheek as she smiled up at him, nuzzling him lovingly as she stated.

”I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m here if you want to talk about whatever you’re feeling Ayari and things will work out.”

==========

Having a thoughtful look plastered upon her face from Schwari’s words, Zina remained quiet for a moment before nodding and making her way over to one of the far corners of the den. Seeing as the new rules were in place, the white furred lioness would have to adjust to them and being unable to take up her typical sleeping spot outside the main den, Zina settled for the next best thing. Laying herself down and resting her head upon her fore paws, Zina watched both Siri and Schwari with a uncertain gaze. Even though she knew that Ayari had settled down a bit, times were going to be rough, she could feel it and a tiny bit of worry started to set in, the more she thought about things.

==========

From the shadows cast by The Elephant bones within the dreary environment, a lone pair of emerald eyes watched the proceedings as they unfolded. Once Maju had moved out of sight however, the rest of the figure that belonged to those eyes, slowly and casually made its way into the dim light that the moon provided, illuminating the figure of another male lion who shared many of the same physical features as Tume did. Making his way over to where both Kiburi and Tume were situated, Xepher smiled a toothy grin at Tume as his sandy colored fur and dark brown mane blew carelessly in the night’s breeze that passed. Even though Tume and himself had been litter mates and most would consider them brothers, Xepher looked up to Tume more as a friend than a sibling. During the countless hours of laborious training that Kiburi had put Tume through, Xepher had been Tume’s sparring partner for as long as he could remember and had learned almost as much as Tume himself had, although Kiburi had never taken any interest in his own efforts, but this never bothered Xepher in the least bit. Unlike Tume’s more serious personality, Xepher opted to never do more than what was needed in life, often times failing to take matters seriously unless it was absolutely necessary. Having a very casual demeanor and a rather wry sense of humor, it was no wonder that Kiburi had chosen Tume over himself to present to Maju. Regardless of this fact however, Xepher took everything in stride as he spoke in a nonchalant voice to his more muscular counterpart.

”Not exactly the warmest of welcomes from Daddy, aye Tume?”

Snickering smugly, Xepher flashed a suggestive smile towards Kiburi as he stated in a sarcastic voice.

”So I heard what Ayari and that butch lioness did to you Gorgeous. Anything I can do to…make you feel…better?”

Giving Kiburi a smirk, Xepher took a seat as he always thoroughly enjoyed toying with his aunt.

[Baya]

Ayari purred quietly looking up to the stars one more time. "That star will shine brightest when Maju is taken down. He has gone too far this time...He isn't the friend I ruled with. The old Maju is as dead as Kivuli. Whatever this monster is before us, we have to make sure not to feed it power with things like hatred or fear." Ayari murmured. He stayed alongside Vitani for a little while, and then looked to the den. "I think it is best we make our way in. If we fall asleep out here, we'll probably die." Ayari said in a more quiet tone, making his way back into the den.


"Ah, the rogue king returns. You finally began to show some of the rogue part earlier..." Husudu said still rubbing his throat. Ayari looked to Husudu remorsefully.

"I apologize. Anger got a hold of me, and I couldn't control my actions." Ayari said quietly as he laid down in his spot in the den. Husudu chuckled as he put his chin on his paws.

"You focused the anger at the wrong lion. How about you bottle up all that anger and hate for Maju, until we meet up with some of his horde hm? I'm sure they won't be taking any steps into the pride lands without a good plan then." Husudu said with a dark chuckle.

"Like I said before, anger and hate will lead to your downfall. Think about what you have, not about what you've lost." Shwari said quietly, and glared at his brother. Husudu rolled his eyes, then closed them.

"Shwari, why did you mature all of a sudden? I've never heard you talk like this before." Ayari pointed out. Shwari shrugged as he looked down at the den's floor.

~ Back At The Elephant Graveyard ~

Kiburi growled as she gazed at her strong but annoying nephew. "Bite your tongue boy. You won't be looking too good after the battle that will take place either." Kiburi murmured angrily as she looked to Tume who had a slight smirk planted on his face.

"What are you smirking at?" Kiburi asked as she placed her paw under her son's chin claws unsheathed. Tume's face went serious once more and he shook his head.

"Nothing mother. Mother, why am I to bow to him? Did you not say you despise Maju? Am I not to kill him and take his place?" Tume whispered looking around for possible eaves droppers. Kiburi smirked wide.

"It is when one feels most secure, that they are most vulnerable my son. We will do his bidding. We will win over the lands, and then we will kill him. That way his diabolical mind won't go to waste." Kiburi explained. Tume growled and looked to the ground. He hate a huge distaste for Maju. Every insult that the tyrant spat out at him made Tume want to tear Maju's throat.

"Be patient my son. He will not get away with those hurtful insults." Kiburi murmured as if reading her son's mind.

"I don't intend to let him." Tume said with a glare towards the ground. Kiburi looked to Xepher again with a blank look on her face.

"Tomorrow morning you and Tume will scout out the pridelands for possible attack hot spots. Areas that are most vulnerable to enter from." Kiburi murmured. "If you fail, you will be punished." Kiburi growled.

[KiarasMate]

Shivering slightly from the cold but more so from Ayari’s departing remark, Vitani quickly trailed after her old friend, taking up a spot next to him, but leaving a few paws length between the two of them for the time being, as she felt as though it would be in bad taste to show her more affectionate side to him on this night, despite how much she wanted to. Staying close enough however, that Ayari would know she was still here for him if need be, Vitani merely listened to the exchange of words between the two grey furred brothers as she thought about what tomorrow might bring. Knowing that she would have to start training her fellow lionesses in the delicate art of combat come first light, Vitani’s mind started to drift back to days of her time spent under her mother’s tyrannical reign, yet she still remained awake for the moment, just in case Ayari would choose to talk to her or if he needed her for some reason or another.

Hearing Husudu and Schwari bickering amongst themselves, Zina’s worries started to slowly eat away at her as she eyed the older of the two brothers with a suspicious stare. There was something about Husudu, that unlike with Schwari, made Zina feel very uneasy and it wasn’t only the fact that he was a male. There was just something about him, something about his personality and demeanor that simply rubbed the white furred lioness the wrong way. Keeping her thoughts to herself however, Zina stayed mute as she resisted sleeps grip, hoping to catch a moment with Schwari after everyone else had given in to sleeps gentle tug.

==========

Dawning a stupid expression, one that he knew always invoked a reaction out of Kiburi, Xepher continued to verbally be raid his aunt in a crass tone.

”Oh, is that a promise Aunty Kiburi? Hope you’ll go nice and hard on me.”

Knowing just when to fold his hand before Kiburi would most likely physically lash out at him, Xepher nodded after his statement, adopting a more serious, if not, halfhearted tone as he continued.

”Don’t get your tail in a knot Kiburi, I understand what’s expected of myself and will do as you demand.”

Turning to face Tume now, Xepher lowered his tone slightly, although he knew well enough that Kiburi could still hear what he spoke next. In fact, he counted on her doing so.

”You’re mom’s so hot when she’s mad.”

Flashing another toothy grin Kiburi’s way, Xepher adjusted his attitude now that he was speaking with his friend, taking on a more professional manner as he spoke once more.

”So, looks like it’ll be you and me as always tomorrow Tume. About time we see some action outside this dead area. Your father really knows how to pick a place to hide out, huh? Can’t say that I’m complaining though, but a bit of change could do us wonders you know.”

Knowing his place within the ranks of Maju’s horde and remembering that he wasn’t supposed to speak of any of the plans that his friend and Kiburi had schemed up but having nothing better to do to keep himself from dying of boredom, Xepher looked around to make sure that both Kiburi and Maju were both out of earshot before he whispered to Tume.

”You really hate him, don’t ya?”