[Private] Kiarasmate and Kivuli

[Baya]

Ayari nodded as he was told to not speak out of turn. Whatever his life here turned out to be, it would be much better than crossing the desert and dying of heat stroke. Ayari made his way to a more secluded part of the den, afraid of most of the lionesses here and trying to avoid Nuka as well. He laid down on his side, and just watched the termites crawling up the side of a wall. He didn't dare ask for food or what, because he noticed many of these lionesses were malnourished.

Nuka watched what the strange cub did, and tilted his head. He itched the side of his face and then slowly made his way to Vitani's sleeping quarters. "Tani, why'd you do that?" Nuka asked with a frown as he looked down to Vitani when he got there. "He's obviously lying you know. Mother said rogues are strong, merciless, vicious lions. Only thing vicious about this brat is his attitude." Nuka growled.

[KiarasMate]

Jeering in contempt towards her older brother, Vitani reached up and swatted a fore paw across Nuka’s nose as she verbally berated him for even speaking to her.

”As if I even owe you an explanation for what I did after you tried to get me in trouble with Mother. Maybe I did it just to bother you Nuka.”

Sticking out her tongue at her mangy looking sibling, Vitani rolled onto her back as she looked up at Nuka with a carefree gaze now, speaking to him in a more casual tone as her eyes drifted across the cracked ceiling of the termite mound.

”What do you care if he stays or not anyways Nuka? That just gives you another opportunity to push someone new around, other than myself and Kovu. I would have thought that you would have jumped at the chances of that and besides, who was the one who brought him here in the first place? I told you to do whatever about it and you chose to bring him here, so deal with it!”

Rolling onto her side, grumbling to herself, Vitani ignored her older brother for the mean time, in the hopes that he’d leave her alone so she could secretly observe Ayari without stirring up Nuka’s suspicion.

[Baya]

"He's not gonna be of any use to us is all! I mean we already have enough troubles as is without another mouth to feed." Nuka pointed out. Then again she had a good point about him being the one that brought Ayari here. Nuka had expected his mother to kill the cub, and to credit Nuka for his brutality. He didn't like the feeling he got around that young cub, and is probably why he was being so hostile right now towards little Ayari.

Ayari meanwhile was playing with the termites, swatting them away and breaking their military like line. They soon got back into line and continued about their business. Ayari blew a couple of them out of line again, but just like the last time the termites got back into line. He frowned slightly. How simple minded were these creatures that they conformed so quickly and easily? Ayari got bored of the conformist termites and looked around the den for something to do.

[KiarasMate]

A muffled thud at the entranceway of the dank abode caught everyone’s attention. Turning to investigate the source of the disturbance, Zira’s eyes fell upon a rare sight. There, standing at the mouth of the termite mound was her hunting party, which only consisted of two strongly built lionesses. Their mere presence seemed to be shadowed by the more tantalizing detail that laid at their paws in the form of a slain zebra, obviously poached from The Pridelander’s outdoor pantry. It was as though an unmitigated silence fell over the entire horde as every single pair of eyes fixated upon the delicacy.

In the blink of an eye, the calm scene was shattered by a flurry of commotion as countless pairs of paws scrambled forward all at once, every individual making a mad dash towards the beckoning meal, Zira being at the head of the mob as the fallen zebra carcass was swarmed in a matter of seconds. The once tranquil scene had irrupted into a cacophony of growls, snarls and hisses as each member struggled to find a place to feed around the deceased creature. Showing her dominance as was expected, Zira positioned herself at the center of the kill, making sure to take her rightful share as the others argued and bickered with one another over the various entrails and choice pieces of meat and flesh.

Watching on in a nonchalant manner, as if nothing was out of the ordinary with the situation in front of her, Vitani was just thankful that she hadn’t been in the way when things had unfolded, as being trampled by a pride of starving lionesses was at the very bottom of her wants at the moment. Taking this most opportune time however, seeing that her mother and the rest of the pride would be distracted for a good period of time and knowing that trying to get a portion of the dead zebra would more or less be a sure fire way to get oneself badly injured and humiliated all at the same time, the young lioness opted to make her way over to where Ayari was situated instead. Being sure as to not look as though she was interested in what he was doing, yet wanting her presence to be known by the quiet male, Vitani stood a few paws length away from Ayari as she stared at him with a suspicious gaze, as if she were waiting for him to say something in particular to him. Growing impatient rather easily though, Vitani found herself speaking up in a bothered tone as she addressed Ayari.

”Well, I’m waiting…”

[Baya]

Ayari watched the vicious and savage manner the lionesses lunged at their catch. Ayari had never seen so much fighting between lionesses in the same pride. The scariest one made her way to the food without much of a fight though. Ayari began to think maybe he'd be safer with some rogues. His stomach growled a bit, but he didn't dare show any sign of hunger. If they were this vicious over food, he wouldn't put it past them if they hurt him in the process of feeding.

Ayari's train of thought was broken as the girl cub from before approached him, and just stared at him for awhile. He felt really awkward and was planning to ask why she was staring at him, when she spoke up instead. Waiting? What was she waiting for? "Waiting for food? Well judging by how they are eating I don't think there will be any left, so don't get your hopes up." Ayari muttered. He was so clueless that he did not realize she just wanted some thanks for her deed.

Nuka attempted to get at the zebra several times, pushing lionesses out of his way. Unfortunately for him, they did not give up so easily. They pushed right back, and twice as hard. Nuka muttered angrily to himself as he laid down and waited for the lionesses to clear up so he could have the remains. This was utter humiliation! He was the only full grown male in the outlands, and he was subject to wait for food before the others. There was also Kovu...Oh how Nuka loathed the little fur ball. He'd probably get fed pretty well all his life, being treated with the up most respect just because scar said so.

[KiarasMate]

Sporting quite the confused look from Ayari’s unexpected response, Vitani shook her head in disbelief as she glared at Ayari with a spiteful expression before stating in a blunt tone.

”Huh? What are you talking about? Didn’t your mother teach you that when someone does something nice for you, you’re supposed to THANK them Stupid!”

Flashing a quick glance over to the chaotic scene not too far off, Vitani smirked openly as she could hear the low rumble of Ayari’s stomach, which seemed to be perpetually timed with her own vocal belly as she turned back to stare at the subtly intriguing male before speaking up once more.

”You said you were a rogue right? Well, Mother says that rogues are supposed to be tough and fearless, so why don’t you go and get us some of that zebra before it’s all gone.”

Grinning toothily at Ayari, Vitani took a seat next to him as if to try and antagonize him further with her presence. Expecting Ayari to not even take her seriously as the mere sight of the gruesome scene in front of the two youngsters was enough to send shivers up the spine of even the most strong willed felines, the persistent young lioness seemed to revel in the young male’s hesitancy.

Having a crimson stained muzzle and looking quite the gory mess, Zira pulled away from the feeding frenzy momentarily, a thick piece of tasty looking zebra meat dangling from her mouth as she made her way directly over to where Nuka was laying and looked as though she was going to offer the succulent protein to her oldest kin, only to suddenly veer off course at the last second, making her way over to where the young little Kovu was comfortably seated on his little cradle of bones. Gently setting the delectable looking meal down in front of The Chosen One, Zira fussed over him for a second or two before she made her way past Nuka once more without even a second glance, returning to her place at the head of the feast where she resumed eating without any hesitation.

[Baya]

Ayari frowned slightly. He didn't like the name calling, but the girl had a point. "I guess I do owe you thanks. I don't why you did it though, because you act like you don't like me." Ayari pointed out. He didn't know the real reason, but that's the best one he could dish out. Upon hearing her dare, his ears flexed slightly.

"I am a rogue, but definitely not stupid! I don't wanna die!" Ayari said with a bewildered look on his face. Then he looked at the lionesses tearing at the flesh of the zebra, and noted his own hunger as well. His stomach growled again, and he licked his own muzzle. "F-Fine. I'll do it." Ayari murmured as he slowly made his way towards the horrific scene.

Lucky for Ayari, he was small and the lionesses did not even notice him as they fed. He noticed one lioness tearing at meat within her paws, rather then from the zebra. This made it alot easier for Ayari. All he'd have to do is distract this lioness! He looked to the lioness beside the one with the meat, and grinned. Knowing how viciously the other lioness react, Ayari slashed the other lioness's front right paw, and then ducked to avoid being seen. The lioness snarled and looked to the lioness beside her naturally. She growled deep in her throat and pounced onto the lioness with the meat.

Ayari quickly grabbed the meat while the lioness was distracted and began to drag it towards Vitani. Nuka watched, mouth agape. Even the damn new cub could get meat and he couldn't!

"There ya go." Ayari said with a smug smirk on his face. He could not deny that his legs were shaking from the encounter, but at least he did what he'd said he do. He pushed the meat in front of her, though he planned to eat some as well.

[KiarasMate]

Watching on in disbelief as Ayari accepted her seemingly innocent challenge, Vitani was about to speak up to tell him that she was only joking but seeing the determination upon the young male’s face and having nothing better to do to hold her interest at the moment, the young lioness merely sat glued to the spot as she observed Ayari’s actions intently. Much to Vitani’s delight, Ayari managed to come out unscathed and on top of that, he even managed to get something to eat as well. Looking on in awe as the clever cub placed the meat in front of her, Vitani’s rebellious side showed as she pushed the meat back towards Ayari and spoke in a proud tone.

”You stole it. You eat it. I can get my own, thank you very much.”

Rising to her paws, Vitani turned around to make her way back to her little make shift bed, calling over her shoulder as she left Ayari to enjoy his well deserved meal.

”You got guts Ayari, I’ll give you that much.”

Bounding back to her bed, Vitani hopped atop it and waited for the rest of the lionesses to have their fill of the tasty looking zebra before she would go and pick the bones dry, most likely with Nuka, as her older brother didn’t seem to have the drive that Ayari had shown. Vitani however, wasn’t the only one to see Ayari’s actions though. Zira had viewed the bold little cub’s ways and despite her own malice towards the seemingly weak little bundle of fur, this little event gave Zira the impression that perhaps Ayari wasn’t as useless as he might have appeared to be at first. Having had her fill of the zebra, the ruthless leader of The Outlandes made her way over to where Ayari sat, her muzzle still painted with the blood from her meal, making her look quite the fearful sight as she spoke down upon Ayari, her breath tainted with the smell of death.

”You’re either very brave or extremely stupid for doing what you did Rogue Ayari. Tell me, which is it?”

[Baya]

Ayari frowned slightly as he watched Vitani push away the free meal. He noticed that her mouth almost watered at the sight of the food, but it was probably her pride that drove her to deny his offer. He shrugged his shoulders and began to tear at the rough piece of meat. The zebra was old, and the meat's taste reflected that but at least it was food. Ayari could feel his energy and strength returning to him with every mouthful. When he was full, he stretched and then watched as the lionesses began to leave the almost meatless carcass.

Ayari looked up at Zira as she approached him with a horrific look of blood on her muzzle. Ayari trembled slightly, but cleared his throat. He didn't know how to answer that. If he said the first option, then he would look like he had too much vanity. If he stated the second option, he would be demeaning himself. It was better to have alot of pride, then none at all. "I'm Brave." Ayari stated, trying to reinforce it by stopping his trembling at the sight of Zira.

Nuka meanwhile approached the carcass with a grumpy look on his face. He examined what was left and frowned, lowering his head to the carcass. He then began to tear at the remaining pieces of flesh, and looked over to Zira as he noticed her speaking to Ayari. "He just got here, and already mother pays more attention to him..." Nuka growled to himself.

[KiarasMate]

Lowering her head dangerously close to Ayari’s, Zira’s cold eyes met with the young male’s as she held her stare, as if trying to sense his very being and seeing if he would crack under pressure. What seemed like an eternity passed as the heartless lioness gazed into Ayari’s soul. Fortunately for the youngster, having had a filling meal seemed to put Zira in a more accepting mood as she cracked a broad smile, her razor sharp teeth glistening from the fading light that managed to creep into the dreary abode as she spoke in a not so convinced voice.

”You say that now Cub but we’ll soon see how brave you really are. Tomorrow, you start pulling your weight around here. For now, enjoy that free meal of yours as though it were your last, as it very well could be.”

Running her blood stained claws lightly under Ayari’s chin, just to punctuate her final statement, Zira pulled back away from the small cub before turning to make her way back over to where she had left Kovu, leaving Ayari to his own device once more.

Watching her mother interacting with Ayari out of the corner of her eye, Vitani huffed as she finally noticed that the rest of the lionesses had left the carcass of the zebra now. Hopping off her bed of bones, the young lioness casually trotted over to the opposite side of the mangled corpse to which her older brother was already seated at. Finding a nice little spot near the rib cage of the deceased zebra, knowing that this was the best place to find scraps that the larger lionesses wouldn’t be able to have picked dry, Vitani’s little muzzle worked feverishly to pry apart the small remains of the left over zebra as she eyed her older brother with a mocking stare, speaking to him in between mouth full’s of meat.

”You’re jealous already of him, aren’t you Nuka? I know that look in your eyes.”