[Private] Kiarasmate and Kivuli

[Baya]

Ayari frowned slightly, not liking the tight crevice he was stuck in. He grunted as he peeped through the hole of a crevice at the action that was taking place. Masa was fighting ferociously, and with such skill. How could this lioness be the caregiver to cubs when she was so good at fighting? Ayari then noticed another lioness break into the scene, and his eyes narrowed. It was Mara!

Masa panted as she wiped the blood from her gash and glared at the rogue with a low growl rumbling in her throat. The rogue did not dare to try and get into the fight again, because she was clearly out numbered. The rogue looked from Mara, to Masa trying to determine the chances of winning and finally began to back off. Masa sighed in relief and took a deep breath.

"That was a lesson gone wrong. Cubs, you may come out now!" Masa called out for Ayari and Vitani. Ayari wanted to let Vitani get out first, since she was so hasty to let him go first to get in. Ayari grunted as he tried to move out of the way. "Uh oh..." Ayari muttered. He and Vitani were stuck in place.


Kovu watched in horror as his mother so easily crushed the butterfly without any consideration or hesitation. Kovu looked at the bloody, and now ugly mess in his mother's paw. It saddened him to see such an innocent beautiful thing killed. Kovu listened to his mothers words for the longest time, until she asked him who their enemy was. "The pride landers are our enemy. Why not just kill Simba though mother? He banished us, not all pridelanders! He's the one in rule." Kovu suggested.

[KiarasMate]

Observing the rogue lioness retreating now, Mara turned to face her sister. A moment of silence fell over the pair before Mara took her leave without even saying a word. She had nothing to say to her sister, nor did she want to get into the reason why she had even saved her. Mara knew that Masa understood why she did what she did but having to actually admit it herself, she’d never do it. Leaving her sister and the two cubs to their own accord, Mara made her way back to the termite mound, her fore paws still stained with the blood from the rogue, giving them a light reddish hue to them. Most lionesses would have cleaned the blood from themselves but Mara always wore her victories proudly. Upon entering the dank abode, Mara found a cool spot to relax upon as she flopped herself down upon the rough floor.

==========

Hearing the okay from Masa, Vitani wriggled her small body until she managed to squeeze out from the tight quarters to which she and Ayari were confined within. Shaking out her pelt and putting up a brave front, the young lioness trotted up to Masa and asked in a concerned voice.

”Are you okay Masa? She didn’t hurt you, did she?”

Looking about just to make sure that there was no more signs of danger, Vitani looked a bit puzzled as she inquired curiously.

Wasn’t Mara here? I thought I saw her? I didn’t think she was going to actually help you Masa.”[/b]

=========

Hearing her little cub’s inquiry, Zira’s eyes narrowed as she replied in a callus tone.

”Because my little prince, those spineless Pridelanders are no better than that worthless king of theirs. They turned their back upon us and most of all, they betrayed Scar!”

Taking a seat next to the hallowed log, a reflective expression beginning to make its way upon her face, Zira continued to speak as her fore paw lightly scratched against the bark of the log.

”Things were just fine when Scar was king. I can’t remember a happier time in my life. Then that brute showed up and everything fell apart!” Zira snarled, slamming her paw down hard against the log, causing a large portion of the decaying wood to crumble under the force of her blow.

Turning to face Kovu, Zira took a deep breath before she leaned in close and nuzzled her youngest kin before she stated in a reassuring voice.

”Anyone who follows Simba’s lead deserves no mercy Kovu. Do you think they’d be loyal to you if you killed their king? No! They’d hate you. They don’t care about us. That’s why they banished us.”

[Baya]

Ayari frowned as he squeezed out of the crevice after Vitani did. He quickly trotted up next to her and looked to Masa. The wound on her face looked extremely painful. "Yeah, are you ok Masa?" Ayari asked quietly.

"What did I tell you two? Don't show any pity, or mercy. Vitani, you know better." Masa said sternly as she wiped the blood from her face. "If you want to know the answer so badly, I am fine. That was something out of the ordinary. Then again, I am to blame because I brought you out here in the first place." Masa muttered quietly. She then stretched and looked to the two cubs in front of her. Masa lied down, and looked to them. "Start sparring again. No more field trips for a little while." Masa said quietly.

Ayari pounced onto Vitani without any warning. Ayari just about loved sparring! It was just too much fun!

~ At the Training Ground ~

"Mom, they are only doing what they believe in. Do you want Vitani or Nuka or me to die because the pridelanders associate us with you?" Kovu asked, not liking poking holes in his mother's philosophy. He knew he would probably get hurt if he kept on talking like this, but perhaps he could convince Zira that his target should only be Simba and not other pridelanders such as Kiara.

Kovu wanted to forget that entire encounter with Kiara so that he could kill Simba without any remorse, but he just couldn't. That was the only time he ever had fun, and it really hurt him when he was told he couldn't play with her anymore. All because of some stupid feud! That really irritated the young cub, but he could not fight his mother's will even if he wanted to right now.

[KiarasMate]

Lowering her gaze towards the hot sands below, knowing that she shouldn’t have inquired about Masa’s predicament like she had, but Masa was the closest thing she had to a friend within her mother’s pride and she couldn’t deny her attachment towards her. Hearing Masa’s orders however, Vitani’s feelings were quickly subdued by Ayari’s sudden pounce, Feeling herself being toppled by the young male, Vitani’s fighting instincts surfaced once more as she tried to counter his attack much like she had previously, although it seemed as if Ayari was ready for such a tactic as Vitani found herself being pinned down under his small body. Looking up at Ayari with a sly smirk, Vitani knew of only one way to escape from such a situation. She had used this method once before upon Nuka, although it had taken much more effort when it came to him, as his size was obviously much larger than hers.

Closing her eyes, as she honestly couldn’t bear to witness the look on Ayari’s face from what she was about to do, the rule about doing whatever it took to win crossed her mind as the young lioness acted swiftly and truly, her hind paw kicking upwards, connecting squarely in between Ayari’s hind legs, right where it would hurt the most. Feeling the weight of the young male quickly easing up on her, Vitani knew that it had worked as she hurriedly moved her body free from Ayari’s and pounced him to the ground, exclaiming in a proud tone.

”Ha! Anything to win, remember Ayari.”

Looking down at the young male’s face however, seeing the pain she had obviously caused him, Vitani’s arrogance quickly diminished as she moved off of him. It was strange but she actually felt guilty for what she had done, even though it was one of the rules of sparring. When it had come to her brother, Vitani hadn’t even thought twice about what she had done, nor did she feel any remorse for her actions, but there was something different, something unusually innocent about Ayari that made her feel the way she did now. Hoping that both Masa nor Ayari would be cross with her though, Vitani readied herself for another go, just in case Ayari would try to get even in a way.

==========

Utterly infuriated by her son’s words, Zira’s paw rose high into the air, her paw ready to strike. Stopping herself just at the last moment though, Zira’s voice came out as a low hiss as she spoke coldly to her cub.

”And we’re not doing what we think is right either? How can you say that Kovu! Do you honestly want to spend the rest of your life, living in these horrid lands? Do you want to grow up, eating nothing but filth and garbage? Don’t you think you deserve better than that? Why should Simba and his subjects enjoy a life of luxury while we’re forced to scavenge and struggle just to survive for no reason, hmm? This isn’t the life that was meant for us my son and we’ll do whatever it takes to take back what’s rightfully ours!”

Moving in close to her little cub, Zira brought her muzzle up to his as her eyes narrowed and her voice held a dangerous pitch to it as she stated.

”This wouldn’t have anything to do with Simba’s daughter now, would it my little prince? I told you to forget about her. There’s no way Simba would even let you be with her. Don’t you understand. He hates us all. You can’t deny who you are my son and you cannot escape your destiny to fulfill Scar’s dying wish! I won’t have it and you better learn to keep your muzzle in line.”

[Baya]

Ayari coughed in pain, after being hit where the sun just doesn't shine. At his temporary moment of weakness, he fell onto his back and Vitani had succeeded in taking control of the match. "N-No fair!" Ayari said, tearing up at the pain but not quite crying.

"I would've done the same if I was in her situation." Masa muttered as she noticed Vitani ease off. Masa had never seen that look on Vitani's face before. It seemed as though she felt bad for what she had done. Masa's ears flicked as she looked to Ayari who got back up with a stagger.

"Again. Go on!" Masa ordered. Ayari growled as he jumped onto Vitani again, not having the same playfulness as before. He wasn't angry at Vitani for what she did, but it was extremely painful. He figured that if he bit her ear or managed to land a scratch or something, they'd be even. Ayari panted as he eventually ended up on top, and grinned making sure his hind legs were closed, and on the right side of Vitani.

"I learn from my mistakes." Ayari said as he stuck his tongue out at Vitani.

~ At the training grounds ~

Kovu looked down in shame. That's all he figured he was good for, killing. He had to admit, Simba subdued Kovu and his entire family to live in these harsh conditions. Kovu knew there were much better lands beyond the outlands, but Simba exiled them to here. It sort of made Kovu upset now, regarding Kiara. He figured his mother was right, and that she would side with her tyrannical father in the end anyways! Kovu bared his teeth, and looked to his mother.

"I'm sorry for my weakness mother. Can we continue?" Kovu said bitterly, feeling his cubhood innocence and playfulness start being eaten away by spite and corruption.

[KiarasMate]

Hearing Masa’s order, Vitani hastily prepared herself for another round as she felt Ayari’s body colliding with her own again. True to his word, Vitani found that her old tactics were already being countered by her new sparring partner as she once more, found herself being pinned by the young male with no other options to resort to. Watching him gloat over his victory, Vitani’s fore paw cupped a small amount of the hot sand that lay below her. Tempted to throw it in Ayari’s eyes, as this was another method to which she had escaped Nuka’s hold at one point in time, Vitani couldn’t find the heart to do it to Ayari, as she had already caused him a bit of pain from her low blow earlier. Opting for a different tactic, Vitani merely brought her paw up to Ayari’s muzzle, thoroughly coating his protruding tongue with a layer of the sand in her paw before she roughly pressed both of her fore paws against his chest, shoving him off of her before rolling back onto her paws once more.

Vitani knew that it must have looked as though she was playing with Ayari, which could potentially get her in trouble with Masa, but there was just something different about Ayari that seemed to quell the little lionesses fighting spirit. Still, not wishing to receive a verbal lashing from Masa nonetheless, Vitani got right back on track as she charged Ayari, looking as though she was going to pounce him once more. Instead of doing this however, Vitani veered off course at the last possible moment before her body would crash into Ayari, at the same time, her fore paw skillfully clipping his hind leg, in the hopes of bringing him down, much like a lioness would do to prey on a hunt.

==========

A darker smile worked its way upon Zira’s muzzle as she heard Kovu’s response to what she had stated. Once more, running her jagged claws through her little cub’s pelt, the conniving lioness replied in a malice tone.

”All is forgiven my little prince. You’ll soon realize your true potential but for now, your training shall intensify. Follow me.”

Turning away from the dead log, Zira started to make her way towards the distant figure of The Elephant Graveyard that loomed far off in the horizon. Typically, Kovu’s training never involved having to go to this location but now that he seemed to be taking his lessons more seriously, Zira figured that it was time to raise the stakes. Staying silent while they walked, Zira couldn’t help but to recall the fond memories that she and her beloved Scar had shared during his joyous reign over The Pride lands. Oh, how she missed those days and the tugging feeling that Kovu himself could be the key to getting back what she felt, was still rightfully hers, sent chills up Zira’s spine. There was obviously something special that Scar had seen within Kovu and Zira was determined to mold him into the spitting image of her long lost love.

Upon arriving at the dreary looking area, Zira turned to Kovu with a serious expression upon her face as she stated in a commanding voice.

”These will be your new training grounds my son. Scar himself frequented this area quite a bit and there is plenty to do here that will build up your strength, agility and mind power. Take a good look around but stay alert. One misstep here and you’ll sorely regret it.”

==========

After a short rest, Mara picked herself up from the floor of the termite mound, looking about for any signs of life as she finally noticed that Zira was nowhere to be found. Spotting Nuka however, who was still lounging about and having nothing better to do, as the meal from yesterday was more than enough to sustain the horde for at least another day, Mara made her way over to where the adolescent male was seated, speaking to him in a casual tone.

”Got nothing better to do than sit around and count the termites Nuka? Not exactly the best way to be getting on your mother’s good side, now is it?”

[Baya]

Ayari grinned with superiority as he had pinned the young lioness down. His expression changed though when he got a mouth full of sand and was forced off. He spat it out distastefully and looked to Vitani, with a slight glare because of the foul play once more. He watched as she stood and looked like she was going to pounce on him but instead she missed her target. Ayari grinned at her mistake, but felt a surge of pain in his hind leg before falling down.

Masa watched the entire fight with rising interest. Vitani was not usually so kind during a sparring match. This was getting to be very strange indeed. Masa tilted her head in slight confusion as Vitani only clipped Ayari's hind leg. There was alot more she could do there. Masa's eyes narrowed slightly as she waited for this match to end so she could speak with Vitani in private. When Ayari fell not only moments after that thought struck Masa's mind, Masa stood up. "That's enough Vitani. Ayari take a rest, Vitani come with me." Masa said in a stern tone as she began to walk off from Ayari.

~ In the den ~

Nuka looked over to Mara with great distaste, but quickly changed that expression. He needed her to teach him how to be a better spy so he thought he might as well play it out nicely. If he gave in to her demands, perhaps she would help him. "Yeah, it's pretty boring." Nuka said as he squashed a few termites under his paw. "I'm bored, you still want to go for that walk?" Nuka asked, really wanting to bite his tongue at that second.

[KiarasMate]

Vitani’s fears were confirmed when Masa’s sharp voice reached her ears, causing the young lioness to freeze in mid step, her ears instantly lowering as she swallowed hard. Giving a quick glance over to Ayari, Vitani made her way over to where Masa was, following her instructor away from the young male, her eyes averted to the desert sands below as she didn’t wish to meet with Masa’s stare, knowing that the observant lioness had noticed her lack of effort towards Ayari during the sparring match. Feeling quite belittled in the presence of her teacher, Vitani waited until the two had gotten out of ear shot from Ayari, before she spoke up in her own defense, already assuming why Masa had ordered to speak with her in private.

”I’m Sorry Masa. I know you must think I’m not trying…but it’s not like that…I…I just…”

Not really able to find the words to explain her own feelings, as she herself was still a bit puzzled by the way she acted around Ayari, Vitani stumbled over her words as she kept her gaze focused upon the ground. She didn’t know what it was about Ayari. She didn’t like him, but he wasn’t like Nuka or Kovu, the only two males she had come to know within her mother’s horde. She just couldn’t bring her self to the same level of ruthlessness that just came naturally whenever she sparred against Nuka.

==========

Mara smiled at Nuka’s response, knowing that the ball was once more in her corner, the crafty lioness replied in a nonchalant fashion as she took a seat next to him.

”Oh? Suddenly decided to take me up on that offer hmm Nuka? That’s good, and yes, we can.”

Rising to her paws, Mara motioned for Nuka to follow her as the two left the dank confines of the termite mound and started to make their way back towards the distant figure of Pride Rock, all the while, Mara speaking in a friendly voice to Nuka.

”You know, as much as you think poorly of me Nuka, I could be a good friend to you. I don’t have anything to prove by being your friend, so it’s purely out of the kindness of my heart that I offer you my friendship. We’re not all that different you know, you and I. You could learn a lot from me and probably get on your mother’s good side while you’re at it.”

[Baya]

Masa looked disapprovingly at the little cub, stuttering before her. Masa's face softened and she sighed placing her paw on Vitani's head gently. "I know you are trying. I've never questioned that. Though what worries me is why you aren't dealing blows you normally could. You are only a cub, and I hate to suggest this...I believe you are fond of him." Masa murmured. "You are trying to fill the void left by your other friend. I'm telling you right now Vitani...Shed that feeling of affection. I will promise you that if you get any closer to him, you will feel something far worse then death on the battlefield." Masa muttered. "I believe it would be a good idea if you just thought about his bad qualities and let that fuel your rage. Once you are angry, it won't matter how fond of him you are." Masa said closing her eyes for a moment.

"I think that's enough training for today Vitani. Go on now." Masa said pushing the young cub gently. "Also, don't think you cannot be friends with Ayari. Just make sure you pretend he isn't during sparring." Masa said with a small chuckle. "It's actually quite adorable." Masa said pinching Vitani's cheek gently.

[KiarasMate]

Vitani looked up at Masa with a reflective look in her eyes upon hearing her making mention of her long lost friend, causing the young lionesses more offensive side to surface as she muttered.

”No one could ever replace Kopa…and I don’t like Ayari. It’s just, he seems so weak compared to Nuka. How am I supposed to hurt someone like that? I don’t even know his bad qualities though Masa. The only thing that makes me mad about him, is the way he makes me feel when I’m around him. Sure, he does kind of remind me of Kopa in a way, but he’ll never be like that to me…”

Sighing hopelessly, Vitani turned around to leave, giving Masa one last apologetic gaze before she bounded back to where Ayari was seated, calling out to him in a harsh tone as she motioned towards the direction to which they had traveled from earlier.

”Lessons over Ayari. Let’s go home…”

Without even another word, Vitani dashed off, leaving Ayari behind as she didn’t want him asking about what Masa had wanted to speak to her about. It was too personal and would make her look even weaker in his eyes, something that Vitani wasn’t willing to deal with at this moment.