The King of Grass Walls [Private: ImaniFaith and Amadeus]

[Baya]

For a number of months, life in the Grass Walled plains didn't really change. The rhinos and buffalo were still extremely competitive and angry. Tenga and Imani were still the happiest couple in all of the land, and it seemed Lesedi and Tinashe were going to go for that title soon enough.

Usugu had undergone some intense changes however. His mane was growing out a bit longer then his younger brother's and it closely resembled Tenga's except for the fact that the hairs were slightly curled at the tips. He had become almost emotionless like Tenga, not caring for much of the events that occurred around him. Since he began to feel jealous, and angry it had never really stopped. Through his anger and envy, he had become quite cold to his brother, and Lesedi. He also never referred to Tenga as "father". Instead he used the title of "your highness" or "my king". However, Usugu still had a soft side. As an adolescent lion he still had not detached himself entirely from his mother. He found her words and gentle tone still comforting, and thus still referred to her as mother.

Usugu was sleeping when a messenger African swallow flew into the den, and bumped into him, falling to the ground with a thump. "Ow! Where's the king! WHERES THE KING!" The swallow panicked. Usugu opened one eye, annoyingly and grabbed the bird between his paws.

"I don't like having my naps interrupted. What is your message?" Usugu said in monotone, with a devious look in his cold teal eyes.

"T-This is only for the king! I won't talk! You can torture me all you like!" The messenger yelped. Usugu raised an eyebrow and began to squish the swallow in between his paws.

"Usugu! Release him!" Tenga ordered, as he walked into the den with a frown on his face. Usugu looked to Tenga for a moment, continuing to put pressure on the messenger before letting him go.

"Of course your highness." Usugu said with no further hesitation as he stood and stretched. Tenga sighed and shook his head disapprovingly.

"Go outside and find your brother. Tell him to come home. There are rumors that some rogues are prowling our lands and I don't want him getting hurt." Tenga said quietly.

That made absolutely no sense to Usugu at all. He was afraid Tinashe would get harmed by prowling the open lands, and he decided to send Usugu to go get him in those very same lands? Usugu could feel angery thoughts bubbling in his mind, but he shook it off. Soon enough he would be king, and he would not have to go through all this anymore. He would get rid of both Lesedi and Tinashe. Banish them both to the barren lands or the rogue deserts. The mere thought brought a grin onto Usugu's face.

"Very well your majesty." Usugu murmured as he walked passed his father. Usugu walked out the den, and met his mother's gaze for a moment then looked forwards. Now where of all places would his younger brother be? Usugu had no doubt he was with Lesedi, but where did he go with her? Usugu figured he should go look near the plains first, where the rhinos and buffalos grazed.

//

Tenga sighed as he looked down at the messenger. "I'm sorry about my son. He has changed much since he was a cub. His behavior disturbs me these days." Tenga murmured quietly, helping the swallow stand with his paw.

"R-Regardless of that sir, we have a situation! The rhinos and buffalo are extremely irritated today! I think they are downright close to the brink of war with the other creatures! They claimed the plains as their very own feeding and drinking grounds and threatened all the creatures that they would be killed if they trespassed!" The messenger squawked. Tenga's eyes widened slightly. He really hoped Lesedi, Tinashe and Usugu were not foolish enough to trespass on the plains. They never really have before, but Tenga had a bad feeling this time around.

"Go tell the rhinos and buffalo I want to have a meeting with them. Hurry." Tenga said quietly. The messenger nodded and flew off at a great speed.

Zuzu looked to Tenga, cleaning his claws on the den wall as he did so. "Tenga, Usugu is acting really weird these days. You sure he's even Usugu anymore?" Zuzu asked as he scratched his head now.

"I don't know anymore. Tinashe is growing up great. He knows his place around here and he has a heart. I have no clue about Usugu. Everyday he becomes more sadistic and narcissistic. I might have to talk to the witch doctor about him later." Tenga murmured as he looked down.


Usugu was walking towards the plains seeing obvious signs that Tinashe and Lesedi were nearby. He could tell by the trampled grass, and paw prints. He hoped that he didn't find them doing something incredibally lovey dovey.

[ImaniFaith]

Tinashe sighed languidly, his breath blowing the grass tips in a gentle wave. Half-closing his large brown eyes, he prepared to doze off....

"Come on, Cubs! You're wasting daylight!"

Or, at least, he had been preparing to doze off. With a playful groan, he awaited the shove that he knew was coming.

"Get up!" Sure enough, a rough push sent him sprawling off the warm rock on which he had been relaxing and into the tall blades of grass below. "Sheesh. You keep sleeping all the time, you're going to get fat."

Truthfully, the teenage lion was anything but fat. He was quite thin, actually, like his mother before him; but with his father's imposing muscle already beginning to show under his rich umber coat. His dark brown mane, while not quite as impressive as his brother's just yet, was the softest feature he had.

And yet, angular and fiercely handsome though he was, anyone who had known him for any amount of time knew that he had the softest soul of any lion they'd ever met. That, many agreed, was his crowning glory.

Chuckling, Tinashe looked up to see Lesedi standing victoriously on the rock she had so uncerimoniously displaced him from.

"And I thought all cats landed on their feet." She teased.

She was so gorgeous, he thought to himself as he watched her. Her blonde fur shone in the bright afternoon sun, and her emerald eyes sparkled in a delicate, impertinent face. Those eyes, however, had softened so much recently. Of course, Lesedi was Lesedi-- she was often snappish, off-handed, and gruff, as she'd been since the day he'd met her; however, Tinashe had been granted the honor of experiencing another side to her altogether. The gentle, teasing, flirty Lesedi... the Lesedi with a heart.

"You're beautiful." He said to her softly, and watched as her ears flattened against her skull. She was so easy to embarrass, but that wasn't why he had said it-- at least, not this time. "You really are."

With an expression eerily similar to the aging Bahari's, Lesedi quickly cleared her throat and glanced away, "Nice move, Cubs, but don't think flirting is always going to get you off the hook."

Tinashe grinned, standing up and shaking himself off, "Wasn't trying to get off of anything. I meant it."

She was her old, insecure self for a second, glowering at him in a way he couldn't resist. Leaping onto the rock with her, he prepared to give her a reassuring nuzzle-- when he saw his older brother approaching, "Usugu."

Lesedi's hackled instantly rose, her pretty nose crinkling in disgust. Tinashe didn't quite share her strong feelings, but he too was unsettled by the unprecedented visit.

But Usugu was still his brother, and he tried to smile, "Usugu, what are you doing here? Come to hang out with us?"

[Baya]

Just as Usugu feared Tinashe and Lesedi had been caught up in some lovey dovey moment. He could hear them talking from a mile away because they were being so loud. "You're beautiful. You really are" Usugu said with a blank expression, mocking his brother's gentle voice as he arrived upon the two.

Usugu took notice of Lesedi's glare towards him. He listened to his brother's question and snorted, shaking his head. "I'd sooner go hang out with the hyenas then you two." Usugu muttered with a pout. "I actually came here to tell you dad wants you back at pride rock. I'm sure whatever you two are doing out here, can be done there too. Then again, I could be wrong." Usugu said with a shrug.

He could tell from Lesedi's hateful gaze that he had definitely crossed the line. Though that only satisfied him. She couldn't do a thing to him without expecting pay back. Usugu had changed in that sense too. He held things to heart, and always got revenge no matter what. He considers the balance of a perfect kingdom can only be found through the balance of justice. Take what is taken, give what is given.

He noticed Lesedi's eyes widen as well as Tinashe's. "What, is there a rogue behind me or something?" Usugu murmured, and his mane flowed forwards with a gust of air. Usugu looked behind him, his face only inches from that of a rhino.

"Of all creatures to trespass on our lands, it had to be the prince. To think your father just summoned us to discuss some sort of treaty, and here's his SON breaching the current agreement!" The male rhino said in his deep hefty voice. Usugu was definitely afraid, but he wasn't about to show it. Not to this simple minded creature.

"Tell you what. You let us go now, and when I'm king I won't drive you away." Usugu murmured quietly. The rhino's eyes widened in rage. Who did this little punk think he is?

"Well until then, you are expendable aren't you? Not only have you trespassed on my lands, but you are trying to threaten me with what you'll do when you reign as king? How do you know i'll let you live you insolent brat!" The rhino shouted angrily.

"Simple. If you kill me, you will only cause an uproar. My father will have you all killed or banished." Usugu pointed out, with a glare towards the rhino. He wasn't even afraid anymore from all the adrenaline pumping in his blood. Being a teen had its perks, but idiotic bravery was not one of them.

The rhino began to scrape the ground with his right hoof. He let out a huge gust of air, and Usugu looked to Lesedi and Tinashe. "Might want to start running!" Usugu shouted as he stepped back slightly. He really wanted to run as well, but something was holding him back. Was it his pride? Was it his drive to dominate those he considered enemies? Was it to make himself look braver then Tinashe? He had no clue.

The rhino began to charge towards Usugu, and Usugu jumped out of the way just in time. The second time the rhino charged Usugu managed to jump onto his horn with an umph, and scratch at his right eye. The rhino howled in pain as he threw Usugu off his horn with a mighty jerk of his head.

Usugu landed on his paws but felt a huge surge of pain run through his right arm and paw. The rhino prepared to charge again, blood seeping from the wound across his right eye. "You will pay for that, prince." The rhino said grimly as he began to run, but stopped abruptly as Tenga jumped in front of Usugu with a fierce look in his eye.

"You know he's my son, and yet you charge him? Is this how you wish to make peace?" Tenga roared angrily. The messenger swallow had made his way quickly back to the den when he saw what was happening between Usugu and the rhino. Tenga was quick to run over to the plains and respond to the attack.

"That boy of yours was running his mouth! He wounded my eye! He threatened my kind!" The rhino shouted, panting from all the activity that just went on.

"My king, he lies! He's a mindless beast who cares only for himself and his 'kind'! I say we banish him now!" Usugu shouted angrily himself, his paw surging with pain once more. Tenga roared at Usugu, making the young teen step back a little in fear of his father.

"You do not say anything more! You've caused enough damage! To the den with you! Tinashe, Lesedi! Escort Usugu to the den." Tenga ordered with a frown, obvious disappointment on his face.

Usugu felt his anger bubbling up again, and he wanted to roar right back at Tenga. He wanted to show that Rhino who ruled the land. But he figured acting without thinking once already was enough to last him the day. "Whatever you say your majesty." Usugu murmured as he turned his gaze from Tenga, and began to limp towards the den along with Tinashe and Lesedi.

Tenga meanwhile had to stay behind with the rhino and apologize for Usugu's behavior. What that teen had done was damage Tenga's efforts to make peace between all the creatures in the kingdom!

//

On the trip back to the den, Usugu was in horrible pain. He could barely place his paw on the earth before wincing in pain. He avoided eye contact with Lesedi and Tinashe all together. The last thing he needed was Lesedi's pleased expression with the outcome and Tinashe's worried or disappointed expression. He did not care what they thought of him. He would be king, and only what he thought would matter!

Usugu entered the den with his limp and spotted his mother. He bowed his head to his mother and quickly went to his corner to lay down, and await his father. He knew that when his father got back he would say something like "You know better! You are the older one!" or "If you want to be king, you must use your head before acting!".

Usugu winced as he looked to the joint of his paw. It was swelling.

[ImaniFaith]

Tinashe was still shaken when they reached the den. Several lions, including Bahari and his grandmother, got up when they saw them coming. Per usual, Usugu completely ignored their concern and limped without a word into the den, but Tinashe and Lesedi stopped to expalin what had happened.

After hearing their story, Bahari shook his head in astonishment, "What does the young prince think he's doing? I may have been foolish in my youth, but even I knew better than to tempt any angry animal that was larger than me!"

"I don't know how my own daughter's son could have ended up like that." Leta huffed, looking at Tinashe. "It can't be bad parenting, or you wouldn't have turned out so well."

Tinashe withered in shame as Lesedi gleefully nudged his side and made goo-goo faces that clearly implied, 'Grammie's little cub'. "Yeah, thanks."

However, he too was beginning to worry about his brother's weird condition. Ever since that day when he'd gone out with Lesedi and Usugu had been left behind, it seemed as though bitter jealousy had taken over his brother and completely corrupted him. How something so small as that event could have had so huge an impact, Tinashe had never been able to grasp. Many times, he had attempted to reconcile with Usugu, but it was all in vain.

"Well," Said the elderly Fola snottily, "I don't know what kind of king he's going to make, unless your daughter straightens him out sometime soon, Leta."

Folayan, unable to resist a chance to badmouth, chimed in, "It's going to be a tyranny!"

Lesedi, used to the lionesses' antics by now, rolled her eyes and began to make covert, 'Yap-yap-yap' motions. Tinashe suppressed a giggle.

The two gossips did have a point, however, and a dark point at that. It was becoming quite obvious to everyone that Usugu was getting out of control. And after all, if a king couldn't control himself, how could he control a kingdom?

//

Imani gasped at the sight of Usugu's wounded paw, "What on earth-- ?"

Her son only nodded vaguely at her, much as Tenga used to when they first met, and laid himself down on the den floor. She groaned in exasperation-- he had become so much like his father these days that she could hardly reach him!

No, that wasn't correct. She had always been able to reach Tenga. For all his cold, emotionless demeanor, her mate was warm and loving inside, and opened this part of himself up to her-- much as the proud Lesedi had opened up to Tinashe. But Usugu seemed to be losing all the warmth and love he had. Several times she had been forced to come between her oldest son and another creature, be it his father or the poor messanger swallow Tenga had recently employed.

"Usugu," She tried again, "please, let me at least see your paw."

He didn't move. Imani carefully padded closer, then paused, frowning. This was insane! She was actaully feeling afraid of her own son! Usugu-- who had once slept in her arms and romped with her in the plains, was now a dark and unpredictable stranger... and he scared her.

'What could I have done to prevent it?' She thought in agony, 'How could I have let myself lose my little cub?'

'...And what kind of mother could let her son become like this?'

[Baya]

"Look at them. Talking like I'm not even here. Tyranny? Oh my rule will be hard on those that have been hard on me. I'll be a tyrant to most of you." Usugu thought as he overheard their conversation. When his mother approached him, his dulled teal eyes gazed into her brown ones. When his mother stopped in her tracks, Usugu could feel a surge of guilt passing through him. He hated being so cold to his mother of all the others. She was the only one he regret ever causing trouble for.

"Mother, I can't get up. The paw hurts too much." Usugu murmured as reasoning as to why he didn't come to her. That was in fact the truth and so was the fact that his paw was swelling up just a bit more.


Before Imani could come any closer, Tenga walked into the den with a look of ferocity in his eyes. He walked so that he was in front of Usugu, and glared down at him. "Usugu. I don't know why you have changed so much since you were a cub. I have no clue why you choose to give me, and the rest of the pride attitude. However, I do know one thing. Your rule will not be one of prosperity." Tenga said with a monotone similar to Usugu's.

Usugu's eyes widened slightly, and he shook slightly. Was Tenga going to banish him? Or worse, give him to the rhinos in compensation for his attack on the one from earlier? However when he heard the next words that came out of Tenga's mouth, it hurt more then any of the other possibilities ever could.

"You will not be king Usugu. I am naming Tinashe my heir, instead of you." Tenga said with a look of sorrow on his face now. What has his son become that Tenga had to resort to this? Where did he and Imani go wrong?

Usugu felt his eyes watering in frustration. "Yo-You can't do that! Being king is all I have! Tinashe has everything! He always has had everything!" Usugu snarled angrily. He could not stop the tears that flowed afterwards. "Though I can't say I'm not surprised! Change the law around to fit your favourite!"

"That's enough Usugu! You made me resort to it! You have done this to yourself!" Tenga snarled back. Usugu stood with a slight wobble, and regardless of the pain he felt in his paw, ran out the den. Tenga was in no mood to chase after him, and he looked around at all the faces, wondering if they were upset with what he'd done as well.

"Tenga. I support your decision." Zuzu finally muttered. It was clear Usugu was unstable, and was not fit to be king. He would turn the Grass Walled plains into something ten times worse then what it used to be. Just one giant barren lands.

Tenga looked to Imani, hoping that she too approved his decision. Though he knew she would be disappointed in him for not doing it under calmer circumstances.

[ImaniFaith]

Shocked, Imani watched as her oldest son ran tearfully from the den. All the rage and hatred that had been burning inside him for months seemed to have exploded in a wild flight that took him out past his onlookers and into the plains.

Miserably, she looked to her mate. She understood why he had made the decision, and she supported it as well. Usugu was in no condition to rule the kingdom, and would bring irreparable harm to its inhabitants should he be given the throne.

Still, she saw the rare and heartrending expression of uncertainty in Tenga's eyes, and quickly placed her paw over his, " You made a wise choice, Tenga." She said softly, knowing that she must also build him up in the eyes of his subjects, "And a difficult one, but it was necessary."

Then, gazing into the faces of her family and friends, she asked, "Please, let me speak to our king in private. We will be out shortly."

As soon as the others had dispersed, Imani immediately dropped the formality of speech, "Tenga, I do understand your reasoning, but Usugu is still our son. We can't just let him run away-- especially not with an injured paw and those stupid rhinos--" She caught herself, for not all the rhinos were stupid, "Those rhinos out there with a grudge against him. He could die!"

After a moment of thought, she closed her eyes and sighed, nuzzling him, "Tinashe will make a better king than Usugu-- I've thought that for a long time. Crown him while I'm gone."

Receiving a puzzled frown, she explained, "I have to go after our son."

//

Tinashe's head was reeling. Him, king of Grass Walls? Never had the thought even entered into his mind! Usugu was the eldest; Usugu had held the birthright and undergone the teachings-- not him. Now, those surrounding him were not just his family, but his future subjects, that he would have to lead and provide for. How could he possibly take care of them all?

Yet they were staring at him expectantly, as though awaiting some great speech to pour forth. He couldn't think of a thing to say.

Fortunately, Lesedi spoke for him, "Well, that was unexpected."

Her dry comment seemed to loosen his tongue, and he let out the breath he had unconciously been holding, "I'll say... I-- Dad never told me...."

Smiling proudly, Bahari stepped foreward from the throng and placed a paw on his shoulder, "Long live the king."

An excited murmer followed, then grew into a roar of praise, "Long live the king!"

In the midst of the roar, Lesedi leaned into his ear, "You got your hands full now, Cubs." she smirked.

The roar had reached a near-deafening fever-pitch.

"Yeah." He breathed, "Tell me about it."

[Baya]

Tenga's mind was racing as his mate spoke with him. In all aspects she was right, but Tenga felt somewhat upset with Usugu still. He didn't want to be the one to find him causing some more damage to the kingdom. He was relieved when Imani said that she was going after him instead. "Imani. Be careful, alright?" Tenga called after her as he turned to walk right back into the den.

Tenga noticed them all roaring and he let out the loudest roar to silence them. "Long live the king indeed." Tenga muttered quietly as he walked through the now silent den, and laid down in his usual spot. "Tinashe. Don't let the fact that you will be king get to your head. You will have a tough road ahead of you." Tenga explained, with a small smile. As disappointing as Usugu had turned out, Tinashe had turned out great. He wasn't worried one bit leaving Tinashe in control of the kingdom.

//

The pain had numbed down along with the rest of his paw as he ran, his tears staining his cheeks. Usugu did not look back at the den, or to see if anyone had come after him. Too bad he had no idea where he was heading either as he closed his eyes and shook his head at the idea of him being dethroned. When he opened his eyes again, it was too late. He tripped over a small rock rolling down the hillside, landing on the cold hard earth of the barren lands.

"It's not fair! It's not fair!" Usugu wailed. They had taken everything from him! Tinashe who had everything he wanted, was given something that belonged to Usugu by birth right! Usugu could not even stand anymore the pain in his arm had gotten so bad.

"Fine! Then I die here! Become a part of the collection of bones!" Usugu spat bitterly. He didn't care anymore, as it was obvious none of the pride lions did. They all hated him too, just like his father.

"Why do you come here pride lion?" A gentle voice called from in front of him. Through the shadows of the barren lands he made out two glowing blue eyes. Usugu could not move, he could not fight back if this was a threat!

"What's it to you rogue?!" Usugu snarled. There was then a giggle as a lioness stepped out from the darkness. She seemed to be an adolescent as well, if not just a bit older then Usugu. Her fur was tawny, and the fur on her head was swept back a bit to give her a very unique look. Her eyes were almost cyan.

"Watch your words pride lion. I could end your life right here. But I don't have the motivation." She cooed as she walked until she was in front of him. She placed a paw under his chin, and wiped away one of the wet tears from his fur. "Ah, you have been crying." The lioness whispered, looking out into space whilst she wiped the tear.

"Oh, you had to touch me to figure that out? What are you, blind?" Usugu snarled angrily, slapping her paw away. The lioness giggled again and nodded.

"Actually yes. I am. What pains you pride lion?" She asked. Usugu frowned and glared at the lioness.

"Right now, you." Usugu growled. The lioness sighed as she placed her paw over his head gently.

"Calm yourself. When you are upset, you will say things you'll regret. Control your rage pride lion." The lioness whispered. Usugu hated taking orders from a rogue, but she was right. He took a deep breath, and wiped his mind of all his problems. Except for the sprained paw of course.

"I am the king's son, along with my brother Tinashe. Ever since we were cubs, my brother was favored over me. Now, over some stupid dispute with a rhino in the plains my father has declared that I will not be king. He named my brother, he who has EVERYTHING, heir to the throne!" Usugu snarled angrily, feeling his temper rise again.

"Sssh. Clear your mind pride lion. Let me tell you something." She said quietly as she sat next to him now. "Anger is an emotion that clouds your judgment. You want to be king, yes?" The lioness asked. Usugu looked to her for a moment.

"Yes. I do." Usugu growled quietly.

"Then I will help you my king. If you grant me one thing." She murmured quietly. Usugu raised an eyebrow, wondering what this rogue could possibly want besides food or water.

"I want to be your queen. Promise me that, and I will make you king." She whispered quietly. Usugu's eyes widened slightly. That was definitely not what he expected to hear. Though Usugu didn't really refuse as she wasn't that bad looking, and the fact that she was so wise also appealed to him.

"I will make you my queen if you make me King. Now may I ask your name?" Usugu said in a monotone. She giggled again, and licked his face clean of the tear stains.

"I am Busara. I will be here whenever you need me. My king." The blind lioness murmured as she walked off, back into the darkness.

Usugu understood what she had said about him controlling his anger. If he wanted to be king, he'd have to think straight and logically. He heard pawsteps nearby, and he could smell his mother's scent. "Mom?!" Usugu called.

[ImaniFaith]

Imani heard her son calling to her, and groaned when she found him lying prone on the ground. Swiftly coming to his side, she studied his damaged paw. It was then that she smelled something-- another lion.

"Usugu." She whispered hurredly, "There are rogues in this area. We need to get back to Grass Walls as--"

And then, she leaned down, and sniffed him. He smelled of the lion. "Usugu, who was here? Did they hurt you?"

For the scent was not friendly, that much was for sure.

//

"I don't think you have to worry about me getting a big head over it, Dad." Tinashe said wryly, "Now, my head exploding, that's another story."

"Oh, come on, Cubs!" Lesedi grinned, "You can do it; I have faith in you. Everybody does!"

Tinashe sighed, then regarded her for a long moment, a thought that he had never dared to think entering his mind. "Lesedi... can I... talk to you a minute? Alone?"

She cocked her head, then shrugged in her old way. "Whatever."

"I'll be back soon, Dad." It didn't occur to him to ask where his mother was. She was probably off alone trying to process all that had happened.

As soon as he and Lesedi were out of the pride's earshot, he cleared his throat stiffly and sat down. The blonde lioness arched a brow at him, frowning, "Sheesh, Cubs, just 'cause you're the future king doesn't mean you have to lose your personality all at once."

Her words made him chuckle, "Well, I have been through a lot in the last few minutes, don't you think?" When she only snorted in reply, he shuffled his paws nervously, "Listen, Lesedi, I wasn't gonna' ask you this for a long time, but... well, everything's happening so fast, anyway... I mean, why not?"

Now, both Lesedi's eyebrows were raised, and it was clear she knew exactly what he was getting at. To his relief, however, she didn't interrupt him.

"Um, I mean... I know you could do way better, but, uh... the truth is...." Oh, to heck with it! She respected bravery, after all, "The truth is, I've been in love with you since we met and, uh, will you be my mate-- er-- queen? Well, in the future you'll be queen, but right now, I mean-- "

"You're babbling." She interrupted him, and to Tinashe's shock, he saw that her emerald eyes were wet. She seemed unable to speak, but merely stared at him, wrestling to keep herself composed.

Tinashe's heart fell. He had hurt her again, somehow, just as he had so long ago when he'd told her he wanted her to stay. Why it made her sad, he didn't know; but he hung his head in shame, "I'm sorry, Lesedi. I shouldn't have asked...."

"Don't you dare say that!" Before he could react, she had pounced onto him, pinning him to the ground. Tears were streaming in rivlets down her lovely cheeks, "Idiot!"

"B- but you're sad...." He stammered. She shook her head roughly.

"Just because somebody cries doesn't mean they're sad, moron!" Her voice was choked, "Haven't you ever heard of happy tears?"

It was like the dawn had arisen inside his mind. So, all that time ago, he hadn't hurt her... she had been....

And, now? "So, you... you're happy I asked you?"

"Duh!" She sniffled.

"You... want to be my mate?"

"DUH."

There was a long pause. Then, laughing, they embraced.

"Let's go tell everybody!" Tinashe grinned, leaping up, but Lesedi stopped him.

"Give me a minute!" She growled, still sniffling, "You think I want everybody to see me like this?"

Chuckling, he waited for her to compose herself. In the span of one hour, he had lost a brother, but gained a kingdom and-- more importantly-- the mate of his dreams.

The Great Spirit, he decided, was a very strange master indeed.

[Baya]

"No. She didn't hurt me. She healed my wounds." Usugu said boldly, though he wasn't on planning to tell his mother anymore then that. Usugu tried his best to gather himself up, and thanks to Busara's wise words he was able to stand. She was right. Anger only caused him pain, and if he wanted to be king he'd have to have a clear mind. That would be his weapon against Tinashe. That would be his key to the throne.

"Let's go mother." Usugu murmured as he slowly made his way up the hill with only several winces of pain. Usugu took one last look into the barren lands, and he could see out of the corner of his eye the glowing cyan eyes within the darkness. He would have to remind himself to bring her some food later. If she was to help him become king, then he had to keep her alive.

On their way back Usugu remained silent but he looked to his mother once or twice. "You came out on your own didn't you? Wouldn't expect dad to send you." Usugu murmured in monotone. His voice wasn't so full of bitterness now, but nothing else as well. He truly felt nothing at the moment, except for pain emitting from his paw.

"Oh praise the lands! Hail the prince, and his mate! Hail! Hail!" A messenger squawked as it flew by. Usugu showed no expression to that, but looked towards the den where Tinashe and Lesedi were embracing in front. Already Usugu was beginning to plan Lesedi's demise, and his brother's banishment. He didn't know how he'd do it, but it would be done, that he swore on the life of him and his queen.

[ImaniFaith]

Tinashe and Lesedi had run back as soon as they could (or, rather, as soon as Lesedi had let them) and told the others the news. To his surprise, everyone acted like they'd known all along.

Bahari, in a display of uncharacteristic exuberance, tousled Tinashe's mane and laughed out loud, "A fine catch you made, m'boy-- I couldn't have wished for anything better!"

Behind him, Lesedi groaned in embarrassment. Tinashe couldn't blame her. "Uncle Bahari...."

As he pulled away, he suddenly caught a glimpse of his mother-- followed by his brother. "Usugu."

Usugu was back.

What would he have to say? It wasn't as though Tinashe had tried to take the kingdom-- their father had simply handed it over to him. Would Usugu attempt to fight him for dominance, like the rogues whom he had once so admired? He certainly could be angry enough to kill. "Lesedi... all of you... go inside the den."

Whatever did happen, he couldn't bear to think of anyone else getting hurt. Still, his mother was with Usugu, so she might keep things under control.

"I'm not going anywhere!" Lesedi cried indignantly, "Just because I'm your mate doesn't mean I have to rely on you to do everything. He comes at you, I'll tear him apart myself!"

Knowing he couldn't talk her out of it, he positioned himself in front of her as his brother approached, sending up a prayer to the Great Spirit. 'Please... protect us all.'

//

Imani was watching Usugu closely, trying to read his expression and failing. He had become as stone-faced as Tenga and, unlike her mate, did not appear willing to share his thoughts with her.

However, if he went after her youngest son, his new mate, or anyone else, she would stop him. As much as she loved Usugu, she would not let him kill her family or friends... and she would not let him become king.