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

[Baya]

Back in the den of the barren lands, Tumaini had went to sleep snuggled closely and comfortably against Busara as usual. Usugu was at the entrance of the den, a cool wind blowing his mane slightly. His teal eyes glowed in the darkness, as his thoughts of hatred and anger ran through his mind. He looked to the sky for a moment, looking for stars. They were difficult to see in the barren lands so he trotted quickly towards the hill and after several leaps was back in the Grass walled plains.

He laid down on his back, just gazing up at the sky, memories of pain and betrayal running through his mind. Tenga favored Tinashe over him. Tinashe favored Lesedi over him. Imani, the only one that showed him a hint of compassion in his times of angst, died in the name of him. He closed his eyes as he tried to suppress the pain he was feeling in his heart. His thoughts then lingered to what Lesedi had said about what his mother would think of him now.

Had it not been for Lesedi, perhaps Usugu would not have turned into what he was. All the problems he could feel that erupted, erupted from her very presence. Tinashe became fond of her, and chose her side over his in the end. Tenga also allowed Tinashe to go off free from his punishments a long time ago to help her get accustomed to pride life. Some punishment. Usugu had seen them playing every day that he was grounded. Not only did it break his heart to see his brother having such fun with another cub, but even more so that Tenga knew fully well that Tinashe was enjoying himself.

A familiar scent caught his nostrils, and he did not budge from where he lay. Lesedi had probably gone off and lied to Tinashe about what was said. He hoped his brother at least had the mental capacity to realize that had Usugu WANTED to kill Lesedi, he would have. That would be what kept Tinashe from attacking him at this moment. Usugu did not have the urge to attack his younger brother, but should he take Lesedi's side again, Usugu would have no restraint.

[ImaniFaith]

Tinashe had caught his brother's scent just as the sun had sunk over the horizon, and had followed it until the stars were out in plenty. At last, he saw Usugu's form, lying in front of a small den.

His heart ached at the sight of his brother, whom he had loved so much, and who hated him with every breath. If he could only have gone back in time, found out what had gone wrong, he might have been able to... but, no, there was no going back now-- only foreward.

Usugu's cold teal eyes flicked his way, and he knew his brother had realized he was coming. Yet, he hadn't attacked. Perhaps that was a good sign.

What could he say now? What could possibly make things better?

"Hi, Usugu." He said softly. The teal eyes bore into him, "I- I didn't come to fight. I came to talk to you... as your brother."

There was no reply. He forced a smile. "Lesedi, she... she can be kind of a hot-head, huh? I bet she said a few things to you she shouldn't have and, well, I'm sorry for that. Thank you for not hurting her."

Still nothing, "Usugu, they asked me to attack you, but I didn't, and I don't want to! You're still my brother, and I still love you. Please, just tell me went wrong between us!"

[Baya]

"She told me horrible things brother. My feelings are absolutely hurt!" Usugu said with fake melodramatic emotion, his paw over his face. He then snorted. "I care nothing for what your mate says because she is the corruption of this land, not me." Usugu murmured as he stood. When he asked what went wrong Usugu chuckled shaking his head. This was absolutely unbelievable. Was he being serious?

"What went wrong between us brother? Well when your mate came along, I was not put before her for anything. You would ask her to play, before you asked ne. You would ask her for advice before you asked me. You did not say a WORD when she blamed me for mother's death!" Usugu snarled as he pushed Tinashe back slightly. "Though I guess I can't blame you. You are just a doormat. A decoration. She's the real ruler of the land. You obey her like a diseased, mindless dog." Usugu snorted in monotone.

He looked into his brother's brown eyes with his teal ones. "If you do not believe me, then so be it. I never asked whether you approved of my motives. You are far too deep under her control to even realize it." Usugu pointed out as he stared boldly into the sky. "Do you know what she asked me? What do I think mother would think of me right now. I pose the same question to you brother." Usugu said as his tail flicked every few seconds.

[ImaniFaith]

Tinashe felt his heart twist with guilt and confusion. "You think I love Lesedi more than you?' he murmured.

"Usugu, " He cried, "if I obeyed her in everything I'd have come here with the lionesses and killed you! I didn't, did I? And, as for what my mother would think of me--"

He paused, unsure. He had been so close to his mother when she was alive, and he knew that she had loved Usugu very much, even when he had gone down the wrong path. She had tried, time and time again, to bring his brother around, and had even died trying to patch up his mistake. If she were alive, what would she think of Tinashe, who had let his brother wander away for many moons without even bothering to go after him?

"She would... be disappointed in me." He admitted sadly, "She would. Because I didn't try harder. I didn't... I was too much of a coward to help you. I didn't build you up in Lesedi's eyes so she would like you more, and I didn't go after you when you ran away.... Usugu, I'm sorry."

His brother seemed slightly surprised by his honesty, or perhaps by his apology-- but he didn't speak.

"Please, Usugu." Tinashe sighed at last, "You're my brother; I love you. Just tell me what I can do to make things well between us again."

[Baya]

Usugu had no clue what to say anymore, but his mind was still fixed on one problem he saw with all of what had happened. Lesedi. "You could've brought the lionesses, but I think you'd rather not risk them getting injured over coming her and talking this peacefully over with me. I hear your apology, but words are empty brother. I will show you what sorry is with due time." Usugu murmured.

"If you honestly want to save yourself, and your daughter's life. Get rid of Lesedi. Banish her from the land. She is all I wish to target at this point." Usugu growled quietly.

//

Back at the den, Tenga looked to Lesedi with slight confusion and annoyance. "In my days of ruling these lands, my queen would never speak to me like that." Tenga murmured as he stood shakily. "You don't know what you are asking Tinashe to do. Do you know why Usugu is the way he is? Because he envies the bond you share with everyone Lesedi. He thinks that you stole all the love and attention away from him when you came here." Tenga pointed out quietly.

"Regardless of how he felt, he should not have done what he did Tenga. He should've talked about his feelings rather then turning into whatever he is now." Zuzu replied with a slight frown.

"Zuzu. He's like me. He never enjoyed talking about how he felt. He bottled it all up inside until it darkened his heart. Let's just pray to the great kings above that some how Usugu will see the light of his ways and give up revenge. If you want that to happen Lesedi, you must control your temper with him. You only see him in one light, but we have seen him in the other." Tenga said in monotone as he coughed afterwards.

[ImaniFaith]

Lesedi paused, feeling stung. Tenga had never reprimanded her before; it was surprisingly painful. "He envies me? Is that what this whole stupid thing is about?"

She watched as the old king limped toward her, and then looked down at Amara, who was gazing up at her with large brown eyes filled with confusion and hurt. The little cub had no idea what was really going on; all she knew was that she had lost the one possible friend she'd ever had.

Would she have to lose her life as well?

The question filled Lesedi with bitterness, but also with determination. "I can't control my temper with him." She growled, "No matter how badly he's hurting, he has no right to threaten us.'

"However...." She said softly, "If it's me that's causing all the trouble; if it's me that's going to get everyone killed, then... I'll go. I'll leave Grass Walls, for Amara's sake."

"Mama, no!" Amara wailed, but Lesedi only nuzzled her.

"I'm doing this because I love you." She whispered, "Don't ever forget."

And, before anyone could stop her-- before she could change her mind-- she forced herself to run.

//

"Banish Lesedi?" Tinashe blinked. Banish his mate? "I don't care about my own life, but for Amara, I....'

"For how long?" He asked, "Should Amara lose a mother like you lost yours? I know you hate Lesedi, but what has Amara ever done to you?"

Then, checking himself, he murmured, "Give me one last day with her, Usugu. Then... then, on my word, she'll be gone."

We'll all be gone. He thought to himself. Whoever wants to rule Grass Walls can; I never wanted it. I just want my family.

With a nod to his brother, he left, weeping as he ran under the stars.

//

The first thing Tinashe saw when he returned was the tearstained face of his daughter, and the grave eyes of his father. His mate was nowhere to be found.

She had banished herself.

[Baya]

Tenga's eyes narrowed slightly as the young female made the rash decision of just leaving. He was going to suggest that they would try and reason with Usugu. Tenga looked down to Amara, and sighed as he pulled her into an affectionate nuzzle. "Don't worry little one. What ever your mother just did, it is so you may stay safe. Never grow bitter out of this." Tenga muttered quietly.

Tenga knew that this probably wasn't the end of it. Usugu would not be popular with lionesses of the pride now that he had forced one of their most cherished members to leave. It wouldn't be a very pretty sight to see Usugu have to fight for control.

//

"You are funny Tinashe. Comparing my life to hers. I grew up with nothing. She has family." Usugu murmured darkly as he watched his brother walk off. Usugu could see how upset his brother had gotten, but he figured that it was better for all of them. Life would be far greater without that rogue lioness around forcing her views upon everyone.

//

As Lesedi was running off, the elderly mongoose was collecting berries and such. When he noticed the queen running off, looking distraught he quickly stood in her way. He noticed how upset she was, and wondered if she would stop. He picked up his staff so that he was sure she'd stop for him. "My queen! Slow down! What ails you?" The mongoose asked in his raspy voice.

[ImaniFaith]

Lesedi screeched to a halt before the old mongoose. Had she been less upset, she might have chewed it out (literally) for stopping her progress; as it was, however, she merely shouted tearfully, "My daughter's going to die and my mate won't do anything about it!"

Seeing his confusion, she explained, "My mate's brother wants to kill me, but if he can't, he'll kill everyone else until he ruins my life. I never meant to hurt him, but he won't accept apologies and he won't let the idea of taking revenge on me go! My mate loves him still, and he won't kill him; so, for my daughter's sake, I left."

Sobbing now, she bowed her head, "But I don't want to leave! I love my cub and I love my idiot mate! I've lost everything-- everything! What should I do?!"

//

Amara looked up at her grandfather, then down at the den floor. Her mother had left because of her. She didn't feel bitter; she felt guilty. Because of her, her mother had cried. Because of her, her mother had run away. If only she didn't exist-- none of this would be happening!

"Gran'pa, what do I do? Mom left because of me!" Burying her head in his shoulder, she wept, "I wish I was never born!"