[PRIVATE] A Loner's Pride

[XxRinaRoguexX]

Through the thick fur in her mouth, she managed to heave a large sigh inwardly to gain the breath back she was sure she was going to lose if she didn't finally take in some air that moment. Whilst she held onto the male's fur and paddled herself and the unconcious lion in her mouth to the shore, her brows furrowed to signal concentration and in her mind, because she knew there was no way she would have done anything to help these two idiots if there weren't others around to witness her leaving them. Oh who was she kidding? Yes she would, but she would forever convince herself that she didn't give a hoot about lions and lionesses around her. Finally her feet were touching the bottom and she was pulling with as much strength as she could to what seemed like a full grown male in her grasp, eventually pulling him along the ground to the edge of the shore. No one had better have been behind her or she would have bowled them over.

Finally, she dropped the heap of fur to the ground and looked him over. Dark as he was, she could still manage to see if he was breathing against the shadows of the dark ground where water bled from his pelt. Meanwhile, there was another male who was concious on his own for this moment so there was one less thing to be thinking about. With her focus back on the male, she looked him over with pondering eyes as to when he was going to come to if even at all. "Hey" she nudged him with her right paw and waited for something to happen-- but not a thing. "Fine, gonna be difficult?" She rounded his body and looked for his tail before finding it at his side and swiftly scooping it up in her mouth. CHOMP. Let's see how unconcious he'll be now, she thought devilishly to herself, gaining a light smirk to herself at how immature she could be sometimes.

[xLilacVixenx]

The pounding pain in Syira’s chest was excruciating and hurting dreadfully. Only to add to that was the pain at her side. The antelope had severely injured her side, leaving a large gash in its place. Syira winched as the terrible injuries pain flowed throughout her body, making her shake and shiver uncontrollably. The feeble lioness pricked her tattered ears as she heard nearby voices yelling and growling. Even though she knew that strangers could prove dangerous, she managed to yell hoarsely, “Please, somebody help me!” After around five minutes had past and no one had noticed her existence, she struggled to rise to her feet, but her attempts were futile. There was probably an infection in her side. Using all the strength she could muster, Syira placed her front paw ahead of her and pulled her limp body forward. Slowly, and slowly, she came to a watering hole after having dragged her body across the ground. Although she was very thirsty and her body was running low on liquid, she needed to rest Panting heavily on the ground, she noticed the voices were surprisingly close to where she lay. Her eyes looked up and she saw around three lions. One appeared to be getting one to wake, and the other was lying helplessly to his side. Ever curious, Syira almost made to drag herself towards them, but she stopped herself for two reasons. One, she didn’t have any liquid in her, so she would have no energy to go even near them, and two, she had no idea what the stranger’s intentions were. They would be killers for all she knew.

It was a hard choice to make, being so curious, but Syira made the right one, she dragged herself to the watering hole and half-heartedly drank the sweet, cool water. It felt incredibly delicious to her parched lips and tongue, and with some effort, she welcomed it in with gratitude. When the lioness had drank her fill, she felt her energy somewhat restored; or at least enough to walk a ways. Struggling slowly to her paws, she sat up, glancing curiously at the lions. One looked as a female, quite beautiful per say, the others were two males, equally handsome. Syira, being a smart lioness, knew that looks did not necessarily mean personality, and their looks could compare nothing to their attitude. Cautiously, she strode up towards the three lions and summoned up her courage. She spoke with a voice loud and clear as she declared, “Hi, I’m Syira.” She looked around at them and ultimately was confused by their actions. “Who are you?” The situation, in turn, was indeed odd. There was a lioness pinning another lion to the ground. This did not look appealing to Syira and her attitude changed to one of defense. Looking towards Zera, she spat, “Hey, what’re you doing to that lion?” She growled and attempted to claw away Zera’s paws from the creature before any real harm could be done. By that time, Syira’s blood was flowing due to the excitement and her gash began bleeding again. She winched in pain, but continued to look ferocious. So far, things did not look too good for the lone, injured lioness.

[XxRinaRoguexX]

Zera poked her head up to the new addition to the scene, feeling herself growl inwardly at the attraction of attention to the scene. It was like lions these days didn't know how to mind their own business. She was exactly one to talk since she was the one who dove under to get the lions out from the depths of the hole of water, but in those kinds of situations it was necessary for intervention from the smarter, seemingly more sane third party which turned out to be her. But it was a female this time, so she wasn't completely taken over with a sea of males all around her. And maybe this lioness could be of use to her...nevermind, she was injured.

And even more so, she was coming after Zera? For WHAT? She didn't do anything! It was lucky for her that she was injured, or Zera would have went after her without second thought to the lionesses pains. It was only a few simple dodges from her body that Zera had to avoid before she could tell the female who was apparently named Syira was getting tired of both her needed participation in this dying debate and her patience. "Chill out, lady" she finally spoke and placed her paw down on Syira's own paw to keep it to the ground. "He almost drowned and I'm just trying to wake him up" she gave a reassuring smile before she looked over the female in front of her, "what happened to you?"

[Harvs]

Sius felt somewhat left out. He wasn't one to talk to strangers, as he had just perfectly proven to Zera. And with the new crowd, it seemed that Sius had been forgotten. What, with the two drowning lions. While Sius could have jumped in and been a hero as well, he did not wish to become a drowning lion himself. And now this new female showing up out of nowhere with an injury of fatal magnitude. Wait... What was he thinking!? Sius was being so selfish. Zera obviously just saved two lives and was comforting a wounded lioness. Needless to say, all at the same time as well.

Sius pondered this for a moment. He had never been so self-centered. He was the least of the current problems. Just a bit clumsy. Nothing compared to three potential deaths. But still, he was hoping for a bit more conversation with Zera after she saved the two lions. Syira... I swear I've heard that name before... Sius thought to himself. His mind wondered off into the past.

He thought of the cubhood he had shared with his sister Hisani, and his brother Kasi. But Syira sounded somewhat familiar... possibly one of Hisani's friends? Regardless, Sius remembered her name from somewhere, else he was simply making up memories.

Sius leisurely strolled over to Zera and Syira. Making sure to run it through his head first, he said "Hi, my name is Sius." He looked up at the sky with a thoughtful expression. Did that sound OK? Judging by Zera and Syira's lack of laughter or awkward glances, Sius assumed that it did. He quickly switched his focus from the sky to the lionesses, smiling a welcoming smile.

[xLilacVixenx]

Syira’s eyes lowered maliciously and she growled at the lioness, “Watch who you’re talking to, Jack!” she screamed. Her eyes glanced down as the strange lioness placed her paw on her own. She growled slightly in her throat and drew her paw back. The lioness’s blood slightly calmed as she began realizing that the lioness before her was probably a friend, but she was constantly on her guard, awaiting the slightest move by her apparent ‘foe’. When Zera inquired about her gash, however, her blood began boiling again. “What business is it of yours?” she growled lowly, “but remember, I’m still capable of fighting and killing when I please! So don’t try any false moves. Or I’ll kill you.” she spat, though her appearance proved otherwise. Her limping and wincing was a dead giveaway, and Syira knew that Zera would not be fooled for long. Therefore, Syira shook off the matter as though it were no big deal. Grudgingly she added under her breath, “It was nothing…merely dealing with stupid antelope,” she rolled her eyes for effect and began trotting towards the lion lying limp on the ground. Syira chuckled and scornfully rolled her eyes, “Where’d you find these two?” she asked. Syira thought for a moment on what she was doing. Was it wise to keep tormenting the lioness that could become a close friend or help her with her condition?

She shook her head stubbornly at these thoughts and tried to get them out of her head. How could she appear friendly to someone she did not even know? I’m not a bad person Syira thought to herself. It’s just that I cannot trust anybody I don’t know; and with that final reassuring of herself, she trotted confidently towards the water hole to get a last drink of the water. Or so it seemed. Although it appeared that she was getting a drink, even though she was, she was closely observing if the lioness could be trusted by turning her back on her. If the lioness attacked, she could quickly spring out of the way and let the lioness tumble into the water. If she did not move, she knew she could trust her. Lapping the cool water, she eyed the lioness that appeared to be standing still behind her. Syira turned around and sat on her haunches, a curious and confused expression stricken across her pretty face. Very interested by the situation at paw, she thought a while about this. Usually the lion would attack her as soon as her eyes left theirs, but this lioness seemingly did not. The lion strode and looked the lioness up and down curiously. She sniffed her fur and looked at her eyes. No, she did not seem bad. After thinking this thoroughly, Syira deeply regretted she had acted sourly towards Zera. Of course, being as stubborn as she was, she did not show it and turned her attentions towards the other lions slumped on the ground. “What will you do with them?” she inquired her voice noticeably softer than what was before. She sniffed the lions and nudged on of their shoulders hoping for a response.

[XxRinaRoguexX]

Zera didn't want to ignore Sius, but the female at paw seemed like she needed more attention to put her more at ease with them being there with her. And it was growing increasingly difficult to be so gentle and kind-natured with this lioness. She needed some manners forced down her throat and unable to get out by any means necessary.

Her trash talk was as weak as her body, so there was the firs indication that there was something the lioness had to put up a front about. Killing her? Like she could beat Zera to the first bite with that beat up body of hers. She had to admit that when this new lioness mentioned that her condition came from antelope she was just about moments away from snorting out laughter, but she decided against it since she wasn't in the mood to fight nor deal any more damage to the already wounded Syira. It was torment that this lioness was going on and on about because she was trying to cover up that she was in pain and she needed to look tough and macho, but Zera saw right through like she did most of the time with girls like her. She knew how it was...she was like Syria, and they hadn't even known each other long enough to know what the other was like all together. It was only a small piece of the puzzle being put into place as they studied each other. For a moment she even doubted herself for not acting on first instinct and slapping some sense into this girl but that would do no use.

As Syria leaned herself down to the water and drank, Zera's attentions were taken off of her and put back onto Sius where she smirked, "forming proper sentences I see" she winked to let him know she was joking, as it was well known to her already that it wasn't the easiest thing to spot with Zera's sense of humor with others. And on the odd occasion she had caught herself making jokes with lions like she had known them for the longest time when really they thought she was being serious, and seriously mean. He seemed to understand that she was in no means of trying to hurt his feelings and was only poking fun at him for the time being. But her mood was interrupted when there was a serious lack of respect and even more serious invasion of personal space made from the imposing lioness and when Syira got too close to Zera, she let the lioness know it with a simple snort from her nose to make her back away and retain the barrier she kept between every new comer that made their way into her sights.

When the question was posed, at first Zera had no idea what to say. What would she do? She couldn't just leave them there, nor could she just stay here until they came to and realized that she was taking care of them all this time. She was more concerned about the last one since it would be stuck in a male mind that she was caring for them and then they would take it to heart and think she had a crush on them. Yeah right. Eventually, there was a lack of thought process in the lionesses head and she turned her head to look over to the new 'friend' she could hopefully call out loud and even help without being rewarded with a foul behavior, "don't quite know...any ideas?" That applied to the two lions with her; Sius and Syira could give their opinions, and it would be appreciated since she really didn't have a clue of what could be done at this point.

[Nakisisa]

Hardy was friend unconcious, his senses leaving him the moment he nearly drowned. He didn't realise that a lioness had saved him, nor did he know she had bit his tail. He was still breathing and quite heavily as well, but still, he was unconcious.

***** Naki *****

Naki didn't fall into unconciousness, rather he woke as he hit the surface and gulped down air like it would run out. He didn't hear the commotion on the shore, rather he just layer there and waited for his body to recover.

It didn't take long, within minutes, Naki was able to swim again, and so he did. He knew he couldnt stay swimming for a long time so he had to make it quick. Collapsing on the sandy shore he smiled knowing he should live. He sat up and surveyed the scene. Bardu was either dead, he hoped, or unconscious, a lioness was trying to save him, another was being aggressive and the male that just spoke was ignored.

You, the injured lioness Naki said taking a few steps towards her. The Wagner clinging to his pelt making his mane and fur droop down towards the ground. We all know you can't kill anyone, so don't pretend and stand still. he said trying to sound wise as he leaned over and began to lick the cut, trying to stop the bleeding.

[XxRinaRoguexX]

As if there wasn't any more need for drama in this scene, now this stupid guy was trying to act all cool so he could look like a big macho idiot? No thanks. That was the last bit that Zera was willing to take before she wanted to get going and leave them all. "Okay, you all seem perfectly capable of making sure each other is taken care of. Nice meeting you, good day" she sighed out, walking away from the scene and onto her path again.

But then a thought stopped her: Sius was too shy (and what seemed like brain dead), Syira was a moody feline who would no doubt get herself into trouble, and this new guy was walking on glass. And all the while, this unconcious male on the ground still hadn't woken up from his little nap. Maybe it wasn't so wise for the only level-headed lion of the unpredicted gathering to leave after all. With that thought placed firmly in her mind, Zera turned foot when she was far enough away and crouched down behind the tall grasses to make sure there was nothing that could get out of hand.

[xLilacVixenx]

Syira sniffed disdain, as Zera had obviously felt offended by her close presence. She huffed off, nose high in the air; her swagger completely noticeable. Her face turned surprised as she watched the other lion emerge from the water. The moody lioness pushed Zera back with her body and nudged her to remain motionless. She slowly drew out her lethal claws and flexed them, preparing for the worst, though the male, in turn seemed harmless. Syira growled lowly and lowered her ears until they were flat across her scrunched face. When the stranger had spoken, she snarled back, “I am surely capable of killing you and I’ll kill you right here if I have to, Macho Man!” she prepared to spring at the ‘menacing’ lion. This guy was being much too cool for her liking. However, before she had the time to pounce on him, he surprisingly began licking the remaining blood from her painful wound. As much as Syira had wanted to strike with her paw at the face of this unknown stranger, she withheld her desire and let the lion lick her side. In truth, her side was beginning to swell and painfully hurt. Before long, it would probably begin infecting and that was the last thing she needed in her condition. If the lion proved lethal, however, she would spring back at him as soon as he was finished cleansing her side; not very kind, but what needed to be done needed to be done.


The lioness watched as Zera announced her dismissal and began walking away. As much as she wanted to stop her from going away, and ultimately leaving her with two unknown lions, she withheld once again. If she wanted to leave, she wanted to leave. Turning her attentions towards the two strangers, she growled at them, “Alright, now what’s to be done with you two?” her expression changed to one of disdain and annoyance as she continued her speech, “shall I tear you apart or let you live and you all leave me alone?” Syira glanced at Naki and snapped, “And just so you know, I can kill you if I please,” she lay on the ground almost submitting to the fact she was stuck with them, “but, I suppose since you cleaned my wound I’ll have to let you live.” The moody lioness glanced at Naki with a bored and annoyed, but not menacing, look, “So what’s your name?” she lay her head on her paws and sighed, “my name’s Syira.” Her ears pricked as she heard the soft rustle of grass, an approaching mouse or rat was nearby. She flexed her sleek muscles and stalked the smell until she prepared and ….POUNCE! she landed with her right paw firmly pinning a struggling mouse to the ground. Syira quickly grasped the mouse in her mouth and trotted proudly towards Naki. “See?” she proudly asked dropping the mouse in front of him. “I can catch a mouse easily.” But, of course, she didn’t leave him enough time to try any of the meal; she gulped down the mouse as quickly as possible and smacked her lips with her tongue, obviously satisfied by her kill. Sensing as though they were being watched, and smelling the scent of another lion nearby, Syira turned her eyes slowly backwards; also stopping in her tracks and remaining motionless. “Don’t…move,” she whispered to Naki, almost under her breath. She stood their fro a long time, whilst drawing her black claws from her motionless paws. “Ready? I'm going over,” she whispered and lunged backwards at her apparent ‘foe’. Little did she know that this ‘foe’ of hers was Zera.

[Harvs]

Sius tried to swallow all of what was happening at once. Something in his mind told him that his blissful days of Hakuna Matata were coming to an end. It was a fabulous life... while it lasted. But all things must end some day. Two lives could have been lost right in-front of him, and he wouldn't have even known. And now this lioness... what was her deal anyways? It's not like they did anything bad to her. This was no excuse for her to treat them like dirt. This was no excuse for her to threaten two lions who had almost just died. Sius stood in the background and pondered her behavior. He certainly hoped that Hisani hadn't associated with this lioness before. He cared for his sister more than anything, and would hate for her to have been picking up what Syira was putting down. It was simply shameful.

Sius barely listened to Syira rant on and on about how easily she could kill them all. Blah, blah, blah... When will she shut up? Sius thought in the back of his mind. In reality, he would never say such a thing to a stranger. But even so, Sius still wanted to say something. All she did was threaten, and boast, and brag about how much better she was than them. Sius looked around with hopeful glances, only to realize that Zera had left. He let out a heavy sigh. Sius had wished that he had said more to her. He liked her sense of humor. Pit of spikes... proper sentences... He chuckled under his breath as he thought about her sarcastic remarks.

Suddenly, Syira pounced into thick grass and slightly startled Sius. She emerged from the brush with a mouse in her mouth. And, as if on queue, Syira began boasting again. What an arrogant show-off Sius thought. He just couldn't swallow how self-centered she was. Sius opened his mouth to say something... but then stopped. The last thing he wanted was to get into a fight with a wounded lioness. It would look really bad if he hurt an already injured lioness. Yet, he still thought to himself Ooh... A mouse... good job... would you like some antelope to go with that?

After thinking some sarcastic jokes, he really wished that Zera was there to share them with. Even though they had just met, she would probably appreciate his sense of humor... or so he hoped. He didn't want to seem too coldhearted. He never meant to hurt anybody, he just liked being a joker. Suddenly, Syira told them not to move. Why? Did she see another mouse and she wanted to show off some more? Well whatever it was, Sius had had enough of this drama. It was time for him to head back to his den. He slowly trotted back to the waterhole to get one last drink before he went back to his home.