Rogue: Paths to Redemption [Private; S66 & TRP]

[Harvs]

Keto answered my question, but it wasn't exactly what I'd hoped to hear. He knew as much as I did on why this turn of events had befallen us. And now it was up to us to fix it. But would we be able to? For all we knew, we were as good as dead out here in this seemingly endless desert. There was only one word to describe what had happened to Keto and me: traumatizing. And this quest had only just begun.

I lay on the back of my brother, hoping that we reach shelter soon. But my hopes, like the desert itself, run dry. We are trapped out here in this miserable wasteland. We cannot go back, or the hyenas will surely kill us. We cannot go forward, for we do not know what lies ahead. And we cannot stop, or we risk not getting back up. Where do you go, when you have nowhere to go?

It seemed like an eternity in this fiery desert, and I was not even walking anymore. I couldn't even imagine the immense pain that Keto was going through, carrying my weight ontop of his own and still struggling through. I wished that there was more I could do. I wished that I could leap off his back and carry him in return. But not only am I not strong enough for that, but I could not even move my legs. At this point, I was on the verge of stroke. And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, my side hit the ground as I fell off my brother. He had finally fallen. And to be honest, I don't blame him. It seemed like a really good idea to just lay down and close my eyes... forever.

That's strange... this doesn't feel like sand I thought to myself before I completely passed out. I grabbed the ground with my paw and opened my eyes slightly. This sand... it was green. I lifted my head as much as I could, which wasn't very high at all, and saw trees... sweet, sweet trees. Keto had done it. He had found us sanctuary in the relentless heat. But we were not alone. I turned my head slightly and saw an enormous white paw... Glancing up as high as I could, I could see the body of a feline... but it wasn't a lion, it had stripes all along its body. I realized now that Keto and I could be in some danger if we don't speak up. And seeing as Keto can't talk now... With a tired, raspy voice, I mustered the words "Who are you?"

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Ri was pleased with Kumata. If only he could see the scar in the earth that his troops had left. Well, the knowledge of his success would have to suffice. Still holding the skull of Scar in his paw, Ri called down to Kumata "Excellent. Then leave me to my business."

Ri imagined how the new land looked compared to what he had seen before. A gray land with decimated trees, and bones lieing everywhere. A sight that Ri would have to miss out on this time. With Ri destroying all the land he could find, it wasn't a good idea for him to leave his chambers as often as he usually did. And when he did leave, he would make sure to have a group of fifteen guards and ten others following from a distance. Only the strongest hyenas of the clan became the protecters of the king. And soon there would be a new wave of warriors. For in the decimated lands that Ri had destroyed, the pups of the clan grew in a harsh climate to prepare them for the most brutal of battles. Soon, Ri's old army would be inferior compared to the new blood that would come of age in only a few more months.

Ri waved his paw in the air in a 'shooing' motion and said "You're dismissed."

[TheRoguePrince]

Njia stood looking at the two lions who had just collapsed on the only grassy spot for miles. He had been waiting for them, but not as a predator, no, he had other business to do with them. Njia was a white tiger from the far reaches of the Asian continent, but he had always been given to roaming, and eventually that spirit had brought him here. He had lived a long life, full of adventures and learning. He had learned a great deal about groups over the years, and one thing he never did was associate with anyone he didn't have to. No, that was why he was alone, why he would die the last of his line, why his mate and son were dead. Yet here he was, getting ready to interfere with something that could shape the future of this continent.

There was only one reason the mysterious traveller would get involved with the affairs of Prides and Packs, all of good was a risk, and his way of life was at stake. Njia had been not long in Africa when he discovered a distaste for hyenas. At first he had been aloof toward eveything, but then that fateful day he had met with a group of hyenas fleeing from some land. He had personally met their leader Ri, who had tried to recruit him to assist in destroying local territories, but Njia was no villain. He wasn't a hero, but neither was he willing to hurt people unnecessarily. Njia had spilled much blood that day, and his experience in combat had served him well in getting away from those fiends.

From that day Njia had been there, always watching for his chance to get back at those hyenas, and now he had his chance. Alone Njia couldn't kill all of the hyenas, but with his wisdom, and these lions under his tutelage, he could ensure their eventual destruction. Yes, he had kept a very careful watch on these two, the Princes of the Pride, who had escaped the downfall of the other lions. Now they were in his paws, and he was going to make sure they became almost as legendary as him. Maybe more so to the lions, who knew nothing of him, but that was as it should be. What wanderer wants to be constantly besieged for aid? Whatever the purpose, he would help these lions, but first he had to save them.

He pulled first the one who had spoken over near the small pool that formed the center of this oasis. He was a smallish lion, and almost spent. Njia put his paw into the water and doused the lion's head with water, cooling the obviously unconditioned pelt of the lion. His thin, breathable coat had not served him well in the desert Sun, which required Njia to then place him beneath the nearest tree for shade. The other one was in worse condition. He was a brown coloration with a darker mane. This lion had carried the other into the oasis, and was now on the verge of death. Yet Njia couldn't allow that, every lion he could find was needed to help with this. This Prince had to survive, so Njia treated him as best he could, further dousing him in water and laying him at some distance from his brother.

Now to wait, and hope that these two were what he needed. It would be a little while before the small one woke up, and the other one might not. Njia had done his best.

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Kumata fled the room as fast as respecfully possible. He had no qualms fleeing before the King, and moved to get as far away as possible. Kumata had just done the worst thing possible; he had lied to Ri, and sooner or later Ri would find out if they didn't die, and soon. Those lions were the root of his problems, and so he would have to deal with them. On the excuse of going out on a scouting mission, Kumata requisitioned the services of five hyenas from there leader. Their intention was far different though, this was a hunting mission, and the prey was dangerous.

So set out six hyenas from the destroyed land they inhabited, with the express intention of the annihilation of the last lions of the recently assaulted Pride. The force was highly motivated, well fed, and prepared for war, despite the fact they didn't expect it yet. This was still a scouting mission to them, but it would soon be much more than that. Kumata was leading the hyenas straight into the desert, and he wouldn't return until he found the lions, or was sure they were never to be found.

[Harvs]

I awoke in the den of our old pride. A scent all too familiar rushes through my nostrils as my eyes slowly open. "Has this all been a dream?" I asked myself. A horrible dream that frightened me out of my wits. Perhaps I could learn something from this dream. I have much to treasure here in my life. And I don't have forever to do it. There are some things in life that will leave you behind, but I won't make the same mistakes I made in my dream. I rose to my feet and shook my head, placing my mane back in it's usual position. A pleasant feel as this style was all my own.

I jogged out of the den and saw three lions on the distance. They didn't seem to be doing anything in particular, and the other lions of our pride were sleeping in the den still. Upon further inspection, the three lions turned out to be my brother Keto, my love Tamaa, and my father, the king of our pride. My heart was overjoyed to see all of them alive and standing right before me. My father who died in combat with the hyenas was not dead after all. Tamaa, whom I had seen die right before me, was alive and awaiting our wedding day. And my brother, who was the last one to fall in my dream, was right before me. At first, I didn't know who to approach first. I was simply filled with happiness to see them all just fine. With all speed left in my bones and tackled my brother.

"Keto! you're alive!" I yelled at him while pinning him to the soft grass. If only he'd known what a terrible dream I'd had. All I could do was smile at him like an idiot. I leaped off my brother and rushed over to Tamaa. She looked at me with a confused expression, but didn't flinch when I approached her. "Tamaa! I love you! Don't ever forget that!" I said as I nuzzled her and licked her cheek. And lastly, I trotted toward my father. He seemed surprised by my antics, but the information would have to wait until a later time. Right now, I had to tell him that I loved him.

I opened my mouth to take in some air, but before I could tell him how much I loved him, the grass, my family, and even the sky faded away into nothingness. I don't remember what happened after that scene... all I remember is waking up to the sight that was now 'all too familiar' to my emotions. I laid on the soft grassy ground, staring down at the dancing blades of grass in-front of my muzzle. Words could not describe how saddened I was now. My mind had betrayed me yet again. And I didn't even get to talk to my father in my mind. What was next?

I rose my head a bit and looked at the pool of water in the center of the oasis. Suddenly, I realized how thirsty I was. I lifted myself as best I could to quench my thirst. Walking over to the water, I felt a slight pain in my right front leg, but I had to ignore it. If I didn't ignore the pain, then I would still be thirsty. I reached the small pool and dipped my head downward to lap up the water. It felt so cool and fresh on my tongue as it ran down my dry throat. The first few sips were painful as is water down a dry throat, but the rest were a welcome beverage for my body. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something watching me... or someone.

I turned with a worried look on my muzzle and faced the unknown guest. Not only did I not know this animal, but I didn't know his intentions. Whether I had seen him before or not, I could not describe the fear running through my mind. Now could be my last moment alive if this animal was hostile... and Keto was out cold.

[TheRoguePrince]

It was dark, the deepest darkness I had ever seen. My heart quailed before the sheer feeling of loneliness I felt, and my courage rebelled against my sense. Nothing is as frightening as the loneliness I felt, and yet it was somehow encouraging. I no longer felt the weight of hopelessness beating against me, I was free to do as I wished, even though I had no idea where I was. That was my biggest concern, I was alone and unable to percieve my surroundings.

This darkness was not to last, however. With an inperceptible motion a light of infinitely distant origin approached me, followed by many others. The darkness around me crept back to reveal itself as a deep, lovely blue color intertwined with those shining spots of light growing in the distance. What could this mean? It was the most beautiful that I had ever seen, yet it was also permiated by that aweful loneliness, a lack of companionship was deeply inbedded in me. I watched and waited as those key referance points in my new environment slowly approached me, slowly gaining form.

It enventually became apperant to me that those lights were stars, but not the normal sort, and I also noted that I was not like them. They had form, each magnificent in a triumphant halo of light, each a true King. One draw nigh to me, and after a moment I saw it for what it was, it was a form I had seen many times, but now drawn upon his face were lines of great sadness. It was his own father, and that could only mean one thng... "Am I?..."

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Njia observed as the lion slowly arose and went to quench his thirst. It had been the one he had expected to rise first that had done so, the small one with the bright colors. His appearance was somewhat haggard from the long days of running and his ill-fated trip into the desert. Now he appeared to be the one to have survived the best. That was a thing of significant interest, as he was far less brawny than his brother, and fearful of Njia. He would have to correct that.

"Do not fear," Njia said, "if I had wished you harm I would have done it to you two days ago, when you arrived." That seemed to shock the boy, though it was much faster than he had expected. This boy was much more durable than anyone could have predicted, perhaps lions were more powerful than he had thought. This one had recovered from a greatly traumatic event at a rather rapid pace, despite his still obvious need for recovery.

There was one more thing of immediate importance that Njia needed to know. "What is your name, if you would be so kind as to tell me?" He said this with a friendly smile, careful to avoid any rapid, threatening movements. He needed to befriend this lion, only then could he help them achieve their, at the moment, common goals. It would also take a great deal of work to stabilize the other lion, and any help this boy could provide would be of great importance. He waited for him to answer.

[Harvs]

I stopped in my tracks by the pool in the oasis, at a complete loss for words. I was in the midst of a huge white tiger. Bigger even then my father. How he would have given the king of our pride a run for his money. If this tiger decided to attack me... it would be over for me in a matter of seconds. I didn't have the strength in me to fight off this potential foe.

But my nerves were suddenly calmed when he spoke. His voice was deep and powerful, and his words soothed my spirits. He did not wish to kill me, and if he did, then I wouldn't have woken up. I took in a deep breath and sighed a heavy relief. Never before had I been so thankful for the turn of events that had befallen me. But one thing still struck me dumbfounded. Two days?! I had been asleep for two days! And not only that, but unconscious. If I had been asleep for much longer, I probably wouldn't have pulled through. I was incredibly thankful that this feline was a friend and not a foe. Then he asked me for my name. My name... it was the last thing that truly belonged to me... did I really want to give it up? And to a stranger?

I thought for sometime about this deal of his. He had saved my life, and now all he wanted was to know my name. After a few moments of thought, I decided it best to tell him. "My name... is Kasi. I am a prince of the pride far to the north. But... my brother and I do not have such luxury anymore." I thought about telling him why we had been traveling through the desert. But it seemed like he already knew. He seemed a very wise tiger and if he didn't ask, I would assume that he already knew.

I walked over to my brother, passing by the side of this friend. He was rather imposing and I was still slightly intimidated though he told me not to be. You could never know someone's true intentions. But when I arrived at my brother's seemingly lifeless body, I felt heartbroken. If he was to die, then what would I have to live for? He had to pull through, or I would not. I laid down next to him, thoughts racing in my mind. I then turned to the tiger and asked "Is he gonna be alright?" My worry-threaded words stung as they left my throat. What if what we had befallen was too much for both of us. And he had absorbed the full sting of this. I needed to know if my brother would live.

[TheRoguePrince]

"It is too early to tell," Njia said, "but for now we need to see if we can get him some water, and keep him is the shade. There is nothing else we can do I fear." This was not good at all, if the boy didn't wake up within a day or two, he was lost, and that would spell the end of these two. It would also mean that in order for Kasi to survive, Njia would have to give up his solitude, which above all else, he didn't want to do. Njia walked over to the boy and sat down in front of him. He was clearly under a great deal of stress, and that was not a good start to his recovery.

Njia had been like that once, and had only survived because he had found it within himself to keep going, which was easier for him since he knew what he had to do. He had killed the one who had done the evil deed, and that had given him the drive to continue. Kasi didn't even know who had done this, and there was no way to blame nature for running its course, which would likely lead to both of them dying. they both needed to make a recovery, and that would take some luck. He was afraid that this was all too much for the two.

He looked down at the prone form of the bigger lion, if anything, at least he wouldn't suffer. That was the only good news available.

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I looked at something I never expected to see again, and realised that for once, this was not where I wanted to be. It was true that I was no longer struggling, or tired, but I had failed at the one thing I wanted most in life. The protection of my brother was my responsibility, and I had left him all alone. Despite the beauty around me, and my elation at seeing my father, I wanted nothing more than to go back, back to the desert, and back to the journey I had just departed. "Am I?" I said once more, seeking any chance there was that I might go back.

He smiled at me with his warm smile, and told me something I didn't expect, "You are what you want to be. You can go back, or stay here, it's your choice." I was completely taken aback, "I can go bacK?" He nodded back, and I knew then that he wanted me to. He wanted me to finish what I started, and I had no intentions of dissapointing him. I turned around and headed back into the darkness, but before I could, I heard one more thing.

"Keto," he said, "the road before you is much longer than you can imagine, and the trials will be harder than anything you imagined. I want you to know this though, if you continue on and work with your brother, there is a chance that you will find the end of the road, and not like this. I am proud of you for making this choice, just as I am proud of your brother. You two have done your father proud." I was shocked, and completely unable to respond. Before I could gather myself, he started to fade away, along with everything else. The darkness consumed me again. I was going back.

[Harvs]

I was speechless when this tiger told me that my brother might not make it. Laying next to my brother, I heard no breaths. It was heart-shattering laying next to his lifeless body. I wanted to cry. I wanted nothing more than to close my eyes and bawl for the loss of my brother. He had saved me from the hyenas, he had carried me out to this oasis, he had even risked his life just so that I could live. And all for nothing. I could not allow it to end this way. The tiger said that Keto needed water and shade, and then he may pull through.

But something in my gut told me that that wasn't the case. Keto was the strongest lion I'd ever seen. Maybe not the strongest physically, but he had the strongest heart of them all. Not I, nor Tamaa, nor even my father's heart was so pure as his was. And Keto wouldn't go down this easily. He had endured much worse than this dreadful desert heat. He could have taken on the three hyenas by himself if I had left without him. He could have made it to the oasis much faster were it not for my exhaustion. And he could have made it to the Pride Lands if I were not always getting in the way of his decisions.

"He doesn't need our help. He can survive on his own. But as long as I'm here, I'll make sure he doesn't have to be alone." I said without a single thought. I don't know where that sentence came from really. It seemed to form itself rather than let me think of it. I didn't even want to say anything, I just wanted to hold back my tears for once. Though it was becoming increasingly evident that I wouldn't be able to.

I had lost my brother. There was nothing else for me. My heart sank into darkness, as my eyes shut from the sun's light. I sat up on my haunches, moving as slow as lionly possible, and hung my head in sorrow. It was a tragic day, and that itself was even an understatement. There was nothing else for me out there. I couldn't fight for myself, I couldn't run all the way to the Pride Lands, and if my dreams were to come true, there was nothing for me out there but the horrid monster that did this to me. And he would ensure that my death would be slow and painful, as if the time to think about my beloved family wasn't torture enough.

As quietly as I could, careful to make sure that the tiger didn't hear me, I whispered "Please Keto... don't leave me."

[TheRoguePrince]

Once again I was trapped within the all consuming darkness. Only this time I realised I had a purpose, but no idea how to take even the first step. The eerie silence beat upon my like the most deafening noise upon the Earth, yet it had no source, and no end. I was terrified of it, and of my complete sense deprivation. I tried to move, but realised I could no longer feel my body, I was lost. *A single beat breaks the silence, a double note, like the beating of a weary heart* Death does not easily yield up that which it has taken. It was to be a long wait.

Hours it seemed, that faint note growing stronger, yet still too slow to be heard by one who is not listening for it. All the world might assume I am still dead, yet I know I am not. The feeling of great weight once again pressed upon me, and a shallow breath, uncontrollable, yielded itself up from my lungs. Finally, the reboot of my bodily systems was beginning, and all I could do was wait. One horrible thought pierced my darkness, "when I awoke, would I be alone?" Did Kasi make it, or had it all been in vain? I had no way to know.

After what seemed like an eternity, a sliver of light penetrated my world, and I began to see the shapes of a familiar planet. Feelings of touch told me that something was pressed against me, but I could not yet move or speak to engage it. It seemed there was to be a lot to understand when I could move again. First off, I needed some water...

[Harvs]

I awoke from my slumber once again to find the sight that I didn't wish to see. My brother still dead in this misleading oasis. I turned to the white tiger who was still present in this predicament. I thought about asking why he had stayed here so long, but I just couldn't form any words at the moment. I couldn't even cry anymore. I didn't feel anything. I couldn't even be bothered to get up. It was all a fruitless endeavor to begin with and it had left me with nothing else.

But suddenly... I heard something. A slow and steady breathing sound. But I quickly put it in my mind that it was only me. My mind had been playing tricks on me for weeks. And I was not about to let it fool me yet again. I looked the tiger in his deep eyes and said "Thank you for saving my life." Though he didn't realize that I was going to end it later on this day. With my brother gone, I did not wish to live any longer. And if this was the only way to solve my problems... then so be it.

Rethinking what I had said, I thought that he probably did know what I was going to do. But it didn't matter what he said, I had made up my mind. "But I don't want to stay here any longer. My brother is dead... and nothing you do can bring him back." I stood motionless with the large feline as I finished my statement. He had saved me for three more days on this world. But no more. I was tired of having nothing.

I started to walk a few paces away from the tiger and my brother's body... but something drew me back. One last look at my brother. That was what my heart seemed to desire. And so I slowly trekked back to his body. The journey, though only a few feet, seemed like miles and miles to my broken heart and crushed soul. And when I finally arrived there, looking down upon my once proud brother, I couldn't control myself. I dove down to his body and wrapped my right front leg around him. The last family member I had was dead and now... I guess it was my time to say goodbye. At this point, Keto would want me to be strong. And so, for one time on this crazy upside-down quest... I didn't shed a tear. I simply embraced my brother one last time and whispered "We started this together... and that's how we'll finish it."