[Private] Kiarasmate and Kivuli

[Baya]

Kiara smiled at Zina again, and nodded her head in thanks at the compliment. "It's not just us you know. The animals in the kingdom keep it the way it is. If they were to ever leave, then we would be nothing." Kiara pointed out. "I don't think we get too many ill lions out here because of the great climate. It must be so different in other lands. Please, tell me what it's like out there." Kiara said as she gazed at Zina for an answer.

~ Getting Towards The Outlands Now ~

Ayari smiled at her memory, and looked down noticing that the lands they were on were no longer lush, and golden. They were dark, and hard, with no chance of life in it. They were back in the outlands. "Look at the coincidence. We are back to where it all began." Ayari muttered quietly. He perked his ear at her own favourite memory, and laughed.

"We got in so much trouble that night...I had to lie to Zira and tell her we thought a pride lander was snooping around the lands. Good thing she had no clue that we were just exploring..." Ayari said with a look over at Vitani. His eyes met her own, and his purring got louder. "Too much has changed since we were cubs...It sort of pains me to believe so much time has passed." Ayari said as he tilted his head.

"Awh, now isn't that adorable?" A voice came from behind them. Ayari whipped around quickly, teeth bared.

"I knew I felt your disturbing presence nearby Kiburi..." Ayari growled.

Kiburi came out from the shadows behind them, with a three other lionesses all growling and snapping at the air. "It's so cute that you've...got a squishy side. Now I won't have to rip out your heart to prove that you have one. Then again, I'm not doing it for evidence..." Kiburi said as she laughed maniacally. The other lionesses roared loudly as they began to encircle the two lions.

"Leave her out of this Kiburi. You want to fight? Fine. I'll oblige..." Ayari growled as he defensively stepped in front of Vitani.

[KiarasMate]

Zina looked a bit surprised by what Kiara was asking her. She knew that most stable prides lived very sheltered lives but she had no idea just how far of an extent this truly reached. Being more than happy to oblige the queen’s request however, as it mattered not to Zina, if Kiara knew about the world outside her picture perfect little life. Looking at the golden furred lioness with a thoughtful gaze, Zina began.

”Don’t get out much aye Queen Kiara? Well, I don’t blame you. If I lived in such a perfect little paradise such as this, I would never want to leave either. For those of us who don’t have the luxuries you do though, life is a battlefield each and every day. It’s truly survival of the fittest beyond these lands Queen Kiara and if you want to really know what it’s like, just imagine yourself on your own, in the middle of unfamiliar territory, eyes looking at you with malicious intent from every creature you happen to meet. You have either two choices. Run, or fight. Every decision you make will either result in you living a day longer, or bring you one step closer to death’s door. There’s no way of sugar coating it Queen Kiara. That is the hard truth and believe me, I’m one to talk. I’ve lived through it all. I’ve seen more devastation in my years of being a Traveling Shaman, than you and your whole pride probably have in all your years of living.”

Taking a moment to let it all sink in, Zina secretly smiled to herself. Surely, this simple hearted lioness would understand that the boundaries beyond her quaint little lands was no place for her or any of her pride members to go searching in. Hoping to stir up a bit of panic and anxiety within this seemingly calm pride structure, Zina continued.

”I don’t think you need to worry about what lies past your lands though Queen Kiara. Just as long as you and your mate stay here, things should be fine. I’m sure you both are prepared for the worst case scenario though, just in case. You do have a plan in mind, don’t you Queen Kiara?”

==========

Also noticing the alteration in terrain under her paws, Vitani realized that she had inadvertently lead them back to their old home within The Outlands. Smiling from Ayari’s comment about their past, Vitani was beginning to ease up however, this quickly evaporated upon hearing a strange and unfamiliar voice reaching her ears. Following Ayari’s gaze, Vitani watched as a group of lionesses, seemingly lead by one lioness in particular, to whom Vitani studied carefully, approached the two of them in a not so friendly fashion.

Looking over the lioness, who Ayari addressed as being Kiburi, Vitani noted her numerous battle scars that adorned her dark pelt. Seeing that unmistakable glimmer of hatred in Kiburi’s eyes, the very same look that seemed naturally present within her deceased mother’s, Vitani knew they were in hot water. Slowly ejecting her claws as her own fighting instinct was starting to kick in, Vitani was taken aback when Ayari stepped in front of her, shielding her from any potential danger. While she was flattered by his caring nature, Vitani knew that the odds weren’t in his favor if he were to fight alone. Upholding a proud posture, Vitani walked forward, taking a firm stance right along side Ayari as she bared her teeth at Kiburi, her tail twitching methodically behind her as she spoke in an antagonizing voice.

”I’d suggest you take your pride and leave, while you still can. Bloodshed is nothing new to me and if it’s a fight you want, it’s a fight you’ll get.”

Seeing Ayari’s concerned look, Vitani leaned in as she murmured to him.

”We might have changed Ayari, but some things never do. We stand as one!”

Poising herself for anything, Vitani’s muscular frame stood at the ready, tense and focused as adrenalin began to course through her veins. As much as she would never admit it, it felt almost nice to be staring danger in the face again and the prospects of battle seemed to unlock the dormant side of her that she had worked so hard to suppress

[Baya]

Kiara gasped as Zina explained what it really was like out there. How could a creature live like that? With no family, no friends? This lioness had probably been to heck and back. She wondered how Ayari could ever ask this lioness to join his pride. "I spoke with that other one, Kivuli earlier today. He said that life was difficult, but not as terrible as you describe it. He said that as long as you don't become like the others, your life won't quite be like the others." Kiara said quietly. "I'm sorry you have to go through so much suffering. After all this...war business you can stay here if you like. You won't ever have to go back to traveling alone." Kiara suggested. "You can trust anyone here." Kiara said with a smile.

~ The outlands ~

Kiburi laughed at Vitani's threat and so did the three other circling lionesses. "You are in no position to be threatening us, little girl." Kiburi growled. "We aren't a pride! We are scouts for my lord and love!" Kiburi said with an affectionate sigh. Ayari snorted, and chuckled darkly. "What is so amusing?" Kiburi asked with a slight growl of annoyance. Ayari shook his head.

"Your lord and love? He can't be both." Ayari said with a blank face. "Does he love you, or rule you?" Ayari asked. "Does he care enough to not send you to a battle field that you might get seriously injured?"

Kiburi's claws gripped the ground, so she could keep herself from pouncing at Ayari. "You should really learn to hold your tongue boy. You know nothing of which you speak. I bore him two cubs!" Kiburi snarled. Ayari smiled wide.

"Two cubs? That's one less then every other lioness in his pride." Ayari said with a sneer. At that Kiburi snarled and pounced at Ayari rolling with him across the ground.

The two were rolling so much that the other lionesses dared not to jump in, in fear of harming Kiburi. Ayari finally pinned down Kiburi, and placed a heavy paw on her throat. Kiburi looked up at Ayari fearfully as she gasped. "I'll let you go under two conditions..." Ayari growled. "You let my friend go, and you go tell your lord or whatever he claims he is to you, that I am expecting him to show enough back bone to make it to the battle field." Ayari said darkly. Kiburi growled at the offer.

"Kill me then...Maju knows you are too weak to kill, and so do I. Kill me, I dare you!" Kiburi snarled. Ayari pressed his paw harder on her throat and looked to her followers, knowing they heard what he had said. They moved aside reluctantly to let Vitani pass, not wanting their leader harmed.

"I'll catch up Vitani. Go to the pride lands, and tell Kovu what happened here." Ayari said quietly, as Ayari released his grip slightly so that Kiburi could still breath.

"In the end she will die regardless! These lands, and your head will be Maju's! You are only delaying the inevitable!" Kiburi said darkly. Ayari looked down at her with a fierce look in his blue eyes.

"Are you really trying to push your luck with me? Does your love care for you so much, that he told you to speak words that will get you killed?" Ayari asked with a growl. Kiburi could not believe the utter humiliation this lion was putting her through in front of her subordinates. "I might die during this battle, but so will he. I'll kill you, him, and anyone else that threatens my pride, or my friends." Ayari muttered. Kiburi laughed at this comment.

"I've threatened your pride, your friend, and you. I am still breathing you gutless fool..." Kiburi pointed out with a grin. Ayari frowned slightly as he felt his heart rush in anger and worry. He'd only have to keep this charade up until Vitani was at a safe distance. Then he'd fight these reckless rogues. He placed his paw threatiningly harder down on the lioness's throat.

"You wont' be breathing for long..." Ayari said in monotone.

[KiarasMate]

Zina couldn’t suppress a scowl at what kiara told her that Kivuli had stated. Trying her best not to seem too blunt, the white furred lioness politely objected.

”Well, you have to understand Queen Kiara, that outside the peaceful walls to which you live, both lions and lionesses live rather different lives from one another. When you don’t have anyone to look after you, no one to watch your back when you’re a lioness, the world is a much darker place than it would be for a lone male. I don’t think I need to go into detail on why that is, as you seem like a very clever lioness Queen Kiara, so I will leave it at that.”

Rising to her paws, just to give her legs a bit of circulation, Zina bowed graciously to Kiara as she resumed speaking.

”I appreciate the offer Queen Kiara and I will consider taking you up on it once some time has passed. If you don’t mind though, I’ll take my leave now. If you could let your mate know that I stopped by though, I’d appreciate it.”

Turning now, Zina made her way out of the den, spotting Kivuli, who still seemed to be lazing about atop Pride Rock. Unable to resist the little tidbit of information that Kiara had told her, Zina walked up to the lounging male as she spoke to him in a mocking voice.

”As long as you don't become like the others, your life won't quite be like the others. You’re just a fountain of usefulness, aren’t you Kivuli?”

==========

Vitani listened to the confrontation taking place between Ayari and Kiburi. While she was extremely tempted to throw in her own badgering insults to this hot headed lioness in front of her, Vitani knew how volatile the situation was rapidly be becoming, only having her thoughts confirmed when Kiburi pounced furiously upon Ayari. Keeping her cool, seeing that familiar look within Ayari’s eyes and remembering his tactics during the times they used to mock fight when they were younger, Vitani held her ground, watching in awe as her old friend easily overpowered Kiburi.

Hearing Ayari’s request and seeing the other lionesses clearing a path for her now, Vitani held her head high as she passed them, pausing momentarily by Ayari’s side as she stated to him in a soft voice.

”Don’t waste your breath on her Ayari. Don’t become that monster.”

Flashing a cold stare down at Kiburi before she took her leave, Vitani darted off, knowing that no matter how proud and strong Ayari was, four against one was never good odds and the quicker she could assemble some help for him, the better.

Fortunately for Vitani, Kovu’s patrol path intercepted with her own as she spotted her brother making his way towards Pride Rock. Sprinting as if her life depended on it, but keeping her voice as calm as she could, Vitani called out to him.

”Kovu, wait up, there’s some trouble out near The Outlands!”

[Baya]

"Of course. I understand. When Kovu comes by, I'll let him know you are looking for him." Kiara said with a nod.

Meanwhile, outside Kivuli gazed at the horizon as he was approached by Zina. "You are a dry pool of uselessness." Kivuli retorted with a frown. "What have you done so far, to prove that you are worthy of even being around me, or Ayari?" Kivuli growled. He was in a terrible mood today, and he did not know why.

~ Near The Outlands ~

Kovu stopped as he was intercepted by Vitani. His eyes grew wide as she told him there was trouble in the outlands. "More rogues?" Kovu asked with a hint of panic in his tone.


Ayari released Kiburi, and roared as he was tackled by the other lionesses. He began to fight them off, tearing and slashing. However, he knew he wouldn't stand a chance. He received several blows to the face, and scratches on his sides as he tried to defend himself. There was no way he was coming out of this alive. The only thing that kept him at peace right now, and out of a state of panic is the fact that Vitani was safe. He accomplished his objective, and now if he died it would not be in vein. Kiburi snorted as she pawed Ayari hard across the face throwing him off balance and onto the ground with a groan. He attempted to get up, but Kiburi pinned him down hard. "You are a very strong in terms of muscular strength..." She purred. "Mentally, you are as weak as a newborn infant..." Kiburi said with a chuckle.

"You were angered by my words, and let down your guard to attack me just minutes before. Now you are criticizing my mental strength? I pity how self conceited you are..." Ayari said with a smile. Kiburi chuckled as her eyes flashed dangerously.

"You like to smile don't you?" Kiburi said with a sinister wide toothed grin. She then traced Ayari's face with her index claw and chuckled darkly. "How about I make it, so you never have to stop smiling?" She growled as she carved her claw in a curved fashion on one side of Ayari's face, and then the other. Ayari roared in pain as he attempted to push Kiburi off. Where she had clawed were two grooved, deep wounds. It almost looked like Ayari was smiling.

[OOC: I added a joker aspect to Ayari ]

[KiarasMate]

Grinning from just how easy it was to get Kivuli all riled up, Zina continued to pester him, just for the fun of it as she responded in a sarcastic voice.

”Well, I wouldn’t want to become like you anyways Kivuli, since I have better things to do than kiss Ayari’s ass and lounge around like a pregnant elephant, although I wouldn’t want to insult an elephant by comparing them to your sorry self.”

Leaning her body against the rock wall to which she and Siri had slept next to the previous night, Zina looked at Kivuli with a more serious glance as she stated.

”What exactly makes you feel so high and mighty in regards to Ayari anyways? You really think Ayari thinks highly of you, don’t you Kivuli? That just shows how far up your tail hole, your head must be.”

Feeling rather confident and being in an exceptionally argumentative mood, Zina knew she was on thin ice with Kivuli at this point but she honestly didn’t care. The thrill of making him so upset was better than anything else she could find to do in these boring lands and without having Kovu around to seduce, Zina had no other options to pass the time away.

==========

Nodding quickly, Vitani replied in an urgent fashion.

”Yes. Apparently that rogue that Ayari spoke of, sent a few of his allies to scout out our lands or so it would seem, but Ayari and I ran into them while we were on a walk together.”

Seeing the look in Kovu’s eyes, Vitani quickly stated as she started to make her way back towards where she had left Ayari moments ago.

”Please Kovu, don’t even ask me what I know you were going to. This isn’t the time for that. Ayari needs our help!”

Not even waiting for a response from her brother, as she knew that he would follow her, just to make sure that she herself, was safe, regardless of Ayari being in the picture or not. Running back as fast as her legs would carry her, the sight that met Vitani’s eyes upon arriving back at The Outlands, sent a flurry of rage coursing through her veins as she witnessed Kiburi, atop her old friend, seeing the unmistakable look of blood upon both her paws and Ayari’s face.

Something happened then that Vitani herself wasn’t even aware of as she found herself letting out a fearsome roar that could almost rival that of her brother’s. Being fueled by pure emotions alone, Vitani charged Kiburi, driving the entire weight of her strong frame into the stunned lioness at a break neck speed, causing both her and the scarred lioness to come crashing to the hard ground below in a jumbled mess of flying paws and claws. Vitani swiped angrily at Kiburi, claws fully ejected as they found their mark time and time again. Having no concern over her own defense as the fiery hatred that burned inside of her exploded into a torrent of pure aggression, Vitani could barely control her own actions as her paw raised high into the air, claws gleaming in the bright sunlight above as Kiburi’s neck was open for a fatal blow. All it would take would be a split second and Vitani could finish off this shameful excuse for a lioness.

[Baya]

Kivuli snorted at her comments, and glared towards her. "I think your hostile with males because none of them find you appealing enough to bother with. This whole "I hate males" act is to cover up the fact that males don't like you in general." Kivuli murmured. "I'd say I pity you, but then I'd be lying." Kivuli said with a dark smirk. "To be honest. You are lucky to even be one of us. Ayari only let you in because of your ability with herbs. If it weren't for that, he'd have left you for Maju to take while we ran." Kivuli growled. "Then again, perhaps Ayari wanted someone to keep Siri company, so both you cackling fools would not get in the way." Kivuli muttered.

Siri roared from where she had just came onto pride rock, and walked towards Kivuli. "How DARE you!" Siri snapped as she back pawed Kivuli across the face. "What use are YOU to the pride you spineless gutless idiot? Do you do anything but sit about and laze around waiting for orders to be passed onto you? At least Zina has some character! All you are is an empty shell of a lion, who can't come to terms with what he is! You are no better then Maju, looking down on all of your own pride, thinking you are superior because Ayari favors you over us!" Siri snarled.

Kivuli rubbed his face, rubbing where she had struck him. He was not at all enraged, nor did he look too phased. Siri panted in anger, and huffed. "If anyone doesn't deserve to be in the pride...it's you." Siri muttered towards Kivuli, as she walked over to Zina.

"Let's go on a hunt Zina." Siri said in a monotone.

~ Outlands ~

Kovu didn't have time to speak his mind as his sister hastily made it back towards the action. Kovu had no other choice but to follow and help out. Perhaps with their combined forces they could drive away the intruders. When Kovu arrived, he watched as Vitani pushed Kiburi off Ayari with furiosity. He had never seen her so passionate about fighting, since the ambush on Simba.

"Vitani! D-Don't!" Ayari growled quietly as the other lionesses stopped attacking and looked to see what Vitani would do to their leader. "Let her go." Ayari said as blood treaked down both his cheeks. He placed his paw, over hers moving it away from Kiburi's throat. Kovu quickly walked alongside Vitani, and glared at the intruders.

Kiburi meanwhile looked to Ayari. After all she had done to him just now, he still wanted her to live?

"You give him my message..." Ayari muttered to Kiburi.

[KiarasMate]

Zina didn’t seemed phased by what Kivuli was saying. Verbal abuse was nothing new to her and she only took it in stride, her grin growing wider upon her muzzle with every word that he spat at towards her. It wasn’t until a very angry Siri showed up, did Zina’s facial expression alter. Watching in both delight and disbelief as Siri delivered a stinging slap to Kivuli’s face, Zina found herself actually feeling a tad bit guilty for what had happened. While she didn’t openly show it however, Zina made no further comments towards Kivuli, holding her tongue for the time being as she heard Siri’s invitation, quickly taking her up on the idea, just to get some distance away from Kivuli, as his mood would surely be quite volatile if she stayed.

Following her fellow rogue back down into The Grasslands and once they were out of earshot of Kivuli, Zina burst into laughter as she mock punched the air with a fore paw, exclaiming in admiration towards Siri.

”Bam! Right in the muzzle. Oh, that was priceless Siri. It looked as though you knocked all the hot air out of his head in just one blow.”

Walking alongside Siri, Zina’s voice shifted momentarily as she continued to speak, this time in a more appreciative voice.

”Thanks for sticking up for me Siri. No one’s ever done that before.”

==========

Vitani’s rage seemed to all but vanish as she felt Ayari’s paw guiding her own, away from Kiburi. Panting as if she had run a marathon, Vitani looked from her old friend, to the newly wounded lioness and back again, lost for words and barely able to stand from just how violently her body was shaking, due to the intense anger she felt towards Kiburi. Hearing Ayari’s voice helped to calm her down a bit as Vitani reluctantly let Kiburi go, leaning herself close to Ayari as her mood seemed to shift from that of being completely enraged, to being on the brink of crying. Totally perplexed by her own feelings, Vitani hid her eyes from Ayari, not wanting him to see her in such a vulnerable state yet again. She had already broke down in front of him the previous night and being a proud lioness, she wasn’t about to do it again.

Staying quiet, allowing the two males to deal with the remaining lionesses, Vitani slowly gathered herself as her body began to relax, the shaking gradually subsiding as her breathing became more stable and regular.

[Baya]

"It's ok." Siri said as she walked away from Kivuli with Zina. "He crossed the line, saying such hurtful things. If I were you, I would've cut his tongue out of his mouth." Siri growled quietly. "It shut him up, didn't it?" Siri said with a slight grin. Never before had she ever laid a paw on Kivuli, and here she was, slapping some manners into him. Perhaps being in these lands gave her more then just nourishment, and shelter.

~ Outlands ~

Ayari sighed as he nudged Vitani slightly. "It's ok." Ayari assured. He then glared at Kiburi who had gotten up and growled towards the three lions. She knew she was out matched now, even with the aid of her lionesses.

"Let's go girls. We've done enough damage today." Kiburi growled as she turned. Ayari sighed as he looked to Kovu.

"I-I am sorry that I've brought that upon you." Ayari said quietly. Kovu shook his head.

"This situation is not your fault, but of fate. From my understanding, I believe those were just scouts. They gather information then go back. They decided to try and attack you, just for a bonus. It looks like...they've left their mark." Kovu said scrunching his nose at the painful looking wounds on both of Ayari's cheeks.

"I'd like to say I've had worse, but none of my wounds were so deep..." Ayari said as he wiped some of the blood off with his wrist. Kovu looked to the direction of the pride lands.

"Let's get you back. Maybe your friend, Zina, can supply you with herbs to patch those wounds up." Kovu said as he began to walk. Ayari let the king walk ahead, and looked to Vitani affectionately.

"I told you to go...Do you know how badly you could've been hurt if those other lionesses attacked you from the right angle?" Ayari said with a raised eyebrow.

[KiarasMate]

Shuffling her fore paws along the dirt below her, Zina looked ahead of her now, not meeting with Siri’s glance as she sighed and replied in a careless tone

”yeah…well, I sort of was provoking him so I guess I deserved everything he told me. It honestly wasn’t far from the truth though Siri. I don’t really do anything for Ayari, you or even that brown nosing good for nothing. Let’s face it, without my herbs, I’m nothing but a freak of nature that no one needs around.”

Having dealt with her own feelings on many occasions, Zina had no trouble suppressing her emotions as she finally looked over at Siri and jokingly stated to her.

”Well, I guess there really is nothing between you two now, is there? Although, he didn’t strike you back. I wouldn’t have thought it to be below him to strike a lioness though, so maybe there is still something there. Who knows, but who cares, right?”

==========

Vitani watched as her brother left, picking herself up as she was about to follow suit, when Ayari’s gentle voice reached her ears, causing her to freeze as she glanced over at him, a confused look in her eyes as she responded.

”I did go Ayari. You just never said anything about not coming back. You really think I would just let you get torn apart by those lionesses? I know you’re proud Ayari, but even you have your limits and after all we’ve been through, I’d never let you die at the paws of such scum as that Kiburi character. I told you, we stand as one. I hope you feel the same way.”

Starting to make her way past Ayari now, her head hung low as she felt a strange uneasiness while being so close to him, Vitani halted as she turned around, giving Ayari a small nuzzle and gentle lick over one of his wounded cheeks before she spoke softly.

”Come on, let’s get you fixed up…and stop smiling at me.”

Turning around once more, sighing happily to herself, Vitani moved off to catch up with her brother, knowing that Ayari would follow in due time.