Nala
New Member
Pridelands, Queen
"It's like you're back from the dead..."
Posts: 28
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Post by Nala on Feb 22, 2012 14:00:58 GMT -5
----------------------------------------- NALA -----------------------------------------
Even with Nala already thanking the lionesses on her behalf, the cubs' mom stepped forward to thank them once more. "You have no idea how grateful I am to you. I'm indebted to you and considering you saved my two hearts..." She paused to look back at her cubs that were practicing pouncing on each other and couldn't help chuckling. "I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. Again, thank you."
Hearing that her apology was accepted, it was now Nala's turn to give a small bow of her head, the equivalent to a human curtsy, showing the same respect to them that they showed her. Hearing the reputation she had was also cause for a small smile. Hopefully for their enemies it was the 'strong' part that resonated most, as it was that strength together with her mate Simba's that helped to keep their home safe.
"There's no need to thank me. Only by respecting those rules are we truly able to exist in peace. As my sister said, we're indebted to you both. If ever there's something we can assist with, please, don't hesitate to ask." Lightning flashed behind them and soon the few raindrops that were originally falling in the Highlands was quickly becoming more frequent. The stormy weather that was already over the Pridelands was finally here. Before she could bid a proper farewell however, as the sound of thunder echoed loudly in the area, her ears were twitching slightly and her eyes scanning the area. Every huntress knew what she was feeling: it felt like they were being watched.
A quick sniff of the wet air provided her with the knowledge that whatever it was wasn't one of their kind. The cubs moved to stand beneath their mom whose fur was already on end like their queen's, regardless of being wet.
"Something's here..." Her words were directed to no one in particular as her defensive posture from before returned.
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Nami
New Member
"You gotta stand for something or you'll fall for anything..."
Posts: 35
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Post by Nami on Feb 22, 2012 17:50:57 GMT -5
Before Nala had even spoke, they had shared a silent moment of agreement. There was something out there. Only then did Zora leap forward after hearing Nala say, "Something's here...". She let out a great snarl to the the dark figure in the shadows of the great Highland mountains. She felt the presents of the other lionesses around her. But when she caught the intruder's smell something wasn't right. She had smelled this scent before. But where? A flash of lightening light up the sky once again, throwing light across the dark ground. The dark figure looked even more threatening and Zora could tell it was a male, probably a rouge. "Step from the shadows you rat." Zora spat. Before she could control herself, the anger began to rise up in her chest. The lion laughed a deep menacing laugh. Zora's gray blue eyes grew wider as the lion stepped from the shadows. A chill went straight through Zora's body and right into her core. "Makko," Zora whispered in horror.
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Jiraa
Junior Member
Adolescent Highlander[M:0]
Jairel's Minion
Posts: 66
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Post by Jiraa on Feb 26, 2012 16:38:30 GMT -5
Jiraa had the same uneasy feeling that the other three lionesses had. Something was not right in her home. The wind picked up as more and more water splashed down from the sky, sending up mud and stirring the grass. But even the elements could not hide the intruder. Her nose twitched as an unfamiliar smell weaved in and out of her flared nostrils, then her keen hearing caught the steps of their unwelcome visitor. She barely heard her pride sister's words as her greens eyes narrowed, watching the great brown lion step from the shadows. His size was intimidating, but what sent chills down her spine was his horrendous laugh.
Mentally shaking off her initial fear, Jiraa released a snarl and hopped in front of Zora, her eyes never leaving the stranger. She watched his amused expression, and she did not like it. She could tell from his smell he was no Lowlander; even they weren't stupid enough to travel onto Highlands territory alone. Then where was he from? Her mind whirled with hundreds of quick thoughts, ruling out the surrounding pride territories. He had to be a vagrant from some far off land. Finally, Zora's fearfully whisper registered in her head, and she whipped around in a fury. In a hushed, fierce tone, she locked eyes with Zora's widened blue gray gaze. "How do you know this male, and why is he here?"
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Nami
New Member
"You gotta stand for something or you'll fall for anything..."
Posts: 35
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Post by Nami on Feb 27, 2012 18:19:59 GMT -5
Even as Jiraa leaped in front of her as a form of protection, Zora didn't feel any safer. Makko laughed again as he had always done. Jiraa whirled around locking eyes with Zora asking, "How do you know this male, and why is he here?" Zora shook her head, trying to form a sentence in her brain, but all it screamed was, "Get away! Get away!" "Makko, I-I thought you were dead. How--how did you find me?" Zora asked, ignoring Jiraa's question. The dark lion laughed shaking his head. "You're an easy one to track down my sweet." Makko growled his voice edging on a sick purr. The memories of blood, her screaming for mercy and the river flashed in front of her eyes. Her fear suddenly turned to rage as remembering the past. Zora roared leaping forward. "Get away from them you maggot!"
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Nala
New Member
Pridelands, Queen
"It's like you're back from the dead..."
Posts: 28
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Post by Nala on Feb 28, 2012 4:32:52 GMT -5
----------------------------------------- NALA -----------------------------------------
Was this an ambush? Again she sniffed the air and considering only his scent apart from their own was picked up, from what she could tell so far he was alone. The bigger question was just who this lion was? She'd never seen him before and from the name the lioness called him, Makko, even his name was unfamiliar. He had to be from one of the distant Prides.
Glancing back at her pride sister and her two cubs that were now standing beneath her, both nodded in silent agreement to the unspoken plan of action. This wasn't their territory and thus not their fight, but considering they owed the lives of their cubs to these two lionesses, they certainly weren't going to leave them alone with what was assumed to be a threat. Zora's words to the male further confirmed this.
Her growl became louder with his smug response, easing only when she saw the Highlander charge towards him. Able to tell that he was younger simply by looking at his mane and his size, Nala had her teeth bared and her claws unsheathed. With her age came experience and strength; both were qualities he would learn first hand if he didn't back off right now. Even she was wondering just who this lion was.
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Makko
New Member
Jairel's Minion
Posts: 3
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Post by Makko on Mar 2, 2012 23:41:53 GMT -5
Makko surveyed the lionesses before him with a keen eye. There was of course, Zora, the brown lioness who had scarred his muzzle so long ago. He narrowed his olive green eyes, giving her a hard glare as she rushed him. He stood tall, holding his ground with his head held high. Then another smirk crossed his maw and he left out a deep, harsh chuckle. He shook his head, tsking her. "Silly Zora. Did you not learn your lesson the first time?"
He took a step toward her, slow and delibrate, subtly hostile. He turned his head so she could see the clawed scar that she had left at their last encounter. Turning his attention away from her, he caught sight of the odd colored red lioness. She was pretty, with gold markings. Young and strong, she would make a good cubmother, he thought. Then he turned to the other two lionesses, who were as equally hostile as their young counterparts. He looked at the peachy colored lioness, larger than the rest and seemingly the boldest. He could tell she was older than he, but it made no difference to him. She had a regal air about her and he liked it. He opened his mouth wide, exposing his large and dangerous canines, taking in the scents of every adult female. Makko almost shivered with excitement.
Then he noticed the cubs. His once confident smirk turned into a frown and his ears swiveled atop his head, listening for the sound of a male's roar or approaching footsteps. There were none. He eyed the cubs with calculating eyes. He could tell bythe scents of the other females that they had no cubs of their own. But the cub mother...if he got rid of the little brats she could be his, if he timed it right. Lifting his head, he faced all of the lionesses, keeping them in his sights. "I will not go away. Zora, why didn't you tell me you have such lovely friends? It's rude not to give someone a proper introduction.
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Nami
New Member
"You gotta stand for something or you'll fall for anything..."
Posts: 35
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Post by Nami on Mar 3, 2012 12:15:50 GMT -5
Zora took another step forward snarling, "Obviously you didn't learn your lesson either. But thanks for letting me admire my handy work." She spat on the ground next to him. Zora hated how he was thinking of doing the same thing he had to her only a year ago. "Touch them and I'll make sure I'll kill you this time." Hate bubbled up into her chest. She glanced over she shoulder to the other lionesses. Nala, Jiraa and the mother all looked like strong powerful lioness. They could easily attack Makko with strength and skill. But Makko, for some reason wasn't intimated by this. This made Zora nervous. Maybe he knew something they didn't. Where was the king anyway? All these thoughts flashed through Zora's mind. Then her eyes fell on the cubs, they should not be here. Makko would kill them in a swift paw movement. Zora knew this and then she did something she had nightmares about doing. "Come Makko, let's talk somewhere else. In private."
She motioned higher up into the mountains. Maybe if she could get him alone, the others could get the cubs away and get some help. She only hopped the other lionesses would let her go with him. She sent them a silent message through a quick glance as if saying. "I know what I'm doing. I've got a plan." If they had received the message was a different story. But Zora knew that she would fine out soon enough.
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Jiraa
Junior Member
Adolescent Highlander[M:0]
Jairel's Minion
Posts: 66
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Post by Jiraa on Mar 4, 2012 21:56:52 GMT -5
Jiraa looked between every adult there. She felt a disturbing, cold feeling run through her body; it sent her fur on end and she wanted to puke. She watched as his gaze wandered from female to female, heard his false, mellifluous voice. A jolt of hot anger shot through her spine as she watched his cold eyes roam over the cubs, lingering there momentarily before moving on. She read his face lke a book; he would harm the cubs if he got a chance. But did he think he could take on all four lionesses? And surely this stranger, Makko, did not believe them all to be from the same pride? The air was filled with the scents of two different prides after all.
She stepped forward with Zora, teeth bared with a growl in her throat. Who did this Makko think he was? His confidence was eerie, and the longer he stayed the more anxious and enraged she became. How dare he trespass on the Highlands?! Sure, Maliki was a foolish young king, but he was no pushover. She had had a converstion with the king long ago, and she knew that he would do whatever was possible to protect his pride. She'd seen a new side to her king that day, and she had begun to respect him more and take him seriously for the first time that day. She would back him, and defend the Highlands even if it meant her life. Apparently her pride sister felt the same.
Her flattened ears flew forward as she heard Zora speak, and her harsh glare moved from Makko and turned into a wide-eyed stare of disbelief. She would not allow her pride sister to put herself in danger. She was a more experienced fighter and though she was no match for a full grown male, she had a lot of pent up anger and strength with a tenacity that was unrivaled by anyone she knew. She could at least give Zora the time to run and fetch Maliki and the rest of the Highlands lionesses.
"Zora, no. I will not allow him any further into our lands." She moved forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with Zora, her eyes once again narrowed as she looked over the large male once again. Without taking her eyes off of the intruder, she whispered to Zora, "I will not let you face this demon alone. Not a second time. Whatever he did to you, it will not happen again as long as I am here."
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Nami
New Member
"You gotta stand for something or you'll fall for anything..."
Posts: 35
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Post by Nami on Mar 4, 2012 22:16:38 GMT -5
Zora would've smiled at what Jiraa had said to her if not for the anger that continued to built in her body. He was the one who took so much away from her. She was grateful for Jiraa's protection, but without their king... Makko would surly wound them--or worse. Makko sneered at her offer. She wished she could get him alone. Then the others could get help and put the cubs and their mother somewhere safe. Zora didn't want the cubs to see the kind of pain these lionesses could inflict on Makko and also the kind of horrors Makko was so skilled on inflicting on others around him. "If I can get him alone," Zora whispered, "then you can get the cubs and their mother to safety and get the king." She gave Jiraa a look, hopping she'd listen. Something told her that the red lioness wouldn't. Zora didn't blame her. If any of her pride sister had the same plan, she'd think the girl was crazy. Makko seemed to be getting impatient. Zora snarled, feeling trapped. If there was only a way to get the cubs to safety and call the king at the same time. "Maliki. Where are you?" Zora thought, her heart building with worry and anger.
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Nala
New Member
Pridelands, Queen
"It's like you're back from the dead..."
Posts: 28
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Post by Nala on Mar 6, 2012 14:07:05 GMT -5
----------------------------------------- NALA -----------------------------------------
He wanted a proper introduction? The queen was more than willing to introduce him to her claws and canines the second he made the wrong move or even looked at them in a way she perceived to be a threat. That resolve became stronger when she followed his gaze to the lionesses surrounding him before allowing it to linger on the cubs. Like everyone there, especially their mother, she knew his thoughts and was ready to take him down at that very moment. And had the two Highlanders not been standing in front of her, no doubt attempting to protect the cubs like they had earlier by giving them time to retreat, she would definitely be attacking right now.
But...I can't leave them to face him alone... Yet, to get both cubs back to the safety of the Pridelands Nala would have to help her pride sister carry them.
Both Pridelanders looked at each other as if coming to the silent realization at the same time and ultimately the same decision. After whispering something to the cubs, both took off to hide for the time being and Nala and her pride sister jumped over Makko to land behind him while Zora and Jiraa stood before him. Both were growling as they slowly paced behind him like they would a prey before attacking.
The decision was clear: they were going to stay and help the two Highlanders protect their territory. It was the least they could do after they protected their cubs.
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Maliki
New Member
"Father, I promised to be a great king. I won't fail you."
Posts: 6
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Post by Maliki on Mar 6, 2012 17:10:53 GMT -5
Maliki had been resting in the Highland's cave when he suddenly awoke. He growled annoyed, he had been dreaming of her again. He sighed and rolled over. The king lay there for a while, unable to sleep. He sighed and opened his eyes. He saw many dark figures laying on the ground close by. The cave was spacious and wide enough to comfortably fit all his pride members. Trying to get back to sleep, the king did a slow head count of the pride members. "Hrm..." The king thought, "That's odd. Where is Jiraa?" Maliki narrowed his eyes, also seeing that Zora wasn't there either. The lion lay there for a few more moments and then rose slowly to his feet. Silent as the night, the leader walked from the cave, careful not to stir any of his followers. When he broke free from the gloomy cave's entrance he was suddenly bathed in moonlight. From this high up, Maliki could see all around his territory. A gentle breeze brought on the scent of evening and something that the king could not place. He inhaled deeper, trying to catch the scent again. But whatever carried it was just touching his territory. Most likely near a boarder of the Highlands. The yellowed eyed beast gasped suddenly. The Highland Lowland boarder." He whispered in horror. The quick emotion of fear in his heart quickly melted away to pure rage. "Lowlander." The king snarled. Maliki leaped from his perch and using his thick, rough paws to begin his descend into the heart of his territory. He flew across the many flat areas of his lands. "I won't lose anymore lions to the Lowlanders." Maliki promised himself as he made his way ever further down, his destination: The boarder. Images of Jiraa and Zora fighting off the filth flashed in his mind. This boarder was the furthest possible place from the cave where Maliki rested so the journey would be longer then he wished. The lion made his best efforts to keep a steady pace and to jump down onto rocks that were close enough not to hurt him when landing. The smell had increased, he could smell his own pride members and two young cubs that were not from his pride. There were three other scents that he could not place. Two smelled more familiar but one, the one Maliki guessed was the Lowlander, was the one that seemed the strongest and strangest. A loud roar sounded in the distance and Maliki quickened his pace.
"Not this time you scum." Maliki seethed "You won't take anyone away from me again."
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Makko
New Member
Jairel's Minion
Posts: 3
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Post by Makko on Mar 6, 2012 22:49:06 GMT -5
Makko only flicked an ear as Zora's request processed in his mind. He did not want to go off to be alone with her. Not when he had three other prizes to be won. By the time he had decided he wasn't going to leave, he looked up to find he was surrounded now by the four lioness. He looked over the heads of Zora and the red lioness to see the cubs had disappeared. There went his bargaining chip.
He looked around at the circle of lionesses nonchalantly and, probably to everyone else's surprise, yawned in boredom. Makko was many things, but a fool was not one of them. He was larger than all of the females, but the odds were not in his favor and they had him surrounded. He would have to continue his conquest another day. Or...he turned back to Zora, his olive eyes holding a glint in them. "Yes Zora, why don't we take a walk? Catch up?" He turned his gaze briefly to the red lioness and sneered, holding his head even higher than before. He turned and strode past the bristling forms of the other two lionesses, the ones whose scents were different from Zora and her comrade. He smirked at them each in turn. "Ladies." He dipped his head; what would usually be a display of respect for normal lions was a mockery for the headstrong male.
He turned to face the lionesses once he was out of immediate reach of their claws and teeth. He stood tall, tail flicking patiently like a cat ready to pounce on its prey. Which is exactly how he saw each lioness, in turn. He decided that he would leave the lithe red lioness to his brother; she fit Bashir's taste much more than his own. Besides, he had a personal vendetta to fulfill, and that involved Zora. The other two, he could always track down and figure out who went to who when he and Bashir found them.
Suddenly, the smell of another crossed his nose, and he whipped his head around quickly. It was still far off, but the changing wind had carried it to his nostrils just the same. He wrinkled his nose in disgust and lifted his head, opening his mouth to further scent the air. Trouble was approaching.
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Nami
New Member
"You gotta stand for something or you'll fall for anything..."
Posts: 35
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Post by Nami on Mar 7, 2012 18:16:06 GMT -5
Zora's breath hitched in her throat when hearing the lion she feared most say, "Yes Zora, why don't we take a walk? Catch up?" She nodded nervously. Zora refused to show her fear, she knew Makko better than any other lioness here. She could see the warning signs. She knew his mind were on the cubs, not on her. But Zora had to make it so that Makko's interest left the cubs and were placed directly on her. She gave the other lionesses a look that said, "Here's your chance. Don't blow it." She walked off, following the threatening rouge. While his back was turned she took deep breaths, trying to seem calm and cool. She had to maintain this composure until they were far enough away from the cubs. Then she was do what any lioness would do to protect others from a rouge: Get his mind on her and what she had to offer. Maybe then he would at least get amused if not convinced. She didn't care if he believed her, it would just get him distracted. Either way he'd let his guard down a little. Then she could attack. Zora had been able to hold her own with him once. But only for a moment. She prayed she'd be able to hold her own longer.
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Jiraa
Junior Member
Adolescent Highlander[M:0]
Jairel's Minion
Posts: 66
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Post by Jiraa on Mar 7, 2012 20:41:34 GMT -5
Jiraa felt another lurch in the pit of her stomach as she watched Zora and Makko begin to distance themselves from the group. Anger and dismay filled her veins, making her body hot; with the deluge still coming, she thought for a moment that her body was emitting steam. She growled in frustration, stamping the ground with her left forelimb, leaving a deep imprint in the mud. How could Zora be so foolish?
She kept her eyes on the pair, praying she could bore holes through the back of Makko's dark skull. She could not risk attacking the large male, not when he was out of their reach with her pride sister essentially in his clutches. She roared angrily and began pacing, never taking her eyes off their retreating backs. Jiraa looked to Nala and her sister, her eyes filled with rushing emotions and thoughts. There was an unfamiliar glint in her gaze as well. Jiraa was scared, and she needed their help.
She knew it was a long shot, but she would need them to help overtake Makko. She did not trust him alone with Zora, not for one second. They obviously needed her king, but Jiraa couldn't just leave Nala and the cubs' mother to fend off their enemy while she ran to fetch him. It was absurd in reality; this male had come to the Highlands for a reason and so it was their fight. Conflicted, Jiraa roared again, a cry for help, a cry for her king. Then, a familiar scent wafted through her nostrils. Maliki![/color][/size]
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Maliki
New Member
"Father, I promised to be a great king. I won't fail you."
Posts: 6
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Post by Maliki on Mar 7, 2012 21:01:31 GMT -5
Maliki roared with rage, Jiraa was in trouble. He heard her roar calling for help. He leaped from the rocks above the boarder and landed a few feet from Jiraa. "What happened?!" He asked looking her up and down. His first thought was to check for any injuries. He didn't see any. When he looked past Jiraa he saw four Pridelanders, the king was very confused. There was no more time for questions. There was no sign of Lowlander or Zora and he feared the worst. He roared with rage and whirled around, bounding forward. His scenes were all on high alert, the scent of Zora and the intruder were close. Maliki was furious with this Lowlander attacking Zora but he wondered what his reaction would've been if it had been Jiraa in danger. When he saw the intruder he leaped forward, his claws out stretched. His jaws gaping, ready to taste blood.
Then the king let a roar that bounced off the walls of the Highlands. Everything was frozen in this one moment. "This is for threatening Jiraa and hurting one of my own." Maliki thought.
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