In the past, surprises were nothing but annoyances and disappointments. His son Izrail, the son that came from the lioness he loved so dearly, was nothing more then a weak, simpleton. Then Azarias and Ezrasia arrived. They were supposed to kill each other, but the two decided to brushoff their differences in order to return home. Oh how he would have cherished getting rid of those thorns. Of course nothing matches the 'gift' of A'lan. The lion that was practically gifted wrapped for him to steal. The pest ended up not only escaping but turning his, at the time, only pupil against him.
It seemed though that fate had some humor. Before him was something he could never predict and easy one of the greatest surprise he had been given. A lion with a dark pelt and an even darker mane. For the most part he looked like he could be related to a number of sith. But Majanga knew for a fact that he was related to none. He was related to a traitorous b*****d. The marking on his shoulder was enough to raise an eye-brow and question the relationship, but it was the lion's lavender eyes that made Majanga certain. The lion in front of him was related to Drox.
“I see we have an unexpected guest.” His voice was polite as he walked toward the lion. He stopped in front of the sith guarding the lion. They had been a little rough with the newcomer, but nothing that wouldn't heal in a couple days.
“He was demanding to see Drox. We felt it would be best to bring him to you. If you would like we can get rid of him now.” the sith said.
Majanga let out a quiet laugh, so only those near him could hear. “No need for that. Why don't you leave him in my care. I will tell him everything he needs to know.” With that the two sith left, leaving Majanga with the young lion. “I did not catch your name?”
The lion stood up straightly and stared into Majanga's eyes with hint of curiosity. “Merikh. I was instructed to go here by my mother when I reached adulthood.” He said. The voice caught Majanga off guard. Such a similar tone to Drox. “She told me that Drox would be here, that he would teach me how to be like him, like a Sith.”
“Interesting.” Majanga said as he circled the lion. He could feel the unease the lion was in as he did so. “You look so much like him. When you first showed up, I thought for a moment that I was seeing a ghost of my old apprentice.”
Majanga stopped in front of Merikh to see a look of confusion on his face.
“Ghost? Old apprentice? Does that mean Drox is dead?”
“I am afraid so.”
Merikh slumped down to the ground. “So I have been hunting a corpse for the last couple years.”
“Were you close to Drox?” Majanga asked, even though he already knew the answer.
“Never met him. He met my mother while out training and she fell for him. He told her about his life style, saying that she would never fit in, but he would seek her out as soon as he could. Then he left her. Few month's later she gave birth to me and said that I would fit perfectly in his pride and that maybe with me, she could be accepted into the pride. However, she waited for him to return and, as you probably have figured out, he never returned. She had me fight everyone I met and had me learn how to kill.” He explained, his annoyance becoming more clear.
So Drox, had a fling when he still an apprentice? He was still an adolescent at the time. It was a small surprise that Drox never mentioned the fling to him. “I had no idea, Drox had never mentioned your mother. If he had, I would have instructed him to bring her and you back here to make sure she was safe and you had proper training.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “But you cannot change the past. I would be more then happy to allow to train with my Sith and become a member if the life style suits you. Your father's time with me was shorter then it should have been, but when I see you, I see the potential to become a greater sith then your father.”
“Some training won't hurt. I came here for my father though, so there really isn't anything tying me here.” Merikh responded. “Where shall I rest?”
“I will have my grandson Tahmuras escort you. The pride does not have extra dens, but Tahmuras' den is large enough for both of you.” Majanga said. “He will make sure you are comfortable during your stay. Follow me and I will introduce you.”
The cubs that Izrail had provided were perhaps the best thing Izrail had done for the pride. They were hard working and obeyed orders. Unlike Izrail, he was proud to consider them family. Merikh stayed close to him as they walked down the paths to the training yard. Tahmuras was currently fighting against a new recruit. He sat down and Merikh watched with interest. It was thrilling to watch. The recruit had a size advantage on Tahmuras, but the hybrid had skill. In the end, Tahmuras struck a deadly blow at his competitors neck. Instead of giving up, the new recruit stood back up.
Tahmuras did not lack sympathy. He knew that it was a eat or getting eaten world. His next attack was fatal to the recruit. Tahmuras looked over at Majanga then at Merikh. Carefully he stepped over the body of his fallen rival. He bowed to Majanga.
“Lord Majanga I did not expect you here. If I knew that you were watching, I would have made sure that I was matched with a much more worthy warrior.” Tahmuras said before rising.
“I do not plan on staying long. I wanted to introduce you to my guest Merikh. He will be staying with us for a little bit. I would like you to be his person escort and make him feel at home.” Majanga said.
“What? You want me to be his temporary servant is what you are saying?” Tahmuras stated. “I am sorry Lord Majanga, but I do not feel like that is worth my time.”
Majanga slapped Tahmuras hard across the face. “I will not tolerate that tone. I assume your common sense was knocked off balance from the fight. Consider this a test to see if you can keep your pride and patience in check.”
“I apologize Lord Majanga and Merikh.” Tahmuras said, not looking either lion in the face. “Allow me to clean up and I will show you around.” and with that Tahmuras turned away.
“You do not play favorites I see.” Merikh stated.
“Correct. My family members are treated the same as anyone else and must go through the same challenges. Tahmuras and his siblings have been put through their own challenges. Being hybrids, they have been looked down on. But they have overcome the predigest for the most part.”
Tahmuras returned, the scratch on his faced healed up. “I am ready to show you around Merikh.” He spoke politely, giving Majanga a sideways glance. “I will do my best to show you around.”
“Thank you Tahmuras. Enjoy your stay Merikh. I will check up on you in a couple days.” Majanga said before leaving Merikh in Tahmuras' capable paws. He was rather curious about how this would play off in the end. He needed Merikh to replace Drox as his apprentice. Having Merikh on his side would get him that much closer to destroying Drox permanently. He already had Tsiana, Drox's young, but naive padawan. Having his son as well would just make it that much more wonderful.
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