..//Flight Plan..
Backlogged, blah blah blah
Backlogged, blah blah blah
Dark Fire Angel
Laziness marred the cub's features as he lay on top of a random rock, the trees of mistweaver land looming over him, shadows playing over his green pelt, almost seemingly dancing with the little sunlight that managed to filter through the trees. Yawning slightly, teeth displayed, Ushaufu opened a red hued eye to look around, not truly seeing anyone around; the other cub was no doubt playing elewhere, probably with her father, and the mother... well, tell truth, Ush had felt the overwhelming need to get away from her.
The other night had awoken feelings that disturbed him beyond reason; the god had gone as far as tip toeing away whenever he'd caught scent of her for a whole two days. In fact, not only had he been avoiding her, but he'd been avoiding contact on the whole. Confussion, after all, was not something Ushaufu was used to; sure, he was used to producing it to others, but he was certainly not used to feeling it himself... it made him felt vulnerable, most due to the fact he couldn't quite pinpoint what he was confussed about.
He couldn't quite paw his paw on it, but there was some sort of feeling... a thought nagging and bitting at the back of his head. Distressing, no doubt, or at least... the cub thought so.
The words he thought he'd heard while dreaming haunting him, even though he'd not bothered to even try to translate them; after all, a dream was a dream, why even bother with it? It was not real. However, at the same time, for a being like him to push a dream aside, opting to look at it as 'not real' instead of facing it... was odd to say the least, taking into account Ushaufu lived off from illusions... things that weren't really there.
A sigh escaped him as he finally placed his left paw over his eyes, grumbling some something incoherently under his breath, tail flicking irritably; all in all, the small god did not look like he was all that well. His curiosity pulled him onward though, for he figured the strange feeling would die out much like a flame soon enough. There was no point bothering to worry... and the idea of playing his game was still too alluring to really ignore. Thus why he stayed... thus the real and only reason he'd decided to stay with the three mistweaver.
Really.
It had nothing to do with her, OR the strange warmth. Nope.
... Really.
"Gd DAMNIT mate! You look like a stampede's gone right over yah!" the words were squawked, marred by laughter from somewhere above, high up on the branches, and though Ushaufu grunted, the pelt around the back of his neck bristling, he didn't so much as move the paw that covered his eyes, "Awwww, come now, not gonna greet meh? SPECIALLY since I went through all that flying and looking and s**t just for you?" another grunt answered the raspy words, however, no other movement was elicited. In the end, the voice's owner swooped down from the cover of the branches, landing fearlessly on the cub's backside, snorting slightly.... or as best as he could through his beak, "My... you really DO look like a stampede's trampled all over yah..."
The hawk tilted his head, eyeing the form it stood on whilst blinking, red feather ruffled up as he opened his wings; his form was not as big as his friend's, however, the wingspan was still impresive, as were his claws and beak, "Varg... do you have to bother me right now? I'm busy..." extremely busy thinking, or rather, trying not to think, the god pondered to himself, grumping slightly, still not bothering to take the paw from over his eyes.
"No worries, I have time to spare till his royalness decides it's late enough to wake up from his cat nap!" there was sarcasm within the bird's word, still fearlessly hunched over the green form. In fact, taking into account Ushaufu did not move, Varg didn't either, staying there, "So tell me, what exactly is it that's eatting yah?" a pause, "Or rather, what is it yer running from?" thrilling softly, the hawk looked up from the cub, head tilting in many a direction, penetrating eyes regarding the forest around them; it'd seen better times, there was no doubt about that.
Kisoni
It had been a few days since their little group had entered the mistweaver lands, and despite it being a small valley they had yet to see hair nor hide of another of their kind. Kizuka growled to herself, a sound that quickly tapered of into a resounding sigh. They'd stopped for a day at a little cave near the evaporating river so that the 'cubs' could rest, and as soon as Kimaji'd laid down for a nap with her father, Kizuka had slunk off to think.
The other 'cub' had been avoiding them--no, her--and it was beginning to become more than obvious. Kizuka was frankly surprised that Triv'an had said nothing to her of it, but he still trusted her to tell him if things weren't as he thought. As much as she loved her friend, sometimes Triv'an could be far too trusting for his own good.
Kizuka's ears laid back flat against her head as darker thoughts occured to her. Had they done something to anger this god as well? That the Storm God was displeased with his Mistweavers she had no doubt, but what would the wrath of yet another God do to them? Perhaps her beloved people truly were done for.
Claws sunk into the dried river bed with a dull scraping noise. With a growl, Kizuka pulled herself to her feet and shook her head to abate the thoughts. No; she would never give up on the Mistweavers! Not until her body was stiff and cold in the dust would she give up. Unable to sit still any longer, the lioness turned away from the water and went to prowl for something more productive to do.
As much as she tried not to think on it, there was another reason for her to be so deeply bothered by Usaufu's disapearance. In the short time they'd been together she'd begun to care for the cub, God or not. That night on the rock she'd come to realize that despite their power over the mortals, Gods were not perfect or all powerful; they could need. No all powerful being should be capable of that.
Ushaufu's need had been there for all to see that night, though luckily for his pride, only one had been about to witness it. His need was stated in the press of his body against hers; in the purr that had rumbled through him.
Ushaufu needed love.
Slowly the tension was beginning to lag in the lionesses shoulders as she found something other than her years of hardship and hatred to focus on. In truth, her clipped jog began to turn into a lazy walk as her thoughts turned to the dead green pelt and glowing red eyes that had become so normal to her. "I wonder," She thought as her steps slowed to a halt and her head lifted to the hot yellow sky above, "has he had anyone in his life to love him?"
That question would go unanswered, however, as her ear twitched to the distinct sound of a voice hearby. Turning, Kizuka focused her senses on the noise and soon found it to becoming from a stand of trees not too far away. The thought that it was perhaps the lions they'd come looking for, Kizuka made her way hesitantly forward until the voices began to make sense.
"Varg... do you have to bother me right now? I'm busy..."
On the otherside of a few bushes that somehow still held enough dry, yellowing foliage to hide her Kizuka stopped. That was Ushaufu's voice! So the God hadn't abandoned them entirely... but whom was he talking to?
"No worries, I have time to spare till his royalness decides it's late enough to wake up from his cat nap!"
A strange accent to the voice, and a certain sort of clip followed each of his words. That clip.. she'd heard it somewhere before. Lifting her nose just a little to take a test of the local scents, Kizuka was lucky enough to catch what she believed to be the right smell on a stray breeze. Hawk? That would explain the beak clicking together as he spoke.
"So tell me, what exactly is it that's eatting yah? Or rather, what is it yer running from?"
Dark Fire Angel
Had Kizuka been able to pry within the cub's mind, she'd have no doubt found her answer within, for though Ushaufu could not understand himself, the feelings, emotions and thoughts running through him so new he did not recognise them as his own... someone like the adult female, quite prone to such thoughts, would've instantly recognised them. Alas, since she was unable to pry, the answers were held in the air, merely there for those able to truly disect Ushaufu's movements and actions.
Now, Varg had spent quite a while with the cub, since the day he'd given him his scar, a story neither of which had truly ever told another, and thus... the hawk would easily be able to pin point the source of the god's distress with time. After all, Varg was known for being quite the observer.
Love was something unknown for the cub, for after all, aside Varg, he hadn't truly known anyone to call a friend; unable to remember his parents, Ushaufu's memoery only went so far, and... as far as it reached, it'd only been him on his own. Needless to say this was no doubt one of the reasons for the cub's cynical nature and bitting sarcasm; he'd never truly been exposed to anyone patient enough to care... even Varg's way of 'caring' was not exactly the same, "Are you going to leave me alone?" of course, the hawk merely thrilled, the answer evident when he did not move, "Fine! At least stop sinking your CLAWS into my side, Varg!" it was then the cub finally lifted his head, glowering at the bird, whom clicked his beak, leaning in to poked the god's cheek with it.
"Awwww, come on!" a whine marred the hawk's raspy voice, mocking, "I wasn't sinking them, I was trying to tickle yah awake; now are yeh gonna listen to meh, or are yeh gonna just... lay there and angst your morning away?" thrilling softly, the bird leaned in again, however, paused just an inch away from the cub's maw, suddenly snapping his head to look around, large penetrating eyes looking around till they fell on a certain bush. Not bothering to say further, the bird opened his wings and flew up on a nearby branch, a squawk resounding acorss the jungle, "My what a pretty, pretty lady! 'Fufu, s'she yours? Yer scent's all over 'er!"
"Mine? What's mine?" no sooner had the bird flown off him that the god sat up, looking about till a scent finally reached him. Eyes widening, the small frame seemed to tense, almost as if he were seriously pondering the idea of suddenly running away, or perhaps climb a tree, anything to get out of the way.
Shiiiiiiit~~
The word was hissed mentally, however, never uttured as Ushaufu turned to glare up at the preening bird, his words dawning on him, "Shut up! She's not mine! I have no idea what in hell you're talking about; be more precise, Varg!" bristling slightly, his ears pinned back; if there was anyone that could get on the god's nerves, it was no doubt the laughing red hawk that had perched himself over them, "Stupid, stupid, stupid bird," the words were grumbled under his breath, almost as if he were trying to focuss on anything but the lioness that stood right there, "We're playing a game..."
"Yer playing a game allright!" a snort escaped the bird as he eyed the mistweaver, head turned at an odd angle which only avians seemed to be able to manage, however, he'd soon enough calmed down into seriousness, "Well, yeh wanted a report, didja not? I've heard rumours... however, nothing pressin'; I think yer safe to play the game; jungle's too bleeding thick to see inside it thu, if yeh wish to find whatever's happening in misty-land yeh'll have to move further and find the pride," a pause, "I hear rumours of childs being born from the kin of fire, bared by the kin of the storm. Yeh'll have to find ou for yerself thu," he left it at that, however, he wasn't really talking to the god, looking straight at Ki.
After all, the god seemed to be too busy to look everywhere but towards the lioness to really hear the hawk's words.
Now, Varg had spent quite a while with the cub, since the day he'd given him his scar, a story neither of which had truly ever told another, and thus... the hawk would easily be able to pin point the source of the god's distress with time. After all, Varg was known for being quite the observer.
Love was something unknown for the cub, for after all, aside Varg, he hadn't truly known anyone to call a friend; unable to remember his parents, Ushaufu's memoery only went so far, and... as far as it reached, it'd only been him on his own. Needless to say this was no doubt one of the reasons for the cub's cynical nature and bitting sarcasm; he'd never truly been exposed to anyone patient enough to care... even Varg's way of 'caring' was not exactly the same, "Are you going to leave me alone?" of course, the hawk merely thrilled, the answer evident when he did not move, "Fine! At least stop sinking your CLAWS into my side, Varg!" it was then the cub finally lifted his head, glowering at the bird, whom clicked his beak, leaning in to poked the god's cheek with it.
"Awwww, come on!" a whine marred the hawk's raspy voice, mocking, "I wasn't sinking them, I was trying to tickle yah awake; now are yeh gonna listen to meh, or are yeh gonna just... lay there and angst your morning away?" thrilling softly, the bird leaned in again, however, paused just an inch away from the cub's maw, suddenly snapping his head to look around, large penetrating eyes looking around till they fell on a certain bush. Not bothering to say further, the bird opened his wings and flew up on a nearby branch, a squawk resounding acorss the jungle, "My what a pretty, pretty lady! 'Fufu, s'she yours? Yer scent's all over 'er!"
"Mine? What's mine?" no sooner had the bird flown off him that the god sat up, looking about till a scent finally reached him. Eyes widening, the small frame seemed to tense, almost as if he were seriously pondering the idea of suddenly running away, or perhaps climb a tree, anything to get out of the way.
Shiiiiiiit~~
The word was hissed mentally, however, never uttured as Ushaufu turned to glare up at the preening bird, his words dawning on him, "Shut up! She's not mine! I have no idea what in hell you're talking about; be more precise, Varg!" bristling slightly, his ears pinned back; if there was anyone that could get on the god's nerves, it was no doubt the laughing red hawk that had perched himself over them, "Stupid, stupid, stupid bird," the words were grumbled under his breath, almost as if he were trying to focuss on anything but the lioness that stood right there, "We're playing a game..."
"Yer playing a game allright!" a snort escaped the bird as he eyed the mistweaver, head turned at an odd angle which only avians seemed to be able to manage, however, he'd soon enough calmed down into seriousness, "Well, yeh wanted a report, didja not? I've heard rumours... however, nothing pressin'; I think yer safe to play the game; jungle's too bleeding thick to see inside it thu, if yeh wish to find whatever's happening in misty-land yeh'll have to move further and find the pride," a pause, "I hear rumours of childs being born from the kin of fire, bared by the kin of the storm. Yeh'll have to find ou for yerself thu," he left it at that, however, he wasn't really talking to the god, looking straight at Ki.
After all, the god seemed to be too busy to look everywhere but towards the lioness to really hear the hawk's words.
Kisoni
Being in the habit of not speaking without thinking was certainly helpful, however some mishaps were certain to happen as mistakes were only normal. "I most certainly am not his," The words flew from Kizuka's mouth before she could stop them.
Unable to take them back now, the Lioness decided it was perhaps better to pretend as if she'd meant to say it. A single leap put her over the bush and out into the open where they could both see her quite plainly. "I belong to no one," She continued in her own defense before seeing fit to focus on what the blood-red hawk was saying.
Kizuka's eyes narrowed a littl and her tail flicked irritably behind her. "But to the rumors you hear indicate wether its by choice or not?" It couldn't be the former... at least, Kizuka prayed not. Immediatly she paused, her nose wrinkling and face turning into an almost amused look of disgust.
How could she think that?! No, wishing rape on her own people was worse than willingly taking a Firekin's babe to term. Of course, she knew if it had been her she'd simply have slit her own throat rather than face the choice. A moment later she shook the thought off, though it refused to go that far. In the back of her mind a seed of self doubt had just been planted, and it wasn't likely to go away.
"Thank you," The lioness finally offered to the bird, her voice a little softer now that the anger of the situation had once more died to embers. With a short hop, Kizuka moved to sit once more by Ushuafu. She settled herself down around him before he could protest and moved in to give the side of his developing mane a defiant lick. "I'm afraid i didn't get your name."
Unable to take them back now, the Lioness decided it was perhaps better to pretend as if she'd meant to say it. A single leap put her over the bush and out into the open where they could both see her quite plainly. "I belong to no one," She continued in her own defense before seeing fit to focus on what the blood-red hawk was saying.
Kizuka's eyes narrowed a littl and her tail flicked irritably behind her. "But to the rumors you hear indicate wether its by choice or not?" It couldn't be the former... at least, Kizuka prayed not. Immediatly she paused, her nose wrinkling and face turning into an almost amused look of disgust.
How could she think that?! No, wishing rape on her own people was worse than willingly taking a Firekin's babe to term. Of course, she knew if it had been her she'd simply have slit her own throat rather than face the choice. A moment later she shook the thought off, though it refused to go that far. In the back of her mind a seed of self doubt had just been planted, and it wasn't likely to go away.
"Thank you," The lioness finally offered to the bird, her voice a little softer now that the anger of the situation had once more died to embers. With a short hop, Kizuka moved to sit once more by Ushuafu. She settled herself down around him before he could protest and moved in to give the side of his developing mane a defiant lick. "I'm afraid i didn't get your name."
Dark Fire Angel
"Oh! Right; a free spirit, aye? free like the wind, they say!" came the bird's chirp as he ruffled up his feathers, and though it was imposible for him to really smirk, mostly due to his beak, however, there was a distinctly clear spark in the hawk's eyes that seem to voice out some sort of internal smirking, "See, lady, I think we're not all that free; and yer talking to someone that brags about being able to fly up in the sky. We always belong to someone..." his eyes trailed down to the cub that was still far too busy grumbling about stupid red hawks to bother to look up, his ears having flattened back against the nape of his neck with force, his frame having hunched over.
Finally did the cub's ears flicker towards Ki, eyes narrowing till they were slits, "By choice of love, I hear," he'd never understood that word; love, or it's power. All he knew was that it made mortals do very... strange things they'd normally not do. Idly, he paused to wonder what the goddess with power over such a thing would be like before his mind skidded to a hault, "Strange strange thing, that is, is it not?" there was a mocking tone however, it was obviously not aimed at the lioness.
Varg, being quite the sly bird easily caught onto that, however, voiced nothing, instead swooping down to perch himself on the lady's back, "You see, m'dear, the saying goes as true; love is quite blind, from what I've seen and heard," a pause as his gaze shifted towards Ushaufu, "It's specially blind and generally slightly thickheaded, kinda unknowing, ain't it?" churring and thrilling softly, he glanced at her out the corner of an eyes, side ways, his profile regal even if his attitude was not. Opening his wings, the hawk once more moved away before the lioness hoped over on the rock, placing herself around the small god, and once more still, the same strange 'smirk' came alight within his eyes, "Aye, strange, strange thing it is, no one should hope to understand it.... specially not you, 'Fufu!"
"Stop calling me that!" no sooner had the words flown out of his maw that Kizuka settled in around him, taking him much like a mother would, grooming the slowly growing mane... and just like that, th god frozen, muscles tensing as eyes grew wide, no longer slits. There came the warm feeling again, and before he could help himself, his body betrayed him, his frame leaning into hers as a soft pur began to rumble at the back of his throat.
A game indeed, though the hawk as he watched, laughter ringing in his eyes, for though Ushaufu knew not what the hell it was he was feeling, his familliar knew plenty, "Right," a pause as he preened softly, "Varg, m'dear, the cublet here named me," there was nothing else said about it, though he did chuckle softly, the sound no doubt elicited by the expression Ushautu wore; something between half scared to death and half in lala land. No doubt confussed.
Confussion, delusion. Dear me, was Varg having the time of his life; in fact, the avian had decided he'd stick around the jungle for a while longer than he'd planned... leaving the god to his own right now would just not do; he wanted into the game too.
Finally did the cub's ears flicker towards Ki, eyes narrowing till they were slits, "By choice of love, I hear," he'd never understood that word; love, or it's power. All he knew was that it made mortals do very... strange things they'd normally not do. Idly, he paused to wonder what the goddess with power over such a thing would be like before his mind skidded to a hault, "Strange strange thing, that is, is it not?" there was a mocking tone however, it was obviously not aimed at the lioness.
Varg, being quite the sly bird easily caught onto that, however, voiced nothing, instead swooping down to perch himself on the lady's back, "You see, m'dear, the saying goes as true; love is quite blind, from what I've seen and heard," a pause as his gaze shifted towards Ushaufu, "It's specially blind and generally slightly thickheaded, kinda unknowing, ain't it?" churring and thrilling softly, he glanced at her out the corner of an eyes, side ways, his profile regal even if his attitude was not. Opening his wings, the hawk once more moved away before the lioness hoped over on the rock, placing herself around the small god, and once more still, the same strange 'smirk' came alight within his eyes, "Aye, strange, strange thing it is, no one should hope to understand it.... specially not you, 'Fufu!"
"Stop calling me that!" no sooner had the words flown out of his maw that Kizuka settled in around him, taking him much like a mother would, grooming the slowly growing mane... and just like that, th god frozen, muscles tensing as eyes grew wide, no longer slits. There came the warm feeling again, and before he could help himself, his body betrayed him, his frame leaning into hers as a soft pur began to rumble at the back of his throat.
A game indeed, though the hawk as he watched, laughter ringing in his eyes, for though Ushaufu knew not what the hell it was he was feeling, his familliar knew plenty, "Right," a pause as he preened softly, "Varg, m'dear, the cublet here named me," there was nothing else said about it, though he did chuckle softly, the sound no doubt elicited by the expression Ushautu wore; something between half scared to death and half in lala land. No doubt confussed.
Confussion, delusion. Dear me, was Varg having the time of his life; in fact, the avian had decided he'd stick around the jungle for a while longer than he'd planned... leaving the god to his own right now would just not do; he wanted into the game too.
Kisoni
"By choice of love, I hear"
That sentance made her laugh like no other, though she kept the noise purely mental for Ushaufu's sake. "No one chooses love," She corrected the cub gently once she'd gotten him to relax at her side. Despite the fact that her tongue was now working its way down his back, the lioness had not missed the expression on the cub's face. No doubt her predition was right.
"Love is one of those things that just happens. All living creatures are capable of it, no matter how base or evil they may seem. Some may choose to live in denial of this fact, but the end there is and never shall be any escaping it. Love is."
That said, the lioness took a pause from her slow grooming of the thick green pelt pressed into her mottled one in order to look up once more to the hawk above them. There was laughter in his eyes, though the reason took a moment for her to comprehend. When it dawned on her, she frowned in obvious disapproval; Ushaufu's fear of the unknown was not a laughing matter.
Normally Kizuka's tongue would not have held, but this situation was far from normal in her book. Unwilling to damage the boy's pride any further, she kept the peace and chose instead to focus on the task and conversation at hand. "Thank you for the information, then, Varg, its quite helpful. I have, however, been looking into the jungle as much I dare for the past few days--thus far I have found nothing. When my daughter is rested enough to travel again, we'll press further, I'm sure."
Kizuka's tongue raked down the cub's back a few more times then finally lifted her head for good. A breeze, as blistering hot as all winds were these days, blew past them then, moving fur and feather alike and rustling the leaves of the plants around them. That seemed to push a point made back into Kizuka's thoughts, and her head lifted skyward to examine the clouds that no longer marked the sky above.
"True freedom is something no mortal can ever hope to attain. In truth, I admit that I am not as free as I should like to believe. No, my tethers lie behind me--two in a cave, and one in my past. Still.. those tethers do not hold me so close that can't fly just a little."
Dark Fire Angel
Laughter shone withing the avian's eyes, even at the lioness' glare, and once more, he idly wished there was a way he could turn his beak into a maw, if only briefly, just so he could smirk. Instead he chuckled, a raspy sound, "Don't get my wrong, lady, I can practically read yer mind; I'm not particularly amused over that, but something else all the different," a pause as his gaze lingered on the god cub, whom seemed to be too busy staring down at his claws, in a sort of half glare to truly say much in respect, "One day, I'll tell yah what I mean; today's not the day thu!" thrilling softly, his gaze was diverted, looking deeper into the jungles even though the foliage allowed little distance to be gained in this way, "Got other things to do today, we all do, don't we, 'Fufu?"
When it became clear the god was still much too drowned in his own lala land to even understand that Varg was talking to him, the avian opened his beak and squawked loudly, the sound ear splitting yet still, very effective for no soon had the sound skidded through the air that Ushaufu jumped to his feet, pelt bristling, "Okay! Okay! I'm Up! I'm up! Stop your squawking!" the words though harsh also held a pleading tone to them; just why a single squawk had such an effect on the small god... was something only Varg and the god himself knew of, however, there was no doubt the story would come out into the open at some point.
In fact...
"Say, 'Fufu, you might wanna check out the border too at some point, heaven-wise, it's easier, see if you can spot anything I missed..." a pause, "I went as far as the land of fire and back, but an extra swift look around never goes uncalled for," another chuckle as he fluffed out his plumage, preening, his beak diving between his red feathers for a few moments before he paused and looked up again, "Specially since you've got a nice lil niche here and all, don't want anyone to come and catch you by surprise, do yah? Shouldn't take you more than a few minutes anyhow," it was clear Varg was trying to tease the god over the edge, almost seemingly wishing him gone.
Needless to say, had Ushaufu been thinking clearly, he'd never have fallen for such talk, however, the urgent need to get away from Kizuka bubbled up inside him as much as the need to press right up and back against her. Finding the need to get away more pressing, he merely glared hotly at the bird, stuck his tongue out and spread his black hued wings, which had materialed within an instant, "Stay nearby, Varg, don't want you gone," this was all that was said before the cub flapped his wings and took off to the sky, through the trees and canopy; it was more than easily seen that the seemingly 'useless' and 'broken' wings were none of the sort and were perfectly able to carry the cub's full weight without a problem.
Once the green figure had vanished, the smile did so too from the bird's eyes, lids blinking softly over his penetrating eyes before he focused his gaze over Kizuka, "Wanna hear a story?" his tone of voice had changed, softened down to a point it was almost melodic instead of teasing, the bird opening his wings to come to settle himself upon the female's back, all the while careful where he placed his claws, I'm sure you have your plenty share, but really, allow me, since we have only but a while till the cublet returns."
When it became clear the god was still much too drowned in his own lala land to even understand that Varg was talking to him, the avian opened his beak and squawked loudly, the sound ear splitting yet still, very effective for no soon had the sound skidded through the air that Ushaufu jumped to his feet, pelt bristling, "Okay! Okay! I'm Up! I'm up! Stop your squawking!" the words though harsh also held a pleading tone to them; just why a single squawk had such an effect on the small god... was something only Varg and the god himself knew of, however, there was no doubt the story would come out into the open at some point.
In fact...
"Say, 'Fufu, you might wanna check out the border too at some point, heaven-wise, it's easier, see if you can spot anything I missed..." a pause, "I went as far as the land of fire and back, but an extra swift look around never goes uncalled for," another chuckle as he fluffed out his plumage, preening, his beak diving between his red feathers for a few moments before he paused and looked up again, "Specially since you've got a nice lil niche here and all, don't want anyone to come and catch you by surprise, do yah? Shouldn't take you more than a few minutes anyhow," it was clear Varg was trying to tease the god over the edge, almost seemingly wishing him gone.
Needless to say, had Ushaufu been thinking clearly, he'd never have fallen for such talk, however, the urgent need to get away from Kizuka bubbled up inside him as much as the need to press right up and back against her. Finding the need to get away more pressing, he merely glared hotly at the bird, stuck his tongue out and spread his black hued wings, which had materialed within an instant, "Stay nearby, Varg, don't want you gone," this was all that was said before the cub flapped his wings and took off to the sky, through the trees and canopy; it was more than easily seen that the seemingly 'useless' and 'broken' wings were none of the sort and were perfectly able to carry the cub's full weight without a problem.
Once the green figure had vanished, the smile did so too from the bird's eyes, lids blinking softly over his penetrating eyes before he focused his gaze over Kizuka, "Wanna hear a story?" his tone of voice had changed, softened down to a point it was almost melodic instead of teasing, the bird opening his wings to come to settle himself upon the female's back, all the while careful where he placed his claws, I'm sure you have your plenty share, but really, allow me, since we have only but a while till the cublet returns."
Kisoni
Varg's avian shriek flattened Kizuka's ears agains her skull and caused an answering snarl from the female. It wasn't voluntary, of course, but the noise seemed to peirce straight through her skull. The female settled again a moment later, though, opning her eyes just in time to see the cub flying off.
Amazing how those wings worked; they didn't seem like they should be able to. Shaking her head a little, Kizuka took the moment to shift her position on the rock, stretching out with a rumbling yawn before flopping back down along the sun-heated stone.
"Wanna hear a story?" Varg asked then. A moment later she felt the faint p***k of his claws upon her back and looked up. His steely eyes sparked something strange at the back of her mind, but the lioness did not move at all. I'm sure you have your plenty share, but really, allow me, since we have only but a while till the cublet returns."
"A story?" Kizuka arched a single eyebrow with a tilt of her head. What on earth could this be about? Still, it sounded rather important the way the bird phrased it, and she decided to go along with it for now. "Sure."
Amazing how those wings worked; they didn't seem like they should be able to. Shaking her head a little, Kizuka took the moment to shift her position on the rock, stretching out with a rumbling yawn before flopping back down along the sun-heated stone.
"Wanna hear a story?" Varg asked then. A moment later she felt the faint p***k of his claws upon her back and looked up. His steely eyes sparked something strange at the back of her mind, but the lioness did not move at all. I'm sure you have your plenty share, but really, allow me, since we have only but a while till the cublet returns."
"A story?" Kizuka arched a single eyebrow with a tilt of her head. What on earth could this be about? Still, it sounded rather important the way the bird phrased it, and she decided to go along with it for now. "Sure."
Dark Fire Angel
"Right-o," came the single world, eyes raising towards the canopy as the bird slowly settled himself down into a more comfortable position, feathers fluffing out, almost as if to insulate his body even though there wasn't really a real need... after all, the warm sun that did manage to filter through the branches was enough to make for a heated environment, "It all starts with a bird," a pause, a clicking of his beak as he took the moment to shake his head, "It all started with one unhappy, extremely bitter bird, who though the world had something against him; then again, coming to your nest to find your mate slaughtered and your eggs crashed can do that to you, heh..."
The words were spoken softly, and never once did Varg turn his sharp gaze towards the lioness as he retold his story; never once did he bother to do much but look straight up ahead, almost seemingly lost in some sort of strange trance, "Needless to say the bird was driven near insanity; enough to simply stand there for what might've seemed like days, till a shadows befall him. No sooner had he turned around that he saw a lion... green pelt, strange black wings, and for some reason his mind made the association; death," a deep unamused chuckle rang through him before he picked up the story again, "Driven by anger, bitterness and perhaps delusion, the bird rose in the air and swooped down to attack what he thought was death personified, leaving a deep dark gush along the figure's right eye; the shriek of pain the cub released was enough to awaken the bird from the nightmare he'd plunged himself into. There were real tears running down the lion's face, he sat there, whimpering softly like any cub would have, calling for his mother..."
It was only at this point that the hawk finally turned his head, allowing Kizuka to start into one of his eyes; little was seen within the red orbs, however, there was no need, for all was clear within his voice. Silence prevailed for a whole minute before he dared talk again, "I stayed there, you know, I kept watched for a whole day; never once did he move... and no one answered his calls," narrowing his gaze, Varg turned open his wings, as if feeling trapped, "By the time he finally moved... he was still moving like a lost soul, searching for something he seemed unable to find; I followed, noticing the scar that had forced his eye shut," another pause, "I followed him for days, weeks... the scar never healed, and still it's not healed completely. I don't know why."
Even the bird's usual accent seemed to have changed at this point, smoother, as if a different being were the one speaking altogether, even if Varg had never truly 'changed' in any way, "I decided I'd stay with him that day; it was a good two weeks by the time I finally swooped down to talk to with him, been with the cublet since, never really left his side," once more he looked towards her, wishing he could manage a real smile, however, she'd have to content with the slight smile that danced in his eyes, "I know that cublet as if my own chick, don't bother to frown at me next time, lass, I know what I see when I look at him; god he may be, but he's also my chick, perhaps nature's way... of helping me. He can't fool me."
The words were spoken softly, and never once did Varg turn his sharp gaze towards the lioness as he retold his story; never once did he bother to do much but look straight up ahead, almost seemingly lost in some sort of strange trance, "Needless to say the bird was driven near insanity; enough to simply stand there for what might've seemed like days, till a shadows befall him. No sooner had he turned around that he saw a lion... green pelt, strange black wings, and for some reason his mind made the association; death," a deep unamused chuckle rang through him before he picked up the story again, "Driven by anger, bitterness and perhaps delusion, the bird rose in the air and swooped down to attack what he thought was death personified, leaving a deep dark gush along the figure's right eye; the shriek of pain the cub released was enough to awaken the bird from the nightmare he'd plunged himself into. There were real tears running down the lion's face, he sat there, whimpering softly like any cub would have, calling for his mother..."
It was only at this point that the hawk finally turned his head, allowing Kizuka to start into one of his eyes; little was seen within the red orbs, however, there was no need, for all was clear within his voice. Silence prevailed for a whole minute before he dared talk again, "I stayed there, you know, I kept watched for a whole day; never once did he move... and no one answered his calls," narrowing his gaze, Varg turned open his wings, as if feeling trapped, "By the time he finally moved... he was still moving like a lost soul, searching for something he seemed unable to find; I followed, noticing the scar that had forced his eye shut," another pause, "I followed him for days, weeks... the scar never healed, and still it's not healed completely. I don't know why."
Even the bird's usual accent seemed to have changed at this point, smoother, as if a different being were the one speaking altogether, even if Varg had never truly 'changed' in any way, "I decided I'd stay with him that day; it was a good two weeks by the time I finally swooped down to talk to with him, been with the cublet since, never really left his side," once more he looked towards her, wishing he could manage a real smile, however, she'd have to content with the slight smile that danced in his eyes, "I know that cublet as if my own chick, don't bother to frown at me next time, lass, I know what I see when I look at him; god he may be, but he's also my chick, perhaps nature's way... of helping me. He can't fool me."
kisoni
Kizuka listened to this all with an open ear, her face never once giving off any sense of emotion. Her heart went out to him, as well as the little cub, more and more as Varg continued on with his story. She could tell by his voice that not even his wounds had yet to heal.
So the cut on the Cub's eye had come from this beings talons? No, as much as some would have, Kizuka didn't seem able to blame the hawk. Had she not tensed with fear as well, when the cub had first appeared to her? In truth, it could be said the hawk was braver than she, for he had attempted to fight it.
Still, the mental image of poor Ushaufu bleeding and hurt, calling for a mother that would never come filled her heart and body with sadness... and yes, anger. He had to have had a mother, once upon a time; where was she now? Had she abandoned him, or had something happened to her? ...... could something happen to a God?
It seemed her beliefs were being tried by the day anymore. In the past few days she had learned so much about the beings she had once deemed all powerful; while powerful still, in her mind, they were becoming vastly more tangible on the mortal plane... and all because of one little cub.
"Perhaps it wasn't my place to frown upon your behavior, Varg, but I will not make excuses or apologies for it," Kizuka said softly after another few moments consideration. "I have not known Ushaufu as long, no, but in the short time we've been together he has come to mean a great deal to me as well."
The lioness turned her head to meet his bloody gaze, and met it with all the stubbornness--and yes, understanding--she had within her, "He had no mother before.. but if he'll accept it, he has a place here with us as well... though I will not try and seperate the two of you, if that's what you're worried about. In fact, I am very glad you're willing to share your information on both situations with me, and thank you."
Dark Fire Angel
A chuckle rang through him, this time amused, "No problem, lass... if you're to know a trickster, ask for his past," a nod followed the statement as he thrilled softly, a mere sort of chirp following it, eyes scanning the canopy for signs of the small good, "There's nothin' wrong with sharin', all I know is that he sat there, he cried for a day, and no one answered that call.... nor beast nor god," a pause, his eyes still scanning the canopy, "I shan't lie; I'm not as young as I was when I stumbled upon Cublet... my eyes have seen much," at this they clouded slightly, the first real frown coming upon his features, cold and sharp, dangerous even, "I've seen lion abandon their young, kill their young... I've seen dreadful things happen, watched them not care, watched the sun rise even despite the blood shed as if nothing had happened."
After all, that was what life was, and how it went; nothing hindered the life of others, not even such dreadful action, "Do you know what I've found out to be true and similar within all those events? No god looks over them. Gods do exist, but mostly don't linger within the actions mortal do, usually sidestepping them; something to do with free will and allowing mortals to do as their heart pleases, whether it tends to darkness... or light," still he was glaring, not at her, not at anyone in particular, but up at the branches, "Because every creature's heart has darkness... and light within it; what that creature decides to embrace is it's sole choice. No one can intervene... it's life. It's the way it works, good and evil," the glare softened down into a smile, "Because if there were no evil, how would we be ale to tell good apart from anything else?" a wing was pointed slightly towards her in a gesture, then recoiled.
Chuckles meet her words, "He won't accept it though," it was blunt as and clear as ice, however, the smile never faded from the hawk's eyes, "It's one thing for him to understand he has me to rely on for things, but that cub does not understand what it means to care, to belong, and the day it comes crashing down in front of him... mark my words, it'll be the last day you see a hair from him, because he'll run from it... run away from that warmth he's seeked like a bat straight from hell."
There was no need for him to explain why, after all, in Varg's mind it was quite clear... just like others were scared of Ushafu, not truly understanding him, the cub would be doubtlessly scared of that what he did not understood, "I have no fear... it is my goal for him to find a day in which he'll not need me; I, unlike him... am not immortally to time, lass," a ruffling of the leaves above directed the hawk's gaze up, "He can not accept that what he does not understand... if you truly do care, you'll have to be patient and wait till he calls," perhaps he'd spent too much time with the lithe god, for even the bird's words were cryptic, his wings opening as he settled up on a branch just as the green form landed gracefully with a thud on the floor, black feathers scattering briefly before the god hid his wings with an illusion.
"I saw nothing strange, stupid bird!"
The bird smirked again, or at least.. his eyes flashed, "Aye!" he chirped happily, "I saw lots!"
After all, that was what life was, and how it went; nothing hindered the life of others, not even such dreadful action, "Do you know what I've found out to be true and similar within all those events? No god looks over them. Gods do exist, but mostly don't linger within the actions mortal do, usually sidestepping them; something to do with free will and allowing mortals to do as their heart pleases, whether it tends to darkness... or light," still he was glaring, not at her, not at anyone in particular, but up at the branches, "Because every creature's heart has darkness... and light within it; what that creature decides to embrace is it's sole choice. No one can intervene... it's life. It's the way it works, good and evil," the glare softened down into a smile, "Because if there were no evil, how would we be ale to tell good apart from anything else?" a wing was pointed slightly towards her in a gesture, then recoiled.
Chuckles meet her words, "He won't accept it though," it was blunt as and clear as ice, however, the smile never faded from the hawk's eyes, "It's one thing for him to understand he has me to rely on for things, but that cub does not understand what it means to care, to belong, and the day it comes crashing down in front of him... mark my words, it'll be the last day you see a hair from him, because he'll run from it... run away from that warmth he's seeked like a bat straight from hell."
There was no need for him to explain why, after all, in Varg's mind it was quite clear... just like others were scared of Ushafu, not truly understanding him, the cub would be doubtlessly scared of that what he did not understood, "I have no fear... it is my goal for him to find a day in which he'll not need me; I, unlike him... am not immortally to time, lass," a ruffling of the leaves above directed the hawk's gaze up, "He can not accept that what he does not understand... if you truly do care, you'll have to be patient and wait till he calls," perhaps he'd spent too much time with the lithe god, for even the bird's words were cryptic, his wings opening as he settled up on a branch just as the green form landed gracefully with a thud on the floor, black feathers scattering briefly before the god hid his wings with an illusion.
"I saw nothing strange, stupid bird!"
The bird smirked again, or at least.. his eyes flashed, "Aye!" he chirped happily, "I saw lots!"
Kisoni
"As did I," The lioness whispered lowly with a slight rumble that could have been a chuckle. She reaced over the edge of the rock to scoop the cub up and lick his mane tuft. "I'm about to head out for hunting. If you're so inclined, the other two are still at the cave. Kimaji has missed her 'playmate'... or is our game not still on?"
Kizuka settled Ushaufu down on the rock, though not by her side as the bird's speech had alerted him to the growing problem. Was that why the cub had spent so much time away lately? If it was... well, Varg had a point. Forcing the issue would only cause Ushaufu to run away, and Kizuka certainly didn't want that. THough the boy was obviously able to take care of himself, that need in him wasn't going to go away.
But neither was she, the lioness decided then and there. Part of the reason that Ushaufu found the concept of care so hard to deal with was likely lack of it his life. Perhaps, just maybe, if she showed him more of it he would learn to accept it. Yes, he would run as Varg said, because the bird did know him well enough to predict him; but when he did, Kizuka would be there to follow. Perseverance worked wonders, after all.
Once she'd settled the cub on the rock, the brown and white splotched lioness found her feet again. A jawn ripped itself from her throat as she stretched out along the rock, claws extending and scraping just a little along the stone before she resheathed them. "I'll be back with dinner soon.. if you want any." Leaving that as open as she could, Kizuka nuzzled under Ushaufu's neck, gave Varg a nod and hopped down off the rock to dissapear under the canopy.
Dark Fire Angel
Even as he was swiftly gathered up from the ground, Ushaufu tensed, finding the contact oddly comforting, once more the same semi confused expression coming over his features, which soon enough melted into a mild glare as the lioness got up, "The game stands," he spoke softly, yet at the same time his words held a force backing them up and made it clear he had no intention of abandoning.
"Got'cha lass! I'll wait around... place seems to have too much to see to leave now!" this said however, the hawk spread his wings, flapping once, twice before tilting his head mid air, "Talkin' about gruv thu, I'll go get myself some too... been flying too long; there's bound to be somethin' 'round here," and with these last words, the red bird vanished through the canopy, either heading further into the drying jungle or out into the desert. Only the gods knew that, no pun intended.
Ushaufu merely glared after the departing bird before snorting softly, watching Kizuka's also departing figure. Good riddance! Was all that he could think of at the time. However he did take the time to narrow his eyes, a soft growl sounding around him, "And I intend to win..." he murmured, mostly to the vegetation around him, slinking off the rock and vanishing into the deep jungle, no doubt heading back into the cave; he had a game to play.
"Got'cha lass! I'll wait around... place seems to have too much to see to leave now!" this said however, the hawk spread his wings, flapping once, twice before tilting his head mid air, "Talkin' about gruv thu, I'll go get myself some too... been flying too long; there's bound to be somethin' 'round here," and with these last words, the red bird vanished through the canopy, either heading further into the drying jungle or out into the desert. Only the gods knew that, no pun intended.
Ushaufu merely glared after the departing bird before snorting softly, watching Kizuka's also departing figure. Good riddance! Was all that he could think of at the time. However he did take the time to narrow his eyes, a soft growl sounding around him, "And I intend to win..." he murmured, mostly to the vegetation around him, slinking off the rock and vanishing into the deep jungle, no doubt heading back into the cave; he had a game to play.
--The end
--Dated: May 13th 2006
