[ORP] Return of the Black Cat [No x Any]

[Mimsey]

(( This is eagerly open to anyone who's in No's family, knew her once, or just cares to investigate. <3 ))



Time had passed and continued to do so. It was strange letting her feet fall upon these lands. They were familiar- and yet they'd changed about as much as she had. Now the feeling of grass underneath her feet was not such a tickling comfort as it had once been. She'd haunted these places in her youth- sneaking away to the elephant graveyard like most young cubs looking to prove something. Hanging out around the waterhole, even though she still had not cured her aversion to water. But she was no longer a cub with a stiff sounding voice, nor an adolescent trying desperately to be a lioness. She had grown sleek with age, and her black fur shone like tar in the bright sun. She was sturdy looking with a long and tapering neck- but not an overtly sized lioness. She would make up for that in sleekness, much of which she owed to her parent's blood.

It seemed like a long time since they denned on pride rock. In the distance she could see it, although it was purpled in atmosphere. She would not touch it again- she knew that she was now an interloper to these lands. She smelled like desert and rogues and maybe a little bit of blood as well.

No reason to make anyone on edge. This had nothing to do with the lioness she was now, and everything to do with touching an old part of herself that she so often disregarded in speaking, but truly did adore. Her family, these great lands…

What did they think of her now, she wondered? The black sheep of the family who'd gone off on some wild notion of grandeur? Rogue queen? Maybe dead. In fact, she expected the latter most of all. Surely, when Kidondo and her had left they'd never once doubted the possibility of it. She'd known when she'd said goodbye her mother must have…

For a moment she paused. She wasn't self conscious or embarrassed, but what her family thought of her mattered. She was shaping herself to be embraced by brutal individuals, but still her family's affection she craved. She craned her sleek black neck back to the horizon, and scented for Kidondo. He must have known what she was about. They always seemed to understand one another. She didn't doubt he'd be about soon to see what manner of trouble she'd sparked.

She prowled further, crossing into the grasses until they became green with life. It was here she stopped and carefully scaled a haphazard rock to look about the pride lands. It had changed- but who expected anything else after the death of their great king? She only hoped it was for the better.

She would go no further into her homelands so as not to strike alarm. But seated where she was she leaned her head back and let a low and deep roar ring out. It was assertive and almost challenging- and it rang quite simply, "I am No. I am back."  

[DragonsRage24]

Inari's brown pelted form moved about the long grasses of the open Pridelands, his head was hung low in front of him, eyes following a seemingly unseeable trail before him, golden hues settled upon it, he wasn't sure where he was going, or what he was doing, nothing was the same anymore. Sighing his tan mane fell into his view, a scent trickled across his nose though it didn't register right away.

For a moment he thought it might be Mrost, finally coming back to see him in his adult form, alas the blue god was no where to be seen.

Who had come here, traveled her from afar? The scent lingered with familiarity yet being from a foreign land, an intruder? No, couldn't be, the silhouette he spotted before him, that voice, No, not an intruder.

"No?"

Was it possible she was back? He had waited for her to return, but days and weeks had gone by, was it her, really?

In response to her roar he raised his head, craned his neck and let a roar erupt from his throat to be carried to her. If it was her, the black No, his friend, then she might venture closer, and he could see the eyes of the one he hadn't seen for what seemed like ages.

 

[Tahja Estes]

Ausi'juu and Mosi had spent an afternoon together, discussing things, a rare occurance really. Mosi was generally uncomfortable speaking openly in front of her grandmother given her brash language, and Ausi'juu had things that weighed heavily upon her mind. The birth of Daimyn's first grandchildren (hers as well, but not her first, though the first she was there to witness) had been a blessing, but only seemed a prelude to the devastating blow that followed after. Two of their cubs had disappeared from the Pridelands, the guilt and grief that the dark lioness felt was unfathomable. Having already lost her first born to rogue hyenas, she feared the worst. With her mate already absent on his journey, the female had taken a heavy blow as it was. Her main pillar of support was gone, even if it was just temporary.

She tried not to let her thoughts remain so depressed while in Mosi's company, but both could tell it was a downhill struggle. Eventually Mosi was forced to take her leave, for duties called.

Mosi gone now, Ausi'juu had opted to sit inside the empty den, wondering where her last remaining little boys were, but trusting that they'd be home soon. The scouts were on patrol, Mosi keeping a particular watch on them. With so much family around, the good news was that they had a rather secure safety net.

Wherever they were, Ausi hoped that Yue and Sen were safe.

With No's announcement of her return, Ausi's spirits dared to lift, almost immediately. Dark ears perked, and the matriarch pulled herself to her paws, forcing some work from her contented muscles as she carried herself swiftly in the direction of her daughter's call.  

[Mimsey]

In the end- she wasn't the only one that had changed.

The deep roar that responded to her about as quickly as she herself had challenged rather impressed her. The tenacity of the pride lands was never one to be underestimated- and she couldn't help but let a smooth smile cross her face. From afar it might have seemed diabolical- but inwardly, she was pleased to know that they were perhaps more alert then even the firekin had been when Kidondo and her had entered his kingdom. That would be something which would need to be rectified…

But, perhaps that was for another discussion with her king. She wasted little time in asserting another cry- but decided it best to silence herself after that. She wanted to be bold- but not threatening. God knows, last thing she wanted to do was find herself admist enemies.

The lion whom approached her surely stopped as though she was some. Curiously the black cat shifted her neck to observe him. Young male- she scented. Pridelander, of course. Familiar… She hopped off the rock in a quick movement, but it wasn't until she came closer that she recognized the male. Her friend- it couldn't be… All grown up now!

"Inari," She reflected, coming to a stop not far from him. "It's been a long while." No caught no sound of her mother's own approach- but already there was a soft feeling in her chest seeing someone she'd only known as a cub stand in front of her about as grown as she was. In fact- the memories made her dock her ears for a moment sheepishly, recalling a time when she had confided in her friend her desire to be known and fearless.  

[Kimaria]

Yen Ha stirred. He wasn't far away. He was never far away. The sharp minded little youth was often out and about inspecting and pondering, whiling away his youth asking questions that few lions asked in a lifetime.

Then the roar sounded and he stepped towards it, enticed. No? Who was No?

He turned his head to glance where he knew his mother was and gave a mewling roar. Okay, so he needed practise. "Mother? Who is No?" But he didn't wait for a response. He dashed off as fast as his paws could take him. Catching sight of Inari and No.

He gave another mewling roar, smelling the familiar scent on the black. Then he hurtled forwards as fastas his young limbs could take him.

"Oi! Oi!" And then he misjudged the spacing and crashed headlong into Inari's back paw. "Ouch." He rubbed the scruffy fur on the top of his head and blinked up, his white fur contrasting with the lions around him.  

[DragonsRage24]

Inari could only give a warm smile to No for a moment, he remembered when they were so young how No wanted her name to be known, to be strong, how he wanted to be strong, be a warrior and make a difference. No had probably done all she wanted already, and he had not, envy went through his heart though in a god way, glad to know that No has been well.

"Yes, too long," he said deeply, his voice had grow just as he had, "Look at you though, life has treated you well No, surely and-" he went to speak but something hit his paw and he heard a voice, something smaller then he was blinking upwards towards himself.

Curiosity flourished in the pridelands.

He smiled warmly down at the smaller figure, to show it was all aright. Everything was fine, No was back, everything was well.  

[DragonsRage24]

"Mommy, mommy please?" Murasame begged, orange eyes pleading with his brown pelted mother who seemed too tire to play today, he heard a roar, then another, he wanted to know who No was! "Please momma, please?" he begged, tugged on her tail with his tiny teeth, trying to get ehr to move. "Mommy!"

"Alright, hold on," she said softly, tiredly, stretching her legs then bringing herself to stand. A flash of moving black caught her eyes as she saw Ausi'juu dash off, perhaps this No was one of Ausi's? Ai's sister?

"You can follow, I'll be right behind you alright?" Kat could see figures in the distance, one was Inari, she saw him often, such a fine lion, and hunter too, he had helped her lately with gathering food for the little ones.

"Yay!" Murasame's eyes saw Ausi, his grammy, dart off and he tore on after her, Katana'Kitsune after him. Murasame traveled as fast as his tiny paws would carry him, he wanted to catch up, maybe he could beat grammy there!

Smiling as he moved he got closer, almost hit a lighter pelted male bigger then hiself, and Inari, grinning he darted between Inari's legs as if a game, then settled himself a foot away from this No, gawking at her with big orange hues,

She was pretty, like grammy and mommy.

"H-hi," he said quietly, shyly, eyes still on her, he was nervous.

Katana came to be at Inari's side, gave him a nod and sat back, watched Murasame intently to make sure he didn't try to dart off without others knowing.

So this was No, she was curious about her.  

[Nuxaz]

Tizona had been curled up in a little ball sleeping when her brother's pleading woke her. Sleepily she cracked open an eye and let out a yawn barely catching bits and pieces of her mother and brother's conversation. It was surprising that the low deep roar hadn't woken her at first.

Rolling over to her belly she released another yawn from her maw and stretched a bit, keeping one eye on her mother. She looked away ever so briefly and when she looked back Kat was gone! Startled the brown cub scrambled to her paws and took off running out of the den. Looking around rather frantically she spotted her mother and took off running after her curious as to why they were running and where they were going.

She hadn't heard the roar after all so she had no idea what was going on.  

[Tahja Estes]

Ausi'juu slowed as she finally drew close enough to see things with her own eyes. It seemed like she was a little too late, No already had quite the crowd gathered around, including a young male that she didn't recognize, No's younger brother, nephew, sister-in-law, and niece.

Looking on, her chest seemed to grow tight from within. How many times had she wondered and hoped for the best of her daughter's well being? Even in her lowest hour she'd dared to worry about the worst, but somehow she kept faith in Kidondo's words. He'd promised to take care of No, and Ausi felt it was safe to trust the youth.

Seeing No now, alive, well, and grown...

"No...." She spoke softly, the very syllable testimant to her relief, but she wouldn't interrupt.  

[Mimsey]

No smiled, and shook her head. "If you think so, then I won't disagree a compliment." But before she could even say another word- other lions started appearing. A lioness she did not know- but trailing behind her, a cub who's black pelt told her enough. That struck her more then she thought it would. Did she have family she did not even know? It was to be expected but… she had not made provisions for such an occasion. To the lioness, No bowed her head, but her child interrupted her before she made any inquiries as to who she was.

"Hello there." She gleamed to the cub. "Who are you?" The sleek female asked, tilting her head to the side.

But, it was who appeared next- trailed by a gaggle of cubs that broke all attention from the rest of the crowd. She didn't look as well as No had hoped- maybe she imagined her mother wasn't prone to aging. Like she was immortal. But the distinctive black coat she herself had inherited shined against the green grass just as deeply as her own. No moved forward without hesitation- and for once, the bold and rebellious daughter seemed sheepish.

"Mother…" She breathed. "I thought…I would say hello." Her ears flattened, and she noted that she did not see her father with her. Nervously she leaned a bit closer, taking in her mother's scent. "It's been a long while, I'm afraid."  

[Tahja Estes]

The older female finally broke a smile, closing the distance between them then to push her forehead against No's in a fond greeting.

"It doesn't matter, what's important is that you're here now, and well. I'm glad to see you, No."

To Ausi, so long as her children were safe and well she was happy to let them lead their own lives. One of her children had come back, though she didn't think it would be permanent, she was glad all the same. Her eyes sparked with energetic youth that they hadn't known steadily for a few weeks now (only when she had family about to share company with).

She wanted to introduce some of the new faces all around, but thought it better to allow them a chance to do for themselves. Her eyes did dart over the small faces of her son and grandchildren though, and Kat as well before falling back on No. She hoped that the others would arrive soon, those of their family that yet still remained. Her other siblings, nieces and nephews.

Those were her thoughts, until a familiar roar echoed out over the lands a little late. It seemed like Jing'fei had gotten the message, and was on his way as well to see his dear sister.  

[Mimsey]

No rubbed her head up against hers, reminding herself of the familiar scent which had been the first she'd ever known. 'Best not too ask questions yet.' She thought quietly to herself. Jing's roar in the distance was a welcomed greeting- and she was glad to know her brother had returned safely from the desert border when he had escorted her and Kidondo to it. Of all her siblings, she respected her elder brother's opinion the most. He had never objected to the idea of her running off- and she had not forgotten his support.

"I am glad to see you well, mother." She breathed a short laugh, and shook her head. "I know…I've been far, but I never forgot about my family. Kidondo and I are well, and we're about for some business." Business- better to keep it at that. Nothing that her mother couldn't guess. Planning a revolution was nothing short of a bloody business. She turned towards the others gathered. "Faces…I don't even know, but I am sure I know you all." Kat particularly- she had a kind of knowing look in her eye. A new relative? Or perhaps, had one of her brother's settled down?

"I'm afraid I can't stay here long." She quickly got out of the way. "But, I just wanted to be sure everything was well."

From behind Kat- another cub came scrambling out of the bushes. This one however seemed slightly testy about the absense of his mother. Grunting, Arthas put his paws on his mother's arm and slighty pushed her. "You left mee..." He whispered, suspiciously looking over to his grandmother and the black lioness.  

[DragonsRage24]

Inari gave No a sincere smile, watched as her close family approached, and figured it was better No talked with them more then he, though he did wish to maybe catch her before she might leave again, even if it would only be to say goodbye. So Inari stayed quiet, listened to the words exchanged, and never let his smile leave his expression.

No probably wanted to seak with her family more then him anyway.

"Hii," Murasame beamed puffing his chest out and making a goofy grin, Murasame then went over to Ausi's side and purred, rubbig his tiny form against her leg then darting back to his mommy, "I'm Murasame, and this is my mommy, and thats my grammy, hi grammy!" he said waving a little paw, trying to show how brave he was talking to someone he didn't know.

Soon enough his tan pelted brother came along, and Murasame pointed to him, "Thats my brother, he looks like mommy more then me, I look like daddy," he said with a nod. "You look like daddy and grammy too!"

Kat lowered her gaze to see Arthas, smiled and purred nuzzling his brow, "I'm sorry dear, I'll make it up to you," she said with another purr. She then raised her view to give No a bow of respect as she had given to her, so No was one of Ai's sisters, wow.

"I'm Katana'Kitsune, Kat is fine, its so nice to meet you."  

[Nuxaz]

Tizona stumbled out of the bushes and caught one of her paws on an upturned root. It tripped her up and she fell to the floor. She didn't cry out, she only let a ring of giggles escape her. Glancing back and her paw she carefully unstuck it and scrambled to her paws and to her mother.

"What's going on?" She whispered her yellow eyes wide with curiosity. She followed the gaze of everyone around her and settled on the black female. She tilted her head before letting a nice big smile cross her maw. "Hai. I'm Tizona!"  

[Kimaria]

Too overwhelmed by all the lions around him. Yen Ha scrambled to his mother's side and listened to the babble of the others. He was quiet. Eyes widening only when No referred to his mother as mother also.

"Sister?" He whispered to himself. This adult was his sister? He glanced up at his mother, his huge, smokey green eyes full of questions.

How could he have had a sister he hadn't known about? Where had she been? What was she doing? Who was Kidondo? He opened his mouth to talk but again words from others drowned out his tiny voice and he sat, watching.

It seemed he would never get to ask his questions.