[PRP] Strength Alone Is Not Enough (Mteketezo x Kali)

[Kijani]

Already as the early afternoon progressed the sands were scorched, set a-blaze with heat which long chased away nights unforgiving chill. The vigilant sun continued to bask the sands with its heat as temperatures soared making the yearning for thirst all the more difficult to resist and, eventually, had drawn out the young lioness from out of her den and out toward the watering hole. Mteketezo'roho was still adjusting to her new life but she had learned quickly that here, within the Simo, if it wasn't the lack of food or water that wouldn't kill you then it would be the elements; the days of merciless, brutal heat and the evenings of bitter cold that felt as if it penetrated straight to ones bones. Nimble paws padded across the sands, balancing atop its shifting surface while the sun's warmth blanketed her figure. Although she had only been within the Simo for a short time, Mteke was starting to feel that she was adjusting well although perhaps it was obvious for her to stick out amongst the pride as more often than not it seemed her cofidence of meandering the sands often became faultly and send her into a heap of limbs, fur and sand. Though she may have conquered small aspects one step at a time, Mteke knew whole heartedly that there still was, and would be, much to learn.

Her journey among the sands and the Simo had only begun.

Vibrant, light violet orbs narrowed ahead to where the watering hole sat just as relief seemed to stir the feeling of anticipation. Unlike the Rougelands or even the Pridelands, anywhere, water was a precious resource that couldn't so easily be restored nor replenished. Kidondo had previously taught her that a precious resource, a life giving resource, could not be abused or else one could expect grievous consequences. Again, such a thing only seemed to testify what a lion had to be comprised of physically and mentally to live within the barren lands. Strength was evident, wasn't it? Those whose blood ran pure of the Simo were large- dwarfing others easily in comparison with their muscular and stocky frames. But was strength everything or was there more to it?

Mteke approached te watering hole slowly, solemnly with respect as she crouched close- body lowering to the sands as her maw hoovered over the water. For a moment she looked at her reflection, straining her eyes. Kidondo had said that she was strong, that she, Mteke, had veins that flew with the determination and heart of one who was pure of blood. As it seemed that Kidondo was convinced, Mteke still was trying to find that inside of her.

Did she really have what the sands required of her or would she be rejected when the time came? Her soul was desperate to fight alongside the Simo and for causes she believed in yet what if she wasn't as strong as them? Physically she wan't so much a competitor and even her own anemic and amnesia plauged mind had the upper hand at times but even so she was determined. All that she could ask for was that others would see her as an equal but such a thing was to be determined sooner or later, she silently thought.

Exhaling softly as small rippled waked across the waters surface, her mess of black fur atop her head fell in front of her eyes. The lioness wished her head slightly, whisping the plush fur from out of her eyes as she began to drink.

Sooner or later it would all work out.  

[Kijani]

That sensation of water parching a barren thirst was more than comforting, perhaps it almost felt as if a reassurance or even a small burden was cast from off of her composure. Mteke's brows knitted slightly as she drank slowly while violet orbs stared into her own reflection- a reflection whose appearance was becoming older; it was easy to say she wasn't the once bumbling cub she use to be. Since coming to the desert Mteke had not only changed in appearance but the desert itself had changed her both mentally and physically. Granted that she still was adjusting to life in the barren, sun soaked lands but she was becoming more and more suited to the harsh climate and the tempered elements which battered against those of the sands day and night. A small smile couldn't help but curl upon her maw if only for a moment- wouldn't Ezriel be proud?

But even before she could contemplate on the behemoth male of which she left behind, an unfamiliar scent seemed to linger across a passing breeze. Mteketezo flicked her ears as she rose her head upward, slowly drawing her eyes across the sands before the one approaching came clear into view.

It was a lioness.

A rather large in stature lioness.

As it was common knowledge that the Firekin were massive in size, it seemed as if the lioness approaching surpassed such a standard. If only to add to her intimidation factor, the lioness was also cladded with a bone mask and other bone adornments. Yes, that itself seemed to scream warrior and a great contendor! But perhaps more alarming was the protruding claws that stuck out from her paws- a fierce reminder and show, perhaps, to others that they would be silly, foolish even, to think that they could rise against her. Still new and with having little exposure to those of the Simo, Mteke bit her bottom lip slightly as a breath exhaled from out of her nostrils. It wasn't fear that she felt- no, not a hesitant feeling. It was more like looking up to someone and wanting to be like them in a way; wanting to be strong, cunning and embody what the desert had taught them along with how the desert had molded them into the individual they had become. Mteke felt awe and even still with being so 'fresh' into the desert, she could only feel that there was still much, much more she had yet to come to know firsthand although, at the same time, she was somewhat apprehensive but she would make the best of such an encounter.

As the lioness approached, Mteke let a small, warm smile cross her maw as she dipped her head with due respect. In comparison, she was the lower rank and thus it only felt right to give respect and leeway to one who was not only older but larger as well. But whatever the typical normalicy was, it seemed the best answer was to make way.

"Afternoon," she greeted, tail swaying with ease behind her. The lioness scooted down a bit, offsides of the watering hole as she allowed easy access for the other. Her nostrils intook a deep breath, tempering the curiosity as well as the stir of emotions that bubbled up inside of her.  

[Kijani]

Between the silence, Mteke found herself to be silently note taking. Having watched the other lioness's posture and her stature one could be certain that she carried herself with a bold grace, a powerful composition which was that of a warrior and bore a confidence which never waivered nor waned. Her brows knitted slightly as violet orbs looked down to the sands, staring at her paws as she seemed to slowly draw her eyes upwards to inspect the body she inhabited; it was small, lanky somewhat although training under Ezriel had done little to etch and define muscles beneath her fur. For the moment it felt as if she was looking at the standard, the expectation, of what many warriors were to become- a powerful, deadly combatant whose bold and unbridled passions drove them forward. But being only an adolescent whose appearance was rather undefined in such aspects it was only evident that the 'transformation' had yet to happen.

It wouldn't be easy, Mteke knew that. Was anything ever easy? No. There was never such a thing as a 'free lunch'. But becoming a skilled opponent and a worthy warrior would take time, training and a lot of damn effort. But even so she craved it, there mere thought of it caused a yearning, driven sensation to stir inside of her. She wanted so badly to run alongside those of the Simo, fighting against whatever opponents surfaced and being part of the strength of their army but before that it was evident that, again, there was still a long road ahead.

Mteketezo intook a small breath through her nostrils, tail swaying within the sands with a slither as the heat of the warm sands felt comforting, reassuring and rather pleasent. But it seemed that as the other lioness had finished drinking that silence, at last, was broken. The young adolescents ears perked upwards as violet hued orbs became attentive, staring into the red eyes that hid behind the rams mask. For a moment, she was somewhat contemplative- pursing her lips slightly.

"Yes," she replied. "Surrendering leaves no opportunity to test your limits or the boundaries. But when one is at a disadvantage and unfamiliar with a situation it would seem that the best option is to observe or learn through trial and error." Exhaling, the adolescent seemed to feel a bit more relaxed as a warm smile trailed across her maw.

The one before her seemed more than well versed in Simo life as well as the life of a warrior and Mteke was curious.

"You're quite a skilled warrior from what I can tell- from your posture and body language its obvious that you have lived at the battles edge and certainly thrive. How long have you been part of the Simo?"

Picking up on body language and the posture of others, no matter how subtle it would appear, was something that the adolescent was rather keen on. Just like on the battlefield, it was important to not only come to know your enemies but it was just as important, if not more, to know those around you. The lioness before her was strong, a powerful individual whose body language was fluid in reading something along the lines of a warrior who was unceasing, relentless and carried a keen sense of knowledge and experience; one who certainly not to be taken lightly. Aside from fighting physically, there were other tactics that strayed away from claws and fangs that were just as effective for the mind was a powerful thing, a tool which could be weilded in ways that could both alleviate a situation or give an individual an edge. Reason, at times, could be just as effective as a bite to ones jugular.  

[Kijani]

The fur on her back bristled slightly as she narrowed her eyes. Somehow in part ever still a cool demeanor kept its composition. Warriors and others whose hearts were strung out so far to the battles edge were consumed with rage, agression that was easily provoked. It seemed that others had to constantly prove their strength, intimidating others just to make a damn point here and there. But was that strength? No. Strength was much more than brute force; strength was a well rounded trait that so happened to involve claws and fangs but there were aspects that others often seemed to forget- a part of an equation that seemed to lack and inhibit the chance for greater results.

Mteke lifted her violet orbs upwards, intaking the sounds of clanking bones as she knitted her brows slightly. It was unecessary to growl for what was there to threaten? Although one could easily say that there was not a fierceness about her, Mteketezo bore it except in a rather different way. Rebellion had taught her well and such training was coming into effect.

"I would have danced the dance," she simply replied.

In the back of her mind it seemed rather foolish as to raise hell against another member of ones pride but, granted, the Firekin were unique- one would think silly spats against another would be a waste of time. Such energies were well spent persuing greater things, weren't they? But it was obvious, perhaps moreso now, that the older lioness was one who was educated and thrived by the battles edge and such reasoning, as well as logic, was divulged from personal experiences. Though there could be common threads amongst such beliefs and experiences, Mteke had her own just like the lioness did. She was already certain that the other portrayed her as weak yet that itself didn't manifest much; to judge a book by its cover alone, let alone a fault, often left one exposed and weakened into not fully knowing whether the novel in front of them truly had a tale to tell or important information that, perhaps soone or later, could become valuable.

The lioness was molded, crafted and forged under the principles of standing up for what she believed in, fighting for a cause and doing whatever needed to be done to fight against the oppressors, to tear down totalitarian rule and start a revolution. Strength, of all things, was needed but one also had to be quick on their paws with speculating the situation, the antagonists and proposed stratagies. But even so a greater need called for reasoning and the ability to predict the moves of ones opponent and even manipulate the other side to bend just a bit which enabled a lead over the other. To the outside it seemed as if rebellion was a sticky situation or even rising up against oppression was something that was more than one intended to bite but to Mteke it was simple- it was everything.

Relaxing her shoulders while her tail swayed behind her, the adolescent somehow let a small smile slither across her lips.

"The best way for trial and error is to watch others, lifes lessons are best viewed when others make the mistake. But as for stepping aside, that was not something of trial and error- that was a choice and a show of respect. Something that is not weakness nor foolish." Mteke stood there, standing tall and unwaivering. It was her decision to move- a small gesture to show respect. If it wasn't reciprocated well then that was the choice of the other and it was, simply, out of her paws. "Perhaps such a thing doesn't wax in confidence but it shows loyalty and honor to those who have served under the army and those of the Simo. An individual will not get very far if they treat themselves as an island- if there is to be strength there needs to be unity so that power can thrive."

She didn't expect an answer at all and, truthfully, Mteke wasn't surprised that one was not given. The adolescent flexed her paws while a warm breeze filtered through her black mess of hair atop her head while calm pools of violet leveled with the crimson eyes of the older lioness.  

[Kijani]

Such a laughter which rose from the larger lioness was dark, eerie even, but it was welcomed. It was something that was, strangely enough, satisfying. The younger lioness bore the skills which would one day would pit an intruder or rival against a warrior whose blood ran with the fire of the Simo. Alongside Ezriel, Mteketezo hadn't sharpened or honed in on the skills which were engraved within her knowledge but here, alongside those of the pride, Mteke would finally release the bridle from off of her potential and unleash the warrior, the rebel, within.

Knitting her brows, the lioness gave a nod of her head. "Yes. I can't deny that I have lacked pride in myself but I am certain here that I will be able to harness that which I have been missing. Even if it means being roughed up and beating a few asses here and there."

Mteke smiled, if not grinning just a bit.

Respect was important. Perhaps it could be said that respect was the life blood that was needed for an individual to define themselves as well as to bolster and give strength to their pride. But just as potent as respect was, the lack of it could be detrimental and lead one self to a lowly, pathetic and empty feeling; a burden which pulled even the brightest into utter darkness. The young lioness could be seen as one who faultered because she put others before herself but, in a sense, it was true that it could be a downfall it was something which she had simply adapted from her mentor. In truth, she had respect for herself but she had been subject to being susceptible to lacking faith in herself. Although challenge after challenge had only proved her, time and time again, that she was capable of anything. The struggle against herself was a small brawl, more docile than it once was, yet it still was potent. But here- with persistence and determination, Mteke would re-define herself as both an individual and a member of the Simo.

"I still have a hell of a lot to learn but perhaps one day you could teach me a lesson or two. Run me into the ground, break me- whatever you need to do. I need to learn firsthand what I can endure and what I'm capable of."

It was a task that couldn't be done alone. The younger lioness needed someone to push her, someone to beat it out of her. Yes, it would be painful and tiring but, in the end, it would be worth it. Certainly a lioness whose blood ran with the need for war and brawls would be a good candidate in helping another endure such a grueling experience. Although Mteke's mind was molded and created for that of strategy and tactics, she wanted to be just as useful as a fighter. There would be nothing more rewarding than being someone who was a double threat to the battlefield.

Was it foolish to ask a large in stature, powerful lioness to assist her with a much needed trial? No, at least not in Mteke's logic.

She needed practice in sparring and fighting and with no knowledge of what her limitation was then it could only be determined by a series of trials and well needed experimental lessons. The way in which the older lioness carried herself and spoke screamed respect and how could Mteke not give that of which was had been rightfully earned? The one before her was both experienced and knowledgeable of fighting and war; it was something that Mteke herself hoped to acquire and be able to demonstrate through how she carried herself and the way in which she performed out on the battlefields.

"I want to find my limits so I can test and push the boundaries," she added. "It might be a fun opportunity for you to get your claws dirty."

Mteke knew what she was asking for ant the end result could, more than likely, be more intense and aggressive than anticipated. But that makes it all the better. Whether or not the offer was tempting for the other, as the younger lioness could assume that she perhaps had more exciting things to do, it was one of the things Mteke had been waiting to finally cross off her list.

It would be one of the first steps taken which would start Mteketezo on her journey to not only finding herself but finding whatever it was that laid in wait within her.  

[Kijani]

Mteke watched intently, her tail swaying behind her as the older lioness's expression seemed almost captivated with such a proposition. The way that nearly feral, fanged smile slid across her maw was reason enough to believe that the chances were high and, perhaps, she could be undertaken as a student if only to learn the art of war. Her mind simply raced, flooded with the ideas of what could happen; hell, there was a chance that she could be rendered useless and pathetic but wasn't that always a chance? Learning to dance the dance of war wasn't easy- it was strategic, meticulous and required a persistent endurance. She could feel her claws knead within the sands as that gritty texture sifted between her toes. She too, as the older lioness spoke, could only feel a rather small grin curl across her lips, fangs glistening in view for only a moment before she nodded, closing her eyes.

"I wouldn't have asked you to undertake me if I thought you were easy," Mteke replied. "Being trained under someone easy would be a waste of time- I'd rather be broken in then left standing without a scratch."

What good would it do the younger lioness if she had found someone who was lenient, merciful or even compassionate? War was an element that was brutal, straightforward and demanded ones all and if one didn't put out what was required then the likely scenario often resulted in death or, perhaps, an event where one was left longing for death rather than living. The demand for soldiers, warriors, whose talents were refined in the refiners fire of excellence were like treasured jewels- flawless, excellent and stood apart from the rest. That's what she craved; the be refined to such an extent where she could represent her new found pride and others of whose footsteps she followed. This would be the start where both fire and sand would meld with her blood, running through her veins with an unceasing, hell bent determination. When choosing such a route there was no turning back, no second thought or escape that would pull her free; by committing herself Mteke was choosing a way of life which would become a passion, a burning desire alongside that of a rallying cause and, dare say, an obsession. It would become something that would help define herself as an individual as well as a worthy member of the Simo.

Even before asking the lioness, Mteke was well aware that seeking such a path would require everything of her. She would be bloodied, battered and frustrated at times but never was giving up an option.

This would become her life.

Leveling her light, violet hued eyes up towards the lioness's pools of crimson, Mteketezo'roho nodded. A broader grin stretched across her maw.

"Ready and waiting."  

[Kijani]

Lightly kissed violet orbs watched as it seemed a transformation was at hand; that grin upon the others face had become darkened, savage as Mteke could only assume that the surge of adrenaline and a deadly concoctions of emotions began to take hold of the other, putting her into a mental lock down of focus which was not only deadly but held its own keen sense of awareness and warrior tactics. Watching as black claws seemed to knead within the sands, the lioness narrowed her gaze and flared her nostrils. Something was beginning, anyone who had trained or knew of brawls and whatnot could sense it but it was when it would begin which was unanswered. The muscles that bound her body tensed, reserving their energy and waiting for the commencement while those in her back legs shifted slightly, leaning back to take more weight much like a spring; they were becoming taunt and building pressure for whatever was to be. Did she regret this decision? No. She needed it, craved it. Mteke knew well that she wouldn't gain ground or experience had she simply not inquired or asked for training from an individual who seemed less 'qualified'. It was certain that there were a plethora of others who, within the Simo, were talented in the aspects of war but the older lioness before her simplly wasn't just qualified, it was what she lived and breathed; war, fighting, was certainly, from what Mteke could tell, was what made her a ruthless opponent and a desired trainer.

The sudden warning was the only indication of the beginning. Mteke gritted her jowls together as she exhaled, ears pinning back against her skull as she quickly hoisted her body low before back paws all but sprang from off the ground- her body catapulting itself mid level for a side hit. Her claws unsheathed themselves and sought to land a mark as she swiped but her body seemed to jerk slightly as, like a grapple, she could feel her motion stifled as claws latch into her shoulders. It was that sudden sensation of pain, that first strike, which often was the hardest to move against or through. Often ones body would become numbed by adrenaline and riled emotions and perhaps in the process Mteketezo hadn't focused enough.

A snarl flashed across her maw, teeth bared as a tongue ran across her fangs. There were several options yet most of them resulted with being caught in a hold and most likely being rendered useless faster than a blink of an eye. In this scenario there was no good solutions that caused her to take the offensive side- not without an opportunity that was smart in strategy aside from something reckless. As her back legs hunkered down to the ground as weight shifted to the balls of her back paws, Mteke suddenly thrust herself forward as her weight and motion directed themselves at the females stomach head first.

Perhaps the sudden onset of momentum, propulsion and weight would be just the trick to thwart the others balance and give her a chance to devise something. For now it seemed that defense was the best solution. But whatever the outcomes or whatever newly earned scars would grace her body Mteke welcomed them.

Come what may and love it, right?

In time the wounds would heal and some would leave a mark forever as a reminder yet knowledge- knowledge was infinite and would never wither nor rust. Obtaining skills and knowledge such as this was worth more than anything and temporary pain could never cause her to back down.

This was the life she chose and, thus, the life she sought to life. There was no looking back now. It had already begun and she had already taken her first step onto the road to becoming a greater warrior.  

[Kijani]

Her attempt was futile and if only to reprimand her for such a mistake it seemed no sooner that a searing pain tore at her side, that ever warm liquid running down her side as the younger lioness seethed. Mteke's muzzle bunched together as she bore her fangs, ears flattening against her skull. Her mind scorned quietly, cursing itself for such a novice mistake which had incurred the first of many scars which would mark her. Perhaps this would be the last time which the lioness would appear unscathed and clean- abstained from an unkempt and roguish appearance as this scar was to be the first of which would mark her as a soldier but as a formidable opponent. Although the journey before her had only just begun Mteketezo'roho was well on her way. At both impact and being dealt a forceful blow the lioness reeled back, staggering as her jowls clenched together and the once faint violet orbs seemed to deepen and narrow towards the older lioness. It was predictable, it was a foolish move. For a moment she caught her breath, panting as her side ached but in the heat of battle, or even when in a sparring match, there was no time to sulk nor reflect on ones injuries. This was no different; she had to put all of her attention and concentration forward.

Mteke didn't respond as she stood in silence, stepping back as it became apparent that by the look of the others posture that another assault attack geared in the offense was being prepared. The cogs of her mind seemed to reel, in taking the situation and surveying what she could do to either make the proceeding attack the perfect ploy for her own tactic or do something, anything at this rate, to gain the upper paw. As the few moments were winding down it seemed she was struck with an idea- it just might work. It was crazy but damn she'd try it!

What other choice did she have? It seemed sometimes in battle one had to become creative or simply break the barriers of what had yet to be tested or even formulated when it came to tactics on the battlefield.

This was certainly one of those times where elusive, if not untested, measures were needed.

Her chest tightened as Kali lunged along with fangs bared, glistening with the relentless rays of the sun along with black talons that certainly sought to find a fleshy, choice spot of where such devastating devices could latch into. That moment seemed to feel as if it had become translated into slow motion; Kali was jumping towards her and her body seemed to focus, unfolding the scene before her while her weight shifted to her back legs. As tension and pressure mounted within the confines of her muscles and tendons the younger lioness leapt out towards the side, paws skidding into the sands as her body whipped around- her motion being redirected into a turn. Although the motion happened just as the other leapt Mteke felt as if it had spanned out a minute or two. Positioned on the outside it was then that Mteke'tezo lunged. Her maw was open, gaping while paws outstretched and searched for a grappling point as her form sought to make contact to the lioness's side or, as hoped, her back.

It was a longshot.

There was something that sought to be unearthed, uncovered from captivity and enabled to be unleashed; that beast inside, that inner strength sought to at last see the light of day and, with time, be able to become harnessed and a constant companion to the red ans white female. It sought to be tempered, refined by the sparring of blood, sweat and claws and fortified by the sands of the merciless desert. Underneath her rather small and meek appearance there was a soul who not only sought to prove itself but was determined, even hell bent, to become both a skillful and potent individual.

This feeling, this need- she was beginning to crave it even more.

She liked it. She wanted it. She needed it.