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 Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:36 am
But if Sakata has his way, that offshoot will be trampled, pulled from the ground, and burned before it gets that chance. The attack on his children has hardened the Warleader, and from the moment he laid eyes upon Kali'ari his focus changed. Aggressive scouting missions into the Dhati reveal names, and tactical assaults result in injured opponents. Injured opponents who return with a message for Magadi’Afya.
The rumoured disappearance of the so-called Queen of the Dhati works to Sakata's advantage. He wants his child returned to him, and they want their Queen. What they don't know, of course, is that he doesn't have Ufahami'tatuka. If all goes according to plan, his cub will be returned to him by the time the Dhati learn of his treachery.
So now Sakata waits, in the appointed place at the appointed time, with his Veterans and several members of the pride arranged behind him. His Queen - the true Queen - has remained within the pridelands with their cubs and a contingent of trusted warriors. The decision to remain behind was a difficult one for Jinichongo, as her desire to confront the fiends who attacked their children and their pride nearly outweighed her mother's instinct to guard her remaining offspring.
Impatient and burning with barely-restrained fury, he roars to signal his presence. And to call the Dhati King to him.[[OOC - Feel free to assume that your pride member is present, or (at the very least) that he/she is fully aware of the events that transpired during the first direct encounter between the rulers of the Mizi and the Dhati.]]
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Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 2:23 pm
Magadi paused where he was, feeling rather than seeing the mass of the Dhati behind him and the comfort of Malaika at his side. Since his queen had disappeared (or rather, been taken from him) she had been a great comfort to him. Now he was about to walk out to confront a familiar face, a familiar and very dangerous face. No time could make him forget the ambitious Veteran that so sought to climb ranks. As much anger as he held towards the Mizimu for stealing his beloved, he could only imagine the wrath he was about to walk into for being accused of harming a cub of that brute's blood. He let out an irritable sigh at that thought, his eyes momentarily closing as he tried to gather in some form of peace. Why on earth couldn't they have just picked someone else's cub? It would have made this whole scene much easier.
As that unmistakable roar shook the air around him, Magadi's eyes snapped back open to face the world he was trying to escape for just one moment. Without a second glance to anyone around him, he moved forward to stand at the edge of ravine, directly across from the male he may have once been very close to if circumstances had been.. different. His face was calm, despite his anger at the loss of his mate, and the fact that he was facing the pride he had declared his enemies so many moons ago. He should have been feeling fear, hatred, rage - but they were tightly bound and stuffed down. For now, there was the matter of the diplomacy, even if it was naught but a front for the time being.
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Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 7:35 am
"So it is you," he intones, his voice low and thick with disappointment. It's far too easy for the Warleader to remember a time when he respected the elder lion - both as his superior, and as a lion. So standing here, with the Mizimu'Tungika behind him and the traitorous Dhati behind their so-called King... it's affecting him more than he would like. For a moment he considers what drove Magadi away - love, and fear of losing that love - and then his gaze slides across the lions behind the King and his heart hardens.
Their coats are glossy, their sides smooth. Well-fed on game stolen from the lands of the Mizimu'Tungika. Sakata does not have to look behind himself to know what Magadi sees. Haggard faces, ribs showing through, paws blistered from traveling to find food for starving cubs. And yet, Sakata does not have to look behind to know what Magadi cannot see - eyes bright with determination, hearts swelling with pride and anger. After seasons spent struggling against an unknown and cowardly foe, the spirit-bound are ready to rise to the challenge.
The desire to inquire after the fate of his daughter is almost overwhelming, especially after his scan of the Dhati reveals neither her nor the face of the betrayer. But he does not ask, and his expression reveals none of his anxiety. All things in time. It wouldn't be wise to be so eager, to play his hand this early.
The Warleader leans forward, almost imperceptibly, "Are you ready to bring this to an end?"
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Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 12:51 pm
For a moment, the words of the Warleader swept over the King and were lost upon his ears. The crowd of Mizimu before him represented hope - hope that his mate was unharmed and alive. A quick scan of the corrupt, treacherous souls before him revealed that his beloved was no where in site. His face hardened at the realization, though he tried hard not to pass judgment upon them - and it was so very, very hard not to pass judgment upon such a 'pride'. Perhaps this was merely another strategy of Sakata's, hiding her until he had Magadi where he wanted him.
What he did see was the damage that his pride had done with their hunting raids, the protruding ribs, and almost.. wild expressions left upon their faces because of it. It was sickening, in a way, but Magadi realized quickly that he may have underestimated them. He felt a sudden fear of realization swelling within him at the sight of their eyes, and he wondered if Sakata had taken a bad situation and used it to his advantage. Why hadn't he thought to calculate this? A deprived lion could be dangerous.
His eyes swung back to Sakata, betraying none of his emotions as he held his head high. "Were you expecting someone else?" he asked, the words flowing calmly as he met eyes with the large male standing across from him. Sakata had many things to his advantage, and it was not going too far to say that once Magadi had feared never making it to warleader because of the younger brute. He squared his shoulders, as if he were steeling himself against a physical attack, though it was simply an attempt to bury his anxiety further down lest it break his composure. "I'm ready to face the inevitable, Sakata."
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 1:03 am
 On that very morning, bright, blazing orange eyes had opened along to the coming of the sun; a most prominent member of the Dhati did not fare well in quelling her restlessness in spite of the day. Much time had been spent planning for this meeting, irrevocable actions were made, and the only one who was really aware of all the intricacies that propelled the plot forward was Malaika; this was the day she had been waiting for a long, long time.
When Magadi had arisen, Malaika was undoubtedly beside him providing a shoulder to lean on, and as always, her quick mind to dispense advice. It was all she could do after Ufahami went "missing". It didn't take much effort on her part to comfort the leader as soon as she herself confirmed the obvious disappearance of the Dhati's queen with her Sight, even taking the time to stroll around scouting for her. Any sign of Ufahami's presence had surprisingly vanished without a trace; the constantly present vultures that swept through the Dhati and Mizimu lands would have no doubt removed any. As a result of the obvious loss, Magadi's blindness in his obsession towards the Mizimu only shifted to blindness from his upset, which made it easier to inform the Dhati that the blame laid on their enemy.
With all the attention riled up for their captive queen on the their distant past pride, Malaika found a safe haven for Kizuka to reside in with the only brat she managed to carry. Although she expected the entire litter in her grandeur plan, just one seemed to be enough to provoke the wrath of the large hulk of lion called Sakata. No setbacks presented themselves to the grand scheme, but that was what the darkened lioness knew was going to happen all along.
So on her walk with Magadi towards the horizon line, towards the distinct blur of lions she once knew, Malaika kept a brave silence in support of the Dhati's king. The walk towards the crux of their war was an enduring moment; this moment had been impending for many moons, and the march of many paws towards the Mizimu was still a part of that imminence. It was when the Mizimu's king's roar broke the stillness of the air that a smile thinned out on the black female's mouth, watching Magadi proceed forward to face Sakata across the ravine. Through that, she saw her hard work begin to come to fruition.
Words were exchanged, and Malaika waited until Magadi had his say. She walked up then, positioning herself barely behind him to his side, and encouraged softly, "The Dhati are ready and with you, Magadi. We will get Ufahami back from that oaf Sakata and end him. We will not hesitate, we will prevail."
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 6:10 am
The inevitable... Sakata snorts loudly in disgust, as his gaze moves past Magadi and falls upon the dark-pelted lioness who saunters to his side. So the rumours of the Queen's disappearance and the rise of this dark royal cousin are true. "I see you wasted no time in replacing your love," he sneers, eyes narrowed to thin slits.
So many betrayers. It's becoming visibly difficult for the Warleader to contain his rage at seeing the ranks of dissenters before him. His claws flex, digging into the hard-packed earth, and he steps to the edge of the ravine. Muscles tensed, quivering and ready, it almost looks like he's ready to leap into action and begin the attack unannounced. But then he forces himself to calm, forces his claws to retract, forces his expression to return to his typical bland, neutral mask.
In that brief lapse a few things become apparent. First, it seems that Sakata has been feeling the lack of prey as well; beneath thick muscles, his ribs are clearly visible. Second, the Warleader has been feeling the emotional strain of these troubling times; the wild look in his eyes comes and goes as his self-control wavers. And third, his pride is keen and ready to leap into action at a moments notice. Their movements mirror his own, their claws at the ready.
"Enough of this. I want my child, Magadi'afya. Return her to me, and we will let your 'pride' leave in peace."
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Posted: Fri Oct 16, 2009 10:49 pm
 Off in the distance, Tukutu was cheerfully bringing in tow a very special surprise to present to the gathering group. It had done quite a bit of planning and scheming, but the Dhati were far too trusting and far too foolish when it came to the goddess's tricks.
Thanks to Tapelo for overhearing several interesting conversations, Tukutu had figured out the treachery of the Dhati, as well as the mysterious disappearance of both parties' lost members.
Which of course, only made her more cheerful, as she was fully aware she was walking into a situation where both sides would undoubtedly be very sour with one another when each of them realized the other lacked what the other thought they had possessed!
It was tempting to show her true self, especially knowing Sakata would be there, but that special occasion would have to wait for another day. No, the event planned for today was already large enough to gather its own attention, and rightfully so.
Minutes passed, and at long last Tukutu spotted the gathered group. Both sides looked terrible, all that glaring and scowling at one another... no, it wouldn't do. Wouldn't do at all.
"Hold up, hold up!" The disguised goddess called out to the group, hoping she was now in earshot of them all. "I believe you're missing someone for your meeting!"
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Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 2:33 pm
Magadi felt strength well up in him from Malaika's words, his fears smoothing, and taking courage from her confidence. She was a force to be reckoned with, a force that stood by him and helped him rally the rest of his pride in dire times. Times without their shining beacon of hope. His eyes flickered momentarily away from Sakata, to look at the dark royal cousin. He spoke no words, merely nodded, a momentary confidence spilling over him.
Momentary, because Sakata knew how to ruin a good situation. As those hateful words met Magadi's ears, his dark eyes turned to look back up at the Mizimu's warleader, confidence and calm replaced with something wild. That precarious wall he had built around his anxiety and emotions cracked, and a seething ripple of rage swelled out to consume him. His body tensed as he narrowed his eyes on Sakata, his claws flexing, and he too appeared as if he was about to charge across the ravine and straight into the devil's clutches. "Don't you dare insinuate such a thing," his words came out nearly in a growl, but there were comprehensible enough, "as for your cub, you may have her when I get Ufahami." He was, however, hardly under the impression that he and his pride were just going to walk out of here.
It wasn't until the lioness below spoke that he realized anyone was there at all, being too distracted in his anger with Sakata. When she did speak, however, a little of Magadi's rage subsided. What did her presence here mean? He knew she had no loyalty to the Mizimu, but did that make her their ally, or just an independent party? His head was beginning to hurt from trying to understand all these riddles, especially if he now had to factor in such a force as the female standing below them. He grunted, too softly for Sakata to hear across the ravine, but surely loud enough for Malaika at his side.
Still, he wasn't going to be openly rude to one he recognized as a great spirit - even in the midst of war (perhaps especially so) he didn't wish to anger her. "I wasn't aware we were expecting a third party," he called down, acknowledging her while attempting to keep an eye on Sakata at the same time.
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Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:34 am
The tension between the two large males is so thick, so charged with anger and anxiety. It's invigorating, Sakata realizes, to feel this alive and ready. Invigorating, and a little intoxicating; he almost leaps right into battle when he sees Magadi's response to his taunt. But reason prevails, and the Warleader allows himself an inwardly-direct smirk of pleasure at having ruffled his rival's emotions so easily.
"Then it seems we are at a stalemate, because you won't see your--"
And then, an interruption. A very, very unwelcome interruption. He knows that voice all too well, with its taunting lilt and teasing words. Fear grips him then, holding his heart in its clutches - is she here to reveal his dark secret for all to know? At least Jini isn't here... but then word would get back to her, inevitably. And wouldn't it be better for her to find out--- no. No, the scheming b***h can't be here for that reason, now is not the time nor the place. It has to be about something else.
So before Malaika has a chance to offer her opinion on the situation, Sakata calls down to the disguised goddess. "What are you doing here?"
He'll err on the side of caution and politeness, since Magadi seems surprisingly calm about this unexpected intrusion. Could it be that he knows her?
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Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2009 11:56 pm
The edginess that wore itself on Sakata's body did much to wash away the dark lioness's pursed lips when his uncouth insult was thrown towards herself and Magadi. It was apparent that he was not above quips to ease what anticipation he had from seeing all the Dhati embodied. That was enough to brush any jeer off that came from the opposing side.
Malaika was ready to begin her part in assisting Magadi in this "consultation" with Sakata until something at the corner of her eyes began tugging at her attention. Black with dull, vague orange stripes seemed to appear below the two forces, and her eyes narrowed at the intrusion. She wasn't very sure who the stranger was - or whether she had any relevance, any importance at all in the present matter. But as soon as others had taken notice, she heard Magadi's brief grunt and was immediately perplexed. She had taken it upon herself to be involved in the Dhati's matters - it was what she had to do to put herself in front and in control. And here Magadi was acknowledging the intruder, as if she wasn't insignificant enough to be ignored in face of the very present Sakata and Mizimu in front of them?
Malaika was very confused, but did well to hide her anxiety by keeping still. After all, it could just have been a foolish lioness that never really joined the Dhati, or perhaps she was one of those scouts who drifted in and out, reporting to lower ranks. Leave it to the witless to make such a display between two powers at such a time.
"It'd be best to not meddle right now, especially from where you are standing, lioness," she suggested calmly from her place.
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Posted: Thu Dec 17, 2009 1:18 am
"I'd like to beg otherwise, friend," Tukutu called back with a smile as she neared the huddled group. All of their faces revealed the anger, the tension, the loathing. This was not a gathering of friends, far from opposite of such. "Especially when the life of a little one is at stake, yes?"
She moved to the side, revealing behind her the small cub, frightened and unsure... that is, until she saw her father's face.
Smiling, Tukutu nodded her head as she ushered the cub towards Sakata before her face turned towards the dark lioness, the smile still evident. "But you would know that already, wouldn't you, Malaika? After all, wasn't it you responsible for the cub's disappearance in the first place? Or was that some other plot that you may have had with your Queen? Tell me, Malaika, what have you done with your Queen?"
Still smiling that damnable smile, Tukutu plopped her rump down onto the ground, eager with anticipation as to hear the poor lioness's response to her questioning.
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Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:15 am
A soft frown pulled itself over Magadi's maw at Malaika's reaction to the great spirit below, a cold fear settling in his stomach. Reprimanding Malaika would show a flaw in their composure, yet Magadi had to fight every instinct in his body not to turn and tell her to watch her tongue. He only hoped that the disguised goddess would take mercy upon them despite Malaika over-stepping her place.
Sadly, it appeared otherwise.
At first Magadi simply stared on in confusion. Well, this had all been a terrible mix-up hadn't it? The goddess had the cub all along! Then the great spirit's words began to sink in and Magadi felt that fear in his belly begin to swell. Only it was not longer fear, it was morphing into a red hot anger, pouring through his veins and setting his blood to boil. It wore away at the cracks in his composure, tore at his carefully held walls, and all at once the King's barely-held facade came tumbling down in a fit of anger.
There was a traitor.
He was snarling before he ever turned to her, his lips drawn back to expose his canines. It gave Sakata one good look at his expression before he turned to face the female that had been an adviser, a companion, a friend - his support since his beloved had gone missing. But the words of the greater spirit were ringing in his head, drowning out all other sense, and the composure of the king was replaced with an angry lover walking the thin line of insanity.
Perhaps it spoke a little of his faith, or maybe only of his obsession but his trust in the Greater Spirit was as obvious as his pain over losing his Queen. Without waiting for one word from the lioness at his side, he had crouched and sprung, the strength in his limbs propelling him forward and onto the smaller from of Malaika. He might have been older and not as powerful as he once was, but he was still strong and carrying much of the muscle he had sported in his youth. It was little issue for him to pin her, especially with the element of surprise on his side, and in no time he had a paw crushing her windpipe with claws threatening her wordlessly.
"Your excuses be damned," he growled, leaning down to stare into her eyes. He was probably hurting her, but he couldn't be bothered to care in that moment - all shields had dropped and his emotions were flaring plainly on his face.
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Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:37 am
When his daughter came into view, everything else vanished for a moment. She's safe, he exults, his heart racing as quickly as he wishes he could race to her side. But Sakata restrains himself, maintaining his facade of calm composure across the divide from the Dhati, even if a new spark of hope now glints in his eyes.
One simple toss of his head is all it takes to send a small contingent of Warriors forward to claim the wayward cub, bringing her back to the safety of the Mizimu'Tungika. His gaze lingers on Tukutu for a moment as he processes her words, words that he'd all but ignored at the sight of his cub. And then... he snarls, almost in unison with the enemy 'king.' Her? She was responsible for the abduction of his child? Damn Jini's twisted family, that's two traitorous cousins now (with one still at large).
But wait... why was Magadi so upset to learn about Malaika's involv-- oh. And now the rest of Tukutu's interesting news filters through the Warleader's distracted thoughts. Comprehension dawns, and the revelation brings a wicked grin to his maw. Oh, now this is interesting. The traitorous b***h was the cause of both mysterious disappearances? But before Sakata can voice his opinion in the matter - after all, his children were involved - the Dhati 'king' takes action and rather effectively muzzles the betrayer.
He growls quietly, claws bared and flexing upon the stone (that he likely wishes was that b***h Malaika's throat), as he watches the events that unfold before him. Bright orange eyes burn with rage, his dispute with the Dhati put aside for now in the face of their common foe.
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Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 11:55 pm
"Tapelo bring a present too, Tapelo bring a present for mean 'ol nasty lions!"
A short distance away, a spotted hare was hopping his way towards the group, adding two new additions to the gathering. Beside him, at a slow pace, was Magadi's Queen. She was slow, slow as an injured lioness, but she walked with a determined step alongside the cheerful rabbit, who seemed far too happy with gaining the attention of several of the lions in the group, including Tukutu.
"Ah, I see you've arrived just on time, Tapelo," the disguised goddess said with a laugh, her focus indeed having turned itself towards the shrill voice in the distance, "And now two families are reunited once more. Pity they're going to go off and kill each other now."
Her grin was sly, and her head moved back to stare at Magadi, and then at Sakata. Now that Malaika's treachery had been exposed, the war could continue on. And Tukutu liked a good war.
"Though, my curiosity does overwhelm me.... what is to happen to the cunning Malaika? Surely, Magadi, Sakata, you will reward her for her cleverness in tricking both of you? Why, she had the war in her paws! It's a shame I have a knack for interfering, else she might have gotten away with it."
"Tapelo interferes tooooo!"
Grinning as he listened to the goddess, the hare scampered over to where she stood and quickly crawled his way up her tail and onto her back, resting his front paws on the back of her neck as he sat back on his haunches, taking in the sight of the group around them. Lots of mean lions, lots of angry mean lions. Tapelo was quick to decide that he was perfectly fine standing right where he was.
As Ufahami moved to stand beside Tukutu, who was quickly growing surrounded by Mizimu warriors, the terrible scar across her neck became more visible. Whatever Malaika had done to her, it had left a lingering mark, a mark that confirmed to the Dhati King that there had been an attempt on his Queen's life. At least she was well-fed during her absence, she seemed to have gained some weight around her mid-section. The smaller lioness hesitated at the approach of warriors, and remained close by Tukutu, the lioness who'd seen to saving her from the attack on her life.
Tukutu watched their reactions, drinking in the horror and surprise of some of the onlookers, the anger of Magadi, the relief of Sakata. She'd had her fun, today, and no doubt at a great cost of Malaika, deeds that would cost her not only her ambitions and dreams, but perhaps even her very life.
As much as Tukutu wished to stick around and watch the aftermath, she knew better than to meddle further. Meddling further would simply bring about more pesky questions, and she didn't want Sakata finding out her true identity just yet.
"I believe," she said, her voice still honeyed over, "I shall take my leave now, as I've no more gifts to present the mighty Kings. Sakata, Magadi."
Her head nodded respectfully in both males' directions, and she turned, Tapelo still on her back, and made her way off into the distance and out of the looming stares of the nearby warriors. She'd convince Tapelo to go back and watch what would happen next, but for now, getting out of sight was her first priority.
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Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 7:56 pm
Magadi had lowered his face down level with Malaika's, his fang bared at eye-level, when there was yet another intruder upon what was once a war meeting. Magadi's head snapped back towards the disguised goddess below, though his pressure upon Malaika did not lesson. It was only as his beloved Queen walked back into view that his fury somewhat lessened, dulled by the love that bubbled up unintentionally. There was no mask to hide his emotions, it had broken and been lost.
Then fury roared anew as he noticed the scar along her throat. "What have you done?" he hissed beneath his breath, though he didn't look away from his mate, not for a second. It felt as if it had been months since he last saw her and he needed every moment to revel in her beauty. It was so hard to do that when his eyes were endlessly drawn to that scar. What a wicked, sore sight on his beautiful Ufahami.
He wanted to go to her, soothe her, shower her with love and affection. There were a number of things standing in his way however. One was the fact that he had the traitor under his paws, squirming at the pain of his claws as he pushed down on her throat and held her pinned beneath him. The second was the fact that there was a guard of Mizimu warriors standing below next to his beloved and even as uncomfortable as he was with them around her, he knew he was little match. It didn't stop him from shifting uncomfortably, his snarl unintentionally in place as he stared down at the scene below them.
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