Sins of the Father
The dark pelted lioness skulked through the brush cooly, following the scents with perfect skill. Dark paws flexed, green eyes narrow, a dark smirk on her face. The next ruler had passed this way, and Ma'Rie'Meiah was going to ensure he returned, ensure his fate was sealed.
Her grandfather taught her well. The lioness stretched, still moving as she called to the bird flying, pacing, and occasionally darting ahead, a male just as nasty as she was.
"Scout ahead, Zaku. See what you can see and rteport back immediately. We can afford no mishaps." Meiah said. Her tone was calm, even cold, confident.
"Yes, your highness." The falcon swept ahead, wings spread in full. The lioness who would be queen sat, waiting, and watching.
Arden sat, drinking by the river carefully, enjoying the cool fresh water and shade. Nearby, Treize watched his mate drink, a calm, pleasant look on his face as he watched, rumbling quietly. It was a good day, and his heart was warmed seeing his mate feeling better after the encounter with Etihad. More confident. And somehow, more grown up. Only that night had he realized how sheltered the lioness was, the small female whom was enjoying her drink. The swamps were isolated and she'd known no ill wills or wars until it came to her.
It was, he regretted, possibly her fate as a descendant of Wing. He sighed, worrying once again when a flurry of movement caught his eye, and he looked up, in time for a wet ball of something landed on his snout, and he twitched, trying to get it off. Well! This was unpleasant. And now seeing it clearly, he grimaced.
"....Disgusting."
Zaku cackled at the male.
"That serves you right, boy! All shall fall before Zaku!"
Treize growqled, and blinked when Arden scaled the tree, the smaller lioness used to scaling trees in the swamps, and growled at the bird. Zaku jumped. He'd forgotten this one!
"WHO falls, bird?" Arden growled. Zaku stared... And snapped his beak at her.
"You!"
He flew off the branch and Arden tried to pounce, dropping to the ground. She landed hard, and snarled, persuing the bird, whom fled, cackling at Arden's misfortune. Treize wiped his nose clean on the groujnd before tearing after, frowning. Something was off with that bird. He knew it.
Meiah's nose twitched when she scented Zaku, and a female, the lioness rising coldly. Well, he found something of interest. The larger female sneered as the white Adolescent tore into view, then smirked further.
The female bore the blood of Wing, and the strongest known markings of the pride's god in years. Meiah stepped before her, scenting another scent. Old, familiar. A scent her mother familiarized her with before dying...
"Well, aren't you special." Meiah circled. Arden watched the strange lioness, hackles raised. Something wasn't right here. Something wasn't right at all, and Artden remained wary, but pleasant.
"Special?"
Meiah purred. Neive, good. She was useful, then.
"Your ancestry, child. Your blood is of a god. That's special. You have power. You could use it. I can help you, if you wish."
Arden frowned.
"Power? I don't want power. I have enough problems." She frowned.
"Power can change that. A population bowing to your will. Think of it... You couild unit and destroy your enemies... Their enemies... They would obey a child of Wing~"
Arden frowned, and looked away.
"I don't want power in the Ardhi. Governess is fine for me... That's responsibility enough." Arden frowned.
"You could have more."
"Who are you." Treize stalked into view, baring his fangs at the strange female. Meiah looked unphased, then smirked. Ah, that smell. She purred, moving and rubbing against him.
"How good to meet you, Father."
Treize tensed, Arden doing the same.
"Father? I have no children." Treize growled.
"Surely you remember my mother. Rheia Baruton?" Meiah purred, smirking. Treize poaled.
"She had cubs."
"Yes." Meiah smirked. Arden looked at Treize, concerned. NOW what had her mate done!?
"Who's Rheia?"
"Rheia," Meiah purred. "Was my mother. My father was the aid to your predacessor Heero Yuy."
Arden frowned, and squared her shoulkders.
"Whjat do you want?"
"Revenge. For the death of Heero Yuy. And my place as the pride's Queen."
Arden stared, then face-pawed.
"Are you joking?"
"She's not." Treize was shaken. "HJer grandfather is Dekim Baruton. Last I heard... He disappeared with his followers to form a rebellion to take over the pride."
"A job I will complete. You should stay in the Roguelands, father~ Then you'll be safe~"
"The pride is my responsibility." Treize growled. "You won't take it. Not if we can make peace."
"Peace?" Meiah snarled. "War and peice are just an endless waltz, ging back and forth for all time. Your idealist ideals will fail. You of all people should know that."
"Times change. The blood of Wing, Epyon, and Deathscythe surfaced and it's certain Wing Zero, Heavyarms, Sandrock, and Shen-Long or Altron will follow. The gods are tired of the conflict." Treize spoke cooly. Even if she was his, he was taking no quarter. "Besides, some mature after adolescence. You would do best to do the same."
"Mature? Your the naive one, father. It will all fall down. Every last corner of the land, and reform under a new rule as one. My rule."
Treize bore his fangs at the lioness, however Arden lashed out, swiping at her face.
"Peace," Arden hissed. "Can be attained by those whom will it."
Meiah snarled at Arden, bunching to attack, however Treize moved in front of her sedately, frowning. The female looked up to her father, speaking softly.
"Traitor." She growled. "You've corrupted the child of Wing. How DARE dare? You'll pay for this, father. Dearly."
Meiah rose, snarling, and roared.
"COME, ZAKU!"
The mint bird fluttered, landing on his mistress' shoulder, and the two padded away.
Arden and Treize were silent before Arden looked at Treize. Treize sigherd, looking down.
"Rheia... Was a female I... Spent time with as an adoilescent. I didn't think we'd had a litter... And now this."
"It's alright, Treize." Arden gave him a gentle smile, licking his muzzle.
"I'm not angry. You didn't know. If it comes to it... I understand if you haver to go."
"I'm not leaving you alone, Arden." Treize sighed. "I will care for Rheia or her litter, even if it means dealing with that.... Female... But... I love you. Only you."
"I love you too." Angel gently kissed his cheek, and turned to pad away. Treize smiled, moving to pad after. Despite it all...
He knew his heart and soul was Arden's.
