Kohaku, Kowab'akmar, and Utsuki:
It was a long way from home, but to them. This was their second home, and within it, their best friends and even now were called family to them. They were off training in the upcoming war and Kowab was only there because to him. Kohaku’s family was like a second family to him and the Chokwe though he wasn’t too keen on prides- were good to his family even if they were rogues. They got to their normal training spot during the night hours… Utsuki decided to go with them to train his body too with the upcoming war… although he was a story gatherer.. He wanted to help. He had to find it in him to find that strength that all his family processed. To lighten the mood after they got there. He spoke well to them of their victory when the war hadn’t even started. This lifted their spirits and before they started upon their training with Kohaku as the leader.
Showing them the harsh training regiments that his mother taught him. Again- and again- he made them do repetitive work and long sparring, agility and jumping exercises. Utsuki struggled to even remotely keep up with them.. Then it was time for the serious sparring. Of course Kowab would go again Kohaku, and after almost twenty minutes of sparring, Kowab was already on top and Utsuki showing signs of serious loss of energy under the extreme weather conditions. Kohaku had to stop them before they got too routy.
“Maybe we should stop by and say hi.”
“I beg to differ.”
“I don’t think we should only because we have to get back. This would be our last training out here til the war is over with. I mean… we still have to help the elders get prepared. We wouldn’t want to worry our friends… especially Luci.”
Believing already that in his mind- him and Luci were an item. Worrying her over what was happening wouldn’t be the slightest great idea- would it? His mother also told him that this didn’t concern them- it was their war. Sighing and looking towards the direction. They let themselves calm, and went to the oasis that was taught to them… It was almost dried out and it seemed barren of anyone coming there- except for one small detail.. CAMEL!. Kowab immediately sunk in to a dune and lowered himself as close as possible to one of the scattered bushes. Eyeing the large beast- they’d never seen one before… Kohaku and Utsuki had the upper hand since their pelts were of favor of the environment. “Let’s get’em!” “Man- I was hungry~” “Hush you two- your gunna scare away the beast.”
It was an easy kill- Kohaku and Kowab coming from the back and Utsuki being the distraction made the kill almost flawless other than Utsuki twisting his paw- Which he wouldn’t admit to. They ate promptly and even then- it seemed like they too were getting cooked alive. By the time the beast was almost done- with three growing adols devouring it, nothing was left but the pelt. Which they decided to play with and make Utsuki be the prey and get tackled in it. They laughed- for the few good moments, Kohaku leaned in to his bestie. “Hey- Let’s leave’m here.” “What?” “Yea- he can’t see out of that thing~ “ “Pfft that’d be hilarious but-“ “But what?” “But I mean- don’t we need him- wouldn’t your ma be worried man?” “Pfft she’d probably be happy that he’s in the dawns dude. Besides- ma doesn’t want him getting hurt- she was gunna put him underground.” “That’s ******** up.” “I mean- he is- com’on let’s do it!” Pushing Kowab- and in the dark male’s mind. He sort of felt… well guilty. While Utsuki was saying wilde- they had darted off when he was going in the opposite direction. "I told you I can do epic pranks too!" But somehow- Kowab didn't feel too well about the whole thing.. Getting one last look at Utsuki before darting away.
Utsuki:
For a short time- he kept saying it and when he could no longer hear his brother and brother’s partner.. He lifted the camel’s pelt up from his head. “Guys?” He called out… The wind’s had already made their footprints disappear. “Guys?!” He called out again… He stayed looking for them for an hour- and with the intense heat getting more and more intense… he started to sway. “Guys…” Grabbing all his might to stay upright- and when one is down- of course. Someone has to kick them… Vultures surrounded him and when he couldn’t lift his body no more he was attacked- his body decorated in fresh blood from the camel and the smell of new meat. He screamed for what seemed to him like hours… They bit off pieces of his flesh and would devour him whole…
Zhen:
His screams traveled to a very unlikely source. The ears of a pale lioness that had almost gone through the same thing but long, long ago. She sported a scarf around her head only because the elders told them to- they still had to patrol the lands at day but just in shorter time frames where they had to rest- when she was just about to get off her duty, she heard the echoing screams… She didn’t wait. Her body automatically as if called by a God to the source and saw the horrible scene. Unlike many, she didn’t have to call for back up- she just ran through full instincts on high and ran through the vultures. Tarring them away from his body and fiercely tearing them apart piece by piece. Those who tried to oppose her – though they had more numbers on her- regardless she faught until they scattered. When enough of them had left- they all seemed to follow.
Zhen and Ebio'Femi:
He was shivering- twitching and chunks of his pelt were missing… Zhen’s eyes scorched with memories- leaving her to become emotionally attached in the most stoic way. Nipping him by the back of his neck and throwing him over her shoulder. She topped him easily and in age. “You’re gunna be ok.” She commented and tried to sooth him, where he attached himself like a scared cub to a mother’s back. Digging his talons in to her- but she didn’t much care for it… It didn’t take them too long to finally hit the pride and in to Ebio’s home. Ebio was already awake and mixing her herbs when she heard Zhen come in. The body draped on her back. “What happened!?” “I found him near the boarder oasis… he was attacked.” “By vultures.” “Yes.” “Please, give him here.” Ebio hadn’t seen the boys in so long, that while treating him, that marking upon his shoulder. “Suki?”
Lucia:
Luci had been with Ebio, learning more and more of the healer's art. She was really so much of a bleeding heart, always wanting to help people, sometimes even at her own expense. She wanted to be a healer and a caretaker of the young.
Her head jerked up when Zhen came running in with-
"Suki!" she cried, eyes wide and heart in her throat. She looked to her aunt, ears back.
"He'll be all right, won't he?" she asked Ebio, concern obvious in her voice. Suki would never be on his own, where was Kohaku? Where was Kowab? Oh, gods, she hoped Kowab was all right.
Zhen and Ebio'Femi:
“He should be fine- but he was on my back in this heat.” Zhen’s ears padded down. “He will be, don’t worry.” Ebio soothed her paw over Luci’s head. “Can you get me some water?” She asked, then went to get her satchel and herbs before she hissed at herself. She was on full term now, looking like a whale. Swallen and limping everywhere- Zhen stepped in to her side. “What did you need mother.” Surprised, Ebio drew her head back and sighed softly. “My satchel and the herbs darling…” She painted a soft smile cross her maw at being called mother. Zhen had said it before but, she was now all types of emotional. Returning to Suki’s side she examined him closely. Lifting his chin, he was passed out by now… “You poor thing…” Being reminded when Zhen came to her in an almost similar condition. “Water?”
Lucia:
Luci nodded quickly, standing and running from the den, her bottle on her side like it normally was. She ran to the nearest water source, slipped it off her side and dipped it into the water, collecting what she could. The run back was less quick, because she had to be careful not to spill any. She was back into the den as fast as she could manage, pouring the water into a clean bowl.
"Is... Is there anything else?" she asked, slightly out of breath but ready to run back out if Ebio needed her to.
Zhen and Ebio'Femi:
Zhen had just giving her the herbs before they were greeted by Luci’s face. Both had grown up so well, it amazed her… She wondered if this is what she had in store for her little ones. “For now, yes.” Rubbing him down with her green mud like medicine and wrapping him promptly with cloth. “This is why we can’t go outside now… isn’t it.” “… Yes.” “I miss the sun.” “I know.. They are just waiting for us to die of heat exhaustion and then attack us. To my knowledge they have done this before to the pride. But he was outside the boarders… If he would have been in the deshret he would have died for sure. It’s been getting worse out there. “ “Not in front of Luci- please.” Of course, Luci had been there the whole time, but Ebio just felt like it was too hard to here. “Suki wouldn’t have been alone, I bet they just got separated is all. If they were at their normal training grounds, they would have been save. I’m sure they will come back for him soon enough.” Trying to lessen the tension as she continued to wrap him. “Here- you can finish this while I grab Glozelle to tell him of what happened. Maybe if they do a sweep to see if the others are out there.” “Ebio… please lay down. I’ll get him.” Trotting to her side and nudging her towards her bed. “Luci, take care of Ebby and the kid. I’ll get your uncle and we’ll decide from there. “
Lucia:
Luci sat there, terrified as they continued to talk about the incident. Suki had been alone, was Kowab okay? How could he and Kohaku have left Suki on his own? Suki was a brave little male, but no one was fooled into believing that he should be left by himself, especially not in the desert. But then, she probably wouldn't know what happened until Suki woke up...
When Zhen left, she walked to her aunt and snuggled up against her side.
"I'm worried... About Kowab, Auntie."
Ebio'Femi:
“Sweet heart..” She sighed.. Nuzzling Luci. “Kowab is a very strong male. He can handle it-“ But in the back of her mind, she even was worried- especially with his pitch black coat. Though handsome, that black coat could be the end of him in this heat. She laid her head down. “Go and keep Suki company dear… He needs you now. A good friend to his ear.“ Her ears swiveled back and she gave a sigh before her whole body went exhaustedly limp.
Utsuki:
A few long minutes passed, and Suki’s head shook to each side. “Arg..” He grunted a little and slowly went to move- only to whimper a little from his twist paw and his wraps. Looking like a mummy with all those wraps, across his face and all around. “Haku!” He twitched and hissed a little.
Lucia:
She nodded slowly, still afraid for her... for Kowab. She didn't know who she was more afraid for, Kowab or-
Her ears perked up when she heard Suki's voice and she left her exhausted aunt to see to her friend.
"Suki? It's okay, you're safe now, my auntie's taken good care of you," she said, running a paw carefully over the small lion's forehead. He would always seem itty-bitty to her, he was so small. He should be looked out for, not...
"Suki, where are Kowab and Kohaku? Why were you all by yourself?"
Utsuki:
He hissed lightly and shook his head, slowly getting up but then went back down. Lying to meet her paw pads. Sighing. "I wasn't alone." He commented. "We were out training." Growling lightly. "I have to go find them- we were playing before heading home and then- they were gone... I didn't see their footprints or anything.." He sounded disappointed in himself and wnet to lift his body back up. "I have to go.." Then one side of his body went down and altogther fell.
Lucia:
Luci continued to stroke his brow, curling up with her friend when he flopped back down, unable to stand.
"You're staying right here, okay? You're in no condition to go back out in that heat," she replied, her voice as soothing as her aunt's. She was growing up into a fine individual, though she still had a goo bit to go. Someday she would make a wonderful nanny, healer, and probably mother.
"What was the last thing that happened?" she asked, tilting her head.
Utsuki:
He grumbled angerily but tossed his head aside. "I have to go find my brother." But he was imstantly shushed by Luci- whom had taken a bit of his heart and completely enabled him to be stronger than he really was. In his mind that was. Sighing as he embraced the feeling of being touched by her. They all thought she was like an angel... so kind and generious. "We hunted a camel after our training... and then we played wildebeast hunt. ( marko polo ). Putting the camel's hide on his then- I got him.. and when I cried Wilde - no one said beast. After a few I went to take it off and .. the vultures.. the vultures!" He screamed out in a mad rush as his body started to kick as though he was reliving it once again..
Lucia:
When he started to kick, Luci grabbed Suki up in a hug and held him until it passed. They had been gone when he looked? Had they just... left him there? How could they have done that? She knew they liked to play games and little tricks, but... But this was a little much. They could have killed him! If this was a prank Kohaku and Kowab would both get an earful from her.
But she knew deep inside that if it was a trick, she could forgive them. Even if Suki couldn't.
"It's okay, it's okay, you're safe now, Suki. Don't worry. When Zhen gets back, I'll help her look for them."
Utsuki:
Pain was in his eyes went he moved- but it was like reliving the memory but it soon passed as quick as it came. After the kicks and the yelling- he calmed, and Ebio's head went up. Then lowered back down after she saw him calm.
"Who- Right.. zhen." The girl that used to make fun of him so long ago. Tease him for being so small but that same lioness was the one whom saved him. Sighing again in relief. "How can you look for them if you dunno where they are? I remember the oasis- our training grounds and that it... Oh!" He gasped. "Maybe they found a burrow someplace? .. I doubt they'd go back home.. would- did they?!" Leave me? Was the only conclusion he thought of. "No my brother wouldn't leave me.." He chnated to himself.. Touching up on the bandages where pieces of flesh were missing..
Lucia:
She continued to stroke his forehead.
"Zhen's a great tracker, we'll find them for sure." She didn't say anything about her suspicions that the other two boys might be at home. She thought for a second and looked to Suki.
"They're probably looking for you, somewhere between here and your home, how do you get to your pridelands from here? Or from the oasis where you and the other boys trained?"
Utsuki:
His ears went to the side and sighed. "The Chokwe Clan.. " His voice was sweet and touching for a moment. "Our home is far beyond here. Takes in normal travel 2 days time. We make it in several hours..."Shaking his head and looking away. "Through the forest after the sands and past the red mountains. The clearing theres a path you'll see from the mountains.." Turning to her with eyes filled with worry. "Please find them.."
Lucia:
It seemed far, but she would make it. She needed to talk to Kowab.
"It'll be okay, Suki. We'll find them, I promise," she replied with a small nod, sitting up. She sort of cuddled him close, though, wrapping a paw carefully around him while she waited for Zhen to come back.
Utsuki:
He couldn't help but feel his heart sink in to his chest.. But like Kowab and Kohaku. He had a thing for Luci, and mistaken it for what he thought the other two had. When she cuddled him, it made him feel complete. His mother was nothing the sort of cuddling. She was a warrior and always on her post. Father was the one who gave them care and tender love- but that was few and far between.. "Luci.." His voice was soft. "I have always wanted to ask you something." Finally he had some mane to show for his worth and got up in a sitting lay before he pulled her in. "...I-" She must have known, in his face and in his gestures- he had gotten slightly more serious. More masculine for just this moment. She would know what was coming from his maw next..
Lucia:
Luci's ears flicked back when her cutesy, cuddly little Suki changed. He was being serious with her and for the life of her she couldn't figure out why. All interaction she had with males had been with her family, Suki, Kohaku, and Kowab. So, needless to say, she wasn't really used to someone fancying her.
"Is everything okay? Suki? You shouldn't be moving this much..."
Utsuki:
"I like you." Of course, his brother and Kowab probably said the same but. He'd be the first to show the next step. He wanted to show that he was compabable too.. "We're facing a war soon- we're preparing and I wanted to tell you that I.. like you. I want you to be my consort." Ears fanned back as he got serious...
Lucia:
Luci's eyes went wide and her own ears flicked back. He liked her? He wanted her to... to be his mate? Firstly, she was still too young, by her pride's standards she was still a cub, not yet an adult in the world. Secondly...
"Oh, Suki..." her face turned sad before she looked away, her head dipping so he wouldn't see it. She would have to say it, if she could even admit it. She'd been lost from the very beginning, no doubt, there had really been no stopping it.
"I can't... My... heart already belongs to someone else..."
Utsuki:
When her eyes widened- his ears went up but still serious, and when she looked away... somehow he knew exactly what that meant. Was it selfish for him to ask such a thing now? Especially going in to war? But he knew deep down that maybe. The answer, he already knew.
Though it hurt. He took a hard nod and leaned in and kissed right square on her forehead. "I had to try.." He smiled softly... It was a tender moment, and soon was interupted by the only thing that could.
Zhen:
"You ready Luci." Her harsh voice came when she was at the foot of the den's opening. Having watched them since Luci had rejected the poor wounded boy. It was much like she had done..Eyeing away, then when the time was cut short on an awkward moment..
