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 Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 11:05 pm
I bet you don't curse God
When you're on a plane
In a turbulance, pourin' rain
And you're hoping that you'll make it out okay
Everybody cries
We've all faked a smile
When your back's against the wall
And your hands are tied
[Chorus:]
There's pain, Life hurts
There's a thousand things
You think you don't deserve
All hope is lost
When You spend it all
And you just can't beat the odds
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 11:20 pm
From the very moment he'd gotten back next to his love, the now frail swamp lion hadn't moved much save for nibbling weakly on any slow moving critter he could reach. No, instead he'd been like velcro to Annelise as if his letting go would mean to lose her again. Never again, and so he'd further weakened as he'd already been wasting away on the shoreline alone. "Love you...I love you. Never going to go again.."
Since that nightmarish day years ago the younger lioness had grown closed off and bitter, a deep old scar showing a big maw of teeth outlined on her shoulder and neck. She'd been a daddy's girl, so trusting and loving...and where did that get her...Unlike her father she was no monster. Simply rightfully angered albeit a long-standing anger toward someone she'd assumed never to see again. Since then she'd stuck around near enough to her brother Keme yet giving him privacy, a need for somebody keeping her attached to him.
Now she was near his home, resting on grass within sight of him as if fearful a boogeyman would snatch her up.
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 11:31 pm
Annelise opened her eyes, unsure of how many hours, or days even, had passed. She didn't want to leave his side, fearing that if she did, she'd come back to find him gone or worse. Anne licked Ohanzee's cheek, and tried to sit up feeling any ounce of strength sucked away. "We'll be together forever; no one can tear us apart," she whispered. Catching movement of a mouse skittering by, Anne snatched it up and broke its neck swiftly. "Eat, my love. You need your strength."
Keme was pacing in and out of his den. His mother had not shown up at his place as promised, and his hairs were standing on end. Catching sight of his sister, Kaya, he was relieved that she was safe. Their father had not been spotted for years, but a feeling in his gut told him to go looking for his father. "Kaya," he spoke as he trotted over to her. "I have a bad feeling and mother is missing," the concern is his eyes nowhere near the nauseating worry in his stomach.
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Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2015 11:48 pm
Ohanzee let out a cough, nodding toward her with a weak yet loving smile. "Only if you share with me..." If the time came, he'd simply pass over with her. At this rate it truly seemed grim unless someone found them. Neither could really hunt, both having given up on everything until just a bit ago. How long ago had they reunited...? Hours...days...? Time had stopped making sense to him long ago. Licking her cheek he helps in cutting it so both would get food, then snuggles close to his love as he eats. Despite this weakness, he'd not felt so happy in such a long time.
Kaya lifted her head up to look over at her brother, fur bristling as she hears of their mother. "What..? N..no..." Within seconds she'd stood up, head bowed as her long claws dig up dirt, brows furrowed. "....He better not be...anywhere near her..." Voice laced with a pained rage she bounds off toward Mother's typical trail, knowing her brother can keep up without worry. What she finally spots fills her with such a strong mix of pain and rage she stops so fast she slips to her rump, eyes watering at the sight of her mother. "K...Ke...KEME!!"
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 12:09 am
Annelise nodded with a smile, and took half of the mouse. She ate it, trying to but unsuccessfully digging out the bones. The only thing she cared about was her mate, here and now. Anne wanted them to live, but if they died here, at least they were in each others' arms. Hearing her son's name, Anne looked up weakly and saw Kaya. "Daughter, son," she whispered with a smile. "Ohanzee."
Keme caught up with his sister and a searing rage tore through him. He heard his mother, and yet he couldn't believe what he was seeing. "Mother," he spoke lovingly approaching the pair. "And... father," he wasn't sure if he should be mad or not. Keme could see no harm done to his mom, but she was weak. They both were. "Kaya, I think it's safe. They're both," he leaned down to try and gauge a pulse from both Anne and Ohanzee, "near death! Their pulses are faint. What do we do?" He asked searching Kaya's gaze.
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 12:21 am
Ohanzee had started to softly nuzzle and lick his mate's muzzle and neck lovingly as a name had been called out. Dark eyes growing wide he looks toward the two young ones, tears welling then falling as his voice breaks. "K..Keme.." Glancing toward his daughter he chews his lip, then looks back to his son. "I...did wrong. What you saw wasn't...it wasn't me. I'd never...nn...never been that bad before. Some...lioness did something to my head...but..." Gently nudging Annelise's head he grunts softly. "I...I understand if you leave me...but please...allow me to be near her as I...I..." He felt there was no need to voice it, without aid he wasn't long for this world. "I never...stopped loving any of you...Keme, you make me so proud. Kaya...I...am so sorry..."
Fangs bared Kaya stands once more, head held high. "No Father, I don't want to hear it. I don't care. I used to, but you are -not- my father. You lost that title years ago." Eyes darkening further she glances toward her mother then Keme. "Leave him. He tore our family apart. Help Mother...but leave that...that...Monster..." At this point she had no intention of striking the weak lion, but if pushed she very well could. He'd betrayed her, the one she most resembled, her former hero. Tears gather in her angry dark eyes, tail swishing quickly.
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 12:31 am
Anne heard the words pass between her mate and her children, and she struggled to hold onto Ohanzee for fear they were going to tear her away from him. "I won't leave...I... can't leave... you," she spoke between breaths. "Leave me... to die.. or help us both," the last words were a command that Anne was able to put a growl behind. It wasn't scolding, more of a warning. "I will... die.. hurt myself if... if you leave him... to die."
Keme couldn't believe what was happening. He saw his mother's hold on his father strengthen and heard the warning and the promise in his mother's voice. Looking to Kaya, he was quiet, trying to make the right decision as he glanced at his parents. "I won't let our mother die... If we don't help both, she will kill herself. I've caught her trying to do so on more than one occasion," Keme admitted their secret. "We have to help both. I would rather leave him here to die," but not mom. Keme left the words unspoken and felt strong in his resolve. "They need food and water, but we should carry them to my den first. I'll grab.. I'll grab him. You get mother," he spoke with a gentle tone not wanting to upset either party further. He was the voice of reason through his rage, and had learned to be because of his mother and her stubbornness... The same stubbornness he had, and he wasn't changing his mind.
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 12:44 am
Ohanzee shook his head, holding firmly now to his love. "I'm not...leaving her. Please...I made the worst mistakes of my life back then. I can't...please! I need to be...by her side! I love her...She means everything...to me..." Nuzzling her neck he fights to keep his composure, only to fail. Truly frail he loses it and simply sobs, the pain he'd held in his heart shown for all to see. Despite everything, he'd refuse to leave her side, even if it meant his death. Never again would another choose his life for him.
For now Kaya couldn't think of what to say, simply nodding softly to her brother hoping he'd see in her eyes that she wasn't mad at him. She wanted their mother alive as well. Her actions came purely from the betrayal. She'd push it deep down for now...for the safety of her mother. Once she padded over she'd whimper softly and tenderly nose the once powerful lioness, hefting her up over her back. "..Momma. Just hold on...please. Hang on..." Heart heavy she begins heading for Keme's home.
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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 11:00 pm
Anne gingerly let go of Ohanzee as she was lifted onto her daughter's back. "You have become so strong and have grown to be so beautiful," she said warmly to Kaya. Pride swelled through the lioness as she looked to the two eldest of her children, and then turned her loving gaze to Ohanzee. She knew her children wouldn't trust him for a while; that he'd have to prove himself. Through all of it, Annelise would be there by his side and nothing would tear her away from him. "Ohanzee," she purred as they were taken to her son's den, never dropping her gaze from her mate.
Keme caught the look in his sister's eyes and knew she wasn't mad at him for his decision. He hefted his father onto his back without a word, and though the anger boiled in his stomach, he was still gentle. Keme knew his father was weak; it was evident in how light he was, and felt a twinge of pity for the male who he had once looked up to with such great pride. He would not be cruel to a being who could not defend himself. Walking over to his den, Keme set his father down carefully and with a tenderness he didn't want to give to this lion. "I can go hunt for food, and you can stay here Kaya.But only if you want to, sister. I can stay with them if you'd prefer," Keme was gentle in his words, and wanted to let his sister decide what she wanted because he would never forget the scars she bore.
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 4:50 pm
Ohanzee can only cringe inwardly upon seeing how his children had reacted to him. His words may never reach them, he may never be forgiven for the past. As much as he wished it, it wouldn't always be enough to just have his mate. Being despised by everyone else broke his heart again. Once set down he claws his way weakly to Annelise's side, nuzzling and licking her muzzle lovingly. "I'm here..." Though he smiled, tears filled his eyes.
Kaya teared up upon hearing her mother's words. Despite being a daddy's girl growing up, she'd adored her mother thinking of her as an angel. She personally couldn't understand being suicidal but that hadn't blemished her view on the older lioness. If anything it made her stronger to still be here. Gently setting her down she nuzzles and licks her cheek tenderly. "I love you Momma...I...I don't...understand...why he's forgiven by you b...but...You'll always be my angel mother..." As Ohanzee moves closer she looks at him with a great pained sorrow. The hatred had been broken by her mother, instead the truth showing. How much that near kill had left her feeling beyond betrayed.
Not too far off a familiar purple lion grunts lazily, a blunt hanging from his maw as a muddy teen follows behind him. "Dude...ya sure this is where our bro's home is? I don't have s**t for a sense of direction anymore. Ahote snorted, only to stop short upon seeing...a strange lioness and...his dad?! "Ey! What the ******** man! Where the ******** did you go? Whose that gal?"
Mahkah hardly payed attention to Ahote, he'd learned to tune him out for his own sanity. He'd never smoke. No, instead he'd developed into a rather skilled herbalist. Hearing the adult shout he'd look up sharply. Sure he'd been told things were ok, he'd been sheltered from the real issues because of his age. Now though he'd bolt forward with tears in his eyes. "Momma!! Daddy!!" Skittering over he'd lick and nuzzle both in turn lil tail wagging like a happy puppy.
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 5:17 pm
Annelise curled her body around Ohanzee, and snuggled up to him until she felt as though she could melt away right then and there with her mate. Looking up to meet her daughter's gaze, Anne smiled, "I love you too. You will always be mine; all of you are mine," she tried to lift a paw to her daughter's cheek. That was when she heard a rude call, and at the mention of Anne being "that gal" a growl rose from deep inside, and a passion burned inside of her chest. Anne nuzzled Ohanzee, though her growling didn't stop, and she licked his cheek. Anne licked away his tears, "I know you are, my love. I'm here with you too," she purred pushing the other lion from her mind. When she looked up to see Mahkah, Anne smiled warmly and nuzzled his paw, "Our handsome son. He's grown to be strong."
Keme heard a call outside of his den, and as he turned, he grinned at Makah, then grimaced at the other lion with him. He knew Ahote was his half brother, but he didn't have to like him. "Welcome Mahkah," he greeted his younger brother with pat on his shoulder with his tail as Mahkah went to their mother. Keme then stepped in front of the entrance to his home, and stared at Ahote. "What are your intentions, brother?" He asked being civil, but at the drop of a hat, Keme was ready to defend both his mother and father. He had seen the love in his father's eyes; the guilt, regret, and the promise of a new start. It was hard to want to deny his mother, much less, the family's chance at that. Keme just hoped his father wouldn't be bewitched a second time.
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 5:43 pm
Ohanzee felt a sting at Kaya's words but understood, he'd deeply harmed her. A yell as well as swearing caught his attention though making him look up to see muddy Mahkah. "Gah..! Heheh...hey there lil fella." Having one child show him love made his heart melt, nuzzling the youngest of his cubs affectionatly. "You're such a tough fella. I love you Mahkah. Remember that." Looking toward the entrance he sees a flash of purple and a smoke puff. "Ahote..? Ahote! Heh...I remember when I was scared, carrying you around close as a shake..."
Kaya watched with wide eyes as Mahkah so willingly licked both of their parent's faces, now moving to go look at the other visitor. "...Ahote?" Blinking she looks stunned, but not bothered. He wasn't born from the lioness that had corrupted her father after all. If the story was right, the lioness had left him with a single shake...Ahote. She did grimace at the smell of pot though. "Nnk...She may not be your mother by birth, but she did help raise you, show more respect." She had no energy to yell now.
Ahote had every intention of going in to inspect his father, until Keme had stopped him at the entrance. "Chill bro, I haven't seen my pops in years. I just...even a party animal can miss somebody eh?" Looking to Kaya he sighs, gently setting the blunt aside for now. "Well...yeah she did, but does she see meas hers? She has all of you. I'm just a shake that came with her mate." Glancing in he grunts softly, the growling heard loud and clear. "I get it, I get it. Whatever..." Turning he'd prepare to leave.
Mahkah finished bathing his parents after a few long moments, sitting on his rump with a big smile. "I'm still little! I'll be bigger and bigger though. Ahote's been babysitting me...he smokes so I started learning about plants to...not smell stuff. I know all kinds of flowers and herbs! I bet you'd love a rosemary, Momma. Daddy, I bet you'd love a lilypad!" Looking up he whimpers. "Why's my brother leaving...Why are you...growling at him Momma..? Actually...w...why are you both...you look so tired and...smaller.." Ears lowered he looks back at Ahote, heart sinking. "He's my brother...I love him...why is he being pushed away..?"
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 6:02 pm
Anne forced herself to sit up part way, and looked out past Keme. "Let him in," she had thought the lion was here to take Ohanzee away at first, mistaking his words 'that gal' to be her not thinking he could have been talking about Kaya, but hearing what Mahkah had said, her heart lightened toward her half son. "I am..sorry Ahote... I just found your... father again," she had to lay back down beside Ohanzee. "I was afraid... you were... taking him from.. me," the last word a whisper as she snuggled up to Ohanzee and closed her eyes.
Keme heard his mother, and instead of stepping away, he playfully pounced at Ahote. "They're weak and near death. I am... being too protective, but can you blame me?" he was serious as he told the truth, but the playful demeanor didn't change. "Come inside. We don't know if... an evil lioness wants your father dead, or if she wants him back for herself. Come inside though. Our father misses you, and my mom hasn't seen much of you either. I think she'd like to see you," Keme was kind and showed some brotherly love with a genuine smile. He didn't know Ahote well, and had never been able to spend time with him, but if his father wanted to see his other son, then it would happen.
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 6:23 pm
Ohanzee sits up weakly, looking at them all as he speaks. "Nng...Ahote...his mother was a bubblegum chewing lioness from a family of partying ravers. We...split on good but fast terms...Her name was Juliet and she was only after flings..My love Annelise met me a bit after that when I had his shake. The...nng...the lioness that screwed up my head was a diabolical sadistic creepy one...I don't even remember her name...she used a spell on my head..Ahote isn't her spawn."
Kaya looks back with a blink, nodding. She'd remembered that as she'd been told early on why she looked so different from Ahote. Watching Keme pounce him she finally giggles softly, the other family helping to break the tension. About to go to her father she stops remembering the scars on her shoulder, hesitence visible as she instead moves toward the other side of the cave.
With a surprised yelp Ahote flops over as he's pinned, chuckling up at Keme. "Ya know, even if we're only half brothers I still always uh...you know...uh...l...love and stuff." Embarressed he paws at his brother then gets up and pads inside. "Whoa...so that's why you left, pops? A spell...that's pretty ********' scary." Glancing over he looks at Annelise, ears lowering. "Hi...uh...thank you. Thank you for...raising me and everything. I do uh...care about ya you know..." It was hard for him to say love.
Mahkah beams as everybody stays, eyes growing wide though upon hearing more. "W...wait, what? Nobody told me...Daddy...you got hurt in the head? Ohhhhhhh that's so mean! But why did..." Looking at Kaya he frowns sadly, noting her scars. Unaware of it he simply asks. "What...hurt my sister..?" In away he figured he knew now.
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Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 7:25 pm
Annelise smiled up at Ahote, "You were always a wily one," she opened her eyes to gaze up at him lovingly. "I love you too," she laughed warmly and softly. "Yes.. I remember. It has been so long, I had forgotten in my depression,"Anne acknowledged what Ohanzee said."You had Ahote with you when we met. I remember him as little, adorable shake," again that warm smile spread across her maw as she thought about their family. "Even though you aren't mine biologically, you will always be my son, too," her expression went from warm to disgusted as she thought back to the evil lioness. "She will rue the day she bewitched my mate. I am sorry my children that I never spoke much of what had happened. I didn't understand it at the time."
Keme licked Ahote's cheek and laughed, "I love you too, old fart! 'Cuz technically you are the eldest." He padded in after Ahote and looked around at everyone. Half the family was here, and he did miss his sisters and brother who were off unaware for the moment that their parents were back. Hearing Mahkah's question, Keme glanced at his sister and titled his head as he watched her hesitate, then go to the other side of the cave away from their father. "Mahkah, it may not be the best time to ask. Perhaps Kaya will tell you at another time," he didn't want to cause anyone anymore pain as he looked down at his father, then back to his sister. He moved to sit beside his younger brother and invited Kaya to join them with a gesture of his wing if she'd like, by their parents.
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