Oluwaseyi stood, snarled at the crying cub. Lying next to her was a lioness that had been her mother. The pitiful thing could hardly stand. If she wanted to she could end its existence with a single step.
“You just killed the poor cubs mother. Just put it out of its misery and lets go.” Oluwaseyi turned toward her companion Mesi, a slightly smaller hyena, with a starry coat. Mesi had a large grin on her face, finding the situation highly amusing.
“The cub isn't worthy of being killed by me.” Oluwaseyi replied, looking at the cub again. Its small paws shook. For a moment it looked like the cub was going to try to strike, but Oluwaseyi bared her teeth and the cub fell backwards. “The vultures will enjoy pecking at him and when his pride finds the bones, they will know not to invade on our land.”
Mesi let out a huff and walked over to Oluwaseyi and the cub. “Guess the boss isn't feeling generous. Such a shame. You would have made such a nice little snack.”
Oluwaseyi rolled her eyes before turning away from the cub and walking away. “Lions taste terrible. You would take one bite before spitting it out.” She only took a couple steps before Mesi caught up with her.
“I wasn't that hungry anyways.” Mesi replied. “When you tell your mother about this, could you tell her that I helped? I know that you practically did all the work, but I think that I caused a good distraction.”
Oluwaseyi glanced at her companion who was looking at her with anxiously. They had grown up together and had gone on a number of patrols. She suspected that part of the reason was that Mesi was paired with her was that her mother had a soft spot for the weaker fighter. Oluwaseyi didn't mind having Mesi around for company, but she was the one hyena she could not count on in a fight.
“I'll see what I can do.” Oluwaseyi responded. “Though it might be time for you to look for another path to follow. Warriors are not the only respectable role. We need healers and hunters as well.”
Mesi laughed. “But then I couldn't spend time with you silly.” She said, giving Oluwaseyi a quick peck on the cheek. Oluwaseyi turned away quickly out of embarrassment, making Mesi grin bigger. “Your mother wouldn't be happy with a healer or a hunter as your mate. She would want someone who could protect you from attacks and be by your side in a fight.”
Oluwaseyi knew that Mesi spoke the truth. Her mother would expect a prospective mate to be able to not only be a guard but a great warrior who would be able to provide lots of pelts for the pride. Together they had brought in more pelts then any other hyena their age, but truthfully Oluwaseyi did all the work, while Mesi joked around.
“Perhaps you should start giving me private lessons?” Mesi suggested with a wink.
Oluwaseyi was about to respond, when she heard a rustling to her left. “Be on your guard.” She muttered.
The first lion jumped out of a bush and began circling them. Before Oluwaseyi could strike, another jumped out to Mesi's right side. She growled as a third took up the rear.
“Seems we found a couple of the hyenas attacking at our border.” One of the lions said. “AND it looks like this one killed our mother.” The lion referred to the dark pelt Oluwaseyi wore. It was from one of her favorite kills.
“It is your lucky day. Choosing to fight me means that you will be joining your mother shortly.” Oluwaseyi threatened. From the corner of her eye she could see Mesi gearing up.
“Yeah, I remember that fight boss. We gave her tail to one of our cubs to use as a chew toy.”
One of the other lions lost his composure quickly. “You will pay for what you did to our mother.”
While the attention was on Oluwaseyi, Mesi ducked out. Oluwaseyi was the first to make contact, going deep into the more aggressive lion's face.
“Hey boss, careful with the face! Their pelts look better without damages on them.” Mesi interjected.
“I will be more careful next time.” Oluwaseyi said as she defended herself from one of their attacks.
The third lion's attention went from Oluwaseyi to Mesi, who couldn't help but giggle when the lion's eyes were on her. “You should focus on the boss instead.” She said sticking her tongue out. As she did so, teeth sunk into the lions side.
Oluwaseyi bit hard and pushed into the lion's side. The other two started charging toward her. Using all her strength, she pulled the lion around and used him as a shield. She let go of them and stared at them.
“Is that all you got?” She barked loudly. “There are three of you and your mother put up much more of a fight. If you really want to avenge her why don't you train harder so you are more interesting adversaries?”
Mesi frowned. “But Boss, we could have three beautiful pelts to give to the queen. She would be so happy with us.” she whined.
Oluwaseyi shook her head. “I would rather have a pelt reminding me of a great fight then one from an easy fight.” She looked at the three lions before her. Two males, one female. They had potential, but they weren't worth her time. “Run back to your pride and stay away from our territory or else I will not be as forgiving.”
The three lions scurried off. Oluwaseyi watched them go, wanting to make sure that they didn't try another sneak attack.
“Now we have no pelts to show for our hard work today.” Mesi complained as she brushed her head against Oluwaseyi's shoulder. “The first one you bloodied up so badly that no one would want to wear it and then you just let those three go.”
“There is always tomorrow. My mother will hear about the fights that we had today. She will be pleased to hear about them and how you assisted me.” Oluwaseyi said. “Tomorrow we will find a pelt to bring back to her I promise.”
Mesi rubbed her head against Oluwaseyi again. “Sounds wonderful. Hopefully that will help prove my strength to your mother.”
Oluwaseyi laughed. “If we exaggerate the truth I am sure that she will think of you as a powerful warrior.”
With that, the two hyenas started to head back to their clan.
WC: 1,113
