Meeting one morning...
Backlogging these to make it easier on my journal
Dark Fire Angel
((Imma god-mod; Imma set the rp at dawn, kk? XDD))
Even as the sun finally emerged, lighting up the land, the small green figure moved not from it's perch upon a rock; idly spreading his large black wings, Ushaufu lifted his left front paw, unsheating his claws as he raised it to his maw, passing his tongue inbetween fingers, looking much absorbed in his doings.
Tell truth, had anyone stumbled across his form, they might've thought him to be a premonition of death, or perhaps some sort of spiritual warning of negative things to come, and though he wasn't any of such things, the young god would've never corrected any mortal to think thus way; after all, being the god of deception there was nothing he reeled in more than spiraling others deep into inner confussion. It was so... sattisfying to see others' face contort into confussion after all.
Upon finishing with his left paw, and though the pelt still look quite 'dead' to the eye, the god raised his right paw and began doing likewise, all the while appearing to be quite languid. However, nothing further from the truth; those of keen eyes would've noticed the fact that his unfurled wings seemed tense, almost as if awaiting a signal to plunge him up into the skies again... for even though they made a disgustingly horrible cracking sound whenever they moved, what with the bones that stuck out of it, they were perfectly capable of carrying his weight.
Things weren't always they seemed after all... and specially not around this particular cub. A smirk crossed his maw at thought, protuding teeth marring the expression into what may have looked like a sadistic smile... however, his tongue never stopped moving, passing between fingers and claws quite idly, ears twitching. It'd been a while since he'd stumbled across any lions, and Ush, quite frankly, was starting to wish for a bit of playtime.
Kisoni
Mistweaver lands; the brown and white lioness paused on one of the slopes decending into the east side of the Misty lands, and she paused there for a long moment to take in the sight of her beloved old home. How long had it been since she'd last laid eyes on it? Unable to answer that question, she sighed to herself as a frown crossed her brow. Even though she couldn't remember the exact number of years past, she did have a pretty good memory of what it'd been like during non-drought years.
This wasn't it. The lionesses chest heaved in a soft sigh and her head turned back to look up the hills she'd just treked down. Her daughter and Triv'an would be coming soon--she'd gone ahead to scout out the area for them--and her heart fell that their daughter would see her parents' beloved homeland in such a state. If the Storm God wasn't really angry before, he certainly must be now. Perhaps he meant for the mistweavers to have been wiped out, and was annoyed that they were still attempting to regather themselves.
Such thoughts weren't going to help her right now, however, and Kizuka pressed herself forward on her journey. She needed to find tale of a herd or lone beast, or watch Kimaji go hungry; that simply wasn't going to happen. After making a mental note to discuss her musings with Triv'an later, Kizuka shoved the thoughts aside in favor of more pressing matters.
A sickening popping noise that was actually quite familiar to her ears cropped up from somewhere nearby and Kizuka stopped in her tracks. A half-dead antelope, perhaps? Her nostrils flared slightly as she sniffed the air about her, lifting her head just a touch into the air. There could be no mistaking the sound of broken, or fractured bones twisting against each other--after all, she heard it just about everytime she broke a creatures leg during a hunt--but the fact that she could smell no prey was rather unusal. The only thing her nose was picking up was..... lion.
It couldn't be, could it? A slight chill of fear ran down Kizuka's spine, and while she fought not to show it, for an instant doubt of what she'd heard filled her mind. Could the rumors have been wrong? Perhaps it was Firekin that still had control of the valley, and not Mistweavers at all!
The sound came again, and she turned in place, her paws crunching on loose gravel beneth them that threatened to send her tumbling off her precarious perch. Steady she remained, though, and her eyes searched the area behind her. A flash of green finally caught her eye, and she saw him, stretched, half hidden, between two rocks on a ledge a little ways above her.
Kizuka's eyes widened a touch. WAS that a lion?! It looked like a dead thing, somehow still moving as though it were in no pain where another obviously would be. The sight of something half decayed would normally not have bothered her one wit, but the sight of said thing moving... well that was another entirely.
Fears of her Gods' hate suddenly seemed realized and the liones backed away a step, this time teetering a little on the ledge. She caught herself after a scrabmble, and glanced back up at the thing to see if it had noticed her.
Dark Fire Angel
He heard, rather than scented the lion, for the wind was against him, however, he could somewhat feel he confussion, her disgust, and this merely elicited a clear chuckle from the lithe god as he finally turned his head to look at the lioness over his shoulders, "Such a reaction should only be given to a death god, my dear, and I'm afraid I must let you know I'm no such entity..." in his own warped way, Ushafu had allowed her to know what he was, even though he'd refrained from saying who he was. After all, in order to play with someone, it was essential to only give half truths... it was the way the game worked.
Unfurling his wings, the sound crackling over the otherwise silent land, the god descended from his perch, padding nearer and nearer to the lioness, red eyes gleaming in the still someone darkened surroundings, "My, my... don't you look like you've seen a ghost, my dear?" even despite his young age it was clear the cub knew his way with words. Furthermore, his entonation and the accent he wove words with seemed to point to him being more intelligent than many lions the old misty had no doubt come across; after all, Ush did pride himself for being intelligent. He'd never truly understood the need to fight, and felt much more comfortable with verbal sparring, or confussing others psicologically than any other way.
His body at any rate didn't look like it was built for fighting, that much was clear, but setting aside the fact his pelt had a deadish effect to it, his frame was lacking the muscles needed for fighting... not to mention he was after all, just a cub. He still had a long way to go, and even in the future, it was doubtful he'd grow up to a be quite as an intimidating figure as many other male gods.
It didn't seem to matter though, for he moved with an air of regalness that would've matched that of any king; his head held his, eyes narrowed down, "So, my dear... what is it you seek?" he'd finally sat down, a nice meter away from her, his gaze turning to gaze over Mistweaver territory, "I hope it's not water you seek... and I surely hope it's not death either. It'd be such a pity..." the male never bothered to elaborate further, still opting to look like a premonition of death or negativity at any rate; there was more fun within such shows.
"The fire thriumphed over the water, wouldn't you say so?" he'd never truly opened to any lion, having only seen others very briefly each time, and thus acted upon will, no doubt deeming Kizuka bellow his own status. However... Ush was smart, and would doubtlessly rectify his thinking if proved otherwise. In fact, he seemed to be leering her out the corner of an eye, watching her every movement for clear signals.
Unfurling his wings, the sound crackling over the otherwise silent land, the god descended from his perch, padding nearer and nearer to the lioness, red eyes gleaming in the still someone darkened surroundings, "My, my... don't you look like you've seen a ghost, my dear?" even despite his young age it was clear the cub knew his way with words. Furthermore, his entonation and the accent he wove words with seemed to point to him being more intelligent than many lions the old misty had no doubt come across; after all, Ush did pride himself for being intelligent. He'd never truly understood the need to fight, and felt much more comfortable with verbal sparring, or confussing others psicologically than any other way.
His body at any rate didn't look like it was built for fighting, that much was clear, but setting aside the fact his pelt had a deadish effect to it, his frame was lacking the muscles needed for fighting... not to mention he was after all, just a cub. He still had a long way to go, and even in the future, it was doubtful he'd grow up to a be quite as an intimidating figure as many other male gods.
It didn't seem to matter though, for he moved with an air of regalness that would've matched that of any king; his head held his, eyes narrowed down, "So, my dear... what is it you seek?" he'd finally sat down, a nice meter away from her, his gaze turning to gaze over Mistweaver territory, "I hope it's not water you seek... and I surely hope it's not death either. It'd be such a pity..." the male never bothered to elaborate further, still opting to look like a premonition of death or negativity at any rate; there was more fun within such shows.
"The fire thriumphed over the water, wouldn't you say so?" he'd never truly opened to any lion, having only seen others very briefly each time, and thus acted upon will, no doubt deeming Kizuka bellow his own status. However... Ush was smart, and would doubtlessly rectify his thinking if proved otherwise. In fact, he seemed to be leering her out the corner of an eye, watching her every movement for clear signals.
Kisoni
As the being moved closer, Kizuka began to tense up all over. While she wouldn't flee, not yet at any rate, she was going to be ready to do so. Closer and closer he came, all the while spouting out riddles in a haughty manner that rung on the lionesses nerves to no end.
Death, was it? That should have been more than obvious, now that she thought about it. It was either that or some unimaginable disease. It was just a cub, Kizuka told herself again as she looked him over, just a cub... and yet so much more. His denial of being a death god rung false in her ears, for what other creature such as a god could live with such wounds and show no pain? It was that, or he was the Storm God himself, come to test her.
Ushafu's last comment sparked a fire in her that had all but been lost under the horror of his appearance, and a barely audible growl made its way past Kizuka's lips. "Fire may survive on water for awhile, but in the end water will always extinguish it."
Having found her voice, the lioness took strength from that, enough to pull herself out of her shock and give him match for his words. "But that is beside the point, for water, of either sort, is rare here; that much is obvious. I am, however, seeking one type; have you seen them?"
Death, was it? That should have been more than obvious, now that she thought about it. It was either that or some unimaginable disease. It was just a cub, Kizuka told herself again as she looked him over, just a cub... and yet so much more. His denial of being a death god rung false in her ears, for what other creature such as a god could live with such wounds and show no pain? It was that, or he was the Storm God himself, come to test her.
Ushafu's last comment sparked a fire in her that had all but been lost under the horror of his appearance, and a barely audible growl made its way past Kizuka's lips. "Fire may survive on water for awhile, but in the end water will always extinguish it."
Having found her voice, the lioness took strength from that, enough to pull herself out of her shock and give him match for his words. "But that is beside the point, for water, of either sort, is rare here; that much is obvious. I am, however, seeking one type; have you seen them?"
Dark Fire Angel
Laughter rang through the air at her words; not mocking, but rather, truly amused, his features denoting that much, "Very good!" he called out to her, "You're not as dumb as those I've stumbled with, now are you?" his red gaze was once again upon her, something akeen pure unadulture glee shinning through; after all, it'd been so long since he'd truly held an honest to god intelligent conversation; those few he'd come to see had been idiots, and though Ush had reeled in laughing at their obvious lack of witts, that didn't mean he didn't wish to find someone more challenging.
"Very good..." he repeated softly, a nod acknowledging this, "Indeed, fire is in the end, always put out, however, look at it this way; it can take long enough for i to be extinguished... to cause mass destruction," he pointed looked over the lands that suffered from the lack of water, "Prey moves on, life moves on," an ear flickered towards her, his nose wrinkling somewhat as his wings opened again, the sound of the bones clashing and crackling sent across the air, "I have seen much, however, if you wish an obvious answer, utter an obvious question."
Even though Ushafu was known for sporting a mocking tone to his words, they seemed to lack it right now; perhaps a game, perhaps not... it wasn't truly obvious at the time being, specially since the cub god kept on regarding her keenly, as if trying to disect every single movement... every single word.
Are you worthy?
It was a silent question that rung through the air as he kept on watching her, a pause following as he finally spoke again, "Ushaufu," it was a sole word what he uttured, and were she to understand it's meaning, she'd be able to know much more about him and who he was. However, he never mentioned it was his given name, making the riddle somewhat more difficult. A select smirk spread across his maw, protuding teeth once more making it appear much more sadistic than it truly was.
"Very good..." he repeated softly, a nod acknowledging this, "Indeed, fire is in the end, always put out, however, look at it this way; it can take long enough for i to be extinguished... to cause mass destruction," he pointed looked over the lands that suffered from the lack of water, "Prey moves on, life moves on," an ear flickered towards her, his nose wrinkling somewhat as his wings opened again, the sound of the bones clashing and crackling sent across the air, "I have seen much, however, if you wish an obvious answer, utter an obvious question."
Even though Ushafu was known for sporting a mocking tone to his words, they seemed to lack it right now; perhaps a game, perhaps not... it wasn't truly obvious at the time being, specially since the cub god kept on regarding her keenly, as if trying to disect every single movement... every single word.
Are you worthy?
It was a silent question that rung through the air as he kept on watching her, a pause following as he finally spoke again, "Ushaufu," it was a sole word what he uttured, and were she to understand it's meaning, she'd be able to know much more about him and who he was. However, he never mentioned it was his given name, making the riddle somewhat more difficult. A select smirk spread across his maw, protuding teeth once more making it appear much more sadistic than it truly was.
Kisoni
Kizuka's eyes narrowed at the laughter, but not in a menacing way, she could tell it was genuine--such a noise from a the creature in front of her was not to be expected, however. 'Good' he called her, or 'very good' to be completely correct. She supposed that was a compliment in a way.
The lioness's ears twitched towards the valley beyond them while she listened carefully to his words about it. Her eyes were not about to leave him, however, not trusting him so close just yet. Despite a slight wince at the crackling of his wings, not once did her eyes leave him.
Shifting a little on the gravel beneath her, Kizuka carefully thought about her answer before she made it. To the word 'Ushaufu' she gave note, but the meaning for that would wait. There were easier riddles to answer first.
"The fire did cause a good deal of damage, but it is proven that where fire goes, what grows next will be stronger than before.... even though it may take years to rebuild," Kizuka answered carefully, her thoughts split between the young one behind her, and the past in front, "Water may grow scarce, but it won't be gone forever. The rain will one day fall again, and when it does water of both kinds will once more flourish in this valley. After all, no vibrant land will go without herds for long.
"If you have seen much, have you seen amy other Umande'mfuni in these lands recently; any others such as myself? If so, where have they gone?"
The lioness's ears twitched towards the valley beyond them while she listened carefully to his words about it. Her eyes were not about to leave him, however, not trusting him so close just yet. Despite a slight wince at the crackling of his wings, not once did her eyes leave him.
Shifting a little on the gravel beneath her, Kizuka carefully thought about her answer before she made it. To the word 'Ushaufu' she gave note, but the meaning for that would wait. There were easier riddles to answer first.
"The fire did cause a good deal of damage, but it is proven that where fire goes, what grows next will be stronger than before.... even though it may take years to rebuild," Kizuka answered carefully, her thoughts split between the young one behind her, and the past in front, "Water may grow scarce, but it won't be gone forever. The rain will one day fall again, and when it does water of both kinds will once more flourish in this valley. After all, no vibrant land will go without herds for long.
"If you have seen much, have you seen amy other Umande'mfuni in these lands recently; any others such as myself? If so, where have they gone?"
Dark Fire Angel
Again, his smile widened, the small lion giving a curt nod, almost as if he approved her actions... however exactly was that he'd approved was hard to tell; at any rate, she seemed to be doing that the cub was hoping for, "Alas," he started, allowing his tongue to flicker out of his maw in order to lick his chomps, "There was no real phisical fire here, yet the feeling is the same, is it not? Metaphorical, and yet so similar.... do you really think things can be rebuilt out of the ashes that were left behind?" it was by now obvious he wasn't quite refering to the lands, but something else alltogether.
Ushaufu knew the history of the lands he roamed after all, for as he never played with phisicall advantage, he always wished to play with intelectual one, "It's not the rain that should worry you... but perhaps the flood it may produce; too much water is harmfull, just like too much sun might be," eyes narrowed again as he finally tore his gaze away from her, looking up towards the sky and scarse couds, as if seeking an answer to a silent question he'd not uttered.
It was his job to confuse her after all, now wasn't it?
Once more, Ushafu's ear flickered towards her as he raised a paw up, pointing into the jungles with what seemed to be a blood marred claw, "There are others, alas, I know not if those are whom you seek..." another smirk marred his maw, however, this one darker than the previous one, clearly having a hidden meaning, "I've seen others, further out in the dessert, however..." and here his tone held the usual mocking edge, not quite aimed at her, but towards those he now spoke off, "In human ruins they live, in human ruins they seek power... I find them amusing, however, a smarter one like yourself should take heed and not pad near.... there is fire even within those not born from the kin..."
Illogical words which probably meant nothing to her, however, he still uttered the warning, having taking a distinct liking to her, even in such a brief encounter; It just wouldn't do to see such a spirit tamed so soon.... specially not when he'd only just begun to play, "The prey move on," he repeated, "Life moves on."
Ushaufu knew the history of the lands he roamed after all, for as he never played with phisicall advantage, he always wished to play with intelectual one, "It's not the rain that should worry you... but perhaps the flood it may produce; too much water is harmfull, just like too much sun might be," eyes narrowed again as he finally tore his gaze away from her, looking up towards the sky and scarse couds, as if seeking an answer to a silent question he'd not uttered.
It was his job to confuse her after all, now wasn't it?
Once more, Ushafu's ear flickered towards her as he raised a paw up, pointing into the jungles with what seemed to be a blood marred claw, "There are others, alas, I know not if those are whom you seek..." another smirk marred his maw, however, this one darker than the previous one, clearly having a hidden meaning, "I've seen others, further out in the dessert, however..." and here his tone held the usual mocking edge, not quite aimed at her, but towards those he now spoke off, "In human ruins they live, in human ruins they seek power... I find them amusing, however, a smarter one like yourself should take heed and not pad near.... there is fire even within those not born from the kin..."
Illogical words which probably meant nothing to her, however, he still uttered the warning, having taking a distinct liking to her, even in such a brief encounter; It just wouldn't do to see such a spirit tamed so soon.... specially not when he'd only just begun to play, "The prey move on," he repeated, "Life moves on."
Kisoni
Some of his riddles truely weren't as puzzeling as he clearly thought they were--in this, the cub in front of her was still a cub. However, Kizuka was under no illusions that she was in better than the male. No, his very status, of which she was secretly assured, made him above her in her mind, no matter age. Because of that, she kept her manners about her and continued to take heed to each word he uttered, searching all possible meanings before deciding upon one.
Her eyes followed his to the jungle, then turned back towards the small range she'd just come over. The distance in her eyes made it seem almost as if she could see straight through it to the savanah beyond. "Those in the desert hold no concern in me, however I will heed your words. More of their kind I need not," She left it at that, continuing on with their other line of conversation.
In truth, she'd only been partially refering to the lands the entire time, having caught on quite early to his word play about the Mistweaver's situation, "With enough work and attention, yes, they can be rebuilt. So long as there are hearts and minds with the will to do it, it can be done, of that there is no doubt... the true question, is wether or not we should."
His earlier word came back to her then, and her eyes drifted once more back to him. They ran over his form, taking in all aspects of him before she made her guess, but not a too obvious one. "Kizuka."
Dark Fire Angel
"The heart is strong... even if the mind is weak," it was plainly clear by the entonation of his words that he was pleased with the out come; in fact, the cub suddenly bowed his head slightly in respect for her, a gestured he'd not offered others before, findding them unworthy of it. Still holding his head down, he smirked, placing a paw on his chest, "Deception," was all what he offered, having answered his own riddle, for Ushaufu means Deception, quite clearly indicating this was his given name and rank.
He wasn't quite sure what she seeked; refuge? Or perhaps a way to qwell the voices of a past long gone? After all, if she was inquiring about this lands, she might've been a former pride member... that much was obvious in the cub's eyes, "You might find that what you lef tbehind is not what thou shalt encounter.... water and fire have merged into that jungle, formed one pride; I find it amusing, however, the outcome I can not so much as phantom, do take a fling at trying to yourself though," another smirk as he stod up, padding around her suddenly, leaning in to sniff at her, allowing her to do likewise before he snorted, "Do you think a scar can heal so much as to forgive the past?" looking fully towards her, his claw pointed at the scar that ran down one of his eyes, "I claim otherwise."
True, the heart was strong enough to forgive, however, even the cub had wondered as to the situation these lands were in; it was exceedingly amusing to watch from a distance, specially for someone whom had nothing else better to do, and nothing else to ocupy his time in; whatever the outcome, Ushaufu was bound to get a kick out of it, and he'd remain around just to watch it and smirk from afar.
Confussion, delusion... deception.
It was quite alluring, and in a way beyond comprehension, he fed from it all, "Hopefully a pleasure," he said as he finally pulled away, giving his wings a light flap before he turned to glance behind the lioness; he'd scented others upon her pelt, and though the smell was recent, being a cub, he could not distinguish much else, "Lands fit for chaos; such a god might find it quite amusing.... I wonder if it dwells nearby." He knew the god of War dwelled nearby, or at least phantomed it due to a conversation he'd had with a certain 'seer' cub, not long ago... however, he didn't know whom else dwelled nearby.
It didn't keep him from wondering, and perhaps hoping. Not that he swayed towards chaos or destruction, whatever may come in the end, was none of his concern after all.
He wasn't quite sure what she seeked; refuge? Or perhaps a way to qwell the voices of a past long gone? After all, if she was inquiring about this lands, she might've been a former pride member... that much was obvious in the cub's eyes, "You might find that what you lef tbehind is not what thou shalt encounter.... water and fire have merged into that jungle, formed one pride; I find it amusing, however, the outcome I can not so much as phantom, do take a fling at trying to yourself though," another smirk as he stod up, padding around her suddenly, leaning in to sniff at her, allowing her to do likewise before he snorted, "Do you think a scar can heal so much as to forgive the past?" looking fully towards her, his claw pointed at the scar that ran down one of his eyes, "I claim otherwise."
True, the heart was strong enough to forgive, however, even the cub had wondered as to the situation these lands were in; it was exceedingly amusing to watch from a distance, specially for someone whom had nothing else better to do, and nothing else to ocupy his time in; whatever the outcome, Ushaufu was bound to get a kick out of it, and he'd remain around just to watch it and smirk from afar.
Confussion, delusion... deception.
It was quite alluring, and in a way beyond comprehension, he fed from it all, "Hopefully a pleasure," he said as he finally pulled away, giving his wings a light flap before he turned to glance behind the lioness; he'd scented others upon her pelt, and though the smell was recent, being a cub, he could not distinguish much else, "Lands fit for chaos; such a god might find it quite amusing.... I wonder if it dwells nearby." He knew the god of War dwelled nearby, or at least phantomed it due to a conversation he'd had with a certain 'seer' cub, not long ago... however, he didn't know whom else dwelled nearby.
It didn't keep him from wondering, and perhaps hoping. Not that he swayed towards chaos or destruction, whatever may come in the end, was none of his concern after all.
Kisoni
Deception then, instead of Death; similar and yet quite different, in the end. Kizuka smirked inwardly and gave him a bow in return. Hers went deeper than the one he'd given her, indicating the rank he held over her without seeming to think on it.
His next words caused her ears to perk and head to snap up. Water and fire merged? No! That could not be! Her insides reeled at the implication that a mistweaver would ever give themselves willingly to a firekin. Of course, it need not be willing.... A sick feeling awoke in the pit of her stomach as she thought of were her and Triv'an's journey would lead them and their daughter. Was such an environment safe for those such as themselves?
Though lost in thought, Kizuka still bent her head to his fur when he'd offered the chance. What she smelt there, she kept to herself for now, and his mention of a scar wiped the cobwebs from her mind. "It depends on the depth of the scar," She replied softly. This was Deception that she spoke to, Kizuka reminded herself, and not everything he said was to be trusted; all his words needed to be taken with a grain of salt.
"Very much a pleasure," She responded in a more normal tone of voice when he'd pulled away. A frown crossed her maw then and she shook her head, "I would no not, but i can hope."
"... and pray," Kizuka added as an after thought. "that one such as that would not be attracted to this land. Have we not seen more than our fair share? ... of course, life is not fair... nor is death, I'd imagine."
Dark Fire Angel
There was no questioning her expresion; he understood what she felt, for even though he'd never truly belonged anywhere, he knew that were he to chose a place, he'd not want it's history marred... it's innocence maimed. There was, after all, a long stretch between pure evil and a lie; there was good within the god cub, as there was darkness, for lies can be both told for good, or for evil, depending on the situation.
"I may be a good liar, however, if you doubt my words there is an easy way to find out the truth, for it lies within that jungle, waiting to be discovered," a small smirk came upon his maw, "There are times I lie, and there are times I say the truth... there are even tims I say half truths, and if you figure out which is which, and when is when, I shall surrender my crown to you," he accentuated the words with a bow, however his attitude was not mocking; quite the contrary, he seemed to be honstly and outright setting some sort of challenge upon her.
Perhaps a game, perhaps not... it was hard to tell, however, even though deception was his word, Ushaufu was not one to brake a promise made to one he'd deemed as worthy.
"Hope and praying only goes so far though... take heed," this said, the god closed his eyes, his black wings suddenly vanishing from sight, no longer there to be touched, scented or otherwise seen; in fact, he looked like any normal cub now, pushing aside the slightly protuding teeth and the slightly regal attitude. Alas, they were not tratis enough for other lions to be able to pin point him as a god anymore. Ears twitched as he raised his head, looking off to the distance, somewhere behind Kizuka, "Your kin awaits," a pause, followed by a smirk, playfull in a sense, "Would you like to play a game?"
The words were whispered as his red hued eyes narrowed, "Tell you what; I'll be it for a start..." he left it at that.
Quote:
Deepest disgust and anger rolled into a hard knot within the lioness as her eyes strayed over to the jungle she once called home. Though she tried to keep up the thought that what he said might not be true, some small part of her believed it beyond any doubt and that part was screaming inside of her for attention. She would not give in, though; not yet.
Forcing her attention back to Ushaufu's green form she wondered at the disappearance of his wings but said nothing. Who was she to question what a God could or could not do? In truth, he now looked like nothing more than a normal cub; a strange-looking cub, but a cub none the less.
"Where hope and prayer do not reach, action shall close the gap," The lioness responded in a low tone of voice, "And action there well may be in plenty." Her eyes met his for the first time in that conversation, and she stared long into their depths before bowing her head slightly. Challenge accepted.
Turning from him to look back at the way she'd come, rising sun now turning her pelt a shining red-brown where it hit her, she searched for sign of friend or daughter.
Beat Fu
She had been gone too long. At least for simple scouting. All that she had needed to do was check for dangers, hyena's or lions, and return. Kizuka may have been stubbourn and firey, but she always kept her word, at least to him.
Something must have happened. There was no need to worry yet, that's what he told himself, but their was no guarantee that she had not found some trouble. With that quick tounge of hers it was far from the furthest possibility.
Triv'an left had left their child in a hidden area, a rocky outcropping and some shrubs left it basicaly invisible to the naked eye. Double checking to make sure that he could not see her, he turned and ran off into the direction that his friend had gone, taking long strides, gaining ground. The sooner he found her, the better. He did not like leaving Kamaji alone either.
In a short time he began to scent and hear her in the distance, another nearby. He didn't smell blood, but he still got a vaguely unfomfortable feeling about all of this.
"Kizuka!" He called out, not quite in sight. A few moment's later he saw her though, aparently speaking to a green lion.
What had she gotten herself into?
Dark Fire Angel
The cub's smirk grew further, almost sinister in appearance as his left ear twitched, gaze shifting to settle on a far distant dot, "Your kin awaits no more I see... I've stolen your time far enough," this said, his expression changed completely, imitating that of a normal cub to perfection, his eyes widening slightly, mouth turning agape in order to make his protruding teeth look far smaller than they really was; in fact, in mere seconds, Ushaufu had managed to look much like an innocent cub.
He went as far as to fluff out his pelt slight, sheathing his claws as he tilted his head, regarding the larger male in the distance. This done, he took in a small breath and released a soft melt, ears perking once more as he blinked.
All in all, no one would've noticed he'd been talking such riddles before; the cub acted out his part with ease, sitting down in a sprawled manor, however, there was no doubt Kizuka would've found this sudden change amusing. Perhaps this was what the god had meant when he'd claimed he'd wanted to play a game... and that he was 'it'. He spoke not, but rather, remain seated by the older female, head tilting this way and that, the only thing odd about him... the spiked collar he wore around his neck, half hidden by his green pelt.
Games like this were, after all, what he lived for; with nothing else better to do, the god figured he'd get a closer look as to the situation the jungles were in... it was bound to be amusing, to say the least.
He went as far as to fluff out his pelt slight, sheathing his claws as he tilted his head, regarding the larger male in the distance. This done, he took in a small breath and released a soft melt, ears perking once more as he blinked.
All in all, no one would've noticed he'd been talking such riddles before; the cub acted out his part with ease, sitting down in a sprawled manor, however, there was no doubt Kizuka would've found this sudden change amusing. Perhaps this was what the god had meant when he'd claimed he'd wanted to play a game... and that he was 'it'. He spoke not, but rather, remain seated by the older female, head tilting this way and that, the only thing odd about him... the spiked collar he wore around his neck, half hidden by his green pelt.
Games like this were, after all, what he lived for; with nothing else better to do, the god figured he'd get a closer look as to the situation the jungles were in... it was bound to be amusing, to say the least.
Kisoni
Kizuka made a soft noise when her searching found the image of Triv'an coming down the hillside towards t hem. She called back out to him, then turned to her newfound.... accquaintance... to find him lolling at her side like a typical cub. For a brief moment she just stared at him in surprise before her brain caught up.
A game was it truely? Then a game it would be.
The lioness turned face back towards her approaching companion and she waited for him to catch up before saying anything further. A frown crossed her maw when she noticed their missing daughter, "Triv'an.. Where is Kimaji?"
Another glance was gifted to the cub beside her, then she continued, "This is Ushu. I found him roaming around by himself, and thought we could take him with us into the jungle.. It wouldn't do to leave a cub out here alone."
While it wasn't truly a lie that she was giving Triv'an, telling him only a half-truth was already going against the grain. They'd survived this long by trusting each other completely... but when the time came, she'd tell him. For now, the God's secret was safe with her.
A game was it truely? Then a game it would be.
The lioness turned face back towards her approaching companion and she waited for him to catch up before saying anything further. A frown crossed her maw when she noticed their missing daughter, "Triv'an.. Where is Kimaji?"
Another glance was gifted to the cub beside her, then she continued, "This is Ushu. I found him roaming around by himself, and thought we could take him with us into the jungle.. It wouldn't do to leave a cub out here alone."
While it wasn't truly a lie that she was giving Triv'an, telling him only a half-truth was already going against the grain. They'd survived this long by trusting each other completely... but when the time came, she'd tell him. For now, the God's secret was safe with her.
Beat Fu
He padded upto her easily, glancing down at the cub for only a moment before filling him away as unimportant for the time being.
"I was afraid you had come to trouble, so I left her somehwere safe. I am glad to see you are okay though," he said slowly, voice calm and low. Now that he knew she was alright he was once again soothed, back into his usual laid back attitude.
"Greetings Ushu. That sounds fine to me, it would not be right to leave him out here alone."
He saw no problem in what she said, in fact, he did not detect anything wrong. Some may say you can always tell when a close friend was hiding something, but Triv'an was simplistic in that he always assumed that she was truthful to him. Only time would tell if he would find out the small fib.
"I suggest we return to Kimaji. She is safe for now, but you never know when enemies might appear..."
Dark Fire Angel
An actual giggle bubbled up the cub's chest, a paw lifting to batt at the older male before he paused, brow furrowing, "I kinda got lost..." his head turned to look over his shoulder, regarding the land land that stretched out far behind him with evident fear in his eyes. He explained no further, but rather, turned back to look at both older lions, head tilting again, almost as if he were merely understanding half the conversation, ears twitching forth.
Though not directly evident, Kizuka might've managed to catch a slight glimmer within the god's eyes, easily denoting that he was managing exactly what he'd hoped for; to pass as unimportant.
Suddenly, his maw opened into a yawn, much like that of any tired cub before he closed it, once more gazing up at the older pair, "Kimaji?" a pause, perhaps a hint of worry within his eyes that could've been a part of the game... or perhaps truly honest, "Is she a cub?" another pause as his eyes diverted themselves towards the sands that lay behind, ears flattening somewhat. He turned to aim a pointed leer at the female before his gaze drifted up towards Triv'an, "I've heard there are mean lions around..."
The god left it at that, not willing to dish out too much information whilst around the male; after all, letting it be known he knew so much would topple down his already achieved goal. If he wished to tag along... he had to meld in and appear to be as normal as possible; it would simply not do, however, worry had marred his features for long enough to allow his disguise to slip.
Ushaufu had seen cub-nappers nearby, he'd seen a few cubs suffer the fate, and tell truth, as much as he was immersed into his own lithe game, he did not like the idea of being even if indirectly responsible for such a feat. After all, he'd conduct his games in his own way... no one should interfere, "I wanna play with her..."
Though not directly evident, Kizuka might've managed to catch a slight glimmer within the god's eyes, easily denoting that he was managing exactly what he'd hoped for; to pass as unimportant.
Suddenly, his maw opened into a yawn, much like that of any tired cub before he closed it, once more gazing up at the older pair, "Kimaji?" a pause, perhaps a hint of worry within his eyes that could've been a part of the game... or perhaps truly honest, "Is she a cub?" another pause as his eyes diverted themselves towards the sands that lay behind, ears flattening somewhat. He turned to aim a pointed leer at the female before his gaze drifted up towards Triv'an, "I've heard there are mean lions around..."
The god left it at that, not willing to dish out too much information whilst around the male; after all, letting it be known he knew so much would topple down his already achieved goal. If he wished to tag along... he had to meld in and appear to be as normal as possible; it would simply not do, however, worry had marred his features for long enough to allow his disguise to slip.
Ushaufu had seen cub-nappers nearby, he'd seen a few cubs suffer the fate, and tell truth, as much as he was immersed into his own lithe game, he did not like the idea of being even if indirectly responsible for such a feat. After all, he'd conduct his games in his own way... no one should interfere, "I wanna play with her..."
Kisoni
A shiver of worry ran through the lioness. Hidden though she was, she could tell Ushu was being entirely serious in his warning. To Triv'an she gave a nod, and bent her head to nuzzle the cubs cheek and gently draw him up to his feet.
"I am certain she will like to play with you as well. Come." Without another word, the lioness began the climb back up the way they had come, away from the jungle of the Mistweavers. So many important things, but somehow she felt so little time. Ushaufu had warned her that this other lion tribe was much like the firekin, and the lioness knew as well as any other Mistweaver what that meant. Her daughter would not suffer as she did!
As they treked the way back, she turned her head to look at the grown male behind her, "Triv'an. When we reach Kimaji I have other things I need to speak to you about in private." It would do no good to focus on one thing since nothing had yet happened, and so she turned her head a little more to see if the 'cub' was following.
"I am certain she will like to play with you as well. Come." Without another word, the lioness began the climb back up the way they had come, away from the jungle of the Mistweavers. So many important things, but somehow she felt so little time. Ushaufu had warned her that this other lion tribe was much like the firekin, and the lioness knew as well as any other Mistweaver what that meant. Her daughter would not suffer as she did!
As they treked the way back, she turned her head to look at the grown male behind her, "Triv'an. When we reach Kimaji I have other things I need to speak to you about in private." It would do no good to focus on one thing since nothing had yet happened, and so she turned her head a little more to see if the 'cub' was following.
Beat Fu
"Ah," was his only response as he headed back in the direction he had stashed their child, content to let the lioness lead the way. He, however, was not as inwardly calm as he would have liked. He was worried. Worried for his daughter, and worried for their people. The lands had a taint he did not remember from childhood.
And the warning of enemy lions. Would Mistweavers allow such to live near their lands? Perhaps the pride was not rebuilding itself? Then where would they go? Kimaji deserved a place to stay, to live life without worry, and it was his job to provide it. He felt heavy.
Old.
These lands made him feel old.
He looked to Kizuka, pondering what she meant, and answered with a slow, thoughtful statement.
"I think there are many things we need to discuss."
And the warning of enemy lions. Would Mistweavers allow such to live near their lands? Perhaps the pride was not rebuilding itself? Then where would they go? Kimaji deserved a place to stay, to live life without worry, and it was his job to provide it. He felt heavy.
Old.
These lands made him feel old.
He looked to Kizuka, pondering what she meant, and answered with a slow, thoughtful statement.
"I think there are many things we need to discuss."
Dark Fire Angel
A purr was elicited by the nuzzle, and soon enough he pushed himself up, playfully trotting around the adults, hoping here and there, passing between them now and again, however, his ears remain very much erect, eyes darting around every so often as he played along. After all, if he was going to take the role of an innocent cub, he was going to enjoy doing it. That was the way things worked around Ushaufu... when he took a role, he made sure he played it fully and to an except, taking the chance to actually enjoy what he did.
Such was the secret to his mastering the art of deception; he played roles which he enjoyed playing. In a sense, he wasn't so much deceiving them as he was playing with them, for after all, the god was a cub, and acting like such was a part of him he was unable to display around others more often than not. They wanted innocence? He could give them that. They wanted playfully? Fine.
He wasn't fully into the act though, nostrils flaring every now and then, trying to catch scents; knowing he could not use his wings was a large weakness and he had to be prepared to run and dodge at any moment, instead of being prepared to catapult himself heavenward...
"Are we theeeeere yet?" passing between the female's front paws, he rubbed himself against her there, swiftly doing likewise with the male, big round eyes questioning them, "I can stay with the cub! We can play while you talk!" a giggle rang through him as he puffed his chest out, "I'll protect her! If trouble shows up, we can flyyyyy to safety!" of course, within the childish wordings there was a bit of a promise in a sense.
He did like cubs after all, as they were more gullible and more fun to play with. What good would it do him to lose a cub whilst he was there and could prevent it?
Such was the secret to his mastering the art of deception; he played roles which he enjoyed playing. In a sense, he wasn't so much deceiving them as he was playing with them, for after all, the god was a cub, and acting like such was a part of him he was unable to display around others more often than not. They wanted innocence? He could give them that. They wanted playfully? Fine.
He wasn't fully into the act though, nostrils flaring every now and then, trying to catch scents; knowing he could not use his wings was a large weakness and he had to be prepared to run and dodge at any moment, instead of being prepared to catapult himself heavenward...
"Are we theeeeere yet?" passing between the female's front paws, he rubbed himself against her there, swiftly doing likewise with the male, big round eyes questioning them, "I can stay with the cub! We can play while you talk!" a giggle rang through him as he puffed his chest out, "I'll protect her! If trouble shows up, we can flyyyyy to safety!" of course, within the childish wordings there was a bit of a promise in a sense.
He did like cubs after all, as they were more gullible and more fun to play with. What good would it do him to lose a cub whilst he was there and could prevent it?
Kisoni
"Kimaji?" Kizuka called out as they neared the area she had left both Triv'an and their cub that morning. That was assuming he'd hidden the girl here, as she hoped. Any further out was closer to the desert and thus in the definite 'danger' zone. Yet another something she should talk to Triv about.
"Yes, we're almost there," The lioness said in a motherly voice to the cub, her worry for her own cub the only thing that kept her from smirking at their continued game. The god was good at what he did, that was certain.
She lifted her nose to the air, sniffing for her child since there was no answer. "Triv'an, Was she still asleep?"
"Yes, we're almost there," The lioness said in a motherly voice to the cub, her worry for her own cub the only thing that kept her from smirking at their continued game. The god was good at what he did, that was certain.
She lifted her nose to the air, sniffing for her child since there was no answer. "Triv'an, Was she still asleep?"
Beat Fu
Triv'an blinked, studying the cub before a soft smile appeared on his muzzle. He liked cubs. They were innocent and kind, not yet affected by the dangers of the world. They should stay that way as long as possible.
"She's right, we'll be there soon," he answered kindly, then looked to Kizuka again.
"She was awake for a bit. Then I hid her and she went back to sleep. I think the traveling is getting to her," he said, an edge of worry on his voice, unhappy with the prospect of continued journey, and the affects on his child.
"I am sure that she will be happy to play with you Ushu. There shouldn't be any danger," he reassured the cub, still glancing about for trouble even as he said so. He did not want to do something foolish and miss signs of danger.
He had been worried enough before the cub mentioned bad lions.
Padding about the parched land, he called to his cub as well, smelling her nearness. Soon they would be where he had hidden her away, but they would not see it until they were almost on top of it. A good thing; hidding spaces were only useful if they were hidden after all.
"She's right, we'll be there soon," he answered kindly, then looked to Kizuka again.
"She was awake for a bit. Then I hid her and she went back to sleep. I think the traveling is getting to her," he said, an edge of worry on his voice, unhappy with the prospect of continued journey, and the affects on his child.
"I am sure that she will be happy to play with you Ushu. There shouldn't be any danger," he reassured the cub, still glancing about for trouble even as he said so. He did not want to do something foolish and miss signs of danger.
He had been worried enough before the cub mentioned bad lions.
Padding about the parched land, he called to his cub as well, smelling her nearness. Soon they would be where he had hidden her away, but they would not see it until they were almost on top of it. A good thing; hidding spaces were only useful if they were hidden after all.
Freodwyn
From her hiding spot, Kimaji yawned. It had been a rather long time since Daddy had hidden her there, and it was extremely boring. She wanted to play, but that wouldn't happen until Daddy and Mommy came back. The golden and white cub sighed before she sniffed the air. It smelled like her mommy and daddy were close, but there was some other smell with the smell of her parents. That was scary; had something happened to them?
No...they had to be safe. Daddy and Mommy were strong, but slow. Kimaji was going to wait for their return.
Kisoni
As they neared the place they had left her, Kizuka paused and turned to look at the two following. She gestured to Ushaufu, showing him the spot. It would be interesting to watch the two cubs meet. Her gaze shifted back to Triv'lan.. Best friend, companion, ex-lover... they had meant a lot to each other, and they still did. family.... and no one more was added to this. Despite the gloomy look of the home they had returned to, Kizuka thought--No! She knew this was the start of something new and exciting.... the beginning of something good.
