Menace
IT did not take Nemu Long to inform her of her daughters death or more so the confirmation that the Makucha were behind. She had waited for Nemu to leave. Her mother and Terserk were out and she was one of the ones to of stayed behind to guard the ruins. But now, now she had a mission. Tuini must pay. He had his child killed. That was unforgivable to here. You do everything in your power to keep your kids alive no matter who they live with unless you ultimately had no choice and from what she was sure is he had a choice. A choice she would make him pay for. Once Nemu was gone the light blue and white tiger leopard mix sprung across the river. She had no clue that Melinu and Teri were following her until they got right up to the cavern that she remembered. AS she released a roar for Tuini her son and daughter crowd her.
Melinu He takes strongly after the lion's build, though his face is a bit broader and tail a little longer and more densely furred. Taking from his grandmother Paranoia, he is as entirely white, with a slight hint of cream to his mane. His eyes are pale yellow stare at his mother.mother this is not worth it, they are not worth it please reconsiderHe said.
Teri This female looks very much like the tiger, but with an exceptionally long tail and slightly shorter limbs. She has the grace and agility of the snow leopard, and pronounced leaping strength. Her coloration is slate-blue on top, and paler gray down along her belly and lower limbs. She also has a white 'mask' over her face, and bold, black striping elsewhere. Golden-yellow eyes also plead with her mother.Please mom, Shadowstep wouldn't want you to get hurt because of fathers ill choice. Please think of sister what she would of wanted Thats when her mother pinned her to the ground. Her ears back as she saw the anger, the pain in her mothers eyes. She had never seen her mother this way.
Menace glare at her two surviving cubs, no longer cubs of course. He doesn't deserve to live. He is just like the old haunters and the current haunters are too soft, that is why your sister diedShe snarledd at her daughters mention of shadow it was too much and she made to smack her cutting her daughter across the face and then pinning her.
Layra with she was sure tuini not too far back in the den. The moment she heard menace she told all to leave them that this fight was Tuini. She had never agreed with the killing of Shadowstep. However, she was listening and watching Menace and the surviving of Menace and Tuini litter. She steps out of the cavern.Menace enough. Before you hurt your daughter and son. Do not take your anger out on them. They are only trying to prevent more bloodshed. She said making to try to tread carefully as to not take Menace's ire herself. She hated the haunters yes but murdering your own child just because she with the haunters was wrong. Tuini may not like what she was about to say but it was also a way to maybe get Menace on their side. Menace, you have my permission for a 1 v 1 with Tuini. Defeat him take his place by my side leave the haunters behind.. Whether she really wanted Menace to take Tuini position or not she didn't even though so for all intent and purpose Menace should believe her. i did not agree with the order to kill shadowstep, it grieves me that her blood is on my prides paws. Haunter or no haunter. I know your anger will not be quelled by walking away from this. Whether you stay with us after is up to you but fight Tuini, place your anger where it belongs not on your two surviving children. I will not let them be harmed and nor does the fight need to be to the death. She said more for Tuini ears then Menace's.
Menace remained pinning her daughter during Layra entire speech. Slowly she removes her self from her daughter who scuttles back to her brothers side. You think I can trust your words on any of that? You kill your own kin maybe not you directly but your pride has. She said now pacing back and forth. Her mouth slightly a gape as she paces. you want me to believe that tuini will face me one v one without any assistance. You want me to believe if I defeat his worthless self that I'd be able to take his place? And do tell me Why would I even want to help anyone run a pride who kills their children?She said. one thing you have right my anger will not seast if I leave here with out his bloodshe growled.
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
Normally, Khala would have likely spotted the approaching trio, but the falcon was still recuperating from their last fight, and was tucked soundly in her nest in an open crevice above the main den. It wasn't until the interlopers got closer that their voices gave them away, and Tuini rose from his nap. Traveling beside his pale sister, his expression darkened at the sight of Menace and their three children. That darkness shifted abruptly when Layra spoke, and he looked to her in surprise, bright eyes wide at first, then quickly narrowing, "Layra, you can't be serious? You're openly inviting our enemy to be leader of our pride, and tossing me by the wayside, when I've worked so hard to make us as strong as we are?" A growl began to grow in his chest at the betrayal and it twisted his lips back, "We left the Haunters precisely because of this! We protect our own, not our enemies, what has gotten into you? Why are you suddenly so sentimental over our foes, just because they carry some of our blood? Loyalty makes family, not blood."
Spotlight and Little Tuft had come forward now, watching with a mix of concern at the proceedings. Little Tuft, the only surviving sibling of Velvet's, was no longer a keen fighter with his long crippled hind limb and old age. He wisely kept his trap shut. But Spotlight, the hulking liger with impressive strength and even keener reflexes, wasn't afraid to voice his opinion. "Layra, be careful and consider what you're saying. You're getting all soft and mushy over some cat you didn't even know. Blood or not, she was an enemy that would have killed us if given the chance; we just happened to strike first." He looked between Menace and Tuini, "I stand behind Tuini on this one - I'm not going to follow a Haunter, and now I'm starting to question your own loyalty."
Behind them all, little Rufflan also kept absolutely quiet. He'd joined the Makucha on several fights, but had been out hunting during the last encounter.
Layra
Layra turned on Tuini and huffed up.I care for family. You could of taken Shadowstep as captive. We could of tried to convince her to join us or give her food for thought. But you chose to kill insteadShe growled. . She moved to spotlight then and aimed to pin him.DO not question my judgement or my reasoning. Don't think I won't kill youShe growled. She got off not long after and turned to Tuini. WE kidnap those that are our young and we persuade them to join we do not kill. She growled.
She moved to Tuini. Do not question my Loyalty. If Shadowstep had been our age or Senka's age then I would be fine with it but she is of the younger generation a generation that is still impersonable.. She said. and you will not kill Menace. She lowered her voice.I can tell you she has no want to return to the haunters after this, look in her eyes. She called the haunters soft. She either going rogue after or she could go to Nemu. I doubt she wants to lead I just want to give her more reason to fight. Let her get her anger out. There no way to convince her to stay to join us with her anger right now. She is likely to kill your last two cubs with her at this point if they even say one wrong wordShe said before pulling away from Tuini. Her words returning so everyone can hear them.
Menace ears were back. The way of the Makucha. She had no qualms with killings but Shadowstep, the two behind her knew little of the quarrels little of the fighting. The haunters were too soft and many were starting to question their leaders again. She'd never tell te Makucha this but after this fight, she wouldn't be returning to the Haunters. Where she wasn't gonna go she didn't know but it was all i nher eyes.
Teri didn't like this, she hated fighting period.mom please, im tired of Fighting.This has got to stopShe whimpered.
Melinu fur was hackled right now he was nervous and scared.
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
"We tried taking captives, remember? More than once, and it never worked out in our favor. And Shadow wasn't young, she was an adult." Tuini countered fiercely. When Layra pounced on Spotlight and threatened his life, Tuini's anger snapped and he rushed at his sister, roaring in her face, "Layra, stop this nonsense! You are a Makucha, and you're threatening to kill one of your most loyal pridemates, dethrown me, and side with an enemy? You've lost your damned mind, sister. I too am seriously questioning your leadership." Menace was beginning to fade from his attention as he rounded on his own sibling, alarmed at her shift in ideals, "Shadow was a grown adult, and half of the Haunters are related to us in some way or another. You've never shown such weakness before sister, and this worries me."
Only when Layra mentioned Menace did he glance back at the other female, but his gaze didn't linger there for long before shifting back to Layra. "I will fight with her if that's what she wants, that's not an issue. But she will never be my leader. An equal in time, if she can prove herself as Oracle is doing. But you need to do some hard thinking Layra." As she moved back, he held his ground, staring hard at his sibling, "Autumn, Tuini, and myself have been busting our tails to strengthen this pack and weed out or biggest enemies, and all you can do now is threaten and tear us down? That is not the leadership we need right now."
For his part, Spotlight submitted to Layra's dominance, but he wasn't happy about it. Being attacked by his leader, who sided with an enemy over him, did not sit well in the big cat's heart. Still, he was loyal to the Makucha, and it would take a lot before he was actually pushed to action or turned his claws seriously against another pride member.
Layra
She kept her positon.She was of a younger generation! your own daughter you should of tried to talk to her get ot know her.she said. Anyone who thinks they can turn on me will be handled accordingly TuiniShe growled.
She got off spotlight. She was mad cause they didn't just go along with it. She shouldn't have to explain her reasoning or actions. Enough Do not question my motives. As a pride you should know me enough to know my workings and what I am doingThis was said only loud enough for Tuini and the others close to her could hear.if you no longer have faith in my thinking then fine. But do not question me. You'd understand what im trying to do if you knew me well enoughShe wasn't actually wanting Menace as co lead. But now she was loosing faith in her pride because they apparently were too stupid to catch on and play along.
Menace was no push over and she was also tired of being a lower ranked member. She paced waiting for them to stop their quarreling.
her daughter and son were cowered away from their own mother at this point scared of both the makcuha and frankly their own mother.
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
"I thought I was your equal, sister." Tuini responded darkly. From the corner of his eye, he saw Melinu and Teri cowering, but his heart did not go to them. In his eyes, unless they joined the Makucha, they were potential enemies and future threats to him and his own. Related or not, they were no different to him than the spawn of some unrelated male. "You weren't there for me when Nemu became a problem, and you're turning your back on me again, in favor of promoting one of our own enemies to take my rank. ...The Layra I use to know and understand was loyal to her brother and the Makucha." His tail lashed again, brushing harshly against the edge of the cave. His looked away in disgust, the betrayal still stinging fresh in his mind as he finally gave Menace his full attention.
"I don't know why my sister is so fond of you, but don't worry - she's not going to let you die today." The venom in his words made it clear he was furious with Layra still, and wanted nothing more than to erase another Haunter from the world to keep them from growing too strong again. For the sake of not stoking the flames right now, he dropped his quarrel for the moment and tensed his muscles, ready for a fight.
Layra
She rolls her eyes. Now she whispers.I Am putting up a front you dumb ass. She growled at him. Your a fool if you think I ws legit with my wordsshe growled. She didn't care if Menace actually won or not she wouldn't be leader.
Menae rolled her eyes.I don't need any of you fond of me. I need you to learn to not be risen and run your pride in her direction because that is what you are doingShe growled and without further ado she lunged straight for Tuini.
Teri cowered back.
Melinu on the other hand tore off running away, he was running for Nemu's place however not the Ruins.
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
The lion paused, giving his sister a hard, incredulous stare. 'Just what are you up to, Layra?' The thought crossed his mind, but he didn't speak it out loud. Still suspicious, but willing to trust that she had a plan in mind, Tuini turned and scoffed at Menace's words. "We're aren't and never will be Risen or her Haunters. The only lesson being learned today is that the Makucha bow to no one, and we take care of our own." Behind Menace, he saw Melinu take off, and wished that Khala was well enough to take to the air and fly after, but alas the falcon was still recovering.
"Well then, shall we?" After giving Menace that warning, Tuini sprung hard at her, without holding back. Front claws reached out to grab her by the front of the head and neck, hoping to twist her to the ground so that he could rake at her side and belly with his powerful hind limbs. Like a male fighting a rival trying to usurp his pride, Tuini was going all out.
A low roar from Spotlight was turned in Teri's direction, a warning for the other not to get involved. Spotlight himself was on the ready however, fully prepared to jump in and help Tuini tear Menace apart if it looked like he were in trouble.
Rufflan likewise kept a close eye on the fight. The lynx was more hesitant to join however, mostly because he was still confused over what was going on, and kept glancing between Layra and Spotlight.
Layra
She knew what she was doing. She paced as she watched each movements.
Menace moved lashing out at his face either paws as she twisted out of his reach.
Teri eyes were wide as she kept her distance. She wasn't a fighter. Mostly thanks to her encounter as a cub with them. Her ears were back she wanted to run after her brother but couldn't move.
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
Claws caught and dug into his face, lending what would be future scars to an already highly decorated face. They did little to stop his momentum though. When she twisted away, he pushed after her, not allowing any open space to form between them or give her a second to catch her breath or think about her attack. He was quick, and brutal in his assault, always looking for the opportunity to take her by the head or neck and pull her down, where he could use all four paws to rake her frame.
Spotlight paced at first as he watched the heated battle. Their breath caught thicker and thicker in the cold air, attesting to the sheer effort both were putting into the battle. It was clear both were well honed in combat, and putting everything they had into the fight. It was difficult for Spotlight not to jump in and help his leader, but he knew he had to trust he and Layra.
"Uuuh... Layra, miss?" From behind them, Rufflan piped up in a whisper, slinking up towards the white lioness. "What's the plan here? I just want to know, so I don't mess anything up." As one of the later arrivals to the Makucha, the lynx didn't fully understand all of the history between the various groups, and the last thing he wanted to do was ruin some carefully laid out plan with his well intentioned ignorance.
Layra
She'd jump in if needed. "No one to intervene. I will if I see it necessary" she said
Menace kept going ears back. But she wouldn't be able to hang on much longer
Teri was panicking. Her breathing heavy.
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
Rufflan just nodded silently beside Layra. Honestly, he wasn't too eager to jump into that mess of flying paws and flashing fangs, though he'd show no hesitation to do so if ordered.
Tuini was getting winded himself, with marks of torn and gouged flesh, and tufts of lost fur showing every spot where Menace landed a hit on him. It was a rough fight, but he was too stubborn to give up now. He was part leader of this pride, and he had to prove his strength if his followers were going to have any respect for him and his ability to protect and guide them. "I'll give you credit, you are a good fighter." He admitted through strained breath, even has he fought to land his claws into her flesh, "You still have the chance to join us."
Menace
Laura watched
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
His muscles were beginning to feel heavier and heavier the longer they fought. As the minutes dragged by and the ground began to fleck of crimson, Tuini's attacks began to come with greater pauses in between. He wouldn't last much longer, but he was still determined to see the fight to the end.
"They're going to kill each other." Spotlight growled after a moment, glaring in Layra's direction, "If this doesn't end soon, I'll help it along." That was his warning that he still wasn't certain of her plan, and was beginning to worry for Tuini's life.
Layra
She glares at spot. "You won't lay a claw on menace. If you jump in it's to pull tuini away" she growled. However it wasn't long till they both crashed to the ground. In exhaustion. "Hope you don't mind I pushed it along"
She moved forward. She motioned for Thier healers to step in. "Menace, we will keep you here till your healed, when your healed you can make your decision" she said. " You can join us or leave and never come back" she said. "One of our younger see if you can calm Teri down" she said having noticed the female having a panic attack
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
Panting heavily and matted in blood and bits of grass, Tuini rose shakily to his feet after his sister approached to speak with Menace. He was eying her warily still, and spoke up once she was finished addressing the other lioness. "So, what's this all about, sister?" He kept his voice low, "Why so much effort to keep Menace and her kid alive, at my expense?"
Spotlight remained good to his word, staying at the edge of the fight and not interfering. But he didn't make a move to assure Teri, not when he was more worried with Tuini's rough condition. He paced towards his pridemate, standing beside him to to offer support while he talked with Layra, while occasionally casting glances in Menace's direction.
It was Rufflan, still confused over all that was happening, who abided by Layra's request. Skirting through the cluster of larger cats, the lynx padded over towards the frightened gray liger. "Hi there, you're Teri right? I'm Rufflan." He explained, his voice chipper, if not a little uncertain.
Layra
She moved to support her brother. Simple, she not returning to the haunters. Whether she stays here or goes somewhere else, she is away from the haunters. Her fighting you it to hopefully allow her anger to turn to grieving for her daughter and to move on with her life. But I guarentee you she is not returning to the hauntersShe said.
Menace just laid there now her eyes shut but her breathing was stable.
Teri eyes were wide she wanted to go to her mother but was scared to go near any of them. She nodds. She wasn't sure what to make of any of it. Her mothe rnever filled her with hatred towards this group just to becareful of them.
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
Tuini contemplated this as his breathing slowly began to return to normal. After a few seconds, his weary hindlimbs folded beneath him and he sank back into a sitting position, "One less Haunter is a good thing, I can't argue that." The anger in his voice had dissipated, though some of that was due to just how utterly exhausted and beaten he was. "It would benefit us if she stayed, strong as she is... but-" There was one thing that still bothered him, and he looked critically to his sister. "We need to be a unified front, sister." He leaned his head forward then, pressing it against her chest as he closed his eyes, "I would give my life to protect you, against anyone, whether they are my own offspring or not. If they aren't Makucha, they aren't family. You are my family."
With the others preoccupied, Little Tuft dragged himself to his paws. The elder lion hobbled past his leaders, flicking the end of his scruffy tail against them in a simple sign of solidarity as he moved towards Menace. He was no healer, but he did have a tongue and plenty of time on his paws, so he set into cleaning her wounds while she rested.
"So, you're part of the Haunters, right?" Rufflan continued, not deterred by her lack of words. It was clear she was terrified, so he did most of the speaking, "I've heard a lot about them - my mom's told me stories. I think you'd like it with us better, I mean, being a cat and all. There's lots of room to stretch our legs out here, lots of food to eat, and - well, humans are really the only problem, but it's pretty easy to hide in these grasses if we spot one."
Menace
Menace felt eyes on her but soon felt a tongue and seeing as she really couldn't fight someone off if they wanted to she let him clean her. She didn't want to betray Senka. She'd never purposfully fight the haunters.
Teri listened as she watched her mother. BUt you murdered my sister for the only cause of her being with the hauntersShe said. She missed her sister badly. Sure the open spaces were appealing more so then the ruins but they murder for no reason but association.
Layra knew what she was doing. Though it was the truth she did not approve of the killing of Menace's daughter. I know you would brother and I you. But perhaps outright killing isn't the way. It only brings hurt and pain to those that could potentially join us in the long run. You don't know a mothers love for her childrenHer eyes were on Menace as she spoke this. put your paws in Menaces feet for a minute. Think what going through her mind even if Shadow was an adult. Menace feels like she has failed her child. Failed in teaching her what she should of needed to know, failed to protect her. A mothers love for what ever reason is much more stronger then a males. We feel immense pain and grief when our child is killed whether adult or cubShe said softly. She licked her brothers fur. Menace is or was in the anger phase of grieving, that is why I chose to let her fight you, in hopes it will push her to the next stage to help her move on and look to the future rather then the past. Because what was done was doneShe said.
Hades finally arrived collapsing near the pride).
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
Tuini managed to remain sitting up for a few more minutes, listening to his sister's words and hearing them a little more clearly now that so much of the anger was fought out of him. "Maybe there's wisdom in what you're saying." He conceded, "In future conflicts.." The big male took a moment to take in a deep breath, feeling his head swim a little bit, "..more could be done to talk with the enemy before jumping straight to the kill, if they're on the younger side. But we can't just be peaceful with everyone and forgo killing - everyone has a mother, after all. And to let these emotions stall is to be just like all the other groups out there that have gone soft. We're Makucha because we can step past those emotions and do what needs to be done for our pride. Pride before all others."
Autumn Sun had picked up on Hade's scent as she was also making her way back to the pride home. She'd kicked up her pace, and caught up with him just as he was staggering back towards the rocks. "Hades...! Tuini!" Seeing Tuini looking rough, but having Spotlight and Layra at his side, she stopped beside Hades, standing protectively next to his collapsed form. "What in the world happened? Were we ambushed?!"
Layra
Layra listened to him.BUt if we kill on site that will spread and others will not like us at all eitherSHe said. Then that when Autumn spoke and she was up and to Hades.what happened?She said.
Teri listened to her. HEr mother taught her to never blame everyone for something happened even if they were part of the same group.My sister was not taught to kill on site. She was taught to defend herself and to be carefulShe said. None of us were taught to kill on site infact mother made it clear that that was wrong even if its from a group whose made it clear they don't like our groupShe said.
Hades "stumbled upon Oracle and her brother. Decided to try to take out her brother to remind her where her loyalties should be, Back fired" He mumbled. In his eyes he hadn't heard anything Oracle had said so he just assumed.
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
Before Tuini could respond to his sister, Hades had stumbled in and all eyes went to the battered male. Tuini didn't have the strength to approach, so he was thankful that Layra crossed the distance to the wounded male. With his ears perked, he listened intently to what was said.
Rufflan, likewise, was distracted by the wounded Hades, and his bright eyes strayed from Teri even as he answered distractedly, "It sounds like our mothers taught us very differently." For him, it was wolves that she'd always warned him to kill on site, given the opportunity, but that mindset had expanded upon joining the Makucha.
Autumn looked over her shoulder, then turned her head the other way, making sure there were no nearby enemies, other than Teri and Menace. To them, her eyes narrowed suspiciously, but she held off from attacking, as the rest of the pride was currently holding off. "There are some questions that need answering, it seems." She began, slowing to a stop beside Hades, "First, what happened to Oracle and Mael? And second - what is going on here?"
Layra
Layra pace back and forth. She never really trusted oracle honestly. Oracle was to ready to just turn on family in her eyes. Even if she didn't support her parents ways didn't mean she should turn her back on them. Layra moved to hades.Rest HadesShe said then looked to Autumn. Allowing a mother to move on to a new grieving stage and maybe gaining a member after she finishes grievingShe said.
Menace didn't even move as the others moved.
Teri just watched everything.
Hades laid there.mael is probably in the same condiiton as me but maybe not. oracle I wouldn't know she stood by and helped nothe said though his words were begging to slur from exhaustion.
Tuini, Spotlight, Little Tuft, & Rufflan
Autumn continued to regard Menace warily, now piecing together what must have happened here. "I see, so we're sparing them if they join us? We could use the members." The golden ligress spoke carefully as she settled in beside Hades to groom her wounded brethren. Menace was still a potential enemy in her eyes, but then Oracle had been too before she opted to join them. Now she listened to Hades, and a subtle frown crossed her face. "She didn't help you? What happened out there? What did she say to her brother?"
Tuini made an attempt to stand, but gave up as his muscles shook with the effort. Instead he settled for raising his bloodied head and projecting his voice loudly, despite his weakened state, "We'll give Oracle time to return, and hear what she has to say. You did good today, Hades - but now you need to rest. Rufflan, I want you to keep an eye on our perimeter."
The lynx turned about dutifully, quirking his tall ears at Tuini's orders. "I'm on it!" And with a little wiggle of his short tail, the leggy Rufflan dashed off into the grasses, eager to play his part in protecting his family.