Tuini, Dusquei, Spotlight, & Autumn Sun
A flash of movement was caught from the corner of Dusquei's gaze. The ligeress rolled to her paws and sat up on the edge of the rocks that hung over the cavern mouths below and surveyed the cloud-choked sky once more. Soon enough, she caught that flash of movement a second time, and recognized the form of Khala headed their way. Now the massive she-cat stood and furrowed her brows, staring anxiously at the treeline below the falcon's flight path.
Khala offered a sharp cry and wheeled in the sky, soaring high in the direction of the gathering storm clouds so that she could widen her view of the land below. Her job right now was to ensure that the Haunters had not been stupid enough to follow the pride, and that there were no other dangers lurking between Tuini and the caves that they called home. Seeing no immediate threats, the raptor screeched again and dove lower, making it easier for her land-bound comrades to see her.
Tuini was first to burst forth from the treeline, with Starbane bouncing wildly in his jaws. Exhausted as he was from the long run, the lion hadn't slowed down. They needed to get back to the caves where the rest of the Makucha were, and where they could hunker down and better defend themselves if the Haunters tried to pursue them. He glanced up at the falcon swirling in the sky and pressed onward, galloping headlong through the dry grasses until he'd at last set foot on the soft earth of the cavern floor. Panting heavily, the lion carried his quarry into one of the larger caverns and set him down.
Autumn Sun and Spotlight weren't far behind their leader, each carrying a cub themselves. And neither slowed their stride until they too were within the safety of the cave, where they could deposit their well-earned trophies in the cavern where Starbane now was.
Dusquei had hopped down from the rocks and entered the cave now, "It looks like things went well?" She offered cautiously, seeing there was some blood upon the coats of her pridemates, but nothing serious looking. "Who all did you encounter...?"
Still panting heavily, Tuini turned to Dusquei as he plopped his hindquarters on the ground, "Well enough. Khala had good intel, initially. Tyrant's kids had the cubs out in the Scar. Would have been any easy grab-" His short, breathy words were interrupted by a large yawn and a fresh gulp of air. "-unfortunately, we were ambushed by new Haunters. They have a lot more cats in their group now. Don't know where the hell they all came from, but there were several big males."
Starbane & Rufflan
There had been little Starbane could do after Tuini had grabbed him. The little male had gone limp in the big cat's hold, bouncing helplessly about in the jaws of his abductor for what felt like forever before he was dropped unceremoniously to the ground. He looked flinchingly to Tuini as the male stepped away and began addressing Dusquei, then around to his surroundings as he tried to piece together where they were. It smelled so familiar...
"Oiy, what'dja catch?" Rufflan was not far behind Dusquei in entering the cavern. With his stump tail flicking behind him, the lynx sauntered into the den and shoved past the gathered adults to inspect the cubs they'd brought back. "Three, huh?" Tall, pointed ears swiveled and his nose wrinkled as he sniffed at and inspected the trio of cubs brought in. "Are they staying with us permanently?"
Katara
Katara heard this and came running .They will not be staying you backstabbing lier. HEr fur raise.Dusquei stop being happy for them. Nemu would be and is hurt by the fact you stayed with these cats. I came here willingly and with others for your pride and you back stab them? No wonder you would never of continued to make it as a haunter. Put them down now and I will escort them homeShe growled not afraid to get hurt.
Sarabi had been one of the ones to come with her and Scar as well. The two also flanked Katara. Scar spoke.That is dishonorable and you should be ashamed going back on your word. This is not a good run pride. Correct this at once or there will be troublehe said. He was large and was not afraid to take on Tuini and take his leadership from him.
Dutch struggled to get free once there and if he did.Let us go! Momma will kill you!He growled.
Terri was too hurt from her fall to do much.
Tuini & Others
Dusquei turned her eyes away from Katara, her accusations cutting like fangs. Quietly, the big cat spoke and slowly drew her gaze back to Katara, "The Makucha are my family Kay. Had I stayed with the Haunters... if father hadn't hidden me away, I would have been killed. The Makucha are the reason I'm still alive. These cubs will be cared for with all the love and protection that they deserve, in a proper pride. Just like I was cared for." Though her heart was torn and she felt guilt weigh heavily upon her, Dusquei stood and placed herself over Terri, choosing the weaker cub to protect in this moment. Her soft eyes hardened as she now looked to Sarabi and Scar, "They are staying here."
A terrible growl rose in Tuini's throat and he stood swiftly. "What did you say?" The male took a step forward, lips wrinkled back and long fangs prominently bared as he stared down hard at Sarabi, "I think I just heard you threaten me." Another step was taken forward, until he was within a few shy feet of the lioness. His sandy eyes were piercing as they stared unblinkingly at her, giving her the chance to stand down before he'd attack.
Autumn Sun glanced uncertainly at Spotlight, but the huge male was already stepping forward with his leader, ready to back him up.
From outside, Little Tuft perks his small ears to the sound of growling and discontent. He hobbled to his paws and took a few shuffling steps inside, to better see what was happening. The elder, handicapped lion would be little use in a fight, but would do his best to help his nieces and nephews if it came to it.
Starbane & Rufflan
Rufflan's face fell into an open-mouth gape as his eyes widened and his ears slowly melted back. With mincing steps, the lynx carefully extricated himself from the center of the cavern, taking mincing steps backwards so that he would not be caught in the middle of a bunch of brawling lions. "Okay, well, yeah..." He murmured under his breath to himself, "...lets join a pride of lions, that'll be fun huh?"
Rufflan continued to backtrack until he was safely behind Tuini and the others. Only then did his sharp ears slide back up. There he stood, one furry paw held anxiously off the ground and close to his chest, "So... I'll just stay back here, make sure no enemies jump us?"
Starbane gave a small his to Dusquei when she stood over Teri, but didn't dare try to attack the big cat. He huddled in against Dutch.
Katara
Katara glares now at Dusquei.They will not stay here they will be returned to their mothers it one thing for you to choose to stay here but unlike you the haunters no longer kidnap cubs and if you still love your sister at all you will make these felines return them now. I came here to allow senka and the others to reutnr home with their unborn cubs not to allow them to kidnap them in the end. They deserve the love of the family they were born into if when tehy are adults and want to return then that will be their choiceShe growled at them. When Tuini stepped closer to Sarabi she moved in front.i am here willingly Tuini and I like it with a pride but this is not a pride I wish to be with if your gonna do what Risen liked to doShe growled at him.
Sarabi eyes narrowed.as Katara said we are here willingly, these cubs will be returned home or you will end up with less cats in your prideShe said.
The two cubs move to be behind Katara and the three that were demanding thier return.Don't worry, momma will come for us. We know where we belong Dutch said.
Teri
Teri glared up at dusquei.If you don't want to return us then I don't like you go awayShe hissed and limped to be closer to Katara and the ones demanding them to go back home. this is no pride for us, we don't agree with what you did this is wrong!She hissed.i want my mommaShe said.
Tuini & Others
"I do love my sister." Dusquei vowed earnestly, her voice not rising in anger or supporting a growl. She winced internally at the glare from her niece, and the words that were directed at her, but the striped ligeress held her ground and doubled down on her views, "The world isn't a fair place, Katara. Stealing isn't a pretty thing, but neither is killing; yet we do those things so we can survive. I never wanted to hurt your mother or the other Haunters, but we have to build our pride if we're to survive. These cubs will be treated well and raised in a loving pride, surrounded by other felines, not confined to the mountains and sharing space with canines and other creatures. And they won't be secreted away to be slaughtered if one of your leaders finds them unworthy." She glanced between Teri and Starbane as she said this, seeing that Teri was injured, and the little male had a peculiar jaw. To Teri, she smiled softly, "Don't worry little one, you wont be harmed."
Tuini didn't let up his unblinking stare against Sarabi, "Perhaps you were mistaken when you joined us, but we are not the Haunters. We haven't gone soft like them and forgotten what made us powerful in the first place. We are strong and we take what we want, and we take care of our own." He lashed his tail and let his words rise into a thunderous growl, "You're a strong lioness Sarabi, and you're smart. Think about your next words before you speak them, because going back to the Haunters means giving up your life in a true pride."
Katara
Katara snarled at Dusquei.Terri is your sisters cub! If you love your sister you will gladly return this cubs to their rightful homeShe growled. She glares at Tuini.The haunters have not gone soft they only learned one of their mistakes in the valley. She said. I have no problem breeding with any of you if you want cubs but these three will go homeShe said.
Terri glares now.Your no aunt of mine your a vile cat if you keep us from our moms. She growled.I like where we are living I like all the others there too. I will always be loyal to my family the Haunters ALWAYSShe snarled. The little female then looked at Tuini when he spoke.This is not our pride never will beShe said just as she was plucked up.
Katara made to pick up starbane and through her lips she spoke.The haunters will be here soon to collect what is theirs. If you know what good for you You will allow them to return home you will destroy this pride before it can even get started. I will not bear you or anyone here cubs till these three are home where they belongShe said.
Sarabi snorted.I have no problem being here Tuini but I will not stand for a cub to be seperate from its mother unwillingly either. I will remain here but I will also be making sure these three get home one way or anotherShe said and plucked Dutch up.
Scar moved to pick up Terri and then the three moved to their and Dusquei cave for the time being. When in their they would gently put them down and scar placed himself between them and anyone who might of followed.
Tuini & Others
In answer to her niece's fury, Dusquei looked away once more. She'd made her beliefs known, and as much as it stung her to do so, she was going to stand strong beside them. It was Teri that she offered a voice to, "You're too young to know much about the world yet, little one. You might think what we're doing in cruel, but it's truly to give you a better life." She followed after the three cats as they shifted to another den, with Tuini and the others following closely so that they'd not have a chance to try and bolt out of the cavern entirely. "Outside of our pride, you would have been killed by any male who was not your father. That's how life goes, but we're merciful here; we don't kill cubs, we only try to give them a better place to live."
Tuini was on the heels of Sarabi and the others, allowing them to move to a different cavern, but not giving them any extra space as he remained within a few feet of the trio and the younglings. "It sounds like you do have a problem being here, Sarabi. This is what we do. If you can't handle us taking cubs, then return to the Haunters and pray to Imre that they don't revert back to the way they were before. Because they did kill cubs, and they tortured anyone who stepped out of line."
His eyes narrowed and he shook his head, causing his great, shaggy mane to sway back and forth. Katara was in his sights next, "Let me make one thing crystal clear, right now. We are not the Haunters. We take cubs, and we steal. We are a true pride, and we will hunt down and kill our enemies." He paused to let those words sink in, while Spotlight and Autumn moved in on either side of him. "If either of you three don't agree with those things, then leave now. Because if any one of you tries to help the Haunters by returning these cubs, you will be treated as an enemy."
Outside of the den, Khala had heard enough of the argument to know trouble was brewing. The falcon was soon in the air again, fighting against a growing wind as she rose higher in the stormy skies. With her keen sight, the raptor would see any approaching Haunter long before they made it to the Cavern.
Starbane & Rufflan
Starbane was a little taken aback by Dusquei's words and the way she looked at he and Teri when she mentioned being 'slaughtered'. He couldn't believe Senka or Tersek would kill him because he was a little different... right? That little seed of doubt remained in the back of his mind, and he couldn't quite shake it away. Starbane cowered down while the arguing escalated around him, and curled up in a ball when he was picked up and moved to a different cave. "I wanna go back to Mael and Oracle."
Rufflan had skittered away from the group when they shifted caverns, always remaining cautiously on the outskirts of his bigger kin. "We... are fighting then?" The lynx questioned at length, afraid to raise his voice too loud, less he earn the ire of one of the other cats. In the end, he answered himself, "I'm just gonna... go hide then, get ready for an ambush? Okay." The agile feline slunk out of the cave completely and peered up at the rock formation that towered above him. With a calculated spring, he catapulted himself up onto one of the ledges, and hunkered down behind a taller formation, where he'd be able to see anyone approaching the mouth of the den, but they'd be hard pressed to see his camouflaged form.
Katara
Sarabi watches him also .I have no problem with stealing cubs but not from a pride/pack you made a deal from. A pack pride might I add could be a good ally that you rather have as an enemy. I do not wish to loose my life because you are a backstabberShe said her tail swished.
Terri glared at Dus.This will never be my home not with out my mom or the others I call family back at homeShe said.
Dutch stood by Terri.
Tuini & Others
"Layra and myself are the ones who make the rules." Tuini rumbled back, pressing his face forward until his whiskers nearly mingled with Katara's. "You don't get decide what's allowed and what isn't, so step back and stand down." This was an order, delivered with bared fangs and narrowed eyes that strongly suggested he wasn't playing around, and would take action to put the ligeress in her place if she continued to press the line. "And they did not honor their deal; they owed us more members than what they gave us; three big cats and a lynx? We're merely holding them up to their end of the bargain."
The big male didn't budge an inch from where he stood, but he did weight his options a little more critically now. The last thing he could afford was for Katara and the two other new lions to turn on them, especially if the Haunters did show up. But he wasn't going to belly up and show weakness either. "If you're worried about honor, and are so determined to keep the peace between us and the Haunters, then you'll be the one to negotiate for more members. If you can convince them to send us three additional adults, then we'll return the cubs. That's fair." His eyes flashed to Sarabi next, "And you, Sarabi. To prove that you are true to your own words, I want you to steal a cub, any cub from the clans around us. It can be a wolf cub if you can't find any cats."
Dusquei struggled to bring her gaze back to Katara, but inevitably couldn't ignore her niece forever. Ears fallen back, she raised her eyes once more to the other, "My love for my family is unbreakable, though I can understand why you have a hard time believing it. If I thought her children were in danger, I would have objected to this, but I know it's for the best." She frowned a little next, and a look of concern wrinkled her expression, "Risen may be long gone, but Velvet remains. It was her and Bandit that carried Risen's banner, and sought to drive out those they thought of as weak. That's why Grayfell was cast out, and why I don't believe for one second that she's changed. She's biding her time."
Katara
Katara snorted at him not wincing. Then you can't count I actually brought 10 with us but hey If you don't know how to count thats okay with meShe growled. You think they'll settle for that? They will give you one chance to hand them over they won't negotiate this time after what you didShe said.
Sarabi stood her ground.When these three cubs are returned to their rightful home I will do thatShe said calmly.
Terri glared at her aunt.It was the wrong thing to do you know nothing of family. My mother was raped and you let it happenShe hissed.Senka and my mom and Terserk won't let her and if she does she'll be deadShe growled. This is not my home this is not for the best this is the worstShe growled keeping her injured paw off the ground and pushing against Dutch for support. She just wanted dher mother and her siblings.If you though the haunters like Senka and my mother were so horrible then why don't you talk to them and convince them that you are so sure Velvet won't change? But my mother will never join this pride nor would senka. Senka is my leader and the big cat I listen toSHe growled.
Tuini & Others
"I count Sarabi, Scar, Rufflan, and yourself. The others haven't properly introduced themselves to the pride yet, so I don't count them." Tuini countered without missing a beat, having mulled these dilemmas in his mind countless times. As pride leader, along with his sister, he was constantly assessing the strength of his pride against that of the Haunters, and was still uncomfortable with the numbers. "Regardless, the Haunters have come into new members themselves. Khala spotted the black panther leading several more in, and Sarabi, most of your old pride is with them now too. They will give us what we deserve, and if it's a fair trade, we'll return the cubs."
When Sarabi agreed to his challenge, his narrowed eyes relaxed a smidgen and he nodded at her, "Good." Part of him wondered if her resistance shown today was indeed because of her old pride, but he didn't bring that up. "I'll warn you just once more however; do not side with the Haunters over us, if they're stupid enough to show their faces here. Whatever comes of this situation, you're with us now."
Dusquei offered a saddened look to Teri, "It's more complicated than you can understand." She wasn't going to argue that nothing bad had happened to Nemu and the others, because she knew Teri's words were true. It wasn't easy for Dusquei to digest that, but her loyalties kept her where she was. "Senka and Tersek might welcome me back, and Velvet may put on peaceful facade... but she's poisoned the minds of Haunters before, and I can't risk going back."
Katara
She laughed at him. Maybe you should of gone over to them and Introduced yourself? She said calmly. they will comeShe said and theen she shakes her head.who cares if they got more members? Maybe you should go out and recruit instead of making all the enemies She said.
Sarabi.I will not fight you but I will make sure the cubs return to them safely. I will not steal till they are returnedShe said.
Terri snorted.that is your choice but my choice is I am a Haunter I will never be with this prideShe said.i will return to my momShe said.
Dutch and the other two were silent.
Tyrie and Luna were two cougars and came over.She is right it would of been better for you to introduce yourself to us then perhaps we would of obliged you do claim to be the leader it is only proper to introduce yourself to new members Said Tyrie the male.
Jock and Juna were two cheetahs who also came over.
Gina and Kina were two Snow Leopards.
Tuini & Others
Tuini's tail cut through the air like an angry whip, highlighting his growing frustration with his pridemates, "I wasn't aware you were joining with us." A look of warning was shot to Tyrie as he and the female cougar approached with less than respectful words. After letting that glare linger for a moment, he lightened up slightly, "Regardless, I'm grateful for your decision to join us, so let's start off on the right paw here. Please disregard the complaints of those three, whom hold sentimental attachments to our enemies." A look of ire was turned to Katara, Sarabi, and Scar, irritated at their continued protests, but he was not keen on continuing the fight against them. "Since you're new here, this is the deal - the Haunters are our enemies, and we are not to turn these cubs over to them unless they give us something worthwhile in return. Should they try to attack us, show them no mercy. We did not go through the risk of stealing these cubs only to hand them back over because these three have moral objections to it."
Autumn Sun gave a nod to the new members, but would wait until things settled down before she or Spotlight formally introduced themselves. The two big cats remained loyally by Tuini's side, ready to defend the cubs they'd worked so hard to obtain.
Outside of the den, a piercing screech from Khala announced that she'd seen movement at the edge of the timberline...
Tyrie
He shakes his head.She told us what is going on, We came to help return the ones you forced into it as well as the unborn cubs at the time their freedom. I have no problem being enemies with the haunters but these three cubs will be allowed back to their mothers if you wish for us to remain here. We have no ill toward you but we agreed to help Katara get the ones who didn't want to be here home and for them to be able to keep the cubs they were forced to bear He said.
Katara rolled her eyes at Tuini. I told them what happened and what went on. I brought you one more then you asked for and you say your better then the haunters? Then maybe you should proof it. Let the cubs back to their rightful mothers. Otherwise you are no better then hauntersShe said calmly. I will fight the haunters in future fights but I will not stand for these innocent cubs to be kept from their mothersShe said.
Terri just wanted her mom.I will never fight or join this pride none of us will. Haunters are our familyShe growled.
Tuini & Others
Tuini paused and looked back and gave Tyrie an incredulous look, "You came to help our enemies, and then join us? Why help those random strangers, and be fine with stealing cubs from others?" He couldn't keep his tail from slashing through the air again, the tuft of it sending a spray of dirt and dust in the air as it caught against a low rock. His renewed anger switched back to Katara as suspicion grew in his eyes, "We're stronger than the Haunters, and that makes us better, yes. I thought I was abundantly clear when I said that we steal and kill, because that's how prides survive. Layra and I didn't form the Makucha just to be another pride of Haunters, we split because they got soft and we didn't. If you're still hung up on those ideals, and brainwashing these strangers into siding with you when you know full well what the Makucha are about, you need to think twice about staying here."
Khala's cry from outside meant that they had little more time to discuss these matters, and he growled in frustration. Digging his claws into the ground, Tuini gave a new ultimatum to Katara and the new pride members, "When this is all said and done, you will all have to prove to me that you're strong enough to be a real Makucha. Sarabi won't be the only one stealing a cub; you will all work together to steal no less than three cubs; either felines that will join us, or wolf cubs that will work beneath us and live off our scraps." Without stopping to give them time to agree or argue, Tuini turned and stalked towards the mouth of the den, to see what exactly Khala had spotted.