Peace is Possible

[Kunabee]

Kunabee

It took me a while to work up the courage and attempt to cross the river. But I aimed for it. Swimming as fast as I could, I just kept my eyes on the shore. Swimming diagonal, against the current, exhausting myself but I made it. Now, soaking wet, I shivered on the outer edges of Ende territory. I was on a mission of peace. I must be reasonable and quiet. I must not enter further than I already was; I was in pretty deep, just beyond the river. After all, we shared this border.

I started grooming myself, trying to make myself look more presentable. I trusted that someone would find me. I trusted that I wouldn't be attacked. I was doing my best to follow protocol, after all. Requesting entrance instead of demanding it. It was a peace mission.

I still felt guilty. I left in bad air. I could only hope that everything was okay. And that Yone was back at camp, doing her best to stay quiet. She was going to have some troubles; but I wasn't about to chase her out after her mother.

I closed my eyes, focusing on breathing and staying calm. I. could. do. this. I had to.

Where was a border patrol? That, would be nice...

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

The cheetah was proving to be easily manipulated, reverse psychology and all that. Defiant little prick was so very eager to do the exact opposite of what he was ordered to do if you made him upset in any way. I had criticized his stalking posture as he prepared to hunt after a hare, now he was upset with me. He had difficulty sticking to his anger, but it typically fell back into play if I wanted him to do something. ‘Fahnenjunker, go fetch Orenda for me. Stays right where he is. Fahnenjunker, whatever you do, don’t tell Orenda we want her to hunt with us. Off he goes. So thick headed. It was easier to get him to do things than it was obedient little whelps.

The wind carried an unwelcome scent forward from the river border. “Ick, nasse Katze.” It came as a rugged sigh of air. The cheetah halted a moment after my words came, scenting the air carefully. That’s right, Corwin, take it in. Now hunt. I waited for him to say something along the lines of a direction, or perhaps simply falling into a stalk to go after the trespassing snack. No such thing occurred, the lad simply kept snout to the wind, eyes agitated.

“It is an Esson cat. I think it is that bite-sized alpha.” I smirked fondly at the child as he turned towards me, eyes annoyed for the disturbance the alphess presented, but proud of the cub for having picked up more than I had cared to do. At least now I knew the stranger was more welcomed alive rather than dead to Symphony. How my Fuhrer so loved his play-things, especially when there was a pride or pack standing behind them. I nodded approvingly towards the child before falling into my own flawless stalk through river reeds that had spread out from the water. It didn’t take long before I saw her sitting, freshly groomed, at the border.

“Don’t tell Fuhrer.” Off the predictable nuisance went to warn our king. He wasn’t always so easy to control, of course, but, again, I had agitated him with criticism earlier. Such a spiteful child--dumb as a box of rocks, but I sure did appreciate a spiteful heart. Moving forward in the silence Ende was known for, I approached the prey a moment more. Keeping a few lunges between us, I stepped from my reed cover and focused attention on the morsel. I did so hate Esson felines--but this was a superior, even if from a different army.

I laughed silently to myself at my own little joke. Esson was no army and this was no Fuhrer. Respect for the pretty little hare? Ha!

“What’s a bite like you doing so close to the cooking pot, Kind?” Lips curved into a cruel grin, I was almost able to hide away the pure annoyance this flea shoved into my gaze.

Almost.

OOC//: I don’t know how well you know German but Kind is child.

[I L Y I C H]

The breeze brought to me the scent of curious things happening at our border and I moved towards them with the intent of knowledge. A trespasser of Esson though I knew too little of other prides to know who it was. The time had not yet come where Annora would take me into their lands. Speaking of Annora she was there too, and that cheetah who always did the opposite of what you told him had been but he's rushed away now. Ignoring the leaf in the wind fluttering back to father's camp I moved forward on deceptively light feet. It was thing I was relatively proud of right now. I'd snuck up on Mother yesterday and she'd given me a cuff and a lick. Smiling for a second I gave myself a small shake before stepping from the reed bed surrounding our side of the river.

I couldn't quiet muster up much surprise at the size of the feline on the shore. Soaking wet and trying to dry itself. I suppose Annora hadn't taken long getting here. She was punctual enough with Spencer and I. Really I wouldn't be much surprised if she had some inner telepathic ability. Head tipping slightly to the side I stood in silence just out of my hiding place. Simply watching. The cat was tiny in comparison to even me, though I must admit that I had grown quiet a lot in the last couple of months. I stood almost to Annora's shoulder now at six months. yet this dark brown striped thing was barley elbow high on me. Not much of a game that. Bored by the idea I turned normally dull eyes up to Annora. Waiting for answers.

Not that my Generallieutenant needed to speak with me of her opinions but I would rather like her to. Then again I had come up relatively soon in conversation, if one had even started. I'd just heard Annora's words in bare passing. So perhaps I could learn on my own. Or else. I learned quickly. I always had. It was my gift where I had lost out on social grace and ability or the ease with which Father dealt with others I made up in my ability to pick up and know knowledge as easily as Symphony or even Mother knew people. I was safe in speaking now. Safe because I found great doubt in this tiny woman's abilities to speak a language that I saw as Ende specific.

"Hat Vater...?"

[Kunabee]

Kunabee

It didn't take long. I smelled something, but wasn't skilled enough - or familiar with the pride enough - to pick up 'who' in the tang of 'what'. At least it was quick; though I was still a bit of a mess. I quickly brushed down some of my fur, before trying to sit dignified. Yeah, right.

I smiled as the child went running off, even though she said to not tell. Ah, a spiteful little creature who always did the opposite. Didn't he know that if he really wasn't suppose to do what he was told not to he'd be stopped? Silly. Absolutely silly. I even let out a little laugh, but quickly placed a paw over my mouth before the smile faded and I went back to focusing on dignity. If only I were dry enough to poof out my fur a bit, make myself look a bit bigger even if it wouldn't really help and succeed in making me only look silly... okay, so maybe I'm glad I was as wet as I was.

Then, of course, she called me "Kind" - whatever that meant. This was one of those that spoke German, yes? A-something. An... Bah, whatever. Bite-sized and in the cooking pot. I glared at her, making sure I didn't do more. Dignity, remember, Kunabee.

"This may be the cooking pot, and I may be small, but you won't have such an easy time taking a bite out of me," I retorted, "Anyway, you're being perfectly rude. No matter your thoughts on me I am still an alpha and expect to be treated with some amount of respect, inferior." It was an act; I didn't really mind, though it did bother me a little about her cooking pot comment (and the fact I had no idea what she called me). But this was Ende we were dealing with, and I figured I could at least impress them with not acting like a frightened little kitten.

Then there was, of course, the other. One of Noelle and Symphony's children, from the looks of him. And of course he spoke in German. More German. You had to be kidding me. I didn't understand a word.

Note to self: Learn a little German for next visit to Ende.

After all, if we were to be allies I'd visit again. And if we weren't, I'd still come and try again. Screw it all; ours was not a fighting pride. Group. A fighting group.

Of course, that didn't mean we couldn't fight...

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

I side-eyed the young boy as he came forward, one ear directing at him to catch his question. I offered him a curt nod in response. “Corwin ist gegangen, um deinen Vater zu benachrichtigen.” I turned brown eyes to the guest, taking in her big talk. It was clear the unfamiliar language frustrated her, as I understood it should. Hearing constant American blather annoyed me, for I understood it so vaguely. I had gotten far better with my time in Ende, but I still said my words slowly, accented and out of order. Understanding was difficult, the words falling from mouths faster than my brain can translate. Though I would not lie and say I sympathized. I grew annoyed when on Ende lands and I could not speak comfortably with all my pride-members. Kunabee was in a place she was not wanted--to use her tongue for her sake would be cowardly of us--disgraceful.

I chuckle-growled in response to her confidence. Ende was not all knowing, but we were familiar with our bordering Alphas if nothing else. This woman could not even chance to defeat me in any form of a fight. Her heart was large, but it was also weak. She had loyalty and a willingness to die for her people, but she had little in ways of knowledge. I was not of the mind to say I am stronger therefore I am better. I was better because I had proven my worth in countless wars. I had defeated smaller, larger, smarter, stronger. My past was filled with bullets taken and the fight continued, scars given by claws and knives. I had experience against human, feline, canine, and machine enemies. I was no inferior to this woman. I answered to my Fuhrer and his mate. Even Zerich did not hold my undying obedience. “Kleine Katze, große Worte. Leere Worte.” Grumbled almost as a threat, a cruel smirk curved my expression. Fine, let the jester dance before our king.

Our execution block was much too dry lately.

“Alrighty, Esson Fuhrer,” I said the word in a snarky tone, laughing without physically doing so, “I am sure Symphony Bava’ would be pleased to see such a brave Katzen.” Oh yes, so very pleased. How he did love his toys, and this one was perfect for even the smallest paws to enjoy. “Lead the way, Geehrte Harmony.” I nodded towards the young boy, and then instructed with the rolling of my shoulders that Kunabee should follow. I would take up the rare, if only so Kunabee could not chicken out and run her way home.

Peace? An illusion only for the foolish.

OOC//: I use Google Translate to double check my spelling and grammar, so I suggest that be what you use if you wish to know what I am saying.

[I L Y I C H]

Stupid woman. There was no superior to Ende, and Annora was the fourth highest ranking soldier in this pride. This little alpha was not a clever one. No wonder Fuhrer had made her little game to the north our first attack point. The ebony folami king had spoken to us not a week prior of this coming storm of his. A problem that the apes would make our problem as well, if only because they had no where to run but our jaws. Humans were not a threat to us, at least Father and Mother seemed sure of that. Guns couldn't hit something they could not find, and aside we had Annora and John. They knew these things and how they fought. I trusted them to prevent what otherwise might occur. Flicking my ears once I looked silently down at the small alpha and wondered what Symphony and Noelle would do with her.

Mother wasn't quiet as merciless as Father had proven to be to outsiders, but she was spiteful and extremely protective of Ende. That little remark wouldn't go unpunished by her at least. Father didn't take slights but he unlike mother held onto them until they rotted out of his claws. Looking back to Annora I blinked slowly and nodded my head once in return. "Danke." English was my second language in all reality. Mother had been learning German when we had begun to speak and that was the language I had learned most fluently. Besides this was not a place for comfort of our superior officer. Lips twitching slightly in begrudged annoyance I flicked my tail and turned to look back in the direction that young cheetah had run. The leaders of Ende were surely already preparing; Corwin was no slow poke and spiteful enough to make a show of it.

One ear swiveling in Annora's direction I cast a quiet look towards her sickly sweet words. Father would be pleased to have a new thing to play games with. It made him feel guilty playing with our family. Face in it's usual almost sullen mask I took a step backwards and bowed to my true superior officer and turned about face to do as I was directed. It was a relatively short walk to camp. With the river protecting us for the most part from Zonta we were easily settled into the north west quadrant. Not very far, but to the measly bite of an alpha following it would be the equivalent of leaping into a pit of rattlesnakes. She would wish that we were quiet so vocal.

Perhaps it was disgruntling to me that Kunabee had walked into our lands so easily. There was no real fear there, only a strange determination. It was a wonder that a beast of any coat could be quiet so stupid. Unless she had some grand power that we did not know about she could not hope to receive anything from us. Walking at my common marching pace I had a moment to consider if she could even keep up before I shrugged it off. We could drag the thing into camp if she wished that kind of shame on herself. That aside Ende was a family. We protected our family, but the kindness and devotion in our ranks did not extend past our ranks. Good people and horrible monsters. We were both, and had long sense been as such.

A wonder that anyone could think we might help them.

[Kunabee]

Kunabee

So much for dignity. Was it really that obvious the German frustrated me? I frowned unhappily. I was trying to hide it. They have every right to speak it but that didn't mean it wasn't frustrating. I had as much right to my emotions as they did to their conversations, in whatever language they chose.

But, oh, she was still being snarky. She thought I was the inferior. That was it. She was dead -- okay, no. I wasn't going to attack her, except with words. That was allowed on peace missions.

"I'm sorry if I offended you -" I had to pause. The name, the name, what was her name? Anna? Ansi? Annora? Yes! Annora, that was it. I tried again. "I'm sorry if I offended you, Annora, but you offended me as well. How about we call each other by names and leave ranking out until we enter camp?" I smiled sweetly at her.

And then, at the cub's - what was his name what was his name - that's it! - at Harmony's direction, we were moving again. They moved rapidly, and I struggled to keep up.

But I didn't complain and even managed to avoid panting for the most part. Stoicly I followed them, not saying a word or making much noise. I watched them both as they walked ahead of me, learning from how they walked what was the best way. I would learn and react. I would adapt and be dynamic.

I was on the territory of psychopaths, and if I ever wanted to see my pride - group - again, I would have to learn fast.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

I had been just returning from a hunt when the cheetah broke through brambles at full speed. A rabbit limp in my jaws, I made quick work of handing it off to Ahote. The brute was a mess since the cubs were born. It was clear he had still not made known his feelings for the serval, but he would work himself into the ground to prove it instead. I understood how hard it is to find words. How long had Sherlock and I known each other before we admitted? And only because we needed a reason for me to abandon the new family I had found so that I could join up with my mate. And daughter, it would seem. I side-eyed in the direction the lost child was last seen. I had already come to adore the girl, and she brought a sense of odd joy to my Sherlock. Had I ever planned to have children? No, of course not, but I would adapt. I had never planned to be part of an army where psycotic disorders were a must, but look at me.

I saw Ahote bring the kill towards Montego. Not that it mattered, but he was always sure to give me credit when I caught the beasts for her. I knew it was partly so Montego wouldn’t beat him up for babying him, but it was also because under it all, the man was good. He showed it through the careful way he nudged the newest cubs back towards their mother when she was asleep, the affectionate look he sent the whole family when he thought no one was looking. Ende had been the monster under Zonta’s and Esson’s bed, but I had learned in my time here there is no stronger family unit. This is not some militia out for blood--they only wanted what was best for those they loved. It was a home for those who were wanted nowhere else.

Brown eyes shifting to the cheetah, I perked my ears as he said something about a trespasser that Annora didn’t want Symphony to know about. I chuckled dryly--what a child that Corwin was. Annora had gotten accustomed to using reverse phycology on the boy, and I was sure that was all this was. I looked to Symphony, wondering what his response would be, then simply waited. Some unfortunate cat would be lead into camp any moment, and I would step forward to try and speak some compassion into my pride-mates, fail, then wander off, my obligation fulfilled. That was simply how it was when you were the one sane feline in an asylum.

Oh, but don’t get me wrong, the cat needed to be punished--I’d just prefer it not be killed. Trespassing in itself is wrong, but stupidity is, as well. Given Ende reputation, there should never be a reason to enter this territory, unless the reason was, in fact, suicide. But the cats here liked to play with their toys before tearing off each limb, so there were much less painful ways to kill yourself. I eyed Harmony as she entered first, then drew my attention to the Iriomote just behind. Oh goody, someone even I could bend my head to look at, if only slightly. Normally only the cubs were even a hair shorter than I, and I barely gave Camira the time of day, so this could be enjoyable for me. Annora came in last, annoyance in her gaze, though her lips masked over her expression with a cruelly amused smile. “Oh, ya, ya, Ms. Kunabee, equals, names.” I didn’t know what in the world she was talking about, but I assumed it was her unamused, yet deliciously humoring response to some moronic request of the Esson leader.

It was then the lioness walked by Kunabee, careful to be the spiteful cat she was by rubbing her leg roughly on her--not to knock over, just to make the cat aware that she disliked her to an insurmountable degree. I approached confidently, curious for what was about to occur here. Why on earth would an Iriomote dare come walsing onto Ende lands? If she hadn’t been a leader of a group, thus more interesting alive for now than dead, she’d been eaten by Annora and none of us would ever have known she existed. Rank saved her, but I was sure it only served her to a much more unpleasant punishment. “Fuhrer, the kleine Katzen wishes to sprechen Sie mit.” She positioned herself back behind Kunabee, intent on keeping the Iriomote in camp.

Okay, maybe I had wasn’t completely sane, if extreme curiousity of Ende’s tactis could be considered a form of insanity. I took a seat a few paces away from the gathering, eyes focused on the Fuhrer. This could be fun.

OOC//: I know Kuna hadn't trespassed, but the way Corwin relayed the message gave John the impression it was trespassing.

[I L Y I C H]

Corwin came rushing into camp with his words and my Fuhrer raised to his paws with a cruel smile on his lips. My own mouth twisted into a guarded frown. What cat was stupid enough to step onto Ende lands and demand to speak with Symphony? Ears pricked I lifted myself up from the dusted ground to stand beside my mate and stare curiously across our camp. Such disillusionment. Even I, at my size and power had been terrified of this place in the beginning. All but stiff with fear over a family whom I did not belong to at that time. Over time I found my seat at the mad hatter's tea party. Fell in love with this place and it's ideals. But I'd had my inlet. Had Symphony leading me into the briar patch. This little alpha had nothing but a paw place in all the wrong places and a tensed war ready Fuhrer to meet her head on. Flicking one ear I cast a short glance to the white tiger, finding his sharp eyes narrowed and cold.

Tolerance was reserved for his own pride mates. Not for those foolish or idiotic enough to walk unwelcome onto his lands. A threat, despite everything. Kunabee was a threat to the great white beast's family. To my family. And we would not stand for such transgression. Alas we'd have to be careful about the way in which we went about it. This little thing had folami at her back, and despite our truce with the pack in the southern canyons we could not trust in immunity from the rouges of that group as well.It would be careful treading, but it was treading tat I knew Symphony's paws could place. If paranoia were any less thick in the man's mind he would not think of all the ways to walk a mountain, but he did. He did and those careful if not paranoid paws would hold Ende in a spot of safety. It was after all the man's only real wish.

Thus my husband had taken his seat atop his throne of rotted wood at the center of camp and I'd moved to seat myself in my own place at his side. Our son pushed past the brush first, entering into sight in the grand sweeping way he had mimicked from his father. Annora and the tiny alpha were just behind and my hard eyes kept Harmony carefully in their views in case this was a trap. Too many of our soldiers were in camp right at this moment should this prove to be a falsehood. Symphony's tail twitched at my side, flicking the ebony end against my ribs. Careful acknowledgement. It had grown, over these months, our bond. At first I had been so scared of this man. Of what I presumed to be madness, and mad the king was, but not vicious. Now with the months of close contact and gentle conversations we were all but on the same wavelength. Perhaps Alphonse wasn't the only paranoid member of our mostly departed family.

Lip curling automatically at the remembering of my dear brother I sat stiff and bleak. Waiting for words or explanation and finding only Annora's anger. Face puckering slightly I gave the lioness a short glance of question. I didn't know what Kunabee had said to our soldier but Dio knew it must have been the exact wrong thing. Ears flicking I listened carefully. Possibility of danger was still thick. After all what idiot trespassed on Ende land without an escort of some kind? All I found were the quiet paw steps of curious pride mates. Sherlock moving to John's side as could be expected. Verona poking around where she crouched next to Montego, trying for a better look. Symphony as he stood and griped his claws into the old rotting stump under their curves. Turning my broad skull enough to watch the proceedings and the camp at the same time I curved my ears upwards to register the Fuhrer's words.

"And what does the little kitty want with the army to her south, hmm?"

[Kunabee]

Kunabee

As Annora rubbed her leg over me, I bit at it. If I was successful, I gave a malicious grin. If I failed I pulled back and acted like it was merely a faint. But oh, that was the last straw. I was pissed. Everyone thought I was a stupid little good-for-nothing and I was tired of it. I'd be damned if I'd continue to be the little pushover alpha who barely had a grip on her group! I'd be damned if I'd let these strangers, when I had come in a mission of peace, make a fool of me. I was sick and tired of it. I was no fool, perhaps naive, but I was damn smart, and if anyone dared challenge me from now on there would be hell to pay. So thus I started snarling.

"Whatever you think of me I am done with you showing it so blatantly. I'd like at least a little respect. I come here on a peace mission, waiting on the edge of the f***ing border like I'm supposed to, and then I get treated like an idiot and a fool. I don't care what you think of me; I want to be shown some respect at least. It's not like I came on a solo invasion like some kind of f***ing idiot. I came here hoping to make an ally. Well, if you ever want an ally you can go somewhere else! I'm sick of everyone treating me like I'm an idiot and can't do f***ing anything!"

It was angry; I'd had my full. First my pride, now these strangers. Maybe I was stupid. But it wasn't anyone else's place to tell me! I was still an alpha and I would have respect; I would have my dignity and pride, damnit! And everyone was acting like I was an idiot who didn't know anything. Perhaps I was stupid sometimes; no, I was stupid sometimes, but no-one had any right to treat me like I'd been treated the past couple of days. I was tired of it.

I. Was. An. Alpha. And I was going to act like it, from here on out! People wanted to be mean to me? Fine. I'd be a tyrant if I had to; a bitch, a brat, whatever words you wanted to use. I'd do it. I was done with all of it. So I was either going to walk out of here with dignity, or go sprinting. I'd use my size to my advantage and escape. I gave a nod of respect to Symphony 'Bava - he deserved respect. Just because I got none didn't mean I'd refuse another alpha the same - and started to walk out.

Stop me if they wanted, there were exactly two words that would get me to stop. And if they tried to use force? Well, I wasn't above dirty fighting. Not now.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

There, we'd gone and made an otherwise kind cat mad. I blinked guardedly as Annora pulled her lip back aggressively, though she did not turn back towards the Iriomote, when the teeth grazed across her skin. The lioness was never one for acting out of command, a soldier like myself. Death was in her gaze but she would not feed it while Symphony still had games to play. Oh she would surely have her moment, later when Ende works there borders to intrude on Esson lands. But for now the minor pricks of an iriomote's teeth against callused skin would be treated as an annoyance and nothing more.

The smaller cat's outburst in response to Symphony's words is what finally brought my attention to the situation at hand. I had considered her a trespasser because Corwin worded his winded statements poorly. I blinked apologetically towards the small alpha, though her eyes did not sit upon me. She was simply a woman pushed too far--poor choices are made when you feel cornered. Foolish, even lethal choices, in Kunabee's case. I was a soldier first, but that did not cover the fact that I was a kind one. I dared approach the retreating Iriomote, nodding Ahote away when he moved to stop her. Clearly Ende had no thought of just letting the girl go, but let me be the one to stop her. Let her have some reasons.

"Esson Commander," I looked over my soldier to Symphony briefly, asking permission but not waiting to be denied. "I understand you are frustrated, I imagine someone of your stature is not respected even by those under your command." I allowed my eyes to be empathetic, yet still holding the stern edges that told her I was not a friend. I knew how hard it was to work the ranks when you are smaller than the rest. It had taken me a long term in the army before I was anyone of worth. Once there, it had taken those under my command a great deal of time to truly honor my position. They were tigers and leopards, lions and cougars. Why should they let someone the size of their head order them around? We live in a superficial world, indeed. "However, I must point out your mistakes. Turning to Ende was foolish when walking with such noble intentions. Ende has always been out for themselves. We are a good group of cats, but only to those within our ranks." Ahote had told me about the Akando ally. It had always been Ende's intention to kill Ezhno after the war against Zonta ended.

I turned to face my Fuhrer with careful respect in my gaze. I hoped I had not over-stepped boundaries and made a fool of the man in some way, I just had needed a chance to show the alpha her mistake, rather than rudely treating her as a lower-class citizen like my pride-mates were gleefully doing. Now it was up to Symphony what was to be done from there. I nodded a respectful dismissal to Kunabee, giving her at least one cat who acknowledged her rank, before walking boldly back to my mate's side and taking a seat. I would respond to my Fuhrer's demands with loyalty, but a soldier doesn't have to agree with every order he is given.

I had always been the emotional half of Johnlock--now it seemed I was the single empathetic one in Ende.

OOC//: Sorry, guys, I was braindead -shot-

[I L Y I C H]

A prick of anger slithered into being across my lips at this intrusion. At this audacity. Was it not known on these winds that Ende was a pride to be feared and left alone. I did not want allies. They were useless moral driven things that would hold my family back. I did not wish to associate with this tiny alpha any more then she apparently wished to associate with me. Tail flicking lightly at the end I allowed the barest tip of my skull; electric eyes settling on the irimote with guarded blankness. How dare this little creature. How dare she slip her useless little teeth across my Annora. Did she not see? Did she not understand what my family had been doing from the start. I would not stand for such insolence in my own home. Such an affront to my family in their resting place.

Heavy white paws hit the ground evenly as I slid from my stump of a podium. Made smooth strides to turn circles around the little girl. No she did not think. She saw. She dreamed. But the idea that we might not bend to her petty ways and childish reasoning had not occurred to her. My lips curled up, viciously. Sardonically. "Oh but my little katzen you are a fool. Come to the cave to seek out the dragons help when all the big old beast wants is to be left alone." Flicking the slender pale length of my tail I gave the girl a side glance as I skulked past. Head lifting up on my shoulders I took on the even almost royal gate that was expected of me. Two alphas perhaps, but I was not an alpha. I was Fuhrer of these lands. Their father. And I would act as I should even if the little child spit and cawed with her lesser behavior.

For she was correct in that way. She was my lesser. I did not think so. I knew this as a fact. A cat the size of my two front paws Kunabee did not deserve my respect right off the bat. Such things must be earned in these lands. Titles meant nothing. My pride followed me for my proving of myself. I'd won more then one attack on my leadership from challengers. I had proved myself in the years that Ende had stood sedimentary and constant in this the marshy land. Size was what she saw as her failing. Which was in itself foolish. "Stature, my dear John, has little to do with my disrespect." Look to our own Montego after all, or simply to John himself. We did not place biased judgments merely by size.

"Ende does not take allies." I spoke dismissively, tail waving neatly to one side. Ordering Ahote back should he move to intercept once more. We had so many troubles ahead of us. So many problems. Bidziil had spoken to us and we all knew what waited in the shadows. We must be prepared. So let the little bug go back home to her pack of fleas. Let her go home thinking herself safe for she had sealed the fate of those lands with her attempts to speak with us this day. Shown her weakness. A pride that did not follow her absolute word. Smile drifting easily over ghost hued lips I turned away from the chocolate pelted woman. Turned my back on her petty words and weaknesses. Ende would be upon her sooner or later. It did not matter. Such insignificance and lack of foresight. "Let her leave my pretties. There is no reason for such crassness."

Sharp eyes flicked playfully to my Annora aside and Noelle who had moved to stand with her teacher and general. Quiet bloody promises curled in that stare and I knew that they would see and know. Noelle was not the child she had been when first she set paw in this place. No longer a Kunabee of the world, if I might be so crude. Innocence and trust were a thing for the family, and no other place in this world. And here we had a little irimote who did not even trust her family. Oh yes there would be a continuation of this little talk in the coming weeks. Simply on Esson land, and with my power behind me in a way this little girl could never imagine. "John if you would. You can take your Mr.Holmes with you if you'd like" Motioning with one bored paw I shifted to return to my place alongside my mate and my best soldier.

[Kunabee]

Kunabee

Yes, I was quite a fool today, wasn't I? I was not surprised by my foolishness; I had always been foolish. I could see it in their eyes, read it in their steps, the way how foolish I acted and went among others as though I wasn't small. But they wouldn't shrink me.

The quiet person's reasonableness calmed me, but not for long. Now the alpha, the fuhrer of these lands, was insulting me further. I could deal if he did not so publicly mock me; but here he was, in front of all his pride. I snorted.

"Cowardice and pride will be the death of you, Symphony 'Bava. You admit you are proud, this I can see; but let me tell you now you are a coward. You can not, do not, trust. Your family, yes; and being cautious - unlike myself - is wise. But you're a coward. Would you dare step on my lands, by herself, asking for peace? No. You are afraid to hope." I took a deep breathe. "At least I admit I am a damned fool, cursed to die from some stupid attempt, hoping for impossible things. But what would you admit, Fuhrer?" At that I bowed my head briefly, than raised it again.

"And why let me go free? Why not make a foolish iriomote a lesson to those who would be fools?" I offered my neck; straightening it out.

"Why not kill me now? It would be so easy. A small little kitten, not even able to escape from your giant paws." My voice now mocked. "You think you are better than me, but you are not. Equals, perhaps. But as long as you think your size means anything, think that your pride is better than any other creature, then you are not better than me."

I looked him in the eyes, craning my head boldly as my tail lashed. "Play your games or kill me now, Alpha. Either way you'll find I'm not so easily the victim."

Perhaps I would die today, but I would fight. My pride would survive without me; or it would die, and everyone would be happier. But either way I would not bow to another's will. If I had to be a dictator, so be it.

My voice was gentle now. "I let my weaknesses show for a reason, Alpha. I have no secrets. Use my weakness against me; ignore it completely. I do not care. All I care about is showing the world another way besides war and hate."

I dropped my head, but then raised it again. Would he kill me now that I had accused him of these horrid things, or would I be free? Well, if he went for the neck - I'd go for his stomach.


((wooc;; Kunabee will make a point, dangit xDD))

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

Dipping my head in a silent gratitude, I made quick work of finding my way back to the Iriomote's side. I would guide her to her border and no further, respecting the sanctity of her territory. However foolish this alpha was she deserved at least that for now. No creature was worthy of being a prisoner on their own land. If we were to take custody of what is hers than the story would change, but for now my guidance would be only to make sure she did indeed return to what belonged to her and left our little solitary world alone.

I blinked questioningly at Sherlock, wondering without words if he would walk with me. Adelaide would be safe here in camp, guarded by those who truly did love her. Because in Ende there was a true sense of family in every cat; even hostile Annora showed a sense of honest devotion to those who called Ende home. Perhaps I was a paranoid parent to the jaguar, but leading her to the border of an enemy turf while she was still so young seemed reckless and irresponsible. I could not live with the thought of harm reaching her, or my mate, but my beloved could protect himself if an attack were to occur. Little Addy had no experience to learn from just yet.

Turning a guarded expression to the Iriomote as she spoke, my lip flinched in frustration. I respected her rank but the feeling did not sink below that. Her as an individual was foolish beyond even that which she admitted. I would like to believe in this hope she spoke of, but where there were cats there would always be war. To think otherwise was not optimism, or admirable, it was simple stupidity. I held my tongue, knowing to say as such would be above my rights, but I set a stern, almost disappointed fatherly look on the smaller woman. "Unlike those you may have come in counter with in the past, size means nothing to my Fuhrer. I would advise you set your courage elsewhere, Alphess, because when one asks for war they have no right to return fire." I nudged her softly, shoulder to shoulder. "Let us move out, Esson Alphess. My superior and I can assure you a safe return to your home, but only so long as Fuhrer remains willing." I flicked my ears towards Sherlock as I referred to him, introducing without formally doing so.

Hurry along, little Iriomote, because I won't stop them even if I could.

OOC//: I do not remember what rank Sherly is, and I only know John is a Doctor, so I am just going to assume Sherly is a superior officer.

[I L Y I C H]

Ears flicking intently at the sound of my name, I brought focus back to the situation at hand. After the inital proof that this loud but otherwise worthless presence was not a threat in any sort of way I'd all but tuned out. Not caring enough to mention nor pay attention to these drivels. Turning gray blue eyes back to Symphony I provided a certain level of interest, though it remained that I found all of this bellow me. Politics, while in their infancy, were interesting, but this had little to do with politics and more to do with a little girl's tantrums. Alphess or not, she would glean no respect from me. The gall with which the bug spoke was disgusting. Cowardice she said. Calling the Fuhrer of Ende a coward, of all things she could make up and pull from that tiny little mind. I couldn't quiet repress the snort that bubbled out of me, expression annoyed and incredulous. How could anyone, let alone someone who claimed themselves to be an Alpha of all things, be so blindly moronic?

Symphony smiled coldly down at the little thing, rising once more from where he had sat for all but a moment along side the liger. Noelle rose as well, the two standing with a combined weight that easily quadrupled Kunabee's own. Yet I knew these two and the farsightedness they both exhibited was admiral. They looked into the future as carefully and with as much paranoia as anyone planning to actually keep their pride together aught. I would admit I had severe problems at times with the commanding way Ende was set together, but I did hold respect for my Fuhrers. Muter? If Symphony was the father of Ende that made Noelle the mother I suppose. Yet here stood the alpha of Esson. A new Eznox with a leader who knew even less then that pittiful ocelot. It made me curious as to what their mentality was like. If I knew Esson properly then it had multiple soldiers in it's ranks. Surely it rankled badly against them to be so mistreated by a little girl who knew so little of proper leadership.

Symphony however stood tall and did not betray any of the disgust obvious in the curl of my own lip. "Little girl you speak so whimsically. As if by spouting little rivers of idealism you can fix the world." Tail swishing as it so often did in it's inability to sit still, Symphony took a short step and sat down. The manor in which the tiger's head tilted down showed quiet well that he was in fact talking down his nose at her. Petty insults were simple things to flick aside, and after all why would they bother a man who was all but a psychopath? "I have hope my little rabbit. I have hope for my own kind, but the showing of others has been poor at best." A small glance turned condescendingly down to the much smaller animal made it obvious just whom he was referring to.

Noelle stood silently behind him, one ear twitched slightly back. I hadn't expected her to become involved but that quiet rough voice trespassed into the air and my eyes jumped to her for but a moment before refocussing their icy intensity on the irimote. "I will admit I was an idiot to see nothing but ill in this pride, and so are you. Sadly your words are nothing but spits of anger. In a single moment Ende will be more of a family then you have ever seen and be the single biggest threat on this land." Symphony all but shook in his fur from childish pleasure, taking no issue with leaning to nuzzle his mate's throat upon her leaning slightly forward. Tail flicking the liger glanced sideways at him, still not fully accustom to it. Noelle was a newer member of this pride but aside from her own awkwardness she had latched her claws into Ende's fabric and refused to let go. Of course she saw the dodgy bits but why would some fowl mentions ever shine past so much greater good?

I would never admit it but even I had come to love this place. A home for outcasts and misfits. A family that loved us and all our quirks. Celebrated them. And here stood a small cat who would hate and judge us as all the rest did. I wondered if Kunabee understood she was simply making Ende all the more necessary. Or if Ende didn't exist and Symphony hadn't taken all of us under his wing how much more violence there would be in the world. Farsightedness was severely lacking in the beast. The white tiger in question leaned forward slightly, electric blue eyes flashing. "And my dear little rabbit heart, I will always be better then you. I have had nine years to expand and learn about myself and my knowledge. I have grown up, and I understand how the world works." While she did not. Even in a small fraction. Optimism alone was a sorry thing, but acceptable when taken properly. Foolish faith was worthless childish nonsense. Nothing was safe and no where was perfect.

"Now. Off with you. Surely you have fights to quell. Just tell them about your peace. I'm sure such things will just fix the world right on up." Symphony turned away, his sarcasm dripping vitriol off of his whiskers. Noelle joined him as they both walked back to their old podium, speaking in low voices as they moved off. I myself stood neatly, tail curling at it's end as I walked with a clip to my John's side. He spoke respectfully as was his due, but I could see the creases in his face. A sad day it was when even Dr.Watson's patience was tested. I couldn't help the small smirk that drew up on my lips however, despite my cold exterior set in place. Superior? Truly I did hold higher rank then the margay but I'd never though to hear such words. I do hope John's realizes that I would be lording that over him from now on.