Water is a fallen grace... }{ It comes from th...

[Kunabee]

Serenity ‡

I walk along. The grass is tall, green. I look at the sky and it scorches my eyes; weakly, I settle them on my paws. My tail droops. I limp, the pain to force my leg straight too strong. It aches, but it always aches, and I ignore it. I yawn. This accursed heat is taking all my energy... I mourn, I long for rain and sweet relief. But it is not here, so instead I walk.
There. I made it. A small purr escapes with the next puff of air. I dip my head down, rejoicing in the brown life-giving substance. I drink slowly, letting each taste roll down my tongue. It does not taste good. It tastes like dirt and muck and trash. It feels like the same things, too.
However, there's also something rejuvinating. Another day. That, within itself, is celebration. Sweet, sweet celebration. I raise my head to the sky, then drop it back down. I want to take more of the mud-water, but I don't. I got my share. I have my fill. Besides, too much of it could probably be bad.
I sigh, the wind teasing the grass and my fur. You think the wind would be cold; but no, it is not cold. It is a way to spread the infernal heat of the drought. I lay down next to the mud-water pond, rolling on my back.
Today, I am grateful to live with this life-giving thing.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

Who's this? A white tiger? Symphony Bava'? It does not smell of his stench, but I will not allow myself to be fooled. Ende is a clever pride, they can create cats out of dogs, men out of women, trees out of grass. Their trickeries will not fool me. I am better than they are. My family is wiser than their's.

Eyes narrowed, I bellowed a small roar. As I grow, that roar will one day be a great sound. For now, it was merely a chilling warning that the great alpha of Zonta had arrived. Or I thought I was doing a swell job. A damn fantastic job. Yeah, I was awesome. My pride was stronger than Ende's. This was my world. And Symphony thought he could walse in and fool me.

As I stomped to the beast, I took a long look at his face. Her face. No, this was not Symphony....but it must be! I could not allow myself to be fooled. "You return? Are you a fool?" My voice cracked, still a boyish mix of defiance and hostility. My tail waved behind my mediocre form. At some point, I would match the size of this great beast. For now, though, I was only a minor hindrance and no real danger. But my ego said I could kill him. I had a pride that was mine now. That thought gave me a supernatural strength, didn't it? Of course it did....

"Well?" I demanded it with a harsh tone, my eyes boring mercilessly down at the face of the tigress. Somewhere my mind knew she was a female, but my paranoia was convicted that it was Symphony who rolled before me. This cat would die beneath my paw. My half brother had killed my mother so I would kill his leader. Fair trade. Maybe a little bit of a harsh punishment, but Ende had also stolen kind Tuma from us....that would justify my slaying of the Leader.

I'm the alpha of Zonta.

[Kunabee]

Serenity ‡

I stared at the stranger, startled. Confusion flashed over my face. "Calm down, little one," I said softly, "This is my first visit here." It was a liger cub, one trying very hard - too hard - to be brave. He clearly thought I was an enemy. I was no enemy.
My eyes soft and gentle, I slowly turned myself so my paws braced me. I was low to the ground, and the leg with my limp was far back.
"I am no enemy of yours," I continued in a low, calm, sweet voice, "I promise. I've only come for a drink."

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

I was unsure as the cat spoke in such gentle tones. Could Symphony reach such a feminie level? I would suppose not....but maybe he could. I found myself staring at the tiger with a narrowed gaze, trying to read it. BUt I could not. I drifted up to be only several pawsteps from it, gaze intent. "Sure." My tone was rough, unconvinced.

Turning away, ears alert for any movement that the creature gave, I paced over to the shade of a dying tree. Sitting down, I faced the cat hesitantly. "But, all that aside, you do realize you are on pride land?" My tone was accusing, though cautious and thoughtful. I wanted to share the water with the world, but my pride came first. The water molecules had become an endangered species, even on Zonta Land. I had to start protecting what little recourse was left. But it was hard to see a thirsty cat and forbid them from the water source. My pride was the most important thing, but that didn't mean I wanted everyone else to die....


I'm a very confused alpha of Zonta.

[Kunabee]

Serenity ‡

I watched him sit in the shade of the tree, and sat, my hurt leg awkward.
"I am aware," I said, "But I was told that the pride that takes residence here allows others to drink from this water. I promise I am no threat to you, and I am only one." I was confused on who he could mistake me as; it was clear that was the choice. It's why I did not make any guesses - at least, not aloud. Was he alpha? Who did he think I was? White tigers were rare - but then, it made sense he'd mistake me for someone. It also made sense that he'd keep the first impression, especially if he was an alpha. He was so young, and wasn't being an alpha stressfull? But who could I be mistaken for? I had heard of one other white tiger, Symphony Bava'... From what I heard, I was lucky to not meet him. Not everyone did of course, but still...
"I promise," I repeated. I longed for the cool shade, but I dared not go unless beckoned.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

I shifted to the far side of the shade before nodding my head to offer the remaining space to the tiger. My pride was master of the world, I was king, but that gave me no right to make the innocent suffer. There was a chance this cat was not Symphony so that meant I had to be cautious, but generous.

"Well, if that is true, then you are more than welcome to our supply, so long as you drink with consideration that pretty much everyone within a hundred miles relies on this one source." My eyes stared thoroughly at the woman, noting her every breath. I swallowed my fear of her betrayal, wondering if I should offer her a place in Zonta pride. We were so small now, only my two sisters and I, we could use a defence like a tiger. Even just a tiger being in camp would keep a majority of threats at bay. But what if it was Symphony....

"Do you need a place to stay, Tigress?" I made the offer quickly, before my paranoia could steal away the opportunity. I had turned into my mother, which was something I would not tolerate. If my instincts urged me to be like the dead tigress, then I would have to do the opposite of my every desire.

[Kunabee]

Serenity ‡

I nodded gratefully and sank into the shade beside him. It was cool, and I appreciated it. What came next startled me.
"Do you need a place to stay, Tigress?". Yes! This little alpha - or so I assumed, and it was strengthened by that question - offered me a place? A pride? It was a dream come true for me. I would not be so alone. I could be taken care of and take care of others... A perfect give and take.
"Yes!" I exclaimed, "Oh yes please..."

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

In reality, it was my call. I could say 'then you are not a part of Zonta' and be well within my rights. But I didn't. My arrogance would forbid me from directly saying I needed the imput of my sisters, but it did allow for me to inquire on what they thought on the matter. Somewhere deep inside me I knew that they were better off than I, more level headed. This decision had to be thought over by a mind of great wealth. I wished to claim mine was above others. I often would with my words, but my heart spoke of different tales.

"Then come. Such a decision is one I would like to hear the imput of my sisters on." My voice had gentled, though it still held that rigid edge. I wanted to smile for her like I would have done only a couple months ago. I wanted to nudge her and assure her that I could guarantee her a place in my home. I just wanted to express love to someone, anyone. I wanted to act real for once. But, no, I was the alpha. Alpha's do not fall so low as to smile and adore. Alpha's worked for their pride and their pride got to live. But an alpha would lead, never taking part in the life of those fortunate beings with no responsibilities.

"Noelle? Ilyich?" I called their names as I lead the woman towards our shattered camp. It occured to me that I should warn her of the state of the home she was so eager to join. "We just had a war, tigress. Some have died and our camp is in ruins. Consider this before biting off more than you can chew." It occured to me then that I was leading a cat that I knew no name for. I paused, glancing over my shoulder awkwardly, my beginnings of a partial mane hindering the action. "I am Alphonse, recently appointed Alpha of Zonta." I offered it and continued to watch her, waiting for the retuning exchange.

[Kunabee]

Serenity ‡

I eagerly pranced after him, though my "dead leg" dragged behind me. I was so happy. A pride, a pride, at last a pride! I giggled in glee, despite myself. I was overwhelmingly happy. And then he asked for his name.
So the alpha guess was right. Alpha Alphonse. Rather repeatitive name beginning, I thought to myself.
"My name is Serenity," I said, "It is an honor to meet you, sir."

[I L Y I C H]

Noelle--

My brother's call tore me from my frantic pacing. Sense the war ended I had been the one forcing dens to reform. I had been the one clobbering the walls back into shape. Alphonse had helped, Ilyich had helped, but in my hurried anxious mind it was only me. Trying to sort out what the hell was going on. It had all happened to fast, and my mind was reeling, but I had to stay sane. Had to stay ready. Ilyich was crazy enough for both of us anyway.

Turning to greet Al I almost snarled in response to the creature behind him, but managing to hold back the reaction I offered instead a stiff nod. White tigers didn't hold a happy home in my heart. Having caught the exchange of names as I neared, I felt the need to give my own, even if I did still have one eye resting on the girl. Serenity. How could one promise such things with their name alone? "Good day, Serenity. My name is Noelle, Al is my brother and for the time being I am second in command"

The heavy foot falls that I recognized all too easily after a childhood of listening for them alerted me to my friend's arrival. But of course Ilyich had to go the creepy route and not say a word. Larger then the average leopard in combination to the woman's scarred spotted pelt gave her the edge of a soldier. Though she was a valuable fighter, I would never let her be a soldier. I'd learned a thing or two in the days following the war about Ilyich and her scars.

"This is Ilyich" I slipped the name over my tongue easily, twisting it to match the tone and grunt of the way the leopard herself spoke it. German was a hard accent to mimic. Said German rocked back on her heels, large body swaying for a second before she turned around and went back to her work. Never one for social interactions, that Ilyich. Frowning after her, I turned back to Serenity.

"Our camp is in a bit of a mess right now, as you can see" I sat down carefully, ignoring the ache in over used muscles. We hadn't been sleeping well, what with all the sudden paranoia, and any injures we had had only strained under our heavy work. "Ily is a bit preoccupied at the moment" I shrugged, dismissing what would be considered rude behavior to anyone who hadn't know Ilyich for as long as my brother and I had. After a certain point Ilyich had been the one to raise us, or at least Alphonse. She had always been far more supportive then Mother.

The thought made me recoil internally, scrabbling to get away. I didn't want to think about her. Didn't want to have to start those horrible arguments in my head again. Al was my brother, but she hadn't loved him, wile I always had. I could not find it in my heart to respect a woman who would not give her son love. Maybe I was biased by Al deserved it all and she denied him. No. Shaking my head to force the buzz away, I returned my hazel eyes to Serenity.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

Serenity. I wanted to trust a cat with that name. But I have never met a good tiger. And the only other white one I knew had been the worst of all. Well, my mother was the worst tiger because her abuse had been mental, but Symphony Bava' stole away everything I knew. Not him alone, but he aided in a war that stole Tuma and hurt my two surviving family.

Glancing at Noelle, I let her speak. My mind tackled the comment on her being second in command, but I forced it to be dismissed. My heart said she was, but my brain demanded it be only me. This was my pride. For once, my heart was the stronger of the two. If Noelle tacked on the title of Head Huntress then, for now, I would submit to that term. "Serenity wants to join." I stated it flatly, my eyes dancing between the two familiars with a vacant expression. "She has kept herself calm against my accusations. We need someone with a clear head." It was strange for me to be admitting a weakness. But I loved my pride. I loved my family.

Ilyich was the closest thing to a clear head that we had here, and hers was not very open.

[Kunabee]

Serenity ‡

I listened to Noelle, and shook my head. "The mess doesn't help me," I assured her. I wonder what loss they suffered during the war. Surely this could not be all there was in their camp? Of course, a cub was leading.
It must be all that was left. I felt horribly sad. Poor cubbies. And then I heard that I have a clear head. I was certainly calm, at least. And I know that those around me were often calmed. I nodded. I could bring what my name promised; peace and calm.

[I L Y I C H]

A calm head, that sounded brilliant at the moment. We needed a good forward cat. My eyes turned to look at Serenity appreciatively. If she had her head on straight we could use her, draw her into the family. It was a good thing. My smile came out, crooked now as if unsure of how to present itself. "Welcome, Serenity." Even in my peacefulness I found it hard. Tigers had never been a good thing, even mother. Tigers always meant something hurtful, even in their love.

Shuffling slightly, I moved off after Ilyich, waving my tail in a beckoning gesture. Not at Alphonse, he'd have a fit if I did it to him. The gesture was focused on our newest cat, the black end bobbing in welcome. Maybe I was being too accepting in this time when I should join my brother on the paranoia express, but i could not help it. It was in my nature to be the warm soul, and even in my times of hardship I found it difficult to remain down.

Prodding my spotted friend in the ribs as I came up to her, I turned back to the white tiger. "I'm sorry to ask such of you so soon, but could you help us over here? The ribs of this den are sagging." Ilyich's pumpkin eyes slid over the new comer, narrowing slightly before turning back to their work.

"Slightly?" she spoke in her thickly accented tongue. "It seems to me that it is sagging, how do you say, a lot?" I stuck my tongue out at her, knowing quiet well that she was only teasing with that last bit. Stupid German knew English perfectly

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

A warm sensation reached my gut as Noelle openly accepted the new tigress and even requested her aid. I pondered on what my reaction should be. Do my paws go and help them, start my own rebuilding project, or back to scouting? I scowled at that final thought. That was all I had been doing since the war; scouting and looking for danger. I was the male here, I should be doing the hard labor, too. It suddenly hit me that I was the only male here. How could a pride run with so little testorone? My smirk broke through at that thought. I knew very well that females could be as strong as males. I was many things, but sexist did not make that list.

Turning away, I started out of camp slowly, not at all eager to be back out on patrol. Ende would not attack again so soon, would they? They would nurse their injured felines. But Akando would, I was sure of it. They were not a clever pride, simply a strong one with large numbers that worked well in unison. But I was so tired of walking mindlessly!

"Noelle," I turned around, face firm and void any any thought or emotion. I could not let my expression sway her to either side. "Do you three need any aid in camp? Even Akando would be unwilling to drive through at the peak of the day like it is now. The heat would make it a suicide mission, crossing their barren territory. I can resume patrols by nightfall." I looked to the devastated camp as if I was lost. I had not spent much time in this area since becoming alpha. Day and night I let the world know where our borders lay, even sleeping at random points around the land, at random times. My eyes were baggy with exhausten, but I knew I had to push on. We were all tired. Who was I to ask for a time to rest my weary legs?

I would walk until the day my knees broke beneath my weight.

[Kunabee]

I smiled. I was accepted so easily, so eagerly, by this little liger cub! I felt good. I nodded.
"Of course I'll help," I told her, "Don't pridemates help each other, even new ones?" I quickly walked over, waiting to be directed.

WOOC; Fail post is fail.