Old scores to be Settled }{ Bhu, Anyone else ...

[Zayden]

My mind is flaring, thoughs coursing though my head, Now is the time to take down this fool, now I rise and become the almighty! Moving quickly I close in on the Akando camp and eyes flicker around I am ready for a fight and take out anyone in my way, so I can take out Eznho. A wild light shoots though my eyes I can see it going down, Ezhno laying at my feet bleeding, his life fading. Then I shall rule Akando and kick the heir of his out... Steaming forward I charge toward the way of the camp, I can see moving fast I roar out " Oh Ezhno, come out and play little kitty." My eyes narrow as I go to the entrence to the camp. I dare SOMEONE TO TRY AND STOP ME!

------Done! A Little Short But it is a start-------

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

Alpha slumbered before me, his great mass vulnerable in the merciless heat of the midday sun. The man had grown old but no wiser, I declared as I watched his ragged breaths with pity. He had brought Akando far, but that did not mean he was not a fool. The beast may have been cunning and cruel in his younger years, but now he was cold without the cunning.

I came to my feet, my mane moving roughly, as the scent of a undesired familiar came to meet my glands. It danced with that of moistioned air and my pelt shivered in anticipation. It was hard to focus on trespassers when your body longed for water that had neglected to come for months on end. Looking to the sky, I could see the darker clouds former in the lower layers, their inky blackness speaking of the storm we so needed in all the lands. Looking back to the alpha, I tried to remember the last time we drank without having to keep a watch guard on duty. Ezhno was old. Dehydration would have made him too weak to win a battle against one of equal mass.

My ears pricked and I felt the earth move as Ezhno climbed to his paws as the stranger called his name. We both knew that voice. Blaze, the flea that had been knawing Ezhno's behind for over a year. He had returned and, like myself, was now fully developed. I roared no words but only a sound of threat, eyes boring at the beast as it lumbered so thoughtlessly through our lands. I made a motion to go forward and kill the rat right as he stood, but Ezhno moved snake-like to block my path.

"Remember who is Alpha as of now, Ackecheta. This is my game to play and my bug to squash."

I shivered at his arrogance. As much as I hated to admit it, I cared for Ezhno. He was a brute to despise, but he was my lady's adored father. Through her love for him I had come to find pleasure in speaking and battling the man. But right at this moment, I concluded something. I would be Akando's alpha all too soon. Blaze was not a teenager anymore, nor was Ezhno a young man. Ezhno knew he would win, but I was not sure.

And yet, I let the man pound onward towards the rival, indifference painting his face. He had no fear, and that as a quality I once admired. But now, as I have matured in life, I recognized that fearlessness is equilivalent to foolishness. Ezhno was as foolish as he was fearless, because they each fed the other.

"Blaze, what a nice surprise." My ruler hissed the words, finding his path to circle the now developed man. I would not help my master if he fell in this battle, but merely clean up the surviver at the end, and then carry my dear Akando from this ditch that Ezhno has left them to fester in.

[Moon]

Slumber in this god-forsaken land was near impossible with the sun that bore down mercilessly upon my pride. Almost afraid to admit, I could not sleep knowing cubs could die of heatstroke and that my fellow lionesses were growing weaker, therefore weakening the defenses we had against other felines. This made me extremely unhappy. So, instead of trying to rest in the mid-day heat, I paced restlessly, ears and eyes alert as I glanced every now and then at my beautiful pale male, Ackacheta. When I caught his eye, I felt electricity go down my spine, a pleasure at the touch of his sight, and shared a small connection before continuing my pacing. Father slept. This worried me as well. Ezhno was aging, his face becoming gray as time went on, and his body was not as I remembered it. His depleting state affected me most.

Then, Father was awake and Ackacheta was challenging a familiar face, a familiar scent, but definitely no familiar shape. How had he grown while my father shrunk? How had this world suddenly been turned about? I instantly went to Ezhno's side, whispering some daughterly and loving nothing into his ear.

"Kill him, father. You have more against him, I am sure of it," I hissed, a flash of doubt in mine eyes as I stared at the newly improved lion before me. Ezhno had never lost a battle; surely, he would not start now with all his experience? I looked to my Ackacheta for his thoughts, worry clouding my features but thankfully smart enough not to show it to Ezhno.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

The man I knew to be the strongest looked proudly to his daughter as she whispered in his ear. The woman, with her bountiful beauty, would surely add some strength to this brute, as she did for me. But it wouldn't be enough. Ezhno had never lost a fight in the past, had never sacraficed territory or back away from a challenge. His females remained forever his and his cubs knew nothing but undying loyalty to this man that would protect them and then kill them on the same day. One day in the not so distant passed, I was one of those children. The mindless drone. But as my place beside the Princess Bride had become a definate, my mind had been permitted to education. And, unlike Ezhno, I allowed myself to learn what this world had to offer.

And it had taught me that age is cruel. It takes years to become strong, but days to gow weak. And Ezhno was at the ending time of that final phase.

Keeping a careful expression on Blaze, I crept to stand beside Izaray in time to catch Ezhno's quiet response to the only one he had ever held a heart for. "Of course I do, my dear. And my blood runs in you." I was caught off guard by that statement. No, not the statement--the tone. He was smarter than I had given him credit for. He was an arrogant fool, too proud to back away from a challenge and allow the heir to do the role of alpha when a challenge is made. He could step down now and allow his daughter and I to rule. I would maul this trespasser and the allow Ezhno to die in peace at a ripe old age as an elder of the pride. But, no, his tone said that he knew he was going to die here. He knew this was the moment for him to pass on his crown to Izaray. And yet he went into war, because he'd rather die than be seen as weak.

What he didn't know is that all of us, with the exception of maybe Izaray, saw this foolish move as weaker than if he backed down.

Shaking away the thoughts, knowing that, by disrespecting him, I was showing disrespect to my lover. The man turned back to Blaze after his statement with her, and moved carefully forward. He looked skilled, but the age was present in his mild limp. I snaked forward to take his place beside his daughter, nudging her affectionately. "Be ready for the worst, Izaray." I couldn't sugar-coat it for her. She was strong, the strongest in this forsaken pride. And she deserved nothing less than the pure truth; I had too much respect for her to build her up with false hope.

I nuzzled her, not only out of love, but to support her when her father did fall.

[Moon]

Oh, how agonizing the truth could be. My father's last words to me that I would cherish and keep in my heart forever would hopefully be carried on to my own daughters and sons. Emotion filled my eyes as I gave my father one last nuzzle on his shoulder before he walked, dignified, into battle. The only creature, with the exception of my beautiful Ackacheta, that I ever loved was going to be taken from me.

This realization did nothing to weaken me. Suddenly, I pulled myself up, my eyes wiped of all sorrow and replaced with only a fury and a determination so powerful, the only thing tainting it was the ferocious adoration that I felt for this old man. My gaze fell upon Blaze, a snarl creeping up into my throat as I bared pearly white teeth at him.

My love then touched me, gave me even more strength to hold myself away from this final battle. I gave him a tender sniff, touching my nose to his ear though I still remained stiff. His concerned tone reached my ears and I nodded, knowingly.

Then, something like hatred hit my heart as I stared at the outsider, the invader. "If Blaze comes away from this alive he will not be allowed to take a single step from this spot without feeling my teeth in his throat," I hissed, my hate building up strongly. It was almost a demand, my statement. Almost as though I was telling the pale male beside me to keep the larger-than-myself male here. I didn't really care how he took it, only that he understood I wouldn't allow this man to damage my remaining childhood and walk from it unharmed.... or living.

[Zayden]

Mockingly I circle the three my eyes watching Ezhno waiting for a move to be made.
" I am a pleasant surprise aren't I old one?" I laughed.
Stopping I bury my front paws in the ground and tense up, bulging out all my muscles. I had the feeling I was a lot stronger since the last time we met... and smarter. Letting my muscles settle down I start to stare at Ezhno. I color of white flashes in the corner of my eye, How did he follow me here!?
"Zayden? Why must you come here?" I growled.
Zayden looked at me with wild eyes and then chuckled " Till death due us apart foolish one!" He paused then looked over a t Ezhno " I am merely came to see the little kitten fight between Ezy and Blazy, that may be all."
Zayden sits down his muscles rippling underneath his pelt. Yet how is he still stronger then me? Shaking my head I get up move forward I face up to Ezhno. Let give him a display of my power. In a blink of a moment I jump of to the side of Ezhno the I try to ram him in the side at full speed...

~Sorry I took me so long to post~

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

I heard my lady's words and pulled away in reconciliation. Nodding, I slipped on my own mask of vacanty. Yes, no man will walk from this fight; I would be sure my lover got her revenge.

A hiss ran passed my lips at the fellow white's approach. A snarl of warning was sent to Ezhno, but it was not needed. This was no surprise attack. I sat back but remained tense. It was formal for me to watch and not intercede, but the rules gave me rights if the opposition allowed for a friend to give aid.

My eyes caught Blaze's attack, and Ezhno's sketchy dodge. It was just barely an escape on his part, but the man still had some bounce to his step.he did not return fire, and I wondered why he did not take advantage of the moment. I met his eyes and saw the hazed look in one of them.

That damn scar that Blaze had left a year ago had reopened recently, and now his eye was infected. He was arrogant, but he knew his best shot was just to dodge until Blaze became tired. Unfortunatly, stamina was not a friend of this old man's. He was screwed.

[Moon]

A growl or snarl, always limping on the edge of a roar, escaped my lips every movement Blaze made towards my father. 'What scum, what undeserving, wretched, and hideous being that dares challenge my father.' Thoughts merely thought, forbidden to be spoken as Ezhno - 'daddy' from somewhere long ago in my child mind - fought for his life.

Of course I knew he couldn't live! His health deteriorated with every breath he took! Only my stupid, childish belief of hope was able to lie to my own self and say, 'Of course daddy won't die. Daddy is unstoppable. Daddy makes the world go 'round. Daddy made the world.' At least, my world. He made my world. And he would leave it soon. Soon, I would make my own world, make worlds for my children. I would have to carry on his legacy, his world. This last battle would make sure of it.

Another snarl, louder now, escaped my maw as I glared fiercely at the trespassing piece of damned dung that ruminated in my territory.

[Zayden]

"Stubborn fool" I snarl, "You cant run forever". I creep back in front of Eznho that when I notice how weak he look, this will not take long, I all of a sudden burst out laughing. There is not way i could lose this, Eznho will fall with ease all I have to do is weaken him. I snap back to reality and stop laughing, my eyes narrow in concentration, look forward at every possibility planning ahead. I wild thought pops in my head from the first time I battled him that little trick I did... he stopped it because he was heavier but now it seems I have the weight advantage.
Tempting, tempting... now is the time to shine show them all i am not one to be messed with. My muscles ripple and i advance forward but instead of sliding under Eznho I jump over planning to come crashing down on his back side, pinning him down like he did to me. Claws extended, teeth baring, I prepare for the hit. Time to try and end it... now

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

My legs buckled and I bellowed an exhausperated sound as the man was placed atop my mass. The eye that held my scar had forbid I see his approach, for I had foolishly allowed myself to pretend I could see from it, neglecting the view of him so that he would suspect nothing.

But nothing could hide that my mass had degraded much since our last encounter. And he was taking complete advantage of his now greater strength.

My eyes fled to Ackecheta. I knew I was not going to make it through this. That boy would rule my Kingdom. Him and my dearest beloved. I gave a curt nod of acceptance, and I know Ackecheta caught my acknowledgement. He moved close to Izaray, his chest outwards and claws extended. He would not allow my death to go unpunished. I would not die in vain. My death would lead to Blaze's.

With what little breath I could keep in my crushed lungs, I snarled a few words of wisdom I had gathered over the years. "You are an arrogant fool, as I once was." Who am I kidding? I still was arrogant, but no-one shall dare call me a fool. "My name will be cherished and protected. My body may perish, as will everyone's, but my soul will live forever in those I have sowed in my garden of Akando." It was so difficult to breath now. I felt light headed. "Damn it." It was muffled, the curse.

Holding onto my remaining bursts of energy, I straightened my legs and stood with the man on my back. I had weakened, but I was not weak. "Mind over fucking matter, you moronic bastard." I proceeded to throw myself onto my back. I did not have much mass anymore, but the force and suddenness of my throw should be strong enough to startle the man, and perhaps even losen his grip.

[Moon]

Perhaps at this time my mind was only going haywire, but I felt every breath that left my father, every pain that was inflicted upon him for these last few moments. It was unbearable; several times my hackles rose of their own accord and I had to look away, forcing myself only when I saw Ackacheta in his statuesque stance, his courage giving me strength, would I turn and look.

As my father cursed the man who had come to eliminate him, something changed in the air. I could feel the clouds moving, the earth beneath me almost reaching up as though to grab something. It's parched land, begging for a drop of liquid...

"Rain.." I whispered, calling upon age-old memories, it seemed to me, of the few times I had seen the sky open up and cry itself dry until a rainbow would come and shine across it, bringing happiness to the land as the grieving for drought ended. Realization hit me, then, and I looked at Ackacheta with excitement in my gaze. "Rain! It's coming!" I exclaimed, looking to my father with the ghost of a smile on my face, though it quickly faltered, indecisive on it's presence.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

My mind flashed to Dio, but I dare not let it show. That sick bastard, what was he doing? A my lady exclaimed at the scent of rain, I knew what was happening. Two great evils fall, thus bringing forth the fluids will all so needed. Why did I instantly think Dio? Since when did I even chance the belief that he was real? I couldn't place when that seed had been planted. Something about Konta telling of the mercy of some ocelot peace leader, and her leopard nanny. That was when the seed had wedged into the infertile soil of my mind. But here, at the talk of rain, the dirt regained nutrients and that seed sprouted a leaf. Dio, that merciless asshole, would reward the planet for Ezhno's demise. Yes, I considered Dio might be there, but I hated him. Loathed him with every fiber of my being.

I returned Izaray's uncertain smile with my own stiff smirk. Ah, rain. Yes. I could not bring to mind the last time I had seen a true rainfall. Maybe a raindrop here and there; but a storm? One could here the thunder rumbling closer here. The skies darkened and a strike of lightening showed face in the distance. Even the wind picked up to ruffle the fur of my Master's mane. And my own.

I was an adult. I was about to be alpha.

A selfish twitch narrowed my gaze. Was Dio cheering on the slaughter of my King, or was he welcoming me into the throne? Shut up, Cheta. My eyes remained narrowed, but now they sat focused on the brawl, my paws carrying me sideways to rub gently against Izaray. "Yes, the rains will wash away the blood that falls."

The rains will give us a clean start.

[Zayden]

Blaze
My triumphant move was short lived this little trickery has caught me but surprise so I jump back skidding to a stop. "You are still a fool, if u resist defeat... it is emanate!" Still seeing he is weak I pulse forward, claws digging on the ground throwing dirt behind me. I aim for a final hit while he tries to caught his breath. I jump up and prepare to crash down on his neck, the wait will be too much I should be able to break it and the end of the great Ezhno.

Zayden
Watching this fight makes me itch for a battle but it is amusing too. Blaze is having such a problem with kill a weak old pest, I could kill Blaze with a swipe he is so weak, but the thing I know now is that he will not make back to tell Sym to good dead he has done... I start laughing... "That fool doesn't know whats coming" I growled to myself.

[Bhu ♥ Irwin]

The man doesn't give me time to catch my breath before he is upon me once more. Why should I expect him to respect his superior elder? He was my enemy. But, still, enemies show hesitance when fighting one they are clearly stronger than. Who am I kidding? I never did. I was far stronger than Anabi's father when I came to claim Akando. I showed no uncertainty or resistance. I ended him quickly and took my place as king.

Fortunately, Blaze will need to get through Izaray and Ackecheta before he can taint my throne with his foul rump. And even my daughter was more a warrior than this insufferable fool. What was it Symphony called him? A flea? A fly? Ah, me and that man agreed on one thing, anyway.

A felt warmth ooze from the very essence of my being. The blood. There was so much. How I relished the kill. Where was the mauled being? I wanted so badly to look upon the lifeless face and dance excitedly at my father's feet. Oh daddy, can I use the eyeball as a toy to play catch with? Oh daddy, can you share some of the organs with me, this time? I'm big enough to eat solids now!

My knees gave way beneath me and I was thrust back to reality. I was not a cub waiting impatiently to torment the one we had killed. I was the one dying. I was the one to be tormented. But, unlike those who had fallen by my father's claw, I would not be danced around like a bonfire. I was not some lowlife peasant. I was a king. I would be grieved over.

Who was I kidding? No one would cry at my gravestone. I would be remembered, but not missed.

And that was how I had always wanted it to be.

A whicked grin infected my face, eyes narrowed like the devil below. "I shall see you in Hell, my friend." I hissed as I lay my skull down for the final time. "I will race you there." And then, with a final tail flick of demand to Ackecheta and Izaray, I handed over my crown. With royalty comes responsibility. And that responsibility is to mutilate and destroy all those who oppose them.

My final vision at the end of the darkened tunnel was Ackecheta's nod of acceptance and his silent lunge forward. No one kills the king and survives.

OOC//: I know Zay is killing Blaze, but Ezzy and his heirs don't know that. So Cheta and Izzy can attack Blaze and once then Zayden can step in and kill him. This will provide an excuse as to why Cheta and Izzy don't kill Zay, since he initially killed Blaze

[Moon]

Sometimes, I look back on this moment in time when Blaze leaped at the man I called 'Daddy' and sought the kill and I imagine what the circumstances would have been had my father been in pristine health.

Perhaps it is wishful thinking, but I like to believe that Blaze would have been brutally and unspeakably painfully killed before he would have even thought out his second move. A girl can dream, can she not?

Alas, Ezhno had been the exact opposite of perfect health and sadly enough his blood fed the thirsty ground that day.

As though seeing it through different eyes that were not my own, I watched my father die. The world was silent as I saw him lay his head down, his eyes on myself and my Ackacheta. He looked like his old self - the strong and powerful king that was set in my memories, the one that no one dared cross if they had even a small wish to live older days - as he gave a final flick, passing on his royalty before his spirit left us. And, as though some of his spirit was lent to me, I felt my chest grow with pride and my claws become stronger like Ezhno's in his prime. And then, through eyes now laden with a smarter view, I locked onto Blaze's mangy pelt and sprang in synchronization with Ackacheta.

There was a sound, I recall, that mangled it's way up my chest and throat and out my mouth into the air. It started a shriek, a defiant scream, and turned into the loudest roar I had ever produced. Now that I think about it, that probably doesn't amount to much but at the time I felt almost a sense of accomplishment. My teeth sank into Blaze's flesh - I think it was his shoulder - but even in this one act I knew it wasn't enough. I was a lioness and he had the mane, as disgusting as it was.