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Topic Started: Sep 29 2011, 06:01 AM (504 Views)
Daimu
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The endless sea of desert dunes has drown in the bloodred mist of another sunset, as if the hope itself has started to fade. It was the high time for any creature to find shelter from the cold, which was about to splay over those dead, empty lands. Slowly, it was starting to get dark. Fear has awaken behind the green eyes.
Every single step he made was marked with pain and exhaustion. Grains of sand were getting under his hurt pawpads, making it hard for him to move - even harder, when to consider, he had to move. Run away from the dark. Second after second, step after step, painful yowls followed. He was exhausted, the thirst squeezed his throat with unbearable dryness, impeding maintaining his breath. Even if he limped badly, it was nothing compared to what he had to withstand within.
Solitude and fear have left him broken. Daimu was alone and out of tears. He felt like if this bloodred sunset was the very last one his eyes may see - when he realised that, he doubled his efforts to move faster. He had to survive, will to live was the only fuel of his little, shaken heart. He didn't know, however, that he was nearing the Nekurans territory. The only thing he was sure of was, that it's the night, when most predators leave their shelters to hunt for blood and flesh. To struggle for survival.
The battle of the little, lonely cub has ended. With a painful groan he fell onto the scorched sands. He felt his body screaming for the end, for letting it go. The unbearable pain stripped him of cosciousness.
He was alone in the dark... or was he?
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Indeed, the young cub was not alone. Wandering as well among the numerous dunes was a lanky teen. His pelt was dusty and every shuffle of his paws kicked up more sand into his fur. Quite a miserable march it was. The endless sea of sand baffled the young lion in his attempts to navigate through the desert. For all he knew, the dusty feline could be walking in circles, never to find his way out again. He had an injured antelope a day or two ago, it was hard to remember. It sat as a lump in his stomach, not offering any energy, but just more resistance. The russet male knew what he needed: water. It would save his miserable life, as it did to many creatures in the vast savannah. But where was there a drop of H20 to be had in the driest of lands?

Ha, nowhere, the adolescent's mind laughed at his suffering. You'll never find water, and you'll die. Do the math, idiot. Soto shoved the mocking voice back to the depths of his subconscious and swore he was growing one of those "double personalities". The young lion tried to focus more on finding a refreshing drink than the threat of death. He found it much more pleasant. Straining his senses through the night desert air, Soto tried to catch even a faint trace of blessed liquid. Nothing. Literally, nothing. Sand filled the boy's nostrils and not the slightest sound pierced the ears of the yearling.

Take that back, there was something. It was a faint shuffling, just like Soto's, only fainter. After straining his ears for a few moments, the dusty lion heard a distinct Umphf! as if something had fallen. Immediately, the adolescent thought, food, but he knew it would do him no goo without any water. His stomach then growled in retort. Soto shrugged, it wouldn't do him any harm to have a full belly. The young feline bounded towards the disturbance and then stopped short.

It was no prey, but a cub. A lion cub. A bundle of golden, matted fur that had collapsed in the sand. At least it smelled like a lion cub. The poor thing was a walking skeleton, unlike the fat pups that Soto was used to seeing. The young one looked crumbled and broken under some unseen force. The adolescent's heart sank and wanted to fly out to touch the little soul. Immdiately, Soto went into sympathy mode, knowing the cub, even more innocent than he, needed attention and care.

"Kid," the russet male began, prodding the cub's side. "Hey, you awake? Do you need some help? How 'bout a ride? I bet your not that heavy. Kid, kid, get up. We need to get you out of here. How 'bout your name? Tell me your name to make sure you're alright."
Soto | Malerböse
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The darkness, as it seems, has splayed not only over this sea of gold, but over the soul of the little one as well. However, just as soon as Soto started to prod his side... answer. The solid bump was all, what the cub needed to regain consciousness. His tail twiched, and the ear followed.

There were so many questions, yet only one answer. What Soto's heard first were series of gasp and coughs, after which, finally, something he could understand.

"Oh..." The cub yowled painfully, desperately trying to turn his head and see the source of the voices he heard bouncing and echoing within his aching head. "Who..?"

It must have been a dream. The very last thing he remembered was the warmth of scorched sands... Daimu was too weak to move. He was scarcely holding up, barely maintaining the balance on the line between fainting and staying awake... Was he supposed to... to dream on? He was too weak for the fear to awaken.

Opening an eye was the most difficult thing to do. He felt like the shutter itself weighted tonnes. But, finally... Daimu could see his paws, not able to be scared of their hidden claws.
"Help..." Yowled the cub desperately.
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Movement, a blessed thing to watch. As Soto's paw touched the crumpled body of the cub, an electric shock moved through the lump of fur. It's breath became alive and the adolescent could hear the young one's steady heart beat. But as the fluttering heart became clear, it soon faded down again as if it realized it was weak once more. Soto watched pitifully as the small head turned to gaze weakly at the larger lion. The young eyes that sparkled with green depths seemed foggy and hazy, as if the cub was going blind. Soto knew that look: death. It radiated off the weak youngling and consumed the adolescent's senses. It told his instincts, Walk away, Soto. It cannot be saved. Death meet's its soul; do not interfere. But the russet male remembered the dying eyes of his father, glassy and unseeing, but they showed a great sadness as well. Soto could not bear to see those same eyes fading away on the great earth.

Immediately decided, the dusty feline snorted the sand out of his nostrils and scowled at his own image of Death, lying beside the young cub. His topaz eyes then softened to compassion as he looked upon the youth. "Alright then kid, let's get to it," Soto said matter-of-factly. Lowering his neck, the adolescent grabbed the cub's scruff between his jaws. The cub tasted just like sand, not a trace of sweet, baby fur in the young lion's mouth. Soto wanted to cough out the half-dead cub, but he held in his urges and toughed it out. Carrying the youth was like carrying a feather between his fangs, not much of a burden. But Soto could feel the life fading within the cub, he must hurry. Picking up his pace, the russet male settled into a steady canter. He felt every muscle ache in resistance, but Soto knew he must continue. Both lions needed the liquid if they were to see another sunset, or even sunrise. In desperation, the young lion roared as loud as he could with his rasp throat, hoping there was some kind soul that would know where the desert water could be hiding.
Soto | Malerböse
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The difference between the truth and misunderstading wasn't big at all. Even having encountered the flare of coldness behind the green eyes, they could both feel they weren't really alone. Something was walking behind them, calmly taking its time watching Soto's steps and the baggage in his mouth. Waiting for their fall. Even if the little one was too young to recognize that feeling, by every law of desert dunes - he should be dead long ago. Crushed between hyena's teeth. Sand would drink his blood. The adolescent has broken the law, obvious and clear for generations. The death itself were after them, waiting to enforce the punishment.

Little Daimu, unaware of what was happening, was busy regaining full consciousness. It was a struggle too hard for him to withstand at that very moment, and yet he prevailed. Even if the cub still didn't have the strength to lift his paws, at least he was partly lucid once more. His little heart has almost danced with joy. It would, if it weren't for the loud roar Soto's given. It was just as desperate, as his own from a while back, he could literally feel it on his own skin.

"Thank... you..." Those two words were the only ones he had strength to whisper. He closed his eyes. They weren't used to look into darkness. Daimu usually sought safety in between her mother's loving paws. Tonight, he found it in between Soto's jaws. The adolescent lion has given him the most precious gift he could ever receive.

That was the end of his solitude. However, he was still terribly weak, hurt, hungry and thirsty, just as Soto was. They were both in trouble, and it would still be a while, until the little one realises that.
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Ooc: I do have the medicine healer so a stroke of luck shall come. Plus I need to get back to roleplaying.

Bic: The sun was setting upon the hot oasis that she had called home. The leopard had gotten very few chances to relaxe in the heat of the day. And this was one of them, no patients seemed to worry about, but she was sure to find something to do. Even if it meant going back to work again. Her coat was a dark tan with many spots dappeled into it forming her leopard looks. Her nose was a soft black coloring. Her ears instantly turned as she heard a faint roar off in the distance. There was no mistaking that cry. As a healer her first reaction was to get up, and so she did. Springing to her feet, of course she couldn't tell anyone what was going on, she was a mute. And being a mute she could barely speak. Making this difficult to explain to the others who had wantered into this land to explain it.

She picked up a few basic herbs she thought she would need in her mouth, figuring that this would be enough to help explain that. 'I must hurry.' She thought to her self as her gold eyes were focused on the direction of where the noise come. Hoping that she wouldn't be too late. She then forced her sleepy muscles onward, a nap would have to wait, and she knew it. Sioux's duty would come first.
“There is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done.”
Artwork/Avatar © Xbadgerclaw@DA

Majabalian: Airya
Loner: Kaffir
Pridelander: Kofi, Osiris
Tawi: Imani
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Deep trouble, it was. Death never liked to be kept waiting, he was a very impatient man. Naturally he would have taken the young Daimu's soul just using the fists of hunger or thirst, but where was the fun in that? Plus, he could have a chance to take Soto's life as a bonus. The adolescent had escaped the hyena's he had sent to kill both him and his father, but the loving bond of daddy and his little boy kept the dusty youth alive. Now it was time to end both of the traveling lions' suffering.

In the distance, a deep baying pierced the silence of the night. It started as a low growling, then became louder, like the deep booming of a drum. Then came high squeals of yips adding a melody to the undertone. It blended in a deadly waltz, the waltz of the hunt.

A pack of wild dogs had scented the dying cub long before Soto had. The young lion just managed to stumble across the scrap of fur before the canines had caught the young one. Now they had two weak lions within their grasp. Perfect.

Now, Soto could hear their pounding march across the sand. He counted their numbers: eight at least. They were screwed. The adolescent's strides became longer and quicker, eating up the last bit of reserves inside the youth. But his efforts were failing, the dogs were catching up, the first paint-coated mutt was now within view.

Soto heard the weak thanks of the cub, and the orange-eyed lion weakly smiled. "You mighf wanf to safe thaf for fater," Soto murmured through the cubs loose skin. The adolescent constantly looked behind him constantly, bumping around the poor lump of fur, but it was the only way he could keep tabs on the gaining pack.

Please father, Soto prayed to his deceased dad. Keep us alive, keep us safe. I know your up there, please, help me. The young lion felt his muscles cramping and his sides screaming. The cub, earlier so light, now was a dead weight sinking to the ground like the young one was in quick sand. Soto could not keep running or both felines would be snatched up in the jaws of the pursuing dogs.

ooc: Just adding some drama if you don't mind :3
Soto | Malerböse
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It was now getting darker and darker every minute. The mist of dusk painted the endless sands with vivid redness, calling for the stars. None of them listened to the appeal. However, the pair of fluffy ears twiched fiercely, as if they did hear the call of the desert. Having heard Soto's mumble, little Daimu's finally opened his eyes. He must have realised something was terribly wrong - only now did he notice why his saviour had to speed up, sinking his teeth deeper into the scrap of skin on his neck.

"Dogs!" He whispered, feeling the freezingly cold, unctuous hands of fear all over his body. Even Soto's hot breath couldn't fend them off. His little heart pounced painfully, as if it wanted to encourage the lion to double his efforts. The mind, however, knew it was all lost, buring the hope. They couldn't defend themselves against so many bloodthirsty opponents. Daimu's fear was the only and last fuel for his wretched muscles. The phantom of death.

He knew they weren't able to outrun the hounds of night, trying to bury them within the darkness. They had to fight, even if it was all lost. It was the only way to earn the high ground. Fend them off one by one. And fall. They were both lions, both taught to fight and not to give in. The endless sea of desert dunes was drowning in the bloodred mist of sunset, as if the hope itself has faded.

And it has almost faded in cub's green eyes. "HELP!" He screamed, as loud as he could. If only there was someone who'd hear...
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Though she wasn't entirely a fighter she would teach enemies a thing or two when messing with the shaman of the group. She was well known to put actions out infront of words and often succeeded, she would do the same here. Sioux continued to push her feet forward, this time hearing another cry for help. In the very direction she was going. The leopard knew it was only a matter of time. However as she went her nose picked up an unfamilar scent, one that made her back fur bristle even more. The owners of the voices that had called out for help were not alone. This made her want to hurry.
At last, after the terrible run she could see further down the dunes figures of two bodies that were starting to run. She couldn't speak but she had to let out some sort of noise that allowed them to know that they were safe. Sioux figured that a sharp growl would be the answer, not at the creatures but to keep them away from the danger. The leopard lifted her maw, letting out a sharp growl from her throat. Her eyes were focused on the enemies that were coming. They were coming into Neukran territory and were not permitted here. <i>Enemies walk these grounds are not allowed here. If the leader knew this they would be after them soon. I hope they don't show their faces around here. Or I will be the first to sink my claws into them.</i> She thought to herself.
“There is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done.”
Artwork/Avatar © Xbadgerclaw@DA

Majabalian: Airya
Loner: Kaffir
Pridelander: Kofi, Osiris
Tawi: Imani
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The fog of night was starting to descend over the unforgiving desert, slowly bringing the first whiffs of cold which was to come. The pursuit was still on. Now, however, a lot has changed. Daimu's eyes widened with amazement, as they'd spotted a sharp, dark silhouette of something approaching them from the front. Was that a miracle, or only a merciless joke of his fainting, exhausted eyes? One way or another, hope, buried under the coat of fear and pain, was reignited by that sign. Someone was coming! They were saved! His little heart jumped with joy, while his extremely tired mind almost forgot about the shadows, which were chasing them.

That, however, was too much for him to bear. His tiny head swooped down almost immediately and started to dangle limply on his neck. The only thing other to hear than dogs' howling was cub's own hopeless yowl. This sprint in the last blazes of dying sun consumed all of his organism's energy, even he was carried by Soto. The cub desperately needed care, if he was to survive.

And he wouldn't even make it, if the hounds of the desert caught up. Everything now rested in the male's paws being strong enough to outrun the chase and reach the leopardess, and her being quick enough to support Soto and his dying luggage.
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Soto's breath became ragged gasps and were turning into wisps of the night air. He could feel his own hot panting fall back onto his cold face. Though, just barely. His muscles began to freeze, numb with repetition and exhaustion. The adolescent nearly stumbled twice over his half-dead bundle of fur. His paws were not used to digging into the loose sand and his claws were powerless to help. The pack, on the other hand, must have run the desert at least a thousand times, because their steps were steady and confident, like nightmares crawling around in the darkness. Soto could barely hear the hounds, if it was not for their constant baying.

They were closing in, bound after bound, step after step, they gained meters more quickly then the young lion would have hoped. The pack was tightening in a semi-circle formation around the fleeing felines and it was obvious the tactic had been used before. Soto was becoming extremely nervous and he began roaring frequently at the engaging dogs. Unfortunately, he had a cub in his mouth and his throat was sore, so his growls were not quite effective enough. The pack barely took a pace back when the young lion rumbled a warning. Even the young cub used is own energy to send out a signal with a high-pitched, "HELP!" That probably scared away more dogs than Soto's growls.

Suddenly, beneath his jaws, the golden cub's heart began racing in excitement. What the hell, kid? Soto wanted to asked between his clenched jaws. What could possibly be delightful about their current situation? Then the cub went limp once more and the dusty male became nervous again. Kid! Kid? What is it? he wanted to scream at the limp pile of fur and bones. Soto scanned the dune's, looking for what had caught the cub's attention in the thick darkness.

The young lion saw it. Or her. A silhouette of a beautiful leopardess standing at the top of a hill of sand. Though, the pretty feline was not making quite a beautiful sound. Coming from the throat of the spotted cat, a incomprehensible, gurgling growl echoed through the desert valley. Primitively it gave the clear message, "Go away, demons. This is my land. Get the hell out or eat a claw to the face." What a lovely greeting. Soto did not care if the leopardess was talking to the adolescent and/or the pack of wild dogs, she was a blessing from the heavens, or maybe his father. Either way, he sent a thank you to the sky and ran with renewed energy.

The menacing roar of the female leopard's must have at least intimated the pack, because their baying became quieter and they lessened their speed. Indeed they kept running, but not with much confidence. Soto raced up the hill and met the golden gaze of the leopardess. He set the dying cub down with extra caution and then gasped to his savior. "Thanks, I think, if you were trying to keep me out. But, can you watch the kid, please, until we can find, uhhh...safer place." Without thinking twice, the young lion turned toward the advancing pack of hounds and walked towards them.

Soto then stood a few feet in front of the spotted female and the young cub and planted a steady stance. He breathed in a few deep breaths and cleared his dry throat. He had never done this before; he had never set a stance, ready to face the threat of danger. But somewhere deep inside his shell of shyness, Soto knew there was a part of him that sought to protect the things that he cared about, and right now, it was that ruffled lump of fur, Daimu. He did not know the cubs name, or even if he was worth fighting for, but the young lion made an internal declaration to protect, and there was no turning back. Soto took his last breath and filled his tired lungs with air. Then, he released all his energy, blasting his vocal cords with a deep shock wave ending in a, "ROOOAAARR!"
Soto | Malerböse
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Sioux looked back at the older male and nodded as she stood protectively over the weakened cub. She had dropped the medicine herbs that she had quickly gathered back at her den. Not knowing if the cub would understand her by what she was doing. Though the neukran members seemed to be gifted at translating her mute voice to the others through eye contact, various other noises she gave them for commands. Dipping her head down to the cub's side she made a soft nudge with her mussle wondering if he had enough strength to eat it, even if it was distasteful to the lion.
Though her ears on the other hand were moving back and forth as she listened to the sounds of the adoscelence's cry. Her fur was raised now, as she heard it. It was a definate confirmation to tell the other beasts to get out of the area. Fools like them are not allowed here. All they have come for is for the enjoyment of death.' She hissed back in her thoughts.
“There is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done.”
Artwork/Avatar © Xbadgerclaw@DA

Majabalian: Airya
Loner: Kaffir
Pridelander: Kofi, Osiris
Tawi: Imani
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The cub in question was extremely weakened, but it wasn't unconscious anymore, at least for a while. It was still only a matter of time until hunger and thirst forces his organism to pass out yet again - Sioux had to hurry, if her medicine was to work. His ears were only just twiching from time to time, revealing his conscience. The fatal exhaustion didn't let him, however, move, talk, or open his eyes. He couldn't even think, even if he was awakened by Soto's roar.

Daimu was barely holding up - he could still feel the pain he had forgotten about during the chase. It's made him remember with doubled force, what ended up in a short, quiet, let painful yowl.
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The young man nearly doubled-over with exhaustion after his bellowing warning. He hoped the pack of dogs did not see his eyes flutter, trying to refocus his vision and his stance wobbled slightly. The lump of meat that used to be in the dusty feline's stomach was now gone and his stomach nearly roared as loud as Soto. An overwhelming need of water and food made the male's mind hazy, that was most likely why he had made such a rash decision, facing eight, also starving hounds.

Fortunately, Soto's blurry mind came to an advantage. The horde of painted dogs, stopped in their tracks, confused and scared of their previous prey. They hadn't estimated a malnourished adolescent to stand up the way he did, and a lithe leopardess to show to his aid. The hounds were not completely idiotic and knew a threat when they heard one. For a silent moment, the dogs just stood there, confused as to what to do next. Their confidence was blown like a flat tire, but their stomachs growled in rebuttal. Then, seven heads turned to the largest figure in the middle, whose stance was proud and tall, his dark eyes fixed on the young lion. He seemed to be contemplating Soto's bluff, whether or not to take the chance. Coming to a conclusion, the painted wild dog stood higher, his legs like long poles and he nearly reached the height of the young lion. Then he said with a gruff voice and in an accent equivalent to that of a German in human terms, "Tread lighter in ze dezert next time, young vone. And leave Death zu ze decision. He vill not look kindly on your acts of heroism in ze future. Good night." The leader then howled in retreat and turned to the desert once more, his tail high as if he had won the battle of the night. The others followed at his heels, yipping happily as if the threesome never existed. Soto watched with tired eyes as the last silhouette faded into the night haze.

Sighing with relief, the young lion turned to the bustling leopard and the half-dead cub. Internally, his face lit up with a smile to brighten the darkness into day, but his jaws were quite tired from carrying the lump of fur. He padded over to the duo, trying to keep is eyes open and his paws moving forward. Next to the cub, he lay down with his nose inches from the youth's sandy, golden fur. He looked so peaceful, even though he was silently suffering. The good kid kept his ears twitching so Soto's heart did not stop in worry.

"You're going to be alright," the young lion's voice sounded like a growl. He cleared his throat, but it hurt to do so because it was so dry. He watched the leopardess push a pile of leaves toward the cub's muzzle, indicating the young one to eat. Gross, leaves? What would they do? Then Soto remembered back to his father telling his brothers and sister about shamans who could heal any injury with the plants that grew in the savannah. He did not believe his father that it was true, but now his dad was probably rubbing the leopardess' presence in his face, saying, 'Ha! I told you so.' "Eat your medicine, kid," Soto rasped with a smile. Then he looked up to the gaze of the shaman and asked, "You wouldn't....happen to know where....some water is, would you?" He paused, trying to keep the roughness out of his voice. "I'm Soto, by the way."
Soto | Malerböse
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Her ears flicked as she watched the movement of the other animals in the desert. The dogs quickly departing after bidding their farwells to the trio as they awaited for their movements. She stood watching protectively as they moved back into the sand dunes, not trusting them for a moment incase they decided to turn on them. As Soto came forward she now realised she faced another problem. her mute voice would not help. Another feline at camp would have to tell him who she was. For she could not. Though she could answer his second question.
At this point she already guessed that he knew that she was a shaman, the herbs had worked, proving that point. Yet the cub didn't seem to understand. She made a soft guesture with her tail pointing back to the area were she had come from. 'Water is back in the neukran den. But I'm sure they will be allowed in seeing how exhausted they are. And if not they will get through me first.' She thought to herself as she looked back at Soto with her golden eyes. They however did not last long as she looked back at her tail to try and get him to understand.
And how I wish I had brought someone else with me from back home.... She added as she tried to think of another way to show who she was.
“There is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than can ever be done.”
Artwork/Avatar © Xbadgerclaw@DA

Majabalian: Airya
Loner: Kaffir
Pridelander: Kofi, Osiris
Tawi: Imani
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