W i l t e d

[daystar]

He gently shook his head the best silent response he could give her remark. 'An elephant? No problem.' He knew their hunting styles couldn't be nearly the same because they were built so differently. As they neared the wildebeest he was just as in tune with the lioness as he was the wildebeest. She acted as the instigator, he was worthless without her direction. All he had to do was stay silent and manage to be in the correct position at the correct time.

She silently moved away from him and he slowed his pace to a crawl. He wanted to get close enough so she wouldn't have to control the beast for long before he could take it down. He too scouted the herd for the weakest. He couldn't see any that'd be easy and for the first time since he'd suggested the idea he really didn't think they'd have much success. Not letting this interfere with his performance, he watched carefully as Aiyana sprung and the herd reacted quickly.

He remained calm even though he hadn't figured out her plan it was then that he noticed as one fell back from the rest of the herd. It carried a leg, and it was an easy catch but it wasn't coming toward him. He dug his claws into the earth nervously. He didn't want to give away his position but he also didn't want to lose it. Just as he was about to break away and help with the chase Aiyana had it running toward him. His muscles tensed as he readied himself to pounce.

Poor creature, it was so distracted by the pursuing lioness that it didn't even see Taser until he sprung out at it. Shocked, it attempted to turn from him but with a bad leg and such a short distance between Taser and itself it didn't have a chance. Taser's claws dug into the beast's shoulder and his entire weight pushed against it. The leg opposite the broken one gave out at the joint under his force and as the creature began to fall Taser dug his claws in and pulled himself up enough to latch onto it's throat.

It fell to it's knees, still struggling to get up he tightened his grip on it's throat cutting off it's air flow. Taser fought to keep his body on top of the wildebeest's. Again he tightened his grasp, his sharp canine teeth digging into it's throat just beneath it's jawbone. As he did so his mouth filled with blood, he'd finally hit the vital jugular, this fight was over. It had been a strong animal so he watched to keep away from it's hooves and horns. It was already weakening from exhaustion and lack of breath, it wouldn't be but another minute at most before it gave up completely, then the beast was food.

The tactics of the hunt had been a little off but if it hadn't been Taser and Aiyana, the next predator to come along would've singled it out and killed it. It must be so hard to live with an injury especially when you're companions don't care about you. Soon it's struggle would be over and another could thrive on it's life and therefore it's misfortune wasn't so bad. Of course, he doubted the wildebeest would see it that way.

[eshe]

Aiyana's sides shook as she breathed. Everything went in and out of focus. Taser was blurry, and then he wasn't. She'd already exerted so much energy these past days, with nothing to satisfy her but water from any source she could find it from. This wildebeest could literally die to save the fem. At first, the creature tried to veer away from the approaching lion, and Aiyana's breath caught in her throat. If he couldn't... No, she knew Taser would be able to get the crippled Wildebeest.

Images flashed before her. Taser snagging the beast with his claws. Eyes were shut tightly as the struggle ensued. Uncommon among predators, she hated to take part in killing. She'd had a part in the death of two males. One only a little older than herself, and one her father, but she hadn't known he was her father until it was too late. He'd sneaked up on her at night, and she'd reacted immediately. Shivers raced up her spine has she remembered what she'd done. To calm herself and be rid of dark thoughts, Aiyana took deep breaths. The quiet hushing sound that was emitted from her lips was all she focused on until she could no longer hear the background noise of Taser and the wildebeest.

Eyelids were risen slowly as the metallic smell of blood flooded into her nostrils. No longer did Aiyana think of the wildebeest's misfortune. It was just a body now. Only food. Instincts were screaming at her to stay away from Taser and his kill. She wasn't allowed to go over there until he'd finished. However, her free will told her to go over anyway, that he probably wasn't hungry. She'd starved for almost a week, but she wouldn't take a single step in Taser's direction. Deadly fights had been caused because one had "forgotten" the unwritten rules. Even isolation and starvation were not enough to override Aiyana's instincts. Only a few steps were made toward the kill before pleading eyes looked up at Taser.

[daystar]

He wondered, where is Aiyana? It didn't matter because the beast threw it's head back in defiance but it just too weak now. Taser moved to the other side and pulled it to it's side. It kicked it's legs but it'd lost too much blood. He released it and it didn't move. It's breath coming short and by the look in it's eyes it could no longer feel. He looked up and found Aiyana standing aways away. What's she doing, he thought. He quickly looked back to the kill that had since fallen still then he scanned the area for predators that might want to steal it. For the moment they were in the clear. He stepped back from the wildebeest and moved toward Aiyana.

He stopped several feet away from her. He looked at her quizzically. "I thought you were hungry, so eat." Taser wasn't hungry and he enjoyed the hunt. He didn't want the meat but he'd surely take some of it. Really with only two of them the chances of losing the prey was increased. If they wanted it they needed to eat quickly and besides there was plenty for the both of them. He couldn't help but wonder why she hadn't helped him when he'd been killing the prey, but he hadn't helped her with the chase of the prey. So he guessed it must of been fair. Most can't control themselves, it's instinct to kill when it was down. Take advantage of their every weakness, it's the predator way.

He made the short trip back to the prey, encouraging her to follow. Again his eyes sweeped for opposing predators, still clear. He tore into the fresh meat. Wildebeest was most likely his favorite meal, it was harder to kill but so worth the reward. As he finished chewing his first bite he lifted his head to check again for predators, possibly because he'd lived on his own for the past few months but he was used to things trying to take his food away from him. So far the only ones that had succeeded was a pair of other wandering males. They'd surprised him and as he darted away from their attack they'd been on his kill very quickly. It's hard to defend a kill from the outside. The challengers had both been younger and smaller and he allowed them to win. It was the greatest defeat of his life.

It wouldn't happen again, he didn't mind sharing but giving it away and not getting any himself was not the same as sharing. Despite his hateful train of thought he was smiling, mostly at Aiyana. This was fun, he decided.

[eshe]

Growling, her stomach complained at her for holding back. 'Fine. Fine. He said I could, anyway.' The lioness thought to herself as she hurried over to the kill and basically pounced on it. With almost all her senses trained on her meal, the salty smell, the bittersweet taste, where the most tender meat would be, Aiyana wasn't focused on the cacophony around her. So a bird was laughing up in the trees. Baboons were making their odd yells far off in the distant. Who cared? She was eating. For the first time in more than four days, she wouldn't feel the biting pain of starvation. Aiyana didn't even feel embarrassment or regret for acting like a pig as she gulped down bite after bite after bite. Her sense of smell was now completely lost with the blood that lined her mug. All she could smell was it's aroma.

With a bulging belly, Aiyana backed away and ran her tongue around her mouth. With all traces of blood gone from her face, the lioness smiled sheepishly at Taser. It had just dawned on her that she must've looked like some savage when she'd been gorging herself. "Umm..." There wasn't much she could say, and didn't really feel the need to. She felt comfortable around the male, and it was to him that she owed this feast. Of course, there was plenty for Taser. A wildebeest is a large animal, not giant, but it's bigger than other prey, such as gazelle. Besides that, Aiyana didn't really eat all that much anyway. She didn't need as much food as others, due to her small stature. Absorbed in the task of cleaning her paws, the rustle of grass wasn't heard. Nor was the distant laugh-like bark.

ooc: I'd make a longer post, but I've got a lot to do.

[daystar]

At first as Aiyana joined him he continued to eat though it wasn't long before he paused and looked up at her. He stepped back and licked the blood from his lips. She must've been hungrier then he thought. A smile spread across his face as he waited. Thoughts ran very quickly through his mind as he considered what'd he say when she'd finished, what happened now and the only thing he settled on was that he liked Aiyana. She was slightly different then every young lioness he'd spoken to. Normally they were either very,very cautious and suspicious and he didn't have the time for all that. Or they were blatant and forward which he also didn't like, he enjoyed more easy conversation. Aiyana was a good medium of the two extremes. She wasn't overly cautious but she wasn't silly either.

His smile disappeared as he face was masked with thought. It was now that she finished eating. She began to speak but trailed off. In a lion's world, Taser made up his mind rather quickly. It didn't take long before he had decided he liked or didn't like someone. Sometimes he was off on his decisions but those past mistakes didn't cause him to pause for a second. His decision making was just as quick as it ever was. It was his philosophy that he didn't have forever, if he spent all his time on rocks making sure he was right before he acted he'd miss half of what went on during life. Nope, just do it and deal with the facts later. He sighed then smiled widely, it was always his cover when he wasn't totally sure about what he was about to say. "I like you Aiyana, and if you wanted to join my pride you'd be welcome to."

It wasn't whether it was a good decision that he was worried about, he wondered if it was weird to ask so soon. If she'd think he was just out scouting pride members which he wasn't. He was just wandering but once his mind was wanting to do something or say something then he'd do it, no doubt whether he wanted to fight it or not. This time he didn't, he was slightly worried about her reaction but he felt confident that if she did join the pride it'd be a good thing. Still smiling, masking his worry, with a calm and friendly pose. Asked with the ease of the first question about hunting and with the same nerves behind it. This was more serious but he regarded it the same.

[eshe]

Oh no. No! No! Not that question. Aiyana had been hoping with toes crossed that Taser wouldn't ask her to join his pride. He was kind, caring, and would probably be a lot of fun to be around after getting to know him better. She'd judged him to be full of character, and he was. She liked Taser. A lot. But, she didn't know if she was ready to run off and join his pride. Or anyone's pride for that matter. How could she keep from hurting him? What could she possibly say to that question when she wanted to reject it. 'Okay... Let me just think this out for a moment. I like Taser. He's a good guy.But am I responsible enough to take duties in a pride? It's only three of us... two if you don't count the "ghost" queen.'

Thoughts raced through her mind at lightning speed, morphing with other thoguhts to create a jumbled tangle of a spiderweb. One question, however, stood out. 'Will I kill someone else?' It echoed in her mind, haunting her. Two deaths was too many. She could never live with herself if another innocent of any real crime died. 'it was so unlikely when I was younger, it wouldn't hapen three times. I know it.' Of course, she was lying to herself, and it didn't work.. yet. she would just have to keep telling herself that it would over and over. She sincerely wanted to join the pride, but there were many reasons not to. On the other hand, there were even more reasosn to join his pride. The most obvious being that Aiyana simply couldn't survive on her own. Between her feelings and that fact, Aiyana made up her mind.

"I will join your pride." despite her conflict, Aiyana's voice was full of confidence and reason. She knew that this must look really bad to Taser. He was acting the same as before, about the hunting. he put himself out on a limb asking her to join his pride so soon, and it had put the small fem in a very awkward position. But, she'd thought about it maybe a moment too long. She'd sensed tension bubbling into the air, thickening it, but it had vanished with her answer. For a split second, Aiyana had thought of rejecting Taser simply because he might have been scouting members, but then she remembered how lat he'd told her that he was king of a pride. He couldn't have been. To clear things up, maybe more with herself than with taser, Aiyana smiled and added, "I want to join your pride."

More barks broke through the silence. This time, Aiyana heard them and slowly rose from her seated position. She closed the gap between Taser until they were only a couple of feet apart. If the hyenas showed up before they had had a chance to finish their conversation, or before they left the area, there was sure to be trouble, and Aiyana wasn't risking anything now that she;d been offered a chance at a new life. With questioning eyes, the fem glanced to her side, at Taser. Surely he would accept her answer. After all, he'd been the one to ask. However, there was always the possibility that he picked at how long she'd taken to reply and gotten angry or felt rejected. And then, who knew what would happen. Maybe he'd leave her for the hyenas. Aiyana's pessimistic side had to ruin things, didn't it?

[daystar]

He'd expected it but he hadn't thought it'd take so long. He had leaned toward rejection before he'd even spoken. His pride wasn't strong yet, she didn't know him very well, he always acted too quickly. Always acted on impulse, doing whatever came to mind whenever it came to mind. Sometimes it caused a positive reaction but most of the time it resulted negatively for Taser and he was sure this was one of those times. He didn't let disappointment show on his face and he began to shake his head lightly already preparing to tell her it was fine if she didn't want to join his pride. It was sensible not too, and he was sorry for asking, he'd made a mistake.

'I will join your pride.' He smiled, I understand played on his lips though he lost them as her words registered, she wanted to join his pride. This was more unexpected then if she'd denied him. Oh, now what was he to say? He wasn't quite prepared. I should be more confident, it would help my character he thought quickly. Always second-guessing himself, every time he reacted. Always in social situations, words were not his gift. He did fine being confident in his actions, words were harder. They were harder because he couldn't talk to himself, there was always another person involved and though he tried, painfully he tried, others were normally unpredictable to him. "Good." he replied, thankful that he'd found at least one word not too long after she'd replied.

He heard the eruption of barks and didn't pay it much mind, though it brought Aiyana closer to him and so he considered the sound again. They were still quite near the kill and though the cats were full the hyenas were still hungry. It was in his experience that the hyenas weren't as brave as they pretended to be. They might flock a lion but it took quite a few before they would even try anything on even a lone lion. Though he could see it was making Aiyana nervous and he took a step toward her. "Are you finished eating, Aiyana? I think we are attracting visitors." He was ever confident, he'd never had too many problems with the nasty hyena creatures. He wouldn't rush her to step away from the kill, they wouldn't have to go far to avoid confrontation. Though really he didn't mind either way. If Aiyana wanted to stay and eat or even if she just wanted to stay and enjoy the scenery, they would. This confident indifference showed in his voice as he left their next move entirely up to her.

Taser enjoyed fighting almost as much as hunting but he wasn't one to look for fights, he took them as they came. Anyone who wanted a fight could find on one in him just beneath his friendly exterior lie a friendly interior followed by an ever ready fight. Those three layers were his definition every time. He was always positive but when called for he was ready, always ready. These qualities that he hoped would help make him the king he strived to be. He wasn't afraid to trust, trusting others came so easily for him and it was a great advantage when dealing with the good-intentioned, contrary it wasn't such a positive when dealing with the bad-intentioned.

His thoughts ran parallel to hers, completely opposite. He could think nothing but positive. With the addition of one lioness which in truth was the first member of his pride, not including the queen, his pride was expanding and at the moment his pride was the most important thing in his life. His eyes wandered over Aiyana's face and he smiled without thinking about it, it would be good to have her around the pride lands. It was in his nature to lead, he liked providing especially for others. It could be said he thrived on responsibility, when he was alone he faltered. He lost the drive to hunt and succeed because he felt it was a waste. Well, his efforts wouldn't be a waste anymore because he was going to have a pride, sure it was small now but he liked Aiyana's personality and the unruly side of himself reminded him that she was attractive and in truth, he needed her. Afterall, Taser simply could not be alone, as weak as it might sound and as poorly as he communicates he's a social animal and he needs her.

[eshe]

By the way he acted, Aiyana assumed that Taser must think she was some sort of coward, but she'd had some very bad experiences with hyenas. If the event ever arose where she needed to fight a pack of the beasts, she would, but, in her experience, hyenas were trouble. No, they couldn't kill and adult lioness or lion, but they were annoying and seemed to like to poke fun of Aiyana. But, then again, that may just be them barking again. Standing next to Taser, however, she didn't feel like they should leave at all. That wildebeest was their kill. Not some silly dog's. In her heart, Aiyana knew that it was the way of things for hyenas to take the prey, but she'd never have to like it.

"My stomach feels like it's going to explode!" She laughed a little and smiled. Her voice rang out playfully in a reply to his question. "I definitely don't need anymore to eat." Energy that had leaked out from her journey was slowly trickling back. Aiyana wanted to do something. Run. Fight. Anything that didn't involve sitting down. Her tail was thumping against the ground, her eyes darting across the across the landscape. "Would you rather stay?" As she asked the question, Aiyana rolled a rock between her paws. When she smacked it a bit too hard, it flew off into some bushes. With a sigh, hazel eyes traveled toward the direction of the barks. A stench began to crawl through the air. It was the foul odor of rotting carcass and parasite-infested, unwashed dogs. And everyone knows what hyenas roll in. The smell was not a pleasant one, the understatement of the year.

Coughing as a breath caught in her throat, Aiyana wondered how big this pack was. Or maybe, they were just closer than she thought, but that was the most unbearable a group of hyenas had ever smelled. Disgust was written on every inch of face as a gray and black form became visible in the underbrush. She wondered if Taser saw it, too, and looked over at him, but didn't ask. The figure was still at least twenty feet away. If they were going to leave, they'd have to leave very soon. If they were going to stay, they might as well guard the kill. Fighting off a pack of hyenas would actually be fun; keeping them from food would be like payback for the time their species changed her life forever.

[daystar]

He smiled at the tone in her voice. She wasn't nearly as...upset as when he'd first come upon her. She must've been terribly hungry for it to effect her mood so. 'Would you rather stay?' The same question mirrored back to him. His eyes narrowed with thought. He'd misjudged her first reaction, no she wasn't scared at all. He thought for a split second before speaking. "I worked hard to take down this beast, did you work hard to take down this beast?" His question was rhetorical because they both knew she had, he'd seen her work for just as she'd seen him work for it. His nose wrinkled as he caught the hyenas scent."More importantly, did those hyenas, hyenas who make it their mission to screw with our kind, did they work hard for this meat?" He shook his head slowly his eyes wandering toward the wildebeest "We can't have this, that poor creature gave its life for us, not for dirty stinking hyenas."

Deciding that his point had been made that he intended to stay and defend the prey, he looked back at Aiyana and followed her gaze toward the emerging hyena. He pulled back his lip in a snarl. Hyenas were thieves by occupation but cowards by instinct, no matter how big a pack they were, they'd lunge toward a lion but they always pulled back before they were within striking distance. Though if they had the opportunity they'd get a bite in. Also he'd discovered if you managed to hurt one they others would pull away, cowards. They tested the waters before they would dive in and today the waters would be Taser and Aiyana. He backed up to be closer to his kill.

More hyenas emerged from the thicket, he counted seven but they were dancing around never holding still. That's how they did, there only tactic was numbers and confusion. Often they'd gather around and confuse the lion or whatever they were attacking until it'd flee. They were also relentless, one had to get hurt before they'd back down. He'd had a pack stay with him the entire time he was eating when he was full, he was so annoyed that he just left them with his kill. They were strong but they didn't have the courage to actually attack straight forth. As soon as they thought they might get injured they would dance away. So fear wasn't really an option for the lions, they had nothing to lose, they didn't want the kill and being hurt was pretty slim, being majorly hurt was even slimmer but the thrill in danger was still there.

Taser's heart began to beat faster he began to smile wider and his tail moved erratically behind him. A low growl rose in his throat and his long claws were present at the tip of each toe. They had a couple minutes before the hyenas would decide what to do, stupid creatures. He watched Aiyana wondering if she enjoyed a fight, especially with hyenas, as much as he did.

[eshe]

A vulture, the very same that had been watching Aiyana earlier, glided in the air as it caught the sight of the meat. Like a beacon, the carcass of the wildebeest guided the scavenger toward it, leading the bird to a face off waiting to erupt into a fight. Below, a golden ocean swayed as a light breeze rippled through it, but it was just a blur as the vulture swiftly sailed over it. With unfolded wings reaching at least six feet long, the scavenger easily closed the distance that had stretched between his location and the squabble unfolding almost sixty feet below him. Even at that height, visionaries took in the sight of a lion standing between the remains of his kill, the wildebeest, and a pack of hyenas swarming about, trying to confuse their enemy. Oddly enough, standing back from the chaos was a vaguely familiar lioness.

Aiyana's paws were slow to step up beside Taser this time. She was trying to count the hyenas, which were twisting as if they were one being. Now and then, they'd break that connection and each one would dart forward, to the side, or backwards all at different times. Figuring out just how many hyenas were there was a daunting task. Finally, Aiyana gave up and settled with her latest attempt. Knowing she'd counted some more than once, the fem came up with a tally of nine manically laughing hyenas. Despite the pandemonium, Aiyana was relatively calm. Turning her head up to face Taser, she smiled competitively, turning this scrap into a game. Eyes danced with a playful light as three hyenas emerged from the throng, no doubt trying to intimidate the two creatures standing between them and their meal.

Muscles tightened, readying themselves to swipe, slash, or bite. Her opponents noticed this and a knowing look passed between them. Obviously, they were going to have a harder time stealing this prey than they had originally thought. With a smirk, Aiyana seemed to beckon the canines toward her, and they slowly came closer, as if walking through mud. When they got in reach of Aiyana's deadly sharp daggers, the lioness extended her leg with lightning speed and sliced through... air. The hyena had jumped back half a second before her claws had raked through flesh. Her enemy made no attempt to retaliate, and it's comrades also stepped backward. 'The beasts are scared of me. How could they be scared of me? What cowards!' As if able to read her mind, the rest of the hyenas began advancing forward, but this time, they were spread out everywhere, not just going for who they had taken as the easier target, but also for the massive lion, Taser. In the hyenas' minds, it was better to take both on, distract one, and then run the other off. The other adversary would surely take off after the other one.

[daystar]

He watched tensely as hyenas darted out of the throbbing mob. Straight for Aiyana and he instinctively moved his legs and shoulders into striking position but she handled herself fine and as they fell back they dissolved into the pack of other hyenas. It vaguely occurred to him that all hyenas seemed identical, he wondered if they thought all lions seemed identical. It was thought but no, because lions were so different and hyenas were all just brown and spotted that's why they could do this mobbing and they all just blend into to each other. Cowards because they couldn't stand alone.

He'd done this so many times. He was just one lion so he was normally done eating by the time they arrived and most of the time he fought them for awhile then left. He felt that if he had to work for the kill they should have to also. No time for thinking because as if a silent signal had been sent through them they all began to move. This is where they got most lions, there are so many of them and if they were to all attack at once no lion, not even a large one like Taser would have a chance. But he knew better, as scared as they are they like to have an escape route. That route was that after they moved in for an attack, another hyena would follow to confuse the lions. Taser was not to be confused, he'd just done this too many times.

They split half targeting Aiyana, the other Taser. He wasn't sure how many times Aiyana had fought hyenas but he took her for a smart lioness and he knew she'd be able to hold her own but even as he prepared for his own attack on the hyenas he was watching her fight too, from the corner of his eye whenever he got the chance. Two lions against the pack was new to Taser but he figured it'd be much safer then one against the pack. Even in all his mass and glory he'd been struck by hyenas before, it was good to know that if it happened in this struggle he had backup too, the difference between his backup and their backup was he wouldn't run, he wouldn't leave Aiyana for the hyenas, but the hyenas would. They'd leave a comrade for death just as quick as day.

Now that they were closer he tried counting again but he only managed to identify five for sure before one lunged him, it's dirty mouth open. Taser struck out at it, only slightly taken aback by the sudden boldness it had just demonstrated. His blow hit it squarely on the cheek but it moved back so quickly that Taser didn't get the chance to dig his claws in. Two more came together, his muscles tensed but instead of trying to hit two at once which could easily through his balance which was the goal here for the hyenas, he roared. It wasn't very loud but they got the hint and one even turned it's back to Taser as it ran to the back of the others. Cowards. Once he took his eyes off the one who'd run to the back he noticed they'd all took a few steps back. They must be thinking he decided and he glanced toward Aiyana quickly, as he waited for the hyenas next move.

[eshe]

ooc: This post probably shouldn't be this long, but I wasn't really sure what to type. That probably sounds weird, but I also didn't know what to take out of it. So, if it seems long and drawn out, that's because it is.

IC:For her first time to actually fight hyenas, Aiyana got the feeling that it was pretty easy. The creatures weren't forces of immense strength, and they weren't as aggressive as Aiyana remembered. 'Everything is stronger, fiercer when you're only a cub.' This encounter with hyenas wasn't going to result in her backing down; they weren't going to laugh this time. Cold, unnatural calmness seeped from the fem as she vowed not to back down, no matter what. Determination radiated from the small lioness as the hyenas advanced again, much slower this time. She sensed their tactic had changed, but didn't expect any surprises. For now, they appeared to be thinking. Aiyana couldn't help but think of a the short time before a tornado hit. Howling winds would rip across the land, but then everything would become still. The cease in angry winds would make only a fool happy, for the next thing to come was a deadly shaft of air that could pick up a lion and drop it miles away, almost always dead.

In the lull of action of her side, she glanced over at Taser. He had managed to hit one of the slope-backed dogs, but his claws hadn't connected either. She hadn't seen the hyena jump at him, so she thought that Taser must've moved forward, although she didn't know why. Trying to figure out why he would've stepped toward the angry pack, she became lost in thought, a side effect of being calm in the face of danger. As danger wasn't on her mind, the fem forgot that there were hyenas near her, too. By the time she realized that the fight was still proceeding around her, it was too late. With a thud, one of the hyenas hammered into her side, it's jaws trying to latch onto her shoulder. Pain flared from her leg as teeth grabbed her skin, but that was nothing compared to what the hyena did next. It started jerking it's head, pulling at her, but it couldn't budge the lioness, who was almost twice its weight. Despite the sensation that her skin was going to be ripped from her, the lioness didn't panic. Her determination not to lose wasn't lessened. It now soared way higher than before. Although she was unlikely to succeed, Aiyana tried tilting her head close enough to the hyena to snag it.

Unable to reach her attacker with her teeth, the lioness tried throwing it off. When that failed, too, Aiyana was left with only one choice. Her option was more of a decision made on impulse, but she had put some thought into. The hyena obviously knew it couldn't take her on along, but the only member to back it up wouldn't come to her. The only way for the hyena to win was to get Aiyana closer to its backer. If Taser had not been caught up in his own battle, she might' have called for his help, but that would've damaged her pride, and. She was bound and determined to show him that she wasn't a coward and wasn't useless.

Letting the hyena take her closer to one of its pack mates by a few inches, Aiyana feigned exhaustion. She allowed her body to be moved, and stumbled more than once. When she was sure that her plan was working, Aiyana peeked at the hyena. It looked arrogant and pleased. 'Ha! She seriously thinks that she's got me!'

"Gotcha!"The satisfaction that had caused the hyena to become arrogant vanished in a wave of surprise. The dog's grip loosened on Aiyana's leg, and the lioness took advantage of that to twist her head far enough to nip the hyena's neck. Her bie didn't draw blood, but it was sure to hurt a little. That sudden sting threw the hyena off even more, and it let go of Aiyana. The lioness struck it with a powerful blow to it's side, and the beast lost it's footing. There was a dazed expression on the hyen'as face as it fell to the ground. The others ere surely to notice.

By now, the hyena that had been waiting for its ally to bring the victim, Aiyana, closer, was dancing nervously on it's paws. Aiyana only stared at it with a misshapen smirk. The expression of intense determination that had been drawn onto her face earlier had been magnified a thousand times over. Despite the fact that it's opponent wasn't giving any ground, the hyena didn't run. Instead, it stared back with nervous eyes.

It backed away and turned its gaze on the hyena who was still recovering from the hit it had received. Aiyana knew she shouldn't, but she couldn't help but glance over at Taser again, wondering what was going on over there. To her irritation, she saw that at least three hyenas were around him, while only one, if you didn't count the young, frightened one that refused to come close to her, was supposed to take her on.' They set one hyena on me and its scared friend, but put at least three on Taser? This wasn't personal before, but it is now! They better watch out!' While the hyena rose to its feet, the lioness took a few steps back. Her shoulder was throbbing where she'd been bitten, but Aiyana would not be distracted like that again.

[daystar]

OOC: I feel like I've dragged posts a little too far all the time too but I like your post. ;D and now that I've written my own, I think I might have had too much things happen in my own. xD

IC:

His gaze caught her just as she was freeing herself from the hyenas grasp. Instinctively his body began to turn to come to her aid but as she backed away it appeared that she had herself and attackers under control. Taser had never seen it happen but he couldn't think of a worse fate then dying at the claws of a hyena. He could see how it could happen, death came so quickly much easier then one might think. Really it could happen to even the strongest, smartest cat in all of Africa, just as easily as it happened to weak, dumb animals. Skill, intelligence, and experience played a large part in survival but an undeniable factor handled the rest. This unpredictable element called fate. And in all deaths, all the deaths Taser had heard about or seen losing your life to such a foul creature as the hyena was such a sad, sad twist of fate.

He supposed when the young or stupid died all they felt was fear, but for the adult he assumed they would feel shame. Shame that they had failed at the most important test, life. There wasn't too much shame in losing your life to nature, it was a formidable opponent for sure. Other lions were normally acceptable but hyenas...that was just unacceptable especially to a proud lion such as Taser. He didn't hold himself above his own kind, no they were all equals and he strongly believed working together for the common good of all their species. Other carnivores, his competitors he held to lowest of thought, of respect, of everything. In his attempt to ensure Aiyana's safety from the nasty beasts, he turned, it wasn't until he was turning back into his own fight that he realized the hyenas had taken the second of distraction to move in closer.

He immediately began to back up so he could put enough distance between himself and them to defend himself properly without being taken off-guard by the other one. It was too late. They were all moving in on him, they must've thought they had him. They must've thought that he would run, why else would they so boldly advance toward him? Unless they had the intention of spooking him. Too bad for them, Taser knew better. He wasn't quite done. The 'bold' hyena was large, very large. Obviously young and he had a lot to prove. Taser decided this might have more to do then with just the kill. This hyena seemed so proud, he wanted to win so badly that he didn't mind as much being in danger. He must truly think he was superior to lions. Taser struck out at it first and managed to catch it across it's eyebrow and down it's cheek. He also managed to slice it's nose and as blood filled it's nostrils, it began to sneeze and wipe it's muzzle furiously with it's foot. Taser pulled his paw back quickly ready to strike at the other two. They must be twins because they seemed to move together, as if they had learned to synchronize their movements, another cowardly action. He didn't want to compromise his position or his underbelly still watching the sneezing fool to the side.

The twins took no notice of their friend and Taser struck one of them with all his force pushing it to the ground. To his surprise it rolled into the bold one and knocked it off his feet. 'Sometimes I don't know my own strength.' which wasn't true. He knew he'd put all his force into that blow. He also knew as he felt claws rip back just behind his shoulders that he was now facing the consequences for putting such force into that blow. If he'd just smacked the creature he might have had time to avert the second's attack but no he wanted to knock the creature of it's feet. Luckily he had enough room to turn his body and grab the hyena just behind it's shoulders. Now they were in a deadlock. Taser had more to lose because the other two hyenas could recover any second. It was a daunting task. Taser was much stronger then the hyena but it was heavy and he dug his teeth deep into it's back and pulled. As he did he felt the creature's teeth rip through his skin. It let out a yelp and released Taser. He threw his head as hard as he could trying to throw it. It fell rather close to Taser and landed on it's side.

He stepped back quickly away from it as it moved to it's side. He didn't have any worry because it didn't even look at Taser. The other two had recovered but hadn't rushed to their fellow hyenas aid. They just stared. Taser had been moving backward since the beginning of the fight. It'd allowed him to be slightly behind Aiyana instead of with his back turned to her as it had been at the beginning. 'His' hyenas were obviously trying to decide whether or not to flee. He liked this position better because he was far enough away not to interfere with Aiyana's fight but he could still see her and his hyena crew. He hoped his three would high-tail and run then it wouldn't take much to send Aiyana's packing. Taser watched the 'bold' hyena with challenge flaring in his eyes. That hyena wanted this so badly, was he willing to die for it? It shifted it's weight and eyed the cowering twins. As Taser raised his head regally, challengingly. 'Try me.'

[eshe]

ooc: Your post was good! ^^ But, following is one of the cheesiest posts I've EVER made. lol. I'm going to have to have a talk with Aiyana!

IC:

Bewilderment was plain on Aiyana's face when the hyenas didn't leave after such a devastating attack to one of their fellow pack members. The others didn't even flinch when their friends, if you could even call them that, went down. She just hoped that Taser wouldn't do the same to her. Somehow, though, she got the feeling he wouldn't leave her like that. "I couldn't stand there and watch that happen. If I'd been one of those hyenas, I would've lunged at Taser on the spot." Even while she thought it, Aiyana knew she wouldn't have done it if she was a hyena. She'd be totally different. Tearing her eyes away from the the "other" fight, Aiyana turned back to her own pair of attackers.

The hyena had risen to its feet. Aiyana had given it that one last mercy, but she wasn't going to do it again. A frown of concentration was scratched into the black muzzle of her opponent. Aiyana didn't have time to wonder what it was doing or thinking about She'd learned her lesson after what happened last time. With a smirk, the lioness turned away from the frowning hyena, and swiftly closed the distance between herself and the frightened hyena. It's eyes grew wide and it's growl caught in it's throat. The hyena was smaller than all the other ones, obviously a young one. Aiyana made a circle around the beast and then jumped at it. She landed a few inches in front of it, and it tried to hop backwards.

However, the hyena succeeded only in tripping over it's hind legs and falling onto it's back. Just before Aiyana could do anything else, she heard panting behind her. Sidestepping, and then turning to face her attacker, Aiyana reacted just in time. The female hyena had a crazed look on her face. She didn't even try to attack Aiyana, but instead, ran between the lioness and the younger dog. In an instant, Aiyana understood. The mother was teaching her pup how to find food. The lions had presented a learning opportunity, but the mother cared more about her pup than the food. "Maybe that's why they're apart from the group. The other hyenas don't care, but a mother would never abandon her young. Even a hyena mother."

Slightly ashamed, Aiyana stalled for time. What was she supposed to do now? "I have to get them to leave! But how? Pools scanned everything around her, but she couldn't see anything that would help her accomplish her goal. She sighed and turned back to face the pair. She let her claws glimmer in the sun, threatening the two that she wasn't playing. "Look, I'm tired of you hyenas just taking our prey. If you leave, we'll.." She stopped mid-sentence, and grumbled, [/b]"never mind. You can't understand me anyway."[/b] Aiyana took a couple of steps toward the mother, looked back at Taser one more time, and then brought her claws across the hyena's muzzle. It yelped a couple of times, but didn't attack. However, it didn't leave. The lioness was confused. She roared loudly, but the hyena only flinched.

It must've been able to tell that Aiyana wouldn't kill it. "Fine. be that way you rotten-smelling dog! The lioness was going to turn around and go help Taser, but the hyena finally quit snarling at her and acted. Her attack was so fast that the lioness almost didn't see it. With a couple of movements, the hyena had Aiyana on the ground, snapping at her neck. Now that it knew Aiyana would harm it, the young hyena was helping to hold her down. The lioness was frustrated with herself for getting trapped again. Everything always goes wrong!," she hissed out with sudden anger. No longer feeling any remorse, Aiyana put all her weight into rolling over. With that done, she sprung to her feet and collided with the confused hyena mother. The tables had turned. The hyena's life was in Aiyana's paws. The lioness still didn't want to kill the hyena, but it wasn't getting away free. Cruelly, the lioness slowly, painfully, drew her claws from the hyena's ear down to her nose. It whimpered and whined, but Aiyana pretended not hear. Something was burning deep inside. Something she'd tried to ignore. Revenge was blackening her scarred heart. She'd lost everything to a pack of hyenas. Everything.

Glaring at it with hateful eyes, Aiyana let the hyena mother up. She didn't attack, only barked to her pup and ran. Revenge fueled every action, and Aiyana was no longer Aiyana. The lioness stood between the pup and her mother, savoring the fear that hovered aroudn the young hyena. A cruel smile was twisted on the lioness's lips as she took a threatening step toward the pup. The pup looked with huge eyes at its mother, who was frantically trying to stop the lioness. Aiyana ignored the mother and continued to sneer at the young one. She got close enough to see her reflection in the pup's eyes.

"Stop, Aiyana." A voice whispered to her. Aiyana didn't stop. "You don't want to do this." The same voice pleaded with her again.The lioness still did not relent. She was on the pup now, staring into it's sad eyes, with the mother trying to pull her off. As pools stared into the pup's eyes, Aiyana though she saw something swirling. she was transfixed. An image was being formed, but it wasn't her reflection. Benje, her old pride's heir, was staring at her. "It's my fault. Not yours. How could I not get to you? I'm sorry."

Horrified, Aiyana released the pup from her hold.I'm sorry. It echoed in her head a hundred times before she turned to Taser. Dark hazel pools were pained as tears formed. She didn't know why she was crying or why she was so sad, but she couldn't do this anymore. The sun was getting to her. Or maybe that wildebeest had had a disease. She didn't know, but she had to sit down. She had to tell someone something. Anything. Keeping secrets from everyone was beginning to take its toll. I mean, she'd just seen Benje in some hyena's eyes! She'd never even liked Benje, and he would never have told her he was sorry. Ever.

She walked over to Taser as if battle wasn't occurring. What she had been about to do may not be a big deal to him, but it was to her. "If you don't want me in your pride, I understand, but I have to tell you something. If you'll listen."

[/size]

[daystar]

Taser was fixated on his attacker. The largest hyena. Why was he so brave? Maybe it was just due to his young age, he appeared to be the leader, maybe the responsibility of leader was bestowed upon him too young. Taser stood up proudly and to his surprise the hyena mirrored the pose, he was just so proud. He couldn't see when he was outmatched. He heard the cry of a hyena and thought, Aiyana must be winning but he didn't dare look. He didn't want to break his stare, lose eye contact not now. There was nothing like winning a battle due to mental capabilities. And at the moment he was locked in a very epic battle. His calmness and demeanor was enough to strike the hyena. Taser could see to the left of the mighty hyena that the twins were backing up. The hyena must of seen too because he began to fidget and it wasn't long before the 'staring contest' was over. The hyena broke eye contact and they began to mob again. Dancing and blending together. Buying time while not being vulnerable.

Suddenly Aiyana was beside him, he had been so absorbed that he jumped when she spoke to him. His muscles tensed in an instinctive reaction, while fighting certain instinct over power the senses. It took effort not to strike out at her. His eyes darted behind her, he didn't see any hyenas they must have ran. He glanced quickly toward his hyenas. The bold one stood alone and Taser could just see the other two disappearing into the brush from which they'd came. The bold one slowly followed, he stopped and looked back just once before he too disappeared. This battle was over and lion was victorious. He'd heard Aiyana speak but he hadn't followed the words. He replayed them in his head. Something about telling him something and not being in the pride.

He didn't let his confusion show on his face. What was she talking about? Why did she start talking instead of watching the hyena? He was quite the hyena, probably the most amazing and unique one Taser had ever encountered. It was a shame that even if he walked by now Taser wouldn't recognize him. He remained calm and collected but his eyes were questioning as he tried to decipher what was going on in her mind. "I can't think of anything that would make me not want you in my pride, Aiyana." and as sappy or full of crap that statement might sound, Taser easily pulled it off. His voice screamed sincerity. He wasn't much on lying...at all. Generally if he said it, it was because he meant it. "But I'd like to hear what you have to say." He did mean that she couldn't of done anything bad enough to require him to shun her from her newly won pride but he did want to know what she thought might, by nature, he is curious. Taser passed judgment on others quickly. Luckily, he wasn't choosy, and he didn't do it consciously. He labeled others, one of two things, decent or intolerable. Once labeled it took quite a story to be changed to the other category. In actuality it took quite an awful downright terrible action to be deemed intolerable...and of course, Aiyana was already considered decent, if not higher on Taser's judgment scale.

He waited patiently, ready to to shake his head in disbelief. Disbelief that she might be ashamed or worried about something. Taser wasn't easily phased and he was eager to test this character trait.