I'll have you r a w.

[leigh]

A small bundle of fur tossed and turned in the dry grass. His golden fur was decorated with pale brown spots. Two small black ears twitched and a small pink nose wrinkled, in repsonse to the sounds and smells of the world he was slowly growing used to. His mother had left him for some reason, probably a very good reason, as this cub was not even a month old. She had hidden the sleeping body in a nest of grass. The lion cub was well camouflaged, but not well enough.

Veyra was starving, and she had just happened upon her favorite meal. As enjoyable as it was to kill lion cubs, it was hardly any fun when they were too young to put up a fight. Veyra wanted the cub to wake up before she made her move, but the mother could return at any moment. The thin hyena walked gracefully on her long legs until she was standing right above her soon-to-be lunch. Her lips parted in a wicked smile, revealing crooked, stained fangs. She could not help but giggle at the cub's situation: sleeping peacefully between his killer's paws. She craned her neck downward, opening her jaws wide.

Her tongue lovingly carressed the cub's cheek.

He stirred, a small smile forming on his sleepy face. "Mama...?" He mumbled. His eyes opened slowly, and the ugly face in front of him was the last thing he ever saw.

Veyra trotted away, still smiling for her full stomach. The hyena had left what she did not eat right where the baby had been left sleeping in the now blood-stained grass nest. With every meal was one less lion in the world, and that fact alone lifted her spirits. Veyra hated lions. Ever since that tragic time as a pup, when a lion killed her parents right before her eyes, Veyra had hated lions. Males, females, even cubs, especially cubs. A single hyena could not kill a grown lion, but tasty little cubs stood no chance at all against Veyra. Licking her chops, Veyra settled herself in the shade. She would wait here until nightfall, or until her stomach commanded her to hunt again, or until something more important would show its face.

[Lassiel]

S E R E G O R

blood...

Such a sweet smell that red, thick liquid had. It could be so very intoxicating as it spoke of life that would soon be his. It would run down his throat, more refreshing than any water, and provide him with energy to use for his own purposes. Grey muzzle lifted into the air as Seregor searched for the source of that oh so sweet scent of blood. Perhaps there would soon be something for him to eat. The thought of dining on leftovers, though not his first choice, certainly did not disgust him. Whatever was needed to get by. And from what he could tell, the nearby kill seemed to be fairly fresh. Raven-dark eyes glittered as he spotted several large birds swooping around something on the ground...hello dinner. A cruel grin spreading across his ashen face, Seregor loped toward the horizon, nose firmly pointed toward his destination.

The lean male spotted the blood-stained grass as soon as it was visible and upon coming nearer he could make out the mauled form of a lion cub. Excellent. He wolfed down the meal quickly, staining his yellowed teeth and fur red. Satisfied, Seregor glanced up and around, on the look-out for what could be a returning mother. What he found instead, was a another lone hyena resting in the shade. He was taken aback for a moment--she must had been there before he arrived, probably even killed this cub, but he had not noticed! He must truly be getting on in his years if it took him so long to notice her.

Once his gaze landed on her, Seregor did not turn away. His lips spread in a grin made gruesome by the blood. It was not evil or happy. No. It was more of a challenge, one saying, "Yes, I just ate the rest of your meal. If you have a problem with that, come get me." Oh, he relished the thought of another of his kind. If she were the wonderfully submissive sort, he would have his fun toying with her mind in his cruel ways. How fun it was to torment their foolish minds! And if she was not? Well, then maybe a partner-in-crime had just been found. Hmmm, which one would be more delicious? The quick pleasure of defeating one who stood no chance, or the long drawn out fun of wrecking the lives of others with one who shared his own dark desires?

...horror

[leigh]

Why were lions so clean? Veyra had to wonder as she cleaned her own bloody paws. She didn't mind being a tad filthy, but dried-on blood matted her fur terribly, so to be clean was a necessary evil. Her mind began to wander from the constant licking, licking, licking, and Veyra adn't even notice that a visitor was nearby. 'Lick, lick, licky, lick... To think those lions had nothing better to do than clean themselves all day! And they still smell terrible.' Suddenly, the sound of cruching bones came to ear. Veyra smacked her lips, trying to spit out a bit of her own fur, and stood to see what the commotion was. Had Mamma Lion returned? Veyra giggled at the thought of it. But then... why would she eat the leftovers? No. Veyra narrowed her eyes. Someone else must be eating her little present! Then his eyes met hers, and that grin.. that mocking grin that Veyra so often grinned herself, came across the male's face. Veyra took off at once.

Her long legs carried her swiftly over the grass. She arrived very shortly to see the other hyena. "NOOO!" She squealed, her shrill voice carrying for a mile, at least. It was too late. All that remained of the Veyra's masterpiece was the blood-stained grass. "Look what you did!" She growled, glaring at the older male. "Couldn't you have at least waited until the lioness found it? Don't you know a scheme when you see one?" Breathing heavily, Veyra looked along the ground for flesh, bones, anything of the cub to leave for the mother to discover, but the male had eaten all of the pitiful remains. Veyra sat in front of him, still glaring.

All of her previous meals had been the same. She would eat about half of the cub, and leave some bones, organs, and most of the poor babe's head right where she had found him. Then she would clean herself of the cub's scent and hide, waiting for the mother's return. Few things were so sweet as the sound of a mother who had just discovered her mutilated baby. The sorrow! The agony! Veyra would try to stifle her giggles, but it was no use, and no problem. The frantic, sobbing mothers would do little other than cry and wail.

But now what? What fun was it to eat a cub and leave noting of the meal for the mother to find? "Hmph," She sniffed, standing up at last. "Well, I hope your lunch was absolutely delicious. Maybe we can meet again for tea!" She said, her squeaky voice sickeningly sweet. Cackling, Veyra hopped away through the grass. She knew the mother lion must be near, and hopefully the sound of a hyena would hurry her home. And what would she find? A fat male hyena, smelling of blood, right where her baby used to be! Perhaps the venture would actually work... Veyra hoped so.

[Lassiel]

A high-pitched, annoying squeak came from her as she noticed his presence, causing his smaller ears to pin back slightly at the sound. Consequently, her angry words lost much of their intimidating tone when she spoke. A scheme? This was a plan to torture one of those disgusting creatures? How...petty. Surely there could be a much better plan out there. Leaving a half-eaten cub wasn't anything new--any predator around here did that. Her childish glare only served to intensify Seregor's annoyance and the grin morphed to a grimace, though he withheld the growl that threatened to rumble in his chest.

There were so many more things one could do to torment others, though seldom was he able to be near enough to a lion long enough to torture one with words. The beasts always did favor violence more than a war of minds... Really just showed how very crude they were. He refocused on her, taking in her twisted beauty as one would watch the clouds rolling in. He didn't really think he'd be able to harass her as he would normally. But she obviously held a cruel streak--one which he admired. She would just need some help to show it...in a more rewarding way.

The girl spoke again, her voice grating on his ears and almost making him wish he had just passed the cub by. But as always, he kept his own tones soft and sinister when he finally spoke. Oh believe me, I did. There is nothing so tasty as the tender meat of a cub. His eyes narrowed as the female turned away, a growl actually bursting forth, and he loped up to her, cutting off her escape with his ashen body. Seregor pinned his fierce black gaze on her, not about finished with this conversation. And where do you think you're going so quickly, my dear?

ooc: Sorry for the crappy post. o.O

[leigh]

Veyra had continued skipping until the male popped up in front of her, ever so suddenly. She almost ran into him, but stopped inches short. Her nose almost touching his, she flared her nostrils angrily. His smooth words only fueled her anger, but she did little to show it. Her lips barted in a gruesome grin, revealing crooked, pink-tinted teeth. "I'm just heading home to tidy up, handsome. I'd ask you to tag along, but, oh, dearie me! I don't even know your name." With another giggle, Veyra sidestepped the male and continued to her shady spot under the baobab tree. Ducking under the trunk, Veyra disappeared into the ground.

Her den was well-hidden; she hadn't know it was there until she fell headfirst through the tunnel opening one day. The burrow was fairly large, and very stable, with the roots of the baobab holding it together, forming the roof and lining the edges. It was an old den, but warm and cozy at night, and very handy for times like this, when Veyra was escaping unwanted attention. For now she waited, in the center of the small room. Would the male follow her? She figured he would, but one never can tell with males.

Little did the hyenas know that just over the horizon was a lioness with a full belly, ready to nurse her sleeping cub. As she approached, the scent of blood became strong in the air...

ooc| No worries. (: You can play Mamma Lion in your posts, too.

[Lassiel]

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the giggle, Seregor let her pass by without incident. Don't know his name? Well, that could be easily fixed. He loped after the female, long dark legs covering the ground quickly as she vanished into the earth. Seems as if this one had already found a nice little home for herself, one Seregor would not hesitate to pass up on. And if she did not make room for him...well, that could be worked out when the time came.

A small breeze blew against Seregor's face as he followed her, making the scent of anything behind him pretty much unnoticeable. The thought slightly disturbed him--he didn't like not knowing what was going on around him--but he continued on his way without looking back. If he had, Seregor would have caught sight of the lioness in the distance and probably would have been become much more serious.

He halted outside the burrow, crouching down so he could peek into its earthy darkness. The air was cool--a nice relief from the burning sun of the dry season--and very welcoming. Deciding not even to wait for her to allow him in, he scurried farther down so that he rested half in the room in which she waited and half in the short tunnel. Hope you don't mind I invited myself in. Challenging smirk appearing once again. And if you still need my name, it's Seregor. He stretched out, long tongue hanging from his open muzzle. He really did not care much for the sun, and this burrow of hers was proving to be quite relaxing when coupled with his full stomach.

She was returning to her cub, belly full from the hunt and ready to give her child his own meal. Leaving him behind was always difficult, but she did her best to find him a protected area to sleep while she was not there to guard him. So it was with a little trepidation that she returned, although she had been as quick as possible in her hunt. Stumbling to a halt when she caught the scent of blood, she forced herself to stay calm, telling herself that it could be any dead creature in the area and not her son. The lioness quickened her pace, a mother's worry and fear now eating at her heart.

It was as the wind brushed her face, carrying with it the stink of hyena, that she caught sight of the bloodied grass. It was as if her heart completely stopped in her chest, then began beating again at a furious pace. She sprinted over to where her cub had been left, and found nothing but blood, churned up ground, and the scent of two hyenas. The agony in her heart became overruled by blind rage and she whipped her head around, searching for the murderers. There! She could make out tracks through the grass that seemed to be saturated with their horrid stench. A snarl escaping her, the tormented mother stalked after the trail, determined to make the two pay for the loss of her son's innocent life.

[leigh]

Veyra wasn't at all supprised when Seregor took it upon himself to make her den his own, for the time being. And Veyra didn't mind, really. Hyenas worked better together, Veyra couldn't deny that, even if it meant working alongside this cocky Seregor fellow. Seregor. She repeated the name inside her head. It was a nice name, very unusual, but having a nice sound to it. "Come in, come in," Veyra said quickly, dropping her character. Something in the air didn't smell right, but Veyra couldn't put her paw on it. Even for villains like Veyra and Seregor, it was better to be safe than sorry. "And shut up!" She pushed past him, a very tight squeeze, and slowly looked up over the edge of the burrow for something, anything. With wide eyes, she reeled back, falling head over tail into the den. "It's that damn lioness," She squeaked to Seregor, for the first time today looking very much afriad. "She saw me."

The lioness only needed half a moment's glance to spot the hyena. With a heavy-breathed snarl, she loped forward, ready to settle the score with the killer.

And Veyra only needed half a moment to realize that she and Seregor were now in danger of their lives, and trapped in a burrow. She glanced at the male, a very apologetic look in her eyes. It's not like it was my fault! She told herself. The bitch would have smelled us anyway. Veyra slinked toward the tunnel, peeking up the shaft. A pair of livid yellow eyes met her own.

But the hyenas were not totally out of luck. The burrow entrance was a very tight squeeze, and the fattened lioness knew she could not make it through. Peering down the tunnel, she saw the ugly face of that hyena, which caused her blood to boil and her heart to race. The only thing on the lioness's mind was this: the kill. Her claws scratched at the soil as she dug at the tunnel entrance. One way or another, she was getting in.

[/color]

[Lassiel]

Although mildly surprised at her...mm...hospitality?...to let him stay, Seregor's eyes narrowed at her order. No one disrespects me, missy. But he kept his thoughts in check and instead gave a warning snap as she pushed by. He glanced behind him as she peeked out, only to grunt slightly when she fell back against him. Moving away in a disgruntled fashion, his sharp words vanished as he noted the fear upon her face and heard her speak. Seregor's eyes widened, showing a rare moment of worry as the situation suddenly changed. With the coming of the 'damn lioness' any and all problems between him and the other hyena--the one he still had not learned the name of--disappeared.

As she crawled back up the tunnel to peer out again, Seregor followed, pushing against her so he could look as well. As he caught sight of the lioness clawing furiously at the soil, a frown was the only outward sign of his worries. Setting his cunning mind to the problem at hand, he watched the mother's progress with interest. A smirk curled the ends of his black lips and he glanced toward his companion before looking at the lioness again. No matter how hard she dug at the soil, it would take awhile for her to be able to fit through the tunnel--they had plenty of time to think of a way out of this. As such, this was a perfect moment to taunt the lioness some. He chuckled evilly before speaking. Best dig faster, dear, or you'll never get your revenge. With that parting statement, he backed down the tunnel again.

A vicious snarl erupted from the lioness at the hyena's words, and she renewed her swipes at the dirt with vigor.

Noticing the lioness' reaction, Seregor laughed lowly, calm and in control for the moment. After relishing in the mother's pain for a moment, he turned his attention back to the female and spoke in all seriousness. Now, that bitch won't be getting in here anytime soon, but we need to make a decision. There are only two ways for us to get out of this--we either fight our way out right now, or we fight our way out when she's in here with us. He paused, arching an eyebrow as he looked at her. Unless, of course, you have a better idea.

[leigh]

Veyra could see the fear in Seregor's eyes, even if the terror was minimal. Veyra was glad that the cocky male could express other emotions, though. Fear was fear, even though Veyra knew she was much more afraid than this male could be, with good reason. The slaughter she had witnessed as a cub had scarred Veyra permanantly, and though she didn't realize it, her mind would never be the same. Even now, she could not look a grown lion in the eyes.

This was why she preyed on their cubs. She could not think of a better way to face her enemies than to ensure that the young don't grow up. She ate them before they could eat her. Leaving the carrion for the mothers to find was just a side plan for fun; Veyra loved to watch the suffering, to see the misery that she, too, had felt so many moons ago.

The warmth of Seregor brought Veyra back to reality, and only now did she realize had pressed herself closer against him. She moved away, creeping slowly forward toward the tunnel. Veyra knew that there were no secret exits to the den, a clear design flaw. If she got out of this mess, Veyra's next priority would be to dig an escape back up to the surface. Seregor's taunting got a giggle out of Veyra, cheering her up at last. "Eeheehee! We'll starve to death before she reaches us! I hope there are some more cubs nearby..."

Her words were cut off by a vicious snarl. Nothing would distract the lioness as long as these hyenas were still alive. But even as furiously as she clawed the earth, they would have several minutes, at the absolute least, to divise a plan. Certainly there was another way to reach them... She racked her brain, still digging away.

Seregor had stated the two obvious choices, the two only choices. Veyra sniffed. "There's no way two hyenas and a lion could fit down here." Veyra chuckled, moving behind Seregor. "Odds are, she'll snatch up the closest one to the tunnel." She giggled as she nudged him forward. Even though the gesture was all in good fun, as much as she enjoyed his cmpany, Veyra would not hesitate to shove Seregor into the lion's jaws if it meant saving herself. The pair did need a better idea. Veyra had an... adequate idea, but it was a longshot, and the thought of it only made her shiver.

Again she became afraid. But such was life in Africa. Living on the plains was like living in a pond: there's always a bigger fish ready to swallow you up. If Veyra didn't die now, she would die later. And what could be a better way to die than in the same way as her noble mother and father? Veyra stepped forward, glancing at Seregor. On her face was a smile, a genuine, friendly smile. "My name is Veyra. It was very nice to meet you, handsome."

And she took off up the tunnel, mustering up as much momentum as she could in the short distance. It was enough. She hit the scrabbling lioness head-on, bowling both of them out of the tunnel and into the tall grass. Claws unsheathed, the lioness snarled at Veyra. "You... killed... my... baby..."

Veyra felt blood drip from her lip as she flashed an evil smile right back to the lioness. "I ate him raw."

[Lassiel]

<sub>Seregor cast a sharp look back at her as she pushed him forward, a strange grin on his face as he caught the meaning in her words. The feeling was most definitely mutual. However fun their meeting had been, when it came to his own hide, nothing came before it. He chuckled, enjoying this odd banter even in the face of death. It was...invigorating...to know that the end of his life crouched only a few feet away--and oddly enough, Seregor did not feel the terror that he should. And don't worry, my dear--it will most certainly not be me standing so close.

His black eyes showed a spark of surprise when he felt her near him, and turned to face her. At the friendly, of all things, smile on her face, his surprise only grew. Veyra? It was nice to meet me? His confusion at her choice of words immediately vanished when she sprung away, slamming into the lioness and shoving her out of the entrance. For a split second, Seregor could not react, caught between admiration for her bravery and astonishment at her stupidity. He did not catch the lioness' words, but when Veyra's own voice reached him, a blood-thirsty grin spread over Seregor's face and he launched himself from the burrow.

A growl burst from the lioness' black-lined lips at Veyra's words and she sprinted toward to the hyena, fangs bared and face contorted in fury. She would rip this murderer to shreds!

The sun's bright rays hit Seregor as he emerged, but he ignored the temporary blindness and searched for the other two. Seeing the lioness charging at Veyra only a few feet away, he sped forward, slamming his lean body into the larger one of the feline and sinking his teeth into her flesh.

She spun at the intrusion, snarling at the pain and swiping a large paw at him, claws unsheathed and ready to draw blood.

Prepared for her counterattack, Seregor sprang back, blood staining his dark muzzle and yellowed teeth as he grinned at her. I'd like to add that he was the tastiest meal I've had in a long while. Oh, this was going to be fun!</sub>

[leigh]

Veyra had just done one of the few good deeds of her life, giving Seregor a chance to get away. She stood boldly, prepared to give this lioness the fight of her life, when Seregor bolted into the lioness; his weight was just enough to knock her away, and his attack was just enough to summon more of her anger.

"Vile dogs!" The lioness spat, swiping her claws at Seregor. He was quick, but so was she, and even her smallest claws were larger and sharper than his canine fangs.
Veyra's face contorted into a livid scowl. What was that idiot doing? She had risked her own skin to give him a few moments time to escape, and now he was putting on his brave face and fighting her fight! A growl rumbled in her throat, and it was not directed toward the lioness. Veyra leaped into the fray, swiping her own paw at Seregor. "Go away!" She squeaked, her voice shrill with anger. Why had he stayed behind anyway? Was he really that stupid? Veyra's eyes softened as she thought of a second alternative, that he didn't want to leave her alone. Maybe there was more to Seregor than Veyra had thought.

Nahhh. Males were all the same, and you couldn't count on them for anything. The only male a girl could trust was her father, and Veyra's father had been torn to shreads by lions. The horrific images flooded her mind, and Veyra snapped. In an instant the crazed hyena was on the lioness, fangs sinking into the flash of her neck.

The lioness gave a howl of pain and reeled, sinking her own fangs into the hyena's foreleg. With a swing of her strong neck, the cat tossed Veyra across the grass. Veyra didn't move. Satisifed, the lioness turned all attention toward the male. "I hope the sight of blood doesn't bother you." She growled.

ooc| -spins in chair- Sorry for taking so long. ;-; I'm rushed and this is all I've got.

[Lassiel]

<sub>A slight hissed was all that escaped Seregor as the lioness' claws find their mark on his shoulder and chest, but he managed to move swiftly enough so as to avoid any major damage. Narrowing his black eyes with murderous intent, his next lunge was halted when Veyra, of all beings, swung a paw at him as well. Growling at her order, his fangs snapped as he spoke. And let this bitch win? I think not!

What was it about this girl? Oh yes, harassing these beasts was enjoyable, but she seemed to have a special desire to hurt them. Ah well. Even if she did have a suicide wish, he was not going to leave just because she wanted him too. Whether the girl liked it or not, the lioness had threatened his life and so was his enemy too. Besides, even Seregor had a twisted sense of loyalty to his own kind. Veyra would just have to deal with it.

Suddenly, said girl was leaping at the lioness, gripping her neck with strong jaws. The roar coming from the cat was satisfying, but Seregor had no time to taunt her at this new development, for Veyra was quickly swung from her hold, hitting the ground and not moving. The ashen fur on his neck bristled as the lioness turned to him, gaze murderous and calculating. He shoved the twinge of worry about Veyra away, knowing he needed to concentrate on the here and now. If the girl could not protect herself, it was not his fault.

A hideous chuckle came from Seregor as the beast spoke. Of course not. The sight of it covering your son will always be a treasured memory. The ashen fur along his neck and back bristled as he stalked forward--there was no running away now. You, however, won't get the chance to have it haunt your dreams. Black lips curled cruelly. A pity.

A raging howl left the lioness' lips and she lunged forward. I'll kill you! Ears pinned to her skull, she raced toward the hyena.

Prepared for the enraged assault, Seregor spun on his heels at the last minute, leaving the lioness to stumble as her paws didn't land where they were meant to. Immediately, he turned back toward her, sinking fangs into her shoulder and tasting the warm blood.

Taken at surprise, she still reacted quickly and turned her head toward him, attempting to have her own teeth dig into his flesh.

Feeling the movement, Seregor loosed his hold, though not before one fang sliced open his shoulder. He sprang back and cast a glance toward Veyra. He could not do this on his own, and as much as he hated it, he needed her.</sub>

[leigh]

God, I'm sorry this is taking so long. I'm insanely busy right now... but I'll try to post a decent reply tomorrow. ):