The Death of a Dark Knight

[Tilyn]

Please excuse typos && the like. If I'm missing anyone who was presant just make yourself known. I'd like to thank everyone who helped me in this RP, helped make it amazing. Ronan is a part of me and one of my most cherished characters. I love him to death and I appriciate you all helping him go out with a bang. =]

~*~ Kivuli - Grassy Savanna ~*~

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| ~*~ Grassy Savanna ~*~ |
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| |
| The African savannah. Will it ever change? Grass, grass, endless miles |
| of tall, slightly sharp, dry and golden grass. Only interrupted by an |
| occasional acacia tree or patches of shorter grass, it seems to go on |
| forever in all directions, except from to the east where the forest and |
| the mountains lie. And, oh, so many animals! Herbivores, everywhere - |
| antelope, zebra, gazelle, buffalo, giraffe ... and even a few rhinoceros |
| and elephants. |
| |
| There's nothing extraordinary, though. In the dry season, the herds |
| move on and the growth dies, and in the rainy season it pours down without |
| stop and the grass grows green and healthy - the herds return. That's the |
| way an African savannah works. |
| |
| But water. There has to be water. Yes, just a little further to the |
| west, a wide river stretches through the otherwise entirely grass-covered |
| savannah. That must be where the animals go to drink. |
| |
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[zzz] Weupe, female white lioness [IC ] Siangamika, male barbary lion
[zzz] Atreyu, male adol. lion [IC ] Kisehemu, male lion
[IC ] Khamisa, female adol. lioness [zzz] Ankarri, male adol. lion
[OOC] Maiza, male lion [zzz] Xipil, female adol. lioness
[zzz] Fajra, female lioness [OOC] Tambo, male lion
[OOC] Camrath, male lion [OOC] Koya, female adol. lioness
[zzz] Raiyan, male adol. lion [zzz] Macabre, female lioness
[zzz] Seth, male lion [OOC] Sytobi, male lion
[IC ] Shahila, female white lioness [OOC] Mizuka, male adol. lion
[IC ] Saibh, female lioness [IC ] Xian, male elder b. lion
[zzz] Eris, female lioness [IC ] Kiet, male white lion
[IC ] Ronan, male elder b. lion [IC ] Zira, female lioness
[IC ] Jemadari, male adol. lion [IC ] Seifer, female adol. lioness

It was any normal evening, well for now it was normal. The grassy savannah is being traveled by two. Ronan walks slowly beside his daughter, the blind lioness keeping slow pace with her father. The barbary would try to take time to take his daughter out for walks to where she normally wouldn't be able to go on her own. Now exercise was good as well, his daughter being withchild. They stroll silently, occasinally starting a conversation only to let it die out in comfortable silence. However, a tingling plauges the aging barbary, a feeling he hadn't felt in some time. Amber eyes lift to the surrounding land, a frown tugging at the scarred features normally held emotionless. Tattered ears rotate fowards, nose twitching. He says nothing for now however, remaining silent though still wary of the surrounds and begining to herd Eris back in the direction of the pridal cavern, the blind story teller not knowing of any waryness her father is showing, simply enjoying the evening with her father, a gentle breeze ruffling her fur.

Approaching like a poisonous mist filtering through the air, the most recent inhabitants of the Mbaamwezi trek silently through the tall grasses towards the Kivuli border, their Queen in the lead. Zira is low to the ground, her crimson eyes intently focused on the task at hand. As she approaches the edge of the grasses, her tawny form still well camouflaged as she hides, she scopes out the vicinity. Only the target and the blind lioness can be seen. No need to take her out - unless she refuses to keep her nose out of their business.

He travels close to the Queen's heels, keeping hidden well and good. Ears arch fowards as his blue eyes catch the view of the Barbary and his daughter. A thin sneer travels quickly across his features at the sight of her, maybe after this he'll finish what he started and kill her like he had planned. Seth remains where he is however and waits for the Queen's goahead, his tail giving a subtle twitch of excitement, nose quivering and eyes wide.

Just slightly behind Zira, the two maneless brothers travel about twenty feet from either side of Zira, broadening the little brigade. When the time comes, they will circle around the Barbary and his daughter, hopefully closing off any potential route of escape. Giza and Sytobi also remain low to the grass, causing barely so much as a soft rustling as they stalk closer and closer to the target..

So it starts. Raiyan may have come from a warring family and region, from a background that makes him suited to Zira's and Seth's plans just fine, but the adolescent has only the barest idea of what he's getting himself into. Still, the young lion will follow Seth blindly, knowing he owes a life-debt to the older beast for saving Rai's skin. Softly, silently, and without the nervous anticipation most seem to show, Raiyan follows after Seth and Zira now, taking it upon himself to flank out to one side and route off escape should any try to flee. He crouches low, using the grasses to hide himself, stalking quickly.

She follows after Khamsin wherever she's positioned herself, her silent stalking equal with the rest. Seifer's vivid green eyes focus on the back of the Queen's skull, awaiting her sign to move in, until then she remains still and silent concealed in the grasses.

Paws pick up, and slide across the ground. Streamlined against the high grass, Macabre slithers slightly below and left of her queen. Ears swivel atop her head; likewise cauldrons of dust, scanning the terrain ahead. The lioness was measuring her pace always to Zira's. No smirk crossed her jowls just yet; she'd wait until the right moment to set her joy free.

Ever the warmonger, Jemadari has a considerably less than solemn expression hammered across his harsh features. His eyes simmer with excited mirth as his claws scratch along the earth, face alight like a fiendish Cheshire.

Something is wrong. Ronan's head lifts and his fire-lit eyes rotate in the direction of the Mbaamwezi border. He stops walking and simply stares. Eris, hesitating in her steps once her father's warmth is gone, pauses and turns towards him, ears edging fowards, "Daddy?" she questions. The barbary doesn't speak. However he finaly turns, "Eris. Go home." he rummbles. His words are soft, sad, and urgent. The ashin lioness blinks confusedly, "What are you talking about? I can't make it back with--" "It doesn't matter. Just leave. Now." he rummbles, voice gravelly and demanding. He nudging her in the opposite direction of the border, giving her cheek a fond nuzzle and kiss. He smiles softly, ears twitching. "Your going to have beautiful babies Eris.. I love you ok.." he mutters, rare words ever uttered from the barbaries mouth. The lion turns to glance over his shoulder again, that feeling rippling down the barbary's large form, cause the fur upon his neck to stand upright. Features revert from those soft looks given to his daughter, to one of emotionless stone. So.. this is what it felt like ... to know your time was coming. Grunt. The barbary turns to face the border, head lifting to its heighest, a gentle breeze seeming out of place as it ruffles his bi-highlighted mane, the tension in the air beginning to thicken until you could cut it with a knife.. or claws.

But the border holds nothing but silence, the dry grasses waving undisturbed in the same breeze that rushes through the elder's mane. At least, that's what those hidden there would have the barbary believe. Waiting for the perfect moment, Zira's expression is best described in a single word as 'intense': her ears pricked, her eyes pools of blood, her muscles tensed. A nonverbal signal to her pride comes in the form of her ears flattening against her skull. Suddenly, an invisible thread is snapped, and the Queen springs forward, her toned form rippling as she sprints towards the pair, silent except for the dull thud of her paws on the ground.

As the group advances, Giza and Sytobi pick up speed, branching off further from the main unit. The target is in sight, but alas - not yet in their clutches. Instead of cutting straight to the chase, the brothers make a point of keeping a distance from Ronan, circling all the way around until they have put Ronan between Zira and themselves. The thrilling anticipation of the kill is undeniably present, yet it fails to phase their diligence to the task at hand. Patience is a virtue, albeit this undertaking is anything but virtuous...

Taking his cues from Zira's lead, Raiyan too leaps from where he stalked before, making a mad dash to circle about Ronan and Eris, following after the brothers. There he pauses, calm as before, yet ready to move forward should he be told to.

The signal from the Queen is noticed after he watches the Barbary try to stear his daughter away and back towards safety. The lion springs fowards as Zira does so, following quickly after, his movement fast and steady. The lion stops as he nears the barbary lion, a sneer exploded across his face that could melt acid if it were posible. Seth's head rises, though he says nothing, he waits for Zira to give the command to attack the Elder, his blue eyes keeping track of the surrounding pride, his whole body tingling with the mere thought of watching this lion die.

It doesn't take long, and when the signal is given, Seifer dashes fowards. She's silent, stealthy, and veers off to the side out of sight but not gone. She waits in the grasses towards the rear, keeping an eye on the blind lioness, her tounge running out across her lips and over her nose. She waits patiently, her wide green eyes buzzing with electricity, with the want.

Like the others who catch the signal, Macabre watches intently as her queen blasts towards the carnivorous felines ahead. Now she let the smirk slide. It brushed across her teeth as she gaped her jowls open; for now she was speeding ahead, like the rest of them. Tail will start to swing low against the ground once Zira nears closer towards Ronan and his daughter; but soon after the lioness copies Seifer's pattern, winging to the right and dropping into the higher vegetation. She awaits the /next/ signal.

That same tranquil breeze ruffles the jagged tufts of Jemadari's rough mane forward as his own ears flatten. Zira's explosion of momentum yanks the young male's attention towards her; eyes flicking towards each of his pridemates before charging after the lioness himself. Dust scratches into the air as Jem comes to a halt and begins to circle the barbary ominously, two malicious coals searching his aging form for weaknesses to exploit and his maw both narrowing and spreading so only a crescent of fangtips are visible.

Then it happens. As if the sky above collapsed the leonine rush fowards. Ronan's amber eyes widen and Ro's voice booms back to his daughter, fear rushing through his eyes for not only her life but her childrens. "ERis! RUN!" The ashin lioness does as she's told, bolting fowards in the direction her father had pointed her in, fear gripping her heart and tears welling in her sightless eyes. Ronan turns, ears flattening and teeth baring. A roar rips from his throat as the other halt their approach, but the lioness in the lead keeps dashing foward. He shifts to the side and raises one large paw to lash out at her quickly. Head turns to view those in Eris' path and the barbary dodges Zira, turning and bolting to Eris' side, a snarl thrown at any who get in her way to flee. The barbary turns to see where the lioness is, ebon claws gripping the dirt, amber eyes wild and wide.

He who hesitates is lost -- thus, Zira doesn't bother stopping to give any further commands. Her leap from the grasses is command-to-attack enough, in her opinion. Seth and his crew may have had some other method of attack, but when hunting, you don't stop to talk or give the prey time to react. Why should it be any different with a predator? Sharp teeth bared, ebony talons tearing into the ground, she powers straight for the elder lion, ready to evade the blow from his heavy paws that she knew would come as she nears close enough to try and strike. Her own claws swing out as the lion turns to follow the blind lioness in an attempt to slice his ankle; regardless, she's already banking hard, dust flying up as her hindlegs slide across the dirt and swing her in the direction of the barbary.

It's when Zira lunges that the lion dodges fowards. He trys to get under the barbary as he attempts to save his daughter, claws raking out to snag the lions thick legs out from under him. A snarl is released, teeth bared and snapping at the barbary's thick neck. He trys to get ahold of his back and or shoulder, really just attempting to dig his claws into anything he can get where Zira isn't already trying.

Indeed, as Eris rushes forward, she is cut off by Giza. A serpentine hiss is issued from one of the maneless brothers, a demented sort of laugh. A slightly yellowed grin is directed to Ronan, Sytobi darting in to cut the Barbary off from his daughter as Giza looms somewhere behind, taunting Eris. "Well, hello," Comes a mocking drawl from the paler, slightly larger brother, who doesn't hesitate to aim a forceful, cuffing swipe at Ronan's head, claws sheathed, aiming mainly to knock some of the sense out of the elder male.

All seem to be so intent on attacking the single Barbary; the lioness's dash does nothing to excite Raiyan - she'll not get far, not with so many around. Instead, he moves a bit further back, not to be away from the action, but to keep watch instead. Tail curling and uncurling by his hind paws, he gazes out across the Kivuli lands, eyes narrowing slightly to see a bit better, to pick up any forms that might be too close for comfort.

Seifer watches those attack and shifts her way around to where Eris is being harassed by Giza, her tail snapping back and forth. The young crimson locked lioness sneers darkly as she lets her tail lash side to side, awaiting the move of the lioness, watching the others take care of the enraged barbary, her tounge flicking out over her lips.

[Tilyn]

It's when Macabre breaks into long, strenuous strides that Zira makes her attack signal clear. Ivorns unlatch from their designated spots, only to reveal themselves in her own mandibles that are gaped. Paw over paw, the feline finally makes it to the area where the confused lion and lioness ran around like caged rabbits. Olive eyes spot that other pride members took to harassing Eris; but not Macabre. She races after Ronan, attempting a rather risky lunge with her left equipped mitt at his exposed rear.

There's a brief gap where Jemadari's eyes widen ever-so-slightly as he considers how spry this old buzzard actually is, but mild admiration and concern are washed aside as common sense and a more calculated mindset sink their talons into the young male's mind. Taking off to match the beasts stride, Jemadari lashes out at the elder lion's flank in an attempt to slash through sinuous thigh and, if the area is left poorly guarded, scythe through principal muscle to cripple Ronan's escape.

He watches as his daughter excape is cut off and it only serves to infuriate him more. The barbary snarls, a deep rummbling growl issuing from him as he turns. As he turns, Zira's claws slash through his haunch, missing his ankle. The barbary doesn't even flench. A large paw lashes out quickly for her skull, back legs propelling him fowards. He turns only to see Seth, an enraged roar sounding as his other paw goes to swipe at the male, missing his attacks by mere inches. The barbary's jaws snap for anything upon the male he can grab. A roar of pain crashes through the thick air as Macabre finds her mark up on his backside, he turns quickly, both paws coming up to dig claws into her side and rip her off his back with amazing force. His large head swings around, teeth gritted. Sytobi is given nothing but a deep hiss as he kicks a leg out at the young male going for his left. Eris meanwhile takes a swipe at the lion closest to her, head turning with the sound of her father's struggles. A cry is let loose as she turns and struggles with direction, fear rushing over whatever other sences she has to help her get her boundries, pure panic gripping her chest.

Coming up fast behind the elder lion after ducking away from his swipes, Zira accounts for his pace, muscles twitching beneath her pelt as she leaps towards him. Soaring towards the lion after her powerful hindlegs propel her into the air, Zira's claws are aimed for the barbary's back, aiming to land atop it. If the impact doesn't pull him down, then she'll latch onto his shoulders until he does, or until his battering paws become too much for her to continue holding on..

Seth oofs, a paw catching him in the head and sending him back a few paces. He only lunges fowards however, not falling back and aims some swats at Ronan's face, trying to take his attention away from the Queen as she aims for his back to pull him down. Seth weaves in and out avoiding other bodies and flying paws as he snaps here and there, claws aiming for the Elder's face.

The darker maneless, Giza, seems to be having quite a blast taunting the blind lioness. He will take little swipes at the lioness while ducking out of the way of her own. One from the left, then behind, then to the right, leaning in at times to whisper taunting little phrases in her ear..only to duck away again as she swipes. Sytobi, meanwhile, only takes another vigorous swipe at Ronan when the first one fails, claws plainly exposed this time. Since the male has turned, however, this one will likely catch him in the flank - claws hooking to curved ribs - should it catch him at all, that is.

Raiyan turns his head slightly, watching the battle between lions - he would only add too many to the already vicious battle and probably get in the way at best. Tail twitching in aggitation, he continues to stand on the small rise, keeping solitary watch for unwanted spectators.

Seifer remains where she is watching Giza taunt the blind lioness and the others attack the barbary. She resigns herself to the other task of keeping watch, a hungry look given to the battle raging on not to far away, her ears twitching and tail a nervous wreck of lashing.

His initial attack's balk having knocked a hiss of air out of him, Jemadari releases a growl as he regains his footing and glares at the male. Eyes flit towards his daughter before the young male's voice cuts out across the battlefield. "His weakness is the /lioness./" He hisses spitefully as one of his forelegs splays out. "Slash her throat!" Jemadari's readied paw shoots out to rip at Ronan's softer underside.

There's a roar as he turns and Zira's claws catch his shoulder, not enough to dig in and hang on, but en ough to rip a good portion of meat from his broad shoulder. The lion lurches fowards trying to ram her out of the way before he turns and jerks his head from Seth's claws, one paw finding true and slashing down the side of his face, blood running into his eyes. The lion roars and turns, a peice of pure muslce in rage. Ronan turns as the paler of the maneless brothers claws rake his side, Sytobi's paw is snapped at, the barbary trying to take the apendage with him when he moves to the younger males voice. The order to slit Eris' throat throws the barbary into a frenzied fit of psycotic rage. Amber eyes, b urning from his own blood, widen the pupils nothing but pen points as he snarls viciously. The rage that he'd worked so hard to surpress erupting forth in full force. No one else matters. The dark barbary throws his entire figure at Jemadari, large paws coming up to clasp the lion in something close
to a bear hug, but one he won't be leaving. Claws go to dig into the young lions shoulders and force him to the earth on his weight, jaws snapping madly. As he does so the young males claws catch his underside, ripping a gouge out from the underside of his chest to right under his arm.

Jemadari's words fall on deaf ears - Zira's in battle-mode. Plus, her target is Ronan; she's not going to waste her time going after what's already being pursued by others. And if the few remaining with her defect and leave the Queen fighting the barbary alone, she's going to be cuffing members of her own pride after this assault is over. Their target is the same as hers, and teasing a blind lioness isn't going to achieve their goal of taking down the more-dangerous lion. As Zira snags a chunk out of Ronan's shoulder, she's pushed backwards by his retaliation, nearly losing her balance. Seeing the barbary go after Jemadari, she takes a second to internally shake her head before roaring a command: "Leave the girl! Bring the barbary down!" That'll teach the young lion to enrage an enemy in the heat of battle -- a fighter without care for his own life is more dangerous than one with a cause.

A roar is heard from ~*~ Kivuli - Grassy Savanna ~*~, Zira's call echoes all over Kivuli.

Ronan would have to be some kind of flexible to snap at Sytobi's paw while it's hooked into the Barbary's ribs, especially with all the mayhem going on about them. However, his teeth do catch the bulk of Sytobi's foreleg, causing a shrill wail to ensue on the maneless one's behalf as fangs sink into muscle. The pain of the injury only causes Sytobi to curl his claws more tightly as he attempts to yank his appendage free of Ronan's clenched jaws, in turn yanking at his ribs as well. Ultimately, Ronan's enraged lunge is what throws Sytobi loose - causing him to plunge straight into Giza and Eris.

The lion hisses as Ronan becomes frenzied in his attempt to take down Jemadari. The lion snarls, head head shooting fowards attempting to latch onto the bigger lions arms with his teeth as they go to grasp the younger lion. He snarls, paws rising to the barbary's face once more, clawing at his eyes and the underside of his chin and neck the best he can. The struggle with the blind lioness not even noticed, for now.

The lioness watches on with intense eyes, vivid eyes wide and electrified. She watches the barbary lions reaction to the threat of his duaghter and a thin sneer curls up the sides of her maw. How cute. Her attention is jerked to Sytobi as he's thrown into the lioness and his own brother, muscles tencing, however she stays where she is for now, not wishing to get caught up in the battle and mistaken for another.

Surely someone is going to hear the roar, the commotion, and at least be curious. With renewed urgency, Raiyan sets his gaze for the surrounding area, peering intently for those that are sure to come.

Wow. That went really wrong really quickly. Jemadari's face mimics that of a cow looking at an oncoming train as he's pulled into the crushing bearhug; once calm eyes looking about with very real worry. Mind flashes to the only thing that makes sense at the time; what with the close proximity. The young male's face goes forward exactly where it's shoved: Into that hairy, voluminous mane. Such a macho, manly one, at that! Muzzle forces its way past all the hair like a snake in a cane field before spreading and clamping shut at Ronan's throat, momentum instantly jerked back to tear out the elder's throat.

Seth's claws find there mark, clawing at the barbary's face and living tiny gorges in his face and rivlets of blood. Its amazing he doesn't loose his sight amidst the claws and the burning blood, crimson filling his gaze turning everything red. The pain, any pain, is ignored as he has one thing in mind. To break this male in two. The male finds his mark among the barbary's thick mane. His eyes widen before he goes ot dig his claws into the youth's back before he pushes himself back and rips the young lion from him, attempting to toss him as you would a rag doll, the barbary roaring pain as a patch of mane and skin is ripping from his thick neck. He turns to see the collided maneless males and his daughter and throws himself fowards with surising agility, claws and teeth reaching out to rip the maneless male - whichever is closest - from his daughter's form upon the ground, and toss him to the side. The barbary begins to slash and bite in a frenzy, at anything with fur and blood near him. -- Eris meanwhile, having the breath knocked from her, struggles to gather herself to her paws, trying to bolt in the opposite direction as the fight. -- Ronan lifts his head and roars, a blood boiling roar. He stumbles breifly, blood gushing from the wound in his neck. His world shimmers however the barbary stands, fighting it, fighting everyone. Blood raged eyes catch sight of Zira and the lion throws himself fowards once more into the fray of claws and teeth, wide jaws snapping insanely for the Queen's figure.

Bounding towards the barbary as he grabs Jemadari in a chokehold, Zira targets his exposed back, leaping up once again to try and pull him down to the ground with her claws and jaws. However, before she's able to do much damage to Ronan, he leaps away towards his daughter, causing the Queen to follow in pursuit. As he turns towards her, blood coursing down the front of his body, Zira shows no fear, charging towards him just the same, the impact likely to deal some damage to them both.

Sytobi was thrown into Eris rather forcefully, back first, upon her flank. His right 'arm' is tooth-torn just below the elbow joint, and bleeding rather heavily. As the three leonines - the brothers and Eris - simultaneously struggle to their feet in a frenzy of tangled limbs and grasping claws, it's difficult to tell who is who. Sytobi untangles himself from the bunch just in time to be knocked back down by Ronan, but he's /really/ not in the best of moods right now. Giza is also caught in the crossfire, a stray swipe or two bloodying up either brother rather badly. While one is being attacked, the other is always attacking. Crimson-soaked claws attempt to bury themselves in Ronan's eye sockets; teeth, into his jowls and throat.

Raiyan half watches the battle, half scans the surrounding land. Ronan is proving a mighty foe -- but surely three or so lions can take a single one down, right? Raiyan allows himself to watch the battle for a moment, frowning, brows creasing. He seems about to start towards it, but decides to hang back still - the Barbary can't last much longer.

There. As the barbary goes to run at the Queen, Seifer springs from her post. Quick legs rocket the lithe lioness fowards. She's a few feet away when she launches through the air, aiming for the barbaries already torn back, claws going for his broad blood soaked shoulders.

Kicking up dust as he's thrown aside, Jemadari rolls from his side onto his back with the inertia of the movement. There's a period of stunned silence where he remains on his back and looks up with wide eyes, but business takes over and the lion rolls back onto his feet and pushes himself up. Fire and /brimstone,/ that hurt. The youth turns his head aside and spits the hairy flesh out like a rebellious Tribble; eyes balefully centering on Ronan and panting heavily before bounding towards Ronan and bringing centering another slash towards the elder's soft midsection. There will be disembowelling today; one way or another!

His face is tattered even more, his vision now nothing but a bloody whirlpool of shapes and visions. He turns, bolting for Zira and she comes for him and snarls, meeting the lioness head on. As the two hit, the barbary throws his massive paws and arms around the Queen, claws going for anything, Seifer hits his exposed back. A roar is let loose as the females claws dig into his already wounded shoulder, the weight causing his back legs to crumble beneith him. As he begins to fall the young lions claws catch true, ripping his underside with another fresh spurt of blood to the already stained ground. His back gives an odd cracking sound as he tumbles to the side in a weird angle, claws still aching for Zira's flesh. There's a heavy thud as the barbary hits the ground, blood gushing from his neck and now seeping from the corners of his mouth, tatterd face twisted in a look of agony. -- Eris lets out a scream she doesn't know she ever had. She was hurting, everywhere. Blood dappled her fgured, wether its her own, her fathers, or one of the males she doesnt know. The scream rips through the savannah as Ronan hits the ground. She can't see it, but then again she can, she could feel it.

He heard the roar from halfway across the lands, where he had been on routine patrol. The local King - the white-coated Kiet - was instantly on alert. The roar was recognized as being from his "Uncle", and knowing that the barbary would not have uttered such a sound if things were going well, he immediately raced off in the direction he had heard the roar coming from. Paws pounded against the earth as Kiet raced to the aid of Ronan, not knowing just what he would find upon arrival. On his way, Kiet had stumbled across one of the pride huntress', Fajra, who had also heard the roar and was alarmed. After a few, briefly exchanged words, the pair had continued on together.. worry and fear etched into their features. As they arrive upon the scene - Fajra racing along a few steps behind and to Kiet's left - neither could have ever imagined that /this/ is what they would find. It's.. like a war has suddenly exploded on their lands, and they aren't even sure /why/. All they know is what they take in visually; that Ronan and Eris are in trouble and they need help. Full, challenging roars ripping from the throats of King and huntress alike, Kiet and Fajra plunge into the battle.. the white lion throwing himself at some random Mbaamwezian.. while Fajra races towards Eris, to help protect her blind pridesister. -- It could almost be a different place entirely, were it not for the fact that the scenery is exactly the same, the same battle is still raging around them. And yet.. there is silence. Even as growls and roars sound, as paws pound the ground and claws split flesh.. this world is completely silent. Like watching a film with the sound turned off. And then, ever so softly, comes the sound of a faint, whispering wind. It blows gently through this otherwise silent world, tugging gently at the thick, plush mane of a new lion on the scene. A lion who goes unnoticed by all. All those still living, that is. His form almost apeears to glow.. and his steps are firm and purposeful. He is a lion in his prime; a coat of brilliant white, with a thick barbary-like mane of black streaked with gold. Crimson fur coats his paws, the bridge of his nose, the tips of his ears. Crimson eyes sparkle with warmth. He is a fit, muscular beast.. a Great King. A smile forms across the lion's pale muzzle and then his mouth parts as he goes to speak. One might expect a host of heavenly creatures to start singing, and for this lion's voice to sound like a sweet symphony of wonderfulness that is the afterlife. And if you believe that, I've got a house made of gold to sell you. "Yo, ugly butt! Rise and shine, little brother!" Ah, yes. Anubis has come to take his brother home.

Ah, this is why he'd not thrown himself into the frenzy. "We've got company!" Raiyan roars towards the group, spotting the White King and his companion. With that, Raiyan throws himself at Kiet, claws unsheathing, teeth bared. If it is a swift retreat to be hand, Raiyan will cover it -- if it's a full out battle, well, Raiyan's already in it. He looses a snarl as he closes in with the Kivulian king and while he lacks the size and strength of the former, here's a warrior born, and one who at least knows how to use his speed when at a size-disadvantage.

Sytobi /finally/ manages to pull himself onto all fours as Ronan lunges for Zira, favoring his foreleg, which blood freely trickles down. His fur is more scarlet than beige now, mainly stained with Ronan's blood, but also quite a bit of his own. Growling, hackles raised, eyes a crazed crimson to rival his pelt, he shoots a sneering glare at Raiyan. "No s**t. So /do/ something, you idiot.." He shakes a bit of blood from his pelts, showering those around him in flecks of red before turning his head to regard the dying elder.

What's with all the comotion? Surely none expected the noise to go unnoticed by the local pride. While the response is delayed, the Kivulian army has finally arrived to the scene. Led by the King, and seconded by his Queen, Saibh and her father, the retired monarch, Xian. The Queen races after her mate easily; her small body giving her the speed her barbary father has not. Though the latter's heavy footsteps pretty much give his presence away; in size, Xian's as monstrous as Ronan and Mviko. While the monarches might not have a clue of what's going on, the retired king knows those roars.. at least one of them. His brother, Ronan. But how? He's changed completely from his former self.. now he was peaceful, not the troublesome murderer he used to be. The lion's turquoise eyes focuss ahead, seeing the massive ammount of unknown felines in the area. Immediately, the aging male speeds up.. his claws damaging the soil as he races past his young daughter, protective instinct driving him to the battle where he KNOWS his brother is caught into. What's this? A splitting roar is released from the male, soon followed by the roars of Saibh and Shahila, the guard who recently joined the side of Fajra, coming from a different direction but heading in the same way. The golden male lanches himself full-force at the new Mbaamwezian Queen, silvery claws extended and large jaws aimed to knock the lioness off. Saibh and Shahila, both, go for one of the maneless ones. Sytobi. And so the battle begins ..

The barbary's claws slice her upper arm as he falls to the ground, forcing a snarl from Zira's muzzle. Just to make sure their goal has been reached, the Queen lifts the uninjured arm, swiping it down and across the elder's face mercilessly -- just as the cavalry arrives, a moment too late. The challenging roars are not retaliated by Zira -- this is no longer her feud to fight. Her half of the deal is done. "Seth - I helped you accomplish what you wanted; now I'm getting the hell out of here," she quickly calls out. With that, Zira turns tail and darts back towards the grasses - she's not a fan of retreating, but, hey, let's live to fight another day.

With Eris gone Tambo figured she would be out with her father, so the lion went to find the pair. Another at the rock said they went to the savannah some time ago so that is where he is heading, pretty much minding his own business until the roars and sounds of fighting catches his attention. Worry fills the lion which speeds his movement into a run as he enters the savannah gaze flicking over the scene quickly as he sees all the lions and has to wonder what in the hell is going on. He catches sight of Ronan falling and then hears Eris scream, the lion is racing through thr grasses heading to where he last saw Eris in the mess of lions. If any should get in his way there going to need help that's for sure.. Another is coming onto the scene with the sound of roars and crys catching her attetnion. Lutalo knew it was her father and this spurred the young barbary onwards to the mess blinking as she catches sight of everthing trying to find out what is going on.. "Dad?" The lioness mumbles to herself befor
"Dad?" The lioness mumbles to herself before he catches sigt of her fallen father, who many are standing around. She darts froward racing into the grasses heading in a bee-line right towards her father's form not caring who all might be around him at the moment.

[Tilyn]

He remains where he lay, his figure shaking in pain and anguish. However, a slight smile starts to form on the dazed lions face amidst all the chaos. He smiles even. "Shut... up ..." he trys to mutter, however hard the words are to muster, coming out in simple gurgles and groans. His ears try to twist towards voice, but he simply lays there, still, but not yet completely dead. Eris almost flips as so many figures are suddenly around her, the pregnant lioness cowering down into the grasses. Tambo's familiar smell along with her pridesister is noticed and she imediately goes for her mates side, tears streaming down her face in hystarical sobs. - Not far off comes another pale form, Weupe. She'd heard the comotion when she was talking with Siangamika and well.. she had to see. She arrives to see the fallen barbary, adn Zira's band. A snarl rips from the pale lioenss maw as she see's her mother and instantly runs to her aid against whoever it is she may be fighting. -- And yet from teh distance more arrive. Atreyu arrives with his sister, the young lion and Xipil on ihs heels. He heads for his father's side immediately, a roar of his own issuing forwards. Xipil however, stops dead in her tracks, fear washing over her face. No. No... it can't be..

Among the many possibilities Jemadari could choose from as the proverbial tables turn, Zira's decision is by far the most appealing. He's all for not getting mauled to death. Disappointed that he couldn't devour the brutalized shape of Ronan, the yong lion simply licks one of his fangs before turning to sprint after his queen.

The roars altered the two reunited - Siangamika and Weupe took off, foreboding already on their minds from the previous conversation. Siangamika, for all his monstrous size, proves to be agile enough to pick up a speed that most wouldn't think a giant could. The massive Barbary takes in the scene in moments; a scene of chaos, Eris attacked, Ronan dying. But Sianga only has eyes for one beast - as Seth enters his vision, the lion let's loose a roar of pure rage. Claws unsheath and his gaze simply locks upon the most hated of creatures in Siangamika's world.

Seth watches the barbary's life fade away, a sneer drawing across his face. He looks up, ashamed he couldn't finish what he started with Eris before he has to dodge an on coming Kivulian. The queens words catch a grin from the male as he turns to follow suit, roaring towards Raiyan, "Come on boy! Get your butt out of here. We're through." The male turns, bolting after the Mbaamwezian Queen, however he does stop to turn. GAze catches sight of the lioness not to far off, eyes widen and rage covers his features. Seth takes a step in her direction, however far away she may be, and snarls. "Xipil." he hisses, eyes narrowing. The roar gets his attention next and Seth turns his eyes to Siangamika, a grin flashing upon his features. Ah ha. He glances towards Eris, however she's too far away and surrounding for him to do anything, before looking back to Siangamika. This is where he takes ihs leave. The lion sneers before glancing once more at Xipil, snarling, and turning to dash after Zira and her pride members back into Mbaamwezi.

Sytobi barely has time to catch his breath before he's lunged at, again, this time by a female. Giza is also lunged at, and the four tangle for a moment before a fleeting glance of the retreating queen is caught out of their peripherals. Well, best to follow suit, right? Either of the males slip away at the first possible chance they get, but not before taking a bit more damage - and probably dealing a bit as well. And so, the maneless mercenaries make for the border as more and more Kivulians arrive, thinking it a good idea to make a swift escape before things /really/ start to hit the fan. Sytobi carries himself with a slight limp, but pain is for the most part masked by adrenaline at the moment.

Smaller than the average male, Kiet doesn't possess the pure, raw power of his barbary in-laws. Much like Raiyan, the Kivulian King has speed as his aid.. and a desire to beat the intruders on his lands to death for.. whatever exactly has occured here. Snarling, Kiet meets his attacker head-on, ebon claws unsheathed from ivory paws, aiming for any part of Raiyan that he can possibly reach. -- Khamisa arrives on the heels of her brother, Atreyu, even after having been ordered to remain behind. At her side is Ankarri, present to follow Atreyu's orders to look after Khamisa. And although her courage and desire not to be left out made Khamisa come this far, she falters at Xipil's side, looking over the scene in horror.. even as many of the attackers flee across the border. Even Fajra finally pauses, looking around.. her gaze landing on Ronan. What the...? -- "Hey, don't you tell me to shut up," Says the ghostly image of Anubis, who is now lingering near Ronan's body, unseen by all save the dying lion himse
himself. "I'm older than you, you know." The former Kimondo King steps around to look his brother in the face, to spare the lion the pain of having to turn his head. Annie smiles, his voice soft when he speaks next. "Ronnie.. I'm sorry. But it's time. You fought well, bro. But it's time you come and hang with me, y'hear?"

It's convenient, how everyone seems to be halfway across the territory when one of the pride's members is ambushed on the border--Kisehemu is just grateful that Camrath forced all that endurance training on him when he'd first been signed up as a squire, because that equates to a /lot/ of running, and while the dash here hasn't exactly left him /fresh/, he's flagging much less badly than he would have when he was younger. He'd been out trying to teach Mizuka some things about tracking when they'd heard the roar, but they hadn't met up with the others until just now, since they'd been approaching at more of an angle than the other Kivulians; Kise hadn't even wasted his breath trying to tell the adolescent to go home in case they wound up fighting. And guess what? There's a big freaking battle in progress, although even as the two males close in on the scene, the attackers are already fleeing, and leaving a (not-quite) corpse and a hysterical lioness in their wake. Kisehemu is /pissed off/, and it doesn
doesn't help his mood any when Raiyan lunges for Kiet--the knight changes direction immediately, charging towards the two of them; a roar rips itself from his own throat, a sound rarely heard from him. --And Mizuka? Catching sight of his siblings, and Xipil, heads for /them/. He hasn't had much practical training yet; he's not going to be running after the Mbaamwezi lions. Better to stick with them.

Last to fight, last to leave; Raiyan swipes at the King to connect with anything he can, to leave any mark he can. It's not without it's own consquences however - Kiet manages to slash across Raiyan's chest, where the mane has barely begun to grow, and tears a good bit of it out, along with flesh. The wound immediately begins to bleed, but Raiyan seems to ignore it. In fact, his attack would continue, if not for Seth calling him to leave. With a snarl and a snort, Raiyan shifts his weight, bringing his hindlimbs beneath him and whirling about to follow after the other Outlanders regardless of whatever further blows might land on him. Catching sight of Kise coming for him, Raiyan bares his teeth and continues his dash, though he makes it clear he'll stay at the rear of the fleeing Outlanders (and thusly the target for anyone else who wishes to attack/continue attacking).

And Xian .. he apparently misses the Mbaamwezian Queen and lands on all fours beside his brother, teeth bared viciously as she watches them retreat; his eyes focussed intensely on Zira's retreating form, and then on Seth.. even moreso rageful. He turns around quickly to see if anyone else needs his aids but, much to Xian's surprise, he sees the quickest retreat he's ever seen in his whole life. Whin a few minutes' time, most of their enemies are gone.. not without leaving a great damage behind, that's for sure... -- Saibh and Shahila roll in the ground and struggle to keep Sytobi captive, but he struggles away and while the white lioness is quick to leap back, Saibh isn't that lucky and gets a couple of slashes upon her forelegs and chest; blood soon staining her pale coat, much like Shahila's.. but it's nothing serious compared to Ronan's. Saibh's eyes suddenly widden considerably. "Uncle Ronnie!!!" She cries out, her eyes soon watering up.. though she remains frozen where she is. -- Xian, however, doesn't remain where he is; he quickly moves to his brother's side.. ironically coming to stand right beside the spirit of his other beloved brother, Anubis. Very few times have the Kivulians seen the golden barbary cry.. and this is one of them. His eyes soon drown in tears that trickle down upon seeing his younger brother torn.. "Ronan.. please. Don't." He hasn't gotten over Anubis' death yet.. he can't loose the only brother he had left. They were inseparable.. always together, from the very beginning of their journey. "Ronan.. please.. No..." He crouches down, pressing his forehead against the side of Ronan's neck gently, hidding his face from view. But he knows.. deep inside he knows, even if he doesn't want to believe it.. that his brother, his last brother.. is dying. As insignificant as it might sound, only a few words come out from Xian.. too overwhelmed by the moment. "Wait for me.. Ronnie. I...I love you, brother." Trailing off.. Xian bites his lip, so hard, t
.. Xian bites his lip, so hard, that a little bit of blood trickles down his muzzle. Not this way..not this way..


Tambo pauses near to Eris and presses close to her, his head against her's while his heart is racing. "Eris.. Its alright, calm down." The lion murmurs not sure what has happened to Ronan while he was worried about getting to his mate. His gaze travels over her form notcing all the blood upon his mate and this only makes him worry more. A forepaw wraps around Eris pulling her close to him while his form shakes with anger while trying to keep calm but he can't. He could have lost her, again.. And then where would be be? His ear twitch to the voices of the others while he swallows knowing what is happing being him now. "DAD!" Lutalo cries out as she reaches her father's form, eyes wide as she looks over all the blood which makes the young lioness tremble. She pushes her head down against his while sucking in a breath and whimpers. "Not now..please.." The girl begs while basicly falling down near her father, tears streaming from her eyes as her gaze stays on her father's face. It wasn't suppose to end this way, that
It wasn't suppose to end this way, that's all she can think.

So many rushing to Ronan, and there's Siangamika following after Seth in a mad dash - but to no avail. Well aware that the rest of the pride is staying beside the dying lion, he forces himself to wait; he can find Seth another time. Listening to the keening of the others, Siangamika wills himself to turn around and closes the distance to the group, though he doesn't approach Ronan's form yet. Or Eris's for that matter. But the young Barbary stares at the sight of his father's torn body, swallowing slowly. No, he won't approach - there are those here who deserve to be closer to the Dark Lord than he does. He halts on the rim of those here, head lowering slightly, unable to say a word to express the strange feeling of loss welling up.

There's a sad smile upon his face. He can hear his brother Anubis, and he simply shakes his head, "Not yet.." he whispers, struggling to maintain that urgent hold on life, just a little longer, not yet. He stares, unseeing, at his two brothers standing side by side, that smile - rarely seen - hanging on his maw. His daughters voice brings a light twitch of his tattered ear and Ronan manages a rather meek purr. "Lutalo. Baby girl.. be strong.." he utters, his voice straining. He looks up, not admiting to Xian he can't see him, but simply smiles. "I had it coming." he mutters, choking breifly with a fit of weak coughs. "It's going to be ok... doofus is here to see me through." he rummbles regaurding Anubis. "Xian.. watch after Kieleaji.. and the kids... make sure.. they're ok." he frowns faintly, eyes widening. "Don't tell Kieleaji how this looks.." he murmurs. He can't see Siangamika for now as he whinces breifly and then smiles sadly. "I love you Xian.. I'll tell dad and mom you said hey.." He began to feel numb, twitching at the soft touch on his paw. Eris had left Tambo's side, feeling her way to her father's side, and now lay beside her younger sister trying to comfort her as best she can, tears trickling down from her sightless eyes. A sightless daughter and a sightless father. She smiles, sadly, at the mention of Anubis and simply squeezes her eyes shut tight, sobing gently into Lutalo's fur. Eris can't see her brother Sianga' but she can feel him, head lifts and she turns her ears in his direction, a soft meow wailed towards him. Ronan simply smiles gently, head moving to settle against his brother's paw. "I love you guys.." he mutters. Then, he lay still. No hurt, just cold and yet warmth. There's an odd laughter and a somewhat shimmering vision of the lion in his younger years, no scars, stands beside his alabaster brother, a scowl on his features. "I'll kick your butt in this life too.." he mutters jestingly. He turns however, gaze lowering over his body once full of life and whinces. He was tore up bad.. Gaze slides from face to face and finally settles on Siangamika. His son.. The lions spirit moves away from his body, the rest of the pride, towards Sianga'. A sad smile graces his features as the lion presses his head to the other barbary's neck, whispering gently. "I've always loved you.. I always will." It's with that that the lion turns and smiles to Anubis. "Race ya."

It is with satisfaction that Kiet notes the damage he is able to hand out to one of the attackers.. and he only wishes it could be more. Satisfaction is short-lived, however, as Raiyan's claws barely catch the left side of Kiet's face.. and then rip nicely into his left shoulder, crimson blood welling up brightly against the male's white pelt. Falling back a step or two, Kiet lets the male run.. knowing that now is not the time for pursuit. His pride is in greater need of his presence than the attackers, for the moment. Giving Kise' a brief nod, Kiet wanders over to Saibh, giving her a gentle nuzzle. But his gaze lingers on Ronan. "Uncle..." One of the first lions to accept Kiet's presence as King. Kiet is going to miss him so. -- Khamisa can only stare, blue eyes watering with tears. What.. what is going on? What just happened? The Princess' gaze sweeps over those gathered, a shoulder leaned briefly against Xipil's, a glance exchanged with Ankarri.. who, in a strange land surrounded by strangers, must feel even more lost than she does. And then Mizuka arrives, comes over to them, and Khamisa loses it. Dashing the few steps needed to close the gap between herself and her brother, Khammy buries her face in Mizuka's growing made. "'Zuka! What's.. what's happening? I'm scared..." -- The spirit of Anubis, brother to both Xian and Ronan, stands there silently as Xian approaches. Tears spring to the eyes of the ghost lion as well, his heart aching at Xian's words. If he could.. if he had that sort of power.. Anubis would do anything to make Ronan better, to allow him to stay here. Anubis himself would linger as well, and they could continue with their lives as beloved brothers forevermore. His tears splash at his paws, unnoticed by anyone.. except perhaps Ronan, who ligners between one world and the other. He waits quietly as Ronan says his goodbyes, hoping that it eases the hurt that those left behind must feel. As Ronan finally passes, coming to stand at his side Anubis grins at him.. and then leans over to nuzzle Xian, though he may not feel it. "We'll be back for you, Xi. You ain't rid of us forever, you big crybaby." A few last tears fall from Anubis' eyes before he turns to Ronan, grinning fully. "You're on," He tells his brother. "But there's someone else who I think wants in on our race too..." And Annie's gaze drifts towards Eris.. and winding around Eris' form, as if trying to touch her sister's spirit, sooth the pain in her heart, comes a lioness, as much a spirit as Anubis and Ronan. After she is finished, she looks to Ronan.. and smiles. "Bet I can beat you, Papa." Bvenu.

Silently, perhaps overly so, Xian listens to his brother's words.. watch after Kieleaji, and his kids. He surely will.. but.. it isn't the same. It will never be the same. He tries to supress the tears, the sobs.. and he manages to remain more or less composed as his brother says his goodbyes. "Wait for me... wait for me.." It seems almost as if he's gone completely insane for a second. Is Xian really wishing to die? Sure he has a lot of family to live for.. but he knows.. oh, he knows, that is brothers and sisters, his mother and father.. and many of his children, are waiting on the other side. The golden lion continues biting his lip as Ronan settles his head upon his paw, leaning down to nuzzle him affectively as he says his last words. How odd.. is it to see these two admitting that, despite all their fights, there was a strong bond nobody could break. Love. They're family. When he hears Ronan's last breath, there's a long silence.. when Anubis nuzzles him. Xian cannot feel it, but it does give him a vague sense of warmth. His ears perk up quickly.. Ronan did say something about 'doofus'.. And he mumbles, barely audible. "..... Annie?" He lifts his face, a mess of tears and blood.. and looks around, almost expecting to see him, but no. They're both gone. "... wait for me." -- Saibh .. all she can do is snuggle into her mate's mane, crying silently.. for it was Ronan who acepted them, who became their personal guard. He was always there, always. -- Shahila simply hangs her head low, a single tear rolling down her cheek.

Oh, /no/ you don't, Raiyan. Not after /that/. Red shows up so easily against white, and Kisehemu's anger only grows when he sees the splash of blood on Kiet's pelt. All that stuff he's been taught about keeping your head in battle is shoved right out of his head, because that these people have come onto Kivuli lands, mauled Ronan, and /now/ have the gall to make their king bleed--it infuriates him. His claws digging into the blood-soaked ground to help his purchase, he chases Raiyan--and his light frame does lend him quite a bit of speed--lashing out at the adolescent's rump with claws extended; he's not thinking in terms of any specific strategy right now, he just wants to make something /bleed/. He'd even settle for just leaving a set of marks on the other male's skin, if Kise can't knock him down. --Mizuka is just as bewildered as his sibling; he has no idea what's going on, other than the fact that Ronan is laying in a pool of his own blood and Kisehemu is angrier than the heir has ever seen him. But he presses up close to Khamisa anyway, protective, although it's not looking like anyone's going to attack his sister at this point. "I don't know--?" His voice is quiet, almost questioning--he sounds very /young/ all of a sudden, and he doesn't seem to notice, although it would no doubt rankle if he did.

He has no choice but to tear out of there once the rest are gone; Raiyan is easily hit by Kise, claws slashing across his haunch, deep enough to bring red immediately to the surface, but adrenaline keeps the young male from immediately feeling the effects. Instead, the hit spurs him onward and while he's not fleeing out of fear, Raiyan is well aware of the consequences should he stay. The last of the Mbaamwezi-Outlanders retreats swiftly.

Tambo follows after Eris, help her if she needs it to ger to Ronan's form whom he watches quietly. Hell miss the lion, one who gave him a chance and believed me him. "Take care Ronan.." The lion offers softly as he stands close near Eris. Lutalo whimpers as she hears her father while attemping to stop crying and be strong, though its not working at the moment. Her attention turns slightly to Eris whom she leans back against and lets her head burry into her sisters fur sobbing just as well. "Love you dad.." She murmurs faintly.. Another makes his way into the savannah, he was on the far side of the land when the roars got his attention but finally Kisasi made it.. The lion pauses panting as he looks around blinking at the sight. Uh what did he miss? He catches sight of his father and sister, and a bunch of others around another so quickly moves towards them until he catches sight of his fallen uncle and blinks at the sight. He hangs back and frowns at the sight while glancing around to the others, the sight of Kisehemu as he chases after Raiyan. He'll remember what that one looks like..

So this is it - never having a chance to make up with his father, and now he's lost. Siangamika sinks to his haunches, unable to bring himself to the group - still the outsider, as he's always been. Yet there is a faint breeze, a faint hiss of cold and warmth in one. He's encountered that once before, and once only; Siangamika glances towards where the feeling came, seeing nothing. But perhaps he understands it better than most and lets the equally strange calm settle over him.

[Msasi]

God, Tilly.. this was wonderful. You already know how I feel about Ronnie (and his connections to Annie and Xi) and what that means OOCly. Thanks for letting us take part, hon. <3

And for those interested, in the RP I was:
Kiet - male, White Lion, King of Kivuli
Khamisa - female, Adol. Lioness, Princess of Kivuli
Fajra - female, Lioness. Huntress of Kivuli.
Anubis - male, Lion Spirit. Uh.. dead guy, and Ronnie's weird brother
Bvenu - female, Lioness Spirit, Ronan's daughter, Eris' sister

And although not "RP'd" technically, I did give him a mention for his player:
Ankarri - male, Adol. Lion, Foreign visitor guy ordered to look after Khamisa

I think that's it. XD

[Yllan]

Thank YOU for letting us take part in this RP, sweetie. It was awesome, as always... and yes, as Annie just said.. I surely understand what you feel. Ronan, Anubis and Xian are.. simply unforgettable characters. I love the three of them.

And, in the same fashion Annie did ('cause I'm such a copy-cat), if you're wondering who I was over there..:

Xian, Male Elder Barbary Lion (Retired King of Kivuli, brother to Ronan and Anubis, father to Saibh...among others)
Saibh, Female Adult Lioness (Queen of Kivuli, Ronan's Niece, Kiet's Mate, Xian's daughter)
Shahila, Female White Lioness (Cousin to Ronan, Xian and Anubis, Weupe's mother.)