Something out of the ordinary happens in this chapter, and I will not be explaining what exactly took place until a later chapter. When you see it, you'll know what I'm talking about(also may have to change the rating because of it, let me know). Just thought I should say that. It's ok to be interested in or wonder what was going on, just please refrain from telling me I should have made it clearer, it's vague for a reason. Dream sequence at the beginning, in italics. Now that that's out of the way, please forgive typos, review(please please please review), and most of all, enjoy!
Allegiances
Edaha sat at the bottom of a pit in the Grave of Damned Souls, paw pressed against his bruised cheek. He watched the sky for any sign of the sun, not looking forward to what would take place when the shining orb finally reached its zenith. Earlier that morning, Fenyang the Pious decreed that he would be sending a group of his disciples to search for the location of the Bloody Shadows. Such decrees were not unheard of, as the Mamlaka King would often send parties out to retrieve information on his most hated enemies. However, this search party would be different. Rather than having one of his most trustworthy Disciples of Usafi lead the group, Fenyang gave the task of commanding the search party to Edaha, his only son and crowned prince of Mamlaka. Edaha immediately objected to being forced into taking on such a dangerous mission despite the fact that he was still a cub. His protests were met with a swift paw from his father, who informed Edaha that until he discovered the location of the Bloody Shadows, he would be outcast of Mamlaka. When Edaha looked to his mother in the hopes that she would come to his defense, she merely looked away from him. Fenyang then ordered one of his disciples to take Edaha to the Grave of Damned Souls, where he would be placed for his defiance until high noon, when a group of the Disciples of Usafi would come for him so that he could lead them on their mission.
So there Edaha waited, hurt both physically and emotionally. He did not deserve to be treated in such a way. He had done everything that his father had ever requested of him, never once refusing him for any reason. But the one time that he spoke up for himself, he was punished. There was nothing he could do, nothing that could save him from exile. The Disciples of Usafi were too devoted to their king to question the logic of putting such a massive responsibility on an eleven year-old cub. They would not possibly attempt to talk their leader out of it. Edaha knew it was hopeless. He could not save himself. None of the Disciples of Usafi would do anything to save him. Not even his own mother, the queen of Mamlaka, had made any effort to save him. The cub clenched his fangs in frustration.
"Why, Mother?" Edaha growled quietly, his eyes welling up with tears, "You know Father's insane…You've known it for years…You've even told me so! Why didn't you do anything? Why would you let him do this…do this to me? I've done nothing to deserve this, and still you let it happen! Why, Mother?...I thought you loved me…"
"I do love you," came a voice from above Edaha, "with all my heart."
Edaha looked up to see his mother sitting at the edge of the pit. The cub quickly looked away and glared at his paws. His mother was the last animal on earth that he wanted to see. Tii let out a heavy sigh and jumped into the pit, before dropping something in front of Edaha. Edaha looked up a bit to see the haunch of a carcass laying inches away from him.
"It's duiker," Tii explained, her tone obviously forced optimism, "I thought you might be hungry."
Again Edaha looked away. The way his mother was speaking gave him the feeling that she was offering an apology rather than food. The cub wanted neither.
"Just leave me alone," Edaha said coldly, "Stop acting like you care about me all of the sudden."
"Edaha, I do care about you," Tii responded, wrapping her foreleg around her son, "more than anything in the world."
"Then why didn't you do anything?" Edaha snapped, pulling away from his mother, "You just stood there while I was exiled for no reason! Why didn't you speak up for me? Why'd you just let it happen?"
Tii's gaze traveled to the sky. She took a deep inhale as if she were about to say something difficult to convey.
"Edaha," Tii breathed, selecting her words carefully, "When your father first told me of his plan to put you in charge of the next search party, I thought it was pure insanity, and was prepared to do whatever I could to make him change his mind…but when I considered the possibilities, I realized that sending you away to find the Bloody Shadows was not such a bad idea...In fact, I have never supported another one of his plans more fully."
Edaha's eyes widened. Whether it was due to shock or rage, even he was not certain.
"I can't believe this," Edaha replied, body trembling as he glared at his mother, "There's no way I could find the Bloody Shadows. The best Disciples of Usafi couldn't even do it. They've all failed in their search and returned to Mamlaka with nothing…But I don't even have that option! I can't return home until I've found it…Everything I ever had is gone now…I'm going to be an exile forever, and it's all your fault! How can you say that you care about me after giving me such an unjust punishment when I've done absolutely nothing wrong?"
Tii sat down next to her son and wrapped her foreleg around him, pulling him close to her chest.
"This is no punishment," Tii assured Edaha, stroking the cub's mane, "If anything, it's a reward. Mamlaka is no place for sweet, kind-hearted cub like you. I have wanted to take you away from this evil place since the moment you were born, but there was simply no safe way to do so. But now you have a chance to leave Mamlaka and your father's foolish dreams behind so that you may pursue your own dreams. I know you share my distaste for this wicked land, and that is why I allowed your father to send you on this mission. You are a very good cub, Edaha, you always have been. You deserve to find happiness, and you won't find it here."
Edaha looked up as his mother, eyes still producing tears.
"B-but if you want me to leave Father's dreams behind, why are you forcing me to pursue them?" Edaha demanded, attempting, and failing, to free himself from his mother's grasp.
Tii looked down at her cub with a small smile and slowly shook her head.
"I'm not forcing you to pursue anything other than your own desires," Tii answered quietly, lowering her muzzle to Edaha's ear, "Your father has complete control over Mamlaka, but that's all he has control over. Once you are outside his borders, you will be no longer forced to live the idiotic notion of absolute purity. You will be free to live your own life. The only reminder that you'll have of this land is the Disciples of Usafi who accompany you, but they'll prove to be more of a blessing than a curse. You are the Mamlaka Prince. They will do everything they can to ensure your survival, and follow your every command. They will kill only if you so demand it, and preach their blasphemy only if you permit them to. So long as you pretend to be devoted to your mission, they will be your slaves."
Edaha stared into his mother's eyes, astonished.
"But... what if we run into members of the Bloody Shadows?" Edaha eventually asked, "They'll kill us!"
"No, they won't," Tii shook her head, "Not you, at least. Should you meet with any assassins from the Bloody Shadows, you need only tell them exactly who you are and that you have information about Mamlaka, and they will ensure that you remain unharmed. They would not risk the life or favor of someone who could be of such use to them."
"…How do you know that?" Edaha inquired, agitation clear in his voice, "Father always said that the Bloody Shadows are full of nothing but blood-thirsty murderers who look for any reason to kill. Why would they spare me just because I have information? Wouldn't they take me being the prince of Mamlaka as a reason to kill me whether I give them information or not?"
"Just the opposite," Tii explained, "You'll be welcomed with open arms as the prince who witnessed the cruelty of his homeland first-hand and saw fit to go against it. The Bloody Shadows is not full of the savages as your father believes it is. Its assassins are just animals who found a way to channel the negative aspects of their personalities into something useful. They terminate only the wicked, not those who are merely affiliated with the wicked. If you show to them that you seek peace and justice, you will be met with peace and justice. They will treat you like one of their own, and bestow upon you the life of luxury that a wonderful cub like you deserves…In all honesty, it is my sincerest hope that you do make contact with the Bloody Shadows. Not only so that you may get to live in such a safe and glorious nation, but also so that you may give them all the information that they require to bring about the end of Mamlaka."
Edaha buried his face in his mother's foreleg, drenching it with tears.
"I c-c-c-can't do that!" Edaha sobbed, "If they found Mamlaka, they'd k-k-kill everybody, including y-y-y-you!"
"Shhh…you've no reason to be worried about me, Dearest," Tii whispered, giving her son and affectionate lick, "I'm certainly not. Your well-being is all that matters to me," Tii took a deep breath and lifted her son's head to look him in the eye, "…Whether you find the Bloody Shadows or not, I want you to live on and gain true happiness…a happiness that no creature could ever find here. You're such a wonderful cub, Edaha, you deserve nothing less."
Edaha wiped the tears from his eyes and stared up at his mother hopefully.
"Then come with me," Edaha pleaded, "You deserve find true happiness, too. We can escape this place together."
Tii shook her head slowly, all semblance of a smile fading to be replaced by a penitent frown.
"I wish I could," Tii muttered softly, looking away as her eyes began to fill with tears, "I would love nothing better than to leave with you and never return to this place…but I can't. There is still far too much I must do here. I can't allow myself run away from my responsibilities, nor can I allow them to become your burden…I'm sorry, Edaha, I truly am. I love you more than you could ever know, and it pains me greatly to send you off like this…but there is no other way. I can't keep you near me any longer, it would risk too much for the both of us…Your father means to craft you in his image, and I'll not allow my only son to become so horribly corrupted…You've already become too compliant to his teachings for my liking…"
"He beats me if I don't obey!" Edaha barked defensively, "And what's worse, he beats you just for defending me! I don't understand, Mother, why would you want to stay in a place that gives you nothing but pain?"
"I don't want to stay here," Tii breathed painfully, "I have to stay here...It's not something I can explain to you, Edaha, but I promise you that purpose within Mamlaka is too important for me to abandon…and even if I could abandon it, your father would never allow me to leave these lands…I tried once before, though I would not expect you to remember. When you were only an infant, I tried to take you away from Mamlaka so that we could both live in a better land. It didn't take long for your father to catch us. He threatened to have both you and I killed if I ever even thought about leaving him again…The threat still stands to this day…I care not for my own life, but I refuse for you to be robbed of yours simply because of my selfishness."
Edaha's eyes once again widened, and this time, he was sure that rage was the cause.
"I'll kill him," Edaha snarled quietly, "I swear to the gods, I'll kill him for what he's done to you…to both of us."
Tii looked back at her son, mouth ajar with shock.
"Edaha, there's no possible way you-" Tii began, before her son cut her off.
"I'll leave with the Disciples of Usafi," Edaha continued, eyes narrowed and fangs barred at the ground, "I'll find the Bloody Shadows, and hire the best assassins I can get…and then I'll lead them back here, so they can destroy this place forever!…I'll leave you today, Mother, but I swear to the almighty gods that I will come back for you…and for Father's head."
Tii embraced her son tighter, tears now streaming from her eyes.
"My sweet, brave Edaha," Tii cried softly, "You've already given me more than I have ever deserved simply by existing. Please don't go to any such trouble on my account…just leave this all behind, and find your happiness."
"As long as you're a prisoner here," Edaha stated almost emotionlessly, "Happiness won't exist for me…I mean it, Mom, I will come back for you. I'll take you away from here, and we can both be happy…together."
Tii smiled slightly, lifting her son so that their muzzles were on each other's shoulders.
"I…I know you will," Tii breathed, fighting back tears, "My dear, sweet, wonderful son…I have more faith in you than I have ever had in any of the gods. I know you'll grow to do great things…I love you, Edaha. You are more precious to me than anything this world has to offer, and more magnificent than anything that I could possibly be rewarded with in eternal paradise. Know that wherever you go, whatever life you lead, my prayers will be with you…along with my love."
"I lo-" Edaha began, before his mother cupped a paw over his muzzle and placed him on the ground.
"It is time for…Tii, what are you doing down there?" came a voice from atop the pit.
Edaha and Tii turned to the source of the voice to find Fenyang the Pious staring down at them, Bellow strangely absent from his shoulder. Tii cleared her throat and sat up straight before responding.
"I came to bring our son a meal before he leaves on his journey," Tii stated formally, meeting her son's gaze and motioning to the duiker haunch.
Edaha got the message and began tearing into the meal his mother had brought him. Fenyang narrowed his eyes in annoyance.
"You dare to reward him after the disrespect he has shown me?" Fenyang growled, jumping into the pit with eyes locked on Edaha.
Edaha winced, preparing to be struck. Tii quickly stepped between her husband and son before Fenyang could even raise a paw.
"Rest assured, his insubordination has already been punished," Tii said slowly, keeping her eyes on her husband, "I have given him both a scolding and a beating for his sins. He has learned his lesson, and is ready to atone."
Fenyang sat down, lips curled in a sneer that seemed almost amused.
"Is that so?" Fenyang inquired, bringing his gaze to his son, "Well, is it, Edaha?"
Edaha looked from his mother to his father, and back again. Tii tilted her head toward Fenyang, indicating for Edaha to address his father.
"Y…Yes, Father," Edaha nodded carefully, bowing as he met his father's gaze, "I am truly remorseful for my actions. It was not my place to have spoken out against you, nor will it ever be. Please forgive me of my offences so that I may seek absolution from the gods."
Fenyang smiled with a small nod, satisfied.
"You shall earn my forgiveness through finding the Bloody Shadows," Fenyang announced, "I have sent Bellow to gather the Disciples of Usafi that will be accompanying you on your mission. They are yours to lead to the land of our enemies, so I suggest you command them wisely. You are not to return until you have found the precise location of the Bloody Shadows. If you should return a failure…well, just pray that the gods will show you more mercy than I will. Do I make myself clear?"
Edaha stared straight into his father's eyes and nodded.
"I understand completely," Edaha answered, his tone intense, "But I won't allow myself to fail my mission…No, I shall be leaving with a search party," Edaha glanced at his mother before continuing, "and by the power of the almighty gods I shall be returning with a search party."
xXx
"Edaha? Edaha, wake up!" a voice called to Edaha, causing him to rise from his slumber leap to his feet.
"What? Who…" Edaha looked down to see Kivuli looking up at him with an urgent expression, "Kivuli, what's wrong?"
The black cub's expression quickly changed to one of excitement.
"Finally, you're up," Kivuli said happily, "I was afraid you'd miss it!"
"Miss what?" Edaha asked, completely confused.
Kivuli turned around and pointed with his paw. Edaha looked in the direction that his brother had indicated to see two male impala, horns locked together in combat. One was tilting his head in an attempt to flip the other on its side, while the other dug its hooves into the ground and leaning forward in the hopes of overpowering his opponent. They had both reached a clear stalemate, but refused to give up on their respective strategies. Kivuli, having never seen such behavior, watched on in delight. It was not long before Edaha found himself smiling.
"Ah, that's right," Edaha nodded thoughtfully, stifling a yawn, "It's almost mating season. They must be sparring in preparation."
"Mating season?" Kivuli asked in confusion, tearing his gaze from the battling impala to look up at his brother, "What's that?"
Edaha looked away and rubbed the back of his neck, not sure how to explain such a time of year to a cub.
"Oh…well…you see," Edaha began, turning back to his brother with a smile, "When a male antelope wants to impress a female antelope, they lock horns with another male to demonstrate their dominance over an opponent. This shows the female how truly dedicated the male is to becoming their mate. By showing off his strength and besting another male in combat, a male antelope is able to win the companionship of any female he so desires."
"Oh," Kivuli nodded, bringing his attention back to the battling impala, "…Well, the way things are going here, these two will probably end up sharing one."
Edaha could not help but to smile upon hearing such a comment.
"It doesn't really work that way," Edaha explained with a small laugh, "Mates aren't exactly something that should be shared."
"Why not?" Kivuli inquired, cocking his head.
"It's…best for such a relationship to remain between just two animals," Edaha answered carefully, "That way, a deeper connection can form between them, and a simple friendship can evolve into something much greater."
"Sooo…" Kivuli placed a paw to his chin in thought, before smiling up at his brother, "Having a mate is like having a really close friend?"
"In a way," Edaha nodded, "But it's really more than even that."
Kivuli collected his thoughts, focusing on what Edaha had told him.
"I don't understand," the black cub eventually announced.
"Neither do I," Edaha laughed quietly, "Not fully, anyway. I suppose it's something only those who've found a mate can understand."
Kivuli's eyes widened with surprise.
"You don't have a mate?" Kivuli asked, a bit perplexed, "Why not? You've beaten up hyenas before."
Edaha stared at his brother strangely for a few moments, before laughing when he realized the cub's meaning.
"Finding a mate doesn't work the same for every species," Edaha clarified, "Different animals have different mating rituals, and even those only serve as a guideline. Hyena tradition would have me-"
Edaha was interrupted by the painful cries of two impala as they both crashed to the ground simultaneously and frantically struggled to untangle their horns. Kivuli fell over in laughter.
"Kivuli, it's not polite to laugh at others," Edaha stated, holding back a laugh of his own, "…One moment, please."
Kivuli watched as his brother approached the two tangled impala. Upon seeing the advancing hyena, the impala bleated in panic and attempted to get back on their hooves, only to fail and crash to the ground once more. When Edaha was only a yard away from them, they stopped struggling and lied completely still, as if accepting their fate. Both the impala and Kivuli were in for a surprise, as rather than tearing into the two prone antelope, Edaha wrapped his paws around their horns untangled them, setting the impala free. The impala slowly stood up, shock-filled eyes locked on Edaha.
"Good thing none of the females were around to see that, eh?" Edaha addressed the two impala with a casual wink, "I trust you two are alright?"
The two impala exchanged confused glances, before bringing their eyes back to Edaha and nodding.
"I'm glad to hear it," Edaha smiled, walking back toward Kivuli
After the few moments of contemplation, the impala themselves turned to and began to walk away, only to come to a full stop.
"Well, guess we'll just be returning to our herd," one impala said to the other, loud enough for all who were present to hear, "Which isn't far from here."
"Yes, straight shot, actually," the other impala answered just as loudly, "Say, did you hear about Kustawi?"
"You mean that guy with the broken horn?"
"Yes, him. Apparently he's broken at lot more than that, recently. He can't even stand properly anymore, much less move around."
"Is that so? Not all that surprising, he is getting on in years. Gods bless him, he's lived longer than any of us could ever hope to. Still, wouldn't be surprised if he got picked off, soon."
"It'd be just as well. No animal should have to live the rest of its life with three fractured legs and a dislocated shoulder…Well, back to our herd, which, as you said, is not far from here."
With that, the two impala trotted off toward their herd. Edaha watched them go with a smile, before turning his attention to Kivuli, who was wearing an expression of pure bewilderment. It did not take long for Edaha to figure out why.
"I…forgot to tell you prey can talk, didn't I?" Edaha guessed.
Kivuli nodded slowly. Edaha let out a heavy sigh, knowing the conversation that he and his brother were about to have would not be an easy one. He had no idea where to begin. Luckily, he would not have to.
"Well…I guess it makes sense," Kivuli eventually stated, albeit uneasily, "Why wouldn't they be able to talk? We're all connected…and equal…and…Balance…Circle of Life…soil…"
Kivuli was beginning to consider the relationship between predator and prey as even less justifiable. At the same time, he felt that the knowledge that prey could talk changed nothing. Edaha was the kindest animal that Kivuli had ever encountered, and if even he hunted, it must have been the right thing to do. The black cub thought of how his brother had helped the two impala, and how the only prey that he had ever slain were the sick, elderly, or injured, who would have soon died on their own. Even in doing so, Edaha ensured that they passed away much more peacefully and less painfully than their natural death would have allowed them.
"That impala those two were talking about," Kivuli finally, looking to his brother, "The injured one…He shouldn't have to suffer like that…and even his death should serve a purpose…right?"
Edaha let out a heavy sigh as he smiled down at the black cub.
"Indeed it should," Edaha breathed, patting his brother on the head, "You try so hard, Kivuli, and you're coming a long way. I know that this is all extremely difficult to understand, and I promise you that all of it will become clear in time…It's not something mere words could teach, though I sincerely wish it were."
"I know," Kivuli agreed quietly, though he did not truly understand, "We're predators, and hunting's what predators do…I'll accept that for now…You say it's justified, then it's justified…We should get going soon, right? So that means we have to eat…You're compassionate…I don't want anyone else getting to that poor impala before you do."
Edaha nodded with a bittersweet smile and began to dig a hole.
"I'll make it painless," Edaha promised, placing his brother in the hole he had dug before turning in the direction that the two male impala had disappeared to, "Stay hidden. I won't be long."
"Right," Kivuli replied quietly, feigning a smile as he made himself comfortable.
Edaha stared at his brother doubtfully for a few moments, before running off to find the impala herd. The morning was already proving itself to be eventful. Still, the young hyena could not free his mind of the memory that had come to him in his sleep.
Mother, Edaha called out in his mind as he ran, I'm sorry that I failed to return sooner. If I had, I could have saved both Kivuli and you, and none of this would have happened…But I will make it up to you. I'll swear to the gods, I'll undo the damage Father has done to you…the damage he has done to all of us.
xXx
Nakama let out a sigh of contentment as he lied in the soft grass, soaking up the rays of the sun. The striped hyena could not remember the last time he was able to rest so comfortably. He was used to defying his nocturnal nature and being active at all hours to search for sustenance, but he had no reason to worry about that on this day. He had been fortunate enough to find a half-eaten antelope laying by the side of a river, allowing him to satisfy his need for both food and water in one place. He did need to beat off a few other predators in order to have the carcass to himself, but that was nothing new for him. In fact, the rush that he received from combat made the meal taste all the more gratifying.
"Ahh…this is more like it," Nakama exhaled happily, rolling onto his back, "Food, water, battle, rest…throw a coupla females my way and I'll be in paradise!"
"Yes," came a voice from behind Nakama, "I, too, seek a female."
Nakama's eyes widened with surprise as his entire form became petrified. He recognized the voice. And just like every other time he had heard it, it did not sound happy. Slowly the striped hyena turned to face a large hyena with a skull over his face. On top of the striped hyena's back was an unconscious hyena that looked to be in terrible shape. Nakama only spared the unconscious form minimal attention, for the majority of his focus was on the skulled hyena, itself.
"K-K-Kalab!" Nakama greeted the skulled hyena nervously, attempting to sound casual, "Buddy, how've you been? Wasn't expecting to see you so…soon…Got a new friend there, didja?"
Kalab lowered himself to the ground and leaned sideways, allowing the inert hyena to gently roll off his back and land on the soft grass. He then walked toward Nakama until he was close enough for their noses to make contact. Nakama could see the rage in the striped hyena's eyes, but knew better than to run.
"Where…is…Tii?" Kalab snarled, his muscles bulging with every word.
Nakama kept his face pointed toward Kalab, but subconsciously allowed his eyes to dart back in forth.
"Y-Yeah, about that," Nakama began, shifting his gaze to the ground, "It was all going fine, I was watching her like you told me to, we were going for a nice little stroll, managed to keep her in the middle of nowhere for quite some time…and then…and then when we were got a little too close to an established territory, she sorta…gave me the slip."
"YOU LOST HER?" Kalab roared, raising a paw to the sky and extending his claws.
"No no no no no no," Nakama crouched low to the ground in an attempt to make himself as small as possible, "Of course not, I know exactly where she is…I just couldn't go after her."
Kalab slowly brought his paw downward until it was over his left eye. He then placed his dewclaw into the eye-sockets of the skull that adorned his face and carefully removed it, placing it on the ground beside him. Nakama gulped. It was rare that he had ever seen Kalab remove his skull, and thankfully so. Nothing good ever came after the act.
"Couldn't go after her," Kalab repeated, eyes closed as he massaged his temple in annoyance, "Interesting. Well, how about before I craft a suitable noose for you out of your own intestines, you explain why that is?"
Even with the sun beating down on him, Nakama felt eerily frigid.
"She entered a colony of the Bloody Shadows," Nakama answered, watching Kalab cautiously, "S-Samira, the Place of Refugees."
Kalab slowly opened his eyes, brought his paw to the ground, and began pacing back and forth.
"Samira," Kalab nodded, his tone amused, "My, that does bring back memories! A land where outcasts and outlaws alike can live in peace, shielded from the hatred of their homelands. With such a veritable supply of rogues and deserters, it comes as no surprise that it is so heavily guarded…" Kalab came to a stop and turned his focus to the striped hyena, smiling cruelly, "Come to think of it, you're a deserter, yourself. It is baffling that you did not simply go after her under that pretense."
"I defected from the Bloody Shadows, themselves," Nakama stated quickly, defensively, "I can't possibly find safety in an area under their control. They've been hunting me for years, 'n by now they all know who I am. They'd tear me apart on the spot…" the spotted hyena smiled up at Kalab hopefully, "And I am worth more to you alive than dead, correct?"
"Just barely," Kalab narrowed his eyes, walking over to the unconscious hyena and nudging it with his paw, "No matter. Tii will be far safer in Samira than she ever was under your watch. We can always retriever her when we're done here."
"Done here?" Nakama asked, cocking his head in confusion, "What do we need to-"
"Not now, you fool!" Kalab snapped, motioning to the unconscious hyena, "He's coming to."
Nakama watched as the strange hyena opened its eyes and struggled to its feet, wincing painfully as it did so.
"W…What is this place?" the burn-covered hyena asked, slowly taking in its surroundings.
"Nowhere of any great importance, Oh Pious One," Kalab answered, helping the injured hyena to maintain his balance, "Just a calm, quiet place where you may rest off your afflictions in peace," Kalab brought his eyes to the half-eaten carcass, "And I see my servant has been gracious enough to supply you with a meal."
A blazing glare from Kalab robbed Nakama of any chance to object. The striped hyena stepped backward and averted his eyes, allowing his boss to lead the stranger over to the carcass.
"T-t-t-thank yo-" the strange hyena began as he placed his muzzle of the sternum of the antelope, his expression changing to fury as he caught a glimpse of Nakama, "You…"
Nakama looked back at the burn-covered hyena and raised an eyebrow, examining the stranger up and down. A smile crept across the face of the striped as he came to realize exactly who he was looking at.
"Fenyang," Nakama snickered through his fangs, "Never expected to be seeing you again. How long's it been? Eight years, maybe nine? Eh, who's keeping track?" Nakama began to groom his paw casually, keeping his eyes on Fenyang, "...Heard about Mamlaka, by the way. It's quite a pity. I know how much effort you put into that dung-heap, sucks that the whole thing went straight to Hell…I'm surprised that you're not down there with it, actually. Though, I must say, I'm delighted to see you…like this."
Fenyang straightened himself, his burnt limbs quaking under the pressure of his own weight.
"You despicable piece of shit!" Fenyang snarled, stepping over the carcass, "You're to blame for all of this!"
Fenyang had not taken four steps before his legs gave way and he crumpled to the ground. Nakama fell over, too, cackling wildly.
"Oh, this is just too perfect!" Nakama laughed, wiping a tear from his eye, "A burned and broken mess, just like the 'great nation' he once ruled! Gods, how I wish I could take credit for this! I fe-ack!"
Nakama was cut off as a paw pressed itself against his throat, slowly increasing in pressure.
"Now, now," Kalab clicked his tongue, leaning a bit more of his weight on the neck of his subordinate, "Can't have you insulting our most illustrious of guests, now can we? Not after all he's been through. Poor Father Fenyang has suffered greatly due to the Bloody Shadows, just as I have." Kalab's upper lip curled into a distasteful snarl, "You would do well to mind your tongue while in either of our presence."
Nakama gagged, managing to give a slight nod of understanding. Kalab narrowed his eyes and removed his paw from the striped hyena's throat. Nakama put a paw to his neck and coughed a few times, before rolling onto his stomach and watching as his master walked over to the burn-covered hyena and helped him to his feet.
"I am well aware of your history with my servant," Kalab addressed Fenyang, "However, whatever bad blood that the two of you share must be put aside for now. We've much greater enemies to face."
"I have no greater enemies!" Fenyang spat, rage-filled eyes fixed on the striped hyena, "He is the cause of all my suffering! He's the only Bloody Shadow to have seen Mamlaka and lived to tell the tale. Only he could have given away our location!"
"Oh, believe me," Nakama answered, still rubbing his throat, "If I coulda, I woulda. Even with the price on my head, I'd have been more than willing to walk right into the Bloody Shadows and tell them exactly where you were before they ripped me to shreds," Nakama paused, looking away, "But I couldn't risk Tii getting-"
"How dare you speak of Tii, after all that you have done to her?"
"All I've done to her?"
"You seduced her! You took advantage of her benevolence, and you planted within her that abominable kaf-"
Fenyang stopped short, catching himself. Nakama's expression became one of perplexity, Kalab's intrigue.
"You believe Nakama to have sired the black cub?" Kalab gave a small, amused laugh.
Fenyang's eyes widened, as did Nakama's.
"H-h-h-h-h-how could…c-c-could you…ha-" Fenyang stammered in shock.
"Even when incased in flesh and bone, nothing is beyond my kind," Kalab replied with a smirk, looking toward the sky, "You yourself should know that more than any beast, having been our loyal and devoted servant for so many years."
"You claim to be a god?" Fenyang gasped in disbelief.
"Of earthly conception," Kalab nodded, "But a god, nonetheless."
"Blasphemy!" Fenyang hissed.
Kalab turned to Fenyang with a pitying smile, as if he were looking at a young cub who had made a mistake and needed correction.
"Fenyang the Pious," Kalab simpered, gently wrapping a front limb around the Mamlaka King, "You built a nation on absolute purity, eradicating any tainted soul that stood in your way. Your reign as the king of Mamlaka brought about numerous wars and genocides. Those who would not give in to assimilation were slaughtered, the wayward tortured. True, it was all done to carry out the work of the gods, but no creature outside of your own borders could be made to see it that way. They see you as a monster, as a sadistic psychopath. They speak your name not with reverence, but with fear and contempt. For years they've rooted for your demise, even wished that they may be fortunate enough to have a paw in it. So, then tell me, Oh Pious One…" Kalab leaned in closer to the burn-covered hyena, his voice fading to a whisper, "Who else but a god would take pity on you as I have?"
Fenyang kept a skeptical glare, but remained silent. He truly had no answer.
"Of course," Kalab continued, stepping away from Fenyang and scratching behind his own ear nonchalantly, "Your faith in me is not necessary in the slightest. I don't desire converts."
"Then what is it that you desire?" Fenyang growled impatiently, "If I am indeed loathed as you say I am, what reasons could you possibly have for seeking me out?"
Kalab stared at Fenyang with a toothy grin, his pupils narrowing to slits.
"I suppose I'm a bit of a philanthropist," Kalab shrugged, "When I come across a creature who has been so horribly wronged, I cannot help but to ensure that they are not robbed of their vengeance."
Fenyang's eyes shifted from Kalab to Nakama.
"And what of him?" Fenyang inquired gruffly, pointing to the striped hyena, "If you are indeed as righteous as you claim, why allow such scum to walk the earth, much less associate yourself with it?"
Nakama approached Fenyang with bared fangs, only to back down after a warning glare from Kalab.
"Even scum has its uses," Kalab explained, turning back to Fenyang, "And until Nakama has lived past his, he shall remain in my servitude."
"He is responsible for my-" Fenyang began to argue.
"No, he isn't," Kalab replied, tone flat, "As he has already taken the liberty to inform you, he abandoned all desire to bring down your nation long ago. Furthermore, no Bloody Shadow, exile or otherwise, could have possibly pulled this off so expertly. No, the destruction of Mamlaka was much too well-crafted…"
"Well-crafted?" Nakama snorted, "All they did was set the damn thing on fire!"
Fenyang and Kalab both narrowed their eyes at the striped hyena, expressing anger and annoyance, respectively.
"Yes," Kalab nodded, placing a paw to his striped chin in thought, "A last-ditch effort that may not have gone so remarkably in their favor had Mamlaka not been without its fabled missionaries on that night. It interests me that the Bloody Shadows managed not only to strike on the very night that the missionaries had taken their leave, but also to have an ambush squad waiting for them when they entered the Gray Lands."
Fenyang's eyes widened at the last bit of news.
"Am…Ambush squad?" Fenyang breathed, his voice a mixture of fear and concern.
"Mm, all of your faithful servants were slaughtered, I'm afraid," Kalab spoke in a sorrowful tone despite his wide smile, "Not to worry, though, I saw fit to personally avenge them. I even acquired some information from one of their assailants, but she bled to death before I learned anything substantial."
Fenyang sat down and rubbed his head in disbelief. He could not remember having ever felt so dizzy in his life.
"…All of them," Fenyang muttered, lowering his gaze to the ground, "My citizens, my disciples, my missionaries…Bellow…they've all been taken from me…Mamlaka truly is destroyed…I'm all that's left…"
Nakama looked away and dragged a paw across the ground, kicking up dust. The act did not go unnoticed.
"Something you'd like to share?" Kalab smiled casually, raising an eyebrow at the striped hyena.
Nakama looked from Kalab to Fenyang, then back again.
"If I may speak with you privately," Nakama requested.
"Let's not be rude to our guest, now," Kalab replied, pushing the carcass closer to Fenyang, "He has as much of a right to any information you may have regarding this matter as I do."
"I would much rather that this be between-"
"I'm sorry, did I give you the impression that you have a choice? How careless of me!"
Nakama clenched his fangs and glanced sideways, weighing his choices. He had already said too much to simply keep his mouth shut, and he knew that Kalab could easily distinguish between truth and lies. The stripe hyena took a deep inhale, before selecting the safest possible option.
"I ran into Fenyang's sons not too long ago," Nakama spoke up, "They somehow survived the assault."
"Sons?" Fenyang snarled in astonishment, widened-eyes locked on the striped hyena.
"The black cub lives?" Kalab snickered in amusement.
"Yes," Nakama nodded, "He and his brother are travelling to Samira as we speak. They plan on meeting with-" Nakama remembered Fenyang's presence, "Someone who resides there."
Kalab blinked, a smile of realization soon creeping across his muzzle.
"Can't help but feel you had some influence in that decision," Kalab stated dryly.
"Well, we needed someone who could enter and leave with no problems," Nakama answered, a hint of pride in his voice, "Can't be me, and sure as Hell can't be you. Want her out of there unharmed, after all. And even if she's left Samira by now, the Mamlaka Prince is desperate to find her. He'll get any information he can and go after her all over again, not stopping until they're together again…Their presence will make her happy Kalab, and our involvement in such a grand reunion will put her in our dept. Once we have her back, there will be no more escape attempts."
Kalab turned to Fenyang with a wide smile.
"He manages to earn his stay on this earth every now and then," Kalab laughed, sounding almost impressed.
Fenyang paid no mind to Kalab, for he was too focused on the striped hyena.
"You mean to tell me…Edaha is travelling with that…that aswad?" Fenyang addressed Nakama with a combination of shock and disgust, "My sin is known to him?"
Nakama looked into Fenyang's terror-filled eyes and smiled.
"A bit more than known," Nakama smirked, "I'd say he's become quite doting to the little black bastard. Calls it as his brother, provides it with comfort and care. Even defends it from insults! The way he refers to it, you'd think it's the greatest thing in the world to him. Oh, such a loving big brother to a little aswad, I have never seen!"
"…You shut your mouth," Fenyang snarled quietly, his entire form shaking as tears formed in his eyes, "Edaha would never do something like that…He's pure, like me…He would never show a kaffir demon such compassion…he'd destroy it on site…It's a lie…It's all lies…Lies, every word of it!"
"Shit, if I was lying, this wouldn't be half as priceless!" Nakama cackled mockingly, enjoying the Mamlaka King's agony, "Seems you couldn't even get your own son to swallow that 'absolute purity' bullshit. Now he's out there displaying your sin for all to see. Kid must really hate you. As a matter of fact…" Nakama turned his attention to Kalab, "How much you wanna bet this Mamlaka thing was an inside jo-"
Nakama was cut off as the back of Fenyang's paw collided with his face, knocking the striped hyena to the ground.
"SILENCE!" Fenyang thundered, his body convulsing with rage, "You despicable pile of kak…Of all my servants, Edaha is the most loyal, the most pure…He would never commit any act against me…He is my most precious disciple…you will not soil his name with such calumny!"
Nakama got up and brushed a paw against his cheek, before crouching low to the ground and snarling.
"You sunnuva-"
"Enough of this!" Kalab shouted irritably, putting himself between Fenyang and Nakama and focusing his attention on the striped hyena, "Imbecilic cub! Even in carrying out your purpose, you're a pain in the ass!...I'm beginning to reassess your worth. I warn you, Nakama; Do not depreciate yourself any further. Otherwise I may be forced to strip you of more than just your position."
Animosity filled Nakama's eyes, but the striped hyena managed to keep it in check and sat down with a nod of reluctant complaisance. Kalab put on a satisfied smirk, which quickly faded as his eyes turned to Fenyang.
"I apologize for my servant's insolence," Kalab stated formally, "However, I believe that his audacity has led him to uncover the absent piece of this puzzle. You've a vast list of enemies, Fenyang the Pious. Perhaps your son has fallen in with them."
Fenyang's mouth fell slightly ajar, stupefied that such a claim had been made. Nakama dared not show any expression, but internally, he was enjoying a smug laugh.
"You believe that-" Fenyang began in an ireful whisper.
"Why did you send all of your missionaries to the Gray Lands?" Kalab interrupted, squinting as he began to circle the Mamlaka King, "You're no fool. Such a dauntless move would require a worthwhile reward. What was it you were after?"
"That which I've always desired! The eternal subjugation of the Bloody Shadows!"
"You believed the Bloody Shadows to be in the Gray Lands?"
"No."
"Then why send such an impressive army there?"
"There are creatures there who know the whereabouts of the Bloody Shadows."
"Who filled your head with such nonsense?"
"I was told by my most devoted follower, Edaha."
"Edaha. Well, that's certainly interesting. And how did Edaha stumble upon the juicy bit of information?"
"I…That must've been how he found the Bloody Shadows."
"He's been to the Bloody Shadows?"
"Indeed he has. And he returned to me with its location like the loyal disciple that he is!"
"Oh, my, that does speak wonders for his faithfulness, doesn't it? Forgive my curiosity, but how just much time passed between his return and the destruction of your magnificent empire?"
"Barely a d-"
Fenyang froze, his mind racing. Edaha arriving just one day before his kingdom was destroyed could not have been a coincidence, and there was too much evidence that suggested the Bloody Shadows had some knowledge of the missionaries' absence. Still, Fenyang refused to believe that his most prized and beloved disciple would have betrayed him.
"...No, he wouldn't have," Fenyang muttered, shaking his head in disbelief, "He couldn't have…No, there must be some other explanation…they must've followed him home, that's it…it's the only way."
"Either way, he brought about the destruction of Mamlaka," Kalab said sympathetically as he placed a paw on the shoulder of the Mamlaka King, "You can believe whatever you want, but one thing is clear: If not for him, none of this misfortune would have befallen you. And now he is aiding that black cub that you despised with such intensity. He has failed to live up to your expectations of him. That makes him your enemy. And just like all of your enemies, he shall feel the wrath of the gods…but only after you are given the opportunity to bestow on them your own...'righteous fury'"
Fenyang turned his muzzle to the ground and growled quietly, a tear escaping his tightly-closed eye and falling to the grass below. Kalab smiled pitiably and once again pushed the carcass in front of the burn-covered hyena.
"However, that cannot be accomplished until you've been returned to your former glory," Kalab explained, placing a paw on Fenyang's head and gently pushing it down to the carcass, "Eat. Regain your strength, so that you may live on and exact your vengeance," Kalab turned his attention to Nakama, "Go fetch some herbs so that his burns may be properly treated. Bring back enough to last us a few days."
Nakama nodded begrudgingly and ran off to collect herbs, promising himself to collect at least a few that cause the healing to be accompanied with agonizing discomfort. Kalab watched the striped hyena disappear into the distance, before turning back to the Mamlaka King, who was now tearing into the carcass vigorously.
"T-t-thank you," Fenyang addressed Kalab between swallows, tears from subsiding hunger pains streaming down his face, "Had it not been for you, I'd surely be dead…They've stolen so much from me…if you had no shown up, they may have even stolen my faith…May the gods bless you for all that you've done!"
Kalab smiled and shook his head.
"No, Oh Pious One," Kalab whispered, picking up his skull and placing it back over his face, "It is you who shall be blessed by all that I plan on doing."
xXx
A cool breeze swept over the plain as the sun reached its apex, informing Edaha that it was midday. It had been an hour since he and Kivuli had left their resting-place in order to cover more ground. Despite the length of time they had travelled, no change in scenery was apparent to either of them, nor had they encountered any animals who could be of assistance to them. They had been on their journey for only a day, yet both of them felt as though they had not even started it, in the first place. Edaha and Kivuli knew that it could be days, or even weeks, before they reached their destination. Even in accepting that, restlessness was beginning to creep upon them. The two brothers managed to fend off the potential for boredom and frustration by engaging in conversation, which mostly consisted of Kivuli asking questions and Edaha answering them.
"So, was Sauda Bloody Shadow the first ever assassin?" Kivuli asked his brother as he rode on Edaha's back.
"Not the first in existence," Edaha answered, continuing eastward, "As far as I know, that honor goes to Kheri, though there could have very well been others before him."
"Kheri? What kind of animal was he?"
"A monitor lizard."
"Oh…What's a monater lizard?"
"A monitor lizard is a large reptile with a poisonous bite."
"So it's a snake?"
"No, but they are related to snakes. Unlike snakes, though, monitor lizards have legs and claws. Very stocky, too, making them difficult to combat. It's nearly impossible to find an opening on them, and even if thinks they have, it's often a trap by the monitor lizard to lure its opponent into letting their guard down and coming within striking distance. Monitors, like all reptiles are notoriously crafty. And the strength of a monitor's bite is said to rival even that of we hyenas, although I've encountered animal that has been unfortunate enough to be able to accurately judge that claim for themselves…It's not hard to believe, though. Monitors can be extremely dangerous even when not trying to be. Their venomous bite and naturally protruding claws see to that. Even those who have bested a monitor in battle don't look back at the experience with any pleasure or pride. They look back at it as a reminder to do everything in their power to avoid having to combat a monitor lizard ever again."
Kivuli blinked with surprise at Edaha's description. Monitor lizards sounded like something one would have to see to believe, not that Kivuli was in any hurry to do so.
"…Kheri must've been some assassin," Kivuli said quietly.
"Well, he got the job done," Edaha replied with a small smile that quickly faded, "But he was absolutely ruthless. He was quite content to kill for sport, but decided to charge a large fee for his services…It was always the same disgusting, horrible fee. A price too great for anyone to be forced to consider, and yet so many had no choice but to comply."
"W…What was the fee?" Kivuli asked apprehensively, not sure whether or not he actually wanted to know.
"You'd be happier not knowing," Edaha replied flatly, eager to change the subject, "Fortunately, the assassins that came after Kheri's time proved to be a lot more benevolent. Sauda Bloody Shadow's a shining example. She never expected anything in return for her work, which is probably why her clients were so quick to offer her compensation. It's a lot easier to be generous to one who helps you out of the goodness of their heart than to once who helps you only for their own interest, after all," Edaha paused for a moment, thinking, "Though I'm positive that was never on her mind. She genuinely wished to offer help to whoever needed it."
"Like Edward?" Kivuli asked excitedly, ears perked up.
"That's right," Edaha nodded, his smile returning, "He was her most accomplished student, as well as her best friend. Together, they built a powerful empire that is thriving to this day. Of course, you already know that. How would you like to hear another story about Sauda and Edward?"
"Yeah!" Kivuli cheered, nearly falling off his brother's back in his enthusiasm.
"I thought you would," Edaha laughed, leaning to the side to allow Kivuli to regain his balance, "Let's see…Ah, I know the perfect-"
"Well, would you look who it is!" came a voice from behind Edaha and Kivuli.
Edaha came to a complete stop and quickly turned around, careful not to throw Kivuli off of his back. The two brothers found themselves face-to-face with three female spotted hyenas, who were casually approaching them. The strange hyenas' eyes were intense, and their lips where tightened around toothy grins. Kivuli could not help but feel that he had seen them before, but he did not know from where. Edaha, on the other hand, immediately recognized the hyenas and gently placed Kivuli on the ground, where he could stand over the black cub protectively.
"What do you want?" Edaha demanded, keeping his eyes on the hyenas, "We've no further quarrel."
"Oh, I think we do," the hyena in the middle growled, baring her fangs, "Don't tell me you've already forgotten what you did to our boss."
Kivuli's eyes widened, realization setting in. These were members of the hyena clan that had attempted to kill Edaha and him the day before.
"Your matriarch and I had an agreement," Edaha reminded the hyenas, a warning growl rising from his throat, "And we're not even on your land anymore."
"Exactly!" the center hyena snickered, "We only promised not to attack you so long as you were in our land. We never said nothing 'bout not killin' you outside of our borders. The boss clever that way. Gave us the order to come after you just this morning."
The hyena's two companions cackled wildly. Kivuli stepped out from under his brother and snarled at the advancing hyenas, infuriated that he and his brother had been lied to. Edaha quickly grabbed the black cub by the scruff of his neck and threw him back under his torso. The young hyena then crouched lower to the ground, pressing his torso against Kivuli to make the black cub lower himself, as well. Not a word was spoken between them, but Kivuli got the message; Stay put.
"That's a lie," Edaha said through his clenched fangs, narrowing his eyes as he met the gaze of the center hyena, "Your matriarch did not authorize this."
The three clan hyenas suddenly stopped in their tracks and prominently blinked, surprised by Edaha's statement. The middle hyena quickly recovered herself and sat down casually, prompting his companions to do the same.
"The hell she didn't," the center hyena smirked, "The boss never lets someone attack her like that and get away with it. She promised a big reward to whoever brings her your head, but the three of us were the only ones loyal enough to do it."
"That's a lie!" Edaha barked, glaring into the eyes of the middle hyena, "If your matriarch wanted me dead, she'd have come for me herself, just as she told me she would. No, you've come here on your own accord. You've come here claiming to have justice in mind, and I truly believe that you believe your actions to be noble. However, I cannot allow you to sully the name of your matriarch by suggesting that she would send her subordinates to settle her accounts. She would never approve of something so cowardly. It's you who want revenge, not your matriarch. You didn't like her ruling, so you've filled your own heads with some asinine justification for going against it. Not only that, but you dare also to falsely accuse your fellow clan-members of disloyalty. The reason why the rest of your clan is not here with you is because they are truly loyal to their matriarch and her decision. I acknowledge that you show loyalty and love for your matriarch in wanting to avenge her. But by actually attempting to do so in this way, it becomes evident that you do not actually have either. Such behavior brings shame upon both your matriarch and your clan."
The female hyenas remained seated for a moment, each of their faces a portrait of anger. The center one quickly crouched down and barred her fangs, her companions following suit.
"You stupid little-" the center hyena began, before freezing in place as her glare met Edaha's.
The center hyena felt a chill travel down her spine, soon accompanied by an unmistakable feeling of coldness. Her body became rigid, her breathing pattern slowed. Her mouth fell open as her tail involuntarily tucked itself between her legs. She may have found it peculiar that she could not tear her gaze away from Edaha's, had it not been for the fact that she could no longer even see Edaha. In fact, she could no longer see her two clan-members or the vast plain that surrounded them. It had all been replaced by an entirely new and unfamiliar location.
The hyena found herself sitting in a large, dimly lit cave, a pool of water glistening in front of her. A horrible stench filled the cave and entered. But rather than retracting from it as she wanted to, her nasal passages were expanding to pinpoint the smell. The hyena's eyes soon fell upon a large pile that lay on the other side of the pool. She had no interest in finding out what the pile was comprised of, but her legs carried her over to it, anyway. Her eyes widened as they met with a cluster of various carcasses, each of them skinless. They were not skeletons, but merely without their outer layer of skin and fur. Much of their muscles still remained, and each body remained held together. Eeriest of all was that there was no clear sign of torn flesh on any of them. It was as if they were merely born without skin. The hyena began to feel sick at the thought, but did not have much time to dwell on it, as her eyes quickly shifted to another pile. This pile was considerably smaller than the last, and much more neatly stacked. It also provided a scent that was a lot more pleasant, as if it had been drenched in good-smelling flowers and herbs. The hyena felt a bit relieved as her legs carried her over to the pile. However, upon getting a better look at the pile, the hyena was filled with horror. She now knew that the carcasses did indeed have skin at one point, and that it was now laying before her. None of the pelts looked alike. They were different colors, shapes, and sizes, leading the hyena to believe that they were each from a different animal. The hyena felt vomit rush into her mouth, but her body quickly swallowed it. Suddenly, she heard voices coming from the entrance of the cave, growing louder with each passing second. The hyenas body quickly leaped behind the pile of carcasses to hide itself. It was the first time during this whole experience that her mind and body had worked in unison.
"This place smells awful!" whined one of the voices, "Couldn't we just go to your regular spot for this?"
"Terribly sorry for the inconvenience, my dear," another voice answered with a light-hearted laugh, "I just recently acquired this cave, so I haven't had the chance to properly clean it, yet. Dreadfully irresponsible of me, I know, but I've been so busy as of late. So many creatures have been coming to me looking to enhance their beauty, you know. That's actually why I bargained for this cave."
The hyena peaked out from behind the pile to see a young lioness walking beside a leopardess. The lioness wore an expression of pure disgust, the leopardess one of pride.
"What's a place like this have to do with beauty?" the lioness asked, placing a paw over her nose.
"Cave water will do wonders for the sheen of your fur," the leopardess replied with a friendly smile as she led the lioness over to the pool, "I was fortunate enough to find a cave so full of it…Go on, drink up."
The lioness nodded and slowly lowered her head to the pool, before bringing it back and looking to the leopardess.
"Are you sure about this?" the lioness asked hesitantly.
"Absolutely," the leopardess answered confidently, "In all my years, I've never found anything to be more enriching for the fur. Yours is already so lovely, I cannot wait to see the results that this will bring!"
The lioness still looked unsure.
"Not everyone's fortunate enough for me to bring them here," the leopardess stated in a reassuring tone, wrapping a front leg around the lioness, "It's reserved only for the most beautiful of my clients, and I don't make it available upon request for any price. You're about to join the very exclusive club of those who I've brought to the next level of elegance. I won't even charge you for it. Think of it as a coming-of-age present from me to you. Trust me, Princess, this will prove to be beneficial, and not just for you. As future queen, the kingdom needs you looking your best. Now go on, drink of this water and so that your beauty may surpass even mine! Heehee!"
The lioness put on a reluctant smile and began lapping up the water of the pool. The leopardess sat down and smiled with satisfaction. The hyena watched on from behind the pile of skinless carcasses, confused as to why a beautician would chose such a disgusting place to carry out their work. Her confusion changed to horror as the leopardess lifted her paw high in the air and brought it down roughly on the back of the young lioness' skull. The lioness toppled to the ground and let out a painful cry that was soon silences as the leopardess pushed her head back underwater with both paws. The lioness struggled wildly in an attempt to break free, but the leopardess was too strong. What would have been screams from the lioness floated to the surface of the pool as rapidly-forming air-bubbles. Within minutes, both the bubbles and the lioness' struggling ceased. The leopardess lifted the lioness' head up and pushed it underwater one more time for good measure, before dragging her out of the pool and smiling contently.
"Such a beautiful coat you have," the leopardess smiled down at the dead lioness, "I'll wear it with pride."
The hyena could not help but to let out a loud gasp. She quickly covered her mouth and ducked behind the pile of carcasses as the leopardess' head shot upward and looked around the cave. Tears formed in the hyenas eyes as she prayed that she had not been spotted. Eventually, the leopardess brought her gaze back to the lioness' corpse and shrugged.
"Did I not finish you off?" the leopardess chuckled, pushing the lioness head back into the pool for a few minutes before pulling it out and turning to the exit of the cave, "I'm going out for a bit. I saw a zebra on the way here that would bring out my eyes quite nicely…Oh, don't be jealous, that'll be something I wear any old day. You'll be saved for special occasions. Won't be long."
The hyena waited a few moments before daring to look out from behind the pile of carcasses. The dead lioness remained but the leopardess was gone. The hyena let out a heavy sigh of relief and waited a short while before cautiously proceeding to the exit of the cave. Just when she saw the light of the outside world, a large creature dropped down in front of her and grabbed her by the throat, pinning her against the wall of the cave. The hyena was unable to open her eyes to identify the creature, whether it was from pain or fear she knew not. Suddenly, the creature spoke with a voice that the hyena hoped to never hear again.
"Such a beautiful coat you have."
Edaha blinked. The image faded. The hyena dropped to the ground, shaking in terror as her heart pounded within her chest. Her two companions looked back at her, horrified.
"Sister!" the hyena on the left cried out, "Sister, are you alright?"
"What's wrong with you?" the hyena on the right asked in panicky concern, "Sister, speak to us!"
"N…no…no, please, no…please, no…" the prone hyena whimpered, tears escaping her tightly-closed eyes.
The two standing females quickly turned their attention to Edaha, snarling.
"What did you do to her?" the hyena on the left demanded.
Kivuli blinked, surprised that the female would ask such a thing. Edaha had not moved a muscle since they started advancing, so he could not have possibly done anything. It looked to Kivuli like the female was suffering internally. It certainly could not have been anything external. No physical contact had been made between her and anything else. One moment she was about to charge, and the next she was on the ground, crying. The black cub could not see how Edaha could be to blame for that.
"I'm terribly sorry that happened," Edaha stated plainly, straightening himself "I assure you, she'll be fine shortly. It's never lasting, and there's much worse that she could have been shown. As I said earlier, you at least came here out of a sense of justice, misguided as it may have been. For that reason, I do not wish to harm you." Edaha crouched low to the ground, barring his fangs, "But I will protect my brother at all costs Please, just take her and go back to your clan, before I'm forced to do something else I'll regret."
Kivuli flattened himself, now more confused than ever. Could Edaha have been responsible for the center female's current state?
Kivuli shook the thoughts from his head. There were more important things to focus on, now. Namely, the two female hyenas who were continuing toward Edaha despite his warnings. Edaha's eyes shifted from the hyena on the left to the hyena on the right, digging his claws into the ground as he prepared to leap forward. Three hyenas may have been a risk as long as he had Kivuli to protect, but Edaha was quite confident that he could hold off two of them long enough for his brother to escape safely. Just when Edaha was about to tell his brother run, however, something happened that neither he, Kivuli, nor the two enemy hyenas could have ever expected.
A swarm of bats descended from the sky.
