In a strange land

[Nopeita]

OOC~
purple italics is thought
purple words in quotations is speaking

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The heat of the sun... it seemed to be taunting many of the animals in North America. The sun, laughing at the animals that dragged themselves across the land, especially animals that weren't born in North America... an ocelot? What was an ocelot doing in North America? She didn't even know. And the poor ocelot was stranded in this vast world of heat. Her stomach gnawed with aching pain. The large mammals were fast... and much too big. And smaller mammals weren't easy to search for.

Kauneus was her name. It meant beauty. And she was in fact a beautiful cat. Very gentle and agile. Kauneus was just walking around this plain.Didn't know where she was going... didn't know where she had been. With each step she took she felt her paws beginning to ache. Her head lifted up, her eyelids heavy. Kauneus walked, slowly. She panted, very heavily. She needed to find shade. She scoped the land for any shadow. And did she find it? She lifted her head high, ears perked. Her breath began to become more calm. Her eyes were locked on a tree, she started walking to the tree... she needed to get cooled off, a drink would be great too. I can't believe how hot it is here... thought the young ocelot.

As she finally reached the tree, her legs gave out. Kauneus collapsed beneath the faint shade of the tree. She could smell the scents of other animals that were here prior to her. Her eyes were extremely heavy. Maybe I could sleep just a little... But thoughts began to race through her mind. Kauneus' brown eyes widened and she lifted her head. But what about... predators?.. There could be other cats! Or DOGS... Kauneus became paranoid. She sat up and breathed heavily. The heat was exhausting. How could any animal survive in this?! She thought.

After cooling off for about fifteen or so minutes, the spotted feline decided to search for a water. Kauneus very slowly stood. And began to walk forward. She took a short glimpse at the tree. But kept moving on forward. About three minutes of walking, she began walking up a hill. She kept her head low, tail low. Kauneus didn't want to climb up a hill, but why go around? She continued forward.

Kauneus felt the ground start to level out, she was on the top of the hill. She lifted her head, again, ears perked. She slightly gasped in wonder. Kauneus saw a vast herds of deer and elk. Kauneus couldn't help but smile slightly. She hadn't seen so many animals bunched together, grazed. She was surprised at how peaceful they were. She would have expected more predators around. But she shrugged in off, and just and she was wishing for water, she spotted water. Her eyes widened intensely. Kauneus, at first, walked, then trotted.. and started running. The water wasn't too far. Deer lifted heads to watch her. But they did not run, but some, in her path, would walk away.

Kauneus ran. It seemed like a lifetime... but when she got to the water, she began drinking. After quenching her thirst. She scanned the landscape. The water was kind of randomly placed in the middle of nowhere. It was big enough for some fish maybe. But Kauneus just wanted to drink the nice water, she kept drinking, her front paws were in the water, and she liked it. Maybe I should stay near the water... I have no where else to go.. she though to herself. And she kept drinking the cool water.

[Ilyich]

I'll Smile As I'm Gazing Down
Cause I've Always Wondered Why
We Don't Need Feathers To Fly

His steps where swift, light. Silent movements easy even in the blinding heat. Su backed land slipped away under his paws- but hten he was strong. Humans had subjected him to test of survival an animal his size should not have past, and yet he had. This natural heat was nothing compared to teh shiny metal box they had held his paws to. This sand could not burn him through the deep caluses built up over his pads. So he simply walked, brown ringed tail high. His dark pelt atracted heat like a magnet, but he was use to tortures far worse then this so he did little more then thank Dio silently for the good weather.

His tail waved proudly over his striped and spotted back. Outwardly he appeared proud and graceful, and yet in wardly everything changed. Darkness clung to the inside of his skull. Nothing but harsh pain. His wide green eyes took in the world around him through a vail of gray. It was so much easier to see the world through a mask of mist. But the other's didn't need to know that, there was no need to make any one else feel bad. Not when he could make them feel at ease. Deran's ears swivled back against his skull for a moment, as he fought back images. Fearful memories.

White coats... the damn white coats. They weren't doctors, he was a doctor. A herbalist- shamen what ever you wanted to call him. They where nothing but tormentors, things so far less then animal... Shuddering once the Iriomote cat lifted his small skull to stare up at the rise before him. He shouldbe able to see from up there. Look for predators... and Folami. Ugh... Casting a look of fear over his shoulder, the brown molted tom hurried up the slope. It was a small hill, though slighlty rocky in its substance. As he padded over the rim he was shocked to spot water.

What an odd placement, maybe Dio had a plan for it? The small cat bounded swiftly over the edge, tearing breathlessly down the edge of the hill. Rocks caught in his paws, but he ignored them his mind set on water. Only to find himself skidding into a spotted form. Letting out a shriek of shock, the molted tom slammed face first into warm fur, before finding himself upside down on his back. Staring up in utter shock at the ocelot he had just tackled. "Uh... Sorry? Hi, by the way"

[Nopeita]

Kauneus lifted her head, closed her big, round eyes. She could feel the soft dirt between her paws. Her tail curled around her body, she sat at the edge of the water. Her ears perked as she saw a silver-ish green gilled animal swimming in the shallow fresh, clear water. The brown, spotted cat stood and crouched, she held up a paw. Her claws were ready to slash at her unsuspecting victim... her paw inched closer to the small fish. Kauneus was focused on the fish, obviously didn't here anyone coming...

The female feline felt pressure hit her side, her paw held in the air was forced down-- to keep her from falling-- and splashed in the cool water. Kauneus toppled over her large paws. She fell to the ground with a thud; dust rose from her fall. It didn't hurt her, but she was very surprised. Kauneus rose to her paws. She stared at the mammal that rammed into her side. She walked to his side. "Are you ok? I am so sorry."

As she stood by the small cat, she thought about what he said, and his voice. Kauneus slightly laughed. "Uh, yeah, hi." She smiled, looked at his eyes, but her eyes didn't stay there for long. Heh, why was he running, anyway? she asked herself. Kauneus studied him, she wasn't entirely positive what kind of cat he was, but she shrugged that off too. "M-my name is Kauneus," she said, she smiled at him. But, she was a shy soul. She looked down at her paws. Her tail flicked and curled around behind her. Her ears perked. So there are other cats here...

[Bhu]

Nervous paws quivered in the heat as I wove my path towards the peak of the uprise. Ears leaned forward, keeping alert to danger, particularly from the front. Ahead, a smaller of my kind wobbled, paws waving with each step, trying to cool from the heat of the burning soil. I'd offer to carry him, my son, but he'd dismiss such an idea with frustration. Independent. Strong. Just like me as a cub.

But I'd learned from experience he did not yet have. The world was cruel, it had no mercy for the small and the weak. I knew things young Solomon did not know, and he wouldn't learn them if I laid out lush plains of grass for every step he took. Still, I couldn't help but feel as if it were my duty to guide his every move. Would it be smothering if I demanded he be carried so as to protect his paws from burns?

Shaking my massive skull, I regained focus on the surronding world. Solomon was not several bounds further from me, his pace more energetic and eager than my own. Anxiety opened my maw to call him back, not pleased he'd wander so carelessly ahead. His age was only six months, his striped body so small and of easy prey. But my call need not sound, for he froze as his eyes peaked over the hill. "Solomon, what--"

And in a flash, the cub flew over the hill.

I knew he'd scold. I knew he'd spank my rear. I knew, but I lacked enough interest to care.

Below lay a pool of water, a substance my father and I so needed. But that was not what caused my increased speed, forcing the excitement to rush through my tiny limbs. The base of the hill, where the water licked the sand, stood two cats of unfamiliar breeds. They were small, though larger than me. It was that fact that made me run, their size. I wanted to meet someone, talk to someone other than slutty tigress' and their bastard (fatherless) cubs. These two seemed kind, but they were still larger. Still a danger to me. When my father caught me, he'd be angry. But I needed this.

"Hello, yous guys! What's hanging?" My voice was thick with a northern accent, just like my fathers. We were toms from the ghetto, ruthlessly butchering the english language. But I didn't know any other way.

He came then, my father, flanking me at the right. The heat of fury came in waves off his pelt, but his silence was what made him scary. I didn't meet his gaze until I stood two bounds from the small breeds. It was then I looked up, reading the distrust in his eyes. However much he disliked me socializing with others, he offered a smile to the strangers. I returned my look to the two unfamiliar cats. My smile was large, friendly in every sense. I wanted interaction. "My name is Solomon, and my dad here is David."

My fathers silence continued, his angered hidden by the warm smile he gave the unfamiliars. Only in private would he scold my upfront ways.

[Nopeita]

The spotted female lifted her wet paw to her snout, he slightly sniffed it. Her paw smelt of fish. Because her paw was wet, she began cleansing her paw. Kauneus perked her ears as she heard thumping paws. Her eyes opened and studied the hill, a small feline was racing this way. Kauneus' paw slowly met the ground. She stood up, as well. As the small cat arrived, Kauneus could tell by his voice, that he was a cub. Kauneus immediately smirked. "Hello there, Solomon," she spoke gently.

Kauneus looked up at the cub's father. He was bigger than Kauneus, of course. But right now, larger cats didn't really scare her. She looked back at the cub, smiled again. The ocelot looked back at the cat half her size, that ran into her side. She was glad no one had shown aggression yet. Kauneus sat down again. And began licking her paw tenderly. Her eyes and mind still alert.

Wow, others came.. kinda quickly. she thought to herself. Kauneus ' tail wrapped around her limbs, except for the one she was cleaning from the fishy water. Her dark pelt attracted more and more heat. She stopped licking her paw, and began thinking about getting in the small pond, but maybe later...

Kauneus didn't know what to do at the moment. She waited, mainly, for the small male cat to speak. She was curious what he would say. Her eyes darted to all the fish in the water. Kauneus' hunger was still roaring with hunger. But what if one of these other felines was hungry too and decided to attack for the food? She may have to do that later too.

[Ilyich]

I'll Smile As I'm Gazing Down
Cause I've Always Wondered Why
We Don't Need Feathers To Fly

He dragged himself upward in a shuffle of embarisment. "Calm yourself, you should be worring about yourself. Are you ok?" he smiled carefuly at the female as he scrabbled upright. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Kauneus" the brown cat offered a warmer smile this time, flicking dust from his whiskers. Flicking his dark ringed tail, the Iriomote cat let his head tilt back. This ocelot was larger then he- he who stood only 11 inches tall at the end of his sharp ears. Blinking calmly up at teh stuttering woman, the doctor offered a small bow. Flicking his ears the brown tabby cirlced once before sitting back on his haunches quietly.

The sound of scampering paws sent him back to his feet again. He watched Kauneus as she slowly stood as well, and his wide eyes latched onto the tiger cub running toward them. Secretly very worried, the tom offered another false smile of warmth. They where rather well done,if he did say so himself. But of more importance then this child was what always came with children, rather large adults. Tigers arn't exactly 11 inches tall now are they? Ears flicking to betray the test subjects nervousness, Deran pulled back slolwy. Though he didn't want to make the cub hurt, adn so he pawed a soft greating at the cub's shoulder.

Tail wippig behind him,t he boy almost had a heart attack when the father came tearing around the hill. Deran focased his flaring eyes back onto the cub, that If-I-dont-look-at-you-you-cant-see-me logic burnign in his brain. "You speak like a raven i use to know" he mewed softly, and fear in his heart did not come out in his worsd, only kindness seeped into his voice. The adult was male, suprisingly- but that only made the situation more terrifying. Sighing softly, Deran forced himself to listen to the words spoken, his mind warping in terror.

Meeting others never brought about anything but pain and teror. But it didn't mean he was aloued to be rude. "Good to meet you Soloman and David" he meweed, eyes large as always. He shuffled slightly, hiding the scars curling into his back and belly. The young herbalist blinked weakly up at the tiger. "Oh- and how rude of me! I am called Deran, an Iriomote cat from upper Washington" At least thats what the raven- Seatle- told me...

[Bhu]

David
Behind the crooked smile, a war of bloody knives erupted. It was my job to kill these two of smaller breed, weed the weak from the world. I was a tiger of rather large stature, and these creatures were my prey. But they brought kind joy to my son, therefore their deaths would prove displeasing to him, and rather scarring. Torn was my heart, though the smile spoke of contentness.

"This here water, you guarding it?" My tone didn't match my friendly face, for which I cursed myself silently. It had been hard, demanding, and holding threat. My son quickly looked up to me, gaze annoyed. For once, I folded beneath it. "Sorry for the ice in my words. It's the thirst, screwing with my mind." I indicated towards the water, eyes now holding a silent challenge so as to keep it secret from Solomon, though open to the two felines. "May my son and I drink from your watering hole?" This time I masked over the challenge I wanted to present in my voice. I had no desire to displease Solomon. However, my eyes were demanding, as if they spoke, saying 'I dare you to stop us.'

Solomon's eyes fixated on the two cats, oblivious to my silent words. As far as he knew, I was your typical nice guy.

[Nopeita]

Kauneus nodded at the small cat from Washington... whatever that was. She didn't know. The female looked at the large tiger. His gaze, to Kauneus, was cold, deadly. He scared her. As he asked about the water, she didn't didn't speak. The ocelot backed up, tail low, flickering. Her ears laid back. His eyes... why are they so terrifying?...

Kauneus was uncomfortable being around such a large feline that could kill her oh so easily. Kauneus has heard about tigers... for her kind, they weren't anywhere close to allies. The female glanced at the happy cub. But couldn't let her guard down, she was in the presence of the largest wild cat... and a male. And obviously protective over his son.

The spotted feline's eyes darted around. She didn't know anyone here. Kauneus wanted to run away, far from the terror. Kauneus' heart felt a sharp aching of fear and regret of coming here. And even the smaller male... he seemed nice... but was he? Kauneus didn't know where to go or what to do... she never really did. She looked down at her paws for a quick glance.. to think. But her mind couldn't clear.

What could Kauneus do? Right now, she was fearful. She wasn't much of a fighter... this tiger could swing a paw and knock her out. She was fearful of the pain he might cause... if he decided to snap. Kauneus still didn't know who or what to trust. What to do... where to go?

[Zayden]

I walking surprised on the situation. This poor ocelot look scared to death with this tiger gazing evilly at her. "Greeting all I am Iytche, leader of the Eznox pride. I am on a usual stroll and whats going on here?" I ask with confidence in my voice. This other ocelot reminded my of Summer maybe she will join the pride I do not Know.
"The Great Dio has been kind to us, it is not as hot" I meowed standing tall. "You tiger are not thinking of hurting this ocelot are you" I growl and intensify my gaze.

[Ilyich]

Deran sat back on his haunches, watching the comotion of patient eyes. It wasn't until this 'David' began to speak that his usualy paranoia bubbled up once more. Brown ears twitching, the brown wild cat stood slowly, claws pricking into the dirt in his worry. "Now now" he mewed rather cheerfuly, shoving his mask out into the open as fast as possable. "There is no need to fight over this resource. We can all drink our fill" he waved his tail behind him franticly trying to keep his cool. A smile pulled up the corners of his mouth as he watched the tiger carefuly. "If there are fish here then there is enough water to go 'round"

Just because he was a medic did not mean he enjoyed wounds. And that tiger was far larger then he or the ocelot beside him. "Now sir, if you ar dehydrated then have you tried eating grass? Not to be rude now sir- But I am a medic and have been trained in these ways. It would help your thirst and most likely keep you alive" the male refused to meet the tigers eyes. Just because he acted calm and collected didn't mean he wasn't scared witless. But the information he had passed out just then was easy enough, simple knowledge and if he was told that it was already known then he would apologize and hunker down in the hopes of being left alone.

HIs head shook slightly as he blinked down at the cub, it would seem he saw none of his father's malice. It was easy enough to understand. Children are idelists, they saw none of the blackness that cloaked the world. Deran offered a small smile to the cub, though weather it was true or not he would let others decide. Whiskers twitching the Iriomote cat lashed his head side ways at the apperance of the second ocelot. Eyes flaring momentarily the doctor brought himself down with a thud. No need to be scared, no need. And yet he still was. Grimacing slightly the man shuffled back. There were too many cats here, and he was tempted to bolt. As if all the animals of the free lands wished to desend upon him

[Bhu]

OOC//: Flame, I think your character is saying it is nighttime in your post, am I correct? Because if that's what he thinks, I just want to let you know that the setting is already place in this thread as being day time

One of them said nothing and the other showed great care for my father. I bounced in the joy of newfound friendship, oblivious to the venom of my fathers words. He could be a tempermental soul, but he had a good heart. As far as I knew, anyway.

Then the other cat came and spoke illy of my fathers intentions. The intense glare pricked anger in my heart. No one accused my father that way! "Hey, back off bucko! My father wouldn't hurt a fly." I nearly cursed, but caught myself. My father had taught me to be polite, a strict 'do as I say, not as I do' rule of his. So, to keep from being improper, I looked to the one who had claimed to be a medic...whatever that meant.

"We have not tried the grass thing yet, thank you, sir." My smile was pleasant, pure in the upmost. It was true what one said about cubs, them being idealists. I was no exception to this rule, and my gaze held nothing but warm acception and kindness.

I glanced to my father in question, wondering if we were to drink. Surprised, I had to gaze to the waters edge. His maw was already wet, and now he stood tense and patient. He was fishing. Not wanting to disturb his mission, I walked over to a small patch of pale green grass. It was almost dry, but I could smell the little moisture within. Opening my jaws, I bent to pick some, but was stopped by a firm paw wrapping around my chest and pulling me away.





The fish swam too close and a swift swipe brought it on shore. I dared not look to the other cats, knowing I was still tense for the safety of beloved Solomon. If I became to upset, I'd say things I would not want him to hear.

But then I turned to give my prize to my son, and saw him moving towards some blades of grass. Would he be so foolish as to listen to the stranger? He was, I soon saw, as he bent to pick a piece of the plant.

With quick agility, I pulled him towards me. "We do not eat grass. Anything you don't have to catch, is not something you should put in your mouth." My tone was gently informative, but made a dark transition as I looked to the small stranger, gaze dark and challenging. "Do not fill my sons head with such nonsense, tomcat. He's impressionable enough, easily convinced he's an ocelot rather than a tiger. I do not need the stress of knowing he can be convinced he's a plant loving freak, as well!" Though my voice was deadly, my posture was fluid and unthreatening. I wasn't going to attack over something so foolish.

"Oh dad, cool your jets." I heart my sons mumble behind me, and then "I apologize for him. He's just an old grouch." No matter how upset I was, his words made me smile.

"Why you do that, son? I try to be a tough guy and you makin me laugh." I looked to him, exchanging a smile with the smaller tiger. Then, I turned to face the cat I had just threatened. "He's right, I am a grouch. Don't mind me and my foolish ways." Again, my voice was kind to the sake of my boy, but my eyes held the silent threats.

[Zayden]

Iytche
As the situation clams down I am very glad. "I hope the great Dio will send us rain soon it is getting awfully dry" I meow "Now if you dont mind I would like to talk to the other ocelot, can u all keep to yourselfs or must we move?" before waiting for an answer I go up to the female Ocelot. "What is your name?" I ask. As I look around this female, she looks in poor shape and hungry "Do you want something to eat?" I ask.> I have been out in this heat for while...I think it is getting to me.. I am thirsty but I can wait till I get back to camp and laying the spring next to it...Snap on of it. I shake my head. "You little tiger better watch what you say toward me. Just cause your daddy is here doesnt mean I will not do anything to you. I have and pride and they could be watching us right now..." I growl.

[Ilyich]

Deran stared huge eyed. Olive orbs glinting as he looked about himself. He felt unsafe, and the adult tiger's reaction tohis information only made him more terrified. But he stood firm and tried to look kindly. "Just some information, sir. Dont have to use it if you dont wish to now, sir" you'll be thanking me when it saves your missrable hide. Olive eyes flicking to the ovelot Deran found himself twitching backward. How very rude! He was raised on his manors,a dn so looking at the insolent male he could feel nothing but annoyance.

And threatening the cub! That was both stupid and crude. Why would you ever dream of doing something like that?! The father had already shone his teeth more then once, why insite a fight with somthing thats paw is the size of you? The small brown feline slunk back at the ocelot's brave but stupid words. Oh this wouldn't end well, he just knew it. The ocelot's final sent his heart thuddingoff course in one crashing beet. More? There where more stupid brave beasts out there!? Oh my! Oh my oh my oh my!

His striped head flashed side wys, and he forced a brave face on. Weak smile fealing sloopy, the man dipped his head to the ocelot. "As you wish, sir." he twisted his own manors into a sneer. Proud of his sudden bravery the medic shook his head sadly at the newly named alpha. "It has been good speaking with you all!" and with that he turned his badly scared back on the group, tense all the way back to the brush the Iriomote cat refused to do more the wlak towards the cover. Waving a final goodbye with his tail, he dissapeared.

Then he ran as fast as his long thin legs could cary him.



Deran is gone

[Nopeita]

The female ocelot crouched, Deran, by his words.. he was polite and kind. He offered the larger tiger knowledge of survival. The cub accepted it. But the father disapproved. Kauneus thought it was rather silly. Kauneus was slightly behind Deran, to the side a bit. As she listened to the males argue and chat a bit. Kauneus felt like she needed to leave, sneak away while the males were talking. But then again she felt like she couldn't. She strangely didn't know why.

The female ocelot heard another voice, her eyes locked on the feline that the voice came from. He was a male ocelot. He seemed confident... too confident. He spoke as if he was larger than the male tiger. Why is he defending me, saying to the tiger if he was going to hurt me? Kauneus looked at Deran. Looked at his eyes looking around... she looked at the tigers, the cub bubbly and cheerful. And the adult tiger, his eyes still intimidating. Kauneus looked at the male ocelot as he approached her, her ears darted back. Her eyes intensely staring back at him. He asked her two questions... then he turned to the cub and threatened to harm the small cub.

Kauneus stood up and sneered at the male. She was one that loved young ones... she had to defend him. "How could you threaten a cub?! His father would knock you out before you even touched the cub!" her voice was demanding... if this ocelot thought he was so high and mighty to threaten a cub, he had another thing coming. Kauneus, most of the time was timid and didn't fight much. But when someone threatened cubs, she would fight till the end. Her eyes still glared at this male ocelot, her ears perked, legs stiffened.

[Bhu]

A threat. He dare threaten my Solomon? I could speak words of venom while keeping my claws tucked tightly into their sheaths. My game was loud, though physically silent. It wasn't often I chose violence since my son was born, and I hadn't planned on resorting to it now. But I could see if I did, my boy wouldn't hold it against me. He slunk back with the threat, deflated and lost. No one ever got upset with him.

My paw lashed out and I slid my child to be hidden behind me. He submissed to my desire, laying with his head limply on outstretched front paws. He was hurt, the thought of displeasing the ocelot laying heavy on his heart. The pain devoured me and I gave a glare of hate towards the pride leader.

Before I could so much as batter an eyelash, one cat was gone and the other defended Solomon. I listened to my son's rescuer with guarded gratitude, before I took a dangerous step forward, head high and eyes made of fire. "You won't speak to my son in that tone. Ever." My tail didn't lash, for I was beyond that level of anger. My tail tip simply flickered, channeling my agression through that simple movement. "You do so again and, so help me Dio, I will kill you and your pride. No remorse."