Unconditional Love (Miki)

[Miki]

Akila

The air was humid but cool inside the dark cave. Everything was damp and musty, and I wondered idly why Abeni was so eager to come down here. Maybe there was something exciting to see, but right now I couldn't see anything.

I blinked a few times, waiting for my eyes to adjust to the dim light. I could make out Abeni's form right ahead of me and feel the warmth of her body radiating out towards me. I took a few steps forward to stay at her side, and beginning to adjust to the place, I started to observe this strange world around me.

Honestly, there wasn't much to see, and nothing that could be considered an attraction. Sure, it was a good spot to hide and maybe play, but otherwise it was like a den - except the walls were made of stone rather than dirt. I heard water dripping, and in the back of the cave, I could see a small puddle. Okay, so maybe it met the requirements to serve as a home, but still. It was a damp, dark, cold cave.

I didn't even know why I was studying this cave in the terms of it being a shelter. I was somewhat bothered of the idea of home, knowing I didn't have one myself. The only home I knew was back in Africa, with my parents, my pride, and my friend, Amadi.

I glanced at Abeni, already knowing I had allowed some place in my heart for her, although I had only just met her. Here I was embarking, on a practical joke with her, ready to face any scolding with her. I'd be like a buffer system, I realized. Because I was there, Abeni wouldn't be punished as harshly had she done this on her own. I was a protector.

"Abeni! Akila!"

[/i] I heard Abeni's mother shout as she ran past, completely unaware we were practically right at her feet. I smiled, feeling victorious that Abeni's trick worked. I looked at Abeni, ready to go show myself before the lioness got too far away.

"So, Abeni and Akila, I see you know no boundaries. Well, suppose this'll be the last trespass y'all ever make."[/i]

I jumped with a start, whirling to face who had spoken. My fur bristled; I had just examined the whole cave, for Dio's sake! Except I forgot to look under my own nose, this strange creature must've been standing right in front of us.

This creature was definately canine, just from a glance I could tell that. I had met a dog or two, and I knew the dangers they posed to me, but I knew any full grown big cat could easily kill a dog. This 'dog' however, could speak my language, though her voice was heavily accented. Just the idea of another species being able to understand what I said made my skin crawl.

Her threat was irksome too, and before I knew what I was doing, I found my paws carrying me to shield Abeni from this creature's way. Abeni would not get hurt unless I couldn't help it.

"That's what you think." I hissed, unable to come up with a better comeback. As my adrenaline surged stronger, I knew I would get mouthier. My ears were flat against my head, my tail lashed and my teeth were bared. I was doing everything in my power to look as threatening as possible. I could only pray to Dio that it would work.[/size][/blockquote]

[Bhu]

Evangaline

Another pawstep forward and I lowered my head, bending my frontlegs so as to have a spring reaction. My trainings had taught me cats were fast and flexable, so I had to be alert. My bulky body, which was only natural for Folami, made us slightly less able to be feline agile. However, one would be mightly surprised if they judged a Folami by the bulk of muscle. We were not stupid muscle heads that only knew how to fight with strength. No, the humans had trained us to have speed, agility, and a cunningness that was close to their own.

The threat of the lion cub forced me to get back and stand tall on my paws. My head fell back with a hideous, blood-curtling cackle. "One so small, speaking so big. You think your mama's gonna be able to save you? HA! My pack'll shred her too." My nose quickly caught the air. I knew my words were a lie. I had no pack. I'd left them. That was why I needed to kill these cubs. I'd drag their limp bodies to camp and prove to my brother that I was worthy. I'd show them.

But as one of the cubs grew defensive of the other, I paused. The one being defended peaked over nervously for second, before turning her scared gaze to one of anger. She took a sidestep so each female stood next to each other. Obviously these two siblings would defend each other till the death. A hint of sorrow reached me at this realization. I wanted that sort of sibling love with Aloais. It'd never happen, I knew, but I couldn't help but dream.

It took a lot of effort to regain myself from the depressed break-down that threaten to consume me. Gaze hard once more, I retook that step forward. "Unless you come quietly. If you let me end you quickly, your mother will go about unharmed." I meant the promise, but also the threat. My heart longed to be accepted by the Folami's, but I wouldn't tell them of the lioness if these cubs made this easy on me. I didn't desire to be responsbile for so many deaths.

Abeni

As the voice came forward, I hesitated a reaction. Akila had turned to face the opponent, but I remained watching the outside of the cave for a few seconds more. Once I realized the threat had not been Akila playing, but rather a real threat from a real danger, I made a slow 180 degree turn.

Akila was instantly in defense of me, and I allowed her to do so at first. My instincts shouted to cower behind me friend, and I did for a few seconds, peaking with terror over her spine. But as I realized the size of this danger, I knew I couldn't let Akila take full hit. Something clicked in my head that I had never felt; responsibility for another. I'd always been the baby, but I couldn't sit back and take this anymore.

As the canine completed her speil, stating that if we came quietly my mother could go unharmed, I snorted. "Your stupid dog friends don't stand a chance against mama and daddy." my voice was a snarl as I bared my fangs and thrashed my tail. "Mama says Dio doesn't like bullies, and that's what you and your pack is! Dio will punish you for your meaness!" My voice was like a baby, however fire-tinted I made the edges.

"Dio?"

Obviously my words had startled the dog, for her bared canines were now hidden and her dangerous eyes turned quizzical. She retracted her step and glanced between the two of us. I looked to Akila in shock. "The dumb dog hasn't heard of Dio!" The idea was unbelievable to me. Everyone knew of Dio, right?

[Miki]

Akila

My words had some effect on the strange canine, enough that if Abeni had been smart enough, she would've run when the dog creature took a step back. Had Abeni ran, I could've made a run for it too. But like most bad situations, that sort of luck wasn't in my favor.

The creature took a step back, making it clear that any words would stall her attack. Words. I could do that, just keep talking, and hope Abeni's parents came to the rescue. Or better, the creature would change her mind and we wouldn't even have to tell.

"One so small, speaking so big. You think your mama's gonna be able to save you? HA! My pack'll shred her too."

[/i] I gulped. Yes, one of those gulps you'd hear when someone was doomed and scared to death. It was very audible and frankly, it was embarassing, but I couldn't dwell on that. Not only was my life on the line, so was someone else's.

Speaking of whom, the other cub finally recovered from her initial shock and stepped forward to stand beside me. I was appalled by her sudden brave act, but it made me panic even more. Abeni would help fight the dog, and would ultimately end up hurt. It would be better if I fought and she saved herself. But glancing at the canine, I knew that wouldn't happen. If I started to argue with Abeni, it would give the dog a better opportunity to attack.

"Unless you come quietly. If you let me end you quickly, your mother will go about unharmed."[/i] What? That statement threw me off guard, this killer dog was suddenly willing to bargain, even if it still wasn't in favor of our lives. It just spared Abeni's mother. It was still no good, and I was beginning to rack my brain for some reply. Any talking would hold off this catastrophic happening.

"Your stupid dog friends don't stand a chance against mama and daddy."[/i] Abeni snorted. Great Dio, so many things were taking me by surprise today. I just wanted the day to be over - in a good way. "Mama says Dio doesn't like bullies, and that's what you and your pack is! Dio will punish you for your meaness!"[/i]

These words I just realized - as a confused expression crossed the creature's face - would save our lives.

"Dio?"[/i]

Abeni turned to me, genuinely shocked, but already in my head the wheels were turning. I allowed a look of disbelief show on my face, and finally my true feelings, mixed fear but with triumph and relief.

"Thank you, Dio!" I nearly shouted with a glance towards the stony ceiling of the cave. With a smile on my face, I felt my fear gently dissipate. "He'll save us. For someone who can do everything, he'll save us. Won't he, Abeni?" I asked, glancing at the cub, praying she'd play along with me. Most of what I'd say would be true, just maybe exaggerated.

"Dog, your worst enemy is Dio. He's bigger than any cat or creature, and can get anywhere he's needed in a flash. He'll come punish you for threatening us. The only reason he'll let you live is so that you get a second chance, make better decisions." I was getting more confident as I talked, so I allowed myself to relax. I stepped closer to the canine and began to circle her. "Dio is the greatest creature ever to exist, and all cats worship him. Maybe if all creatures did, than he'd have mercy on-" I glanced at the canine, still wondering what exactly she was. "-on whatever you are."

With a dramatic look up towards the unseen sky, I opened my mouth, hoping to summon Dio. I knew he wouldn't show, I had never heard stories of such instances, but if I could get to the point of acting like I was calling a killer creature, maybe the dog would let us go. Or at least she'd be cowering so we could make a run for it. "Great Dio! Oh please, Almighty One! I call upon you to save Abeni and I from this ruthless creature!"

My eyes darted to Abeni, pleading with her to join in my calls to our god. Maybe with both of us calling for help, the dog would be so frightened her bones would rattle.[/size][/blockquote]

[Bhu]

Abeni
The initial shock from hearing that this creature didn't know of Dio eventually wore off. Akila was looking rather confident, and I believed all on ther verge of being well. She'd teach this canine of Dio, and no one could dismiss the story of Dio with bloodlust on their mind...

She began and quickly questioned for my agreement. I was quick to nod my head, knowing her words to be true. Dio would save us; at least, that was what mama had always said. My paws buzzed in excitement as the fellow cub continued. Her way of telling about Dio was slightly different than my mother's, and her way was much more entertaining.

"Ma's never explained him like this before! She always said he was simply a Godly baboon that leads felines! But I like your way better. He sounds more like a God." I smiled largely after I commented, wondering if I should join Akila in her pleas to Dio. But I never started, for the canine spun to face my friend.


Evangeline
"I'm not ruthless, I just do what has to be done. You cats bring nothing but terror to the humans!" My voice was pitiful, not how a Folami should speak to a feline. But I couldn't help it, it urked me for anyone to claim that I was ruthless. I just wanted acceptance. "I just want my brother and the Folami pack to appreciate me...I never meant to hurt nobody..." With that final statement, I sunk to my belly and made whimpering noises. The cubs I had killed in training had been innocent. If their folks killed, punish the adults...not the faultless cub! I couldn't stand the blood that stained my past...the blood that had done no wrong...

[Miki]

Akila

My excitement built as Abeni added her bit about hearing Dio in a whole new way. It was true, everyone had their own idea of him, so it was more believable that he could do anything.

And as we went on I could see the creature's determination faultering.

"I'm not ruthless, I just do what has to be done. You cats bring nothing but terror to the humans!"

[/i] She went on, with each word her voice becoming much more pitiful, so different from the brave soul she had been earlier. "I just want my brother and the Folami pack to appreciate me...I never meant to hurt nobody..."

My mind was still caught on what she had said first. Not her regret, not her desires, but her job. Why she was here in the first place. Terror to the humans. My blood felt like it was boiling, my flesh was suddenly hot, and I breathed through my mouth to help ventilate. But I had something to say.

"Terror to the humans? The humans?" I gave a little 'huff' of disbelief before I went on. "If it weren't for your precious humans, you wouldn't exist. They're the ones bringing us here, they've brought the terror on themselves. And the terror only comes from a few cats, meanwhile, cubs are dying because they're separated from their mothers. I've lost my pride, my friends, my best friend, my parents! And I may never see them again because of the terror your humans bring! For all I know, they're dead! And now because of you, Abeni here may never see her mother again! How does that make you feel? You don't know what terror is."

My voice trailed off and I shook my head in disgust, turning away. I didn't mean to blurt out that possibility for Abeni, about losing her mother. Hopefully we'd be able to go find her, she couldn't have gotten too far. But I at least hoped I had made my point clear to the creature who claimed cats were terrors.[/size][/blockquote]

[Bhu]

My eyes sparkled behind the closed lids, water begging to pour from the corners. So much death, just by my paws. Pointless, coldhearted death. And for what? Acceptance that would never come.

My teeth were still white, not yet stained red like those of my pack. No, not my pack, not yet like that of the enemy. I'd never hold my head proudly, displaying rose of blood stained razors. Never would I tell of battles between me and a full grown lion, relishing in the terror his eyes held. This female's angry words were right. I was the creation of a monster.

But just because something is, doesn't mean it has to be.

Rising to my paws quickly, I looked eagerly between the two beings. My lips twitched into a vague smile, and the tail protruding from my rump did a single wag. "I won't kill nobody anymore, I promise. Your Dio, will He watch over me? I want to be like you, no matter the cost." There was a thick determination in my tone, one that showed the honesty behind my words.

I wanted a new beginning.


OOC//: Adaeze (Abeni's mother) is on my list of creatures to die in the mass killing, however we decide to go about it. This will cause Baako to go kinda insane for some time, so even if Abeni runs into him, he won't accept her for some time. He will sorta fade off the site for a while, and perhaps I'll bring him back, depending how long I continue RPing.

[Miki]

Ooc//: Sounds good, well, not for Abeni...but a good plot. =)

Akila

I could sense a change spreading through the creature, the Folami, and I was glad my words were having some impact. The dog-like being looked sorrowful as I told my story, but I could see the change when she began to smile. It wasn't an evil one, but looked rather friendly.

"I won't kill nobody anymore, I promise. Your Dio, will He watch over me? I want to be like you, no matter the cost."

[/i]

Would Dio watch over her? Dio cared for all he created, but this being was made by Murder Apes. Did she count as a creature under Dio's rule? I wasn't sure what to say, and my earlier anger began to ebb into a mute confusion. I couldn't garauntee anything, but I could make a suggestion.

"I can't speak for Dio, but maybe if you prove yourself worthy, he'll care for you, too." I glanced at Abeni, wondering whether or not she'd agree, but I made no room for her to speak right away.

"I'm Akila, and this is Abeni. We're glad you changed your mind..." My voice trailed off, clearly asking for a name. Hopefully she had one, I didn't know if I could handle so much strange customs from this Folami - a creature foreign to me.[/size][/blockquote]

[Bhu]

My smile turned crooked at her first admission. So, my kindness may not save me. I'd forfeit any chance of my brother speaking to me with love. I'd forfeit it, and get nothing in return. But was that true? Would it all be for nothing? No, it'd be for something. The guilt would be gone. That, and I'd have friends who were loyal to me.

The smile strengthened again, and I listened silently to the names, tail wagging slowly with happiness behind me. "My name is Evangeline, which means good news. My first human was kind so she took pride in my gentle soul." I paused a second, remembering that none of the former youngsters I knew ever took the time to remember my full name. "Usually others call me Eve, or Evie."

The unfond memories of the past were pushed aside by my wonders for the future. Would I roam with these two, learning their friendly ways? The joy of such thoughts was shattered as a scream broke terrifyingly into the cave. In an instant, Abeni had turned and ran out, shouting something about her mother. Instincts told me to stay hidden, but my heart demanded I follow.

"Abeni, wait up!" But she was already out of sight, disapeared towards the sounds of howls and snarls.

OOC//: Adaeze is going to die now. Bidziil is attacking her. Perhaps your two Folami could be with him? Then each can carry a youngster and bring them as captives to their camp. The reason they don't kill them can be because they want to humiliate Evangeline....or perhaps use the cubs and pup as training for the youngins in the pack. Sound good? That way when they escape, they're far from Baako.

[Miki]

Akila

The young Folami introduced herself with a new kindness, and I settled on just calling her Eve. But before my thoughts could get any further, a blood-curdling scream made me freeze. My blood felt ice cold and I hardly registered Eve's words. All I could understand that Abeni had ran off, and someone was in trouble.

Someone in trouble.

Quickly, life came back to me, an adrenaline that I had only felt twice before. When my home and pride was attacked by Murder Apes and when I had escaped from the zoo. Everything was a blur as I turned and sprinted out of the cave and out into the blinding sunlight. My vision was even further hazed and I had to stop myself. Panting I let my eyes quickly adjust, and then immediately wished they hadn't.

Before me Abeni's mother was trapped on the ground before a canine creature even larger than her. I recognized the attacker as the same species as Eve, just larger and more dangerous. Two of the same dog creatures stood nearby, taking turns jumping in and helping the lead attacker.

Blood was everywhere, on the ground, the dogs, Abeni's mother. I couldn't tell where it came from, though common sense told me it was the struggling lioness.

I was frozen to the spot, watching helplessly and in pure horror. I thought I had seen the worst, but this was proving me wrong.

Dalila

My heart was pounding, and a fierce adrenaline rushed through my veins. We were on the hunt, and we were fruitful. I had been generous enough to let Bidziil have the kill, because all it took was one of us. If it seemed like the lioness would get away, either Vin or I would sweep in quickly and help put the cat in place. I glanced at Vin, almost snorting at the drool that hung from his maw. His eyes were hungry, and I knew that he felt more like he was missing out on this kill than I was.

Suddenly a scream reached my ears, but it wasn't the one of the dying lioness. Looking past the fight before me I saw a lion cub, quickly followed by another into the open. They seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, but I quickly remembered the little hole that Vin had almost caught his foot in.

The cubs watched on, their eyes wide with shock and terror. I almost gasped when I made the connection to who we were killing. If I had been human, a hand would've clamped over my mouth quickly. Next to me, Vin swooped in again to assist Bidziil. With the cubs there, the lioness must've gained a new energy to fight for her life.

I was torn, I had killed, and help kill, many cats, but there was always the few occassion when youngsters were present. It was hard for me, but in the end I always stuck to my main duty. I couldn't be distracted by the babies who'd grow up to be killers.

Ooc//: Sounds like a plan! Sorry if I power-played Abeni just a little bit with the frozen and watching. But you can always make her snap out of it if you want her to try and attack lol.[/size]

[Bhu]

Evangeline
Hesitation. This word had been taught to be deadly by my humans. If it occured in a fight, it could lead to my throat ripped out. If on the hunt, could lead to lost prey. But what if it were I who was the prey? What if I was safe and a pair of mine needed help, but I knew the act was futile? How did I know? Because I knew the attackers, inside and out.

My eyes sat peaking from the hole, or small cave, I had taken refuge in since leaving the pack. Though I was grateful Akila and Abeni had stumbled across me, shining a new light on the ways of the world, I now wished I could close my eyes and rewind time. If I could, I'd stop myself from presenting to them. But, of course, I couldn't do that. I had a new loyalty now.

"Bidziil, stop! She has cubs!" I leapt quickly from the hole, yelling the words with a shrill, terrified voice. My call would be to no avail, I understood. This was Bidziil; cold, calculating. He wouldn't hesitate ending the mother's life with her children watching. Instead, he'd make it all the more painful for the lioness. Perhaps he'd immobilize her and then shred the cubs piece by piece while she had to watch. This way her last sights were the scattered remains of her offspring, and the last sound their tiny screams.

I couldn't let this happen, so I used his pause to my small advantage. He'd heard his name and when he saw me, I read that he reconized me. He knew no cubs name, and most of the adults weren't worthy of remembering. He'd remembered me, though. How could he forget the cub who gave it all up for the benefit of justice? Very few had dared, or even wanted to do it. And Evangeline had been the first cub to do it. No, he'd remember me.

Lunging, I landed on the alpha's back. My tiny fangs drew blood from his rock solid skin. Even if I left my pack, it didn't change the fact. I was a Folami. I had a jaw pressure unlike any other breed. I could tear through metals that no human tool could master. Rocks shattered beneath my bite. And Bidziil's skin was no exception.



Bidziil
That voice, I knew it. She has cubs? Concern for the cubs? That could only be one character. Evangeline. My head spun to view the young Folami, disgust filling my crimson gaze. Beneath me, the lioness panted, losing strength, and fast. And for sure, two cubs had appeared, mouths ajar in terror. But neither was a canine, they were both lions. Where had Evangeline gone?

Searing pain, like a million bee stings, dug through my back. The warmth of blood oozed and I suddenly registered. The puppy was attacking me! And a second later, I had more little needles digging into my leg, though it provided more pressure than actual pain.

I considered simply ending the lives of my two mini attackers, but I better idea came to mind. I let them keep biting, wincing from the pain the fellow Folami injected. Such a waste. She is pure Folami and she assists lion cubs. What a damn waste. Returning my attention to the lioness, I registered the pressure on my gut. The sight of her young revived some life into her limbs and she was attempting to push me off. A chuff of laughter passed my maw as I bent down to be level with her ear. "Don't worry, I won't kill your precious young. No, I'll leave that to the trainee's at camp." I knew my whisper would be heard by not only her, but the three other Folami in the clearing as well, so the two adults would know to grab the lion cubs. We have hearing unlike any other, so my intentions would be invisible to the two lion cubs.

With one final bite, I tugged the mother's jugular from her thickly built throat. A gurgle escaped her maw, legs trying to flail, but stillness and silence quickly took over. The Folami on my back had heard my words and was trying to make a quick scramble off, no doubt going to shout run to her pairs. "Oh no no, Evangeline. Your brother would love to see you again." With that, I kicked the lion cub off my leg, smirking at the shreik she gave with her impact to the ground. My body then rolled onto it's back, wincing once more from the deep gashes Evangeline had given. Her holler of pain beneath my weight was almost like a roar, though with a canine twist to it.

Getting to my paws, I spun and grabbed her scruff. She didn't try to escape, still stunned by my large weight that had crushed the air out of her lungs.

Oh yes, this was more than I could have ever hoped for.

[Miki]

Dalila

"Bidziil, stop! She has cubs!"

[/i]

From the ground rose Evangaline, her voice terrified though determined. My sympathy for the cubs was quickly forgotten, a new emotion rising in me. Anger. The traitor!

In the next instant, the young Folami was bounding towards Bidziil. I gave a sharp bark to warn him, but in all the mayhem he didn't notice and the attack still caught him by surprise.

I wanted to rush over and take care of Evangaline and the smaller cub that had joined the attack. But Bidziil was holding his own, hiding his pain, if there was any. If anything, he seemed a little thrilled for the extra challenge.

"Don't worry, I won't kill your precious young. No, I'll leave that to the trainee's at camp."[/i]

So that was why Bidziil hadn't immediately rid himself of the youngsters. He quickly ended the lioness' life and rolled over, pinning Evangaline to the ground. The smaller cub was flung from his leg in the process, and the second she landed I lunged for her. My paws made contact with her small body, and I hoped I had dismantled her for a second.

"So sorry, sweetheart." My voice was sappy with sarcasm, and I grinned, flashing my white fangs. The truth she couldn't see though, was that my words were true. My heart poured out to the little soul, but I had to follow my loyalties, and had to bring this one to her end.[/blockquote]

Ooc//: Sorry, I'm too lazy to write out Vin catching Akila, but he's got her now.[/size]

[Bhu]

OOC//: Kay, awesome

Abeni
The pain meant nothing. My heart stopped racing and the world seemed to pause. Here I was, hanging onto a creature the size of my father. My only companions to help were another my size, and one only about twice as big as I. And yet I dug my fangs in, a strong sense of responsibility overcoming me. Never had I felt this way before.

But it was my mother who payed for my attack. Her life ended and I only watched as the creature, Bidziil, kicked his leg and rolled to his back. I flew through the air, giving a wail of pain with my landing. In a second, before my confused and strained brain could comprehend, I had another of the creatures making contact with me. I went further into shock as I saw her grin, heard her voice. "Daddy..." was all I managed before the blackness that tainted the edges of my vision, consumed me. Daddy...

OOC//: She's just unconcious, don't worry, lol.

Bidziil
Evangeline came back to life in my jaws, howling like a howler monkey and squirming like she believed she had a chance. Frustrated, I dropped her the distance to the ground, and pinned one of my massive paws to her throat, claws playing across the flesh. "Traitor, I think you should be on your knees thanking me. I could end you here and now, but I instead will bring you back to camp. There I will let you prove yourself. Now, quit moving before I break every one of your limbs!" Voice like a snake's hiss, I watched the life drain from her eyes with my threats. Coward.

With her movements ended, I grabbed her scruff once more and turned towards the camp. My eyes fell upon my pack, eyes commanding them to follow since my mouth could not form the words with the beast within it.

OOC//: Want this to be the last post, or do you want to do one more post and then I'll lock it and move it? We can then go to Folami lands.