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For my entry, I'm temporarily naming the mother Mezin (moon) and Lorne named the father Daktari (Healer of words). Jua

WHO DUNNIT?!
Entering For: The friend
Name: Kimya'moja (Swahili - The Silent One)
Personality: Always the silent, strong one, Kimya is more often found in the background, silently watching over his two companions. He is difficult to get to know, as he barely speaks unless spoken to first and even then his replies are short and to the point. It is not that he strives to be antisocial, he simply does not see the point in useless conversation when one or two words will get the pint across just as well. The finer points of social interaction escape him, but he is fiercely loyal and would do anything for Daktari and those he considers friends. He is deeply in love with Daktari, but knows that the red male loves Mezin and the sudden knowledge that the pair are having a family has thrown Kimya for a loop. He still sticks close to them, but he has retreated from even 'Tari, becoming even more of a shadow as he watches over the pair from the fringe of the pack, but rarely includes himself in their lives.
Who did it?: Honestly, he doesn't know, but he wants to find out in order to clear his name. He suspects either Tuna, or a rogue, as he found strange paw prints on the edge of the pride that appear to date to that night.
Character Response: He knew the pack were looking at him with suspicious eyes, that he was high on their list as the pup-napper. But how on earth was he going to prove otherwise? His single witness was about the only hyena who would never say anything.. could never say anything. Sighing heavily he let his muzzle drop onto his forepaws, crimson eyes closing. Daktari, what am I going to do? Letting his mind wander, he couldn't help but go back to that night...

The sickle moon was hidden by the darkest clouds, everyone was a-bed, deep in their caves or stretched out on the sun-warmed rocks closer to the entrances. But the only thing that mattered to Kimya was the fact that no one was currently around this particular area. The complete absence of a single scout should have worried him, but instead he was simply grateful that there was no one around to make this meeting any harder than it was already going to be.

So, silently, and with his heart in his throat, he snuck out of his own cave, pausing just long enough to glance up the path to the cave where Daktari and his mate Mezin stayed with their cubs before he turned and swiftly crossed the cliff to the main path, trotting up the well-marked path on silent forepaws. It wasn't long before he reached the top and with a fugitive glance over his shoulder he slipped up among the large boulders, his dark black and grey coat blending well with the thick shadows the huge lumps of rock created. He couldn't settle, every moan of the wind made his hair stand on end, every tiny rustle and squeak made him jump. His heart was in his throat by the time heavier pawsteps caught his attention. Turning expectantly, he held his breath, both fear and excitement filled his chest as he hesitantly lifted one paw, crimson eyes straining into the shadows. Suddenly, out of the gloom, the fiery red and orange shape of his Daktari appeared, pacing between two boulders. A wide grin spread over Kimya's muzzle as he stood, taking a step forwards but then stopping, waiting for the red-coated male to join him in the sheltered lee of the stone pile.

"Daktari ... you came.."

Joy and amazement coloured his voice, the soft tentative flush of true emotion warming his eyes, eyes that were usually so cold and detached. Yet slowly, his smile faded as Daktari simply looked back at him, green eyes pained and full of regret."Kimya" His low voice murmured, soothing, gentled, the tone one used to comfort wounded pups or offer condolances to a recently widowed mate. Kimya felt his heart sink like a large rock in a deep pool, a chill filling his body as denial began to whisper through his mind.

"I can't do this any more Kimya... I have Mezin and the kids. You are like a brother to me, but that is all it is.. all it can be." The red hyena regarded his friend with sad, apologetic eyes as Kimya simply stood, jaw open in shock. When the father said no more, Kimya slowly shut his mouth, ears flicking back, forwards, then back again to flatten against his skull.

"I don't... I.. but ... " Crimson eyes stared at the other, unbelieving, then slowly, the truth of what the red-coloured male had said began to sink in. "I know you feel responsible Daktari, but the pups will grow fast... we have time.. after.." He was cut off by the slow, sad shake of Daktari's head and felt as if his heart had been dealt a death blow.

"No Kimya... I have a family now. I am sorry." With that, the red haired male turned and padded away, leaving Kimya standing alone in the dark shadows, red eyes open, unblinking, unseeing, as heavy tears rolled down his cheeks. It was not until dawn first started to lighten the sky before Kimya seemed to rouse, dulled crimson eyes blinking, looking around as if uncertain how he had got up among the massive boulders. Slowly, movements stiff and jerky, the dark-coloured hyena turned round and walked slowly back along the path and down to where his small den was still shrouded in shadows. Silent, ears low and paw steps laden, Kimya'moja made his way inside his den, retreating to the very back of the small cave and curling up, his back to the entrance. Tucking his muzzle under one foreleg he closed his eyes and let the despair that had filled him as he had watched Daktari walk away rip through his body, tear his heart apart and send his mind skittering away on waves of agony.

For two whole days Kimya stayed in his den, curled up at the very back, ignoring all visitors. It was only when whispered comments outside his den spoke of the kidnapped pups that he finally stirred. He had loved Daktari, despite what had happened he loved the red-coated hyena still, and the thought of the pups, of innocents, being taken was enough to pull him from the depression he had become lost in. Yet it hadn't taken him long to realise, after emerging into the too-bright sunlight, that it was he they suspected of stealing the pups. He couldn't blame them, knowing he had never made any real effort to integrate into the pack, and with his absence the past few days...

Yet he couldn't bring himself to care what the pack thought of him, not until he realised that if they kicked him out, he really would never see Daktari again. Swallowing his own grief he set about finding out what he could, discovering that aside from himself, three others were under suspicion, which he hoped gave him time to work out what really happened. He spoke to no one during those days, ignoring everyone unless they greeted him and even then, his only reaction was a curt nod. When he wasn't looking for clues, he spent his time with the distressed couple, hiding his own pain as he watched the pair lean on each other, offered reassuring words that tasted like ash in his mouth. Yet when he caught the red male looking at him with a grateful expression he knew all the pain in the world was worth it if he could be regarded favourably by his Daktari.

Becoming a shadow of his already ghost-like former self, the dark-coated hyena took to stalking the pack lands, slitted crimson eyes watching everyone and every thing. The fact that his actions set him apart as 'different' and only reinforced what the others though of him, did not seem to matter or register with Kimya. His only goal was to bring back the pups and stay close to Daktari and Mezin. He never spoke to anyone about where he had been that night, never implicated Daktari in any way for being absent and worse, being with another male, no matter what that meeting had consisted of or how it had torn Kimya's life apart. No, he kept silent on the whole matter, no one would ever know of their relationship, a relationship that had never really formed... he could not do that to Daktari, could not destroy the life his friend was building.

So he ignored the looks, ignored the whispers behind his back, and kept on searching for the real pup-napper.




Note: While coming up with Kimya and his backstory, I have made sure that if I win, Kimya can react to the father's personality depending on what the other player wants. Since I know it is unlikely that the father will feel anything at all for Kimya, and indeed once the father discovers Kim's secret, may in fact despise him.

For the purpose of a flowing reply the names of both the mother and the friend are the same as Kaianti as we plotted the concept together. I have left room to adjust Daktari for whoever wins the 'mother' and the 'friend'
Mother= Menzin Friend=Kimya'moja
WHO DUNNIT?!
Entering For: Father
Name: Daktari- Healer of Words

Personality: Daktari has, and always, will be tied by his honor. He weighs his actions and his words carefully, knowing that both can hurt or heal depending on the intent of the speaker. When he gives an opinion, it has been carefully weighed, as well as any decisions he may make. A natural born leader, he is reliable, responsible, and duty bound. As he was taught by his father, their late Pack's alpha, he places the needs of his pack and family above his own. He is loyal, but not naively trusting, and measures all he meets by his own standards, but there is no one he measures harder then himself. Trained to be the next alpha of their destroyed pack, Daktari, is a warrior noble. He will use diplomacy until it is time to use force. Dignified, sure of himself, and with a charismatic nature, Daktari is the type of hyena who gets along easily with others, but none more so then the often misunderstood Kimya who he has loved for longer than he can remember.

Who did it?: Daktari has not weighed in completely on the matter, but his thoughts have been turning to both Tuna and the Magistrate. Tuna for the mere reason he is not sure of the Seer's and his mate's motivation towards the cubs, and until he knows more about the Seer's 'ability' he can not rule them out fully. He knows he will have to speak to them both in depth, certainly to Tuna about his 'powers'. For the Magistrate it is a matter of the older hyena's reluctance to give something more than his snarly answer. He understands the Magistrate's desire to be left apart, but he is a leader in the pack, and as such has more of a responsibility then he is showing. Daktari wishes to speak to the older member alone and will do so as soon as he can, to see if he is just old and crotchety, or truly has something to hide.

Character Response: Daktari stared out from inside the den he and Mezin shared with the cubs, his green eyes following the dark gray coat of Kimya as the younger hyena slipped through the under bush, his coat blending with the shadows easily.
My little Shadow. Daktari thought to himself, Why do you say nothing of where you were that night?. He'd heard the whisperings of their adopted pack, and knew why Kimya had kept quiet about where he had been and who he had been with the evening Mezin's and his cub's had disappeared. Still protecting me little one, even now with our pack gone, and you and I a passing memory we both can not let go of. Forefathers above... The sunset colored hyena closed his green eyes against the swift pain in his chest, his head bowing as felt Mezin come up beside him.

“Dak?” she whispered in her soft, delicate voice, “Come to bed, there is nothing out there but shadows.”

He did not answer her at first, the weight of his grief, both for the loss of his children and the love of the hyena who had guarded his back for so long, he could not remember a time without him, stole his words. No, he had never been without Kimya, till now, since he had partnered to Mezin, as it had been arranged when both he and she were pups themselves. When their pack had been whole and hail, before everything had been taken from them. So much loss, and now the pups as well. Here, where he had led both Mezin and his Little Shadow, should have been safe, he should have protected them better!

Now, the pups were missing, Mezin fragile from the loss, Kimya accused...Forefathers...give me strength... Daktari prayed silently, Give me strength and cunning to bring the pups home, and to keep Kimya at my side somehow. Allow me to be selfish this one time Father, grant me both . Please, I beg of you.... I should not have lied to him that night, I should have spoken the truth of my heart.

Turning he laid his forehead to Mezin, “They are out there Mezin, our children and so is he...searching for them...alone...with suspicious eyes on his back. Suspicious only because he will not tell them he was with me, that I refuted him. He keeps my honor even now Mezin.” There was a personal agony laced into his voice, tense and sorrow filled, “ and looks for the cubs, our cubs..Forefathers...” Daktari looked into Mezin's pale, sky jeweled eyes, the love he had for Kimya showing for a second in his own gaze before he looked away in shame.

Menzin nosed his shoulder, her own voice unsteady, “ I always knew your heart was not mine Dak, I always knew. I accepted that a long time ago, why can't you?”

Daktari kept his head down, his eyes closing, “ Because, it is not fair to you Mezin, or the cubs. Yet I do not know how to change for you and them. I would give my life for our children Mezin as I would give it for you, but for him...Forefather's for him I would give my soul.”

She smiled at him a little sadly, “ I know Dak, and I do not expect you to change. I could not ask a sparrow not to be a sparrow, how can I ask you not to be who you are?” She licked his cheek, “I know you will be a good father to them Dak, a good mate to me. You will do so, but you will die inside. I love you too much to let that happen. Go Dak, go and help your Shadow find our cubs and bring them back home, all three of them.” The third being the hyena who had always been their shadow, though Daktari would not admit to it, even now.

Daktari looked at her, but once again, words failed him. Mezin smiled, “I understand Dak, now go and bring them home, for me..for us and for Kimya.” Nodding, he gave her a gentle lick, and then slipped out the door, his keen nose already picking up Kimya's scent.

I am coming my Shadow, wait for me...wait...

Save Us!
Pup you are trying for: Blue hair
Name: Amelala
Meaning: "Asleep" - in reference to Amelala's tendency towards daydreams
Personality: Amelala is big, bold, and ferocious ... at least, until she gets distracted by something wonderful and new. Ame shares the pride's interest in learning, but unfortunately she is a bit too open-minded for her own good. She is captivated by tales of magic and dreams, and is rather gullible.
Future Plans: Ame's harsh experience will reinforce her determination to protect her sister and family, and fight for all that is good and noble! She has the heart of a warrior, but she also has the heart of a romantic, and she may be easily swayed by someone pretending to be her prince charming. She would try for the rank of Bellator, but could be led astray, perhaps into hurting or betraying those she loves. She may be charmed and manipulated by people, hurt and bewildered, but ultimately I would like her to gain a good dose of common sense and have a happy ending.


WHO DUNNIT?!
Entering For: Father
Name: Kupuuzwa - "Overlooked"
Personality: Kupu was raised by a domineering mother, and as an adult fell in with another domineering female. He was part of a kind of harem of males, and was eventually beaten and driven off by the other males. A sweet female that could be all his own was shocking to Kupu, and though he loves Siumakini with all his heart, he will always harbor suspicions that someone is trying to take her from him. Kupu tries to smother his jealous, possessive tendencies, believing it impolite and disrespectful to his mate. He will always be insecure about her affections, and try to act tough and intimidating to strangers he thinks are trying to 'steal' her. As far as people acting nicely, like their friend and their new 'pack'... the closer they are, the better Kupu can keep an eye on them. He acts carefree and happy around them, but his mask of cheerfulness is beginning to seriously slip after the pupnapping.
Who did it?: EVERYONE. No, seriously. Kupu was shocked and horrified to find that his cubs were taken before his mate, but it's really not such a surprise. The whole pack is probably in on it. They don't have any pups of their own, do they? They want his precious girls to bolster their numbers. They're just hiding them until poor Kupu leaves in distress. They're probably trying to figure out how to take Siumakini as well. She's a lovely, sweet, fertile female, and he knows they just can't wait to get their paws on her. Probably all the males of the pack are in on it, and the females too. The friend that 'joined' with them was probably from the pack originally. He was a spy! Kupu is going to be jumping at shadows, suspicious of EVERYONE, terrified to leave Siumakini alone for a second.

Other than the friend, who he thinks is a spy, Kupu finds the other 'suspects' the least suspicious. They are probably awkward and confused because they are, well, confused. Either they don't know about the wicked plot, or they are uncomfortable with it.
Character Response:

They acted horrified, worried, upset ... but Kupuuzwa knew better. What reason did they have to care, anyways? It was all a sham. He and Siuma were practically strangers here, but the hyenas of the pack were carrying on as though they and their pups were old members.

No, it rang false to him. They were great actors, but it was all just a show. They were probably all cackling at him behind his back. Just laughing and laughing. Busy pacing outside the den he and Siuma shared, Kupu scowled. He knew joining a pack had been a mistake, but he had been taken in by promises of safety and security for his pups. Ha! All along, the pack had just wanted to take the pups. It had been difficult for him to accept that the pack had been peaceful and friendly. In his experience, hyenas were always jostling for position, trying to figure out how to use others to advance themselves. Now, Kupu knew that he had been right. This pack was your typical bunch of hyenas, except for their blasted cunning, which went far beyond anything Kupu had seen before.

How to get them to admit it? He was only one hyena amongst many enemies. Kupu quickened his pacing, grinding his teeth. What a terrible bunch. They had their own females, didn't they? He saw no reason why they shouldn't get busy making their own pups instead of taking his. But, of course, his pups were probably the most beautiful, clever pups in the world. Perhaps they simply couldn't control their own possessive tendencies.

When would they come to take Siuma? Surely she was next in their dastardly scheme. Kupu's frown was downright murderous. Siuma was sweet and precious, but she was a wee bit lacking in the wits department. These wickedly clever hyenas would easily mislead her. All the males would join her harem, and the females would simply tell her that was the way it was done ... Kupu nearly swayed on his feet at the thought. No! Never! He had to protect Siuma, but he had to find his pups as well. As bitter as it was, Kupu needed help. There had to be someone in this pack that would be on his side.

Taka, maybe. Or the irritable Kafil. The way they couldn't discuss the night of the kidnapping ... they must have been left out of the plot, or uncomfortable with it. Guilty consciences, perhaps. As for Tuna, the childless hyena ... he was probably nothing but a red herring. It would be far too obvious for him to have taken the pups. Kupuuzwa grimly supposed that his own 'friend', the spy, might have a guilty conscience as well, but he was not about to forgive the male for what he had done. He had been sent to scout out likely hyenas and lead them towards the pack ... why, Kupuuzwa was surprised that he himself hadn't met with an 'accident' on the trip. No, Kupu wasn't going to trust him.

Making his mind up to speak to one of the 'suspicious' three, Kupuuzwa left the den, glancing around nervously as he did so. He had to take this risk to leave, to try to find an ally ... he only hoped that Siuma was still there when he returned.


The entry for pops is a joint entry with pinch heart

Save Us!
Pup you are trying for: Red hair.
Name: Gazbiyya
Meaning: Charm, attractiveness.
Personality: Quick-witted, Gaz prefers to deal in facts. She has no time for dreams and silly games, even as a pup. A serious little thing, Gazbiyya loves to learn. She's like a sponge in that aspect, soaking up whatever she can however she can. Gaz doesn't take anyone's words as truth -- she prefers to make her own decisions in every matter that possible. Someone says, "The water is cold!" -- Gaz won't believe it until she's ear-deep in the water and freezing her tail off. Someone says, "That meat is bad!" -- Gaz isn't convinced until she's retching up the foul remains of said meat.
Future Plans: I have no doubt that Gaz didn't feel threatened or even fear her cub-napper. No, she would be too busy asking questions and trying to figure out exactly what was going on. I don't see her cub-napping affecting her in any traumatizing way. I think that she's got the potential to get a lot of interaction in, and to get herself in quite a few predicaments. I'd love to plot with whoever wins her sister so that we can get them BOTH in trouble (of course all trouble would be instigated by Gazbiyya).

For her rank, I'm totally seeing either a Magistrate or a Memoria -- both are good ranks for Gaz and her factual mind. :3

WHO DUNNIT?!
Entering For: Mother.
Name: Siumakini - "Not focused" - Swahili
Personality: Siumakini isn't the brightest star in the sky by any means. She never 'cut the apron strings' from her mother, and followed the grouchy hyena relentlessly, despite multiple attempts her mother made to escape. A sad case, really, Siumakini didn't realize that her mother had passed away and spent days talking to the deceased female. Since the death of her mother, Siumakini has wandered alone and lost -- alone and lost, that is, until she met Kupuuzwa. Siumakini was thankful to find someone else to cling to. She's clueless about Kupuuzwa's paranoid possessiveness and really just thinks he's the most loving and attentive darling ever. She's incapable of caring for herself, and doubly incapable of caring for her pups, but she truly does mean well and loves her mate and her pups with every ounce of her being.
Who did it?: At this point Siuma has no idea who took the pups, though her mate Kupuuzwa tends to believe that EVERYONE took the pups. As she always does, Siuma tends to believe what he thinks simply because she can't come up with a logical reason why anyone would want her precious babies. The more Kupu talks about spies and hyena-trafficking, the more Siuma believes it, though, and she too has become wary of each and every one of the packmembers. Things had been fine until they'd wandered into this territory, and now just look what had happened!!
Character Response:
Siuma whined fretfully.

Not only were her pups gone, but Kupu was gone too! She was no better off now than she had been after her dearest most beloved mama had passed away. Alone again, alone again! It was most dreadful, and Siumakini did so hate being alone. Other hyenas had taken to dropping by and offering condolences and patting her on the shoulder, but it wasn't the same. It wasn't the same as always having someone there. How could she even trust them after her daughters had gone missing?! At least she had food, but her pups! Her sweet little daughters, oh! They were gone, gone, gone!

Rising to her feet Siumakini began to pace. She didn't know what to do but she felt like she had to do something, even if it wasn't at all productive. It frazzled her nerves not having Kupu near, and before he'd left he'd told her that she must stay in their den, that she mustn't leave. Siumakini couldn't even recall where he'd said he was going, and honestly, why had he left?!

Oh, yes, the pups! Her precious daughters! He was such a good papa, going out and looking for their gentle girls. Someone dastardly had stolen them, and Kupu was convinced it was for the most nefarious of purposes. They'd been lured here, he said, because she was so beautiful and fertile and round with cubs. They'd planned this all along, he'd ranted, and Siuma couldn't help but believe him. It really did make perfect sense to her.

Whining again, this time with concern, she went to the very edge of their den and peered out. She didn't dare step out of their den. Kupu had told her not to! He'd specifically said! Siumakini would sit here, she supposed, at least until Kupu returned.

Just a note -- CJ and I entered as a pair.

Entries for this contest are now closed. Thank you all for participating, the results of this contest will be posted once winners have been chosen for each of the hyenas, and then we will roll to see who wins the second pup heart

Good luck all!!!! -so excited-

*sprinkles luck on all including self* xd whee

ninja -stalks-