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 Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 8:08 pm
Despite the familiar views around her, Koka knew that things had changed. Oh yes, she had heard about her dear brother and his idealistic ways to change the pride. The worst part of it all, was that there were enough fools following him to make the pride thrive like it was. HA! How dare they think that they deserved to live on these lands? These sands that hold so much history and love for the once fierce Firekin pride. Now...now these sands held nothing but mere memories. Those who resided here now could not compare to the lions who had onces trekked across these sands. FOOLS! The lot of them!
Head held high, unflinching under the hot sun, Koka moved across the shifting dunes as if she had never left. When had been the last time she had dared venture across these lands? Ah yes...the day she had sent her pathetic excuses for daughters to kill her dear old father. Failures...they were no daughters of hers. With their failure they aided her damned brother to his throne...no...HER throne! The throne that so rightly belonged to her! SHE was the only one willing to stick to the old ways now. SHE was most deserving of her bloodline., not her sniveling brother who fell for that horrible outsider. Well...her dear ol' brother was in for a surprise now, wasn't he?
The thoughts made Koka grin with glee. Oh yes, dear 'Ondo was in for a great surprise. After all, he probably would never had thought he'd lay eyes on her again. Well...how could she deprieve him of such an honor? Oh no, it had been far too long since her last visit, and even then she didn't see him or that rat of a mate of his.
Following the swells of the dunes, Koka instinctively traveled towards the dens. Her body knew the direction. The path was well ingrained in her muscles, even after all the time that had passed. If all went well, it would not take her long to reach the dens, and that made her grin even more. How many lions would dare what she dare? Walking right into her enemy's home territory to make a social call? Koka chuckled to herself, "Not Many."
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 3:28 am
 “Where are you going?” Itzcoatl, Fia’s cobra familiar, hissed. He moved swiftly behind her, his scales leaving neat ripples in the sand. He was all black with shining jade eyes set in his fine, sleek head. The extra folds at his neck seemed slightly tucked as he fought to keep up alongside staying away from big, clumsy paws that might stamp down on him.
“Out.” Fia returned swiftly. “You don’t need to come if you’d prefer to stay.”
The cobra pulled up short, hissing with false hurt. “Fine. Be that way. I’ll guard the lair from intrudersss.” He pulled his body up, his neck swaying from side to side in thought. He didn’t really mind being left behind. He could pick a nice sunny rock above the entrance to the den and warm himself all day under the desert sun.
Fia turned to throw him a look over a shoulder. “I won’t be long.” All she wanted to do was tell Ea about the adventure she had been dragged into by little An. It had been a rather bizarre experience indeed and something that had to be shared with her sister. They had adored escapades like that, but in their experience nothing like that had ever happened. It was mostly just the workings of an overactive mind.
“Behind you.” Itz warned suddenly. “Sssomeone comesss.”
Fia turned back around, half expecting it to be one of the family. Their dens were all close by so they passed each other quite often. The approaching lioness was family, but not who Fia expected. In fact, despite the fact that she looked startlingly familiar, Fia had no idea who she was. Which meant only one thing. She hadn’t lived here throughout Fia’s life, which meant she should not be striding around as if she owned the place. Father needed to be told.
“Itz.” Her voice, for once, was deadly serious. “Go and find Father or Mother.”
The snake looked startled, but for once he didn’t argue. The one approaching was certainly familiar and the snake sensed trouble brewing. Was this the start of things to come? His prediction for Fia through her markings – streaks of red beneath each eye.
Tears of blood.
Some called it superstition but it was an art passed down to him by his parents and one that he would never take lightly, even if everyone else seemed to. With a shake of his head he turned and slipped off across the compacted sand.
Fia, not afraid for she stood not alone, moved forwards to greet – and warn off the stranger. She need only give one call and a member of the pride would be there to back her up in moments.
“You walk as one of us and you look like one of us.” Fia spoke, her eyes falling instantly to the mark on Koka’s chest. “But you are not one of us.”
She knew that mark and knew it well. Neither of her parents possessed it but many of her siblings did. Azar and Zii’moto in particular, came to mind. So who was this, then? A cousin? An aunt? Well, she’d make damned sure she found out.
“Who are you?”
Straight to the point.
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Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 3:10 pm
Indigo eyes caught sight of the dark form against the golden sand and slid right over the lioness as if she was nothing. Truthfully, to Koka, this Firekin -was- nothing in her mind. A mere dung beetle in way towards her goal, but the brazen words and physical blockade from the female was enough to cause Koka to stop and truly look at her. Surprisingly, Koka had to admit that this lioness was attractive and...familiar in a way. The dark coat...blood red markings...strangely familiar indeed.
With an expression that clearly read how Koka felt about this lioness Koka snapped irritably at the younger female. "You're right. I am not one of you. I am of the trueblood of the Firekin, much more noble and powerful...not that I expect you to appreciate what that means." Oh yes, Koka looked down upon this female who so bravely stepped in her path. Koka had to give the lioness credit for putting her life on the line. Unforutnatly, if Koka wanted things to go well in the lands, she knew she'd have to keep her claws retracted, as much as that irked her.
The next question...oh, now this might prove interesting for both her and her dear little greeter. "It appears you do not have an eye for royalty. I am Koka, Princess of the Firekin." An almost cruel grin graced her maw. "Sister to your dear regeant, Kidondo."
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Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2010 5:34 am
Fia snorted, irritated by this female despite the fact that they were clearly related in some fashion. It seemed wrong, somehow, that this rude creature should bear her family’s mark. It was a mark for good Firekin, not ones like the one she faced now.
“Trueblood?” Well, two could play the insulting game. “Oh, you mean one of those inbred rats who once parted from us and then returned, grovelling, a few months later.” She didn’t mean it, really. Kenna and the others had been accepted with suspicion at first, but as far as Fia was concerned they had integrated well and were thriving. There was no shame in seeing and admitting that you were wrong and facing it. Fia had not thought that such deluded creatures still walked the lands, especially ones who thought to take on a whole pride…seemingly alone. “You’re right, I don’t appreciate what that means. New blood has allowed us to breed, to grow. What is the point in maintaining a pureblood pride that will ultimately die or breed itself to nothing more than deformed, addle-minded creatures who cannot uphold the meaning of a warrior.”
But enough of that, she already knew there was no getting through to this female.
“Royalty? Princess? There are no such titles amongst the Firekin anymore, Koka. You are nothing but a vagrant in these lands. I don’t think the Regent will welcome you here so I urge you, turn back now. I will not stand aside.”
She took a step forwards, her hackles bristling, wondering how long it would take Itz to fetch her father. What if he was not home? What if he was out somewhere? “Besides, if the Firekin so disgust you now, why even return at all? The blood is already mixed. That cannot be undone.”
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Posted: Sat Jan 23, 2010 8:51 am
Eyes narrowed, Koka had to restrain herself from launching at the lioness. "I am -hardly- one of those "inbred rats" that you speak of. If I was then you're current ruler is no better than me." She lifted her head a little. "I cna't...completely dissagree with what your reagent has done...but...well...that's something that doesn't need to be discussed with a mere...whatever you are." She flicked her paw nonchalantly.
"Wheather you acknowledge my rank, I could care less right now. I am what I am. I suppose I can't expect someone of your status to understand anything that I say." Tail flicking behind her Koka looked down upon Fia, not particularly caring much for this lioness, possibly relation or not. It only proved to her how soft hearted notions could ruin anyone. This female was not badly built, and Koka was pretty sure Fia was also a relation of some sort, but who's daughter she was Koka couldn't guess. She had far too many siblings that could leave spawn about.
"Now, I highly suggest you take me to Kidondo. I want to speak to my brother and I doubt he'd very much like me to just...leave." She smirked. "'Ondo is smarter than that."
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Posted: Sun Jan 24, 2010 8:49 am
She puffed up her chest a little and took another step forwards, feeling any fear or doubt dissipate beneath her anger. Fia rarely had reason to get angry but today was one of those few occassions where she felt herself prepared to do anything to make sure this lioness did not get any further. This one was family, yes, but she did not think like them. Not at all.
"You do not know my status, outsider." She growled. "And I will do no such thing. Our Regent has no time to deal with the likes of you and you are not permitted any closer to the dens. I mean it, Koka of Vagrants, one wrong move and all I need to is call out. Firekin will be upon you and you will not live to see another day."
She did not trust this one. Not one little bit. What did she intend to say to her father? Something that could bring trouble, that was for certain. Perhaps it had been wrong of her to send the cobra after Kidondo. Perhaps she should have had him seek mother instead, or maybe Azarax.
With a snarl, Fia lunged towards the other, claws unsheathed and fangs revealed. "You are not welcome here!"
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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 3:30 pm
"There is no reason for any of you to attack me." She stood them with confidence. "I have not come here to cause a fight, I certainly have not raised my claws to you, and I am, by blood, a Firekin. I only wish to seek out my dear brother. Your threats are empty to me."
Koka stood her ground, she wasn't about to move, not for this youngster who thought that anyone should bend to her command. What had this lioness done to eminate a presence such as that. Koka would have laughed in the other's face if it wasn't for the fact that she wanted into the lands without a scuffle. As long as she didn't raise a claw, Koka knew she'd be admitted. Though, such a task was proving hard. This impertinent lioness blocking her way was beginning to be a nusiance.
It was then that Koka saw the lunge aat her. Instinct tried to take over, tried to make her lash out at the other lioness with all teeth and claws bared, but Koka's mind fought instinct. With as much control as she could manage, Koka let the other lioness slam into her allowing herself to be thrown to the ground and pinned.
Quickly recovering form the initial hit on the sandy ground, Koka just merely looked up at Fia. Not moving, and trying to ignore the pressure of the younger lionesses claws upon her as they dug into her skin from the impact.
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Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 12:49 am
Why did she not defend herself? Fia knew that she had talent in fighting, but without training to hone the skill, she was quite aware that any fight she tangled herself up in could end in a loss. She was sure this female here had great strength and skill in that area and yet she hadn't even attempted to evade?
Fia's warning siren was blaring in her head, so much so that she almost didn't hear the roar somewhere behind her.
"Fia!" It was Kidondo, moving swiftly across the sands with the black cobra leading the way. At first he did not realise who it was that his daughter had pinned. And then, as he drew closer still, he came to realise, with a surprising sense of hatred, who it was.
His sister.
"When your snake spoke of trouble he wasn't lying." For once, he added silently to himself, striking a paw in the snake's direction when he puffed himself up proudly. He really didn't like that serpent.
"Let her up, Fia."
"But Father..." There was really no sense in hiding the relation anymore, since now that Kidondo was here, it would come out sooner or later.
Her attempt at disobeying, however, met only cold, desert-coloured eyes and the female relented, stepping back so that Koka could regain her feet. "She's a trespasser. I don't care what relation she has to us."
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Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 2:41 pm
Koka would recognize that roar anywhere. It resembled their father's so much one would think the old King was trapsing up to her, if it wasn't for the dramatic physical difference between her father and Kidondo. She had to admit, her brother had grown up well but certainly wasn't on par with Kimeti when it came to pure physical stature.
"Trouble? Now why would you call me that?" She chuckled while still pinned under the lionesses paw.
Wait...father? FATHER!? That could have sent Koka into fits of laughter. She should have seen it! Of course, this goody-goody lioness was Kidondo's daughter, and in reality, her own neice. What was with their bloodline producing such good hearted nobodies?
Finally released from Fia, Koka rolled to her side before rising to her paws and facing Kidondo. "How kind of you to come out and greet me yourself 'Ondo." She grinned. "I was beginning to feel as if I was unwanted. I must tell you that you're welcoming party needs lessons in protocol for recieving guests." She brushed off some stray sand from her chest. "I did nothing that would require such....forceful intervention of my enterance into the pridelands." She looked at Fia with an almost mocking expression.
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Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 3:28 pm
"Don't waste your breath, Koka. My memory is not so short. I know as well as any what you think of me. What you think of this pride." His eyes narrowed accusingly. "I'm warning you, do not push me. Just because I do not snap into action with claws and teeth bared at the first given moment does not mean I will not if I am pushed to it."
He watched as she gained her paws and threw Fia a look that warned her to be careful. He did not trust this lioness and he did not want her anywhere near his eldest daughter.
Shaking his head, he continued. "Guest? Do you still wrap yourself in such delusions, Koka? You are not permitted on these lands and, as such, warrant no welcome. As I've said before. Don't waste your breath because I have no care to listen. I suggest you go back the way you came, and quickly."
Fia, growling but otherwise silent, looked on with her mismatched narrow eyes. She had half a mind to spring for the female again, but for once she decided to trust in her father and let him deal with this.
Now was not the time for rebelling against orders.
However, at Koka's look she bristled further and took a step forwards. "I'd be happy to escort her to the borders myself, Father."
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 10:50 am
Koka quirked a brow at her brothers words. It seemed dear 'Ondo had grown a backbone. Well, two could certainly play this game and Koka was well versed in the game of words.
"I have done nothing to warrant such vicious words from you brother. I came into these lands, my birth home, to see how my family was doing. I raised not one claw against anyone, not even your dear daughter even after she attacked me without reason. Don't I have any more right than a random rogue wanting to join the pride? I certainly can't be any threat, me a lone lioness, against a pride such as yours 'Ondo."
At the runts response to escort Koka to the borderlands, the lionesses piercing indigo eyes turned in the femme direction. The whelp wouldn't have much of a chance returning to her father in one piece if 'Ondo let her lead Koka from the pridelands. No, Koka would attack just about anyone who dare try to lead her from the pride and dear 'Ondo should be well aware of that fact. Koka didn't like being rejected, not one bit. You could say shes a...uh, sore loser.
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Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:39 pm
Kidondo growled. "You're fooling no one, Koka. You have made no secret of your feelings towards the pride. You are no different from Father." It had been a long time since he had spoken of Kimeti and it brought that same pang to his heart as it had all that time ago.
"As far as I am concerned, there is far more promise and strength in the joining rogues than in you. Your heart and mind are set in stone. There is no changing them. Those that do not adapt and move with the times are set for extinction."
His eyes narrowed. "And as for family, I think you care little for us. Family, after all, has brought you nothing but trouble."
His eyes turned towards Fia and he shook his head slowly.
Seething silently, Fia forced herself to back up, turning her head to look as her cobra came sliding up alongside her, wrapping his coils around a fore paw, almost as if to try and calm her. It seemed to work - momentarily, at least - and she said nothing more, watching and waiting for her aunt to back off.
It was clear there was no love between the two siblings and she wondered what would happen if Koka refused to leave the lands. She didn't think she'd ever seen her father angry before and was almost curious to see that emotion in him.
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Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 4:03 pm
"So, like father, you'll slay me right here for whatever beliefs you are certain that I hold?" She raised her paw, presenting herself. "If you are so certain I am just like father and wish more blood upon you, than here I am, Kidondo. Kill me right here, in front of your own daughter, and prove a point." Koka looked right into Kidondo's golden eyes, her own eyes not wavering in her bold offer. "You may think that I have not changed but what I have presented to you speaks otherwise. Your duaghter could have been torn to the shreds by the time you got here and you very well know it, but I didn't touch a hair on that girl's hide."
Koka knew how much it had bothered Kidondo to hurt their father. Sure, her brother had done what he needed to, but deep down, Koka knew her brother wasn't proud of having to kill Kimeti. Kidondo was too soft not to feel remorse over their father's death, and Koka had all intentions of pulling at those heart strings. Family was Kidondo's biggest weakness and Koka would exploit that.
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Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 11:32 am
He hated her, then. Hated her for knowing that he would not do that. He could not be responsible for another death in the family. The first had near torn him apart. Koka was not worth the guilt he knew her death would bring. And yet...what was he to do? He was Regent. He had to defend these lands from the likes of her.
For the first time in a very long time, Kidondo felt powerless.
"You cannot fool me. You have not changed. You would have not hesitated to hurt Fia if you had not been in the heart of the lands. To kill here would mean your own death. You would not commit such an act if you didn't think you could get away with it."
He snarled. "Very well, Koka, humour me. You have not suddenly changed your ways, your beliefs, yet you come to these lands. Why are you here? You knew what to expect, knew it would disgust you, and yet here you are."
Kill her?! Torn to shreds!? Fia felt her rage burning, blazing inside of her, desperate to get out. She did not know h ow her father controlled his rage in Koka's presence. He must have had many years of practice. All Fia knew was that it hurt to keep it in.
Her claws curled into the sand, her rage trembling up into her being, desperate to be set free.
The cobra, sensing her anger, squeezed his coils tight about her foreleg, so tight that it hurt.
Fia staggered back, panting, all but frothing at the mouth. "Father..." She rasped, struggling still to hold herself back.
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