Death on the horizon. [OPEN]

[Dingo]

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» CASSIUS & CROWTHER
& TYZER

Cassius raised his eyebrows as they were snarled at and as he listened to the story. He gasped dramatically when his father revealed that his own mother appeared to be the murder of Ryssor's child. "Oh Mother.." he muttered under his breath almost cynically, "How could you?" He watched Ryssor's display of grief, unsure of what to think. Was this really happening? Mother, so jealous. Perhaps she was possessed like a demon.
His head tilted at the mention of her leaving Meurtrier for good. He wasn't sure how he felt about that either. He had never been especially close to his mother and her fate was unfortunate, but his life would go on without her. Cassius had to chuckle at himself, at his indifference.
But.. she seemed quite distraught over the cub's death for someone who had just caused it. Perhaps it was just because she got caught, Cassius would guess. Cassius lowered his head and let out a sigh. He looked at his paws grimly. Sad and strange events, these were. He felt a little pity.

As Ryssor cried and Cocaine shouted, Crowther bowed his head. A shadow fell across his features as he looked down and muttered a few words of condolences. The poor family. Part of his, even, but it didn't feel like it. He was even a bit surprised that they didn't take more violent actions. Stella would simply be escorted out. Perhaps the leaders did have some mercy. Crowther had misjudged. Still, he couldn't help but feel a little suspicious. Maybe the leaders felt it too, and that's why Stella received such merciful punishment. Or did they simply not want to execute her so publicly? Whatever it was, Crowther kept his head bowed in respect and shock. His ears swiveled to listen to what else there was to say.


Meanwhile, in a distant location, a plan had been brewing among brothers. Tyzer had mulled it over all day and all night. Now it was morning, and the sun hadn't even risen on the land known as Waterfall. He was there on strictly personal matters. For the time being, he was no longer Headmaster. That was a responsibility he trusted Walter with.
By nature, Tyzer had analyzed the plan plenty of times. They were to find Stella and her family and bring her home; to safety. Of course, as a special member of the pride, he couldn't help but assume things would get violent if they were to meet anyone. A mission of stealth and valiance and success.. he hoped. This went against his usually strict neutrality and that unnerved him a bit, but he would infiltrate the territory if he had to. At first, he had been involved only to the point of giving tactical advice, but as he watched Ripthier train with such determination, he couldn't help but get emotionally and personally involved. He couldn't afford this to be a mistake.
He stopped at the edge of the upper banks and slumped just slightly. The walk there, lack of sleep, and weight of his supplies were all factors in his tire. Still, he was well-prepared for the day. He looked around, and then straightened himself up. This was where he knew he could find his half brother. "Ripthier," he called out into the still morning air, his tone sober. "It's time to go."

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"speech" // thought

This okay? Hopefully it's what you meant.

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[LAD]

(As long as like, half the pride that didn't show follows xD One char is fine ♥ sorry for ooc post.)

[Vee]

(That's perfect!)

Little sleep came for Ripthier that night. His stomach felt knotted, and his mind raced with all the thoughts and fears of this mission failing. Thoughts of his dear childhood friend, and why they were doing this, could barely ease the Iva-mix's mind at this point. He didn't have long before his brother was due.

At the edge of the cave, he examined the dagger Serenity had carved for him. It was specialized, now. If he bit down on a specific part of the handle, paralysis potion would leak onto it's blade. Ripthier would only ever need to cut someone with it to temporarily bring them to their knees; no one had to die if it could be helped. Ripthier then double checked his supplies, within one pocket was several Amnesia bats. Feed this to anyone he cuts and they'd have never appeared at all. Could be most convenient...

He then looked over to his parents who were resting further in. Although they were aware that something would happen sooner or later, Ripthier decided against telling them, even Balthier who had offered to join the party.
They've both had their years fighting against Meurtrier, the largest and cruelest pride this part of the world had known. The Iva-mix had both admired and feared their history, yet often wanted to hear the tales of their past.

Now it was their sons turn to bring home the stories.

It hadn't been that long since the encounter with Stella, between then and now the boy had trained almost nonstop. It was an exhausting process, but he had some valuable fighting skills passed down from Yasha, some knowledge from Serenity, and as the call from outside the waterfall cave came, Tyzer's support. Good wise Tyzer. Ripthier spared a final glance to his seemingly sleeping parents, and prayed that it would not be the last time they were together as a family, then he left the cave and out from behind the waterfall.

It was time. The moment he saw Tyzer clearly, and as he approached, the boys heart pumped rapidly, and his breathing came in short mists in the morning air. He had to compose himself, and knowing this, Ripthier forced himself some longer breaths. Now was not a time for anxiety, it was a time for action. And according to the headmaster, time is something they barely had. "Morning, Tyzer..." He greeted, today the headmaster would have walked further. The waterfall was situated between the Academy and their Destination of Shadow Veldt. There was no time to turn back. no time to waste here, either. So when the headteacher said it was time to go, Ripthier nodded, and they begun their journey to Shadow Veldt.

It will take a while, and for them there was no certain knowing what could occur once they got there...

(*Casually waits for tail end of RP, shares tea*)

[Silverfang]

The King's attention quietly paid mind to Circa and Cocaine beside him, a moment of surprise withholding him as Cocaine spoke. So little had been done. This was cold murder.

But murder was a common thing - this was amongst their ranks. Close to home. Threatening even if they allowed her to simply leave. It would be their responsibility for allowing a murderous individual to roam free to do as they wished; to kill even more or perhaps even return.

Funeral caught Stella's words faintly ass Circa's eyes landed on him, he nodded curtly amidst his thoughts, eyes glancing over Stella for a moment in contemplation before speaking toward his Commander and Captain. "Circa is correct, Cocaine.. Should we make such a straightforward decision without proper questioning? The details are set, but what if someone was set up? Framed?" His gaze narrowed slightly. "The murderer may not even be here. What if Nerante just saw Stella right after the demise of the cub? I don't believe it'd be hard to lather someone in blood and then get away. We've had the same instance before - with Static." His inky lips turned into a frown. "Did Nerante scent anything different of the area? A different smell?" They were at war, after all. Instances such as these were.. suspicious.

"And if she did murder the cub, we are allowing her off to create similar instances somewhere else - or to come back willingly and commit another crime. In which case I'd like to avoid; we need teeth and claws to help us during these times of war."

His dark gaze swept over the crowd, pausing just a moment longer when settled upon Stella and Nerante before his head turned back to the two near him.

[kahara]

EVERYONE

[/i] The Commander sighed deeply, frustration brewing within. He had to be careful. If he failed to convince them of this, it'd go on far longer than he'd like. Ryssor needed peace, Stella needed peace; and Nerante needed eyes on his back. Specifically, Cocaine's. But Cocaine wasn't finished talking.

"I pointed out that they're shaken as well, so that we may note that they may not be in the best mindset to properly explain what has happened.. if they make the slightest mistake due to the shock on their shoulders, it would, too, be on our shoulders for whatever we decide based upon what they've said. However.." He trailed off and turned hesitantly to Nerante and Stella. He needed Funeral and Circa to agree with him, and he needed to give in a bit so they'd follow his word. This wasn't an easy task. No doubt, Stella would blame Nerante and Nerante would blame Stella. It'd lead them in circles; and that is what Cocaine hoped for.

"Nerante, Stella, please explain -- in the order called -- what happened? As best you can. It's vital." Said the commander.

Nerante paused and looked up from the throne below. Cocaine up there, Funeral up there, Circa up there. Their decision was fate itself. He cleared his throat to speak.

"I.. I.. as I ha-had said; I went to.." He choked himself up. "Sorry, right I, I went out to look for herbs and stuff and I--" Nerante swallowed a sob away, and concentrated. "Near the border, f-far from camp, Stella had her face in the- th.. Damien's fur, a-and he w-wasn'-t m-moving.." Nerante inhaled deeply and shook. "I tackled her be-before she had a chance to escape. S-she killed Damien!" Nerante shouted angrily, full of rage and sorrow, at Stella. Convincing, of course, it had to be. Only Nerante and Stella knew the honest truth and he had to put on a damn good show.

Cocaine gave a nod and then looked at Stella. Though as he waited for her to reply, beneath his voice, said to Funeral to Circa, "If Stella.. did, do this, I would like to be the one to handle it as I feel personally responsible..." He said and turned his gaze back on Stella and waited for her to, presumably, say Nerante was a liar.

Through the chaos, Nerry sat and squirmed out of the den. His half sibling had been taken to play, and Caesar was whining complaints, and the adults were off partying. Novocain rushed passed though, nearly knocking the poor cub over. He let out of a frustrated whine, though Novocain didn't bother to look back to see if the cub was okay. He squeezed past others, beneath their legs, and stopped when he saw his father on the throne, and mother shaking, and a dead cub. What was happening?[/ul][/blockquote]

[LAD]

Everyone

Aidan, Cheri, and Nixen looked back and forth continuously. Aidan knew she would need to report this to her father, this could be bad for Jaaku too if Stella wasn't dealt with. She could turn on their young for being allied. Kaden and Adalyn remained close, Shinku not too far off. He watched as a little brown thing rushed past through legs and stopped in the front and shook his head. Kaden glanced over at Shinku's movements, and then saw his gaze. This was not a place for young. Kaden frowned. Forice cleared his throat softly, and managed to gain Sepheral's attention for merely a second before she faced forward again, and took a step forward before sitting down, her body slumped over.

She half-whispered Stella's name again, hoping to get through. Then she shook her head and stepped back again. She was so uncertain. She wanted to be by Stella, comforting the female. They had plans, she had a promise! And her lip curled back slightly, but to anyone else it would continue to look like horror, sadness. They were going to leave! There was no way Stella could have killed this cub when they were so close to freedom. Sepheral waited, staying silent as Nerante spoke, and then she cast her eyes on Stella. 'Please... This couldn't have been you...'

Jericho raced across the lands, getting further away from Shadow Veldt with each stride he took. Then he realized he had not glanced at the air since he'd left - and Meurtrier were full of fliers. 'Idiot!' He held back a growl to not startle the cub - plus it would have been wasted breath, as he paused for a brief second in running, putting the cub down - under him to hide him from possible view, and then glanced upwards. And there, high in the air, was a flier. Jericho cursed himself, grasped the cub and rushed off again, picking his pace up just the slightest. His eyes widened. He knew where to go! His paws felt like they had wings as adrenaline coursed through his veins. He had a tail, someone was following him and he had to lose them. So he ran to the one area he knew full of rain and serious overgrowth. He ran to Jungle.

[Canicas]

Her lips were twitching as Nerante began to speak, her rage growing more and more. She'd finally come to and stared him down. "You sick bastard!" she growled, her fur bristling and the rounded ears swerving backwards as her face wrinkled more every second. She couldn't believe how hysterical he was acting this was sickening. Then, in the crowd Novocain. "My baby." she almost whispered, then it flashed before her again Nerante snapping the cub's body.

Her head snapped to Cocaine, her light blue eyes staring directly into his darker hued. "Cocaine, this. is. bullshit." she said as her head turned to give Nerante another growl. "This motherfucker has no dignity, no shame, he was worthless and emotionless! "You stand before your pride, one that you are meant to be loyal to and lie to everyone's faces!?" her fur continued to rise until it could go no more. She would have charged at him, but the professional within Stella stopped abruptly and took a deep breathe. Stella, this is something that can be handled. Cocaine knows you, he knows you better then anyone ever would. Yes, he'll understand. She turned to him, Circa, and her leader.

"I was out, having my time alone." she couldn't tell them she was waiting for Ripthier. "I needed my time alone....I'm sure you understand why." she discontinued that, "I sat a small distance from where Nerante killed the cub, I noticed when I heard.." she stopped again, pulling her ears down. She hated that Ryssor had to hear this, although the females only exchanged little words. "the snap of the boys body..." she had to keep it together. "When the child died, the ground broke." Was she really saying this? Who would believe this?!? It hit her, they wouldn't. "Something...disgusting, crawled out of it...as if it were coming straight from hell." she gave a skeptical look while speaking, almost as she herself couldn't comprehend what she was saying. "They exchanged words before Viciado made an appearance." Viciado...she wondered if Caine was in the crowd. "She's....she's gone." her head began to droop, it was a sad scene to watch. "When she was gone, Nerante found me before I could find my footing....and for some reason....I couldn't..." she lifted her head and tilted it. "I felt my muscles, but they wouldn't move..." her eyes grew large, "Black magic." the words came out of her mouth like whisp.

Black magic, she remembered that. It was a terrible thing to play with and Stella hated it. "That is my side." she said nodding to them to confirm she was finished. She turned to Nerante, "But I swear on everything dear to me. My children, my life, my love for Meurtrier pride that I did not kill that cub! But, the murderer is here." she accused.

[bearcups]

[ tolvia ]

Having been a member of the meurtrier pride for what could be considered an eternity, the old red female was one of the first to respond to the commotion involving Stella, Cocaine, and some other lions whose names escaped her. Normally, Tolvia would remain where she lay or continue doing whatever she was doing, but the way her pride mates moved towards it tipped her off that something was not quite right.

Even worse, when she caught the scent of blood, the old girls instincts spiked and she immediately began to display signs of distress. Still, she pushed forward, curious and concerned for the safety of her unborn cubs. As of then, she was heavily pregnant, and it was making her unbelievably aggressive and hormonal, but also very protective.

When Tolvia sat down, she lifted her head and looked down at Cocaine and Stella, and wrinkled her nose. She knew when something had gone horribly wrong, but she also knew when something was off. Nothing here smelled right, and she didn't like it. Therefore, she isolated herself from the rest of the group and sat higher up.

[ heroin ]

When something that concerned the pride went wrong, Heroin was normally the last to want to hear about it. She was aware of how large the pride was and she was all too confident in the idea of it being able to take care of itself. However, she had caught wind of both of her parents names, she was up on her feet and within the growing crowd faster than anyone thought she was capable of.

Heroin may not have spent a lot of time with her mother or her father as a cub, but she knew both of them well enough to work out that something was wrong here. Very, very wrong. Heroin refused to believe that her mother was guilty of what she was being accused of, and due to this it triggered a physical reaction from her. She was growling. Her King and father were there, but she would never, ever, abandon her parents and so she was happily sat, growling, making it clear that it was not directed at Stella.

Unfortunately, Heroin knew that she did not hold a high enough place in the pride to speak out. She continued her feral response, ears flat against her skull, blue eyes locked on to her dad.

[TheWG]

Circa Da'ei

All the stories formed together, from Cocaine's haste to put Stella on the spot, to Nerente's almost completely hysterical stuttering, to Stella's blatant story of mystery... Circa bit her lip, and gazed down at the blonde haired 'ess below her gradually telling her story. She believes herself- her side. She thought, but knew, with a heavy heart, that it was at best; unbelievable. Her eyes then passed to Nerente, and they narrowed. Something inside told her that he was trying, just slightly. But... Perhaps all the drama brought that on. An uneasy feeling lingered in her gullet though, and Circa didn't like it. There was something odd going on...

Then, she spoke about Viciado, and her ears shot up. "Viciado's... GONE?" She rasped audibly to the other higher-ups beside her, looking around in sudden haste- to realize; she didn't see her, at all. Her head flicked towards Funeral questioningly. "Should... Should we check?" Has anyone even seen her today?

[drifter]

(We have internet now.. granted that it's slow. But since Im pretty far behind on this let's just say Osic's still in his den, as WG already mentioned I do believe lol and everyone else is just standing on the sidelines and simply watching.. But I'm here)

[kahara]

(That's fine, welcome back Drifter, missed you!)

[drifter]

(Daww! :3 Thankies ♥ I think I was having symptoms of withdraw from all of you lol)

[Noa]

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Ryssor was never one for volatile, outward emotions but it seemed that today was an exception. She just couldn't believe that this was happening. It was like a bad dream, a nightmare, something that she just wanted to snap out of and go back home. To her family, where she'd wake up with eight smiling faces at her, wanting her to be their mother and raise them right.

But Damien.. he'd never see the light again. He would never grow up with his brothers and sisters. He would never laugh or smile and play fight with his friends. If Ry could have swapped places with her son, she would have. Any day of the week would she have sacrificed herself, she would be the one to die at the paws of.. whoever did this.

Her gaze snapped up to the group in front of her, going between Nerante and Stella as they gave forward their arguments. It was almost sickening how it was being treated as a trial rather than a tragedy, but even inside of the female she was having her own suspicions despite her not-so-clear head.

Nerante seemed.. genuine. But she didn't want to believe Stella, while they hadn't gotten along as best friends in the pride, wasn't even capable of doing such a thing. It was a stupid mistake Ry had done.. but did that really warrant killing her son? She wanted to think Stella was better than that, but Ryssor just wanted justice.

Revenge, perhaps?

She just shook her head and stared holes down at Stella, eyes glazing between tranquil fury if she would even dare to breathe another word of protest and a pleading look, hoping to god that she hadn't done it.

--

Another gathering at the throne was bad news for Firenze. Usually, there were only gatherings when the pride would be on high alert for something. It was a group, and he had heard nothing but the loud roars of a female over that way. Ryssor, he knew. Firenze wrinkled his nose and made his way from the waterhole. Her and his father had spent a lot of time together. Maybe she was finally going to get ex-

"Oh.. dear.. god." He breathed, seeing in plain view the dark gray female weeping over the lifeless body of a cub, one that Firenze recognised plain as day. He had talked with the young lad on many occasions before he'd run off to play with his mother or father, and Firenze tried to stomach the fact that it was really him.

It explained the roars. And then when he heard the dead cub's father, Nerante, accuse his own mother, eyes suddenly snapped to her. "NO!" He yelled, approaching Nerante in a fury. "My mother would never do such a thing!"

--

Estavan and Viktoria were far away from the craziness of the gathering, yet they knew full well what had happened. They just sat far away, watching everything unfold.

"Poor kid." Viktoria murmured, and Estavan just looked over to her with a gaze that was either one of disgust or just questioning her.

The young male gave a snort and folded his wings together. "Poor kid nothing," He muttered, scratching the dirt with his claws. "Sad that there has been yet another death in this godforsaken pride, but the kid was a bastard and the mother was a whore."

Viktoria hissed to her friend and gave him a prompt hit across the back of the head. "SHH! Do you want anyone to hear you say that?!"

Estavan just snorted in return, not even reeling from the hit. "I don't care, Vik. Their family deserves a good hard smash back to reality. That's what happens when you sleep around."

"... Estavan.. are you still hurt about Kod-"

The male snapped to her pretty quickly. "Shut up Viktoria."

The two didn't say much after that. They just watched.

--

Meanwhile, far away at the Iden home, Zephyr rose to the new day and tossed his head. It was nice and warm, an excellent start to the morning. But something was strangely odd though. The little area they occupied was usually present with his family. Nerante, Balthier II, Caine, Viciado, Marius, Syn.. they were all gone.

Confusion wrapped around the teen's features and he looked around. "Guys?!" He called out, hoping to god that anyone would come out and acknowledge him. The little brown male pawed his way around, looking left and right, searching for scents.

Nothing though. Just.. the small smell of blood. He gave a frown and started to paw towards the Veldt, down to the dens. See if anyone was there. "What the hell is going on.. ?" He mumbled to himself.
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[Caylis]

Rose watched everything on the scene with a shocked look, everything was going haywire, that was for sure. She looked over to Stella with a sad look.. she didn't see any jealousy in her, or at least that's what Rose thought.. but that's when it hit her.. black magic? She looked over to Nerante and narrowed her eyes.. Vicadio was gone?! She looked over to Circa and spoke out. "I'm afraid that I haven't Circa, not tonight." she simply said before dipping her head if Funeral and Cocaine didn't approve of her speaking.

Caylis simply shook her head at Circa's question. Just great! Now, Ryssor's child was dead, Stella and Nerante were on trial, and now the seasoned healer was gone? She looked to the child and examined it. She was a killer of many once, so perhaps the female would know. She rose a paw, asking Funeral, Cocaine or Circa if she could speak out. If they did agree, she would be happy to help to solve this fucking mess but it was all up to them.

Evangeline started sobbing when she heard a noise.. Zephyr? She rose her head slowly before sniffling. "I'm... i'm scared, Zephyr!" she wailed before trying to hug her uncle in comfort. Hopefully he would understand why she was so afraid.. of the family she once loved fall apart into thousand pieces of mirror glass.

[Silverfang]

Funeral's gaze had rested on Cocaine as he spoke, and would switch to Nerante and Stella in turn as they shared their stories. He gave not an ounce of pity - his outlook was unreadable. A shadow fell over his eyes, observing them carefully. During their explanations the King made no move to share expression of doubt or concern or anything of the like. He would make sure they did not know what his opinions were - and he tried to listen to them both and take in the possibilities, however...

His gaze held a little too long on Stella before glancing toward Circa. "Concerning news, indeed..." How many fucking members are we going to lose today?

He gave a shadowed look, nose crinkling to reveal fangs flashed for but a moment before becoming hidden again. "Where is your mother, Nerante?" He glanced at the male with a narrowed gaze - the first sear of emotion he had let off toward the two. Murmuring toward Circa, however, he spoke dimly. "I want you to send some scouts to try and find Viciado - I think we may need to visit this scene soon, however, for some solid proof." He glanced toward Cocaine. That was reasonable, no?

Swift movement caught his eye just after Rose spoke, toward Caylis and nodded to her slowly. Take your time - we're getting things situated here.

He then turned back to the group swiftly. "Stella has given me doubts with what she speaks of. But.. Viciado's disappearance has me skeptical of that. This is certainly a mess." He grumbled. "I stick with the possible plan to investigate the scene. Whether or not it is on your shoulders, Cocaine, I wish to get to the bottom of this sooner rather than later."