The Dawn of The Outlands 1.0

The Dawn of The Outlands 1.0

The Dawn of The Outland's 1.0
...

June 16, 1999
The scorching sun cast a firey glaze over the African savanna as a lone termite scampered across the blazing earth, Parched of water for decades, The earth itself had risen up from starvation and formed large cracks and scars upon the surface of the most treachrous land known to Africa.

Some called it hell...

Others claimed it to be the dead side of the savanna...

But to a small few,

The Outlands was their home.

Here a small family of lions called the "Outlanders" survived only by their dependance on each other to survive each day of toil and scorching heat.

The king of these lands, Was the ousted second in line of the Pridelands,
Scar.

Queenship fell to the second daughater of the Shadowlands,
Zira.

Their daughater Vitani, Next in line to be queen the day Zira died or grew too old.

It had already been decided Suka would be next as king, While his brother Nuka, Served beside him as a second in command.

Another lone termite scurried across the earth, only to be crushed by a massive mountian of a paw as an errie chrimson eyed lioness made her way across the barren terrain to a massive spire to the West, In the form of a massive forlorn termite hill.

This lioness, Was unlike any other ever before.

The inhabitanats of the Outlands may have their own creepy traits of their own,

But this lioness seemed to carry her own mystic aura of pure evil.

The twin sister of the most evil lioness known to all of Africa, Zira.

Mirhiza had made her way to the Outlands from a land far enough away to be called mere myth.

Mirhiza was a massive lioness unlike any other, While she carried Zira's form and size, Her mere apperance sent fear down the spines of even the bravest of beasts.

Her eyes, Looking nothing more like the reincarnation of fire themselves, Blazed with a fury unknown to anyone but Zira herself.

Her chestnut fur bristled with the many years of pent up agression toward all those who ever irked her...

Her charcoal claws, With the slighest tint of chrimson...

Were unnaturally long by the standards of lions far and wide...

Mirhiza was the closest thing to a demon one could ever find...

She hated ALL who stood before her in her conquest of evil.

Mirhiza made her way to reunite with the one being left who she still respected, Her younger sister Zira.

Suka and Nuka set at the entrance of the Outland hill when Mirhiza approached them.

They both looked to this lioness for a second as they took in her apperance.

The lioness halted and merely stared a burning hole through the both of them intently.

Who are you and what do you want? asked Suka.

Mirhiza focused her attention away from them and approached the entrance to their home.

Suka and Nuka went to jump infront of her only to quickly find that both of them had been tossed to the ground and had an array of deadly claws slowly burying into their throats.

Stand down ! she hissed.

Not until you kill us ! shreiked Nuka.
Till the death we will fight ! yelled Suka.

Mirhiza snarled and retracted her claws from their throats.

You must be Zira's children. she hissed.

Suka and Nuka's attention were now both focused on this lioness.

What did you say? asked Nuka.

Mirhiza closed her eyes and continued on down into the den.

Once Mirhiza entered the main den she was attacked by an alerted Zira, and soon found herself pinned to the floor, Merely a few seconds from death as a deadly arsenal of canines lowered on her fleashy throat.

Suka and Nuka pounced on Mirhiza the moment she began to attempt to kill their mother.

Once agian Mirhiza sent the two flying through the air as she backhanded both swiftly and returned to their queen. Just as Mirhiza's jaw's began to crush the life out of Zira a chrimson male lept out from nowhere and tackled the lioness to the ground as Nuka and Suka pinned her down together. Both were on the brink of being flung across the cave when the mysterious intruder finnaly subsided her attacks.

She exhaled slowly and set looking to the agressive lions now surronding her.

Allow me to stand. she spoke.

Scar's eyes blazed with haterid as he thought about slitting the throat of this intruder.

However, Suka and Nuka released their grip when Zira nodded her head in agreement.

Mirhiza stood and looked to Zira directly.

Everyone took full attention to her as she stared at Zira.

Well, You haven't changed a bit dear sister. she fiannaly chuckled. Zira looked to this lioness for a moment and raised a crooked brow. I beleave you are terribly mistaken, For I do NOT know WHO you are. hissed Zira, Now unbeknowingly sharing Scar's deep intentions of causing this lioness great suffering.

Mirhiza grinned and spoke once more, with a slight hint of laughater in her voice.

Dear sister, Do you not remember your own flesh and blood sister Mirhiza?

Zira looked to this lioness and remembered her distant sister, Mirhiza.
Zira's eyes locked onto Mirhiza's form as she spoke.
Mirhiza, May I ask what you want to do with us and for what reason you even stepped a single paw on our land. she spoke slowly.

Mirhiza grinned evily.

Well, To say I am in need of your help, Would be an understatement and tottaly useless at the same time. she grinned.

You see, A group of strange creatures have been invading my homelands far beyond your borders.

They carry, What we all have come to know as, Guns, Weapons that project peices of very hard rock at speeds unthinkable by any of us.

Anyways, These "humans" are killing our food sources, As well as my pride.

I being queen, Fled to other lands in search for, help.

She stressed strongly to say "help"

Scar and Zira looked to each other as Suka and Nuka allowed the powerful shaman lioness, Ariz, to pass.

Ariz walked up to Mirhiza and studied her from every angle.

After a few moments of silence, Ariz spoke.

This lioness has traveleld many miles from the land of Kiebu, She carrys the smell of death, The aura of evil, A heart of darkness, As well as the smell of gunpowder...

This is our queen's true sister, And armed humans HAVE invaded her lands...
I sense many casaulties already. she spoke.

Mirhiza paid no attention to the form of Ariz, She simply stared toward her "family" as they prepared to respond.



Scar spoke first,

So...

What do you want us to do?

Mirhiza smiled evily as she spoke.

Well, Some assistance would be nice.

The family agreed on it and made their way outside to help Mirhiza on her quest. However, When she got outside the Outlanders saw her pick up a stick off the ground.

What's that? asked Nuka. Mirhiza grinned as she moved her paw back and forth on the stick as it made a lot of metalic sounds. This is what we're going to be facing. she frowned as she aimed the stick at a passing wildabeast some 50 feet away.

Dad, What's she doing? asked Suka as Mirhiza began to grin as she clumsly held the stick to her shoulder, As she was no expert at weapons.

Suddenly the stick made a loud bang and everyone scattered as the wildabeast fell dead to the ground.

Mirhiza led her family out to the wildabeast who had a tight group of hundreds of holes in it's flesh.
So, What IS that? asked Scar sounding intrested.

The humans call it a Shotgun, But I like to call it Deadly Wind.
As you can see, It propels a tight group of hard stones at whatever your pointing it at. Aint found a thing it cant kill. she added, Grinning evily.

Scar and Zira exchanged concerned looks as Mirhiza looked to the horizon.

So, How do you expect US to go up agianst...That. spoke Zira as she looked to the dead wildabeast.

Mirhiza grinned evily as she walked up to Zira and handed her a large pistol.

I'm sure you'll figure out a way. she smirked.

Zira looked to the weapon, Not quite sure what to do with it. Scar took the weapon from her and the family followed Mirhiza off into the sunset, Where they would not doubt, Fight the hardest battle in all their lives as they took on humankind itself.

Mirhiza led them on a jouney that took days, They traveled to lands that Scar had never seen before, To Zira however, It was just the long path to her distant blood's homelands, Kiebu.
A land very similar to the Savanna's of their homelands, With the addition of Man's introduction into the lands, With weapons, Large and noisy creatures that smelled of death, And unfimilar animals of all sorts.

Mirhiza spoke of a certian human, Who, Had taken it upon himself to try and capture Mirhiza alive. She said she left him with a "reminder" to NEVER try and detain her ever agian.

The Outlanders were still concerned as to HOW they could possibly stand a chance in hell agianst these "Guns" and live to see the following day alive. These "weapons" were unlike anything they had ever seen before. Another hollow stick inside the weapon held 8 brilliantly shiny, yet strangely shaped rocks.

Mirhiza told them all she knew was somehow the rocks were propelled out of a hollow tube in the weapon at speeds unthinkable to any living creature. The rocks could go extreamly far and it didnt take but a single one to take down one of them in agonising pain. Zira happened to knotice a small round hole in Mirhiza's left hip. Mirhiza caught her sister looking at it at one point and spoke without any change in her tone. That's what these rocks do to you, They cut through flesh with great ease, Through muscle and bone, Spilling one's lifeblood, The rock is still in me, It causes me great pain, But it also reminds me that these "humans" want me to feel pain, To cause me great suffering... I have EVERY intention to return the favor. she frowned.

After three days of walking the family had entered the lands of Mirhiza's kingdom. Nothing seemed out of the ordnary at all. The land was quiet, The air was cool and carried the claming scent of life itself, A nearby stream flowing with life itself.

Mirhiza however was very alerted and kept low to the ground as if being hunted. The Outlanders knew not why she acted so strange, But they mirrored her every move as they proceeded through the quiet lands.

It wasnt until a great crack of thunder took them all by supprise. Mirhiza had not only stopped, But her head was drooped down in what seemed sorrow. Mirhiza knew she was being watched, So she quietly explained to her family, Why she had a tear slowly running down her face.
Everytime a great thunder as such happens, Another of our pride never comes back home to their family...
We have lost over 7 of our pride to the great thunder caused by these. stuttered Mirhiza as she threw the "shotgun" to the ground and continued on as everyone followed her, Leaving the cold killer on the ground behind them to rot away in the grasses.

Mirhiza led her family to a large grouping of rocky ledges and spires where a group of well hidden lions watched them pass into a dark tunnel in the ground. Mirhiza only nodded her head as they passed what seemed to be nothing but solid rock, Until they spotted the small group above them. The tunnel was dark for a few lengths before being illuminated by cracks in the celing. Two large lions set at a junction in the tunnel. They bowed to Mirhiza and her kin as she led her family into the main chamber where she finnaly spoke with them as if she wasnt being hunted or in any danger at all.

My family, I know what you are feeling right now. I will let you know I have felt just the same fear everyday of my life for the past 13 days. I do NOT expect you to learn how to or even use such a horrible thing as these weapons. spoke Mirhiza as she looked to the collection of weapons they had nearby from their current deductions to the human count in Africa. All I ask is you help us to defeat this enemy anyway you feel best at doing. she spoke. Scar and Zira exchange glances as he looked to the "pistol" Mirhiza had given him.

Mirhiza, You have asked us to aid you to defend your pride. spoke Scar.
As your closest family Mirhiza, We swear to do all we can to help you in this battle. added Zira.

Suka, Nuka, And Vitani looked to each other and made their decisions as well.

We will do whatever it takes to insure we all live to see another sunrise as well as the following sunset. spoke Suka.

Mirhiza bowed her head. I thank you all greatly, My family, We shall battle this threat, Together we shall win back our lands, Before these "humans" have a chance to spread into your homelands. smiled Mirhiza.
Meanwhile Nuka fiddled around with one of the weapons.
What the hell are you doin? yelled Suka as she saw his brother looking down the tube on one of the weapons.
I was just checkin it out. he chuckled.

Mirhiza walked over to him sternly and gave him a very serious look.
Nuka, These are NOT ordnary harmless sticks as you would just find laying in the savanna, They are NOT to be played with, You either be serious around them and use the common knowledge you will learn about them, Or I WILL make sure you stay from all of these "weapons" for as long as I breathe.

They COULD easily hurt you Nuka. frowned Zira.

So, Unless you wish to die, I suggest you just leave them alone then. spoke Scar.

Nuka lowered his head, But understood that they wernt to be messed with without a knowledge of them.

Suka and Vitani went over to Nuka while Scar, Zira, And Mirhiza plotted how they would battle the humans.

Nuka, I know you were just curious about that stick, But you have to remember what Mirhiza showed us with that one stick Nuka, They end lives very easily. spoke Vitani. Suka nodded his head in agreement.
So, Have either of you made up your mind if you're going to use the weapons or not? asked Nuka. Vitani shrugged her shoulders, and Suka twitched his whiskers before answering. I plan to learn how to use them, But I will only use them if I absoutely have to end a life to protect our family. spoke Suka. Vitani nodded her head in agreement. We shall learn about them, Perhaps even how to avoid being attacked by them, How the humans use them, And Why they want to kill Mirhiza's pride, and capture Mirhiza alive herself. spoke Vitani.

The small group approached Mirhiza when the three elder lions failed to come up with a plan.

Mirhiza, The three of us have decide we would like to learn about these weapons and how to use them. spoke Nuka.

Mirhiza nodded. Very well, Your father feels the same way about these weapons, I shall show you all I know. she spoke as she handed each of them a stick. You dont have to worry, They dont have any rocks in them. spoke Mirhiza as she saw Nuka holding it like it was dieseased. Suka turned to see Zira setting back down in the den. Arent you coming? asked Suka. Not right now Suka, You go on, I might be out later. spoke Zira simply. Suka hesitated for a moment before shrugging his shoulders and following Scar out of the den.

The group made their way outside into the open savanna.

Okay, First I shall show you how to use the sticks. There is a point sticking out from the side, Lift this up, And then pull it back. It took them all a few attempts before gettin it right. Okay, Now push that forwards and then down. This took much less tries, Okay, Now level your eye with the little point on the tube and put the little point on an object, This is what your rock will hit. When you are lined up, Pull the small stick on the bottom back with your claw. Everyone did this fairly easily. 4 resounding clicks were heard.

Now, I am going to give you each a stick of rocks... Take your time and for the sake of Ahudi... Be careful. sighed Mirhiza. Scar took the smaller stick, Looked to the bigger stick, and then frowned. Mirhiza raised a brow, And then began to laugh. I'm terribly sorry, I didnt show you how to put the sticks together. Okay, Pull the little stick on the weapon back. Everyone did as told. Now there will be a hole in the bottom of the weapon, Put the small stick in there. Eveyone took a few tries, But eventually got it right. Now, Here is where I ask you to be most careful, After you do what I say next, Your stick has stones and IS deadly.

Everyone nodded understanding the risk.

Very well, Push the little stick on the weapon forward and down. Everyone did this easily. Now, Line up the point with a target fairly far away, And when you are ready, Pull the small stick on the bottom with your claw. But I WILL warn you, The stick WILL push agianst you VERY hard when you pull the stick.

Everyone took their time...

Scar ended up firing first, The fimilar resounding thunder echoed from his gun as they all, Including Mirhiza, Flinched. The tree he had shot at didnt fall over or anything, But he did happen to see dust fly on the ground nearby the tree where the stone hit a few feet away. Mirhiza nodded. Very good Scar.
Vitani fired next nearly hitting a distant bush. Very good. spoke Mirhiza once more.
Suka took his shot missing the same tree Scar tried to hit. You all are doing great. nodded Mirhiza.
Nuka smiled and took his shot shooting at a large rock many lengths away. Mirhiza nodded in approval as a shrill howl echoed from Nuka. Lucky shot chuckled Scar. However Nuka wasnt laughing... He fell to the gound screaming as he clutched his shoulder. Everyone immedeatly ran to his side as they knoticed a small river of chrimson began to flow from where his paw was.
Mirhiza suddenly yelled. Oh mercyless Ahudi, We need to get him inside NOW ! as they carefully carried him into the den where Zira lept to her paws the miniute she heard his cries as she saw them carrying Nuka in with blood dripping from his shoulder. WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED? she yelled worried of the worst.
Mirhiza quickly told Nuka he needed to keep his paw tight on the wound. She collected a nearby supply of herbs and grasses to make a bandage. She quickly felt the back of his shoulder, But there was no exit wound, The stone was still somewhere in his shoulder, and they had to get it out, quick. She told Nuka to them raise his paw, Once he did a river of chrimson gurgled from the wound. Shit, He's been hit and it's still in there. Without a hint of warning Mirhiza dug two of her claws into the wound causing Nuka to scream out in sheer agnoy. She eyed her family as not to restrain her, She knew what she was doing. They nodded, Still worried he might die. she dug for a quick few seconds before jerking her claws out of the wound with a shiny stone between them. She quickly made a bandage of grasses and stopped the bleeding with certian herbs and minerals. After Nuka had been patched up. He looked to his family, Glad to not be bleeding anymore.

What... Happened? he finnaly asked. Did I do something wrong? I did everything you told me to like you said...he spoke. No, You didnt do anything wrong, I did something wrong, I didnt tell you not to shoot at hard things like rocks... You see. Mirhiza held the stone between her claws. This hit the rock you shot at, and came back at you since it had nowhere else to go... You actually shot yourself... But it was MY fault...

Mirhiza however was still holding the stone between her claws, Looking to it as if it had been suspected of murder, Even if it had almost killed Nuka seconds ago...

Nuka went and laid down while the rest of the family collected around her.
What you did Mirhiza, You saved his life, We cant blame anyone for what happened today. spoke Zira.
No matter how it happened, I introduced you all to these horrible things, And in that process, Was almost responsible for one of my own family's deaths... I wish to be alone for awhile. spoke Mirhiza as she walked off to her den.

Scar looked to his mate and spoke. Some day so far huh?

Suka and Vitani exchanged glances as they couldn't beleave what had just happened.

Suka walked over to Nuka and asked sarcasticly. Ya wanna go shoot some more? he chuckled. Suka was taken by suprise when Nuka tried to get up. Just what do you think you're doing? snapped Zira as she observed Nuka trying to get to his feet, Failing however as the wound caused him great pain. Raincheck. he laughed.

So, You never DID say why you'd rather not use these weapons Zira. spoke Scar as he looked to nuka's wound, then to her. Dont tell me you saw this comin. he sighed.

She looked up from her tapping of claws. No my love, I never could have forseen such a thing, IF I had, None of you would even BE here. Why I rather not use such weapons is for many reasons.

Like? asked Nuka. Ignoring the percing stare from Zira.

Nuka, These weapons have killed many of Mirhiza's lioness. I wouldn't be caught dead using such a thing. Not even to protect those I care for. I'd just MUCH rather use my own claws to kill with then using some human made weapon that has killed those I knew thank you. she replied.

Suka shrugged his shoulders and went outside with another stick and a few "sticks".
As of right now, Suka saw no harm in using the weapon to shoot no living things. Suka was astounded by the fact he could actually project a small object far beyond his person with such precision and power. However he did ask Mirhiza if there WAS anything ELSE he shouldnt shoot. She simply replied. Yourself... She still seemed to be taking it very hard, Perhaps too hard. Yes, Nuka HAD been hurt, But he was alive and well, She should have been glad, But she was just reclusive for the afternoon.

Later on that evening when Mirhiza had come out of recluse and Suka ran out of rocks. The family joined once more to converse on their plans for tomorrow. All of them would have to learn someway to attack these humans when they intruded on Mirhiza's land once more, As they always seemed to do so around noon every other day. So things SHOULD be in the clear tomorrow, As today, a thunder had been heard, And the lioness Minria, Never came home that night...

The next morning the Outlanders were quickly awaken by what sounded like a small group of something shooting many rifles at once. The family hurried to the main den where the sound was coming from. Scar and Zira looked down the tunnel to the outside, Where all the shooting was happening. Without thinking, Suka grabbed a rifle, a few sticks, and bolted down the hall as he slammed the bolt back on his rifle and loaded it before Scar could even raise his voice. The group ran after him as the pounding thunder increased in magnitude.

Outside, Suka came to find Mirhiza holding a weapon that almost controled her with its seemingly massive force generated as it was fed by a seemingly never ending chain of what they had learned were called "rounds or ammuniton" from a large box below the weapon. Across Mirhiza's face, A look of absoulte madness, A sort of twisted madness as the flashes lit up her bared fangs. A total wildfire spewed from both the end of the weapon and from the other side as a stampede of bronze flew across the ground. Far out in the distance, An object that highly resembled a hairless monkey on it's hind legs was being ripped to shreds by the onslaugh.

The weapon then comsumed the last of it's ammo as it went silent once more as it's barrel still smoked omniously.

Mirhiza then turned to go back in to find them standing behind her.

Oh, I am terribly sorry if I awoke you with this nasty contraption. she grinned.

The smell of hot metal and gunpowder still hung in the air as they all looked to her in amazement.

Well, From the look of it you were enjoying it quite alot my sister. frowned Zira.

Perhaps I might have been, Why does this trouble you Zira? questioned Mirhiza as she put the massive weapon down, Still smoking a bit...

While the use of these weapons upon other does not bother me so much, It is just what they could do to US, as this IS what we are going to be faceing. answered Zira as she looked to the dissected figure far out in the distance.

Mirhiza shrugged her shoulders.
If you do fear these weapons so very much, Then feel free to go back to your home where you will be safe... Till they enter your lands that is... After they have distroyed mine of course... They will most likely move on to... Greener land... I dont blame you for being scared... Go on... I wolnt stop you. She spoke as she picked the weapon back up and went into the palace.

Zira followed her inside as everyone else was left in a bit of a shock.

We cant just leave her to defend her lands here by herself agianst these horrid creatures. spoke Scar as he to enter the palace.

Well, I for one would like to go home... But my true home is wherever my family is. spoke Vitani.

Well, I just wanna know WHAT that thing was. laughed Nuka.

Then it is settled, We stay and fight.
Together.
spoke Suka as the three entered the palace as a lioness came running up to them and flew past in a great hurry.

Soon after a gunshot was heard far out in the distance. Just as Suka turned his head to go find Mirhiza he came face to face with the rest of their family. Ariz only uttered three words...

They are here...

Sure enough, The hurried lioness informed them a small group of large objects spread across the lands were heading their way, Most likely a hunting group.

Mirhiza turned to the Outlanders.
My family, Grave danger approaches quickly. You must stay here now, Going into the lands would be suicide now... It is tottaly up to you weather you fight or flee, But no matter what, We must be prepared for anything.

Another thunder rang out, louder then the last as they were getting much closer.

Mirhiza slid a long, curved clip into an odd weapon as she made her way to the entrance.

Suka and Nuka nodded their heads as they both picked out a hunting rifle. Just WHAT do you think you're doing? yelled Zira. Suka and Nuka merely took their positions silently as Zira yelled after them. Put those back and get back in here right now !

Scar held her back and handed her a pistol...
Dont feel like you have to use it my love... Just allow it to protect you. he spoke as he too took position near the top of the palace with their last rifle and last two clips.

Zira shook her head sadly and took another clip.

The figures could be easily seen past the horizon.

These resembled no animal any of them had ever seen before.

They were pointed, Had no arm or legs, Nor did they appear living.

Rounded objects carried them across the land as they bellowed angry roars.

Get ready my sister. spoke Mirhiza as she looked straight at Zira as the two stood near the entrance.

Just... Aim the barrel at their heads... spoke Mirhiza as she saw her sister looking the object over.

Scar loaded his rifle from high above and took aim on the now visible figures.

Nuka and Suka looked to each other, Nodded their heads, and took aim as well.

Vitani however... Set inside, A pistol by her side. However, She had already spoken that she didnt want to use one. She was just going to "Set this one out" fearing for her family's lives.

Scar took aim and held his breath as he pulled the trigger back slowly.

An echoing blast was heard as a 7mm hole was punched through one of the heads of these beasts.

However... It didn't stop... Not even slow as it tore to the left.

Everyone was taken by suprise... Apparently he had missed.

Scar took aim once more and fired agian, This time punching a hole in the dirt.

Then everyone began to open fire.

Rounds flew into the creature's rapidly as they finnaly came to a halt. The fimilar "hairless monkeys" came from the beast's and took cover behind them. Soon after mutiple shots rang out. This was it... They were now being fired back at...

Now was the moment of truth...

Everyone took careful aim as they took their shots as small plumes of dust and jagged rock acompanied every near miss. Mirhiza left her position and raised from the tunnel and let loose a wave of lead toward the intruders. Taking two down in the process. Seemingly instinctively, Mirhiza dove for cover in the tunnel as the ground where she had been was pelted with many rounds seconds later.

The fight was fairly well matched, As both sides had fair cover, Basicly the same munitions, With the exception of Mirhiza's AK 47, Both sides taking losses.

5 of the humans were down, 7 still returning fire from cover...

Scar had been hit in the shoulder, But was still taking an occasional shot.

Nuka was out of ammo, And Suka's rifle had jammed...

It was just Zira and Mirhiza now...

Both Zira and Mirhiza left their cover and took their shots.

Mirhiza expended her remaining ammo into 3 more humans before running dry.
Zira took 2 down, Hitting one directly in the head on the second shot, The other 4 times in the gut.

Both were now out of ammo as another human left his cover slowly and approached the palace, As all had now went silent. Mirhiza and Zira could now hear his slow footsteps as he neared the edge.

Mirhiza winked at Zira, Then closed her eyes. As if giving up.

A shot echoed through Zira's ears as she heard someone fall.
Zira had to fight to open her eyes to see Vitani before her, Smoke rolling out her pistol. Zira and Mirhiza looked up to see the human holding his throat as chrimson spewed everywhere... After a few seconds he summoned the strength to raise his rifle to Vitani. Another shot rang out as he fell to the ground from a shot between the eyes...

Only one human was left... And Suka only had one round left...

He breathed slowly and waited... Waited for the human to raise his head or to change cover.
...

For many miniutes he set... Waiting for a shot.

The human soon raised his head to the opposite side of the beast that sheltered him. He could be seen through a part of this creature, It was clear as water... Yet shattered when hit with a bullet. Suka prayed it would work, And pulled the trigger...

The shot rang out as it periced through both windows and hit it's mark.

Suka then lowered the rifle and breathed a sigh of releif. It was over, And they had survived it.

The family recollected soon after, Rejoicing their victory proudly, But Mirhiza beared dark and deeply disturbing words, Words that were so, Beacuse they were true.

My family, We have won, This battle... Yes. But another group WILL return when this one does not...
And as you all know... We are nearly out of ammounition. We collected enough ammo for another battle of this size... But I fear our next incounter shall be much more ferice then today. I know NOT how many humans exsist here, But I fear... Many more will come prepared for anything.

Then what are we to do if this does happen? spoke Zira as she finished patching up Scar's shoulder.

We will have to fight Sister, We will have to face all that comes agianst us from now on. Each battle will only grow more difficult as the enemy learns of our strengths... And seperate weaknesses... With each battle, More will come, More shall come with greater knowledge of our attack patterns, More powerful weapons then before, And with a much greater lust to end our lives.

My family,

This is the dawn of a new age...

An age of war and honor, A war of love and death.

To survive this war... We must kill...

While the family understandingly took this fairly hard, It still seemed the absoulte truth to them all...

The war had begun between them and the oppressing forces beyond their borders.

Mirhiza informed her family the humans did not NORMALY hunt after the sun had set, So they it was fairly safe to be outside in the cover of night.

Suka set outside, High above the ground, looking into the night sky as he was deep in thought.

These many new things we have learned of, That once we had no past knowledge of, What danger we could have been in, IF they had entered our lands. What would they have done?

...

Suka set for a moment before his mind churned.

I suppose we would have eventually learned of this threat and just how threating it IS...
But I fear this great knowledge would have come at the staggering price of many fellow Outland lives...

Suka retreated back into the dens as Nuka met him at the entrance tunnel.

Ya know,
When I realised we were being fired BACK at by those creatures...
I then realised just what amount of danger we were truly in.
My brother,
I have never been so scared in my life, Just thinking any of us could be taken so easily.
spoke Nuka.

Oh, Dont be goin all soft Nuka,
Yes, We were in alot of danger today,
But you might as well get very used to it Nuka.
It's as Mirhiza said,
This is ONLY the very beginning.
...
I do fear we shall come in contact with alot more conflict come the next battle,
But Mirhiza has been fighting these "humans" for days now...
We WILL get through this alive...
ALL of us.
spoke Suka.

The two brothers entered the dens to find Zira taking count of all the weapons and other things they had collected from the human objects.

There were now 12 rifles propped agianst the wall, Already fully loaded with aquired ammo.
One of these rifles was diffrent from the rest they had, It required no "reloading" action.
They had also found another pistol, But with few rounds for it...

Strange objects that allowed distant objects to be seen up close, objects filled with food and water, a strange, white box with a red cross on it, And the two large and very odd creatures that brought all these humans still set a great distance away out in the savanna.

Zira was messing with one of the objects that allowed far things to be seen up close. Then paused for a second, And looked to the rifles.

Scar knoticed this as his mate seemed to be thinking about something.

What is it my love? asked Scar as he looked to the rifle she was looking at, Then to the object she was holding.

She shook her head and put the object back down clearing the thought from her mind.

Nothing dear, I was just... Thinking... she smirked.

Scar looked to her for awhile before he smirked, Now understanding what she had in mind.

Suka had opened the white box with the cross on it and was looking at the many small and varied things in it.
What appeared to be slugs, leaves, something very pointy, and more white squares with red crosses on them.

These humans have some very odd things. laughed Nuka as he looked over a brown square object.

I wouldn't eat that Nuka, It looks too much like dung. snorted Mirhiza.

Nuka took the clear material off the brown figure and at that point his nostrils were filled with the sweet smell of chocolate.

WOW ! This things ROCKS ! he yelled as everyone was fairly startled.

Scar hobbled over to Nuka and took a curious sniff.

He too grinned and handed the object to Zira.

Here, I want you to smell this thing. he smiled.

Not on your life. she growled.

I DARE you to eat it ! laughed Suka as he handed it to Nuka.

Scar, Get that wreached thing from them before they make themselves sick. snorted Zira.

Meanwhile,
Vitani was drinking some of the clearest water any of them had ever seen.

Ariz took a whiff of it.

Humm,
In the passing of my years, I have smelled such an object, It is made from the fruit of the Caco tree, This comes from a very distant land, But is in no way harmful at all. she smiled as she took a peice and chewed it as if it was something you'd see anyday.

Nuka slowly took a bite...

His eyes grew wide as he looked to the brown square and shoved it completly in his mouth, uttering a long and plesant,
MmmmmMMMmmm...

Nuka was left in a bit of a trance from his first taste of chocolate.

Mirhiza rolled her eyes.

ANYTHING that's THAT good has to bad for you in SOME way... she laughed.

Zira got up from her counting.

Okay, We have 13 clips for the rifles, 3 clips for the smaller pistol, only 1 clip for the larger pistol we found today, 3 clips for the new rifle, and 1 more clip for the AK-47...

We also have one more box clip for the 249. added Mirhiza.

The what? asked Scar.

Remember the large weapon I was using yesterday that was very loud and shot very fast? asked Mirhiza.

Like we COULD forget about that... spoke Zira quietly.

Mirhiza ignored her sister as she continued,
100 rounds for it as well, So add that to our ammo count as well Zira. spoke Mirhiza.

So, It would seem we are well prepared for tomorrow then. spoke Scar, Trying to defuse the fight that would surely soon insue.

Perhaps... We do not know just what to expect now do we? asked Zira.

No, I guess we can only hope what we have is enough. finished Vitani.

A Rimland lioness then entered the den.

Queen Mirhiza, Our scouts have come across what appears to be a human gathering place that has been abandoned for quite awhile. They have found ammo along with many other objects they were unable to describe. Shall I have them bring what they can? asked the lioness.

Yes, Have them bring as much as possible. she smiled.

The lioness then departed at a quick pace.

Till tomorrow everyone, Good evening. spoke Mirhiza as she retreated to her den to sleep.

Suka got up as well and followed her to her den at a distance.

As he neared her den he heard her speak.

It is not wise to come sneaking around my den as such... As any and all un-invited strangers I would most likely kill on sight. she hissed.

Well, I have a question I wish to ask you. spoke Suka.

And that would be? she asked as she came out of the den and faced him.

Just HOW did you get such a large weapon that these humans do not seem to posess? asked Suka.

Mirhiza grinned. Come in here for a moment. she spoke.

Suka followed Mirhiza into the den where she set looking to the weapon.

Suka, I myself did not aquire this weapon. she spoke as she looked to it as if it was an artifact of somekind.

Did one of your lioness find it? asked Suka as he looked to the hulking weapon.

It's orgin is not important, But on to why I asked you to enter my den...

Mirhiza turned to Suka and walked up to him so she was just an inch from his face.

You and your...family all have done my pride a great and unforgettable favor by alliying with us in our greatest time of need, So I only feel it right to help your...family as such, However... she spoke as she set down on the "bed".

What's wrong? asked Suka as he observed the blank look on Mirhiza's face.

I feel it is not my... Place... To tell you what I know... The only way I could possibly help your... Family. she sighed, Seeming to pause everytime she mentioned the word "family".

What is it that you could know of my family that I do not? asked Suka curiously as he set beside her, Trying to understand her.

It's not my place Suka...
It's not in my...
I dont have the...
HEART to tell you such... Things. she sighed.

I... Dont understand what you're saying. spoke Suka.

In time...
In time you shall find out yourself...
Then you shall become what you need to be to save them...
And yourself... she intoned.

Suka was left horribly confused as he got up.

Just tell me one thing...
You dont have to say yes or no...
I just want to know...
Should I prepare myself for a... Death in the family or something like that? he asked.

Good evening Suka. spoke Mirhiza as she laid down and went to sleep.

Yeah... Like I can sleep after that...laughed Suka sarcasticaly.


Meanwhile,
Outside the palace, A few hundred yards out in the Kibu savanna, A voice was heard...
...
Hunting party 3 come in...
...
I repeat, This is base camp calling hunting party 3, Come in?
...
(distant speaking can just barely be heard over the crickets nightly song)
Damn it all,
Another group that never responds...
...
I have had it with this, It's damn time we find out just WHAT is hunting OUR people like savage dogs ! spoke the voice.
...
Send out TWO well armed groups to group 3's last know location...
...
The so called lands of,
"Kiebu"
...

Destory ALL located threats without ANY pity, After tonight, No more people shall die...
Except those whoever cause the suffering that we feel...
Leave NONE alive...

The radio then went silent.

Suka set up, Still unable to sleep from Mirhiza's words.

In time... Save myself?
What did she mean by save myself?

Suka pondered as Nuka was awake as well, He however, was trying to figure out just HOW a weapon worked.
He had managed to tear one of the rifle apart that had jammed. It took quite a bit of work getting it apart, But so far he had comed to learn there was a spot that was always dented on the rounds, There appeared to be a small, Yet very hard object that caused this denting, Perhaps this was what told the round to fire?

Suka was still pouring over every detail of her words when Nuka walked in when he saw Suka in his current state.

What's up that's got ya down? he chuckled, Slapping his brother on the back, Hoping to stir something other then sadness into him.

Oh, It's nothing... Important. spoke Suka as he looked to the night sky with a smile.

Nothing?
Well, THAT'S odd...
How can nothing bother you? laughed Nuka, Not fully understanding.

I dunno. laughed Suka gettin up and finnaly looking to his brother.

So, Figure out anything about these weapons we use? asked Suka.

Nuka beamed.
Oh yeah, Mirhiza explained what she knew to me, And I took it a step further and took one of the rifles apart. he spoke.

You think she hasn't? laughed Suka sarcasticaly wapping his brother on the head.

Probably, But that dosent matter,
I think I know how they work though ! he exclaimed.

Really? Please explain then. asked Suka, Now fully intrested in this info.

Nuka led him to the room Nuka was in, Where the rifle lay in many pieces.

Here,
See this? asked Nuka as he pointed to a square hole in the barrel.

Yeah, So... What about it? asked Suka.

Well, Watch in there when I pull the trigger. spoke Nuka.

Suka looked to Nuka with an outraged expression.

...How could you? spoke Suka darkly.

No ! It's not going to shoot ! exclaimed Nuka.

And just HOW do you know that? spoke Suka quite loudly.

Outside the den, Zira had been awakened by the commotion and was watching her son's as they were speaking of the weapons, Somewhat quietly.

Zira's eye's narrowed to slits as she listened in.

Trust me, I know it isin't ! You know damn good I would never shoot you brother ! exclaimed Nuka.

You just dont get it do you Nuka? These AREN'T something to mess with, They could kill you... We just dont understand them enough to meddle with that we do NOT understand. explained Suka.

That's if they're loaded Suka... Spoke Nuka.

Yes, But still... Spoke Suka.

Would you trust me? asked Nuka.

What do you mean, Trust you? You are my brother... We had saved each other's lives many a times... Times mother and father not even know about. he laughed as outside, Two chrimson eyes narrowed to the extreme extent as they looked on to the confrence between her only sons.

I mean with an unloaded weapon... he spoke.

Neither of us know if it is... Now put that thing down... I'm getting tired and want to go to sleep. spoke Suka as he yawned.

Zira was about to leave her place outside the den, That is... Until Nuka raised the rifle to Suka's turned back.

Suka, My trusted Brother, Turn around... spoke Nuka slowly.

Suka turned to see what his brother wanted, Yet his kind face was washed with terror as his only brother, The brother he had trusted all his life, With his life... Was holding the weapon that ended all life it was pointed at.

N..Nuka... Stuttered Suka as a tear ran down his face.

I'll show you it's not loaded... Then you'll trust me... he smiled.

Zira had seen enough and ran into the den as she tackled Nuka to the floor and sent the rifle flying across the room, Where it flew into a million pieces...

Zira set looking to Nuka with ubridled fury, Yet, She wore a confused expression as her eyes bore a hole straight in his skull.

Suka finnaly breathed as he watched the scene unfold before him. He was still taken in total awe by what had just happened. He couldn't get the image of Nuka holding a rifle, Pointed at his own flesh and blood... And SMILEING.

Zira's claws extended into Nuka's flesh as she yelled.

Just WHAT the HELL were you thinking pointing that rifle at him ! ! !

Nuka nor Suka had ever heard her yell so loud, And with such "thunder" in her voice.

At this point the entire family was already gathered at the den entrance.

Just what is going on? asked Mirhiza as she saw Nuka pinned to the floor by Zira as he bled quite a bit from his wounded shoulders, Suka's face matted with tears and a devoid look in his eyes, And a rifle in many peices all over the floor of the den.

Scar manged to get to Zira to speak to her.

He face her as her tearstained eyes met his.
What happened? he asked slowly.

I... I didnt... stuttered Nuka.

SHUT UP !!! roared Zira as she round on him, Sporting a face far beyond explainable.
Zira, Calm down ! yelled Scar as he took Zira's face in his paw.

Now, What happened? he asked once more, speaking to her face.

Her eyes locked on him as her claws retracted slightly, and her face softened.

I...w...was...listening to a...they were talking about the w..weapons. she stuttered, Still in shock from what she had seen...

But what upset you so much? asked Mirhiza as she looked to Suka, Who lowered his head.

I just get the idea SOMETHING bad happened just now. spoke Vitani as she looked to the distroyed weapon.

Zira took a deep breath and continued.

Nuka... Nuka POINTED that weapon at... at Suka, and said he was going to FIRE IT ! she exclaimed.

Scar looked to his second son with utter confusion.

Is this true? spoke Mirhiza, In a dangerously low voice as her vision was locked on him, And it was anything BUT plesant...

Yes... But I SWEAR, It WASN'T loaded... I was trying to explain that I think I understand how they work ! he exclaimed.

Mirhiza was very silent... Too silent for Mirhiza in a situation like such...

Zira finnaly fully retracted her claws and allowed him to stand, But still kept a sinister gaze on him...

You say you THINK you know how they work? asked Scar eyeing Nuka intently.

Well, I'm pretty sure I do... he spoke.

Humm, Tell me Nuka... Just what would have happened IF you DIDN'T... What if you pulled that tirgger and it fired it's lethal payload... Asked Scar, raising a brow.

Nuka was left speachless...

Nuka, it would have been YOUR paw that killed your own brother... spoke Vitani, Quite understandably disturbed.

Suka didn't even speak a word as he left the den as Vitani followed him out.

Try and get out of him just WHAT was going on. spoke Zira to Vitani, as Suka had already left the den.

Mirhiza just looked to Nuka, Not speaking a word... But her utter silence was enough to chill his blood to the freezing point.

What were you thinking? asked Zira.

I'm sorry, I just wanted to prove to him it wasn't loaded... spoke Nuka, Beginning to tear up.

But pointing it at him? Why Nuka, WHY and WHAT could ever come over you...How COULD you do such with an object meant only to kill? Do you realise what I saw Nuka? spoke Zira.

Mirhiza went over to the weapon and inspected it's remains...

So... Is it loaded? asked Zira, as she was quite visibly... Scared to ask.

Mirhiza pulled the bolt back and inspected the bolt.
Mirhiza then looked to Nuka with a pericing stare that worried everyone else in the room.

Mirhiza violently slammed the bolt back and walked up to him...

Scar didnt even get the chance to stop her before the resounding "click" insued of an unloaded and quite harmless rifle pointed at his right paw...

So... How do they work then? asked Mirhiza, handing him the rifle.

Can... Can I explain... Tomorrow? he gulped.

Mirhiza simply left the den in silence.

Scar stood in the entrance of the den, Looking to Nuka with an angry gaze.

Meanwhile Zira tended to his wounds.

While I am terribly sorry for harming you Nuka, You must understand my son, It was my only option, My gut instinct to protect my family... I wouldn't harm you on purpose... Without a very good reason. she added.

Let this just be a reminder to NEVER Nuka... NEVER do such a careless thing to the one's you care for. spoke Scar darkly.

Nuka half grinned and walked to the den's entrance where Scar set, Still staring a hole through his second son.
Sorry dosen't cover all that has happened... Nothing could have made me forgive myself if I WAS wrong... spoke Nuka.

But you both know i'd never do something THAT stupid without being 99.9% sure. he spoke.

99 percent? asked Scar curiously, Blocking Nuka's way.

Yes, 99 percent... Nothing and no one is EVER 100 percent sure of anything. he spoke as he forced his way out of the den.

So... It wasn't loaded then. Spoke Scar as he walked out of the den with his mate not far behind, After looking to the weapon just once more, Zira left the room as well as everyone tried to sleep the rest of the night, But without any luck...

This just wasn't the ideal kind of wakeup...

Meanwhile,
Hundreds of miles away at a base, deep in the savanna.
Two trucks were being loaded with men and supplies.
As if these trucks, Each carrying 5 well armed humans wasn't bad enough, This particular hunting group was one of the most widespread in all of Africa. With this coverage, Fights often broke out over hunting grounds between opposing groups from diffrent clans. So, It was only logical that sufficent arms were necessary.
Yet in this case, Sufficent just wasnt good enough for Cornel Mustang...
No... He wanted assurance any threat would be dealt with swiftly, and most unfortunately, utterly savagely in most cases.

Most of the hunting clans had jeeps and truck for getting around, Fair weapons for game hunting, and trained hunters who killed for the sport of it.

Mustang on the other hand, had a fleet of trucks and jeeps, a few helecopters, a well fortified compound, highly untrained men, Differing from runaways to outcasts... highpowered weaponry, and of all things a hunter of animals in Africa would never need, Nor go to the bother of using... A fully loaded, Fully operational half-track vehicle mounting a .50 cal heavy machinegun.

To put it bluntly, Cornel Mustang was utterly paranoid of defeat, So, He brought all imaginable and un-imaginable things to secure his place as top dog.

Tomorrow, This group would head out to Kibu, There they would hopefully discover just WHAT was causing the demise of so many of their own men.
If they DID happen to discover just what cuased all this...
Their orders were simple...

Hunt down, Capture (if possible) and return the cargo to the base, Where Mustang would apply his own remedy of pain, suffering, torture, and a very slow death...
...

The next day the Outlanders awoke,
Not very well rested thanks to last night's uproar.

Nuka was a bit quiet still, But his appearance showed his feelings most,
When he first walked into the main den to greet his family, His head was hung low to the ground, His body hung low to the floor as he litteraly "drug" himself into the den.

With a weak voice he called,

"morning"

While Mirhiza seemed not even to notice him, Suka was the first to walk up to his forlorn brother.

For the first time since last night, Nuka rose his head.
...
Forgive m... spoke Nuka before he was cut off by Suka.

No, I dont want you to be this way Nuka, I just want to forget about last night, As far as i'm concerned, It was a nightmare that I simply awoke from.

I dont know WHY you used such a manner to prove a point Nuka, But no matter what you do, As long as I live brother, I will always forgive you for your mistakes, As everyone in this den makes mistakes Nuka, We're not perfect...

Nuka shrugged his shoulders and set beside Zira as he awoke to the daylight pouring in through the cracks in the celing.

The day started at a crawl, But smoothed out as Nuka eventually came out of his mood after realising he was genuinely forgiven by his family. Nuka even explained to them what he had discoverd about the weapons. They were fairly simple in their operation, But at the same time, very complex in their design and workings.

Nuka explained that a dark colored, dirt-like substance was held within the ammo, That, When in contact with fire, Expanded extremely quick with a large blast. It was this blast that propelled the round down the barrel, The barrel is also what caused the round to go so far, yet move in a straight line.

Nuka HAD figured out how they worked...
He took the remains of the broken rifle and explained what he knew, And Mirhiza managed to fill in the rest he wasn't sure about. After learning of the weapon's operation, Zira remembered a past idea she had thought of.
The one rifle that used no bolt also had a strange object on the bottom of the barrel that projected a red dot on anything pointed at.

Zira proceeded to take one of the "see up close" objects apart, Using only one side of it, And managed to attach it to the rifle with some screws and a little ingenuity.

She then looked through the "see up close" object, (That she now called the "seeker") and aimed at a tree she could see, But not be able to hit with just her own two eyes. She aimed at the tree and turned on the "dot" and looked for it on the tree. Yet through the scope, All she saw was open savanna...

Zira lowered the rifle from her eye and looked it over. What could be wrong with it? she thought as Nuka attempted to wrestle the AK-47 from Mirhiza's arms so he could see how it too worked...

Out in the savanna, The group of vehicles had already long since left their base and were now stopped as they could see off in the distance, A large grouping of lions.

DO you know what we could get for some skins like those? spoke one of them, Eying Scar's deep burgandy fur.

Yeah, But have ya ever seen one with a brown stripe down it's head, That's gotta be rare ! spoke another.

Well gents, I'm baggin THIS one right now for meself. laughed one of the humans, His finger already on the trigger.

NO ! WAIT ! YOU'LL SCARE TH...

Scar meanwhile, was trying to re-fill the shot rounds with dark dirt from deep in the tunnels when a resounding boom echoed across the lands as Vitani was knocked clean off her paws as her right shoulder exploded in a red shower of chrimson. Everyone dove into the dens as Scar carried Vitani in as she bled heavly from the shoulder.

Meanwhile the group of hunter's made their way toward the towering rocks, Somewhere in there was a lioness skin with their name's on it...

Once agian,
One of them had been shot, and was bleeding badly.
Mirhiza made her way to Vitani's side as she inspected the wound quickly.
I wont lie, she spoke quickly as she checked Vitani's other shoulder, Which also bled heavly.
This is one nasty wound... she sighed.
Mirhiza could feel the young lioness's heart racing in her chest...
Not to worry however, The bullet went straight through ya, It's a very good thing it did such, Otherwise... We could have a serious problem. she consoled to the young lioness as she patched her other shoulder.

Mirhiza and Scar then carried Vitani to her den where Mirhiza laid her on the floor carefully.

I will tell you all only once. spoke Mirhiza.
She is not to move from this spot for quite sometime, Vitani, if you or ANY of your family attempts to move her... You put her life in grave danger, As her wounds must heal before she can walk agian, I'm afraid she's going to be stuck in this den for a few weeks, maybe a month. finished Mirhiza as the sound of roaring broke the near silence.

Suka, Nuka...
Stay here and guard your sister.
Scar, Zira, Come with me... Something's not right. she spoke as the three hurried off.

Suka and Nuka were comforting Vitani when shots rang out from outside.

You stay here. spoke Nuka as he grabbed a rifle and a few clips, They need my help. he spoke as he too, headed to the palace entrance.

Suka meanwhile looked to Mirhiza's MG 249 and grinned as he loaded it with a box of ammo and lied in wait near the den entrance.

Outside, a large amount of gunfire was being traded as the hunters came across what their eyes could not even BEGIN to comprehend...
Armed African lions were using group tactics and firing rifles. One of them was even using an AK-47 !

One of the hunters doged the stray fire as he clutched the radio tightly, Yelling into the microphone,

BASE, THIS IS SQUAD 2, YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BELEAVE THIS, BUT WERE BEING ATTACKED BY LIONS ! he screamed.

Well then shoot them you morons ! yelled Mustang on the other end.

Sir, THEY are using weapons on US ! You can call me crazy sir, But we're being attacked by armed lions ! he bellowed.

What is your current location? asked Mustang.

...

I repeat, WHAT IS YOUR LOCATION SQUAD 2?

...

The battle raged on as Zira shot one of the humans that was holding somekind of box while yelling at it like it had just commited murder...

Mustang threw the reciver down, reducing it to shrapnel as he headed outside to cool off.
This is just crazy... ARMED LIONS ! he thundered.

Meanwhile the battle raged on in the lands of Kiebu.

Nuka had just got topside as a round nearly missed his left paw, creating a shower of dust nearby.
Nuka dove for cover in a small hole in the ground as he returned fire periodiacly.

One human had the clever idea to slowly flank the powerful force to the front of the palace. Inch by inch he made his way slowly to their left flank where there were many things to conceal himself behind, Perfect for a stealthy approach.

Even if it costed his well being, he HAD to have that lioness pelt, No way was he going home empty handed.
That skin could easily bring a few grand... he smirked

Scar took careful aim and attempted to shoot one of the hunters in the head as it dived for cover, But missed by inches.
"Damn these humans !" he yelled as he cocked the bolt once more.

Nuka waited until the right moment as he fired two shots at the same human, The first shot missing by a foot, The second catching him in the right flank. The human went to the ground in a hummick of sand as he drug himself to cover.

He wolnt get far... smirked Zira as her left arm was hit by a round.

She instantly took cover, Clenching her arm in pain as chrimson began to ozze from the wound.
Mirhiza tossed her AK-47 and another clip to Suka as she attended to Zira's wound.

You really need to teach us how to heal our own wounds, Our wounds are only slowing you down. she sighed.

Dont go getting all lightheaded on me now. snapped Mirhiza as she bandaged the wound carefully as Suka let off a short burst into another one of the hunters and then dove for cover as the ground where he stood seconds ago, was riddled with rounds.

Mirhiza advised Zira to take cover in the dens, But Zira refused as she held the rifle with one arm as she propped it up on the edge of the dugout they hid in.

From high above,
Scar, and Nuka took careful aim at any approaching forms.
Yet none of them knoticed as a lone human slinked into the palace entrance below them...

The human was very careful as he snuck through the palace slowly, Fear running through his veins however, as death could be wating around every corner...

Suka set in the den with Vitani as thye conversed quietly.

I cant beleave I'll be stuck like this for so long. she sighed, Her voice heavy with sadness, Understandably...

Suka looked to her and smiled,
You should be thankful Vitani, Things could have been MUCH worse the they are...
Vitani... What if that round would have been a foot higher? spoke Suka, Looking toward her with a frown.
Vitani remained silent.

Vitani, You know we all would be devestated if anything happened to you... spoke Suka looking away.

You should go and help our family Suka, They need your more then I. she spoke laying her head down.

Suka turned toward her and spoke.

As your brother and kin, I have a right to stand by you as your fighting arms, And your shield when you need protection when you are weak and injured...
Even after death, I will never cease protecting you Vitani. he spoke.

Vitani raised her head as she went to spoke, But Suka was no longer at the entrance of the den.
Even though Vitani felt a rush of fear, She was at peace knowing her brother was protecting their family and their lands.

Meanwhile, The lone hunter made his way deeper into the palace as he knoticed something on the floor of the palace. He bent down and observed a light trail of chrimson leading ever deeper into the dens.

The hunter grinned from ear to ear as he unsheathed his knife slowly.
Here kitty kitty kitty... he laughed as he followed the trail of chrimson.

Outside,
The battle was becoming ever quieter...
Scar and Nuka were out of ammo...
Mirhiza had wrestled the rifle from the wounded Zira...
And Suka was nowhere to be seen...

There seemed to only be a few humans left, But they had already retreated from wounds and fear.

Another battle they had won,
Another day the Kibu family stood proud from victory.
(Aside from a minor fight or two between Zira and Mirhiza over who shot who)
...
But all was not well in the dens...

The lone hunter continued to follow the trial till it turned and lead into a small den where, To his eye's delight... Laid a wounded and mainly helpless lioness with a magnificent golden pelt...
Ripe for the skinning...

Vitani tried to move, But howled out in agnoy as merely moving her shoulder caused her immense pain. She merely slumped back down on the floor of the den as she watched this human move toward her with a long, shiny object...

She growled and tried to scare him off, But he only laughed at her...

You dont scare me little miss, You cant even move.. he snickered as he slowly wrapped his arm around her throat, Suddenly pouncing upon her as he moved the shiny object toward her throat.

Then all at once, A looming shadow filled the den, Enveloping it in darkness.

The hunter looked to the entrance of the den as a voice hissed evily.

You... How DARE you threaten my sister's life !

Vitani managed to painfully kick him off her back as he slumped agianst the wall, Holding his knife in a threatening manner.

Come any closer you freak and I'll skin you alive ! he yelled.

The pitch black shadow set, Looking to this human as he hissed.

You threaten my entire family's exsistance... For this, I cannot allow you to continue living. hissed Suka as his form was illuminated in a bright flash every half second as the hunter was torn to ribbons.

Suka then ran to Vitani,
Ahudi almighty, Are you alright? he asked as he felt her throat for any wounds.

I'm fine... Scared i'll admit... But fine anyways, Thank you... she added.

Suka just smiled,
You'd do the same for me...he laughed.

That's what you think. She laughed sarcasticaly as everyone came running to the den when they heard gunfire. By the time they arrived, Zira had tears in her eyes and Scar was already scolding Nuka for not staying behind. Mirhiza spoke something of skinning Suka...

When they came to Suka grinning, Resting upon the heavy machinegun, setting infront of Vitani's den with a bloody corpse before him.

What the hell happened? asked Scar as he could barely tell this was even a human.
Scar and Mirhiza examined the body as the rest of the family ran to Vitani's side.

Suka finnaly spoke up.
This human somehow got past you all and got into our home, However, I kept my guard over our wounded, This human had the audacity to enter her den, POUNCE upon her and hold this shiny object to her throat. spoke Suka as he showed them the shiny object with a bloody paw.

By the way, Vitani had to move to force the human off her, Please go check that she is alright Mirhiza. added Suka as Scar looked to the shiny object.

How did you cut your paw? asked Scar suspicously as there was a moderate cut on Suka's right paw.

That thing cut me when I picked it up by the shiny part... From what I can guess, and what I know this object does... I figure he was going to cut her throat i'm afraid.

If someone wouldn't have been here to protect the inner walls... She might not have been with us right now... sighed Suka as he turned from Scar and walked off to his den.

Nuka followed after his brother until he met him in his den, Suka was looking over one of their rifles.

Nuka approached him with a frown.

Suka, It's not their fault they wernt there to protect her, They had to protect our home, We all did our best in doing so... Didnt we? he asked

Yes, We did the best possible... WITH what we have... I think we need to prepare ourselves better for the coming future Nuka.

Well, If you're expecting us to be perfect Suka, Forget it... We're not perfect. spoke Nuka darkly.

It's not us... It's what we've got ourselves into... Mirhiza and her lioness have lived most of their lives in war... We are just beginning to understand what we use to kill others. Learning of things that can take our lives quicker then a flash... it just... Worrys me... That's all. sighed Suka as he walked out into the tunnels, Leaving Nuka alone in the den.

Suka returned to his collected family as they were still gathered around Vitani.

This was FAR too close of a call. spoke Mirhiza.

Indeed, We need to be more aware of the situation around us, I STILL dont understand just HOW that human got past us... Without us even knoticing him. spoke Zira.

Story plot:

Greasy, Low-tech, 454 engines for plasma drives, Version of the last story. Having much less technology, More "hands on" fighting (more retro weaponry, NO automated defenses) , Less fire and forget weaponry,(no ionic plasma cannons, Heavy ballistic cannons). In short, possibly a more grizzly but undoubtably a more in depth story...

Less "I'll go out and fire a single round", More "Let's all go out and chaingun 'em ta death".

Blood fer plasma, Bullets fer rails, and lots and LOTS a bullets fer the deaths caused in the former !