The Pride Days (IC): Hurt

Jali watched as Gamba walked away and recalculated the recent words, seeing that he might have offended Gamba and felt bad. He tossed it away though as Sira was calling his name. He turned to find her hiking up the hill to the cave and looking back at him. He followed her.

Taru was leading the patrol as a few lionesses and another lion gathered around in a circle, along with Gamba, he began talking.

"Alright, we're going to be visiting River Pride's old camp. Be careful. Most of you have been told already of what happened over there, why King Jali is so fearful of that camp, and why we are inspecting it. Now hopefully we won't run into that witch while we're there. Any questions?"

Gamba, although unaware of who Scar was, held his tongue, aware that speaking may invite scorn from his peers. Although not all of the lions would probably hate him, he did not want to attract the attention of those who did. He was determined to show that he was just as capable of handling such terrible sights as any other lion, if he had not already managed to do better than most. In reality, because he was raised by hyenas, he had developed a unique fascination regarding the bones of creatures. Zanita had taught him that sometimes, you could determine things about the creature, just by looking at its bones. You could tell what it ate, and sometimes even if it was male or female. Of course, he wouldn't be pointing that out to anyone. No doubt the lions would see it as strange.

When nobody made a remark, Taru nodded. "Good, let's go. Stay with the group, nightfall is approaching..."

After that he went off with the other lions and lionesses following him down the path.

Gamba followed carefully, and did not make any attempt to speak. He was not frightened by nightfall, in fact, he preferred the cover of night to bright sunlight. Zanita had told him that this was a trait that was unique to tigers. He had inherited his father's powerful eyes, and while the lions hunted during the day, typically, Gamba could just as easily find an antelope in the shadows. It was part of why his eyes seemed to glow. He was also known for his unique hunting technique, which was not like that of a lion's. However, many could say it was much more brutal. He did not care, for he was able to kill things much larger than him, without assistance.

After a long ways of walking, they had made it through the fields, the woods, a few hills, and finally in the heart of the old camp of River Pride. Taru peered over the cliff to see the crocodiles in the river.

"We're going to speak to the crocodiles, but be careful and respectful, is that clear?" he asked. The others nodded.

Gamba nodded with the others. He had dealt with them before, and knew that to be dragged into the water by one was certain death for most creatures, especially if the crocodile was large, or the victim did not know how to swim. Gamba had once fought off a small crocodile, but he was a strong swimmer, and had a size advantage. Even then, the reptile had put up a fight that he would never forget. He knew that the weakest part of the creature was its pale underbelly, but such a weakness was common among most creatures. The underbelly was perhaps the most vulnerable.

"Good" said Taru. "Let's begin"

He began to walk down the narrow ledge that led down to the shores. "Careful" he said back up at the others. Once they got down to the shore, he approached the edge, but didn't get to close. A few crocodiles came up to greet him viciously.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT!!??" A few hissed.

"OH LOOK, COMRADES, LUNCH HAS COME TO US THIS TIME..." Gustave said swimming out of the water and resting near the shore. He looked up to the cliff where the animals above stood, and hissed in annoyance. "TOO BAD THEY ARE INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO GET OUT OF OUR REACH BEFORE SPEAKING... IMPRESSIVE, NO?" Gustave said, turning to his crocodilian crowd. A few chuckled, and looked up at the animals themselves.

Gustave then noticed that one was coming down to talk face to face. "I GUESS THEY'RE AS DUMB AS ANY OTHER..." Gustave continued, earning a few more chuckles from the other crocs. Gustave then swam to the Lion, belly crawling on shore to show off his full massive size. "WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU, AND A BETTER QUESTION, WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME?" Gustave said, growling in an expectant way.

"We were sent here by King Jali... you remember him right? By stories you're the one that funk his fangs into his wounded body all those weeks ago" said Taru. "There seems to be a lack of water going on in Ridge Pride. We came to see if this river had any blockages that might be preventing water from flowing to our territory. You wouldn't happen to know anything, would you?" Taru asked narrowing his eyes.

Gamba's tail flicked slightly, as Taru spoke. He thought that Taru had told them to be respectful, but from what he could tell, it sounded as though he were accusing the crocodiles without any proper evidence to prove they could be responsible. Gamba truly believed that the crocodiles were most likely not responsible for the water shortage. Crocodiles lived around the water, so why would they try to drain it away? In addition, this crocodile was massive, far larger than any he had seen. It would be best to treat it with respect, although its own demeanor was no better. True, it had power to back its words, but to talk down to anyone was a mistake. You never knew when they might be helpful later.

Taru looked back at the crowd watching him and prayed that nobody would speak. He had to be serious with Gustave and let him know that he was not afraid, yet he would have to not insult them directly in order to avoid anything rash.

"I'm sure you wouldn't have an interest in blocking out our water supply, but have you seen anything blocking the river's flow?"

Gustave then thought back to his hangout time he had with some of his buddies. Maximo had come up with the idea of blockading the river with some underground rocks, and Gomek had decided it was a good idea. Kunto agreed with Gomek. He had compared it's affects. the rocks had made the water passage harder. Less water was making it to different parts of the river now. "NO IDEA WHY." Gustave said, putting on a questionate face. "IT COULD BE EARLY AFFECTS IF THE UPCOMING DROUGHT..." Gustave hissed, smiling slightly to himself. "BUT YOU DIDNT COME HERE FOR THAT. YOU WANT US TO HELP YOU WITH THE WATER. WE WILL GLADLY DO SO. BUT HOW WILL YOU HELP US?" Crocodiles were usually some of the most set animals in adulthood in Africa. They didn't need much to keep them around. However, when they controlled the water, Gustave decided to take advantage of other animals need for it. It had worked out pretty well so far. Saber was dead, and even as an ally he and the rest of the crocodiles had gotten off scott free. Mainly because most animals couldn't afford having them as their enemies. Many crocodiles had made their homes in this lake with Gustave and his friends. Mainly because they had shared their plans with them. Far down below the lake was a spring. Allowing a rather constant supply of water. Sure it was chilly in the dark, but at day, they were usually pretty comfortable.

"PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE NOT YOUR ENEMIES. WE ARE JUST TRYING OUR BEST HAND AT DIPLOMACY AND GET A GOOD DEAL FOR OURSELVES AS WELL AS YOU."

"What do you want?" Taru said, almost rolling his eyes, but refrained. "Food? Shelter? What could you want from us? We don't have much that you as crocodiles would find interest in."

Taru was ever so careful how he worded his sentences, he didn't want to sound afraid yet didn't want to provoke.

"HOW ABOUT AN I.O.U...." Gustave began. "WHERE WE CAN COME TO YOU IF WE NEED ASSISTANCE AT A LATER DATE..." Gustave finished. He then climbed up to meet eye to eye with the lion. "SO TELL US, WHAT DO YOU REQUIRE?" He hissed, meeting eyes with the lion. His bright yellow eyes showed no malicious intent, but cleverness and deviousness. "NAME YOUR REQUEST, AND WE WILL ATTEMPT TO COMPLY..."

Taru merely gave an emotionless stare. "We'd like you to bring back our water. You can find us at our camp, a few miles down this river"

Taru did not show any emotions and kept a plain face.

(Sorry for short post, typing on iPod)

Gamba's tail flicked once more. This was bad, and everyone but him seemed to be oblivious of what Taru had just done. He had agreed to a deal that would likely give water to the Ridge Pride, but what of the debt that was owed to the Crocodiles? They were creatures that you did not want to owe anything to. In addition, there had been no conditions set for what the Lions owed. They did not know what the Crocodiles would ask of them, or when they would be called upon. Worse, no matter what, they had no choice but to fulfill it. It may come to haunt them later.

Gustave smiled, and turned back to the other crocodiles in the water. "THEY ARE NOT FOOD." He said, and smiled. "THEY HAVE AGREED TO OUR TERMS. WE SHALL HELP THEM RESTORE THE WATER TO THE RIDGE PACK. MAXIMO, YOU'RE WITH ME. GOMEK, YOU ACCOMPANY SYDNEY AND A FEW OTHERS TO SEARCH THE EAST END OF THE RIVER. KUNTO, YOU AND A FEW OTHERS WILL SEARCH THE WEST." Gustave ordered. Both Kunto and Gomek knew where the rocks were, but Gustave ordering them to search both ways would add realism to their 'search'. Maximo, who's voice was even deeper than Gustave's laughed, and rose from the water. "COME GUSTAVE, WE HAVE A CAMP TO VISIT." the large crocodile said. Gustave nodded. This whole plan was falling into place. They would free the rocks they placed and restore the water. They had nothing to do but gain now. And, because Taru had agreed to his conditions, the lions owed them... Now all he had to do was get down tot he camp and wait for Sydney to be sent to him with news of success.

"SEE YOU AT THE CAMP, WARM BLOODS." Gustave said, turning and getting back in the water. both he and Maximo soon disappeared below the surface, seeming to head in the camp's direction.

When the crocodiles had gone, Gamba shook his head, seemingly disappointed, and suppressed a growl. He could not believe that Taru would be so foolish. Did he think he had won in any way? The crocodiles knew better, and so did he, that if you could extract a promise of anything you desired from someone, that they could become slaves to that promise. Zanita had told him long ago to never make promises, because he would not want to be responsible for them. Now he was at the mercy of a promise that he did not make.

Taru chuckled in his throat and walked back up the hill to the others, beyond the hearing range of the crocodiles. "They think they're so smart. I know what they're up to" said the lion. "Luckily me and Jali made a simple yet effective plan in case things went to elephant dung. Jali has a secret force waiting down by the border of Ridge Pride territory to cut the crocodiles off if an attack is suspected. There should be enough warriors down there to take down a few crocodiles. And remember that every promise has at least one loop hole..." the lion laughed. "Let's go"

Gamba's tail flicked, and he allowed himself to speak, "I don't trust these Crocodiles. They obviously think that we are at their mercy, because of the promise. However, they are actually far weaker than they believe themselves to be. If they break their promise, and do not give us water, I will happily join the fight, because they underestimate the Pride." A growl crept into his voice. It was like a tiger's, deeper and harsher than a lion's, and far more savage. If one thing motivated Gamba more than his desire to prove himself to others, it was his desire to punish those that treated others poorly.

One of the females became intimidated by Gamba's sudden growl, another found it attractive. Taru found it all the more imressive and the confidence and will of the tiglon continued to please him. He nodded. "Excellent. I'm sure you will prove us well. You look like you'd make a very valuable fighter on the plains"

Taru's praise spiked the interest of a few lionesses and they began to glance at Gamba with curiocity. "We will be pleased to have you a part of it"

Gamba dipped his head in acknowledgement. "Thank you, sir." There was a small note of surprise in his tone, as he was not used to such praise from any creature other than Zanita. Although the feeling of being complimented was pleasing, it was also somewhat embarrassing. Regardless, he did his best to keep a respectful tone in his voice, although the shock made it difficult. With this, he fell back to the rear of the group, allowing the others to take the lead. He quickly fell back into silence that he had practiced for a long time. It was better not to draw attention to oneself, because regardless if it was good or bad, there were still enemies that would try to twist the truth. If he kept what he thought was a low profile, then they would hopefully leave him be.

(slight timeskip)

After walking across the plains they finally reached the camp once more. "Any sign of them?" asked Taru as he found Jali waiting at the side of the river on the ledge. "I knew that's what you'd ask as soon as you got back" he said. "None."

"Good" said Taru. "We arrived just in time..."

They stood in a silence for a moment as the sun was setting. The sun had nearly disappeared over the horizon now and evening was growing older. "Sira told me about your agreement with her" he said. Jali slightly smiled.

"She should be expecting cubs soon..." Jali added looking down at his paws. "I put in my share of the agreement while you were gone"

Taru glanced at him with shock and surprise, but also with pleasure knowing that his brother would finally have cubs of his own. Taru himself knew he should be looking for a mate by now. "Well, good for you" he said.

(Op, you can bring in the crocs now)

"IT'S ABOUT TIME YOU SHOWED UP." Gomek said, rising from the water. The great crocodile was easily seveteen feet long. Not nearly as large as Gustave, but quite large none the less. "THE OLD FART FELL ASLEEP UNDERWATER WAITING FOR YOU." He said, then chuckled. "WH-WHAT? WHAT'D I MISS?" Gustave said, rising from the water himself. Despite being a good ways away from ageing out, the crocodile was in his late sixties, and older than normal crocodiles by mearly twenty years. "THERE HE IS NOW." Gomek said, laughing to himself and crawling on shore. "HAS SYDNEY SHOWN UP YET?" Gustave said, asking if Gomek's mate had come with any news.

"UNFORTUNATELY, NOTHING YET. GIVE THEM ANOTHER HOUR OR TWO." Gomek said. "THE WATER LEVEL HERE IS QUITE LOW. THERE'S NOT MUCH AROUND IN IT EITHER." Gomek commented. "BUT STILL DEEP ENOUGH FOR ME TO SLEEP IN." Gustave replied, chuckling. "THE LIONS ARE WAITING FOR US." Gustave said, before lifting himself up on his great think limbs and high walking to the camp. Gomek following in suite.

When they had arrived back at the camp, Gamba had left the group that was mingling, and walked over to a spot that was shaded by a tall rock, where he lay down to rest momentarily, and watch as the sun set. As the night began, a cool breeze ruffled his fur, and after a long day of walking in the hot sun, it e was refreshing. When the crocodiles appeared over the horizon, he flexed his claws a little, but did not budge from his position. He watched calmly, the radiant power of the tiger giving way to the calm, collected watch of the lion.