Reunion [Pic|Hunter|Kezz]

[Mika]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i50.tinypic.com/15ydes6.jpg] "Speech." As much as he loved the countryside more, he wanted to explore more of the city. He didn't even know cities existed until a few days ago. Though he hadn't adjusted to calling them his mother and father just yet, he had also been adopted by Natiri and Denim, a dog and a lion. Others called them an odd couple, Take thought it was cool. How many dogs got to say that they had a lion for a father? The young male was disappointed to find out that there was a war in this city too. Before finding his way to Hexasol, Take's old pack was at war too, but with a pack of wolves. Take's old pack was fighting for survival, he didn't understand what Tempest and Iris were fighting for. The puppy tried to think of a way to help stop the ongoing war but for now, he was happily frolicking through the park, paying no mind to the chilly winter air. Right now, the pup was trying to maneuver through a bush, but he was doing a horrible job of it. He hadn't yet learned how to stalk, so he was making quite a lot of noise. He kept a close eye on his target as he moved as close as he could towards it before stopping and staying silent. He stood there, hiding in the bush for a moment before smirking and running forward and pouncing on his target: Denim's tail. He giggled and ran back toward the bush to hide again.

[♥Picasso]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i41.tinypic.com/30iyl1z.jpg,true] A few weeks had passed since Denim and Natiri had taken this playful little puppy under their wing. Denim had never expected to become a father so quickly, and the lion was fairly certain that Iri felt the same way. They were awkward foster parents to little Take, but they tried their very best to bring him up the best way they could. Denim tried to be everything Florence and Panja could not have been to him. He played with Take, which wasn't too difficult as Denim was practically a cub himself. He hunted as much as possible, however with winter approaching the prey was becoming scarce. Luckily Take no longer needed the milk from his mother, but his teeth were still becoming accustomed to the harsh flesh and Denim often had to bite it down in small pieces for him. It was a strange kind of family, and Denim had to laugh at the thought of his father or siblings ever seeing him like this. However, Denim was happy and that was all that mattered. Denim hoped to one day love Take like he was his own son. Although they had taken in the little puppy, he still found it difficult to bond and connect with him. It was understandable. There were so many things the two of them did not know about each other. As much as Denim wanted to shelter Take from the raging war, he and Iri had both agreed that it would be no secret. Hiding in ignorance would benefit no one and end up with Take killed. He needed to know the boundaries, the laws, the danger. Some nights Denim woke to the nightmare of his brother finding he and Iri again in the dead of the night and slaughtering Iri and Take before Denim's eyes. He couldn't stop the horrid dreams and would sometimes be exhausted through the day. Alex would not hesitate to kill Take. It would be so easy. The tawny lion glanced around at the giggling lion in the bush, a faint smile appearing on his lips. He heard the exact moment Take leapt into the air to pounce on Denim's tail, and he moved it quickly so Take wouldn't catch it. "You need to be stealthier than that to get my tail." The lion rumbled out a laugh before standing and continuing through the overgrown park. Wildflowers blossomed brightly and the trees hung low and thick. He maneuvered himself through the undergrowth, before coming across a small, frozen lake. It was a harsh reminder of the coming winter. Denim was anxious to say the least. He had never spent a winter away from his Pride, but he had long since left that life. He would have to fend for himself. Not only that, but there were three mouths to feed, not just one. Iri would help him on the hunt, but it sometimes became difficult with a canine and a feline. They both had their different skills and ways of hunting, and sometimes one wrong move made them lose their prey. Breathing in the cold, frosty air, Denim moved towards the lake and patted it gently. The ice was thin, too thin for Denim to walk on, so he decided against it and instead lowered himself to his haunches again, gazing out at the beautiful scenery. Everything had blossomed to life since humans were no longer around to cut back anything that escaped the premises. Looking back, Denim wondered where Take and Natiri had got to.

[/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i47.tinypic.com/2i6fevc.png] It was refreshing to be apart from the pack for so long, free of the brainwashing and the negativity. She no longer had to pretend, nor keep her deep secret hidden from the entire world. Natiri had never told anybody about her forbidden friend for she knew that even her family would turn her, they were that loyal to Tempest. In a way the tri-coloured female envied the faith and trust that they put in the pack and Brooke. The female knew however that nothing would ever be that simple for her. She was far too analytical and calculating, not to mention mistrustful, no she was born to wander without any fixed affiliation. Though she held a deep affection for her parents and remaining siblings, Iri found it difficult to fit in around them seeing as she was so very different to them all. Her opinions were a stark contrast to their's, not to mention the fact that she thought Tempest was a load of rubbish. All this did not matter at this very moment in time, for she was far away from all that drama right now. Today was their day and Natiri knew she should trouble herself with such dire thoughts. Her family were probably happy to be shot of the strange quiet little girl anyway. Her dark brown eyes locked onto a fuzzy orange shape up ahead, wriggling his small furry body into a nearby hedge that lined the park pathway. A soft smile worked it's way onto her slender muzzle, Take was such an innocent soul and so full of fun. She could not help but wish that she had displayed similar characteristics when she was a pup, then again maybe Iri would never have bumped into Denim on that fateful day. The husky mix shuddered slightly, as she could not imagine a world without her beloved friend that padded calmly beside her. Yet was he still just a friend? When Iri glanced up at him, the butterflies and fireworks that ricocheted around her heart and chest said otherwise. The female had to admit that she could never have foreseen the situation she would was in, adopting an unknown puppy alongside a big cat. Though she was not a particularly affectionate character until you dug down a little way, she was certainly warming to the akita child. Take was simply so honest and open, there was nothing tainted about him and he of course couldn't turn out to be a lying scheming murderer. So she trusted him, something that usually took a great deal longer to gain from Natiri. She was distracted from herself when she heard a rustling movement from the nearby bush, watching their adopted son exploding from the greenery with amusement. Of course the large male lion swiped his tail easily out of reach, his rumbling voice filling the brisk wintry air. Natiri gave him a small smile, "Have no fear Take, one day you'll be the best hunter in all the land." She followed Denim as he led them towards a beautiful frozen lake, and it reminded her of the many days they had spent by the Laredo River, especially when it was the midst of winter and the snow rested upon the iced layer. It caused her tail to bat against the crisp chill. Iri glanced at her friend as she approached from behind, he must be suffering more than Take and herself, who both shared a thick layered coat, Denim on the other hand had been built for extremely hot temperatures. He was, in a sense, out of his element in the cold. Natiri paused at his shoulder, gazing up at him while they waited for Take before looking out across the spectacular lake. "We'd better be careful not to let Take on the ice, you just don't know whether it'll crack or not."

[Hunter]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i56.tinypic.com/fapmbo.jpg] The seven-year-old Beauceron male had left the prey he was tracking as soon as he crossed a familiar scent. It belonged to someone he hadn’t seen in a while, someone he held very dear; his daughter Natiri. He didn’t know if he missed her. He’d always known that she wasn’t made of the same stuff as her siblings who still remained in the Tempest Pack – it’d only been a question about time that she chose to live as a loner. As long as she didn’t mingle with the weak members of the Lexis Tribe, Clegane accepted her choice. Natiri and her sister Maevin had always been small of size, but Natiri was the absolute tiniest of the two. But even then, Clegane didn’t doubt that she was more than capable of taking care of herself. He’d taught her and her siblings everything he knew about living as a loner, where you hadn’t got a pack around you for protection. If she wasn’t able to take care of herself after his lessons, then it would just be her own fault. But now when he’d found her scent, the father could resist checking up on her. The massive Beauceron didn’t know yet if he would show himself to her – after all, Natiri had left without saying goodbye, so he didn’t know if she even wanted his company. Maybe she was just too independent and different from them to keep contact with her family. He could imagine that his little, timid Iri wasn’t the one wanting to create a scene so maybe it’d all just been easier that she’d left without saying a word. Head kept low to the cold ground, Clegane followed his daughter’s scent which soon led him to the park. The grass in the big park had grown tall without the humans to keep it and the bushes popped up as random places like islands in an ocean of green. A childish giggle made him turn his head. He didn’t see the source of the sound, but instead found a living bush, knowing that it came from there. That was when he heard the voices. The Hound chose to leave the bush alone, choosing that the voices were more interesting, especially since he easily recognized one of them as his daughter’s. But who was she with? The other voice had sounded deep and from the sound of it Clegane knew it had to be a male – a very large one of the kind. Stalking through the tall grass, the big Beauceron chose to remain hidden. It seemed like his daughter had a fine body guard to take care of her, perhaps even someone who later would become her mate. But of course she was too young for that kind of things yet. Clegane just felt happy for his little princess. It was good for her not to be all alone. Now, he just wanted to see who Natiri was walking with, then he would leave her alone. He wouldn’t make her all embarrassed by suddenly having to introduce her father to her friend. Coming to a halt, still hiding downwind in the grass so none of them could smell him, Clegane could now see the tri coloured fur of Natiri. Moving his head a little to have a look at the one beside her, Clegane immediately felt a sting of worry when he saw the sight of short, golden fur. Walking just a step closer, the Soldier then saw the mane and his hackles rose as if on command. Charging out of his hiding place, a fierce growl from his throat ripped the peace apart. ”Natiri, get away from it!” The Hound’s commanding voice lashed in the air as if his daughter was innocently toying around with a poisonous snake. ”And you, get lost!” He snapped after the young lion, the burnt skin on his face moving as he bared his teeth at Denim and growled. ”You will stay away from my daughter, or I will kill you - even if it's the last thing in my life I'm going to do” he rasped, looking the lion straight in the eye.

[/justify]

[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Mika]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i50.tinypic.com/15ydes6.jpg] "Speech." The puppy silently giggled as he wagged his tail, still hiding in the bush as he watched Natiri and Denim walk past the unkempt bush. He really liked these two, they didn't scold him for the smallest mistakes that he made,and he didn't have to worry about a war. He kind of did here in the city, but he was happy to not have to train or be involved in it. He began to stalk them again, this time a bit more quietly but there was the occasional rustle in the bushes. As he moved closer to his foster parents, a bright yellow ball drew his attention away. He didn't notice the scent of another, unfamiliar canine nearby. The stranger was already hiding and spying on Natiri by the time Take ran out of the bush and started to roll and chew on the ball. He immediately started to look around when he heard a loud commanding voice shouting Natiri's name. At first he thought the voice was Denim's, until he realized the voice was unfamiliar. He had only just then caught the stranger's scent. Take quickly stood and, after picking up the ball, tried to find his way back to the dog and lion. As best as he could, Take moved through the tall grass, following the angry voices he heard. He ran toward his foster parents after finally spotting them, but he stopped at only a foot away behind the stranger. ”You will stay away from my daughter, or I will kill you - even if it's the last thing in my life I'm going to do” 'Daughter? Does that mean he's my grandpa now?' He thought, somewhat worried. Something about this dogs behavior reminded Take of the grandfather he left behind. Not wanting to draw attention to himself, Take stayed quiet. But he still stood behind the angry dog, still holding the ball in his mouth.

[♥Picasso]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i41.tinypic.com/30iyl1z.jpg,true] Denim heard his best friend approach from behind and halt beside him. Averting his eyes away from the lake, the lion gazed down at Natiri with a smile. He could no longer hear Take but Denim reminded himself not to worry. Although a puppy, Denim didn't want to suffocate him with protectiveness. Take knew the dangers and he wouldn't stray far from his guardians. Denim then turned back to gaze at the beautiful lake. It was true, Denim wasn't coping with the cold. With nothing but a thin coat, Denim sometimes woke in the middle of the night shivering. Denim was thankful of the mane that was starting to grow around his neck. That would at least warm him slightly from the approaching winter. As Natiri mentioned not to let Take onto the ice, Denim nodded. He had been thinking the exact same thing. Too many careless canines and felines were killed from walking on ice, believing it would hold their weight, and end up either freezing or drowning to death. "It certainly wouldn't hold my weight." Denim chuckled. Although his size had its advantages when hunting, it also had its disadvantages. It was difficult to be stealthy in a city when he was such a large cat. Not only that, but he also consumed double the amount of meat that Natiri did, which proved difficult when all three of them had to eat. Sometimes he wished he could be a simple housecat that could just feed off mice and birds. Or perhaps the size of Natiri, so they needn't look up or down at each other. Instead they look look straight into each other's eyes. Denim let out a wistful sigh. He could not choose who his parents were, nor what breed he could be. He would forever be a lion and that was that. As they stood their, gazing at the beauty, there was suddenly a snarl from behind them. Whirling around in surprise, Denim saw a large black and brown dog advancing on them. At the mention of Natiri's name, Denim stared at his friend, puzzled. He knew her? The scent of Tempest came off strongly from the canine and Denim took a small step back from the threatening canine. He looked angry and protective. Then everything clicked into place. Daughter. Oh God. Denim gulped thickly. This furious looking dog was Natiri's father, and he was not happy! Denim took another step back, trying to look as submissive as possible. He didn't want the rile the dog - Clegane? - any further. Taking a few deep breaths, Denim looked around in hope to find Take. The puppy was standing right behind Natiri's father, looking just as confused as Denim was. "I - er, Sir." Denim cleared his throat, "I mean no harm to your daughter. She is merely my friend." Denim's mind was sluggish at trying to think of what to say to him, and the anger from Clegane wasn't exactly helping. Denim looked to his left, where Natiri was standing, hoping she could placate her father and calm him down. Denim didn't want to start a fight here. He would rather leave calmly and meet with Natiri later, once Clegane had gone.

[/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i47.tinypic.com/2i6fevc.png] "Speech" The fluffy female felt Denim's warm smile upon her fur, and she couldn't help the contentedness that flowered within her heart. Natiri sat down silently, whilst letting her dark eyes cast across the wintry landscape and a chirpy little squirrel in particular. It darted to and fro between the trees that surrounded the lake, prancing and frolicking above the frost. Oh how sometimes she wished she could be that carefree, but in a way, she was. Iri's ears flicked when she remembered of how perfect their life seemed to be right now. She also noted the absence of their charge, glancing around behind her however, the canine scented Take close by. He was probably trundling off after a pigeon or something, Natiri respected the freedom that a youngster warranted for it was something she had longed for as a pup. Turning back and looking up at the lion, a short sharp laugh sounded from her slender muzzle. "No, it would not. In fact, I don't think anything could hold your weight these days." It was her meek attempt at humor, in fact, it was a little dry seeing as they were both leaner than their days in Tempest or Iris. Suddenly a low, dangerous yet maddeningly familiar voice lashed the icy air behind them. Whirling around, though instinctively moving a little behind Denim, she faced the incomer. Iri gasped loudly and her eyes widened as she stared at her.. father! The large black and tan beauceron was unmistakable, of course, he had raised her and her siblings. Natiri swallowed in complete terror, Clegane knew nothing of her secret friendship with the 'enemy'. He wouldn't understand, he never would. Shaking slightly, the tri-coloured female swallowed hard despite the way her hackles rose at the abuse he threw at Denim. Yet her mind was frozen, she couldn't think of anything to say, nothing to explain her actions. Her father had always been a formidable figure in her eyes, someone to give a wide berth when riled. Her lion friend stuttered in an attempt to soothe his frayed nerves, but Iri knew nothing he could say would calm Clegane. When she spied little Take standing behind her father, she knew she had to do something! Stepping in between the cat and dog, Iri stared hard at her father and allowed a guarded expression to cover her muzzle. The female had always been reserved and quiet around her family, they brought out a colder side to the canine and nothing had changed it seemed. "Clegane, calm down please. You will have to kill me before you lay a claw on Denim, do you understand?"

[/b] She broke his gaze, looking down at her paws, "He's my friend, father, don't you get it. This is who I am, I am no Tempest soldier and I never will be. I'm sorry." Shaking her head, the long-haired husky mix ushered Take to slip around The Hound and join his adoptive parents. She wanted to be sure that he was safe from her sire's rage, and protective disbelief. Part of her warmed to the fact that Clegane still cared about her, despite the fact she had abandoned the pack he had raised her in, and she was grateful that he had at least not forced her to stay. To become a pawn in the madness was Iri's idea of hell, truly.

[/justify][/size][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Hunter]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i56.tinypic.com/fapmbo.jpg] ”Shut up!” he barked at the submissive looking lion. How dared such deformity get near his daughter? How could Natiri accept his presence? As if on cue, Natiri stepped in front of the feline whom she before had stood slightly behind. He didn’t recognize the hard glare she shot at him and he narrowed his eyes in disbelief of her behaviour. A twisted expression crawled across his features at his little princess’ words, though it was the fewest he heard. That thing had a name? And more important, he even remembered that name! ”That bastard,” he growled, burning eyes finding Demin. ”You’re Florence’s breed, aren’t you?” His voice cracked with anger and Natiri’s pleading words was the only thing which didn’t make him attack the lion immediately. As she continued, Clegane turned his head quickly to face her as her words made sense in his mind. What was this nonsense she babbled about? Did the girl even know what she was doing?! Though he’d been calmed down enough to not attack this Denim at first glance, he could still feel the fury rise inside him. How long had she kept this lion as her secret “friend”? ”Natiri,” he sounded tired and had at this moment almost forgotten everything about the lion which stood awfully close to him. ”That. thing. is. dangerous!” he shouted, emphasizing every word that came out of his mouth. ”Your mother was almost killed by one of them, how can you be so naive!?” His voice had risen to being almost frantic; angry, and pained. He let out a rough huff before continuing, his voice calmer, if only slightly. ”You should know better than to trust a creature like him. Think of your mother...” his angry features burst for a second, and revealed what? Pain? He wasn’t sure himself but turned his head away, not knowing if he was able to... to what? Look his daughter in the eye? Prevent himself from trying to kill the beast she called a friend? He’d heard about this Denim. He should be weak, nothing like his parents. The scent of Iris didn’t even appear on him. Had he left the pride just as Natiri had left the pack? Why? Doubt, hatred and pain were all too mixed up inside him to make him think clear. Everything inside of him told him to just kill Denim and then drag Natiri home so she could get some sense knocked into her little head. But then his thoughts disappeared like mist for the sun. Looking away from Natiri and Denim, The Hound saw another little creature. ”What’s that?” he asked hoarsely, his voice sounding groggy as if he’d just woken up. A puppy. Standing right behind him, the little puppy took in the scene while he held a yellow ball in his mouth. Looking at the youngster with confusion in his eyes, The Hound wondered for how long it had stood there. Perhaps the puppy was what he’d heard not long ago in the bushes. Was it with Natiri? He shook his head. Couldn’t be. Natiri was too young for such things. Perhaps... perhaps she just looked after it? No, how could she do such a thing when she clearly couldn’t even take care of herself? What was this he’d gotten into? What his daughter had gotten herself into? He knew how to fight, how to protect himself and those he loved, but this was out of his range. Or did he really? If he truly knew how to protect those he loved, why had Nemesis then almost been killed, taking the blow which Icefang had meant for him? And where was his second son? Did he really know how to fight for and protect those he loved? What have I gotten myself into? What have I done... ((OOC: D’aw, Clegane is all emotional these days – wonder if he’s got his period ;D))

[/justify]
[/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[Mika]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i50.tinypic.com/15ydes6.jpg] "Speech." The puppy backed away a little when the stranger shouted at Denim, the ball still clutched between his jaws. He was afraid, but he was also angry. Who was this dog? What gave him the right to speak to Denim that way? Denim was the kindest lion he's ever met. He's the only lion he's ever met but still. Take was relieved when his foster mother stepped in to defend the lion. The older dogs' next words reminded him even more of his grandfather, the only difference was the opinion of a female didn't matter to him. He questioned where this stranger was from. Take guessed from Tempest, from what the puppy was hearing. Just to give him the benefit of the doubt, maybe this stranger wasn't completely like his grandfather. Jiro would almost constantly worry about destroying his enemies, which was a pack of wolves, maybe this stranger was a little different? He wouldn't be able to tell unless they would met again after this. Take looked at the stranger cautiously as he was escorted by Natiri around the older dog, staying as close as he could to her in case the stranger decided to lash out at him too. He stood between the dog and lion, still staring up at the Clegane curiously and fearfully. He looked to Denim then Natiri before finally dropping his toy and looking back at the other dog. "You can't blame Denim for something someone else did. That would be like me hating all wolves because of the ones that killed my father." His tone was nervous, hoping he wouldn't possibly make the older dog angry. He was depending on his foster family to keep him safe if his words did somehow offend the stranger.

[♥Picasso]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i41.tinypic.com/30iyl1z.jpg,true] Denim watched warily as Natiri tried to calm her father, however Clegane only calmed a fraction. Fury and hatred burned deep in his eyes. An irrational hatred for Denim's kind, and it hurt. How could you generalise all lions? He had never harmed a canine in his life, and he hoped he would never have to. Denim would rather run like a coward instead of face up to a fight. He felt sick at merely thinking of sinking his teeth into a canine. It would be so easy to kill, but Denim shuddered at the gruesome thought. He only wanted to kill prey, nothing else. Denim turned his head to glance back at Natiri, wondering how difficult it was for her to face her father after leaving the Pack for good. Had she ever expected to bump into him again? Had it even crossed her mind that she might have to one day explain her relationship with Denim? Denim briefly thought of his old father. He couldn't even fathom what Panja would think of him now. He was not the same lion he had been before Florence's death. Suddenly, as though on cue, Clegane spat his mother's name. Flinching, Denim met the hound's eyes coldly. He would not be linked to his mother anymore. "She may have birthed me, but she is no mother to me." Denim replied back, voice emotionless. His mother was dead, both in his heart and in reality. Florence was a sickening beast who had never deserved to live in the first place. Denim would rather not exist today if Florence had been killed at birth instead. It would have saved so many lives. Stepping forward to stand beside Natiri, he kept his gaze locked solely on the dark canine, "You know nothing of me. You throw these accusations, assumptions, but you have no idea. If I was a murderer, if I was dangerous, why have I not killed Natiri by now?" He nodded his head in his friend's direction. He was becoming sick to death of the countless canines and felines who saw him as his mother's son, not Denim. Clegane suddenly mentioned Natiri's mother. Confused, Denim side-ways glanced at his friend. What had happened to Iri's mother that had made Clegane so scared of felines? He longed to ask Natiri, but now was not the time. He was aware that Natiri's mother was still alive, but he knew nothing else about her. Iri didn't speak much about her family. Neither did Denim. They both wanted to leave all that behind. Far into the past. He took a deep, shaky breath, before realising that Clegane had now noticed the little, scared puppy. However, before Denim could reply by defending Take, the small puppy suddenly confronted Clegane himself. Pride swelled inside of Denim as he looked down at the orange little furball. Smiling gently, he turned back to Natiri's father. Take had a very strong point. "Wise words, Take." He praised. "We took Take in. We're looking after him because he has no one else." Denim replied, bristling a little at the thought of Clegane hurting him, "And you will not touch him." He warned lowly.

[/color][/td][/tr][tr][td][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[`K E Z Z I ♥♥]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i47.tinypic.com/2i6fevc.png] "Speech" Natiri could not help but flinch when her father snapped aggressively at Denim, her hackles fluffing instinctively. But it was the look of horror on Clegane's familiar face that truly struck the female, such disgust, such disappointment. Though what had she been expecting? Him to give them both a loving hug and his blessing? She had known all along that this day would come, but that didn't make it any easier. The smaller dog simply stood there, unsure now as to what to say or do. Iri was torn between comforting her father and defending Denim, and she hung in her own silence. The Hound continued on, marking the lion as Florence's blood with such undeniable anger; so strong it made the tricoloured canine shudder. She listened to her friend's cold voice, and nodded slowly. It was unfair for somebody so detached from the war to be discriminated against, just because of his bloodline but Clegane didn't understand that and she doubted he ever would. Her father was well and truly set in his ways, just like she and Denim would never turn back to the lives their parents had forged. The beauceron male began speaking again and Iri stared hard at him, he was just so shocked and emotional; not something she was used to seeing of her dad. The male was usually very composed but clearly something so horrific as this had set him off, poor fellow. She couldn't help but pity him, Natiri knew he only meant the best for her ... or at least she hoped. He spoke of naivety and then her mother, of course he would refer to the time when Nemesis was almost killed by an iris lioness. She shook her head slowly, parting her jaw but before she could speak again, Denim appeared at her side. He spoke firmly but fairly and though she did not display her affection from the one she loved, Natiri flicked her fluffy ear in his direction. The lion glanced down at her with puzzlement in his eyes, the husky mix had never spoke of what had happened to her mother; she'd never really wanted too. It wouldn't help the situation, not anymore. "Denim's right, father. Not every cat is the same, don't you understand? Are you so blind that you can't see what's right in front of you anymore?" Her voice that was normally so devoid of emotion now cracked under the strain, her deep brown eyes glimmering sadly. Suddenly Clegane's focus turned to Take, whom began to speak and as he did so Natiri smiled softly. He was turning out to be a wise little fellow, and she couldn't help but feel proud. Denim explained the situation, but Iri did not say a word. She didn't think she could, her throat had begun to close up; it was all too much. She was a creature of habit and all this bloody emotion was overwhelming her, because as it turned out she did love her father and she did care what he thought. After all these years Natiri had discovered that his opinion, and her mother's meant a great deal, but she'd buried her desires long ago; tracing her own path away from the possibility of rejection from them both. Now it seemed that possibility had just doubled.

[Hunter]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][atrb=width,450,true]

[atrb=background,http://i47.tinypic.com/1zd6wr9.jpg] "Speech." He’d clearly hit a soft spot when mentioning Florence, because the coward lion stepped forward, looking him straight in the eye, and The Hound gladly accepted his challenge without flinching. This was something he knew how to handle. ”I don’t know what nasty plans you have in your dirty mind,” he rasped with anger flaring once more. “You’re Florence’s son after all. All I know is I want you to stay away from my daughter,” he spat at the tawny cat. Denim’s words didn’t matter to him. He didn’t want to listen to him at all. All he wanted to was getting out of conflict, but Clegane wouldn’t let him go that easily. It was then the little one spoke. The puppy. He frowned at its words. Not because he had a point, but because he clearly was out of his little mind. Denim praised him, but Clegane closed his eyes with a sigh and shook his head. Poor kiddo had lost his father to some bastards, but even so didn’t even know what he was talking about. The kid needed someone proper to take care of him, not Denim, not even Natiri. None of them were fit to take care of such a young creature, and especially Denim shouldn’t be near the little one called Take. ”You make me sick, lion,” he growled. ”Why on earth should I hurt someone who could be my own son? I don’t know about you Iris bastards, but we are not hurting our young.” He huffed angrily. ”If there’s someone who shouldn’t be near Take, it should be you,” he added darkly to the young lion, his gaze as hard as his words. He looked back at his daughter. Her eyes glimmered softly, of sunshine or tears he didn’t know, but she was awfully silent though trying to support Denim. Trying to talk something she thought was sense into his own mind. Poor girl, she was so wrapped up in naivety to see what was standing beside her. He felt sorry for his daughter that she had gotten herself into a situation like this. She thought she’d gotten a friend, but all she’d done was bringing not only herself, but also a little puppy, in danger. ”Natiri, dear,” he started, trying to speak in a softer tone. ”At least think about Take...” He looked at Denim again, looking him in the eyes, though he still spoke to Iri. ”A dog so young won’t stand a chance against that monster if he chooses to kill you both.” He flashed his teeth at the lion, wanting him to stay back. It was all too much. He couldn’t just let Denim be so close to his daughter and Take without doing something. Anything. ”I won’t let you take my own daughter away from me,” he said firmly, still looking Denim in the eye. With that, the big Beauceron suddenly leapt swiftly past Natiri, aiming his shiny white teeth at the lion’s throat, a malicious growl emerging from his throat. Why not just end the trouble once and for all? It could all be so easy to hunt that cowardly scum away. And the more he could hurt him in the process, the better chance he couldn’t hurt Natiri or Take later on. Fuck the scars coming out of this, something had to be done.