The Life of Kleo

==Prologue==
NOTEThis story was created by Silentdreaming/Kleo ( Not to be confused with silentxdreaming )</p>Into The World
All I could do was smell. I couldn't hear, see, or anything. It was like I was in an eternal blackness. I felt my mother's tongue rasp over my head as I liberated a tiny squeak of some sort of emotion. I wasn't really sure why, all I knew was to live. I couldn't hear, but I felt as if intense chatterings were being made. I felt another tiny body squished against mine, it's breathing rapid and shallow. I felt the hot sun beam on my pack, giving me an agonizing headache and just pain in general. Lions nudged me as a cool liquid cascaded on my pack, making me squeak in: was it relief? or surprise? I didn't know, but I still felt uncomfortable. Suddenly, the tiny body next to be seized, and stopped. Before, the ground was constantly shaking because of the others above us, but it just.. stopped. I felt a huge head slam between me and the other tiny body, making me collide with some sort of furry substance. A head swooped down, lapping at my fur, very intensely for some reason. I released constant squeaks, confused at what was happening and why?______________________________________________________________________________________________CHAPTER 1A New BeginningI dragged my weight around, barely even walking. I lifted my head, squinting as the sun beamed on my diminutive face. My mother padded in, swooping her colossal head down to my scruff, gently biting it. I released a loud squeak as she hoisted me up. I suddenly went limp, feeling numb, like I couldn't do anything, even though I could see and understand my surroundings so clearly. My head dangled helplessly as she brought me out into a massive clearing. There was one big tree in the middle, bright emerald wisps of leaves cascading down it's dark sienna trunk. Lions of different shapes and sizes were chatting, eating prey, or sleeping. I was confused as she set me down beside the huge tree, suddenly feeling not as dizzy or numb. I released a few squeaks as I tried to stand, but my mother hushed me with her tail. Suddenly, a gargantuan lion trotted up, the ground vibrating beneath me, making me release another squeak. He descended his head, his inky atramentous mane brushing my face. I wanted to run off but I couldn't. I started to feel perturbation build as the lion looked at me closely through narrowed slits.
She's lucky of to survive. He suddenly rumbled, still eyeing me with a suspicious but content look. I didn't know for sure, but I felt as if my mother nodded in agreement.
"Of course she is. I was thinking of bringing her in to see Oak." My mother replied solemnly.
"Yes, I agree. Do it quickly while the heat is still low. We don't want Kleo out on this hot day." He shook his mane and turned off, sand spraying beneath his paws with every step. My mother swooped down, picking me up, she glided towards a hollowed in cave. She dived into it, making me want to squeak, but the numbness took over. She brought me into a dim lit cave with stone shelves, and plant remedies among little corners and on the sides. A petite lion came from another smaller cave within the one we were in. She nodded to my mother.
"Greetings, Okami. How may I help you and your cub?"
My mother nodded. "Can you check her up? I don't want her to be getting sick.'"'
"Yes, yes, of course, Okami." She nodded eagerly and swooped at me as a released a soundless squeak of anxiety. She roughly took me by the stomach, flinging me on the moss floor. It was nice and cool, rather than the den outside. She rasped her hooked tongue over my pelt, making me squeak and squirm.
"Shh.. it's okay." The petite lion murmured softly as she pricked me with something sharp. "There." She looked up to my mother. "She is ready to go. She is nice healthy."
"Good." My mother released a relaxed purr before picking up by the scruff, welcoming me again to the numbness. I dangled helplessly as the two lionesses took a few words to each other before trotting back to my den.______________________________________________________________________________________________CHAPTER 2Endless Energy
I bounded around the nursery, the bramble wall enclosing me to a tight space. I continued to run around, the sand spraying beneath my paws as I bounded and jumped. One of the queens, Amaya, seethed at my boisterous and gleeful behavior. " Can you be less quiet, Kleo? My cubs are trying to sleep!" Her stiff tail lashed, causing the sand to stir in a cloud of dust. Me, only being 2 months old, didn't want to be quiet, or stop in matter of fact. I pinned my circular ears, my pale yellow eyes tapering in annoyance. "
"You're not my mom! You can't tell me what to do!" Amaya glared at me, her piercing hazel gaze made me shrink down into a tiny little ball.
"Your mother put me in charge, Kleo. So that means you treat me with respect and do as I say." Her voice was cold and firm, making me want to either hide, or scratch her in the nose; I still l didn't know which one i'd rather do. She bent her head to take a single lick at her squirming cub to keep it quiet. "Do you understand me, Kleo?" I shuffled my paws, my gaze on the sandy floor. She narrowed her hazel gaze, her claws slowly unsheathing. Was she going to kill me? I thought in apprehension. Her eyes were still narrowed, claws unsheathed. I gulped. I wonder if i'm tall enough and strong enough to jump out of the pit.. I thought. I took a deep breath and dashed. I leaped up, my tiny legs outstretched. I got to the edge of the pit, struggling to get out of Amaya's presence. I amazingly made it, taking deep breaths. That was so hard. I thought in exhaustion. I took a quick glance behind me, Amaya was glaring at me.
"What are you doing, Kleo?" Now her tone was soft but annoyed. 
"I want to explore." I told her. Yeah, yeah, I lied. Was I really going to tell her I thought she would kill me? No.
"Fine, but if Okami throws a fit about it, I will blame you." She snorted and rested her head on her paws, appearing to be asleep. I shrugged it off and padded towards the huge tree. The sand was burning hot, so I took quick paces so it wouldn't burn my pads as much. I finally reached the tree, where part of the sand was shaded. I laid down, tired and hot. I saw a glimpse of a male golden-brown lion. He was huge! I thought in amazement. His gaze was a pale hazel, making me think of Amaya. He shook his mane, making it appear to be a burning fire. Realization hit me. That must be.. Tau.. the leader.. I leaped up, wanting to meet him. Okami talked about him, and that I could meet him someday. Right when I was ready to dash over to meet him, my father, Sun, came trotting up, his fluccose ebony edged mane undulating lightly. He came up to me his luminous amber gaze scintillating as he peered down at me. Was I in trouble for being out of the nursery? I couldn't tell at all.
"Looks like you got adventurous, yes?" He liberated a deep, luxurious purr. I took a deep breath. What would he do to me? Kill me?
"I got bored, so I came out." I replied, trying not to stutter.
"You got out that easily, eh?" He shook his mane, shaking his frame in the process.
'Y-yeah.' I stuttered. Why was I stuttering? He is my dad. I thought callously. He smiled, his stiff tail oscillating behind him.
'Come. You haven't seen your mother in awhile and I think you should see her.' His voice was deep and soft, but commanding.
I leaped up, grinning. Yeah, yeah! Let's do that! I squeaked happily.
Good, follow me. He paused before turning off, trotting towards the entrance. I bounded after him, actually managing to jet past him. I didn't know where I was going, but then I saw a beautiful lioness, and then, at that moment, I knew that was my mom.
Heya! I squeaked. I leaped at her, using my front and back paws to wrap around her frontal right paw. My mother shot her gaze down at me, her amber gaze narrowed in at was at first anger, but now it was happiness.
Hey there, Kleo. She purred rasping her tongue over my forehead before receding, making me fall off her leg.
Ooph-hi! I leaped around, the dust spraying my mom and the lionesses she was talking to.
H-hey, Kleo, stop!"' My mom had a tad bit of amusement in her tone as she flicked me with her tail. Right then, my father came trotting up, his expression unreadable as I gazed up at him.
What did you eat this morning? He sounded so serious I actually want to run and hide, but I knew that wasn't an option.
Uh.. uhm.. I don't know...or.. remember..? I shuffled my paws as I somewhat stuttered.
He chuckled. Don't worry, Kleo. I wasn't being serious, but really, where did this energy come from. Relief hit me and I nodded slowly.
Uh.. I don't know.. am I supposed to? My pale yellow eyes glistened innocently infront of my father.
Sun- it's fine, she's fine. My mother, Okami, broke in. My father turned to her, his luminus, scintillating amber gaze widened in surprise. Why was he surprised? I thought.
Of course, Okami. He had a bit of sarcasm in the tone. Either Okami didn't catch it, or she blatantly ignored it.
Good. She nodded and liberated a faint purr. Her eyes untapered the slightest bit. Have you told her yet, Sun?" She asked, gazing at her mate. Inhaled the slightest breath, showing that he had forgotten whatever they were talking about. Okami turned to to other lionesses.
We will talk later, Mai and Sage. Okami nodded to them in dismissal. The two lionesses shared a glance before bowing their heads and trotting off. Okami then turned to me.
In eight moons you will be a trainee, Kleo. She finally spoke, clearly and elegantly. My eyes widened in surprise and happiness. Though I knew it was going to be awhile, it still made me very elated.
Yay! I'm gonna be a trainee! I'm gonna be a trainee!
Kleo, quiet! My mother broke in harshly. Other cubs want to be trainees too, and you could hurt their feelings. You need to understand those things, do you understand? She looked at me in the eye, obviously very serious. Why was she so serious about it? I thought.
Yes, Okami. I meowed, trying not to stutter this time.______________________________________________________________________________________________CHAPTER 3The Ceremony
I trotted around the massive clearing, my frame shifting. Where will I be going for the ceremony? I thought. I continued to trot around, the tip of my tufted tail twitching. Why was I so nervous? Calm down Kleo. I thought in a mixture of annoyance and surprise that I knew I was over-reacting. After minutes, upon, minutes, a tan male lion trotted up to me. The closer I got, I realized his mane was a pure ebony. That's different.. I bit back actually speaking those words aloud. He finally reached me, gazing down at me with a burning amber gaze.
It's time. He rumbled, his voice made me want to run and hide. Wait, what? Stop being so scared, Kleo! I thought. I'm gonna be a trainee and I must stay strong! Don't stutter. Don't stutter. I thought.
Of course. I replied, actually sounding quite smooth. He continued to look at me and then nodded.
I am Solar, the deputy. The second-in-command. I released a purr. ..And you are?
I'm Kleo. Should I add more? I thought. That's what he did. The daughter of Sun and Okami. His reaction was quite blank, but he nodded and smiled. Good warriors. He nodded, almost to himself. Let's go. I nodded and trotted after him, trying to look like a trainee. We finally got to the tree in the middle. The sun beamed through the emerald wisps, making me squint. I gazed up. 
Oh.. this is where the ceremonies are.. I mumbled under my breath.
What? Solar turned to me.
W-what? Nothing. I mewed. He just nodded, stepped back, and gestured me to the tree. I gazed up, and all the sudden Tau just perched in between the humongous trunks. I didn't hear him or anything. Then, to follow with that, the entire Clan surrounded it, watching intently. I tried to seek my parents, and I did, but they were all the way in the back.
Kleo. A voice interrupted my thoughts. I shot my gaze up at Tau. You are now old enough to become a trainee of The Pride of Whispering Leaves. His voice was so smooth, but powerful. You have shown bravery to be a trainee. Your father has told me you've gone to great lengths to leave that den. He gestured me to the nursery with his head. You are healthy, and clearly strong to become one, so I will grant you the rank of trainee. Excitement built up. I just wanted to squeal in happiness and run around.. but I knew I couldn't do that. Kleo, do promise to respect your assigned mentor, deputy, leader, warriors, healer, and even your own trainee mates? I thought carefully. Of course I would.
Yes, I promise. I replied, my voice actually liberating a smooth, and strong tone.
Perform your loyalty promise to the Clan, Kleo. I gulped slowly. Loyalty promise? How am I supposed to do this? Apprehension gnawed at me now. Okay, you can do this Kleo, just do a loyalty promise. I forced myself not to glance back at my parents. I felt hot gazes burn into my back as Tau waited for me. Don't stutter, I will not stutter.
I, Kleo, promise to protect, and fight for this Clan until the day I die. My loyalty will never falter here... ever. I was surprised that I didn't stutter, and most of all, that it was over with.
Good. Tau nodded. Your mentor will be Mai. She is fiesty but loyal, and I hope she passes down these traits to you. Mai trotted up, her pale blue eyes glistening. She nodded and touched her nose to mine. She shook her white pelage and smiled before receding a few steps. After that, I heard loud shouts of:
Kleo!
You did it Kleo!
Congratulations, Kleo!"
Congrats!
My father pushed past the crowd of lions and came to me, smiling.
'I know you could do it, Kleo.' He rumbled as my mother, Okami, came trotting up.
'We never doubted you. She nodded, inhaling. We'll miss you, Kleo.' She meowed, her tone was soft but strong.
'I won't be gone forever, Okami.' I replied, my head held high.
Oh, I know, darling. Just.. promise me something. She looked at me, her gaze and posture stiff and intense. '
Okay.. I sounded hesitant, but it came out rather smooth. She nodded and inhaled before speaking.
Don't let anyone hurt you, your friends, nor your pride. Fight with pride and never give up, because one day, you'll be glad you did. She smiled, her tail gliding in the air. I was confused why she told me this but I nodded.
 I will. I promise.
***
I woke up, bleary eyed. I blinked away sleep as I separated my jaws into a large yawn. The sun beamed through the brown bramble walls to beam down on my face. I lazily stood, arching my back into a luxurious stretch. I gazed around, the sand streaming off my back.
Boo! Something leaped onto me, pinning me down from my back. My frame slapped onto the floor with a painful lurch. I whipped around to glare at the silhouette grinning behind me. 
That wasn't funny, Cloud. I growled, as I pushed him off of me with a shake.
Yes it was. He purred, his tail brushing the sand. You just have no humor.. like.. none. His voice was taunting, and it was irritating me.
Hmm, well, it kinda looks like you're the only one laughing. I retorted, my temper rising. Cloud constricted his hazel gaze, his face now grim.
 Fine, sheesh. Just want to make you welcomed. This is the first night in here, right?
Yes. I replied flatly. And you aren't welcoming me, you're annoying me. My gaze was round with annoyance, and it was quite obvious, but he ignored it.
 Beats me. He shrugged and bounded past me, leaping up gracefully out of the sand pit. I gazed behind my shoulder, the annoyance fading now. Realization hit me. This would be my first training session! I thought, all thoughts of anger gone now. I slouched down, quickly and easily cleansed my pale golden brown pelt and bounded up out of the pit. I immediately trotted over to the prey pile; it looked delicious. I finally got to the pile in the middle of the clearing and swooped down to take a jack rabbit. Before I could do so, a white lion came ambulating up to me with great elegance and speed.
 Hey there, Kleo. Mai greeted cheerfully. Her soft blue eyes glistened luminously as she waited for my response.
 Hi, Mai. I nodded, trying to sound calm and mature, thinking that if I did so, she would think I am ready to train now. She eyed me, not accussingly, but thoughtful. Excuse me.. Mai.. can we um..-
Train? Yes. She broke in, smiling. I nodded, shuffling my paws. Great! Let's go! I can show you around the territory. She turned around and gazed back at me. Ready? I gazed at her, somewhat  disappointed that we didn't battle train. Huh, classic trainee, huh.. She scoffed lightly. They all want to battle. Why am I not surprised? She shook her head and nodded. Sure we can battle train. She sounded fairly hesitant but I ignored it.
Great! I squeaked and leaped up. Wait, what? Act more mature Kleo. I thought callously.
O-okay. She nodded. Come. I trotted after her, her lissome frame moving with ease and elegance as we trotted out of camp. I gazed around, amazed by the territory. The sand was a glistening yellow-brown, and the sky was a pink-ish orange, due to the fact it was early morning. Trees, bushes and some grass bloomed almost everywhere and I was surprised that it was thriving so greatly. 
Why is it so.. green? I murmured thoughtfully.
It's because it's winter time. She replied, not looking back at me. I nodded and trotted up to her side. We continued to trot in the bright sun until we made it to a steep stone pathway that lead to a clearing. In the small clearing there were trees, bushes, grass, brambles, and flowers surrounding it. 
This is the training hollow. She spoke suddenly, gazing back at me. She trotted down the small pathway into the clearing as I followed. You're lucky you became a trainee in the winter.
Why? I mewed.
Because, when it's fall, summer, and spring, everything is all dried up.. and when it's dried up.. there is technically no training hollow. She explained.
Oh. I mewed thoughtfully.
***
I staggered backwards, my pads wet and sweaty. I panted heavily, gasping for breaths. This would be my second time training with Mai, and boy, was it a pain in the tail. Yesterday, once we were done with the first training session, we took a visit around the territory, and Mai showed me out to hunt quarry. I never caught anything, just learned. I gazed at my mentor tiredly as she smiled, not even somewhat ruffled. She was insanely fast-like unnaturally fast. I could never even set one paw on her. The only time I did, was when she was demonstrating to me how to leap.
Want a brake? She mewed, smiling in amusement.
We've only been training for like two minutes! I exclaimed.
 Seven. She corrected me flatly. I rolled my eyes and shifted my posture into a slouching perch. Then, all the sudden, a white blur came sprinting towards me. It slammed into me with a painful impact to my chest, making me fly across the training hollow. The figure came running at me again, nipping at my hind-quarters. I was not going to let Mai do this. She came charging at me again, but I actually dodged, but I only did because  she was slower this time. I bounded towards her, making her think I was going to skyrocket into her. She flinched to the left, but that's when I changed some plans. I drifted towards the right, making my position face her week spot. Her back. I sprinted forwards, but as I did so, she was already turning. I slammed into her lower stomach with a loud smack. But I took this wonderful opportunity to sink my teeth into her abdomen. I barely did so, but just enough to draw the tiniest bit of blood. She liberated a sound that sounded like a noise a cub would make before leaping right into me, slamming me into the sand. We both panted, tired.
You finally got me. She looked at me, still having me in her grip. I grinned and slipped away. You're quite a good trainee for your first two days, Kleo. Keep this work up, and no one will ever doubt you.______________________________________________________________________________________________CHAPTER 4Cloud & VioletI rasped my tongue over my pelage as I awaited Cloud and Violet to awake from their, what seemed to be, perpetual sleep. I knew that Cloud was a boisterous ball of energy, but I didn't know much about Violet. I would occasionally see her training with her mentor, Avalanche, or I would see her just basking in the heat. Violet stirred, cracking her eyes open to look at me. Her eyes were like staring into a black hole. They gleamed with what seemed to be menace. She stood, arching her lean and alluring figure, still gazing at me with that cold glare. She smiled, but it wasn't one of those friendly, Hey smiles, this one was taunting. Her dark brown pelt shimmered as she stepped into the lighting, her eyes now sparkling a vicious amber. I gazed at her calmly, not letting her expressions get hold of me. 
 Aren't you the lucky one? She finally spoke, her tone full of spite. I wondered why she was so furious with me, but I ignored that.
 I wouldn't call my self the lucky one, Violet. I replied calmly. I sat down, wrapping my tail around my paws, still gazing at her. Violet's nasal flared in annoyance but she kept her tone-and her actions, passive aggressive.
Says the one who gets to battle train everyday, and barely has to hunt. She spat, her temper rising like a fire. I shrugged. 
 Maybe you should talk to your mentor about it? I suggested flatly. She released a scoff of some sort of emotion I couldn't detect.
Mr. Know-It-All-Avalanche, isn't the type to listen to trainees. She snorted, shaking her head, gazing at the ground as if it were her mentor. I ignored her. I didn't want to start this stupid argument that would do nothing. Plus, it would just get me in trouble-and her. I suppose she took this as a dismissal or something because she just turned around and stalked off, leaping out of the den. Right then, Cloud awoke, leaping up, as if he heard the entire conversation.
 Hey, Kleo. Where's Violet? I shrugged, gazing at him. His pelt reminded me of Mai's- nice and white. Guess what. He spoke again, this time more loud.
What? I mewed, trying to sound somewhat in a good mood. Not that I wasn't.
I am gonna be battle training with you and Violet today!" He meowed, standing tall.
Wait, what? I exclaimed. He just nodded, showing just as much enthusiasm as before. 
 Yeah.. He nodded, looking thoughtful. Well, i'd out to be going. Sasha will need me. He nodded and bounced out of the den with ease. 
More than Violet. I mumbled under my breath before leaping out of the den behind him. I should meet some new lions. I thought and trotted towards a group near the entrance of camp. They were all muttering nonsense, but I ignored that. I came up to Sage, one of the first lion's I met on my first way out of the nursery. I didn't talk to her, but I saw her.
Hello. I greeted, dipping my head in respect of the warrior. She glanced back from talking to another warrior which I didn't know.
 Oh-hey there, Kleo. Catching butterflies?" She smiled, gazing at me. I shrugged.
 If you want me to. All she did was purr in amusement and turned back to the warrior she was talking to. Tough crowd, only if they were nicer. I thought. But then, something nudged me in the hip, I knew who this lion was immediately. The scent was warm, but powerful. I didn't bother to turn around, just to say a greeting.
 Hey, Dad. I nodded, still not turning to him.
Mai is teaching you well. He replied and nudged me, forcing me to turn around to face him. He seemed less big, not that he wasn't.
What is it? I mewed. He only jerked his head backwards as a gesture. I followed his gaze and saw two trainees battle training. Shoot, I forgot already. All I did was nod and raced off away from him. I ran towards a jagged rock towards the side of camp and skidded to a halt, spraying the trainees with sand and dust. 
H-hey! Violet hissed. Cloud just grinned and shook his pelt. I saw Mai perching on the jagged rock, with two others: Avalanche, and Sasha. One of the three released a caterwaul, and right when that happened, Violet slammed into me, viciously sinking her teeth into my foreleg, causing blood to well around the sides. Pain shot through me bitterly. I could tell by her energy she wanted to do this. I hissed and turned around, kicking her in the face, causing her to stagger. Cloud then leaped on her, batting her face constantly, making her screech and kick him away with her back legs.
Enough! One of them screeched, making us stop to a halt. We gazed up at the rock, seeing one of the females, looking at us sternly. She obviously looked like the most dominant. We have rules here. She began. We will judge you by your fighting moves, and if we think you aren't doing good enough we will call out your name. The winner will be prized-but that's a secret. Do you understand? We all nodded. Good. Now fight! Violet immediately leaped towards me, rearing onto her hind paws, Slashing at me with her front. I released a battle cry and slammed into her exposed stomach, causing her to collapse. She turned around to get back on her paws-too late, I already slammed into her again, somewhat digging my claws into her shoulder, making her squirm. I couldn't hold her for long and she was escaping. Right when she escaped my grip Cloud slammed into me, making me realize he was out of the battle for some time. He sank his teeth into my ear, making me squeak in pain. Violet then tackled me from my right while I was busy trying to deal with Cloud. She curved her frontal legs around my stomach, forcing me down onto the terrain. Cloud was slashing at my vision and Violet was clawing at my stomach. I didn't feel pain, but I knew I would be called out soon. I was done with this: being chastised, being bothered, and I would especially not loose. I violently turned around to face Violet, but that caused Cloud's slashing to become even worse. I ignored the pain that Cloud was causing, and just focused on Violet. I lashed out my paw at Violet's face, causing her to recede for a few seconds. I took this moment to leap back up to my paws and face Cloud. Cloud looked up in surprise, but it was too late. I dove into him. I tackled him, using my back claws to score his stomach. He struggled in my grip. The only reason I was winning was because I was bigger than Cloud, but then, of course, Violet came crashing in. She sank her teeth into my scruff and dragged me away from Cloud. She tossed me aside like a cub. I then just noticed she was bigger than me. Maybe by an inch or so. She lashed her tail, her eyes beady. I hissed and leaped to my paws and rammed into her chest, causing her to slip onto her side. I took that advantage and claw at her exposed chest, but that ended because of Cloud. He slammed between me and Violet, causing me to stagger quite away. He tackled Violet, and they tussled with each other for a few seconds before I rushed forward and leaped onto Cloud's back squarely. He yelped in surprise as I sank my teeth into the back of his neck. He collapsed from my weight and squealed, trying to escape. Violet slipped away from the feud and took a few moments to clean her pelt, but I couldn't focus on her right now. Only this battle. Cloud finally took the step he needed, and slashed a rushing paw towards the side of my face, causing blood to well on the side of my eye. An agonizing pain hit through me, I staggered and fell. I couldn't believe how much that hurt, but I had.. to keep... going. Cloud gazed down at my panting and gasping frame, guilt crossing is expression. Why was he guilty? I thought as pain continued to sear right into me. Cloud whipped around to face Violet and dashed forward, clawing at her. I heard echoing voices from atop the jagged rock, realizing it was the mentors. They were going to call me out! No, that is not happening! I forced my self to my paws and dashed over to the other two. I felt extremely dizzy but I forced myself on. I clawed at Cloud's tail before sinking me curved teeth right into the cartilage of his tail. He released a cry of pain and turned around to face me, betrayal written all over his face. He slashed at my face but I barely dodged it. But before Cloud could continue, Violet leaped at me and missed as I dodged again.
Enough! I heard the voices on the jagged rock echo. We are done!
***
I woke up, nausea hitting me like a wave. I blinked the bleariness away from my eyes to look at my surroundings. It looked faintly familiar, but I couldn't tell for sure. I was in a cave full of herb and plant remedies in it. I smelled sweet and bitter all at once, and it made me feel unusually calm. It was nice and warm which helped the terrible feeling I awoke with, but it wasn't fully gone. A petite lioness crawled through from who knows where from, and smiled at me.
Feeling any better? He tone was soft. Just then, I realized I was in the Healer's den-Oak's den. I gazed at my physique: My stomach had red claw marks that were faintly covered up with moss and web, and the side of my face had this sticky substance where Cloud had hit me.
Y-yeah.. I rasped. Just feel a little...sick.. She nodded.
That's normal. You really did battle. Your parents were extremely worried about you, but they were glad you stepped up your battling. I felt happy they thought good of me, but you could never trust a Healer, especially this one. She always seemed to twist the truth.
Where are Violet and Cloud? I actually managed to speak without sounding sick or weak. Before Oak could reply, someone else did, annoyingly familiar.
Maybe if you weren't blind you would know. I turned to face Violet, my emotions flat. I looked to my left to see Cloud, curled up in a ball, sleeping beside me with cobwebs, moss, and other herbs stuck to him. I looked over my shoulder to talk to Oak, but she apparently left. Healers..
You hurt, Kleo? Violet asked, actually sounding like she was asking, but I couldn't believe that.
I'm fine. I replied flatly, not looking at her.
I'm afraid I don't really believe that. She wrinkled her nose in distaste. I was about to reply but then I heard rustling beside me. I glanced to my left to see Cloud stirring. He cracked open his bleary eyes. He struggled to sit but he eventually did so. He yawned, baring his blood stained teeth due to the battle.
Hey there, Cloud. Violet greeted him brightly. I glanced at Violet and then back at Cloud. He was looking at me, but his gaze was nothing but friendly; nor angry. It appeared to be.. sadness? I nodded greeting to him, offering a brief smile, but all he did was glance away, resting his head on his paws.
Tough. Violet mewed, sounding too bright for comfort. I gazed at her, my eyes narrowing.
What's tough, your life, I am assuming? I glared at her, my tail lashing. She narrowed her eyes, her eyes becoming like menacing dark holes.
You know nothing of my life. She spoke lethally quiet, and actually, it made me want to hide, but I ignored it.
 You're right, I don't, but I do know that you're acting pretty rude and selfish.. and.. in matter of fact.. you didn't treat me very nicely the first time we met. There was no reason to act so rude when we didn't even know each other. I told her, my voice calm but determined. She just looked at me, her eyes never flickering with any emotion; I even wonder if she even had emotion other than selfishness and rudeness. She looked as if she was going to say something but four lionesses appeared: Okami, Amaya, Oak, and one I didn't exactly know. Oak nodded.
Here they are, I will leave you to them. She smiled and nodded and then trotted out of the den. Okami looked at me, her eyes glistening with an unreadable expression. Uh-oh. I thought.
I am disappointed, Violet. Amaya spoke, her tone calm but annoyed. Yes, you were supposed to fight, but not to the point where you have countless herbs on you. She gestured Violet's physique with her tail. I just realized: Violet's mom was Amaya! No wonder Violet acts so much like her! Violet nodded and sighed.
I am sorry, mother. She nodded and dipped her head, even though she was still laying. 
Cloud. The unknown lioness spoke, causing Cloud to flinch. You know better than that. She narrowed her eyes, her voice stern.
Y-yes, Hazel. Cloud stuttered, gazing at his paws. I didn't mean to, I just... His voice died out, making me feel actually somewhat sad for him. It appeared that Hazel felt the same way, because she just nodded softly, trotted up to him, and rasped her tongue gently over his head, causing him to slightly flinch. She sat down beside her cub, gazing at Okami to speak. Shoot... what was she going to tell me now. I could feel Violet's taunting stare beam down into my back making me want to yowl at her, but I obviously knew that wasn't an option. My mother nodded, preparing to speak.
I expected better from you, Kleo. She murmured, gazing at me with soft, but bright amber eyes. Promise me not to do this again. Though you were supposed to train and battle, they're still your pride-mates, and you can't kill them. The thought made me cringe emotionally. We were treating it as if it were a war, and it seemed the three of us all seemed to understand, because the energy level seemed to lower in understanding. Hazel nudged Cloud. 
Come on, love. She touched turned around and trotted to the entrance, waiting for him. Cloud struggled to his paws, gazing at them. He took a feeble nod to himself and then gaze back to Violet. He nodded goodbye and then gazed at me. What was he going to do? Show me some sort of gesture of I hate you for betraying me? That I didn't know, I just had to see. He inhaled and then exhaled, nodding at me too, but he seemed more sad to do it to me. I took a quick glance at Violet to see her reaction and she was just blank-as usual. Amaya nodded to her and she immediately stood, arching her lean and alluring dark golden brown figure. She trotted after Amaya, leaving the den. Okami looked at me and nodded, waiting for me to stand. I stood, shaking off the access moss that lingered on my pelt. She turned and padded out of the den. I gazed out, took a deep breath, and leaved the den.
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CHAPTER 5
The Pride of Golden Rivers
Violet pinned me down, her eyes glinting luminously as she slowly lacerated my stomach and chest. Agony rushed through me, making me cry in pain. All she did was smile as she submerged my head in a random pool of water. I struggled in her opaque grip, trying to lash out. Bubbles escaped my mouth as I continued to try to escape.. but I couldn't. My life was fading, my lungs were burning like nothing before; Blood trickling down my stomach.. I couldn't... escape.. I finally couldn't take it anymore: I gasped for breath, but I ended up just sucking in a mouthful of water. It rushed down my esophagus and into my lungs. I choked, desperately trying to get out of her grip-and the water, but I couldn't..I just.. died. 
I woke up, gasping for air as if I was really being drowned by violet. I panted, gazing around wildly. I spotted Cloud in the corner, sleeping peacefully-Violet being in the other corner. I wanted to maul her for what she did to me in the dream, but I knew that was just my subconscious playing rueful tricks on my mind. I saw the beginnings of dawn peek through the bramble barrier, gazing at me. I stood, arching my back into a stretch before yawning. I felt the scab on the side of my eye that Cloud gave me; I just wanted to scratch it off, but the thought disturbed me. My stomach, tail, and face had a few cuts, but other than that, I was pretty good. Violet started to stir, and I didn't want to be there when she awoke so I decided to leave. I quietly trotted up to the wall and leaped out of the pit, my tail swaying behind me. I heard faint mumbles of the lions sleeping as I trotted towards the tree like monstrosity. I then just realized I have only been training for a week now. I felt as if I have been training forever! Most of the day I was just eating, chatting, and learning how to hunt. Ever sense the hole incident with Cloud and Violet, I don't think they trust us anymore, which is weird because Avalanche, Sasha, and Mai allowed it; they should be the ones in trouble, not us. Violet would occasionally give me glares of hate or spite, and Cloud seemed to be purposely ignoring me which made me wonder what was wrong. I trotted around the camp lazily, the scorching sand burning my paws. 
Let all lions gather around The Wisping Tree for a pride meeting! The call rang out loudly and all lions came to gathering around, mumbling nonsense. I trotted into the middle, immediately sitting down. I wrapped my tail around my paws as I looked up to see Tau perched upon the tree. Cloud and Violet came trotting up beside me: Violet on my right, and Cloud on my left. Cloud seemed rather hesitant to sit beside me and I wondered why. Violet would just take occasional glances of pride and hate at me and it was irritating me. Then I finally understood the ordeal with Cloud: Cloud thought I betrayed him! During the battle he looked so hurt every time I would severely hurt him.. but the only question remains... why did he seem so hurt? Tau interrupted my thoughts- 
There is a severe drought among the savanna. he began. But that's not all of it- a river, west of camp, is being taken over by another pride you all know of, other than the trainees. This pride is known as The Pride of Golden Rivers. They always have ruled it, but not like this. We are trying to communicate with them but it seems that it is not working and we may have to wage war on them. The entire crowd of lions started to release loud mumbles of distress, anger, and annoyance. What were we going to do? We are going to go to their pride tomorrow at dawn. I will take more than a few warriors, and I will take two trainees. I would take more, but we need more to defend camp. He shook his head, and gazed at his pride. We will fight through this together. He nodded and leaped off the tree. Lions swarmed him with questions, pleads, and who knows what else. 
Stupid lions. They will regret messing with us! Violet hissed, now standing. I stood with her, Cloud doing the same.
We'll make them regret it! Cloud declared loudly, seeming more like his old self.
I wonder which trainees he'll take along. Violet murmured, almost to herself. It better be me; i'm the best trainee here. She said, but it didn't sound spiteful or hateful, it just sounded as if she was making a true statement. 
I hope it's me. Cloud mewed, his tail brushing the sand. Violet shrugged and trotted off into the group of swarming lions, just leaving me and Cloud. Maybe I should say something.. I mean, I didn't feel bad, but I am fairly certain I hurt his feelings.
Hey, Cloud. I looked at him as his gaze flickered to me.
Oh, um.. yeah, Kleo? He mewed, seeming shy.
 What happened when we were battle training? I asked smoothly. You seemed rather upset.
Oh.. yeah.. about that.. well.. I don't know it kinda hurt and I wasn't expecting it. He said. 
Oh, okay, alright. I shrugged. All he did was smile and he padded off. I shrugged and trotted off towards the group of swarming lions, trying to make my way towards Tau. He was speaking commands, and other stuff.. blah blah blah. I heard lots of:
Exuse me, Tau.
Tau! and;
Sir!
Enough! He roared, causing the crowd of lions to fall dead silent. One at a time. He gestured to a lioness in the middle front.
May I come with you, Tau? She gazed at him solemnly.
Yes, Kouja. He nodded. He then gestured to Sun, my father. I want you to guard camp. Give orders, you get the idea. Sun lowered his head in respect and nodded. Then Violet came pushing through, making herself visible to her leader. Tau continued to name lions and what their orders were until he reached Violet.
 Avalanche is a skilled and strong warrior, and I know she has passed that down to you. I also believe you're very feisty and have talent so I will allow you to join the patrol. Violet's eyes lit up and all the sudden she looked like a different cat: Bright, respectful, and loyal.
Thank you, Tau. She nodded and receded, her eyes still glowing with not pride or selfishness, but pure happiness. Tau continued to call out names, one of them being Cloud, telling him to stay at camp and defend the nursery, and one of them being Okami: She'd bee in the patrol herself.
Kleo. Tau gazed at me, his gaze gentle but extremely firm. You will join the patrol. I smiled and dipped my head in respect.
Thank you, Tau. I nodded and receded, backing away from the group. I glanced to my right and saw Violet at the entrance of camp, her gaze still bright. I finally caught her gaze and when she gazed at me, it wasn't rude, but it wasn't nice either; it was just an acknowledgement. Maybe we just had a bad encounter. I thought.
***
Something bit my nape and opened my eyes, gazing around. It was dark, maybe an hour or so before dawn. I staggered to my paws, gazing around. I saw pair of eyes gleaming at me. They were a bright amber and I couldn't mistake them for anything else's.
What is it, Violet? I snapped, shaking the sand from my pelt.
We're leaving. She replied hastily. We had to leave early because the river is a bit away and if we left any later it would not be a good journey in the heat. She nodded to me and bounded out. I shook the rest of my sleepiness away and trotted out after her. I saw around 10 lions in a group near the entrance and I trotted up to it, assuming this was the patrol. 
Is everyone here? Tau gazed around. Everyone nodded. Let me make some things clear: You must communicate. Without communication we could become lost and things will become bloody. You must obey. If you do not obey you will get into a severe punishment; right now, we need everyone to obey. You also need to have respect of The Pride of Golden Rivers. They are a pride like us, and they deserve respect, even though we may have our disagreements. Is that understood? Everyone nodded and he too, returned a nod. Then let us go. He nodded, turned, and trotted out of camp with the entire group of lions following after him. I exited camp, following the group of lions from behind.
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Category:Stories
Category:Big Cats