Twilight's sleep that first night had been plagued with worry. She'd woken frequently, only to pace back and forth until restlessness drove her back to the ground. Things had been calm lately. Much too calm… in her experience, that usually meant something bad.
Fluttershy was asleep in the corner of the cavern, seemingly untroubled by the events that had thus far taken place. Or, if she was, she didn't show it. The moons soft glow in the entrance of the cave was disturbed by a large shadow, to which
Twilight instinctively raised her head. The stranger revealed himself to be Saxon. And he did not look as if he'd come for midnight tea.
"Twilight. A word. Now, if you please."
Now that was more like it. Twilight rose, and followed him outside. "Yes?" she asked.
He looked out across the darkened savanna, worry creased across his face. "I have received notice that hyenas have been congregating around the Graveyard. More so than usual. Take one of the hunters with you, and investigate. They have no business on our land. They know of our long standing agreement, and their presence violate the peace pact."
The purple lioness was quiet for a moment, then nodded. "Is there mud or dye? My coloration will be a liability. as I don't think many of your females are lavender."
Saxon nodded. "Of course. Near ground level, towards the rear of the Rock."
Moving quickly, Twilight made her way down to the ground, and towards the mudpits. Only one other lioness was awake outside, who rose as she entered the muddy pool to darken her fur.
"I am Raine. We must move quickly if we are to return before daybreak. No need to worry everyone else with matters that can be handled quickly."
Twilight just gave a sly smirk. "Why should I worry? I've handled far worse before."
The two cats departed shortly thereafter, making their way towards the Graveyard. A group of hyenas were stationed near the entrance, arguing.
"I don't understand this nonsense. What are we supposed to do with hostages?"
"Shut up and do what you're told. We're not paid to think."
"We're not paid at all!"
*THUNK!*
Peering about, Twilight saw that one of the two had been laid flat and dazed. Less work for her. Raine nodded with grave concern. "We make our way inside and snoop around. I'll be right behind you. Stay quiet, and stay alert."
"…the point?" A voice was asking.
"It's not your job to know everything. Just do what you're told." Two hyenas passed by. There seemed to be a lot of stress amongst the ranks. It could break into a fullout mutiny before too long.
Twilight and Raine slunk down one of the side paths, emerged into a large cavern where they hidden behind the old bones of a large animal. A cavern where dozens of other hyenas were waiting in perfect formation. A shadowy figure emerged from the back. Gray fur dominated the old lion where fur still grew at all, wounds evident from what appeared to be severe burns. Raine gasped, and Twilight could see horror etched on her face, although the former had no idea the significance behind the fear.
The lions deep voice snapped, full of rage. "Just how STUPID are you all? I ask you to do one thing. ONE thing. And you can't even carry out a simple order. Give me one good reason why I even bother keeping you mindless fools around!"
"We leave now." Raine whispered. "We can't be here." With little encouragement, Twilght turned and followed Raine out of the tunnels. Raine had seen enough. This was bad. Very bad. The leader was old and frail, he may be the one giving orders, but in all likelihood he was not necessarily the mastermind behind this mess. But the look on Raine's face meant he was important. She'd have to keep digging around.
Twilight and Raine made their way back to the Rock, bursting into the cavern, breathing heavily from having run the entire way back, an impressive feat for even the healthiest of lions. "What in the world has gotten into you both? You look like you've just seen a ghost."
Raine glared at him, chest heaving from exertion. "In a way, we have. The hyenas…. Scar leads them."
Saxon blinked, unsure he'd heard correctly. "Excuse me?"
"Burned… scarred… limping… it could be nobody else."
The lion shook his head. "That's impossible."
Twilight chimed in.. "They mentioned hostages."
"If what you say is true…than we are indeed in grave danger, and this means war has once again come to Pride Rock. These attacks are intentional." Saxon growled. "What exactly did you see? Are they coming after us?"
Raine shook her head. "Not that I can tell… yet."
Twilight frowned. "I have a question."
"Yes?"
"...Where's Fluttershy? The yellow one?"
There was a sudden moment of shuffling about and confused searching, before Saxon admitted "I thought she went with you," he said. "I arrived here shortly before your return, the cavern was empty."
Twilight facepalmed. "Great. We need to find her, immediately."
Saxon turned, and led her up the rocky slope outside. "I will send out a search team at once. While they do that, you come with me. It's time you met the King. He may be able to help you find your friend. I hope."
Twilight lowered her head, and followed. The frail and weakened King was laying on a bed of leaves and moss, cryptic circles surrounded the area, painted symbols covered the walls. "Runes to aid in healing and protection," Saxon explained. "They likely do nothing, but hope can be stronger than the most reliable medicine."
The King could barely lift his head, and gazed upon them both. "Tell me…what news do you bring?"
Saxon approached. "Scar….lives, sire." His voice snarled with hate.
The King laid his head down. "Then we are at war. Saxon…. Do what you must." It looked as if he was prepared to say more, but could not. He closed his eyes, laying his head down, and appeared as if sleeping.
But Saxon knew otherwise.
Saxon swore and ushered a shocked Twilight out of the cavern. The meeting had been a waste of time. "I apologize for putting you through such trying times. But you are our most valuable asset. We need to gather our forces. I suppose that falls to me now."
"What do you have?"
"Twenty three lionesses, one lion. The nearby meerkat colony is neutral, we may ask for their help, but they will likely not get involved."
Twilight looked surprised. "A meerkat colony?"
Saxon gave a sly grin. "Allies of ages past. Do you think we should talk to them?"
Twilight looked down at the ground. "Perhaps. They may be useful."
"Can you think of anyone who might try to hurt our pride?"
"There are many possibilities. Sadly that's the world today. Their job is to cause pain, my job is to stop them."
Saxon pushed at the ground with his front paw. "Very well. I will sleep on it. You may return to your cave. Be careful, as our forces have been informed that we are at war. You have been a huge help to us today." He turned, and made his departure. He paused only a moment. "We will find your friend, I promise."
Twilight returned to the cavern as the first day began to come to a close. She looked out over the Pridelands, where hyenas were beginning to increase in number. They were getting bolder. She wanted to go get Fluttershy right then and there, but it would be idiotic to put herself at risk unnecessarily. Once the forces were in place, they'd take the Graveyard by force.
"Be brave, Fluttershy." She whispered. "We're coming."