The Tiger Within 165 Loyalty Part 3

Though the Majority still sat at the feet of Bastil, several beasts made their own moves. Kyera was surprised to see Mally and Lazren move first. Both made their way through the crowd his pack and members of her rebellion following them to take seats near The Empress's pillar. Several broke off and found the place they prefered and Kyera smiled.

They had indeed done as she had hoped and made their own minds. Many had ended up with the Empress and Clovis just as she had, but that was to be expected. Many had expressed loyalty to Eve before now. Kyera just so happened to feel the same.

The growing anger from the lion as he watched them declare their alliances. 'How dare they stand against me.' his mind seethed in anger. Never before had this sort of… reaction taken place. Every creature pledged their fealty, not one stood in the center as undecided. He could not tolerate this.

Kyera did not know how it began… she only knew a battle began. Brother fighting brother, snarling cries of anguish and surprise filled the air as Kyera leapt to her feet. Her eyes moved to search for him, The lion at Bastil's side. Her anger flared as he roared encouragements.

The human guards were trying to stop what they could but it was for nothing. Kyera feared many of them would die if she didn't do something. Her father's voice rang in her head, and she opened her mouth to speak.

"The law of the Jungle is as it should be!" kyera began to recite loudly as the shadows moved at her urging, protecting the weaker and outnumbered. "None shall prey upon the weak for sport, though for food we do as we must. None shall control the minds of others. Each has a right to make their choice. All shall follow these codes. The sins of the father fall not to the son. The actions of one do not speak for the whole." her reciting became louder as the Shifter Kin realized what she was saying. "No Kindred may war upon the other for any reason short of these laws. The law of the Forest is as it should be."

The Rebellion and the Pride both began to listen, the battle stopping. Kyera knew well it was her father's hand stealing their hearts and making them hear her. The laws range true deep in their souls as they began to look a little disoriented as they began slowly shrinking into the forest to lick their wounds. The Lion raised his voice to roar in anger as even the pridelings he had so carefully tamed turned their backs on him.

Mally turned and made her way back to Kyera's side. She was breathing heavily from defending her kindred spirits. It was clear now she was the leader of the rebellion, since her voice was the first to join Kyera and stop the howls of war. However, she forgot the first rule of battle. Never turn your back on one who does not know he is beaten.

The Lion reared back on his haunches and launched himself across the clearing, his claws aimed for Mally's wounded back. He caught her across the shoulders throwing her to the side. She screamed in pain as blood pooled on her shoulder blades. Her fur quickly becoming drenched in the crimson liquid. Before Mally had a chance to react, he Slashed her again with his claw, anger and furry coming in blows across her chest. Once again, she hit the ground in a pained scream. Once again she tried to stand.

Alexi screamed at Bastil to call him off, to call the lion back but Bastil laughed. Once again inflaming Kyera's anger. The lion circled on his prey, unaware of the fury coming his way. He raised his paw once more, setting on her throat, pinning the leopardess down. Mally refused to beg even as death faced her down. His killing intent was clear.

"Beg and Perhaps I will let you live, Mally." He growled and Mally watched him angrily. Her eyes burned with pride for what she had achieved.

"Take my life. The shadow's await me, for I have saved my kin." She replied her words slipped to the language of the humans as she coughed and blood splattered his paws once again. He pressed down more.