[PRP] A Challenger

[magnadearel]

Ecavi

His wounds were still quite fresh and ached. Which was exactly how Shangyue wanted it. Meshach had finally gotten the free bleeding to stop, but he was sure they'd open up quickly again. He'd informed his closest supporters, particularly his mate, of what had transpired. Despite their concerns he had to continue with the plan. If only.... the half formed thought made him wonder what he really wished.

Meshach headed toward a neutral zone for the challenge combat to take place. He would be very surprised if the whole pride didn't show up for this. He wasn't going to think about that. Not about the way the last time he'd stood before the whole pride and lost everything. This time it would be different because he would make it so. The scarred male paced out with his loyal group close behind. Shangyue approached from the other direction.

"I have never left." He stated coldly. It was surprising to see that Shangyue had actually managed to get some lions to accompany him here. Granted it wasn't many. He wondered how loyal they really were. "It's time to end your reign traitor." Signalling his group back he stepped forward and bared his fangs.  

[magnadearel]

Ecavi

"Peace?" Meshach hissed. "There is no peace with murder little nephew. It's all an illusion you've pulled over your eyes. You didn't have to kill our family for your greed, but you did. You've had this coming all along."

With that, the older male had had enough of talking. He'd had enough of this murderer sitting his stained rear on the throne and tainting the whole pride. It was a surprise the whole pride hadn't erupted in murdering. Meshach was ready to destroy the head of this viper once and for all before it fattened further on the innocent members of the pride.

For a moment he debated giving his nephew a chance to back out and accept banishment. But no, Shangyue needed a good trouncing first! With a mighty roar he lunged for the younger male with fangs and claws bared. No he wasn't trying to kill but he was going to trounce his nephew and give him a good spanking!  

[magnadearel]

Ecavi

His nephew was good. Meshach had to admit that. Shangyue easily avoid his first attack. He wasn't going to give up. The scarred male turned to face his opponent, right into Shangyue's attack toward his face. He felt the claws catch on his cheek and then pain as warm blood flowed out and down. Meshach snarled back and took a swipe down at Shangyue with both fore-paws. He reared back onto his hind legs to get the advantage of using both front feet.

It was surreal. Everything slowed. Why had it come to this? What was the Great Lion's plan? Would he live or die? Was that part of the plan? No matter, he decided. This was his task set before him. He needed to fight smarter than his nephew. Already he could sense the telling wounds delivered earlier by Dwyllodrus sapping him. He needed to finish this quickly before he tired too much.  

[magnadearel]

Ecavi

Meshach panted and felt his barely scabbed wounds opening. He had hoped.... This needed to end quickly. Shangyue lucked out in mirroring his move to rise up putting them on even footing. He knew his nephew wanted Meshach's blood on his paws; to some extent he wanted Shangyue's on his, but not enough to kill him.

He felt Shangyue going for his throat through his mane. Thankfully it was thick and fluffy, saving him from an unpleasant end. With Shangyue's head so near his own, Meshach snapped his teeth trying to get a grip on the top of his head or an ear. His front paws fiercely dragged against the other male's chest which was also protected by a thick mane. He battered his heavy paws against Shangyue's chest and shoulders trying to throw him down. The older male pressed down, trying to use his own weight against him.  

[magnadearel]

Ecavi

Shangyue was tiring too! Or at least Meshach hoped that's what the panting meant. They were definitely giving each other a good pounding. New wounds had appeared as they had fought. All of a sudden, he realized the inevitable. There was no way he was going to survive this fight. It had all been for nothing. Shangyue would still be on the throne. Would anyone step up to take his place. It was heartbreaking to think, No.

In a last ditch effort he felt the young lion giving ground. Meshach pushed harder. If only he could subdue him now! His nephew was trapped under his paws, then suddenly he wasn't. The scarred male stumbled to find no resistance. A heavy weight crashed into his side; sending the exhausted lion down. Meshach looked up from his prone position stretched out on his side, ribs heaving to catch his breath. There was no way he could right himself and defend in time. He looked into the cold eyes of Shangyue and knew it was the end.  

[mouselet]

A wordless roar echoed through the crowd as Meshach went down and Shangyue prepared to finish the job. Two years ago, a beloved lioness had stood in front of the young King. Tonight, no such person existed.

A blur of reddish brown fur, a flash of unsheathed claws, and Uchanjaa threw his full weight against Shangyue, pushing him away from Meshach. The Guard had sworn that he would stand at the former Prince's side, that he would fight with him. He fully intended to keep that promise.

Great Lion, this ended tonight!  

[magnadearel]

Ecavi

Meshach watched ivory white claws covered in the crimson of his blood descending toward him. There was nothing he was able to do. He only prayed the Great Lion looked upon him with favor and that his mate would some day forgive him. He knew she'd take care of their family once he was gone.

The expected blow never fell.

Instead a familiar reddish-brown lion flew in and intercepted Shangyue. Meshach could only stare as Uchanjaa took up the fight.  

[mouselet]

If he'd had a chance to talk to Meshach earlier, Uchanjaa would have insisted on being the dark purple male's champion. Even before he'd understood that Shangyue had cheated. Sure, Meshach had helped to build the Rebellion. But what the younger lion had failed to understand was the depth of the Guard's despair.

Selene, the Heiress, had been Uchanjaa's special responsibility. Her safety had been in his paws as a Royal Nanny, and he had lived to protect her. True, it had been determined that once she was fully adult she'd no longer need his protection, but nothing could erase that duty from his heart.

He had failed her. Had allowed her to die by her own son's paw. He could never forgive himself if he failed here tonight.

Uchanjaa would not dodge out of the way. It would be too easy for Shangyue to attack Meshach while he was down and before the brown lion could respond. The Guard responded with a lunge of his own, locking paws with the King.