Mlinzi: Mwenzi Ball: Pt 2
Karimu and Mpenzi strolled down the crystalised halls, chatting and laughing as they got to know one another. The orchestral groans and grunts of the ball slowly muffled as they climbed further up the tower, leaving the festivities behind. Nearing her private chambers, Karimu addressed her potential future mate.
“Almost there.” A faint smile spread across her muzzle. With a flick of her tail, she led him further down the corridor, turning the corner to reveal the entrance to her private lair. The young lion’s eyes bloomed. The sight of the Uasian Princess before him, tail raised, was enough to grasp every spec of his attention. A deep hunger rumbled within him. 
Mpenzi’s heart pounded in his chest. Trepidation flooded his veins as the realisation of what he’d got himself into finally kicked in. He was about to claim the daughter of the most powerful lion in the savannah! Father her cubs and rule the lushest kingdom on the savannah. He fought to contain a deeply desperate snarl.
“Mpenzi?” Her enchanting voice reeled his attention back to the moment. The young male felt his hearty flutter as the Uasian Princess positioned herself near the entryway, swaying her tail side to side, the occasional glimpse of her heat-stricken genitals hypnotising him. He shook his mane and blinked twice. Who knew a lioness could have such a pull on a male?
“Oh! Erm, sorry my lady.” He trotted forward, sliding occasionally on the smooth crystalised floor. Reaching with muzzle distance, he rubbed heads with her, ducking under hers. She in turn rubbed into his mane, humming faintly in his embrace.
“Hehe, it’s okay. You’re nervous.” She licked the tip of his ear, whispering in the same tone as her humming. “I’m nervous, too.” She instinctively licked his cheek, raising her paw beneath his chin. Their eyes met, casting smiles across their muzzles.
“You’re just…” Mpenzi exhaled midway through his smile, chest pounding as he stared into the Uasian princess’ stunning hazel eyes. “You’re so beautiful!” Diving his head downward, he unleashed a long, succulent lick up her neck, causing Karimu to raise her neck, giggling like a cub. She moved her right paw further around his body, wrapping it around him, holding him closer. Karimu’s eyes noticed someone’s shadow seeping from the corridor’s corner as he unleashed two more licks up her neck.
Marching around the corner, a familiar lion immediately glanced at them both. Karimu’s heart sank. She froze. The sight of her true beloved, rapidly approaching them, caused her to gulp. Mpenzi noticed her sudden change in attitude, turning around just as Kopa began to slow his approach to them.
“Oh, k…Kopa?” A sudden warmth flooded Karimu’s body, dispersing the chill of being caught. She didn’t let it thaw all the way though. She was too smart to do that. Before she could continue, Kopa spoke with an authoritative voice.
“King Mfalme sent me to secure your quarters, my lady.” He bowed slowly, steeped in an aura of respect. As the Royal Mlinzi did so, Mpenzi drew his attention elsewhere. He admired the other male’s body. It’s perfect muscular tone. Kopa noticed. From the peak of his bow, Kopa swayed his tail, giving the scrawnier male a good view of his plump, virile balls and sheath. Mpenzi’s eyes widened, muzzle wrinkled. How dare this ‘other lion’ burst in like this?!
With a sudden burst, Mpenzi stared down the Royal Mlinzi. “I think you’ll find her ‘quarters’ are well catered to.” A slight smug grin spread across his muzzle, unaltered by the deadpan expression plastered across Kopa’s muzzle. Their eyes locked, sharp as their claws springing to the crystallised floor.
“Mpenzi!” The Uasian Princess rushed between them, nudging her soon-to-be mate out of Kopa’s way. The Royal Mlinzi still stood there, watching the two judgingly. She glanced between the two males as she spoke. “Kopa is my protector, and a good friend, nothing more!” Kopa ground his teeth. Did she really call him ‘just a friend?!’ A void-lit hole caved into her chest, casting a chill through his veins. Mpenzi seemingly calmed at her words, staring back at Kopa with tempered expectations. “My father likely sent him to keep our communion private.” She turned to Kopa, smiling with a suggestive grin. “Right, Kopa.”
She winked at him.
Kopa glanced over at Mpenzi, locking eyes with the blonde-maned lion. Part of him wanted to rip his precious throat out. He swallowed it down. Now wasn’t the time for violence. Instead, he glanced over to Karimu, casting an aggressive stare at the Uasian Princess. “Yeah, of course…”
Exhaling slowly, Karimu turned to Mpenzi, relaxing her shoulders gently. “See?”
The blonde-maned lion simply, growled, slowly making his way into the Princess’ private lair. Karimu sat beside Kopa, faintly out of the way of the entryway. With Mpenzi out of sight, Karimu turned to Kopoa, who refused to my eye contact directly. “It’s gonna be ok, Kopa.” The Royal Mlinzi stared forward, focused on the Princess’ lair. With a shallow exhale, he glanced down at her, his face still plastered with a stern frown. “You trust me?” He blinked and inhaled slowly.
“Of course, my lady.” He arose firmly, bowing his head gently in respect. Karimu froze, her heart sank as Kopa began to stroll away, tail low to the ground.  A deepening chill spread down her spine. Was it dread? She watched as he strolled away, only taking a moment to glance back to address her again. “I’ll be down the hall if you require my aid.”
His eyes, once filled with a spark of rage, stared at her, blanketed by a fog of depression. They stabbed at her chest. A mass of regret weighed her down, left hopeless as he strolled away. All she could do was watch, the realisation drowning her. She was left on her own with Mpenzi. 
Something ate at her chest. She’d known Kopa for years! He’d never acted like this, not to her. The crystallised walls of the corridor shimmered faster, syncing with her heartbeat. She barely knew Mpenzi, only that he was the son of one of her father’s friends. A prince in his own right. With her previous experience with males, she had to ask, deep down. 
Could she trust him?
“Karimu! You coming?” The sound of Mpenzi’s voice reverberated in her ear. “Karimu?” Only now did she turn to face him; shock plastered across her muzzle. She swallowed her thoughts, calming her breathing as he approached the lair’s entrance, swaying his tail high. “You ok?”
“Yeah, … I’m just… Nervous is all.” She repositioned herself, straightening her neck and feet. The young male approached her, his mane shifting in a gentle breeze. She had to admit he was a handsome lion, the kind any lioness would be glad to be betrothed to. He nuzzled her side, inhaling faintly as he brushed past her.
“No need to be nervous, my dear.” As their muzzles rested side by side, he licked her muzzle, granting a giggle from the Uasian Princess. “I’ll make sure you are well taken care of.”
She glanced at the lair’s entrance. A drop of dread rippled in her stomach. Her protector was no longer there. Nobody was here to help her if things went south. She was alone, forced to spend the night with a stranger. A shudder spread down her back. The shallow breeze in the air changed direction, towards the entryway.
“Look, Mpenzi... Before we do anything, there’s something I need to-” Her words halted as he felt his presence brush against her body. Her entire body stiffened, frozen in place as the male slowly began to sniff at her neck. Her breath deepened, steaming from her muzzle as his tongue lapped her fur.
“It’s ok, Karimu. You need not hide anything from me.” His voice dropped as he nuzzled her side, rubbing his mane roughly against the princess’ side. A weight dropped in her chest, causing a verbal gulp in her throat.
“It’s just, y-you’re a nice guy… B-but…” Her nerves flayed exponentially as the male continued to move on her, moving a paw over her busy, constantly licking and nibbling at her fur. Her cheeks burnt red with embarrassment. The male’s attempts at seduction triggered something deep inside her, a fear imprinted in her by the many males who had attempted to seduce her and claim her. Her breathing skyrocketed. The fear spread to her eyes, locking onto Mpenzi’s as he moved his face around her, staring her down with a single, concentrated eye.
“But I am your mate, Karimu. It has already been decided.” His fangs bared as he spoke, paws held tightly around her body. She couldn’t move. She felt his heartbeat, squished against her own. Calm, foreboding. Slow. Hers raced in comparison, panicking, trying to feed her brain the oxygen it needed to process everything.  With one final glance over the entrance, she tried to roar.
“KO-” Mpenzi’s paw muzzled her, leaving nothing but a muffle to be audible. Tears poured down her cheeks as her betrothed struggled to keep his grasp on her, moving his free paw down her body, to her groin. Feeling the shift in his weight, Karimu realised an opportunity. Kicking his leg, the Uasian Princess broke free of his hold. Barely able to control her breathing, she tried to flee, terror etched into her mind. Why were all males like this?! She darted for the exit, almost tripping over her leg.
Mpenzi found his balance quickly, chuckling faintly as he noticed Karimu attempt to flee. With a single pounce, he knocked the princess to the crystalised ground, crushing her with his body weight. She clawed at the ground, forcing her desperation into its smooth surface. Her tears drained into the crystal which started to gleam in the presence of her despair. Having her trapped once more, the young male licked her ear, making his presence and intentions fully aware. “That puppet of your father’s cannot help you! He was here to simply make sure no one could get in the way of our courtship!” His flesh-stenched breath choked her, stained her fur with his scent as he lapped at her neck again. “You are my queen, as your father commands it! Whether you like it or not!” Karimu’s body shook, her facial fur drenched in tears. Mpenzi chuckled, licking his lips before continuing to kiss Karimu’s scruff.
An idea formed in the male’s mind. With a smirk, he slowly moved his body weight around, keeping his ‘prize’ firmly secure beneath him. Now facing the opposite way, he licked down her back, towards the base of her tail.
“Now, what do we have here, hmm?” A devilish grin spread across his drooling muzzle while he nudged her tail aside with his nose inhaling her thick heat-stricken scent. She was fresh, maybe only a day or two into the cycle. Without delay, he began to lap his tongue against her genitals, savouring the taste of her desperation, and fear.
Feeling him bathe in her most intimate area, Karimu found the strength to fight back. Clutching her claws into the floor, she rocked her body back and forth, hoping to destabilise him. With his rear slightly raised, applying pressure to hers, the Uasian Princess swiped for her rapist, leaving a small cut on his thigh.
Mpenzi raised his head to her just as she went for another swipe at his back end. With a heavy push, Mpenzi forced himself off her, crushing her back legs. She roared out in pain, her tear ducts dry As she slowly, painfully arose to her feet. Before she could even try and run, he pounced, grasping her body once again, this time his claws dug into her fur and skin, almost puncturing. She swiped at his face, barely missing his eye by a fraction of an inch. As they tumbled and rolled on the ground. Karimu found herself prone, her body bruised and beaten. She glanced at herself in the reflective crystalised flooring. The terror in her eyes intensified as his face came into view above her.
“You are a feisty one, aren’t you?” He licked her scruff again. “You will bear strong sons and daughters for me, for MY kingdom.” He continued molesting her, licking and nibbling her nape as he moved his body into position over her. With one final burst of energy, Karimu tried to break free again, only to feel his paw slip down her side, slicing through her torso skin. The room echoed with her anguish and his gleeful chuckles. “Gotta mark my property, hmm?”
Feeling her body slowly drain away, Karimu collapsed, her body finally exhausted. There was nothing she could do. Nobody was coming to save her, not even Kopa. Her eyes slowly started to close as she felt a prodding sensation scrape down her tail base. Mpenzi had won.
The last thought to brush her mind was of her protector, her Royal Mlinzi. Of his smile, of his scent. She thought she could hear him, feel his presence nearby. But it was just a dream, right? The thought quickly vanished from her mind, just as she felt a slight nudge of her body, and a warmth caressing her side.  
Was it him?...
…
Kopa marched down the crystalised hallways, his head hung low to the ground. Fangs snarled. His steps were heavy, weighed down by the tightening in his chest. A sensation he knew all too well by now. But now, it was stronger than ever. Everything he’d lost, everything he’d thought he’d gained, unravelling itself around his heart. Turning the corner, he found an empty lair, untouched by any partygoers. The sound of their muffled groans reverberated up from down below. At least the guests were having a fun time.
The Royal Mlinzi sulked into the corner of the lair, trying his best to keep it together. Visions of Karimu rushed through his mind, perverted with the knowledge of what she was probably doing right now. The sounds below merged with the thoughts, creating an almost perfect image in his mind. He could imagine her, sprawled out, ready for Mpenzi to claim her as his.
“NOOO!” He swiped at the wall, leaving an impressive mark in the crystal. It stained his paw, dripping down his paw and onto the ground. Its hue hummed green, before reverting to the usual cyan colour.
He lowered his head, placing both front paws on the ground. He couldn’t hold it back anymore. His body shook as he unleashed his sorrow. It pooled before him, slowly rippling into the crystalised floor. The Tower happily absorbed his sadness. Lost in his despair, he barely noticed the shadow of a certain eagle swooping in.
“Kopa? What are you doing here?!” Her beak trembled with worry. It wasn’t often that Kopa was so visually broken. “Where is Karimu? Is she alright?” Kopa ceased his tears. Biting his bottom lip, he turned to face the Princess’ aide.
“She’s fine, Jicho…” He refused to make eye contact, keeping most of his face hidden. “She’s performing her duties, as instructed by the King…” His voice deepened, each syllable ground between his teeth as they escaped his muzzle. The eagle tilted her head. She wasn’t convinced.
“And what about you?” She hopped forward, fluttering her wings with each graceful spring. “Are you performing your duties? Hmm?” Her sharp eyes caught sight of Kopa’s. The Royal Mlinzi sighed. There was no getting away from this now. Exhaling slowly, he glanced over to her.
“Does it matter? She’s happy now. She doesn’t need me anymore?”
“What in the Shores of Jela has gotten into that messy mane of yours?!” Her beak was as sharp as ever. “Of course she needs you, you’re her Royal Mlinzi, her protector!” Kopa slouched, turning back to a shallow opening in the wall, revealing the grand Uasilands beyond.
“She doesn’t need me, not with HIM around.” His eyes sulked down to a passing Mlinzi far below the crystallised tower, patrolling the perimeter. He sighed once more. “She’s fine. He’s under strict orders from the king not to-“
Before he could continue., a faint rumble spread across the crystallised floor along with a faint red tinge, throbbing as it dissipated across the room, passing through the crystal like the wind through a barren canyon. Kopa immediately took notice, moving his head to the ground, ear to the ground. Jicho fluttered as the pulse passed under her, landing majestically with her wings unfurled fully.
“Kopa, What’s wrong?” The eagle bowed her head, cautiously watching as Kopa sniffed the floor, snarling as his eyes focussed. Raising his head slowly, he glanced at Jicho, fear plastered over his face.
“Karimu…” The Royal Mlinzi immediately darted, leaving the lair with haste. With a sudden inhalation, Jicho took to the skies, chasing after him through the crystalised hallways.
“Kopa! Wait up!” The eagle squawked, tightly navigating small crevices in the crystalised walls. As Kopa ascended the tower once more, he kept his head down, inhaling heavily with every step. The sweet, floral scent of his beloved clung to his nose, guiding him back to her quarters. Reaching an opening, the Royal Mlinzi was frozen in place, panting heavily. Finally, Jicho caught up, almost crashing into the lion’s mane.
“Blessed feathers… Please… Slow… Down…” The eagle tried to catch her breath, ruffling her feathers through Kopa’s mane. He glanced around, staring down the long cyan-illuminated corridors. Having recovered her composure, Jicho perched on his shoulder, firmly gripping him with her talons. “Kopa, what was that back there, what’s going on?”
“She’s in danger, Jicho.” He sniffed the air once more, frantically turning on the spot, trying to catch her scent. “I shouldn’t have left her! I knew he was too good to be true!”  A shallow roar echoed down one of the hallways, catching both their attentions. With no delay, Kopa charged once again, effortlessly sprinting down the corridor as fast as possible. At the bend, he clung to the wall, kicking off it to save his momentum, sending flakes of Uasian crystal in his wake. Jicho clung to his fur, closing her eyes on the corners. On the final corridor, she took to the air once more.
“Up ahead! Keep going!” Watching Jicho take the lead, Kopa inhaled the air again, catching a different scent on the air. His body shuddered, warming rapidly. He tried to breathe, open his muzzle in intake air, but it snarled automatically. His eyes focussed intensely. His entire body tensed. It was her blood! His claws unsheathed into the crystallised ground, liquifying it, staining his paw pads with the tower’s paracausal blood. His mind became a blur, all common sense replaced with a hunger for vengeance and violence.
“I’m here, my lady…”