A Glimmer of Potential {Geebs}

[charade]

It's clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking kings and successions
Even you can't be caught unawares

The late afternoon sun was beating down like a cheerful furnace while Sebastian strolled unhurriedly to his destination. The arena viewing he had subjected himself to earlier had been more disappointing then anything else. The overall lack of violence was boring; who wanted to watch several tributes running in circles and flailing about? He also felt embarrassed by his districts reputation. True, nine was not a fighters district, and baring a few exceptions like the blind girl and the Fray boy from a few years back, They often served as nothing more than fodder for stronger tributes or food for the mutts. But this year, one tribute had been dragged to the depths of a watery grave by an enormous sea creature on the first day, and the other...

The remaining tribute from nine was a boy named Walker, who he felt had an unnatural obsession with animals. Or as Sebastian preferred to refer to them, meat. Watching for the termination of the oddball had proved futile, at least for the day, though the lad had lost an ear, it wasn't near fatal. Once the clear winner of the days battle could be seen, Sebastian had departed from the screens and headed for his impromptu home, climbing through a hidden hole in the fence. He couldn't really be classified as a wanderer as he didn't wander; it was closer to being homeless. No roof over his head but the sky, no floor under his feet but the earthen ground. Of course, having people to blame for his current predicament was a bountiful boon.

As he strode through the trees, he meditated on the people he knew. The orphans that had taken up residence in the mansion were probably gamboling and frittering away their hours most nonsensically. He doubted any of them had what it took to survive out in the open. Why, just this morning, Sebastian had caught, killed and traded a quartet of coneys for a side of beef, which once roasted over an open fire, had proved quite delicious. The remains of his morning meal were in his pack, cut into strips and dried. It would last another day or two, and who knew? Maybe he'd even throw some scraps to the others.


The others. Feh. One could only take so much of being surrounded by idiots. There was the trio of slack-jawed morons whose palate was completely indiscriminate. Sebastian almost felt sorry for the wanderer they had chanced upon last week. Almost. At the very least, they were easy to control. The other three were not as barbaric, but nonetheless, easily cowed. Speak loudly and carry a big stick, and opposition was next to none. He knew they were afraid of him, and it served his purpose. Without his leadership, they'd be roasting each other and worshiping the skulls within a week. Except perhaps... her.


Zanita. The one blemish on his spotless takeover. True, he could convince the others to do whatever he wished, but, she still held a measure of control over all of them. At times, it seemed as if if they were more afraid of her than him. The lioness, he called her. He might have the cunning and the strength, but she had the raw brutality hiding under her wild mane and darkened skin. Passing a tree with gouges meant to resemble claws gouged into them, he knew he was entering the border of their self claimed territory. Well, by that, and the twig that snapped somewhere off to his left.

"You needn't hide." he smirked. "You can't sneak up on me... Lioness."

I know it sounds sordid
But you'll be rewarded
When at last I am given my dues
And injustice deliciously squared

[sbeeg]

Zanita Luzell

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The melody of angry growls
A counterpoint of painful howls
A symphony of death, oh my!
That's my lullaby

The emptiness of Zanita's stomach gnawed at her, filling her every thought. She had not eaten anything since noon yesterday and it was evident. The girl was used to skipping meals out of necessity, but it had been a full day and she longed for a plush life again. Like the one at the mansion with all of them. For a split second she yearned for the place and all its mortal comforts but quickly reminded herself of the hatred she felt towards them. The day had been long and boring, which a continuous rumbling stomach did not help. No one had eaten all day so far- all though the Brainless Wonders were chewing on... something. Zanita was not sure what it was, and did not really want to know.

Oh, but someone had eaten today. Him. She refused to use his name, even in her thoughts. She had watched him cook the meat- saving it all for himself and then taking the extra too. Greedy and pompous. Not to mention dangerous. He was slipping her army from her, slowly taking over her territory. Having already been kicked out of the mansion, Zanita had no plans to lose her footing in the social ladder any further. Well, any lower and she'd probably be dead.

Lying in the bushes near the border of her- yes it's still her's- territory, Zanita stretched out trying to ease her mind from food to something else. Wondering for a moment where her brother Kovu was. Although it was apparent that the two were not blood related, Zanita (in a rare act of kindness) adopted the boy into her care. He was meant to be her successor before that brute forced his way in.

Footsteps caught Zanita's attention and she curled up into a crouching position, crawling forward to peer through the leaves. God, it was Seb- him. Her eyes narrowed in rage, just looking at him, walking around like he owned the place. Maybe it was just her starved mind, but Zanita swore she could smell the meat still in his pack. As the boy neared, the urge to confront him grew. What would she do? A starved girl against that thing? Oh, but Zanita was cunning and quiet but grew anxious as he came closer. Her body wanted more than anything to leap from the undergrowth, tackle the boy to the ground and rip out his throat- or close off his windpipe or gouge out his eyes or-

Her body was already moving, crawling forward when her knee hit a twig, making an echoing CRACK. All of Zanita's daydreams left in a huff as her body went slack with defeat.

"You needn't hide." God, she could hear him smiling. Anger made her fingers curl into fists and her face to contort into a sneer. "You can't sneak up on me... "

Can't sneak up? We'll see about that. One day he'll wake up with her hands around his throat and then he'll see how well Zanita Luzell can sneak in and kill someone- any one. Even Sebastian Rothul er him.

"Lioness."

Although the girl liked the nickname and all it entailed- being a strong huntress with sharp, killer claws- she hated it simply because it was given to her by him. However, it did seem to fit her. After all, Zanita was crouched in some bushes, watching as he walked past. Slowly, she crawled out of the bushes, rising to her full height on the small path through the woods- fitting the nickname to a T.

Even though this boy scared the others, she was not afraid. More so Zanita was just angry. Furious she had gone without food for an entire day and he was walking around with extra. Mad that her entire plan was being foiled because one man thinks he can stride in and take over everything. She was sure the anger was evident, but she could not care less. Zanita had not been taught in the ways of manners, not that they mattered here anyway.

"Who said I was wasting my time on you?" she snorted, but then quickly thought of the food he had at his disposal. Her stomach gave another loud growl but she was not about to beg him for food. Maybe, there was a way to get it but still have the upper hand...

Her eyes drifted up to him and she tried to keep her expression neutral but it wanted more than anything to morph into a disgusted frown. Calmly, she started to walk past him- her head high but with tension filling every muscles- prepared to leap out and claw at his throat with her nails if needed.

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[charade]

So prepare for a chance of a lifetime
Be prepared for sensational news
A shining new era Is tiptoeing nearer
And where do we feature? Just listen to teacher

"Who said I was wasting my time on you?"She started to circle him, much like a predator circled prey, but who was which in this situation? The term false sense of security came to mind. Not that she was a threat to him, but even the smallest of annoyances could fester given the time and opportunity."Ah, but you enjoy wasting time on me. And time enjoyed is not truly wasted. Is it?"Sebastian smiled loftily, before starting to circle in the opposite direction. It was a peculiar dance they had done before, a game of sorts, though... the saying went that cats always played with their food, before the pain and death came that is.

"What have you been wasting your time on? Another ill-fated venture to wrest control of that house from them? Frolicking in the grass with the rest of our erstwhile clan? Anything productive? I doubt it." Sebastian sniffed disdainfully. "Personally, I've been in town today. As usual, the tributes from our district are making a dreadful mess of themselves in the arena. Perhaps you should see about getting one of your peons reaped. Maybe then there would be enough food to go around without resorting to... the extreme."

Sebastian yawned , meaning for the action to point to an overall bored attitude concerning her current state of ire. Searching her face for an indication of emotion, he felt all he could glean was undisguised anger. She was rough around the edges, but if he could manage to convince her of his natural superiority, altercations would be practically nonexistent. Arm one hand, offer with the other. Brute force was the only thing he needed for most, but perhaps she required a touch of subtlety. A small rumbling noise sounded from her general direction, and he noted it as her body's cry for sustenance. Such it clearly needed, if the tinge of gauntness to her cheekbones, or the litheness of her shape was any indication.

Stretching, he lifted his left arm and reached for the bottom flap of his pack, unbuttoning it and rummaging around inside while he kept his eyes trained on her. His fingers closed on a strip of beef and he drew the meat out; moving the hank back and forth underneath his nose, sniffing deeply and letting out a pleased sigh. "I traded for a side of beef in town today. Did I mention that earlier?" He gnawed at a corner of it experimentally, letting the smoky richness play on his tongue, before tearing off a sizable morsel and swallowing it loudly. "Hits the spot."

Meticulous planning
Tenacity spanning

[sbeeg]

Zanita Luzell

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~Oh, the battle may be bloody,
but that kind of works for me

What a bastard. What a down right, not good, rotten bastard. Well, at least he acknowledged that the dim witted trio was hers... although she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Despite the pains in her stomach, Zanita stood tall and proud. She usually towered over people but once again, Sebastian was an exception. Also, he talked too much. She could tell he came from the mansion- all the fancy words he strung together. In Zanita's world you knew enough words to get by- and then reading was another animal entirely. So, to have this smooth talking thinks-he's-the-president in these parts, was no where near pleasant.

He stretched backwards, pulling out a strip of meat. Zanita's mouth watered- oh, she could smell it. The smokey scent of the fire still on it alone made her stomach twist in pain again. Her eyes were trained on it- watching as the stupid bastard took a bite for himself. For a split second she actually thought he'd spare her some. Ha. Good one Zanita.

Her fingers twitched- itching to claw her way through the boy's hands until she could grab all the meat she wanted from his pack. I could do it she thought He's only a little bigger than I am... Her eyes flicked up from the beef to the boy's eyes. God, he was watching her- waiting for to her to break down and beg for food. The girl's fingers curled into fists, trying to calm her anger at seeing that stupid smug face- she wanted to tear it off and feed it to her cronies.

No, this was not that kind of battle. This fight was sneaky and with those words Zanita had never been good with. Taking in a breath, she let the air soothe her, trying to ease the tension from her muscles. She may not have words but she... well, she had other weapons.

"Oh, help! Big, mean Sebastian is teasing me," it was hard to say his name but it came out without sounding completely disgusting. Even his name was a weapon- it did not fit in her mouth, too long and too... his. The next step was harder. However, this monster would never get the pleasure of seeing Zanita kneel and beg. She never begged- she would take what she wanted- or force someone to give it to her. Or... persuade.

Slowly, Zanita stepped forward telling herself that Sebastian was not covered in poison and that she could approach him (not matter how strongly she did not want to). "Hits the spot." Zanita copied his smirk right back to him, cutting through their pacing circle straight to the boy who was the cause of everything wrong with her life right now. From her growing loss of power to her empty stomach- Rothul was the cause of it all. However, she pushed that all away from her face relying on the strategy that she did not prefer. Yes, Zanita had been forced to use it a few times out on the streets but it did not mean she enjoyed it. However, even she would resort to this option with starvation on the line (and the only other option being groveling, which was strictly against Zanita's code of conduct).

"What am I ever to do?" her voice was low as her fingers found Sebastian hair, running through his locks before sliding down his neck and shoulder as Zanita paced around him. She felt the need to recoil after touching him but fought the impulse. The only thing Zanita could do was hope that Sebastian was like every other mortal being- although she knew for certain that he was not. He was something else- something that should not be breathing. Maybe she could fix that problem today, on this little path in the woods.

Then maybe she could get some damn food.

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I just... this is just... Sorry. This post blows.

[charade]

Be Prepared

Watching as her body jerked in anger, he made a mental note of her eyes, and how they flicked back and forth from meat to his eyes to his pack and back again. A vicious cycle, and one he meant to see broken. As always, he had the upper hand. Well, if you didn't count being banished from the mansion. Sebastian certainly didn't. Zanita's hands clenched and unclenched and sebastian wondered if was planned to leap at him and forcibly take the food. It would not avail her if she tried.

"Oh, help! Big, mean Sebastian is teasing me," The tone in her voice spoke more of belittlement and less of respect, much to his chagrin. They watched each other for further seconds before she made her move, ceasing the walk and making a beeline for where he was. Abruptly standing still so as to tense himself for what he expected would be an attack, Sebastian was taken a bit off of his guard when she slowed her pace and smirked back at him.

What was her game?

The girl dropped the volume of her voice and ran a hand across his hair. Sebastian felt his shoulders tense up as she caressed his neck in a way that was rather uncharacteristic given the enmity between them. The side of her hand brushed the pack, and he realized she was attempting to seduce him in order to get the food. Smiling in spite of himself, he chuckled briefly. He was no stranger to dancing the horizontal tango but, he did not feel a need to pursue it needlessly. It was a distraction.

His right hand snatched up as fast as a bird snapping up a bug, and he caught her wrist, pulling it sharply away and twisting it ever so slightly, forcing her face to line up just inches away from his."Why, Lioness, I wasn't aware you were quite that desperate for a morsel." He bit another chunk off of his beef strip before pushing the rest of it hard into the palm of her hand. "You could've just asked you know."he said with a feral grin. "I'm not entirely without mercy." Let her try to change the rules of the game; Sebastian was the one with the food, and therefore, the one with the power.

I know it sounds sordid

[sbeeg]

Zanita Luzell

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She could not help but smile a little bit- finally she had the upper hand for once. The familiar feeling of power felt wonderful and she embraced it- letting it fill her fingertips. The way a simple touch could make someone tense up- oh it was kind of funny. Zanita gave a slight chuckle right before the boy's hand flew up to catch hers.

This display of "control" might have made other people wilt but not Zanita, not while this power was pumping through her veins. His face was only inches away from hers- probably near enough to lean forward and bite his nose off. Then again nose would not taste very good- especially not his. There he goes calling her "Lioness" again but this time she gives him a smirk- acknowledging the name and embracing it. Yes, she was a lioness- and you should not mess with her.

Although her smirk fell a bit when Sebastian "desperate". Zanita Luzell does not get desperate! Then he just takes a big bite- chewing it right in her face- letting the smokey scent of the meat fill her nose and muddle her thoughts. Then he did something weird- he shoved the rest of the beef strip into her hand, albeit a little violently.

"You could've just asked you know." Her eyes had been trained on the meat but she looked up just in time to see his grin. The "I enjoy playing God" smirk. Zanita narrowed her eyes at him, trying to see what game he was playing at now. "I'm not entirely without mercy."

Zanita laugh- a loud, genuine chuckle right into his face, seeing as Sebastian still held a firm grip on her wrist. Then it clicked- Zanita had been thinking about this all wrong. It was not what game is being played- it is how he is playing it and the girl thought she could counter it pretty well.

"I'm not entirely without mercy," she mocked him in the same conceding low voice Sebastian always spoke with. Everything carefully calculated- Zanita could not believe she had not seen it before. Make them starve and give them food right before they become violent. Take power but leave enough so they don't feel oppressed. Sebastian Rothul was the perfect planner! Zanita's previous actions were not part of his plan, that's why she could see the cracks in his brute armor. You may fight fire with fire but the only thing that could foil a planner is to stray from the plan.

"Well, I'm not either," leaning forward quickly she slammed her lips to his. It was not really a kiss, not to her anyway. It was a counter attack- a weapon and it should work perfectly. Sebastian knows that Zanita hates his guts- so what better way to throw him than to go in the opposite direction? Even with her lips on his, they were stuck in a smile. So, you could say she was enjoying herself but not because of this kiss- but of what the kiss may do.

Never think you can out smart Zanita Luzell because, face it- you can't.
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[charade]

It's clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking kings and successions
Even you can't be caught unawares

Let the others squabble in the dirt for scraps; Sebastian knew he was built was so much more. He had taken control of the outcasts from the mansion with relative ease, and one day he would head back to that infernal building at the head of a group of fellow disillusioned people and claim it for his own. Oh, he just felt like he couldn't wait to be on top of the world. But the road to that desired spot meant that certain "sacrifices" would have to be made along the way.

His subservient companions would be the stepping stones to something greater; he would achieve greatness in this way. The prideful few in the house would never understand why he had chosen to oppose them in this way. It was their audacity that fueled his fire, their delusions that stoked his flame. It was why they would fail. Whenever basic survival was on the line, one needed to lose the fools, else use them accordingly. The dreamers, losers, whiners, wishful thinkers and happy huggers only serve to drag down and hold back those with a greater artistic vision.

It simply wasn't practical. And survival at it essence is the most practical thing there is. I'm not entirely without mercy, she repeated condescendingly. He kept the grin plastered across his face, having filed away her tactics in the previous time they had had to spend in together in the camp. She was as predicable as any of them, as easy to track as a wild animal. "Well i'm not either."

Eh? he thought. What did she mean by that?

Oh.

Sebastians eyebrows rose up in surprise as she planted her lips firmly against his. His mind racing through a hundred different scenarios with which to deal with this unexpected turn of events, which was itself, interrupted by the moistness of her breath and the bittersweet stale tang of a mouth that had had nothing to eat. And so, they stood there for a moment, locked in a awkward embrace.

That is, until he gathered enough frame of mind to bite down hard on her top lip, not hard enough to draw blood, but hard enough to leave an imprint, before pushing her roughly away. "What... what exactly was that supposed to accomplish? He said, in an angry yet bewildered tone.

I know it sounds sordid
But you'll be rewarded
When at last I am given my dues
And injustice deliciously squared

[sbeeg]

Zanita Luzell

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Savoring her victory, Zanita took note of every change Sebastian went under. He tensed up again- just like before. She could almost hear him trying to figure out how to fit this into his plans. A giggle rose in her throat and it did not even bother her when he bit down on her lip. She hopped backwards, watching his face and chuckling like a crazy woman. She had won! Zanita had foiled his plans and she knew it- she was just so.. so happy! Now, that's an emotion that the girl has not felt in a while.

"What... what exactly was that supposed to accomplish?" his voice betrayed his confusion and Zanita started cackling all over again. Ripping a bite out of the beef strip, she chewed at the hard meat, using the part still in her hand to jab at Sebastian. Hitting him underneath the chin and jabbing him in the chest.

"This- look at you, you're a mess!" she snickered, biting off another piece of meat. She had first tasted it on his lips and now that she could finally eat it, combined with the exhilarating feeling of throwing off the Master Planner made it taste even better. "What's the matter? Never been kissed before?"

Now that she had started she could not stop. Heckling and laughing- it was unstoppable now. She knew he was angry but she did not care enough to put a stop to it. Taking a few steps towards camp, she looked over her shoulder at him.

"Maybe I can give you a few lessons some time," finishing up with a melodramatic wink and devouring the rest of the food he had given her. Zanita felt like she was dancing on top of the world, like she was the strongest, mightest creature to ever walk the earth. She was hunter, ruler, and victor all at the same time. She was a lioness.
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[charade]

It's clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking kings and successions
Even you can't be caught unawares

Curses!

Confound this despicable being. Did all women mean to be to this confusing, or was it just this particular one that was off her rocker? Sebastian stood stony faced as the she-witch began to laugh. Not a friendly laugh, but a darkly amused one for sure. She tore off some of the dried meat with her teeth, eating it as she clipped him under the chin and jabbed him in the chest. The action caused him to take an uncertain step backwards. Did she really just strike him? Had she no idea who he was or what he was capable of? What was going on? Had her mind finally snapped or had he crossed over into another plane of existence?

"This- look at you, you're a mess! What's the matter? Never been kissed before?"

How dare she. First she insults his intelligence and physically assaults him and now she questions the caliber of his horizontal tango. Confound it again, but she was infuriating. She continued to laugh, and left Sebastian at a loss for words. Contrary to what he had thought moments ago, she wasn't just trying to change the rules of the game, no, she was throwing the rule book out the proverbial window. By the way she was acting he felt she was trying to tell him something snide. Perhaps the name lioness was truly apt. Too apt.

Sebastian supposed he should be thankful this altercation of minds hadn't happened in front of the peons. It was distasteful. He had no designs on turning his motley crew into a pale imitation of his enemies "family". Zanita was mocking him with no regard for the subtle nuances of his intended conclusion. It was his hope to slowly break her down into a willing subject, or at the very least a non-threat. This... This he wasn't sure about. Had he misjudged her ability to understand what he was doing? Was she smarter than he gave her credit for?

"Maybe I can give you a few lessons some time."


Apparently not.

She finished with a flourish and a wink as she ate the rest of the food.

The fiend.

Somehow, he has to regain control of this situation before it completely spun out of control. Gritting his teeth, he spat out his words like venom.

"You are severely testing my patience woman. You are only eating because I deigned to give you a portion. Don't forget that."

[sbeeg]

Zanita Luzell

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She was going to walk away with her victory with her chin held high but no. He just had to get in the last word. Well, Zanita Luzell always has the last word! No one will change that- ever! So, when those hatred coated words hit her back, she tensed up. Trying to make herself leave the beast be but she just could not do it. She had too much pride. Snapping back around, Zanita looked at him dead in the eye her nose twitching with the amount of frustration he caused her. The girl was bound to develop an ulcer at this rate.

"How about you tone down your God complex," her eyes were narrowed at him, her voice low and slow. Not a scream, or even a yell. An intense whisper like the words you whisper into someone's ear before you slit their throat."Buddy."

Zanita would kill him if she got the chance. She might just do that, sneak into this tent tonight and whisper to him right before breaking his neck. No. It had to be slow and painful. Like starvation. Like dehydration. She wondered if her plotting his death showed on her features but she did not care enough to try to stop it. In fact, she felt her lips part slightly, just enough to sneer into a growl, showing her teeth.

She should just lunge at him right now- claw out his eyes bad shove them into his mouth. However she kept perfectly still, just staring at him yet still ready to pounce.
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[charade]

It's clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking kings and successions
Even you can't be caught unawares

The mocking ceased, and Sebastian felt himself smirk. It would appear he could still manage to piss her off. This was good, as angry people think less clearly in a tense situation then those that keep a cool head. This time, she tensed and spun around, glaring at him with a killer look in her eyes. Those painted eyes of hers became slits, and her mouth curled into a snarl, letting her words slither out from her lips like the most venomous of poisons.

"How about you tone down your God complex, Buddy."

"I'm surprised you think so highly of me, and here I was only shooting for being a king." The backhanded insult came so readily to his throat, almost as if someone had placed them there. Did he run the risk of angering her more? Yes. Was it totally worth it? Yes. Was it time to remind her who was in charge of their merry band of miscreants? Most definitely. She stood as still as he had been only a few minutes ago. Debating whether or not he should waste more of his precious time on her or not was a tough decision.

He made as if to leave, before spinning on his heel and launching himself at the perpetrator of the offenses. His form hit her dead on and he knocked her to the ground with his hands gripping her arms to prevent the scratching and the flailing and the loss of ocular nerve endings and the like. Sebastian pinned her to the ground, with his face right up in hers. Grimacing, he mimicked her earlier action and planted his lips on hers. holding them there for a couple of seconds, before breaking off. If she wanted to change the rules, then by all means, he would have to do the same.

"Confusing. Isn't it?"

[sbeeg]

Zanita Luzell

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A king. No king would treat his subjects so lowly. Zanita kept her eyes on him, watching as he started to walk away. Just as he passed her she finally let her muscles relax a little, thinking the worst of this fight had past. He would continue to the camp and she would finalize her plans for murder- which really was not an entirely bad thing in this case. However, plans change and even the most spontaneous of people can be caught off guard.

He threw himself at her. Tackled her to the ground. Zanita had just been taken so off guard that she could barely do anything to keep from falling into the dirt- especially under such a large frame. However she was prepared to fight him- her fingernails ready to blind him but the brute held down her arms. The only thing Zanita could accomplish was flopping around like a dying fish, her hands twisting- trying to free themselves and her legs flailing under Sebastian's weight.

Then his lips were on hers and Zanita's brain was so scrambled she just let it happen. Then it hit her. He's using her own technique against her. Oh, this boy had it coming to him!

"Confusing. Isn't it?"

With her lips finally liberated from his, Zanita used them to spit in Sebastian's eye.

"You can have that back," she said, trying to wiggle out from underneath him. [/blockquote][/size]

[charade]

It's clear from your vacant expressions
The lights are not all on upstairs
But we're talking kings and successions
Even you can't be caught unawares

The wad of spit she spat hurtled towards his left eye, striking it with extreme prejudice and forcing him to blink rapidly to get the spittle out of his line of sight. He flared his nostrils in disgust. Whether she knew it or not, she was forcing his hand and this sad little charade was becoming tiring; If there was anything Sebastian hated, it was drawing out what should have been a simple open and shut case. The time for double-talk and the skating around of issues had to be drawn to a close if he was going to get anything worthwhile done. She was infuriating, but what was more infuriating was her unwillingness to cooperate. The others had not given him nearly as much trouble as Zanita and he was finally sick of it.


It was clear they weren't going to get anywhere if things continued the way they were. Both of them insisted upon having the last word, which only served to make the other talk back all the more. Which meant... Plan B. "I have tried to be patient. I have tried offering with one hand, while arming the other. I'm going to offer you an ultimatum now, an offer you'd have to be brain damaged to refuse."Rocking back on his heels, he stood to his feet, pulling her up with him, while increasing the strength of his grip on her arms. How would she react? He could only guess, but all signs pointed to a favorable outcome. The look on her face would be almost endearing, if she didn't look like she wanted to rip his face off. She was strangely beautiful when she was angry.

...

Blinking that thought away, he launched into a tirade.

"Here's how its going to work. You will defer leadership to me. I hate the prideful losers in the mansion as much as you do, if not more. I am also better equipped for leading your sorry pack. Most of them see me as a leader already anyway." Sebastian cracked his neck from side to side before continuing."In return for this, I will let the others see you as an equal to me. I could use some secondary help in dealing with certain undesirables."Tightening his grip further, he leaned in close to her ear and whispered."Alternatively, you can refuse. I will then shame you in front of all of them. I will take everything you hold dear. Your respect, your looks, your pack. But before that... I will take your protege and destroy him. It's your decision...Lioness."

Satisfied that the message had been made plain, he pushed Zanita away and stormed past her. He had wasted enough time dealing with her already. He licked his lips, slightly aware that they still tasted like hers. How odd that he would notice that of all things. No matter. There was other business to attend to.

[sbeeg]

Zanita Luzell

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An offer she'd have to have brain damage to refuse? That caught her attention. What exactly was he going to propose? Slowly he pulled himself to his feet, dragging her with him- his fingers digging into the skin of her arms. She wanted to slap them away but her hands were pinned to her sides. So, for once in her life, Zanita just decided to listen- like a normal person. Although, normal people usually don't have scowls on their faces.

Zanita had never heard him talk so fast or so much before. Usually it was slow, smooth talk- his true meaning hidden behind a fancy vocabulary. This was so straight forward and clean cut. Black and white- Zanita's language. As soon as she heard "You will defer leadership to me" she lost all interest- and visibly showed it. Making a little scoffing noise and just looking at him with an raised eyebrow. What did he thinks he'd saw to that? Give up what little power she had managed to scrounge up? Hell no. Although, he caught her attention again after cracking his neck- a noise that sent a shiver up her spine. The words "in return" and "equal" were interesting, but she still was not sure if she was willing to let him control everything she had managed to build up. She was about to demand more recognition when his fingers dug into her arms even harder, his body leaning in. She could feel his breath on her ear and her hands went up to his chest to push him away but his tone stopped her dead.

I will then shame you in front of all of them. I will take everything you hold dear. Your respect, your looks, your pack.

Zanita managed to keep her composure, keeping her head held high and her face straight. She would not let this... things scare her into submission. She was Zanita Luzell. She was a leader and she had power and no one would take that away. She thought no one could...

But before that... I will take your protege and destroy him.

A feeling that does not often penetrate Zanita's stony armor is terror. True terror. Oh, but she felt it right then. A pit opened in her stomach and all the things she had ever tried to hide from him came up to her face. It drained the color from it and there was no stopping the desperate expression that took a hold of her features. Even her shoulders sagged in defeat. Zanita had one weakness and he knew exactly what is was this entire time. This was the ace up his sleeve. This is what he thought would cripple her from defying any of his further wishes.

And he was right.

There was nothing else she could do. The girl could only hang her head. What could she do? She could not risk Kovu, if he followed in his footsteps it would be like her second coming. Even if she had to sacrifice her own power, she would have to save him.

It's your decision...Lioness."

Her decision? This was in no way her decision. This was Sebastian making up a plan and telling her how it would happen. She had no say in this. He pushed her away and Zanita moved like a rag doll, letting him just walk past her, eyes trained on the ground. She felt more like a mouse than a lioness.
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