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 Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 5:48 pm
It was a typical evening in the rogue lands, the sun was setting in the west igniting the plains in shades of amber and gold. Small herds roamed at their leisure enjoying the cooler temperatures that settled upon the lands now that the radiant orb in the sky had relinquished its hold upon the land to the impending darkness. Smaller mammals, hares and the ilk, scampered under foot dodging into burrows and disappearing through intricate tunnels that took them safely where they wanted to go. A raven colored backside crested the tall savannah grass, though no head could be found above the surface of the sea of green.
Rather shoulders rounded and angled towards the ground where a lean neck sloped so that the handsome bi-colored cheetah's nose nearly dragged upon the ground. Even in such fruitful surroundings he couldn't find a reason to feel joy. Too long he'd been traveling without companionship. His siblings and himself had always moved as a small troupe until a flash flood a few years back. The four boys had been swept up by the currents, only juveniles then, and been lost to one another ever since. Pachinko hadn't seen hide nor hair of his brothers since and was beginning to lose hope that he ever would.
Making his way upon a jutting formation of rocks, shocking blue eyes peered out across the far reaches of the distance, squinting to make out distant shapes against the fading light. Maybe today would be his lucky day?
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 6:07 pm
Jishin was in her normal grumpy mood as she slowly made her way acrossed the land. Jishin had lost Demani, or at least he had vanished for a while. It had upset her quite a bit. The only male she had loved and let get close to her up and left her. Though, she was moving past it. Faster then she probably should have, but that was that. If she couldn't be strong, she would die. She lashed her long slender cheetah like tail. She looked like a very skinny leopard with a cheetah tail. Some even mistaken her as a leopared. She hated that.
Leopards were all bad, at least she thought they were. Never would she give one the chance to even get close to her. Jishin hadn't seen any of her family either. At least not for a while. She was slightly happy about that. She only liked one of her brothers, the others were just annoying or at least the last time she saw them they were.
She didn't notice that there was a cheetah in the area. At least not yet. Her mind was on other things this day. Not really anything in particular, just random stuff. Only a few times would she let herself get distracted when in an area she didn't know of.
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 7:12 pm
Watching the grass with a desperate sort of longing a rustle in the grass far in the horizon drew his gaze to peer hard at the spot. From as far as he was Pachinko could barely make out a dark, slender shape. Hope caused his heart to leap into his throat. Slender enough to be a cheetah! Leaning over the edge of the tallest rock far enough that he nearly skid right off the edge, if Ink squinted long enough he could barely make out a patch of white fur on the stranger's forehead. White forehead mark. Dark back. It couldn't have been anyone but Tokeo! Of course, the sun's shadow had a funny way of singing all shades of pelt black as soot, but in his elation the cheetah could hardly bother to rationalize.
Soaring off the rocks, milky paws carried the fleet physique as fast as he could manage to close the distance between them. Yet, the giddy expression of glee plastered to his maw as he drew closer slowly began to melt. The creature was quickly coming into focus. The marking upon her forehead was a star, not a wing like his brother Ausi'tokeo. Her coat was not black as coals like his brother but rather a earthy shade and she was certainly not his brother.
Slowing to a jog, his rapid approach quickly petered out until Pachinko finally fell still several feet away. Close enough to be within speaking distance, but in no way invading the female's personal space. His heart shattered and for a moment it was like losing his sibling all over again. The hurt heavy in his voice as he spoke, eyes soft and apologetic. Surely whoever she was she must have thought him completely daft. I'm sorry.. I--err.. I thought, for a moment, you were someone... someone I knew.
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 8:16 pm
Her red eyes darted from what was in front of her to the cheetah male who had spoken to her. He seemed hurt about something, which made her even more unhappy. She didn't want to deal with anyone's problems. As she heard what his voice actually said now, she glared at him a bit. "Well, I'm not anyone you know." She couldn't help but have a rude tint to her voice. She wasn't pleasant to anyone she just met. More now then ever before.
She didn't want to be hurt like she was with Demani. So much pain, that she had left behind. Never again would she let that happen. She lashed her tail as she eyed him. "Perhaps you should look where you last lost them." She spoke with no concern on his feelings. It wasn't her fault that she wasn't who he was looking for.
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Posted: Sat Jun 06, 2009 9:09 pm
Recoiling in surprise, Pachinko was started to discover that, not only was she not who he first thought she was, but she was in a pretty dirt poor mood herself! Rolling his shoulders he sighed reluctantly, given the circumstances he couldn't much blame her. He hadn't exactly worded that right at all now had he? He hadn't meant to appear disappointed in her, really his disappointment had nothing to do with her, but no doubt he had certainly come off as ungrateful for her appearance. It was nice to see any face, even her glaring puss after traveling alone for so long. I.. didn't mean it that way, really.
Biting his tongue to keep from apologizing too profusely, however she had meant the words, they came off to Pachinko as a reluctantly helpful suggestion, causing the cheetah to grin crookedly. I'm trying... that's why I'm here.
Moving cautiously the tall figure side stepped closer though still keeping a wary distance. Whoever she was, she didn't seem like the sort who wouldn't have lashed out if she felt the impulse to do so and he tried hard to be respectful of it, struggling to curb his enthusiasm for company. She certainly didn't seem as if she wanted him around, but perhaps she'd be willing to oblige if only until her patience grew thin. What about you... what're you doing out here all by yourself?
Unintrusive gaze gently took in her form, immediately recognizing her as some kind of hybrid. More likely cheetah and leopard given her lithe figure. If he was honest with himself, he would have said she was easy on the eyes, but the harshness of her personality certainly didn't add to her feminine wiles. It made him wonder what had happened in her life that had caused her to be so abrasive. Taking in the neat scars along her flank he wondered if they didn't have something to do with it. All this, was kept to himself as his gaze finally returned to her face where opposing gazes clashed like fire and ice.
Carrying his tail and ears low, his posture remained neutral neither too friendly nor too asserting as he added in an afterthought, voice quiet with thought. My name is Pachinko... by the way.
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:45 am
It wouldn't have mattered how he worded it. Jishin would have been the same glaring puss ball. Probably more so if he was more happy and thought nothing bad could happen in the world. Those pissed her off the most. More so that she had more bad things happen to her then good, or that's how she saw it. A lake half empty rather half full. She snorted at him. As if to say "Sure you didn't" but no such words came out of her mouth.
She shot him a deeper glare. "Well, perhaps you should look harder then?" She wasn't a cheetah, nor a leopard, so she didn't see how he could mistake her for any of them. She had her moments of lashing out on others. Even gave one lion some scars for no reason. She just went crazy on him then ran off. Her real first time attacking someone. Then the other time a cheetah had attacked her and broke her ankle, which was now healed but gave her a slight limp in her walk, she tried to hide it, and did it rather well.
"What does it matter? I'm old enough to be alone, and here." She spoke to him. She would have said the same thing if she was a cub or not. She wore scars from the first attack that happened to her when she was an adolescent. Scars from a leopard, that probably suggested that she shouldn't be alone, but she'd just say she kicked his a** for touching her. Even though she ran from him. The cheetah didn't need to know that though.
Jishin cared not in names so she didn't give a crap who knew hers. "Jishin" was all she said and knew that he'd probably get that it was her name. She didn't even add pleasure to meet him, or any other light cheerful greetings. Nope, nothing but a cold hint to her name as she spoke it.
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 8:16 pm
Every time she looked at him her gaze cut. So deep even that it left Pachinko resisting the urge to check himself for the bloody gashes he was half certain her looks of hatred offered. He wondered what he'd really ever done so wrong as to cause such venomous reactions or if she was always in such an ugly mood. Truthfully Pachi would have preferred to believe that he had offended her in some fashion rather than to even entertain the thought that someone could be so unpleasant all the time. A snappish comment caused the blue-eyed cheetah to quirk his head in exasperation, cautious to pick up a pace in order to follow her and their trailing conversation.
If I looked any harder the savannah might catch fire. I'm searching as best I know how... His tone was touched with frustration. Frustration that she was purposely being so difficult and also at his own failure. Frowning at her defensive tone helplessly. It seemed like no matter what he tried to say she took offense. I don't know... I guess if you prefer to travel alone then it really doesn't and I never said you weren't! You're an adult, I'm sure you can take care of yourself despite old injuries I see that suggest otherwise.. it just seems lonely to me.
Tapering off awkwardly, Ink rolled his shoulders again to ease the tension that built there, his tail whisking enigmatically. She was certainly a strange one alright. Every time he prepared himself to leave her to her own devices she surprised hi, this time with what he assumed to be her name. A slow smile touching his maw. Jishin...?
Rolling it over his ears pricked with enthusiasm and though he expected to be greeted with cold indifference, Pachinko couldn't help but add wryly, I like it. I think it suits you.
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2009 3:04 pm
Jishin had once learned some manors from a lions, but all of that left the moment the lion who stole her heart disappeared. Had he tricked her? She still wasn't sure, but all her normal rude behavior came back. She was full of hate for many things, yet showed it to those who did not deserve her attitude. She was sorry, but never until after they left when she'd really think on it.
She eyed him as she heard the ton of his voice. Not many took offense to her attitude unless they too were like her. Which made her slightly curious. He seemed to be such a nice male, and very kind, and generous in her eyes. Yet, she had crossed the line. Not really knowing who or what he was looking for, for she really wasn't taking in all of what he was saying.
This time a little less attitude was put in her voice. "Well..... I'm sure you'll find whoever. Maybe they are just looking for you too." She didn't mean to make other's mad, she just wasn't exactly thrilled with what had been tossed her. As well as not wanting to let anyone else close enough to her to hurt her again. She felt she'd never be able to trust a male again. Which hurt even more.
"When you've been betrayed as much as I, having company is less then pleasant." She didn't think that would matter if she said something. Her family was a bunch of bastards except maybe her father and one of her brothers. She wasn't sure, she hadn't seen them forever. She just knew that they hated lions for being picked on for what they where. Perhaps they were right to get picked on? She was ashamed she was half cheetah and half leopard. Having wanting to only be full cheetah.
"Apparently it was given to me, because I have an attitude like a earthquake. "
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Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 6:09 am
Pachinko nodded his head gingerly in agreement, glad for Jishin's momentarily lapse in bitterness to offer him hope. He was certain his brothers were out there somewhere in search of him just as he was them. The young cheetah refused to believe that they could have perished in the storm that had separated them and only wished to believe that at least they were together somewhere. Yea.. I think so too. I'm sure we'll find each other some day.
The whimsy that had touched his features melted away slowly while listening to the hybrid female speak. Underneath the anger--if he strained to listen--he could hear her pain. It was obvious in everything about her that she'd been hurt before and though it was in his nature to comfort others he wasn't sure that anything he could say or do would heal her grievous wounds. I... can't undo what's been done Pachi began hesitantly with sympathetic eyes. But I am sorry that you've been hurt badly enough to make you feel that way.
Still, he'd never done anything to wrong her and, though it took a lot to get the boy angry, the monochrome cheetah wasn't about to let his newest acquaintance use him as a punching bag. His stride stretching to once more begin hesitantly closing the gap between them, though he was cautious not to invade her personal space, a guffaw slipping past his lips before he could stop it. Attitude like an earthquake, that was putting it lightly! Well in that case I guess it really does suit you!
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 2:12 am
She didn't believe the words he spoke. He wasn't sorry. How could he be? He didn't know what it was like to be attacked by anyone. At least she thought he didn't She'd be used, beaten, and left. That was life, she suppose. Which had made her bitter. She tried not to glare at him trying to remember the things the lioness that took her in told her. It was better to be kind and patient then be rude and hasty. She sighed, and supposed there were many truths to the old lions words.
She didn't take his last comment badly. It was a complement in her eyes. Though she didn't smile or show any hint that she rather liked that. She flicked her tail and watched him carefully as he moved closer. She figured he was smart enough not to try anything. Not when she was still tense as ever. "Why do you stay?" She asked him curiously. "Most would turn and run the other way with just glancing at me."
"The fear of my death stares, or the tone of my voice is good enough to keep most anyone away. " She said "Yet you just want to come closer. I don't understand you, cheetah." She said with shaking her head. Seeing many bad things, she could hardly believe there would be any good in this world.
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:54 pm
He didn't have to know what it was like to be able to sympathize with her. Their situations were certainly different, but that didn't mean they couldn't have something in common, did it? Pachinko contemplated that thought for a moment as he watched the ground pass beneath his paws, staring at the ground they traversed aimlessly. Well, he was aimless anyhow--whether or not Jishin had somewhere to be was outside Pachi's knowledge at this particular moment. He couldn't recall her saying that she was heading anywhere in particular, but that didn't mean she wasn't.
Just as his lips parted to ask though, she spoke. Something like bemusement in her voice as if he was a creature she couldn't quite pin down with any real comprehension. Why do I stay? He wasn't quite sure himself. Offering a thin smile as he glanced at her, amused by the--was it disapproving?--shake of her head. I guess my loneliness transcends even your abrasive demeanor. Right now even a glare of mistrust seems better than none at all. And you don't seem as awful as you like to portray yourself.
Pausing, monotone cheetah added hesitantly, as if concerned that providing the knowledge might backfire on him. And besides... you haven't told me to leave yet. I'm not the sort to force my company on anyone, but you haven't spoken against my company... so I figured you didn't mind.
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Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 2:59 pm
What did he know of her? He didn't. She could have killed felines before, even his own race, and he'd never know. Though, she didn't. She wanted to with one particular cheetah. The one who had given her a permanent limp with her walking. Oh, how she'd have loved to take him down. He was a cheetah after all, and much faster then her. Even if she was part cheetah. She lacked the speed part. She was better at climbing. "Perhaps I was as awful, would you take a beating more then being alone?" She asked him. Curious of his answer really. She wouldn't, but she'd suffered threw a few pains from being attacked. One more obvious one was the claw marks down her butt on both sides.
That was true, she hadn't said anything other then a slight displeasure about his presence. Though, she two was alone and had nothing better to do then listen to a cheetah try to make himself less threatening to her as the moments go by. That didn't ease her though, she'd been tricked before. She wasn't about to again. Not now, not ever, she hoped anyways. "One doesn't need to tell another to leave for them to leave" She said in response though. She never told anyone to leave, they did it on their own.
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Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 4:03 am
Pachinko chuckled a bit morbidly at the question that was presented to him, unable to help himself as he answered without hesitation. I think it would probably depend on the beating.
Being the youngest of four brothers, the young cheetah's answer was probably to be expected. He'd certainly always been the low man on the totem pole, always being beaten up by his older and larger siblings when they play fought or got into scuffles. Perhaps she wasn't the safest creature to travel with. Perhaps she had done terribly things like kill other savannah cats before he'd met her, but it wasn't his place to dig up the past and the blue-eyed wonder boy was something of an optimist. Surely if she was as dangerous as the scenario she portrayed she would have attacked him long before now. Right?
He had a feeling she asked from personal experience, having long ago taken in the claw marks that raked over her thin haunches and the leg that she favored. Pachi felt sorrow for her and though he wondered how she'd been so unlucky to have seen such unpleasantness--it was just as easy to assume her bad attitude had got her where she was now as to think that it had occurred unwarranted. Maybe not necessarily true, but her maltempered personality was certainly all he had to go on for the moment.
That would be a good argument.. if it had any relevance. You already know that I'd prefer your company to none if given the option to choose. The answer was uncharacteristically candid, even for Pachinko, but he grew tired of having his motives repeatedly questioned. The answers weren't changing were they? And she had only need to tell him to scram and he would certainly be out of her fur. Rumbling quietly and with surprising sarcasm. He was definitely taking a few lessons from his brothers in their absence. It's not a difficult thing, to tell me to beat it. Especially with your gem of a personality, but you haven't and though I'm not so arrogant to assume it's because you like me... I do think you object to my company as much as you like to let on.
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Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 10:19 am
She glared at him for a moment or two. Why couldn't he just be like the others and run away. It was hard to tell someone to scram when she hadn't needed to before. She'd just have to deal with his presence until he left. What if he never did? She was sure he would though. No one could stand her angry attitude for very long. At least, that's what she had noticed. She was trying to be nice, but that was before her heart was ripped out once again. She couldn't find it in her to just be nice to anyone.
"I suppose your right, then?" She spoke, but that was all she said. She wasn't really sure if that's what was going on. She wasn't sure if she really longed to be around another living thing. She'd been alone for a few days with no one but the birds above pestering her like most everyone else. Making rude comments about her hybrid looks. Oh, how she wish she could jump as high as they flew. No matter, Most couldn't see her hybrid self unless they knew what to look for.
"Your just lucky your a cheetah, and not a leopard." She said with flattening her ears. Slightly irritated. Sometimes she wished he was a leopard, now thinking on it. It'd be much easier to get rid of something she didn't like opposed to something she did like. She bit her lip, perhaps it was time she tried to re-learn her manors that lioness tried to teach her? She took a slight deep breath. "Perhaps you need help looking for your brothers then?" A hint of rudeness in her voice, but still.... She was trying. He'd been nothing but nice to her, it was the least she could do was to pretend to be nice.
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Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 10:15 pm
He was amused by the lack of conviction in her agreement as if she agreed only because she could think of no favorable argument to propose him, though he was certain she would have provided one if she could think of something. Yet as he walked beside her she said something that caused him to pause in midstride and stop to stare at her, perplexed. She was a leotah, was she not? A hybrid of cheetah and leopard. Yet her tone suggested vehemence when she spoke.
Lucky I'm not a leopard? He repeated the words with a reluctant frown. Why would that be.. aren't you part leopard yourself?
Pachinko was honestly perplexed particularly given that he had met a few leopards in his travels and for the most part they had been sweet and positively helpful, well save for a saucy dark female who had seemed to enjoy teasing him. So surprised by the statement was the monotone cheetah that he nearly missed her half-hearted offer. He seemed to understand that she was trying to be kind, but his focus was still locked onto her obvious distaste for leopards. Adding after a moment of thought, completely neglecting to answer the previous question. What happened? That you seem to dislike leopards so much?
His gaze drifting towards the scars on her haunches almost in question. As if he had assumed that a leopard must have been the cause of the old injury. It seemed to be the only thing that made sense, but then, he didn't know anything about her family.
(OOC: Sorry if this post sucks.. I'm not feeling well ^^; wink
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