|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 2:18 pm
 There was a deafening roar resonating through Bhanu territory, a continuous loop of loud fury that made the very ground shake – or so it seemed to the ones closest to it.
On the periphery of the Bhanu lands, many animals lifted their heads and shifted their ears to better understand the source and distance of the sound. Most chose to simply move away from the possible threat before “it” had a chance to get any closer them. Such actions were pointless, however, because the lion causing the commotion, the pride leader of the Bhanu, was right at the center of the territory and it didn’t appear as if he’d be relocating anytime soon.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that most of the lions that surrounded Malek had never seen him quite so angry. The mask of the calm, firm, unmoved leader had long fallen and the blue lion was showing the world exactly what he felt: a barely manageable desire to kill the lion he was circling… his second-in-command. Others might try to play off Malek’s anger but Russo knew better. More than anyone in the pride, he knew Malek. This was no ordinary argument, no controlled challenge of the Tusk. Russo already had a nasty cut below the right eye – so very close to it! – and an even nastier hack on his back that was dripping blood.
“He could’ve been killed!” sometimes words could be distinguishable but it was mostly a string a roars and grunts that got through to the pride members. Russo had the decency to look mildly ashamed as Malek’s last words hit him but his posture was so defensive that he could hardly show much more emotion than the cautious – and strangely submissive – display he was presenting. The expression of the lion he’d always placed so much trust in and the fact the Damali seemed to be very close to stepping in between her leader and her mate barely served to appease the blue lion who kept circling Russo with quick steps that carved paths on the solid ground.
Carmon had meekly tried to calm Malek down more than once, probably feeling he had some part in the falling out. The poor kid seemed desolate and if the situation had been different Malek might’ve given in. Sibdu had actually tried stepping in once - then again, the black lion wasn't exactly one of the oldest pride members - but had wisely decided to retreat almost immediately. Others had trying to mediate the fight at some point. Malek was sure the regal Artemis had said something wise but he wasn’t paying attention to anyone else right now. The world encompassed only himself and the yellow lion. Oh, if the cubs – his cubs! - weren’t so close by…
He was aware that it had been just a mean joke. Slightly malicious perhaps but not that ill-intended that it had the purpose of harming the youngest adult of the pride. Carmon had returned from a scouting trip, tired as usual. And Russo had been meaning to get back at him for… well, something… existing maybe. The second-in-command had ordered the scout back into action to a place where a single Da’lin had been spotted before, a piece of information that he conveniently left out. It was obvious that Russo had meant for Carmon to keep an eye on the Da’lin lion for a few hours before returning, giving him what he often called a “Carmonless peace”. But Carmon had not found one Da’lin lion. Oh, no. Unaware of what to expect and with a careless rain that insisted on wiping out tracks and scents, Carmon had almost been ambushed by four Da’lin males that were testing the Bhanu borders in search for food. The green lion barely made his way home and not without a few members of the Tusk having to intervene by appearing as a mighty disincentive to his loud pursuers mid-way.
It hadn’t been ill-intended, no. But it could’ve ended so badly. To send a fellow pride member to unsuspectingly meet a Da’lin, to send a tired kid to what could possible turn out to be a fight… was unforgivable. It was treason. It was betraying the pride members, the Pride and even him, Malek, who had taken the role of protector. But this was not the way for a leader to act. This was not the right way to solve a problem within the pride, the pride he tried so much to feel like a family. Malek froze. His head lifted, narrowed gaze still fixed on Russo. He was shaking.
“Get that wound treated.” It was a cold whisper, so very cold. Malek turned his back on the yellow lion abruptly and paced heavily out of the circle of lions that had assembled. Some moved out of the way to let him pass, some seemed to be thinking about following but in the end, Malek’s posture was clearly forbidding anyone’s approach and the blue lion left unaccompanied.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 7:43 pm
 >>>x<>X<>x<<< Celestia was standing a small distance away from the group. As the fight began she tried her best to gather the cubs and take them away from the chaos. A few of them wanted to see their dad fight and looked so grim being pulled away from the "fun". Celest shook her head at their demands. "There's no fun in watching a fight," she said. Truly Celestia didn't want to see the fight just as much as she didn't want the cubs to. She respected all of the pride and thought of them as family. She didn't want the image of bloodshed to be paired with her family. Russo's actions were wrong, but would beating on him help any? Was this how everyone dealt with Russo's obnoxious temper? The group of cubs and Celest ducked into the grass. Their fur stood on end as they heard the various roars. Celest's throat was sour. She waited for Malek to begin walking off before she let go of the cubs. "Go on. Every thing is fine now," she said with a weak voice. The cubs frolicked off, growling and play-fighting as they went. She couldn't aspect them to grow up sensitized to violence. It was important that they learn to fight. They would need the experience as they grew up. Celestia knew she shouldn't be telling them that fighting and violence are a big no-no, but in this case she couldn't help it. She had been raised to hate violence, which sometimes made it hard to be "normal" among other things. Celest now stood alone looking for someone in particular. BINGO! The chief was stomping away from the scene and looked like he needed some alone time. Celest hesitated, and tried her best to hold herself back, but the more she thought about following the more she needed to. Before she knew it, she was quickly wandering toward Malek. "Uh," she whispered, "Chief? Would you like to talk?" She held back from saying that words might make him feel better than digging his claws into someone's face. True, she was a little disappointed, despite the fact that it was his job as their leader to be the good cop and the bad cop. (Russo usually takes the job of bad cop) She shouldn't expect him to let Russo get away with what he did. >>>x<>X<>x<<<
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2010 9:59 pm
Malek barely noticed Celest until she spoke up. He glanced at the group of lions he’d left behind and, most likely considering they were far enough, the blue lion sat heavily on the ground. He eyed Celestia in silence, jaws so tightly closed that his mouth trembled. He stood up again and began pacing back and forth, never quite moving away from the female. His ears seemed to have disappeared under his mane and his tail whipped the air a couple of times before finally settling down.
“Don’t call me chief.” He whispered sternly in one long exhale that seemed to contain a world of tension. And then suddenly he’d stopped moving. He never quite knew how to deal with the odd female - though perhaps today that would greatly work in her favor. He held her gaze in silence for a few moments before finally stepping to her side, so close Celest might actually feel his warm breath. He sighed quietly for what seemed to have been an eternity. “It was too much, wasn’t it?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 6:44 am
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
Celest watched Malek sit, pace, and sit again. Then, of all things, the first thing he decides to say is, “Don’t call me chief.”. Celest was unsure why that would bug him. But now wasn't the time to pester about that, though she was already over thinking the sentence. There were more important matters at hand, and Celest had to try her best to stay on subject. She felt a little unlike herself not saying every random thing that came to mind.
Then after a sad sigh Malek asked her about the fight.
"Well, that's not for me to say. Russo's actions were selfish and thoughtless. Plus, as the leader you do have to enforce discipline when someone acts against the pride." Most of her words she was saying to reassure herself that she shouldn't be choked up about the fight.
"What else could you have done?" Celestia really hoped he didn't have an answer. That way she wouldn't have to feel like this could have been avoided.
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 8:28 am
“Oh, I don’t know. Stay calm maybe.” Malek answered quickly and in one fluid motion he was standing again and pacing as he pondered. “Hit Russo where he really hurts... his damn pride. Publicly telling him off. Making him do Carmon’s job for a few days. But definitely not trying to bite his head off or take out an eye.”
Oh sure, ideas did flow now that he’d pulled himself away from the situation and could analyze the whole thing calmly. But somehow knowing the many ways he could’ve handled the situation only made him feel worse.
“I’m not even his father.” He did not elaborate on who he was though past events should make it clear that the pride leader is referring to young Carmon. “What was the point of all that? Did it fix anything? Did it make them get along?”
He knew it didn’t. But right now, Malek is not looking for something to make him feel good as much as he just wants to be scolded - which he might find difficult as the pride leader.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 11:19 am
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
Just then Celest heard what she didn't want to hear precisely. The eutopea feeling that came with the freash pride was over. Now the pride was more realistic, and more like a family than ever; but not very happy. Celest let out a half-groan half-sigh as she said, "Yeah... It wasn't a crowning moment for you two."
She continued to try to look supportive of Malek no matter how disappointed she was inside. Her attempt to hide the fight from her view didn't seem to matter now. 'Out of sight, out of mind' is a lie.
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 1:04 pm
This time, Malek clearly heard the disappointment in the female’s voice. It left him expressionless but hardly silent as he quickly tried to offer some sort of explanation.
“I didn’t mean to hurt him… at first. I just wanted to tear off the Bhanu ornament. I didn’t want him using it after what he did. The pride’s symbol.” His claws pierced the ground his gaze rested upon. “He saw it coming. Didn’t want me to take it. I kept looking at the kid, he looked so damn exhausted. If he hadn’t ran to us, if we hadn’t reached him on time… I got mad.” Well, that much was obvious. He sighed again. “Shouldn’t have. It’s no excuse.”
His head turned to face Celestia abruptly, a worried expression suddenly breaking through the strange, tense façade.
“Did the cubs see it?” Russo, father to some of the cubs, swirling around without fighting back as Malek, loud and violent, “challenged” the yellow lion. They certainly heard it at the very least.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 6:15 pm
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
"No, I pulled them away very quickly. We could only hear the fight," Celestia replied.
The expression on Malek's face sparked an important message to Celest's brain: "Stop talking about the past! Change Subjects!" She smiled as happy thoughts distracted her from feeling down. Never had she been that sad for that long. It was inevitable that she would shift out of it. "No undoing it now, right? It's in the past. So, what do you plan to do?"
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2010 6:49 pm
“What’s done is done, huh…?” Malek eyed the female as if he was finally truly seeing her. Once again he stepped closer to Celestia, only this time he dropped heavily to lie on the ground by her side, his back actually touching one of her paws. “Suppose you’re right.”
What was he to do, then? Could Carmon forgive Russo? Probably. Could Malek forgive Russo? Yes, he supposed he could. The old bat hadn’t actually meant to harm the young lion. But would Russo forgive the public trashing? Well, Russo’s pride be damned, that’s what had gotten them in this mess in the first place! Ah… that wouldn’t do. He wouldn’t get anything fixed by getting all flared up. It was time to think.
“I guess I need to talk to Carmon and Russo in private first. Apologize. Ask Russo to apologize.” There was work to do below the surface. He’d have to consider all the facts, everyone’s sensitivities… What then?
“Give punishment, I guess. A proper one… Order Russo to scout the Da’lin border while Carmon rests for a bit. A few days should do. Russo hates running and he will see it a demotion so it might be fitting. And then…” Ah… then. Malek huffed. He’d have to do a bit more than that wouldn’t he? The line of thought was broken as he took in Calest’s broad smile and he couldn’t help but to answer her with a small one of his own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 6:56 am
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
Celest wouldn't feel as let down, as she was before, now that she knew Malek wanted to make things right. Having Russo off everyone's back was a plus too. She could finally relax knowing that there wasn't a grumpy lion around to roll his eyes or glare at her. Not that Russo ever prevented Celest from acting the way she does. In fact she'd tried many time to wander over to him and engage in abnormal conversation. Still, everyone else would be excited to get a small Russo break.
Malek's smile only made Celest smile more. It looked like she was about to laugh for no apparent reason. Without hesitation, Celest made herself comfortable laying in the grass too. It wasn't because it may have been disrespectful to have your head higher than your superior. Nope, Celest just wanted to stop standing and relax.
"And then? There's more?" she asked, a little surprised at how quick Malek could think up a plan.
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 12:09 pm
"Oh, yes." Malek laughed despite himself – a rare sight indeed – and leaned a little further against Celest. He paid no attention to it, however, because the physical contact was not only greatly comforting but also felt… comfortable. One would expect that taking such liberties with a member of the opposite gender might feel somewhat awkward but to Malek, Celest’s presence had a very soothing feeling today.
“I need to have a frank talk with Carmon and Russo. Something that stays just between the three of us, private. I have to be very careful how far I push Russo. I really don’t want him fighting back today.” the blue lion’s eyes were narrowed as if he were in deep thought but he had an easier time looking Celest in the eyes now. “But it can’t end there. Many more were involved and they probably have their own opinions about the whole thing now. I can’t ignore the rest of the pride. Which means I need to gather everyone and give a little speech. Cubs excluded of course, Russo and Damali should be the ones to explain everything to the kids.”
The pride leader lifted his head to watch the sky, a deeply focused expression marking his features. Slowly, bits of the familiar leader mask were returning to his appearance. He was lying a little straighter, neck more tense, expression beginning to close.
“It needs to be strong. Words that unite us. I need to simplify the facts and lay down the punishment. And make a quick apology for getting mad. But I need to make sure it’s inspiring. I need to…” for a moment Malek looked slightly exasperated. He sighed. An even deeper sigh quickly followed. “Any ideas?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 7:41 pm
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
"Hmmm," Celestia hummed, making sure Malek knew she was deep in thought and longed to help, especially because the outcome was meant to inspire the pride. And Celest was the lioness to go to for sure! She never lived a moment not covered in hope and inspiration radiating from everything she sees. Even an elephant bathing in a mud puddle would find a way to inspire some random emotion in Celest's heart so strong she would have to reflect on it for the day. But dirty elephants would neither inspire a pride nor pertain to the subject all together. Owps, Celest's mind was going astray again. She refocused her thoughts on the task at hand. Malek needed to: 1. State the facts of the issue, 2. Lay down a punishment, 3. Make apologies, and meanwhile Unite and Inspire. To Celest it was already very inspiring that Malek was brave enough to own up to bad judgments.
Truly, Celest didn't know much about personal space or feeling awkward. So, as Malek began to lean on her she only felt proud that she could support him while he was stressed.
"I guess I would start with something like: I'm sure you all know about the mishap that occurred earlier today. I'm here to tell you all that I talked to those involved and I'd like to tell all of you the facts. Then tell them what you told me and tell them what the outcome is. Tell them if this will cause any new rules for the pride. Oh and tell them any punishments that will take effect. Then say, oh I don't know: I'm thoroughly sorry for how the situation was handled. And I can ensure you all that this pride means so much to me. I want all of us to feel like a family. Therefore we must all feel comfortable and supported with each member, we must love each other, and in times like these we must deal with each other’s flaws and bad days," Celest said as she fluctuated between her own voice and her impersonation of Malek.
"I tried to sound more like you, but it's hard to put my finger on how you sound or how you would go about the speech. In retrospect you shouldn't say the love-each other part. Someone's bound to make a joke like "Who wrote your speech, Celestia" Heh. Also, maybe rhyme a little. That rhyme you said on that rainy day was a good first try. I bet you can do better. It would be snazzy."
Speaking of which, Celest hadn't rhymed since this whole ordeal began. The amount of sentences she spoke without concern of poetics today was a severely large number. Also, it seemed to only take a second for her to come up with that speech. One could assume that the amount of thought it usually took her to come up with poetry was instead helping her think faster. Plus, Malek himself inspired Celest oh so very much at this moment.
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Feb 23, 2010 1:03 pm
So much for the leader mask! Malek looks nothing short of shocked at first and then laughs so loud that the others would think he’s gone mad if they were close enough to hear it.
“You’re pretty good at this!” he manages to say at last, neck straining as he moves his head away from Celest as if he’s trying to get a better look at the female. “Are you after my job? Should I be concerned?”
But she really is making good points and not giving Malek the usual cryptic rhymes that always made him so unsure on how best to handle the strange female. And is she… imitating him? No, she wouldn’t dare… oh, but she does!
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you speak like this…” he starts as he adjusts himself to a more comfortable position. There is suddenly a mischievous grin adorning he blue lion’s expression. “Do you want to go do it for me?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 10:54 am
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
Celetia was happy. She never talked like this to any one, that was for sure. But was this the real her, or just another version of crazy she was trying out? And by mere accident this new version of crazy almost sounded sane. Or maybe she just wanted communicating with Malek to be easy for him this time, because he needed help. It is really hard to put a finger on why Celest does any of the things she does.
"Nope, no need for concern. I'd rather not see the pride crumble. My place is not in the front of the pride," Celest said with her most cheerful voice. "And I really can't give the speech for you. Rhyme-less Celestia is available for a limited time only. Plus, it would be more respectful if you said the speech. You messed up the Rubix Cube so only you can remember how to fix it. Wait... uhhhh... what's a Rubix Cube? Uh never mind. Ready to go inspire or would you like to practice?"
>>>x<>X<>x<<<
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 5:31 pm
“Right now would be best I think…will you come with…” his words were suddenly cut short by Malek’s next move. He carelessly leaned on Celestia and placed his massive head over hers in a rather intimate gesture. And it was as if he felt the current of a lighting storm piercing him from head to tail. One minute he was lying next to the female trying to think about meaning of what he’s just do and the next he was standing a few steps away, refusing to meet her gaze. He was suddenly feeling very confused and not because he didn’t understand his own actions – more like he was all too aware of his own unexpected feelings.
“Everything is still fresh on the minds of… huh… everyone. We should… go.” He said quickly, lilac eyes firmly locked on the lions in the distance. Celest was interesting, amusing, strange… right? So why was the image suddenly changing, why was he now thinking of her as wise, funny, sweet…? He’d let her into the pride as a silly little sister. Was she turning into something else in his eyes, something… more? No, this was probably just a single strange occurrence like so many that tended to happen in the presence of the odd female, one that she probably wouldn't even notice herself... or at least that's what he hoped.
“Let’s go. Everyone’s waiting.” He said slowly as his expression grew cold, finding comfort in the weight of the leader’s mask as it returned to his features. He started taking quick steps without looking back, mind firmly set on ignoring those last few moments had ever happened.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
