The air around Fuuenken seemed almost alive with the heightening of his battle-ready senses. He could feel the meerkats twitching their noses in the far distance, so it could stand to say that he also felt the naive lioness remove her presence from the area, even without physically looking for her. There wasn’t much room to think about it now though. Scoffing harshly at Atashmah’s desperate complaints. The grin on his wryly handsome visage had only hardened further as he leapt at the other again, slashing with what appeared to be reckless abandon. In truth the wildcat's motions were tightly controlled, ready to pull his strike if the need called for it at the slightest indication. Then try harder! Life is supposed to be difficult! It's hard so that we become stronger and more resilient! It's hard so we can learn that life is precious and that we need to protect everything that's important to us! It may be easier.. to wish for death than to face the hardships ahead--
But if that's really what you wanted. You would have let Fuuenken cut you in half from the very beginning! With nothing short of perfectly fluid motion the lynx marked lion had suddenly become an apparition beside the angsty teen. Sickle shaped claws curving over the back of Atash's neck, holding the boy in place. His visage suddenly softening as he leaned in, to breathe words of confidence against his trembling ear. If you have the will to survive, you have the will to go much further then that.. and nobody said you have to go it alone. Fuu will help, but so can those who care for you. Let them help you become strong enough to protect them, it isn't a burden you need to shoulder on your own.
Straightening slowly, curved claws were harmlessly sheathed. Heavy paw taking its rightful place upon the ground as a moment was afforded to examine his pupil. Fuuenken was done teaching for the day.
After ducking and dodging to evade slicing claws only to be caught with such effortless ease in the end, Atash could hardly believe it was all over. Nervous eyes lifting towards the blue and green gazed male who was so sure and confident in his movements. Like some sort of superhero or idol, even if his methods didn't exactly coincide with such an image. Vibrant ruby stare was slow to fall away, stewing with obvious contemplation over the brewing admiration.
It was a lot for the teen to ingest, but obvious by his expression that the gears were churning while he absorbed the message. Rubbing the blood from a cut on his cheek with the back of his paw. A quiet look met the wet stain upon his fur before returning his gaze to the proud figure beside him. ...I... don't know what to say.
It was the truth too. Angry at the rogue for butting into his life and chasing him around like some sort of game of cat and mouse to prove a point. Frustrated because he wasn't quite sure he understood everything he was told. Frightened to have been so savagely attacked by the damn maniac and yet.. blanketing it all was a sense of relief. Then blanketed by gratitude for said relief. How long had it been since he’d felt the pressure that constantly bared down on his shoulders lighten so considerably? Pfft.. never.
Saaaaay, Fuuenken is the greatest mentor there ever was and you as a lowly peon are forever in Fuuen's debt. Fuuenken preened with a deviant grin and a glance that was difficult to interpret. This one was full of mysteries. The playful taunt fell away after a moment, though that gaze lingered, meaningfully. There's no need for forced words.. as long as you promise you'll live from now on as if life is worth living.
Why... are you doing this for me? Atashmah Sayeh thought to ask after a moment, obviously suspicious of the motives of a complete stranger. He was earned an unsatisfactorily noncommittal shrug and brief answer of humor touched nonchalance. Don’t know.. guess it’s just your lucky day, ne?
That may have been, but the same certainly couldn’t be said for his mentor. Straying eyes taking in their surroundings only to realize they were short a lioness. ...she left.
So she did.. Fuuenken repeated in his characteristically lackadaisical fashion, causing Atash to frown with added concern. It wasn’t his place to pry, but he could hardly help chiming hurriedly. Aren’t you going to follow her?
Why would Fuuenken do that? A laughingly questioning expression was offered effortlessly, brow lifting into the hairline of shaggy, tangerine bangs.
She... she’s your female isn’t she? Well now, this was an interesting change of pace. Watching the withdrawn young lion suddenly extend words with such gravity made his seal brown muzzle draw into a languid yet brash smile. There was hope for him yet. Amusement dawning in those heterochromatic eyes at the brat’s blossoming uncertainty.
What’s your name, run away?
Atashmah Sayeh,but--
A bit wordy for Fuuenken’s taste, but it suits you. Where do you hail from, Atash? The lord of the rogue lands interjected, interrupting before he could be questioned further about the missing female.
The Ukuucha’Wafalme.. but why--
Never heard of it, but no matter. When the time comes for Fuuen to visit, Fuu’ll be sure to find it. Until then, live well Atashmah Sayeh and remember to be strong for the ones you love. Briefly, a reassuring smile softened vigilante’s features as he looked over this youth who was once a slave to his own fear. Brushing past in the majestic manner of the royalty that flowed through his veins and leaving Atashmah Sayeh once more alone with his thoughts. It wouldn’t happen over night, but in time, Fuuenken was sure he would return to find a proud lion in the place of the cowardly cub he had stumbled upon today.
Twisting around to watch his curious companion leave, no less in the complete opposite direction of the lioness--Chai, he had called her, right? The inexperienced Pad was left without an answer to his question. Rogue males were a mystery to him, but whether or not they could be considered inferior to Ukuucha males, well.. at least he could be certain that there was one wandering this vast stretch of land that could be considered on equal footing with those of his pride. He’d never admit it out loud, but Atashmah was looking forward to the day when their paths would cross again.
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