Takoda was wandering the rogue lands aimlessly. Confused and torn inside, the white and teal lion didn't know what to do. He' just met the most amazing lioness. They'd spent the day together, just talking, about whatever came to mind. He'd never had something like that happen before.
He'd never really felt this way before, either.
It was crazy, to think that one day could change your whole life, but that was really what seemed to happen to Takoda. He wanted to see more of her, but he was unsure.
What if she felt differently? What if he couldn't find her. So many thoughts were running through his mind he just had to sit and take a break.
What was a lion to do?
Chander was once again out in the rogue lands. Once again trying to get lucky out in the rogue lands. Once again, having no luck getting lucky out in the rogue lands.
Sigh.
He thought joining the pride would be better for his chances at making it with the ladies. Instead it had proved to be just as, if not more difficult than it had been when he was living out in the rogue lands with his mother and sister.
Yellow tipped paws treaded softly across the terrain, hoping this time to at least bring back a worthy kill. He'd not been doing so great in the hunting department as of late.
Then his pink eyes noticed the white and teal mass a way off. Another lion? It wasn't a lioness, they didn't have manes that big. And he looked... confused? Oh well, thought Chander, none of my business, and he turned to leave the stranger be.
Takoda pawed at the dirt. What was he to do? If only there was someone he could talk to. His mind drifted briefly to his family, though he was so young when they disappeared that he didn't know what they might say. Still, he imagined they would have been somewhat helpful in helping him make up his mind, but he still didn't know what way they would sway.
Then, out of the corner of his eye he noticed the other male.
Takoda was a friendly lion, who went out of his way to greet and meet anything he came across. Perhaps they might have advice too!
The male rose and made his way over to Chander. "Hi there, friend!" He called as he approached.
Not that they were friends, but Takoda thought of everyone as a friend.
Chander stopped when he heard the other male call out. At least they sounded friendly. But what did they want? He didn't really have the energy to deal with someone right now, but he'd try his best, after all, he didn't like to be rude, even though it just seemed to happen. Especially when there was a female around to concentrate on.
"Hi," he replied, though he left off the friend part. He didn't know this lion form any other.
"Chander," He said, offering his name to the stranger.
"Hello," replied Takoda cheerfully, his attitude a bit different from what the purple lion had just seen before. Not that he had stopped feeling that way, it was eating up his insides, but there was no point putting a dampener on a conversation, so the teal and white lion hid his emotions and tried to put on a brave face.
"I'm Takoda," He replied, offering his name in return. Takoda was glad the pleasantries were out the way. Sometime he forgot about them completely.
"It's nice to meet you." He nodded, always happy to meet someone new.
Chander smiled, though he wasn't as interested in the conversation as Takoda seemed to be. He seemed very cheerful for a lion who was just moping around in the dirt moments before, he thought to himself. But what did he know. There were all kinds out here in the rogue lands.
"So, Takoda," started Chander. He wanted to get their talk over and done with as soon as possible. He could tell it was coming, after all, passing rogues would often have short conversations with him and his mother and sister to break up their journeys. Takoda was probably just the same.
"What's going on, you seemed pretty down before." He raised his eyebrows.
Ugh. So he had seen? Takoda sighed, there was no point trying to hide it. His exterior immediately changed, his ears drooped, his tail lay flat, even his mane seemed to lose it's bounce, if that was even possible.
"It's... this... lioness I met..." he started, unsure if the other would even be interested in his girl problems. But then again, maybe he can help me out, he thought to himself.
"I.. think I want to be with her." But there was something that held him back, perhaps fear of rejection, or fear of the life of a pride, he did not know. Something was making his decision hard.
Oh. Girl troubles. Chander laughed. He could relate to those. Well, not this one, since he'd never wanted to be with a lioness for more than a day. But he could relate. Kind of?
"Girls. Always causing trouble." He said with a shake of his head. Things could be so much easier if they just cooperated. Most didn't.
"You want my advice? Forget about her." He nodded. "There are plenty more where they come from. And some much more willing, if you know what I mean." He said with a wink.
"I don't think I want to forget." Takoda replied, not looking at Chander, his eyes fixated on the ground in front of him. The purple male was right. There were other girls out there. But other girls weren't Zarya. They didn't look like the rippling water, didn't move like the most graceful of fishes, have a laugh that sent shivers down his spine.
"She's perfect..." he whispered, not meaning for it to slip out.
But he had said it. She was. And he was stupid. Stupid for thinking that he should be with her.
Shouldn't he just take that chance?
Takoda looked up at Chander, hopeful that the male might be of some help.
Chander winced. This guy was love struck. Nothing was going to change that. That was something Chander did not want to see.
Better get rid of this guy fast.
"If she's so perfect, what are you doing sitting here. Get out there! Take a chance." He said encouragingly, though in reality he didn't mean any of the words. He just wanted to get back home and get rid of the love sick feline.
How could anyone be like that?
"You... you're right!" stammered Takoda. How would he know if he didn't try.
Suddenly, his face changed, from despair, to hope and determination.
"Thank you friend!" He said, beaming at the purple lion.
Then he rose up and took off in the direction he remembered her heading.
"I'm coming Zarya!"
Chander scoffed.
"If I ever get like that, kill me." he said to no one as he watched Takoda chase after his damsel.
