AIM log --- Lithia_Brandon & Sasu Cherry
Zibuka never really walked anywhere. He had a lightness in his step, even more than that which graced the regular cheetah. His lithe, long frame seemed to float along as he bobbed his head up and town, tail flicking out behind him as he cantered alone. He was never in a rush, his smooth swagger taking him where he needed to be in exactly the right amount of time. A wanderer by nature, he never actually had to be anywhere at all… so why worry about how he got there? Humming to himself, he slid over the savannah until he found himself a nice spot to rest.
Hopping up onto a rock, the light brown cheetah sat down with his head high, peering out over the area without looking for anything. A dull, almost dumb smile was on his face as he scanned the grasses, as if he was enjoying everything he saw. There was so much promise out there, so many adventures and interactions he hadn’t found yet. The world was unlimited, and he was eager to find something new to add to his ever growing collection of memories and stories.
When he wasn’t so hot, anyway. Yawning, he relaxed a bit, lifting his paw and cleaning it meticulously as he let his energy restore itself. He had been walking for some time, and his fur was starting to feel prickly. Not wanting to look a mess should he meet a new acquaintance, he dutifully bathed himself, humming the whole time.
Thoko was used to the constant throb while he walked. He went everywhere, used to moving around every day. Having to avoid his old victims meant he usually fled after he caught someone. If they found him, he would put them in their place, but most of the time he wanted to avoid that. The animals lately were too protective for him. If he went three inches close to them then they would attack, or either bolt before he had a chance. Sadly, most of the time they bolted, and he pondered on how to solve this problem.
Today, he lazed on a rock. No one was around to claim anything from him, no one around to trip. Content with how the day was turning out he rolled onto his back, staring up at the sky. This was going to be the only day he would have a chance to relax, or the only time that anyone could see the dysfunctional lion calm, lazy, and relaxed.
That didn't last very long, though, and he strained his ears as he caught a faint sound on the wind. Someone was nearby. He rolled over once more, jumping off the rock as a frown spread across his face. Somehow, with the distant sound, he wondered if it was someone he knew. That frustrated him. With a sigh, and grumbling, he continued in the direction of the sound, wondering what creature was making the noise.
If they were leading him towards them, then they would be up for a fight.
Zibuka was content to clean himself for hours on end, if he had nothing else going on. He liked looking his best, his soft fur reflecting the care that he so often took with it. He almost never looked rumpled, and liked it to appear natural. No one needed to know about the hours he spent preening, and since he never stayed around anyone long enough for them to see it he had so far been successful in his image upkeep. His nameless tune hit a crescendo and he craned his head back to let out an inarticulate note, somewhere between a howl and a cat call. Laughing at himself, he shook himself off and hopped down from his perch.
He paused, tail straightening out behind him, as he saw something big moving closer to him. It looked like a lion, and certainly moved like one. Not quite as graceful as their faster, streamlined cousins, Zibuka noted with a grin every time he saw one loping in his direction. He considered heading the other way, or pretending something else had caught his attention, but in the end he remained rooted in his spot.
Grinning, he watched the lion approach, not missing the expression on his face.
“Hello, there,” he called disarmingly, swaggering a few steps closer in an effort to show he wasn’t looking for a fight, “how’s it going, mate?”
Sometimes, he wished he wasn't curious at times. Thoko's face contorted sourly as the sound of something dieing hit his ears. He hissed, flicked his tail, and dug his claws in the ground. The noise was absolutely horrible. Who was making the noise was still a mystery, but a reminder still hung in his head. He wanted to know who this stranger was. Whoever, it was annoying, and he would silence the thing before it sang again. Nothing that high pitched should be alive, and he thought like that. Even the birds deserved to die, with their chirping and all.
Coming upon the cheetah, he narrowed his eyes as he shook his head. He didn't know this one. Though, he'd get the chance to know him. This was another victim, someone else he delighted in torturing. Slowly, he approached, frown turning to a smile as he sat near the stranger.
His tongue of speech was odd, but one he had heard before. The name he called him was on an edge of irritation, yet he ignored it. "Not much, you? Sorry for my disgruntled expression- I was taken by surprise by your singing."
Which he sounded horrible; Thoko added silently to himself.
Zibuka cracked a grin, “I hear my singing has that affect on all the ladies. And the males, apparently. That’s a shame. Or maybe a blessing. You did, after all, come over to investigate it. Lucky me.” He purred and nodded his head, lowering it in a bit of an exaggerated bow as he greeted the much larger lion. He should have been intimidated, but the cheetah rarely felt emotions like that. All he saw was a new tactic to be taken, and he was eager to see what was going to happen here, for better or worse.
“You’re a big guy,” he observed, not circling him because he didn’t want to look threatening in anyway. His tail swatted the air playfully, his eyes bright as he continued to grin at the lion, “you look like you take care of yourself though. Very impressive. I’m Zibuka, by the way. What’s your name. mate?”
He sat down, looking peaceful and yet his body was alert, ears swishing forward and back as he kept his eyes on the lion. He anticipated every possibly outcome, though he always hoped for the best. Because he was a cheetah it was in his nature to move quickly, and while it rarely translated to the way he traveled it did come into play during his conversations and interactions. He had learned when to leave a conversation, and when he was lingering around too long.
He imagined he had some time left here, unless a giant paw and claws told him other wise.
Thoko's face became hot with embarrassment. "Excuse me? Me? Attracted to males?" He hoped he was playing with that question, because he knew he didn't like males. His eyes were set on the ladies, and that was settled. He shifted a little as he still felt uncomfortable, a glare plastered onto his face as he stared at the cheetah, ready to attack him if he made a move. This cheetah hit a fatal blow. He wouldn't be forgiven after that.
Then he spoke again. The male hissed as his claws found the ground. Lions were supposed to be big, for the scary affect, and for the fear that they could make everyone show. He was proud of being of the lion species. "Greetings, Zibuka. I am Thoko."
The annoyance he showed earlier vanished. His tail flicked casually while he thought, pondering on how he was to trap Zibuka. Like a cheetah, he suspected that he would be ready to dart if he showed any signs of hostility; and right now he had showed enough of his hot temper to last seasons. He shifted a little, letting silence consume their words.
"What brought you here?" He drawled, grinning. The conversation must go on for a bit longer if he wanted to catch this one.
“Hey now, there’s nothing wrong with that,” Zibuka said, shrugging his thin shoulders and offering a goofy, comforting smile. He shook his head, hummed a dismissive tune and ruffled his fluffy coat a bit, “Don’t look at me like that, I didn’t mean to insult you or get your tail all tied in a knot. Thoko’s a nice name, by the way. I think you look like a Thoko, really, now that I see you with that name attached. Yeah, definitely. And Thoko’s look good.” He grinned again.
It was a bit disconcerting that Thoko switched attitudes so easily, but Zibuka wasn’t too worried. He found other creatures fascinating, and he was absorbed already in the task of figuring out what kind of a lion Thoko was. An interesting one, to say the least. And, Zibuka imagined he was already getting a sense of, a complicated one.
At least this was going to be a fun little exploration.
“I was just wandering around,” he answered jovially, “it’s what I do. Not much for staying still, if you get my drift. The ‘same old thing’ is death to me, so I try to mix it up as much as I can. What about you?” his eyes flashed and he tilted his head pointedly, “do you like to mix it up?”
Thoko was, in a sense, able to relate to this one. He was creepy, weird; what he was in every way. His ears fell back instinctively, scrunching his face in annoyance while Zibuka hummed. "You could say that for Zibuka's as well." He drawled, playing the game that he offered.
Zibuka was, in any sense, interesting, to the fellow traveler. The way he addressed was less than boring, and he was fascinating. Children probably enjoyed his company. He seemed nice, in a way, and it was a pity that he was going to break it today. Still, he would enjoy the only fun he could have with this wandering cheetah, for he never desired to converse with someone for too long. They could, in their own way, find out his secrets.
He didn't want someone getting a hold of his secrets.
"The same old thing; I will agree with that." He nodded, grinning. "I love to mix things up. Making things more interesting. It gives a meaning to this life."
Zibuka tilted his head, arching a curious eyebrow. He imagined this lion did not like to mix things up in quite the same way as the unambiguous cheetah, his love of life and interest in everything that moved as obvious as the sun in the sky. He wasn’t much for secrets, keeping his own or sharing in others. He lived his life as honestly as he could, though he knew it was probably a dangerous way to conduct himself. Not everyone agreed with the things he said or did, and he had to be careful of that.
Or he at least should be careful of it. He never was, though.
Laughing suddenly, he shook his head, “that’s good! Being boring should be a sin. There’s something wrong with a creature that likes to do the same things over and over. You have to live for the new, you know? Always experience. That’s what life is. One big list of experiences, and the more you have, the better you’ve lived. That’s what I think, anyway. Why waste time and not do anything? Gotta get out there and have fun.”
He purred, moving closer to the lion. He looked up at Thoko intently, his eyes burned as he smirked with a charismatic, near innuendo heavy expression, “It’s fun to test and see how far you can go,” he said in a low voice.
Thoko returned his look, arching his eyebrows in curiosity. Bending his head forward, he looked at Zibuka fully. He was free like the wind, able to wander as he pleased with no trouble or the worries of being stalked. The honesty he displayed with crystal clear. He was lying, like Thoko was. Yet he did have his reasons for lying, he wondered what life would be without the constant addiction of taking what was special to people. He lived by that, and it was the same thing over again. Just, different things, important, even to him.
Was he careful? Who knew. The last time he was really 'careful'- was as a child. When his father came close to striking him in a drunken rage. That careful killed his mother. It killed his father. It killed him.
And now people could say they wondered why the manipulative, bloody lion was as cold-hearted as the last person down the block. Some questioned his motives. He never answered. The last time he explained himself out was too his mother, and he ran from her while she screamed and cried for him to return. Where was he lead afterward?
Who knows. That was never answered either.
"Your interesting, I'll admit. The list of experiences everyone lives by is something we all live by today. I don't see anyone doing the same thing, over and over again, with less success every time. Try something new. Your bound to be happy." He chuckled and raised a paw, only out of his fake friendliness.
Though, when he came closer towards him, the hair on the back of his neck raised. "Ah, that too." He agreed.
Zibuka grinned. This lion was a challenge. With his clear eyes and sharp mind for people, Zibuka could almost see the struggle in the lion’s head. He couldn’t fathom what weight the lion was carrying, but he knew there was something more sinister and uncaring to the creature than their little exchange was currently letting out. Zibuka could not trust Thoko, he felt that, but he wasn’t put off. If anything, this dangerous inclination he got when he moved closer was exciting, and he didn’t want to end it too soon.
Tail curling forward, the cheetah nodded and looked thoughtfully into the others face for a long moment before shrugging and backing off, moving his lithe body to the side of his new acquaintance and standing in opposition to him, their flanks just about a foot apart. He looked him over from this angle, still as impressed as ever. He wondered, once they parted ways, however that was destined to happen, if their paths would ever cross again. He certainly hoped so.
“You look like you’ve got a few experiences in you,” he said offhandedly, smiling, “some better than others. Do you like yourself?” the question was a bit abrupt, but it was just as Zibuka wanted it to be, his keen eyes focusing on Thoko’s again, despite the change of position. He waited patiently for an answer, not saying anything else, his face making it clear that he was really interested in an answer.
If Thoko intended to hurt him, then he would have done it. The cheetah's curious questions and free attitude interested him; more than he expected. No one such as Zikuba came close to breaking his core. Maybe it was the distant loneliness he was starting to feel, or the voice in the back of his head that griped at him whenever he chased after another victim. Every time, he left his victims more stoic than ever. Every time he remembered his parents, or the last time he attacked someone out of anger. He couldn't escape it.
He knew he couldn't.
His head snapped the other direction. Shaking his head, he closed his eyes, lips pursing together. His teeth gritted together in frustration. Right now, if Zibuka saw, than that would benefit, in a way. He didn't want to hurt a him. Take what he protected. Zibuka was free. He had no secrets, no desires. Only for the adventure and experience. What did he have to offer?
Nothing. He had nothing. He was getting to close to figuring out what he truly was, and he couldn't allow that to happen. He looked at him, eyes narrowing in thought. "I doubt I would," he sighed. "you wouldn't want to pick me over anything. My life is a string, easy to break, easy to knot."
"Now, tell me, are you unsure of me?" He supposed so. No one trusted him, it was obvious.
Zibuka nodded, “okay, I won’t pry. You look like an interesting lion, is all. There’s a lot going on in there, in those eyes of yours. I’m sorry if it’s not something you want to talk about, though I’d like to figure you out some time. Something tells me that would be tough, at the very least. But that’s okay. I definitely don’t want to break or knot anything.” He smiled, using Thoko’s explanation and nodding again. He tilted his head at the question he was asked in return, frowning thoughtfully.
“Unsure of you? I don’t really know you, so anyone might have a couple of trepidations. You’re bigger than me, and a lion. I’m just a cheetah, so I’m all speed and no strength. That could be a concern for most, right? You’re a bit tense, and your face tells me you’ve got a lot to hide, that you’re trying to hide. But no, that doesn’t really worry me. I know I can’t trust you at your word, though, because your eyes don’t match your friendly tone. That’s okay, though. It makes you more interesting. It makes me more interested. I think I like you, Thoko.”
He smiled, a devilish sort of grin that was at once charming, confident, and a little disarming. He ruffled his fur, knowing he was pushing things with this line of conversation.
“I’d love to get to figure you out some time,” he purred, “easy to look at, difficult to understand. My favorite kind of male.”
Thoko sighed. "I live a life on the same thing. I lie a lot. My eyes say everything- in fact, everyone's eyes speak the truth. It's nothing we can escape, nothing we can hide. If you stitched your eyes shut than someone would still be able to read you." He nodded, more toward himself than Zibuka. This was the first time he ever spoke this much to someone. It felt good. If he got his troubles out like this, than he could be free. But the problem was, was that he couldn't escape anything. Like before, like now.
Listening as he spoke, a smile spread across his face again. He humored in the way this cheetah spoke. But, he also observed, very well. He was the first to notice the tense look that came across his face whenever he came down on someone. The only one. The first one. It fit, in a way. Free, and able to notice even the easiest, or the hardest.
"Your an interesting character, Zibuka. Yet, I don't know what would happen if we meet again." He stood up, realizing that it was time to go. He was going to let him go. Something strange for him, but Zibuka was a good fellow. "I'm going to depart, for now. I have things to attend to."
And he flicked his tail as he walked away. The only problem was, was that he really didn't need to attend to anything. He had a lot to think about.
And he owed it all to Zibuka.
