Backlog to Adolescence.
Nova Kalisetsi - NovaCracker
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Ulogila'asgi Adagaue - Das Tor
She was further from the Mantis Clan than usual today, but she didn't mind. They were there, loving the naturally painted children, even the pink ones, but she? Too different. Too wild. Too... Wrong, all wrong. She had no family, not even finding her clan name appropos. Sweet? What the hell did that mean? Therefor, she hated giving the surname chosen foir her at birth, resented the choices made for her before greeting the world.
A world she didn't feel right in or feel she belonged in. Looking up at the birds flying in the sky, she sighed. If only she felt free.
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Ulo had always been a spacecase. Since birth, he'd always had his head up in the clouds, like the birds he loved watching. And..well, it had often ended up with him getting...lost. A lot. Like he was now. The white-maned lion looked around, not recognizing his surroundings at all.
Well...this was bad. He was probably going to get in trouble when he found his way back home. Or his father found him. Geeeeez. Ulo sighed, then perked up as he caught the scent of another lion...lioness to be specific. If wasn't a scent he recognized...and he seemed to still be in pridal lands since he'd never wandered OUT of them. So maybe he could ask directions! He started over towards the scent, smiling. "Hello!"
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Nova heard him before scenting him, ears pricking breifly before looking to the stranger, reading his tattoos. Oh, well, it was nice to see someone else, at least. Someone from another clan who wouldn't look down on her for not being a perfect child or perfect family member, for telling her family she didn't believe in them as a family any more...
"Hullo. May I herlp you?"
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Ulo chuckled and nodded. "I'm afraid I got lost." He'd never seen a lioness with such bright coloring or tattoos...it was actually really cool! "My name's Ulogila'asgi Adagaue. I'm a member of the Bird Clan, and I was wondering if you might know what direction I need to go to get back? I...kind of spaced out while walking around."
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"I'm.. Uhm.. Nova. Mantis Clan. I'd be happy to walk you there if you like?"
Best to hide her name. He didn't need to know she abandoned it.
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Ulo perked, happy someone knew the back! Even though she was from another clan. Well...just means he had a new acquaintance! "That would be wonderful, if it's not a bother! It's very nice of you, Nova."
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"I'm happy to help." She smiled, bowing kindly before beginning to walk.
"So are you from a very old family? Do they treat you well?"
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Ulo blinked and shook his head as he followed her. "My family's not very old. My littermates and I are the first to hold a clan name for my family. Mom and Dad and my older siblings were all born outside the pride." And...why the odd question of 'do they treat you well'? Though he was curious, he didn't ask. "They treat me well. Mind...I get in trouble sometimes, because I space out a lot and it gets me into some weird situations."
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Nova nodded, soaking it in, then closed her eyes, snorting.
"At least they care enough to care for you. Better than being treated badly for being different." She looked away.
"I abandoned my family name. I'm not one of them and never will be. I... Shouldn't, but I hate them."
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Well that explained it. Ulo tilted his head, making sure to not trip over his paws at the new perspective, then smiled slightly. "They're not being very smart, than. I see nothing different about you. You're a lioness, and you've the tattoos of our pride." He didn't really understand 'hate' though...He'd had it explained to him before, but it was such a foreign emotion for him...
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"No, I'm abnormal. I'm white, green, blue, and violet. My tattoos are made to hide it, I know it."
No need to mention she feared her pride may hate her. She was untouchable,....
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Ulo snorted. "No. Your tattoos tell the story of your life. They aren't made to hide anything. They're made to tell your story to the world!" He grinned. "You aren't abnormal. And I think your coloring is very pretty!"
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Nova shrugged.
"As far as I'm concerned... They say what they will, but tattoos can change. Such as family. I refuse to acknowledge the lions that birthed me and.." She didn't finish her thought, but if the oppertunity came... She would show them what she was made of, now wandering alone.
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Ulo drooped a bit. She was hurt, and angry, it sounded like. "You could stay with my family? If Dad says it's okay. I don't think he'd say 'no', because Dad..." He tried to find the right words to describe his father. "He's got a really big heart."
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"I don't want to stain anyone with my shame." Nova blinked, looking sheepish.
"Your just.. The first lion who doesn't look down on me for it. I shouldn't trouble you." She moved forward, trying to lead him home without crying.
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Ulo shook his head. "You wouldn't be staining anyone! The actions of one do not reflect what others will think!" He caught up to her, and made to keep pace. "You wouldn't be troubling me! Or...or anyone else."
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Nova nodded slowly before burying her face in his fur, suddenly crying.
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Ulo stopped, surprised, but didn't make a move to stop her crying. Instead he tried to just be a comforting presence. Yup...he was DEFINITELY taking her to Dad. Or Mom. Either of them would certainly know what to do! Until then, he'd be a friend for her.
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Nova huddled up, crying into the first friend she'd ever known. Certainly the first pride member she felt comfortable approaching.
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Ulo purred at her, smiling slightly. "My home is your home...I promise!" Even if his father didn't want to let her stay...he promised! And his father wouldn't make him break a promise, not when Ulo was so careful in giving them! "We're friends now, Nova."
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"Th..Thank you..." Nova cuddled closer, nuzzling into his fur, letting herself break on her new friend.
Just this once, it didn't hurt to cry.
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"It's no problem." Ulo just let her cry, not in a hurry to get home anymore. She needed him (and apparently this) far more than he needed to get home. He'd make sure she didn't want to cry again in the future...that he'd get her to smile. He was certain she'd have a very pretty smile.
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Nova eventuslly stopped crying, nuzzling the spot to wipe her tears from his fur. He was too perfect for that. Too perfect to be real.
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Ulo smiled at her, then nudged her. "Come on...let's go home. I think..." He looked around, then nodded. "Yup! I recognize where we are now!" He nuzzled her. "I bet Dad'll love you!"
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"Okay Ulo.." She smiled a little bit at him shyly. Someday, maybe he'd be going home with her.
