Thanks for last night, Angel.
Maybe our paths will cross again someday.
~Fuuenken
Well, at least he was polite enough to leave a note. Asali giggled to herself as she strolled, thinking back to the note that had been left for her in a nearby patch of soil upon waking to find herself without company. He had certainly been a strange character to say the least, but not an unpleasant one to come to know. Not in the least. Creamy cheeks quickly coming up flush at the memory of day before. It had been far too long since she had last been charmed by a male, Asali had begun to think herself undesirable. Even despite still being of age that she should have had little trouble ensnaring the attention of a lion. Perhaps it was the scent of a female who had already bore the cubs of another that made her a thing of proportionately less interest to their eyes.
Needless to say, Asali’kama Chai had needed a little lavishing and the rakishly handsome rogue who had acted every bit a king of the grasslands that surrounded them had been all too consenting to oblige her every whim. With Fuuenken, if only for a night, Chai had become a goddess but she was no fool. Surely there had been many lionesses before her as there would be many more after and she could only stand to wonder if they would allow him to treat them as kindly as he had treated her. Fuuenken... hmh, I wonder where you are now.
Treading at a leisurely jog through the tall grass, pale blue eyes watched the world pass by with a bubbling satisfaction. The milling herd beasts that dotted the distant landscape. Trees which had already begun to cast shadows as the sun groggily climbed the heavens. A disgruntled pair of males that appeared on terse terms at best---Fuuenken?!
Disbelieving eyes widened. She would have recognized that wildfire mane anywhere, but just what was he doing with that other one? From the distance she make out only a lanky, not yet fully developed figure the color of coagulated blood and that primitive-striped limb as it reared back. This couldn’t really be happening, could it? Slender frame lurching into a sprint as she cried out. FUUENKEN NO!
~(o x o)~
What was this? Fuuenken knew this backside rather intimately as his eyes strained to focus on the blur of motion that was only now settling into a solid form.
Those wings. Chai?
But even he couldn’t retract his whiplash reflexes in time to spare her completely. Veering his path just enough that his claws barely skimmed the vulnerable spine that was presented to him with the female protectively wrapped around his victim. The damage was superficial at best, leaving several thin scrapes. Visible even through her fur, but minimal at best given how severe the impact could have been if taken full force. This new turn of events was displeasing to say the least, fanged jaws clenching in frustration at the appearance and interference of his most recent lover. Mismatched hues glowing with warning. Get out of Fuu's way Chai. This doesn't concern you. Fuuenken is going to teach this runt the value of his life because not all of us had it so easy as to simply be born and raised by loving families. Some of us had to learn what it's like to fight for our survival!
With her eyes clenched, she had been prepared to take the full brunt of Fuuenken’s aggression. Unable to bare the thought of him hurting this cub, no matter what trespasses had been made. It was only out of restraint that Chai had been able to get away with such artificial wounds, even if the air stung them sorely. Fuuen... I..
She had barely begun to question his motives when the figure she sheltered shoved out from beneath her. His eyes widening in surprise, maybe startled by the idea that a stranger that would come so selflessly to his defense? How little she knew of the adolescent.
Atashmah’s head was still reeling. At first he was being attacked, then rescued. Just what the hell was happening? Why did these rogues keep flocking to him. How could they not understand what it meant to be close to him? The most apparent evidence born upon the back of this interfering lioness. Blatant proof that she too had been afflicted by his curse. It was the price she paid for her selfless actions. Still there were other, more subtle ways that the blood moon would invoke its wrath. The one who spoke of himself in third person, Fuuenken, he was this ones mate wasn't he? And yet Atashmah had come between them. Caused them to side against one another. He feared what more damage could be done if he lingered too long, recoiling from the pair despite his savior’s wounded look. Stop! D-don't protect me!! I don't need your help! Let go!!
Staring helplessly at the fearful youth, he was older than she’d first thought but still not yet full grown or capable enough to take on a lion of Fuuenken’s experience and physique. Fangs worried at her lower lip, chancing looking away from the adolescent long enough to face the redhead she was so familiar with. Lifting a paw to press lightly to his chest pleadingly. I.. I don’t know what he’s done, but please.. please let him go, Fuuenken.
Chai’s pleas for mercy may as well have fallen upon deaf ears as the tall wall of muscle stood unyielding. His expression set. Stern and predatory and focused on nothing but Atash despite Chai’s persistence. A low growl rippling through his throat a further warning in response to the paw that rested lightly upon his chest. Sometimes females could be so foolish. Gaze never averting from his target even as he spoke to the bodily blockade in his way. ...It's not your place to tell Fuuenken what to do, Chai. Have trust in the Fuu that you know and back away or Fuuenken will move you, by force.
Stone voice wasn't asking. It was a direct order that he expected her, as a female to obey. Despite his current concentration the shaggy male was wounded by the fact that she had such little faith in him. Fuuenken was not a killer of cubs. He would never be like his father.
Watching the pair with a heavy heart, Atashmah could only grimace at the forceful tone that resonated on the wind. Tail switching with anxiety when he finally decided to speak up, possibly despite better judgment. How could he not interfere when he was the cause of their disagreement? A meek murmur attempting to rise above their conflict as he avoided the acidic glare of the adult's eyes. ...Don't be cross with her. It's my fault this is happening. It's always my fault... bad things always happen to those around me.
Tipping her ears back against her skull, Chai felt the guilt wrench in her stomach uncomfortably, in response to both of them. Maybe she had been wrong to come between them? But.. from an outside perspective it had certainly appeared to be a fight that was worthy of avoiding.
I’m sorry, Fuuen.. I.. I know you’re not a bad lion. Concern for the pair made her reluctant to move. Her desire to protect the young one, perhaps in place of those that she had been so poor at protecting before him was strong enough to make he her waver even in the face of Fuuenken’s wrath. Eventually she caved. It wasn’t her place to decide whether his actions were right or wrong. And, with mind made a lick was offered to his muzzle tenderly. Paw dropping from his chest as Chai submitted to Fuuenken’s desires. Belly low to the ground as she crept backwards and out of the direct path to the grim Atash.
Tense under Asali's touch, the teacher steeled as he purposely hid his emotions from her. Coldly ignoring the gestures of apology while his jaw ticked with impatience, awaiting the honey-colored female to move out of his way before he could finally throw himself at Atash violently. Claws were bared once again as his body quivered and twitched with the desire to be released. A ruthless swipe aimed at the garnet figure. Surprisingly, a grin sharpening his features when Atashmah suddenly ducked out of the way in a rush to escape having his head town from the rest of his body. It wasn’t soon enough not to be cut, but quick enough to prove Fuuenken's point. The brat wasn't ready to die just yet. His voice barking revelations. Shut up you! Fuuenken will handle Chai the way Fuu sees fit! And don’t you dare apologize for her! She makes her own choices! The consequences are a direct result of her actions. This is the way life works! So quit being so damned conceited! Everything doesn't revolve around you!
Clenching his teeth in response to the frighteningly close range attack preformed by such a terrifyingly capable male Atash leapt backwards. Quick to take a defensive stance. The teen’s garnet eyes widening--not for the first time--at Fuu's harsh words. Crying out in frustration as he tossed his head two and fro, exasperated and causing thickening mane to tousle and become nearly as unruly as his assailant’s. I.. that's not what I mean at all!! It's just that.. everyone around me.. they're always.. they always get hurt and I can't do anything to stop it no matter how hard I try!!
Unable to do anything more than watch, Chai trembled in horror at the narrowly escaped shredding. It was hard to see, given the stagnant color of his fur, but she could smell the blood of fresh wounds. Unconsciously kneading the soil beneath her paws. He was so difficult to understand, why was so important that he attacked such a fresh-faced youth. Tears filled her eyes, causing them to gloss over as her stare suddenly melted towards the ground. She couldn’t stand any more of this. It was too cruel. Too hard. Why was everything in life so challenging? Why did there have to be so much pain?
Reminded of her own short-comings, the milk and honey lioness couldn’t help but wonder if Fuuenken would have treated her with as much harshness as he did this young one. Honestly, she didn’t want to know the answer. Lifting herself from her seat on the sidelines in favor of a quiet retreat. I’m sorry Fuuenken.. I couldn’t believe in you at the end.
Reply
