Ahaz sat on a rock in the middle of the pond. He needed to learn patience, something that did not come natrually to him. There were so many other things he could do like protecting others. That was his best quality, he was sure of that. However being a jedi required patience. As his old master said, skipping steps in order to reach the goal quicker is the path that leads to the dark side. But really? There were so many simple mistakes he could do to 'lead toward the dark side'. He felt that not every mistake would allow the dark side to control him. Until he was a higher rank, he would not discuss that with the council though. He wanted them to respect him and not think of him as just an arrogant knight.
He had always felt that he was ignored. His skills were astounding when he came to fighting. It was like it was natural for him to do that. However his master hadn't let him take the padawan trials for a long time. His master had claimed it was to make sure he was ready, but Ahaz thought differently. He had spent more time with his master then anyone else in the pride. There were times when Ahaz did things that weren't 'jedi approved'. When they first started Ahaz had a temper. Well, actually, he still had his temper, he just learned how to control it. There were times when he would lose his temper with his master. Typically he would be scolded, or taken off the mission.
He had grown up some since he was a padawan though. His temper wasn't as bad and he could see his own faults. That was the reason he was sitting there on the rock, trying to meditate. It definitely wasn't to impress a female. His thoughts went to Atino and how flawless she was. What he struggled with, she excelled in. She had waited with him when he was hurt, when he first arrived at Mizani. He had no bond stronger then with her. When he mentioned that he had trouble with patience, she suggested he meditate at the pond. She said that was where she went to meditate and it was one of the most peaceful spots.
If she was here it would be much more peaceful, he thought, opening one of his eyes to see if she was around. He headed to the pond early in the morning, in hopes of catching her, however so far no luck. The sun was now about midway. If he wasted his whole day he would be devastated. Though he would try again the next day he had available. He had known his feelings for her had been one sited for a while. Her first love was to the pride and nothing would change that. He thought that maybe he could be her second love though. That would be amazing, he thought.
Atino was busy talking with different members about the times of the past. She was taking notes about an event that happened many years ago. Her notes were always carefully written (usually on a stone slab, using a sharp rock to write). She was working on become a jedi master, which was a difficult task. To be a master she needed to prove herself to the council. She had no idea how to do that other than to be herself and work hard.
As she hurried to talk to the next lion, she paused by the pond. She saw Ahazutako sitting there in the middle of the pond on a rock. It was a surprise to her. She had just suggested the idea to Ahaz, she hadn't expected him to do it. For a moment she debated whether to finish her task or to go talk to Ahaz. She let out a sigh. Despite ever instinct to go finish her task, she felt it was more imporant to congratulate her fellow knight.
Ahaz had only recently become a knight. She knew he had waited a long time to become one. It had been a struggle for him. There was even a point where she had to help. He was struggling with being being in meditation. It was for his trial of courage. She wasn't sure what had happened. All she knew was that Ahaz had been in pain and her words made him better. She never talked about it, knowing he wouldn't want to talk about it.
She went over to him, walking through the water. Carefully she sat next to him, making sure she didn't disturb him. Her eyes shut and her breathing became slower. It was so relaxing, sitting her in the pond next to Ahaz. She hoped that he was doing well with his meditation. He looked like he was relaxed.
Ahaz was anything but relaxed. The moment she sat down, he realized it. He had kept an eye on her, his eyes open for a hair. She didn't speak to her, just sat down next to him. He wasn't sure what to do. If he talked to her, he would know that he wasn't really meditating seriously. On the other hand he really wanted to talk to her. It had been so long since he had a real talk with her.
He finally opened his eyes. “Oh Atino. I didn't notice you joined me.” He said with a laugh. “How has your day been? I thought that you would be here sooner. I am glad you came here though. I mean, it wasn't like I came here to be with you.” Yep, he wanted to hide now. He wondered how much more he would embarrass himself.
She glanced at him and grinned. Atino thought it was adorable how he would always speak his mind and get nervous. “Don't worry. If you weren't fully concentrate about meditating that's alright. It is something that will take time to get used to.” She explained. “You need to meditate at least once a day. I typically meditate at least twice, unless I am out on a mission.”
She hoped that meditating would help him. Atino hated seeing him in pain, and she knew that he was going through a tough time. She thought that maybe she should help him with his meditating. Their time together was always enjoyable. Since she first met him, she felt close to him. He was different then the others around the pride. She had spent her whole life in the pride, but he spent most of his life outside the pride, causing him to be different then the rest of them.
She knew that the difference was both a blessing and a curse. His patience and arrogance were stronger then other members. He also had an unusual strength in him. No matter his flaws, all she saw was the goodness in him.
“I am going to try to help you as often as I can. But I need you to work hard to.” She said, playfully patting him on the nose.
He felt his ears warm up. More than anything, he wanted to tell her that he loved her, that they belonged together, but he chocked up. “I er, I will do my best.” He muttered, looking down at the pond. Why was it that his confidence always seemed to disappear when he was around her. At this rate she would never know how he felt.
Ahaz cleared his throat and looked her in the eyes. “Atino, I like you. A lot. I like you more then anyone I have ever met.” He spoke quickly his legs twitching nervously. “You might be the first cheetah that I have ever been in love with.”
Now time for reject. He prepared himself mentally for it. He was too weird for her, he knew that. There were so many things wrong with him and she was practically flawless.
She was surprised, though, now looking back on it, she shouldn't have been. They were close. He had always gone out of the way to be with her and she with him. Without thinking, she put her nose against his. It was just for a moment, but it felt like it lasted so long.
Quickly she pulled away, her ears warmed. “I, I got to go.” She hurried away. What was she thinking? She could not do that and in such a public spot. What if anyone saw. This was bad. She went toward one of the towers. There she could think over everything. She didn't mean to do that, she was just caught up in the moment. Tomorrow she would meet with Ahaz and figure out what happened.
Ahaz sat there confused. She had touched her nose together. He had seen couples do that occasionally. Were, were they a couple now? Or was this a fluke? She had ran away. That normally didn't happen. He got up. That was enough meditating for one day. He needed to do some fighting practice and figure out what had just happened. He thought that he might talk to an older member of the pride. Romance was welcome in the pride, but you had to be careful. Love could lead to jealousy. He wondered how a love like the one he felt toward Atino could ever falter. It was pure, just like her.
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