(Back log)
When he opened his eyes, everyone was gone. He blinked a couple times and looked around. “Mommy, Papa?” the timid voice called out. There was nothing but silence to greet him. The den that had been their home only held a small blue cub with red hair tuff. He was larger then a average cub, but lanky. His parents tried to feed him as often as they could, but it was difficult when there wasn't any prey around.
Drox looked around the den, confused and feeling lost. His parents would never leave without telling him, he was sure of that. The more he looked around the small den the more pain he felt inside him. He glanced at the mouth of the den. It was dawn outside, the sun rising up. He headed toward the entrance when he stopped. There was a lion he had never seen before standing a little bit a ways from the mouth, who was cleaning his paws.
He didn't dare get close to the strange lion. His mother had always told him to avoid strangers and to only talk to them when his parents said it was okay.
As he stood there, unsure what to do, the stranger turned to face him. Looking into the lion's eyes was like looking into a murky pond.
The lion stood up and walked into the den. Drox stepped back, getting as much distance as he could from the lion. The lion wasn't larger then his father, but still compared to a small cub the lion looked like a giant.
When Drox was backed against the wall, no where to go and no where to run, Drox closed his eyes tightly and wished that the lion would go away. Suddenly there were no more steps echoing against the den walls. Drox opened one eye to see the lion standing a ways in front of him, his eyes resting on Drox's.
“I am sorry to scare you little one. It is not my intent to hurt you.” the lion said.
Drox opened both eyes and watched the lion. There was an odd kindness in his voice, that reminded Drox of an elderly lion that his parents help look after. Other then his eyes, the lion didn't look too scary. He wasn't terrible big.
The lion glanced around. “Why are you all alone here? Where are your guardians?” the lion asked. There was sincere worry in the lions voice. Drox felt like he could trust the lion, at least just a little. It was an emergency after all. He needed to find his parents soon before something happened to them!
“I don't know where my parents are.” Drox spoke nervously. “My papa is blue like me, but my mama is purple with red hair. Have you seen them?” He hoped that the lion had.
The lion shook his head. “I am afraid not. Would you mind if I stuck around here until your parents return?” He asked. “I want to be sure that you stay safe until they return.”
Drox watched the lion with more interest now. His parents had always taught him that others could not be trusted. However this lion seemed different. He was sure that if his parents knew his situation they wouldn't get mad at him for trusting the lion. Drox nodded his head. “Maybe we can go looking for them?” Drox suggested.
“For now I think it is best for us to wait here. They won't take too long. Most likely they went on a hunt.” He said. The lion laid down. “Why don't you tell me about yourself so we can pass the time?”
“My name is Drox and I like to play games!” Drox said with a grin. He felt more comfortable with the lion as he laid down. He was much less threatening now. “I live here with my mama and papa. They take care of me and my neighbors. My neighbors come and go though. Right now it's just my family living here. What about you mister? I've never seen you around here.”
The lion smiled. “I am new to the area. I am a traveler trying to find my way in this world.” His voice was distant, as if he was talking about one thing, but thinking about another. He looked away from Drox as he took in the silence. Drox just watched in amusement. He was sure he had never met a lion quite like this one and was sure he never would again. The lion seemed to snap out of his thoughts, his attention back on Drox. “My name is Majanga, it is nice to meet you Drox, though to be honest I wish our meeting would have been under different circumstances.”
Drox always loved listening to travelers talk, though Majanga didn't seem to be much of a talker. “While we wait for my parents, do you think you can tell me about your adventures?” His tail flicked with excitement. He wasn't allowed to venture far from the den unless his parents were around. The farthest he had ever gone was a few feat away from the entrance and it was just for a moment. His mother quickly picked him up and dragged him back inside. Eventually he knew his parents would trust to go outside, he would just have to be patient.
“My adventures. Well, I was, until recently, in training. My mentor was teaching me everything he knew as we traveled. He would teach me lessons and allow me to question the things around me instead of taking them at face value. It was a rewarding experience, something that I would like to share with another once I find an apprentice. Until I find an apprentice, I decided to travel and to learn about other cultures and get a chance to really see the world.”
The more Majanga talked, the more eager Drox was to listen. Drox liked to question things around him. He did it all the time. If his mother told him to stay put, he would ask why. He felt that he could learn a lot from the older lion. “I could be your apprentice, for a short time, until my parents get back.” Drox offered, hoping that Majanga would say yes.
However the lion just gave a soft laugh. “I'm afraid I am looking for an apprentice who is willing to stay longer then just an afternoon. I need an apprentice who I can trust to stick by my side until I have taught them everything I think they should know and maybe staying with me afterward to help teach the next apprentice.”
“Oh.” Drox ears fell. He would have liked to be a apprentice for a little bit. But he knew his parents would never allow him to leave the den for such a long period of time. “Maybe when I am older then. I would love to see the world, but my mama and papa say it's dangerious. When I am older though, I'll be able to protect myself. Maybe then you can teach me. I promise I'll do my best to listen.”
Majanga gave Drox a smile. “I'll keep your offer in mind. If things work out, then maybe I will take you as my apprentice. I've been waiting for what feels like an eternity already. Waiting a few more years won't hurt now will it Drox.”
“No it won't mister Majanga.” Drox said with a nod. He was glad that he talked to the lion. When his parents came back, he was sure that the three of them would become friends. If he was lucky, maybe his parents would let him become his apprentice sooner then later, though he doubted it.
As they talked, Drox kept his eye on the cave entrance, waiting for one of his parents to come in. They were adults, he kept reminding himself, they aren't weak they can handle themselves. However as time kept beating onward, the more worried he became.
WC:1,344
