Kiroja and Angava were not expecting any trouble as they began their day across the plains. It was a new day and a new adventure awaited them, same as always. They were both in good spirits, though it had taken a little while after leaving Dalki behind to perk up and remind themselves that things were just fine. They had met and left many friends, and Kiroja was sure that Dalki the leopard would be just fine, and find something amazing for himself to do with his life. She had restored her spirits and Angava, through her being cheerier, was in much better spirits as well. He was a simple lion, and did not get as invested in everyone around him as she did. He did, however, manage to get invested in her. He could not help himself. He was very chivalrous, though, and he would never do anything that crossed the line from friendship into… anything else. He was happy this way, anyway, so what more could he ask for?
“Are you hungry, Kiroja? I could get you some food if you are. We haven’t eaten today.”
“We only just woke up, Angava,” she laughed, shaking her head. They had an early dinner the day before, but she was not hungry yet. When they traveled they could go a few days without needing to eat anything at all, so why would she need food so soon? He was being silly and protective again, which he did a lot when the mood took him. Generally when he thought she was in a fragile state, and she needed help that, of course, only he could provide. He was a silly guy, but she appreciated his care and attention. She always needed attention, but this was much different to what she was used to. She was getting used to it, though, and enjoyed herself much more these days. She had never noticed how alone she felt before, since she spent her time making friends and keeping them company for a few days before continuing on her trails. She was doing the same thing now, but one thing was different and much better: having him there all the time.
“But if you’re hungry, then we can eat.”
“No, I’m not. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t, that’s all.”
“Alright. Well, I’m not.”
Understandably, things were a little tense. Kiroja was thinking more and more about how much she cared about him, and how she never wanted him to leave her behind. She was not even sure what that meant, but she was more aware of it now than ever. Angava, for his part, was thinking the same thing, and likewise not saying anything out loud. She looked at him and smiled warmly as he glanced away to avoid her eyes.
“Kiroja, hold on,” they had been walking while they chatted, but now he had her pause. He fur bristled and he looked around. They were in a wooded area, and he was unsure what he had heard… but he knew they were not alone. Something was following them. He had been getting this feeling for a couple of days now, but so far nothing had appeared or bothered them. The air, though, was tense, and he felt something bearing down on them. Another crackle, another twig snapping. Whoever was following them was getting careless now. Kiroja was standing a few feet away from him, and she looked back at him curiously.
“What are you talking about? Is something the matter?”
It all happened suddenly, and he could hardly do anything to react. A blur leaped from the bushes nearby, roaring as he went. He slammed into Angava, aiming for the male and not the female after all. Angava had been so focused on her, and her being in danger of an attack, that he had not been watching his own back. It was a pathetic mistake, and the lion that leaped on him knew it all too well. He had seen them traveling together, a bashful pair, pretending they meant less to one another than they really did, and he knew that they were pathetic fools. Easy targets. Generally, he did not go for easy targets, because he knew how strong he was, and he had no need for them. Today, however, was a special today.
Today, he was on a Viking.
Ulfric of the Stormborn had already, in his mind, proven who he was and how worthy he was to earn the rank of Reaver in his pride. He was a powerful, dangerous creature and if he wanted to cause chaos, then he could. He could have anything he wanted. Setting out a few days ago, he had come out here with another member of his pride that he was supposed to follow, supposed to respect and take command from. Ulfric was no lion’s servant, though, and his companion had suffered an unfortunate accident after they raided a small lion group and destroyed them. Ulfric did not believe in weakness, and had killed all those that had failed to impress him. That included the would be Captain. Now, he was to return to his pride with the news of his spectacular raid, and the proof of their conquest, as well as the heavy hearted news of the other lion’s passing. But it was not enough for Ulfric. He wanted to bring home more. Perhaps a thrall or two would due: and these two looked ripe for the claiming. If not, he would simply kill them, as well. It made no different to him, if he brought them back alive, or carved off their tails to add to his collection and bring back as proof.
Ulfric dug his claws into the fur on Angava’s back, landing directly on him with all four feet. The weight of another lion made Angava’s legs buckled and he slammed into the ground face first. His first instinct was to roll and get his paws out from under his body, not wanting to get completely pinned, and also to throw this attacker off of his back and get some ground. He was at a disadvantage because he had been attacked by surprise, and he had allowed his enemy to get the first attack, but he was not going to let it be the only attack. He felt the intruder snapping at his neck, and Angava turned his body with all his strength to rid himself of the unwanted guest. Ulfric did not go anywhere, falling off only slightly and using his back feet to readjust himself and leap back onto his target, still aiming for the neck. He wanted to incapacitate the other, but was not going to let it seem like was taking it easy. If the male died, he still had the female to take back with him.
She even had jewels on her flank: that made her a fine prize for a Viking.
“Kiroja, run!” Angava yelled as he grappled with the lion, roaring and growling viciously. They rolled together, each one struggling to gain the better ground, though Ulfric was much stronger than his opponent at the moment. He had the advantage in many respects, and he laughed as he fought, actually enjoying himself. He was confident, but he would not be blinded from it: he was nothing if not cautious in how he carried himself. He was not going to let a fight that seemed to be going in his favor go to his head.
The last thing he wanted was to lose because he was being stupid. Losing to a worthy opponent was one thing. Losing because he was being over confident and just asking for it was quite another. His pride would simply not allow him that kind of shame.
Losing, however, because of unexpected circumstances was a third, and much different, instance. He was not expecting the female to leap on him with enough strength to send them both sprawling, wrapped up in landing a dangerous looking swipe to her presumed mate’s head. His face snapped back just in time for her to pull Ulfric off of him and roll with the much larger male in a vicious scuffle of slashing claws and flashing teeth. He threw her off of him with a heavy, two footed kick and got to his feet, watching her as she hit the ground and struggled to get back up to her feet. Her legs shook and it was clear to him that she was no fighter, regardless of her brave effort. He growled and moved toward her, deciding then that they both just needed to die. It would be a shame to someone to lose them, but not to Ulfric.
“Stay away from him!” Kiroja growled, standing tall.
“You should worry more about yourself, miss,” Ulfric returned, with an almost polite nod before he charged at her, claws and teeth bared. She braced herself but that was all she had time for before she felt his heavy paw slamming into her side and his claws biting into her flesh. She let out a strangled yelp and fell away from him, while Angava was trying to get his senses back. He heard her scream, though, and his eyes widened as he realized he had left her in danger. He turned to see her on the ground, on her side, her white fur marred with red. Ulfric stood over her, as if considering.
“No!” Angava yelled. “NO!”
It was unbearable to think that he had failed her so profoundly. His one job in this world was to be her knight, her guardian, and to take care of her. Now she was laying on the ground, bleeding, looking lifeless and helpless, and he could not let that stand. He pushed himself to his feet and he charged made to charge, Ulfric turning toward him as he heard the other yelling so miserably. Pathetically. Ulfric did not take joy in slaughtering others, he did it for a purpose and to prove his points. He took no delight in hearing the other’s screams, but what needed to be done was getting done. The male would be with his female soon enough, anyway.
Except another unexpected guest arrived. Out of the wooded bushes, a streak of orange and black leaped and landed on Ulfric like a shot out of a cannon. He slammed into the other full force, raking his claws across Ulfric’s body. It made the lion roar in anger and leap backwards, snarling at the intruder. A leopard, lithe but powerful, and focused on the fight alone. He looked like he was muscular and built for fighting, and the way he carried himself, his stance, was very focused. This was someone who not only knew how to fight, but did it a lot. Ulfric growled, ready to face him, but the other lion moved forward to stand by Dalki’s side. The leopard did not get distracted by it, staring straight at his opponent. Ulfric charged and slammed his paw against Angava’s jaw, knowing it was weak from the hit before, and sending the lion stumbling sideways. That left him turning his attention on the leopard, who was leaping on him. It was a bad angle, and Ulfric cut under him, biting the underside of the leopards belly as he slammed into him and hauled him off the ground, throwing Dalki quite a few feet. Both opponents were struggling to their feet, but Ulfric saw a difficult, pointless fight ahead. There was no benefit for him here. He already had his prizes from his previous raid: this had just been more practice.
Ulfric shook his head, sighing.
“Your female is not dead. I was going to take her back to my pride with me. It seems she has more protectors than I thought. You can keep her, if she lives. But you’ll never forget me. My name is Ulfric, and I am allowing you to live.” He turned and walked away then, knowing neither of them would be able to follow him because of their fear for the female on the ground. Not that he was worried about it, either way. As he predicted, Dalki and Angava moved to Kiroja, letting the other male to leave.
He had proven himself, and neither of them really wanted to pick another fight with him. And there were far more important thing to focus on. Like the lioness bleeding on the savannah grass.
Word Count: 2,083 in Word.
