Kaliforneum
Cheza murmured incomprehensibly and rolled over in her sleep, a peaceful expression on her face. The female hadn’t felt safe enough to sleep soundly for quite some time. The rogue lands were a dangerous place, usually demanding a series of quick naps, a compromise between rest and safety. It wasn’t uncommon for a nasty rogue to sneak up on loners like her while they slumbered. Cheza had been woken up to one too many roars and snarls to think otherwise.
But the past three days had been…well, the best Cheza could remember. Dik was charming and kind, easy to talk to, and easy on the eyes. And since there was no sign of that crazy rogue lion that had chased her, Cheza was sure she had lost him for good. Dik made her feel safe, so safe that female had gotten more sleep than she though she ever had in her entire life. The lioness sighed happily and stretched, not yet willing to wake up fully.
The Captain Britain
Dik silently watched Cheza as she slowly returned from the world of dreams. He didn’t mean to watch her, not really, but the leopard had never been much for sleeping long hours. Dik had been taught to always be vigilant. And even though nothing had come of it yet, Cheza’s fear of whoever had been chasing her kept him slightly on edge. If the madman was truly out there, Dik didn’t want to be caught unaware. So he hadn’t slept as much as Cheza had. And when Dik had tried to wander off and get a quick drink from a nearby brook, Cheza had become terrified. So he stayed by her side while she slept. Hence the watching.
Not that it wasn’t hard to do. Pure white fur, grey eyes that sparkled like diamonds, well, it wasn’t like Cheza was hard to watch. The male quirked a smile as Cheza stirred again. She was definitely awake now. “Hey there, sleepy. Finally done with your hibernation?”
Kaliforneum
The female groaned and swatted in the direction Dik’s voice had come from. “Jerk. Don’t you know that a proper lady needs her beauty sleep?” She retorted. The afternoon sun was setting, just as it had been when the two had first met a couple days ago. Since then, Dik and Cheza had gotten to know each other quite well. They hadn’t left their spot to travel elsewhere, but the lioness didn’t think she would mind if they stayed near their little tree forever.
The Captain Britain
Dik laughed. “Please. As if you need any more beauty sleep.” He winked, even though Cheza couldn’t see the action. He hoped his tone was good enough. It wasn’t as if he was being subtle. Not that Dik had a problem being subtle. It was just that sometimes he wanted to be more obvious. Like right now. “Are you going to keep sleeping or do you want to finish off this zebra before it rots?”
Kaliforneum
Cheza couldn’t help the fact that her ears heated up at Dik’s comment. She still wasn’t used to the flirting, not that she minded it. She very much enjoyed it, especially from a male like Dik. A gentleman. A rogue who was a gentleman. In truth, Cheza didn’t know all that much about Dik.
The mention of food had her stomach. Dik had made sure the female was well fed these past few days. In addition to being well-fed, Cheza couldn’t ever remember being this full. “Oh alright. I’m up.” The female rolled onto her paws, crawling over to the zebra in a few short scoots, not even bothering to stand up.
The Captain Britain
Chuckling, Dik scooted after her, shaking his head. The lioness he’d been getting to know was so very different from the scared, tortured female who’d stumbled across him. But people were like that. Fearful situations turned many into completely different individuals. A little TLC, and anyone could change.
Cheza, as he had found out, was rather talkative and friendly, despite not having the best life. Dik admired her tenacity and optimism. Many in her situation turned bitter and cynical. “Going to talk some time to breathe? Weren’t you ever taught any manners?”
Kaliforneum
“You know I wasn’t.” Cheza shot back between mouthfuls. She had shared with him her life story, about how she’d been left on her own in the roguelands and fended for herself for many years. It was why she couldn’t hunt very well. The lioness had never been taught how.
But, now that Cheza thought about it, Dik hadn’t shared all that much with her. She knew he’d been an only child, and an orphan. But that was about it. “What about you? Who taught you chivalry 101?”
The Captain Britain
The leopard laughed shortly. Cheza had been pressing him for more information about his life story ever since they began talking. Dik supposed seen she had shared so much of hers, Dik could share a little of his. “My adoptive father, actually. Taught me all the ways of high society.” It was only half a joke. “Also taught me how to fight as well, but I think I told you that already.” Dik had done his best to make sure that Cheza knew she’d be safe if the lion who’d been pursuing her showed up. The leopard swore she only partly believed him. It wasn’t as if he could showcase his talents.
Kaliforneum
Cheza snorted. High society. What did that even mean? “Ah. And does the high society do much in the ways of fighting?” Not that Cheza doubted Dik could hold his own in battle. The female had been sneaking peaks of his muscular and toned body when she could. His physique certainly seemed accurate for someone who was a fighter.
The Captain Britain
Dik smiled. “Only at all the high society parties.” Dik wanted to tell her more, but…well his mentor would likely kill him if he did. Always secret this and secret that. At least Cheza seemed to be understanding of his unwillingness to spill his guts. This seemed like the most conversation the female had been involved in a long time.
Off in the brush, Romaleos growled. His flower was sitting with another male! First she had the audacity to run off, and now she was betraying him? Oh, no. They both needed to pay. The male with is life. His flower? Well, he’d think of something creative. The lion stalked forward a step, eyes burning with anger.
Kaliforneum
Cheza laughed. Getting information out of Dik was like prying open a tortoise shell, but at least he was charming enough to make it fun. And the handsome part didn’t hurt either.
The female opened her mouth to deliver another witty comment, but her mouth snapped shut. She could have sworn that she heard something in the grass. She gazed out at the tall brush, scanning back and forth for any signs that it wasn’t the wind.
The Captain Britain
Dik tensed. He thought he’d been the only to hear it. If Cheza had heard it too, then something was definitely out in the grass. The sound had been much too quiet to be some prey, too soft and careful to be the quick rustling of a hare or mouse. Though he couldn’t smell anything, Dik knew when he was being stalked. Claws out and ready, he stood, staring in the direction of the sound. “Seems like someone wants to share our dinner.” He drawled, trying to sound calm. He had honestly no idea what the individual hiding the grass wanted.
Romaleos bared his teeth. They’d heard him. No use for secrecy now. He’d take out that puny leopard and make Cheza watch as Romaleos turned him into his next meal. With a mighty roar, he leapt out of the grass, barreling straight for Cheza.
Kaliforneum
“It’s him!” Cheza screamed and backed away, tripping over the remains of the zebra. How? How had he found her? Just when she had started to be happy again. And though Cheza had mostly healed from her injuries after her previous encounter with this lion, there was no way she’d be able to outrun him again.
She felt Romaleos crush her beneath his weight, felt his teeth and his claws. “Dik!” She yelled, unable to get free.
The Captain Britain
Dik moved without hesitation, jumping onto the lion’s back and digging into an ear before ripping it off. Romaleos roared in fury and reared up, trying to dislodge the leopard from his back. Dik let go and landed behind the lion, snapping at the lion’s ankles. Romaleos turned around and swiped at the leopard, snarling fiercely. Dik dodged easily, nipping the lion’s shoulder before darting back away. He wanted to distract the lion so Cheza could get to safety. “Cheza! Go! Go now!”
Kaliforneum
The lioness stared in shock and fear as the male fought, teeth and claws and blood flying. Without a second thought, Cheza fled, her paws kicking up clods of dirt. She couldn’t be his victim again. She couldn’t. The female ran blindly, not caring which direction she was going. All the lioness cared about was getting away. It was the only thing running through her mind. Her flight or fight instincts had taken over control of her body and were telling her to run. So Cheza obeyed, fleeing from the terrible sounds coming from the fight behind her.