...//I Kid You Not
Last one i swear!
Dark Fire Angel
Laying down near the border of the jungle, the god found himself scanning the Dessert dunes, almost as if hoping something would come of it, however, he'd spent there a while already and no signs told him of prey nearby. If he didn't find anything soon, he'd be forced to reveal his wings and fly off to find prey elsewhere, however, the idea was not welcomed and his nose wrinkled almost in disgust.
He really did not wish to leave right now, for some odd reason, however, he kept on repeating to himself, much like a mantra that it was because it was all so blooming hot and he did not wish to go out into the open sun. The half dried foliage was providing him quite a good place to lay within, mostly hidden from keen eyes, for his dead green pelt was a good camouflage color for the land he'd taken to reside within. Deep down, however, he knew it was not the sun what was keeping him in place, but rather, earlier actions and events, mostly spurred by his sister; he greatly disliked the way she usually knew all what was going on around her, and he greatly resented knowing that she was always right... for by now he'd had time enough to dissect earlier event. He did not like what he saw within his own words, nor the actions that had accompanied them.
Tell truth, Deception felt much like he was resting over quick sand, which was keenly waiting to drown him up; it was only a matter of time, and one false step which would send him to his metaphorical death, and yet... here he was, enduring it. And all because he cared.
Having come to terms with the feeling of caring for others had been quite difficult, however, he'd managed, satisfying himself by thinking he'd cared for the three misties like he cared for his sister; rather scratch that, two misties, for the adult male had left. Amusingly enough, Tri's departure had not saddened the god, but rather, had lightened a weight from his shoulders he'd never realised was there. He'd never bothered to look too much into it, rather frightened over the idea of what it could mean and thus he'd pushed it to the back of his mind. Truth was... he was not upset in the least, as horrible as that may have sounded; he felt like he no longer needed to compete against the adult male, however, for the life of him, he could not understand what that meant.
Even during the time Tri had been around, the cub had done his best, within his limitations, to provide all what he needed whilst not looking out of place. He was, after all, perfectly capable of looking out for himself. Years of living alone had taught him that... however, whilst living within this family group, not only had he looked out for himself, but he'd tried his best to look out for the other three, almost as if trying to prove his worth.
Who was he even trying to prove his worth to anyhow?
A sneer penetrated the silence at thought, and there's no doubting Ushaufu would've kept on pondering such thoughts had not a distinctive scent reached his nose; almost as if on instinct, the god roared, his voice having finally changed enough to permit this, signalling his position to the female before he turned back to stare at the landscape. He'd even taken the habit of looking heavenward, scanning the sky for clouds that he knew were not to come...
He hardly recognised himself anymore, and the strange thing was... he was unsure if this was a good thing, or a bad thing.
Kisoni
The searing gaze of the heavy, hagriding heat that hung in the sky, ever haunting and harrassing the creatures beneath it with its presence, bore down as ever before upon the back of the lithe, brown splattered lioness as she padded her way through the brittle grass and dry, choking dust that littered the valley floor. Up ahead shadow gave a minor respite, though what shadow there was, was beginning to dry up as the water was, thanks to the trees drying and dying leaves no longer providing the thick canopy that should have been their right to wear. Still, Kizuka did not bother herself with this, forcing her mind to think of other things.. like the green male she was in search of.
The herds were growing thin, those that hadn't moved on, for not much could survive on dead grass and leaves that provided nothing but "filler food" for their aching stomachs. These creatures, while getting weaker, were filled now with something more dangerous than strength; desperation. No creature truly wanted to die, and so no creature ever simply laid down and let the lions take them. No, they would fight with everthing they had to keep their lives, and only fight harder for it now that they were coming even more aware of the mortality of their own lives. True, the lands in which they all lived were never safe or easy, but there was some solistice in the familiar death at a predators claws when compaired to an unseen, unscented and unexcapeable predator such as starvation.
Kizuka didn't want Kimaji facing the danger of these beasts. The thought of her daughter goared or trampled sent shivers of fear down the great huntresses spine, shaking off even the words that Truth had so plagued her mind with a few days before. Ushaufu, on the other hand...
While the lioness didn't want either one in danger of any sort, the male was older and stronger than the little half-grown cub they guarded together. Not only that, he was much more used to the hunt, and he and Kizuka had already taken out a few smaller predators together on the fly. She hoped he wouldn't mind her seeking him out for such a task this time.
As Kizuka reached the opposite side of the small stand of trees she'd been slinking through a familiar call greeted her. A light smile crossed her maw, as happy as a spring-struck adolescent, though she didn't seem to notice the change in herself as she usually would have, and turned her path further towards the prey she'd let scent her coming. Not even that strange sensation of fluttering insects in her stomach could break her thoughts from the hunt she was hoping to ask for.
In truth, Kizuka had forced herself not to think about it. It'd been a day or more--the days had long since begun to blur together--since Truth had come and gone so abruptly from their lives, and yet the lioness still wasn't prepared to deal with what only a small part of her was accepting as the truth. Not even the fact that the lion, in reality, was probably a few times her elder could get her over the lump that was their apparant age differences. (Nor, that small, sarcasticly humored part of her whispered, that you met him and treated him as you would have a cub. You thought to be his mother.)
She rounded the tree he was sprawled under, then, looking out towards the desert, and let herself plop down into the fragile grass between his prone form and the tree behind. For a moment, Kizuka ran her eyes out over the desert, then the sky, scanning ever in hope of fat, rain darkened clouds somewhere on the horizon. It was useless, of course, but that couldn't stop her hope.
"The herds are getting meaner," She said presently, picking up as if they had been in the middle of a conversation already. That same small voice at the back of her head noted how nice it was to have someone you were so comfortable with. "and there arn't any significantly weaker ones to pick off anymore... You haven't eaten yet have you." The last wasn't a really a question, but she phrased it as one anyway. Let him reply as he would, she didn't think he'd have any reason to be false with her about it--after all, what did he have to prove?
Dark Fire Angel
An ear flickered to listen to her, no true emotion passing through his features except a small wrinkling of his nose, a gesture he'd come to do whenever he'd been found out whilst doing something not exactly correct, "I gave my last scraps to the little one, her stomach was protesting," after all, he could always spread his wings, dive into the sky and hunt elsewhere, miles away, within the same day, Kizuka and her Kimaji did not have that privilege. Much to his mourning sometimes.
However, she was right; the herds were moving, and those few that remain were dangerous to attack. Not even a sky attack would catch them by surprise now, for they'd seen their fair share, "I wonder where that blasted pride's gone to... it's probably due to the fact we remain close to the border. I'd heard they remain within, though personally, one wonders why they cling to a place that's dieing..." red gaze narrowed, still looking over the desert that lay before them, the wind picking up here and there, making small clouds of sand drift in the distance, "They should move on, water is obviously not to come," though he was talking about the Mistweaver which they had yet to locate, in a sense, he was doubtlessly talking about himself too.
Why was it he did not move on? Why did he persist in staying in a place that was condemned? It would've not made sense to others, but it made sense within Ushaufu's mind; amusingly enough, he'd found something keen to happiness within the dried up lands, and he stubbornly refused to let go, to give up the metaphorical fight. He'd come to bond with the place and it hurt to think of abandoning it, even though there was nothing he could do to save or help it in the least. He had no powers within any realm that could help. Idly, he knew that when he did things, even when they were nasty or mean, he had a reason behind it even if it did not favour everyone, and thus he knew that the storm god, wherever it may have been must've had it's own reasons, "I wonder what His reasons are, a fresh kill for His thoughts."
He'd spoken out his thoughts, like he'd come accustomed to doing in Kizuka's presence; no longer did he guard his every movement around her, or the child, but rather, seemed relaxed, and quite happy, within his limit anyhow...
There were things he dreaded to say and things he dreaded to think about, though he'd already begun to phantom them, "There's nothing left here but us," his head finally turned away from the sands, placing itself over his paws, red gaze looking up to the ex-mystweaver, a brow arching, almost as if silently offering her too a penny for her thoughts, for they'd come to be quite an important part of his day by now. His thoughts hadn't strayed to his sister in all the while, for he knew that even within her innocent look, she was more than perfectly capable of taking care of herself; he'd been witness of one of those rare moments when she'd been angered into violence, and he knew fully well that he would've not taken her up in a fight. The thought had always travelled with him, quelling his worry for her into almost nothingness.
However, she was right; the herds were moving, and those few that remain were dangerous to attack. Not even a sky attack would catch them by surprise now, for they'd seen their fair share, "I wonder where that blasted pride's gone to... it's probably due to the fact we remain close to the border. I'd heard they remain within, though personally, one wonders why they cling to a place that's dieing..." red gaze narrowed, still looking over the desert that lay before them, the wind picking up here and there, making small clouds of sand drift in the distance, "They should move on, water is obviously not to come," though he was talking about the Mistweaver which they had yet to locate, in a sense, he was doubtlessly talking about himself too.
Why was it he did not move on? Why did he persist in staying in a place that was condemned? It would've not made sense to others, but it made sense within Ushaufu's mind; amusingly enough, he'd found something keen to happiness within the dried up lands, and he stubbornly refused to let go, to give up the metaphorical fight. He'd come to bond with the place and it hurt to think of abandoning it, even though there was nothing he could do to save or help it in the least. He had no powers within any realm that could help. Idly, he knew that when he did things, even when they were nasty or mean, he had a reason behind it even if it did not favour everyone, and thus he knew that the storm god, wherever it may have been must've had it's own reasons, "I wonder what His reasons are, a fresh kill for His thoughts."
He'd spoken out his thoughts, like he'd come accustomed to doing in Kizuka's presence; no longer did he guard his every movement around her, or the child, but rather, seemed relaxed, and quite happy, within his limit anyhow...
There were things he dreaded to say and things he dreaded to think about, though he'd already begun to phantom them, "There's nothing left here but us," his head finally turned away from the sands, placing itself over his paws, red gaze looking up to the ex-mystweaver, a brow arching, almost as if silently offering her too a penny for her thoughts, for they'd come to be quite an important part of his day by now. His thoughts hadn't strayed to his sister in all the while, for he knew that even within her innocent look, she was more than perfectly capable of taking care of herself; he'd been witness of one of those rare moments when she'd been angered into violence, and he knew fully well that he would've not taken her up in a fight. The thought had always travelled with him, quelling his worry for her into almost nothingness.
Kisoni
Kizuka nodded to his words, flashing a grateful smile at the sky that he'd taken it upon himself to feed Kimaji. Not that she thought he wouldn't, but it was still good to recognize what anyone did for you, despite their relationship. Taking things for granted, especially people and their positive actions, was never a wise thing to do.
Her ears flattened as he continued on, though, reading the lines between them to know that he was considering why anyone would cling to this place, not just the invisible pride. Kizuka rolled her shoulders, a lighter version of a shrug, and tilted her head a little to the side. Why DID anyone stay in this growing wasteland? Even as she asked herself the question, the answer proded at her like a cat teasing a mouse, and for about the same reason. "Its home," She said presently, her voice soft and distant as she followed the path of her thoughts. "Its just... home. Much like them, if they truly do exist--i'm beginning to wonder on that point--I once gave up this land, too. It wasn't easy by any reach of the mind."
Kizuka sighed, the movement rattling her thining body more than she cared to admit, and looked down at the barely tangible grass sticking up before her paws. Her ears flopped backward, but not in anger. "No matter how hard it becomes, no matter the danger and hurt and fear... its worse to think of giving up. To run away with your tail between your legs, though no one would blame you. And yet..."
A mocking wind blew into her ear, despite how flat she'd held them, and she growled at it. After a good shake of her head and swipe of her paw over ear to clear the uncomfortable feeling, Kizuka found herself chuckling softly. The lioness flopped down into the dirt, ignoring the soft cloud she startled into the air, and let her chin rest on Ushaufu's flank. One of her paws extended, toes playing along the fur of his tail in an idle gesture. Her claws even extended a little to run through the green mass, trusting her self control to keep from scratching or knicking him in the process.
For a moment she laid there in silence, letting her eyelids droop so that only the faintest glimmer of the deep brown within was visible. "I've long wondered what His reasons are as well," Her voice turned suddenly smooth and mystic, perhaps a kickback to her raising, as she answered his slip about the Storm God, "and perhaps its still foolish of me to pray still, now that I have a better knowledge of you and yours... I still do." Another shrug, this one easier and Kizuka shifted her maw for a moment to lick at the patch of green flank she had rested it against before she resettled it. "No matter what, I know His reasons must be good ones, and I am in no position to question them. I simply hope that he'll see fit to return to us one day... and if its not too much, bring a few pet rain clouds with him."
The last part was obviously a joke in the twitching of her lips and light lilt in her voice. She didn't laugh, for she wasn't so disposed, but trusted that Ushaufu knew her well enough. There was a small sort of comfort and relaxation in that trust that... really wasn't so small at all. "Perhaps they have it right, staying in the heartland. There were more lakes and rivers back there, if my memory serves correctly. If we look, we might find some better habitat... the herds move away from the inner core, however, so that might just be a spring of hope and nothing more."
Her ears flattened as he continued on, though, reading the lines between them to know that he was considering why anyone would cling to this place, not just the invisible pride. Kizuka rolled her shoulders, a lighter version of a shrug, and tilted her head a little to the side. Why DID anyone stay in this growing wasteland? Even as she asked herself the question, the answer proded at her like a cat teasing a mouse, and for about the same reason. "Its home," She said presently, her voice soft and distant as she followed the path of her thoughts. "Its just... home. Much like them, if they truly do exist--i'm beginning to wonder on that point--I once gave up this land, too. It wasn't easy by any reach of the mind."
Kizuka sighed, the movement rattling her thining body more than she cared to admit, and looked down at the barely tangible grass sticking up before her paws. Her ears flopped backward, but not in anger. "No matter how hard it becomes, no matter the danger and hurt and fear... its worse to think of giving up. To run away with your tail between your legs, though no one would blame you. And yet..."
A mocking wind blew into her ear, despite how flat she'd held them, and she growled at it. After a good shake of her head and swipe of her paw over ear to clear the uncomfortable feeling, Kizuka found herself chuckling softly. The lioness flopped down into the dirt, ignoring the soft cloud she startled into the air, and let her chin rest on Ushaufu's flank. One of her paws extended, toes playing along the fur of his tail in an idle gesture. Her claws even extended a little to run through the green mass, trusting her self control to keep from scratching or knicking him in the process.
For a moment she laid there in silence, letting her eyelids droop so that only the faintest glimmer of the deep brown within was visible. "I've long wondered what His reasons are as well," Her voice turned suddenly smooth and mystic, perhaps a kickback to her raising, as she answered his slip about the Storm God, "and perhaps its still foolish of me to pray still, now that I have a better knowledge of you and yours... I still do." Another shrug, this one easier and Kizuka shifted her maw for a moment to lick at the patch of green flank she had rested it against before she resettled it. "No matter what, I know His reasons must be good ones, and I am in no position to question them. I simply hope that he'll see fit to return to us one day... and if its not too much, bring a few pet rain clouds with him."
The last part was obviously a joke in the twitching of her lips and light lilt in her voice. She didn't laugh, for she wasn't so disposed, but trusted that Ushaufu knew her well enough. There was a small sort of comfort and relaxation in that trust that... really wasn't so small at all. "Perhaps they have it right, staying in the heartland. There were more lakes and rivers back there, if my memory serves correctly. If we look, we might find some better habitat... the herds move away from the inner core, however, so that might just be a spring of hope and nothing more."
Dark Fire Angel
Both ears flickered forth at that one word; home. It was a strange word, really, for he'd never called anyplace ... by that name before, and yet, as she spoke the word, the male couldn't help but lift his head from his paws, tilting his head ever so slightly to one. There was no doubt he was considering the word in his mind, nodding soon after approvingly at how it sounded in context; ironic, it was indeed home. Maybe it was that word which he'd been seeking for just a long time now... he'd preferred to think he was attached to the place, that he'd bonded with it, to some level, but there was no denying the underlying truth.
Even Deception wouldn't go as far as to deny himself that much.
"Oh, they are here, believe me, even though you can't see them," a strange sort of smirk came upon his maw, for he knew she'd never take anything he said for granted... it was strange, for he'd once loved the idea of lieing to everyone, others never trusting him, yet now that sense of power had changed somewhat. He didn't want to remain completely untrusted. Not here, "They're there. I did not lie about the firekin blood within the pride either."
He said no more, choosing to remain silent, for he knew Kizuka had been greatly appalled by that idea, "I wonder where they chose to hide themselves... and I wonder if they think it wise to welcome fire within the sea," at this random thought he'd voice, he opened his maw and yawned, for the heat that was passing through the branches was greatly hindering his movements, and probably that of any other creature; he'd long sent Varg away, amusingly enough, worried the avian was not getting enough to eat. Which had turned out to be true, the god had practically demanded his familiar stay within richer grounds, for worried about his health... Varg had a tendency to overlook himself in favour of others.
At her words, the god turned her gaze to her, something keen to sorrow flashing only momentarily through them, "Aye, but some times a retreat in time is best, in order to make a full charge later on," a pause, frowning slightly, almost as if indirectly addressing her, "Even if you fight, sometime a strategic retreats gives you all the more force to fight back once you've healed, I'd be care, clinging to this place... one needs to live to see a better day, for if one dies with the place... one might miss it's rebirth later on..." he'd not moved as she'd turned to lay down, flicking the end of his tail this way and that under her paw, seemingly not minding, for contact was something he'd by now grown accustomed to, "Oi, you mess it up, you're grooming it; I spent a good part of the morning on it, Kimaji was playing pounce on it."
From one topic of conversation, obviously serious, to an another, rather humorous one, almost as if to balance it out before she spoke of the Storm God, "Not all are like me, or even my sister; I've seen a god cublet, not too long ago, he had the ability to change the color of animals, plants, everything... I've seen gods summon snow storms, and gods look down upon the chaos they've created. I've seen others look down upon the life they've created or are responsible for... not all of us are the same," again the yawn overcame his features, his eyes closing briefly at the feel of her tongue upon her flank, "Some of us are closer to those like you, others remain never seen... usually it's those that have the more spectacular realms to rule, however, I'd not trade mine for any others."
He was, after born from Deception. He reeled in it, there was no denying that, "Sooner or later, even if the place dies, it might be reborn, it's all a matter of... luck," her later words were greeted with a light hum of approval which most likely meant he was willing, however, not at this precise moment. Eyes still closed, the god moved his head slightly so that his nose touched her side and remain there, obviously awake, for his ears were still quite keen on flicking this way and that, hoping for sounds to indicate prey nearby.
Even Deception wouldn't go as far as to deny himself that much.
"Oh, they are here, believe me, even though you can't see them," a strange sort of smirk came upon his maw, for he knew she'd never take anything he said for granted... it was strange, for he'd once loved the idea of lieing to everyone, others never trusting him, yet now that sense of power had changed somewhat. He didn't want to remain completely untrusted. Not here, "They're there. I did not lie about the firekin blood within the pride either."
He said no more, choosing to remain silent, for he knew Kizuka had been greatly appalled by that idea, "I wonder where they chose to hide themselves... and I wonder if they think it wise to welcome fire within the sea," at this random thought he'd voice, he opened his maw and yawned, for the heat that was passing through the branches was greatly hindering his movements, and probably that of any other creature; he'd long sent Varg away, amusingly enough, worried the avian was not getting enough to eat. Which had turned out to be true, the god had practically demanded his familiar stay within richer grounds, for worried about his health... Varg had a tendency to overlook himself in favour of others.
At her words, the god turned her gaze to her, something keen to sorrow flashing only momentarily through them, "Aye, but some times a retreat in time is best, in order to make a full charge later on," a pause, frowning slightly, almost as if indirectly addressing her, "Even if you fight, sometime a strategic retreats gives you all the more force to fight back once you've healed, I'd be care, clinging to this place... one needs to live to see a better day, for if one dies with the place... one might miss it's rebirth later on..." he'd not moved as she'd turned to lay down, flicking the end of his tail this way and that under her paw, seemingly not minding, for contact was something he'd by now grown accustomed to, "Oi, you mess it up, you're grooming it; I spent a good part of the morning on it, Kimaji was playing pounce on it."
From one topic of conversation, obviously serious, to an another, rather humorous one, almost as if to balance it out before she spoke of the Storm God, "Not all are like me, or even my sister; I've seen a god cublet, not too long ago, he had the ability to change the color of animals, plants, everything... I've seen gods summon snow storms, and gods look down upon the chaos they've created. I've seen others look down upon the life they've created or are responsible for... not all of us are the same," again the yawn overcame his features, his eyes closing briefly at the feel of her tongue upon her flank, "Some of us are closer to those like you, others remain never seen... usually it's those that have the more spectacular realms to rule, however, I'd not trade mine for any others."
He was, after born from Deception. He reeled in it, there was no denying that, "Sooner or later, even if the place dies, it might be reborn, it's all a matter of... luck," her later words were greeted with a light hum of approval which most likely meant he was willing, however, not at this precise moment. Eyes still closed, the god moved his head slightly so that his nose touched her side and remain there, obviously awake, for his ears were still quite keen on flicking this way and that, hoping for sounds to indicate prey nearby.
Kisoni
"A strategic retreat," Kizuka huffed the words, blowing his fur a little. The heat was tiring, yes, so she didn't begrudge him his yawns or the light dozing he was giving all appearances of. There was no doubt in her mind that he was listening, and she moved her head to groom the spot she'd just mussed as she recollected her thoughts.
To leave again, with yet another promise of returning? He was probably right, her practical side admitted. To stay here was likely her greatest folly, if not for herself, for her cub. The romantic side of her, the one only few knew she had, broke at the thought of leaving her homeland again. Even though she'd been a cub when the plague had run through and then the firekin had decended to maim the last of the survivors, she still regretted not staying to fight for what was left of her home. Regretted, and knew that she would have died or been kept in slavery if she had. It was foolish to regret.
Turning her attentions instead to his talk of the Gods, Kizuka filed away this bit of information into what she had deemed the "religious" side of her mind. Even after the trials it had been put through, this side still remained strong and large in the lioness, not something to be extenguished even by her close assosiation with the God before her. So odd that a creature as obsessed with things like loyalty and honesty and righteousness as Kizuka was would be falling for...
Kizuka's paused a mere moment in her treatment of his flank as the thoughts interupted ever internal system she had. Luckily the autopilot switched on before there was any indication of something wrong, and her slow, carefull grooming resumed its course. Things inside were still going a bit awkwardly.
Fallen for? she asked herself, then mentally winced at the sudden change of tenses. That couldn't be it, could it? She gave a slightly irritated growl and the paw that had been playing absently with his teasing tail suddenly slapped over it, claws digging into the ground on either side.
That simple loss of control snapped the thought from her head as soon as it had come, just as her head snapped upward in alarm. For a long moment Kizuka sat, staring at his flank and from the sides of her eyes, her own paw trapping the green length of tail. "I..." She coughed, dislodging her claws from the earth and picked her paw up. Tucking it under her, the lioness tried to recollect herself, "Sorry. I don't know what got into me."
To leave again, with yet another promise of returning? He was probably right, her practical side admitted. To stay here was likely her greatest folly, if not for herself, for her cub. The romantic side of her, the one only few knew she had, broke at the thought of leaving her homeland again. Even though she'd been a cub when the plague had run through and then the firekin had decended to maim the last of the survivors, she still regretted not staying to fight for what was left of her home. Regretted, and knew that she would have died or been kept in slavery if she had. It was foolish to regret.
Turning her attentions instead to his talk of the Gods, Kizuka filed away this bit of information into what she had deemed the "religious" side of her mind. Even after the trials it had been put through, this side still remained strong and large in the lioness, not something to be extenguished even by her close assosiation with the God before her. So odd that a creature as obsessed with things like loyalty and honesty and righteousness as Kizuka was would be falling for...
Kizuka's paused a mere moment in her treatment of his flank as the thoughts interupted ever internal system she had. Luckily the autopilot switched on before there was any indication of something wrong, and her slow, carefull grooming resumed its course. Things inside were still going a bit awkwardly.
Fallen for? she asked herself, then mentally winced at the sudden change of tenses. That couldn't be it, could it? She gave a slightly irritated growl and the paw that had been playing absently with his teasing tail suddenly slapped over it, claws digging into the ground on either side.
That simple loss of control snapped the thought from her head as soon as it had come, just as her head snapped upward in alarm. For a long moment Kizuka sat, staring at his flank and from the sides of her eyes, her own paw trapping the green length of tail. "I..." She coughed, dislodging her claws from the earth and picked her paw up. Tucking it under her, the lioness tried to recollect herself, "Sorry. I don't know what got into me."
Dark Fire Angel
"Strategic retreat, aye," his eyes were still closed, his breath moving the dry dirt beneath him as he merely enjoyed the moment's peace. It wasn't often that Ushaufu had time to enjoy such moments, for most of the day was spent moving around looking for food, if not water. The territory that lay behind both lions was indeed going through hardship, that much was plainly obvious, even from the distance, however, for the time being and till it was entirely necessary to leave, the god would linger.
If only but to make her happy.
Never once did the thought occur to him that perhaps he should not truly be looking out for the ex-misty's well being, but rather his own, for he'd long come to terms with the fact that he did indeed care. What was the point of fighting it? He had time and space enough within his mind to care for both lioness, and thus, he was not going to deny himself the pleasure of doing so.
His thoughts flew out the window the moment Kizuka's paw landed harshly upon his tail, his eyes swiftly opening to regard how it'd come to be trapped under the female's large paw, her claws sinking mercilessly into the dry earth beneath. Though his head did not lift, both his eyebrows did, almost as if confused by such an action. A pause hence forth followed till the male finally turned his gaze towards Kizuka, questioning her silently, no words escaping his maw; something was bothering her, however, he knew it was nothing he'd said, and he knew it was nothing to do with the hunt, for though it was a serious matter, he'd never seen such a violent reaction from the lioness before.
"Hmmm..." it wasn't a word, but merely a hum, almost as if a thought had suddenly crossed his mind which he did not want to share, however, he soon enough lifted himself partially from the ground, enough so that he could twist his body comfortably to face her. He was, after all, Deception, and he knew well the symptoms of when someone was not telling the truth... when someone was trying to deceive him; something was eating at Kizuka's mind, metaphorically speaking, there was no doubt of it.
His mind supplied him with an idea to test out; he'd often seen lions leering down others, by pressing their faces forth to those they wished to intimidate, and thus, in his own strange way of thinking, he though that perhaps if he did something similar, he could coax the thought out of the female. Thus was how he suddenly found himself pressing his nose firmly against Kizuka's own, one brow arched in question, the other lowered.
What he wasn't expecting, however, was how the simple, innocent motion would affect him and soon enough, his expression was replaced by confusion, then something keen to realisation, "Something tells me it's not the hunt what bothers you," he'd had trouble releasing those few words, the phrase having come out in a whisper, forcing the god to pull back and clear his throat, then look away, "You know, even if you leave, the place will remain, you can always come back. That's what you did before..."
His thoughts were not into the words however, for he'd just realised something... quite frightening indeed spurred by that one simple action, and his mind was working at double the rate, trying to make sense out of it all. If she were to ever find out, he thought, she'd truly be disgusted.
If only but to make her happy.
Never once did the thought occur to him that perhaps he should not truly be looking out for the ex-misty's well being, but rather his own, for he'd long come to terms with the fact that he did indeed care. What was the point of fighting it? He had time and space enough within his mind to care for both lioness, and thus, he was not going to deny himself the pleasure of doing so.
His thoughts flew out the window the moment Kizuka's paw landed harshly upon his tail, his eyes swiftly opening to regard how it'd come to be trapped under the female's large paw, her claws sinking mercilessly into the dry earth beneath. Though his head did not lift, both his eyebrows did, almost as if confused by such an action. A pause hence forth followed till the male finally turned his gaze towards Kizuka, questioning her silently, no words escaping his maw; something was bothering her, however, he knew it was nothing he'd said, and he knew it was nothing to do with the hunt, for though it was a serious matter, he'd never seen such a violent reaction from the lioness before.
"Hmmm..." it wasn't a word, but merely a hum, almost as if a thought had suddenly crossed his mind which he did not want to share, however, he soon enough lifted himself partially from the ground, enough so that he could twist his body comfortably to face her. He was, after all, Deception, and he knew well the symptoms of when someone was not telling the truth... when someone was trying to deceive him; something was eating at Kizuka's mind, metaphorically speaking, there was no doubt of it.
His mind supplied him with an idea to test out; he'd often seen lions leering down others, by pressing their faces forth to those they wished to intimidate, and thus, in his own strange way of thinking, he though that perhaps if he did something similar, he could coax the thought out of the female. Thus was how he suddenly found himself pressing his nose firmly against Kizuka's own, one brow arched in question, the other lowered.
What he wasn't expecting, however, was how the simple, innocent motion would affect him and soon enough, his expression was replaced by confusion, then something keen to realisation, "Something tells me it's not the hunt what bothers you," he'd had trouble releasing those few words, the phrase having come out in a whisper, forcing the god to pull back and clear his throat, then look away, "You know, even if you leave, the place will remain, you can always come back. That's what you did before..."
His thoughts were not into the words however, for he'd just realised something... quite frightening indeed spurred by that one simple action, and his mind was working at double the rate, trying to make sense out of it all. If she were to ever find out, he thought, she'd truly be disgusted.
Kisoni
For a long moment, the cliche came true. The earth stood still as Kizuka felt the heat against her nose, the pant of breath mingling with hers, deep red eyes staring into hers. It got his attention, that much of his purpose was fullfilled. The insect came back in swarms, and Kizuka now knew the reason for them. Denial was hard when he was that close to her, but so was the knowledge that she was just a mere mortal.
For months she hadn't felt that way about herself around him. She was an equal, a friend, a companion.. but never a 'mere mortal.' Suddenly, that was true again just as it'd been in the beginning, for how could a God love a Mortal? Was that what she wanted?
It was, the lioness admitted to herself, no matter how wrong that was. She couldn't tell him that, though. Kizuka had lost one friend already, she wasn't going to loose him with this. It'd taken long enough to get him to accept her as a friend, after all. "It will," She whispered, forcing the words out around her turmoil of feelings, "you're right, it will. Perhaps I should, though I wonder if we'd even be able to make it across the desert..."
That wasn't what she wanted to say, or do but it did make some sort of far-distant logic to what little bit of her brain was functioning. This wasn't something Kizuka was used to, and she didn't like it in the least. She'd always known her mind, and never shied from personal truths. Why should she feel so sheepish now.
"... I should go find something to eat, its hard to think on an empty stomach," She heard herself say after a strange, awkward pause. Rising to her feet, the lioness looked at the male so close to her. Something overcame her then, and not by consious decision did she take the small step forward to nuzzle her head under his chin.
Though the lioness could have easily gone further than that, she didn't, and turned instead to head back inside the dying jungle.
For months she hadn't felt that way about herself around him. She was an equal, a friend, a companion.. but never a 'mere mortal.' Suddenly, that was true again just as it'd been in the beginning, for how could a God love a Mortal? Was that what she wanted?
It was, the lioness admitted to herself, no matter how wrong that was. She couldn't tell him that, though. Kizuka had lost one friend already, she wasn't going to loose him with this. It'd taken long enough to get him to accept her as a friend, after all. "It will," She whispered, forcing the words out around her turmoil of feelings, "you're right, it will. Perhaps I should, though I wonder if we'd even be able to make it across the desert..."
That wasn't what she wanted to say, or do but it did make some sort of far-distant logic to what little bit of her brain was functioning. This wasn't something Kizuka was used to, and she didn't like it in the least. She'd always known her mind, and never shied from personal truths. Why should she feel so sheepish now.
"... I should go find something to eat, its hard to think on an empty stomach," She heard herself say after a strange, awkward pause. Rising to her feet, the lioness looked at the male so close to her. Something overcame her then, and not by consious decision did she take the small step forward to nuzzle her head under his chin.
Though the lioness could have easily gone further than that, she didn't, and turned instead to head back inside the dying jungle.
Quote:
Strangely enough, where usually his mind had always helped him understand before, it was... not doing it's job at the moment; in fact, it was doing just the oposite. Instead of answering his silent questions, in regardto what had just happened it seemed to be supplying more and more querries. Soon enough, Ushaufu was forced to frown, shutting his mind 'off' per say, in hopes of become less confussed, or perhaps let the matter rest.
An ear flickered her way as his gaze remain away from her form; right now looking at her would be suicide after all. That aside, focussing on those words and such worries was much easier than facing his own sudden realisation however, and thus... the god did just that, "The Desert would be no such worry..." he'd god damn fly her and the cub across it, if need be (even though he himself knew such a task was imposible at best - it was still easier to think such thoughts), "If you came here once, it is posible to leave; all the other creatures are doing so... there is no reason we could not do likewise. In fact, we have the advantage of knowing which way to head," it was at thispoint that he made the fatal mistake; Ushaufu's head turned to face Kizuka.
It was then he knew.
It was then that the the silent questions that had been buzzing through his head were answered, and it was then he knew he'd not be forgiven; he'd done something aweful. He'd done something she'd probably hate him for if she knew and the knowledge made him gasp for air quite suddenly; the sound had marred the silence, uncharacteristic with him, however, he soon enough had other things to worry about.
Her voice was not what had worried him further, but rather the feel of her pelt against him as she stepped forward t nuzzle him; he was overcome, and little could he do to keep himself from returning the nuzzle, pressing his head against hers.Evil, his mind told him. Unforgiveable, it supplied further as he heard himself puring deeply within his chest. She'd hate you if she knew... she trusts you... stop it.
But... he could do no such thing.In fact, the only reason he stopped was because she'd pulled away, padding off to do,.. something or other. His mind had been too dazed to realise she'd even mentioned hunting, and thus Deception remain seated, watching the lioness leave till her form vanished into the dry foliage. He did not move for some times, remaining stock still and instead kept his gaze glued to the stop she'd vanished into till he felt his lips raise into a silent snarl, disgusted with himself, not for his own sake, but for hers.
How could anyone ever love a Lie? How could anyone ever learn to love Deception? It was not posible; not only that, but she'd no doubt be disgusted with him if she'd known his train of thoughts; she saw him as a friend, she'd accepted his company, but love was not something she'd willingly offer. Not for him. Why would she ever love him when she had so many others to chose from? Others that were not a lie... others that were bigger, stronger, attractive. Surely not him... and surely if he stayed he'd live to see the day she chose someone else, and that day a part of him would die. Now that he knew his own heart... now that he knew he could not have her, he had to leave. This time however, he'd not run, he'd walk away calmly, for it was not her fault... it was his own. For betraying that friendship she'd offered with his own selfish feelings. Never once did it ocurr to him to think she might, perhaps return his feelings. Such a thing was imposible; he was her friend, and nothing more.
Before he knew what he was doing, Ushaufu revealed his wings to the world, and with one flap, he lunged into the skies above, flying aimlessly, to nowhere in particular; rather he was merely flying away from that spot he'd been sitting in only mere moments ago; he was flying away from her, in a straight line and tell truth, the god did not car where that line took him... he'd fly on and on, till he'd no longer care. What he did not know... was thatsuch a task would prove to be imposible.
From the shadows the trees offered, a red hued hawk had watched the whole scene, his eyes filled with sorrow.
An ear flickered her way as his gaze remain away from her form; right now looking at her would be suicide after all. That aside, focussing on those words and such worries was much easier than facing his own sudden realisation however, and thus... the god did just that, "The Desert would be no such worry..." he'd god damn fly her and the cub across it, if need be (even though he himself knew such a task was imposible at best - it was still easier to think such thoughts), "If you came here once, it is posible to leave; all the other creatures are doing so... there is no reason we could not do likewise. In fact, we have the advantage of knowing which way to head," it was at thispoint that he made the fatal mistake; Ushaufu's head turned to face Kizuka.
It was then he knew.
It was then that the the silent questions that had been buzzing through his head were answered, and it was then he knew he'd not be forgiven; he'd done something aweful. He'd done something she'd probably hate him for if she knew and the knowledge made him gasp for air quite suddenly; the sound had marred the silence, uncharacteristic with him, however, he soon enough had other things to worry about.
Her voice was not what had worried him further, but rather the feel of her pelt against him as she stepped forward t nuzzle him; he was overcome, and little could he do to keep himself from returning the nuzzle, pressing his head against hers.Evil, his mind told him. Unforgiveable, it supplied further as he heard himself puring deeply within his chest. She'd hate you if she knew... she trusts you... stop it.
But... he could do no such thing.In fact, the only reason he stopped was because she'd pulled away, padding off to do,.. something or other. His mind had been too dazed to realise she'd even mentioned hunting, and thus Deception remain seated, watching the lioness leave till her form vanished into the dry foliage. He did not move for some times, remaining stock still and instead kept his gaze glued to the stop she'd vanished into till he felt his lips raise into a silent snarl, disgusted with himself, not for his own sake, but for hers.
How could anyone ever love a Lie? How could anyone ever learn to love Deception? It was not posible; not only that, but she'd no doubt be disgusted with him if she'd known his train of thoughts; she saw him as a friend, she'd accepted his company, but love was not something she'd willingly offer. Not for him. Why would she ever love him when she had so many others to chose from? Others that were not a lie... others that were bigger, stronger, attractive. Surely not him... and surely if he stayed he'd live to see the day she chose someone else, and that day a part of him would die. Now that he knew his own heart... now that he knew he could not have her, he had to leave. This time however, he'd not run, he'd walk away calmly, for it was not her fault... it was his own. For betraying that friendship she'd offered with his own selfish feelings. Never once did it ocurr to him to think she might, perhaps return his feelings. Such a thing was imposible; he was her friend, and nothing more.
Before he knew what he was doing, Ushaufu revealed his wings to the world, and with one flap, he lunged into the skies above, flying aimlessly, to nowhere in particular; rather he was merely flying away from that spot he'd been sitting in only mere moments ago; he was flying away from her, in a straight line and tell truth, the god did not car where that line took him... he'd fly on and on, till he'd no longer care. What he did not know... was thatsuch a task would prove to be imposible.
From the shadows the trees offered, a red hued hawk had watched the whole scene, his eyes filled with sorrow.
-- The end
Dated: Jan 18th 2007
