[CHAL] Determination

[Kimaria]

So here he was again, alone this time but perhaps a little more prepared than he had been for his first challenge. Please, he thought to himself, do this for Xochi. Do this for your pride.

He uttered his challenge then and waited, the nervous anticipation crackling through his fur and sending it prickling up along his shoulders and back.

His friend had already earned her place in the pride and he was determined to follow her. To enjoy seeing the surprise on her face as she saw him walking amongst other lions for the first time in his whole life. Perhaps today would be that day.

Who would come? he wondered.

magnadearel

 

[magnadearel]

Kimaria

A green male strutted forward as a challenge was issued. His "mate" was expecting her cubs any day now. Calder had no real interest in the proceedings until the cubs were born. He wasn't exactly sure how she'd managed to become his mate, nor did he know how to feel about her bearing his cubs. In a way is was an ego boost. He hoped there'd be plenty of male cubs. For now though, he focused on keeping out of the way.

A challenge was a perfect way to go. His eyes narrowed as he eyed the black male waiting. He looked strong, but Calder knew he was stronger. His lip curled in a slight sneer. "Do you really think you belong here girl?" It was fun for him to insult challengers; to see how riled up he could get them.  

[Kimaria]

This lion cast a striking figure. His vibrant pelt and stylised mane giving him a strong aura that was hard not to respect...and be wary of.

Zili was a lion who had spent much of his days alone, unused to the socialising that others took as second nature. So, when the green lion threw the insult he stood there a moment, turning his ears and trying hard to figure out what to do. Take it on the chin and pay it no heed? Or...was he expected to throw an insult back? To try and outdo him with words as well as actions?

Zili was not much of a wordsmith and neither was he a honed combatant. Still, he had heart and drive.

So, without a word, he threw himself at the other lion, uttering nothing in response except a rumbling growl.

magnadearel

 

[magnadearel]

Kimaria

Calder wanted to laugh right in the male's face as his own smack was ignored. Maybe this lion was a girl under that mane. Who knew? Weirder things had happened. Round one to him either way.

He really should learn to not gloat when there was a duel going on. The male was rather unprepared for the quick attack the black male launched at him. There wasn't even much of a warning, bar the low rumbling growl. Maybe his jab had hit home? Calder was forced to give quite a bit of ground before he felt he was in a position to attack. He gnashed his teeth at having to give up so much or take a hit. The brawny male snarled loud and lashed out with honed claws.  

[Kimaria]

Zili was brought up short when the other retaliated, claws unsheathed and aimed true. Distantly he wondered whether he'd just made a huge mistake. This lion seemed far more aggressive than the one he had fought in his first challenge and, despite some training, he felt out of his depth when faced with the possibility of being truly injured.

He gave a hiss of pain, dancing backwards to try and avoid worse injury and stood a moment, thrashing his tail from side to side.

Quite honestly, he wasn't sure what his next move should be. Another attack or to try and stay out of harm's way? Trying to bolster his confidence, he circled to the side and feinted an attack, ready to dance backwards if need be.

magnadearel

 

[magnadearel]

Kimaria

It felt like a good hit. Some face returned for that after his retreat. Calder smirked. This was his element. He enjoyed these fights, even if he would never amid he lost most of them. The male left it as the pride needed some new blood, right?

"Ready to go home yet?" It'd be better if the male would just give up and go away. The green male prowled around as the male circled, hoping for another chance to discourage with would-be contender. He saw the feint and knew it for what it was. With a growl he stood his ground through the feint and then lashed back.  

[Kimaria]

"No!" Zili spat, sounding like a wounded child for a moment. He could feel himself slipping - losing ground - to this other male and the ring of defeat seemed to be creeping up to tighten in his chest and stifle his breathing.

His attempt at a feint did not fool the green lion and in the next moment he was on the receiving end, the sting of claws against his cheek and rattling the teeth in his jaw.

The dark lion backed up again, shaking his head. Could he carry on, or was this admitting defeat? The very thought gave him all he needed. If he thought he was beaten then he was. He was beginning to learn that half the fight was in your head as well. If the fire and the self-belief waned, then a battle was all but lost. Progress, perhaps, in learning this, but it certainly didn't feel like progress.

In a last ditch effort, perhaps hoping to catch the other by surprise, he lunged one final time; hoping for a miracle but expecting very little.

magnadearel

 

[magnadearel]

Kimaria

He had to give him a tick for finally standing up to his taunt about going home. It seemed the black male really wanted in. Too bad it wasn't going to be enough to win this round. "If you want in right away, there's always another way." The green male got a sly look on his face, hoping to get the challenger's hopes up. "I can bring you in as my thrall." It of course would be utterly demeaning to bring a lion in who had just tried to challenge as a thrall, but it would get him into the pride.

Seems he'd struck a nerve this time as the lion lunged at him. It was full on frontal with out an ounce of deviousness behind it. Calder hissed and kicked up sand toward his opponent as he tried to scramble out of the way. He didn't manage to get completely away and took a glancing blow to his flank.  

[Kimaria]

Zili was surprised at how he'd finally managed to gain some ground - but just a little too late. He needed to find that fire earlier, to harness it at the very start and take control of the situation before he could let the wariness creep in.

He stood, blinking through grains of sand, and snarled a little.

The black male really did want into the pride. More than anything - something that surprised even him. Yet, it was true, today would not yet be that day. Apparently he had a lot more to learn. Xochipepe would be disappointed and part of him was thankful that she was not here to see this.

"A thrall?" He retorted, near-horrified at the prospect, "a slave?"

His head shook fiercely, "no. Never. There's someone waiting for me in the pride. I'd sooner turn back to the rogue lands then live that way." He huffed, "I'm getting better. I'll earn my place soon."

magnadearel

 

[magnadearel]

Kimaria

Fin! I have a captain he can try against who's not as arrogant. <3

It was over. The black male wouldn't be gaining entrance this time, unless he took Calder up on his offer. "I promised to get you in. I never promised any rank." As expected his offer was denied. Was it strength that the male refused the easy way in so he could attempt another askorun another day? Calder wasn't sure, but his job here was done.

"Is that so? Not that I really care. Begone." It didn't matter to him why one would attempt to enter. Only if he proved himself good enough. The green male turned his back on the looser and headed back to his post.  

[Kimaria]

Zili stood, scowling at the green lion as he walked away, wishing that he had been victorious and that things could have been different. His heart was heavy with defeat but he knew come tomorrow he'd feel otherwise. He'd be stronger. Better. If he'd won first time, perhaps the challenge would not be enough to earn him his place.

He stood for a long time, staring well after the other lion had gone. Only then, did he drop his head and turn away.

At least he had come away relatively unscathed from that one.

magnadearel

(that would be fab! I'm just about to eat but will try and set it up today or tomorrow if I don't get online again. Thanks for the RP. I think I adore Calder XD )