Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

The young lion wandered back into Orion from Eridanus, his rabbit skin bag holding the contents of his day's work. He had been in Eridanus collecting seeds for herbs and plants. He had gathered quite a few. He had some of what were called Iceberries, He also had seeds for a cordoncillo tree, and while he was at it he had harvested Motelo berries which he had learned were sour and needed something to be taken in tandem with them so they went down easier. He had experimented first hand on himself and was still feeling the effects even now. Though he had also harvested some Suma the berries along with the root as the root had been what was giving off a scent in the first place. He needed to experiment with each one except for the Motelo berries to figure out what did what and at what dose.

The young lion trotted through the main streets of Orion’s ruins, his large paws muffling his every step in the dirt. Brilliant baby blue eyes watched every shadow with a blatant curiosity that seemed to burn in the young lion’s very soul. However he seemed to ignore his burning curiosity and was headed in a certain direction on a mission. He hadn’t brought back anything for James. He didn’t know what to bring him back. But he was yearning to see his best friend again. Turning down a smaller road the young lion headed for his best friends house.

As he approached, he noticed the door open. Walking inside the young lion investigated each room, looking for his best friend that was nowhere to be found. Perhaps he was next door at Aristotle’s domicile. Twisting on himself the young lion turned around and left James’ house and headed for his own. However it was just as he had left it. The gems James had illuminated lay on the ground where he had left them. The young lion walked through the three rooms that were usable. The first and main was empty save for the trees he had grown in the center. He walked to the room that led out to the backyard and found it empty as well. Letting out a worry growl the young lion checked the last room, the one most likely to have James in it, his bedroom where Abraxas was. Still there was no one.

The young lion walked back to the main room and slumped down on the ground looking around. It was too quiet here. There were no birds singing to make him feel warm and safe, and there were no rustling of leaves as the breeze blew through them or some animal passed by not seeing his hiding place. But it was nice to have his own home, a place to come back to when he wanted to rest. Inhaling deeply the young lion let the air out through his mouth in a rush of a sigh. James wasn’t here, so where was he? Had he left for good? Had they finally split ways for good? Would James be coming back? Standing up, the young lion moved back to his bedroom and slid off the rabbit skin bag from around his neck and leg and lay it down near the head of his bed.

Aristotle sat down on the deer skin rug and sniffled. I’m sorry James. I’m sorry I didn’t and still don’t understand why you’re so afraid. The young lion’s voice broke as he stared at his fore paws as he sat down on his deerskin bed. Baby blue eyes began to fill with tears. I promise James if you come back, I promise I’ll try to understand, I really will… The young lion let out a soft sob. James please come home, I don’t want to be alone! The young lion slid to lay on his belly crying into his paws. He just wanted his best friend to come home safe, so they could talk. So he could tell him how sorry he was. SO he could try to understand why James was so afraid. He hadn’t meant to make him upset in the first place.

Aristotle lay there crying into his paws for he didn’t know how long. But now he felt exhausted both physically and mentally. Finally the young lion sniffed, his head pounding from crying, he closed his eyes and slipped into a fitful sleep.

James hadn't stopped running since he'd encountered the batcats, his chest heaving and his vision pulsing with his heart as his hooves pounded on the hard stone, hurting his legs as he kept running and running. Tears streamed down his face as he reached his solace, and skid to a stop before dashing inside Ari's home and rearing in a panic, head swiveling as he looked for Ari.

"ARI- ARI WHERE ARE YOU- ARI!" he yelled out, sobbing as he ran forward into the other's room, crying so hard that snot was streaming down his nose and he struggled to breathe.

He ran forward and crashed into the lion, sobbing into his soft hide, "I-I failed- I-I messed up and they got hurt because of me- Ari I'm so sorry-"

James sobbed uncontrollably into his pelt, ears pinned and body trembling like mad, "I-I saw him again- Alpha! You were right Ari... If I'd just talked- If I hadn't been so brash I c-could have avoided all of this..."

He was rambling to the point of slurring, his words mashing together as he finally dissolved into soft cries, unable to stop. Ari was right... and James was weak. He couldn't protect them. He'd trained and tried so hard, but he was too much of a coward and he'd run instead of tried to help right away. Maybe they'd all be okay if he wasn't so... stupid

Unbeknownst to him, though... the houseguest himself had wounds on his back, having been unable to avoid a few slashes from the batcats, though nothing compared to the others. He wasn't chrysalized, after all.

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

The young lion slept fitfully. Tossing this way and that, rolling from on side to the other and back again from his belly to his side. It was not a restful sleep by any means. His face scrunched in strange ways at the dreams he was having. When he slept on his side his legends thrashed about often simulating running, he was even growling in his sleep.

Finally after several hours of sleeping like this, the young lion rolled to his stomach, his eyes bursting open as he panted, startled by the dream he was having before he had woken up. Tears stained the fur of his cheeks and his head still hurt, and his body was shaking. However he would be fine. Shaking his head the young lion licked the side and bottom of his paw and cleaned one cheek by rubbing it. After he was done with the first cheek he repeated the process and cleaned his other side. Inhaling deeply the young lion let the breath out through his mouth in a soft rush. He did this several times in an attempt to calm his nerves. He tried to recall what his dreams had been, but try as he might. The dreams just wouldn’t come back to him.

Aristotle turned his head gazing at the brilliant bright blue topaz egg. Hello Abraxas. The young lion spoke aloud to the egg. He had recently learned for certain that there actually was life in the egg. A spark of energy at the very least, it had reached out and touched his own. It had let him know it was there but HE had to give it life. He still wasn’t sure how he was supposed to do that, but he wanted to bring her to life. He wanted whatever creature was inside that he had named Abraxas to form an actual life and hatch. He stared at the egg watching it as the stone James had placed in his room was glowing so he knew his best friend was still alive at the very least. His attention shifted back to the egg. What was inside there. What would she hatch out to be? What would she look like?

The young lion’s eye never left the egg as he stood up and walked closer to her. How do I bring you to life? The young lion mused to the egg. He had absolutely no idea. James said that there was a Spell? What even was a spell, was those things you did with your energy? Is that what those were called, spells? Of course James wasn’t here to explain either so he was on his own.

Sitting in his bedroom talking to Abraxas, his rounded audits caught the distinct sound of hooves on the hard walkways of Orion. Standing up the young lion looked around and before he knew it His best friend was in his living room crying his name.Before he could move Jame had found his way into his bedroom. James, James, calm down I’m right here. Aristotle called to the young horse as he stood back a bit from the terrified creature. He knew better than to get very close when James was having a time as his hooves often went flying. And Aristotle did not want to get hit with those hooves. Baby blue eyes looked up at the horse. He was panicked, and crying heavily. James what happened? He asked his voice soft as he attempted to calm the young horse.

Before anything else could be said Aristotle found himself on his back being loved and cuddled by the massive horse. The young lion wrapped his forelimbs around the young horse’s neck letting out a soft calming purr. Shh, It’s okay James we all mess up sometimes, it just happens. I’m sure that everything will turn out alright. The young lion was doing his best to console his best friend. James what do you mean I was right? The young lion asked, after posing his question the young lion leaned up and began softly licking his best friends forehead. Shhh The young lion was doing all he could to calm the horse. Slowly he slid out from under the horse and stood up to look at him. You’re safe now James, It’s alright. Now that he was allowing his focus to shift a bit the young lion caught the scent of his best friend’s blood in the air.

James you’re hurt. Lay down and give me a few minutes. The young lion instructed his best friend, before heading to his bag, and dumping its contents next to his bed he grabbed what looked like a long green tendril in his mouth from the pile of berries, barks, seeds, and roots. Be right back. I’m just going out back for a moment. You stay here. The young lion said through closed teeth as he held the green tendril.

Quickly he ran out of the door and out through the back entrance to his home. Slowing his pace to a walk the young lion moved to a corner of the yard near his back entrance. Having this numbing plant close by with easier access would be good.

Digging a small hole the young lion dropped the seed pod into the hole and covered it with dirt. Placing both front paws beside the mound of dirt the young lion took a deep calming breath to focus himself. Then he sent out a large wave of warm energy out into the ground willing the tree to grow as fast as it possibly could. Which it did just that springing to life and growing to its full mature size in a matter of moments, as flowers began to dot the tree.

Stepping forward the young lion used his claws to cut a swatch of bark off the tree one big enough to be usable for a large amount of wounds, though not large enough to harm the tree. Picking the bark up in his mouth the young lion ran back inside to his injured best friend. The young lion sat the bark down beside the injured horse and looked at him. Here let me clean those before I numb them. You may not feel them now but you will later. The young lion urged his friend to let him clean and dress his wounds.

@James

"I-I was told that there was a Q-Quest," he sniffled, "And that if I helped complete it, I would receive 'wings'. I-I went to try and get 'the blood of the wicked', because Alpha was there, a-and I tried to knock him out with a boulder so that we could take the blood and run without anyone getting hurt, but then my magic w-went haywire and ended up causing a-a swarm of little... things to come and attack us, a-and they attacked a leopard, who I tried to save, and then a deer, and then me, but I-I had my shield up, just in time to ensure n-no one died but... I-It was my fault. It was my fault b-because I was too scared to do what you said and talk instead o-of just-"

James made a frustrated noise of anguish and pressed his face into Ari's kisses, seeking comfort and some sort of atonement for his mistakes. He whimpered into the other's fur and panicked a bit when the other got up, only partially soothed by his promise of return.

He sat there on Ari's bed of furs and sniffled gently, shaking like a leaf before he stood up to walk over to Abraxas, ignoring Ari's warning to not move. He... he deserved those wounds. He shook his head and lay down next to the gemstone, snuggling up to it as he pressed his head to its surface.

"I hope... that when you're here," he said, "That you can learn from my mistakes and learn and grow from them."

You're safe now, James, it's alright.

James looked up when the other returned and sniffed gently, inching his way forward on his belly until he was able to press his head into the other's side, mumbling apology after apology into the other's fur.

"... I talked to Pride. He um... helped me get my head on straight. I was hoping that if I succeeded in the Quest, I could bring home something for you as an apology. But we're both wrong. You're right because... peace is what I want. I don't want to fight and I need to be diplomatic. But... mm. I hope you don't have to see the things I've seen, Ari. It's scary, and terrifying. But I need you to trust me when I say that you need to learn the difference between a situation that can be saved and one you need to run from," James said, swallowing, "For your own good. Some fights you can win with words, but... yeah. I'm sorry. We were both right and wrong and I'm sorry."

James twitched and winced, his adrenaline fading and the cuts and scratches on his back stinging. They were shallow, as the batcats had swerved towards the deer (who had admittedly saved his hide), and he only hoped they wouldn't scar too badly.

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

Rounded audits shifted to listen to James as he spoke and cried all at once. One paw that was wrapped around the horse’s neck gently bounced as he patted the horse’s neck. He had gone on some quest. He had no idea what the horse would do with wings. It’ll all be alright James. I promise everyone will be alright in the end. The young lion was still trying to console the poor horse. He was hysterical, that wouldn’t be good for him. He needed to calm down or he would make himself sick. You’re home now James it’s all alright now. The young lion soothed in a gentle voice, as his paw continued to bob as he gently patted the back of the horse’s neck.

Gently as he licked the colt’s head, the young lion wrapped a gentle but firm foreleg under the colt’s jaw and continued to wash the colt’s forehead. He was just happy that James ws home. The young lion watched as his best friend ignored his instructions to lay down on his bed, instead laying down beside the egg. Aristotle let a mildly annoyed huff before bolting out the door.

When Aristotle returned he found James talking to Abraxas as he had been when he woke up. The young lion shook his head knowing that his best friend was still upset. The young lion sat down near the young colt’s side, his blue eyes inspecting the damage on the colt’s back. His skin had been flayed open. He could recognize the work of razor sharp claws, his skin had been sliced clean through laying open shallow gashes in the pink flesh below. The young lion inhaled letting it out in a soft sigh. Whatever James had encountered had done quite the number on his back. As James pressed closer the young lion gentle as he could leaned forward and began softly cleaning the dried and fresh blood from the young colt’s back in order to get a clean area to place the bark poultice. He was as gentle as he could be with how rough his tongue was meant for cleaning his own pelt not horses.

James began talking again and a rounded audit shifted on his head to show he was listening while he worked to clean James’ back. The young lion lifted his head from his work for a moment. James, I know when it’s best to run. I know not all situations can be talked through, but most of them can. And stop apologizing. I’m the one that needs to apologize. He spoke in a gentle even tone as he responded to the colt. I’m sorry I didn’t understand why you’re so afraid and still don’t, but I want to try. The young lion sniffled as tears welled in his eyes. I don’t want you to hate me, I don’t want you to leave, I don’t want you to make ME leave. I want to stay with you James, you’re my best friend and I wouldn’t give you up for the world. Aristotle closed his eyes in an attempt to blink away the lump in his throat. I love you James and don’t want you to go away The young lion began to sob, he had been so worried all this time that James was going to go away, or make him leave.

The young lion lowered his head wiping his tears away with a paw, he inspected James back. He picked up a piece of bark and bit off a large chunk and began to chew. He chewed on the piece of bark until it was pulpy mush. Then he gently oozed the mixture onto the wounds. Licking a paw clean he used a single paw to spread the pulpy mixture into the colt’s wounds. Once there was a thin layer he picked up the piece of bark and bit off another piece and chewed. He repeated the process several times until there was a semi-thick layer of bark pulp spread over the colt’s back and all of his wounds. The effects of the bark should be felt instantly as a numbing sensation. The bark was already making his mouth numb. Though it would seem mixing it with his saliva wouldn’t work quite as well on his friend.


@James

James made a noise of discomfort, his head flying up and his ears pinning as his nose scrunched, his back muscles twitching as Ari's tongue ran over his wounds. He knew it was necessary to clean it (Ari had explained something like it to him a while ago), but it didn't make it any more pleasant. He sighed in relief as the other stopped, only to realize... he was crying.

Panicking, he nuzzled the other's cheek, licking him right back and pressing his nose up against the other's face, "Ar- Oh Ari, don't cry! I'm not mad- I'm not, I swear. I understand a little bit better now, is all. I'd never leave you, I just needed some space to think. I love you, Ari."

James sniffed and pressed right up against Ari, butting his head up against the other as he'd seen the lion do before, having adapted a few habits from him. He made a noise of protest as the salve was applied to his back, the pain nearly unbearable before it started to feel cold, and then numb. He blinked in surprise and looked back to watch Ari, ears perked in amazement.

"... Woah," he said in awe, "Ari- It doesn't hurt anymore... is that magic? What are you doing?"

Ari was... amazing. Just so smart and talented. Even if it wasn't magic, only someone truly intelligent could learn to make something so useful out of something that no one would think of using. He licked Ari's cheek and settled down with his head on his hooves, letting Ari do his thing as he started feeling a bit more comfortable thanks to the concoction.

"Thank you, Ari," he said softly, before suddenly gasping.

"Ari! The Quest! One of the things that is needed... is a cloth woven from the fur or hair of someone with a pure heart- you, Ari!" he exclaimed, entirely unaware that he too, could be the perfect candidate for such a thing as well.

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

Aristotle just sat there staring at James' wounds. If he had been there, maybe he could have prevented it. Maybe he could have convinced James that it was a bad idea to try and attack. Perhaps if he had been there none of it would have happened, but there were so many variables that it was impossible to tell if he would have made a difference. But he still resented himself for not being there to try and protect James. Now James was hurt and he had been out, doing what? He had been picking plants! He had been foraging when James needed him most! He bared gritted teeth as he forced back tears of both sadness from not wanting to lose James and from not being there FOR James when he needed him.

Aristotle sniffed hard and nuzzled against James as he nuzzled his cheek. He liked having James close, it was so reassuring to have him around. Rounded audits pinned back against the young lion’s growing mane as he looked at his friend. That’s why I went back to Eridanus to collect herbs. So I could give you some space. The young lion sniffled again lifting a forepaw he rubbed his nose. Leaning to the side Aristotle placed a gentle affectionate lick on James’ cheek. I love you too James. I’d do anything for you. The young lion assured his best friend. He really would do anything the young colt asked of him.

The young lion began to purr loudly as he pressed against James, both for comfort and affection, but also because the purring would help promote growth of new tissue in his friend’s wounds. He snuggled close to his friend rubbing his forehead against James’ his eyes closed happily.

Aristotle ignored James' cries of protest as he applied the poultice. He didn’t care whether his friend wanted it or not, he was going to do it. The young lion let out a soft warning growl for his friend not to move and flexed a paw so just the tips of his claws would graze his friends' haunches in warning. For him not to move from his spot. But this warning was quickly passed as he continued his work. Finished he stepped back smacking his lips and tongue making a weird noise. The young lion couldn’t help but let out a laugh. No I call it Medicine. I use plants and other things from nature to help the natural healing process. It’s just a simple bark pulp, the bark itself does all the work numbing the pain away. The young lion explained readily. He wouldn’t admit that he had licked the tree to begin with to find out that it would numb his tongue for quite a while.

Of course James. I would hate to see you in pain when I can do something about it. Aristotle offered this response readily to his friends thanks. He didn’t see a reason to thank him, he knew James would do the same to him if the roles were reversed.

Aristotle tilted his head to one side in confusion as James broke out about another quest. Wait, what? The young lion looked at James as if he were completely insane. James I’m far from pure hearted. I have to KILL to EAT. How can anything that eats another creature be purehearted. I’m nice yes but I don’t I’d say purehearted. I mean I’m a nice guy, but come on. The young lion practically laughed, there was no way that he could be purehearted. He had to murder other creatures in order to survive.


@James

James stood up, grunting a bit in discomfort, "Just because you need to eat meat to survive doesn't mean you're kind. You use everything from the animal, do everything just to help others..."

James turned and nipped at his tail, tugging out strands of it before setting them down. He tugged out more and more until his tail started to look thin, and stopped. He then nipped at Ari a bit, urging him to cut off as much as he dared to.

"Give me some of your mane, I need at least a bit to be able to weave it into something made from your fur," he said urgently, "I'll bring home your wings. I'll make you proud, Aristotle."

He closed his eyes and stepped back, exhaling slowly before reaching into himself, reaching for his magic to begin weaving.

Hairs plucked themselves from Ari's mane, as gently as possible, the hairs he'd taken from his own tail floating up and up, before carefully starting to weave themselves into a smaller version of the net he'd created. Under and over, under and over, a knot tied there, another here. It was a tedious process as it floated in the air, but soon enough...

A cloth dropped to the ground. James gasped and coughed, his concentration having been so solid that he'd nearly forgotten to breathe. He stared at the cloth and admired the darker color it had become, the perfect combination of gold and black.

"... I did it," he said, blinking, "... I have to go back, now. So
I can give this to the kings."

@Aristotle

Ari

Hope is but a waking dream

Aristotle sat listening to James a light smile played on his muzzle. I just don’t like the thought of waste, and I just don’t like seeing others hurt James. You most of all. The young lion purred the last words as he nuzzled his best friend affectionately.

The young lion wiggled his mouth from side to side as he thought and shrugged. He watched James pull out strands from his tail until it looked thin. Okay here. The young lion moved so the colt had access to his mane. Use my mane, but take from different spots so it doesn’t get too thin okay? The young lion offered himself, he couldn’t get to his mane himself. It’s finally just coming in thick and full, so be careful okay? Aristotle whined a bit but gave himself over to his friend. A light smile spread over the young lion's muzzle at his friend's eagerness. I know you will James. The young lion mused gently.

Aristotle sat up his back rigid as he watched James stop breathing as he focused on his work. Oh, Yeah. Aunty had told me to ask if you thought you could teach me Telekinesis? The young lion asked curiously, he was interested to learn how to do it. Perhaps it would come as naturally to him as working with plants did.

Aristotle looked at the small cloth that lay on the ground now made from the combination of their furs. Then James said he had to go back. Be careful. I’ll be here until you get home. Aristotle wasn’t going to leave Orion again until James came home. He could work with the seeds he had brought with him. To keep himself busy he could hunt for small gemstones or even practice hunting or even actually go hunting. Maybe he could even find Morpho again, though he had led him to Eridanus last they had met.


@James

James lit up and nodded in excitement, "Of course! I'd love to, Ari."

James pressed a kiss to the other's forehead and grabbed the cloth, running to the door before turning to look at Ari, "I'll be back soon- Promise!"

The colt bolted out of the house and galloped back towards the Three Kings, grinning like mad as he took off, ready to make his best friend proud. He let out a whinny as he left, to call out to Ari one last time, before he was gone.

Exit James.