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started at 250 stats
thank you for the lovely boy!
As a cub, Likewise had earned the "Attitude" in his name. He questioned everything, pried for answers instead of settling for them. Instead of mistaking his curiosity as threat, the old king simply indulged him. Invited the cub on patrols, and told him stories of their pride as they walked.
Likewise Attitude would return to the rest of the cubs, eager to share these stories. Yet there was a harsh divide among the pride younglings; those who listened with wide eyes.. and those who scoffed at the blatant favoritism of the pride leader. The sight of the dark cub left a vile taste in their throats.
Truthfully, it was nothing more than your average adolescent jealousy. But when leaving an unwatched pot to boil well... it boils over.
Things came to a head when Likewise was ambushed by a group of older adols. There was no justice in this fight, no honor. If there were, they may have come one at a time to challenge him. And, if there were some kindness in their hearts, they may have given him the option to refuse. Unfortunately, they swept in all at once. Three in front, two behind.. there was no way to shy away from their claws.
The roar of a male broke them apart, and the aggressors fled. Too weak to pick up his head, Likewise could only barely open his eyes. The pride leader stood over him, looking forlorn.
"I cannot bear to lose any of my children," he whispers. "I cannot chase them out for their sins, for they were my fault." He sinks down, nuzzling Likewise's head gently. He makes no move to clean his wounds, or stem the bleeding. Maybe the movement would hurt him worse. He feels hot breath on the nape of his neck. The pride leader then pauses, and pulls away.
"Forgive me. I cannot end your misery." He whispers. "I am a coward."
And he rises to his paws.
And walks away.
Likewise won't make it to the dawn, that much is clear. This is where his story ends, without a doubt. He will die here, of his injuries. He closes his eyes. If he were able to cry, he was sure all the pain in his heart would rip him apart. Instead, he sinks into oblivion.
/////////// lallala too lazy to write the rest right now basically a different pride stumbles upon him and he lives (obviously) but hes shy and fearful. eventually he blossoms into kindness but theres that weird sort of fury underneath. he becomes pride leader and seems benevolent until the may games, which seem to channel his anger and everyone's like 'wuh oh! this dude has trauma and I feel a little unsafe!' is there resolution yet idk maybe we'll see.
2024 update: fuck yeah he grows past his own burdens for the sake of his pride. Putting the king in king of the jungle amirite
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