Flight [open]

[Deleted]

A S A L I
Cheetah|Female

I was flying!
 My claws dug into the ground and my legs carried my across the field at great speed. I loved the feeling! There was nothing like running. It was so...so freeing. I could feel it slipping though. I couldn't run for very long; that was just the cheetah genes. I was losing it as quickly as I'd gained it. I felt my body slow down and, when I'd slowed to a walk, I collapsed into a heap on the ground. I stretched my legs out in front of and behind me and opened my mouth to pant heavily. My body temperature had risen a great deal during my sprint, but now I could feel myself cooling down. When I'd rested some, I would go to the river that was only a few feet away and get a drink. After that...who knew?

I was getting the feeling that maybe I wasn't the only one around. That worried me. I'd already spent my energy, so escaping a predator was unlikely. I looked around, planning an escape route, just in case. I saw a tree not far away. It's branches stretched high, and I knew a lion or tiger wouldn't be able to reach me at the top. Even if they could climb, I was lighter and could go higher. If it were a jaguar or something else...well, my chances of escape were even slimmer. Maybe, just maybe, they wouldn't attack.

[EmilyColeman]

I wandered over and spotted the tree I usually nap on. I started running towards it when I stopped and looked to my left.
A pretty female cheetah was lying and panting heavily on the ground.
I wandered over very slowly and quietly, crouched low.
"Hi ... I'm Winks" I said, smiling.

[Deleted]

My gaze was suddenly gripped by something running a little ways away. It didn't take long to figure out what was moving towards me. The animal had spots like I did. It was a male. I was sure of it. He walked towards me and introduced himself as Winks. I stared at him warily. Well, he seemed friendly. But that didn't mean I was going to trust this stranger right away. "Asali," I said. I sat up, just to give myself a chance at escaping should he suddenly change his seemingly friendly demeanor.

[EmilyColeman]

I smile, tail waving happily.
"Never seen you around here before" I comment, making eye contact. She was slim and agile looking and slightly shorter than me. I smiled again.

[EmilyColeman]

I smile, tail waving happily.
"Never seen you around here before" I comment, making eye contact. She was slim and agile looking and slightly shorter than me. I smiled again.

[Deleted]

Winks was smiling. His tail waved happily, and I felt myself relax slightly. Still, I wouldn't let my guard down completely. I wasn't stupid. There was danger lurking everywhere. And no one was who they said they were. I'd learned that from experience. Winks explained that he'd never seen me around before. I shrugged my shoulders slightly. "I usually keep to myself." It was true. For the most part, I was loner. That didn't mean I didn't enjoy conversation now and again. But Winks was a male. And he reminded me of my father some. In my experience, males were the biggest liars. I looked to the river, then back at Winks. "I'm thirsty..." I nodded to the river. "I'm going to get a drink. You can come if you'd like." Just because I was wary didn't mean I was going to be rude. I stood and started walking to the river, glancing back cautiously.

[EmilyColeman]

I grinned and nodded, following her slowly.
I bent to take a long, refreshing drink and I finally slipped into the cool water.
I splashed the female and chuckled

[Deleted]

He followed behind me slowly. When he bent to the water, I followed suit, taking in the refreshing liquid. It soothed away my thirst and fatigue. I closed my eyes as I enjoyed it. Suddenly I was hit with water. My eyes flew open and I jumped back, feeling a hiss at the back of my throat but too shocked to actually make a sound. I looked at Winks with bewilderment. He was chuckling. My bewildered look turned puzzled. "What did you do that for?" I looked back at the water, and then a memory ame to mind of my brother and I playing in a pond, splashing and laughing. Oh..he was trying to play.

I looked back at him, somewhat sheepishly. I felt awkward as I lowered my paw to the water and splashed him back. "Sorry I snapped. I was just surprised, is all." I hoped I hadn't offended him.

[EmilyColeman]

"No problem" I laughed, ducking as she splashed me. My head went under water and my eyes flew open. A fish swam past my nose and I floated back to the top of the water, coughing.
I smiled at Asali and then winked at her.
"Coming in?" I asked, chuckling.

[Deleted]

Winks excused my tantrum and I sighed inwardly, relieved. I sat back and flicked my tail back and forth, thinking about the day when I heard something in the water. I looked for Winks, but all I saw was a dark form under the surface of the water. Oh, no! He's drowning! I thought to myself. I stood, wondering if I'd had to save him. Just as I did, Winks surfaced, coughing, but smiling. I looked at him as if he were crazy. Then he asked if I was going to join him. "You mean...swim?" It sound unpleasant, getting all wet. I hadn't been in water since I was a cub. I figured only tigers swam for fun. Those weirdos...

Winks seemed to be enjoying it, however. I took in a deep breath and stepped closer to the water, cringing. As I exhaled slowly, I stuck one paw in the water, then jerked it back. Finally I stepped all the way in, to where my stomach touched the water. It was very strange, but I felt cooled down. I looked at Winks for approval.

[EmilyColeman]

I smiled sadly.
"Not had much practice, eh?" I shook my head, dismissing the distracting thought.
"It's really fun and only goes up to your shoulders"

[Deleted]

I shruggd in response to his question. "No, not much." I took another step. "I haven't swam since I was a cub, actually." Winks insisted that is was fun. I looked from the water, to him, and back again. What if it didn't just go to my shoulders, and he was trying to drown me? I eyed him again. Maybe I could take him. He did have more experience in the water, but I was pretty strong. I hesitated, and then went fully into the water and practiced paddling around. It was kind of fun! It was almost like the feeling of running, almost that flighty feel. I felt light as a feather. I looked at Winks with a glint of playfulness in my eyes and sent a small wave at him with my paw.

[EmilyColeman]

"See?" I laughed, sending a tidal wave towards her then instantly biting my lip.
"Sorry!" I cringed.

[Deleted]

Winks laughed, obviously happy that I was finally in the water. Surprisingly, so was I. I was actaully enjoying it! I smiled in response. I turned to swim around a little more, before hearing water rush towards me. I turned just in time to see a wave twice the size of the one I'd made come toward me. I went under, spluttering and spitting out the water that had made it into my mouth and nose.

When I came to the surface, I glared at Winks. But I couldn't keep up the facade long. My mouth twitched and then broke into a smile and I laughed. Then I splashed at him again and sighed. I was beginning to lose interest in the water now, and wanted to dry off. I headed for the shore and dragged my dripping wet self out onto the grass along the river. I turned to see if Winks was following, and shook the excess water off.

[EmilyColeman]

I smiled and followed her, shaking off drops of water as I walked towards her, beaming.