A few weeks with his grandmother had started to change the way Phosphor saw other lions. Rather than run up and play and talk with them, he first would look at their coats. Were they dark? Were they light? From there he'd move on and see what they were like. Meek and quiet? Proud and confident? He found he could read lions very well, and he used that to his advantage when approaching them. With other lions that were dark coated like he, proper demons, he kept his tail and head high to show them that he wasn't afraid or nervous around them. He had no reason to be, in reality, and his little display was probably laughable to the older demons. Still, he felt like it was important to be taken seriously. No one wanted a snot-nosed little cub running around underfoot, after all. His grandmother told him not to grow up too fast, for this was the time when he'd get to play and have no cares in the world. Once his mane started to come in a bit he'd start to be schooled in the lessons of the demons. Phosphor wanted to learn now, though, so he gave himself little lessons, and his first one would be the pastel-colored male heading his way.
Bozi padded heavily through the demon lands. They were his home, but he had never felt like he belonged here. Claws and teeth were the only things that ever touched him, and harsh words met his ears both from strangers and family. Estranged at a young age, the small male didn't call anyone brother, sister, mother, or father. Everyone was master or mistress demon, yes sir, no ma'am, eyes to the ground. His beautiful coat was scorned here, thought to be unfit for demons, but still the kept him to do menial work and labor with no benefit. He wished one of two things in his life: to be saved, or to be killed. He was too cowardly to kill himself by some means, and he was sure he'd be beaten to an inch of his life if he tried to starve himself. Just an inch, of course...the demons wanted him to live. They enjoyed tormenting their slaves, and if they had none, their little game would be over and done with. Keeping his head low, Bozi continued through the short weeds on his way to the watering hole.Phosphor snorted quietly at the other male and crouched low so he wouldn't be noticed. He looked defeated and horribly out of place with that bright striped pelt. Definitely a slave, and definitely in a position of defense and obedience. Phos knew another slave, but he was friendly towards that one. This one though...he could probably have some fun with him. Lifting his head, he trotted over to walk beside the larger male. He grinned up at him, but it wasn't the friendly grin that he would give to Ash. It was colder. He had to practice, after all. A nice demon was unheard of! Or...that's what everyone said anyway. "Hello," he said, his normally cheerful tone flat and cold.
Bozi jumped as someone spoke to him from down around his ankles. He looked down and quickly glanced away as he realized it was a demon. A cub, yes, but a demon all the same. He stopped walking and sat, ducking his head to look as small as he possibly could. Given his malnourishment as a child, he was already pretty small to begin with. "Master demon," he murmured softly, closing his eyes.
Phosphor chuckled quietly and reached out to bat the lion's paw. "Master'll do just fine, slave," he said, keeping his voice haughty. "What's your name, slave?"
The question surprised Bozi, but he kept his head and ears down, his eyes on the ground. The little touch made him flinch even though he doubted the cub could seriously hurt him. Any paw coming towards him made him nervous, even if it was tiny. "Bozi," he murmured quietly. "Master," he added quickly, nearly forgetting his place.
"Bozi...a suitable name for something as useless as you," Phos said with a little laugh, more amused than anything. He circled the larger lion, pawing at his tail and mane. "Your coat is so bright...disgusting. You couldn't blend in to save your life! Well, maybe if you rolled in the dirt and mud. That might work...but then you'd look like a pile of elephant dung. And probably smell worse!"
"Yes, master," Bozi murmured, squeezing his eyes shut as he was circled. The cub was hardly up to his elbows but he felt like a huge presences followed in the small shadow. The promise of the growth and eventual demon companion of the cub before him, he was sure. If only he could escape before this batch of younglings grew...maybe he could find a better life outside the pride.
Bozi's lack of response made Phos snort. Well, this was boring. He wished the slaves would stick up to them more. Then they could be a good source of entertainment! "Puh. You're no fun," he muttered, pushing off of the larger male's thigh. "Next time I see you you should roll in the mud so I don't have to look at that disgusting coat!" he spat as he moved away, a smile on his face once again. He'd have to tell his grandmother about how well he'd dealt with this slave. He was sure she'd be proud.
Bozi didn't move until the cub was long gone, remaining crouched and head low. He let out a slow breath as he got to his feet, licking his lips free of the dust that had gathered there. He wasn't fond of the demons, but he knew that he'd suffer if he tried to leave. He suffered being here, of course, but...well. It was better than what would happen if he escaped and got caught. Picking himself up carefully, he continued towards the watering hole to get the drink he had meant to get before he had been stopped by the small demon.
(WC: 1027)
