Personality:From the start of his creation, Nehemiah has had to carry a lot of weight on his shoulders - and he has done it well. Giving up a lot of the normal aspects of life to learn and train was an easy decision for him to make and even then was shown to exhibit strong characteristics of a leader. Showing signs of distinction early on with his powers, Nehemiah has always been responsible with them and mature in his way of thinking. He was always adventurous but took to his training first and foremost before his free time. Some could say he missed out on a lot of his freedom and grew up too fast, but in his age growing up fast was a way of survival. Nehemiah did what he could to put himself one step above the rest and had a desire to prove himself to be a force to be reckoned with. Nehemiah was successful in making himself needed and wanted by the Pride and it molded him into the adult lion he became.
In his later years, Nehemiah's responsibilities only grew but he seemed to handle it with ease. Slipping easily into a leadership position, he showed great promise to his superiors and was a model that others looked up to - the ideal aspect of what they were to become. He was dutiful, obediently following orders properly to the best of his ability. It was this duty that motivated him to challenge himself to become better. As a healer, Nehemiah was required to look after those in the Pride and through his powers, further their cause. - and what a cause it was, one he would die to protect. Others respected him for his loyalty and his drive and that warmed his heart. To Nehemiah, being wanted by others was the greatest gift he could have asked for. His professional life came before his personal life and even then Nehemiah was known to be quite a workaholic - especially when the war between the Pride and the Rebels began. He worked himself to the bone, driven solely by his overwhelming feeling of loyalty, and tried to not let it take a toll on him emotionally.
Nehemiah is conservative and does not make decisions without a lot of thought going into them. He takes his time when in situations and is not rash or compulsive in action. Nehemiah is known for being patient and considerate to others regardless of who they are and dislikes showing hatred towards another being. He is not angry by nature but will defend himself at whatever costs necessary. Nehemiah would much rather take a neutral or kinder approach but is often overshadowed but those above him. HIs loyalty and desire to see the good in others leads him to not follow his gut when it comes to decisions, as seen by the events and deaths of the lake cubs and the dream lionesses. Nehemiah has a fear of not being good enough and holds himself to high standards, making him abandon his instincts in order to feel approved of by the community.
Though his loyalty has usually been a positive aspect, Nehemiah believed it led to his downfall. When he is in a leadership position, such as his role as Head Healer, Nehemiah is able to lead and make good decisions, for it is his choice to make. However, when he is no longer considered the leader, he tends to revert back into his blind loyalty as he follows those above. Because he acted like an obedient soldier in his past, his loyalty can lead Nehemiah to not thinking for himself. He pushes his own personal feelings aside, seeing them as not being valid enough if they go against the cause he believes in, and this can cause him to be used in negatory ways by others. His attachment can be abused and used to the advantage of others, leading to a series of unfortunate and deadly events. To those he trains, Nehemiah can be seen a a bit of a critic or a cynic. Though he tries his best to provide helpful advice and aid those who wish to follow in his footsteps, Nehemiah's help may come of as being brash and critical. While he does not mean personal harm, he uses this tactic to push others to limits they did not even know they could reach, just as he pushes himself.
Nehemiah also has a bit of an arrogant ego when it comes to his abilities and others seeing them as not being worthy. He will shut down these statements with more anger than he usually cares to express, as he does not like being looked down upon as being lesser. If someone were to challenge his ego, he will stand up for himself, seeing as he was chosen at an early age for greatness. Nehemiah feels that anyone with the powers of air or life should be honored and respected in the community, even if they may not be as important as some more deadly elements.
HistoryThe Beginning:In the beginning, there was nothing. A sea swarming in empty ebony. An ocean without beginning or an end. It was an empty gaping void with nothing inhabiting it but a steady stream of what could only be compared to a small string of consciousness.
In a flash of brilliant light, glowing shades of pink, purple, and blue, stars filled their visions and jolted their minds. Loud sounds rang out but were swallowed in the confusion of creation. A world was shaped from nothing, its glorious sky darted with thousands of glittering clouds that shown proudly over the rocky mountains below. Soon, this world that was just formed would be filled with hundreds of hearts pounding as one. A pride of lions.
As he rose from the craggy dust, the male, who would later be known as Nehemiah, he joined others like him who made their way onto their feet in this new world of theirs. None of them who knew they were or what their purpose was. All they knew was that they had eachother and it was their time to form a society. As one of the first to walk this planet, this new world of the cosmos, Nehemiah became one of the precursor lions who would one day protect the entire galaxy.
Nehemiah was one of the first lions to walk the planet, not in the body of a child, but a full fledged adult.
Early Life:Early life for Nehemiah seemed a peaceful existence. Along with all lions created in the first generation, Nehemiah was formed from nothingness along with his brethren. Unlike some others, he was fortunate enough to have been created with siblings. It was this family who wanted nothing but the best for him. At a young age in his creation, he showed great promise with his powers and his abilities, yet he always seemed to be overshadowed in status by his more forceful brother. Both had the powers of healers, though Nehemiah had been blessed with the gift of two elements - air and life. Even with his naturally timid nature, Nehemiah exhibited great promise in his abilities to help others and take his work ethic to the next level.
With other healers seeing his skills early on, they took Nehemiah aside personally, and decided to prune and groom this male to be their head - their leader. Learning and training occurred quickly and clumsily as there was no one to teach them how to grow their craft, and still Nehemiah pushed on in his powers as a healer. Nehemiah's early years were spent with them - on and off the battlefield. Nehemiah had assisted healers since he was first "born", learning hands on the skills of the healers. He was picked and groomed to take on role of leader for the newborn species - and Nehemiah could not have been happier. He had purpose and duty and a place to channel his powers and ideas. Small feats turned into large accomplishments and Nehemiah felt he had a place with these healers. He wanted more and would do whatever he could to become the leader of them all.
Growing WiserWith his skills growing stronger each and every day, Nehemiah was anxiously awaiting the day when he would further in his career. When that day came, Nehemiah immediately took on his position as an official leader in the pride. His assistance was needed now more than ever as unrest began to grow in the pride. Two sides began to form: one led by an air elemental, proclaiming him leader, and the others, termed "rebels" opposing him. Early on, Nehemiah showed no interest in this so called war between the two sides. He would prefer to work on his personal goals rather than trifle with danger.
Though, it was soon that the war would catch up to him. It supplied him with many a number of patients that Nehemiah would need to heal from wounds inflicted on those of their own kind. Lions of all shapes and sizes began coming to him with abrasions, burns, cuts, and scars from all shapes of elemental attacks: poison, fire, ice, earth, and all in between. While it was devastating, it allowed Nehemiah to grow in his healing capabilities. One particular case he would not forget, as it was the first time he had revived someone from death.
Early on in the distress that festered within their small pride, the first of many deadly battle would rise to the surface. Called out to help those injured, Nehemiah came across a body of a lioness unmoving in the dust of the earth. Her beauty was unmatched, even with the blood stained on her soft coat. Kneeling down to her, Nehemiah searched for any signs of life - there were none. Something in his heart called out. Some call it love, some call it power. Nehemiah drew himself into her and began filtering the life from his own body into her own using a power he did not even know he possessed. Quickly life came back to the lioness and she gasped for air, her eyes widened in a mix of horror and gratitude.
"You saved me? I - I was dead? What is your name?" the lioness asked with a voice as sweet as honey and with a fire that melted Nehemiah's heart. "Nehemiah. I… am not sure what happened I …" Before he could finish she stopped him with an embrace of thankfulness.
"A healer then? Life elemental? Regardless I am in your debt Nehem. I must do you a favor then, in return for your kindness. Life for a life. Do not linger long here. My power, that of dreams, tells me it is dangerous. This is not the only death that will happen here today…""How do you know? Dreams can tell you that? Is that not a dangerous power to wield then?" Nehemiah replied, stepping back from her reluctantly. She turned to follow the other lions, healers and fighters alike who began the journey back to the pride territory, beckoning for Nehemiah to follow.
"Didn't you know? War is coming."With war on the brink Nehemiah soon rose to be a prestigious member of the healing community - with those coming up behind him looking towards Nehemiah for guidance and training. And Nehemiah, for one, was happy to help. His easy going and cautious nature made him an excellent teacher for those younger than him who had joined the healer ranks and the elder lions approved of his willingness to help others. Nehemiah had soon worked up his way to becoming one one of the first in the Pride's group of elected head leaders.
It was at this point in his life that Nehemiah began to develop the more egotistical side to his personality. No longer overshadowed by anyone else, especially his brother, he came into his own as a leader. He felt his powers were something to be respected and revered and if anyone thought otherwise he tended to hold a grudge against them. Not to say that Nehemiah was self centered, for he was not - being the lowest on the totem pole of the pride leaders forced him to be trumped by the other leaders quite often. Regardless, the Head Healer actually enjoyed helping those below him become as strong as he was. Nehemiah did his best to train the healers under him and to provide criticism and assistance as they moved up in the world.
Though, much to his dismay, after reaching such an encouraging position in his life, Nehemiah's world would soon turn on his head in a war that would change the face of LOC kind for years to come.
Choosing SidesLate into Nehemiah's transition into the position of Head Healer the lion had an unfortunate loss in his life. The uprising of the civil war was in its peak and reached a breaking point. During a skirmish between the rebels and the traditionalists, Nehemiah's brother ended up losing his life. This loss would take a toll on him emotionally and lead him to want to take a stance in the war. The only choice to make was who would he follow?
Though Nehemiah prefers to remain a neutral party in situations such as this it seemed like every lion at the time had no choice. Nehemiah definitely felt the pressure from those around him to follow the rule of the tyrannical air elemental. This self proclaimed leader of the rebellion commanded respect, there was no doubt about that, and the persuasion to join his side was evident. He claimed to want to restore stability and the idea was tantalizingly tempting to Nehemiah. He kept thinking of his brother - that was what he would have wanted. Nehemiah's loyalty to those around him led him to make a deadly mistake and pushed away any doubt he had about the air elemental lion - he joined the rebellion. He had a responsibility, as head healer, to work to end the war, and perhaps ushering in a new age was the way to do it. The lion even seemed to manipulate Nehemiah personally, for his power was evident and if the head healer was not on his side, he was no use at all. Feeling threatened for his life and his pride, Nehemiah relented his inner feelings and succumbed to the darkness.
As the war ravaged the lands, more and more lions began fearing for their lives. Specifically those who were considered a threat if taken into the oppositions hands. Talk from the rebel forces met his ears and caused him to worry for a particular lioness he was fond of - a dream lioness. She definitely fell under one of those categories. Still considered to be one of the softer pride members, Nehemiah immediately warned her of the danger. "You must understand…" he began one night, curled up with her under the light of the fading stars.
"Understand what, Nehem? That they seek to destroy us? Wipe us out? That, my dear sweet Nehem, we are already aware…" she replied softly, resting her face in the warmth of his mane.
"Then why do you not run? Seek shelter elsewhere? I only want to keep you safe." Nehemiah pleaded.
"They have not done anything outright to cause us to leave, have they? They have made indications but until action is taken I am unsure if the others will believe - let alone I convince them. And even then, where would we go? Everywhere you turn there are skirmishes between the pride and the so called rebels. Is there really a side that is better than the other?" Nehemiah had to think on that one and the answer was the same every time - he was not sure.
"They cannot know you told me this Nehem. You know what they will do if they find out of us. I will not put you in danger as well. You have seen what they think of Lazarus…" "I know… but isn't it I that should protect you?" Nehemiah answered, thinking back to his reasoning behind joining Merikh. On the one hand, he wanted to bring his brother closure, that his deaths would not be in vein. A better life, that was Merikh's promise. On the other hand, he wanted to protect her - this dream lioness. That, however, seemed to be a dying cause. Her words stuck with him after that day and she was right - his allegiance had done nothing to cause her to flee. It all seemed to amount to nothing. No immediate action was taken, and Nehemiah forgot it for awhile. That is, until one fateful night...
On that night, Nehemiah and a few of the other rebels were led off in the darkness. Something of great important they said, and as his loyalty demanded, Nehemiah followed obediently. The group came to a stop at the great Lake of Eternity and Nehemiah was immediately shocked at what he saw before him. Families of lions, mothers, fathers, and children, were gathered and huddled together in the dark, some crying, other pleading for mercy. "What is going on here?" Nehemiah asked a lion next to him. "Traitors." he replied simply. "They will get what is coming to them."
The lions looked battered and broken, no doubt recently in a battle as many had been in recent days. The "alpha", Merikh, spoke out to them.
"Do not look so glum dear lions. I have come to give you such wonderful news. We are offering you a chance at life. And you only have to do one simple thing" he said.
"Swim across the lakes waters, and we will set you free." Nehemiah furrowed his brows, confused as to the statement. What had these lions done? What was the alpha thinking? No mortal lion could enter the late of eternity. Yet, in mere moments, he would understand.
The first lion to approach was a young cub, worn and weary and covered in blood. He approached cautiously but soon all hesitation was lost - he jumped into the lake. As Nehemiah looked on, his eyes widened in horror. The piercing sound of burning flesh and cries in pain rang out in loud roars. In a few seconds, his body sunk into the waters, lost to the abyss. The rest of the lions rounded up into the group panicked, yet one by one, the guards, Nehemiah's comrades, threw them into the lake. "T-they are murdering them…." he said to himself, his paws beginning to shake. Even if this was the cause he fought for no one deserved a fate such as this.
"What do you mean Nehemiah? You have doubts?" one of those near him asked. Nehemiah stepped back, shutting his eyes from the horrible scene before him. Yet again that gut feeling resurfaced, and yet again he pushed it away. "No." he answered simply, not wanting to be looked down upon by the others. He turned on his feet to leave the scene. He needed to clear his head - he needed to warn his friend, the dream lioness.
Warning the dream lioness, Nehemiah felt broken. It was now that he first began to truly question his loyalty - for the first time in his life. If he could not protect those around him, was this the right choice to make? As head healer, killing was against his inner nature. He did not want to condone the murder of anyone, even in war, who was not killed on the battlefield. This was cold blooded murder. But one aching feeling gnawed at Nehemiah's heart - if I deny my loyalty, what good am I do them? That is sealing my fate to follow those families into the lake.
As his doubts grew, Merikh took Nehemiah aside, sensing his fears.
"This is for the good of our species. Don’t you see the work we are doing here?!” Merkih said, his voice gruff yet suave and welcoming.
“These lions, they fail to realize what we are trying to accomplish! A strong and united pride based upon power, real power. They - these traitors - want a leader based upon element - a set element." Nehemiah lowered his head, feeling like a foolish child being scolded by their father. "I understand that Merikh… but… some were just cubs… Is taking this position by force and fear showing real power? Or just terror?" he questioned, stopping in front of his leader, seeking his eyes for some sort of acknowledgement.
"They want you to cower and obey someone who can never be dethroned or questioned. They deny our growth, or true purpose of greatness. Nothing will deter or change their minds. In order to make our species a great one, the weak and the foolish must be weeded out.” Merikh answered sternly, his eyes narrowed. Nehemiah looked down to his paws, he for one feeling very weak and powerless to stop the horror that would soon come. Part of him would always believe what Merikh wanted was good for the pride - it made sense to not be ruled by an element, but rather be ruled by a leader regardless of their born power. That is something he would always believe. It was the methods he had a problem with. The manipulation from Merikh was strong and his words always seemed to pull him back in, for they were both encouraging and comforting, regardless of the horror.
So, like a diligent soldier, Nehemiah continued to serve Merikh: using his powers to heal his soldiers on the battle field and killing those who got in his way. Life continued on for awhile, until yet again their alpha decided another group had to be taken care of - the dream lioness. An assault was to be led on Merikh's troops and they had to be taken care of before they were taken into the wrong hands. A full blown mass murder was held in the pride, each dream lioness hunted down and slaughtered. Nehemiah feared for his friend, his lover, and ran to her aid, but was too late. He stumbled upon her face to face with another lion, his attacks aimed right for her.
"Nehemiah, you must not come closer." her voice called out to him.
"You know what they will do to us. I will not let them take you down as well." she cried, her last words before she was gone. Nehemiah, falling to his knees, stared on blankly for a quick moment before being dragged away by the other lions to meet with Merikh.
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The Trip To EarthThings were no longer safe on the home planet. Those in their ranks had begun being chased out by the rebels who opposed Merikh's reign. Even Merikh himself, the leader he had so blindly followed, had been killed. If they did not escape, and soon, those left would be tried and convicted of crimes against their own kind, murdered, and a multitude of other crimes.
"How had it come to this?" Nehemiah said to himself, worried and glum, thinking to those he had lost. His brother… while he wanted stability in the pride, this was not the life he wanted for his brother. Those lost at the Lake of Eternity - they did not deserve those deaths. The dream lionesses - his lover - dead before his eyes and Nehemiah did not have the courage to stop any of it. He cursed himself on the inside. Loyalty had brought him nothing but pain. This was not the Pride he wanted. This was a nightmare and he was not waking up any time soon.
Some of the others in the ranks had to make a choice - stay here and face the consequences of their actions or take a more riskier option, escape through the arch to an isolated life on the planet Earth. Needing a healer in their ranks, Nehemiah was offered a spot in the group. Seeing nothing left for him here on the home planet, Nehemiah agreed.
They made their way to the arch, quickly dodging those on their tail. Nehemiah sped through, his body disappearing into a swirl of galaxies and stars. The next thing he knew, Nehemiah opened his eyes to a dark forest, trees blocking out the light. "No time to waste." the purple male lion ordered to him, obviously taking up the leadership position, cracking the arch they had come through with his large paws. "Let's move."
Nehemiah lowered his head, following the others through forests and sands and dunes to a large open valley that opened up into large cave mouths with rocks jutting out around them. "Welcome home Nehemiah." the purple lion spoke, stepping forward into the darkness of the cave.
An Unwelcomed VisitorIt did not take long for tension to run high at the sight of their new "home". With the purple male taking his place as self proclaimed leader of the group Nehemiah soon fell into the background. Those who had journeyed to Earth had became weary within days without the golden dust to satiate them. They were forced to hunt and kill animals near their home but sending out hunting parties was difficult, for they had to do their best to remain unseen. Nehemiah did his best with healing to sustain their life but he too missed the familiarity of the home planet. Yet, with nothing there but death and danger, perhaps it was best to take what they could get on this new planet - make a new life.
Another lion from their group, Lazarus, had quickly been shunned by the other members in the pride, particularly their new leader. Nehemiah listened closely as the two argued about their home planet and their struggles, mentioning a certain affection with a dream lioness. Nehemiah's ears perked up, thinking back to his former lover, but now knew she lie dead in the dust. The purple male ran Lazarus out of their cavern, saying he was a traitor for wanting a relationship with someone do dangerous to their cause. Nehemiah slunk back into the shadows - only further confirmation that if he were to mention his own feelings it could cost him his safety.
Days later, a familiar voice rang out through the lands. Lazarus had returned - and he was not alone. The purple male met him with confrontation but soon he too led the others to the inner sanctum of the cave. Nehemiah watched them approach eagerly, his eyes wide with intrigue as to the unfamiliar faces before him. Had these lions, too, come from the home planet? If so, why had he never seen them before? Nehemiah had a feeling they held more information than it seemed.
Listening to their conversion and questions only left Nehemiah more and more confused - growing ever more so when the "alpha" returned a second time asking about time, and deaths, and even his sudden unnerving when he found out about Merikh. The second time he left their presence, Nehemiah gathered with the others in the group. "Perhaps we should give him the benefit of the doubt." Nehemiah noted to the others, gazing to Ethereal as he walked from the cavern. "Those who travel to different planets… how is it not plausible for one to travel the oceans of time? " Nehemiah kept secret his hidden desires, for Ethereal seemed confused to learn that the dream lionesses had been murdered. That fact alone drove Nehemiah forward in his decisions.
Before, Nehemiah had been feeling depressed about his inaction on the home planet and yet… from the moment he met these other lions and Ethereal in particular he realized there was more he could do. Their action to follow the musings of a so called spirit, even in the faces of danger, gave him home for himself to one day do the same in his own life. Nehemiah wanted to know more of them and maybe this was the chance Nehemiah was waiting for to change his life for the better. His heart was raised when the group decided to follow the group of unfamiliar lions to the arch. Though their presence was more forceful than he wanted, Nehemiah followed them through the newly rebuilt arch back to their home.
Returning HomeThe journey through the arch seemed to last an eternity, yet was over in seconds. He, along with the other seven lions, emerged in a heap from the other side, unaware of what wait before them. Nehemiah looked up at his surrounding, familiar and new, and closed his eyes as he was engulfed in the golden dust of his home. Nehemiah felt rejuvenated like he had never been before. The others around him gazed at their home in awe. It was not as they had left it, no faces were familiar in the crowds, and it was eerily familiar. Home, but not in their time. The alpha lion had been right - they had traveled through time. As those around him decided where they would go from here, Nehemiah thought back to what he had learned on Earth from the group of lions. If this time was also thrust into a civil war, Nehemiah did not know if he preferred being on either side. The male began forward, separating from the rest to gather what information he could in passing.
News spread quickly through the Pride of Earth's destruction and Nehemiah looked up to the sky with sadness in his heart. Part of him felt responsible for what had happened. Just another part of his guilty conscious to drag him down. First, the deaths of the lake massacre, then those of the dream lionesses, and now the entire Earth.
As Nehemiah walked through the lands of the Pride, he made sure to keep his distance. Not only was he wary, confused, and anxious about being in this time, the news of Earth's destruction hit him hard and the male much preferred to be alone. Some of those who had traveled with him from their own time scattered, no doubt to live their own lives in this new time. Nehemiah, however, was drawn to this place, as if something was keeping him here. Like a fish out of water, Nehemiah slowly made his way in and out of the sight of the Pride lions. He was heading a particular direction - to the site of his waning loyalty.
As he journeyed, Nehemiah took in the sites of this "new" Pride and was immediately struck to see familiar faces in the crowd. These lionesses - the ones of dreams - he had assumed them dead. He watched them die before his very eyes, and yet some were seen among the warriors, healers, and alpha himself. The realization stopped him in his tracks. Nehemiah scanned the large crowd of lions searching for a particular face yet could not find the one his heart was seeking. And so, Nehemiah continued on, picking up tidbits of information here and there as he journeyed. In such a short time he heard remarks of this unworldly event compared to others: A Blood Moon, A Lake, and the Dream Lionesses. If the dream lionesses and even the cubs from the lake were reborn, why was she not among them?
Nehemiah could see the Lake of Eternity in his view now, glistening and sparkling in the disappearing light. It had always been a eerie yet beautiful place and he was glad nothing had changed in the many years since he last laid eyes on it, although in reality it was only a short time ago.a Nehemiah looked down into the water as he did that night many moons ago, his heart paining for the one he once knew and loved. Although Nehemiah was surprised to see these dream lionesses returned in the flesh - alive and breathing - the one he so desperately wished to see was no where in sight.
He did not know how long he had sat there in the silence of the night but Nehemiah knew he had lingered too long. It was not safe for him here, not yet, and he had no desire to choose sides in this war once again. The Pride was no place for him, even if in his heart he remained loyal to his home. Nehemiah hesitantly lifted his body from the rocks and turned on his heels to the direction of the free lands where nomads were known to roam. It was then and only then that Nehemiah became aware of a small group of lions perched in the distance. They were watching the spectacle below them, gazing into the Pride lands intently, yet their expressions were full of malice and hatred. A pair of red glistening eyes stuck out in the distance, owned by a lion who looked like death itself. But it was not that particular pair of eyes that had caught his immediate attention. It was the lioness who stood next to him that captured his gaze.
There she stood, in all of her glory, the dream lioness from his past. His love, his heart, and his soul. Nehemiah's heart both swelled and burst in one quick moment. Her face was full of guilt and sadness. Nehemiah wanted to run to her, take her beside him and beg for her forgiveness, to run away from this blasted world together and never look back. But something held him in his place. Their eyes met for one quick moment and a flash of recognition hit her face. Nehemiah took a step forward but was held back by a flash of images through his head - a memory from the past brought on by the dream lioness above.
"Nehemiah, you must not come closer." her voice called out to him, bringing up all of the same feelings he felt back then. Nehemiah closed his eyes, falling to his front paws and shaking his head in an attempt to shake the memories away.
"You know what they will do to us. I will not let them take you down as well." his memory called out. "I should have done something…" Nehemiah whispered, forcing his eyes open and disperse the message she was sending him. He looked again to the ridge above but the lions who were there minutes before had vanished into the darkness.
"I will find you again. If only to ask for forgiveness. I will make things right." Nehemiah said, more to himself than to the now empty space above him. He did not know if she would take him back and accept his feelings, nor did he know if he would want that. He was brought here for a reason, and now it was time to find out what it was. Nehemiah rose to his feet once more, looking back to the Pride territory behind him. "I will aid you, if you ask, but my journey lies elsewhere." With that, he began walking to the direction of the nomads.
Plans For The FutureNehemiah travels from time to time back into the lands of the Pride because he does seek familiarity and companionship. However, the reason behind is drive to become a nomad is still out there - his former lover. Once Nehemiah learned who exactly this Arknon was, Nehemiah considers it his duty to discover the reason behind her betrayal to the rebellion. And, if he can use this to advance the Pride's goals, perhaps it is his form of redemption.
On only one occasion since the day of his return to the home planet did Nehemiah come face to face with the dream lioness from his past. Nehemiah had been diligent in his search for her and her motives but it was she who had surprised him that day. The morning light had just rose over the horizon and cast an serene glow in the purple-blue sky. Nehemiah had wandered further and further into the Unknown Lands and with each day the journey grew more and more dangerous. Weeks of dodging sight from rebel forces had left him exhausted and Nehemiah knew it was time to return back, for he had lingered too long.
Just as he reached the edge of their lands a ghostly apparition had appeared before him, no doubt the same one that had appeared to Ethereal mere months before - the one that had set this all into motion. A dense fog surrounded the ghost and she tilted her head curiously as she looked back to Nehemiah.
"Nehem…" the voice spoke softly - tenderly even. "Carys… So it is you after all." Nehemiah replied, his voice nearly cracking with the weight of the emotions he felt. The spirit turned her head away in an attempt to not meet his eyes.
"Of all the things I suspected to come out of this, you were not one of them. You were to be lost to the memories of all. Mine included. And yet here you stand, chasing after the memory of someone who no longer exists.""I am not the lion you once knew, Nehem, and it is best you stay away." she said to him curtly, however her eyes held some sort of sadness as she recalled the history she had with Nehemiah. Nehemiah stepped forward boldly, shaking his head. "There is still hope. If they have shown that there is hope for me, then certainly it can be found for you. Please, return with me. We can get through this together." Nehemiah pleaded. Thousands of questions filled his mind but his mouth went empty. Why were you here? Why did you not stay with the other lionesses? The Pride? Why did you join this Arknon? Why did you destroy Earth?!
"There is nothing left for me here. My soul died that day, 3000 years ago. You have changed in your thinking, Nehem, and so have I. Now go and live your life. Make your own choices, for once, and let that first choice be to let me go." As quickly as she had appeared, Carys vanished into thin air. Nehemiah knew it was dangerous for her to appear to him and yet she had. Most of all, she wanted him to forget her. He could not help but think back to her words that day.
"You know what they will do to us. I will not let them take you down as well."She was letting him go. Carys wanted him to do the same to her.
With his heart battered and broken, Nehemiah turned on his heels and drug himself back in the direction of the Pride. If he had learned anything it was that he would not make the same mistake twice. He would make decisions for himself and even if he could not move on now one day he hoped he would be able to put his past behind him - to put her behind him. Even in this age it was dangerous to love her but part of him always would. "Just because I give you up, does not mean I will give up on you…" Nehemiah said, lifting his head to look back to the Unknown Lands one last time.
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A Story of RedemptionThe journey back to the Pride's territory was long and it gave Nehemiah time to think. Too much time. After all of this searching for Carys, it came up fruitless. Not that Nehemiah knew what he wanted to do when he met her, but surly anything would have been better than simply walking away. Giving up was not an option, but now that she had shown her true nature, what was Nehemiah to do now? He wanted to help her still, yes, but that was hard to do when there were so few who wanted you around and were willing to help you. But perhaps, with his mind no longer focused solely on finding Carys, he could focus on something more important - Redemption. He needed to make a place for himself in this new world.
He returned with his head held low and visibly distressed. A pair of glowing eyes watched him from the distance, the cub tilting her head with curiosity. Walking over to Nehemiah, she stepped in front of him, blocking his way. The cub looked up to him with bright eyes wide with both concern an wonder. Nehemiah was jolted out of his stupor and took a step back, immediately feeling the rush of guilt that he felt as he saw the cub's body thrown into the Lake of Eternity many many years ago.
"Miah? Are you okay? Did-did those rebels hurt you?" Without waiting for a response, the cub was quick to lean up on her back legs, sniffing at his pelt in an attempt to look for visable injuries. "Why don't you just stay with the pride? It's safer here."
Nehemiah shook his head, leaning down to be face to face with her. "No Marella, there were no rebels." he replied, still getting used to the change in meaning of this term from his time to theirs. Rebels - the ones who followed the lion Arknon. The one the Pride termed to be vile, evil, and traitors. Those were all words they would have used to describe his Pride and the leader Merikh he followed - and they were right. Once you have been called those things it is hard to see yourself as anything less. And yet, here was this cub, one that he watched die in the lake, showing concern for him. It was confusing yet filled him with hope.
"I just ran into an old friend… though that term may no longer be appropriate…" Nehemiah explained, trying to offer a reassuring smile. Nehemiah furrowed his brows a bit, thinking aloud. "Marella… why don't you act like the others? You don't show any fear or hatred towards me, even for the things that I have done. Don't you distrust me too?" he asked, laying down in front of the lake cub. Even if she did not remember what he did, Nehemiah always feared that if she did, she would turn on him too.
Marella grew quiet. She had been avoiding the matter completely, turning a blind eye on the past that was now part of her present. She had seen the others, experienced nightmares and flash backs on what happened not long after their arrival. Fragmented dreams of the past were nothing knew, but these old memories seemed to resurface with more vigor now more than ever. She knew what it meant, but didn't want to know the whole story. "I'm scared. I don't want to remember. I just want to forget...You-you weren't the one but you were there...You didn't-" Abruptly cutting off, Marella closed her eyes, dark shadows wafting off her coat, slowly started to swirl around her. She didn't want to talk about this. She wanted to hide away, pretend none of this happened. "Miah, don't. Please. This is our new life. We can be - we are friends. We are happy now. Just forget about all that stuff. That doesn't matter anymore." Letting out a heavy sigh, the dark colored cub looked up at the male. Eyes bright with determination and a hint of sadness. "New life. New you. That's all that matters."
Nehemiah gave a tender sigh and forced himself to look away. He agreed, it was easier to put distance between the past and the present - but that couldn't go on forever. Nehemiah took a large paw and pulled her closer into the fur of his mane. "I didn't, but I should have done something. I won't make that mistake again." he promised. Nehemiah looked up to see Marella's guardian, Taranis, appearing in the distance - no doubt looking for his sister. "Enough of that now, we don't have to talk about it. Not for a long while. Let's get you home."
Nehemiah walked with the small cub over to her brother, the other male wrapping his tail around her protectively. Once Taranis had found out who Nehemiah was he had become more protective over Marella, but seeing the cub's affection for the other male, Taranis had grown to accept him too. "Will you be staying this time Nehemiah?" Taranis asked. Nehemiah looked behind him, back to the unknown lands, and then down to Marella.
"Make your own choices, for once, and let that first choice be to let me go.""For awhile, I suppose. There is not much left for me out there." Nehemiah answered, though with a bit of sadness in his deep voice. Taranis glanced down to his sister who in turn looked up at him with pleading eyes. "We would be more than happy to have you, if you would like." Taranis added with a sly smile down to Marella. "I would like that." Nehemiah grinned, starting to walk with the pair back to the Pride.
Perhaps this was the start to making amends.
Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.Short Story:Linked here is a short story with Nehemiah and the dream lioness I used in this story, the lioness from the event lore who joined Arknon's side. Linked to a stash because I hit the CS post character limit! Please read, it gives you an idea of their relationship<3
It Was Only A Dream
Art:
All art included in this form is credited to me, Pengu. You may not use this art without my expressed permission.
Thoughts On Cubhood:
Being born into the first generation of lions ever to exist in their species, Nehemiah missed out on the joys of cubhood. Like all others from the first generation, he was created by an unknown entity. It is not known what exactly formed him and even in the current age, 3000 years later, their creation is a mystery. Regardless, Nehemiah does feel he missed out on an important part of life. Being created directly into adulthood has its drawbacks. Nehemiah never experienced the easy life as a cub, received years of dedicated training and guidance by cub trainers, or even have parents of his own. He would have given anything to have what cubs today have - specifically parents. Nehemiah believes that if he had parental role models growing up he may have not been so naive in his thinking and he may not have relented so easily when others of higher standing or build ordered him around. Having no examples to build off of in his time, it was simply kill or be killed. With no examples to learn from, Nehemiah gave in easy when others who were deemed better off than himself gave direction - specifically Merikh. In retrospect, Nehemiah tends to envy these cubs and how easy they have it early on in their own lives.
If he were to have cubs of his own one day, Nehemiah would look back on his life, parentless with no real indication of who or what his creators are, and give them everything he did not have himself - Guidance, patience, love, and positive role models.
Thoughts On The Former Pride:
"The cause - that was something I believed in with all of my heart. To this day, I would still say I agree with their way of thinking. Leaders should not be chosen based on an element, but rather their other qualities that prove they deserve the position. However, the methods they choose to use is something I will condemn until my dying breath. I did not think that I was strong enough back then to do anything about it, but I will never make that same mistake twice. Do I approve of everything they did - no, in fact I despise it. However, their believes are something that they - we - were entitled to. Will that make up for what was done… not in the least."
Thoughts On The Former Rebellion:
"Looking back on it now, I was fed lies and stories about how those in the rebellion were nothing more than fools. However, deep in my heart I knew they were just like us. They were fighting for a cause they believed in. They were fighting for their lives. I do not think ill of any of them, for at one point I may have even called them friends. I wish I could go back and make amends and ask each and every one of them for forgiveness. None of them deserved the horror that Merikh and the rest of us put them through. Not seeing it then, that is something I will forever regret."
Thoughts On The Current Pride:
"The Pride in this time is significantly different from that in ours. In our time, we were nothing but murderers and killers and it seemed there were very few good souls on our side. This Pride, however, it no such thing. Which makes sense, considering they are descended from the rebels in our time. Though I do not consider myself one of them yet, I feel safe and welcomed by most. It is comforting to know that even after all we have done, Ethereal has given us a chance at a new and better life. A chance at forgiveness… that is not something I will forget. So, though I do not align myself with anyone, I choose of my own free will to help out the Pride in any way they have need of me. "
Thoughts On The Current Rebellion:
"I do not know much about the current rebellion or the reasonings behind their decision to fight. I do not care, either. I take no stance in this war. However, seeing the parallels in this time to that of mine, I know the hurt they are inflicting on those here in the Pride. Just as Merikh and our forces did thousands of years ago, they are bringing terror and pain to an otherwise peaceful planet. I will not support them in what they do, but I wish to understand why they do it. Most of all, I wish to understand why my beloved Carys choose to join them."
Relationships:Other relationships will be linked here! I reached the character limit for CS posts, sorry about that!The Dream Lionesses:Nehemiah feels a great amount of guilt for the deaths of the dream lionesses, especially the one who he was involved with at the time. This guilt weighs heavily on his conscious and when he comes into contact with one of the lionesses, Nehemiah can go into a depressed state. He does not want to become close to them out of fear of rejection. Nehemiah knows deep in his heart that, perhaps if he had said something many years ago, their lives may not have been taken. After seeing his former lover on the side of Arknon when he arrived on the home planet, Nehemiah has been confused of his and her loyalties. His desire to return to her and ask for forgiveness trumps all feelings of hatred he has for her and her choices. It is yet to be seen if he will be accepted by those in the pride.
The Lake Cubs:Like the dream lionesses, Nehemiah feels horrible for the fate these cubs have endured. Though, Nehemiah wishes to help them as much as he can. Seeing as he knew some of them in their previous life, if they ever came seeking help and knowledge of the life they used to have, he would offer it without question. Nehemiah feels that helping them in their new lives may erase some of the guilt he carries on his conscious, and wishes them nothing but the best with their new lives in this world.
Fellow Earth Lions:Thought he grew up with these lions and shares this experience of time travel with them, Nehemiah does not associate with all of them. For those who repented for their actions and want to strive for a better life, Nehemiah welcomes them with open arms. For those who have chosen to follow Arknon, Nehemiah would rather stay away as to not be tempted to change sides again - he does not want to make the same mistake twice. And to those like him who do not know exactly where the belong yet, Nehemiah hopes they can continue on this journey together and help each other find their place.
My Liath:While the two may not get along on the surface, Liath holds qualities that Nehemiah wishes he had in himself. He has used this lioness, even such a young one, as a roll model in his new life that Nehemiah has set up for himself. He strives to learn how Liath can be so opinionated and choose her own path, as he has always done what others say is best. Through their short time together, Nehemiah has grown personally. He is continually working on not letting others sway his opinions and through that hopefully make a new and better life for himself in this new world. The two often butt heads but Nehemiah feels welcomed in their small group of nomads and considers them to be a sort of family to him whenever he is in need of companionship. Nehemiah, too, also hopes to teach the young lioness a thing or two about patience.
My Taranis:Nehemiah has become gradually closer to Taranis throughout his time back on the home planet. Since Nehemiah travels quite frequently into the unknown lands and nomad lands he seeks out guidance from Taranis on the terrain in the area and lions he may come into contact with or even avoid. At first their relationship was strictly business - Taranis told him only what he wished to know and no more. It was not until Nehemiah discovered Taranis had adopted a lake cub as his sister that Nehemiah wanted to draw closer. His relationship with Marella forced him to grow closer to Taranis and he would even consider the large male an ally. When Nehemiah returns to the pride lands he is frequently seen with the two, sharing stories with Taranis of things he learned while on his travels.
My Yunus:Being considered a special "event" lion got under Nehemiah's skin in his early days back on the home planet. Thus, Nehemiah sought out a few of these other special lions to learn more about them. Not only had there been nothing like that in his time, and he was definitely curious, but Nehemiah also was seeking some sort of familiarity with these lions. Despite being turned off by Yunus's intimidating experience, Nehemiah found him fascinating to be around. Learning of the Blood Moon was interesting for Nehemiah and the two quickly bonded over their unusual comings into this world. When Yunus is scouting out in the lands beyond the pride the two can often meet and offer help to one another.
Squirrelspirit's MarellaMarella is one of the few lake cubs Nehemiah has come into contact with and he is happy to call a friend. Although the guilt he had over her death in her former life still haunts him, the cub did not let it get in the way of her curiosity towards him. Although Nehemiah knows about her previous life and what truly happened to her, her free sprit and desire to remain a cub has him torn on if he should bring up the subject. Marella's innocence tugs on his heart strings and he does not want to taint that. He enjoys spending time with her when he comes to the Pride, usually spending time together talking about his time on Earth and what it was like before its demise.
Squirrelspirit's EloinNehemiah knows Eloin as Liath's sister. As the two girls are inseparable, Nehemiah has come to know her as deeply as he has his sister. The girl has a better viewpoint on the pride than her twin, however, and Nehemiah uses her to learn more of their inner workings and dealings. He seeks comfort in her timid and calm nature as a welcome contrast to her sister's boisterous one. Eloin has made Nehemiah feel welcome as a nomad on the home planet and welcomed him into their small pride with open arms.
Form Questions:
1. Was your lion actively involved with the Lake Cubs/ Dream Lionesses Deaths?
Although Nehemiah was present during their deaths, he did not actively participate in them. Nehemiah was an unwilling bystander who heavily regrets his decision to not act on his gut feelings during their murders.
2. With the opportunity to be forgiven, would your lion choose to better themselves? Or remain in their ways, justifying their actions of the past.
While he believed in the end goal of Merikh's cause, he did not support the means they used to achieve that. Nehemiah is not comfortable justifying his actions of the past, simply because he was too afraid to act out of fear of being discriminated by other pride members. As a nomad, Nehemiah prepares to reflect on his past and focus on becoming a better lion in the future with the influence of the lions of this time helping him on his way.
3. Where would your lions alligiance lie on the new LOC home world? With Ethereal and the pride? With Arknon? Or Neutral?
Nehemiah remains a neutral party in this new time, afraid to choose a side lest he make the same mistake twice. However, he is lenient towards the pride.
Note: The dream lioness used in this story is not a canon design but is used in lore with permission from starry-knight. Her name, Carys, means "my loved one".
Credit:
Thank you to those who allowed me to use your lions in my form! Your help is greatly appreciated!
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