Under the guise of the night sky, a young panther spends a casual outing before turning in for the rest of the night.

Night Panther

The sound of grass rustling serves as the main noise throughout the territory while a black panther treks along the trail, his tail up and flailing about. Being the middle child in his family, Akai was just living his own life. And with a family of royal status, the panther himself never really gave much consideration to royal duties befitting a king. For all he knew, he could just be another panther roaming the landscape.

Despite being of royal status, Akai never considered himself to be a prince of NightClan. His father, Alexei, is the current ruler and he is hoping to pass his duties onto his heir one day…

Akai never considered royal duties to be his strong suit, mainly because he wasn't that into the plan. He was just more into being himself in the world. He was never that interested in royal duties anyway.

Lying on his back, Akai stared up at the moonlit sky above him, taking note of the various stars coloring the sky. The sky above him is sprinkled with stars throughout, complimented by the various colors peppered throughout the night sky. Just seeing this brings a breath of fresh air to Akai. However, he wasn't alone in solitude for long.

"Akai, what are you doing out here all alone? Stargazing again?" Akai's father, Alexei, noticed him lying on the grass and stargazing. The clan patriarch was against it at first, but had decided to let Akai be himself after a while. Still, the older panther nuzzles his son in greeting when Akai suddenly grabs him and begins rubbing his head against the patriarch.

Though unexpected, Alexei joins his son on his stargazing, with Akai hugging him closely. While the two panthers are staring up at the sky, Akai begins to speak, "Hey Dad. Look, I'll be frank here; I don't really see myself cut out for this royal business thing. I'm more comfortable just being myself."

Nuzzling his sparkly son in return, Alexei comments, "There is nothing wrong with that. You are who you are and I have no qualms with that. Son, I want you to be happy but the time will come when you will one day lead your own clan. You understand, right?"

"Dad, I'm not cut out for royalty like I said; plus, others are giving me these weird looks. Like, what is wrong with me that they have to stare so hard for?" Akai wondered in complaint.

Alexei smirks knowingly at his son, telling him, "That's because you have your mother's appearance. And you certainly are a handsome panther. Not only that but your mother has mentioned the same thing to me before, and she's the one who's beautiful. It doesn't bother as much as it did before and definitely shouldn't bother you. You're smarter than you look."

"Thanks Dad, but what does the rest of the family think?" Akai wondered.

"Akai, you're fine how you are. Don't let anyone change that - me, your friends, your family, no one. You are just fine how you are and how you look." Alexei stated firmly after scowling.

"Honestly Dad, thank you." Akai begins licking his father, nuzzling and snuggling closer against him. Warmed up inside, Akai begins to gradually admit, "I never considered royal duties important but I often feel unsettled by the strange behaviors from the other cats. That could be one of the reasons why royal duties aren't that important to me. Another reason is that I'm just not interested in it. But I will consider it."

Akai whispers in return, "Thanks Dad. I love you…"

"I love you too, son. Even though you are different, nothing will change my affection for you." Alexei nuzzles his son in return. Once the black panther patriarch recedes, he remains close to his son, staring up at the sky to share the stargazing moment. Interested, he switches topics, "So about this stargazing thing, it must be one of your favorite hobbies."

"Apart from book reading and exploring, of course." Akai laughs softly.

"Book reading, eh? Say Akai, have you collected anything recently about the universe? Say, I dunno, the constellations or the other planets?" The patriarch implied.

Akai shakes his head in denial, claiming, "Nah, not as of recently. But when I snag one, I will let you know; or you can go with me to a local market."

"When you get one, let me know. We can explore through it together." Alexei chuckled.

"Okay Dad, I will inform you when I obtain it." Akai responded in return. The two panthers fall silent in continuing their stargazing for a while longer until they fall asleep, snuggled against each other.

~~~~~

Akai belongs to HazukiWolfX from ToyHouse!