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Description
Full view is your friend!!

Edit: 1/14/15 - Demu aged up to an adult! look at how pretty he is! His colors lightened up just a tad and his scars became a less noticeable tanish-gray.
Yet another character for HeartOfTheKalahari ! >3< I just couldn't resist a lanky adolescent male character to be a complete contrast for Enzi.

Name: Demu [D-moo]
Name meaning: Blood
Nickname: -
Gender: Male
Orientation: Heterosexual; straight
Species: plain ol' African Lion
Age: Adult; approx. 3 1/2 y/o
Height: Average; about 3 1/2 ft at shoulder
Weight: Average; around 400 lbs
Group: Delta Island Pride
Rank: Guard

Personality: [Estranged] [Vengeful] [Brooding] [Intrepid] [Resolute] [Blunt] [Confused] [Loyal]

—[Estranged]: Demu purposely alienates himself from the rest of his pride. He rarely speaks to the others and his only friends are the enslaved cubs, although he's still very antisocial with them as well. What little social ability he had as a cub is long gone and replaced with smoldering angst and glares that could kill. However, now that he has grown into an adult, his angry looks have toned down quite a bit and, if you make an effort, he's able to have small conversations with you.

—[Vengeful]: If anyone wrongs Demu, he makes it a priority to get them back some day. Sometimes, even for the smallest things. It won't always be right away though; sometimes he'll let you believe you're off the hook, but when he's finally got you where he wants you, he'll make his move. No matter what, he'll always make sure that karma comes back to hit you in the face; sometimes harder than you deserve.

—[Brooding]: Demu spends a lot of time moping around. The bad things from his past are always at the front of his mind and he swore to never forget and never forgive. Nonetheless, now that the object of his revenge is dead, his brooding is now spent trying to find a new purpose for his life.

—[Intrepid]: Now fully matured and bulked up with food after King Ruh's reign began, Demu has become quite strong. This fact only strengthens his cocky behavior and if someone picks a fight with him, he won't ever stand down. Now that he can really protect himself and the ones he feels need protecting, he'll jump into the fray without hesitation. Demu will never harm a cub, though. They're the only ones he truly cares about and will defend with his life, aside from himself.

—[Resolute]: Accompanying his fearless nature is Demu's unwavering determination. If he has a goal in mind that he wants to reach, he'll do whatever it takes to get there. Sometimes it's a slow process, but with his determination comes patience. He won't complain; he'll only do what's necessary to fulfill his ambitions. He does this quietly and without a word to anyone else. He makes sure that no one else knows of his plans, but sometimes, they're pretty obvious. Demu solely believes his intentions are right and just, even if it's to kill or harm another being.

—[Blunt]: When Demu does engage the other members in his pride, he's speaks curtly and no more than he has to, no matter who he's speaking to. He won't sugar-coat anything, no matter how harsh or brutal his words may be. However, now that he has matured, he's learned to hold his tongue and instead, tries his best to ignore things that make him angry if he can.

—[Confused]: Now that his one true ambition is fruitless, Demu struggles to find another purpose. He often has a concerned or confused look on his face if you catch him brooding around in the shade of a tree; he doesn't know who he is or what to do anymore.

—[Loyal]: After the death of Ghariki, Demu has slowly come to trust the leadership of Ruh and his queen, D'lani. He is faithfully devoted to the both of them and their family and will do just about whatever they ask of him- with good reason of course. If someone else happens to wiggle their way into Demu's trust circle, he would die for them.

Background:

—[Birth-Cubhood]: Demu's true home lies north-east of the Delta Island Pride. His family had originally been apart of a not-too-small-not-too-big pride just outside the northern flatland's. Both his parents were distant relatives of the king who ruled over their pride and were delighted to hear they would be expecting their first litter. It was a healthy pregnancy and a smooth birth. Demu and his brother were brought peacefully into the world, causing great joy and celebration from his immediate family. His mother named him Furaha and his brother Amani, meaning Joy and Peace. He and his brother were raised with love and compassion from their mother and also a firm and guiding paw from their father. All in all, Demu's childhood was happy and carefree. He was adventurous and bubbly, and he and Amani would get into mischief, like any brothers would. Because they were not princes and the king already had a couple sons, they had no need to worry about being rulers or taking part in the daunting lessons for the kings-to-be. All was well with them and they thought they would live out life happy and together as a family. But then the unthinkable happened.

What would have been expected was a band of rogues to come and ransack their pride, but what they never thought they would see was another pride. Demu was still quite young, but old enough to remember and know what was to happen next. The leader, a dark, almost black, lion named Ghariki was ruthless and blunt with his attack. He and his troop of tyrant-like soldiers killed all who opposed him, including the king and Demu's father. After the battle was over and Ghariki and his followers had won out, the land was stained with red. Many lionesses had tried to stop them, but they too were slain. All the while, Demu and his brother could only cower behind their mother. They, and the rest who had chosen to give in, were enslaved and brought back to the center of the Delta Island Pride.

It wasn't long before Demu began to spiral downward into what he is today. As a slave, he and his family were starved and punished for menial things. Sometimes they received beatings just because one of the guards needed to blow off steam. This caused Demu's heart to blacken with hatred, especially for the dark lion they called king. He was still sweet and gentle with his mother and brother, but alone he was seething and vengeful. Tufts of a mane were beginning to form on his chest when he discovered his mother dead. She had starved to death. He and Amani cried for weeks, lying in the arms of other enslaved lionesses kind enough to let them. And down, down Demu went into hatred and lust for revenge. The only thing holding him back was the soothing and timid nature of his brother, Amani. The two had grown increasingly closer and were only ever apart when they were forcibly made to be. Amani was a gentle, kind soul who saw the positive side to everything, while Demu began to slowly loathe all he saw. It was very hard for him to see any happiness in their future anymore.

—[Adolescence]: Because of their weakened state, Demu and Amani's manes were slow to grow, and when they were finally noticeable, they were thin and scraggly. By now, Demu was always unhappy, even around Amani. His joking nature turned sarcastic, though he retained the gentleness when around his brother. Ever since Ghariki had noticed the two of them growing their manes, he had lessened their food significantly. Demu knew exactly why; Ghar didn't want the two of them banding together and revolting. That wouldn't stop Demu though. And one day he took a chance to attack Ghariki. It was futile, though; Ghariki was older, stronger, and well fed, while Demu was young, frail, and half-starved. He was beat down as quickly as he'd leapt into action. He tried many times to get to his feet and attack Ghar again, but each time the dark lion would swat him down with a blow from his massive paws.

It wasn't until Demu could no longer get up when he finally stopped. Ghariki had won and stood over Demu with a sickeningly satisfied smile that seemed too much like a snarl. Demu knew more punishment was coming, so he prepared himself for more beatings, but they didn't come. Ghariki proclaimed that there would be an even worse punishment for him: in his weak and wounded state, he would be made to watch his brother be torn apart and killed by the high king himself. Upon learning this, Demu did all that he could to scream to his brother to run and somehow escape, but all the while, he knew it was impossible. Guards surrounded Amani and dragged him into the middle of the pride's gathering place. There, Ghariki stood, waiting for his opponent with that sick smile of his. Amani didn't put up a fight. He let the older lion take him, peacefully accepting his death, but his screams of pain echoed around for miles. His screams were also joined by those of his brother; Demu couldn't move but his voice worked perfectly fine. He screamed and screamed for Ghariki to stop, for them to kill him instead, but it was too late. Amani was dead in minutes, lying in a heap of blood and mangled limbs. What little joy Demu had left died with his brother that day.

For days, weeks, and even months afterword, Demu did all that he could to somehow make Ghariki kill him too. He tried attacking, he tried disobeying, he tried even stealing food. But the only thing he got was enough beatings to leave him unable to move. He blamed himself for his brothers death, knowing that if only he hadn't tried to attack Ghariki, Amani would still be alive. Or at least that's what he hoped. He no longer referred to himself or came by the name of Furaha, either. That was not who he was anymore. His whole being was defined by what had happened to him. He renamed himself Demu, so that he would never forget how much blood was spilled by Ghariki's paws. It was at that moment that Demu vowed to get revenge on Ghar. He stopped purposely disobeying and trying to kill himself and instead did all he could do preserve and grow his strength.

Ghariki would pay for what he did, and Demu would be the one to make him pay.

—[Adulthood]: With the sudden death of Ghariki and the rise of a new reign, under the mighty paw of King Ruh, the Delta was finally free and at peace. Yet, there was one lion that was still shackled. Though the shackles were only in his own mind. Demu struggled to find ambition and the will to go on. Before Ruh’s takeover, he had but one goal in life; to seek vengeance for his family’s slaughter. But now that the Delta was anew and he was able to do as he pleased, Demu found himself amidst an inwardly war. Who was he and what was his fate now?

This new era brought about a growth spurt in Demu; not just in his body, but in his mind as well. With the constant battle going on in his head, he found himself growing even more distant from the pride. However, that was until he had spoken with D’lani and Ruh separately. He learned that it was Ruh who killed Ghariki and that Sefu, one of his right hand men had fled to another pride and taken it over. Hearing this made Demu want to launch an attack right away, but after a brief conversation with D’lani, he vowed to stay and protect the Delta. It was with this one request that Demu found a new purpose. It was temporary and he still felt confused and alone, but it was the only thing he had left to cling to.

Please let me know if you see any spelling mistakes x:

All art & character © MatrixPotato
TLK © Disney

Description
Full view is your friend!!

Edit: 1/14/15 - Demu aged up to an adult! look at how pretty he is! His colors lightened up just a tad and his scars became a less noticeable tanish-gray.
Yet another character for HeartOfTheKalahari ! >3< I just couldn't resist a lanky adolescent male character to be a complete contrast for Enzi.

Name: Demu [D-moo]
Name meaning: Blood
Nickname: -
Gender: Male
Orientation: Heterosexual; straight
Species: plain ol' African Lion
Age: Adult; approx. 3 1/2 y/o
Height: Average; about 3 1/2 ft at shoulder
Weight: Average; around 400 lbs
Group: Delta Island Pride
Rank: Guard

Personality: [Estranged] [Vengeful] [Brooding] [Intrepid] [Resolute] [Blunt] [Confused] [Loyal]

—[Estranged]: Demu purposely alienates himself from the rest of his pride. He rarely speaks to the others and his only friends are the enslaved cubs, although he's still very antisocial with them as well. What little social ability he had as a cub is long gone and replaced with smoldering angst and glares that could kill. However, now that he has grown into an adult, his angry looks have toned down quite a bit and, if you make an effort, he's able to have small conversations with you.

—[Vengeful]: If anyone wrongs Demu, he makes it a priority to get them back some day. Sometimes, even for the smallest things. It won't always be right away though; sometimes he'll let you believe you're off the hook, but when he's finally got you where he wants you, he'll make his move. No matter what, he'll always make sure that karma comes back to hit you in the face; sometimes harder than you deserve.

—[Brooding]: Demu spends a lot of time moping around. The bad things from his past are always at the front of his mind and he swore to never forget and never forgive. Nonetheless, now that the object of his revenge is dead, his brooding is now spent trying to find a new purpose for his life.

—[Intrepid]: Now fully matured and bulked up with food after King Ruh's reign began, Demu has become quite strong. This fact only strengthens his cocky behavior and if someone picks a fight with him, he won't ever stand down. Now that he can really protect himself and the ones he feels need protecting, he'll jump into the fray without hesitation. Demu will never harm a cub, though. They're the only ones he truly cares about and will defend with his life, aside from himself.

—[Resolute]: Accompanying his fearless nature is Demu's unwavering determination. If he has a goal in mind that he wants to reach, he'll do whatever it takes to get there. Sometimes it's a slow process, but with his determination comes patience. He won't complain; he'll only do what's necessary to fulfill his ambitions. He does this quietly and without a word to anyone else. He makes sure that no one else knows of his plans, but sometimes, they're pretty obvious. Demu solely believes his intentions are right and just, even if it's to kill or harm another being.

—[Blunt]: When Demu does engage the other members in his pride, he's speaks curtly and no more than he has to, no matter who he's speaking to. He won't sugar-coat anything, no matter how harsh or brutal his words may be. However, now that he has matured, he's learned to hold his tongue and instead, tries his best to ignore things that make him angry if he can.

—[Confused]: Now that his one true ambition is fruitless, Demu struggles to find another purpose. He often has a concerned or confused look on his face if you catch him brooding around in the shade of a tree; he doesn't know who he is or what to do anymore.

—[Loyal]: After the death of Ghariki, Demu has slowly come to trust the leadership of Ruh and his queen, D'lani. He is faithfully devoted to the both of them and their family and will do just about whatever they ask of him- with good reason of course. If someone else happens to wiggle their way into Demu's trust circle, he would die for them.

Background:

—[Birth-Cubhood]: Demu's true home lies north-east of the Delta Island Pride. His family had originally been apart of a not-too-small-not-too-big pride just outside the northern flatland's. Both his parents were distant relatives of the king who ruled over their pride and were delighted to hear they would be expecting their first litter. It was a healthy pregnancy and a smooth birth. Demu and his brother were brought peacefully into the world, causing great joy and celebration from his immediate family. His mother named him Furaha and his brother Amani, meaning Joy and Peace. He and his brother were raised with love and compassion from their mother and also a firm and guiding paw from their father. All in all, Demu's childhood was happy and carefree. He was adventurous and bubbly, and he and Amani would get into mischief, like any brothers would. Because they were not princes and the king already had a couple sons, they had no need to worry about being rulers or taking part in the daunting lessons for the kings-to-be. All was well with them and they thought they would live out life happy and together as a family. But then the unthinkable happened.

What would have been expected was a band of rogues to come and ransack their pride, but what they never thought they would see was another pride. Demu was still quite young, but old enough to remember and know what was to happen next. The leader, a dark, almost black, lion named Ghariki was ruthless and blunt with his attack. He and his troop of tyrant-like soldiers killed all who opposed him, including the king and Demu's father. After the battle was over and Ghariki and his followers had won out, the land was stained with red. Many lionesses had tried to stop them, but they too were slain. All the while, Demu and his brother could only cower behind their mother. They, and the rest who had chosen to give in, were enslaved and brought back to the center of the Delta Island Pride.

It wasn't long before Demu began to spiral downward into what he is today. As a slave, he and his family were starved and punished for menial things. Sometimes they received beatings just because one of the guards needed to blow off steam. This caused Demu's heart to blacken with hatred, especially for the dark lion they called king. He was still sweet and gentle with his mother and brother, but alone he was seething and vengeful. Tufts of a mane were beginning to form on his chest when he discovered his mother dead. She had starved to death. He and Amani cried for weeks, lying in the arms of other enslaved lionesses kind enough to let them. And down, down Demu went into hatred and lust for revenge. The only thing holding him back was the soothing and timid nature of his brother, Amani. The two had grown increasingly closer and were only ever apart when they were forcibly made to be. Amani was a gentle, kind soul who saw the positive side to everything, while Demu began to slowly loathe all he saw. It was very hard for him to see any happiness in their future anymore.

—[Adolescence]: Because of their weakened state, Demu and Amani's manes were slow to grow, and when they were finally noticeable, they were thin and scraggly. By now, Demu was always unhappy, even around Amani. His joking nature turned sarcastic, though he retained the gentleness when around his brother. Ever since Ghariki had noticed the two of them growing their manes, he had lessened their food significantly. Demu knew exactly why; Ghar didn't want the two of them banding together and revolting. That wouldn't stop Demu though. And one day he took a chance to attack Ghariki. It was futile, though; Ghariki was older, stronger, and well fed, while Demu was young, frail, and half-starved. He was beat down as quickly as he'd leapt into action. He tried many times to get to his feet and attack Ghar again, but each time the dark lion would swat him down with a blow from his massive paws.

It wasn't until Demu could no longer get up when he finally stopped. Ghariki had won and stood over Demu with a sickeningly satisfied smile that seemed too much like a snarl. Demu knew more punishment was coming, so he prepared himself for more beatings, but they didn't come. Ghariki proclaimed that there would be an even worse punishment for him: in his weak and wounded state, he would be made to watch his brother be torn apart and killed by the high king himself. Upon learning this, Demu did all that he could to scream to his brother to run and somehow escape, but all the while, he knew it was impossible. Guards surrounded Amani and dragged him into the middle of the pride's gathering place. There, Ghariki stood, waiting for his opponent with that sick smile of his. Amani didn't put up a fight. He let the older lion take him, peacefully accepting his death, but his screams of pain echoed around for miles. His screams were also joined by those of his brother; Demu couldn't move but his voice worked perfectly fine. He screamed and screamed for Ghariki to stop, for them to kill him instead, but it was too late. Amani was dead in minutes, lying in a heap of blood and mangled limbs. What little joy Demu had left died with his brother that day.

For days, weeks, and even months afterword, Demu did all that he could to somehow make Ghariki kill him too. He tried attacking, he tried disobeying, he tried even stealing food. But the only thing he got was enough beatings to leave him unable to move. He blamed himself for his brothers death, knowing that if only he hadn't tried to attack Ghariki, Amani would still be alive. Or at least that's what he hoped. He no longer referred to himself or came by the name of Furaha, either. That was not who he was anymore. His whole being was defined by what had happened to him. He renamed himself Demu, so that he would never forget how much blood was spilled by Ghariki's paws. It was at that moment that Demu vowed to get revenge on Ghar. He stopped purposely disobeying and trying to kill himself and instead did all he could do preserve and grow his strength.

Ghariki would pay for what he did, and Demu would be the one to make him pay.

—[Adulthood]: With the sudden death of Ghariki and the rise of a new reign, under the mighty paw of King Ruh, the Delta was finally free and at peace. Yet, there was one lion that was still shackled. Though the shackles were only in his own mind. Demu struggled to find ambition and the will to go on. Before Ruh’s takeover, he had but one goal in life; to seek vengeance for his family’s slaughter. But now that the Delta was anew and he was able to do as he pleased, Demu found himself amidst an inwardly war. Who was he and what was his fate now?

This new era brought about a growth spurt in Demu; not just in his body, but in his mind as well. With the constant battle going on in his head, he found himself growing even more distant from the pride. However, that was until he had spoken with D’lani and Ruh separately. He learned that it was Ruh who killed Ghariki and that Sefu, one of his right hand men had fled to another pride and taken it over. Hearing this made Demu want to launch an attack right away, but after a brief conversation with D’lani, he vowed to stay and protect the Delta. It was with this one request that Demu found a new purpose. It was temporary and he still felt confused and alone, but it was the only thing he had left to cling to.

Please let me know if you see any spelling mistakes x:

All art & character © MatrixPotato
TLK © Disney