Race With the Coastal Ace
Like a streak of gold and blue, Dexter speeds down the coast on this absolutely gorgeous summer's day. Somewhat shaky rather than his usual confident self, not quite as familiar with the distinct feel of this beach's waves. But this unfamiliarity is nothing new to him, considering each beach requires a certain touch. As the minutes pass by he slowly but surely meshes with its flow, and in turn, his confidence and excitement grows. Yet from land he draws a particular set of eyes, watching him take on the massive waves rushing ashore.
Perched up high in the comfort of a palm tree's fronds, a majestic macaw watches. Its vibrant colorful feathers glow slightly as they reflect the sun rays shining from above. All the while keeping an observant eye on the foreign lion, filled with a mixture of curiosity and amusement seeing someone new take on the coast's challenging waves. Almost always a gradual progression from unsteady to pro, or... "pro", the macaw thought. No doubt admiring the many different styles of visiting surfers from across the globe. But this beach has a true master, an ace of this beautiful realm where the gorgeous tropical coast collides with the vast sparkling ocean under a stunning blue sky.
"Lemme show you how it's really done", the macaw thinks, leaning forward until dropping from the comfortable resting spot. Within seconds the bird is diving down the tree's trunk like a speeding missile, keeping those majestic wings tucked tight against its body until the last second. Then with a burst of vibrant color the bird's wings spread out wide, followed by a flurry of hard flaps to pull out of the rapid dive mere inches above the smooth white sands blanketing the beach. Quite the energetic start, but the perfect way to loosen up for the flight ahead, the bird thinks darting towards the open ocean.
Soon the coastal sand passing below gives way to crystal clear waters as the macaw makes it out over the ocean, wings flapping at rapid pace from the burst of adrenaline. With Dexter already gliding across a roaring wave's surface, the macaw wastes no time greeting him with a sharp turn to pull alongside incredibly close. The abrupt appearance catches Dex off guard, nearly causing him to stumble. But after a few wobbles, he's able to regain control thankfully, not wanting to embarrass himself in front of what he assumes is one of the locals. "Local surfer 'ey? How's about you show me the proper way to shred these waves?" Dexter says with a smile, the macaw looking over to give a slight nod before another explosive burst of flaps to zoom just ahead of him. Dexter lowers his stance ever so slightly to keep himself steady as he observes, his eyes tracking the quick movements of the ace bird putting on a little show. A few flaps hard to the left before a quick roll to flap hard to the right. A flurry of zig-zagging motions then finishing off by tucking those wings against its body to do a quick barrel roll, right before flashing them out wide again. So close to the wave yet never touching, precision movements that impress Dexter so much he can't help but let loose a quick roar of admiration.
The colorful avian wasn't done yet, suddenly disappearing from view after a series of rapid flaps, pulling up to do a loop over and behind Dexter. Then seconds later zipping by through the tight gap between the rushing wall of water and the golden-furred lion. Dexter shouts, "You sure know how to impress!" The macaw looks back at him rather proud, but only for a brief few seconds before dipping lower until only an inch separates the sleek belly feathers and the rushing water. A careful tip of the left wing gently kisses the wave's surface, creating a long streak that catches Dexter's eye. He in turn holds his paw out like a knife slicing through the coastal air, allowing his fingers to kiss the wave and make a streak of his own just above the bird's. Another precision movement that although exciting, failed to truly capture the elation Dexter feels zooming along with this majestic bird. Another short moment passes when the bird climbs just enough to put some extra distance from the wave, beginning another zig-zag motion. This time keeping each shift in direction a little less dramatic as Dexter follows in his own smooth-ish zig-zagging right behind.
For a short while longer he keeps this up, a feeling of ease settling in as he follows the macaw's path along the raging wave's surface, delighted by the occasional trick thrown in. Dexter's just beginning to admire in himself how far he's progressed through the day, from a wobbly start to keeping up with the ace macaw. But a thought slightly too soon as he makes a cut sharper than he intends. The macaw soars along, feeling one with the wave's beautiful waters until hearing a shout "TOO TIGHT!" An abrupt shift in the thrilling atmosphere before a loud splash. The macaw's head shoots back, only to see Dexter's board tumbling and tossing under the wave's influence before disappearing into the wall of water. The bird eases off its maneuvers, wings held out wide to settle into a steady climb, allowing the wave to rush underneath as it begins to circle. Dexter emerges several seconds later as the wave rushes by, taking a moment to regain his bearings and hoist his drenched self back onto his board. He then unleashes a brief flurry of dramatic shakes that sends drops of water flying all around him, wicking some of the water from his soaked frame. Despite his watery tumble, he can't help but let out a few laughs between deep inhales and exhales, catching his breath after such an adrenaline-filled rush. "Today's best run yet, but..." His words interrupted by the bird landing on his board in front of him.
"You're quite the expert surfer aren't you?" He asks, reaching out to softly pat the colorful bird's head, careful not to get any water on that pretty feathery coat. The macaw's head tilts noticing the lion's eager smile. Dexter then asks with a humorous tone "Sooooo what'll you give me? 10 out of 10 right?" The macaw shakes its head from side to side, head tilting again. "8 out of 10?" The macaw's head shakes again, making Dexter's smile grow even more. "6 out of 10?!" He asks with a little more emphasis. Again a head shake. Dexter pauses to think. Then... "Ok ok. Anywhere above at least 3 out of 10?" For a dramatic moment the two stare at each other in silence, eyes locked as the suspense rises, Dexter anxiously awaiting the answer. Then finally... the macaw's head shakes side to side again. Dexter slaps the water, leaning back as he lets out a burst of hearty laughter "AWWW COME ON! Give me a little credit at least why don't you!" He sits there laughing for a few more seconds, even the bird letting off a few squawks that Dexter takes for laughing during their idle float.
Once Dexter's laughter fades a bit, the macaw pecks at his board before looking at him with its head tilted. "Ah! Hmmmmm well, I'll give you an 11 out of 10 because those moves were pretty sweet and impressive. BUT! By the end of today, I'll get at least an 8 from ya. Count on that!" Dexter says confidently, holding his paw up to shield his eyes from the sun as he looks up. The sun's height in the sky a clear indication the two have lots more time left in the day. The macaw hops at this, facing the open sea with a proud stance as if accepting some sort of challenge with a slight nod. "Round two it is then!" Dexter says with a toothy grin, laying on his board before starting to paddle further out to sea. His adrenaline already starts to spike again, not quite focused on any sort of score, rather excited for another run with the talented bird. Sure a few more dramatic wipeouts were just ahead for him too, something he knew all too well as a part of the adjusting process, but he doesn't care. He's having an absolute blast and that's all that matters to him.
Soon reaching a nice spot far enough from the shore, the two resume an idle float. Dex pays little mind to the excellent view of the distant beautiful coast, focusing more on bracing himself for the coming rush. Counting each tense second that passes with a different building suspense. Not even minding the tickling sensations he feels from passing fish, giving his tail tuft drifting beneath the surface a few curious nibbles. Suddenly his body jolts. "There it is!" Dexter shouts, pointing to a rising wall of water rushing towards them from behind. "Alrighty lead the way!" The bird immediately takes off, his own heart racing as he lays on the board and begins paddling to catch the wave. Marking the start of just the second wild ride, of many they'd share on this beautiful summer's day...
Spectacularly vibrant colorful illustration done by artist VeyZ! Also at [@AlyssaVeysey] Original artist post here: [Soaring]
Lion on a high-paced coastal cruise belongs to me DexterLion also at [@DexChillViber]
Skittles birb is Skittles birb
Category Artwork (Digital) / All
Species Lion
Gender Male
Size 1275 x 825px
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, stop being so wholesome Dex! ;3;
Holy sshhhhiiittt! This looks straight out of an anime with that stunning backdrop and dynamic shot. Gorgeous, and I’ll need to find a moment to purrrruse that rrrravishomg plethora of words written out.
Beautifully written and what an awesome picture Dex! Would love to surf with you! ;3
Looks like the bird's giving you some competition.
The water effects are really great and thanks for the story/explanation!
Look at that rad cat! He sure is having fun there :D
Your pictures and writing always take us on a wonderful journey. A vivid and energetic story giving us a glimpse of a pawesome Lion, who makes the most of life and sweeps us along with it. Glorious Dexter💖😎⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🙌👍
Oh my gosh. I'm going for my surfboard. I want to ride the waves with a certain charming lion 💙💛
The style of this looks so beautiful! I love how bright and colorful most of your gallery is!
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