Leo: "Crown stays, no play. This is it, gotta hit to be the king!"
Leo's owner owns a farm where all kinds of animals are raised and kept. Among them were lions. And not just any lions. Talking lions. I always wondered if they were actually as intelligent as they seemed. Is it true that their roaring was just them talking or was it actually just a natural instinct? I didn't know much about lions, so I thought that it'd be best to ask one of the ones I knew was a vegetarian. Sadly, they were quite timid and got scared too easily. So I thought that a non-talking lion would be best. Suddenly I heard a noise come from behind me. I turn around to see a talking lion looking at me. Hello, farm boy. I am Leo. I'm a lion from the African Savannah and the proud ruler of a thriving pride. My brothers and I share the land together, but I am far more dominant than they are. It is quite amusing.
Leo: "I'm the king! All hail the king! I'm glad I could meet you, I bet we'll become great friends! Roar!"
"Wow! What a nice introduction!" I say. "Could you tell me what the deal is with you being a talking lion?" "Ah, the deal is simple," Leo says. "I'm just an ordinary lion, but with the ability to speak. It's quite handy when you want to intimidate your opponents. I even taught some of my other brothers how to talk as well, although they're not as adept at it as I am." "Oh, how interesting!" I say, then ask him something that's been on my mind for a while. "Do you think that there will ever be a talking lion that can talk to all of the other animals on the farm?" "Haha, that's a funny question, farm boy," Leo says. "However, I don't believe that there will ever be such a creature. Lions are a bit too aggressive for that. Maybe a talking sheep, but that's about it."
Leo: "You never know! With the way evolution works, who knows what creatures will be born tomorrow? But I doubt that talking lions will ever exist. We're happy with our roaring and growls, plus, our voices sound better that way!"
"Is that right?" I say. "Oh, by the way, what happened to your other brothers? Are they still living in the wild too?"
Leo: "Oh, one of my brothers is happily married and living on his own. The other two still roam the savannah in search of mates. They haven't found anyone yet, but I'm sure they will someday. I myself am quite content here, with my pride."
"Oh, you have a family?" I say. "I thought you were a lone animal." "Yes, I do have a family, farm boy," Leo says. "I am a proud father of three cubs, two males and a female. They're all quite adorable and fierce. I'm sure they'll make great lions someday."
Leo: "How can I not enjoy life? My cubs are growing fast and I've learned to appreciate the small things. A beautiful sunset or a refreshing drink from the river. Plus, I've got a group of loyal followers, we'll just call them maneaters."
"Maneaters? You mean other animals that live with you?" He had never heard of a lion that lived with other animals except for the cows that gave milk. "Yup! Just a bunch of animals that hang out with me and eat meat," Leo says. "It's quite entertaining, we have a giraffe that will do just about anything for a good steak. It's fun to watch."
Leo: "And don't get me started on the hyenas. They're always trying to try and take my food! It's quite annoying. They're loud, lazy and ugly but man, they can be fun to tease"
"Wow! You seem to really like your life!" I say. "And you said that you had three kids, right?"
Leo: "Yes, yes. Me and the Queen had three cubs, two boys and a girl. I want to teach them to be strong and independent, just like their mother. I'm hoping they'll one day become leaders of the savannah. Like I am."
"Wow! That's a lot of responsibility!" I say. "And what about the queen? Is she a real lioness or is she another talking animal?"
Leo: "She is a real lioness, but she is also a bit of a diva. She loves to look pretty and is always fussing about her hair and makeup. But I love her just the same."
"Wait, so she is always busy with her hair and makeup?" I didn't know that animals cared about such things, but maybe they have their own version of it. "Oh, that sounds like her. But at least she doesn't care about being white."
Leo: "Oh, she doesn't care about being white. She does however love to sleep. It's quite difficult to get her to wake up in the morning. Sometimes I have to just leave her alone to sleep in."
"Oh, really?" I say. "Oh, by the way, what is the most fun thing that you've ever done?"
Leo: "Oh, definitely hunting! There's nothing quite like the thrill of the chase. Me and my friends will stalk our prey for hours, creep up silently and then...pounce! It's quite exhilarating."
"And what kind of prey do you usually chase after?" "We usually chase after antelopes," Leo says. "They're quite tasty, especially when you catch them after a long run. Me and my pride will celebrate our victories around the campfire while we feast on the meat. It's quite a sight."
Leo: "My pride is my family, and I'll stop at nothing to protect them...just as I did against those vicious hyenas"
"So, what kind of threat would you say that you are under?" I say. "I mean, it's clear that other animals would like to eat you, but are there any animals that would try to attack you in order to take your territory?"
Leo: "Oh, there are plenty of animals that want to take my territory, farm boy," he says. "Hyenas, cheetahs, even the odd crocodile will try and get in your way. But I am a strong and fierce lion. I will not back down from any enemy, no matter how big or small."
"Wow, so you are constantly under attack?" I say. "Wow, that sounds dangerous!"
Leo: "Constantly, farm boy! But I am a mighty lion! I fight back with all my strength and claws. I won't let any beast threaten my home or my family."