Mohatu

Mohatu is an older Jellybean Dragon. He has vibrant orange eyes and slightly rounded ears. Just like a lion, he sports a tuft of dark brown slicked-back hair that extends down into an impressive fluffy mane over his neck and chest. His standard fur is light orange with a cream underbelly, inner ears, under-eye, and toe markings. He has dark brown eyebrows and two stripes on the end of his tail.

Like all JBDs, he has a belly pouch and can breathe small flames. His flames are bright orange.

Mohatu often wears his studded black leather jacket and totally rad sunglasses. He'll sometimes have earrings on, but he usually prefers to wear his old golden guitar pick around his neck.

The guitar pick is a memoir of his older days as a young rockstar. It bears the logo of his old band - an engraved lion's paw across a lightning bolt.

In anthro, Mohatu favors a lot of black, white, minimal red, and jean clothing with buckles and chains in good rock & roll fashion. If it's not any of those, he'll wear white and black t-shirts with minimalist designs; often with his favorite band logos. His favorite outfit is a black tank top and biker pants with his studded leather jacket and sunglasses. He has a black biker helmet with a lion design that he wears when riding his motorcycle.

He always carries his smartphone, earbuds, and a pack of bubblegum in his pouch or pocket.

Like all JBDs, Mohatu can breathe small flames. His flames are bright orange. These flames are only used for minor things, like starting campfires and looking cool.

Mohatu is a retired rockstar and father with plenty of charm and attitude leftover from his younger, more rebellious days. Age and experience have since tamed this wild beast; he's learned to hold back and pick his fights better. He's the headstrong and tough guy who prefers to do things his way, and he's definitely no pushover. He doesn't let people walk all over him and knows when to put his foot down. "No" means "no" - that's final. He is honest and direct in what he says; he won't cut around the corners. Because of this, many people see him as intimidating and even strict, but at least he has the mind to tell people "no" if it's a dumb or dangerous idea. Most of what he says isn't meant to scare people away, however. He does mean well and only says things because he doesn't want people getting hurt.

While he might be getting older, his fighting spirit is just as strong, and he doesn't shy away from a good challenge. He's not as agile as he used to be, but he continues to exercise and workout to keep his body in shape. If someone tries to pick a fight with him, they might end up in a hospital.

He can be impulsive and argumentative at times, especially when he's angry. It causes him to make poor decisions and lands him in troubling or embarrassing situations. When it does happen, he tries his best to pick himself up, shrug it off, and act as if nothing had even happened. He can be rather stubborn and has a difficult time admitting his mistakes. It usually takes some time or a push in the right direction from a friend or family member before he accepts that maybe he should be the one to apologize.

If someone shows him attitude, he'll show them right back. He tends to pepper his words with sarcasm, and he's not afraid to talk back. However, no matter how bad it is, he tries not to raise his voice at others. It's something he's been trying to fall out of, since all it does it make things worse. Instead, he seeks alternatives, relying on his strong voice and tough stance to assert himself. When someone's getting on his nerves, he'll lower his voice into a growl as a warning. If he doesn't like something, he'll let you know - and very clearly! If it's his house or shop, you'll have to abide by his word. His territory; his rules.
If there's one thing he really dislikes, it'd be bad parents, unruly children, and poor customer service. He often gets into fights with parents over their misbehaving children and will complain to the store manager. Thankfully, this is an incredibly rare occurrence, but it turns into quite a spectacle when it does happen!

Mohatu can be pretty arrogant and loves receiving compliments. It feeds his ego. His days of charming the men and ladies are far over, but he still has his charm. Nowadays, he uses his charisma and speech skills for sales pitches, and he's good at what he does. He hasn't shown much interest in getting back into the romantic scene and seeking out another lover, though.
Keeping up his good looks is his other reason for working out. He's very self-conscious and spends a lot of time grooming his fur and picking the right outfits every morning. Bad fur days are his ultimate bane, especially when it affects his mane. It takes a lot of his mental energy not to freak out about it.
He hates being called "old" and will only tolerate it when it's done teasingly by his family and friends.

Family means everything to Mohatu; his family is his world. He's a loving father to all four of his children and fully supports them; he would do anything for them. They're always welcome to talk with him if they need something; he tries his best to provide for them, even if most of them are already grown up. He wants to be there for his children and wouldn't miss a chance to hang out with them for anything else. Once in a while, he does worry about them, but he tells himself that most of them are already old enough and that they'll be able to tough out what comes their way - just like he once did. He doesn't want to baby them, but he'll be there to offer advice and comfort if they need it.
If anybody dares to threaten or harm his family, they'll have to get through this ferocious lion first. He's more than willing to fight tooth and nail to protect them. Nobody hurts his family. He'll be that protective shield until the day he dies.

When there's children around, Mohatu behaves himself, since he wants to be a good role model for them. The last thing he wants is to be the guy who teaches some poor kid their very first swear word. Once the children are gone, however, he will be dropping swears and maybe a rude gesture or two towards those worthy of his disdain.

While he has retired from the music scene, Mohatu still plays and rarely writes music in his spare time. He keeps all of his old music CDs, band merchandise, and few guitars in his room. On the weekend and lazy days, he'll sit around and play some songs on his favorite guitar - a special gift from his old music teacher. Sometimes he'll even sing or hum along to the tune. He can play a wide range but often opts for a more laid-back melody. He still remains passionate about music and listens to rock & roll daily. His playlist is mostly the classics, but he won't turn down listening to more modern tunes either.
One of his most treasured possessions is a "Heavy Metal Heart" CD that he got years ago from Braxton as a proposal gift. He always keeps it where he can see it.

Motorcycles are his second passion. When he's not playing or listening to music, he'll be in his garage or shop working away on motorcycles. He owns a flame red and black motorcycle that he rides to work every morning. A lot of his automotive skills and knowledge are centered around motorcycles, but he's also good with cars. If someone needs their vehicle fixed up, he's the guy for the job!

He's not a very good cook and often can't be bothered to try, despite having a stove and cooking supplies. If he's hungry, his main options are microwave dinners, restaurant takeouts, or leftovers. Given, they're not a bad choice, but they're not really the best either. He's not very good at the whole "eating healthy" shtick. While he's tried before, he always falls back into pizza, soda, and chips in the end. Maybe he'll start eating healthier...
...tomorrow...

It always seems to surprise people when Mohatu says that he enjoys the outdoors. He's gone on a lot of camping trips in his years and still does to this day. He likes to invite his family and friends along, since, well, considering he's not exactly a chef, it helps to have someone else who does know how to cook!

Mohatu currently resides in the big city in a large two-story hilltop house. It's big and fancy place, surrounded by palm trees and located away from the bustling noise of the city, with an excellent view over the mountains and the streets below. The front of the house is open with a huge driveway leading to the garage and steps up to the entrance; most of the house is surrounded by very thick panels of glass for windows. It makes for a really nice view outside from most of the rooms. The backyard has a huge open swimming pool with several chairs and a few tables propped up all around and a medium-sized hot tub. There is barely any room for gardening or plants, so he never bothered with it.
On the left side is the garage where Mohatu keeps his motorcycle, workshop table, and a few other things, like his cool red Ferrari. (And he only owns one for kicks. He doesn't really drive it.)
On the main floor, there's the living room, the kitchen, a bathroom, a single guest room, and the garage.

The first thing that anybody will notice upon entering is the massive living room, complete with comfy couches, a big flat screen TV, video players, and gaming systems. There are stairs leading up to the second floor and doors that lead into other rooms.

The kitchen makes up its own room, with plenty of space, and the typical appliances that one would find in a kitchen. There's the fridge, cabinets, stovetop, sinks, a microwave, large oven, and an island countertop set in the center. Despite having all this, the kitchen isn't used that often, except for the fridge and microwave. The guest room is often reserved for - you guessed it! - guests. Other than that, there's nothing too special about it.

On the second floor, there's a hallway with various doors leading to Mohatu's room, Kovu's room, a few other empty rooms, a closet, a bathroom, and an open deck.

Mohatu's room is decorated completely in an 80's theme with various rock & roll elements, such as posters and old relics of the past. He keeps his few guitars, CDs, and other valued possessions displayed on one side of the room, in clear view. One of the walls are covered in band posters and has a shelf with some old merchandise from Mohatu's rockstar days. He has a desk and a computer, but he rarely uses the computer.

The other rooms are pretty much extra guest rooms, with almost nothing in them. Mohatu started using one of the empty rooms to store some comic books and other junk that he collected over the years. (Really, he should clean those up or something...but he doesn't.)

The deck is a nice spot to sit down and chill when there's a good breeze blowing through the valley. It's a huge space with steel and glass fencing all around and tables and chairs. Mohatu likes to come up here to play on his guitar sometimes.

Down a few blocks into the city, Mohatu has a motorcycle shop that he runs every morning to afternoon. It's styled with a complete stylish 80's aesthetic, from the red and black checkered floors to the ceiling with the small rows of lights and several random band and company banners hanging around. Nearly all the walls are lined with band and old product posters, workshop tools, and supplies for vehicles. When the shop is open, he's always playing some sort of song over the speaker, mostly rock & roll songs.
Business might be slow sometimes, but he doesn't really mind. After all, he's not exactly hurting for money. It's more of a hobby.

[ NOTE: Years later, once Kovu was old enough to move out of the house, he totally got the rights to that sweet car. ]

Mohatu was born in and grew up in the shady suburbs to a loving mom and...not so-loving father. For most of his childhood, only his mother was around; his father was often gone and was never really there for him. Since he was little, Mohatu never really understood. A part of his life existed, but it was never there like he wanted. The lack of interaction led to an incredibly strained relationship between the Mohatu and his father. Because of this, he loved and was very close to his mother instead. He looked up to her for everything else that his father wasn't. As he got older, he began to realize that his father never really loved him, and he resented his father for it. His father was nothing like a father should have been, and he knew it clearly from seeing his school friends and their fathers' relationships.

When Mohatu was just a teen, his father left him and his mother behind - disappeared into the night without a single word. His mother had to work even harder in order to support both of them. In order to help her out, he began to do chores for the neighbors, scraping together every single dollar and coin that he could. Most of his highschool life was filled with nothing but work; he never had time to hang out with his friends and slowly lost them one by one. It hurt him deeply, but he didn't have any other option.

Over the months, he began to grow more and more bitter about what his father had done, and, in turn, he began to resent other adults, even if they tried to help him. He became known as "that one kid" in school - the one nobody wanted to deal with, and he hid his pain by turning it into anger. He began to make poor decisions and started to fail his classes, but he hid everything from his mother. The other kids began to pick on and provoke him, and, in return, he would fight back and vandalize school property.

It all broke down after he punched a kid in school and sent them to the hospital. His mother was called to the school and found out. Luckily, he wasn't expelled on the spot, due to his mother's persuasion. As they walked home, he expected her to be angry, but she wasn't. No words left her mouth after that. Instead, Mohatu could see the sadness in her tired eyes as he looked up at her. He had never felt so horrible in his life, and he knew what he did was wrong. Once the kid came back to school, he tried to apologize but was instantly shot down.

One afternoon, Mohatu and his mother were looking through their old belongings, hoping to find some worth selling. He stumbled upon a small stack of old CDs, and, curious, he popped open one of the dusty cases and placed the disc into the music player. Some old rock & roll song began to play and began to pull in all of his attention. He sat down and listened for a while. That was the day he fell in love with music.

The next year, Mohatu found himself struggling to stay above everything emotionally. He felt like a complete wreck. He felt himself sinking. He'd constantly seek other activities to vent his anger on, like burning trash out back, and even began to contemplate joining the local gang. Thankfully, his love for his mother continued to pull him back from the idea, and he never did. He dropped the bad idea but was left lost and confused, unable to figure out what to do next. He didn't know where he'd find himself in five years...or even one.

The only teacher that Mohatu ever had a good relationship with was his music teacher. At first, she had decided to strike up a small conversation about his favorite band after hearing him listening to one of their songs. Eventually, he grew to like her and began to open up to her. She was the only other adult besides his mother who was able to reach out to Mohatu; she was understanding and patient. After an invitation, he began to take music lessons with her the next year. Since he couldn't afford his own instrument, she let him borrow her guitar and even allowed him to take it home. His mother was fully supportive of his new hobby. He began to use music as an outlet for his rage instead of taking it out on others. If he ever needed to cool down, all he'd have to do is sit down and play a song or two.

Overtime, he began to try writing songs and would show them to his music teacher. He'd take all of her critiques and advice to heart. With her guidance, he was soon on his way to writing his own songs. She helped him find his passion for music. He'd play them for his teacher, and he'd play them for his mother at home. He eventually tried to make up lyrics to go with them. He loved how their eyes would light up as he played for them. Being able to write and perform music for them brought him nothing but joy. After school, he'd stop by the park halfway to home and sit down to play a few practice beats. He ended up writing a special thank-you song to his music teacher. She was delighted.

Tragedy struck on a winter morning. Mohatu had gone to school as he always did. He'd arrive early for his music lessons. He always looked forward to them. Upon arriving to the music room, he was greeted by one of the other teachers - his math teacher. A man he wasn't overly fond of. He nearly snarled at him, but he chose to stop and listen. What he heard next caused a sudden vortex of emotions to stir from him: she died last night in a car accident. He cried then and there. It was one of the few times he had cried in his life. His math teacher stayed a while to comfort him and even allowed him to be a little late to class.

Music was cancelled for about a week. Mohatu stopped looking forward to going to school. All he could do was think of how empty his life felt now. On a late afternoon at home, he sat down and looked at the guitar he held in his arms - the one his music teacher gave to him. Even though she was gone, he decided that he'd continue playing. He didn't want to make her or his mother sad. He played his heart out all that afternoon. It was the same song that he had written for her - a final "thank you" for all that she gave him. As he played, he felt the heavy burden of emotions lighten from his body, until they were gone.

Into his senior year, Mohatu had began to mellow out somewhat from his rebellious attitude, though he still wasn't a huge fan of adults and didn't have a single close friend. While other students began to talk about their future plans, he had left his career choice "undecided." When asked, he'd reply with: "Music...maybe?" He wasn't sure but felt no rush. He did seriously contemplate becoming a music teacher in the future, but he didn't feel like he would've been able to handle it. After all, being a teacher was a huge responsibility.
He didn't like most of his teachers, anyways.

On his way home, he stopped by the park again, as he had for the past few years, and sat down on his favorite bench there with his guitar. He set down his bag by his feet and began to play a few tunes. As he was playing, he was approached by an older gentleman with a cane. He noticed that the man was staring at him intently and was slightly startled, pausing his song. The man asked to sit down next to him. Not wanting to be rude, Mohatu nodded quietly. After the man sat down, everything faded out into an awkward silence, save for the few chirping evening birds and frogs. The man turned to him and smiled softly, asking him to continue playing. Mohatu was surprised. It had been a while since he had played for anyone, so he hesitated at first. But, eventually, he began to play and continued his song. He eventually got absorbed into the music and started to sing along. They sat there together as he played and played. The man was listening ever so intently.

Once his song was done, Mohatu sat there for a while, before he began to put away his guitar. As he did, he heard the man speak up.
"Young man, what is your name?"
"...Mohatu." He replied, closing the guitar case.
"Mohatu, hm?" The man had a thoughtful look upon his face. "Did you write this song yourself?"
"Y-yes..."
"Do you have any plans for the future?"
"No." Mohatu shook his head gently.
"You know, you have quite the talent. I've been looking for someone like you."
Mohatu turned to see the gentleman holding out a card to him. He looked at the card and gave the man a confused look.
"Take it. It's my business card." The man smiled. "I'm certain I could get you a job in music."
After Mohatu took the card, he looked it over again. A weird logo on top with a phone number, printed so neat and clearly on top. A business card? The man began to get up from the bench, and he turned back to Mohatu. "If you're interested, I'd like you to give me a call sometime." With that, the man left. Looking up at the sky, Mohatu began to realize it was getting a bit late. He stuffed the business card into his bag, grabbed his things, and began to make his way home.

After a day of thought, Mohatu decided to pick up the home phone and made the call. The gentleman was delighted to hear his response, and they quickly set up a meeting place. A few meetings turned into a job pitch, and, soon, Mohatu found himself working with other musicians. It was his first few steps into the music scene. He was nervous, but he also felt so excited. With the help of his agent, he was already on his way to his first planned show.

His first show was a success. His next show was an absolute hit. He quickly shot up in popularity. Show after show, people began to come from all around the country to see him live, and people would buy his CDs as soon as they popped up in the market. Mohatu had never felt such a huge rush of fame. He didn't know how to handle it at first, but he soon grew to accept it. His rock & roll career raked in all the cash he ever wanted, and he'd send his mother enough to live comfortably. He was happy.

He later formed a band with three of his good friends from the music industry. Their fame continued to roll out and spread through the country. They'd have merchandise printed and sign autographs for their fans.

For those next several years, Mohatu was living the life. He adapted to a more "hardcore" aesthetic, donning a studded black leather jacket, shades, and piercings, and a decked out motorcycle to match. He developed a much more "aggressive" persona to go with it. Whenever he growled for the crowd, the fans would cheer even louder.

Then Mohatu met Braxton, who, at first, he wasn't overly fond of. He didn't know what to think, but he found himself drawn to the other man. His tough side would melt away each time. He found himself becoming more gentle due to Braxton's influences, and he found himself falling for him. They began to go on dates and, eventually, Braxton proposed by presenting to him and playing a CD that was titled "Heavy Metal Heart." It was something that Braxton had written especially for him. Mohatu swooned over it and immediately said "yes."
After three months, they were officially married.

Mohatu didn't expect to be a father. He didn't even know what a father was supposed to do, but he was determined to be the best dad there ever was. When their first child and daughter, Kalari, was born, he began to take more time off from recording sessions in order to help care for her.
Then the next few years their first son and second child, Kovu, was born. It was then that Mohatu decided to step down from his music career in order to devote his entire time to being a father for his children.
After that, their third child and second daughter, Aisling, was born.
Finally, they had a fourth child, Kimba. Becoming the father of four was certainly unexpected, but Mohatu had no regrets. He had a family now - a family that he loved dearly.

As their kids grew up, Mohatu began to take up working on his motorcycle and playing guitar as side hobbies. They were getting older. He was getting older. He knew they'd have to leave the house one day and be on their own, and the thought saddened him.

After many happy years together, Mohatu and Braxton decided to go their own ways and got divorced. They left on good terms, however, and there was no bad blood between them. Their kids were old enough to watch out for themselves by then, but Mohatu always left the door open for them if they needed him.
He decided to buy a shop down the street and renovated it into an automobile shop, specializing in motorcycles.

Every morning to afternoon, he would drive down to the shop to work, and he continues to do so to this day.