That was for sure, but Shade didn't mind. Because cheetahs only had so much endurance, lion's had plenty.

but Akira could hold out for a long time.

Shade could as well.

but Akira could hold out as a fast cheetah.

Yeah, that was something Shade couldn't compete with.

not at all.

And he was in a more massive form, a male lion, so it was harder for him to dodge through tree's and leap over shrubs and roots.

unlike Akira, who was a slender and agile female cheetah.

So she was at an advantage, his large paws had to use claws to not slip on moss and grass.

she was light enough to barely even touch the floor.