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EP: 6 (art), 5? (RP) = 11 EP for Andro
RP word count: 6,895

"Notice how the soil in this part of the territory is more sandy." Andromeda pointed out. "Let that be your warning that you are approaching the border with Shadow Empire and the human roads that surround all the territories." She paused. "Up ahead we should be able to see Blackwater Lake soon...Perhaps you already can; you're a bit taller than myself."

A note RP with Kid's owner, 2wolfan .
Andromeda belongs to me.
Others mentioned:
Soren, Aglaia, Circe, Valon, Nimbus, Rue, Juno, Furie, Scaeden, Cealina, Rue (past Fire leader), Rue (Ice gladiator), Canicus, Brutus, Aven...I think that's it.
Speedpaint: colorslive.com/details/2293069

KID
"Now to see Andro..." The raven-mane lion murmured, pacing towards the leader's den. In order he got to see Rue again, Canicus, and several other ol' empire cats he knew before his capture. Now he was two years old, known as the 'returning gladiator', and recently heard rumors about Soren's fall. After hearing the news Kid couldn't help but feel bad, but just as news quickly spread about Soren's death...so did Andro's news about taking his place as leader. Kid just had to check it out, especially since the feline used to be one of his ol' friends too.

ANDROMEDA
Her nightmares stopped abruptly and the snow leopard jolted awake, breathing heavily. She glanced around. She was at home. In her den. Nothing to worry about. It was only a dream. Her breathing slowed as she calmed and she pushed herself up into a sitting position, shaking the loose bits of moss bedding from her fur, and began to wash. Morning light filtered through the entrance to her den, a soft, relaxing glow that put the new leader at ease...despite having to sleep alone in a cold stone den now that she was "alpha" as some put it.

Andromeda put her paw down and sighed. Would she ever get used to this?

KID
The silver gladiator was given some time for herself, a chance to shake off the unpleasant dream that abruptly woke her. Like if she didn't have enough of a surprise, a certain feline then stepped near the entrance...casting a long shadow inside her den. "Hello...?" Kid meowed tilting his head, analyzing the den's surroundings first since this was his very first time getting a close perspective of the leader's den.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda looked up when a shadow fell across the soft morning light, and a voice spoke. It sounded familiar, and yet...Andromeda could not place who it was; his figure was silhouetted against the light. The snow leopard got to her feet and padded over to greet them.

"Good morning, wha-" Andromeda stopped mid sentence as she recognized the feline. "Kid!" She exclaimed, for a moment not sure if she believed her own eyes. Hadn't he vanished long ago...?

KID
Kid's onyx eyes wander the vast den walls, too intrigued to even bother looking deeper inside.

"Good morning, wha-"

The lion's ears perked up "That voice..." he said in thought before shooting a quick glance at the figure in front of him. His jaw nearly dropped all the way, "A-andro?!" he stuttered taking one step back, too astonished to find the rumors were true. Nonetheless his eyes glistened and a smile emerged on his countenance to find she was still alive, unlike his sister (Nimbus) and his twin brother (Vitaly). "Pardon, I didn't disturb you from your slumber...did I?"

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda grinned, astonishment flashing across her face, and a feeling of joy she had not felt since before Soren's disappearance.

"Even if you had, I wouldn't have minded," The snow leopard replied and continued with her surprised exclamations.

"Kid! How did you...Wow! It really IS you!" Andromeda, too happy for real words, lightly glomped the lion, now larger than herself (?), and purred as much as a snowy could purr. "My, my, how you've grown!"

KID
"Oh good, 'cause I would hate to interrupt your beauty sleep." he lightly chuckled, seeming more happy than surprise...or so he thought-

"Whoa—hey! Y-yeah it's me!!" he surprisingly exclaimed, totally not expecting to get a light glomp from her. Though, it wasn't like she was able to glomp him completely given that Kid wasn't a cub anymore. He was now a young adult and gained a more solemn personality— except around his ol' friends like Andro.

"Eheh, sorry if I'm not hyper as I once was but...man...it's so good to see you!" he replied with a warm smile, reaching out with one paw to pull her into a hug. "Yeah, I've grown a bit...i guess. Look at you though!" he then let go of her, "You're leader now, and a beautiful one at that." he purred.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda let herself hug the lion for a moment longer before pulling away again, both the felines grinning.

"You're leader now, and a beautiful one at that."

Andromeda dipped her head modestly. "Thank you," She chuckled, the laugh tapering off as she remembered what had led to her having this position. Her head drooped a little, eyes glancing sadly at the ground for a moment. "It comes with a heavy burden." The snow leopardess said more seriously.'And a heavy heart,' she added silently, and turned to retreat back into her den. She flicked her tail for Kid to follow.

"Come. We have much to catch up on."

KID
Kid's purr soon ceased once he perceived Andro's sadden expression. The raven-mane lion slightly tilt his head in baffled way, wondering what was up.

"It comes with a heavy burden."

"Oh, right..." he softly replied, now recalling on the past leader. It wasn't long when Soren fell, about a week? so the pain of not having him there is still fresh. His eyes averted towards the ground too, missing what she added silently before she spun and flickered her tail at him. "Heh, right behind you." he responded and followed a tail-length behind the snow leopard. His dark grey eyes analyzed every inch of her den as they made their way in deeper, it was his first time and he couldn't help but look intrigued.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda settled herself into a sitting position in her nest. In front of her nest was enough space to fit probably 3 or four grown lions...although she preferred her den not to be that cramped. She waited patiently while Kid looked around the den, realizing this must be the first time he'd seen it from the inside. But curiosity picked at the snow leopard.

"So tell me," Andromeda began. "What happened after you were taken away?"

KID
By his observation the den wasn't half-bad, it didn't seem as cramped and the temperature inside was neither too hot nor too cold...it was perfectly normal. Distracted he almost forgot about the patiently waiting snow leopard, "E-gh, sorry!" he chocked, laying down on all fours in front of her nest. Once Andro began his ears perked forward, listening thoroughly at what she questioned. "....." Immediately a ton of memories flashed before the lion's eyes. Well, it's not like Andro was some stranger—she deserved to know and he knew he could trust her.

"I'll try to summarize it for you, that way it doesn't sound like I'm rambling." he spoke softly before he started "After I was taken away, I was thrown behind bars and was practically forced to endure what a bounty hunter does. Given that I was a cub, I guess they didn't favor killing me on the spot. Either way I wasn't happy..." he briefly paused to glance at the den's walls "I remember wishing to see you guys again...wondering what was going on and how everyone moved on without me in the picture." he then shook his head, "However...thanks to a certain bounty hunter feline, she kept me sane." not mentioning a name given to a promise he wanted to keep. Seconds after he noticed he was talking too much and decided to sum everything up, "Basically...I grew up imprisoned, got lucky to meet a friend there, escaped, and dragged myself back here. Now I'm sitting before the... Silver Gladiator." he lastly added with a faint smile.

ANDROMEDA
"I'll try to summarize it for you, that way it doesn't sound like I'm rambling." Kid started quietly. Andro blinked slowly and smiled comfortingly. She listened patiently as Kid spoke, nodding where he mentioned things she understood personally, and curiosity pricked at her when he mentioned a bounty hunter and a friend, but now would not be the time to pry.

"...Now I'm sitting before the... Silver Gladiator." Kid finished. Andromeda wasn't sure if she could still be considered the Silver Gladiator anymore. With Soren gone, she had to step up to take his place. And his former apprentice still held the temporary position of silver gladiator until Andromeda could select a more suited member for the job, if there was such a cat.

"Hmm." Andromeda murmured, thinking. "I also have been through a lot since you've been gone."

KID
He had a hint that the snow leopard would drop the title as 'Silver Gladiator', given that she was no longer a gladiator but a leader. However, he couldn't help it thanks to the rumors. Some time ago, near Fire's borders, he was reunited with another snow leopard named "Rue", a friend of his and Andro's.

Thanks to her, he gained some info of what went on and then several days after he heard of Andro's Silver title but...there was still some holes. Though, the same could be said about Kid's story he told. He had yet to tell her everything that went on but sometimes he had a hard time remembering. Some memories were vague, yet he was sure he would remember some scenes overtime.

"I'd believe that since, not long I talked to Rue before coming back here. Sounds like the Ice empire had a rough time." he spoke softly, "What did you go through while I was away though?" he questioned in a concerned way.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda flicked her ear. She'd met Rue once, and hadn't known that Kid and her were friends. "I wouldn't know much about the goings on in other empires just yet." Andromeda admitted, but continued; they'd find out enough at the upcoming gathering.

"I had some demons from my past I had to hunt down." Andromeda began. "Long story short, I was captured and thrown back in the arena for a few months. Then the hunters discovered I was there, and they took me from my former master...I managed to kill one of them and a human, and I escaped." Andromeda paused, her voice growing more quiet.

"I was only home for a day or so when Soren went out with his apprentice and never returned. His apprentice, Circe, didn't make it either..." Andromeda trailed off, remembering who had done this to him. It was because of that one hunter Soren had once shown mercy to that she was in this position now; but she hardly looked the leader she should have been. So soon after her ordeal, the snow leopard was still just beginning to regain her health. She was still skinny from malnutrition, her fur dull compared to its normal sheen. And with these thoughts of her burdens and sorrows weighing heavily on her mind, she truly began to look her age.

KID
Kid said they were friends, but that was a bit of an understatement. He actually saw Rue as his big foster sister and she saw Kid as her little foster brother, but for now he tossed it aside since there was more important matters to discuss. Andro's lack of knowledge on other empire's events didn't surprised him though, since she did recently became leader right? In due time she would find out, especially on those gatherings Kid never once participated in.

Demons? Had to hunt? His ears fell flat as he listened to every word that came out of the snow leopard's lips. Through the lion's eyes, it seemed like she had experienced what he had to go through. Except Andro was only there for a few months and she had more of a desire for revenge? She wasn't clear but Kid did get the hint.

It took awhile to register everything before he spoke, "You must of escaped a few days after I did." he started "See, I returned to our empire about a week ago. If you were only home for a day or so before Soren's disappearance, and you were cooped up at Massilia for months...it must mean we were both in the same place." Recollecting some memories, the lion continued "I was first thrown in the captured prison before I was old enough to be put in the coliseum. To be honest, throughout the year I was losing hope but along the way- as it pains me to say this...a hunter feline encouraged me enough to stand strong. There was also this commotion in the coliseum being passed around to other cats, something about a grey leopard winning every challenge. I guess that was you?"

After the brief pause he then summed it up, "Well after the word was spread it inspired me enough to escape with the help of that hunter I mentioned awhile back. If I knew you were there, I would of gone back for you." he said squinting his eyes, feeling rather guilty for not going back for her.

"Nonetheless, I'm glad you're back and safe. Soren would be proud of you."

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda pricked her ears. It had been almost a week now since the snow leopard's return to the empire. "You mean you've been here all this time and I hadn't even noticed you? No one told me..." She trailed off, then spoke more to herself when she said "Well then again, things have been a bit chaotic lately. I suppose it was never a good time for anyone to tell me such things." Andromeda shook her head lightly, and listened to Kid continue to contemplate where they all must have been in regards to one another while they were away. Her gaze snapped up sharply at the mention of a hunter.

"Who was this hunter?" She demanded, trying to keep her hackles from raising. She'd gained an even deeper, abiding hatred for the Bounty Hunter regime, and she wanted to know just who it was that had helped Kid who she may one day rip the life from...Or, if she was in a gracious mood, perhaps spare him or her for having guided Kid home.

KID
"Yeah, things have definitely been chaotic." he said in thought giving a slight nod as a response. Thinking back on all the misfortunes he heard within two weeks in the camp wasn't exactly easy but—it was kinda nice having a close friend to talk to about those misfortunes.

"U-hh, the hunter?" he spoke unsteadily after meeting her intense gaze. He sheepishly smiled, thinking on a way to answer her without breaking the promise he made with that hunter. Seconds after he pawed his forehead and decided to come straight "She's a cougar named Juno." he murmured, placing his paw back down and waited to see Andro's reaction. Wondering whether or not she knew that hunter.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda was surprised to hear Juno's name...and yet not quite surprised at the same time. She flattened her ears and grunted. "Hmm." She knew the cougar all too well, and for a moment her gaze drifted elsewhere, but still narrowed. "Juno." She paused. "So she knew you were from Fire Empire?"

KID
"No." he shook his head slightly "She didn't knew where I came from, that was, before I told her. See, I was cub back then so I was stupid enough to tell her." at that point he quickly picked up before Andro had the chance to reply back "However she's a bit different from the other hunters! She does have a hot temper and a desire to kill, like other hunters do but that's mostly because of Scaedan! He made up this rule that a Hunter means are to let go of strong emotions, bonds, and care for themselves above others. She can't help but be the way she is, though deep inside she does care." he then stopped himself and glanced down with remorse. "I'm sorry..."

"...though deep inside she does care."

ANDROMEDA
The snow leopard's hackles rose. "Hunters don't care about us!" Andromeda snapped, eyes ablaze and tail lashing. "That damned Scaeden has raised Juno, Furie, and all the other hunters to make sure no mercy is given to us! Just look at the way Scaeden himself murdered Soren and dragged him away like a piece of prey!" She hissed, then paused, her voice less angry and more serious when she continued, after realizing Kid might not have known what happened while he'd been gone.

"You may not have known this since you were away, but for a few months Fire Empire held Scaeden, Caelina, Furie, and Juno as prisoners of war here in our camp, following a couple attacks on our empire. They were offered a place among our ranks, but Scaeden and Caelina chose to return to the city, and Juno and the other apprentice chose to go with them. She chose that life over this one. She chose to be corrupted by Scaeden. If she was any "different", she would have escaped like we did." She drew a breath, forcing herself to settle down. Her hackles laid flat and her tail stopped lashing, but fire still burning in the depths of her eyes like smoldering embers.

"Every cat is different from every other. But it is the strength of our differences that define who our enemies and allies are. The escaped cats who love speed and running through open lands end up in Air Empire. Those strong enough to survive the cold go the harsh mountains. Those who can brave the sweltering heat of our land come here. Those who value freedom and friendship over a life of serving humans, leave Massalia." Andromeda paused for a long moment, her voice softer when she spoke her next sentence.

"I've always believed that there was good in every cat, even hunters." Her voice slipped back into a cold tone again."But after what they've done to us, we can no longer afford to show them the same mercy twice."

KID
With a sudden motion the lion squint his eyes and sat up with his shoulders hunched as the snow leopard snapped back. His ears laid flat and Kid said nothing in response, letting her finish before he decided to open his trap again. Upon hearing about Soren he then felt worse. It wasn't in his best intentions to say the hunters were good, it just kinda seemed that way because he was standing out for Juno. He screwed up and now he needed to think of some way to explain to her what he really meant.

However, the other quickly calmed herself before she spoke about Fire's prisoners. Something that completely astonished the raven-mane lion and made him avert his eyes back to the ground beneath his front paws. Andro was right, he didn't knew what happened and he was sadden to hear the news. "I...I didn't know." he finally spoke but with a softer tone. 'Why didn't she decided to stay?' none of it made sense but it wasn't like Kid would visit the bounty hunters again. No, they just got out of that place and he didn't desire to return there. Even more so now that Andro briefly explained what Juno did. Only reason he would go soon is if his leader demanded it but, for now, he was somewhat content staying on Fire's ground.

Many thoughts spiraled in his head, trying to come up with good reasons why Juno decided to go with Scaeden instead. Was it because she was raised by him for so long? and for that she pays high respect to her leader? Didn't matter, when the time comes he would ask her himself. For now he had to explain himself better for his mistake earlier. "My apologies, I meant to say only Juno cared but...now I'm not so sure after what you just told me." he admitted, "Right, I understand." he lightly bowed his head then brought up a slight smile. "You really have come a long way. Don't worry, I'll take your words into consideration and I'll try my best to distance myself from the hunters."

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, wondering loosely if she should try and keep her anger in check in the future. Maybe Juno HAD cared for another at some point. But whether or not she did, they could not afford to let it sway them from dropping their guard. "I wouldn't expect that she would reveal her past with you." The leader murmured, and got to her paws, shaking the thoughts off and forcing her fur to lay flat. Kid was back. It was a good thing. She should try to be more welcoming.

"Well, enough of the past. Have you yet taken a tour of the territory?"

KID
After everything Andro had endured, he understood why she had a sudden outburst opinion about the hunters. So it wasn't like Kid was deeply hurt by it, sure it made him feel worse, but he was rather thankful she told him about what really went on and the dangers for trusting those hunter felines. For that he highly respected her. "That's correct, she didn't reveal her past to me. Guess I was pretty content having someone to talk to that I...kinda didn't favor asking her about her past. Seemed like a troublesome thing to do, and I didn't want to recall any bad events Juno might of had. Since, I assumed most hunters didn't have a good background." Now he was starting to regret not asking her about her past, but he trusted her a lot just by comforting him—let alone helping him escape. Though, Andro's words would not be ignored. The next time he runs into Juno, if he does, he will make sure to keep a keen eye on her.

"Hmm?" Kid's ears perked up as Andro got up and deliberately changed the topic, "Oh, not entirely. I was able to see the camp, where I crossed paths with my past mentor, but not anything beyond that yet."

ANDROMEDA
"Hmph." Andromeda nodded. "Well every gladiator deserves to know how far our land stretches. Unless you've prior plans, might you be up for a border patrol?" It slipped her mind for that moment that being leader, she really wasn't required to ask. But she didn't correct herself and instead waited for Kid's answer. Getting some fresh air and being able to stretch her limbs would ease some of the stress she'd been under lately.

KID
"Frankly I recently became the returning gladiator, so I haven't yet got the privilege to see how far our land stretches out. It certainly would of been helpful to know when I was a cub....at least." he murmured the few last words, making sure Andro didn't hear it as he displayed a sheepish smile. "Uhh, of course! I wouldn't prefer it any other way." he said with delight as his tail tip swayed, a feature that he rarely showed.

He knew Aglaia, Canicus, Brutus, and Aven were busy and what better opportunity to go on his first border patrol with the leader herself? He wouldn't let the chance slip by, especially since this feline was a good friend of his. Anyways both cats were stuffed in the cave for quite awhile, some fresh air would do them some good.

ANDROMEDA
"Alright then, it's settled." Andromeda nodded. "Let's go." She motioned for Kid to leave the den; although the cave was large, it wasn't huge, and it would be easier to get out if the lion exited first.

KID
"Yeah." he bowed his head and got up on all fours, his onyx eyes glimmering with excitement. His tail tip kept swaying and once Andro motioned, the lion paced towards the den's entrance. Kid was the first one to exit the cave and spinning around he then faced the cave-- waiting patiently for Andro to walk out. "I hope this isn't too much trouble." he began, "I mean...as leader, I'm sure you have other important responsibilities to attend to, right?"

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda padded out of her den following the lion, her dark red cape falling over her back. She blinked at the perception of Kid's question. Despite being gone, he still understood that being leader meant she usually had a lot to do. "No worries, I've already assigned the day's assignments," She answered, and turned her paws toward the camp entrance. "The dawn patrol should be returning soon as well, so we shouldn't meet any trouble on the newly re-scented borders."

KID
Just as Andro was somewhat astonished by his understanding how a leader played their role, Kid was also surprised with her given response. After their whole conversation in the den, Kid was now fully aware Andro wasn't the same feline he knew back then. Now she seemed more knowledgeable of their camp, and she fully understood her responsibilities. Like a leader should. The lion gained some knowledge as well over the years, probably not as much as Andro but a good amount to keep him under harms way. He wasn't the child he once was for now he was 3 and 1/2 years old, and less skeptical of his surroundings. Though, knowing the borders was something he had yet to grasp.

"Alright." he gave a nod, "Least we don't have to worry about meeting any sorts of trouble. But..." the white lion then glanced up at the sky "...will we get to see everything before the sun sets?" slight concern could of been depicted from his tone.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda sighed, following Kid's worried gaze up at the sun. "Perhaps not," She mewed. "But I can at least show you where our land meets that of Shadow and Air Empire's...We don't need another of our gladiators causing trouble with other empires because of a lack of border knowledge." She added the last part on a little quieter, as if it was a sour memory she'd rather not dwell on. But, if Kid asked, she wouldn't hold back the information from him. The snow leopard padded toward the camp entrance, paws itching to feel the grass beneath them.

KID
Kid lowered his head with a slight frown, however he managed to quickly shake the scowl expression off after realizing it wasn't SO bad. Heck, it wasn't like he was planning to visit Fire for a bit. He was staying and he had the rest of his feline years to venture around the camp. The refreshing walk towards one place or two with the leader would be more than enough to complete his day. "Sounds good." a nod "ahah, you say that like I would stir up trouble with my lack of border knowledge." he chuckled and pawed the back of his mane "Though....you're probably right." Placing his paw back on the ground he then couldn't help but wonder who was the first to cause trouble. And the way Andro whispered it....could only mean it was another of those misfortune events in Andro's past. The lion then padded along side her, "Hmm, just out of curiosity...who was the first one?" he murmured.

ANDROMEDA
"Hmmhmm," Andromeda chuckled inwardly. "I would expect you to be a little better behaved, having spent your first cub months among us and having such loyalty to return after all these years." The leader paused as they reached the camp entrance and led the way out of the camp. Once they were a few paces away from the camp, she continued after a sigh.

"The first was Nimbus. For whatever reasons unknown to me, she simply couldn't stay within our boarders. She stirred up so much trouble with other empires that she gave Fire Empire a bad rep, and inspired Air Empire's leader, Valon, to take a risk that cost many of us fresh scars and new enemies." Her mind was filled with the bloodied memories of that summer afternoon when she'd first met the lynx who would later be responsible for murdering Soren in revenge for that day's defeat. She pushed the thoughts out of her mind, as they only caused her to feel bitter towards Nimbus for her actions, Valon for his foolishness, and Soren for his compassion. She didn't like to feel such things towards two felines who were now gone. It felt...wrong. Dishonoring, even.

KID
"Eh-heh, I guess I should take that as a compliment." he coughed up a slight snicker, least the loyalty part made him feel praised. "I'm not a cub anymore. I can assure you I'm much more behaved." It was hard to show Andro how much he changed, personality-wise, since he grew fond of her to threat her like some stranger. But he was pretty sure he had the behaved part down. Years of imprisonment taught him that much at least.

"Wa-wait, Nimbus?! Did I hear her right?!" his smile quickly faded and he paced quietly, listening to her every word thoroughly. Once she was done he grew speechless. "Now Valon?!" None of this was making sense, and without thinking twice he decided to share his experience about those two felines. "I'm not sure if you were aware of this but...I considered Nimbus my second sister. We aren't by blood but we used to call each other sister and brother. In my cub days I remember she was kicked out of Fire's land but I didn't know why. I also remembering crying about it, missing her each passing day. Now it makes sense though." a pause "I only wished I was mature enough to stop her before she gave Fire Empire a bad rep." he spoke with a soft tone. "Valon though." the lion started "That serval helped me find my way back here, after I made my escape and lost myself on Air's grounds. Did he really caused that much trouble too?" Unlike what Andro saw, he wasn't there to see that bloodshed summer. For he was too young back then to engage in any sort of battle. He didn't even heard of/saw Sceaden, until he was locked up.

As they walked on, Andromeda leading the way to the border, she listened to Kid's reply. She nodded. She recalled Nimbus hanging out with the cub a few times, but she supposed she'd simply been too busy with her duties to have known just how close they were.

"I only wished I was mature enough to stop her before she gave Fire Empire a bad rep."

ANDROMEDA
"No worries," Andromeda murmured, distracted. "All should be set right between Fire and the other elements at the next Gathering." Before getting to Kid's question about Valon, Andromeda had to ask about something that had stuck out to her about what Kid had said.

"...In my cub days I remember she was kicked out of Fire's land but I didn't know why."

"What was that you'd mentioned about Nimbus having been kicked out before?" She asked, slightly bewildered. Was her old age catching up to her in the form of a slow mind? She couldn't recall such an instance.

KID
Kid kept up with his companion's pace, giving her a glance or two as they continued to discuss their past. Most of their talk got him thinking and worrying about the future to come, but the leader seemed relaxed. As if she knew how to handle the situation, so he too remained calm. "Next Gathering, huh? I'll be sure not to miss it then." he replied with a light smile. He never had the opportunity to attend to any of the gatherings before, but he had heard of them and he was quite intrigued to attend to his first gathering.

"What was that you'd mentioned about Nimbus having been kicked out before?"

"Hm? Oh that!" a pause, "Well, I heard rumors that Soren announced something about giving permission for Nimbus to leave the camp." he answered, "Then I didn't see her until a month later or so. I assumed she was kicked out of our camp and allowed back in weeks later. But I guess that wasn't the case?" Andro did seemed puzzled by what he said, so maybe he had been wrong when he was a cub? Cubs to tend to jump into conclusions after all.

ANDROMEDA
Understanding calmed Andro's slight discomfort as Kid explained. She nodded. "That must have been Nimbus had gotten reprimanded for crossing borders once while chasing prey; I guess when Soren told her she could leave camp, she thought it had meant she was free to go anywhere she pleased," Andromeda sighed. She'd once thought of the large lioness as a friend of sorts. They sparred often and had come to know one another a bit. But Andro had always had strange feelings about the other feline that she had never decided on until Valon's mistake a couple years before. "Or perhaps it was out of spite for having been punished. I know not." She shook her head, as the prospect of one of her friends doing these things astounded and shamed her.

"Now then, you mentioned that Valon aided you in your return?"

KID
"Yeah, perhaps." he slightly tilted his head, a bit unsure of what Nimbus was thinking back then. Andro's answer was straightforward, but it still had a few gaps in it. Nonetheless, it was enough to tell Soren did have part in it and Nimbus did wandered out of the camp. The reason was unknown to Andro and Kid, but they at least knew she wasn't kicked out by force. This put the white lion at ease, though he wished Soren and Nimbus would have lived longer. Those two felines had a significant spot for Andro and Kid, and to have returned so late...didn't gave them the opportunity to talk to them more like they wanted to.

"Now then, you mentioned that Valon aided you in your return?"

"Oh, right!" he snapped out of his deep thoughts, "That's correct. After I escaped the human city's wall I ran up the western river thinking it was the center one. One of the nearby towns scared me into the river, which then carried me downriver. Eventually I grasped some piece of land to pull myself out of the water, and dragged myself into the woods. That's when I stumbled and encountered Valon. We didn't see eye-to-eye at first though. He thought I was a Shadow cat and, letting my fear reflect my actions, I lashed out at him. It was only for a brief moment before we realized it was just a big misunderstanding. The serval then guided me back home. Not all the way, but enough for me to see the Fire's land come into view. Afterwards we parted ways and I haven't seen or heard of him since."

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda nodded. "Well that's good of him to show you the way," She murmured, almost as though the compliment towards the Air leader was forced. She was silent a moment. If Kid had picked up on her tone, he might be wondering why she had used it. But they were approaching the edge of their territory where Fire's land met Shadow's, and the snow leopard had to get to that first.

"Notice how the soil in this part of the territory is more sandy." Andromeda pointed out. "Let that be your warning that you are approaching the border with Shadow Empire and the human roads that surround all the territories." She paused. "Up ahead we should be able to see Blackwater Lake soon...Perhaps you already can; you're a bit taller than myself."

KID
"mm, yeah." he uttered softly after he picked on the snow leopard's tone. Not really seeming happy since Kid did reflect on what Andro told him earlier. About Valon's actions, not in detail but enough to know the serval caused damage than good. Silence fell between the two and before he could of spoke again the leader beat him to it.

"Notice how the soil in this part of the territory is more sandy."

"—!?" in slight awe he analyzed the area Andromeda pointed out. "Right." the white lion nodded, he definitely didn't remember this portion of the territory as 'sandy' nor about the human roads surrounding all the territories. He grew intrigued and continued to follow his companion before they came to a stop. "Blackwater Lake?" he murmured and raised his head, "Oh wait—I see it! You're right." he then glanced down at the feline with a puzzled look, "Who owns that lake? Fire or Shadow?"

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda let out a breathy sigh after Kid's question and padded toward the lake. "It's been a contested land since the time of Rue's reign." She answered, and climbed up a small overhang that overlooked the lake. "But with any luck, I should be able to speak to Shadow's leader and convince him that by now it should be a shared place; it is right on the border after all. It would make sense if this side belonged to us and that side belonged to them." She let her eyes graze the surface of the water, and searched the trees on the opposite side for movement. Nothing. When her gaze met her far left, she paused.

"Many winters and frequent traveling of those roads has caused flooding in that part of the lake, connecting it to the sea...So technically, it might not be considered a lake any longer." The snow leopard shrugged. "But no matter, whatever the term for it, I'll still call it a lake." She glanced at Kid with a good-natured half smile, and readied herself to turn to pad her way down the slope to continue on their way.

KID
Kid pivoted his attention towards the lake before them as they approached it. 'Since Rue's reign?' Kid definitely didn't view Rue as the ruling kind but a protective playful big sister. Though, obviously, he wasn't aware of her full potential considering the cub age he was back then.

Pausing inches apart from the lake's edge, the lion then glanced up at the small overhand where Andro stood. "Right, it's not like we are asking to rule the entire lake either. 'Sides, by sharing it will gives us the opportunity to meet ....eh, new Shadow cats" he muttered the last few words, not eager to met new cats of any kind. "Well you have grown to be very wise, and if you can't convince him otherwise....then I don't know who can." he said with confidence.

"Hm, hopefully there won't be any more floods. God knows how many Fire cubs visit this lake to play." he said with a concern tone, worrying to find any drowned cubs if such a thing were to occur again. Though, Andro's good-natured smile was assuring enough. Kid knew he could count on her to save any kit from drowning. After all, she was the type to jump in to help without hesitation, so in return he chuckled "But with you as Fire's leader, floods wouldn't be that big of a deal." he complimented before noticing her padding away. "Ok, so where are we off to now?

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda wasn't aware that when she had mentioned the name Rue, Kid had thought of a snow leopard gladiator of Ice Empire. Rather, she had meant to refer to a mighty leopard; the first leader of Fire Empire.

Andromeda dipped her head in reply to Kid's compliment. "We can only hope," She replied modestly, then leaped down from the overhang to land beside Kid. "Well, if you're up for it, we can skirt the Outer Rim. It's the side of our territory that borders the human roads. Or we can head towards our border with Lightning." She suggested, feeling a bit like the lion's mentor. "I'll leave it up to you, Kid."

KID
"Tempting" the lion clicked his tongue, "But it's kinda getting late, right?" he sheepishly smiled glancing up at light orange sky. Kid did felt like Andro was being his mentor, but the feeling wasn't there to the full extent. Canicus was a silly mentor but his mentor, and the snow leopard before him seemed more like a good friend and leader. At that note, the lion return a warm smile "Next time we can check out the Outer Rim. I have distracted you enough as it is."

ANDROMEDA
The snow leopard followed Kid's gaze up at the sky. She wasn't afraid of the dark, but if Kid wanted to head back now, she wouldn't be one to keep him. She nodded. "Alright, we'll go home. You can have Canicus or another member show you the rest of the borders later." She gave a warm smile and began to lead the way home.

As she padded through the warm jungle-like forest, Kid in tow, the aged snow leopardess felt perfectly at ease for the first time since she was reunited with Soren. It was great to have an old friend back with her again. Even though he could not take the place Soren had always kept in her heart, Kid's return had thawed a part of Andromeda's recent coldness. She did not realize it, no, and perhaps neither did he. But all the while, she couldn't suppress a little smile to herself, that even though her world had fallen apart when her love had fallen, the world wasn't quite at an end.

It was like, when all the stars had fallen, and you were about to abandon all hope of escaping the dark, Sator always provided one last shining star to light the path of someone who felt so lost and alone.

Description

EP: 6 (art), 5? (RP) = 11 EP for Andro
RP word count: 6,895

"Notice how the soil in this part of the territory is more sandy." Andromeda pointed out. "Let that be your warning that you are approaching the border with Shadow Empire and the human roads that surround all the territories." She paused. "Up ahead we should be able to see Blackwater Lake soon...Perhaps you already can; you're a bit taller than myself."

A note RP with Kid's owner, 2wolfan .
Andromeda belongs to me.
Others mentioned:
Soren, Aglaia, Circe, Valon, Nimbus, Rue, Juno, Furie, Scaeden, Cealina, Rue (past Fire leader), Rue (Ice gladiator), Canicus, Brutus, Aven...I think that's it.
Speedpaint: colorslive.com/details/2293069

KID
"Now to see Andro..." The raven-mane lion murmured, pacing towards the leader's den. In order he got to see Rue again, Canicus, and several other ol' empire cats he knew before his capture. Now he was two years old, known as the 'returning gladiator', and recently heard rumors about Soren's fall. After hearing the news Kid couldn't help but feel bad, but just as news quickly spread about Soren's death...so did Andro's news about taking his place as leader. Kid just had to check it out, especially since the feline used to be one of his ol' friends too.

ANDROMEDA
Her nightmares stopped abruptly and the snow leopard jolted awake, breathing heavily. She glanced around. She was at home. In her den. Nothing to worry about. It was only a dream. Her breathing slowed as she calmed and she pushed herself up into a sitting position, shaking the loose bits of moss bedding from her fur, and began to wash. Morning light filtered through the entrance to her den, a soft, relaxing glow that put the new leader at ease...despite having to sleep alone in a cold stone den now that she was "alpha" as some put it.

Andromeda put her paw down and sighed. Would she ever get used to this?

KID
The silver gladiator was given some time for herself, a chance to shake off the unpleasant dream that abruptly woke her. Like if she didn't have enough of a surprise, a certain feline then stepped near the entrance...casting a long shadow inside her den. "Hello...?" Kid meowed tilting his head, analyzing the den's surroundings first since this was his very first time getting a close perspective of the leader's den.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda looked up when a shadow fell across the soft morning light, and a voice spoke. It sounded familiar, and yet...Andromeda could not place who it was; his figure was silhouetted against the light. The snow leopard got to her feet and padded over to greet them.

"Good morning, wha-" Andromeda stopped mid sentence as she recognized the feline. "Kid!" She exclaimed, for a moment not sure if she believed her own eyes. Hadn't he vanished long ago...?

KID
Kid's onyx eyes wander the vast den walls, too intrigued to even bother looking deeper inside.

"Good morning, wha-"

The lion's ears perked up "That voice..." he said in thought before shooting a quick glance at the figure in front of him. His jaw nearly dropped all the way, "A-andro?!" he stuttered taking one step back, too astonished to find the rumors were true. Nonetheless his eyes glistened and a smile emerged on his countenance to find she was still alive, unlike his sister (Nimbus) and his twin brother (Vitaly). "Pardon, I didn't disturb you from your slumber...did I?"

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda grinned, astonishment flashing across her face, and a feeling of joy she had not felt since before Soren's disappearance.

"Even if you had, I wouldn't have minded," The snow leopard replied and continued with her surprised exclamations.

"Kid! How did you...Wow! It really IS you!" Andromeda, too happy for real words, lightly glomped the lion, now larger than herself (?), and purred as much as a snowy could purr. "My, my, how you've grown!"

KID
"Oh good, 'cause I would hate to interrupt your beauty sleep." he lightly chuckled, seeming more happy than surprise...or so he thought-

"Whoa—hey! Y-yeah it's me!!" he surprisingly exclaimed, totally not expecting to get a light glomp from her. Though, it wasn't like she was able to glomp him completely given that Kid wasn't a cub anymore. He was now a young adult and gained a more solemn personality— except around his ol' friends like Andro.

"Eheh, sorry if I'm not hyper as I once was but...man...it's so good to see you!" he replied with a warm smile, reaching out with one paw to pull her into a hug. "Yeah, I've grown a bit...i guess. Look at you though!" he then let go of her, "You're leader now, and a beautiful one at that." he purred.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda let herself hug the lion for a moment longer before pulling away again, both the felines grinning.

"You're leader now, and a beautiful one at that."

Andromeda dipped her head modestly. "Thank you," She chuckled, the laugh tapering off as she remembered what had led to her having this position. Her head drooped a little, eyes glancing sadly at the ground for a moment. "It comes with a heavy burden." The snow leopardess said more seriously.'And a heavy heart,' she added silently, and turned to retreat back into her den. She flicked her tail for Kid to follow.

"Come. We have much to catch up on."

KID
Kid's purr soon ceased once he perceived Andro's sadden expression. The raven-mane lion slightly tilt his head in baffled way, wondering what was up.

"It comes with a heavy burden."

"Oh, right..." he softly replied, now recalling on the past leader. It wasn't long when Soren fell, about a week? so the pain of not having him there is still fresh. His eyes averted towards the ground too, missing what she added silently before she spun and flickered her tail at him. "Heh, right behind you." he responded and followed a tail-length behind the snow leopard. His dark grey eyes analyzed every inch of her den as they made their way in deeper, it was his first time and he couldn't help but look intrigued.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda settled herself into a sitting position in her nest. In front of her nest was enough space to fit probably 3 or four grown lions...although she preferred her den not to be that cramped. She waited patiently while Kid looked around the den, realizing this must be the first time he'd seen it from the inside. But curiosity picked at the snow leopard.

"So tell me," Andromeda began. "What happened after you were taken away?"

KID
By his observation the den wasn't half-bad, it didn't seem as cramped and the temperature inside was neither too hot nor too cold...it was perfectly normal. Distracted he almost forgot about the patiently waiting snow leopard, "E-gh, sorry!" he chocked, laying down on all fours in front of her nest. Once Andro began his ears perked forward, listening thoroughly at what she questioned. "....." Immediately a ton of memories flashed before the lion's eyes. Well, it's not like Andro was some stranger—she deserved to know and he knew he could trust her.

"I'll try to summarize it for you, that way it doesn't sound like I'm rambling." he spoke softly before he started "After I was taken away, I was thrown behind bars and was practically forced to endure what a bounty hunter does. Given that I was a cub, I guess they didn't favor killing me on the spot. Either way I wasn't happy..." he briefly paused to glance at the den's walls "I remember wishing to see you guys again...wondering what was going on and how everyone moved on without me in the picture." he then shook his head, "However...thanks to a certain bounty hunter feline, she kept me sane." not mentioning a name given to a promise he wanted to keep. Seconds after he noticed he was talking too much and decided to sum everything up, "Basically...I grew up imprisoned, got lucky to meet a friend there, escaped, and dragged myself back here. Now I'm sitting before the... Silver Gladiator." he lastly added with a faint smile.

ANDROMEDA
"I'll try to summarize it for you, that way it doesn't sound like I'm rambling." Kid started quietly. Andro blinked slowly and smiled comfortingly. She listened patiently as Kid spoke, nodding where he mentioned things she understood personally, and curiosity pricked at her when he mentioned a bounty hunter and a friend, but now would not be the time to pry.

"...Now I'm sitting before the... Silver Gladiator." Kid finished. Andromeda wasn't sure if she could still be considered the Silver Gladiator anymore. With Soren gone, she had to step up to take his place. And his former apprentice still held the temporary position of silver gladiator until Andromeda could select a more suited member for the job, if there was such a cat.

"Hmm." Andromeda murmured, thinking. "I also have been through a lot since you've been gone."

KID
He had a hint that the snow leopard would drop the title as 'Silver Gladiator', given that she was no longer a gladiator but a leader. However, he couldn't help it thanks to the rumors. Some time ago, near Fire's borders, he was reunited with another snow leopard named "Rue", a friend of his and Andro's.

Thanks to her, he gained some info of what went on and then several days after he heard of Andro's Silver title but...there was still some holes. Though, the same could be said about Kid's story he told. He had yet to tell her everything that went on but sometimes he had a hard time remembering. Some memories were vague, yet he was sure he would remember some scenes overtime.

"I'd believe that since, not long I talked to Rue before coming back here. Sounds like the Ice empire had a rough time." he spoke softly, "What did you go through while I was away though?" he questioned in a concerned way.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda flicked her ear. She'd met Rue once, and hadn't known that Kid and her were friends. "I wouldn't know much about the goings on in other empires just yet." Andromeda admitted, but continued; they'd find out enough at the upcoming gathering.

"I had some demons from my past I had to hunt down." Andromeda began. "Long story short, I was captured and thrown back in the arena for a few months. Then the hunters discovered I was there, and they took me from my former master...I managed to kill one of them and a human, and I escaped." Andromeda paused, her voice growing more quiet.

"I was only home for a day or so when Soren went out with his apprentice and never returned. His apprentice, Circe, didn't make it either..." Andromeda trailed off, remembering who had done this to him. It was because of that one hunter Soren had once shown mercy to that she was in this position now; but she hardly looked the leader she should have been. So soon after her ordeal, the snow leopard was still just beginning to regain her health. She was still skinny from malnutrition, her fur dull compared to its normal sheen. And with these thoughts of her burdens and sorrows weighing heavily on her mind, she truly began to look her age.

KID
Kid said they were friends, but that was a bit of an understatement. He actually saw Rue as his big foster sister and she saw Kid as her little foster brother, but for now he tossed it aside since there was more important matters to discuss. Andro's lack of knowledge on other empire's events didn't surprised him though, since she did recently became leader right? In due time she would find out, especially on those gatherings Kid never once participated in.

Demons? Had to hunt? His ears fell flat as he listened to every word that came out of the snow leopard's lips. Through the lion's eyes, it seemed like she had experienced what he had to go through. Except Andro was only there for a few months and she had more of a desire for revenge? She wasn't clear but Kid did get the hint.

It took awhile to register everything before he spoke, "You must of escaped a few days after I did." he started "See, I returned to our empire about a week ago. If you were only home for a day or so before Soren's disappearance, and you were cooped up at Massilia for months...it must mean we were both in the same place." Recollecting some memories, the lion continued "I was first thrown in the captured prison before I was old enough to be put in the coliseum. To be honest, throughout the year I was losing hope but along the way- as it pains me to say this...a hunter feline encouraged me enough to stand strong. There was also this commotion in the coliseum being passed around to other cats, something about a grey leopard winning every challenge. I guess that was you?"

After the brief pause he then summed it up, "Well after the word was spread it inspired me enough to escape with the help of that hunter I mentioned awhile back. If I knew you were there, I would of gone back for you." he said squinting his eyes, feeling rather guilty for not going back for her.

"Nonetheless, I'm glad you're back and safe. Soren would be proud of you."

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda pricked her ears. It had been almost a week now since the snow leopard's return to the empire. "You mean you've been here all this time and I hadn't even noticed you? No one told me..." She trailed off, then spoke more to herself when she said "Well then again, things have been a bit chaotic lately. I suppose it was never a good time for anyone to tell me such things." Andromeda shook her head lightly, and listened to Kid continue to contemplate where they all must have been in regards to one another while they were away. Her gaze snapped up sharply at the mention of a hunter.

"Who was this hunter?" She demanded, trying to keep her hackles from raising. She'd gained an even deeper, abiding hatred for the Bounty Hunter regime, and she wanted to know just who it was that had helped Kid who she may one day rip the life from...Or, if she was in a gracious mood, perhaps spare him or her for having guided Kid home.

KID
"Yeah, things have definitely been chaotic." he said in thought giving a slight nod as a response. Thinking back on all the misfortunes he heard within two weeks in the camp wasn't exactly easy but—it was kinda nice having a close friend to talk to about those misfortunes.

"U-hh, the hunter?" he spoke unsteadily after meeting her intense gaze. He sheepishly smiled, thinking on a way to answer her without breaking the promise he made with that hunter. Seconds after he pawed his forehead and decided to come straight "She's a cougar named Juno." he murmured, placing his paw back down and waited to see Andro's reaction. Wondering whether or not she knew that hunter.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda was surprised to hear Juno's name...and yet not quite surprised at the same time. She flattened her ears and grunted. "Hmm." She knew the cougar all too well, and for a moment her gaze drifted elsewhere, but still narrowed. "Juno." She paused. "So she knew you were from Fire Empire?"

KID
"No." he shook his head slightly "She didn't knew where I came from, that was, before I told her. See, I was cub back then so I was stupid enough to tell her." at that point he quickly picked up before Andro had the chance to reply back "However she's a bit different from the other hunters! She does have a hot temper and a desire to kill, like other hunters do but that's mostly because of Scaedan! He made up this rule that a Hunter means are to let go of strong emotions, bonds, and care for themselves above others. She can't help but be the way she is, though deep inside she does care." he then stopped himself and glanced down with remorse. "I'm sorry..."

"...though deep inside she does care."

ANDROMEDA
The snow leopard's hackles rose. "Hunters don't care about us!" Andromeda snapped, eyes ablaze and tail lashing. "That damned Scaeden has raised Juno, Furie, and all the other hunters to make sure no mercy is given to us! Just look at the way Scaeden himself murdered Soren and dragged him away like a piece of prey!" She hissed, then paused, her voice less angry and more serious when she continued, after realizing Kid might not have known what happened while he'd been gone.

"You may not have known this since you were away, but for a few months Fire Empire held Scaeden, Caelina, Furie, and Juno as prisoners of war here in our camp, following a couple attacks on our empire. They were offered a place among our ranks, but Scaeden and Caelina chose to return to the city, and Juno and the other apprentice chose to go with them. She chose that life over this one. She chose to be corrupted by Scaeden. If she was any "different", she would have escaped like we did." She drew a breath, forcing herself to settle down. Her hackles laid flat and her tail stopped lashing, but fire still burning in the depths of her eyes like smoldering embers.

"Every cat is different from every other. But it is the strength of our differences that define who our enemies and allies are. The escaped cats who love speed and running through open lands end up in Air Empire. Those strong enough to survive the cold go the harsh mountains. Those who can brave the sweltering heat of our land come here. Those who value freedom and friendship over a life of serving humans, leave Massalia." Andromeda paused for a long moment, her voice softer when she spoke her next sentence.

"I've always believed that there was good in every cat, even hunters." Her voice slipped back into a cold tone again."But after what they've done to us, we can no longer afford to show them the same mercy twice."

KID
With a sudden motion the lion squint his eyes and sat up with his shoulders hunched as the snow leopard snapped back. His ears laid flat and Kid said nothing in response, letting her finish before he decided to open his trap again. Upon hearing about Soren he then felt worse. It wasn't in his best intentions to say the hunters were good, it just kinda seemed that way because he was standing out for Juno. He screwed up and now he needed to think of some way to explain to her what he really meant.

However, the other quickly calmed herself before she spoke about Fire's prisoners. Something that completely astonished the raven-mane lion and made him avert his eyes back to the ground beneath his front paws. Andro was right, he didn't knew what happened and he was sadden to hear the news. "I...I didn't know." he finally spoke but with a softer tone. 'Why didn't she decided to stay?' none of it made sense but it wasn't like Kid would visit the bounty hunters again. No, they just got out of that place and he didn't desire to return there. Even more so now that Andro briefly explained what Juno did. Only reason he would go soon is if his leader demanded it but, for now, he was somewhat content staying on Fire's ground.

Many thoughts spiraled in his head, trying to come up with good reasons why Juno decided to go with Scaeden instead. Was it because she was raised by him for so long? and for that she pays high respect to her leader? Didn't matter, when the time comes he would ask her himself. For now he had to explain himself better for his mistake earlier. "My apologies, I meant to say only Juno cared but...now I'm not so sure after what you just told me." he admitted, "Right, I understand." he lightly bowed his head then brought up a slight smile. "You really have come a long way. Don't worry, I'll take your words into consideration and I'll try my best to distance myself from the hunters."

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, wondering loosely if she should try and keep her anger in check in the future. Maybe Juno HAD cared for another at some point. But whether or not she did, they could not afford to let it sway them from dropping their guard. "I wouldn't expect that she would reveal her past with you." The leader murmured, and got to her paws, shaking the thoughts off and forcing her fur to lay flat. Kid was back. It was a good thing. She should try to be more welcoming.

"Well, enough of the past. Have you yet taken a tour of the territory?"

KID
After everything Andro had endured, he understood why she had a sudden outburst opinion about the hunters. So it wasn't like Kid was deeply hurt by it, sure it made him feel worse, but he was rather thankful she told him about what really went on and the dangers for trusting those hunter felines. For that he highly respected her. "That's correct, she didn't reveal her past to me. Guess I was pretty content having someone to talk to that I...kinda didn't favor asking her about her past. Seemed like a troublesome thing to do, and I didn't want to recall any bad events Juno might of had. Since, I assumed most hunters didn't have a good background." Now he was starting to regret not asking her about her past, but he trusted her a lot just by comforting him—let alone helping him escape. Though, Andro's words would not be ignored. The next time he runs into Juno, if he does, he will make sure to keep a keen eye on her.

"Hmm?" Kid's ears perked up as Andro got up and deliberately changed the topic, "Oh, not entirely. I was able to see the camp, where I crossed paths with my past mentor, but not anything beyond that yet."

ANDROMEDA
"Hmph." Andromeda nodded. "Well every gladiator deserves to know how far our land stretches. Unless you've prior plans, might you be up for a border patrol?" It slipped her mind for that moment that being leader, she really wasn't required to ask. But she didn't correct herself and instead waited for Kid's answer. Getting some fresh air and being able to stretch her limbs would ease some of the stress she'd been under lately.

KID
"Frankly I recently became the returning gladiator, so I haven't yet got the privilege to see how far our land stretches out. It certainly would of been helpful to know when I was a cub....at least." he murmured the few last words, making sure Andro didn't hear it as he displayed a sheepish smile. "Uhh, of course! I wouldn't prefer it any other way." he said with delight as his tail tip swayed, a feature that he rarely showed.

He knew Aglaia, Canicus, Brutus, and Aven were busy and what better opportunity to go on his first border patrol with the leader herself? He wouldn't let the chance slip by, especially since this feline was a good friend of his. Anyways both cats were stuffed in the cave for quite awhile, some fresh air would do them some good.

ANDROMEDA
"Alright then, it's settled." Andromeda nodded. "Let's go." She motioned for Kid to leave the den; although the cave was large, it wasn't huge, and it would be easier to get out if the lion exited first.

KID
"Yeah." he bowed his head and got up on all fours, his onyx eyes glimmering with excitement. His tail tip kept swaying and once Andro motioned, the lion paced towards the den's entrance. Kid was the first one to exit the cave and spinning around he then faced the cave-- waiting patiently for Andro to walk out. "I hope this isn't too much trouble." he began, "I mean...as leader, I'm sure you have other important responsibilities to attend to, right?"

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda padded out of her den following the lion, her dark red cape falling over her back. She blinked at the perception of Kid's question. Despite being gone, he still understood that being leader meant she usually had a lot to do. "No worries, I've already assigned the day's assignments," She answered, and turned her paws toward the camp entrance. "The dawn patrol should be returning soon as well, so we shouldn't meet any trouble on the newly re-scented borders."

KID
Just as Andro was somewhat astonished by his understanding how a leader played their role, Kid was also surprised with her given response. After their whole conversation in the den, Kid was now fully aware Andro wasn't the same feline he knew back then. Now she seemed more knowledgeable of their camp, and she fully understood her responsibilities. Like a leader should. The lion gained some knowledge as well over the years, probably not as much as Andro but a good amount to keep him under harms way. He wasn't the child he once was for now he was 3 and 1/2 years old, and less skeptical of his surroundings. Though, knowing the borders was something he had yet to grasp.

"Alright." he gave a nod, "Least we don't have to worry about meeting any sorts of trouble. But..." the white lion then glanced up at the sky "...will we get to see everything before the sun sets?" slight concern could of been depicted from his tone.

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda sighed, following Kid's worried gaze up at the sun. "Perhaps not," She mewed. "But I can at least show you where our land meets that of Shadow and Air Empire's...We don't need another of our gladiators causing trouble with other empires because of a lack of border knowledge." She added the last part on a little quieter, as if it was a sour memory she'd rather not dwell on. But, if Kid asked, she wouldn't hold back the information from him. The snow leopard padded toward the camp entrance, paws itching to feel the grass beneath them.

KID
Kid lowered his head with a slight frown, however he managed to quickly shake the scowl expression off after realizing it wasn't SO bad. Heck, it wasn't like he was planning to visit Fire for a bit. He was staying and he had the rest of his feline years to venture around the camp. The refreshing walk towards one place or two with the leader would be more than enough to complete his day. "Sounds good." a nod "ahah, you say that like I would stir up trouble with my lack of border knowledge." he chuckled and pawed the back of his mane "Though....you're probably right." Placing his paw back on the ground he then couldn't help but wonder who was the first to cause trouble. And the way Andro whispered it....could only mean it was another of those misfortune events in Andro's past. The lion then padded along side her, "Hmm, just out of curiosity...who was the first one?" he murmured.

ANDROMEDA
"Hmmhmm," Andromeda chuckled inwardly. "I would expect you to be a little better behaved, having spent your first cub months among us and having such loyalty to return after all these years." The leader paused as they reached the camp entrance and led the way out of the camp. Once they were a few paces away from the camp, she continued after a sigh.

"The first was Nimbus. For whatever reasons unknown to me, she simply couldn't stay within our boarders. She stirred up so much trouble with other empires that she gave Fire Empire a bad rep, and inspired Air Empire's leader, Valon, to take a risk that cost many of us fresh scars and new enemies." Her mind was filled with the bloodied memories of that summer afternoon when she'd first met the lynx who would later be responsible for murdering Soren in revenge for that day's defeat. She pushed the thoughts out of her mind, as they only caused her to feel bitter towards Nimbus for her actions, Valon for his foolishness, and Soren for his compassion. She didn't like to feel such things towards two felines who were now gone. It felt...wrong. Dishonoring, even.

KID
"Eh-heh, I guess I should take that as a compliment." he coughed up a slight snicker, least the loyalty part made him feel praised. "I'm not a cub anymore. I can assure you I'm much more behaved." It was hard to show Andro how much he changed, personality-wise, since he grew fond of her to threat her like some stranger. But he was pretty sure he had the behaved part down. Years of imprisonment taught him that much at least.

"Wa-wait, Nimbus?! Did I hear her right?!" his smile quickly faded and he paced quietly, listening to her every word thoroughly. Once she was done he grew speechless. "Now Valon?!" None of this was making sense, and without thinking twice he decided to share his experience about those two felines. "I'm not sure if you were aware of this but...I considered Nimbus my second sister. We aren't by blood but we used to call each other sister and brother. In my cub days I remember she was kicked out of Fire's land but I didn't know why. I also remembering crying about it, missing her each passing day. Now it makes sense though." a pause "I only wished I was mature enough to stop her before she gave Fire Empire a bad rep." he spoke with a soft tone. "Valon though." the lion started "That serval helped me find my way back here, after I made my escape and lost myself on Air's grounds. Did he really caused that much trouble too?" Unlike what Andro saw, he wasn't there to see that bloodshed summer. For he was too young back then to engage in any sort of battle. He didn't even heard of/saw Sceaden, until he was locked up.

As they walked on, Andromeda leading the way to the border, she listened to Kid's reply. She nodded. She recalled Nimbus hanging out with the cub a few times, but she supposed she'd simply been too busy with her duties to have known just how close they were.

"I only wished I was mature enough to stop her before she gave Fire Empire a bad rep."

ANDROMEDA
"No worries," Andromeda murmured, distracted. "All should be set right between Fire and the other elements at the next Gathering." Before getting to Kid's question about Valon, Andromeda had to ask about something that had stuck out to her about what Kid had said.

"...In my cub days I remember she was kicked out of Fire's land but I didn't know why."

"What was that you'd mentioned about Nimbus having been kicked out before?" She asked, slightly bewildered. Was her old age catching up to her in the form of a slow mind? She couldn't recall such an instance.

KID
Kid kept up with his companion's pace, giving her a glance or two as they continued to discuss their past. Most of their talk got him thinking and worrying about the future to come, but the leader seemed relaxed. As if she knew how to handle the situation, so he too remained calm. "Next Gathering, huh? I'll be sure not to miss it then." he replied with a light smile. He never had the opportunity to attend to any of the gatherings before, but he had heard of them and he was quite intrigued to attend to his first gathering.

"What was that you'd mentioned about Nimbus having been kicked out before?"

"Hm? Oh that!" a pause, "Well, I heard rumors that Soren announced something about giving permission for Nimbus to leave the camp." he answered, "Then I didn't see her until a month later or so. I assumed she was kicked out of our camp and allowed back in weeks later. But I guess that wasn't the case?" Andro did seemed puzzled by what he said, so maybe he had been wrong when he was a cub? Cubs to tend to jump into conclusions after all.

ANDROMEDA
Understanding calmed Andro's slight discomfort as Kid explained. She nodded. "That must have been Nimbus had gotten reprimanded for crossing borders once while chasing prey; I guess when Soren told her she could leave camp, she thought it had meant she was free to go anywhere she pleased," Andromeda sighed. She'd once thought of the large lioness as a friend of sorts. They sparred often and had come to know one another a bit. But Andro had always had strange feelings about the other feline that she had never decided on until Valon's mistake a couple years before. "Or perhaps it was out of spite for having been punished. I know not." She shook her head, as the prospect of one of her friends doing these things astounded and shamed her.

"Now then, you mentioned that Valon aided you in your return?"

KID
"Yeah, perhaps." he slightly tilted his head, a bit unsure of what Nimbus was thinking back then. Andro's answer was straightforward, but it still had a few gaps in it. Nonetheless, it was enough to tell Soren did have part in it and Nimbus did wandered out of the camp. The reason was unknown to Andro and Kid, but they at least knew she wasn't kicked out by force. This put the white lion at ease, though he wished Soren and Nimbus would have lived longer. Those two felines had a significant spot for Andro and Kid, and to have returned so late...didn't gave them the opportunity to talk to them more like they wanted to.

"Now then, you mentioned that Valon aided you in your return?"

"Oh, right!" he snapped out of his deep thoughts, "That's correct. After I escaped the human city's wall I ran up the western river thinking it was the center one. One of the nearby towns scared me into the river, which then carried me downriver. Eventually I grasped some piece of land to pull myself out of the water, and dragged myself into the woods. That's when I stumbled and encountered Valon. We didn't see eye-to-eye at first though. He thought I was a Shadow cat and, letting my fear reflect my actions, I lashed out at him. It was only for a brief moment before we realized it was just a big misunderstanding. The serval then guided me back home. Not all the way, but enough for me to see the Fire's land come into view. Afterwards we parted ways and I haven't seen or heard of him since."

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda nodded. "Well that's good of him to show you the way," She murmured, almost as though the compliment towards the Air leader was forced. She was silent a moment. If Kid had picked up on her tone, he might be wondering why she had used it. But they were approaching the edge of their territory where Fire's land met Shadow's, and the snow leopard had to get to that first.

"Notice how the soil in this part of the territory is more sandy." Andromeda pointed out. "Let that be your warning that you are approaching the border with Shadow Empire and the human roads that surround all the territories." She paused. "Up ahead we should be able to see Blackwater Lake soon...Perhaps you already can; you're a bit taller than myself."

KID
"mm, yeah." he uttered softly after he picked on the snow leopard's tone. Not really seeming happy since Kid did reflect on what Andro told him earlier. About Valon's actions, not in detail but enough to know the serval caused damage than good. Silence fell between the two and before he could of spoke again the leader beat him to it.

"Notice how the soil in this part of the territory is more sandy."

"—!?" in slight awe he analyzed the area Andromeda pointed out. "Right." the white lion nodded, he definitely didn't remember this portion of the territory as 'sandy' nor about the human roads surrounding all the territories. He grew intrigued and continued to follow his companion before they came to a stop. "Blackwater Lake?" he murmured and raised his head, "Oh wait—I see it! You're right." he then glanced down at the feline with a puzzled look, "Who owns that lake? Fire or Shadow?"

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda let out a breathy sigh after Kid's question and padded toward the lake. "It's been a contested land since the time of Rue's reign." She answered, and climbed up a small overhang that overlooked the lake. "But with any luck, I should be able to speak to Shadow's leader and convince him that by now it should be a shared place; it is right on the border after all. It would make sense if this side belonged to us and that side belonged to them." She let her eyes graze the surface of the water, and searched the trees on the opposite side for movement. Nothing. When her gaze met her far left, she paused.

"Many winters and frequent traveling of those roads has caused flooding in that part of the lake, connecting it to the sea...So technically, it might not be considered a lake any longer." The snow leopard shrugged. "But no matter, whatever the term for it, I'll still call it a lake." She glanced at Kid with a good-natured half smile, and readied herself to turn to pad her way down the slope to continue on their way.

KID
Kid pivoted his attention towards the lake before them as they approached it. 'Since Rue's reign?' Kid definitely didn't view Rue as the ruling kind but a protective playful big sister. Though, obviously, he wasn't aware of her full potential considering the cub age he was back then.

Pausing inches apart from the lake's edge, the lion then glanced up at the small overhand where Andro stood. "Right, it's not like we are asking to rule the entire lake either. 'Sides, by sharing it will gives us the opportunity to meet ....eh, new Shadow cats" he muttered the last few words, not eager to met new cats of any kind. "Well you have grown to be very wise, and if you can't convince him otherwise....then I don't know who can." he said with confidence.

"Hm, hopefully there won't be any more floods. God knows how many Fire cubs visit this lake to play." he said with a concern tone, worrying to find any drowned cubs if such a thing were to occur again. Though, Andro's good-natured smile was assuring enough. Kid knew he could count on her to save any kit from drowning. After all, she was the type to jump in to help without hesitation, so in return he chuckled "But with you as Fire's leader, floods wouldn't be that big of a deal." he complimented before noticing her padding away. "Ok, so where are we off to now?

ANDROMEDA
Andromeda wasn't aware that when she had mentioned the name Rue, Kid had thought of a snow leopard gladiator of Ice Empire. Rather, she had meant to refer to a mighty leopard; the first leader of Fire Empire.

Andromeda dipped her head in reply to Kid's compliment. "We can only hope," She replied modestly, then leaped down from the overhang to land beside Kid. "Well, if you're up for it, we can skirt the Outer Rim. It's the side of our territory that borders the human roads. Or we can head towards our border with Lightning." She suggested, feeling a bit like the lion's mentor. "I'll leave it up to you, Kid."

KID
"Tempting" the lion clicked his tongue, "But it's kinda getting late, right?" he sheepishly smiled glancing up at light orange sky. Kid did felt like Andro was being his mentor, but the feeling wasn't there to the full extent. Canicus was a silly mentor but his mentor, and the snow leopard before him seemed more like a good friend and leader. At that note, the lion return a warm smile "Next time we can check out the Outer Rim. I have distracted you enough as it is."

ANDROMEDA
The snow leopard followed Kid's gaze up at the sky. She wasn't afraid of the dark, but if Kid wanted to head back now, she wouldn't be one to keep him. She nodded. "Alright, we'll go home. You can have Canicus or another member show you the rest of the borders later." She gave a warm smile and began to lead the way home.

As she padded through the warm jungle-like forest, Kid in tow, the aged snow leopardess felt perfectly at ease for the first time since she was reunited with Soren. It was great to have an old friend back with her again. Even though he could not take the place Soren had always kept in her heart, Kid's return had thawed a part of Andromeda's recent coldness. She did not realize it, no, and perhaps neither did he. But all the while, she couldn't suppress a little smile to herself, that even though her world had fallen apart when her love had fallen, the world wasn't quite at an end.

It was like, when all the stars had fallen, and you were about to abandon all hope of escaping the dark, Sator always provided one last shining star to light the path of someone who felt so lost and alone.