Redrum's steps were purposeful as he walked familiar paths, his senses attuned to the sights and scents that surrounded him. The air was alive with the sounds of the rolling plain, a symphony of rustling grasses and distant calls echoing through the expanse. But he was on the hunt, there was no time to smell the flowers. His anticipation grew, his thoughts consumed by the singular desire to find Cadaver. They had shared some adventures together, braving the wilds of the forest and facing challenges side by side. And now he wanted to check up on him! It had been too long, Redrum’s attention having been stolen by his escapades in Ashen and the Battlefield.

As he moved deeper into the heart of the pack's territory, Redrum's senses caught the faint trace of KD’s scent carried on the breeze.  Following the trail with determination, Redrum navigated the trail left behind, calling out Cadaver's name, his voice carrying with enthusiasm and a bit of apprehension. Something weird had been happening.

""

Cadaver had been on the move, exploring the familiar territory that he called home. His wanderings had taken him along well-trodden paths, the sights and scents of the plains filling his senses. He was lost in thought, reminiscing about past adventures and contemplating the mysteries of the world around him. As he rounded a bend in the trail, Cadaver's ears perked up at the sound of his name being called. He paused, his curiosity piqued, as he caught sight of Redrum approaching. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he recognized his friend, his tail wagging in greeting.

His answer came quickly, a mixture of both joy and deep-rooted affection. "Redrum!" he exclaimed, his mismatched eyes blazing with excitement as he takes in the familiar figure standing before him. The bond of camaraderie between them is palpable, radiating warmth and strength. "What are you up to?" His gaze was warm, his mismatched eyes reflecting the fledgling friendship that had managed to grow between them.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

It did not take long for the vermillion boy to find his quarry, the monochromatic boy he had been searching for seemed to materialize out of no where! "KD!" Redrum greeted enthusiastically, bounding up to nudge the other boy's shoulder with his head, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"Guess– what? Redrum's -been busy!" He exclaimed, excitement evident in his voice. "Red has been– fighting- and hunting, and– check this- out!" With a flourish, he raised his paws to display the tiger claw fittings attached to them. Then, with a quick flick of his ears, he drew attention to the three sets of earrings adorning his long, pointed ears.

""

Cadaver's expression shifted to one of genuine interest and admiration as Redrum proudly displayed his tiger claw fittings and earrings. He chuckled warmly at Redrum's excitement, his tail wagging slightly at the sight of his friend's enthusiasm. "Wow, Redrum, that's impressive!" Cadaver exclaimed, genuinely impressed by his friend's accomplishments. "You've been busy indeed. Fighting, hunting, and accessorizing," he added with a playful grin, nodding approvingly at the tiger claw fittings and earrings. "How's everything else been? Any new adventures or challenges?" Cadaver's tone was friendly and inviting, eager to catch up with Redrum and hear about his recent experiences.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

"It's– for battle!" Redrum exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride. At least the claws were impressive. And, oops, he forgot to show Cadaver the helmet. Oh well, there's always next time. "Redrum has– been on the battlefield -many times!  Redrum– leaves scars– on other- wolves— there." Excitement danced in his eyes as he continued, and then suddenly, his expression shifted, a furrow appearing on his brow. "Oh. Something– strange," He added thoughtfully. "When there is– danger, Redrum hears a cat– from far away. Like a- warning." The boy’s tone took an ominous effect, his eyes darting around to see if his phantom cat was around.

""

Cadaver listened intently as Redrum spoke, his interest piqued by his friend's tales of battle and the mysterious warning of a distant cat. He nodded in understanding as Redrum explained the purpose of his tiger claw fittings, acknowledging the significance of being prepared for battle. "That's quite the accomplishment, Red," Cadaver replied, his voice filled with genuine admiration for his friend's bravery and skill on the battlefield. "Leaving scars on other wolves—it’ll give them something to remember you by." He added in amusement.

However, his expression grew more serious as Redrum mentioned the strange phenomenon of hearing a cat when danger approached. Cadaver's mismatched eyes narrowed slightly as he processed this information, his mind already calculating the potential implications. "A warning from a cat, you say?" Cadaver mused, his tone thoughtful. "That does sound unusual. Perhaps it's a sign of some sort of extra sense warning you of impending danger?" He glanced around, scanning the surroundings for any signs of the mysterious feline presence.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

Redrum grinned, his golden eyes gleaming with the thrill of recounting his adventures. "Redrum— must make- mother proud." He replied, determination in his voice.

As Cadaver's expression shifted to one of seriousness, Redrum leaned in, his ears perked up in anticipation. "And— the cat gets— louder. Until- Redrum— can hear nothing else." He confirmed, his voice dropping to a hushed tone. He cast a glance over his shoulder, half expecting to see the shadow of the feline lurking in the darkness.

The hairs on the back of Redrum's neck stood on end as Cadaver suggested the possibility of an extra sense. "KD. Redrum sort of— likes it. Makes Redrum— stronger." he murmured, his mind racing with possibilities.

""

For a moment, Cadaver simply stood there, absorbing the strange revelation. He instinctively reached out to pat Redrum on the back, recognizing the weight of his friend's words. "That's cool, Red," he began, his tone sincere. "It might be kind of like a guide of sorts? I can only imagine how it makes you stronger." His gaze hardened as he contemplated the implications. The excitement was clear in Redrum's voice, but there was also a hint of uncertainty that did not escape him. His mind whirred with questions, possibilities spinning around like stars in the night sky. "It sounds like you're learning more about it every day," Cadaver continued, his tone both curious and cautious. "Perhaps this... cat guide of yours is something more than just a warning system. Maybe it's a part of you that has yet to fully awaken." His gaze shifted towards the darkness, where Redrum momentarily glanced, wondering if there was more to Redrum's story than he initially thought.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

Redrum nodded in appreciation as Cadaver's paw met his back, a silent acknowledgement passing between them. "Like- an ally —always by Redrums side," He agreed, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "It does make Redrum feel stronger."

As Cadaver's gaze hardened with contemplation, Redrum considered his words with a nod. The idea of his mysterious companion being more than just a warning system intrigued Redrum, stirring something deep within him. "A part of— Redrum yet to awaken..." He repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "KD? When Redrum— first came out —of mothers den -for the first time, there— was a cat. The— cat attacked- Redrum, and —Redrums head got— hurt very bad. Is— why Redrum— talks- funny. And— is— different." His gaze locked on Cadaver’s, the divulgence of his accident causing the crimson boy to fidget while he waited for a reaction. It was a great source of trauma for him after all. The twitching, the speech irregularities, the way he sometimes had a muscle spasm. It was all the result of that accident.

""

A moment of clarity dawned on Cadaver as Redrum's words sank in. His heterochromatic eyes widened briefly before he collected himself, centering his thoughts. The weight of Redrum's past was profound and serious, uncovering a level of complexity in his character that Cadaver had only just begun to comprehend.

Cadaver spoke with a calm and collected tone, carefully choosing his words. "I didn't know about that," he began. "But let me tell you, what happened to you doesn't make you 'different'. It makes you stronger." His eyes locked onto Redrum's, brimming with unwavering conviction. "You've taken something that could have destroyed you and turned it into your greatest asset." He paused, then added with a steely resolve, “My only question, what happened to the cat that attacked you … and do we need to go kill it?” He finished, a grim seriousness settling over him. He was certain that the adults would have already neutralized it. But he also wasn’t opposed to going on a cat killing spree if it would make his friend feel better.

"Cadaver Nightwing"

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Redrum's lips as he met Cadaver's unwavering gaze, taking in his sincerity. “Thanks– KD.” The older boy murmured, gratitude lacing his words as he nodded. “Redrum has– never thought- of it that– way.” But then, as Cadaver's tone shifted to one of determination, Redrum's smile faltered slightly. The mention of the cat that had attacked him brought back memories of pain and fear, memories that he had tried to bury deep within his subconscious.

“It's... it's gone.” He replied, his voice a shuddered whisper. “Not dead.” His gaze flickered with a mixture of anticipation and fear.

""