Path of Least Resistance.

This morning, as the dew kissed the earth and the scent of wildflowers danced in the air, Redrum found himself drawn to a peculiar scent lingering on the breeze. It was a scent he recognized – a scent that belonged to a young girl he had sparred with not long ago. Star. Intrigued to find her here, he followed the scent trail she’d left in her wake, his curiosity at its peak.

As he ventured deeper into the Buffalo Knolls, his senses leading the way, Redrum's ears pricked up at the sound of the girl’s familiar voice. He approached cautiously, his instincts on high alert. Who was she talking to? Had he made a mistake seeking her out? Peering through the foliage, he caught sight of the source of Star’s attention – a massive lion, its monochromatic pelt shimmering in the sunlight, mucking about with the dirt.

Fear gripped Redrum's heart like icy claws as he watched the huge beast, his instinct to flee warring with his desire to protect. He had always harbored a deep-seated fear of big cats after his attack, but this.. This thing was so unreal. It was too big. Much too big. And Star was headed right for it, Redrum was deaf to the awe in her tone.

Without a second thought, he sprang into action, his protective instincts overriding his fear. With a low growl, he rushed forward, positioning himself between the girl and the lion, his red fur bristling with terror bridled only by his urge to shield. "No!" He barked, his voice tinged with both fear and bravery. "Do- not harm." What could he do other than posture though? Wait, wasn’t this the same cat from that day of Ghoul’s challenge? Anxiety spiked within his chest, but he was damned if he was gonna back down.