Now, all Shade ever wanted to do was spend time with his great, awesome paladin. His very first paladin!

Matthew was great! He'd give him treats, he'd play with him, scratch his belly, behind his ears and under his chin- he'd also take him anywhere! Shade got to meet the people Matthew has been with in the rebellion.

Quiznak, Matthew even let him sleep in his room with him just like his mother's paladin would do with her! Shade's paladin was definitely the best paladin.

Mistah and Ajthine definitely felt left out, now being the only ones without Paladins. Shade either boasted about Matthew, or was hanging out with him.

Ajthine sighed, laying on the opposite side of the pen from Mistah. They listened to the fighting from out side, neither bothered by the jostling of the ship. Ajthine peeked over at Mistah, the white lioness laying on her side with her back to the other. The tip of her tail twitched, meaning she was still awake.

The youngest lion raised herself to her paws and slowly made her way over. "Mistah?" She meowed, ears flat and head low.

Mistah blinked, her tail swishing. "Yeah?" Her voice was soft and slightly curious.

Ajthine relaxed and hummed. "We'll get our Paladins. We just... We gotta wait... Be patient..."

The white lion rolled onto her back to look up at Ajthine. Her eyes started to sparkle happily. "Like what daddy's paladin says? Pateince yields focus?"

"Yes!" Ajthine raised her head and her tail curled. "Just like that! I think!"

Purring, Mistah gently batted at Ajthine's ears. "I can wait. Can you wait, though?" She mused. Ajthine huffed, puffing out her chest and raising her paw.

"I am the definition of patience."

Mistah squealed and giggled, throwing her paws over Ajthine's shoulders. Ajthine squeaked as she was yanked down and thrown off balance. She gasped as they rolled, the ship jerking from another blast.

Once the ship settled, the two lioness' laughed and nuzzled each other. Ajthine the froze, her heart leaping and pounding.

The smaller lioness lay mostly on top of her, her head tucked under Ajthine's chin as their long tails curled together.

Ajthine gulped, her paws brushing over Mistah's shoulders. "H-hey..."

Mistah only purred in response, her claws kneading into the thick fur around Ajthine's neck.

"The, uh... The fight is... Settling down..." She murmured, shuddering as Mistah affectionately rubbed against her.

They stayed like this for several long minutes until the armor lions began to land in the hangar.

Mistah squealed and leapt to her feet, leaving Ajthine to flop onto her side, flustered and cold.