It wouldn't be long until the cat-shark boy also noticed Gust was on the same path that he was. Lekio paused for a moment, remembering what happened the last time he ran into the cheetah. After a few moments he bared his sharp teeth at the cat after Gust had muttered something to himself, taking note of that he seemed to be carrying something, food supplies by the looks of it but Lekio didn't quite trust his eyes in full yet, considering he had to wear these dumb goggles to even see.
"What are you doing here" He'd ask, while he did sound a bit annoyed at Gust's appearance, he didn't sound as malicious as he used to at all. Folding his arms he stayed where he was, stopping his walk for now. "Where's your flame friend? Or are you alone this time?" He'd ask. Gust would be able to notice that physically, Lekio had some changes, for one thing the monster was still grey in colour after what Cole had done. Not a trace of his orange coat had returned. He also kept those weird looking goggles on and was noticeably thinner then last time, but he was walking ok at least.
"We didn't get to really fight last time you know, I want a rematch, one on one, you and me, what do you say?"

That endearing glow which crept out from that hood was but another reason for Fia to keep smiling. There was something about different lights that the firecracker found alluring - perhaps it was something she felt safe or akin to - but it also added an air of mystery to the River Guide. It was exciting really, for Fia, as it was a gentle reminder that there are just so many layers and things to learn about every monster. What could be more wonderful than celebrating everyone's uniqueness?

A light sigh of relief escaped from Fia, "Oh good, I'm glad!" she replied before blinking with some surprise , "Oooooh? Well I'm excited to see what else you're wearing then! You already rock that cloak as it is ehehehe!"

As she boarded the board she didn't  hesitate to take River's hand and the support she had offered; albeit Fia probably held onto it a little more firmer than she would like to admit. It wasn't anywhere near enough to hurt River Person's hand, it was just a reflection of a sense of unease that the flammable monster kept hidden beneath the surface. However, River's smile and reassurance did a lot to make Fia more comfortable on the water even though she kept smiling, "I don't think there would be anyone I'd trust more on a boat ride, River, thank you. That and Ridley is really cute! I love its design!"
While she did feel assured enough to let go of River's hand shortly after, she couldn't help but still leave a right hand to grasp onto whatever part of the boat she could reach from where she stood as way to feel more grounded whilst the subtle movements of the water beneath the wooden

The pink flame then looked down at her casual attire and abscentmindedly held onto the hem of her oversized shirt, "Really? It was just something I threw on but thank you! If I'm honest I don't know a lot about fashion - which I think would make today more interesting?  Ehehehe!" Fia then leaned in slightly and lowered her voice to a hushed tone, "Don't tell anyone this, but if you ever see me wearing something super nice, it probably belongs to my sister; Gloria. I don't think she minds too much though, since she hardly leaves the attic as it is!"

A ripple of giggles reverberated from Fia shortly after and the comment about visiting Zarc's shop behind his back didn't help things much either. She smirked slightly, "You say it like being bias is a bad thing!" Fia mildly teased, "Nah, for real though Zarc has a great eye for detail too, so I can see why you like some of the designer clothing he sells. Among other reasons too~"
She then winked before her expression grew more thoughtful, "I'll be happy to go where ever really... hmmm.... well Ember has mentioned one of the stores in the Capital has the latest fashion trends at the moment. I think it's called Bisou Boutique? There are lots of shops nearby too so I'm sure we could probably even find ones we weren't expecting too!"

With a zip, crackle and a distant boom it was hard to not notice just who was making her way over to where River Person was. Soon enough an eruption of sparklers of varying tones of pinks, oranges and whites sprung from around the corner; tailing an energetic, flaming monster like a trailing veil of glimmering flames. Within moments the elemental skidded to a halt near the awaiting boat; even lowering the volumes of the booms of her fireworks by making them much smaller until the booms were just idle crackles which blended in with the ambience around her. She wanted to avoid startling River Person if she could help it after all!

Upon stopping she stood tall with her hands above her in the air – her phone in one hand - and beamed a wonderful smile, “IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII’M HEEEERRREEEEEE~ I hope you weren’t waiting too long! I kinda just woke up extra early today to make sure I am well and prepared for today! I mean, how couldn’t I? I’m just so, so, so excited to spend the day with you River!” she proclaimed cheerfully.

The flaming pink monster was wearing an oversized white T-shirt, beige short-shorts and a pair of runners today. She also couldn’t help but spare a mildly nervous glance towards the water at first, however, Fia did trust River’s talents and skill when travelling on the water so she needn’t worry for long. Eventually Phoenix stepped onto the boat with a little more care than she often needed to when on land, but her jovial demeanour didn’t falter either, “So, got any ideas where to go to first? Ember’s recommended a few places but I’d like to know what you had in mind first~”

(Potentially canon later)

It had been well past 2 and a half months since Lekio first ran into Gust and Cole and had his fishy tail kicked and sent to Cinder's Clinic. The catshark had learnt a lot that day from Cole, but he still had a lot to learn and a lot to grow past. For most of the time he had done as he was told, because he kind of had to, but often times he was a bit of a pain to deal with and made it hard to cooperate, but it wasn't anything Cinder couldn't handle.
The majority of his time was now spent in-doors of the Clinic in Woodland, healing steadily thanks to the help of Cinder both physically and mentally from what he had experienced under Cole's fury. He had a lot more time to think now, and ever since he'd been brought away from Cinnamon's shop, he had seemed a lot more calmer in attitude and personality, he still had snarky or cheeky moments, but nothing was as spiteful as he was months prior. It had taken a while, but he eventually gained his voice back and the ability to walk, and steadily he began to talk more casually overtime with Cinder.

That being said, he still did enjoy his walks alone, and today he'd gotten one.
It was early morning and he'd finally been let out of the Clinic to stretch his still re-developing legs, he had to stay in Woodland though of course and not be out longer then what Cinder said for him to be, but it was something. He'd fix the positioning of the funny-looking goggles he had to wear to help him see for now as he stepped out of the Clinic, taking in a breath of the morning air as he began to steadily walk along the path Cinder had taken him when they first went for a walk together a while back now, thinking of all the things she had told him about Woodland and the Underground in general. She'd introduced him to a lot of interesting food too ever since he'd turned up, he was always wondering what she'd show him next but never really told her about that. Maybe he'd do that later, if she wanted to talk then, for now he simply kept to her path and took it steady as he walked through Woodland.

Zelia leaned forward over the table to get a better look at the monster's poem, but she couldn't understand anything that was written on the page. She frowned and concentrated hard, trying to read it. She opened her mouth to ask them how they were going to perform if no one could understand them. But, before she could say anything, they had gotten up and had begun moving towards the exit. Zelia watched them leave, and felt a slight pang of sadness.

She looked around at the rest of the restaurant, and saw that it had filled up quickly. In a dark corner, she spotted a familiar figure. Just as Zelia was getting up to go say "hello" to Boreas, the bell above the door rung as someone else entered. She glanced up, and was surprised to see her older sister, Dylcia, rushing into the building. As soon as she spotted Zelia, she made a bee-line for her. From where she was sitting, Zelia could see that her sister carried two packed bookbags. She knew that they were important for something, but she couldn't remember what.

When Dylcia finally reached her sister, she grabbed her arm and tried to pull her back towards the door. "Come on, Zelia! How many times have I reminded you this week that we had somewhere to go tonight?" She glared at the younger monster, and Zelia flinched away from her gaze. She was afraid to admit that she had forgotten whatever important event her sister was talking about. Instead, she ducked her head and muttered an apology.

Dylcia paused and turned to her. She sighed and ran one hand through her short hair. "Look, I know you probably don't even know what I'm talking about, but I have been planning this trip ever since we got a place of our own. We need a break from Gravelshire; we need to go somewhere different for a while. I know you've been looking forward to this performance, but I can't reschedule this. We have to leave tonight, and we won't be back for a few months. Trust me, it'll be fun... an adventure! You'll love it in Woodland."

When Zelia heard that last sentence, she gasped. The important event that she had forgotten about had been their vacation! "Oh, no! That's today?? I can't believe I let myself forget again. Don't worry, I'm ready to leave. Let's go!" The excited monster grabbed her bag from her sister's shoulders and ran to the door. She didn't care that she almost hit two monsters as she rushed by. The only thing on her mind was the thought of a brand new town to explore and escape to. She turned around one last time, without even noticing that she was blocking the entire doorway and making a scene. Zelia waved her sister over, suddenly taking charge of their departure. "Hurry up, Dylcia!"

After the elder monster had caught up, the two left the restaurant and began walking towards the new and unfamiliar province.