Verse 2: Heroes of Andromeda

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https://www.deviantart.com/ifritnox/art/2-1-The-heroes-competition-947029129

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Andromeda was created, and for a long time, there was peace.

One day, as they were wandering around the plains, Sabik, Kornephorus, and Mirfak got into a quarrel. It wasn't a serious argument - the sons of Canis Major, Ursa Major, and Lupus were best friends and inseparable. But through many a contest in the realm of stars, they had learned that no other animal could beat them in strength or speed. Now they wondered who of them was the absolute best.

So they decided to compete in a championship to settle the dispute. They went to Corvus and asked the raven to be the judge so that the result would never be questioned and everybody would know who was the greatest hero. Corvus agreed to help. He asked them for three days time to prepare everything, which the three sons granted happily.

Corvus ordered a running track to be built and found a field of heavy stones for the competitions of speed and strength. This, of course, did not go unnoticed, and soon word spread of the planned event. Three days later most inhabitants of Andromeda gathered to witness the championship. The titans were there, their children, the allies, and many of the creatures who lived in Andromeda guarded and ruled by the titans. They were all curious as to which hero would be the greatest.

Sabik, Kornephorus, and Mirfak came on time as the sun rose, and were surprised by the number of watchers. Eager to prove themselves they prepared.

The first test would be speed. Next to the dangerous rapids the two wolves and the bear should chase each other. Kornephorus stood between Sabik and Mirfak, and he was growling slightly when he saw the track. Ursa Major's son knew he was not very fast. Faster than many, yes, but it wasn't him they called 'arrow-star'. Therefore, Sabik was sure he would win.

Corvus waited until all three stood at the starting line. Under the watchful gaze of the witnesses he called out, and the heroes began to run.

And how they ran! Faster than the rushing river they chased, encased in starlight. Sabik and Mirfak soon left Kornephorus behind, although the bear's speed was phenomenal as well, and then Sabik gained more and more ground. Canis Major cheered the loudest as his son took first place.

The finish line came closer, but suddenly there were only two runners on the track. The viewers whispered confusedly. Nobody had seen what happened. Only Sabik and Kornephorus made it to the end.

Where was Mirfak? A call was heard: The son of Lupus had been sighted in the rapids. He swam to the river bank, a young fox in his mouth. As they learned, the cub had fallen into the river, mostly unnoticed. With a brave jump, Mirfak saved him.

Sabik and Kornephorus wanted to repeat the run, but Mirfak was too tired after swimming and they agreed to give him second place. Sabik was named the greatest hero for now, but there was still another competition and arrow-star was afraid of it. It was the test of strength and he was sure that he wouldn't be able to compete with Kornephorus.

Three days later they gathered at the feet of the mountains, where a lot of rubble was laying around. Some were enormous boulders the three friends should push into a designated area. The more they collected, the better. Kornephorus, son of the she-bear, was confident.

Following Corvus' signal the competition started. Soon Kornephorus was winning. He could move three times the rocks the two wolves could. But is was a close call between Sabik and Mirfak. Sabik knew, if he beat Mirfak this round he would be the overall winner being first and second in the two contests. But they were equally strong. Mirfak even seemed to win, but Canis Major's son pushed even harder.

But then, as the last rubble was placed, Mirfak had vanished again. Sabik had managed to gather more stones than Mirfak, but without counting it was obvious that Kornephorus was the champion.

But again the search for Mirfak began. Where had Lupus' son gone this time?

The five scouts had to fly off to search him, and they finally spotted him in the mountains, where he had found a lost fawn, which almost had wandered out of Andromeda's borders. The grey wolf led it back into the valley and Lupus grumbled with worry as the heard the full story. The fawn had lost its herd before they went to the competition and had not found the way back home.

"This was extremely dangerous", Lupus told them. "Not only for the fawn but for all of us. For the darkness is still out there. She is searching for a way to overcome the mountains and enter our peaceful valley. If but the smallest light passes the border, the darkness can see the entrance and come in."

All fell silent, shocked by this revelation.

"We were lucky Mirfak heard the call", Canis Minor said, and all agreed.

"But now the contest is ruined", Sabik sighed. "I'd bet Mirfak would've beaten me in this test as well. He deserves the second place, like before."

"We will judge it differently", Lynx suddenly said. "Nobody should disagree that Sabik is the fastest of all. Maybe even faster than Lupus himself!"

The First Wolf snorted with amusement.

"And there should be no doubt Kornephorus is the strongest of all", Lynx continued. "Maybe even - you guessed it! - stronger than Lupus. So it is settled! Sabik arrow-star is the fastest and Kornephorus rock-bearer the strongest!"

Cheering followed.

"But", Lynx continued, "Mirfak has proven something much more important. While all of us were occupied with the contest, he not only save two lives but all of Andromeda. From him, we shall learn that it isn't important to be the strongest or fastest. What matters is if we use our powers in the face of danger."

Nobody disagreed with the wise titan. And thus Mirfak, Sabik, and Kornephorus all won the competition, and all the creatures of Andromeda learned a most important lesson: That their enemy was not defeated and was still waiting to get her revenge. They learned they should never seize vigilance.