“I was thinking—“ Hitori was cut off by a man falling in between him and Elvira. Specifically, his teammate Gordon Kavanagh, a young Mairtalan man with curly red hair and a wiry frame. Gordon landed into a crouch, while the Impact Tech dampened the blow and sent a ripple of light up his legs and arm which faded at the torso.

Elvira was apparently caught totally unaware, as she yelped and went tumbling back into a pile. “What the hell are you doing!” she yelled as soon as she settled.

What’s her problem?

“Joining the meeting,” Gordon said. He leaned over and offered Elvira a hand.

She eyed it suspiciously, before grabbing it and pulling herself to her feet.

“Showing off again, Gordon,” Hitori said. “I guess this is better than blowing something up, at least.”

“Hey, told you last night,” Gordon said.

“‘A weapon demonstration’s a perfectly legitimate late night activity,’” Hitori and Gordon said in unison, before laughing.

Elvira was still giving Gordon a wary look, but said, “You guys do that often?”

“More often than I ever wanted to,” Hitori said. “That and ‘You can’t prove I had any part in this disaster.’”

“Just misunderstood, really,” Gordon said.

Hitori laughed. “Anyway, like I was saying, we need a training plan. Elvira doesn’t have much experience, so it should be pretty intense to prepare for the Field Exam.“

“Could coast on your coattails instead,” Gordon said. “Heard you rag-dolled Brutus last night.”

“Oh yeah, you never did say what was up with that,” Protius said. “All I remember is blacking out after getting tag teamed by ten Elites, then suddenly you’re across the room and the speaker is playing that lame victory music.”

“I watched the footage and it was like some kind of super tech,” Chandra said. “Even the cameras had trouble catching everything.”

Hitori laughed and scratched the back of his head. “I… honestly don’t know either. Everything got kind of weird for a second. My Vital Net was drained afterwards so I must of used a bunch of techs.”

“Used a bunch of techs, totally on accident,” Protius said with a sly grin. “More than I’ve ever seen you use in my life. Come on, admit it, you’re a superhero in disguise. That’s why you practice so much but suck so hard in the rankings.”

“I knew it,” Gordon said. “Get this nerd a cape.”

“I could give him mine!”

“Meant you, ya dweeb!”

“Protius already has a—“ Hitori cut himself off with a huff. “Could we ease up on the silliness? I’m sure it was a critical tech.”

“You better hope not,” Protius said. “Those are a once in a life time thing. It’d suck to waste it on a dumb training exercise.”

“I’ll file a complaint with my Vital Net,” Hitori said. “Now can we get to business. Training. Plans. No shenanigans.”

“Could we do something in the Training Center?” Chandra asked. “No, wait, you didn’t book an appointment.”

What about the Wychwood?

“I was thinking we could head to the Wychwood, actually,” Hitori said.

“What!” Chandra and Gordon yelled in unison.

“You out of your mind?” Gordon said. “It’s a bloody death trap!”

Hitori jumped back when they yelled, his face a mask of confusion. “What are you talking about? The tournaments are at least as safe as the Training Center?”

“Tournaments? You talking about Vicker’s Arena?”

“That’s what I said. There’s matches every Saturday. As long as they don’t know you’re from Nova you can sign up.”

“I heard most of the city was closed this week,” Elvira said.

“Oh yeah, they’re preparing for Kosmiche,” Hitori said. “What did you guys think I said, anyway?”

“Think!” Gordon yelled. “You said ‘Wychwood’ plain as day. Crazy enough to do it too.”

“Hah. Although I guess being dead is one way to get out of the final.”

“Actually, I think there’s some merit to the idea,” Protius said. There was an uncomfortable silence as his friends waited for him to start laughing.

“Being dead?” Gordon said at last.

“The forest, man. Powerful metafauna guard the perimeter, but they don’t chase you far as long as you stay out of Wychwood. I don’t think there’s a better place to get a lot of experience in a hurry, and it will be a great lesson for her in breaking away from engagements.”

“Gods, hate it when you make sense.”

“That’s a surprising aye from Gordon,” Hitori said. “What about you Chandra?”

“It’s probably way too dangerous,” Chandra said. “I don’t know if we’d be able to keep up the pace for very long.” She paused, then said, “Do you still have those Dragon Stims?”

“A few.”

“What are you talking about Hitori?” Protius asked. “You told me you haven’t used a single one since you got them.”

“I also told you I was saving them for an emergency, and not to go blabbing around about them.”

Protius laughed. “What, are you trying to make it to your death bed with ninety nine of them?”

“That’s so Hitori,” Gordon said. “Five drakes chewing on his ass, and he’d be like ‘Oh no, gotta save my supplies—‘”

“‘What if there’s six later!’” Protius and Gordon yelled together.

“Fine, fine,” Hitori sighed. “I brought a few with me.”

“Don’t be so grumpy about it,” Protius said with a gentle nudge. “I’m sure your mom would want them used, not decorating your closet.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Anyway, it looks like Chandra’s on board.” Hitori turned to her and she nodded. “Then let’s get out of here. Is everyone ready?”

Elvira raised her hand. “Actually, I might have a question or two.” Hitori looked at her expectantly. “What’s the Wychwood?”

The others shared a few uncomfortable glances.

“I’ll explain it on the way,” Hitori said.