Crimson sits up from his bunk and looks down at Hui, his roommate for the night. Unlike Crimson, who is trying to sleep, Hui is repeatedly thrusting his sword in the air around their rather small room, his hazel eyes straining to stay open. The action keeping Crimson planted to his bed due to the threat of being run through.

“You know we have to sleep right?” He says with a sigh. “You’ve been doing this for three hours. I’d like to sleep.”

Hui looks up from his training, his hair changing to a bright red for a moment before becoming blue. Hui sheathes his blade and walks over to the bed. Laying on the bottom bunk.

“Apologies, I was immersed in my training,” He says with a smile. “I would like to be able to best that catlike friend of yours next time we battle, she has given me a goal to strive towards and I will not disappoint her.”

“No problem, though I have a question if you don’t mind,” Crimson asks.

Hui looks up at Crimson and nods, seemingly curious about the question.

“What’s with the hair?” Crimson asks, the question eating at him since he saw it change color. “I’ve never seen it before.”

“Oh, that is a mutation,” Hui says, an embarrassed smile across his face.

“Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to pry into your abilities,” Crimson hurriedly apologizes. “I don’t want to offend, I’m just a bit new to all this.”

Hui shakes his head, not fazed by the question.

“Don’t worry, it’s no use keeping obvious mutations a secret,” He says with a chuckle. ‘It’s from a type of reptile monster I killed a few years back, I think it was called a Igun. It had a type of camouflage that allowed color change, unfortunately it only mutated my hair.”

“That’s some bad luck, would be good to have that type of mutation,” Crimson says with a nod. “It’s probably still good for blending into crowds right?”

Hui nods, having thought the same thing when he first got it.

“That and it makes me look quite flashy while dueling,” He says with a grin, his hair changing to a light pink. “Gets all the girls attention… when I don’t get pummeled by them.”

Both of them begin laughing at their circumstances, eventually falling asleep to the joke. The day having drained them of their energy.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Crimson watches as his village burns, all kinds of monsters running amuck. In his arms he holds his mother, her face bloodied almost beyond recognition. He looks down at her form, his eyes filled with tears. His mother’s one remaining eye flutters open and stares at him. Her arm reaches up and pats his cheek, then suddenly wraps around his throat. Crimson doesn’t struggle as he begins to black out, until his mother speaks in a guttural almost gargling voice.

“Fight!” The corpse says to him.

Crimson vision goes black as he falls over unconscious, he jolts awake to see another scene. Stena HQ, burning to the ground. Corpses of monster hunters and monsters scattering the ground. He looks up to see a battle raging in front of him, a group of monster hunters fighting a horde of massive creatures. A fight being generous, it is a slaughter. Sirens and Butchers dying like flies against the hordes.

A roar rips his eyes away from the fight and he turns to see a massive goliath of a monster, multiple snake like heads protruding from a body akin to a gorilla. It raises its arms over Crimson, casting a shadow over him. Crimson looks up at the beast, too terrified to move.

Just as the beast hands descend upon him a force drags him out of its path, the fists missing him by less than a yard. He looks up to see a bruised and bloody Mon hanging onto his shirt. Her tail reduced to nothing but a stub and one of her ears ripped clean off, blood pouring out of the wounds.

“Get up, we have to go. Fey is buying us time,” She says, dragging him to his feet as the goliath raises its arms again. “We can’t waste it.”

Crimson forces himself into a sprint trailing behind her, both of them heading towards the gate out of the HQ. Mon reaches the gate and tries to force it open, Crimson joins her giving all he’s got into opening. When the door refuses to budge they turn to see the goliath lumbering towards them, escape no longer possible.

The Goliath raises its titanic foot just for a massive force to toss it to the ground. The six story tall monster collapsing from the impact. Crimson looks up to see Fey standing over the creature. Her once pristine armor covered in blood and nearly shredded to nothing. With an arc of her blade the beast jugular is sliced, blood pouring like a fountain.

Crimson watches as Fey begins drinking more and more blood from the body. Her body begins to pulsate with power as it mutates beyond its limits. Her height growing nearly a foot in an instant, her armor ripped apart at the growth. She jumps down from the monster and lands in front of the two scared initiates.

Her body covered in what should be fatal wounds, she walks past them kicking down the massive gate with a single kick. She turns and looks at them, her eyes swimming with blood lust.

“Run.”

Crimson and Mon bolt out of the gates, not looking back as a monstrous roar echoes throughout the world.

Crimson bolts out of his bed, slamming into the ground as he jumps from the bunk bed. Startling Hui in the process.

“The hell are you doing!” Hui screams in confusion. “Is this the result of brain damage or are you trying to get it!”

Crimson rushes to his feet, backing himself up to the wall in a panic. Hui sees the distraught look on his face and gets out of his own bed, inching towards Crimson out of concern.

“You need to calm down, no danger. Just a very confused guy with green hair.”

Crimson takes in his surroundings as his breathing slows from the adrenaline induced pace, his fight or flight shutting down.

“S-Sorry, bad dream,” He says with a heavy breath. “I hope I didn’t scare you too bad.”

“Looks like you just saw the world ending, so don’t worry about me,” Hui says with a chuckle. “Pretty sure we’ve got to head out soon so no harm done, aside from the nasty cut on your forehead.”

Crimson reaches his hand up to his head, feeling a small trickle of blood reach his fingers.

“Pretty sure I did just see the world end, so the cut is a welcome alternative.”

Hui sits back down on his bunk, shaking his head as he does.

“You aren’t even a Butcher yet and you’re already have nightmares about the end of the world,” He says with a smile. “I honestly doubt you’re in the minority with that. Anyone who’s here at Stena has plenty of things to keep them up at night.”

Crimson nods as he pushes himself away from the wall, fighting to control his breathing. Hui shrugs and stands up from his bed, he walks towards Crimson and grips his shoulder reassuringly.

“The way I see it; every bad dream is just your brain making up a situation to test you. A premade worst situation possible. Whatever you just saw is probably exaggerated beyond possibility,” He says. “It’s like your body is forcing you to practice so you’ll be ready for that situation or a situation similar to it. If anything I consider it to be a good thing, as long as you don’t let it affect you too much.”

Crimson stares at him for a bit before grinning.

“You almost made me forget about the hair for a second there,” He says with a hardy chuckle. “Nice try.”

Hui removes his hand and walks towards the door, throwing his other hand up in the process.

“I try to help and this is what I get, you try to pull off green hair. I’d like to see you do any better.”

Crimson begins walking behind him, entering the hall along with Hui.

“Thanks though,” Crimson says with gratitude. “That helped, a lot actually.”

“Anytime Crimson, we’re comrades now,” Hui says with a smile. “Just remember to play wingman if I need you.”

“I’m not sure even I could save you with that hair going against you,” Crimson smirks.

“I’m going to bleach your hair next time you sleep.”

Both of them laugh as they walk through the halls, other initiates exiting their rooms as they do. Eventually they enter the main hall, receptionists beginning to pull papers from desks and a small line of civilians waiting in a line to put up requests and payments.

Hui and Crimson scan the crowd and notice a portion of the initiates gathered in a group, waiting on Fey no doubt. In the crowd Crimson spots Mon’s noticeable ears. The only oddity being that she is being piggy back carried by a larger person.

Walking up behind the larger person Crimson peaks in front to see Mon still fast asleep. Not wanting to wake her up Crimson looks towards the person carrying her to see Deidra in a rather expensive looking shirt. Her blonde hair untied and flowing behind her, giving Mon a comfortable covering.

“Hello Crimson, I hope you slept well,” Deidra says, bowing towards him. “I’m excited to see your skills further today… do you need to sleep as well? You seem rather intent on staring at us. I could probably carry both of you.”

Snapping out of his gaze, Crimson bows back hastily.

“No, I’m fine. Just not expecting you to offer that,” He says. “I assume you two were rooming together?”

“Yes, she was rather unhappy with the early rise. I offered to carry her until Fey arrives, she agreed rather readily.”

Crimson looks up to see Mon still fast asleep, her head buried in Deidra’s long hair. A slight purr can be heard with each of her breaths. Looking away from Mon, Crimson takes in Deidra’s outfit. A brown silk shirt covering her chest, a small trace of white accenting it. Her pants having large amounts of pockets and probably made from a combination of leather and wool. Her clothes making Crimson look poor in comparison, his linen shirt and cotton pants.

“It looks like Fey didn’t give you any hand-me-downs, seems like some expensive clothes for training.” He says examining the clothes as he does

“Actually these are my own clothes, my last pair actually,” She says with a rueful smile. “Most of the clothes Fey has given to me can’t be moved until I am assigned a team room.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to assume,” Crimson apologies. “It’s just that your last pair of clothes wasn’t nearly as stunning as these.”

Deidra smiles at him and waves away the apology. Not upset about the assumption in the slightest.

“Don’t be, the pair I was wearing during our bout was traveling gear,” She says, still wearing the smile. “These are more like dress wear.”

“That makes sense, sorry about ruining that shirt by the way.”

“I told you before, never apologize for winning,” She says, the smile disappearing. “The lesson in combat was well worth the apparel.”

Deidra adjusts the sleeping cat on her back before looking back towards Crimson.

“I underestimated you, a mistake that would have cost me my life in actual combat,” She says, her face conforming into a scowl. “It is fair to say you may have saved my life in advance. I owe you for that, if you need assistance I will do my best to comply.”

Crimson goes to quickly deny it but then thinks for a moment.

“Would you be willing to teach me sword play? I can really only use a bow and options would be nice.”

Deidra’s face lights up in a smile at the request.

“That is something I’m more than willing to do, I won’t go easy on you however.”

Crimson smiles and puts his hand out, meeting hers in a handshake. Just as Crimson finishes the deal he notices Hui behind Deidra, looking towards Mon’s rear. Crimson thumps him on the back of the head, quickly getting his attention.

“What makes you think it’s ok to do that!” Crimson says, trying to keep his voice quiet. “She asleep for crying out loud.”

Hui looks between Mon and Crimson until the situation hits him.

“Oh! No I wasn’t doing that; I was looking at her tail.”

Hui points towards Mon’s tail, prompting Crimson’s eyes to follow. Even Deidra straining to look behind her to see the commotion. As Hui points at the tail it seems to reach towards his hand. Hui moves his hand around and the tail follows it like a moth to light.

“See, it’s like it has a mind of its own,” He says with a grin. “It’s fascinating.”

Hui looks away from the tail but keeps his hand near it, looking at Crimson with a told you so expression. Hui leans on his hip, allowing the tail to reach his hand. Like a snake the tail wraps itself around his hand. This causing Hui to try and pull away, the movement dragging Mon from her perch atop of Deidra.

Just as it looks like Mon is about to land on her back, her body tucks allowing her to roll to her feet. Her eyes quickly locked onto Hui with a feral aura. Mon’s breath begins to condense in the air, the heat from it sending chills down Hui’s spine.

“Wait, wait! This is a misunderstanding,” Hui says in panic. “Your tail grabbed me, I didn’t mean to pull you down!”

Mon either can’t hear him or refuses to listen as her tail and ears jump to attention, her eyes dilating and staring Hui down. Just as Mon lunges toward him Fey appears in front of her, blocking her path. The once vicious looking Mon changes into a child in Fey’s presence. The deadly lunge turning into an aggressive hug as Mon wraps her arms around the larger woman.

“Good morning!” Yells Mon. “I love it here. When do we get teams? Can I be on a team with Deidra, she’s super nice and I haven’t asked her whether or not it’s a mutation! Oh oh and Crimson he’s pretty cool, and he likes the e-”

Before she can continue Fey thumps her on the head, silencing the girl.

“You will not attack your fellow monster hunter’s without good reason, and I know you know he didn’t mean to harm you,” She says with a glare. “I suggest you keep those outbursts to a minimum.”

Mon nods quickly, not looking up at Fey. Fey shakes her head at the behavior and looks towards Hui, who is now behind Deidra while she has entered an almost protective stance over him.

“You alright duelist?” She says halfheartedly. Hui doesn’t answer and just stares at her, getting annoyed she calls out to him. “I hope she didn’t get your tongue.”

“Oh! Yes, I’m quite alright. Just a bit surprised how you got here so fast,” Hui says. “I was expecting to get mauled.”

“Not today, just pay attention to your surroundings more yeah?,” Fey says, looking towards Deidra who’s now in a relaxed stance. “You’re one to take the hit for others aren’t you Deidra?”

Deidra straightens up at her mention.

“Um… I’ve always been one of the biggest in the room ma’am. I’ve gotten into the habit of playing peacekeeper during my life, I… I don’t particularly like unnecessary violence,” She says honestly. “I’m a warrior after all, isn’t taking the hit my job?”

“That it is, that it is,” Fey says with a nod. “Make sure you stay on the side of your team though. No point getting hurt for a stranger.”

Deidra nods as Fey walks towards Crimson, she motions towards her head. Crimson moves his hair out of the way, letting her see the gash on his head.

“Did you fall out of bed or something?” She says jokingly.

“Yes.”

She stares at him for a moment before straightening her back letting Crimson drop his hair back over the wound.

“Well, that’s surprising,” She says in disbelief. “Was expecting a bit more balance from a support archer. We’ll work on that.”

Crimson nods as she walks towards the front of the group. She stands in front of the group, only a few of initiates being taller than her.

“Today we are going through basic assessment, at the end of it I will be choosing your teams. These are not permanent and you can move or be exchanged should your skills not live up. That or if you die,” She says without a trace of sarcasm. “I was going to go through the usually deal of testing you all but I’ve seen it so many times I think I could narrate it. So we’re doing this differently, hopefully it’s a bit more entertaining. Now… to the armory!”

She turns on her heels and begins walking towards what Crimson had assumed to be the forge, and what he’s learned is also the armory.

Following behind the large group he descends the spiral staircase: Hui, Deidra, and Mon beside him. Just as a blast of gas hits him, Crimson covers his nose but quickly stops once he smells it. Unlike the smell of smoke, the cloudy gas smelled of flowers. Looking towards the others he can see an equal amount of confusion on their faces. Just as he’s about to question it, Fey’s booming voice reaches his ears.

“Don’t mind the clouds of gas, it a type of non-flammable incense. Keeps the smell away, without blowing us all to hell,” Fey says as she takes in a deep breath. “Most of the smoke and runoff from the forges goes through our sewage system. It’s pretty complex, you can thank the master smith for it. You’ll see him down here at some point. Oh, and don’t touch anything. You’ll have to be taught how to use most of the equipment.”

Crimson looks away from Fey and takes in the breathtaking view of the forges beneath HQ. Molten metal pouring into countless casts all around them. Smiths of all types working on various pieces of equipment. Some of the higher ranking smiths even having their own section of the forge to themselves. Despite the darkened walls from soot and the intense heat, the view took the breath from many of the initiates. One girl was especially enthralled by the sight.

Unlike the rest of the group who glanced over the forges and continued following Fey, this girl stared at the biggest forge in the room. The master smith’s forge by Crimson’s guess. Crimson walks up to her as he passes. Her jet black, medium length hair giving her an almost shadowed look. A long, deep, but precise scar along the side of her neck just peeking out past the hair.

“Excuse me miss, you probably shouldn’t let yourself get left behind,” Crimson says in his attempt to help her. “I’m pretty sure they allow people to be trained down here.”

Despite Crimson raising his voice loud enough to be heard over the sound of the forges the girl doesn’t react. Not wanting for her to be left behind he taps her on the shoulder. She reacts quickly and turns to look at him, her green eyes full of panic. She waves slightly and hangs her head, seemingly embarrassed.

“I’m Crimson, an initiate like you,” Crimson says with a reassuring smile. “We should probably get back to the group.”

The girl looks past him to see the group nearly out of the forge. Excluding Mon and Deidra who are waiting at the entrance to the forge, Hui probably already inside. She looks at Crimson and nods, a smile growing on her face. The girl sticks out her hand, her dark olive skin obviously tanned by heat.

As soon as he shakes her hand he feels a slight vibration throughout his body, it isn’t painful or uncomfortable. Just odd. He looks at her and sees her just looking at him. Suddenly he hears a voice, almost as if it’s coming from inside his head.

“Hello, I’m Echo,” The voice says in Crimson’s head. “I hope this isn’t too uncomfortable.”

“That’s odd. Is it a mutation or something?” He says, shaking his head as he gets used to her ability. “Is touch necessary for it?”

“Yes, it came from a fewon,” she… echoes in his head. “It allows me to make vibrations. I vibrate your eardrums like sound would, that’s why it feels like it’s in your head. I don’t have to touch you to do it but I find it startles people less if I do.”

“That’s impressive,” Crimson says with a nod. “Shall we get moving? We can discuss it after if you want.”

The girl nods her head rapidly and begins walking with him towards the entrance to the armory. It’s large metal doors probably made for large groups of people to enter, or to keep them out. As Crimson reaches the door he is greeted by a room stretching well over a four hundred yards, less of an armory and more of a bunker. Racks upon racks of weapons and armor lined the sides. Oddly another door was inside the armor, off to the side with little style.

As he looks into the armory, stunned as the massive selection of tools, Deidra and Mon introduce themselves to the newcomer. The mutation less of a surprise to them.

“Echo you said? Odd name, can you make earthquakes!” Mon yells, all regard for politeness gone. “That’d be awesome!”

Deidra bows at the smaller girl. Intent on excusing Mon’s rudeness.

“She is a bit… enthusiastic about abilities, do excuse her,” Deidra apologizes, bowing as she does. “I’m Deidra, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

As Deidra bows, Echo can’t help but glance at the view Deidra’s low cut shirt gives her. Echo quickly bows back, a small blush growing on her face.

“N-nice to see meet you.”

The introductions come to a close as the loud clattering of metal echoes throughout smooth stone armory. Crimson tears his eyes away from rows upon rows of weapons and armor and looks towards the sound.

“Are you an idiot! My exact words were do not touch anything, want to know why! Because half of this stuff is made with monsters in mind!” Screams Fey at some unseen person.

Crimson raises to his toes to look over the crowd just enough to see who she’s yelling at. On the ground is Hui, his entire body seemingly frozen still. His hand wrapped around a rather elegant looking rapier, it’s hilt the design of a snake coiling around it. The design’s fanged mouth dripping with a small bit of blood.

“Many of the abilities the monsters have persist after death, it allows us to use their parts as materials,” Fey says as she pulls up Hui’s stiff body. “This sword was cooled during its creation in the venom of a scorpas. Paralysis can ensue almost immediately if it pierces deep enough. The effects vary depending on size though.”

Fey pulls Hui up by the hair, she cocks a fist and hammers it into Hui’s chest. He instantly gasps for air, coughing as he does.

“That… was… awful,” He says in between breaths. “I want it.”

Fey shakes her head at his actions, she grabs the sword and places it back on the mantle it was laying on.

“Each weapon in here was made by our smiths. Butchers and Sirens give our smiths the materials they want to use to create a weapon, usually from a creature the they’ve killed or a material they collected. Our smiths make standards weapons for anyone to use but any of the special gear will have to be released with permission from the owner,” She says, catching her breath from the long explanation. “Have to make sure people who earn the gear can use it whenever they want.”

“So who do I have to beg to let me use this beauty?” Hui says, still staring at the blade. “I’d like name and location if possible.”

“Me, the location depends on how long you think you could last in a fight,” Fey says with a grin. “Feeling lucky?”

Hui quickly shakes his head, still glancing at the sword.

“What about if I can beat Crimson?”

“After training… I’ll take that bet,” She nods. “I don’t even use it anyway.”

Hui jumps to his feet and scrambles towards the back of the room, shoving more than a couple other initiates. In less than a minute he appears next to Crimson.

“Fight me!” He yells a bit louder than he meant to. “I need that sword.”

“I don’t mind, but she said we’d have to wait till after some training,” Crimson says. “I think she knows you’d probably beat me; I can’t do close range at all at the moment.”

Deidra comes up behind Crimson and claps his back reassuringly.

“Not yet you don’t,” She says with a smile. “Give me some time and you’ll be capable of more than just defending yourself.”

Crimson nods at her, grateful for the help. Just as their conversation ends Echo pops up in front of them.

“They’ll allow us to use basic materials down here, so I can make you some custom gear if you’d like,” She tells him. “I could probably do it for most of you. I really enjoy working with the materials so it wouldn’t be a problem.”

“That would be great, if what Fey says is correct a lot of the gear won’t fit me,” Deidra nods. “Not to mention I wear heavier armor then most. It won’t be easy for me to find a comfortable set.”

Mon suddenly jumps into Echo’s arms, giving the girl a cat hug.

“Thank you! I was getting worried about my gauntlets,” She says, a mix of worry and happiness in her voice. “I don’t see anything like them here and I need new ones.”

The girl is startled at first but hugs back after moment, eventually letting go. Though she had to wait for Mon to stop after a few more seconds.

“Everyone gear up, take your usual set up if it’s here. And only non-special weapons, I don’t need one of you being melted,” Fey yells, startling a decent portion of the initiates. “If your preferred gear isn’t here, speak to me and I’ll figure something out.”

In an instant the group of initiates set out to claim their preferred gear. Mon simply reached into her cloak and pulled out a set of dangerous looking gauntlets. Unlike regular ones these have sharp, blade like fingertips. The blades easily capable of puncturing sturdy armor. As Mon put them on Crimson noticed her unease in wearing them, too small for her now if he guessed right.

Hui simply picks up a common rapier from a rack, along with a set of throwing knives. His armor consisting of basic hardened leather and a plated gauntlet on his right hand.

Deidra was clearly the one needing the armor most, but she only picks up a simple sword and large tower shield then stood at attention. Crimson quickly realized why. Nearly all of the armor in the room made for humanoids was too small, only a few of the male suits managed to even reach her height.

Crimson sighs at her misfortune and walks to a nearby rack. He spots a standard longbow and a suit of iron reinforced leather armor. All of his vital areas protected by a plate of iron with all of joints protected by hardened leather. A quiver and arrows later, his outfit is complete except for a close combat weapon.

Before he can attempt to find one he feels a tap on his shoulder, turning he sees Fey with a suit of armor in her hands. That and a small dagger in a sheathe. She nods her head, prompting him to fall in behind her. She walks towards the door of the armory, stopping in front of Deidra who is still waiting quietly.

”I’m glad you didn’t try to force yourself into one of the other armors,” Fey says, handing the armor to Deidra. “Despite how funny it would have been to watch you try.”

Fey then unsheathes the dagger and flips it, giving the handle end to Crimson.

“It’s a bit less complicated than a short sword, but thanks to the metal it’s made out of, it’ll do the job,” She says, handing him the sheathe as she does. “Stick to the bow though, only use it if necessary. You don’t have the armor or mutations to get smacked around.”

Crimson looks down at the knife. It’s shape straight until being hooked at the tip. It’s color being a very dark red. Crimson attaches the knife to his hip, the weight giving him a comfortable feeling. Crimson looks up from the knife to see Deidra trying to give the armor back to Fey.

“I appreciate the offer but I feel it is too close to favoritism,” Deidra says, handing the armor back to Fey. “I do not wish for the others to think I am above them.”

“Listen just take the armor,” Fey says, her face twitching with anger. “If you feel like you’re being treated better than everyone else, just look at them.”

Deidra and Crimson both look at the rest of the initiates. Almost immediately he can see that a decent portion of them all have a unique piece of equipment. An archer with a high class quiver of arrows, a duelist with a superior sword, or even Mon with her clawed gauntlets.

“Most of them have something from their inductors or self-made. Whether it’s a piece of equipment or a mutation. That isn’t the case for everyone, some inductors don’t see the need, some don’t care enough to, and some simply don’t get the chance,” Fey says, looking at Deidra with sympathy. “So just take the armor. You can’t be at your best without it, and if you aren’t at your best then others could end up dead. No one is going to accuse you of getting special treatment if you keep them out of a monster’s jaws.”

Crimson nods at her explanation. Deidra on the other hand still seems hesitant, something Fey picks up on.

“You are going to need a personal set pretty soon anyway, even this old set won’t fit you perfectly,” Fey says, handing the armor back to Deidra. “You were fine with taking my clothes, what’s wrong with borrowing my old armor for a bit?”

Before Deidra can argue further Fey delves back into the crowd of initiates, leaving the two of them. Crimson walks up next to Deidra, examining the armor. Unlike Fey’s silver set. The armor in Deidra’s hand is clearly made of steel, chainmail covering any areas requiring flexibility. Its quality is exquisite but still leagues away from Fey’s personal set.

“If it persuades you at all, I’d prefer you take it,” Crimson says with a grin. “How are you going to teach me to use a sword if you’re dead?”

Deidra looks down at the helmet, then back up to Crimson.

“I suppose that’s true,” She says with a smile. “How am I supposed to keep you breathing without armor?”

Crimson smiles at her change in mood. He feels a tap on his shoulder and turns to see Echo and Mon looking at them.

“Seems you two are ready to go,” Echo says. “I wonder what we’re doing anyway.”

“Doesn’t matter what we’re doing, I’m just ready to gut something,” Mon says with a smile. “I’m starting to get bored.”

Crimson nods at Mon’s enthusiasm. Taking in their outfits.

Mon, still wearing her cloak, has donned leather pauldrons and shin guards. A small steel plate protecting her stomach region. Her armor meant for quick movement and flexibility. Nothing surprising.

Crimson looks away from her and towards Echo, her choice of equipment something he wasn’t expecting. She wore no helmet, the only thing on her head being a pair of sand goggles. On her arms were gloves with small shield like pieces of metal. An iron cuirass covering her chest, and in her hands was a large maul.

“Being honest Echo, not what I was expecting,” Crimson says, a confused look on his face. “What are those armguards, and what is with the goggles?”

“Oh, the gloves are attached to retractable bucklers. They allow me to protect myself if it comes to it. Though they aren’t sturdy enough to be used like a regular shield,” She says, her face smiling. “The goggles are to protect my eyes from my abilities to let me to go all out. Some of them kick up a bit of debris so they’re necessary.”

Hui appears behind her, adjusting his rapier as he does.

“Well don’t we all look ready,” He says with a grin. “I’d say I’m the best dressed though.”

Mon shakes her head hurriedly and points towards Deidra, who just finished fastening the last gauntlet to her body.

“Yeah never mind,” Hui says with a sigh. “I probably should have paid more attention to the resident knight.”

The group bursts into laughter at Hui’s realization, though Deidra simply stares at them confused. Too focused on confirming the armor’s integrity to have heard the joke.

Their laughter is interrupted by Fey, who somehow managed to get past them and is now standing just outside the armory.

“Hurry up and follow or get left behind,” She yells. “Anyone who stays will be considered material for the smiths to use, and be warned. They don’t waste anything.”

Not waiting an extra second she turns and walks towards the stairs leading out of the forge, the initiates quickly following after her.

Fey ushers them out of the HQ and onto the massive courtyard Stena calls their front lawn. She continues leading them around the main building until they reach a large circular pit. Sixty feet deep and nearly two hundred yards long, it’s creation clearly important. The most concerning parts of it being the countless gates of varying sizes lining the walls of the pits. The inside too dark to see into.

Fey walks towards the pit and looks inside, upon seeing it clear she walks towards a small hatch in the ground. She pulls it open revealing a set of stairs leading down. Without hesitation she begins walking down them, the initiates hesitantly following behind. The stairs lead into a long tunnel, the darkness lit by what seems to be large containers of what Crimson can only guess to be luminescent fish.

Eventually they reach another door, a large number of locks keeping it shut. After an agonizingly long minute Fey opens the door. She holds the door open as the initiates rush out of the cramped tunnel, piling into the center of the pit. A sudden slamming of a door draws their attention back to where Fey was standing, but all they see is a closed door.

After waiting a couple minutes Crimson finally sees Fey’s head pop up over the ledge of the pit.

“Do you feel like telling us what we’re doing down here lady!” Someone screams from the crowd.

Crimson can just barely make out a grin appear on her face. Crimson hears the sound of a sword being unsheathed and turns to see Deidra readying her weapons.

“What exactly is going on?” He asks, nocking an arrow as he does. “Should I be worried?”

Deidra flips the visor of her helmet down, looking towards the gates in the walls.

“Arena, a place to test warriors,” She says through the helmet. “or kill them.”

Crimson takes off his hypno blocking glasses after she says this. He also notices the rest of his friends drawing their own weapons, Deidra’s warning having spurred them to action.

“That would be a yes.”

The unmistakable sound of machinery sends shivers through the initiates. The gates of the pit opening, countless hungry eyes looking at them through the darkness.