Getting up from his prone position Crimson looks at a prepared Deidra, her clothes significantly less dirty than his own.

“Again.” She says for what feels like the hundredth time today.

“Yeah, yeah.” He says as he levels the blade in front of him as he was told to, the form having become significantly more comfortable in the last couple weeks.

Inching towards her he fakes an overhead strike, causing her to jump to the side. Smiling at the success he pulls the strike and attempts do a lunge but finds no purchase as her own blade knocks his to the side. He quickly reorients himself, just in to block a slash aimed for his chest. The dull wood of the practice blade reverbs in his hands, just for another slash to catch him in the leg.

“You focus on the initial strike still,” She reprimands as she retreats back to her original position. “If you don’t counter or prepare for the follow up an experienced swordsman will win within the first two strikes.”

Crimson nods as he reenters his stance shaking the dull pain out of his leg as he does.

Unlike most times, where Deidra waited for him to strike she rushed him as soon as he was ready. He quickly throws out a horizontal slash, interrupting her charge. He throws another slash aimed at her throat but its easily dodged with a duck as she attempts to impale him. Before it can connect he pulls the failed strike back and backhands her with the pommel of the blade. The surprise strike throws off her attack just enough for him to side step her blade. Pushing his advantage, he drives his sword down with both hands towards the soft of her shoulder. Just as he believes he’s going to win she swaps her blade to reverse grip, taking the entirety of the blow’s power into her arm. The new move sends thoughts of confusion through his head, and then thoughts of pain as her free hand hammers into his unprotected stomach.

“That was perfect!” She yells as she pulls the pained Crimson into a hug.

“Doesn’t feel like,” He says as she lets him go. “Pretty sure that was me nearly losing my lunch.”

“You made me change my stance, the first time you’ve done that,” She explains as she pats him on the back. “If I was anyone else you’d have won, probably.”

“Woohoo,” He says with an exhausted voice. “How’s your face?”

“Better than your stomach I’d wager.” She says as she wipes her cheek.

Crimson nods in agreement as he stretches, the pain in his stomach lessening by the second. As he goes back to his stance he turns and hears clapping and two sets of footsteps. Looking to his right he sees Mon and a large dark skinned man, with what looks like metal doors on his back.

“What’s this?” He asks curiously.

“This is the guy I told you about, the one with the double shield!” Mon explains excitedly.

“I’m Kiln,” He says with a bow, a smile on his round face as he sees Deidra return it. “I was told by your…enthusiastic companion that you wished to spar with my team.”

“Mon, we told you we were going to fight anyone who wished to do so,” Deidra reprimands. “It’s unfair if we select them.”

“If it makes it any better she hasn’t seen myself or any of my teammates fight,” He says, attempting to lessen the blame. “I believe it’s merely curiosity, rather than the victory she’s being driven by.”

“Well, that certainly sounds like her,” Crimson agrees with a shrug. “We did say we’d take anyone willing, and he seems willing.”

“That I am.” He says with a nod.

“If you feel as if you won’t be faced unequally then I don’t see the harm,” Deidra agrees after a moment of hesitation. “We will have to check on our last member, she was recently injured.”

A look of confusion crosses Kiln’s face at this.

“Your last member?” He says somewhat hesitantly. “Aren’t the teams that of five?”

The look on their faces tells him all he needs to know.

“I’m sorry,” He says after moment, moving his black hair out of his face hurriedly. “I will sit out to make it an even fight,”

“Oh, no you don’t!” Mon screams, tugging at his arm. “I’m fighting you whether you like it or not and you’re going to need that fifth person!”

“Surely you don’t agree with her?” He asks, looking towards Deidra and Crimson.

“You’re going to need them,” Crimson advises. “We’ll have two fights if it makes you feel better, one with your full team and if it goes poorly we’ll move to four on four.”

Kiln thinks about it for a moment before nodding in agreement.

“It’s agreed then,” He says with gusto. “I shall assemble my team; you should do so as well.”

With a nod he heads back into Stena’s HQ.

“You really think we can take a four versus five?” Crimson asks, his previous mask of confidence falling. “He seems rather comfortable with those walls on his back.”

“You were just on my side!” Mon screams at him, a pout on her face.

“I said that to make sure we got the fight, best we’re outnumbered right? More realistic,” He explains with a shrug. “Never said I thought we could win.”

“I see your reasoning,” Deidra agrees with a nod. “I believe we have a decent chance but can’t say much until we see the rest of his team.”

“We’ll be fine; I’ve dealt with more on my own before.” Mon says with utmost confidence.

“Alright, do you want to go get Echo?” He asks her.

Without a word she scampers off back into HQ, startling a pair of people who just exited.

“I’m a bit concerned on how well we’ll do,” Crimson admits. “We haven’t really fought any group in a straight up fight, our teamwork is solid but we haven’t worked on it much.”

“Luckily we have Echo’s ability to compensate,” She says. “It’s enough for now but I do agree we need to work on it. As effective as Hunter’s training was she is only one person.”

As they’re talking they see Mon and Echo exit the HQ, what looks like boxes of equipment in their arms.

“Training gear?” Crimson asks as they set the boxes down.

“Made these a few days ago, more personalized than the usual Stena stuff.” She explains, handing out the new training weapons to each of them.

Looking down at the weapons it obviously modeled after their current equipment, nearly a perfect copy of wood and dull steel. Lifting up one of the arrows he notices the complete lack of a point, instead ending in a blunt cross shape.

“You’ve been working on these for only a few days?” Deidra asks, running her hands across the perfect imitation of her straightsword.

“Nah, this only took me like four hours,” She says with a smirk. “It’s a lot quicker when I don’t have to wait for it to cool or melt.”

“Show off.” Crimson says with a shake of his head.

“I’m sorry some of us have useful skills.” She returns with maximum snark.

“Why do I get these?” Mon asks, interrupting their exchange.

Crimson looks over to see what looks like large mittens on her hands.

“I couldn’t think of anything else to keep you from killing someone.” Echo admits with a shrug.

“I could just use my hands.” Mon attempts to reason.

“No.” Comes a collective answer.

Mon thumps onto the ground with a moan, her excitement at the upcoming fight dampened by the wool on her hands.

Chuckling lightly Crimson looks away from her and towards the supposedly recovered Echo.

“You sure you’re good to go?” He asks, her new scars noticeable due to her short sleeves.

“I’m fine, been on my rear long enough anyway,” She says with a nod. “Plus, it’s only a spar.”

“Well good, it’s going to being an uphill fight.” He says with a sigh.

“What’s new?” She asks as she straps her goggles over her eyes.

Looking away from her Crimson sees Kiln’s figure exit the doors, followed by three others. One slim male with long blonde hair and what looked a pair of training daggers, a short ginger male with a staff, and a black haired woman with a heavy looking gauntlet and buckler shield.

“Where is your fifth?” Crimson asks as they walk up to him.

Before anyone answers Crimson spots Mon staring at the space in front of him. Crimson looks ahead and doesn’t see anything, blinking he manages to catch a slight shimmer as a woman dressed in all white appears in front of him. Crimson quickly jumps back in surprise, the woman giggling with glee at his reaction. Her hair is identical in color to her clothes, the all-white aesthetic mixed with her pale skin giving her a washed out or almost porcelain look.

“That truly never gets old,” She says, her hair seemingly swaying despite the lack of wind. “Those eyes did give me a scare though; didn’t anyone tell you staring is impolite?”

Before he can respond she pokes him in the chest with one of the wooden batons she was carrying, and then walks back and stands next to her team. Crimson does manage to spot her slip the batons into her sleeves as she stands ready.

“I’m sick of asking you to cease that nonsense,” Kiln says as he looks towards her. “We are here as peers, not enemies.”

“Whatever you say,” She says with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Prey is prey.”

“Agreed.” Mon says, her stance widening in preparation.

“I suggest fencing rules,” Deidra interjects. “Strikes to anything other than the extremities is a killing blow, is that acceptable?”

“Certainly,” Kiln answers, pulling his shields off his back. “Introductions after I suppose?”

“Best way to understand someone is to fight them.” Deidra answers.

“Oh, this is going to be fun.” The black haired girl says, banging her buckler with her gauntlet.

“Start once the arrow hits the ground?” Crimson asks, drawing one of his practice arrows.

A collective nod prompts him to launch the projectile into the air. As it leaves the string Crimson feels the familiar vibration in his head.

“I’ll take batons. Mon, keep Kiln busy. Crimson and Deidra take the other three.” Echo orders as she readies her hammer.

Crimson nods as he steadies his breathing, marking his current supply of arrows as he draws one out. A moment later a soft thud sounds as the arrow hits the ground.

As soon as it lands the white haired woman disappears, the only indication of her existence being the slight shimmer Crimson quickly lost track of. The next to move is Mon who streaks towards Kiln at a blinding speed. The staff wielder quickly attempts to intercept with a forward strike, but is taken by surprise as she slides underneath the blow and past him. Letting the momentum carry her she grabs his leg as she passes, the force causing him to slam face first into the dirt. Not skipping a beat, she jumps from her slide and lands on the prepared Kiln’s shield. Seeing his chance Crimson begins firing arrows at the downed combatant, forcing the Siren with the buckler to cover him. Despite failing to take one of them out, Crimson succeeds in giving Deidra a chance to close the distance, forcing the dual daggered Butcher to face her in single combat.

After taking a quick glance at her team Echo focuses back on her surroundings, looking for any sign of her target. In the corner of her eye she spots the dirt shift slightly. Reacting quickly, she uses her vibrations and a dust cloud erupts at the location. Echo quickly sees the dust moving aside as a body passes through it, her face twisting into a smirk at her successful plan. With a practiced twirl she targets the invisible body with the face of her maul.

A similar smirk is on Mon’s face as she dances around Kiln, the larger man’s body not being able to compete with her speed. Despite his stellar defense she was slowly overwhelming him, all she needed was a slip and he was hers. A kick to the shield, a low sweep, and a swift dodge later she saw her chance. A slight stumble in his stance. Taking advantage, she dropkicks the shields, her bones rattling at the force. The blow moves them up just enough for her to slip in between the shields and his body. She quickly slashes across his stomach, just as an elbow slams into her head.

A double KO, Crimson realizes as he spots Mon and Kiln moving out of the ring. His attention snaps back to the fight in front of him as he ducks a dagger thrown by blonde hair guy, who’s now rushing towards him due to Deidra being preoccupied with the two other opponents. Crimson immediately begins launching arrow after arrow after the approaching threat. Despite his aim the blonde continues to close the distance. Changing tactics Crimson shoots wide, the odd trajectory drawing the attention of his aggressor.

Echo feels resistance as her maul catches her target, but she can tell it was blocked from the lack of follow through. She quickly spins her weapon again in an attempt to follow up but all she hits is air. Another flash of movement causes her to pull up her hammer in defense as two impacts ring out on it. Rolling backwards she slams her foot into the ground, a cloud billowing up around her. As she’s looking for any movement she spots Crimson running towards Deidra, and the blonde running towards her.

“Hen!” The blonde yells as he realizes Crimson’s target was the staff wielder.

The staff wielder looks up to see the arrow and quickly moves his head to avoid it, just to catch a forward kick to the face from Deidra. Crimson smirks at the removal of an opponent but that smirk disappears as he sees the angry look on the blonde who’s nearly in striking distance. Instead of attempting to fire any arrows at such a close distance, Crimson waits until his opponent is within striking distance of him. Before the blonde can strike, Crimson throws his bow at him causing the blonde to catch it on reflex. Using the bought time Crimson sprints past him, rushing towards Deidra. Seeing his move, Deidra breaks off her attack and begins moving towards him while still keeping the buckler user at bay. Crimson pulls out his practice sword as he runs, dragging it behind him ready. As he nears Deidra he dashes past her side and slashes at the unsuspecting opponent. Despite Crimson’s surprise attack the buckler still intercepts his attack. The girl quickly tries to backpedal away from Deidra and Crimson but they stay on her, attempting to overwhelm her defense. Each swipe quickly followed another as they chained their strikes, until Crimson’s blade finds purchase in her shoulder blade. Not taking the time to celebrate he turns expecting to see the blonde chasing him but instead sees him squaring off against Echo and winning. He looks around for the other opponent but finds her too late as he feels an object jab into his ribs. Deidra looks at him confused until realization hits her. Thinking quickly, she winds up and throws both her sword and shield in his direction. Crimson immediately dives to ground and soon hears a satisfying thud and hiss of pain. Crimson stands to see the white haired woman prone holding onto her stomach, her face scrunched in pain. Deidra’s sword at her side and the shield a few feet past her.

“Sorry.” Crimson says with a nervous smile.

“That was smart,” She says as she becomes still, opting to continue laying down. “Even if it was lucky.”

Deidra looks away from the exchange and towards her last opponent who now has Echo on the ropes, his weapon completely countering hers. Sweat poured off Echo as she continued swinging her weapon in arcs to force him out of range, but her stamina wouldn’t last much longer. Choosing to forgo weapon retrieval Deidra rushes to assist her teammate but just as Deidra reaches them, Echo takes a slash across her chest. The blonde quickly changes targets to Deidra who’s quickly put onto defense due to lack of weaponry. Having no shield for defense Deidra tucks her arms in and begins weaving in between the strikes rather than blocking. Eventually the blonde begins to lose steam and patience and throws a dual horizontal slash at her. Deidra narrowly ducks the attempt and steps into his guard. She quickly wraps her arms around his waist and lifts him, then slams him back first into the ground. A small wheeze follows as he attempts to regain the air stolen from him. She stands over him, huffing lightly at the exertion before looking around for anymore threats.

“I must say, I’m rather impressed,” The white haired woman says, her injury seemingly forgotten. “It’s been a rather long time since I’ve been beaten.”

“I too am impressed,” Kiln agrees with a nod. “I was expecting something but not this.”

“Ditto,” The black haired girl says as she rubs her shoulder. “You guys aren’t anything to scoff at.”

The other two of their members remain silent, both tending to their wounds.

“I appreciate the opportunity,” Deidra says with a bow. “My apologies for any injuries we caused.”

“No worries. I’m Bellona, and those two sore losers are Hen and Fik.” The black haired girl speaks up, pointing at the staff user and then the dagger user. “It’s good to meet you all.”

“Same to you, I am Deidra.” She says, retrieving her equipment as she does.

“I’m Crimson.” He says as he grabs his bow from the ground.

“And I’m Mon,” Mon says hurriedly. “Now fight me again, that was a cheap shot!”

Kiln looks at her somewhat nervously, but relaxes as Echo thumps Mon on the back.

“Echo.” She says with slight apprehension, the usage of her ability on new people still giving her a slight fright.

“You must have been the one that coordinated them,” The white haired woman says as she walks up to Echo. “Good choice of marks, I’m Tox.”

She puts her hand out to Echo, her palm facedown. Echo looks at it for a moment before taking it, her anxiety peaking slightly.

“I must say that ability of yours is exceptionally potent,” Tox remarks as she releases Echo’s hand. “I’m almost jealous.”

“Thanks.” Echo says slowly.

Crimson goes to speak up, but is stopped by Mon popping up next to Tox.

“How do you do that?” She asks the startled woman. “I’ve never seen that before! You just disappeared.”

“You don’t seem to need to know,” She says as she steps away from Mon. “I barely noticed you moved.”

“Yeah, but just imagine if I could that as well,” Mon says, her eyes down in a pleading face. “Please?”

“No.” Comes the simple response, causing Mon to deflate and trudge back to Echo.

After that awkward exchange everyone sits in silence for a bit until Kiln breaks it.

“I’m rather famished after that bout, I’m pretty sure that’s the hardest I had to fight since I came here,” He says with a slight chuckle. “What if we all grab some food? Preferably away from the staring.”

Crimson looks around confused to see multiple groups of people had been watching them. The rest of his team notices as well, Echo clearly not enjoying the attention.

“That seems grand!” Deidra says thinking quickly.

“Do enjoy yourselves.” Tox says as she disappears from where she stood.

“Lead the way sister.” Bellona says, Hen and Fik behind her.

Crimson begins walking towards the door as well, but notices Echo not joining them.

“You coming?” He asks, now noticing Mon had already left her at the mention of food.

“That took a bit too much out of me,” She says with a huff. “I think I’ll just take a nap.”

“I think Mon’s rubbing off on you.” Crimson teases with a smile.

“Can you blame me?” She fires back as she walks past him, moving towards their room instead of the stairs.

Shaking his head Crimson catches up to the others, who’d just reached the stairs. As he approaches he sees Mon use Deidra as a springboard to reach the canteen faster.

“She always do that?” Hen asks as Crimson appears. “Seems a pain.”

“You get used to it,” Crimson explains with a shrug. “Quirky but helpful.”

“She certainly seems like less of a bore than these two.” Bellona remarks with a chuckle.

“I don’t believe it is my fault you are a never ceasing instrument of noise.” Fik says as he stares dagger’s at her, his practice daggers luckily still in their sheathes.

“He got a point, the snorin too.” Hen piles on.

“Y’all are just light sleepers,” Bellona exclaims with a shake of her head. “Snoring is a sign of strength.”

“And poor posture.” Fik pokes.

“Oh, how about I show you some poor posture when I shove my-“ She begins to say with the winding of her foot.

“Hey look, there’s Mon!” Crimson says, interrupting the deteriorating conversation

Forgetting about their near violent exchange they begin to disperse on the table, all of them narrowly avoiding a speeding Mon as she tears back to the line of food.

“It’s like she thinks they’ll run out.” Bellona remarks as she watches her.

“She’s been cut off before,” Deidra admits, with a smile. “We ended up having to drag her away, never seen the janitors so frantic before.”

“I’m sure that was a sight,” Kiln remarks as he stands. “I shall acquire our meals, the same as usual?”

With a chorus of nods from his team members he leaves towards the food, dodging Mon on the way.

“Shouldn’t at least one of you assist him?” Deidra asks, as she stands as well. “That seems like a large amount of food.”

“The brute won’t let us.” Fik remarks as he leans in his chair.

“Sees it as a privilege,” Hen explains. “How he put at least.”

“To each there own,” Crimson says with a shrug. “We should go get our food as well.”

Deidra stands with a nod. Walking towards the line any of the crowd move out of their way, attention on them more so then usual. As they get closer they spot Kiln walking, using his shield as a platter for the multiple dishes he had. He smiles as he passes, the precarious situation not giving him any difficulty.

“I guess that’s one way to do it.” Crimson says with a chuckle.

Deidra matches his chuckle as she retrieves her own food, thanking the silent janitors as she does. Crimson picks out what looks to be a serving of ribs, a type of sausage, a large flagon of water, and a mix of broccoli and onion.

“Do save room for dinner.” Deidra remarks as she looks at his plate.

“I’ll make room,” He says as he stays in stride with her. “As if I’d skip one of your meals.”

“Good save.” She says as she looks away.

With a sigh of relief Crimson sits back down at the now rather rowdy table.

“It’s not my fault they were so cute, and that they had claws, and that I had claws.” Mon says, her mouth partially full.

“I’m still miffed you didn’t harvest their pelts,” Fik responds as he finishes another bite of his food. “Those sell for a reasonable sum, though I suppose you’d have ruined them anyway with your choice of weaponry.”

“Not everyone is out for profit ya platinum goblin.” Bellona says, coming to Mon’s defense.

“Nah, I’m with’em,” Hen announces as he finishes his salad. “At least they’d been used. Hate killing for no good reason.”

“The reason was that they refused to be my pet!” Mon yells in disagreement, then stuffs more food into her mouth.

“I am sure you would have taken stellar care of them.” Kiln responds.

“I know!” Mon yells in agreement, her plate now empty.

Deidra sits down next to her, handing Mon a large chicken leg much to her delight. “At least you would have something in common.” Deidra adds with a slight chuckle.

“Do you think they’d have synchronized naps?” Crimson asks, barely holding in his laughter.

Mon nods quickly with a full mouth, the rest of them laughing at the antics. After a comfortable silence broken only by occasional banter settled as they finished their meal. After the janitors took their dishes away Crimson’s mind came up with a question.

“What’s up with Tox?” He asks. “She seems way less…chill than you four.”

“She is rather secluded,” Kiln explains as he arches his hands. “I’ve attempted to draw her into the fold, but her age as well as her temperament has done little to assist me.”

“That did surprise me, the teams are mostly made up of similarly aged people,” Deidra explains. “I’m rather curious at her being the exception.”

“I honestly have little clue.” Kiln admits.

Bellona and Hen shrug as well but Fik gathers their attention.

“I believe it’s due to her standing,” He says with a thoughtful expression. “She doesn’t seem as if she’s a normal person. In a commoner sense anyway. It’s not impossible for a wealthy merchant or a noble of some sort to join Stena.”

“That doesn’t explain why she’s with us.” Hen counters.

“If you’d let me finish,” Fik says as he continues with his explanation. “I believe she may have had more of a choice for team members. After all I never even saw her during or after our initiation, she was simply in our room once we were selected.”

“Yeah, yeah that makes sense actually,” Bellona pipes up. “I always thought her mutations were super specific as well. They all se-“

Kiln quickly covers her mouth much to Bellona’s dismay. “It’s improper to discuss that without her nearby.”

Moving his hand Bellona crosses her arms in annoyance. “For all we know she could be; she never really announces her presence anyway.”

“Yeah, I nearly had a heart attack when she appeared,” Crimson agrees with a nod. “It’s like magic, one moment she’s there and then poof.”

“In many ways the monsters we face could be seen that way.” Kiln mentions.

“Still, like how do you know she doesn’t watch you in the bathroom or something?” Mon asks suddenly.

“Thanks for the image,” Hen says sarcastically. “I hope she got manners to not do that.”

Shaking his head Kiln finishes his mug and hands it to a passing janitor. He then looks at Deidra. “I have a proposal for you, if you’d like to hear it.”

Deidra looks at him for a moment but motions for him to continue.

“If you’re willing, I’d like another spar. Just me and you, it’s rare I can test my mettle against another swordsman of such skill,” He asks. “Armor and all, a true fight.”

“I hadn’t realized you used a sword,” She admits. “But if you wish I’d be happy to oblige.”

Kiln’s face erupts into happiness as he jumps from his chair in excitement. He does however quickly realize his outburst and bows to Deidra.

“My thanks,” He says, somewhat embarrassed. “I shall endeavor to make it a battle worth remembering.”

“Ah hell, you’ve got him riled now,” Bellona says with a shake of her head. “Can you at least do it now? I doubt he’ll be able to sleep if you wait.”

“I’m not opposed,” Deidra agrees. “Though I suggest we wait until we’re properly rested, an hour or two maybe?”

“I will meet you in our previous sparring’s location in an hour.” He said before marching off towards the spiral stairs.

“Riled is an understatement,” Crimson remarks as he watches Kiln walk away. “I think you have difficult fight on your hands.”

“I’d hope so,” She says with a stretch. “You’ll be there to watch, seeing a real dual will help you considerably.”

“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Crimson agrees with avid excitement. “Are you all going to watch as well?”

“As much as we’d love to, we have other commitments,” Fik answers as he stands. “Our equipment requires repair after our previous mission, mainly due to Bellona.”

Bellona punches him in the arm as she stands up and follows him out, Hen also trailing behind. Shrugging Crimson turns to ask Mon but sees her attempting to sneak food away from the janitors.

“Seems like I’ll be your only fan.” Crimson says, shaking his head.

“That will be enough,” Deidra reassures him. “I’ll make sure to put on a good show. Do you want to do some light sparring before it starts? I would prefer not to get sluggish beforehand.”

Crimson stands up at the suggestion, rubbing his full stomach and hoping she wouldn’t hit him too hard.