Crimson opens his eyes slowly, sitting up and yawning he looks around and sees the rest of his team still sleeping. Laying back down he sighs as he tries to remember the odd dream. While not the nightmares he’s used to, it still gave him a rather unsettling feeling. After failing to fully recall the dream he silently climbs out of bed, landing nearly without a sound. Looking around once more to confirm everyone else was asleep he notices Mon is no longer in her bunk. Before he can react he feels hot breath on his neck and a slight sting in his neck.

“First lesson is in your landing, you’re too loud,” Mon says as she lightly drags her index finger across his throat. “Most creatures have hearing just as good as mine.”

She retracts her claws and stalks in front of him, her presence barely noticeable despite Crimson now staring right at her.

“A predator has to be a part of the environment,” She says as she slinks back up to her bunk. “It’s not enough to just blend in with your prey’s surroundings, you have to be your prey’s surroundings…and don’t wake me up again.”

As she disappears under her covers Crimson exhales a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Internalizing both the lesson in stealth and the lesson in just how deadly Mon could be, he grabs Fey’s knife and exits their room. Stepping into the hall he takes a breath, the incense from the forge just barely managing to reach his nose. Creeping down the hall he analyzes his living area once again, the sheer difference still not fully making sense in his mind. Not even a year ago he’d wake up to a wooden roof and a family breakfast, and yet he’d gotten used to the loud canteen and cave like room he lived in now rather quickly. The grand hall draped with tapestry of the room numbers, the floor formed of smooth stone that shows no error, nor crack or bump making him question whether it was actually real.

Eventually exiting into the main hall he looks up towards the spiral stair case, the silver railing giving it an undertone of ascension. The large multicolored chandelier added to the unearthly feeling of the room due to the reflection of the multiple metals and mirrors in the lobby. Those sights, along with the rows upon rows of job boards the room feels rather small and yet it takes up nearly two thirds of the first floor of Stena. After taking in the sight yet again he strays towards the silver staircase, simply admiring it. As he leans in towards it he hears a whisper behind him. Crimson snapped around surprised just to see Apate looking at him.

“Hi,” She whispers as she rocks on her heels. “What are you doing up this early?”

“Oh, I do this occasionally,” He says after a moment. “It kind of…anchors me, like a double check that this is all real and not some dream. What about you?”

“It’s just jitters, we leave in a few hours so I couldn’t sleep well,” She says honestly, her hazel eyes full of fear. “I just really don’t want to mess it up…I…I feel like I’m going to get someone killed.”

Crimson goes to respond but stays silent instead opting to motion towards the main door outside. Getting the idea, Apate follows along and they begin walking through the courtyard. Passing by the sparring grounds, archery ranges, and track, they eventually find themselves standing on the ledge of the arena where Fey tested them. Crimson sits down, allowing his legs to hang over the side.

“Where were you when Fey threw us in here? How did it go for you?” He asks. “I was right there, ended up meeting my team there too.”

“I was across from you,” She says as she sits down next to him. “I probably wouldn’t have made it without the Johns. I won’t say I’m bad with my bow but I just couldn’t handle that many… Probably pretty pathetic to a ‘Hound of` Stena’ huh?”

“Not really,” Crimson denies with a shake of his head. “I’d have probably gotten turned into a pancake if it wasn’t for Deidra, I could barely swing a sword before I met her. Honestly, you were probably more qualified than I was to be a hound. I just got lucky, or unlucky…depending on how you look at it.”

“Seriously?” Apate asks with a skeptical face.

Crimson nods, somewhat embarrassed by the fact.

“I doubt it was all luck,” She says after a moment of silence. “From what I heard you’re a terror now, the other teams see you as some mythical ranger almost. So, maybe you just had a lot of potential. Plus, the eyes are really cool…”

“Maybe,” Crimson admits with a shrug. “You asked for advice right, before Big dragged you off I mean?”

She perks up and nods at possible assistance.

“Well, for one. Never let your guard down, that’s how we lost one of our members. He was just…too relaxed. Two, don’t be dumb. If you don’t have to risk it then don’t risk it. Three, don’t argue over plans or ideas. Just roll with whatever someone has unless you know it won’t work. That’s how my team ended up surviving, if you have time to argue than you’ve got time to die. And finally, if someone dies, you can’t blame yourself. Just use it as a lesson. Make that death mean something. Even if it hurts.”

Apate looks down at the last piece of advice, but nods nonetheless.

“Oh, and get some sleep,” Crimson says as he stands up and begins walking back to the main building. “Can’t worry in your sleep.”

“I can’t sleep,” Apate says as she jumps up. “I keep having nightmares, I keep seeing everyone die!”

“Good,” Crimson says as he turns back to look at her. “I was told nightmares are like your brain training you. Making sure you’re prepared come a terrible situation. Nothing is worse than your own nightmares, so being prepared for them makes any other situation a breeze right?”

Crimson waits a moment before seeing her nod, his advice putting her mind at ease. Seeing this he turns and continues his walk back to his room. Apate watches him for a moment before turning and sitting on the rim of the arena once again, worry still in her mind but less so than before.

Opening the door as silently as possible Crimson creeps towards his bunk, careful not wake anyone as he does. Surprisingly, he managed to slip back into his bed without alerting anyone. Besides Mon who heard him the moment he entered the room but chose to ignore him. As he settled down to catch a couple more hours of sleep he pulls Fey’s knife out and examines the blade. The odd makeup never ceasing to amaze him. Despite the clear expense of the weapon and painstaking craftsmanship put into it, Fey never asked for it back. The presence of the knife becoming a calming one in his time at Stena and for once calling it his knife no longer felt weird. Slipping it back into its sheathe he rests his head on the pillow, surprisingly content with himself.

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

“But why not!” Screams Mon miserably. “It would be so cool!”

Crimson grimaces at the noises as he stretches his sore back, today’s training being far worse than ever before. The moment he sits on his bunk he lets out a sigh of relief, just for it to be ruined by the argument unfolding. Deidra walks in a few moments after him, confusion on her face.

“Have you two been arguing this all day?” She questions in astonishment.

“It would block the main ventilation; we’d have no oxygen!” Echo retaliates, ignoring Deidra’s query.

“Who needs that!” Mon yells back.

“Everyone,” Echo continues. “literally everyone needs that!”

Mon rolls her eyes and flops into her bed, sulking while her tail curls around her.

“Don’t give me that,” Echo says as she shoves Mon, just to be slapped in the face by her tail. “How about a cup holder, would that make up for it?”

Mon leans up slightly, but is still obviously upset.

“And a blanket that heats itself from the forge,” She continues just for Mon not to move. “And the cup holder keeps your drink cold?”

Mon begrudging sits up, her pouting lessened considerably. Seeing this Echo sighs in relief and sits back causing her to see that Crimson is awake.

“You owe me,” She says with tired eyes. “You owe me so bad.”

“I don’t know, you did punch me in the face that one time,” Crimson says with a smirk. “If anything this makes us even.”

“How about I do it with my hammer this time?” Echo proposes as her eyebrow twitches in anger.

“This was your idea,” Crimson says as he jumps down from his bunk. “Thanks though.”

Echo looks at him for a moment before groaning in disappointment as she leans on Mon bunk. Crimson chuckles at this before heading towards the bathroom. Inside he begins rifling through his dedicated closet of clothes, his conveniently being placed closest to the shower. The closet being large enough to hold all of his clothing, yet still not taking a ton of room due to it being built into the wall. Grabbing a set, he begins to change, tossing the old ones into a steam cabinet that automatically cleans clothes in the corner of the room. That was probably his favorite part of Stena, the lack of laundry. Despite the mass amount of utility in the room the bathroom still managed to feel spacious. Entirely due to all of the appliances being fit perfectly into the room, no space not being used to its maximum. Quickly showering he dries and dons on his clothes before exiting the bathroom, just to be greeted by the sight of his entire team sitting with two people he’s never seen before.

“Ah, Crimson.” The taller of the two announces. “It’s good to meet you at last.”

She stands and walks over to Crimson, her slender yet towering frame allowing her to close the distance in only a few steps. She puts her hand out for a shake to which Crimson accepts, the chill of her hand surprising him.

“The Dragon speaks much of you and this team,” She continues as she releases his hand. “I am Navi.”

“The Dragon?” Crimson says in a quizzical tone.

At the questioning response the other individual stands and joins them in front of the bathroom.

“It’s a rather fitting nickname for your inductor,” The man says, his silver hair and average stature contrasting the other woman. “I am Trace; we are here to understand each of you to ensure the success of our mission.”

“Ok, how about we go back to the table then?” Crimson suggests, prompting the two to take a seat amongst his team.

Deidra quickly pours another cup of tea for Crimson before refilling everyone else’s cup. Crimson takes a sip as he surveys the situation. Echo and Deidra are clearly attempting to listen and stay silent in front of the senior members while Mon is simply doing what she usually does. Navi and Trace seem to be the most comfortable people in the room. Navi is casually sipping her drink and occasionally whispering to Trace, her black hair stopping just short of her collarbone, hazel eyes never staying still for more than a moment. Trace hadn’t touched his tea, his hazel eyes locked onto Crimson’s shades as if he’s looking through the hypnotic blocking glasses.

“Please, relax,” He says after a moment. “We will all together for many months and will get comfortable with each other in time, but we would like to get some type of cohesion to begin our mission with preferred start.”

“For starters, I was originally a duelist. My brother was a warrior,” Navi continues. “As of now I use a shortsword and buckler, though I’ll be doing more tracking than fighting.”

“I’m currently using a dual sided spear, more useful against monsters than humans,” He says after letting Navi finish. “That being said, neither of us are superb fighter, but we never lose the target. That you can be sure of.”

After finishing his sentence Trace finally takes a sip of his tea, a sip turning in a chug until the cup is drained. Deidra quickly refills the cup almost as soon as he puts it down, much to his delight.

“Truly this is a magnificent brew,” He says as he picks up the cup once again, this time only to take a sip. “I’m glad to have you on this mission. It will certainly make mornings in the wilderness more enjoyable.”

Deidra nods a welcome as she begins making another pot of her tea.

“So, why are you two senior members if you aren’t good at fighting?” Mon asks suddenly. “Why can’t I be one if I’m better at fighting?”

“Stena’s upper echelon aren’t chosen entirely due to combat prowess. An expert in combat is useless if they can’t find the enemy, utility in all areas is what makes Stena work,” Navi rebuttals quickly. “With your mutations, and what I’ve heard of your fighting capabilities I have no doubt you’d reach our position eventually.”

Mon thinks about it for a second before shrugging and going back to playing with her own tail out of boredom.

“While we’ve been told the cusp of what we’re being sent out to accomplish, we have yet to receive any detailed information,” Deidra asks. “Specifically, who we’re hunting and why.”

“Boiga, an exiled Siren, fled because she is directly responsible for the death of her entire team,” Trace answers immediately. “Her known mutations include, enhanced sight, enhanced reflexes, and venom saliva. Do not let her bite you, the paralyzing agent would make you an easy target in seconds. While our mission is elimination, the loss of a new Hound of Stena or my sister and I is not an option. Should it come to it we are to abandon the objective.”

Deidra nods at the information, the soldier in her internalizing the information.

“What about us? What exactly are you grooming us for, I’m assuming we’re meant to learn something from this as well?” Crimson asks quizzically. “Making sure we’d kill another person is only part of it.”

“Perceptive,” Navi responds. “We are also meant to ‘guide’ you on the etiquette you are expected to follow while under Stena. Teach you how to operate when away from HQ for extended periods of time, and other similar things.”

Crimson nods and leans into his chair, his curiosity sated.

“Well I’m already not looking forward to this, being away from my workplace for so long is going to kill me,” Echo announces in distress. “How are we going to keep our equipment in condition for a month!”

“Fortunately there is sparse civilization outside of Stena, so upkeep will not be impossible. Both of our weapons and ourselves,” Navi explains, slightly annoyed. “No need to act that dramatic.”

“Cut off your left leg, then tell me that,” Echo returns with sass. “It amounts to the same thing.”

Navi goes to argue but is stopped by Trace’s hand on her shoulder. Her brother’s intentions clear.

“We will be able to go over that during our time together, for the time we have left here I’d like to know of any specialties or circumstances we should know of,” He explains. “Strengths or weaknesses that are important enough for us to know of.”

He waits a few moments and sees that none of them are bothering to offer any info, sighing he rubs the bridge of his nose before continuing.

“My eyes are extremely adept at discerning differences in temperature, my skin is capable of changing its coloration, and I always know exactly what direction I’m heading in,” He says as he gestures to his now red colored hand. “No amount of camouflage or mutations will let you hide from me, and there’s a good chance you’ll never know I’m there. Though I do overheat quickly, and motion sickness is a problem I can have.”

“I can pick out details at almost two miles away,” Navi begins, her pupils shifting as she says it. “I’m incredibly light weight due to my skeletal structure, and I have increased muscle as well. Along with my feet having talons, this makes it significantly easier to maneuver. Though I can get thrown around a lot because of that.”

After listening to them Crimson leans his elbows on the table and sighs.

“I’ve got the hypnotic eyes, enhanced reflexes, and I’m good with a bow,” Crimson says with a shrug. “That’s it.”

Navi and Trace both nod in thanks before looking towards his teammates.

“I’ve received bone plating, enhanced muscle, and growth,” Deidra says, the pre-rehearsed lie to hide her Kinslo heritage mixing well. “No important weaknesses.”

“I’ve got the whole vibration deal and I’m pretty fire proof,” Echo answers quickly. “And if you haven’t guessed, I can’t speak.”

Before Navi can validate the snark with a retort, Mon pops up excitedly.

“I have basically anything a regal has…but cuter.,” Mon responds. “And I have no weaknesses.”

“She can get heated in fights and stop thinking rationally, she can’t deal with loud noises well and she sometimes just follows random smells.” Echo announces, shutting down Mon’s glory.

Trace leans in and stares at Mon, the action causing her to stare back and cock her head in confusion.

“If I had to guess, those would be side effects of drinking the same monster too much,” He says quizzically, leaning in slightly. “The mental affects will cause problems in the future. Truly a monster in the making, I wouldn’t sleep soundly around her.”

At the mention of this, Crimson notices Mon’s tail wrap around her chair; it’s strength causing the wood to splinter. Her bored face gaining an underlying rage.

“That won’t be an issue,” Crimson interjects in a confrontational tone. “She’s a bit brash but she’s perfectly sane. I’d hope you trust that.”

Trace leans back in obvious disagreement but quickly notices the four pairs of eyes on him. Hostility quickly filling the room.

“Well, I’m sure you’ve had plenty of time to judge that. Do excuse him, he’s never been a great judge of character,” Navi say in an attempt to redeem the situation. “He was dropped on his head as a kid so you’ll have to excuse him.”

“It’s pleasant to see that you all choose to defend each other, even in the face of your superiors,” Trace says as he stands up, not disturbed by their actions. “Just make sure that loyalty doesn’t end your lives. We will meet you in front of the gate in the morning, do be sure to bring enough supplies for a two-week stretch. We will not be stopping should you forget something…thank you for the tea.”

Without another word Trace quickly exits the room, followed by Navi who chooses to bow before she exits.

“I don’t think I lik-“

Before Echo can finish, Mon’s chair finally gives out with a loud crack. Mon’s tail now holding onto the detached back of her chair, while her claws have dug deep scars into the seat. After a moment she sighs, her adrenaline decreasing rapidly.

“Sorry.” She says as she takes the piece of the chair and puts it on top of the remaining piece.

Mon jumps up into her bunk and tucks herself in without a sound. After a moment Echo stands and walks over to her. Leaning up she pokes at Mon just for the girl to scoot deeper into her bunk. Echo looks towards Deidra and Crimson and shrug.

“Want to talk?” Echo guesses as she pokes at Mon again.

Getting no response, she sits back down, pouring the rest of Mon’s tea in her own cup.

“I suggest we let it go, if she wants to talk she will do so,” Deidra recommends as she begins storing her supplies. “Pushing the issue won’t help.”

Crimson nods as he hands his emptied cup towards Deidra. Echo goes to argue before shrugging and instead draining her cup and handing it over.

“Well, enjoy the beds. We won’t be seeing them for a while,” Crimson says as he jumps into his bunk. “Our life of comfort ends tomorrow.”

“Despite that being true, I’m almost excited,” Deidra announces as she sits down. “Being able to truly see what’s out there, without the consistent threat on my life.”

“Then you’re alone in that,” Echo responds as she puts her head down. “All you’d need is that pot and kettle and you could live anywhere, I need a bit more than that.”

Deidra thought about it for a bit before nodding in agreement, eliciting a chuckle from Echo and Crimson. After silence settled, the light dimmed and each of them began to slumber; until a small light beamed into Echo’s eyes. Opening them she sees Mon’s hand and tail hanging over the edge. Echo rolls her eyes as she scoots out of her bunk to see Mon staring down at her.

“And what would you like now Pouty Cat?” Echo questions.

Mon rummages through her bunk, eventually pulling out the shredded remnants of her blanket.

“I thought you said that was one-time thing,” She remarks as she looks at the fabric. “I’m hoping you won’t do this while we’re traveling, we might run out of blankets.”

“I thought it would be,” Mon answers quietly. “Can I…”

Before Mon can end her sentence Echo has already exited her bunk. She stands aside and exuberantly bows.

“Of course milady.” She announces.

Mon quickly transitions from her bunk into Echo’s, quickly scooting into the depths of it. The four-foot space giving her plenty of room. After Mon is settled, Echo scoots in beside her.

“Thanks,” Mon says quietly as she presses her back against Echo’s. “I won’t do it again.”

“…I know what it’s like to have nightmares,” Echo says after a moment. “My sister used to stay with me when I couldn’t’ sleep, telling me stories or scratching my back. It usually helped me, so I don’t mind doing this much for you.”

“Do you still have them?” Mon questions.

“No,” Echo answers bluntly. “Now they’re just…painful memories, both the nightmares and....”

Echo shudders as memories begin to overwhelm her, until she feels Mon’s tail wrap around her waist.

“Forgetting the past isn’t as easy as I thought it’d be.” Echo remarks with a forlorn smile.

“I don’t think it’s supposed to be,” Mon suggests, turning after a moment. “If it was easy, then the past wouldn’t mean anything.”

Echo thinks for a moment before turning to face Mon.

“To think the airhead who is usually more concerned with dinner could say something like that,” Echo teases. “I’m impressed.”

“I’m not an airhead,” Mon whisper yells and flips to look at Echo. “I just get bored…and hungry.”

“And there’s the exuberant Mon, I’ve grown to adore.” Echo reveals with a snicker, satisfaction in her eyes.

Mon’s, now untangled, tail flicks Echo in the head before returning behind the purple eyed rogue.

“You’re mean,” She says with a pout. “But thanks.”

“I’m starting to think this friendship is more take than give,” Echo contemplates. “’Build this for me Echo, help me sleep Echo, stop stopping me from blocking up the ventilation Echo.’ Honestly I think I got the backend of this deal.”

Echo looks at Mon with a smug grin, expecting the purple eyed girl to complain or pout at her. Instead Echo notices Mon’s eyes dancing with mischief. Before she can react Mon slips in between Echo’s arms, causing Echo’s tanned cheeks to explode with blush.

“Too bad you’ve already taken the deal,” She says as revels in warmth. “It’s not my fault you’re so warm, so if anything this is on you.”

Mon turns her back to Echo’s stomach, forcing them into a position resembling spoons. Too flustered at first to act, Echo collects herself and goes to argue but notices the smooth rise and fall of Mon’s breathing. Opting not to wake Mon up after she’d just managed to get to sleep, Echo lays her head on the bunk with a silent sigh and resigns herself to her fate. After sitting for a while, listening to Crimson’s tossing and turning and attempting not to disturb Mon, Echo eventually manages to fall asleep despite the situation.