The group take the armored car back to the submarine, only to then take the submarine back to Atlacall. Wa-Ya and her pack agree to stay in the large guest house area on the far left side of the estate. It's a warm night out when the group returns to Kenvale. After walking inside towards the main area, Klaus yawns and stretches.

"Welp, guess we just got our animal control license. I'll be passing around the uniforms tomorrow."

"Now there's something I could use on my resume, mate. Ugh, I smell terrible."

"I think that's just Jade you smellin', Lux jests. The target of his insult wears nothing but annoyance on her face, immediately responding to his words.

"Fuck you, Lux."

"I'm just glad y'all made it out alright," Tora expresses, relieved. "All that stuff made me tired."

"She speaks as if she was actually there." Sakuro comments behind her. Lux quickly joins in while he enjoys a small bag of salt and vinegar chips.

"She wishes she was there. Her ass is so skinny, she'd probably break her legs runnin' around."

"Wha?! My legs are as strong as a twenty-time champion horse!"

"I don't know what the hell that means."

Klaus suddenly claps his hands then grabs his knees and speaks in a bad country accent. "Yee-haw! That means she's a mean rider! She'll break that back out faster than a lumberjack choppin' down all them trees!"

"Yeah, she will," Jade candidly adds with a sultry smile. Embarrassed, Tora groans and flings her arms upward.

"Jade! That's not what I meant at all!"

"Too late now," Lux simply states as he tosses his previously full bag of food into the trash. Your shit is out."

"But-"

"Nope, nope. The case is closed. Better luck next time. I need a smoke."

"Same. Now that I know there's a difference, the feral Blightshades definitely irk me. You go ahead to bed, babe. I'll be up soon."

"Okay..." Tora concedes, lowering her head. Joel chuckles to himself while he places his hand on her right shoulder, unafraid to announce what he plans to do for the rest of the night.

"Don't worry too much about it, love. I'm going to head upstairs and take a shower, everyone. Need to wash off this smell."

"I would like to sit outside with you, Brother."

"Don't know why you're lookin' for permission. Just come out with me."

"Oh, so everyone got somethin' to do, huh? Not going to ask how ole' Klaus is doin'?"

"Stop being a weirdo and come sit outside with us," Jade replies in her usual tone.

"You watch your mouth, young lady." Klaus walks past Jade after pointing at her face with his voice deepened causing Lux to laugh. He, Jade, Sakuro, Ichi, and Klaus step outside to the balcony area while Joel and Tora walk upstairs to go wash up and rest for the night. Everyone sits in their usual spots, and Jade and Lux begin smoking after getting settled.

"So are we gonna talk about how we got a buncha man eating dogs living in the guest area?" Klaus asks, deciding to talk about what he feels is on everyone's mind.

Jade snickers, the smoke exiting her mouth in choking laughter. "First of all, they are wolves. They are not the exact same kind of animal as dogs."

"You think just because you watch that animal channel shit you're better than the rest of us? Hey, guys, Jade here. Today we're covering turtles! Are they really that slow?"

"Okay, let's get something straight. I do not sound like that."

"It sounded quite accurate to me," Sakuro comments with Lux following up.

"It woulda been better if you sounded like a goat."

Jade kicks Lux's chair and causes it to fall. Lux and Klaus both begin laughing, with Lux holding his stomach while he's on the ground. "Oh, shit..."

"I hate you both."

Lux fixes his chair then sits back before slouching back into his comfortable position. As he continues to snigger at the moment's events, he blows smoke out of his mouth in small, circular puffs. "I don't think they're gonna be any trouble. They just look like a buncha sad fucks to me."

"I can't really blame them," Jade replies. "The way they were treated is kinda similar to how a lot of people treat Abnormals."

"I think I heard one of 'em crying in the bathroom earlier," Klaus mentions from no particular plane of thought. Lux shakes his head, nearly repeating the same words from the time Sakuro and Joel were invited into Kenvale.

"They're with us now so it doesn't matter where they came from."

"True," Jade agrees with a nod. "Still makes me itch, though."

"Perhaps some ointment will help?" Sakuro suggests with concern.

"I'm sorry I can't understand you, baby. Lux, what did she say?"

"She said maybe you need some ointment."

"Aww, thank you for the recommendation. I see you, Sakuro. There's a sweet girl behind that killer face."

"I don't know who told you that," Sakuro replied, quickly turning her head away to avoid seeing Jade's smile.

"You can use ointment and lotion for all kinds of activities," Klaus says in a high pitched voice.

"How disgusting," Sakuro murmurs with Lux adding in his own comment afterward.

"Yeah, I'm not saying anything to that, man."

After a moment, everyone gazes out into the distance, enjoying the comfortable silence of the night. After some time, the doors to the balcony area slide open. "Excuse me."

Jade glances back and sees Wa-Ya. She motions her head in greeting after she once again blows smoke out of her mouth. "Hey. What's up."

"Who's that?" Lux inquires.

"Wa-Ya."

"What? Forgot where your house was or some shit?"

"Erm...no. I rang the doorbell many times but no one answered."

"That's because the yellow haired boy over here broke the damn thing."

"And I told you, it was that ghost that keeps framing me for things!"

"Oh, yeah? Did the ghost also eat my sandwich the other night?" Jade asks, head tilted.

"Oh, nah, that was me. Shit was good too, J. Had boloney, cheese-"

"I knew it was you. I am going to snap your dick in two."

"I'm not interrupting, am I?" Wa-Ya pries for assurance. Lux provides what she's looking for. With a wave of his hand, he welcomes her into their space.

"Nah, you're here now. C'mon and sit down."

Wa-Ya nods then sits criss crossed on the balcony floor to the right of Lux, who looks down at Wa-Ya with a confused face. "You want a treat or something?"

"Hm? Oh, no. I enjoy sitting on floors. Sofas and chairs are a bit uncomfortable for me at times."

"A dog that doesn't like to sit on the couch? Ain't that somethin'."

"She isn't a dog, dumbass," Jade mentions from where she's sitting.

"Do you all come out here a lot?" Wa-Ya airs her curiosity for everyone to hear. "I can see why. You can see a lot of the city from here. Speaking of, does anyone know how it stays afloat?"

The balcony is filled with complete silence. Lux, Jade, Klaus and Sakuro all glance at each other, unprepared for the question. "Um..." Jade begins, unable to formulate the rest of her response.

"I didn't think that far into it," Lux admits with Sakuro not too far behind.

"It completely glossed over my mind."

"Is everyone alright? Did I say something wrong?"

"Yeah, yeah. We're good, for sure," Jade waves off with a nervous chuckle. Lux nods twice, reinforcing the white lie.

"Yup. We definitely thought about that shit."

"You're pretty smart and stuff to be thinking about that," Klaus compliments as he casually dangles from the other side of the railing with his legs.

"I wouldn't say I'm smart," Wa-Ya added, a smile forming on her face. "I made an observation that piqued my curiosity."

"Are you speaking from a thesaurus?" Jade pokes, attempting to jest. Lux, of course, rams into her joke and flings it off the balcony with his words.

"The hell is a thesaurus?"

"Oh my god. Move on."

"'Ight. Your people get comfortable and shit?"

"Yes, thank you. It's a nice area we've got. Much better than the mine. Um..."

"What is it, girl? You smell somethin'?"

"Klaus," Jade says, calling for his attention with a certain tone.

"Oop. Klaus temporarily shutting down."

"I wanted to say...thank you. You've all made us feel very welcomed. We haven't had this kind of hospitality in a very long while."

"No problem," Jade reassures with a smile. She isn't shy about changing the subject. She stands up for a moment, stretches, then sits back down before asking a question. "I might be an ass for bringing this up, but I heard from Lux that Tahoma claimed you intentionally infected the Eyanosa tribespeople."

"Hm. Tahoma says a lot of things...the truth is ever since the day you refer to as Annihilation, he has used what happened to me and my pack as an excuse to kill us. He claimed that our guardians and spirits do not take kindly to our abilities. Therefore, we were exiled. I spoke against him. Claimed that the spirits accepted us and intended to change the way we think about who we are as a people. "Blasphemy", he said. "The exiled cannot speak to the spirits."

"That must have been terrible for you and your pack. I'm sorry."

"It was not the best of conditions, I cannot lie. But, we had each other and that's how I continued on. I am supposed to be a leader and guide my people. All I did was cower and hide until almost all of us were completely wiped out..."

"What's done is done."

Wa-Ya looks up at Lux, who's been quiet while she was talking until now. He blows smoke out of his mouth and leans back before speaking. "A real coward wouldn't have done shit. You did what you could with what was given to ya. Ain't no point in thinkin' too much about it now."

"Yes. Yes, I guess you're right. Thank you, Akecheta."

"Yeah, yeah. Better not hear shit else about this, then. Or I'll beat your ass myself. And what the hell does Akachaka mean?"

"Akecheta." Wa-Ya laughs in response, already prepared to answer Lux's question. "It means 'fighter' in translation."

"Oh, yeah? I fuck with that."

"Hold up! Where is my nickname at?" Klaus demands, popping up from the railing before landing on his feet.

"The first name that comes to mind is Istaqa."

"What dat mean?"

"Coyote man."

"Coyote man!" Jade snickers, followed by a loud hoot and a snort right after.

"I kinda like it."

"He does laugh and make jokes at a lot of shit so it makes sense," Lux adds. Excited, Jade turns to look at Wa-Ya, placing strands of hair behind her left ear to display undivided attention.

"Do me next."

"Hm. Off top of my head...Ohanzee, meaning shadow."

"Ohhh I get it, because I'm dark skinned," Jade states, almost laughing. Lux shakes his head, nearly letting out a chuckle himself.

"You stepped right into that one."

"What? No, that was not my-"

"No, no. I get it. You can't see me at night."

"I can see you perfectly fine. I was only referring to your powers."

"Huh. That makes sense, actually."

"Nah, the dark skinned part made more sense."

"Shut up, Lux."

"You all are a very funny bunch." After a light laugh, Wa-Ya stands up, deciding it's time for her to rest for the night. "I won't bother you much anymore tonight. I'll be going back to the guest houses."

"'Ight. Night, Wa-Ya."

"Goodnight, wolf lady."

"See ya laters, man."

"Night, Wa-Ya. We'll be seeing you."

As she leaves the balcony area, Lux puts out his cigarette then stands up right after. "I'm goin' to bed too. Tired as shit."

"Yeah, guess it's pretty late," Jade admits, glancing up at the night sky.

"You comin' or stayin', Sakuro?"

"I will accompany you. I am tired as well."

"'Ight. We out."

"Night, Lux. You too, Sakuro."

Lux and Sakuro leave the balcony area and head upstairs to Lux's room. Klaus and Jade do the same not long after, and everyone gets in their well deserved rest for the night.

                                                                 ~

The morning light shines it's genial rays through the thin layered windows of Lux's room. Awakening as slow as he usually does, Lux sits up and rolls himself out of bed, somehow landing on his feet. Noticing that Lux is awake, Sakuro gives him a warm smile before addressing him. "Good morning, Brother."

"Yo..."

"I used your shower earlier this morning. I hope you don't mind."

"Nah, I don't. You ain't use all the hot water, did ya?"

"Umm..."

"Christ."

"Oh, I forgot to mention."

"What's up?"

"Our spaceman has informed me that our furniture has been delivered. We can set things up if you'd like."

"Eh, I'll do it when I feel like it," he replies, sliding into a set of clothes. Alright. I'm out." Motioning his head in farewell to Sakuro, he swings open his door and leaves his room. He jogs down the stairs into the main area, and from his view point, he can see Joel joined by Klaus sitting on the couch in the lounging area, who obviously seem to be in the middle of a lively conversation.

Then there was Tora and Wa-Ya, who were doing an intricate type dance in the kitchen, pacing back and forth between cabinets, presumably preparing their breakfast. It was as if they knew where the other would be, ducking under the other's arm while opening a cabinet or spinning around the back of the other as they placed an item back into the fridge.

Lux walks into the lounging area, approaching Klaus and Joel. Once again, Joel has his notebooks and blueprints scattered across the short coffee table, writing in a small notebook himself. Klaus reaches over the table, curiously glancing at all the blueprints. "What does this do?"

"Hm? Oh, it's a modded spring propeller installed in my legs. Gives me more of a jump if that makes sense."

"So that's why you have metal legs. You're an android!"

"Well, the correct term would probably be cyborg, mate. And yes, I suppose so. It's just my legs that are modded."

"I bet you modified your face to look more attractive too, huh? I knew that beautiful jawline was fake."

"No, no. I hate to disappoint, but this jawline is one hundred percent authentic," Joel promises with an authentic smile as he continues to scribble further down his notebook. Klaus leans his head back to look past Joel and notices Lux standing near the edge of the couch.

"Well if it ain't mista H."

Joel ceases his writing and looks over at Lux as well when Klaus addresses his distinguishable presence. "Oh, morning, Lux. You look a bit tired, mate."

"Ain't get much sleep. What are you two doing over here?"

"Joel's giving me mods to enlarge my-"

"I did not say that!"

"Come on, man. We both know that's the end goal here. Fuck the legs, Hector needs support too."

"You named your private area Hector?"

"You gotta problem with that?!"

"Not at all. ...Mine is Ferdinand."

"Heh, heh, Ferdinand."

"You two done sucking each other off?"

"Aha, all finished here. Oh, right. Before you go, I finished that model we talked about."

"'Ight. What does it do?"

"Gives me a boost so I can catch up with enemies faster, or shorten the distance between us. And I've installed it into Ace's sheathe. Can't wait to try it out while we're working."

"I ain't helping you if it catch on fire."

"Don't worry, mate. I won't. At least I don't think so," Joel paused in thought for a moment, shaking it off and continuing in his prior task.

Lux steps away out of the lounge area after his conversation with Joel and Klaus. He then walks near the counter at the front of the kitchen and sees Wa-Ya and Tora making odd looking sandwiches. "Ohhh...that looks good!"

"Wado. I appreciate Hiamovi for providing my pack and I with food to our specific taste."

"Wait, so, that's not ham...?"

"Hm? Oh, no. It is venison."

"Blugh..." Tora lets out a croaking gag as she places her hand over her mouth. "I think I'm gonna puke."

"Oh, was it something I said?"

Catching his scent in her nostrils, Wa-Ya turns her head to look towards Lux at the counter, greeting him with a friendly smile. "Good morning, Akecheta."

"Yo. What's that smell?"

"Ugh...You don't wanna know," Tora warned.

"Dichali and I challenged each other as to who can present the better breakfast sandwich. Care to look and judge?"

"Sure. Wa-Ya's looks like good shit. Somethin' you get from a restaurant."

"WHAT?! Are you kidding me?! It's literally raw meat with bread!"

"The spirits have guided Akecheta's decision. I am the victor."

"That's bull! You and your spirits can kiss my pale butt!"

"I don't believe they are interested in such things."

"That's not the point! Grrrr...!"

"Thank you for your judgment."

"Uh-huh."

Subtly grinning to himself due to Tora's irritation, Lux steps away from the kitchen and walks up to the front door. After leaving estate grounds, he finds himself in the south district, reinforcing his desire to explore the city at his own pace.

During his exploration, he finds lost bundles of currency, and grants his tough advice to a few Abnormals in need. He then walks up to Thins and walks inside after swinging its front door open. The bell on the door rings as Lux walks inside. There's a few customers perusing the goods down a few aisles as a metal song track fainting playing in the background on low volume. Theo speaks from the back counter when he hears the bell ring. "Welcome to Thins."

Lux walks towards the back counter, and stops once he's directly in front of it. Theo nods his cap at Lux in greeting while wearing a light smirk on his face. "Good to see you, kid. Need anything? I've got it."

Lux purchases a new pair of brass knuckles, a butterfly knife, and a chain and sickle. He then upgrades and mods them to his preference. He also purchases newspapers, magazines, and small informative articles for his squadmates. When he's finished, Theo smiles at him. "Well, I'll be damned. You've bought a lot of things from me, kid."

"Yeah. What about it?"

"Well, I figure I should reward you as an official patron. Tell you what, you buy some more shit from me, and I'll make a weapon just for you. On the house."

"'Ight. Better not be ass."

"None of my modded weapons have heard of that word before. I'll be seeing you."

"Be seein' you."

After leaving Thins, Lux groans in relief, stretching while standing in place before deciding to travel to the north district; once there, he enters Ethereal HQ after a short walk. Moments after he steps inside the elevator, he notices Vern quickly slipping in before the doors close. The elevator soon begins its ascension after Vern presses a certain button. With two cups of coffee in both his hands, he turns his head to greet Lux with a light smile. "Ah, good morning, Lux. I was nearly ignorant of your presence. How heedless of me."

"You hooked on caffeine or something?"

"Hm? Ah. Yes, you could say that," Vern responds with a light chuckle and an affirming nod. "This second cup is for a coworker, however."

"You guys in the fucking stage already?"

Vern releases a force of mild laughter as he leans his head back, slowly calming himself down before responding. "No, we are not sleeping together. Though, I will admit that I do find her attractive at times. Especially when she's working."

"You...You're serious?"

"Why, yes. I am. What attracts you to the opposite sex, I wonder?"

"Physically? I'm an ass man. Not really interested if there ain't nothin' back there."

"Ah, I see. I shall be honest with you. I am initially more attracted to the personality of the person. Getting to know someone is quite enjoyable, wouldn't you say? Knowing all of their strengths and weaknesses, their fears. Truly fascinating what molds a person."

"I've told you that you're a weirdo, right?"

"Many times over."

"I'm saying it again. Bet you read smut every chance you get."

"Well, I have done a lot of reading in my day. After you, my friend." Once the elevator stops, and its door opens, Vern nods for Lux to go ahead of him. Lux steps out of the elevator, waking into the map room while Vern follows behind. As Lux approaches the meeting room door, Vern walks over to the east section of the map room, only to give a young woman with long, dark blue hair wearing an Ethereal uniform the second cup of coffee he was holding.

Lux calls everyone to the briefing room. He, Jade, Klaus, Tora, Joel, and Sakuro all sit in their usual spots while Wa-Ya sits criss-crossed on the surface of the table. Vern walks up beside the screen mounted on the furthest wall. Klaus reaches over and suddenly slaps Wa-Ya's butt to scold her. "Hey! Get off the table!"

Wa-Ya glances around confused, quickly realizing after a short moment who exactly Klaus was referring to. "Oh, is he talking about me?"

"I mean, he did just slap your ass specifically," Jade comments with a short lived laugh. Still in the mindset of confusion, Joel asks what's on his mind.

"You didn't feel that, love?"

"I did," Wa-Ya answers with a mild mannered smile.

"Oh. Huh."

"Let's move onto business shall we? We still have much work to do. There are many cities and towns we still haven't taken. If we are to confront the Silver Baron, I suggest we continue building up our forces. Come. We have long days ahead of us." On their leader's command, the group takes the submarine to Meriport City.