Lexi had once been trampled by a horse. It had been during a considerably long and arduous Hunt that had culminated in her breaking her own wrist to escape a pair of shackles and leaping from a fourth story window into a lake in the dead of winter.

Even with all that, the morning after that event she had still felt better than she did waking up on this particular morning. While the Mistress had been correct when she had assured her that her breath would return, she had failed to mention the immense pain that had come along with it. It was as if every bone in her chest had been shattered and slowly put back together. Every breath since had been agony and it had taken all of her effort to rise up from bed and stagger down the stairs, leaning heavily on the wall as she did so.

Romeo was already seated at their customary table, a tall glass of something green in his hand and the daily paper spread out in front of him. He glanced up at she dropped into the seat across from him.

"Woah, you look like shit," Romeo said as he slid the glass across the table. "Want some? It's a recovery drink. Has lots of green things in it. Green means healthy, usually."

Lexi shook her head weakly. The thought of even trying to eat or drink was enough to send her stomach into knots.

"Your loss." Romeo said, draining the glass before his attention was pulled towards the staircase. "Well, would you look at that. Looks like you're not the only one who woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

Lexi followed his gaze and watched as Misa gingerly made her way down the staircase, her movements stiff and awkward. Spotting them she slowly made her way over, encouraged by Romeo's extremely cheery wave.

"Morning!" Romeo grinned. "You're looking… Well actually you look like shit too. Though I have to say, you are pulling it off. That messy, bed-head look really suits you. Almost like you're feral."

Misa did not reply as she sat down, her green eyes falling on Lexi. Slowly she reached out her hand and dropped a small seed on the table. Lexi picked it up as Misa produced another seed and popped it into her mouth. Lexi gave Misa one more look before copying the action.

The seed was bitter on her tongue, but Lexi still bit into it. The skin was softer than she had expected and easily broke beneath her teeth. After a few moments of chewing the grainy fibers, the bitter flavor began to fade away to be replaced by a sweet, citrus taste.

"It will help with the pain." Misa said after she swallowed. "But it will not relieve it entirely."

Lexi nodded, chewing a few minutes longer before she was able to finally swallow the seed. "Thank you."

"So, why is it you too look so bad." Romeo leaned forward and glanced from one battered girl to the other. "Have some… late night activities? Would either of you care to share?"

"Romeo." Lexi warned, or tried to, but her voice came out as more of a whine than anything else. Even Misa's usually withering glare was reduced to a simple narrowing of her eyes.

"They were fighting." Cross slid into the seat next to Lexi and sighed. "You know, there are other ways to welcome someone into a guild. Not everything needs added violence. You know that, right?"

Lexi shrugged.

"Did you really need to challenge the Mistress too?"

Lexi nodded. Misa did the same.

"So, it didn't go well then?" Cross glanced between the two girls. "Mistress get you with Kes-Jin or Lan-Jin?"

"Kes-Jin," Lexi said, getting a nod of support from Misa.

"Ah, fun." Cross sighed and rubbed at his chest unconsciously. "Tenchi masters prefer to do internal damage. It takes longer to heal and it is harder to treat. It's also ideal for assassination."

"Wasn't the Tenchi style formed in response to Magic?" Lexi asked. "I was under the impression that it was more often utilized defensively."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"An assassination is just a preemptive defensive maneuver," Cross said with a small grin. "I think you've said something like that before."

Banksy dropped into the chair beside Romeo and rested his head against the table, allowing his arms to dangle towards the floor. "Who are we assassinating today?"

It was Servilia that answered. "No one, hopefully. Though I do have an assignment for you. Well, specifically, Cross."

"I just got back," Cross mumbled before holding out his hand. "Where am I heading?"

"This is actually a request from the Mistress."

"Another one?" Cross's eyebrow went up.

"Yes. It seems there is something she would like for you to retrieve in Tejko."

"Tejko?" Cross made a face. "Leaving today?"

"Tomorrow, actually. There is a ship leaving in the morning," Servilia glanced around the table. "I should mention the rest of you are welcome to go along. In fact, I believe it is expected."

"Why?" said Lexi.

"While officially this does stand as a Courier request for Cross, unofficially the Mistress has arranged a relaxing week for you in Tejko." Servilia smiled. "You could consider it a congratulations of sorts, for all of your hard work."

"But I'm still working?" Cross frowned.

"Yes," Servilia patted him on the shoulder. "But you can just think of it as doing a favor for your mother. Is that better?"

"Not really, that just means I won’t get paid." Cross sighed as he stood up. "I'll go talk to the Mistress.”

As he slouched away Servilia's eyes fell on Misa. "Ah, Miss. Artemisa. I hope you found your new room adequate. If you wish to make any changes, do not hesitate. Cross has informed me of your rather… unique ability." Misa nodded in response. Servilia was not put off by her silence as her eyes fell on Banksy. "Nathan, don't slouch like that. You're ruin your posture."

Banksy shot up, his back stiff as a board. "Yes Ma'am!"

"As for the rest of you, well I suggest you get packing. While it is winter, Tejko is known for its abundance of natural hot springs. It is believed they have healing properties. I'm more than sure you will get to enjoy them," Servilia said before she headed back to her desk.

"You don't have to tell me twice!" Romeo jumped to his feet and promptly toppled over. Even before he hit the ground he was already cursing at Banksy. "You dick!"

"Did I not tell you?" Banksy grinned as Romeo kicked his legs above his head and began to untie his interlaced boot straps. "The ceasefire ended yesterday. The Prank War is back on."

"Oh, you don't now what you've started, little man," Romeo said. He would have said more, but he was suddenly aware that his fingers had become trapped inside the lacing of his shoes. "What the hell?"

"Oh right." Banksy held up his hands to show off his ring adorned fingers. "Enjoy the Gordium knot. The more you pull at it, the tighter it gets. Best of luck!"

Cackling to himself Banksy hopped out of his chair and made his way out of the guild, leaving the struggling Romeo on the floor. From the table, Lexi and Misa watched him with what could only be described as a detached interested.

It was ultimately Misa who glanced at Lexi, a question in her eye.

"The boys have an ongoing Prank War."

"I do not know what a 'Prank' is."

"It's like a trick. Usually to embarrass the other person. Usually it's harmless, but last time it got… out of hand."

Misa stared at her to continue.

"Many members of the guild were involved. Half of the guild was set on fire and someone lost a toe. The Mistress got involved…. In the end it was decided that pranks would be banned from the Guildhall for 8 months. I suppose it has been 8 months. I didn't think Banksy would actually be counting down the days."

"I believe I understand." Misa stared down at Romeo who had resorted to pulling his feet up to his mouth in an attempt to chew himself free of his restraints. "This is an interesting place."

xXx

"Hello, Cross." Jiana looked up as Cross entered her office. She placed her pen down on the desk and leaned back in her chair. "You look terrible. Have you seen Galen?"

Cross shook his head. "I'm alright. Everything seems to be healing. Besides, I'm sure I'll be able to relax, considering, you know, I'm heading to Tejko."

"Don't look so excited." Jiana smiled softly at him. "You will be fine once you get there."

"Yes, but the getting there is the issue."

"The boat ride is not that long."

"It's not that short either."

"You know how to swim."

"The issue isn't if I can swim or not, its if I can swim long enough for rescue."

"I'm sure Alexis would be able to hold you afloat. Besides, you will have Makina and Artemisa with you. I'm sure with those three you will be fine."

"Those three could just as easily be the cause of the ship sinking."

"The ship won't sink."

Cross sighed. "I thought I was supposed to be the clairvoyant."

"You will be fine."

"Yeah, I know." Cross slumped his shoulders in defeat. "So, what is the request? Besides the rest and relaxation that everyone else will be enjoying."

"You will be able to enjoy it as well, don't be so dramatic. Your task won't take that long." Jiana reached across her desk and picked up a gilded envelope. She spun it towards Cross. He caught it with a deft hand.

"What is it?" Cross said as he held it up to his eye. There was a dragon embossed in gold on the creamy white paper.

"It's a payment."

"For what?"

Jiana tilted her head towards the wall. Cross's eyes followed to where an elegant Tenchi blade hung on the wall. A visible crack could be seen on the blade. "I commissioned a replacement last year. It is finally finished. And seeing as the temple has recently renovated the springs, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, as it were."

"I see," Cross nodded. "Courier Cross, package accepted. Estimated delivery time: next week."

"Oh my, so professional." Jiana's eyes crinkled into a smile. "Be sure and have a good time. And keep the boys out of trouble."

Cross returned the smile. "Yes, mother."