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It's still all the same day by the way so this part is right after the flashback.]]

Present Day: Park (Time: 12:30)

“All of that happened in one week, huh?” Puriri admitted with a look.

“8 Days, actually.” Sododo admitted. “Not to mention what happened before with your mission pretty much had you a hard time remembering it, huh?”

“…Yeah.” Puriri said. “…I wonder if…I wonder if that murderer is still out there? After all this time…he would’ve made a move by now.”

“Good point.” The swordsman said as he looked up.

“…Well, as long as we’re talking about the past, you mind if we talk about her?” The spy asked.

“Her? You mean Fayaya?” Sododo said looking at her. “You weren’t supposed to know she was girl.”

“I’m supposed to know everything about a person- you asked me to sub during a meeting remember?” Puriri admitted. “Besides, I have records on them if I wanted to impersonate anyone. So I found out.”

“…Right, right.” Sododo said. “You were 14 at the time, since it was after 30th of October, but before Kabubu turned 23. You know it’s kind of hard to track…”

“Waitwaitwaitwaitwait- I think I got it!” Puriri said. “Masasa would’ve been with us for 3 years at least a year after Fayaya joined, but he spent the last 2 months with us asleep after the New Year began, and left us in March, he went AWOL until we found him in Omnini’s Platoon this month- a couple days ago!”

“That’s an excellent estimation.” Sododo admitted. “Taking that into account…It’ll be 4 years and 3-4 months.” As he said that, another flashback immediately begins.

4.33 years (Or 4 Years, 4 Months) ago: Fayaya’s Home

The three individuals are now seen walking towards the door. Sododo, and Kabubu ahsn’t changed, but Puriri now looks like her normal height in the present but without her hair visible and her hat is also different- with her usual hat in present day. The two sees the house also acts like a Fire Station as Puriri admits, “Hey, is that a Fire Station?”

“Yeah, that’s where our client asked us to come to.” Sododo explained. The three walked up to the door as Sododo knocked on the door. “Hello?”

The door opens to a Dark Blue adult Keronian with purple eyes and a normal hat for Keronians. The Symbol is a Flame Hazard symbol. “Ah, hello there!” The individual said with a smile and a male’s voice. “I take it that you’re Fortress then?”

“Hello there.” Sododo said. “I’m First Lieutenant Sododo. With me are Warrant Officer Kabubu, and Private Second Class Puriri. We’re here for the interview.”

“Ah of course, of course.” The individual said. “Come in!”

The three walked into the home and as they did Puriri noticed another individual- aside from the odd gas mask it has dark blue skin too like the other including the same symbol, but it has a tadpole tail. She looked intimidated by its odd appearance before coming in.

Interior of Fayaya’s House

“Huh?! You’re a woman??” Kabubu exclaimed as he slumped on the chair he was sitting on.

“Of course I am- I just matured a bit faster than I wanted- but I also used it to my advantage to make you think that.” The dark blue adult said with a woman’s voice as she set some stuff down and sat down on the seat. “So before we get to business, would you like something?”

“Nah, we’re good- but we’ll help ourselves to it after the meeting.” Sododo admitted. “So, who’s the recruitment for?”

“For my child, Fayaya Junior.” The Adult female said. “You see, Several years ago, I was actually part of the Keronian army. I’ve been known for some odd tendencies like what I pulled on you guys. But I retired from the army and soon took up the Fire Fighting squad here. I got married and had a child. However, like an echoing wave, my child took after me. He took firefighting to a good level of interest and me and the others helped him to learn. But Fayaya wants the whole experience I had- she wanted to join the army. Of course I admit she has her reckless behavior…but I figured she’ll need some superiors and we managed to come into contact with you guys and hope to get her started.”

“And what makes you think we’re the better deal? Trouble sometimes finds us even though we keep to ourselves.” The swordsman admitted. “What has you thinking on we’re the better deal?”

“…You helped defend that girl there.” Fayaya Senior admitted, pointing to Puriri. “I read about her in the news, though the case was inconclusive and the criminal escaped… My child took great interest in you.”

“Hudd-duh!” A voice said as the child wearing the mask Puriri saw walked inside with a toy helmet on the head. “Huddha huddha ha!”

“Fayaya, Mask.” The mother said before the child gave a quick ‘Mmphf!’ before adjusting it.

“There, much better.” Fayaya junior said. “Anyways, hey there, sir!” Fayaya said in a salute in a male’s voice before facing Puriri and said, “And a hello to you too, little miss Prism girl!”

“Hello to you too.” Puriri admitted.

“There you go again, trying to flirt with girls.” The mother said with a joking expression. “Anyways, why not you show them around before you show them your skills?”

“Sure, mom.” The masked Keronian said with a nod. “C’mon! I wanna show you the rest of the house!”

“Oi, someone’s excited.” Kabubu said. “C’mon!”

The three stood up as they followed their masked friend to another room. The mother gave a happy sigh as she admitted, “At least she’s getting friendly with them.”

However, as she said that, something on the stove started to smolder…and the flames begin to heat up.

Several Minutes later, Outside…

Several targets and controlled flames were seen as several jets of water were blasted out of the hoses of the fire fighters were practicing as well as Fayaya, who was bracing himself with a large cannon- it looked to be something out of a certain outer space series with a lombax (coughobviousreferencecough) but designed to fire liguids- however, this one is blue as the individual fired a blast of water at the flames. The aim was spot on, but Sododo noticed the part of the grass nearby the targets Fayaya is shooting at was…frozen? “What’s with the grass here?”

“That gun Fayaya has is called the Douser.” One of the firemen replied. “It’s a water gun filed with some materials with some freezing qualities, like a couple drops of Liquid Nitrogen- so anything like Oil would help cool down or put it out if the oil freezes- making it a VERY effective use to put out fires. Oil can be melted quickly though so then again foam helps too.”

“Fayaya’s Parent and Fayaya himself usually carry two things with ‘em- one to create fires and put it out.” A female Fire fighter admitted. “Both of them uses guns, but the latter- the younger one I mean- used a more streamline gun. Besides, you forgot to add that this gun could also be used on people too- it freezes them sure, but in a more safe way. PERFECT for securing criminals, provided the worse ifs you get is chills and a cold.”

“A gun to create fires…and yet you guys are fire fighters. ...Why would you need a flamethrower??” Puriri asked.

“A flamethrower in a fire- a different flame- would create a field in which the fire would put itself out, because of the oxygen between the two would be expended, putting them out. If not, then all you’re doing is just creating a bigger fire.” A male firefighter added. “Besides…”

"If you're going to start a fire, then you'll need something to put it out." All of the Fire Fighters responded.

“Ey, I got Ice Grenades- a bit excessive, but at least you won’t worry about flames.” Kabubu admitted as he showed a usual Keron Military with a snowflake symbol on it. “I make me own grenades but sometimes things have a tendency of…blowing up in me face.”

“Hey- no one said it got its perks, right?” Sododo said before the two laughed like the good friends they are. However, the other fire fighters gave a bit of a stare at them. “Kabubu here has explosive proof skin through a Military augmentation of his skin. He’s blast proof.”

“But is he fire proof?” Fayaya asked.

“Aye, lad!” Kabubu admitted.

“Huh- fire fighters like me doesn’t need stuff like that- I got fireproof skin!” Fayaya said pulling on himself from the wrist before letting back in place, all the while sounding arrogant.

“Oooii.” Puriri admitted. “Someone sounds he got a big head.”

“You got a problem with that, little lady?” Fayaya commented with a sly tone.

“Oh come on you two.” Sododo admitted with a sigh. “Fayaya hasn’t even done his first fire yet. Right?”

“Yeah/Unfortuantely/Yeah-huh.” The other firemen nodded.

“Oh come on, guys. Once I put out my first fire, I’ll be as good as you guys.” Fayaya said. “Seriously.”

“Aye- after all you seen one flame you seen ‘em all!” Kabubu added. “…Well besides some created from Pyrokinesis.”

“Um…how is that-” Sododo then noticed something as he turned around as he said, “…Ummm, guys? I don’t mean to sound ironic here, but something in the fire house is on fire.”
The Fire fighters immediately gave a startled look as soomwehere near the front was showing off smoke as the group gave alarmed yells and scampered towards the building to get their equipment. Fayaya then noticed something- “CRAP! Mom must’ve forgotten to turn off the element with the tiny bit of oil in it! It must’ve set itself on fire!”

“Your mother is always one to accidentally cause a fire hazard- but at least we’re getting some practice at it!” The female fire fighter called out.

“I better make sure that mom’s stuff is safe!” Fayaya said as he ran towards the inside. “You guys stay here!”

“…He’s brave but we’re gonna have to help.” Sododo said. “Kabubu!”

“Aye aye, boss!” exclaimed as prepped his grenade. However he notices some of the smoke went upstairs before he pulled the pin and tossed into an open window as an explosion of Ice came out from there as the smoke soon lessened.

Meanwhile, inside of the house, the younger Fayaya looked around an noticed the mother with a slight singe on her face as the younger one exclaimed, “Mom!!” The individual pulled off the mask to show tadpole features that looked identical to the mother- symbol, Aqua-blue swim cap, purple eyes (except for the shine that looked like it was a certain Keronian rich girl’s eyes). The voice from the younger Fayaya was now of a girl’s as ‘she’ admits “You alright?!”

“Fayaya…sorry for worrying you.” The mother said before Fayaya notices the Grenage roll in with the flames getting puts out by the freezing gusts. The younger Fayaya gives the mother the mask before she admits, “Why are you giving me your mask?”

“I’ll get yours from your room- and put out the flames while you’re at it!” Fayaya Junior said as she grabs out the douser to try to put out the flames. “And next time remember to turn off the stupid element! I may enjoy cooking but I don’t wanna cook the house!”

The adult Keronian gave a reluctant nod. “Just be careful- your head isn’t fireproof though.”

“Yeah- I noticed you got singed on your face. Hold on- I’ll put the flames.” The younger Fayaya said before she started to cough a bit from the smoke.

“Not without your mask!” The mother said in a stern tone before Fayaya Junior pushes her out and looked around before noticing a slightly bigger mask on the hangar nearby. She gives a smile before hopping up to get it, puts it on and making some adjustments on the mask. She gives a determined ‘Hud-dha!’ before firing her Douser at the flames with some of the water from outside making the oilspread a bit but the Douser’s water puts out the oil. The girl gave a relieved ‘whew!’ through the mask, making her sound male again.

A little while later…outside.

“Hah… I thought my own careless actions might lead to a fire hazard- I guess owe the gang an apology.” The mother admitted. “Thanks a lot for the help with the fire guys. It would’ve been awful it it burned down the building.”

“Maybe your down time must’ve softened you up a bit.” Sododo admitted. “Not much fires nowadays.”

“Yeah…sorry.” The mother said, bowing. “And I don’t think I appreciate you taking my gas mask Fayaya,”

“Sorry mom.” Fayaya Jr. admitted while bowing. “It was the nearest mask I can grab. But…what do you guys say?”

“Well, you were reckless, but it looked like you weren’t kidding about the skin part- but what about you mother?” Sododo admitted.

“Not everything on us isn’t fire retardant- my family’s heads isn’t made to be scorched by flames.” Fayaya Senior said. “That’s why we also wear gas masks too.”

“…Uhhhh huh.” Kabubu admitted. “I used an ice grenade so if it hasn’t melted yet, sorry mate.”

“Ah no matter- I guess we just need to shape up like in the military.” Fayaya Senior admitted. “I guess I better double up in my training and my attention or else things are going to get scorched again. Speaking of which…are you still considering Fayaya for the Platoon?”

“Hearing about her equipment, skills, and heritage into speaking, I think we might be able to have her join us.” Sododo admitted. “But she’ll have to start at the bottom, just like any other soldier.”

“…” Puriri just sighed as she admits in a mutter, “Maybe not legends if they survived.*” before being shushed by Kabubu.

*Note: This referenced a character owned by a certain someone if they are KG KH.

“As leader, I’ll let her join. She has proven herself worth- but as I said, she’ll need to join the army.”

“Thanks sir!” Fayaya Junior said in a salute. “I’ll get my stuff ready now.”

“…This is the most talkative I’ve ever seen my child ever been, and he’s usually a quiet sort.” The mother said.

“Well, I hope he opens up to us as friends then!” Kabubu said. “I’ll go prep a bed for back at the Barracks!”

“I’ll…go get a welcome to the platoon present.” Puriri admitted with a sigh. “Sorry, just a bit exciting hecticness today- as well as this is gonna suck compare to our argument earlier...”

As the two left Sododo gave a thumbs up before Fayaya Senior tapped Sododo’s shoulder who gave an intrigued ‘hm?’ in response. “Keep an eye on my child, alright? The army, especially when it gets rough with the wars, is going to be dangerous.”

“Believe me, I was already watching Puriri during the thing. But why would you ask for my help?” The swordsman replied. “There are many other capable soldiers as well and we don’t know if Fayaya- your child- is actually a boy or girl- that mask makes it hard to tell ‘em apart.”

“I had a feeling you might say something like that.” The mother said, giving a sigh.
"Then let me ask you of this favor: Please don't judge Fayaya on the gender and/or… sexuality. Our family has been known to keeping our true gender a secret except for those know. She doesn't like to be prejudice about her gender because of how she acts and doesn't appreciate being usually reminded of her sexuality. But then again, that's kind of old fashioned."

"…She?" Sododo parroted while raising an imaginary eyebrow to Fayaya, who was right beside him walking up to him. “So you’re a girl then?”

"Yeah, I'm a girl, but don't go telling anyone about it!" Fayaya said though her Pyro mask, which makes her sound like a boy. But then she lifts it to show her true face but without showing the hat. "I repeat, don't tell anyone." She said with her normal voice.
“It takes away the fun. Besides, there’s sexist and other boys out there who think girls can’t do anything boys can.”

“Don’t worry- I seen stronger women like Puriri who helped turn herself around.” Sododo said. “Not bad for a tomboy.”

“Thanks.” The female said in a smile before pulling the mask down. “Now let’s head to my temporary home. And another thing- I promise I won’t let you down, boss.”

“I know you won’t.” The soldier said as the flashback ends.

Present Day: The Park (Time: 13: 00)

“Boy was I freaked out when I found out Fayaya was a girl this whole time.” Puriri admitted.

“Yeah- considering you never met anyone who was bisexual before.” Sododo added, before he notices something catching his eye. “Hm?”

It was Vanini, seen walking down the way. He seemed to be surveying around before to admit to seeing the two, “Oh. Hey you two.”

“Ma- I mean…Vanini.” Sododo acknowledged.

“What are you doing here?” Puriri asked.

“Ah- Omnini’s being a bit of a mope, I pretty much annoyed his sister, was out an about.” Vanini admitted. “I was around a site of old buildings and ruins. Just…gave me a bit of a familiarity with ‘em.”

“…Hm, I thought Omnini would jump at a chance to rematch me.” The swordsman admitted.

“Well your cheap victory pretty much made him rethink his whole battle strategy.” The black and red tadpole admitted.

“That’s why I offered the rematch at a more balanced scale.” Sododo admitted. “Now he’s just waiting for an idea to come up in his head to improve himself, right?”

“Yep. I guess he’ll be running around just trying to think of a plan.” Masasa admitted.

As if he had Farsight…back with Omnini (Omnini’s House: Backyard)

Omnini was still running from one side of the yard to the side with the house. The Grandmother then displayed the time that his running run this time was 25 seconds- five seconds over his walking time. Omnini was pretty much panting before collapsing to his behind as he gave a couple of gasps. “I’ve been…running…all the whole…lunch hour…” Omnini admitted, catching his breath.

“It is odd…” Yukaka admitted. “How is it that you are slower running than walking?”

“Don’t ask…I personally blame that I’m...just slow…without electricity.” Omnini admitted.

“Not only that, your running time keeps improving as you are tired while your walking time suffers. It seems that 25 seconds is the magic number.” The grandmother said before handing the phone back to her grandson.

“Great.” The tadpole said before flopping on the ground and sighing.

Meanwhile, back with Masasa, -or rather, Vanini- Puriri, and Sododo…

“So what are you two talking about?” Vanini asked.

“Just a trip down Memory lane.” Sododo said. “It was actually between me and Puriri.”

“Hmph, alright.” The male said before noticing a tree and climbing up it and sitting on the branch with the tree to his back.

“He really doesn’t remember us…does he?” Puriri whispered to her friend.

“No. And I don’t think we should put a shock to his system.” Sododo said. “Considering what he went through.”

Vanini looked down to them from the tree before giving a sigh. However, he notices the branches rustle a bit before he turns his head. Although the leaves mostly concealed the identity of it, Green eyes were seen from the tree, as well as sky blue skin covered in the shadows of the leaves, and long blue…hair? One thing’s for sure- the hair although partially covered, are seen to be a bit of hair standing up near the top of the head. The male gave a curious look to the silhouette before the figure gave a bit of an intrigued look back. The first thing to pop out of the mouth of the black tadpole was…

“Who the hell are you?”

The two Keronians below (Sododo and Puriri by the way) looked up the tree before looking up to the before the tree rustled a bit more for a blue Keronian to hop out to another tree easily. Mid jump, the two on the ground noticed the tadpole was wearing a rugged and torn brown fur skirt was seen as well as seen with tadpole tail before it dove into a different tree. Masasa immediately emerged to say in an angry expression, “Hey, answer the question!”

The boy peered out of the tree showing his face before to say, “Sorry! I wasn't trying to cause any trouble- I was just in the tree!"

"I wasn't asking for trouble- I was just asking for a name, jungle boy!" Vanini said from the tree. "And why were you hiding in it?"

"Uh? Jungle boy...?" The sky blue tadpole parroted before shaking it off. "My name is Jeroro! I just got an apple from the tree that's all! What about you?"

"I'm...Vanini. I was just climbing up the tree to relax in the branches." The black tadpole replied.

"I saw! For a Civil Keronian, you climb pretty fast!" 'Jeroro said with a cheerful expression. "You must be pretty good!"

"Yeah, uh thanks." Masasa said, taking the compliment with wavered stride.

Sododo was looking up when the two are conversing before giving a smile in response.

3.25 Years (3 Years and 3 Months) ago: Abandoned Streets (Time: 16:30)

Sododo was walking down the streets as a ring tone randomly played –Light my Fire- as Sododo grabbed a Cell phone from out of his side as he asked, “Sododo here.”

“Hey, boss!” Fayaya commented on the other line but in her normal female voice. “Sorry if I was interrupting anything, I was busy getting some food supplies. Puriri said that you went out.”

“Yeah. I’ve heard a rumor about a bunch of child thieves in the abandoned streets that were causing trouble for the folks around here- stealing fruit and among other things.” The Swordsman replied. “As much as I don’t want to associate myself with thieves, I saw one of them I have particular interest in. This one was eluding Police- even Officer Ryoyo was having trouble nabbing him. However, he was…seldom used as I heard. He only stole just a few apples here and there but his escapes are actually good.”

“Meaning…you’re trying to recruit a thief?” Fayaya replied.

“Something like that. By the by, is anyone else in the barracks?” The swordsman asked.

“Nope- Kabubu’s out training, and Puriri is actually out on a new mission- an ACTUAL Spy mission!” The Pyro admitted.

“Grea…Wait. What?! But she isn’t ready yet, no matter how much she claims she is!” Sododo said, sounding surprised and angry. “Dammit…I better drop this and get back ASAP. If Puriri comes back, tell her I’m going to give a scolding of the decade for running off like that!”

“Geez, you sound like a father to her!” Fayaya admitted, surprised to hear the superior angry. “A-Alright then! I’ll pass it on.”

Sododo hangs up as he immediately turned around before he sensed something was amiss as he stopped. He surveyed around as he heard a lot of Keronian footsteps coming nearby. He immediately summoned his sword and belt as he prepared to draw it. He immediately surveyed around before he pointed his sword to his right to show a new individual. However, he sees a pale black keronian with brown colored pants with the areas around the knees torn up, a hole at the back to allow his tail through with a piece of cloth used as a form of band around the pants. His eyes a gleaming red, looking at him although a darker shade of black was seen on the hat with no symbol. The new face asked with a male’s voice, “Who are you supposed to be?”

“Just someone looking for thieves.” Sododo admitted to the tadpole. “They didn’t steal anything but I would want to find them.”

“What, you a cop?” The tadpole asked in response.

“No, I’m not.” Sododo admitted. “I’m actually looking for talent around here.”

“Well you came to right place…or did you?” The Tadpole said before making several odd noises that resulted in multiple Keronians hoping out from the shadows. Several Keronians were seen including a familiar black tadpole and a light purple tadpole Keronian with green eyes large darker shade of green eyes with a heart symbol- except it’s in have and has a square notch in the center that if the heart joined, it would’ve made a heart with a minus shape in the center. There appears to be another Keronian noticeable amongst the group- Another tadpole, this one blue in colour, wearing a pair of dirty pants too alongside a weird hat with lightning-shaped flaps and what seemed to be a plug on top of it. He seemed to give a look with brown eyes as the pale black tadpole admitted, “To be fairly honest, you came onto our territory, buster.”

“Well, I guess I should apologize.” Sododo admitted. “I’m Sododo.”

“Sododo? That’s an odd name.” The light purple tadpole admitted with a female’s voice.

“Entoto is my name, and running the Dark Wing guild is my game.” The pale black tadpole admitted. “And you’re wondering on our territory, as I said. Tikuku, Imama, you’re up!”

“With pleasure, boss! This is gonna be a cakewalk!” The blue tadpole, Tikuku said. –Your Catch- plays as he generates electricity before firing a bolt at Sododo who dodged it. Imama, the light purple tadpole gave a wordless nod before making a speedy attempt to rush the swordsman. Sododo easily hopped over the girl’s attempt as he got hit by Tikuku’s next attempt in the air. “Got him!”

“Not yet!” Sododo said before using his sword to discharge the electricity into the ground. He soon got his arms locked by Imama upon landing. However, Sododo gives a bit of look before reversed it, grabbed Imama and tossed her towards Tikuku, who was about to use a more powerful jolt, but was interrupted by the collision. Upon getting getting knocked onto his back, he accidently discharged the electricity, shocking Imama who gave a bit of a painful before she looked to be stunned as the theme ends.

“Oooow…” Imama admitted before rolling off her ally before snapping up and giving an angry look at the Electro tadpole saying, “Way to go, Tikuku! If you had charged up that attack faster you would used it on that guy instead of on me!”

“Well sorry for that, but last time I checked you were getting yourself tossed towards! You would’ve noticed that he was stronger than he looks on the count he was carrying that large sword around!” Tikuku said with an angry look. “You were probably going to show off the boys of our guild that you have what it takes to easily subdue that guy!”

“Well I’m not the one trying to butter up to the boss!” Imama said with an angry expression, getting up in his face about it. “And I’m not one trying to figure where babies come from!”

“Take that back you witch!” The blue tadpole in a growl as if trying to push her back.

“Lightning bug!/Man eater!” The two said at once as they growled at each other.

“Both of you, shut up for at least 10 seconds!” Entoto said, prompting the two arguing tadpoles to look at the boss while the two was pulling each other’s faces. “If it’s obvious to Imama about the sword and his strength, then it should’ve been obvious for you, Tikuku. But then again, you took advantage of your ranged attacks. Next time you should’ve prepped your attack a bit faster than that.”

“He-heeee!” Imama said with a bratty expression with Tikuku annoyed at her.

“However, Imama, your reckless behavior and ignoring that attention to detail also cost you the match. I know you like to be flashy- both in the fancy and flirty sense (for goodness sakes), but this isn’t the time to show off- the time he was open you should’ve been coordinating a plan with Tikuku like you were doing.” The Guild leader said. “Both of you made your mistakes, so both of you are on scrub duty tonight.”

“Aww man!” The two of them said on cue before walking back to the group.

“…For a thieving guild, I must admit you guys are coordinated.” The swordsman admitted. “You’re a fairly good leader to your guild.”

“Thanks, coming from a mercenary of the Keron army.” Entoto admitted. “I thought I heard your name before. You’re Sododo- Ranked Captain of the Keron army, and also leader of Fortress mercenaries.”

“Huh?! W-wait, you had us fight him knowing that he was a member of the army, boss??” Imama said, surprised.

“Yes, Imama. It was to also test your cooperation with Tikuku.” Entoto said.

“Erm…that was a cheap shot, sir.” Tikuku admitted.

“Ah, don’t take it too hard, newbie.” A familiar voice said as Vanini walked forward. However, he looked…different- there was no red lines on him at all, and his eyes were green instead of gold. “Entoto usually throws punches like that to tell the rookies to shape up- trust me, I know how it feels to take a cheap shot to the gut.”

“You know I wasn’t asking you, Masasa-san.” Tikuku admitted with a bored look.

“Masasa, huh?” Sododo admitted. “…Actually I was looking for someone like you. I actually saw you grab food from before.”

“…Wait, so you actually saw me?” Masasa admitted, surprised a bit.

“Yeah, I did.” The Swordsman said as he puts the sword away. “I was fairly impressed- you actually scaled a side of a wall of the building without any trouble.”

“So why are you down here, Sododo?” Entoto questioned the adult.

“I’m here to recruit a new member as designated scout originally, but something came up so I had to return.” Sododo admitted. He tried to leave before being stopped by some of the other members. “Huh?”

“Hold up. You said that you were for a new recruit for your Military Platoon? Where’s the rush?” The leader of Dark Wings asked.

“A friend of mine was arrogant and tried to attempt a spy mission before she was ready. I’m hoping to get back and tried to find out where she was going.” The swordsman said, showing that he was in a rush.

“I’m sure your friend could wait another minute or so.” The guildmaster said with a smirk. “If you can keep a secret, I can show you someplace we can show practice our acrobatics.”

The swordsman looked annoyed before to say, “Fine, geez! Just hurry up!”

Later…at another area…

Inside of an abandoned building, a gym area with a rock wall was seen as Sododo admitted, “This is where you practice?”

“The Equipment’s in good shape. The floor though…not so much better.” Entoto said before demonstrating by stepping on the wooden floor before it broke from underneath the pressured weight. “This is where we practice our acrobatics- we test our flexibility at the cushion over there before the race.” The leader said, pointing towards mostly patched up mat. He then points at the items in order, like a course of some kind. “As a course, the mat starts off and you have to rush to the rock climbing wall over yonder. There, we climb up the rock climbing wall to test our strength and further our flexibility. There we take two paths- one path is the Trapeze- safer and cushioned, you have use these swinging bars to swing across to the other side, but you’ll need flexibility and timing. Otherwise you’ll pretty much flop to the cushion and you’ll have to climb up to the midpoint or end platforms, costing you time. The lower path is basically the riskier solution of jumping across gaps, but the bigger payoff. However, you fail that, and you’ll be falling through the floor and have to take the long way- struggling to get up a long ladder back to this floor with a sore butt or worse- usually a sore butt. There we go on the monkey bars. Usually a part of the playground, if you went on the trapeze and have good arm strength left, then you should get across. It tests your endurance and often the ‘choke point’ of the course which you can slow down someone. Reason is because, like the Long jump, you fail that, and you’re gonna have a sore something when you get back up from that hole you made on the floor. Lastly, we have the zipline. And there’s only one of that- It’s basically the one man way of ensuring of getting to the finish line.”

“Seems like an interesting course.” Sododo admitted, looking impressed. “And the floor makes a a good pitfall and penalty trap. But how would you be so sure that the cushion wouldn’t collapse into the floor?”

“We replace it with new wood when it starts to break down.” Masasa admitted.

“…So you just steal supplies in case you do need it.” Fortress’ leader admitted.

“Yep- we’re just trying to survive in these mean streets.” Entoto said. “We often just yoink supplies from the stores when they have a surplus. It’s just us Orphans living on the street. Of course, this course is pretty much how much you improved on skills.”

“…” Sododo just sighed. The thought of Puriri becoming a thief might be…unsettling. He’s unsettled enough that Puriri could’ve failed her mission or held captive. “Listen here- I’m in a real hurry.”

“Nope, nope, nope.” Entoto said, wagging his finger in front of Sododo. “You said you wanted a member for you platoon, right? Well then, how about this; Myself and a member of your choosing will have a race here- if that member wins, you get to take him or her with you out of here, no strings attached. If I win though- you fork over that fancy sword of yours.”

Sododo looked to his own sword before to say, “Deal.”

“Already then- make your choice and take your pick.” The Guild leader said.

“I already made my choice.” The swordsman said before walking up to… “This one.”

“Huh?!” Tikuku exclaimed, looking to his left. “W-why him?”

“Yeah, why him of all people?” Imama said, looking to her right.

“…” The one in the center was Masasa whom Sododo was standing in front.

“Very well then.” Entoto said as he and Masasa stepped onto the mat showed on his course. “This is one lap challenge. First one to the zipline and rife it to the mat here, wins.”

-Land of Enemies- plays as the two took their places in the starting line as Entoto and Masasa got into position. Imama walks forward as she stands between the two as she raises her arms and says, “Ready…GO!” She whips them down as the two immediately sprinted off towards the rock wall.

“Get ‘em, Boss!” Tikuku cheered as Entoto was the first one up the wall and climbs up it with little to no problem with Masasa lagging behind only slightly. The leader was at the top as he then took the lower path, forcing Masasa to take the Trapeze route. Entoto easily gets across with a form of black gusting abilities as Masasa got across the first platform. He preps to get across the second one when Entoto made his way through the zigzagging walkway. Masasa got up the platform before just missing but grabbing the edge. He gave a bit of a groan as he tried to climb before Entoto got up the platform and was on the Monkey bars. Masasa gave a bit of a *Whew* upon getting up but was behind- especially considering that Entoto was already started. However, one of the members had a rope that he was moving down, making the monkey bars hypnotically move back and forth, making it difficult to get across. However, Masasa was getting across easily as he gives a smirk. Entoto turned around as he looked back.

“Boss has this ability to create gusts to help him get across that gap, but he maily uses it to get a boost on his jumps. But…there’s his cheap shot use.” Imama said. This intrigued Sododo a bit.

“Say goodnight, Masasa!” The leader said as he uses his left arm to creating a black gust as Masasa tries to resist it.

“Okay, Now I know there’s foul play in this race- Entoto’s cheating.” Sododo said with an annoyed expression.

“Nah, each of us has their own abilities we use- like my electric abilities.” Tikuku explained. “There’s no rules on using our own abilities. But Masasa has no abilities at all- he’s pretty much one of the more ‘normal’ ones out of all of us- Imama included.”

“Well what I lack in abilities I make up for in talent.” Imama said, sounding arrogant as the theme ends.

-Ouch- Immediately plays after as Masasa tries to fight against the gust as he tries to resist it. Entoto gives a bit of a laugh as he said, “Come on Masasa, you know you can’t beat me! Just give up!”

Masasa gives a bit of a growl, as the increasing wind pressure was pushing him back. He looked like his grip was lessening but then notices that the leader’s right arm- the one holding the bar- was starting to slip. He then gets an idea bulb as he said, “Hey, Entoto- your hand is slipping!”

“Ah, thanks for the reminder!” Entoto admitted before switching his hands around, momentarily stopping the gust of winds for Masasa to catch up using the momentum created to literally swinging ahead before grabbing onto Entoto by the feet, causing his grip with his left hand to be reduced to fingers. “What the?!”

“What I lack in powers, I make up for in ingenuity!” Masasa said before swinging underneath and onto the second half of the distance, causing the leader to get unsteady, impressing Sododo and causing the guild to give alarmed looks. Masasa then gave a cheeky look as he said, “Maybe you should get a GRIP on the situation?”

“Why you little…” Entoto growled before noticing his slipping grip and said in an annoyed expression. “I should’ve seen that one coming.” The leader then dropped to the floor, landing on his tail. Of course…everyone should know that the tail is a sensitive spot- Entoto gave a pained ‘EEYOW!!’ upon landing. However, the sound of boards creaking played a bit, before realizing that he was on the floor…and the wooden floor collapses underneath with his pants caught on the side before tries to get up, but he rolled forward slipping out of it before falling into the floor below as he gives a bit of a yell and the music ends when a thud was heard. “…I’m okay!”

Masasa got to the other side and got up to the Zipline before riding it down to the bottom. For Sododo, he was impressed, but as for the guild…they were definitely showing looks of awestruck at Masasa as he walked towards Sododo. “Looks like I win.”

“Yeah, you did.” Sododo said with an impressed look.

“H…He actually beaten Entoto!” Imama admitted with her jaw hanging out. “No one else in the guild did! Heck, not even some of the older guys!”

“I…I…” Tikuku tried to say before to say, “I think you just got lucky, Masasa!”

“Yeah yeah.” Masasa admitted before to look to Sododo and said, “So, Sododo right? Guess I’m in?”

“Yep, and I get to keep my sword too. Do you need to grab anything?” The swordsman asked.

“Nah, I’ve been living off the streets for a couple of years, so I don’t have anything. Let’s just go- and besides, if I know Entoto…he’s be sore in the morning and I don’t mean being hurt.” Masasa said.

“Yes, let’s.” Sododo said before the two left.

“Hey, been nice knowing you guys!” Masasa said with a smile and wave.

Imama gave a reluctant look before waving back.

Present day: The Park

“Umm, is he alright?” ‘Jeroro’ asked as Sododo snapped back into reality with a quick ‘Huh?”

“Eerr, yeah, he’s just reminiscing.” Puriri admitted with a bit of sweat.

“Ooh, okay then!” Jeroro said. “By the way, this wasn’t the first time I was called ‘Jungle boy’.”

“Huh? Er, who called you that then?” Puriri asked politely.

“A friend of mine!” Jeroro said as he then hung upside down in the tree. “She’s a bit rough but she’s really nice when you get to know her- I would just avoid making her angry.”

“…That sounds a lot like…” Puriri admitted to herself. “Uh, never mind. Nice meeting you, Jeroro!”

“A Pleasure!” Jeroro said as he leapt to a tree further away.
Sododo then gave a nod as he said, “He’s good at jumping from tree to tree, I’ll give him that.”

“Yeah. It’s hard to believe he knew Akaka.” Puriri said. “…I knew who he was talking about.”

“Is there any record on him though?” The swordsman asked.

“Nope- didn’t know him.” The spy said. “…Makes me glad. At least it’ll be a better experience since he’s a completely new face to me.”

“Yeah…” Sododo admitted. “You still don’t remember from before?”

“…No. Sorry Boss- still a huge blur.” Puriri admitted.

“No problem.” The leader said. “…I need to talk to someone. Tell you what- why not you try to make some friends with the Winged Elemental Corps? At least one of them.”

“I’ll try to but…” Puriri said. “It ain’t gonna be easy. They don’t still kind of trust me…”

“Just try to be friendly with them.” Sododo said, sighing.

“Alright, alright.” Puriri said. “I’ll see you back in the barracks.”

The spy walked off as she heads off in a random direction.