Path of the Hunters [PART 4] (NSFW)

"Pity, concern, animosity-it's all the same to me! I don't need everyone treating me different, just because I feel different!"

"Crescent." Kane's voice was calm, non-threatening. "Your anger and aggression drastically increases, when you are ill or otherwise significantly stressed. It 'as been this way, even in your younger days, and 'as led to a number of unnecessary injuries and deaths in your career."

Crescent glanced at him, her expression softening. That was something she never noticed about herself...

*

"A murr?" She giggled. "That sounds silly!"

To lose control of one's emotions on the battlefield is almost always guarunteed to lead to disaster. He shook his head.

Aurélie nodded. "It comes with being only 'alf-Laroche. If I do not calm myself before a fight, I kill. And I kill 'ooever gets in the way, friend or foe." Here eyes narrowed slightly. "So the fact that you will be in a plane with the father of mes enfants makes me wonder 'ow you are feeling."

*

Trip smiled. "Yeah."

Crescent sighed. "...I'll be okay," she said, no agreesion in her voice. "I will not make that mistake." She closed her eyes and entwined her fingers, breathing softly as she tried meditating.

Kane nodded. "Meditation is one good way to keep control. It is one I employ on a regular basis, especially before battle."

*

"But still, it fits, I guess."

With a sigh, Aurélie rose and went back to Nova, nestling in his lap. "Mm..."

*

He nodded and started looking around the room. He wanted to sit down, so he could hold the baby in his lap... But didn't exactly know how he'd get seated somewhere without having to set the baby down.

Nova sighed as well. "Stress sure is a crazy thing, at times, huh?"

*

"Need a hand?" Elesis offered, placing a hand on the kit's shoulder.

"Oui."

*

He nodded. "Will you hold her for a minute so I can sit down?"

He draped an arm around her waist. "Guess it's all part of being who we are."

"Hey Nova," Sol said, smirking. "Aren't you getting a little too close?"

The wolf scoffed. "Please. You really think I'd eat my own words?"

"Yeah."

*

She nodded, pulling Aurora out of his hands, and cradling the child in her own arms.

Aurélie laughed and nibbled softly on his neck. "I could get you to if I wished," she pointed out.

*

The pup cooed, pressing close.

"What happens if they get hungry?" Trip asked, climbing on top of the bed.

He laughed. "Can I at least try to play cool? Damn!"

*

"Mani's prepared some formula for them," Elesis said, placing the child in Trip's lap. "They can have that."

Yue smiled at the kit, then at the echidna. "I have an idea..."

"Way ahead of ya." Grinning, Elesis scooped Yue up, baby and all, and placed her on the bed next to Trip.

"That was fun!" Yue sang, giggling madly.

Sunny snickered. "Obviously not."

*

Trip smiled at her, then at Elesis. All he needed was his Mom and Cross and he'd be fine.

Nova rolled his eyes. "Ah, what the hell." He brought Aurélie's mouth to his.

Sol smirked, shaking his head. "Typical. Y'know, it's not fun gambling against a guy that can't win a bet to save his tail."

*

Yue smiled at the child in her arms, turned to Trip. "I hope they get back okay."

Amused, Aurélie kissed him back.

"It is when you're broke," Sunny pointed out.

*

"So do I..."

Damien shook his head, chuckling.

Sol smirked at the dog. "Then you must be having the time of your life, huh?"

*

She turned her gaze to the ceiling. "...I wonder if I have powers, too."

She grinned. "That's a fact."

*

"What do you mean?"

"So, do a little freelance with us. The pay's good enough."

*

"Like Papa, Mama, and the others. I wonder if I got some powers like them."

She studied him, frowning slightly. "I might... I don't always got that much time."

*

Trip shrugged. "I think you being able to explore anywhere without getting hurt is kinda like a power."

"I'm sure Star wouldn't mind you taking some time off to do some other stuff. Besides, Cross is sure to cover for ya."

*

"Maybe... It's weird. Every time I go exploring and end up in some place I know I'm not supposed to be... I kinda space out. I don't know I've gotten somewhere, 'til I'm there."

"True.... Sure. Why the hell not?"

*

Trip studied her. "Then maybe it is?"

Sol grinned. "All right! And with the side bets constantly pooling, you could probably make out like a bandit."

"Cliche alert!" Nova said, smirking.

"Ah, shut up. You're just mad because of your rotten gambling luck."

*

"Maybe..." She started grinning madly. "If that's the case, then maybe I can get Papa or Mama to start training me, so I know what I can do! That would be so awesome!"

Aurélie smiled, nuzzling him. "'E 'as a point."

*

Trip nodded, still smiling. "Yeah!"

Nova rolled his eyes. "Like it matters. Once this is all over, I'm takin' a vacation. Gonna spend some time with my family."

*

"Then, when I mastered it, we'll be able to go on adventures everywhere, and stay safe!"

"Bonne."

Sunny smirked. "Cue fluffy music."

*

Trip look at her shyly. "We?" he repeated.