Hours before the sun rose for the day, everyone was making sure they had the necessary preparations for the upcoming mission. Most of the missions that are carried out by the Fire and Water Unit's last anywhere from a few hours up to a few days. The Lightening, Lunar, and Shadow Unit's missions are typically longer in length; occasionally lasting as long as a few months. Camila was the newest member to any of the Units, but she showed a great deal of skill during her assessments and trainings. For most missions, before anyone is chosen, they are required to complete an assessment and training regiment of sorts to ensure their compatibility. However, for some, only the most qualified people, overall are allowed to be a part of the mission.
...As Ari finished packing she remembered she was going to help Camila; after leaving her room she walked outside to find her. After looking around for a few moments she spotted Camila over by the weapons area of the outdoor training arena. "Camila-" "AAAHH!-" Camila screamed and almost instantly vanished as Ari called out her name. "I am terribly sorry...uh, Camila? Where did you-" "P-p-please d-don't..." Camila said in a weak and frightened tone, "W-when I g-get sc-scared I-I..." Ari looked all around her and even walked forward to look around the trees near by, but didn't see Camila. With a puzzled look on her face, she began to walk forward, but as she turned she bumped into something and fell to the ground, "What the-" When Ari looked up to see what she ran into, she saw Camila seemingly re-appearing out of thin air.
Camila had a worried look on her face as she nervously tucked her hair behind her ear and crouched down to get near Ari. "I-I'm sorry. I get ne-nervous and I stu-stutter but I a-also can ca-ca-camouflage in-into my s-s-surr...A-are y-you okay?" Ari still had a confused look on her face, then she reached her hand out and lightly touched Camila's cheek, which caused her to quickly stand up and start blushing. Ari smirked in response, "My apologies for touching your face without permission. Your abilities are truly fascinating." Ari then stood up and dusted herself off, "Well now, let's make sure you are packed and ready for the mission. This will be your first mission that is longer than 1 day correct?" Ari asked in a gentle but matter of fact tone, Camila slowly nodded her head. "Don't worry. This should not be a terribly difficult mission. Just call for me, if you need," Ari said with a smile as she walked over towards the bag Camila dropped.
..."Akemi, why must you act this way?" Dumuzi was walking out of his room when Akemi threw a piece of fruit at his head. "You and I are both aware that I was the better fit for this mission. Do not whine just because you will be stuck here with Rei and the others," Akemi rolled his eyes and crossed his arms in response. Most of the Unit members lived under the same roof; whether it be in an apartment style building or something closer resembling a traditional house. Typically only choosing to live separately if they have a spouse or a child/children. "Oh shut up Doozi! You are such a show off sometimes, I do not mind being here with the others, I just like giving my cousin a hard time." He said with a smirk, "Aki, do NOT call me Doozi," Dumuzi said as he shook his head and closed the door behind him. Once he was outside he let out an exaggerated sigh, then adjusted his small bag and walked leisurely over towards the main temple where everyone would meet and get their supplies.
..."Mommy will be back in a few days, okay My Little Bee?" Rose softly caressed the face of a young boy, still groggy from sleep. "Will you bring me a present mommy? I don't have anything from...*yawn* Southern Territories..." The young boy shook his head from side to side causing his pale orange, wavy hair to almost cover his face. He was doing his best to keep his eyes open. Rose chuckled softly, "Yes, I will bring you a small present seeing as your birthday is getting close." The boy smiled lazily, and Rose leaned over and kissed his forehead, when she did a strand of her pale orange hair fell on his cheek; causing him to scrunch his nose. "Mommy is leaving now, be nice to your Aunt Juniper alright?" As soon as she said the name, the young boy's eyes shot open. "Aunt June will be watching me?!" Rose was startled by the boys sudden reaction, "I can't wait! We will have so much fun! We can *yawn* we can..." the boys eyes were staying closed longer with each time he blinked. "Go back to sleep My Little Bee." The boy once again nodded and closed his eyes. Rose sighed softly and stood up to walk downstairs. "Thanks again for watching him Juni. I know it was sort of last-" Rose's half sister, Juniper, was sitting on the couch and raised her arm and waved it in a dismissing manor. "You know I enjoy watching that Little Bumblebee. It's no trouble. You just be safe on this mission so you can come back to your son, you hear?" Rose smiled, nodded, and waved to her sister as she walked out the door.
...Silas silently gathered the few items he would take along for the mission from his home. "Ngh..Uncle Sai?" Silas was startled and quickly turned around and saw his niece standing in the doorway of the bedroom, rubbing her eyes. "Didn't mean to wake you. I'm going to be on the mission for a few days." He walked over to where she stood and slowly steered her back to her bed. The teenager nodded her head as she slowly walked to bed. "I left you vouchers and food for a few days. I left the contact information you may need on the fridge." As he was talking he gently tucked her back under the covers. "Alice can come over and check if you need anything, I let her know the situation." The teenager smiled, "Thanks Uncle Sai. You're the best. Be safe on your mission," she said before she rolled over and fell asleep. Silas smiled slightly and closed the bedroom door behind him. He quickly pulled his dark red, hair into a ponytail, finished gathering the last few items for the mission' and left out the front door.
...Everyone had gathered in a small meeting ha that had tall ceilings and windows. There were not many decorations aside from paintings with the different Guard Unit's Emblems and the Kalina Crest. "Now that everyone has arrived, make ya way over to the table. We have ya bags and documents necessary for ya travel," Cadman stood in front of everyone, behind a table with different canvas bags across the top. Lord Valen, Wren, Horacio, and Abena, were standing off to the side as Cadman gave instructions. One by one, all the members of The Guard Units, walked towards the table and picked a bag. "Ya have almost an hour before departing. Those traveling to the Southern Territories, ready ya horses. Y'all will be leaving first, due to the longer travel time." Wren, Shizu, Rose, Silas, and Camila nodded and began walking to the stables while Cadman continued giving instructions for the others.
"Silas, I will be entrusting Camila's safety to you. This should be a good mission for you to help assess and strengthen her abilities." Silas, who was next to Wren looked over to her, "Yes Madame," "Camila, do not think that I doubt your abilities, I have known Silas many years and I believe he is best suited to hone your techniques." Wren slightly looked over her shoulder at Camila, who nodded happily in response. "Dumuzi, I would like you and Shizu to gather information from the small surrounding towns. Stay with each other at all times." "Understood Milady," Dumuzi said with a small bow. "Rose, stay with me, wherever I go." Rose was taken aback but quickly nodded, "As you wish Madame Wren." Wren nodded and they all continued towards the stables in silence...-"The rest of you will set off for the shore very soon," Cadman said to those of who were left. "Abena, Horacio, you may take your leave. If there are any difficulties while I am away, you know how to contact me," Lord Valen said in a stern voice, both Horacio and Abena had a surprised look on her face but sauntered slowly towards the door.
Once they were outside, Horacio walked off towards his study without hesitation. Whereas Abena walked over to one of the less used wings of the temple. "What's the status?" Abena said into a small communication device once she was inside the room. "We have already set up camp on the outskirts of the Southern Territory, Master Abena. We will be ready by the time they arrive." Abena smiled, "Excellent. Remember to meet up with our Southern Territory contact. She should be helpful in gaining the trust of those on the mission. Shizu will be with that, Wretched Wren, so that makes things easier." There was an approving low grunt on the other side of the communication device, "Have you secured someone from The Tradelands?" Abena scoffed as she walked over and looked out the window to where the remaining members were leaving. "Don't worry, we are covered on all sides. I want a nightly report of all your findings, do not contact me unless there is an emergency." After that statement Abena cut the communication, turned away from the window, and walked out the door.