The group checked their provisions before they left. Dried leaves from the Sinsîn tree for red tea and enough wild berries, oats, and dried buffalo meat to last them their entire trip towards the train station. They also checked their funds. Two-hundred leaflets each, save for Sasha whose funds were given to Marco for protection, which was enough to buy more provisions and shelter while they were in Duma. Lastly, the grouped checked the revolvers they were given. Octavian explained that they were only given revolvers as they were easier to conceal on the road and that they were only given six shots each as they were to avoid combat if at all possible. According to him, once they reach the station, the group will meet a contact who will provide them with both disguises and information on a storage of weapons that were hidden inside luggage aboard the train along with a change of clothes for when they reach the city. As Marco understood things, they were given a day to make it to the train station, a week for the operation, and another three days to return by horse. This was planned as it was because checking in and verifying a horse entering the city was much harder than stealing some for travel at night. And since there was still a blood feud between the Sirens and the Ghouls, night watch in Duma was much more laxed than in most cities in Seraph.
Marco doubted Sasha understood any of what was going on, or even cared for that matter. He could not help but watch as she mindlessly entertained herself by pretending to ride one of their horses. Marco could not grasp whether she was genuinely like this, or if it was some sort of defense mechanism. He wanted to question her and found out, especially after happened the other night. However, he did not know how to approach her about it. Because while Sasha was very open with him, especially with her flirting, she truly did not seem at all bothered by what happened. And knowing how much anguish she was in right before her transformation… Marco did not want to risk her potentially remembering and triggering another episode. Whether for her sake, or everybody else's.
"Alright everybody, let's get this adventure going!" Octavian yelled with a smile, saddling up on his auburn horse. Marco could tell something was off about him. He noticed Octavian was the last to arrive, and definitely noticed the sullen expression behind his smile. He wanted to ask him about it, to console him, but like with Sasha he did not know how to approach the situation. So, for now Marco simply gave his best smile and yelled back, "Aye, aye captain!"
Octavian nodded happily and said, "Lexi, you saddle up behind Marco. Sasha you're with me-"
"Sorry, pretty boy, but I only ride with my dear Marco." Sasha interrupted, blowing Marco a very mockingly kiss. Unfortunately, however, she was not joking about riding with him, much to Lexi's irritation. However, before things could get out of hand, Octavian relented and switched the order. But this, only made the situation worse.
"Are you fucking serious," Lexi yelled in astonishment, turning towards Octavian. "Just going to give the bitch what she wants? Just like that?"
"Hey, skull and bones, respect your elders like your wise captain is doing." Sasha said, waving her silver hair in dramatic fashion.
Lexi glared hard at Sasha, prompting Marco to quickly place a hand on her shoulder to which he immediately regretted.
"Ow!" Marco yelped, waving around his burning red hand.
"Shit, Marco," Lexi yelled guiltily, turning around instantly to check on him. "You know you can't touch me if I get pissed. Shit, I'm sorry. Are you ok?
"He will be now." Sasha uttered agitated, appearing next to Marco suddenly.
She cupped her hand under his burning red one, biting her thumb and drawing blood while she held it. Sasha then smeared blood all across Marco's palm and then fingers, much to everybody's confusion.
"What are you-" But the answer came to Marco swiftly and, shockingly, soothingly. The pain from the heat in his hand had dissipated, replaced by a pleasantly cooling sensation.
"All better?" Sasha asked surprisingly concerned.
"I-I am… Thanks," Marco muttered, looking over to a disheartened Lexi and then back to Sasha. "But please, could you not fight with everybody and just follow orders?"
Sasha rolled her eyes but begrudgingly breathed, "Fine."
"And Lexi, I know it's not your fault and you have every right to be pissed, but please try to keep a cool head, okay?" Said Marco. The concern and care in his voice making Lexi also begrudgingly relent.
"Yeah, right… I'll do my best... sorry." She sighed.
"No need to apologize. All of us, including Sasha herself, knows how much of a hassle she can be." Marco said turning to her with a light-hearted, but still disapproving face.
Sasha rolled her eyes again, turning away from Marco in a huff. But what appeared to be just a bratty response, Marco could see that she was just trying to hide her remorseful expression. This confirmed to him that while personally open, Sasha was still embarrassed to show vulnerability. Which may lend itself to why she never brought up the other night's events. And so, instead of asking her directly, Marco decided to watch and actually try getting to know Sasha. Maybe then he could finally start piecing somethings together.
"Well said, Marco. Keep that attitude up and you'll be a co-captain yet," Octavian yelled aloud, relieved that the situation had been settled. "Now if drama class is over, let us get a move on."