Private Through Leaves and Legends

[Aiden Rennek]

The jungle's symphony of sounds surrounded Aiden as he pushed through the dense undergrowth, the broad leaves brushing against his arms and shoulders with every step. The warm, humid air clung to his skin, bringing a light sheen of sweat that only added to the feeling of immersion in this untamed wilderness. Here, away from the noise of galactic politics, the demands of duty, and the complexities of life, he could breathe.

Aiden paused on a narrow animal trail, rolling his broad shoulders to ease the weight of his pack. He was a tall, imposing figure, the kind that drew attention wherever he went, but in the jungle, he moved with surprising grace. He was clad in a simple, olive-green tank top that hugged his chest and arms, sturdy cargo pants, and well-worn boots designed for rough terrain. A small utility knife was strapped to his thigh, and his backpack was filled with essentials — water, a ration or two, and a lightweight survival kit. It wasn't that he expected trouble, but a soldier knew better than to be unprepared.

The trail dipped ahead, leading toward a creek bed where water sparkled in the beautiful sunlight. Aiden crouched near the edge, his calloused hands dipping into the cool stream to fill his canteen. The sound of trickling water mixed with the chatter of unseen creatures, and he let his gaze wander across the vibrant greens of the jungle.

This was why he'd come here. The jungle was alive, chaotic but peaceful in its own way, and it grounded him in the simplicity of the moment. No orders to follow, no battles to fight — just the rhythm of his breath and the beat of his heart in sync with the natural world.

As he rose, canteen secured back in his pack, a rustling in the brush ahead caught his attention. His instincts sharpened, but he didn't reach for his knife. Not yet. This wasn't the battlefield, and whatever it was might simply be another curious creature. Aiden stepped forward with cautious curiosity, boots crunching softly against the jungle floor.

"Alright, let's see what you are," he muttered under his breath, his tone low and even.

Whether it was an animal, a person, or something entirely unexpected, Aiden had a feeling this jungle wasn't done surprising him yet.

Kinsey Starchaser ​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Kinsey had just done a perimeter sweep around the water. At first, she thought it was a river but upon closer inspection it looked like a lake. That was all well and fine but the very structure she came here to explore was surrounded by...water. It could've been anything else. Lava. Quicksand. A herd of rancors. How about...something easy and just a stroll through the grass? But no, the 'verse had a funny way of dangling things under Kins' nose just to snatch them up again just out of reach.

Her pebbledrone warbled lowly next to her, its blue painted head tilting on that ball-like body.

"We'll figure it out." Kinsey wasn't sure who she was assuring more.

Head cocked as a rustling sound caught her attention. Just across the stretch of water, she caught the figure of a man. A tall, well built man approaching some bushes.

"Pibs. Can you get a read on that?"

Her droid booped lowly at her.

"No, I can clearly see HIM. I mean what those bushes."

There was a hurried razzle.

"That's what I was afraid of." She could do nothing. That's what she should do. He was probably more competition anyway. Unfortunately, she wasn't that kind of girl, though. Because those bushes weren't really bushes. They were a mimic. A beast that took on the shape of something else to lure their prey in.

She just didn't know if she'd get there in time.

 

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden's instincts screamed at him just a moment too late.

As he stepped closer to the rustling bushes, the air seemed to shift — charged, alive, and wrong. The ground beneath him trembled faintly, and before he could react, a whip-like vine shot out from the foliage, wrapping tightly around his ankle.

"What the—?!" Aiden growled, his knife flashing in the sunlight as he instinctively swung it down. But before the blade could sever the vine, another lashed out, this one coiling around his wrist like a python. It yanked hard, pulling him off balance. The world tilted as he stumbled, then the ground disappeared beneath him entirely.

The beast had him.

Aiden was hoisted off the ground, dangling midair as more vines erupted from the bushlike creature. They wrapped around his legs, his arms, even his torso, pinning his limbs in a crushing grip. The "bushes" shifted, revealing themselves for what they truly were: a mimic beast. Its "leaves" rippled like scales, its vines writhing like tentacles, and from its center emerged a gaping maw lined with jagged teeth, dripping with saliva that sizzled faintly as it hit the ground.

The mimic beast let out a guttural, unearthly screech, as if in triumph, and began pulling Aiden closer to its mouth.

"Okay, not a fan of this!" Aiden shouted, straining against the vines as he twisted his body. His muscles bunched as he fought to free his arm, but the creature's grip was unnervingly strong. The knife in his hand was just out of reach of the nearest vine.

Across the water, the woman and her droid came into focus. Aiden locked eyes with her, the situation dawning on him. She knew. She'd known the whole time.

"Little help here!" he called, his voice edged with both urgency and frustration as the mimic beast's teeth loomed closer. The vines tightened around him, forcing the air from his lungs in a sharp grunt. His feet kicked wildly as he arched his back, doing everything in his power to slow the beast's pull. But it wasn't enough.

He was in trouble.

Kinsey Starchaser ​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

She broke into a clearer section by the water - a part where that overgrowth wasn't so gnarled and tangled.

"Don't-" she yelled but it was too late.

Kinsey grit her teeth as she and the stranger locked eyes. Soft-booted feet hurried the jog she'd been in to a run. "Go ahead PIbs," she said breathlessly and her little droid sped forward. Birds and other animals took flight from the sounds of the mimic beast about to nearly have its lunch. Looked like a tasty morsel, too.

"Fething pedestrian," Kinsey muttered and unholstered her blaster and taking aim as she ran.

Pibs got there first. The pebbledrone rolled forward, brandishing a little zapper tool at one of the undulating vines. A red bolt sizzled through the air followed by a second as Kinsey got that vine of the creature that held the man up. It would drop him from a small distance. Wouldn't be the most comfortable thing for a landing but at least he wasn't about to digest in that creature's belly for the next few months. Pibs was able to lightly electrocute another vine of the creature. A second one that was trying to snatch its lunch back up.

"Now would be a good time for you to put a pep in your step!" Kinsey yelled, probably unhelpfully even as she helpfully placed another shot at another vine that was trying to scoop the man back up.

Oof, this mimic was livid.

 

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden didn’t have time to brace himself when the vine holding his ankle was blasted apart. One moment he was dangling like a marionette, and the next, gravity slammed him unceremoniously to the ground.

"Ungh!" he grunted, the air rushing out of his lungs as his back hit the hard, mossy earth. For a split second, stars danced in his vision, but the furious screech of the mimic beast snapped him out of his daze. The woman’s voice rang out over the chaos, sharp and commanding.

"Now would be a good time for you to put a pep in your step!"

"I'm trying!" Aiden groaned as he rolled to his feet, the ache in his ribs quickly drowned out by adrenaline. He sprinted toward her, boots thundering against the jungle floor. Another vine whipped toward him from the side, but this time, he was ready.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Aiden grabbed the vine mid-air, his grip unyielding as it thrashed violently against his hand. His knife gleamed as he drove it into the thick appendage, slicing deep. The mimic screeched again, the sound reverberating through the trees. Aiden didn’t stop there. With a guttural growl of effort, he gripped the wounded vine with both hands and tore it apart in a show of brute strength, tossing the shredded pieces aside like discarded rope.

He reached the woman just as her droid, Pibs, zapped another vine, giving them precious seconds to regroup. Aiden yanked his blaster from its holster, his jaw set and eyes blazing as he opened fire. Each red bolt slammed into the mimic beast’s body, searing holes through its writhing vines. The creature roared, its massive form thrashing as it recoiled from the onslaught.

"Keep moving!" Aiden barked to the woman, his voice low but commanding. He wasn’t about to let this thing get the upper hand again.

But as the two pressed forward, something caught his eye — a subtle movement against the ground, almost too quiet to notice. A vine, sleek and serpentine, was slithering toward the woman from behind, poised to strike.

"Behind you!" Aiden shouted.

Kinsey Starchaser ​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Kinsey's Starchaser blues caught those little details as the man was able to haul himself to his feet. Pibs buying him enough time to evade the tentacles. Those little details of that always told a story of who a person was. That clean cut hair. The sculpt of his muscles well-used. The command that rang in his toy.

Ah, feth.

A soldier boy. After he snapped that vine in half Kinsey coudn't help the quip that was already leaving her mouth. A grin of devilry glinting in her eyes even as she fired another blaster bolt to aid their retreat.

"Feel better now?"

Another bolt and then another.

"Keep moving!"

Kinsey tried real hard not to roll her eyes. "We don't have to-" then he called a warning the same time pibs booped at her and circled around them. Kinsey dove to the side, the vine just missing her. But it was fast and it lunged at her again even as she rolled. "We," she rolled again firing a shot. "Just have to get clear of the vines," another shot that missed.

"It can't follow us-," a second vine came and twisted around her ankle. "FETH!"

 

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden didn’t break stride as the woman’s quip reached his ears, her devil-may-care grin and sharp tone cutting through the chaos of the fight. His lips curled into a lopsided grin of his own as he fired another shot at the writhing mass of vines behind them.

“Much better,” he called back, the humor in his voice carrying over the mimic beast’s enraged screeches.

But his grin faltered slightly as he saw the vine lash out and twist around her ankle. Her sharp expletive drew his attention, and without hesitation, Aiden pivoted and charged toward her, his knife gleaming in the sunlight.

“Hold still!” he barked, though his tone was laced with amusement. “Or I might take your foot off~"

The vine tightened its grip, starting to drag her toward the mimic beast’s snapping maw. Aiden lunged, dropping to one knee beside her as his knife plunged into the vine with a precise, brutal stroke. The creature let out a guttural roar, the vine writhing violently as he severed it with a second, forceful slash.

“Looks like you were in trouble,” he teased, yanking the severed vine free from her ankle and tossing it aside, "Glad I could help."

Before she could respond, another vine lashed toward them, and Aiden’s blaster snapped up in an instant. The red bolt sizzled through the air, slamming into the vine and leaving it smoking and limp. He glanced back at her, the grin still plastered on his face despite the chaos.

“Let’s get clear of this mess before it tries to make a meal out of both of us.”

He stepped in front of her, his broad shoulders blocking the next oncoming vine as he opened fire again, giving her a moment to regroup. The fight was still fierce, but if there was one thing Aiden knew how to do, it was hold the line — and throw a little shade while doing it.

Kinsey Starchaser ​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

“Or I might take your foot off~"

"That's not funny," she grumbled even as Pibs warbled something eerily similar to a laugh sound in its boops and whistles. Kinsey shot her droid a glare as she scrambled to her feet the moment Mister Plays With Knives got her clear. A vine was trying to sneak up on them from the side. Kinsey leveled her blaster and a red-bolt buried and burned into the green mass.

“Let’s get clear of this mess before it tries to make a meal out of both of us.”

She frowned as he stepped in front of her but didn't comment on it. A glance over her shoulder. "Back toward the water then head right. There's a small clearing that way." Kins suspected this thing wouldn't be able to follow them even at the water line. But just to be safe.

Pibs zapped another vine and wheeled backward, followed by Kinsey as they dashed toward the water. Kinsey got off a few more shots, covering their sides and rear with Pibs. Letting Soldier Boy cover their front. And just as predicted, there vines soon hit their range, lashing forward but falling shorter and shorter until they were in no danger at all. As they retreated along the water's bank and toward that clearing, Kinsey lowered her blaster to her side, catching her breath.

"What is someone like you doing out here all by yourself?"

She muttered beneath her breath, "Other than being a pain in my arse?"

 

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden's grin only widened when Kinsey grumbled about his foot-removal quip, her irritation doing little to dull his amusement. "It is funny," he countered lightly, dodging another lashing vine as he moved forward, his knife and blaster working in tandem to clear their path. "Your buddy knows it, too."

The mimic beast's vines began to falter as they reached the water's edge, their range clearly limited. Aiden kept his blaster raised, taking precise shots at the last few that dared to lash toward them. By the time they reached the clearing Kinsey had mentioned, the writhing mass behind them was nothing more than a distant, frustrated heap.

Lowering his blaster, Aiden took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling as the adrenaline began to ebb. He glanced over at Kinsey, her blaster hanging at her side as she caught her own breath. The edge of a smirk tugged at his lips as he noted her frustration still simmering just beneath the surface.

Then she asked her question.

"What is someone like you doing out here all by yourself?"

Aiden raised a brow, his grin returning full force. "I could ask you the same thing," he shot back, as he put away his blaster. "But if you must know, I'm exploring. Taking some time off, seeing where I end up. You know — adventure, danger, getting tangled up with random strangers and angry plants. Standard fare."

When she muttered something under her breath, Aiden's sharp ears caught it. His grin turned downright mischievous. "I heard that," he said, his tone playful as he shot her a sidelong glance. He didn't press the matter, though; the grin on his face said enough.

Instead, he turned his gaze back to the jungle, his expression softening slightly as he surveyed their surroundings. "Nice spot you found," he remarked, nodding toward the clearing. "You make a habit of wandering into death traps, or was today just my lucky day?"

Was he doing it on purpose now?

Probably.

Kinsey Starchaser ​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Head canted to the side, listening for something beyond the buzz of insects and other sounds among the jungle around them. Satisfied at something she finally holstered her blaster, turning her full attention to the broad-shouldered man.

adventure, danger, getting tangled up with random strangers and angry plants. Standard fare."

Blue eyes that looked like they had tiny pinpricks of starlight rolled but the corners of her lips twitched. Time off? She had to wonder with which world power or faction he worked for. She didn't sense any overwhelming force presence from him. And definitely not a darksider. So that cut the universe factions in half. At the end of the day? Didn't matter much to her as long as he wasn't a bountyhunter searching for her.

"Definitely your lucky day," she quipped that twitch of her lips turning into a full-on lopsided grin. Pibs wheeled around mystery man and warbled up at him. The droid even bumped into one of his legs and looked between Kinsey and then back up at him and back again. Kinsey rubbed the back of her neck.

"Pibs, give the man some space." Her droid razzled at her and turned its head toward the water.

"I'm looking for something. An artifact," she frowned as her eyes broke away from his face and looked over his shoulder at that sparkling, humid water. But the frown was a shadow and didn't last long on her face. And it was clear from her blothing, tools on her belt. Soft padded boots. Fingerless gloves, well-worn satchel across her shoulders that she was an adventurer. An explorer. She had nothing expensive on her. Things were cobbled together, well-worn, and well-used from someone who was used to making a living out of odds, ends, and scraps.

And though well used and nothing fancy, it was clear things were carefully cared for.

 

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden's grin stretched wider when she called it his lucky day, the playful glint in his eyes unmistakable. "Ah, so you had it handled when that thing caught your leg, huh?" he teased, his voice warm with amusement. "Should've just stood back and let you show me how it's done."

Before she could respond, the little droid wheeled around him, warbling as it bumped into his leg. Aiden glanced down, arching a brow at the droid's antics, and then back at Kinsey with a smirk. "Friendly little guy," he remarked, reaching down to give the droid a light pat on its dome.

As Kinsey rubbed the back of her neck and shooed the droid away, Aiden took a moment to study her. The worn satchel, the tools on her belt, the well-used but meticulously cared-for gear — she had the look of someone who lived on the move, someone who knew how to handle herself in the rougher corners of the galaxy. It only added to the intrigue.

When she mentioned looking for an artifact, his interest piqued further. "An artifact, huh?" Aiden asked, tilting his head slightly as he leaned on his blaster rifle like a walking stick. "You've got my attention now. What kind of artifact are we talking about? Something valuable? Dangerous? Or both?"

His tone was casual, but the curiosity was genuine. The prospect of a treasure hunt — especially one involving mysterious artifacts — was hard to resist. "Tell you what," he added, flashing her a grin. "Since you've already given me the grand tour of this lovely jungle death trap, why don't I tag along? Could be fun, and hey, maybe I'll even get to save your foot again."

Kinsey Starchaser ​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

Pibs booped again when that hand patted its dome. Then spun in a tight circle before whirring back to Kinsey's side. Inwardly, she cringed. Pibs was trying to show off. Which was rare in front of strangers.

"What has got into your circuits?" She muttered, those bright blue eyes of hers giving her droid a look.

Then her attention moved back upward. She frowned, looking the man over. "I don't make it a habit to work with strangers." She took out her comm and studied the screen. Pulling up a map of the area. "And I don't like to share." If it wasn't so humid in that jungle, her tone sure would've cooled him off with its frostiness.

"I'm sure you can find some adventure elsewhere." Still studying the screen, she turned slightly to the left and began walking forward. Back toward the general direction of the water.

 

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden couldn't help but chuckle at the droid's antics. "Looks like your little buddy has good taste," he quipped, his grin widening as he glanced between Pibs and Kinsey. He had a feeling that complimenting her droid might needle her a little, but he couldn't resist. It was all part of the fun.

When Kinsey frowned and hit him with that frosty tone, Aiden simply shrugged, his grin undeterred. "Hey, you don't have to share a thing. The artifact is all yours. I'm just here for the thrill, the adventure… and maybe to keep you out of trouble," he added with a playful wink. "Think of it this way — it never hurts to have someone watching your back."

He let her stalk off toward the water, his longer strides easily keeping pace beside her despite her clear intent to leave him behind. The jungle around them grew thicker as they moved, the humidity pressing in from all sides, but Aiden didn't seem fazed. He kept his blaster at his hip and his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings, more out of habit than concern.

When they reached the edge of the lake, Aiden paused, his gaze narrowing as he took in the scene. The water was a deep, murky green, its surface rippling gently in the faint breeze. But it wasn't the water that caught his attention. Just beneath the surface, the faint outline of something stone-like glimmered in the filtered sunlight. Along the edge of the lake, partially submerged and covered in moss, were a series of stones etched with runes that seemed to pulse faintly, as though alive with an ancient energy.

"Well, now," Aiden murmured, stepping closer to one of the rune-covered stones. He crouched down, brushing away some of the moss with a gloved hand to get a better look. The runes were intricate, their patterns weaving together in a way that felt deliberate and powerful.

He glanced back at Kinsey, his expression equal parts curious and intrigued. "Looks like there's more to this lake than meets the eye," he said, nodding toward the faint outlines beneath the water.

Kinsey Starchaser ​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

An annoyed huff left her lips as he shadowed her. But she kept her gaze firmly on her comm screen. The problem was? The man had logic and Kinsey couldn't argue much with logic even if he was reminding her of a mynock that just wouldn't let go.

The explorer was used to working alone.

One because...she'd been through some bad chit and it took a lot for her to trust someone.

Two because it was easier. Moreso in the sense of habit. Just like it was easier to keep a routine. And something else that was clear to Kinsey was that she wouldn't easily be rid of him. At least for now. Might as well make the most of it. Even mynocks had their uses.

Her boots stopped just shy of touching the edge of the water. Finally, her gaze lifted from the screen she held as she clipped it back to her belt. The runes reminded her of something she'd seen with the sith once. And that power she'd been feeling since she got here? Had a small taint of the darkside. Her gaze turned thoughtful as she studied that water and what was beneath it. Then back to Soldier Boy.

"Fine. Fine. You can tag along but only if you agree to a few terms. Got it?"

Index finger lifted and poked into the air. Just shy of poking his chest. "Number one. Don't touch anything you don't fully understand? Wouldn't want Pibs to have to save you again."

Her frown from earlier quirked upward into something more roguish.

"Number two." Her next finger lifted in the air in the universal peace sign. "If I warn you about something, you need to listen. Got it, soldier boy?"

 

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden's smirk widened as Kinsey rattled off her list of rules, her finger hovering just shy of poking him in the chest. The way she carried herself, equal parts exasperation and determination, only fueled his amusement.

"Terms and conditions, huh?" he drawled, his gray eyes sparkling with mischief. "Alright, let's hear it."

He watched as she laid down her rules, nodding sagely with mock seriousness as each finger ticked upward. When she got to the part about not touching anything he didn't understand, Aiden let out a soft chuckle, his head tilting slightly. "First of all," he began, his tone as smooth as ever, "Pibs didn't save me. I had it all under control."

As her frown morphed into a roguish grin, he pointedly tapped his own chest with two fingers, mimicking her gesture from earlier. "But fine, rule one: no touching spooky ancient stuff unless I know exactly what it does. I'll behave."

When she got to rule two, he let his smirk curl just a little deeper. "And rule two," he said, his voice dropping just a notch, "I listen to you if you warn me. But only if you listen as well." He knew he was provoking her, but that was part of the fun.

Straightening up, he gestured toward the lake, his smirk shifting to a more curious expression. "So, fearless leader, what's next? Do we wade in after those runes, or do we keep admiring them from a safe distance?"

Kinsey Starchaser ​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

"Pibs didn't save me. I had it all under control."

Blue eyes rolled for what seemed like the umpteenth time since meeting the stranger. "Suresure, soldier boy."

A single brow lofted at his 'I'll be have' statement. As if in challenge. Calling him out on breaking it already before they'd even started. A silent look as if to say: oh will you?

A glance back to the water at his next question. A quickening of her heart within the confines of her chest. And suddenly, even with the humidity, her palms were sweating. "Uh, I'm going to check around the opposite bank. See if there's another way in."

There wasn't.

"But sure, you can go on in," she dodged to the right and wandered around the bend of the water. Blue eyes on high alert. Searching. For any other way inside those ruins. Because if there wasn't? She was thoroughly fethed.

There was a rustling sound in the bushes to her right.

 

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden tilted his head, his smirk deepening at the exaggerated roll of Kinsey’s eyes. “Careful, boss, keep rolling those eyes and they might just get stuck,” he quipped, his tone light and teasing.

When she mentioned checking the opposite bank, his brow perked slightly, his sharp gaze following her as she began to move. “Sure, you can check, but I’ll bet you a week’s worth of rations there’s no other way in. If we want that artifact, we’re going for a swim.” He shrugged easily, as if the prospect of wading into murky, potentially cursed water was just another Tuesday. “Good thing I packed spare clothes.”

Despite his casual tone, something about the way she spoke and moved caught his attention. The quick glance at the water, the sudden decision to veer off — it wasn’t just curiosity.

“You good?” he asked, his voice quieter but still steady. “You seem… off.”

He stepped toward her, his boots crunching softly against the damp ground. “Look, if you’re worried about what’s in there, you’re not going in alone. Neither of us is. Better if we stick together.” His tone carried no judgment, just calm reassurance.

If only he knew.

Kinsey Starchaser ​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

"Boss?" There was a nervous edge to her tone that had nothing to do with his chosen nickname. Pibs booped behind her. Hands lifted to perch on her hips as she looked around that lake. The lush jungle and tangle of vines that swooped on the edge of the water all the way around. The birds and insects buzzing. The clear air over the water.

He said something about a bet.

"Sure is some bet for all that food," voice trailed off. She kept a tight ship. Not a lot of credits poking around and anything extra went for repairs. Food wasn't something she was willing to bet flippantly, ever. But her attention was squarely on that murky water as something beneath the surface caused a few ripples to spread out.

Blues flitted to him and back to the water, a foreboding dread building in her gut.

"It's not that," she said quietly and faced him. For a moment, surprised at his demeanor. "I kinda...well...I don't know how to," she sighed, eyes traveling to her boots then back up again - a silent warning there. Anticipating how he was about to react.

"I can't swim."

Her voice was small and quiet as Pibs let out a bemoaning whistle.

 

[Aiden Rennek]

Aiden’s lips twitched the moment the words left her mouth, and he immediately caught the sharp glare she shot his way. He stiffened slightly, forcing himself not to laugh, and instead turned his back to her, raising a hand to his mouth to muffle a sound that was somewhere between a sniff and a chuckle.

“Well,” he said, clearing his throat as if trying to maintain some level of professionalism, “That complicates things.”

He glanced over his shoulder, smirk firmly in place, his eyes flickering with amusement. “So, what’s the plan then, boss? You wanna hang back while I dive in, or are you going to trust me to keep you from sinking like a rock?”

He turned fully to face her, his grin widening just enough to toe the line between teasing and genuine. “Because I’ve gotta say, as much as I enjoy winning bets, hauling your butt out of the water sounds like more of a workout than I planned for today.”

Aiden leaned slightly closer, his tone lowering even further. “But, hey, I’m nothing if not a team player. If we’re going in together, I’ll make sure you don’t drown. Promise.”

He straightened again, his smirk softening just a touch as he added with a playful glint, “Your call, Captain.”

Kinsey Starchaser
​

 

[Kinsey Starchaser]

"It's not funny," she blurted. Hands dropping from her hips and fingers curling into tight fists at her sides. She sucked down a gulpful of air. As if she was already anticipating it being her last. Which was ridiculous. Just like that widening smirk on his face.

She could send him in alone.

But that darkside she was sensing? It wasn't smart for either of them to be solo. Especially if he wasn't a forcer. And as much as she liked going solo on jobs, she wouldn't condemn someone else when there was a very clear and present danger that went beyond the water. It was the same reason why she'd ran toward him when she'd heard trouble. She wasn't a monster. And her drive to protect others even when things got chitty, well, that wasn't something she could shake even though she desperately wanted to.

Very slowly her tightly curled fisted fingers unwound and relaxed at her sides.

"Okay," she exhaled long and slow. Not backing down an inch even as he leaned in closer then straightened out. "We'll do it your way, okay?"

Oh stars.

Against her better judgement, she was actually going to have to trust this man. His smug smirk and all. "So, how are we going to do this?" Hand lifted and motioned between them and then to the water.