Teams

"So, what you are saying is that we are going to be scattered across the Americas?" Rachel asked, a shocked expression on her face.

"Yep." Jake said.

"That sounds kinda rushed." Brandon stated, "I mean, with everything that has happened so far, wouldn't it be wise if, you know, we got some days off?"

"Well, no." Jake said bluntly. "No days off for us. That's our job."

"Great." Rachel groaned. "So, right after we lose our teachers, we're being sent elsewhere to die."

"Yep. I don't call the shots. And that's how its been for a long time."

"But..." Rachel was about to say, but then was cut short by Sarah.

"So, where are we being assigned to?" She asked from where she stood.

"Depends on who you're being assigned to." Jake said, "For Brandon, you've been assigned to me. Rachel, you've been assigned to Queens. Sarah, you've been assigned to Martha, so you won't have to go anywhere. You'll remain here to finish up your training."

"Glad that one of us is lucky." Rachel said sarcastically.

"... and Blake," Jake continued. "You've been assigned to Ricardo."

"So," Brandon said, jumping to his feet, "What day do we leave?"

"Today."

"Huh?"

"Yeah, today." Jake said, "Your assigned inquisitor should be waiting here for a while but they have till evening to leave to their assigned areas. As for where they are going, that depends on where they were assigned to."

"And where am I going?" Brandon asked.

"Alaska."

"Huh?"

"Good luck guys," Jake said, forcing a smile as he left the recruits on the field.

Blake stood still, staring at the clear sky of the new day. This was not what he was expecting when he woke up this morning. But then again, as his father had said, expect the unexpected.

"So," Blake began, turning to the others, "Anyone know who Ricardo is?"

"No idea." Brandon said. Rachel shook her head.

"Ricardo is an inquisitor, about the same age as Martha. He's pretty ok, but the rest of his guys are...well unconventional." Sarah said

"Unconventional in what way?" Brandon and Blake asked.

Sarah sighed, as if not wanting to say.

"From what I heard, Two of them used to be mercenaries. They've killed quite a number of people."

"Ok. Then I'll just stick to Ricardo" Blake asked.

"Ricardo's also been to prison before. Apparently it was a serious crime, but nobody talks about it."

"Damn," Brandon said under his breath.

"Be careful, Blake," Sarah said walking away.

"Yeah, 'be careful'" Rachel spat in disgust, "Its not like she gets to be taking far away from here."

"Come on, Rachel."

"I'm not going to turn a blind eye to this, Brandon. She's always treated like some princess while we have the dirty work. I'm not having that." Rachel said, storming off.

"She's in a whole new mood." Blake said.

"Y...yeah." Brandon agreed. "She's on edge a bit, but she'll snap right back to a her usual self in no time."

"I hope so."

Brandon sighed. "I'll head inside. Since the place I'm headed is a long way ahead anyway."

"Okay. Good luck."

"Yeah. You too."

Blake watched as Brandon walked off. Alaska, huh? Well, that was a far place off, even for him. He on the other hand didn't even know where he was going. Hell, he could get Mexico for all he knew. Or Greenland.

He walked over to the edge of the field, grabbing one of the mu ren zhuang from the pile. He drove it into the ground and began to train.

His thoughts shifted to the recent events. Barry and Aaron's deaths. As much as he tried to clear it from his head, they came back. Sure, it wasn't like he was sad or anything, and sure, it wasn't like his uncle hadn't filled him in on those details from the start. But experience was the best teacher.

"Hey."

Blake turned swiftly to see who it was, only to see a fist ram into his face.

Brandon stepped into the mansion, a ray of hope in his heart. Going to Alaska was fun and all, but that wasn't the point. It was just the fact that he could finally get in on the big action. He walked into Shino, the latter who spilled his cup of chocolate drink.

"Hey."

"Sorry man," Brandon apologized scratching his head, "my bad."

"Oh. Its you," Shino said, "Heard you've been teamed with Jake."

"Yeah," Brandon exclaimed, "Finally getting in on the action,"

"Yeah, just don't bring that attitude with us."

"'Us?'"

"Yes, 'us'." Shino replied. "I am part of Jake squad."

"Since when where we put into squads?"

"We're always put in squads, Brandon. Always. Inquisitors are put into teams of four. There's another girl, but we'll pick her up on the way."

"But why were you originally just two?"

"Well, I'll let you guess that one yourself," Shino said, walking away, "You owe me a cup of hot Choco."

"Yeah."

Brandon smiled, walking into the arsenal. He looked at the numerous weapons scattered about the room, his eyes resting on a pair of knuckles. He rummaged through the pile until he found his nunchucks. He span them around for a while before heading off. He stopped at the door, looking at the spear leaned in the far corner. Apparently it was called the Spearhead, a name given to it by the owner that used it before the late Barry. He picked it up, examining its blade. A pity for it to end up here, gathering dust.