Despite it all, the forest was calm. There was a beautiful breeze flowing its way through the branches of the canopy. Hardly a cloud in the sky, the sun did its best to pierce through, and give much needed light to what few plants grew below the thicker covered areas. Occasionally, a brightly colored leaf would fall to the ground; fall was starting earlier than expected. Mimi didn't mind, on the contrary she was ecstatic to see the forest in such a state. Having grown up knowing only sand made for a dull autumn, and winter seasons. The sound of leaves crunching beneath her feet put a soft smile on her face as Mimi continued walking through the forest. However, she wasn't the only one crunching leaves out here. Giving a glance back to confirm they were still there, Mimi checked on her traveling companions; six beowolves, two ursas, four boarbatusks, and even a fairly large death stalker were steadily keeping pace with her. Originally, when she left the ruins of Gardenfell she was alone as the Conductor was preoccupied, and Salem had pointed her towards the next target. Along her walk these Grimm had either followed her out of the village, or appeared from the forest, and decided to follow her. Mimi already knew why they were following her. I feel like a mother ursa leading her kids to food. The irony of having ursas currently following her, too, was not lost on her. Every now, and again one of the Grimm would stare at her for a bit, before looking around at something else. This is kinda creepy. The unsettling thing about traveling with Grimm is the oppressive silence since they don't talk. Or… Mimi recalled what Salem had said to her; that it's not that they didn't talk, but that she just wasn't listening. One of the boarbatusks was walking by her side, so she decided to give it a shot. Not really knowing how, Mimi tried to 'extend' her thought out directed at the Grimm. Whatever that means.

Can you hear me? Mimi waited, and tried to 'listen' better, but the boarbatusk didn't even flinch, let alone acknowledge it had 'heard' her. Walking backwards in order to face her traveling 'party' Mimi next tried talking with the ursas, and beowolves; they seemed like pack creatures so surely they would be a bit more talkative than a pig, right? The ursas, like the boarbatusk, didn't respond, but one of the beowolves cocked his head to the side at her. You can hear me! Are you able to talk? Again, the beowolf that originally responded cocked his head to the other side with a look of confusion in his eyes. Mimi gave a heavy sigh, and rubbed her temples. Great. The one beowolf I get to respond has the intelligence of an actual dog. Suddenly, the image of a tree came into her mind. Wha-AH Mimi's thought was interrupted as she walked backwards directly into a tree. She rubbed the back of her head, and silently cursed in her head, but quickly turned back towards her gathering of Grimm. That image of a tree wasn't one of her thoughts, and it was the exact tree she ran into. The boarbatusks, ursas, and beowolves were quiet, but the death stalker… Mimi approached the large Grimm staring into its many eyes. Its bone plates were chipped with what looked like weapon scars signifying its age, and power. It looked at her inquisitively. Did you warn me about the tree? Again, thoughts came into her mind that weren't hers. They weren't words, but rather images that reflected a feeling one would get as if to convey…

Affirmation. Mimi's eyes widened.

So, you do understand me, too!

Affirmation.

Can you talk normally?

Confusion. The death stalker's head slightly cocked to one side. Mimi reflected on what she had asked, and how completely strange it must have sounded to the Grimm. Right, if anything I'm the one talking weirdly for a Grimm. Getting herself back on track she reallocated herself to the surroundings, and resumed her walk to the next target in the hopes of drawing out Shiro. Her loneliness, however, was getting to her.

So… She directed her thoughts at the death stalker, Know any good travel stories?

Confusion.

Right…You probably don't know what that means. Mimi thought for a moment before adding, Like, tales about your past; the things you've done, and seen. Those kinda things.

Confusion.

Why would we do that?

Affirmation.

Because, it passes the time, and because it's something travelers do when out together.

Wanting confirmation.

Yeah. Like, for me… Mimi recounted some of the things she's been through after coming to Vale. At times she wasn't sure if the death stalker was listening as there was no way to read its face, but it would occasionally interject for clarification on some things which solved that mystery. When it came to Jade the death stalker seemed rather confused.

Confusion.

Well, I mean, she was just an idealistic kid, and I took away her chance at a future. I just feel that I owe her for that.

Negative.

You don't think so?

Affirmation.

Are you even able to comprehend the 'why' of why I want to keep my promise to Jade?

Tentative negative.

Tentative?

Affirmation.

Why only tentative? Abstract thoughts began entering her mind; thoughts about a view of the world that was completely alien to Mimi. Through the abstraction of thought images pushed through: fallen men with spears, the seasons passing by in seconds, a sense of isolation. These are your thoughts… Mimi slowed down, and stopped as she comprehended what she was 'seeing' in her mind. How you see the world.

Affirmation.

I… Mimi, while she was loath to admit it, had become rather lonely over the years of being away, and only occasionally visiting either Sandra, or Coaltun during those twenty-some years did little to help. But, the death stalker had always been alone. It didn't know what it meant, it couldn't even comprehend what it means to want to keep a promise. Mimi started walking again with a renewed vigor. Vet.

Confusion.

That's your name now. Vet, because you're obviously a veteran of many battles.

Confusion.

It's fine if you don't get it, yet. I'm gonna teach you the feeling of having a name.

Concerned confusion.

Oh, don't give me that. It's not like this will cause you pain, or anything just by giving you a name. Besides, I'm not just gonna call you 'death stalker' all the time; that would get annoying, especially if there's multiple death stalkers around.

Tentative affirmation.

Good. Mimi, Vet, and the rest of their group continued walking until the seer reappeared from the canopy, and Salem's image appeared in its glass ball.

"You've attracted quite the following, it seems," she said with a bemused expression looking over Mimi's party.

Mimi nodded, Was there a change of plans?

"Indeed," Salem had an unnerving smile on her face, "It appears all it took was one to get the pieces moving." Mimi's eyes widened with anticipation.

You mean…?

Salem nodded, "The Neuanfang has left Vale's docks, and is making its way east." Mimi's hands clenched into fists. "The best place to ambush it would be near Lakehurst township due north of here."

Ambush it? Mimi tilted her head in confusion. How am I supposed to ambush a flying boat?

Salem merely smiled, "Oh you won't need to worry about that. I've taken care of your ride for you."

My…ride? Large shadows cast themselves over the clearing where they were, and Mimi looked up. Oh. Vet looked from Salem to Mimi, and eventually up.

Anxious excitement?

Anxious excitement.