Hanna finds Rob in one of the smaller rooms within the main training dojo working on his sai technique with a mù rén zhuāng. "Hey babe," she greets.

"Hey honey," Rob replies, finishing his current sequence before holstering his sai, turning to his wife, and noticing her troubled expression. "Something wrong?"

"I'm… not sure," Hanna answers. "You know how Maria touched a dying rose bush and brought it back to life? Well… it appears I can do something unusual as well."

"Like keeping a mug of hot chocolate hot?" Rob guesses.

"In one," Hanna confirms. "Seems I can use limited fire powers without needing the Crystal."

"That explains why the falcon's icicle attack didn't harm you."

"I was being dismissive when I said it's my affinity protecting me, but it's true: it really did save my life."

"And you're worried about losing control again," Rob concludes.

"Julian came to the same conclusion," Hanna replies. Technically, I'm not lying.

"Then it makes even less sense he excluded me from the meeting," Rob replies. "Unless he wanted to hear directly from you without me interfering?"

"I guess," Hanna shrugs. "Anyway, he's asked me to keep him informed about any developments. And before you ask: yes, I'll keep you informed too."

"Good," Rob smiles, reassured. "Would it be worth asking him if he can also figure out a training regimen to help you stay in control?"

Hanna didn't expect that suggestion. How the fuck did he get that close already‽ "Well, I guess I could ask," she answers, pretending not to be surprised. "Don't know how much help he could be with that though."

"You'll never know if you never ask," Rob replies. "Want to head home and finally have that session we missed this morning?" he adds with a flirtatious wink.

"Is my tail magnificently bushy?" Hanna smirks seductively as she pulls her husband to her in a loving embrace, her magnificently bushy tail wrapped around them both.

Rob gives his wife a loving kiss. "Just promise not to accidentally burn me," he requests cheekily.

"I'll do my best," Hanna chuckles.


As Hanna and Rob leave Red Scarves HQ and head home, the five Leaders are gathering in their private meeting room in the central tower of the compound. The first to arrive is Leader Lillith Song, a bronze‑furred civet with a silver pixie cut, mint green leggings, and a purple chemise extending to mid‑thigh that matches her fitted knee‑length boots and fingerless gloves. She is joined moments later by Leader Tracy Metharom, a slate‑grey pangolin in a peach tank top, amber skater skirt, and matching fitted tawny knee‑length boots and fingerless gloves.

"Hey Tracy," Lillith greets from her seat bearing the ideograph 金 that reflects her Metal affinity. "Do you know why Julian called this meeting?"

"Not a clue," Tracy replies as she takes the seat bearing the 土 symbol matching her Earth affinity. "Must be important though: this is the first time he's called one of these meetings."

"Hopefully it's nothing too serious," Lillith ventures.

"Me too," Leader Aziza Kyokan interjects, the grey‑furred chinchilla taking the seat marked 水, the symbol of her Water affinity. "Guess we're waiting for Julian to arrive and explain everything," she adds as Leader Kyung Moon enters, the tawny‑furred tiger in a cobalt blue vest paired with black trousers silently taking the seat bearing the 火 symbol of Fire.

They don't have long to wait: Leader Julian Cummings arrives a few moments later and takes the remaining seat that bears 木, the symbol of Wood. "I'm sure you're all wondering why I've called this meeting," he greets, getting straight to business. "Remember when we first received reports that Maria Shanmao revived a rose bush simply by touching it?"

"I remember we were all concerned about how such a thing was possible," Aziza recalls. "It's an extremely rare occurrence for any Scarf to spontaneously develop the ability to tap directly into their elemental affinity without any training."

"Training we've not given since the Great Draconic War, due to the inherent dangers of such powers," Tracy reminds.

"I also remember expressing concern that some of her friends may also develop such abilities, given their exposure to the Elemental Crystals," Lillith adds. "Especially Hanna Skarlett."

"And this is exactly why I called this meeting: she has," Julian reveals. "I called her in this morning to have a private chat, just to make sure everything's going well after all her adventures over the last couple of years, and I noticed that as she was holding her drink in her hands, faint wisps of flame were weaving around her fingers, as if she was keeping her hot chocolate at the perfect temperature."

"This is indeed a concern, given her previous… indiscretions when using the Fire Crystal," Tracy agrees, deliberately understating the severity of the vixen's actions.

"A concern I believe is made more valid by the fact she wasn't aware of this until I pointed it out to her," Julian continues. "However, it is reassuring that she was immediately concerned about any possible regression into previous undesirable behaviours."

"All the more reason to remind you all that I advised against allowing her the freedoms she has, given her record of ill‑discipline," Aziza replies. "And yes, I'm fully aware of her surprisingly exemplary track record when it comes to mission success, and that she played pivotal roles in saving Shang Mu from destruction and bringing an end to the Gotoshi Naisen."

"What amuses me about the whole affair is that after all the adventures she's been through, and knowing Maria's previously developed limited elemental powers, Hanna dismissed developing her own powers as, to use her term, 'bullshit'," Julian informs.

"'Amusing' isn't the term I'd use," Aziza remarks disapprovingly.

"Maybe 'intriguing' is a better word," Julian offers. "Still, once she saw the evidence for herself, she did immediately switch to concern."

"As interesting as her reactions are, we need to stay focussed on the important matter of how we're going to ensure she doesn't suddenly become a major threat to herself and others," Tracy interjects, bringing the conversation back on topic.

"We can't simply allow these powers to go unchecked like we can with Maria," Lillith adds.

"And that is the ultimate purpose of calling this meeting: to work out how to prevent Hanna turning into the next Corazon," Julian explains.

"She must receive appropriate training to control her powers as they develop," Kyung suggests, deciding the moment is right to speak for the first time since entering the room.

Lillith, Tracy, and Aziza exchange looks of concern.

Julian however is more receptive. "I did think about that myself, but I wanted to make sure we're all in agreement before suggesting it to Hanna," he reveals. They don't need to know I've already suggested such training for my own purposes.

"We've not offered such training for a century," Tracy reminds. "We cannot risk a repeat of the atrocities committed during the Great Draconic War. Therefore, I suggest that we simply forbid Hanna from developing her powers and make it extremely clear to her that any violation of this order, be it deliberate or accidental, will result in her incarceration and containment until we find a way to strip those powers from her."

"I agree with Tracy," Aziza votes. "We cannot run the risk of her becoming Avalice's next major threat to its existence."

"I guess that leaves me with the deciding vote," Lillith sighs. "I understand the potential risk she poses, yet I cannot agree with placing such strict limits on her… It's a tough decision."

"If it helps, I volunteer to take full responsibility for Hanna's training and any repercussions should the training fail," Julian assures. The training will happen regardless, but I need to ensure they won't attempt to interfere.

"This is an unexpected development from someone who was comfortable to watch as Lillith, Tracy, and myself dealt with her previous indiscretions instead," Aziza replies.

"As you know, I was fully prepared to intervene if required," Julian reminds. "The reason I did not is because you did such a great job, my involvement was rendered unnecessary."

"It would have been welcome regardless," Aziza argues.

"True, and that is a failing on my part, hence why I'm being more proactive on this occasion," Julian admits.

Aziza still has her doubts, but she elects to remain silent.

"In that case, may I propose a compromise?" Lillith suggests. "Julian devises and conducts a training regimen for Hanna that will allow her to develop her powers while remaining in full control, but if she deviates and becomes a threat, then we contain her until we can strip her of her powers, and Julian is removed as Leader and punished appropriately."

"As long as the punishment is just, I agree to this," Julian replies.

"It's an acceptable compromise," Tracy agrees.

"I still think a total ban is the better option," Aziza adds. "But I accept that I am now in the minority."

"I promise, you won't regret this," Julian vows. Because you won't get the chance.

"With that settled, is there any other business we need to attend to?" Lillith asks.

"I have nothing further to discuss," Julian confirms as Tracy, Aziza, and Kyung remain silent.

"Then let us get back to our duties," Lillith replies.


Ten minutes later, Julian is relaxing in his sanctum, allowing himself the opportunity to privately bask in his good fortune. It proved much easier than I thought ensuring the other Leaders don't interfere with Hanna's training, though I do still need to take care not to accidentally reveal too much. Regardless, all the pieces are finally falling into place: I have the Shade Virus, I have my vessel, and I can further my plans at the desired pace. There's just one piece left to obtain, and it's by far the most difficult piece of them all. Good thing I have the details of a former Jade Alliance operative ideally suited to stealing it. I just hope I can afford her fee… I'll figure something out.

Julian moves from the sofa to his desk, opens the appropriate app on his computer, and enters the contact details in question.

It takes several moments for the heavily‑encrypted connection to be accepted. "State your business."

"Surveillance of an individual and theft of a precious artefact," Julian replies.

A pause. "Which individual?"

"Milla Basset."

Another pause. "What artefact?"

"The Fire Elemental Crystal and its associated Inhibitor Headband."

"Where is it?"

"In a secure guarded vault in the research laboratories under Shang Tu Palace."

A longer pause. "My fee."

Julian blinks in surprise at the size of the number that appears. "That's… more than I thought it'd be."

"Half up front, no negotiation, payment in person in crystals only."

Now it's Julian's turn to pause. Even half the fee is a considerable portion of my personal wealth… "Would you consider thirty percent up front?"

"Either accept my terms or stop wasting my time."

She really won't negotiate, will she? Guess I have no choice. "Very well, I accept your terms," Julian agrees.

"Meet me at these co‑ordinates at midnight. Come alone, and make sure you have the money."

The connection is terminated before a reply can be made.

Well, she's as direct as I expected. Now to find out where these co‑ordinates are. Julian enters the provided co‑ordinates into a mapping application. Hmm… Not what I was expecting, but it's easily far enough out of the way to minimise the risk of being followed or spotted.


At the stroke of midnight, Julian arrives at the entrance to an underground bunker, one that Hanna Skarlett, Rob Stiil, and Team Lilac would find familiar. So, this is where Hanna was intending to set up her New Elementals before Lilac put an end to it… I wonder if they knew this bunker was constructed during the Great Draconic War? I'd be surprised if they did: it's not something we teach, and what information there is in our library about this place is kept out of the reach of all but the most senior members.

Wondering where his contact is, Julian approaches the bunker door and finds it open just enough to squeeze through. A perfect pinch point; she's taking no chances.

"You came alone?" a firm monotone voice greets.

"Of course," Julian assures. "Agent Akairo, I assume?"

"You assume correctly," Akairo confirms. "Enter and close the door behind you."

Julian steps inside the bunker and closes the door, leaving him in pitch black for a few moments before the lights come on to reveal a slate grey bat with short‑cropped black hair and wearing a midnight blue military‑spec bodyglove, black calf‑length combat boots, and black gloves standing just five feet in front of him and aiming an adapted high‑powered rifle directly in the centre of his forehead.

Julian remains impassive. "There's no need for that."

"That's for me to decide," Akairo replies. "Do you have my money?"

Julian holds up a hemp bag loaded with crystals. "Half your fee, as agreed."

Keeping the adapted rifle in her left wing, Akairo takes the bag with her right. Feels about the right weight. "I'll need to count it."

"Of course."

No bluff… He clearly values this mission more than scamming me. "Wait here." Akairo retreats into a small room a short distance down the corridor, returning a few minutes later with the payment counted and confirmed as the correct amount. "Follow me."

Julian follows Akairo deeper into the bunker complex, eventually arriving in a room set up as a rudimentary operational headquarters. "Not bad," he remarks, noting the sparse yet functional array of equipment.

"It serves its purpose," Akairo replies, taking a seat at the small desk and indicating Julian should take the one opposite. "To confirm, you wish me to keep Milla Basset under surveillance and steal the Fire Elemental Crystal and accompanying Inhibitor Headband from Shang Tu Palace."

"Correct," Julian confirms, taking the other seat.

"I find this request highly unusual," Akairo remarks. "Do you not have Team Lilac under surveillance already?"

"We do, but their attention must be divided between all three members, and sometimes they must choose who to follow when the group is divided," Julian explains.

"And they follow either Lilac or Carol, individuals who's combat capabilities are already known to you," Akairo guesses. "Which means you wish to learn what Milla's capable of."

"Exactly," Julian confirms.

"Surveillance is unproductive," Akairo replies. "I have an alternative idea: I engage her in combat and push her to her limits. And before you object, know I am fully aware of my own limitations, and I never remain in combat longer than necessary."

"What if that leaves you unable to steal the Crystal and Headband?"

"It won't."

"I'm risking too much for you to fail."

"I won't."

Julian sees no hint of doubt in the chiropteran's eyes. "Very well," he agrees. "Keep me updated."

"Of course. Is there a deadline?"

"I must have the Crystal and Headband before the B‑MAC."

Forty‑seven days. Plenty of time. "Consider it done."