"Hey Traea!" Bo called from the next room.

Traea looked up, "What is it?" She put down the flute. Kodey frowned in her lap.

Bo leaned around the doorway, "The north fence got knocked over, could you go fix it? I'm a little busy right now."

Traea nodded, "Sure no problem."

The kids surrounding her whined.

Traea handed the flute to Ada and stood, "Sorry guys."

"You promised to play the lute for us!" Mai held up the stringed instrument.

"Another time." The kids slid off her shoulders and the birds on her head took off. "I gotta go fix the fence."

"Could you also check on the vines while you're out there?" Bo called.

"And the vines, apparently." Traea rubbed her head.

Proteus stood up and dusted his hands, he was peeling oranges for the kids, "I'll come."

"okay!" Traea popped a slice in her mouth. "Bring the Lute." She said around the orange.

Proteus picked up the lute by the neck. "Why?"

"Perses!" Traea greeted her twin, "What's up?"

Perses mumbled something.

"Still waiting for it to dry huh?"

Perses said something else and Traea nodded.

"We're going to fix the fence." Traea gestured toward Proteus. "You wanna come?"

"Hi Perses!" Proteus waved cheerfully.

Perses lifted a hand but averted his eyes.

"Traea, why do we need a lute?" Proteus asked.

"For fun."

Perses whispered in Traea's ear.

"Perses wants to know how you slept last night." Traea said to the prince.

"Good." Despite the dog and two kids piled onto Traea's bed, he'd slept like a rock. "Thanks for asking Perses. Traea…"

"For fun." Traea repeated.

Perses pressed a hand into Traea's shoulder and gave her a look.

"It's fine." Traea rolled her eyes. "I didn't go to practice this morning."

Perses frowned.

"I didn't, I promise."

Perses shook his head and said something with his hands.

"Since when?"

Perses gestured rapidly.

"As if. Even injured I can carry more than you." She grinned.

Perses huffed.

"Fine. You can carry a few." She gave him a look, "A few."

Perses stuck out his tongue, and walked away, "Bossy."

Proteus smiled in understanding. "Don't worry Perses, she bosses me around too."

Perses grinned.

Apparently, they were arguing about carrying logs. Traea ended up with four and Perses ended up with two after much debate. Proteus just stood there with the lute trying to mediate, he offered to carry two since then it'd be even, but both the twins adamantly refused.

Traea ended up with four logs slung over her shoulder and a hammer and chisel in one hand.

Proteus followed after carrying a shovel and the lute.

Perses got two logs and a sack of something.

Proteus got a good look around at the fields and out buildings. Hills and groves doting the country side, and in the distance the city.

Traea put down the logs and tested the fence post that wiggled in the hole it was stuck in. "How'd they knock this over?" She pulled the post out of the ground and looked at where it was stuck.

"Proteus. Could you dig out the loose dirt from this hole?"

"Sure thing!" Proteus carefully laid the lute down in the grass under a tree and did as he was asked.

Perses put down the logs and picked up the pieces of wood laying on the ground. He shook his head and sighed.

The general examined some of the marks on the wood, looked like an animal, maybe a deer.

"Traea, I'm done."

"Thank you-" Lifting the pole into the air Traea stabbed it downward with a thunk and it stuck in the dirt. She tested it to see if it wiggled, but it seemed fine. "Can you hold this?"

Proteus quickly held the post still as Traea pulled her arm back and started hammering it into the ground.

Perses winced and Traea stopped, "Sorry Perses, I forgot you were there." She emptied the sack and a few parcels tumbled out. Wrapping the hammer in the cloth Traea started hammering again, the sharp sound muffled to a dull thud.

Perses lowered his hands from his ears in relief. He started sorting the fence pieces and then started carefully chiseling some holes in the newer logs. Using a rock as a makeshift hammer.

Traea stopped hammering and gave the fence post a good smack. It stayed stuck firmly in place.

"Could you fill the hole?" She asked Proteus tossing the hammer aside.

"Got it." Proteus shoveled dirt around the fence post and patted the pile when he was done.

"Is this the first time you've done something like this?" Traea asked leaning on the post. It was strange seeing the elegant prince of Syracuse using a shovel.

Proteus grimaced, "Can you tell?"

"No." Traea shrugged, "Just thought you wouldn't have done it before."

Proteus propped up the shovel, "Well, It's the first time." He smiled, "I kind of like it. Maybe I should become a professional fencer." Proteus paused, "-Person who makes fences. Handy man?" He wrinkled his nose. That didn't seem right.

Traea laughed, "I'm not surprised, you do like fixing things, even as a prince."

"I seem to make more problems than I solve." Proteus sighed, "I'm zero for two this month."

"It's just a bad month I'm sure." Traea picked up a log Perses gave her and set it. "You fix all sorts of things."

"Thanks, but if I didn't do anything I wouldn't be worth my salt." Proteus grinned, "Especially with all the rules I break."

Traea chuckled, "What's up with that? Aren't you suppose to be this paragon of virtue? This entire time I thought you were this straight laced guy, and then I find out you're halfway to being a delinquent." She joked, "You're supposed to uphold the law not break it."

"I break rules not laws." Proteus defended himself. "Some rules are lame."

"rules are just laws that haven't been written down." Traea pointed.

Proteus leaned on top of the fence post, "I thought I'd finally have a partner in crime." Proteus sighed, "But it turns out you do everything by the books. Marina gave me the impression that you were some wild freewheeling general who ran around the countryside sustained on adventure and fresh air." He pouted, "I was lied to."

Traea laughed and slotted the top log in, "What makes you think it's a lie?"

Proteus blinked, "You're pretty serious."

"Is that what you think?" Traea thought for a moment, "your opinion is in sparse company."

Others aren't looking hard enough. "You can't fool me Traea." Proteus smiled, "My father isn't desperate enough to have a general as young as you, if you weren't serious." He tilted his head, "I've seen you work, your focus is enviable

Traea shook her head, "Perses's is much better." She diverted his attention.

Proteus said easily, "You're not really wandering around the countryside free as a bird are you?"

"Freedom is built on responsibility." Traea straightened, "It requires dedication."

"You're saying freedom is conditional?" Proteus asked.

"I'm saying freedom is meaningless without justice, kindness, and equity." She slotted another log in, "The freedom to choose your own path can only be achieved in an environment that can subsist such dreams. That environment must be created through hard work and commitment to duty." Traea wrinkled her nose, "It sounds better in Chinese."

"Did Xi say all this?" Proteus asked.

Traea chuckled, "No. It just sounds less preachy."

"I see." Proteus smiled, "I think you said it well enough."

Traea leaned on the top log, "I guess I didn't need to say it to you. You're more dedicated than I am."

Proteus shrugged, "I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I'm faking it." He snapped his mouth shut and looked panicked.

Traea sat on top of the fence and smiled, kindly, "It's exhausting, isn't it?"

"I-" After a moment's hesitation, Proteus's shoulders slumped, "Do you ever get tired?"

Traea shrugged, "I think it's only natural."

Proteus shook his head, "I'm not supposed to get tired." He slotted the last log in.

"You are perfect aren't you?" Traea rested her chin in her hand elbow propped up on her knee. "Perfect Princes rarely get tired."

"You're making fun of me." Proteus frowned and straightened indignantly.

"No." Traea looked at the fields green and sunny, "I just think it's unfair. I chose to be a general, you hardly chose to be a prince."

"…So you pity me." He swung himself up to perch beside her. He'd never been pitied before.

"I admire you too much to pity you Proteus." Traea chuckled. She paused for a moment, "When I'm tired I come here." Her eyes traced the horizon. "Where do you go?"

"I don't have the luxury of running all the way to the countryside for my breaks."

Traea huffed a laugh, "No, you just sneak down to Dolos and play cards instead."

Proteus laughed. "You got me there."

"Well, if you ever feel the urge to run farther you should come here." Traea grinned, "You can be our babysitter."

"Babysitter?" Proteus asked.

"Oh yeah. You keep up with the kids better than I can." She put a hand on his shoulder, "We need all the help we can get."

"You sound too desperate Traea."

"It's fun I promise." She said desperately.

Perses leaned over and looked at them.

"And Perses likes you too." She grinned, "Right Perses?"

Perses frowned.

"What? It's not a secret."

"Maybe I'll take that offer." Proteus grinned, "But I also think we should do what your uncle told us to do," He hopped off the fence. "-and not dilly dally." He held out his hand to help Traea down.

Traea took it despite them both knowing full well she didn't need help. "Never mind, you are stuck up." She hopped down.

"Not as much as you are. Isn't that right Perses?" Proteus said over his shoulder.

Perses laughed.

"How dare you turn my own brother against me." Traea huffed fake offended and snatched her hand away, "You are a scoundrel sir."

"Traea!" Two girls flung themselves on the general. "We're so happy to see you!"

Traea had to keep herself from toppling into the grapes as the twins clung to her waist. "Hey guys, it's nice to see you too." She patted their heads.

An older man who was their father came over and lifted his straw hat, "Traea, I see you've come visiting."

"My uncle asked me to come down here. Is there a problem with the grapes?" Traea asked displacing the girls on her arms.

"Before that," The old farmer said holding up his hand, "Who's this city boy that you've brought into my orchard?"

Traea looked behind her to see Proteus and Perses looking at a bug on a leaf. "That's Proteus, he's a friend of mine."

"He better not be tramping all over my grapes." The old man huffed.

"Oh Borus," Traea put her hand on her chest, "Do you think I would bring city folk into your precious grape fields without vetting him first? You think so lowly of me."

"Don't be a brat." Borus huffed but smiled. "I swear to Olympus, everyone and their grandfather is named Proteus these days."

"Isn't your grandson's name Proteus?" Traea asked.

"No."

"Yes!" The two girls chirruped.

"Don't you two have chores to do?" Borus asked.

"Hey Traea!" A girl with short brown hair popped her head around a grape vine. "You're back!"

Traea smiled, "Hi Valerie. I love your hair."

The girl blushed and patted her short locks, "Thanks. What brought you back so early?"

"I was bored."

A voice laughed from the other side of a bundle of grapes. "That does sound like you." A golden head of hair appeared.

"Hey Malori." Traea waved, "Did you hear back from Lord Iacaustus yet?"

The girl shook her head, "Not yet. But maybe soon!"

"That's great!" Traea pushed a branch aside and stepped through the vines, "He'd be an idiot to let you go." The girls followed holding onto her robe, "Wait a minute." Traea smiled, "Have you guys just been waiting to ambush me?"

Malori tried to look innocent, "Maybe…"

Valerie had no such reservations, "Of course!" And leapt on Traea.

One of the two smaller girls shoved her sister, "Get off, Traea's mine!"

"Well, I think I'm mine." Traea muttered catching Valerie before the teen could take a tumble in the grapes.

Malori took Traea's arm, "We missed you Traea."

"Borus help me out here." Traea pleaded.

Borus shrugged, "Better you than that Cordelius boy down the way."

"Who's that?" Valerie looked at Proteus.

"My friend Proteus." She looked at him, blissfully unaware very open to attacks, "Why don't you guys say hi. He's very nice."

"I want to stay with you." One of the two girls pouted.

"It'd be rude if you don't introduce yourselves." Traea looked at them.

After a moment of consideration, they all peeled off of her and hurried over to introduce themselves to Proteus.

"That won't keep them occupied for long." Borus warned.

Traea grinned, "Proteus is a surprisingly distracting person."

Borus just beckoned Traea over to a group of vines. "When the sun was gone for a whole week, some of the vines got a mold, we've gotten rid of the infected vines but the mold keeps on appearing-"

Traea looked at the leaves. It wasn't too bad yet, white mold spores dusting a couple of the leaves like snow. "You did well to contain it." She turned the leaf over and frowned. "It's mildew right?"

"Yeah."

Traea nodded, "A farmer to the east used a spoon of baking soda, half spoon of soap and half spoon of oil in a gallon of water. That'll work on mold. You won't have to kill the plants."

"Does it really?" Old man Borus asked suspicious.

"I tried it on some plants in my study." Traea smiled, "Use it once a week, and it should do the trick."

Borus shrugged, "Whatever you say Traea." He took a peek at Proteus who was doing well keeping the four girls occupied. "He one of your soldier friends?"

Traea started plucking off the dead leaves. "We work together." She sighed, "And he's not insufferable so I keep him around."

Borus laughed harshly, "You could keep company with a harpy and still say it's not insufferable."

"How do you figure that?"

He smiled, "You let my granddaughters pester you until the cows come home if that's not patience I don't know what is."

"How dare you." Traea smiled fondly. "They're not that bad."

The old man rolled his eyes, "You've always been a strange one. Has he met everyone yet?"

"Most of everyone. They like him so much I don't think they'll let us leave." Traea grinned reaching up to pluck another dead leaf. "Even Perses likes him." Traea looked at them, Proteus making sure Perses was included in the conversation even if her twin didn't speak or so much as make eye contact. "Maybe I ought to keep him here just for that."

"Oh-" Borus nodded in realization, "So he's sweet to your brother and you're sweet on him."

Traea laughed out loud a little surprised. "What made you think that?" she shook her head.

"You were being very vague about your relationship." Borus narrowed his eyes.

"No. We're friends." Traea chuckled, "And we do work together."

"Alright." Borus nodded, "But if he so much as looks at you wrong I don't care if he's noble or whatever, I will give him a good smacking."

Traea laughed, "I think I can take of that myself."

"Sure you can, I'll just make the lesson stick." Borus grinned.

Traea suddenly remembered that Borus was a soldier in his youth and he still had his armor stacked in a closet, and the farming kept him fit. "He's nice Borus, don't you dare."

"Yeah, he seems nice." Borus agreed.

Traea gave the man a look, "Borus."

"I'm not saying anything." Borus raised his hands, "I'm getting old, and hard of hearing you know."

Traea just sighed.

"When you have time you should play for me." Borus put his hands behind his back. "You know, for an old almost deaf man."

Traea grinned, "I thought you might say that." She turned around, "Proteus! Do you have the lute?"

Proteus extracted himself from the girls and peeked around the vines, "Do you need it?"

Traea held out her hand. Proteus handed her the lute curious.

"I can't believe you brought one."

"Borus." Traea smiled tuning it quietly. "Anything for an old friend." She settled it and tested out a few notes.

Proteus stepped through the vines as Traea started playing. She started with a sudden strum followed by a rapid series of picked notes. Unlike her tutelage of the kids, which was technical and rigid, the notes flowed easily from the instrument and out into the air.

Proteus looked at Perses, "Where does she find the time?"

Perses smiled in that unsure way he had and shrugged.

She settled on a lovely song that sang across the vines, and soared over the fields. Her fingers danced across the strings with more flexibility than he'd give to a general or a warrior that sustained themselves on battle.

Borus closed his eyes and smiled. "As lovely as ever."

Traea chuckled, "You flatter me." She kept playing and looking at her fingering.

"TRAEA!" Two young men burst out from the vines, "You're back!"

"Hey!" Traea strummed louder, "Leanitus, Guti! You two have gotten taller haven't you?"

"You betcha. We're applying to the navy next year."

Traea grinned, "Good luck, They're pretty strict."

The young man laughed, "If we get cut we'll have to try again. Or join you." He added jokingly.

Traea chuckled, "What are you talking about? I'm tougher than they are." She winked.

Soon all the farm hands where gathered in the grape vines pulled there by the music.

Perses looked nervous but not uncomfortable, his eyes cast down and fiddling with his robe.

Traea half turned and saw Proteus enjoying himself. A few of the farmers were eyeing him unused to having a stranger in their midst.

Traea suddenly stopped playing, "Oh right," she held out a hand, "Everyone this is my friend Proteus!"

The farmers all looked at the Prince.

"He's a scholar here on a visit from Syracuse, I thought I'd show him around." She immediately picked up where she left off and continued playing.

Proteus smiled at everyone unable to do anything else.

The farmers all seemed to relax a little though so he figured it was for the best.

The young people all clambered to stand in front and talk to her.

"Are you staying for a while?"

"We should go hunting!"

"You should come over for dinner!"

"Bear hunting! Bear hunting!"

Proteus smiled, It's always like this huh?

The older people gravitated toward the tall "scholar".

"How old are you?"

"Syracuse huh? Why'd you come check out the farm?"

"You should come see my chickens. They're the best chickens."

"Yeah right! My cows are much better!"

A young man with blue eyes leaned over to Traea, "Your friend is really popular with the parents." All the young people looked over at Proteus who was making all the seniors laugh.

"Ah." Traea nodded faking sorrow, "I've been replaced."

"He seems really nice." A young woman ventured.

"He's very dependable and responsible, old people like that." Traea nodded.

"And he's very handsome." A young man sighed.

"He is, isn't he." Traea agreed.

Proteus smiled and everyone sighed.

One of the young men snapped out of it long enough to ask, "Is he seeing anyone?"

Traea grinned, "Not currently. You should go introduce yourself." She strummed on the lyre. "He's just as friendly as he looks."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly." One of the girls bashfully twisted her hands in her dress.

Traea smirked, "That's too bad. He just got back on the market." Traea played mournfully, "You won't get a better chance than this."

Half the youngsters hurried over to introduce themselves.

Proteus glanced at Traea, but one look said enough. Why are you doing this to me?

Traea laughed out loud and continued to play looking as innocent as she could.

Perses finally joined Traea, listening to the lyre with his eyes closed to block everything else out.

Traea ignored the Prince who was silently asking for help as he got swarmed by new admirers. It was good for him.

"How's the job going Traea?"

Traea turned to the voice, "Great! I get to travel around, see lots of new things. No offices and less nagging." She grinned.

"Same amount of paper work."

Traea laughed, "You got me there." She turned, "Who said it was a great idea to become a general?" She played a few notes, "Paperwork! Paperwork! PAPERWooork!" She sang out of tune, "You are, the bane of my existence." She dramatically strummed the lyre.

As Traea sang about the tediousness of paper work some people covered their ears over exaggerating how terrible she was. But they weren't too far off. Everybody groaned as Traea launched into another verse.

"A triplicate, in triplicate. Adventuring around the countryside. In triplicate." She mourned. "A report for the men, a report for the horses, a report for the wheels and the weather. Badapa Badapa POW!" She warbled loudly. "Handcramps!"

The audience cried for mercy.

"Enough! My ears!"

One of the boys shouted, "Don't ever be a songwriter! The country would empty in a day!"

Traea laughed loudly, "My ultimate war tactic! Lyrical invasion!" She played louder.

"Forget swords and spears, give your soldiers instruments instead and you'll drive any enemy away." One of the farmhands heckled.

"You're right!" Traea played even worse, "The power of music will move people!"

"oh, it'll move 'em all right." One of the young women covered her ears.

Proteus laughed and came over, "I didn't know you were secretly an evil mastermind."

Traea handed him the lute, "Of course I am. How did you think I came up with these sick moves?" She struck a pose.

All the farmers laughed.

Proteus smiled and started plucking at the strings. "Well then I'll be your arch nemesis and foil all your evil plots."

"You're too late Proteus." Traea tossed her hair. "My genius plan is already in action." She laughed flamboyantly.

Proteus ignored Traea and turned to one of the older ladies, "Can I go see your chickens?"

"Of course."

"Hey!" Traea pouted.

"you're plot will have to wait Traea. I've got chickens to look at." Proteus smiled.

Traea looked absolutely gobsmacked. "You're the evil mastermind." She whispered.

Proteus winked. "You know it."

Perses fiddled with the grass waiting for his sister to finish playing with her new friend. He learned a long time ago that his sister would always come back to him no matter what happened. Soon enough Traea gave up trying to keep up with Proteus's agriculture questions and came over to sit next to Perses.

"What's up Perses?" She plopped down next to him.

Perses continued to pick at the grass. He glanced up at Traea.

Traea leaned over and tapped the back of his hand, Are you okay?

Perses nodded once.

Was that too many people?

Perses shrugged and then pressed his lips together. It's okay.

I'm sorry. "If it get's too much you can tell me."

"Stop- babying me." Perses pouted.

Traea snorted a laugh. "Alright.

When are you leaving?

Traea paused, "Soon." She looked at the Prince, I'm sorry Perses.

Perses blinked at the grass, Don't be sorry. We can't always be together.

Traea looked at Perses, "Since when have you thought that?"

Perses shrugged, "I'm not… stupid."

"I know." Traea smiled, "You're the smartest person I know Perses."

Perses frowned, "Stop." He dug his hands into his thighs childishly, "I don't want to hold you back… anymore."

Traea looked at her twin, "You're not holding me back."

Perses shot her a look, or as close as he could get. "You're, always worried… and looking after me." He screwed up his face looking like he was about to cry, "I want you, to be free- live your own life."

Traea stared at Perses, this was the first time he had said something like this, she didn't understand.

Perses's face stayed screwed up, like he was holding back tears which he never did.

Traea softened, he was trying so hard. She hugged her twin, "Thanks Perses, but you have been and always will be my first priority."

Perses nodded slowly. He stood up abruptly and went to go look at a butterfly on a bush a little further away.

Traea was used to it, her brother didn't have any sense of timing.

After a little while Proteus lay down next to Traea with an oof.

Traea smiled, "you done talking about chickens?"

"never." Proteus chuckled and propped himself up on his side, "But grandma Camuna had to go make lunch."

"You must've really exhausted the subject then." Traea looked down at Proteus, his long hair was brushing the grass, the kids had combed it out and refused to let him tie it. He being the perfect gentleman followed their instructions. The warm brown was almost enviously soft.

Proteus followed her eyes to his hair. He ran a hand through it, "What do you think?"

Traea reached out, "It's nice." Very soft. She stopped herself, "oooooooooh!"

Perses looked startled, "What is it?"

That's why Perses was acting weird. "It's your fault!"

Perses was taken aback, "What's my fault?"

"I'm such an idiot!" Traea smacked herself on the forehead.

Proteus jumped, "What?"

Traea held up her hands, "No. I miss spoke," Traea shook her head, "Sorry," She settled down again, "Perses was acting weird."

"Oh, okay." Proteus relaxed. "Was it my fault?"

"No. Not really."

Proteus sat up suddenly, "Do I make him nervous?"

Traea reared back, "No!"

"Are you sure?" Proteus looked concerned, "I don't want to make him uncomfortable."

"trust me, if he was uncomfortable you'd know." Traea assured him, "He likes you. A lot."

Proteus nodded, "That's good. I like him too."

Traea didn't think he was lying, but if he was as good at lying as he was at talking she'd never know. "You don't mind that he's different?"

Proteus considered his words. "Perses is very kind." Proteus smiled eyes crinkling, "That's all that matters."

Traea pushed him over, "You're trying to butter me up." She frowned "I just don't know why yet."

Proteus laughed and sat back up. "I mean it." He leaned back on his hands, "I don't want to be a third wheel for you two."

"You're not-"

"Don't lie to me. You guys obviously spend every second together when your home." Proteus smiled.

Traea shut her mouth, she couldn't deny it. She suddenly stood up, "Want to see something cool?"

Traea took out a running chicken from the coop and held her carefully against her side. "alright." She put two fingers in her mouth and whistled loudly. "kids! It's time for chicken tag!"

Like rolling thunder the kids stampeded over from all directions. Hopping up and down in excitement.

Bo appeared, casually. "Ah, Linda."

"She's your latest, right?" Traea asked.

"Yeah. Fast as an Arvaskian deer this one." Bo said proudly.

Proteus watched fascinated.

Traea turned to the kids, "Everyone remember the rules?"

The kids cheered in assent.

Traea grinned and placed the chicken down in the grass. "Ready?"

The kids all turned to the chicken focused.

"Go!" Traea released the chicken and the fowl darted away faster than any chicken had a right to be.

The kids ran after it, faster than any kids had a right to be.

Proteus stared in amazement as the kids chased the chicken trying to catch it. It was almost surreal. The kids were so energetic it was almost criminal. Dogged and relentless in their pursuit. Even Miki was joining in, he directed the others to try and trap the chicken pointing and shouting directions. The chicken dodging and weaving effortlessly between them.

Proteus watched, it seemed all like good fun, the kids chasing after the chicken laughing and giggling. Then he noticed the concerted movements, the formations as they ran, strategically trying to trap the chicken on the fly.

"Artemis's horn-" Proteus said in disbelief. "They're organized."

"Huh?" Traea looked at Proteus. "Yeah. I guess." She returned to looking at the kids, "It's the only way to win."

"And this chicken is ungodly fast." Proteus shook his head. "How-"

"I breed them specially." Bo smiled, "Back in China my parents used to make me chase the chickens."

"Did you ever catch them?" Traea asked.

"Eventually." Bo crossed his arms, "But turns out it's just easier to lure them in with seed." He turned, "Speaking of which, you do have some, right?"

Traea frowned, three birds on her shoulder, "What do you think?"

Bo held out a hand to the birds, "I still don't understand this."

The kids cut off the chicken trying to circle it.

Proteus stared, "They're better trained than the soldiers."

Bo laughed, "That's only natural, they've been working together longer than a bunch of new recruits."

Proteus pointed, "Do you teach them this?" He thought he should bring in the whole family as trainers.

"Nah." Bo waved his hand, "They just pick up on it."

"It's just for fun." Traea smiled.

Three of the kids launched a pronged attack on the chicken pulling together formations and patterns faster than navy ships.

"How is this just for fun?" Proteus shook his head.

"Well when we do it it's much more-" Traea thought about the word.

"Strategic?" Bo supplied.

"Efficient." Traea hedged.

Proteus just shook his head, half a smile of disbelief on his face.

Traea smiled, "You wanna see?"

The kids caught the chicken soon after and brought it over to Traea who was calling over some more of the adults.

"Good job guys!" Traea gushed, "You've gotten faster. We'll be able to play capture the flag all together soon."

The kids cheered.

"hold onto that chicken for me." Bo told the kids, "The adults want a go."

Xi and her students came over, "What's up?"

"Wanna chase the chicken?" Bo asked his older sister.

Xi raised an eyebrow, "you always made me catch them when you couldn't."

Doro stepped up, "Is this the new chicken Master Bo?"

Bo held up the chicken proudly, "say hello to Linda."

Dakai came over, "I hear we're doing some chicken catching."

Ling cracked his neck, "It's been a while."

"And it's still as ridiculous as ever." Jin sighed. "Did you really have to pull me away from my work for this?"

"Come on Shushu Jin." Traea smiled, "It'll be fun."

Jin was already rolling up his sleeves, "I suppose…"

Xi grinned, "You guys wait here." She said to her students, "Watch a master work."

Traea stretched her arms with a chuckle, "I'm catching her this time."

"We'll see about that." Xi put her hands on her hips.

"It's not a competition guys." Dakai frowned.

Malakos chuckled sipping his tea, "Are all of you joining in?"

Proteus blinked, When did he get here?

"We want to see how fast this chicken is."

Sotor grinned, "Good luck sweetheart!"

Jin made kissy faces, "I'll catch this chicken for you!"

"You're not allowed to eat Linda." Bo frowned.

"I'm not going to eat her." Jin said, one step away from sticking out his tongue.

"Are you going to beat your record today?" Malakos asked his wife.

"We'll see." Xi smirked kissing her husband on the cheek.

"Don't hurt yourself again Traea!" Sotor shouted, "Or it's another hundred squats!"

Traea stiffened, "On second thought, maybe I'll sit this one out."

Proteus grinned, "Really? I wanted to see you catch the chicken."

Traea stiffened, "I'll just catch this chicken really quick." She turned back around.

Seyyal put her hands on her hips, "Is it just the Sun family, or are we allowed to join?" She asked.

"It's only one chicken." Dakai gestured, "We'd catch it too fast with you in the mix."

Seyyal shrugged, "I guess I can just watch you." She grinned, "Just you."

Dakai, all six feet of muscle blushed. "Yeah, okay."

Proteus watched the interaction, That's cute."

Bo sighed, "Are we going to chase this chicken or not?"

All the adults lined up.

Bo handed Chi the chicken. "whenever you're ready."

Chi held the chicken out, "Ready!" He looked at the adults who were spread out evenly, "Go!" he dropped the chicken, the second linda's feet touched the ground she took off.

The adults didn't chase after the chicken immediately. The six of them fanned out creating a semi-circle running into place.

"I'll lead it." Jin shouted.

"We'll set up the trap." Dakai nodded. He and Bo ran in tandem to the left.

Traea ran after the chicken, "I'll help Shushu Jin!"

Ling followed her, "We'll head it off north east."

"I'm on safety!" Xi called, trailing behind the group.

The three runners chased the chicken. Jin was ahead, he sprinted up and forced the chicken to veer to the right. Traea was closely backing up her uncle. Perfectly in place for when the chicken tried to dodge him and dash around. Traea blocked its path and the chicken quickly turned around in a flurry of feathers. The three of them worked in perfectly concerted formation to herd the chicken in one direction. None of them tried to lunge forward to catch it even when the chicken was tantalizingly close. Proteus realized that what set the adults and children apart was patience. The parent's progress was methodical and inevitable like a building earthquake. The other two were swinging the door shut, having made their semicircle and closing in.

Even so, the chicken wasn't giving up easy. The chicken dodged around Ling in a moment of distraction. Jin stepped in to stop it but the chicken just slipped past.

"Traea! Stop it!"

Traea matched pace with the chicken who was running at her. The chicken tried several fakes zigzagging back and forth trying it's best to lose the general. Traea followed it, grey eyes zeroed in like a cat hunting its prey. She maneuvered, right, left, right, left, left, agile and quick. She broke its forward momentum buying time for the others to back her up. Proteus watched her head the chicken off frustrating it's attack.

Xi quickly stepped in with two against one the chicken turned and ran toward the blockade.

The circle closed in tighter and tighter, like a noose around the chicken. Soon the chicken realized that it was trapped.

Five of the adults were in a perfect circle, Xi was on the outside, looking in as the chicken was testing the security of the circle.

Proteus watched as Perses stood by his elbow.

The chicken slowed down for a moment, and in that split second Xi dove in and lunged for the chicken.

Proteus stiffened, Xi was way to agile for a fifty year old woman. He was halfway between awe and worry. His face however remained still.

Xi missed her first lunge, but as the chicken tried to scramble away, Traea's mother faster than a snake reached out and snatched up the chicken.

The chicken squawked in surprise.

The audience cheered. Malakos was bouncing up and down cheering for his wife. Perses clapped his hands. The students sang their teacher's praises. The kids leapt into the air and screamed.

"Malakos!" Xi shouted surrounded by her family, "What was our time?"

"Four minutes!" Malakos called.

"Not our best." Jin crossed his arms.

"We're out of practice." Bo sighed.

"I could've cut it in tighter in the first minute." Ling mumbled.

"It's a new chicken so we were all weary." Dakai nodded. "But better safe than sorry."

The group of them arrived back to the chicken coop and dropped the chicken in.

"I think Linda is the fastest chicken yet." Traea sounded excited, "Can I take one back with me? Brunhilda is getting old."

"Of course! Pearl is done with her training. She's a really clever one." Bo winked. "I'll get her ready."

"Are you still using chickens to train the new recruits?" Xi asked her daughter.

"Only the newest, it helps them build their teamwork quickly. And gives me a good idea on their skillsets."

The audience enveloped their chicken chasers.

"Bo! The chicken looks great!" Lila jumped into her husband's arms. "you've outdone yourself this time."

"Dad! How'd you know where the chicken was going?" One of the kids latched onto Jin's leg.

Traea stopped in front of Proteus, "What did you think?"

Proteus smiled, softly, like Traea was the best thing in the whole world, "I think you're fantastic."