Wow! You guys blew all the bonus chapter goals out of the water! Thank you guys so much!
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The journey back to camp was uneventful, though Kaisen wouldn't shut up about how he could have handled those dune lurkers "even faster" than I did. I tuned him out after the first minute. Yuzuriha caught my eye a few times, rolling her eyes dramatically whenever Kaisen started another self-aggrandizing tale.
The fish we'd caught dangled from a makeshift carrying pole between Jin and me, their silver-blue scales catching the perpetual sunset light. They weren't particularly large—maybe two pounds each—but they represented something important: sustainability. If the hot springs contained a stable fish population, our food concerns would be significantly reduced.
"I see them," Elise said, pointing ahead where the outline of our camp appeared on the horizon.
As we approached, Josh spotted us first, his enhanced senses giving him an edge over the others. He waved and jogged over.
"Find anything good?" he asked, eyeing our catch.
"Better than good," I replied. "Found paradise."
The rest of the group gathered around as we entered camp. I noticed Nicole hanging back, still wearing her full-face mask with the voice modulator. The mask's smooth, featureless surface reflected the amber light, making it impossible to read any expression.
"Report," Alexander said, stepping forward.
Jin took the lead, explaining our discovery with military precision while I unloaded the fish. "The formation contains multiple defensible positions, natural shelter, abundant vegetation, and most importantly—" he paused for emphasis, "—a hot spring and drinkable water and fish."
A murmur of excitement passed through the group.
"Fresh fish?" Dave perked up. "Man, I was getting sick of those protein bars."
"How far?" Alexander asked.
"Two miles northeast," I replied. "Easy terrain. We could relocate the entire camp in under two hours."
Alexander nodded, his weathered face showing rare satisfaction. "Good work, all of you. We'll move at first light tomorrow."
"Why not now?" Kaisen asked, fidgeting. "It's still... well, we've got plenty of time."
"Because we're all tired," Alexander replied evenly. "Better to rest and move with full energy tomorrow. Tonight, we eat well and recover."
I glanced at Shikamaru, who had been observing the proceedings with his typical half-lidded gaze. "Feel like helping me cook these?"
"How troublesome," he sighed, but stood up anyway. "I suppose it beats those protein bars."
That's it. Next person who complains about the protein bars I'm giving a 30% tax instead of 25.
"I'll assist," Theo offered quietly, setting aside the medical supplies he'd been organizing. "I know a few preparations that might enhance the flavor."
The three of us set to work while the others continued breaking down camp, leaving only the essentials for our one-night stay. Theo produced small packets of dried herbs from his medical bag.
"Not strictly medicinal," he explained, noting my raised eyebrow. "But they have some health benefits alongside the flavor."
Shikamaru proved surprisingly adept at filleting the fish, his hands moving with practiced efficiency despite his complaints about the effort involved.
"Didn't take you for a cook," I commented as he expertly removed bones.
"My friend Choji insists that proper food preparation is too important to leave to chance," he replied, a ghost of a smile crossing his face. "He'd be offended if I couldn't at least handle the basics."
Theo worked silently, crushing herbs between his fingers and sprinkling them over the fillets. The aroma was immediately enticing—something like thyme and lemon, though I couldn't place it exactly.
"Where'd you learn to cook, Theo?" I asked, feeding the small fire we'd built.
Theo looked up briefly. "My grandmother. She believed healing started with proper nutrition." His voice remained soft but carried easily. "Said medicine was just a backup for when good food failed."
"Smart woman."
"She was."
We worked in comfortable silence after that, the sizzle of fish on hot stones filling the air. The aroma drew everyone closer, conversations dying down as hunger took precedence.
When we finally served the meal, the appreciation was unanimous. Even Sonya, who'd mentioned being picky about seafood, took seconds.
"This is incredible," Jin said between bites.
"Beats protein bars by a mile," Josh agreed, closing his eyes in appreciation.
That's 30% for you Josh.
I noticed Nicole still standing apart from the group, her masked face turned toward us. She hadn't touched the food.
"Not hungry?" I called over.
She shook her head, the voice modulator making her reply sound mechanical. "I'll eat later."
As we finished eating, Alexander stood up, commanding attention without raising his voice.
"Tomorrow we relocate to the site the scout team found. It's approximately three miles northeast of our current position. Based on their report, it offers superior shelter, water, and defensive positioning—everything we need for a long-term encampment."
He gestured toward the rocks visible in the distance. "We'll move at first light. Pack only what you can carry comfortably. We can make additional trips for non-essential items if necessary."
"What about the spiders?" Sonya asked. "Any sign of them during the scouting mission?"
"Some," Jin answered. "For safety, we might take them all out on the way to the new camp."
Alexander nodded. "Agreed. Which is why I'll take watch tonight. Everyone else should rest well—we have a busy day ahead."
"That's unnecessary," Elise offered. "I can take a shift."
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm accustomed to going a day or two without sleep from my military days. Better for everyone else to be fully rested for the move."
No one argued further.
As the group dispersed to their tents, I noticed Nicole hesitating near the edge of camp. She turned toward me, took a step in my direction, then stopped as Yuzuriha suddenly appeared at my side.
"Let's go, Xavier-kun," Yuzuriha said, loudly enough for everyone to hear as she hooked her arm through mine. "I'm exhausted after all that scouting."
She practically dragged me toward my tent, calling back over her shoulder, "Goodnight, everyone! Sleep well!"
Nicole remained motionless for a moment before turning away, disappearing into her own tent.
Once inside my tent, Yuzuriha dropped the exaggerated exhaustion act immediately. She stretched like a cat, her lithe body elongating in the dim light.
"Finally," she sighed. "Alone at last."
I watched her move around the small space. There was something hypnotic about her fluidity, as if she existed in a slightly different relationship with gravity than the rest of us.
"You know," I said, "you didn't have to make such a show of dragging me away."
"Didn't I?" She smiled mischievously. "The princess seemed quite determined to approach you. I was merely saving you from another night of... what was it? Comforting her fears?"
I shook my head but couldn't help smiling. "You're terrible."
"I'm honest," she corrected, pulling her top over her head in one smooth motion.
I blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her casualness. Beneath her hunting gear, she wore a simple black sports bra that contrasted with her pale skin. Her body was toned and lean, marked with the occasional scar that told stories of past battles.
"Don't look so shocked," she laughed quietly. "It's hot, and I sleep better this way." She slipped out of her pants next, revealing matching black shorts that left her long legs mostly bare. "You don't mind, do you?"
"Not at all," I replied, recovering. I pulled my own shirt off and changed into sweatpants acutely aware of her eyes on me. "I prefer sleeping without a shirt anyway."
Yuzuriha's gaze lingered on my chest before meeting my eyes again. "Convenient."
After a few minutes, we finally turned off the light and settled onto the air mattress, the small space forcing proximity. Rather than lying beside me, Yuzuriha positioned herself half on top of me, her head resting on my chest, one leg draped over mine. Her weight was pleasant, warm against the cooling night air.
The tent's thin fabric filtered the perpetual sunset light, casting everything in a muted orange glow. Outside, I could hear the occasional murmur of conversation as the others prepared for sleep, but inside our small shelter, we existed in a bubble of shared warmth and quiet.
"Let's play a game," she suggested suddenly. "Twenty questions."
"A game?"
"Mmm." Her finger started a circular path on my chest. "I ask a question, you answer honestly, then you ask me one. We each get one free skip, but after that..." Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. "If you skip, you have to do whatever I want. Right here, right now."
"And if you skip?"
"Same rules apply." She leaned closer. "Interested?"
I considered for a moment. The game seemed harmless enough, and I was curious about her too.
"Alright. You start."