Shifters

Translator

A faint mixture of excitement accompanied by multiple fits of laughter filled the air as Patricia dodged what appeared to be playful jabs from Ranier's huge form. Swiping slowly at the girl, Patricia's hair flung wildly in every direction as she constantly tested herself against his lunges. Staring curiously at the two as they continued their playful spar, Josh failed to notice as someone snuck up from behind. 

"Hey there stranger," came the familiar sound of Cassandra's voice, "Looks like you survived!"

"Where've you been?" Josh asked, raising an eyebrow as he turned to greet he girl, "You just disappeared on us so suddenly."

"I'm no stranger to escaping awkward situations," Cassandra replied with a smirk, "It wouldn't be the first time it's helped me and it won't be the last." 

"And here I thought you were curious about what happened inside the dungeon," Josh retorted with a feigned innocent expression. 

"I am," Cassandra replied simply, "I did say that I'd pop by after to hear the details didn't I?"

"You did," Josh replied after a moment of thought, "That said, you were more than welcomed to join us."

"Were there others attending the meeting?" Cassandra inquired suddenly. 

"There were a few others," Josh replied, "However, I've no idea what they look like as their faces were covered with masks." 

"Then it's an even better thing that I didn't tag along," Cassandra confirmed. 

"Why?' Josh asked before adding, "Do you know the identities of those masked people?"  

"Well I can't name them all," Cassandra began, "But what I do know, is that they were probably our investors, ministers and others of high status. Naturally, as the daughter of one of the Resistance's wealthiest financer's I am welcomed within their circle, however, due to my free spirited nature, I've declined all of their invitations." 

"Sounds like you made some enemies rather than friends," Josh observed, "Why didn't you join them?" 

"It's simple really," Cassandra shrugged, "I'm not a fan of pretentious people and that little group of theirs reeks of it." 

"I see," Josh replied, silently agreeing with her synopsis. 

"So," Cassandra continued, noting the boy's silence, "Seeing as though you've currently acquired some time on your hands, do you mind filling me in now?" 

"Now's as good a time as any," Josh replied as he relayed the happenings in full detail to Cassandra, this time sparing no details as he spoke. 

"That's quite a bit," she replied after he'd finished. 

Staring at her expectantly, Josh could tell by her thoughtful expression that multiple questions had arisen within her mind, "Anything you'd like to ask?"

"There's a lot I want to say," Cassandra said, confirming his suspicions, "that said, I've no idea how to go about phrasing them."

Take your ti-" Josh said, cutting his sentence short as several people began to exit from the spacious tent, "Looks like the meeting's over!"

Still lost within internal musings, Cassandra, who failed to register Josh's words completely, lingered as the outgoing mass of people of headed in their vicinity. 

"Well if it isn't Cassandra," a sultry tone said, shaking the girl out of her stupor. 

The moment she heard the voice, Cassandra's expression contorted into one of both disgust and annoyance as she turned to face the speaker.