The Bassline for a Bonanza

New recruits

It was the dawn after Echo's conversation with Cold. Echo was heading out to the arena where she knew her friend would be training. Once there, she rested her upper body over the cold metal railing that separated the training grounds from the bleachers and just watched Chewy train for a while. He was always the first monster there and was always the most determined to sharpen his skills with the blade. He used a two sword style, and he was decent, though he wasn't nearly as good as Echo needed. This job required only the most skilled, as the enemies would only send their most skilled. But Echo's feelings towards Chewy got the better of her, and she was determined to get him on her team.

No silly, not those kinds of feelings. They had been best friends since they were just monsterlings and by now see each other like siblings. They grew up together, went through the war together, and then took on jobs and trained together up until Echo got promoted and had to spend most of her time with Cold. Something that bothered the both of them.

This was likely a bad decision, but once Chewy stopped beating up the wooden dummy to catch his breath, Echo hopped over the metal railing and sped walked over to him to offer him the position on her team. It was only then that he noticed her there. He quickly perked up and tried to seem less exhausted than he was after training all morning.

"Oh, morning Echo!" He leaned against the wooden dummy, which then spun and let him fall to the ground. Echo chuckled at his clumsiness as she grabbed his hand firmly to hoist him back onto his feet.

"Good morning. I see you came early again."

Chewy nods. "Yeah, I had nothing better to do. The kids are staying with Mist for the week, so I'm free. What are you doing here this early, though? Aren't you supposed to be... Watching Cold?"

"I am. But Cold sent me here with an offer for you."

Chewy perked up again. His expression grew more confused but also very intrigued. He gestured for Echo to continue.

"He let me lead a new team, on the condition that I have to assemble it myself. So I wanted to ask you to be a part of my new team. I've already told Cold about you, and he approves." She gave a bright, hopeful smile. Chewy seemed a little shocked for a brief moment before he became visibly excited.

"Wait, really!? I can be a tracker!?" He practically squealed in excitement, to which Echo nodded in response. "I'll take that as a clear yes! But before we get going, I do wanna make sure you understand how dangerous this position can be." Echo gave him a stern look to emphasize that she was serious about that part as well. Chewy just chuckled and carefully leaned against the wooden dummy again. Thankfully, he didn't fall this time.

"I know, I know. If it lessens your worries, I can try to steer clear of fights. I can be the navigator or planner of the team instead?"Echo's expression twisted into one of confusion. "A navigater or planner? But Chewy, you've always been a fighter... You come here almost every day before the sun even rises to train!"
Chewy smiled and shook his head.

"Well, yeah, but it's more of a hobby, to be honest." He shrugged as Echo could only stare at him in disbelief. Echo shook her head to snap out of it, and then she sighed. "Alright, not judging, though it would such a huge waste of such skill and strength, you can be in charge of strategy planning."

"Heh, thanks, Echo. So, who makes up the rest of our team? Do I know them?" Chewy asked as he started walking out of the arena, urging Echo to follow him. Echo quickly followed as she answered in a somewhat nervous tone. "Oh, well... I actually haven't thought of anyone else worth recruiting yet." She rubbed the back of her head. Chewy put his training swords up since he was done with them for a while, then he turned back to his friend.

"Oh! Well, if you need help making up the rest of the team, I think I know someone!" He chirped cheerfully. Echo smiled. "Some help would be nice. Who do you have in mind?" "I know a clamble on Plant Island. He was working for Cedar when I met him. I'm not sure if he still is, but I am sure he'd be a great addition to our team."

Echo raised a brow curiously. "That's great, but... We can't just take one of Plant Wubbox's guards." Chewy shook his head. "Well, like I said, I don't know if he's still working for him or not. He was talking a lot about retiring soon."

Echo thought for a long moment. After giving it much consideration, she sighed, smiled, and announced her decision. "Alright, we'll go meet him, and if he is free and wants to join us, we'll bring him back for Glacier's approval." Chewy nods."When do we leave then?" "Tomorrow. I'll give the order for a ship to Plant Island on my way back to Glacier's place."

"Right, until tomorrow then!" Chewy hugs Echo tightly. She made some kind of squeak as it surprised her, but she hugged back and chuckled. After that, they parted ways so that they could both prepare for their trip tomorrow. They were both excited for the journey ahead, but they had no idea of what they were really walking into.