Be their guide.
“Luckily for you all, I’m a bit of an expert navigator.” You spread your wings, showing off their massive broad shape against the backlighting of the fire. “If you need any help, I’d be more than happy to assist.” Casey and Barley laid back to back with each other, watching you in approval.
“We actually need someone like you.” She smiled warmly at you in acceptance. “What do you all think about that?” The two cats immediately agreed. Buddy looked over at Duke and waited for his slow solemn nod of approval.
“Well…” He thought it over for a moment. “I’ll consider it. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of the clear… Stranger.” You could tell he was the only one not really buying your story. You figured you’d have to watch him as well, making sure to not trip yourself up over any apparent inconsistencies. “So when do you suggest we leave out?” He asked you, prodding for any red flags on your part.
“Maybe in the morning?” You answered carefully. “But I think it all depends on how the others are feeling?” For the rest of the night, you took the time to check anyone’s injuries, wrapping up limbs, applying pressure to open wounds, and taking care to keep everyone’s bodies in tip top shape for their rest that night.
You also took the time to try finding any other information you could about each individual. It was clear you shouldn’t see them as this picture perfect platoon, because from the moment you met them all, you noticed they were just a rainbow of different personalities mashed together as a ‘team’. You thought to yourself how long it would last before you noticed any cracks in their alliances.
“We should sleep in shifts.” Duke suggested as you all were winding down. “Casey, Barley, and Buddy. How are you guys feeling?” each of them gave a quick status report and the dog figured it’d be best if they were the first to rest. “Okay, Buddy, myself, and the new guy will keep watch for now. The rest of you can get a bit of sleep before the sun starts to rise.” He demanded like the leader he was. You promptly agreed to him, trying your best to not make him feel like you were trying to outshine him.
Written by Drifting Dragon on 23 December 2021