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Naiiko had finished off the metal training dummy. Looking back at Fatal, he seemed to be impressed with her skill set. But that was to be expected. Out of a whole village of ninja-trained warriors, Naiiko was by far the strongest. There was only one other that could keep up with her, even defeat her in training. But she had passed some time ago.

Fatal seemed to have more training planned for himself. Naiiko didn't mind engaging, or even watching him perform. She was always looking for new ways to hone her skills and be physically ready for anything. Even if she just watched Fatal, she'd be able to pick out key factors of his sword style and apply them to herself.

It was then that they were joined by another woman named Analiese. She was... different from Fatal. So much so that it was hard to imagine such a serious and focused guy hanging out with a loose cannon like her.

The ninja just stood there and watched them go back and forth.

She's....interesting, she said internally.

Whatever her personality might be, Naiiko had to admit that she was good with a gun. Upon being asked to shoot Fatal, she quickly whipped out her pistol and fired without any hesitation. Had it been anyone other than Fatal, she would have killed someone.

But Fatal was no slouch either. He quickly unsheathed his katana and cut the bullet in half. That was a feat that couldn't be performed by just anyone. She was starting to become impressed by just how skilled Fatal was.

Letting the "VIB" comment go, Naiiko turned to Fatal and responded to his question.

"I have no problems with training my reflexes," she said. "However, I don't think I'm fast enough to cut through bullets. I'd much rather dodge them instead."

"If you wish to see what I mean, I'll show you."

She walked a ways away from Fatal and Analiese. She placed a hand on her sheathed blade and formed a sign with her other. She took a deep breath, letting the air inflate her lungs before releasing it all back.

"Whenever you're ready. Just keep pulling the trigger."

Shelby lowered her submachine gun as William spoke to her. She thought it rude to continue with target practice while being spoken too, the noise would make conversation abrupt and disjointed. Placing the weapon on the table, she walked to William's stall, making sure to stay behind the red safety line painted on the floor. She crossed her arms and beamed at the young elite, looking like she had not a care in the world. "I'm fine William, thanks for asking. I apologize again for the outburst. I shouldn't have taken things so... personally." The doctor gave a carefree shrug, it was something she didn't allow herself to think on too long. "Anyway, how are you holding up? Given the events I guess we all need to find ways to distract ourselves."

She quietly observed her surroundings, keeping mental tabs on which weapons were firing, who was firing them and occasionally glancing down the range to judge their marksmanship. It was a game she played in order to maintain focus and awareness on all her surroundings. This was not necessarily and easy thing to accomplish, but she would do this whenever she could.

The young assassin let everything Colleen said sink in as she tried to stop crying, her arms around the older woman. The hug was comforting but made her miss her family even more, which made her cry more and she hated it. Soon, though and the tears began to slow, but still not stopping completely. Sami then slowly nodded, understanding the explanation. She sniffled lightly, wiping her eyes
“It makes sense… But, still isn’t fair, having one so young losing everything.. Or everyone losing everything over greed. It’s not right.”

Sami nodded. She felt embarrassed yet comforted as Colleen kept her in a hug. The assassin chuckled at Ryder being called a devil.
Once the letter was printed and Colleen asked if she would deliver it to James, Sami nodded, but she kept talking to the older woman, wanting to give the sniper some more time to cool down.

Sami tilted her head at the question. She has never heard that phrase before but going by the context, she guessed the woman meant rumors or gossip. The young assassin then nodded before taking a sip of her hot cocoa that was quickly cooling down.
“Yeah, sure.”

Sami’s face turn bright red and she dropped her head to try to hide it at the news. The girl did notice the glances William threw her way, but didn’t pay much attention. Not that she was oblivious or didn’t like him. Sami actually thought the boy was cute and sweet. She just had to keep herself distracted or else her mind starts thinking of the past and that was a bad thing. If only she could flip the switch sort to speak like she does on missions.
“I-is that so?”
Sami fidgeted in her seat, silently scolding herself for getting flustered as she tried regaining her composure. Not like she had it to begin with since the meeting.

*Smiling in a near motherly type way, Colleen nodded. She wanted what was best for her little family. So they had to find some comfort in what they could, especially in each other. The trust between people was something that was needed in their line of work.
Seeing the younger assassin kinda flustered made the blonde laugh a little bit. Sipping at her coffee the woman waited a few moments before replying with that same smile. Sami was unsure and obviously, the blonde business woman had the means to know why. Taking things slow was how it had to be but adding a little fuel to the fire was what was called for.
Moving forward was the only way one could truly live...the past was merely a lesson to learn from. That was all, so many people lived with regerts of the past or lived only in the past..which was no way to be in this battle of life and death. Sami needed to learn this as well as some others but you can really only teach it to one person at a time. For now Sami seemed to need it more and Colleen was going to do right by Inanna this way.*
Colleen - I'll tell you no lies, my dear. He is quiet a catch for a younger man. I know Inanna would approve. You needn't worry too much about that. She always tells people to live for the now. Regi would indeed do the same. So you have our support even if you need a little time to think about it.

*Setting down her cup the blonde looked over to the assassin and reached over to tilt her head upwards. Smiling lightly, a slight pain in her eyes as she did so. There was obviously was something on her mind, Sami must have struck a cord some where.*
Colleen - My dear, I am not telling you to forget your past crush or replace him. Yet, he is gone...dwelling on it is not going to bring him back, you will have to come to terms with that in do time.
*Sitting back in her chair, the woman laced her fingers together and her eyes are half-lidded. The blonde looked as if she were reminiscing about something. After a moment or two the female continued her tale.*
Colleen - I am in a predicament that could be seen as worse or not as bad. You see, I have a daughter of whom I love dearly. Sadly, however, I cannot see her...when I do it is very rare and as much as it hurts, I have found those whom help ease that pain. They do not replace my daughter at all but they help and allow me to move forward.
*Placing a hand on Sami's, the Staffing Lead did what she did best. She was a mother figure after all. This was what she did for the Noe despite her previous business. The assassin had to start moving forward, staying in the past would only continue to hurt her. How people could continue to live in the past confounded the business woman, she guessed she they all needed a push to move forward. Colleen would be there to do just that.*
Colleen - You cannot allow grief to rule your life, Sami...you are not living then, you can't even call it surviving. You have to find something or someone that gives you a reason to live...think about it, would they want you to do this to yourself? If they truly cared they would want what is best for you, Sami.