[attr="class","kap"]Was he nervous? He was nervous. It was one thing to be a member of Pegasus, it was another to try and lead. But he felt a deep connection with this coven, and he knew where he wanted his life to go. Not to be held back by past mistakes, but prove the worth that he had. That he could be worth the trust that Cain put in him.

He also needed to make right on something that happened some days prior.

Kap came prepared. A bag strung over his shoulder full of paper, pens, and other instruments he may need. He was determined to take good notes for this. Give him something to work with as he planned his battalion and found someplace for him that Pegasus lacked. Perhaps in an unexplored territory outside of Delphi.

He spotted Cain, and he felt himself sweat instantly. At his service, he stated, but Kap felt a flush on his cheeks at the niceties. "The pleasure is all mine." He held his hand out and accepted the shake. "And, before I forget, I have something of yours."

He felt another bit of heat as he dug through his bag and eventually pulled out a shirt Cain may have noticed missing. "I had an unfortunate incident, and your son, Charani, offered this to me." He said Cain wouldn't mind. He hoped that was true. Kids couldn't usually tell what parents actually thought was appropriate or not. Had Charani told Cain about what happened? "I can hold onto it until we're finished if that's easier." And hopefully not forget to give it to him.

[attr="class","kap"]Of course Cain was looking for it. He felt a little blush touch his cheeks at how embarrassing that was. At least he'd had it properly laundered. He didn't skimp when it came to his fearless Leader's old shirts.

But, at least he didn't take it too seriously, and they moved on from it without issue. That was good. "Yes, please," he followed after him and took some time to watch the nature around them as they neared their destination.

I still think it's ridiculous that you borrowed a shirt in the first place.

You're just jealous you can't swap your feathers out when you get a spill on you.

He refocused by decidedly asking a question of Cain, "I know of the duties of the battalions, but I'd like to hear more of your experiences with them." Cain had to have some interesting stories from his hay days.

[attr="class","kap"]No battalion is the same; that didn't help much. He knew of some, but he wasn't easily a big ideas person. He needed some form of structure in order to build ideas from. The bridges across gaps in his knowledge that helped him make more well educated decisions. But, soon he heard an idea. Exploration; something typical of a Pegasus. Ruptures...

He'd seen his fair share of ruptures. He'd seen them more personally than most. Knew more about them then any one person feasibly should. And, perhaps he shouldn't. No amount of good came out of this knowledge, but hopefully it would be used by future generations to make more effective systems in the sealing and prevention of these damnable things.

"I am," he answered Cain's question, "thinking of making a battalion, yes. I wanted to take my duties with Pegasus more seriously." He left unsaid as to why. He had an inkling as to why Cain had agreed to taking time from his busy schedule for him. He already had enough proof as to what was to come. He'd made his decision with Eirin at Silverwing. He'd stuck to the shadows long enough. He wanted to see what else the world could bring him. And, perhaps, but some of his knowledge to use on the field.

"After my last expedition; with Zephyr;" Cain would remember the one well, "I was inspired. I want to do more of that. Find people in need and see them saved." He crossed his arms and looked to Cain, "I know I'm not a popular option for a battalion, which is why I hadn't bothered with them until now. I'm hoping I've recovered enough of my name that I can gather enough support to help."

[attr="class","kap"]Since when was Cain so reassuring? It was touching. And, just as fast as his guard dropped and a smile crept across his features sis his guard slam back down on himself. He had to be more careful, after all. His string of good luck lately was making his wary. Nothing good ever lasted, and Cain reminded him of that with his warning.

Sometimes he was recovering the bodies. "I understand," he said softly. Someone had to do difficult work like that. And it was good to have high hopes; that you could save all those that you approached. That you could be the hero of the story.

Hero of Pegasus, that title fluttered across his mind again. Eirin had teased him with it. Doubtful he'd ever be recognized that much by the people and his coven. No. Not him.

But it still bolstered him a bit. A selfishly greedy part of him that longed for positive attention.

"I have a few people in mind to ask," Zephyr and Jae were two that came to mind quickly. But it wasn't just them. There were far more names of people that had treated him well over the past half year. He wondered if they still would be, if they knew more about him.

Ah well. A problem he'd try to avoid to the best of his ability.

"Do you think I'm ready? I know I could have done this sooner, but I'd like your opinion. I don't like rushing into things, and I want to be sure." He turned towards Cain, smile still crossing his face, "what do you think?"

[attr="class","kap"]More than ready. It was good to hear that, at least. He said it was just a group of friends, but Kap had to wonder on that. How many friends of his were not already in a battalion. Would he be better off joining one of theirs rather than making his own and hoping they join? Or perhaps he would make new friends through these new experiences.

Cain lead him into one of the older buildings on Pegasus grounds. He wasn't used to the hollers they received on their entrance. Kap looked astounded as Cain explained why they were here; Quicksilvers... Cain's old battalion. No doubt people that he missed dearly. Though, from the warm welcome, probably something more akin to family. The people who watched your back, fought with you, and loved you unconditionally.

A woman wanted his hand, and he met her for a shake; just firm enough to show respect. "Lucy, it's nice to meet you." He turned his gaze back to Cain as she teased him, a grin splitting across his face, "she's got your number there," he mused. It was fun seeing this side of Cain. The more personable one.

He turned back to Lucy then, "I'm excited to see what you both have in store for me." No doubt something informational. Maybe a general idea of duty and the jobs they typically accomplished on a monthly basis. He was already making a mental list of what he should get to supply his battalion just from the visuals around him.

[attr="class","kap"]Cain's sentiments really proved his close relationship to his old battalion. Yeah, definitely like a family. He wondered if he'd ever feel just as close to his battalion in the future, or if they'd all fade away shortly after starting. He was starting to get more hope the longer the two of them went on, keeping up with them and taking down everything. He was used to taking in large amounts of information, compartmentalizing it, and saving it for later. He tended to have to do that as a researcher.

they eventually came to an end, and Kap felt a smile spread across his face at the two of them. They shared a look, and he could tell that there were shared stories, experiences, and lives just passed through them. Things that were irreplaceable. "I see; I'll just do my best, then. I'm sure the Jairwood has it's own challenges for us." Once requiring different instruction and supplies. But, in the end, the basic ingredients were all the same.

He looked up as someone hollered out to Cain. "Quicksilver special....?" What was that? Artemis was laughing in his head at the idea of him getting some light hazing. What turned him even more, though, wat what Cain said next.

It was so blunt and out in the open like that that he almost missed it. After all, he already knew. So he missed the queue he'd planned to feign surprise, and it took a shook of his head and a glance in Cain's direction to catch up again. "Huh-" he pauses, wondering if Cain caught his flub. They could talk about it later. He wouldn't call him out on it.

The moment passed, after all, and all Kap could do was give him a knowing look and grin; "sure thing. Give me the Quicksilver Special. Though, to warn you, I'm the type to get the bad fortune cookies from my takeout." It'd be nice to finally get a good vision of his future. You could tell, though, that behind the eyes there was a bit of nervousness. Thea's fortune. The prophecy. What would come next?

[attr="class","kap"]Kap snickered as Cain realized his mistake. If he hadn't heard from Eirirn, he'd have had a very different reaction. Probably would have focused on that first. But thankfully for the both of them, Lucy ushered them along the way. "Let's see what fate has in store for me," he mused.

They sat by a table and Cain started the show. It wasn't something he expected. The way he worked with water was beautiful. Intricate. But the momentary hijinks caught his attention and had him glancing up at Cain. IMS? No. Too convenient a time to just start spiking there, and his familiar would be acting up. Just a fluke, then.

He watched the presentation, smiling at the first pegasus that rose high. He liked the symbol. Had grown fond of it, and he hoped it'd stay that way.

But maybe he'd grown attached to soon. Tendrils lashed out, and down in plummeted into spears, gone. Just like that. Kap's expression fell. He didn't have a poker face; not a good one, anyhow. All of the color washed out of his skin in an instant as a cold chill bit hard into him.

He remembered faintly the prophecy. A large bird carrying his love away. The way he plummeted. The loss he felt. And now he was scared.

He almost missed Lucy coming around, jolting as her voice popped up. He looked up to her, gaping a moment. I'm sorry. It felt so final that he felt numb.

But then Cain turned everything on them again. A new twist to the tail as a few pegasus rose up from the water. He didn't understand-- what did that mean? Did he have to die to let others rise up? Or was he among those that rose? Was it even a death it foretold, or was it something else?

He felt winded from the whiplash, one hand coming up to rub the goosebumps that had risen from his other arm. "Hah, yeah..." trials...

He looked up at Cain as he asked him if there was anything else. He swallowed, wondering for a moment what to say. To do. If he should. He didn't like being this flustered. "That's not my first bad fortune," he said carefully, "but it was the first one that ended with any kind of hope. So, thanks..." for not ended early.

He couldn't find it in him to smile anymore, but his made an effort anyways; "so... Acolyte, huh?"