A garbled sound came from the mass of dead plant matter.
"That is not what I meant at all," Jin roared. "You threw me into water. I'm a machine. Water is my mortal enemy."
Kira waved an unconcerned hand. "Sometimes sacrifices need to be made, and technically I threw you at her." Kira pointed at the woman from House Asanth where she still knelt by her partner. "She threw you into the water. If you're mad, blame her."
Before the woman could prepare a retort, Kira’s protector stirred, aiming a bored look in Kira's direction. "Come with me."
She sauntered past Kira as she headed toward the residence, saying over her shoulder. "You two, return to your post. I'd advise you against making any further mistakes."
The water creature vibrated, bits of vegetation falling away until Jin's hard metallic shell was mostly clear of debris. Streaks of mud and green covered his normal gunmetal gray as he joined Kira.
"I can't believe you tried to kill me," Jin muttered.
"You were taking too long to recover your faculties. I thought you could use a little incentive."
"Spare me your kindness in the future," Jin said, aiming his "eye" at her.
Before Kira could respond, the man on the balcony placed one hand on the railing and leapt over it. He fell, landing hard, knees bent, body braced. The water rippled from the impact, spreading out in small waves that lapped the edges of the courtyard.
He straightened and examined Kira.
This close it was easy to see the details Kira had missed before.
A square jaw and bright, curious eyes made the man seem downright amiable. The orange hair that stuck up in tufts around his head added to his approachability.
He was one of the shorter Tuann Kira had met. Although only about her height, he made up for his small size in the width of his shoulders and chest. His forearms and biceps were lined with muscle.
He stroked his chin, looking at Kira. From anyone else, the look would have been considered insulting. With him, he somehow managed to come off as curious and appraising.
"Is this her?" he asked.
The blonde lifted a lazy shoulder as if she couldn't summon the interest necessary to answer with words.
The man didn't pay any attention to her, taking the lack of response in stride as he focused on Kira.
He reminded her of an overgrown puppy. Friendly, eager to play, with a bouncing enthusiasm. Except this puppy had teeth. If his interaction with Asanth was any indication, his bite was way worse than his bark.
He stroked his chin as he looked her over. He nodded to himself as if she'd passed some sort of test.
"Token. Let's see," he ordered, holding out his hand.
Kira stared at his palm before lifting her gaze to his. He quirked an eyebrow at her in expectation but didn't move. The look he gave her said he could wait all day if he had to.
Kira's lips quirked. Friendly but with the same stubbornness as every other oshota she'd met.
Left with little choice, Kira fished out the token and handed it over.
The stranger turned it over in his hands and grinned. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this."
Large hands settled on her shoulders before she could react—and she tried. Unsuccessfully.
"Finally. Finally, I'm no longer the youngest," he crowed. His grin was infectious. "Don't worry, little junior. I'll make sure to show you the ropes. If any of these idiots give you a hard time, let me know. I'll be sure to sort them out."
A hand appeared, knocking one of the man's hands off her shoulder.
"Keep your hands to yourself," Finn said stiffly.
The man blinked at Kira's oshota, scanning him. "What are you wearing?"
