ToT Chapter 3 Prologue

Heat.

Hot.

Blazing heat and hot everywhere.

That's what goes through Sonya's head as she takes another long drink of her water bag she and Yang are sharing. She is definitely not a morning person and right now, she's considering she hates heat just as badly as waking up early.

She sighs out in relief as the cool water goes down her throat. She is standing on two legs with Yang beside her who's lighting fanning herself but appears to be handling the heat better than she is.

Yang looking around curious as she and Sonya stand with the rest of the group who traveled to a new area called Ywaru Canyon.

A vast desert that in its own way held a certain charm to those who prefer this type of environment or were local, both recalling the fond tales that Vander spoke of while they traveled. Yet, for Sonya at least, this was more a burning sauna she'd like to get out of.

Despite that, overall Sonya does find seeing this new area refreshing. Mostly due to the fact they have lived near forests or plains so being in a new environment does catch their interest.

Neither having been to a desert before.

Sonya looks up to Yang, then taps her arm with the water bag to get her attention. Yang lightly jumping then looks to her.

"Need some?" Sonya asks holding up the bag. Yang smiling to her and takes it.

"T-Thank you." She says then takes a drink.

Sonya watches her then sighs out softly. "You seem to be handling this heat fairly well."

Yang finishes taking a drink and looks back to Sonya at her statement. "K-Kinda. I once trained to handle extreme weather conditions."

Sonya looks surprised at what Yang said. Yang suddenly realizing what she said and flinches looking nervous. She said that out loud without even thinking.

"U-Umm well! Y-You see....! I-I mean...!" Yang starts to ramble nervously.

Sonya realizing she was referencing her past before she became so timid. Sonya never really bothering with asking Yang about her past since they both struggle with talking about it.

Her because of her shame for her heritage as witch hunters, and Yang because of her parents and history with bandits and witches.

Yang only told her brief things, but she did say how she used to be a capable fighter before she changed. This being a first she's heard Yang say anything more about who she was and the training she received.

In a way, though Yang is still stuttering away, Sonya feels proud of her friend. She seems to be opening up more now.

Yet her ears lower a bit, the bell ringing softly, as she thinks of the reason why.

Ever since their last encounter with Nox, the shiny grey furred Eevee who did help them during their encounter with the witch Morgan, Yang seems to be changing little by little.

Opening up more and doing less stuttering than she usually does. And not only that, she's been gradually mentioning a little more on who she was before she changed.

Sonya laughs and holds up a paw to silence her friend. "Yang stop. Slow down its fine. I think it's cool you trained in extreme weather. That just means you’re suited for this task then."

Yang blinks a few times then taps her paws together nervously. "I-I'm a bit out of practice, though I suppose you can say that...." She then narrows her eyes determined, "I-I will do my best to not slow anyone down this time."

Sonya smiles and nods, happy for Yang as she can see she's starting to really change for the better, yet she can't help but go back on her mixed emotions when the make Eevee is brought up or on her mind.

There is a suspicion that Nox truly is a witch hunter, the witch exclaiming it loudly during their fight. And due to that, Sonya doesn't know what to think or feel.

She actually was beginning to consider Nox as a potential friend, yet now the fact he might be a hunter like she was makes her feel like he lied to her and that hurts deep down.

She doesn't like to admit it, but it really does and why exactly she isn't sure and that drives her nuts.

A frown comes to her face, like usual when she's upset, annoyed, or can't figure something out.

I can't believe I'm still dwelling on this! I should just hate him and not talk to him anymore...... How come I can't seem to do that?! Maybe because it'll make Yang sad? She thinks glancing to her teammate.

Yang still looking around curiously, around her neck is the Warding Charm they were given by Curry for babysitting. Sonya insisting they wouldn't need it since she can use Heal Bell, but Yang decided to bring it anyway just incase someone else would need it.

She cares a lot for her teammate and only friend. Yang proving time and again in the past when they met that she would never betray her and is really her true friend. Sonya will do all she can to make sure she's safe and protected in appreciation for her putting up with her all this time.

Which is why, despite her mixed feelings, she's willing to consider figuring out of Nox is a friend she can trust. So because of this she reasons is why she can't hate Nox.

Yang is the only friend I have. I care for her like she was my own family. A slight pained look comes to her as she thinks about family. Then she looks determined as she confirms her feelings.

Yang and Mentor are my family now. I don't need anyone else. And because of that I'll try to tolerate Nox. For her. She reasons with herself.

Trying to deny the uncertainty still deep inside.

Sonya sighs, Yang looking to her slightly worried. Noticing the frown on her face and how she keeps sighing.

She knows she's dwelling on thoughts of Nox, and is still confused. Yang hates to see her friend like this, but Yang can't make the decision for her.

She has to decide on her own, just like how Yang did when she decided to be Nox's friend.

She tries to keep her friend distracted as she smiles softly to Sonya. "S-So we're going to try to help the Artisans and Trackers again? Grabbing water for others from the reserve?"

Sonya looks up and then nods. "And maybe the Scholars. They do need help transferring that nasty water and purifying it. Plus taking that huge voice stone they've been dragging while coming here."

Yang nods in understanding, worried for the citizens and the unfair way the Don has been handling the situation.

Sonya herself worried and upset on the water situation. Part of her almost wanting to go march in and demand the Don stop his ways. Though she knows that won't solve anything and make things worse.

Plus they both know her temper can get out of hand, especially in corruption categories, so they both agreed it best to not help with negotiations.

For now, they'll do their best helping in the other tasks, despite Sonya struggling with her mixed feelings.