Behavior problems...

Formation

He spit the tuna out. That's how you know grim is mad. "Hey! I can prove it to you!" He then turns away and mumbles under his breath. "I have money. why wouldn't I have money?!"

Since it was already morning, Yuu didn't want to waste any time for getting ready. She got out of the couch and stretched her body. "oh that feels good..."

Yuu stood in the small living room of Ramshackle Dorm, stretching her arms above her head, feeling the weight of the day ahead settle on her shoulders. She glanced at the cracked mirror in the corner of the room—her eyes narrowing at the thought of its eerie glow, the sinister images it had shown her. The mission to Briar Valley wasn't just a quest for answers; it was her last hope to save Malleus from whatever malevolent force had taken hold of him.

The rest of the team was already starting to prepare for the journey. Ace, Deuce, and Leona had gone out to gather necessary supplies, while Vil was no doubt scrutinizing everyone's gear, ensuring that nothing would be left to chance. Rook was probably off somewhere tracking down resources, and Grim, who had insisted on packing enough tuna for the whole group, was curled up on the couch, still grumbling under his breath.

Yuu sighed, her eyes lingering on the window. The sense of isolation in the dorm had never felt so palpable. Yet, as her fingers brushed against the cool surface of the cracked mirror, she felt the same sense of dread rise within her. Maleficent's shadow loomed, and she knew they were heading straight for the heart of it.

Suddenly, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see Leona standing in the doorway, his green eyes piercing as always, his posture relaxed but his gaze intense.

"You good?" he asked, his voice low.

Yuu offered him a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah. Just... thinking about everything."

Leona's tail swayed lazily behind him, but his gaze softened slightly. He stepped into the room and leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms. "You're putting a lot on yourself, you know. This whole 'saving Malleus' thing. It's not just your problem."

Yuu nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "But it feels like it is. I... I can't just sit back and let him suffer. Not when I know something's wrong."

Leona studied her for a long moment, his usual cynicism replaced with something quieter. "You don't have to do this alone, Yuu. We've got your back." His eyes softened for just a second before he added, "Even if you're hell-bent on going to Briar Valley, I'll be right there beside you."

Yuu smiled faintly. "Thanks, Leona. That means a lot."

He nodded and then pushed off from the doorframe. "I'm not one for sappy speeches, but if you need a reminder to stay sharp... just remember, no one can do this alone. Especially in Briar Valley."

Yuu's heart clenched at the mention of Briar Valley. It was known for its dangerous creatures and unpredictable terrain, not to mention the cursed history that surrounded it. The rumors of ancient magic still hanging in the air, waiting to ensnare anyone foolish enough to wander too deep. Yuu had heard the tales but never expected to live them. Now, it was all too real.

Leona saw the fleeting uncertainty in her eyes and walked over to where she was standing by the window. Without a word, he placed a hand on her shoulder, a rare gesture of solidarity. "We'll get through this, you know. Whatever happens, you won't be facing it alone."

Yuu took a deep breath, the knot in her stomach loosening just a bit. "I know. I've got a great team. They'll keep me grounded." She looked back out the window, her gaze distant. "But what if it's not enough? What if... we can't stop whatever's happening to Malleus?"