"Right. The Ewing, that's what we're supposed to be focusing on," Evan said, regaining control over the conversation.

          "We have no idea how they managed to find out about or located Charles, what they were going to do with him and what they're planning to do next. To answer all those questions, I need to go back to the warehouse and see if they left anything behind. In the meantime, take your time to recuperate, and if you're good then get ready to train." 

          "What do you mean 'you' are going back to the warehouse? We should all go together." Charles said.

          "It's too dangerous. We're lucky to have met with those amateurs that day. The whole of the Ewing must've been alerted of our existence, there's no telling what's back there. My ability allows me to get in and out of there like a ghost, I can't guarantee I'll be able to do the same with all of you together with me. It's much safer for me to do this alone. I've done this multiple times, plus, it'll just be a quick and stealthy scouting mission, nothing confrontational. As for your training, Katie can you speak to Alessa? See if she's willing to train you guys?" Evan said.

          "Sure... Just be careful, Evan." Katie replied.

          Ned looked down at his body in the wheelchair, limp and unmoving to his commands. "So... What can I do?" He whispered.

          "Just take the time to recover, there's no point pushing yourself just to get injured even worse.

          ...

          Wait.

          There is someone you can visit that may help with your injuries. He was a rather eccentric character in the future, always gave me the chills. I barely knew him but I do remember you three talking about him helping you recover from injuries that were out of the norm, especially from fights with unusual Sarcs. I heard he was a retired doctor, so he should logically still be practicing now." Evan said as he walked towards his computer and typed into the search bar. He then scribbled something down on a piece of paper and passed it to Ned along with a black card, "Don't need me to accompany you to the doctors do you?" Evan joked.

          "Alright then, meeting dismissed. Just always be careful when you're out there. You never know when the Ewing is going to strike, you might even end up facing unpredictable rogue Sarcs going wild. Even humans too, who knows what they may be up to, just have your guard up." Evan concluded as he ended his gaze at Katie. She returned a reluctant nod before they all sombrely left the room. 

          The door closed just as Evan slumped down on the desk, "You can do this. Keep it together, at least you're not alone anymore." He whispered as a smile crept up his face.

          Ned returned to the ward while Charles left the house, leaving Katie to talk with Alessa to determine whether their training could even proceed. 

          The guest room door was left open, showing Alessa deep in thought staring out at the cityscape with an unnervingly fierce expression. Katie gently knocked on the door, "Everything alright?"

          Alessa immediately broke out of her trance and brought a gentle smile back on her face, "Yeah... I've just never seen a city like this before, much less stayed in such a nice house. This is Evan's house isn't it? I can tell he doesn't really like me here, should I be leaving soon?" 

          "Of course not! You're welcome to stay as long as you like. Just give Evan some time, he's not that great at first impressions, we've all been there haha. And, he's been through a lot so he's just a bit guarded. I'm sure in time you two will slowly grow on each other!" Katie inched closer, careful for her reaction.

          "Is that so? I think we may have more in common than we thought then." Alessa said as she took a seat on the bed, leaving ample space for another person.

          "Yeah! Besides, he may have been all cold and secretive just now but he actually has a favour to ask of you, we all do actually." 

          "Oh? What is that?"

          "Can you teach us martial arts?" Katie asked enthusiastically.

          ...

          Alessa dipped her head and her stern, enigmatic poker face returned.

          Katie subconsciously tried to reach into Alessa's head but realised her powers only worked if the other person had the Nedder-Region. Feeling frustrated and uneasy, she suddenly had a realisation that brought on a wave of shame. 

          "I'm sorry, I haven't realised... Sorry for pushing you into all this. You saved us and now we're still asking you for more favours. I'm so sorry, do you have somewhere to be? Do you want to go home?" Katie apologised.

          "No! No! That's not the case at all. I have been living in the Grey Tile, but I can hardly call that a home... I haven't the slightest idea with what's going on with err... Do you call them the Ewing? But it sure looks like they're pretty bad people. I'm not doing anything with my life anyway, this sounds like a pretty cool thing to live for. I'm not a master of the martial arts but of course I'll teach you guys what I can! In the meantime, do you think I'll be able to put up here?" Alessa said as she slowly lifted her spirits once more.

          Katie's eyes lit up with joy as she wrapped her arms around Alessa, "Of course! I'll make sure Evan treats you like a VIP up in here! I guess we'll start tomorrow then? Evan recommended a doctor to Ned, and I'd like to accompany him there. Would you like to have a rest, or go out for a walk, maybe see the city with us?" 

          "That'd be great, but I hate to be interrupting a date," Alessa stared right at Katie who was taken aback by her sudden teasing. Katie laughed it off as she grabbed Alessa's hand and pulled her towards the medical room.

          "Ahhh, I guess you need to find a new date," Alessa said awkwardly as she picked up the note on the empty bed that announced Ned's departure. 

          "Yeah whatever, I'll bring you to all the nice places instead of the doctor's!" Katie said with a worried frown.

          Meanwhile, in the next room, Evan geared up and took a deep breath, as he prepared to revisit the Grey Tile.