First mission!(Stella/Natasha

Since their battle was a few meters away, Natasha was finding little difficulty in facing her opponent, but that didn't mean the creature was something to be underestimated, either. Filling her fists with streams of reishi, she blasted the panther afar with every strike. Inch by inch, she was slowly wearing at its deceptively durable armor.

The bipedal lion leaped back to avoid the strike at its leg. Though it didn't possess the otherwordly sensory perception of its partner, currently contending with Natasha, its reaction time was nothing to scoff at. Without hesitation, it shot forward to slam the girl's head into the ground, releasing a bala from its mouth. If those strikes connected, the lion would revel in the opportunity and pile on a myriad of blows.

The bipedal lion was caught unawares by the counter as that slice landed cleanly through its head, Stella's axe potent enough to severe the hollow's head in twain. It was a sudden end, but it didn't possess so much ability to take down a warrior of her stature. Natasha, too, proved equally successful in her ambition as her reishi-influenced attacks pummeled the panther into crimson paste and spiritual ash. With the hollows defeated Natasha turned to Stella, grinning from ear to ear as she wiped the blood from her face.

"Bit of a difficult time, I reckon, but I do think that's the end of em'. Good job, Stella. How'd yer first mission as a future soldier of the Sternritter feel?"

"Bit of harsh advice here, but ya best grow accustomed to it, Stel. Killing to survive is simply one of the cardinal laws of this world. Best not to worry about your feelin's regardin' stuff like that."

Natasha offered that advice as she pulled a pair of napkins from her pocket, handing it to Stella as she exhaled softly. Fixing her own jacket, she picked the woman up, hoisted her over her shoulder, employing Steigan to shorten their trip from point A to point B, arriving at the train station. Turning back to Stella, she ruffled the girl's hair, congratulating the woman on her efforts overall.

"Either way, ya did good, rookie. I look forward to workin' with ya on the future."

"No shame in that. At least you're bein' honest about your feelings regarding this type of stuff. I admit I find no real joy in the act myself, but as defenders of the realm, it's up to us to do our due diligence and handle business. As willing soldiers, none of us get to decide what or what we don't enjoy. Protectin' those who can't defend themselves is oftentimes our top priority. Emotions are secondary."

As the train arrived, Natasha entered to find a seat somewhere at the front as Stella likely followed behind. When they were properly seated, she stretched her arms out, exhaling as she relaxed against the seat. That panther gave her quite the workout, but contrary to her advice, she walked away from the affair with exhilaration. She didn't pride herself on killing these guys, but the adrenaline boost that came with fighting on the frontlines hardly left her spirits.

"Don't worry too much about that. As a rookie, you'll have to be fightin' alongside others for some time. I spend my days watchin' over youngin's like you for a livin' nowadays. This won't be the last time, I reckon."

"Good question..."

Natasha played coy as she continued to relax against the chair with a playful grin. There was a humming noise, obnoxiously drawn out to give the young woman some tension, before she simply, and without hesitation roped an arm around her shoulder, ruffling her hair again.

"You can submit your papers whenever ya like, sugar. I'll make sure to sign my name off on it, and place in a good report to sweeten the deal. Welcome to the team, Stella."