Panicked thoughts started to spiral in Aqua's mind.

(They live there? Why wasn't this mentioned in the contract? To protect a residential home is under an entirely different contract to just protecting property! There'd be so many different protocols! Different procedures! Would it be rude to ask them why? Or should I just report them? Are they a Compound spy? No- I shouldn't think like that!!)

He slowly continued walking again, making sure his pace was manageable for the injured lynx.

"...Did your family ever mention anything about having guarding services?"

"No, I don't think so. But I can double check with them afterwards for you!"

(At least she appears to be cooperative.) Aqua looked to Golden Bay's one and only information center. Or better known to the locals as "The Shack".

"Aqua! And a- oh gosh! Please come in, I'll heal that right up!"

The bright yellow cat hurried ahead to straighten up the cushions by a low table and gestured for Lunar to take a seat. As Lunar followed, the cat took the cushion next to her.

"Please lie down, we want to take as much pressure off the wound as possible!" The cat put its paws together and started rubbing them. Little golden sparks flickered off from the friction.

Aqua walked over to the opposite side of the table but didn't take a seat.

"My name is Tropi, what's your name?" She opened her paws and held them in front of Lunar's cut.

Lunar flinched as the sparks made contact with her wound, she forced herself to not squirm, "I'm Lunar."

Tropi nodded. "You're really brave, Lunar! How did Aqua find you?"

"I accidentally slipped down a rocky wall..." She sounded disappointed with herself.

Tropi looked at Aqua with a raised eyebrow. "The rocky wall?"

"Yeah," he scratched the back of his head. "Also I need to head back out real quick to hand back some lost property." Aqua could leave the strange lynx with Tropi as he could trust her judgement, whether he liked it or not.

He hesitated before the door which they had just entered from. He glanced back at the two Compound Kinds. "You're in good paws, Lunar."

Then he left.

"Damn right you are," Tropi muttered. She looked back at Lunar and gave a soft smile. "I don't believe I've seen you around here before. Is this your first time at Golden Bay?"

"Yes."

"Ah, a traveller? What made the rocky wall catch your eye?"

Lunar repeated the explanation she gave to Aqua earlier. She was met with silence afterwards.

"...Are you okay?"

Tropi blinked, "Oh! Sorry, please don't take my lack of words as disbelief! I just happened to see something very interesting…"

She lowered her paws and stood up. "That should be all better now!"

Lunar slowly sat up straight. Apart from the slight tingling, her wound appeared to be completely healed. She gave a heartfelt bow. "Thank you so much for your kindness."

"It's no problem!" Tropi returned a polite nod. The Compound Kind headed towards the kitchen. "I was just making some lemonades before you came by. Would you like to have one?"

Lunar's ears perked up. "Yes please!"

Tropi trotted over to the kitchen and poured the freshly made lemonade into a glass of ice.

"Wahhh…" Lunar's eyes sparkled at the craftsmanship.

"Here you are!" Tropi handed one to the lynx.

"Thank you so much!"

Lunar began to down the whole glass.

"Y-you don't have to finish it in one go!"

The small lynx held the now empty glass proudly. "That was the best lemonade I've ever had in my life!" Lunar beamed.

"Oh, you," Tropi blushed and waved off the complement playfully. "Would you like another one?"

"Yes please!" she leapt at the offer.

Tropi poured her another one and led her back to the living room. Well, it was more like a living room converted to makeshift tourist lounge. With the low table was also some couches, a wall tv, shelves with beach clothing and some postcard carousels.

"If you don't mind me asking, what kind of power do you have, Lunar?"

"I glow in the dark!"

"Wait, that's so good. You'd be a lifesaver in power outages!"

Lunar looked over the merchandise with curiosity.

Tropi took a sip from her own glass. "Any colour catch your eye?"

"The orange-ish yellow bandana looks cool…"

"Good choice! I love these because they also have this section," Tropi picked up one and opened up the zip at the front to show Lunar. "You can carry stuff while still looking fresh!"

"Wowowow." Lunar watched the demonstration with intrigue.

"You can have it if you'd like!"

"How much does it cost?"

"Oh! Don't worry, first merch is always free for first visitors!"

Lunar's face brightened, "Really?"

"Yup! Would you like to wear it now? Or I can fetch a bag for your bag really quick, hehe."

"Could I wear it now?"

"Of course! Lemme just get the tag off for you…" Tropi walked off with the bandana and set it on another bench. She kneeled down to a draw and carefully pulled out a folded piece of paper. After cutting the tag with her claw she slid the paper into the bandana's pouch.

"Here you go! I also put something in there that I believe will come in handy when the opportunity arises," she handed it off to Lunar.

"Thank you so much!" Lunar received the bandana gratefully

"You know, I'm really lucky to have met you, Lunar. This is the only short period I'm actually at the shack."

"What's your power, Tropi?"

Tropi rested her chin on her paw.

"My power is enhanced opportunity perception."