Chapter Text
It feels like these two could never get along these days to Lin Chung. Everyday was a new argument between Mystique Sonia and Mighty Ray. Always over something ridiculous too. Whose stronger. Whose faster. Whose smarter. They are both fine warriors with their own strengths and weaknesses. Why couldn’t they just see and accept that?
The worst part of all of this was that Lin Chung was always thrown in the middle of their bickering. Being used as a comparison by those two constantly left him under scrutiny at every waking moment. Most days it was tolerable, but with Mister NoHands off on a solo mission there was no reprieve from the ever-so critical eyes of his teammates. Every mistake and flaw was shown brightly in a spot light left the young warrior feeling hurt and insulted by his friends’ comments. Lin Chung was far from perfect and he knew that, but being put on such a pedestal just to be torn apart for a mere stumble or stutter was beyond frustrating.
Everyday. He has heard his name said by those two everyday as they try to rile each other up and it was slowly driving him crazy. He could see it brewing before he even sat down at their table for breakfast. Bickering over who was better at hand to hand combat, it seems. He was spared from immediately being dragged into the conversation by Second Squad throwing some banter their way. This afforded him enough time to eat and sneak away from the canteen before Mystique Sonia or Mighty Ray could resume exchanging verbal jabs at one another. He couldn’t do this again, not for the fifth time this week. This ultimately is what brought him to pay a visit to the Air Force.
He could see the moment Master Chou noticed him entering the hangar as a smug smirk spread across his face.
“Lin Chung! Great to see you, soldier!,” Master Chou beamed, “What brings you over to our hangar? Need to prep for a distant mission trip with us?”
“Oh, nothing like that, Master Chou,” Lin Chung grinned and wave off the thought, “No. I figured that since First Squad often needs aid from the Air Force that it would be appropriate to learn all I can about how your unit functions while Mister NoHands is on the field. That way I can help or stay out of the way when necessary.”
The Air Force crew perked up at this. It wasn’t often for soldiers from other units at Big Green to look into cross training. Usually warriors stuck with their squadrons, soldiers with their tanks, and cadets with their rockets. When one unit had to work with another they would have to undergo a crass version of the standard training and a quick revision of safety regulations. Having a warrior such as Lin Chung come to them and ask to be trained in his scarce free time in order to make future mission easier between the two units was a tremendous show of respect for the Air Force crew.
Master Chou’s chest puffed up in pride, “Smart kid! Now, if only the rest of the warriors could think like that. Certainly would make helping a lot easier,” Master Chou smiled alongside the rest of the Air Force crew.
“I understand. Unfortunately, a lot of the warriors are rather headstrong with perfecting their performance on the field. It seems to have only intensified in First Squad at the moment with Mister NoHands not available to guide training sessions,” Lin Chung let out a soft sigh.
“Surely they listen to you when out on the field for missions, right?,” RoseFinch asked as she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
“They do, and I am forever grateful for that, but Mystique Sonia and Mighty Ray can not seem to go a day without argument,” Lin Chung states as he pinched the bridge between his eyebrows.
“Oh, we know,” Burly chuckled lightly, “I think everyone at Big Green can hear them during meal times. They’re quite vicious with each other.”
“Yeah, but I thought you mastered ignoring those two at Porcupine Castle?,” Mano asked.
“You’re right, Mano. Though, they somehow cannot manage to argue without bringing me up in some form of way. That just makes them frustrated and harder to lead in battle,” Lin Chung admitted as he looked to the Air Force.
The stress seemed to more apparent on the young man than he thought as the Air Force members picked up on it like fish to water. With a wide grin, Mano threw an arm around Lin Chung’s shoulder and the group started making their way further into the hangar towards the rockets. RoseFinch laughed at the forwardness of her crew mate.
“Well, let’s not focus on those dunderheads then!,” RoseFinch smiled brightly as they walked.
“That’s right! Let’s show our favorite warrior everything there is about our beauties,” Master Chou boasted, “Maybe we can even steal you away from First Squad. Never hurts to have another cadet!”
This brought out a bout of laughter from the group, spirits instantly lifted. The Air Force crew went through their standard motions of the day, explaining every little detail and reason for actions made. Lin Chung watched and listened thoroughly, happily learning about the structure of their schedule and work. It is magnificent! They worked beautifully together, like a well oiled machine. It was truly inspiring and Lin Chung could feel his hands itching for a paint brush with the flow of creativity surging through him. He was excited to paint later!
Lin Chung followed along the best he could as a beginner and Mano would redirect him if he was starting to mess up. He made quite a few mistakes but they never laughed or insulted him over it and it was simply refreshing. He didn’t realized how much Mystique Sonia’s and Mighty Ray’s comments were starting to affect him.
This started a new routine for the five of them. Lin Chung would stop by every couple of days and help out around the hangar and the Air Force would train him in their specialty. Sometimes the group would just hang around after chores were done, but on a few occasions they would fly off and practice in the air. This continued even after Mister NoHands returned from his mission. Master Chou was not shy to brag about how pleased he was Lin Chung had sought out additional training under them and what a great addition to the Air Force he would be.
Of course, this riled up Mister NoHands like no other. Never one to be showed up, Mister NoHands increased training intensity the next day. It’s exhausting work but it was worth it in Lin Chung’s eyes. The Air Force crew proved to be more perceptive than First Squad as they seemed to always notice when he was a rough day and would invite him to the hangar. RoseFinch and Master Chou were always so eager to teach him everything about their craft. Burly was happy to joke around during the physical training and Mano always quietly guided Lin Chung to the right direction. This felt how a team should act. Hopefully, First Squad could get back on track and start feeling like a team again. But the bickering would have to stop first.