A few days later

Everyday, I was taught by someone new to protect myself in different ways.

Lupin taught me methods to escape, or getting out of a pinch. She showed me the importance of always being clam and having a plan.

Van Helsing taught me fighting techniques, and how to have the proper mindset when in a heated situation.

Victoria prepared several concoctions for me to use to protect myself.

Nemo taught me how to recognise the various steam engines used throughout London, as well as how to operate them.

Dorian always shows me the geography and topography of London in a way that I can easily understand.

I also get a haircut to make my hair short enough to not be grabbed. I feel like I've suddenly become more powerful, but they make sure to remind me that I'm only scratching at the surface.

At the same time those who aren't teaching me seem to be searching for all kinds of information.

I wonder how that is going.

One morning, the six familiar humans and one familiar chimera are gathered the dining table, as usual.

"I might get ahold of some quality intelligence regarding Septima." Lupin says.

The others trade glances at Lupin's sudden announcement.

"What kind of information? Did you find out where she is?" Victoria asks.

"This had better be good news." Van Helsing says.

"Calm down. I said I might get ahold of it. You people need to sit back and saver the anticipation." Lupin says.

"Come on! Why did you even tell us that if you're going to leave us hanging like this?" Nemo asks.

"Quit your wringing. So far, we have yet to see Progenitor make any big moves, either." Lupin says. "Caleb, your education is going well. Our days are gather productive."

"Yes. I think I'm starting to understand a great deal. Slowly but surely." I say.

"He's right. He's pretty much learned the basics of handling dangerous chemicals, and emergency first aid treatment." Victoria says.

"I'm happy to hear you say that." I say.

"Hmph. That's nothing compared to how far he has progressed with my fighting skills." Van Helsing says. "Caleb, your physical abilities are nothing short of extraordinary. That, plus my lessons, will make you a fearsome foe. No random hoodlums off the streets will be a match for you, armed or not."

"Tsk. So barbaric. The ultimate victory is achieved without resorting to ****." Lupin says. "He's perfected most of my elite training. He won't need your fisticuffsmanship after that."

"Ha! You call sneaking and picking pockets an education? Don't make me laugh." Van Helsing says.

"Picking pockets is much more subtle and civilised than solving all your problems by shooting them until they go away." Lupin says.

"Oh? Would be willing to testify you pacifist theories against me?" Van Helsing asks.

"All right, all right, stop fighting, teachers. It's oblivious that my lessons in machinery operation are the most useful." Nemo says.

"That is most certainly not the case!" Lupin says.

"Agreed. There's no way. Are you sure you aren't just giving him lessons in frivolous romantic matters?" Van Helsing asks.

"How is it you two only get along when you're insulting me?!" Nemo asks.

"Nemo, your lessons are very educational. Thank you." I say.

"Oh! Did you just thank me?! See! I told you, didn't it?!" Nemo asks.

"Please. Let's eat breakfast like civilised people." Victoria says.

"Ahah, it's all right. I prefer it when table conversations are lively. It makes things much more fun that way." Doreen says.

"I've been keep all the geographical information you give me in a notebook and reviewing it before going to bed." I say.

"I should be thanking you. I have certainly been having a pleasant time during our strolls." Dorian says.

We all have fun talking as we eat. Compared to my first few days here, it seems that Victoria and Van Helsing are slowly beginning to open up to everyone else. Of course I am, too.

"I almost forgot, Caleb, there's something I wanted to give to everyone." Doreen says.

"What is it?" I ask.

Doreen gives everyone a box

"It's a gift that I prepared a little while ago." Doreen says.

"Um, what's the gift?" I ask.

Doreen takes seven boxes from under her chair and hands one to each of us, keeping the seventh for herself. "Take it up to your room after breakfast. Then I want you all to come back here, with what you find in the box and wearing only what you find inside the box. I'll be waiting here. I'd love to hear your reaction."

"I don't really understand, but all right." I'm curious about what's in the box, but I make my way through breakfast.

Elliot and I then go back to our room.

I open the box.