Julia hadn’t been in school for long at this point.

Admittedly, her first day was much rougher than she would’ve liked. Everyone was expected to get up and present themselves in front of the class, but she’d never done this before. She’d always had trouble talking in front of others.

Julia shook nervously behind the rest of the class, as the teacher called up every student by name to talk about themselves.

“My name’s Tyler!” The kid on stage said. “I’m nearly six and I like soccer!”

“Hi Tyler!” The class called out, as the teacher looked over her list of names and brought the next kid up stage.

Julia tried to back away from the group, as the students went up one by one. “She’s gonna call me soon…”

Julia looked around nervously to see if there was anyway she could get out of this, before finding a small boy, even further back than she was, curled up in the corner of the room. Noticing there were still a few more students ahead of her, Julia snuck over to the boy quietly.

“Are you okay?” She asked.

“…I don’t wanna go up there.” He quivered. “They’re all gonna look at me…”

Julia saw the group growing smaller and smaller, as she looked back at the boy, still sniffling a little.

Julia leaned in. “I don’t wanna go up either…let’s run away, right now!”

“Run away?”

“Yeah! They won’t catch us if we start early!”

The boy shook his head. “My dad’s gonna get angry at me if I don’t…” He admitted. “I have to do it…”

Julia thought about leaving without him to save herself, but she didn’t want to be so mean on her first day of school. Although, she still didn’t want to go up on the stage either.

“…everyone’s gonna laugh at me…” He moped.

Julia grabbed his hand and looked down at him. “No way! I won’t laugh at you.”

The boy met her gaze. “R-really?”

Julia nodded emphatically. “And when I go up, you can not laugh at me too!”

“You’d do that?” He asked, standing up to face her.

“Yeah! And…and if you screw up, I’ll screw up twice as bad!” Julia promised. “Count on it!”

“But…I don’t even know you.” He complained, as Julia grabbed his shoulders.

“That’s why we’re best friends now! Cause I’m scared too!” Julia cheered.

The boy sniffed a little and smiled, before sticking out his hand sheepishly. “I’m…Florey.”

Julia shook it welcomingly. “Julia!”

———

“Julia? Are you listening?” Harley asked, waving her hand in front of Julia’s face. “You heard what I said, right?”

“Y-yeah, I’ve just…” Julia quivered. “…never been to a bar before…”

“You sound like I’m kidnapping you.” Harley joked. “Just don’t think about. We’re here to see Team Vanguard perform, so just cheer them on. Plus…I’ve yet checked out the campus bar.”

“O-oh, yeah…” Julia remembered, as she stared up at the ‘Academy Daiquiri Lounge’ sign glowing above the door, it standing out proudly against the night sky. “Are you sure you should be drinking after the mall incident?”

Harley rolled her eyes. “Come on, dad, it's been two weeks. I’m all good.”

Julia conceded Harley’s point, gulping to herself as Harley let them in.

Julia couldn’t believe what she saw.

“Huh.”

The atmosphere was comfortable, as students went about their business, mingling and chatting, some dancing to the music, with some perfectly pleasant music playing over the scene. The bartender looked nice, and everyone seemed to be well dressed and polite. The floor was noticeably clean too.

“Well?” Harley asked, as Julia tried to close her jaw.

“…admittedly, this is way different than I pictured…” Julia confessed. “I was expecting half-naked drunks rubbing up on other half-naked drunks over loud music.”

“Well, first, thaaat’s a night club. And two, no way am I dragging you to a place like that.” Harley admitted. “Man, you really haven’t been to a bar then.”

Julia shuffled her feet. “I don’t really drink, and I’m a pretty solitary person. I’ve always avoided bars for those reasons.”

“If you’ve always avoided them, how did you know you wouldn’t like them?” Harley questioned, walking further into the building.

“I guess…I didn’t.” Julia realised. “…fun time we’re having here.”

“Oh, sorry.” Harley apologised, pulling up a stool by the bar. “Come on, I’ll get you something. Pick your poison.”

Harley handed Julia the drinks menu, as Julia tried to decide what she wanted, despite having no actual idea what any of the drinks were.

I guess a…scotch sounds nice. Julia thought. Probably quite smooth.

“Can I help you two?” The bartender said, sauntering up to the duo.

“She’ll need more help than I will.” Harley joked, indicating to Julia, still stuck in the menu. “Haven’t I seen you around campus?”

“Have you?” He replied. “I doubt that. I’m not regular faculty.”

“Alright, then at least give me a name to go off of.” Harley asked. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

He went to make a point, but found none, and instead bowed mockingly. “Wesley Seears, PR manager for the academy, and as you can guess, part-time bartender. Are you going to order anything now?”

“Oh, no thanks.” Harley teased, as Julia popped her head up just in time. “You want to get anything, Julia?”

Julia’s eyes met Seears, as he seemed ready for her answer. “I’ll have a…Crasher’s Ridge cocktail.”

Harley held back a little laugh, as Seears grabbed a couple full measures. “You sure about that? You don’t take me as a heavy drinker.”

“…half a cocktail then?” Julia replied, as Seears smiled and shrugged, and went about his mixing.

Harley turned her attention to the stage, as she noticed Team Vanguard emerging from backstage, all very well dressed and classy, each setting up their instruments and checking their sound. Harley waved to the team, as Joleicia and Chops waved back casually.

“I didn’t know they could play.” Julia remarked, turning around with Harley.

“Apparently, all of them could play instruments already, so Joleicia decided starting a band would be a good team building exercise.” Harley explained. “Chops seemed excited when she told me, but I think Florey had some reservations.”

Julia noticed Florey off to the side, tuning his bass guitar, and clearly having some trouble with it.

“He’s always had problems performing.” Julia said. “That’s actually one of the reasons we became friends. He was fumbling before a class intro, and I was just as scared, so we hyped each other up beforehand and managed our way through it.”

“I’m sure he’ll be fine. Nobody notices when a bass player screws up.” Harley said, as Seears finished up with the cocktail and handed it to Julia.

“There you go.” He said, getting her attention. “Now, don’t go chugging it.”

Julia took the glass in her hand and cautiously inspected the orange-yellow liquid, before putting it to her lips.

“So, you two together or something?”

Julia spit-took her drink, not from the comment, but from the horribly bitter insult to her palette, as Harley was having trouble breathing from her laughter. Harley stifled her laughter and patted Julia’s back reassuringly. “It’s still pretty new for us, but she’s dynamite in the sack, so I’m not complaining.”

Harley flashed a playful grin to Julia, still recovering from her coughing.

“Oh. Didn’t realise you’d get so personal.” Seears snickered. “I guess that’s good to hear. She seems like a real catch, Julia.”

Harley kept laughing to herself, as Julia grabbed a napkin. “She’s just messing with you. We aren’t dating.” Julia said, glaring back at a far too pleased with herself Harley, and looking over the now soaked bar counter. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine. Now I can look busy.” Seears replied, happily cleaning up the mess, as the lights started to dim over the bar, and a few customers cheered toward the stage.

Team Vanguard all took their places, as Julia was surprised to see Saxin taking up the main microphone, with Joleicia by the piano, Lenin on drums, Chops with the guitar, and Florey on the afore mentioned bass. Saxin was lain out in a beautifully elegant, figure-hugging dress, as a few more cheers came from the crowd once she entered the spotlight and took the microphone into her hand.

“You’re…what I need, even if we’re not true.”

“When all I really see, are colours bleeding through.”

“I tried to let you in, but my heart’s formed a crack.”

“Now I’m off on my own, with the wind at my back…”

“She’s incredible…” Harley remarked, lying against the back of the bar, soaking in the surprisingly sombre mood. “Somehow, she’s even hotter.”

Julia looked over the team, all doing their part and taking it fairly seriously, especially Florey, who admittedly looked like he wanted to be anywhere else.

Good on him for trying.

After a couple more songs, with an impressive amount of applause after each number, Team Vanguard finished up their set, as Julia and Harley made their way over to congratulate a job well done.

“Oh, come on, it wasn’t anything special…” Joleicia said. “The others were great, but I missed so many notes…”

“Wait, we had notes?” Chops asked. “I was just playing from memory. Shit, that could’ve gone really bad.”

“Stop being so humble. You guys were fantastic!” Julia cheered. “And who knew Saxin had such impressive pipes.”

“I did, for the record.” Lenin remarked, getting a slightly playful giggle from Saxin.

“Don't get jealous, Lenin. Julia's just being sweet.” Saxin purred, pulling Julia in for an all too familiar close hug, which Julia just couldn’t bring herself to hate.

“That was exhausting, though. I say once we pack up, we all get a drink to celebrate.” Florey suggested, as the rest of the group all collectively agreed. Team Vanguard headed off to the back room, as Julia and Harley took up a small group of tables together, being joined by Florey quickly after.

“Florey, come here! I haven’t complimented you yet!” Julia remembered, patting the seat next to her excitedly. “You were so good up there! I thought you’d totally given up bass.”

Florey looked a little disconnected. “Yeah, I had. I’ve never liked performing, but I felt I had to at least try it for the team.” Florey admitted. “Once they found out I could play though, it was decided. Forming the band was mostly their idea.”

“Props to Saxin, though. Sorry Florey, but she totally stole the spotlight.” Harley interjected, checking the backstage door again. “Is she…uhh…coming back out soon?”

“Right here, darling.” Saxin said, appearing just behind Harley and waving to her, as Lenin walked out from behind her. “We got locked out, so we had to come in the front.”

“…uhuh.” Harley said, trying to avoid staring at Saxin’s still very figure-hugging dress.

“I’ll tell you, those lights are not flattering.” Saxin moped, tugging at her dress a little. “I was sweating throughout that whole performance. I hope it didn’t show.”

Something tells me Harley wouldn’t have minded. Julia observed, noticing Harley’s gaze still fixed, as Chops took her seat next to Florey.

“Sorry, Sax. I could’ve sworn that door opened both ways.” Chops said.

“It’s an honest mistake.” Saxin sighed. “Do you mind if I borrow a bra once we leave? I’d hate to stain this dress any further.”

Julia noticed Harley’s face flush with red, almost like she was holding back a blood-nose, as Joleicia finally entered and joined the others.

“Man, I’m pooped. Let’s get something for the whole team.” Joleicia suggested, before remembering Julia and Harley were there too. “Oh, sorry, you guys too.”

“Just don’t get Julia a Crasher Ridge cocktail.” Harley joked, turning Julia’s face as red as Harley’s was a second ago.

Joleicia found herself giggling teasingly, along with the rest of the team around her. “Really? You tried one, Julia?” Joleicia asked.

“I didn’t know what it was!” Julia complained.

“That’s a pretty hard drink. I thought you said you didn’t drink alcohol.” Lenin chimed in.

“I…was feeling adventurous…” Julia said, reigniting the table’s good-natured laughter, as Florey patted her back assuredly.

After a pleasant night of drinking, with Chops recounting some personal anecdote by jumping on the table, Harley failing to stop flirting with Saxin, and Joleicia encouraging one more round of drinks, Team Vanguard headed off together, waving a pleasant goodbye to Julia and Harley, as Harley scoped around the bar for anyone to help with her unresolved arousal.

“Stupid Saxin and her gorgeousness…” Harley muttered, as Julia started to shuffle her feet awkwardly. Harley’s curiosity drew her eye, as Julia clearly had something on her mind. “You embarrassed cause of all my teasing?”

Julia averted her eyes. “Yes…but, that’s kinda not the problem. You remember the intro we had to do on the first day of classes?”

“Uhh…yeah, I do. Why?”

“…well, I’ve got a presentation for my Whil App class…”

“Whil app?” Harley asked.

“Whil Application and Practical Principles.” Julia explained.

“Oh. That’s a dumb name.” Harley commented. “Are you worried about presenting?”

“…I wasn’t really thinking about it until I saw Team Vanguard performing, but…” Julia said, before shrinking back into her seat. “I’m gonna screw it up so bad…I just know it…”

“What’s it about?”

Julia looked up at Harley. “I have to explain my Whil in detail…and what I could do with it later in my career.”

“That sounds pretty easy. I’m sure Sola and Essex could help you with the terminology, if that’ll help your nerves.” Harley said. “Probably just Essex, though…”

Julia shook her head. “The script’s the easy part. Reading it in front of everyone’s where the terror is.” Julia quivered.

“Can’t you just submit the script?”

“I thought of that. Ferris said we have to perform it in person, and that we’ll be asked to do way more as Venators.” Julia explained. “Why am I making this bigger than it needs to be?”

“You’re overthinking it. If there’s anything you’re on top of, it’s technical stuff about your Whil. And firearms. And being helpful.” Harley said. “You’re not gonna screw it up.”

Julia tried to feel the sentiment behind Harley’s words, but found herself shrinking again, almost reflexively, even just thinking about getting on stage. Harley quickly noticed Julia retreating, before slinging an arm around Julia’s neck. “I can help you out.”

“Really?”

“Duh.” Harley smiled. “You keep helping out the whole team, it’s about time we give something back to you. We’ll have you kicking that presentation’s ass in no time.”

Julia smiled happily. “Thank you, Harley.”

“But you have to do me a favour first.” Harley asked.

“Okay?”

“You see that guy over there?” Harley said, pointing to an incredibly suave looking man at the bar. “You’re my wingwoman.”

“What?”

“Come on.” Harley insisted, already heading over to him with her confidence on full display, as Julia hopped behind, hoping desperately not to screw up.

———

“Julia? Are you listening? You heard what I said, right?”

“This must be hard to hear…”

“Mummy and Bell aren’t gonna live here anymore, okay? We’ll get to see them sometimes, but they’ll be pretty far away…but Bell’s gonna come over on weekends, and you can go and hang out with them too. I know it’s not perfect, but remember, they still love you lots, okay?”

“Oh, stop coddling her. She knows what this means.”

“She’s eight, Madelyn. Would you stop trying to avoid parenting her already?”

“I can’t help it if I don’t act like a mother now and then. Julia, sweetie, mummy’s not gonna see you everyday, but just know you’ll always be my little star. Promise to do well in your classes and listen to your father. See?”

“…Julia, it’s okay to feel bad about this. If you want to take a few days off school, I totally get it. And remember I’m here for you.”

“As am I, dear.”

“Gods, Madelyn, no you won’t be! Stop confusing her and let her figure this out without gi…

———

Wess always felt great changing her clothes after a workout. She didn’t exercise that regularly, and she really didn’t like wearing her unflattering workout clothes, but getting to gussy herself up again afterwards was its own great reward.

She said goodbye to the Julia, Sola and Essex inside the dorm room, before closing the door behind her, ready to leave, as Harley approached from the other end of the hall.

“Hey Wess.” She called out, as Wess turned to her and gave a small wave. “Going somewhere?”

“I’m going to spend some time with Cyrus.” Wess explained. “We’ve been trying to pick a novel to read together, but he keeps complaining they’re all too long. He can be so silly sometimes…”

Wess made sure the door was closed, as Harley gave her the side eye. “Is that it?”

Wess looked confused. “Yes.”

“Okay.” Harley smiled. “Hey, have you seen Julia? She needs some help with a presentation.”

“You’ll find her and the rest of the team inside.” Wess answered.

“Cool. If you have some pointers for Julia, you could join u-“

“Harley, do you really think I have the time?” Wess complained. “I’m sure she can figure out the basics of talking.”

“It’s a bit more than…whatever. I’m sure she’d appreciate the help.”

“If I felt like giving it, I would.” Wess replied, straightening her handbag. “If you’ll excuse me.”

“Yeah, later…” Harley said, clearly dejected after Wess’ answer, as Wess left for her rendezvous, still trying to figure out Harley’s intention.

That woman, I swear… Wess thought. I could nearly get hit by a train, and she’d still dance around warning me in a timely manner…

Just around a few more corners, Cyrus was leaning outside the academy library, tapping his foot idly, and waiting for Wess to show up.

Maybe I should just suck it up and read the longer ones… He thought, sighing to himself. I don’t want her to win, though.

After a bit more waiting, Cyrus spotted Wess down the hall, approaching with her trademark elegance, her dress immaculately kept and her gorgeous black hair…

Did she get prettier? I think she got prettier… Cyrus realised, blushing a little, as Wess closed the distance.

“Were you waiting long?” She asked.

“…no, no, I was…fine with waiting.” He replied to the best of his ability. “You look great today.”

“I should hope. I put a lot of pride in my appearance.” Wess said, before noticing something new about Cyrus. “You’re not wearing a hoodie.”

“Oh, yeah.” Cyrus said, tugging on his decently ironed and collared shirt. “I dug this out of the back of my closet. I don’t really like wearing black, but it’s starting to grow on me.”

Wess found herself staring briefly, appreciating Cyrus’ appearance when he dressed himself well, before returning to their conversation. “Well, you look…quite…dashing I’d say…you could afford to shave a bit better, though.”

“But the beard’s where I get my power.” Cyrus joked. “I’ll be totally defenceless.”

Wess chortled to herself. “We’re going to a library. You needn’t use any defence.”

Cyrus giggled a little. “Surprisingly good point. After you.”

Cyrus held the door for her, Wess graciously bowing in reply, as they headed to the fiction section together to complain about story length.

———

Harley watched Wess take her leave, unfortunately getting the response she expected from Wess regarding Julia’s presentation, before sighing in acceptance and heading into the dorm room, being greeted by Julia and Essex on the couch, and Sola resting on her bed.

“Alright, Julia, the rest of my day’s free, so we’re gonna help you out! Get up!” Harley exclaimed.

“A-already?” Julia asked, hoping she could put it off just a bit longer.

“If I warned you it was happening, you’d probably weasel out of it.” Harley explained, as Julia mentally conceded her point. “Sola, Essex, you two ready?”

“Huh?” Sola said, lifting her head up.

“Sola, we’re helping Julia with her stage fright.”

“Oh!” Sola realised, jumping off her bed and almost sticking the landing. “Is this for Whil App?”

“It would appear so.” Essex answered, resting her scythe off to one side. “Why is she having difficulty? Can she not talk normally and remove the doubt from her mind?”

“It’s not that simple.” Harley said, resting her hand on Julia’s head. “It’s not rational, it’s fear based. We can’t stop her getting scared, we can just help her cope with her fears.” Harley leaned down to face Julia. “Right?”

Julia nodded, happy that Harley was taking such a mature approach to this, even if she wanted to desperately do anything else.

“Alright.” Harley said, as Sola and Essex helped her move the couch to face the middle of the dorm room. “We’ll just see how well you do presenting to us and work from there. Wait, hold on…”

Harley slouched her shoulders and gave her face a terribly unpleasant scowl.

“Now…I’m Miss Ferris.”

Sola was having trouble holding it together with the impersonation being terribly accurate, as Julia couldn’t help but laugh as well.

“Gods, I need a drink…” Harley muttered, as Sola stuck up her hand.

“Oh! Oh! Who can I play?” Sola asked, still sticking up her hand.

“You’re already in the class, Sola.” Julia pointed out.

“Can I be Essex?” Sola asked, turning to Essex, waiting patiently for Julia to start performing, before noticing everyone staring at her.

“Vonodo, what are you doing?” Essex asked.

“What are you doing?” Sola mimicked, putting on a deliberately wrong voice that only amused Harley. “Understood. Understood.”

Essex was left confused, as Harley kept snickering to herself at Sola’s impression.

“Guys?” Julia interrupted. “When do I get to perform?”

“Oh, yeah…” Harley said, patting Sola’s head to calm her down. “Whenever you’re ready.”

Julia closed her eyes and breathed out, focusing on her palm cards and the ground, as she felt her legs step back and forth in nervousness.

It’s okay…it’s okay…it’s just your team…they’re here for you…they’re…

Julia opened her eyes and looked back at her team, before closing them again and shaking her head furiously.

“I can’t do it! I just can’t do it!” She bemoaned, hiding her face in her hands. “It’s too much…”

“Come on, Julia! You got this!” Sola cheered, as Essex clapped for her as well.

“You are the best leader.” Essex added.

“If you don’t do a good job, we’ll be really disappointed!” Harley tried.

Julia’s pupils shrunk, as the room went eerily silent.

“W-why would you s-say that…?

“Uhh…” Harley quivered. “Shit…”

Sola and Essex instinctively sunk into the couch, as Julia started to spiral, now worried about way more than just the presentation. Harley looked to Sola and Essex. “Guys, back me up here.”

Sola nodded determinedly, then looked to Julia. “We’ll be super crazy disappointed! No one will love you!” Sola tried, as Julia panicked even more.

“We will have to remove you from the team.” Essex added, as Julia felt the colour leave her face.

“The other way!” Harley complained, getting up and grabbing Julia’s shoulders. “I couldn’t be disappointed in you. You’re too awesome and cute.”

Julia felt herself come back to reality, looking back at Harley wiping a tear from her eye. “…stop calling me cute.”

“Okay. Feel a bit better?”

Julia sniffed. “I’d feel better if you didn’t make me worry about other things.”

“…yeah, that was a bad plan. I’m really sorry.” Harley admitted. “Truth be told, it worked for me when I was young, so I just thought…”

“I don’t think scare tactics are gonna work on me.” Julia realised. “I don’t think anything…”

Julia wiped her face again. “…can I take a walk? I promise I’m not just trying to ditch.”

“Sure, that’s fine. Be back in a bit, okay? We’re getting through this.” Harley said, as Julia nodded back and walked out with a shaky step.

“You got this Julia! We’ll have your back no matter what!” Sola yelled, right as Julia was through the door.

Just as she left the door, she leaned against the wall and tried to focus her staggered breathing. She was holding back in there, she had to for her team. Julia wasn’t about to freak out again.

…fresh air. She said, heading down the hall at her own pace.

———

Julia hadn’t been in school for a few days at this point.

She’d just taken a leave after some of the other students pushed her around again. Unfortunately, she’d let her anger get the better of her and tried to punch one of them just before the end of school.

Julia sat outside the Principal’s office, with a red bruise on her cheek, and her tired dad to her left, deciding whether or not to be disappointed.

“…is this because Florey changed schools?” He asked.

Julia slowly shook her head, as they went back to silence.

After a few more seconds, he spoke up. “Did you have to grab him by the collar?”

“…they took my tablet…” Julia confessed. She stared against the ground unblinkingly.

“…you’re lucky I came to get you and not your mother.” He said. “But I shouldn’t have to pull you out of school again this soon.”

Julia clenched her fists.

“I talked to the Principal, and he’s gonna have a talk with those kids and their parents. They also expect you to apologise to the kid you tried to hit.”

Julia looked away again and refused to acknowledge her dad.

“It’s the least you can d-“

“They made fun of me again.” Julia said. “They told me that mum and Florey left because they hate me. They couldn’t stand me…”

Her dad sat in silence.

“It’s not true…” She muttered.

He tried to process what Julia must have being going through, before wrapping his arm around her and hugging her. Julia didn’t hug him back, but she definitely wanted to, even if she refused to show it.

“It’ll get better.” He said, now facing her. “I promise. Those bullies won’t be around forever.”

“…can I stay home again?” Julia asked. “Just for a bit?”

“Julia, you’ve already missed three days this week. I can’t just stop you going to school. Your grades have already been dipping further than I’d like.” He reasoned. “Can you hang in for the rest of the week? Please?”

Julia looked back up at her dad and nodded as best she could, as they went back to sitting in silence and tried to guess what the other was thinking.

———

“How about this one?”

Cyrus took the book and inspected it in his hand. “‘Yours, Mine, and Everything?’ It’s not a cheap romance, is it?”

Wess rolled her eyes. “Of course not. I can barely stomach that stuff.”

“Finally, exactly!” Cyrus agreed. “If I watch another show or read another book with a love triangle, or some needy dweeb getting the popular girl, or Gods forbid, a romcom…”

Wess gagged at the suggestion. “Ugh. I might just die of shame if I was forced to watch that.”

“Same.”

Wess tapped her chin. “Unless, of course, I were invited to make fun of it. That would be worth the price of admission, and definitely make it more palatable.”

Wess went back to scanning the shelves for more ‘short’ novels, as Cyrus glanced back at her subtlety, admiring her hair again.

Come on, just ask her out. Cyrus thought to himself. She literally just invited you to see a movie. Make a move.

Wess struggled to reach a high shelf, before managing to grab a novel on display and breathing out in exhaustion, as Cyrus put the novel she’d handed him back on the shelf.

…I can ask later. When the time’s right.

“Alright, how about this?” She said, passing the book off to Cyrus, who gave it a side glance and put it back on the shelf. “Hey!”

“I don’t read anything where the cover’s just the main characters face.” He remarked. “It’s a matter of principle. If you can’t come up with a clever cover, ju…”

Wess ducked off to another set of shelves while Cyrus was talking, as Cyrus realised she’d disappeared and panicked to find her quickly.

“Hey! Don’t just leave mid-sentence.” He complained.

“You were carrying on.” Wess remarked, smiling back to him. “You talk a deceptive amount. How do you ever get anything done?”

Cyrus calmed down and leaned against the shelves, before smirking to himself. “Well, truth be told, I keep acing every class I’m in, so I never need to study.” Cyrus admitted. “I don’t think I’m actually learning anything here.”

Wess pulled another book off the shelf. “Even I have to study now and then. I find it hard to believe that you never need to.”

“Why, are you jealous?”

Wess scoffed. “Hardly. You sound awfully lazy to me.”

“And yet I’m just too…dashing.” Cyrus teased, getting the expected result from Wess.

“You dog! I complement you once and you hold it over my head!” Wess complained, even though she wasn’t that upset about it.

“I’m fighting you with your own words. Glass houses, Wess…”

“Pot calling the kettle black, Cyrus.” Wess shot back. “You look great today.”

“Nothing wrong with a compliment.” Cyrus reasoned, distracting himself with a book.

“And yet you never give them. So, what about me today was so appealing?” Wess wondered, smiling smugly to Cyrus, as he turned to avoid showing his embarrassment.

Cyrus closed the book he was pretending to read and put it back, as his mouth betrayed him and made the next words far more difficult to say.

“…you go out of your way to look nice, so I thought you should know that…it’s appreciated…” Cyrus admitted, as Wess’ smile turned. “I’ve never been good at that stuff…so it really impresses me how you do it so well everyday.”

Wess tried to hide her blushing behind another novel, worried he might get the wrong idea, before whispering something to Cyrus.

“…I can…help you, if you want. Just with some good wardrobe advice…” She said, looking back at him. “…maybe some concealer.”

Cyrus was just as nervous, as he played with his thumbs. “…thanks…maybe I can give you pointers on manners…”

Wess’ blush sharply disappeared, as she stormed off again, this time not waiting up for Cyrus.

“It was a joke! Just a joke!” Cyrus yelled, running after her throughout the library.

———

Julia took a seat by one of the academies windows outlooking the training grounds. There was the familiar sight of Team Instinct in the midst of training, despite the midday sun pressing down on them harshly, and a few first-year classes practicing melee techniques and Whil usage.

Julia noticed a couple first years in particular stepping in front of their class and starting a sparring match. The one who appeared to have a burning sword won the fight easily, almost sadistically quick, before spinning around and bragging to their team proudly. Julia took a breath, as a figure behind her walked by, stopped, and stared back at her, before she felt the presence of nosy eyes behind her and turned around.

“Oh, pardon.” He said, readjusting his suit. “You looked busy.”

Julia recognised his face, as her first day at the academy and her team meeting with Ferris flashed before her briefly.

It’s the Vice Principal. She realised, as an instinctive chill ran down her back.

“…you’re Julia, right?” He asked. “I remember your face from the team meeting.”

“D-do you…?” She replied, feeling a lump in her throat.

He approached and looked out the window right beside her. “Everyone’s very energetic today. It’s good to see the next generation improving upon themselves.” He kept looking out, as Julia stayed silent, almost like she was afraid he might jump if she made too sudden a noise. Quickly, he remembered what he wanted to say and turned to Julia.

“I forgot. You’re doing the Whil Application and Pra-“

“Yes…y-yes, I am.”

“I thought so.” He said. “I’ll be watching in on your presentations.”

Julia felt herself flush, as he straightened his suit sleeve and continued. “I wanted to see personally how the first years were adjusting after the attack on orientation day. It was very harrowing.”

Julia nodded with him. “I kn-know…”

“Well, sorry to take up your time.” He said, walking off again slowly. “I will be seeing more of you.”

And with that, he headed back down the hall, tugging on his suit a little, as Julia let go of the breath she didn’t realise she was holding.

I’ve gotta avoid him in the future… She thought, before standing up with shaken legs. But he’s gonna be watching me…

Julia took her leave in a hurry, before the nerves of her presentation made their return and slowed her down, worrying about it all over again.

———

Julia hadn’t wanted to go to school for weeks.

She hated having to give presentations, even when she had the backing up of Florey. He made it easier, but it was never easy. And now…

Julia sat by herself during lunch, propping herself on a segment of brick wall looking over the school oval, watching the other students playing sport and talking. Of course, she wasn’t about to join them or anything. They seemed happy without her.

“…they wouldn’t want me…” She mumbled to herself, getting out her lunch and taking a solitary bite.

She noticed her semester report card sticking out of her bag after she got her lunch, before sliding it back in and making a mental note to hide it before dad found out she’d gotten it already. He’d ask where it was eventually, but she could at least put it off for now.

Before Julia could enjoy her lunch too much, as to be expected, Casey made his way over, along with a few friends, as Julia tried to pretend she couldn’t see them, until they were too close to ignore. He blocked out the sunlight above her, as his friends took seats nearby to Julia.

Casey grinned. “Where’s your friend?” He said, leaning against Julia’s wall.

“…he moved.” Julia replied, still staring down at her lunch.

“Cause he hates you?”

Julia gripped her lunch harder, as Casey and his friends laughed to each other.

“I heard you’re part of the group giving a presentation after class.” He said, sneering to himself. “Don’t choke to hard. You might just breakdown in front of everyone.”

Julia stood up and walked away, as Casey and his friends followed behind her, purposefully stepping louder to draw her attention.

“Where are you going?” One of them called out.

“We just wanna talk!” Another called.

As Julia got sick of walking, she turned back around and faced him.

“J-just…back off!” She yelled.

“You aren’t gonna cry, are you?” Casey goaded. “Or punch me?”

Julia felt the urge, but forced herself not to. She wasn’t giving into that again.

“Whatever…” He mumbled, walking off, with the others in tow. “You should save crying for when you piss yourself at the presentation. Good luck…”

Once they left, Julia found a nearby wall and kicked her leg into it over and over, eventually leaving a regretful bruise, as a teacher nearly came around, causing her to worry that she’d get in trouble for damaging the school. As Julia heard the bell ring, her anxiety gripped her again, before letting go. She still had one more class until presentations.

Just one more.

“Alright, can everyone give a hand to Mason.” The teacher said, the class clapping for him as he left the stage. “Next up is Julia talking about agriculture in light of the Wailing Wars.”

The class sat in silence, as all eyes went to Julia, taking a second longer than she should to get up, her palm cards shaking in her hands. She meant to work on her presentation more than she had. Throughout her life, she’d put plenty of effort into her assignments, especially her writing, but it never helped her nerves in situations like this. So, why even try?

Julia finally got to the front of the class and turned on the projector, as her mouth immediately dried up, and she felt all eyes bearing on her. Including, of course, Casey and his friends in the back. She looked over her palm cards, and quickly realised they were the cards that went with her earlier draft of the presentation, and were now terribly out of date.

“Whenever you’re ready, Julia.” The teacher said.

Julia noticed a few cards get stained with her sweat, but knew there was no backing out at this point.

“Th-th-thank you f-for…c-c-coming…” She managed, nearly dropping her cards. “T-today, I’ll be t-t-talking about…a-agriculture…”

She changed to the next slide, which was totally different to what her cards were up to, as she shuffled through them to find the right dot points.

“Are you okay? Do you need a break?” The teacher asked, as Julia eventually found the right card.

“D-dairy! D-d-dairy production has…gone down…b-b-because…”

Julia remembered she’d forgotten to research this part, as she dropped one her cards and couldn’t bear to pick it up.

She looked back at the class, all strangers to her, as they watched her poorly made presentation go down in flames, and watched Julia slowly crouch into a ball in the ground, chained with anxiety. Her breathing was ragged and erratic.

“Julia?” The teacher asked, getting up to check on her, as a few other students got up as well. “Someone get the school nurse! You’re gonna be alright, Julia…you’re gonna…”

———

Wess gazed up from her novel, holding the page with her fingers, and looked to Cyrus in the opposite reading booth, playing with his bookmark in his hands.

“So? What do you think?” Wess asked.

Cyrus raised his eyebrows, but kept reading. “Surprisingly good. It was hard to tell what the early chapters were going for, but I think it picked up after that.”

Wess smirked to herself, as Cyrus glanced back at her and grimaced. “Okay, good job on picking the book. I shouldn’t have doubted you.” He admitted.

“Thank you.”

“Now I can finally learn how to read properly.” He joked.

Wess giggled to herself. “It’s too late for that. You’re a lost cause at this point.”

“A dashing lost cause.” He remarked, still reading.

Wess nearly jumped at him for that, but let the point go and continued with the book, taking a few subtle looks at Cyrus as he read.

Admittedly, the collared shirt was really working for him.

…I’m sure he’d be open to the idea. A movie isn’t such an absurd invitation. Wess thought. …with some convincing, of course…

Wess noticed herself staring and shifted her focus to the book, her mind still wavering over Cyrus’ new look, as Cyrus put down his copy and looked back at Wess, playing idly with her hair.

Just do it already.

“Hey, Wess?”

“Hmm?” Wess asked, propping her head up.

“Do you wanna go on a date?” Cyrus asked, blurting it out without another thought.

Wess stayed silent, quickly processing what he’d just said, as Cyrus continued. “Cause there was this movie on at the momen-“

“Yes.” Wess replied, not wanting to keep him waiting, and now looking up from her book. Cyrus tried to hold back his excitement as best he could, but felt a smile starting to creep in anyway.

“It’s about time you asked me.” Wess played off.

Cyrus was still handling the emotions welling through him, before committing to the smile innocently. “You could’ve just asked me instead.”

“Now where’s the fun in that?” Wess teased, returning to her book. “I’m much too good for you anyway.”

“Never mind, I’m revoking the invite.”

Wess’ eyes panicked a little, as she tried to keep a good poker face. “W-well, let's not be hasty here.”

“Relax, I’m kidding.” Cyrus said. “How about Friday at nine?”

Wess nodded. “Yes…that sounds lovely.”

The duo went back to reading, both a little red faced and thoroughly surprised with how well that went for both of them.

———

As the week passed, the rest of the team, minus Wess, kept helping Julia with her anxiety. Essex showed her mindfulness techniques, Harley made snacks for their break, and Sola encouraged her all throughout. Julia was always grateful, but despite their support, almost none of it got through. She was just as scared as she was before.

And just like that, Friday came around, and Julia’s presentation was right around the corner.

“I keep playing over it in my head, trying to think of any scenario where it works out for me, but I’ve never been able to get through a presentation without feeling dreadful, or…worse…what do you think, Maxie?”

Maxie stared back at her, his button eyes unblinking, as she brushed his artificial fur idly to calm herself. She mumbled something under her breath, as the door to the dorm room opened up and Harley stuck her head in.

“You ready to head to class?”

Julia jumped a little. “Y-yeah, j-just a second…”

Julia slowly got up from her bed and grabbed her palm cards, checked she had her room card, reshuffled her palm cards in her hands, cleared her bedside table a litt-

“Julia.” Harley spoke up. “You can’t keep distracting yourself.”

“…yeah, I know.” Julia admitted, finally getting her things together and heading out of the room, sighing deeply to try and quell her fears.

Julia sighed, as Harley looked her over subtly and smiled. “You look great today.”

Julia nodded, not really taking the compliment, as they walked off to Whil App. The late day sun was passing through the hallway, as Julia and Harley stayed silent through their trek. Harley occasionally looked back over at Julia to make sure she was still there, expecting her to bail once she got the chance.

I want to believe she wouldn’t do that… Harley thought.

Rounding the corner, Harley spotted Julia’s class heading into the lecture hall, ready to present, as Sola and Essex spotted the duo and waved.

“Alright, Julia, lets…” Harley said, before looking back and spotting Julia, huddled on the ground in a ball with her head in her hands. “Julia?”

Harley approached slowly, as Julia kept shaking her head back and forth. “No no no no no no no…I can’t do it…I can’t do it again…” She muttered, Harley, then Sola, running up to her concerned, as Essex stayed behind to watch from the door.

“It’s okay, Julia. It’s just a presentation.” Harley consoled. “I know we didn’t make a ton of progress this week, but you’ve made it this far already. We’re really proud of you.”

Julia sniffed loudly and shook her head. “I’m a failure…” Julia cried. “I’m never gonna get this…I won’t suddenly be some presentation expert who can do everything! It’s not worth it…”

Harley glanced back down at Julia, sighed, and then stood up. “If that’s what you want, then you don’t have to do it. I’m sure you can reschedule with Ferris, or maybe send in a vide-“

“No!” Sola yelled, grabbing everyone’s attention in an instant. “Stop giving up!”

Harley rested a hand on her hip. “Sola, she doesn’t want to do it.” Harley argued, helping Julia to her feet. “She said it herself, it’s not worth it.”

“It is worth it! Julia needs this!” Sola complained. “She has to do it!”

Julia held back some tears and looked to Sola.

“She helped me show off my Whil in class when I thought I couldn’t! She’s capable of this, she’s just telling herself she isn’t!” Sola turned to address Julia now. “If you don’t go up there Julia, I’m gonna be disappointed in you! Not because you’re worthless, not because you’re a failure, but because we’ve all had your back throughout this and you refuse to even try!”

Julia wiped her nose and watched Sola’s impassioned speech.

“You aren’t gonna screw up! You’re way too awesome for that!”

Julia noticed Sola’s conviction coming through even more.

“And if you screw up, I’ll screw up twice as bad and make you look better! Count on it!”

Julia felt a bit of bravery return.

“Do this for you! You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to try!”

Julia jumped into a hug with Sola, who was ready to keep going, but stopped soon after.

“…you’re right.” Julia admitted. “You’re so right…”

Julia broke the hug and faced her. “I’ve made so much progress already. I’m not gonna let myself back out and ruin all that hard work.”

Harley grinned in surprise. “Don’t tell me you got over your fear?”

“Oh, no, I’m still terrified to go up there.” Julia admitted. “But I’m gonna do it regardless. I don’t need some anxiety placebo. I’m just gonna perform for me.”

Essex waved to them, indicating the presentations were about to start, as they all caught up with her and headed inside.

“Peno Decu. It is a wish of luck.” Essex said, getting a quick nod from Julia. “Are you ready?”

“As ready as I could be.” She said, before spotting the Vice Principal beside Ferris, talking about this and that as the students set themselves up.

He doesn’t matter. Just focus on yourself, Julia. You’re doing this for you.

After another minute or so, Ferris got up, turned off the lights and walked up on stage.

“This is something I’ve been dreading for weeks now.” Ferris said. “I already don’t like hearing people talk, and hearing people younger than me talk with ill-prepared speeches irks me just as bad.” She tapped her microphone. “They better not be bad.”

Julia gulped, as Ferris looked down her list of names. “Now, there’s no set order, so I’m gonna…wait. Are you in this class?”

Ferris pointed to Harley sitting with the others, who pointed to herself out of confusion. “No. I’m here to support Julia.”

“…uhuh. I’m gonna call out whatever name I like. But if anyone wants to g-“

“I-I would!” Julia yelled, frantically raising her hand while trying to ignore her fears. “I-If that’s o-okay…”

“…wants to go first.” Ferris finished, before lazily pointing to Julia. “You might just blow a fuse if I don’t let you…get up here.”

Julia nodded, still shaking no matter how hard she tried to stay still, as she walked up to the stage, nearly tripping over the first step, and finding her way to the podium.

The palm cards were difficult to hold in her sweat drenched hands, as she looked out at the darkened classroom; a sea of faces she vaguely recognised and couldn’t figure out. They all stared back at her, trying to discern why she was taking so long.

Julia felt herself getting faint, ready to bolt out the door if need be, before spotting Team Valiant at the back, still cheering her on silently through it all. Harley smiled back to Julia proudly, nodding in confidence, as Julia nodded back, took a deep breath, and pushed her way through.

She turned on the projector.

“T-t-thank you for coming!!!” She yelled, clipping the microphone. “T-today, I’ll be discussing my W-Whil!...which I have d-d-dubbed…Velocity…Control!”

A few good-natured laughs came from the crowd, as Julia’s yelling was admittedly pretty funny to the class. Even Harley found herself snickering a little.

Julia looked out at the class again, and realised they were all still paying attention, smiling pleasantly as she talked. They weren’t laughing out of malice, they were encouraging her.

They were encouraging her.

“M-moving on, I’d like to talk a-about…potential Whil applications.” Julia said, turning to the next slide, as she felt a smile come across her face and a lingering proudness she couldn’t get rid of.

“She’s doing really well.” Sola whispered to Harley, who couldn’t help but crack a smile at Julia’s admittedly fascinating performance.

Harley leaned back in her seat and watched on happily. “Good job, Julia.”

———

Julia hadn’t been enjoying school for a while.

Her grades had gotten worse, and she felt herself phasing out of most classes from lack of interest. Year 11 was nearly over, and the vice-principal was ready to talk to her about career prospects, but needless to say, Julia didn’t want to be there.

“Could you please take a seat?”

Julia begrudgingly took her seat, but avoided looking the vice-principal in the eyes. The vice-principal sighed openly, as she pressed a pen to paper. “How’ve you been feeling lately?”

“…you know how I’m feeling.” Julia replied, playing with her hands.

The vice-principal sighed again. “I’m gonna stop wasting your time. Your grades have been on a steady decline for a while…but I know for a fact that isn’t your fault.”

Julia bit her lip.

“You’re a smart kid, Julia. And you haven’t been applying yourself.” She said. “I can see this kind of education isn’t right for you.”

“Like that’s the only problem…” Julia muttered.

The vice-principal tapped her pen a few times. “…I read over some of your old school work. Do you remember that activity a few years ago where you got asked to write a letter to your future self?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Can I read some of it to you?”

Julia thought about it and shrugged her shoulders.

The vice-principal opened the letter and looked to Julia again. “You can stop me if this gets too personal…”

’I don’t know what to write here.’

‘I wish my mind were blank. There’s so much in my head right now. I can’t seem to focus on anything. I hope things work out for me, but I’m worried they never will. I thought I wanted to be a Venator, but now I just want to be happy.’

‘I have no idea what to do. Or write. Or think. But I hope things will work out. They have to.’

Julia felt herself choke up, tears almost trailing down her face by the end, as the vice-principal got up and hugged her comfortingly until she was able to compose herself.

“Are you okay?” She asked, before Julia slowly nodded.

“…I…just remembered writing that…” Julia managed. “…I’m a failure…”

“No, you aren’t.” The vice-principal said, sitting back down. “And you’re too good to throw your life away as a teenager. But you clearly aren’t getting anything from our school, and you need some help going forward. So, I have a suggestion…”

The vice-principal pulled out a new slip of paper, with the large title of ‘Venator Academy’ brandished over giant buildings and happy looking students. “You said you wanted to become a Venator, and the Venator Academy is the most respected institute out there. It would also fit your practical style of learning better, and let you start out with a team of amateurs to work with throughout your degree.”

“…I won’t have the marks required.” Julia pointed out, trying not to look at the flyer too much.

“At this rate, yes…” The vice-principal replied. “…but, as vice-principal, I can give them my recommendation.”

Julia’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

The vice-principal nodded. “However, my recommendation won’t be enough. You’ll have to pass a physical and lift your grades if you want to get in fully. You don’t need to ace every class, but if you apply yourself, you’re guaranteed to get high enough results to pass.”

Julia was left without words, still thinking over the opportunity she’d just been given out of the blue.

“This is your decision.” The vice-principal said. “Only you can get yourself in.”

Julia thought about her options, eyeing the flyer throughout, before grabbing it wholeheartedly.

“I’m…I’m gonna try!” Julia exclaimed. “I’m gonna try my best!”

“That’s all I’m asking.” The vice-principal replied, as Julia grabbed her bag. “I have faith you’ll do well.”

“Thanks.” Julia said, heading out the door. “But it won’t be faith that’ll get me through.”

Julia closed the door behind her, as the vice-principal smiled to herself and started drafting up the recommendation letter.

“Good luck.”