“Everyone packed?”

“We’re only going to a movie, Julia.”

“I know, but I wanna be prepared.”

“I can’t believe it’s actually out!” Harley cheered, bursting out the dorm room door. “They finally adapted the story of Team Vivisect and the Waygone Wailing!”

“A decade too late…” Wess groaned, following behind with the rest of the team. “Before we arrive, can we all lower our expectations? Everyone knows Venator movies are infamously terrible, without exception.”

“That’s just cause they haven’t made ours yet.” Harley teased, elbowing Wess’ side.

“Why do you reckon they’re all bad?” Sola asked. “Is it a conspiracy?”

Julia raised a finger to her chin. “Probably cause Venators are busy fighting Wailing instead of writing scripts.”

“And most are just cheap cash-ins on established names.” Wess clarified. “What’s the movie called again?”

Essex grabbed the tickets from her bag. “…The Waygone Wailing Strikes: Vivisect in Arms.”

Wess rested her hand on her temple. “I’m sorry, the action of vivisecting is taking up arms?” Wess pointed out, followed by a giggle from Julia.

“The colon’s unnecessary too.” Julia said, as Essex handed her the tickets. “Wow, we haven’t even seen it, and it’s already full of problems.”

“Nuh uh, no way. You guys aren’t ruining this for me.” Harley interrupted. “This movie’s gonna be great, and I’m enjoying it regardless.”

“What if it’s bad?”

“Then I’ll enjoy it ironically.” Harley grinned, grabbing the rest of the team into a group hug. “Either way, I’m having a fun night with you guys, so this’ll be worth it no matter what! As Dorothy always says, fr-“

“Attention all present on campus, Wailing lockdown drill will now commence. All students must return to their dorms immediately and assume lockdown procedure until the drill has been completed. To repeat, this is a Wailing lockdown drill…”

Harley blinked in shock.

“Shit, was that today?” Julia realised, hitting herself for not scheduling this in. “Alright, everyone, back to the dorm room.”

“Oh, come on! Can’t we go to the movie anyway?” Harley asked. “It’s only a drill.”

“Sorry, Harley, but we treat this like the real thing. I wanna go too, but this is for our safety.” Julia explained, as the rest of the team filed back into the dorm.

“Man…I wanted to see the Waygone Wailing…” Sola moped.

“It would not have been the real Wailing. They would have used a person in a costume or a roboti-“

“She’s aware of that, Essex.” Wess intervened.

“Oh. Apologies.” Essex said. “Her statement sounded sincere.”

Julia opened the door for the rest of the team, as she caught Florey and Chops coming back to their dorm too. “You guys had plans too?”

“Unfortunately. Talk about bad timing.” Chops groaned. “We were gonna go see that new movie with the Waygone Wailing in it.”

“Not seriously, though.” Florey clarified. “Apparently, it’s been reviewed to hell and back, so we wanted to hate-watch it.”

Julia pulled out the wad of ticket stubs for the team and gave an incredulous look.

“Ah shit, you too?” Chops realised. “Guess we’re in the same boat.”

“And the same dorms too.” Julia said. “See you after the drill.”

“If we make it out alive.” Chops dryly remarked. “Ooo…”

Florey chuckled a little, as Julia waved them off, and headed inside to a collectively dejected Team Valiant.

“So we’ve gotta stay inside all night instead of watching the movie?” Harley realised, flopping onto the couch. “I’d take my chances with the theoretical Wailing.”

“I think Dulce would beat you to it.” Wess pointed out, sitting on Julia’s bed. “All that build up, and now it’s been pulled out from under us.”

“These drills better come in handy…” Sola groaned.

“This is a necessity. But the timing is unfortunate.” Essex stated.

“Hey guys,” Julia said, grabbing the team’s attention, as she had gathered some snack food and drinks from the kitchen. “There’s no reason to throw the night away. We can still have fun here!”

Wess squinted. “What’re you suggesting?”

“Well, we still get to hang out. We can just talk, and do fun stuff together, and…oh wait!”

Julia dropped the food onto the couch, before ducking into the study/Essex’s bedroom and re-emerging with a mountain of colourful boxes.

“I brought a ton of board games from home!” She exclaimed, dropping them in the middle of the floor. “I’ve wanted to play them so bad, and now I have an excuse!”

“Look at Julia, saving our night from boredom!” Harley cheered, as Sola was already rummaging through the boxes.

Essex sat on the ground with the others. “Which of these would you recommend?”

“Yeah, give us the lowdown.” Harley added. “And I wanna know if there’s some more ‘adult oriented’ ones in the bunch.”

Julia’s face turned an awkward red. “H-Harley, most of these are from when I was kid. None of them are secretly naughty or anything.” Julia rubbed the blush off and scanned through a couple of the boxes. “First off, we’ve got Kitten Punch, Muffin Divers, Flick that Bean, Carpet Crunchers…”

“Are you making those up?” Wess asked in disbelief.

“No.” Julia replied, holding up Muffin Divers. “You dive for muffins while a bagel shark hunts you down.”

“What’s Switch Hitter?” Harley asked, holding up the box.

“You work in a factory and have to keep it from blowing up. You get to pick your occupation, your skill set, tools, and run around the factory floor keeping the power on.” Julia explained.

“Sounds like my kinda game.” Harley beamed.

“Oh, oh, oh!” Sola said, frantically holding up a box. “Can we do this?”

Julia took the box into her hands. “Gold Star LP? I haven’t played this for ages. Me and my sister Bell loved this as kids.”

“Do you feel like enlightening us?” Wess asked, pouring herself a drink.

“Everyone plays a music mage going on a quest to kill Outune, an evil creature with horrid taste in music, who plays it all across the land…” Julia explained, with theatrical hand movements and everything. “It can’t be stopped unless everyone…bands…together to defeat it.”

The room fell silent.

…

…

“Oh, I get it!” Sola said.

“This looks to be fun.” Essex assessed, nodding. “I would like to participate in this merriment.”

“Can we choose different music mages?” Harley asked.

“Yes, and your music genre of choice defines your class.” Julia elaborated.

“Alright, that’s awesome.” Harley said, unboxing the game, as Sola leaned over her to grab the equipment.

“How long is this supposed to go for?” Wess asked, scanning over the player manual.

“…it kinda depends.” Julia said, her eyes looking off to the side. “Sometimes twenty minutes, sometimes hours. Me and Bell had a game going for five months at one point…”

Wess’ eyes widened, before thinking it over and shrugging her shoulders. “I suppose we have the time…” Wess dismissed, sighing out loud. “I might as well. It seems fun enough.”

Julia started wriggling with excitement, as the night was turning out even better than she’d hoped.

———

Ferris hated coming in this late. Faller insisted on working until the day was actually over, but that shouldn’t mean they were a package deal. Granted, Ferris didn’t get much sleep anyway. She checked her tablet and found it was only eight, before groaning to herself, banging her head on the wall and entering Faller’s office.

“You’ve got some nerve.” Ferris barked, as Faller spun around in his chair, just finishing up on some e-mails.

“Don’t get snippy.” Faller remarked, before turning his computer off for the night.

“I can’t help it. You won’t let me sleep.”

“You can sleep during your classes if you’re desperate.” Faller suggested.

“Can’t. That’s when I drink.” She admitted, pulling out a pocket flask, as Faller just ignored her in favour of his point.

“…we got the results back for the Behemoth Wailing autopsy.” Faller said.

“No shit.” Ferris said, wiping her mouth. “Anything interesting?”

“No.”

Ferris blinked. “No?”

“Exactly. There’s nothing to report.” Faller reiterated. “We find a new breed of Wailing, and the science department discovered nothing out of the ordinary over months of analysis. The report’s conclusion amounted to ‘it’s a Wailing, but bigger.’”

Ferris took a second, before finishing off the flask. “…that’s not possible. Did some intern fuck with the data?”

“Everything’s reported in detail. Head Scientist Cecil kept notes of the whole thing, and his aides did too. All of them check out.”

Ferris scowled. “You think Cecil was tampering with it?”

Faller shook his head. “No, this is something else.”

Ferris got up and started raiding Faller’s liquor cabinet. “What do you need me to do?”

“The academy’s in a lockdown…” Faller started, before getting up and lowering the bottle in Ferris’ hand. “…in a lockdown drill right now, and I want you to use it to look through the science department uninterrupted. See if there’s anything out of the ordinary relating to the autopsy…or just in general, for that matter.”

“And if someone spots me?”

“Lie.”

Ferris put the cork back on the bottle and placed it in the cabinet. “You’re a real taskmaster, sir.”

Faller’s eyes drooped, as Ferris headed back out the office door with the same lack of enthusiasm she’d entered with.

Faller took a second to look out the window at the rest of the academy, shrouded by the slowly approaching night that loomed past the Eldos Mountains.

“You’re hiding something from me…what’re you not telling…”

———

“Is everyone done?”

“Wait…I’m still working on it…” Sola prefaced, writing a few more details down.

Julia looked over the team, as they all filled out their character sheets, before noticing Wess tapping her chin with her pen. “How’s the character going, Wess?”

“I’m having trouble deciding her genre. I’m debating between the best strategic class or the best narrative class.” Wess posited.

Julia smiled openly. “Just pick whatever’s your favourite.”

Wess stopped for a second. “We don’t…need to get into that.”

“Oh, I gotta hear this.” Harley interjected. “I’m gonna guess classical music?”

Wess smirked a little. “Fair assessment, but not quite. In all honesty, my favourite genre for a while has been rap…and hip-hop, by extension.”

“Really?” Sola asked, popping her head up from her page. “I thought it would be ska.”

“Why…?” Wess wondered, before ignoring it. “No, believe it or not, my tastes are not so easily defined.”

“I was under the impression that the Northern Wayside was classically inclined.” Essex pointed out. “Would this not apply to you too?”

“I do like classical music, especially when accompanying a good opera or two…” Wess reminisced. “But that’s somewhat of an old Northern tradition. We’re far more diverse in our cultural practices nowadays, especially musically. I’ve also found myself indulging in reggae and funk, as well as some pop.”

“Oh! That’s what it was!” Sola cried out. “I thought I heard you listening to Team Harmony the other day!”

“Pfft…Team Harmony?” Harley snickered, as Wess went red-faced. “So you’re a pop idol fan?”

“…I’ve no shame in admitting I listen to them.” Wess clarified. “They are professional Venators too, so it only means I’m more infor-“

Harley had keeled over in laughter, weeping to herself, as Sola leaned over to Wess. “You didn’t tell me you were a fan too.”

“I think you can see why.” Wess said, indicating to Harley. “I’m glad that we share this in common, at least.”

“Totally! They’re, like, the best band ever!” Sola exclaimed. “I own all the albums, bought a bunch of their shirts, and I even got a giant poster signed by Quaver for my bedroom! I had a huge crush on her all through high school!”

“I…wouldn’t go that far…” Wess admitted, in a little too deep. “But she was very cute…”

“I wish my music tastes were that informed.” Julia remarked. “I grew up listening to my dad's favourite bands, so his tastes kinda became mine. I still get teary-eyed listening to The King’s Landing.”

“Hey, William had that album too!” Harley realised, having recovered. “Maybe that stuff’s just made for dads to enjoy.”

“And their daughters, apparently.” Julia joked, as Sola finally pulled up her sheet.

“Done!” Sola announced, pointing to Julia. “Do it!”

“Okay!” Julia grinned, before closing her eyes, hunching her back, and displaying her hands. “Greetings, travellers…”

“No, stop it.” Wess interrupted. “Take this seriously or I’m not playing.”

“Alright.” Julia sighed, still doing the same hand movements, just without the voice. “Greetings, travellers…what brings you to the land of Rhythmia?”

The team stayed silent again, as Julia indicated to Harley.

“…oh!” She realised, getting into character. “The name’s Flint Blastcap! Me love for sea shanties is only as stron’ as me love for the sea!”

“Well, Flint, you sound ready for…adventure.” Julia teased. “But who is this beside you?”

“I’m…Arnaldo.” Sola prefaced, tossing her hair. “My tastes are hard to define. You wouldn’t get it.”

“Arnaldo and Flint. What unlikely companions. And who might you be?”

Wess cleared her throat. “Charmed. I’m Alexa Romantide, and I’ve yet to find a song I can’t perform. Just point me to the nearest piano and I’ll show you a concert worth dying for!”

“My, my, Alexa…” Julia said, before leaning over to Wess and whispering. “Good character acting, Wess.”

“Thank you.” Wess whispered back, before straightening her back. “Now why have you brought us here, old Sear?”

“Patience, child. We’ve one more to introduce.” Julia decreed. “And who are you?”

Essex realised the attention of the room was on her. “Aerlo Decali. My title i-“

“No, Essex, you have to play as your character.” Julia explained.

Essex cocked her head, before the idea connected. “Impersonation?”

Julia waved her hand. “Pretty much, yeah.”

Essex nodded, before lowering, then lifting her head. “…g-greetings. I am…Vessex. I practice in Death Metal…and…Screamo…music.” She attempted, constantly checking her sheet for reference.

Harley cracked a bashful smile, as Julia stayed in character. “Vessex, is it? Is that a family name?”

Essex frantically checked her sheet over again. “…no. They are dead.”

“Well, warriors, I say you seem just about ready to enter the land of Rhythmia, but I must ask you, do you really expect to defeat Outune?”

“He took me family with his songs, and now I’m takin’ him down!” ‘Flint’ declared. “He won’ get away that easy!”

“…whatever.” ‘Arnaldo’ replied, flipping their hair again. “As long as my music’s appreciated.”

“I have a duty to the art of music, and he won’t ruin it any further.” ‘Alexa’ stated.

“…yes.” Essex said.

“Then be prepared. You may find he’s more conniving, and far deadlier, than he looks…” ‘The Sear’ teased, as they opened up the board to the group. “Welcome…to Rhythmia.”

———

Despite her relationship with the other staff, Ferris was on surprisingly good terms with the security team. She occasionally caught them at the campus bar, laughing and drinking, and usually willing to make fun of the other staff behind their backs. It was all in good fun, except for Ferris, who really meant what she said. Needless to say, this meant the security were willing to let her wander through the academy halls without much disturbance. The science department was a ways away from Faller’s office, so the less interruptions, the better.

“Faller loves to drag me around…” Ferris sang to herself, entering the science department building, swiping her ID card to enter. “Kicking and screaming against the ground…”

She found the light switch and rode the elevator to the main laboratory, still pristine after being thoroughly sterilised for the Behemoth Wailing body, and subtlety checked inside to see if anyone was still there.

None that I can see. She thought, as she stepped in, taking out her flashlight, and scanning around the room for stray documents or file cabinets. One cabinet in the corner caught her eye as the only noteworthy object, as the room seemed meticulously kept, even before the sterilisation.

She made her way over, running her hand against the side of it, before feeling comfortable in the knowledge that it was safe and opening the draws.

“…shame none of these are labelled ‘sinister plot.’” She mumbled under her breath, placing the flashlight in her mouth and flipping through each file, coming across the ones documenting the autopsy.

She skipped over Cecil’s notes and went for one of the intern’s copies for study.

———

25/5/5019, 3:25pm

RICHARD SANDERS

The ‘Behemoth Wailing’ has been under study for a few weeks now. Considering its enormous size, separating the body into manageable pieces was necessary, meaning each limb and organ has to be inspected on its own, with its own team and everything. I still feel nauseous whenever we have to look at its disembodied head in the storage container. Cecil advised us to leave that until last to better understand its base biology before moving to something more complicated like its brain, which I understand, but that only means we have to keep looking at it even longer.

So far, the physicality of the ‘Behemoth Wailing’ is near identical to that of a regular Wailing, with obvious differences in muscle mass and muscle concentration in order to accommodate for its size. This Wailing doesn’t appear to possess any form of offensive capabilities other than physical, separating it from most other Wailing that have at least some form of ‘magic.’ I’m a bit disappointed my first Wailing autopsy hasn’t yielded greater results, but if I’m lucky, one of the other interns will come across something noteworthy.

———

“Nothing here…great…” Ferris groaned, as the lights flicked on, freezing her in place.

She turned around and saw Vice Principal Coatsworth, standing in the doorway with an inquisitive look on his face.

“What are you doing here?”

———

“Julia, what does this do?”

“Uhh…”

“Is it my turn yet?”

“What about my spell from last turn?”

“I think it’s…wait…”

“May I ask a-“

“Just wait!” Julia cried, looking over the player manual again. “It says the monster can only move two metres a turn, unless it possesses the Breeze Boots, making it three metres, unless it’s classified as a large monster, bringing it back to two…”

“So, does my spell hit?” Wess asked.

“…maybe.” Julia tried to answer. “I don’t know.”

“When do we get to fight Outune?” Sola asked, raising her hand.

“Umm…” Julia stalled, flipping through the other player manual. “…well, you fight him here, on page 260…”

“And what page are we on?”

“…I don’t think we’re even on one.”

The team collectively groaned, as Julia threw her hands up. “It’s a long game! The whole point is you invest time into it and watch the narrative grow.”

“This time investment does not seem worth it.” Essex pointed out. “And I do not like acting, Julia.”

“Pass.” Wess said, grabbing the manual for personal inspection. “…that’s the twist, really?”

“Don’t read ahead!” Julia complained, grabbing the book back. “And don’t spoil it!”

“What was the twist?” Harley asked, Sola nodding along.

“It was revea-“ Wess started, before Julia frantically tried to cover her mouth. “Re-revealed that the Sear was…Outune. Julia, calm down.”

“Really?” Harley said, scratching her head. “It seems obvious now.”

“What a dick.” Sola commented. “And now we’ve got nothing to do.”

Julia stopped flailing for a second. “…we could play another boa-“

Wess stopped her. “No, thank you. One was enough.”

Julia went about packing up the board games, as Harley dug into the snack pile. “We can just hang.” She suggested, as Sola’s eyes lit up at an idea. “We’ll just stay up and tell stories, you know, shoot the shit.”

“Oh, oh, oh, oh!” Sola repeated. “Can we prank call someone?”

“Yes!” Harley agreed, high-fiving her on the spot. “Can it be that douche Baron?”

“Yes!” Sola cheered, high-fiving her back, and turning to Wess and Essex. “You wanna help?”

“Would this not be cowardly?” Essex asked.

Wess rested a hand on her shoulder. “Well, we aren’t hurting him, but it is somewhat underhanded. Then again, Baron can rot in hell.” Wess cleared up, Essex nodding along. “Of course, this will only work if the call is personal.”

“Didn’t you say you knew him back home, Wess?” Harley asked, as Wess blushed a little.

“Y-yes…I suppose…”

“Then do you know his mum’s name?” Harley wondered, as Wess’ crimson only grew.

“What’re you planning?”

Harley went to speak, before noticing Sola and Essex, and instead leaning over to whisper to Wess.

“…why would…oh…oh my! I’m not doing that!” Wess complained, as Harley shrugged to herself.

“It’d really piss him off. Pride verse payback, which to choose.” Harley teased, as Wess bitterly scowled at her, then pulled out her tablet and looked up his number on Activ.

…ring…

…ring…

…ring…

“Yeah?”

“Excuse me, is this…Baron Devatta?”

“Speaking.”

“Is, uh…your mother Doris, perchance?”

“Uh, yeah? What’s this got to do with me?”

“W-well…” Wess looked back to Harley and Sola, giving her a thumbs up, slowly followed by Essex. “I’m c-currently…banging her.”

There was silence over the phone, before Baron spoke. “What?”

“Oh yes, w-we’re getting very hot and frisky. She’s quite the animal.” Wess continued, Harley and Sola desperately trying not to laugh too loud. “Oh, w-what’s that? You want some more, you…dirty…Doris…darling?”

“Who the hell is this?”

“I-I told you, I’m your m-mother’s lover.”

“Is this Team Instinct again? I swear if it’s you Rudy…”

“Hang up! Hang up!” Harley exclaimed, Wess quickly putting down the tablet, and let go of the breath she didn’t realise she was holding.

Harley and Sola were in a pile, caught in their own laughing fit, as Essex went over and comforted a very embarrassed Wess.

“That was an impressive display.” Essex assured her.

“That was anything but.” Wess clarified. “Harley, are you sure you weren’t pranking me?”

“No! You did great!” Harley snickered, wiping a tear away. “Geez, that was perfect.”

Wess rolled her eyes and headed to the kitchen, as Julia finished packing her board games away.

“Alright, no more board games…” Julia moped, coming out of the closet study.

Harley patted the ground between her and Essex, as Julia sat down with the team. “Come on, grab a drink with us.”

Julia let out a sigh and smiled, as Wess handed her a glass she’d grabbed from the kitchen and poured her some higher quality red wine. “What’s the occasion?”

“Surprisingly enough, I’m in a good mood.” Wess admitted, going around to the rest of the team with the bottle in hand. “Sola, I’ve yet to ask, but do you drink?”

“Not a ton.” She replied, holding out her glass. “But I’m in a good mood too.”

Wess finished filling everyone’s glasses, Essex inspecting hers carefully, before placing the bottle back in the pantry.

“How much longer’s the drill going for?” Julia asked, laying back against the side of the couch, the rest of the team in a makeshift circle together.

“Shouldn’t be too long. As Dorothy always says, ‘time spent waiting is time spent appreciating life.’” Harley said.

“You know Dorothy?” Wess asked. “She’s a part of my Venator Media class.”

“We share Venator History with her.” Harley said, indicating to Sola.

“No way. Me and Essex have Tracking and Hunting with her too.” Julia explained. “I can’t believe we’re all friends with someone as cool as Dorothy.”

“How could you not be? She’s as pleasant as they come.” Harley remarked. “Not too bad in bed either.”

Julia felt the blood rushing to her face, as the others laughed to themselves at Harley’s brazenness.

“Harley, did you just say you and Sola are learning Venator history?” Wess asked, leaning back with her drink.

Harley nodded. “Why?”

“Well, if you’re all up for it, might I suggest a little game of trivia?” Wess posed, swirling her glass.

“You really are in a good mood.” Harley remarked, taking a sip of hers.

“I wouldn’t mind it.” Julia agreed, as Sola and Essex both nodded along.

“Alright then. Let’s…hang on…” Wess said, as she got up and strolled over to the broken fish tank by her and Julia’s bunk bed, placing it upside down on the floor, forming a makeshift podium.

“There we go. I think Venator trivia would be most appropriate.” Wess prompted.

Harley shot her hand up. “Current or historical?”

Wess tapped her chin. “I’ll mix it up. Now, if y-“

“Do we have to make a buzzer noise?” Sola said, raising her hand after she said it. “No wait, can we make a buzzer noise?”

Wess sighed. “If you feel inclined. Now, can…” Wess said, before noticing Essex’s hand up too.

“May I ask a questio-“

“Essex, put your hand down or you’re losing it.” Wess declared, Essex quickly complying to her tempered command, as Julia giggled to herself beside them.

“Alright, first question…”

———

“What are you doing here?”

Ferris made no effort to hide her actions, as she placed the file against the nearby table. “I’m retrieving something for Cecil. He went home cause of the lockdown, but he forgot a file about the Behemoth Wailing autopsy.”

Coatsworth inspected the scene, keeping to himself just as much as Ferris was. “I see. Why were you reading in the dark?”

“You know we’ve gotta save on power after the attack.” Ferris excused, going back to scanning through the files. “I hope you’re not accusing me of anything.”

“Of course not. We’re coworkers, after all.” Coatsworth reasoned, heading over to join Ferris. “I can help search, if you’d like. Unless…”

“Unless?”

“I’d be an imposition.”

Ferris scanned his face, careful to pick up on any tells from him.

If I say no, he’ll just find that even more suspicious. Ferris thought. Coatsworth, you snake.

“If you want. This isn’t top priority or anything.” Ferris excused, as Coatsworth grabbed a file and flipped through.

“Are we looking for anything in particular?” Coatsworth asked.

“He wasn’t specific, but tell me if you find anything…noteworthy.” Ferris said, chucking away another file. “He just has to keep everything on paper…”

“Cecil advised me it was better for organisation.” Coatsworth said. “Best to keep hard copies to avoid accidental tampering.”

Accidental, Coatsworth? Ferris wondered.

“He’s a very thoughtful man.” Coatsworth added, moving his file to the pile Ferris was building.

“Bit of a kiss ass, I’d say.” Ferris remarked, as Coatsworth kept his attention fully on the files, leaving Ferris annoyed by his lack of response.

It’s a wonder I have to drink with the security team when our conversations are just so lively…

———

“Who was the first official Venator team?”

“Team Alpha in 4920. Easy question.”

“When did weapons first become personalised?”

“4876, obviously.”

“The Founding of Venator Academy?”

“4830. Come on, Wess, give us something harder.”

Julia, Sola and Essex sat back as Harley handily answered every question before they even got the chance, as Julia rubbed her neck awkwardly.

“I hate to admit it, but I think she knows more Venator stuff than I do.” Julia conceded. “If I’m lucky, Wess might throw in a Team Spectrum question, and I can swoop in and answer.”

“Harley’s kind of a nerd.” Sola realised. “And she isn’t doing the buzzer sound…”

“I am surprised too. I did not realise the history of Venators was...this established.” Essex mentioned, Julia nodding to her point.

“Venators have been around for centuries. But, they weren’t always called that.” Julia clarified.

“Were they not?”

“Well, if Harley doesn’t interrupt me, they’ve existed since the founding of the academy.” Julia explained. “First they were military, then they became a private industry with some government regulation and several other schools around Daysend. The graduates only started being called Venators because that was the founder's name, Alsius Venator.”

“…I am surprised even further.” Essex reiterated, turning her attention back to Harley and Wess.

“Team Avalanche mascot?”

“Polar bear.”

“Hammerbrazen’s iconic catchphrase?”

“Bring ‘em on!”

“How many times have Team Saturnalia been arrested…”

“Five times.”

“…this year?”

“Three times.”

“What form of magic did the infamous Waygone Wailing possess?”

Harley looked stumped, before snapping her fingers. “Trick question. The Waygone Wailing’s the only Wailing in recorded history to have TWO types of magic. Metal Manipulation and Deep Burrow.”

Wess was left speechless, before giving a somewhat heartfelt clap to Harley. “Well done. Who knew you were so well read?”

“Watch it.” Harley complained, as Wess playfully smirked in response.

“Man, now I’m thinking of the movie again…” Sola remembered, circling her finger on the floor. “This drill’s way too long.”

Harley patted her lap, as Sola rested against it, the rest of the team settling back together.

“This wine is of good quality. I appreciate you sharing, Wess.” Essex thanked.

“Yeah, thanks for the good wine, Wess.” Julia said.

“You’re the one who suggested getting enough for the team.” Wess reminded her.

“But you’re the one who said drinking alone isn’t any fun.” Julia shot back.

“Did you now?” Harley asked, playfully patting Sola’s head. “Ice queen’s softening up?”

Wess rolled her eyes. “Not if you’re calling me ice queen.”

“Sorry, sorry. But you did start the semester pretty standoffish.” Harley said. “I think you’re getting better.”

“Better?” Wess questioned, causing Julia and Sola to giggle.

The team let the room settle, allowing an earned moment of quiet amongst them, as Essex finished off her glass.

“Julia, I wish to ask something.”

“Yeah?”

“Why did you come here?”

Julia blinked. “To the academy?”

Essex nodded. “I am aware of why I have come, but I would like to know your reasoning.”

“Hey, yeah. I don’t know why either.” Sola chimed in.

Harley shrugged and Wess stared at her drink, as Julia felt left on the spot by the request. “I mean…it’s not a great story or anything…”

“You might as well. We’ve got nothing else to do.” Harley pointed out.

Julia shuffled her feet a little, looking to the floor. “Okay, but…don’t go telling everyone, alright? I’m…not too proud of it.”

The team tacitly agreed, as Julia looked down at her glass.

“…I was…kind of a burnout in high school.”

“Really?” Harley asked, before realising she interrupted. “Sorry, keep going.”

“…I used to be a real straight-A student back in primary school, and I loved Venators. I still do, but it really shone back then, especially Team Spectrum…but once I got to high school, I realised that my grades weren’t making me happy.” Julia confessed. “I had no friends, I could barely see my sister anymore, and dad never seemed to stop working. Eventually, my grades started dipping from lack of effort and my…mental health was suffering too. Florey leaving for another school didn’t help…”

Sola comfortingly patted her back as she continued. “But then my vice-principal at the time encouraged me to come here, if I lifted my grades and started putting the work in. And I did, on top of passing the physical and interview with Mr Vent. So, to answer your question,” Julia said, turning to Essex. “I came here to turn my life around.”

Essex was left a bit speechless, before clearing her throat. “I was not expecting to hear that.”

“That’s just crazy to me.” Harley added. “I can’t believe it. You set an alarm for everything and have the best grades of all of us, and yet, you were out of practice for years.”

“Well, not everything. I forgot to schedule the drill.” Julia reminded her. “And I’d say Wess has better scores in other classes.”

“It’s not a competition.” Wess cleared up, pouring herself another glass.

Harley rubbed her neck somewhat awkwardly. “Now I feel like my reasons weren’t good enough…”

“Your reasons for coming here?” Sola asked, as Harley nodded.

“I only came to the academy to meet a personal desire.” Harley admitted, grabbing the team's attention. “I’ve wanted to be a Venator since I was a kid, and my dads were totally cool with it and wanted to help, so I spent my life working real hard at it until I grew my skill set and got this rockin’ bod.”

The team chuckled at Harley’s comment, Essex choosing just to smile, as she continued. “Honestly, I’m not here for any grand reasons, and I had it pretty good back in Denilee Town. Angie helped…” Harley reminisced, before chuckling to herself. “Actually, I used to sleep around so much that I got caught sneaking out of houses. But since they only ever see my red tank-top, I was nicknamed ‘The Girl in Red.’”

Sola giggled happily to herself, as Harley patted her head again.

“I’m still having sex, partying and exercising a bunch, so it’s not too different from home, but since my life’s been pretty great, I wanna use what I have to help people who’re worse off then me. I dunno, maybe it’s just a destiny thing?”

“Oh, don’t fall for that.” Wess interjected. “There is no destiny.”

“Come on, Wess. We’re all destined for something.” Harley said, nudging her side. “I guess you’re just destined for sleeping in all weekend, pillow princess.”

“I do appreciate a good rest.” Wess realised, before dismissing the thought. “But the concept of destiny is still nonsense. We make our choices, not some cosmic force out of our control.”

“You don’t know.” Sola argued. “Maybe the cosmic force made you say that?”

“Then that’s a very counterintuitive cosmic force.” Wess reasoned, taking another sip.

“Did you have a reason for coming here, Wess?” Julia asked, as the room directed their attention to Wess.

She peered down at her glass and swirled it in her hand, before swallowing her pride and opening her mouth. “…I’ve wanted to come here my entire life, and I grew up in a household where my parents refused me the right at every corner. I clawed tooth and nail to get out, and now that I’m here, I’m keeping it that way.” Wess finished. “And that’s all there is to it.”

The room remained silent, processing what she’d declared, as Julia decided to break the silence. “So no one helped you come here?”

“…Graham did.” Wess admitted, avoiding eye contact. “…more than I deserve, I think.”

“Was he the one you were arguing with on orientation day?” Harley asked, as Wess’ eyes widened.

“You saw that?”

“Only…partly.” Harley excused.

“…yes, he was. He’s been my caretaker my whole life, and was the first to speak up to my parents about me becoming a Venator. He also helped me with some more…difficult times…” Wess muttered, playing with her strand of hair idly.

Harley went to comfort Wess, but she raised her hand in refusal. “…you can imagine why I wanted to leave the team for so long. I wasn’t about to spend years of my life wanting this, to then have it all undercut by…well…inexperienced teammates.”

“You were thinking efficiently. There is nothing at fault with that.” Essex assured her.

“…but I hurt Graham’s feelings as a result, and on top of…everything, I’m wondering if I made the right decision.” Wess admitted, leaving her thought where it was.

Harley continued patting Sola’s head, as Julia and Essex tried to figure out how to respond.

“Are you happy here?”

Wess lifted her head. “Excuse me?”

“Are you happy? Being here?” Julia asked.

Wess ran her finger around the brim of her glass. “It has been…interesting…and somewhat fun. But that prank call to Baron might’ve skewed my opinion.”

Harley snickered affectionately, as Julia continued. “Are you making the most of this?”

“Of course I am. You know how important this degree is to me.”

“Then why overthink it? Keep working at it and become great in your own right. And, if Graham’s stuck by your side throughout your whole life, a disagreement isn't gonna change that.” Julia reasoned. “You deserve to be here.”

Wess found herself blushing, which the team also happened to notice, sharing a laugh amongst themselves as she tried to hide her face.

“It’s okay, Wess. I wasn’t too sure about coming here either.” Sola added.

“I don’t think you’re sure of most things.” Harley remarked, as Sola pouted and removed herself from Harley’s lap.

“Then why’d you come here?” Julia asked.

Sola blinked. “I shoot lightning out of my hands. Where else would I go?”

The team conceded her point.

“Come on, there’s gotta be a better reason than that.” Harley said. “You could’ve gone to the military, or worked in a power plant.”

Sola shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know what to tell you. I’m just not that interesting.” Sola admitted. “They had a bunch of Venator competitions back in school. I used to win pretty much all of them with my Whil. Maybe that’s it.”

“…I’m not convinced.” Harley said. “There’s gotta be some reason you went to Venators specifically.”

“Ooo, maybe it’s your destiny theory?” Wess teased, causing Julia to giggle. “Then again, a theory implies it has evidence.”

Harley raised an eyebrow, refusing to engage, as Julia turned to Essex. “I guess that just leaves you.” Julia said. “Since you asked me first, it only seems appropriate.”

“…I do not wish to worsen the atmosphere.”

“Go ahead. We’ve all been pretty open tonight.” Harley said, taking another sip of her drink.

“Absolutely. No judging from us.” Julia agreed, as the team backed her up.

Essex went to reply, but stopped and went to her room to grab her scythe, before coming back and answering. “Muerbetra. Relusa senae…”

She placed the scythe in front of her before speaking, being careful with each word she spoke.

“I have come here to end the Wailing conflict, once and for all.”

Not a word was said, as Julia swallowed before speaking. “Y-you mean the whole thing?”

She ran a finger against the scythes edge. “Before the Segaru Clan had found me, a Wailing separated me from my family. Afterwards, they attacked the clan relentlessly and have made it harder to achieve our goals. They have tormented humanity without second thought.” Essex explained. “I wish to rid the world of them.”

“…that’s really heavy, Essex.” Harley said. “I didn’t know you wanted to be a Venator that bad.”

“I do not.” Essex admitted.

Wess gave a look of confusion. “Then why are you spending three years to get a degree?”

“That is the only way that I may continue to fight Wailing. You must be either a Venator or military in order to legally dispatch of them, and being a Venator meant working independently and keeping my scythe.”

“Does the whole clan want to do this?” Sola wondered aloud, stunning Essex in place.

“…the Segaru Clan does not believe in acting on personal desires.” Essex explained, gripping the scythe’s handle. “But I need to do this. I need to end this.”

Julia leaned over and hugged Essex’s side. “That sounds really troubling. You must’ve gone through a lot.”

“Grela.” Essex excused, holding Julia’s shoulders. “I am fine. While I wish to go solo by the end of this degree, I will continue to aid you how I can while I am here, and I do wish you all safe journeys once we part.”

“You don’t have to go solo.” Sola explained, leaning back on Harley. “I was going to as well, but I kinda like it with all of us together.”

Harley dragged her into a noogie, which Sola couldn’t help but enjoy, as Essex’s eyes widened. “But I do not wish to burden you with my desires. They are selfish.”

“So? You’re allowed to be a little selfish here and there.” Wess said.

“You can stay in the team, if you want.” Julia said, smiling proudly. “But don’t feel like you have to decide now. It’s a big decision. Just ask Wess.”

“What happened to not judging?” Wess replied, causing laughter from the other members, as Essex stirred in place.

“…while your aid is appreciated…it may only go so far.” She let out, grabbing the team’s attention again. “I have been given a request. A task that Faller has assigned to me.”

She leaned into the makeshift circle. “I am not supposed to be admitting this, so I need to know I may trust you all.”

Everyone looked to each other, all confident the others wouldn’t do something so reckless, then looked back to Essex.

“…when I arrived on the first day, I was to meet with Faller, as one of the scholarship students.” Essex explained. “He has been worried…of an outside influence to the Wailing conflict.”

Harley squinted. “Like, other Wailing or something?”

Essex shook her head. “He is worried a group of people may be perpetuating the conflict, and that they may be working out of the academy within secret.”

“Like an evil organisation?” Sola replied. “Whoa…”

“And Faller told you this?” Wess asked.

“…he does not know who to trust, so he has asked the newest scholarship students to look out for suspicious activity, as he knew we could be trusted.”

“So Cyrus knew this too…” Wess muttered to herself.

“And Joleicia.” Julia realised.

Essex gripped her scythe again. “But I have not found anything as of yet, and I am starting to realise…that I should be asking for aid in this matter as well. I wish to ask of you help.”

“That’s a lot to ask a bunch of first years.” Harley said, leaning back. “It sounds like he’s not even sure this ‘organisation’ exists.”

“But it would explain some things…” Julia said. “…like the Behemoth Wailing attack.”

Harley realised what she was getting at, as Julia leaned in to Essex. “I…think I may have a lead.”

Essex looked on eagerly.

“On orientation day, I was talking to Vice-Principal Coatsworth, and…he warned me against going to the welcome event.” Julia admitted, Essex expectedly shocked. “…I think he knew the Behemoth Wailing was going to attack.”

“Holy shit…” Sola let out, before standing up. “Holy shit!”

“I don’t want to assume anything too bad…it could be a poor coincidence…” Julia said, now facing Essex. “I’m sorry, that’s probably not really anything.”

Essex shook her head. “I thank you. I did not know about his strange comments. That is something to look into.”

“So, what? Our Vice-Principal’s some evil manipulator from the shadows?” Wess dismissively asked. “I’m sorry, but we aren’t living in a drama. Did you ever think he warned you just because he thought the event wasn’t very good? Or that he wanted you to study instead?”

“It was too specific, Wess.” Julia said. “I’m not condemning him, but if Essex needs to look out for this stuff, he might be someone to be cautious of.”

“…I suppose skepticism is healthy.” Wess said, getting up to refill her wine glass. “That is, assuming Faller’s hunch is correct, and he’s not grasping at straws.”

“Yeah, I’m still on the fence about this whole thing.” Harley admitted. “But I’ll help however I can, Essex.”

“Yeah, me too!” Sola joined in. “If he is some big bad dude, we’ll show him what’s what!”

“Grela…” Essex thanked, adorning a hidden smile. “I am grateful for companions as caring as you.”

———

4/6/5019, 9:47pm

RICHARD SANDERS

We’ve spent most of the night finishing our study of the Wailing’s brain tissue and general mental facilities. While the study didn’t show anything wholly unique, the Wailing appeared to be under severe stress for several days before the attack. Whatever environment it was in was clearly highly dangerous or traumatic for it, which may have caused the attack in the first place. Cecil says speculation is healthy, but until we get definitive proof, I’m not drawing any conclusions.

Additionally, if this becomes relevant at some point, there was a small incision near the Wailing’s head that almost looked…surgical. Obviously, with how the attack went, the entire body is full of puncture wounds, bullet holes and deep lacerations, so this is almost entirely a coincidence. However, the wound looked to be somewhat fresh, at least relative to the others, and less directed inwards, and more outward, meaning…I don’t know, something was removed? Again, no speculation, but in case this is something, I’ve made some notes along with this entry about it. Otherwise, everything’s as typical as it usually is.

———

“Bingo…” Ferris mumbled, quickly scanning the files attached, before shutting the file cabinet. “That should do it.”

Coatsworth raised his head from his file. “Did you find what you were looking for?”

“What Cecil was looking for, yes.” Ferris corrected. “You can go if you want.”

“…yes, I think I will.” Coatsworth replied, standing up and readjusting his suit. “But, if you want, I can take the file to his house.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m riding with Faller anyway, and Cecil’s house is on our route.” Ferris explained, grabbing her jacket and leaving the lab with Coatsworth.

“Can I at least get a look at the file?” Coatsworth asked.

“It’s some eighteen year old’s chicken scratch. Nothing worth your time.” Ferris said, subtlety inspecting around the hallway for onlookers.

Coatsworth went to argue, but silenced himself. “I see that it’s in capable hands. Just don’t damage it, okay?”

“Relax. I’m a veteran at this.” Ferris dismissed, heading out of sight, as Coatsworth decided to head back the other way he’d come.

“…but the King doesn’t let you know…just why the crown’s there…” Came a voice down the hall, singing to themselves, as Coatsworth spotted Cecil coming his way.

Cecil looked up from his tablet. “Oh, Coatsworth. A pleasure.”

“Cecil. I was under the impression you were at home.” Coatsworth explained.

“Who told you that?”

“Ferris. She was…searching for a file you asked for.”

Cecil scratched his head. “I didn’t ask for anything. I just came to finish up my notes on the autopsy.”

Coatsworth blinked, before readjusting his suit again. “…I see. Well, best of luck to your research, Cecil.”

“See you around.” Cecil said, slipping into his lab, as Coatsworth continued down the hall, thinking aloud to himself.

“Now, why would you lie, Ferris?”

———

“Count Reginald, what of your marriage?”

“…I couldn’t bare to be without you, even with this demonic curse plaguing my very soul.”

“Come now, you may be half-Wailing, half-vampire, half-goblin and half-human, but you’re still all beautiful to me.”

“But how could you love a monster like me?”

“Because I’m a monster too.”

“Boo!” Called Wess, sinking into the couch. “What a cop out ending…”

“Gods, I know…” Harley agreed, sitting with her on the couch. “She literally had a narration at the start spoiling the whole thing.”

“Christa should’ve ended up with Rachel. At least she was working on a cure.” Julia added.

“Christa has made poor decisions numerous times throughout the film. This is nothing new for her.” Essex pointed out.

“I thought Rachel died?” Sola asked. “Or was that a sequel hook?”

“I’m not sticking around to find out.” Wess concluded, turning off the TV. “I know random movies on television aren’t exactly circumstances for brilliant work, but my goodness, that was bad.”

“You reckon the Waygone Wailing movie would’ve been like that?” Sola asked, getting up to get some food from the kitchen.

“Unfortunately…but I still wish we saw it…” Wess acknowledged, getting up herself. “If this drill goes on any longer, I’m going to bust that door down out of sheer boredom.”

“You know what Dorothy always says…”

“What, Harley, what does she always say?” Wess demanded.

“Don’t get angry.” Harley replied.

“…” Wess conceded.

Julia got up with the others and danced a little on her feet. “It’s not all bad guys. There’s still stuff to do to pass the time.”

“But we have exhausted all possibilities.” Essex said.

Julia smiled sheepishly. “If we‘ve reeeally got nothing to do, we could always play another boar-“

“Attention all present on campus, Wailing lockdown drill has now been completed. All students may leave their dorms and resume normal activities. To repeat, Wailing lockdown drill…”

“Aw man…” Julia sighed.

“Woo! Freedom!” Harley called out, rushing out the room with the others in tow, as Julia sagged behind. “We still missed the movie, but now I can breathe again!”

“It’s funny what you miss after only a few hours.” Wess mentioned, rubbing her eyes. “If it weren’t nearly ten, I’d suggest we go out and do something.”

The team looked around the hallway, realising it was just as empty as they remembered, and also realising there was nothing to do anyway.

“I kinda wanna go back in.” Julia said.

“Yeah, there’s not really much to do out here.” Harley acknowledged.

“I’m kinda wondering how that movie ended.” Sola brought up, as Essex was already turning the TV back on.

“…oh, why not? It was kind of fun.” Wess admitted, as she joined the rest of the team back at the couch, enjoying the time they got to spend together.

———

Faller heard the building door open, before a pair of keys got thrown at his head.

“You worried I was gonna drive off without you?” Faller asked.

“I’m naturally cautious.” Ferris justified, as Faller opened the car for them both. “Plus, I coulda stabbed someone with them if needed.”

Faller raised an eyebrow, before opening the door for Ferris and heading to the driver's seat.

“Anything interesting?”

Ferris reached into her bag and handed him the file, as he quickly looked it over.

“Is this it?”

“Pretty much.” Ferris said. “It’s not a ton to work off of.”

“…it’ll have to do for now.” Faller said, tucking the file away. “Thanks for the effort.”

“Whatever…” Ferris dismissed.

Faller started up the car, checking around for any pedestrians, as Ferris turned to him again.

“There may be a complication, though.”

Faller sighed out. “A big one?”

Ferris grabbed his arm and stopped his hands from turning the wheel, before looking him dead in the eye.

“I’m concerned about Coatsworth.”