“So?”

“…so?”

“How did, uhh…how was it last night?”

Wess rubbed a bit of sleep from her eyes, still adjusting to the extra weight of sharing a single bed with another person. “What do you mean?”

Cyrus’ eyes drooped. “You know what I mean.”

“You aren’t worried, are you?”

Cyrus rolled his eyes, as Wess got out from under the sheets. “No, I’m pretty confident in my abilities. I…wanted to know if you enjoyed yourself.”

Wess smiled and kissed him again, as she started getting dressed. “I very much did. The dinner and the lovemaking.”

Cyrus smirked. “You can just call it sex.”

“Sex is for pleasure; lovemaking is an art-form like anything else.” Wess reasoned, adjusting her hair in her pocket mirror.

Cyrus rolled onto his back, before looking to Wess. “Was I…better, at least? Then other…”

Wess hid a subtle blush, as she sat at the foot of the bed. “…actually, you were my first time.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Me?”

“Yes.”

“Not even…?”

“Nope.”

“Wow…” Cyrus let out. “I guess I am your best.”

Wess raised an eyebrow. “By default.”

“Still counts.” He teased, sitting up to bring her in for another kiss, as she finally pulled her shoes on. “You wanna stay and improve our ‘lovemaking?’”

Wess smiled. “Like I need any improvement.” She leaned down to kiss him again. “I best ge-“

*knock knock knock*

“Hey, are you gonna be any longer? I, uhh, I need some textbooks from the study.” Called a voice from outside the door, as Cyrus and Wess froze in place.

“Just a minute, Cam!” Cyrus called out, as Wess started rubbing her temple. “Sorry. I forgot there’s no soundproofing in the dorm’s side room.”

“…I guessed that much.” Wess said.

“We’ll just go and get breakfast! You can meet us at the stadium later!” Called Cam, as they heard the rest of Cyrus’ team clear out of the dorm room.

Cyrus looked back at Wess. “We wanted to watch the staff set up for the tournament.”

Wess took her chance and headed out the door. “I expect a bit more privacy next time.”

The door closed to Cyrus’ room, as he started celebrating and pumping his fist at the promise of a next time.

Wess did her best to head to Team Valiant’s dorm room quietly, less out of courtesy to the neighbours and more to avoid the rest of the team getting involved.

“The last thing I need is for them to lord this over me…” Wess groaned, as she scouted the hallway adjacent to their room. She checked her watch and found it was about seven in the morning.

“Essex should still be on her run…and if I’m lucky, Harley was out clubbing, meaning I only have to avoid Julia and Sola…” Wess opened the door slowly, as the coast looked cle-

“There she is!” Harley cheered. “Wess, you dog!”

“Way to go, Wess!” Sola celebrated.

Oh dear gods…

The team were all gathered just behind the door, clearing hoping to catch Wess before she tried pretending to have slept in the dorm the whole night. Harley was particularly happy.

Every time I start to enjoy their company...

“Vonodo, why am I here for this?” Essex asked, a little lost.

“Because we wanna hear about Wess’ great night, obviously.” Harley clarified.

“How was it? Did you have fun on the date?” Julia asked earnestly.

Wess sighed out loud, before continuing into the room. “Yes. Cyrus was the perfect gentlemen, and we had a lovely time at dinner.”

“Did you get up to anything else?” Harley asked proudly.

Wess stood her ground. “We also happened to sleep together. Was that your attempt at some juicy gossip?”

“No, that was my attempt at congratulating my teammate.” Harley exclaimed, smiling gladly. “Was it your first?”

“Yes.”

“Was he good?”

“Yes.”

“Did you do anything weird?”

“Nope.”

“Okay. That’s all I wanted to know.” Harley said. “Congrats, girl.”

Harley headed to the kitchen, as Julia intercepted. “S-sorry about her. That must have been embarrassing.”

“Where’s the embarrassment? I wasn’t lying about enjoying it. I just wish she were less nosy about it.” Wess pointed out, as Sola grabbed her hands and started cheering with Wess.

“You’re in love! You’re in love with Cyrus!” Sola beamed. “You went and did it! You’re totally getting married!”

“Sola, calm down!” Julia professed, moving her hands off Wess. “Geez, she just got home.”

“If I am no longer required.” Essex prefaced, before opening the door. “I will now start my training routine.”

“Did you pack some foo-“ Julia asked, before Essex closed the door, leaving her without an answer. “I hope she has enough on her.”

“You’re gonna have his babies! You’re getting a house together!” Sola continued once Julia was distracted, as Wess smirked to herself.

“You’ve quite the imagination.” Wess professed, moving Sola’s hands down. “But I think we’re a fair while off anything like that.”

“So you will?!” Sola questioned, as Julia grabbed her shoulders.

“Sola!”

“What?”

“Go…help Harley.”

“…okay!” Sola agreed, rushing to the kitchen, as Julia sat down on her bed, facing Wess on the back of the couch.

“Sorry, she’s been hyper ever since last night.” Julia said.

“It’s hard to blame her. Our first official Venator mission in Shanlin is only a few hours away. I’m somewhat antsy too.” Wess clarified.

“Well, technically, we’re just shadowing a professional team.” Julia clarified.

Wess got up to head to the kitchen. “Yes, well they’re not about to have first years throw themselves at an actual Wailing without backup.”

“I think I could take it.” Harley interjected, emerging out of the kitchen with Sola, both with sandwiches in their hands. “If I had my Buster Knuckles on me. But I guess we’re going weaponless on this trip.”

“We shouldn’t need them, though. We’ve got actual Venators with us, so they’ll do the real heavy lifting.” Julia said, getting up and helping herself to some sandwiches.

“Bud wen havv…” Sola said, before swallowing properly. “But when has it even been just us watching?”

“That’s…a really good point.” Julia admitted, before leaning down and nodding confidently to Sola. “Let’s stay out of trouble this time.”

“Roger that!” Sola saluted.

“You could finally get some progress on your Whil too, Julia.” Harley said. “Considering last ni-“

“Shh! Shhshshh!” Julia interrupted, covering Harley’s mouth, Wess squinting curiously.

“Julia.”

“…yes?”

“Is there something I’m not supposed to know about?”

Julia looked side to side. “Sorta.”

Wess kept her gaze fixed.

“…so.” Julia pouted. “I kinda…broke your very nice and very expensive wine glass last night.”

Wess breathed in and out slowly, clearing holding back some emotion. “…okay. Accidents happen.”

“It was on purpose.”

“What?!”

“I’m sorry!” Julia tried. “I only did it cause I had to!”

Wess did her best to calm down again. She knew Julia well enough to know this wasn’t an act of malice. “Why…did you break the glass in the first place?”

“She was practicing her Whil.” Harley admitted, going for another sandwich before Sola took the last one.

Wess pursed her lips. “With my artisan glassware?”

“…well, you know I’m not making much progress with my Velocity Control. I still can’t decide whether to speed something up or slow it down on command.” Julia confessed. “So, since slowing down rocks and practice punches weren’t working, I thought if I used something really precious…I’d force myself to protect it.”

Wess grabbed her forehead. “…you’re very lucky.” Wess said. “I want to be madder at you, but I should be able to get another glass on our trip to Shanlin.”

“They make them there?”

“No, they import them from the Northern Wayside.” Wess explained. “It was precious for a reason.”

“Sorry…” Julia apologised. “I can pay for it. And make sure nothing happens to it on its way back.”

“I should expect as much.” Wess said. “You could have at least asked before attempting to use it.”

Julia pointed to her tablet. “I texted you asking if it was okay, but I think it was when you and Cyrus…”

“…oh.” Wess realised, now checking her tablet.

“He was that good, huh?” Harley remarked.

“Please shut up already.” Wess demanded.

———

After a morning of preparation and more apologising from Julia, the team collectively made their way to the academy helicopter yard, talking amongst themselves about the upcoming trip.

“We’re going to Shanlin! To take down a Wailin’!” Julia sang proudly.

“We’re sending it sailing! It’s totally bailing!” Sola joined in, the duo excitedly cheering to each other.

“I hope they don’t act like this around the professional Venators.” Wess expressed. “I’d like to make a good impression.”

“My understanding is that professional teams act like this too. When speaking to Team Vivisect, they were similarly playful.” Essex said.

“While that may be the case amongst team members, coming from us, we will only look more childish.” Wess clarified.

“You worry too much.” Harley replied, stretching her arms as she walked. “Just let Julia and Sola have some fun.”

“Zap, POW!”

“It’s slowing down!”

“Whil it, or won’t it?”

“It’s hitting the ground!”

“Fun or over-confidence…” Wess added, as their ride came into view, with an overly enthusiastic figure in front of it, waving to the team.

“Hi! Hi hi hi!” She exclaimed, catching the team’s attention. “Great to see you! I’m Miss Spence! Are you guys Team Valiant?”

“Yes, we are.” Julia answered, looking around the cargo helicopter. “I thought Miss Ferris was gonna escort us.”

“Oh, yeah…” Spence said. “Considering your last outing with her in charge, Faller thought it was better to have me look over you guys. You know, with the Wailing and everything…”

Though no one was openly admitting it, Team Valiant was thoroughly relieved to hear Ferris was sitting this one out, at least with the knowledge that their first mission would be that much easier as a result.

Spence stood dynamically in front of them. “But don’t you worry! With me in charge, we’re gonna learn AND have fun along the way! I’m gonna turn this excursion into an excur-shindig!”

Harley was already losing it at the terrible pun, as Wess and Essex’s worst suspicions were coming true.

“I am worried she may not be the right person to teach us. She appears to be inexperienced and naïve.” Essex whispered to Wess.

“At this point, anything’s better than Ferris.” Wess pointed out. “I suggest we go along with it. She might be some combative genius underneath this gentle demeanour.”

“You know, I’ve never actually seen a Wailing in person.” Spence admitted. “They always look so scary on TV. I don’t think I could even get near one.”

Wess felt a pain in her chest, as Essex gave her an understanding look and encouraged her onto the helicopter with the rest of the team.

“Seriously?” Sola asked. “But you teach Venators. How does that work?”

“No Wailing’s ever made it to campus while I've been here. Except…” Spence said, remembering the Behemoth Wailing and shuddering. “That thing was awful.”

“We’ve already seen three.” Julia mentioned. “Maybe you should be shadowing us.”

Spence giggled adorably, covering her mouth. “Oh, come on. I’m still the adult in charge here, and I’m gonna make sure you get the most out of your first mission!”

Julia smiled back to her, watching as the cargo helicopter took off with them in the back, flying north over the forest, making its way to Shanlin.

By all accounts, Shanlin felt somewhat out of place compared to Detu City. Every town in Central Point was fairly built up, but Shanlin was…well, quaint, really, closer to a village than anything. Though it was built up, as the buildings climbed up the nearby hills leading to the Eldos Mountains, showcasing giant stair-like roads running perpendicular to it, as stores and houses were dotted around, selling various goods and showcasing interesting characters. It was a trade town, mostly, but even with most of its value in imports, it had plenty of personality of its own.

The pilot landed just outside the end of main street, dropping off the team and Spence before heading back to the academy, as Team Swift waited outside the Shanlin hotel for the group to arrive.

“…”

“You’re tapping your foot.”

“What?”

“I said you’re tapping your foot.”

“Oh, sorry.” Apologised the black-haired woman.

“You nervous about the students?” Asked the brunette.

“…yeah. They’re the first team we have to lead. I’m just hoping we don’t screw it up.”

“It’s not like they’d notice if we do screw up. They’re only first years.”

“That’s not the point.”

“…whatever you say, boss.”

The brunette leaned back against the wall, fiddling with her rifle, before the team emerged into the town, drawing their attention.

Spence stepped out front to address them. “Everyone, these are the two members of Team Swift that we’ll be shadowing today. This is Renee,” Spence announced, pointing to the one with black hair. “And this is Gates.”

The brunette flashed a smile, as Renee stepped forward to address Team Valiant. “I’m the leader of Team Swift and will be conducting all of you throughout this job. I understand you’re still students, but while I’m in charge, I expect you not to make my job any harder. Be responsible for yourselves and others, and don’t fall into danger. Now…” Renee asked, pulling out her tablet and looking up Team Valiant’s profile on Activ. “Which of you is…Julia?”

Julia realised that was her and apprehensively stepped forward, as Renee looked her over.

“You’re the leader, right?”

“Y-yes, m-ma’am, I am.” Julia stuttered.

Renee smiled and shook her hand. “You look strong-willed. I’ve heard your team’s come into contact with Wailing before.”

“A f-few times…we weren’t exactly on t-top of things…”

“Don’t sell yourself short.” Renee advised. “If you do that around other teams, they won’t want to hire you down the line.”

“Oh…right…” Julia admitted. “Sorry.”

“That should be obvious…” Wess grumbled to herself, Harley leaning over to her.

“She seems really cool.” Harley whispered to Wess.

“They’re certainly an interesting team. More locally known rather than nationally, and with over a decade of experience at this point. You don’t spend that long in one place and not gain a solid reputation.” Wess admitted.

“Someone did their research.” Harley commented dryly. “So, you’d feel comfortable staying in Central Point your whole career?”

“Oh, heavens no. I’d get bored within the first year.” Wess replied.

“I heard you’re a sniper too.” Gates said, showing off her rifle to Julia. “Maybe if you’re lucky, you can fire this baby.”

Julia’s eyes lit up, as she rushed over to the rifle and started inspecting it openly. “This is the Q-34+ model! How you get your hands on it?”

“I won it in a contest.” Gates admitted. “A sniping one, naturally.”

“But you’ve added the V-24’s scope and supports…” Julia muttered, before realising all eyes were on her, as everyone waited for her to finish up. “…I’ll inspect it later.” She excused, folding back into the team, as Renee got everyone’s attention.

“Now, I don’t know if you guys still do this, but does anyone know the order of procedures when hunting a Wailing?” Renee asked.

Essex raised her hand. “The procedure is to kill it.”

Renee smirked. “It’s got a few more steps than that.”

She looked them over slowly, before realising Sola was raising her hand frantically.

“Yes?”

Sola started counting on her fingers. “Research the Wailing, scout the area, protect nearby citizens, confront the Wailing, and resolution and clean-up!”

“Nicely done. I can tell who’s the bookworm here.” Renee joked, Harley snickering at the incorrect assessment. “Does anyone have questions for us?”

Essex raised her hand. “Should there not be three other members of your team?”

“They’re taking care of some jobs in Pining.” Gates explained. “And we figured we’d only need two of us to take care of this job. Why, you disappointed?”

“I am not.” Essex replied, bowing. “It is an honour to meet professionals of any field.”

“You hear that, Renee? Professionals.” Gates replied, playfully punching Essex’s arm.

“I heard. Have you met any other teams?” Renee asked.

“Yes. We have met with Team Vivisect.” Essex explained.

Renee’s eyes lit up. “No shit. How’s Vanessa doing? Is Rusty still trying that nickname stuf-“

“Alright, intro’s all done!” Spence cheered happily, hopping in front, alongside Team Swift. “Now, we won’t be heading off for another thirty minutes, so you can hang around Shanlin until then, but remember to be back here in time to leave.”

The team nodded, as another thought popped into Spence’s head. “Oh! We also won’t be coming back to Shanlin once the job’s all done, so don’t leave anything behind that you wanna keep. Aaaaaaaand…that’s it! Thirty minutes, go!”

Spence took an aside with Team Swift to discuss the finer details of the trip, as Julia noticed Wess slowly getting annoyed.

“Are you alright?”

“No, I’m not.” She replied, walking with the team into town. “I was going to wait until after our mission to buy the replacement wine glass, but since we’re not coming back, I’ll have to buy it now and mind it the whole time.”

“So? What’s the problem?” Harley asked.

Wess turned to her on the spot. “Glass breaks. Julia proved that theory last night.”

“Hey, I’m paying for the replacement…” Julia pointed out.

“Regardless, now it’s far more likely to get broken during the mission.” Wess worried, adjusting her hair. “Of all the hang ups…”

“I will hold it for you.” Essex said. “My reflexes are greater than average, and I am familiar with traversing forest terrain.”

“And I brought tea towels.” Julia announced, to not much fanfare. “You know, for padding it. I figured this might happen, so now you can hold it in my backpack without worry.”

“Plus, we’ll be looking out for it too.” Harley said, slinging an arm around Sola. “We won’t let the Wailing get near it.”

Sola blinked. “Wait, what?”

Wess rolled her eyes. “Okay…I suppose I shouldn’t have dismissed you all. My apologies.”

Wess continued further up town, before leaning over to Julia. “And, the tea towel's were a smart idea.”

Julia had trouble holding back her blush and bashful smile, as the team split off into town, Julia and Wess buying the artisan wine glass from one of Shanlin’s many prominent storefronts, and Harley, Sola and Essex seeing the sights and admiring the view.

Eventually, the thirty-minute mark caught up with them, as they met back up with Team Swift and Spence, just outside the entrance to the town hiking trail.

“Is everyone ready to head off?” Renee asked, getting a nod from the team. “Just a reminder. Once we find the Wailing, don’t go provoking it. You kids seem smart, but it can be a real rookie mistake.”

“We weren’t really planning on it.” Julia remarked, bumping shoulders with Sola.

“And don’t look too tasty. The Wailing might jump you if it’s real hungry.” Gates warned.

“Oh, stop scaring them.” Renee asked, leaning down to address the team. “Wailing don’t actually do that. We’re too scrawny for them anyway.”

Julia raised her hand. “Umm, don’t they normally eat cows and goats?”

Renee looked visibly impressed. “Yes, they do. Quick note about the industry, you should expect to get plenty of jobs on farmland later down the lin-“

“Guys! Come on!” Spence exclaimed, just on the edge of the forest. “Let’s get a move on already! I wanna see that Wailing!”

Spence ran ahead, as the group followed behind somewhat cautiously.

“Ten caps say she runs away once we find it.” Harley said.

Sola reached into her wallet and pulled out a note. “Twenty caps if she hides instead!”

“Done.” Harley agreed, as the group officially started their first job.

—-—TEAM VALIANT/TEAM SWIFT MISSION—-—

—-—TRACK DOWN/KILL THE WAILING STALKING THE SHANLIN HIKING TRAIL—-—

The forest adjacent to Shanlin ran all the way back to Detu City and took up the majority of Central Point encased in the Eldos mountains. As it was so close to the mountain range, the terrain was ridged and hilly, while being naturally shaded by the foliage, making it perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts to explore. A clear path had been carved out, leading up and down the hills and valleys, as the group worked their way through, searching for any sign of the Wailing.

Julia handed off her backpack and the glass to Essex. “You sure you got it?” She asked.

“Dal.” Essex replied, tightening the straps. “It is secure.”

“Does that put your mind at ease?” Julia asked Wess.

“…possibly.” She said. “We’ll see.”

“Don’t worry, Wess. You can always borrow one of my mugs!” Sola suggested, as Wess perished the thought.

“It will be cared for. Dovono.” Essex said, jumping ahead to meet up with Harley and Spence, scouting further up the trail.

“Ooo, I feel like a real Venator!” Spence exclaimed. “Is this what it feels like for you?”

“Kinda.” Harley said. “Exploring's all nice and good, but I’m a puncher, through and through.”

Essex climbed down the foliage, carefully stepping onto each branch as not to disrupt Wess’ glass and met back with them. “There is no visible activity in this area. The Wailing will be further down.”

Spence started squeeing on the spot. “I can’t wait! Maybe it’ll be like the Waygone Wailing and shoot fire out!”

“The Waygone Wailing didn’t shoot out fire…” Harley acknowledged, watching Spence wander about.

A confused Essex leaned over to Harley. “Why is she excited to see a Wailing? They are horrible creatures.”

Harley thought for a second. “Maybe it’s like wrestling enthusiasts cheering for the heel?”

Essex blinked. “Heel?”

Harley chuckled a little. “Oh, right. Basically, the bad guy everyone roots for cause they totally own. She’s excited cause all the hype of wanting to see a Wailing is finally about to burst.”

Essex folded her arms, as she watched Spence dance around, while still managing to scout. “There is no excitement. Who is excited about a plague?”

“All good up here!” Spence cheered, waving to the rest of the group further down the hill.

Julia noticed and waved back, as Essex slid down the hill to rejoin them again.

“So, what’re we dealing with?” Julia asked Renee, trying to get her attention. “I mean, in terms of the Wailing. O-obviously…”

“We don’t actually know its physiology or combat capabilities.” Gates explained, the group passing over a stream in the middle of the path. “Just that it’s been slowly claiming the Shanlin hiking trail as its own territory and driving off visitors.”

“Don’t worry, though. From what we’ve heard, it’s fairly small as far as Wailing go.” Renee added. “Still dangerous, but manageable.”

“Oh, that’s good.” Julia said, with a sigh of relief.

“The last Wailing we saw was real big! And all gooey too!” Sola clarified, moving her hands about to illustrate her point.

Gates grinned dryly. “Gelatinous Wailing. We’ve come across a couple of those.” Gates said. “They’re pretty fun to fight since they don’t have any magic.”

“You would say that.” Renee replied. “You’re not the one with the bladed weapon.”

“Semantics.”

“That’s not sem-“ Renee started, before realising how futile the point was. “You try stabbing at those things with a knife.”

“Why would I? I have my big gun.” Gates bragged.

“…fortunately, the one we’re dealing with isn’t gelatinous.” Renee informed. “If so, we would’ve seen parts of its flesh floating by in the stream we passed.”

“Ew.” Sola added. “How does it take a bath?”

“I…guess we never stopped to ask.” Renee replied, as Wess walked beside Renee.

“Excuse me.” She asked, pointing to the knife by her belt. “Would you mind if I have a look?”

Renee weighed up her responsibilities in this situation, before shrugging it off. “Knock yourself out.”

Wess inspected the knife in her hand, drawing Essex’s eye as well “Finely crafted…and impressively lightweight. This looks custom made.”

“It works better with my Whil. Watch.” Renee explained, as she seemed to dash to Harley and Spence in an instant, trailing white light behind her, before coming back just as fast. “If I dashed with a heavier or bulkier weapon, it’d throw me off. I might just trip up and face-plant into the ground.”

Julia took notice and got her attention. “S-so how’d you get better at that?”

Renee looked down at her somewhat nostalgically and smiled. “Practice. Learning my limitations.” Renee said. “Doing a lot of said face-planting. A lot of good training is like diving off a cliff, you know?”

Julia looked a bit confused, as Essex sidled up. “I believe I understand.” Essex said, carefully stepping with the group. “I did not truly learn how to use my Whil until I was presented with real danger. The learning became instinctual and near immediate in the moment.”

“Necessity is the mother of invention.” Renee said, before leaning down to meet Julia’s height. “Though, you don’t have to force it. I’m a decade into my career and I still hit a few things while running.”

“That’s…a bit more comforting.” Julia admitted, Renee patting her shoulder affectionately.

“I’ve got something!”

The group down the hill looked back up at Harley and Spence, as Harley was indicating for Team Swift to come check something out.

Renee and Gates ran ahead, followed by the rest of Team Valiant, and sidled up to the tree in question, Renee running her hand against the side.

“…claw marks.” Renee assessed, getting Gates to double check. “We’re in its territory now.”

“Where?!” Sola asked, jumping behind Wess.

Renee looked from side-to-side. “Right…here. This is its territory.”

Sola kept cowering, as Julia had joined them by the tree, analysing the scratches for herself.

“Wailing do this to test the trees strength and durability, right?” Julia asked.

“Yeah. Once they find the right spot, they need to know it’ll last, and that it’ll protect them if need be.” Renee answered. “Now we just need to find the Wailing specifically.”

“Should we split up to cover more ground?” Harley suggested.

“You’ll be more vulnerable that way, and we’re the only two with weapons.” Gates brought up, indicating to herself and Renee. “We’d best hang together.”

“Right.” Julia said, turning to her team. “Let’s do our best to stay out of danger and make this as clean as possible.”

“Yeah!” Sola cheered, nearly hitting Essex’s backpack with her fist-pump, momentarily panicking Wess. “Oh. Sorry.”

“Honestly…” Wess groaned. “What did she just say?”

“To stay out of danger!” Sola replied, as the rest of the group moved on further through the forest.

———

The valley made way to more of the forest, but curiously, dropped off toward another valley, then another further down, like a large staircase running perpendicular to the mountains, each cliff was as shear as the next, with just the thought of falling enough to make someone go limp.

“Hold me…” Spence whimpered, clinging to Gates’ arm as they moved closer to the cliffside.

“You afraid of heights?”

“I’m afraid of being scared…” Spence replied, as Gates rolled her eyes and let her stay on.

Essex made sure to step cautiously, as Wess kept side-eying her, constantly inspecting the bag with her glass in it.

Essex took notice and stopped. “Is something wrong?”

“Well…” Wess said, before hurrying over to the backpack. “I need to be sure it’s okay.”

Wess dug around the mountain of tea towels and found the glass in the middle, still perfectly intact, and let out a deep sigh.

“Thank goodness…”

Essex secured the bag and faced Wess. “Did you not trust me to take care of it?”

“That’s no-“ Wess started, before realising Essex could take her honesty. “…yes. I’m sorry, but I rarely let anyone touch my personal belongings. Considering last night, you can see why.”

Essex blinked, before nodding. “That is understandable. I am also protective of my scythe and other personal belongings.”

Essex checked to see the rest of the group had walked further, before leaning in. “I do not wish for the others to know, but I am uncomfortable with having left my scythe in the dorm room. I am worried that I will not be prepared for the Wailing once we have found it.”

“At least you have the comfort of a Whil.” Wess expressed. “You can just turn yourself into metal whenever you feel. Meanwhile, my only defence is Belvedere, stuck in the dorm room without me to wield it.”

“I can not do it anytime I want.” Essex explained. “I need to be touching a specific metal, which I do not have. I am as defenceless as you.”

Wess went to speak but opted for rubbing her forehead. “…that gives me real comfort about the safety of my fine glassware.”

“Do not worry. I will protect it to the best of my ability.” Essex promised. “We are teammates, and I take that relationship seriously. This is important to you, so it is important to me.”

Wess looked her in the eyes, as she and Essex started walking again. “I suppose there’s a first for everything.”

Essex watched the group ahead, as Julia and Renee were in the back, talking amongst themselves.

“What do you think they are discussing?”

Wess noticed too. “If I know Julia, she’s asking about the industry and what to expect once we’re in it. And she probably won’t like what she hears…”

“No…” Julia let out.

“Yes.”

“And that’s common? Even for the leader?”

“Especially for the leader. Sometimes we’ll deliberately waste a bit of time so we can charge more for our services.” Renee explained. “You’d be surprised how many teams raise their prices like that.”

“Really?” Julia asked in disbelief. “That’s…sorta scummy.”

“It sounds a bit underhanded, sure, but it’s for a lot of good reasons too.” Renee explained. “Sometimes, when you come back after only an hour, the client isn’t convinced you actually did a good enough job and won’t pay anyway. And often, you’ll spend days of personal time preparing, but only get payed for the time you spend hunting it, so it makes sense to stretch that out to make up for it.”

Julia conceded her point. “…I wonder if we’ll have to do that.”

“Probably.” Renee said. “Or you could take the moral high road.”

Julia nodded, before snickering to herself.

“What?”

“Oh.” Julia said. “Well, I was just thinking…that makes the name Team Swift kinda ironic.”

Renee stopped, before laughing too. “I guess so. I never considered that.”

“Wailing doesn’t know, that we’re tracking it down!”

“Quiet as a mouse, barely making a sound!”

Harley and Sola sang to themselves idly, as Renee looked to Julia. “Are they alright?”

Julia grinned. “They’re fine. Just lifting the mood, I think.”

“Taking out a knife!” Harley sang.

“Or taking out a gun!” Sola added.

Renee slung her arms around them. “Whatever we’ll use, it’s sure to be fun!”

“Could you guys keep it down?” Gates asked, aiming her scope over the cliffside. “The song’s fun and all, but I can’t concentrate.”

“Oh, sorry.” Renee apologised, joining back up with her. “Find anything?”

“Not…yet…wait.” Gates said, before lining up her sights again. “Over there, by the other cliff.”

Across the valley’s width, Gates had found what looked to be the Wailing, resting beside a nearby pond, staring at its own reflection. It looks somewhat lanky, but still with a noticeable presence and a sharply defined body. It could easily dwarf anyone there, despite apparently being small.

“Does it have any magic? Can you tell?” Renee asked, as Gates offered her the sight.

“It looks like it’s moving the water without touching it, so it's got some kind of magic...” Gates explained.

Team Swift found the furthest edge of the cliff and lay down, encouraging the others to do so, staying out of sight as they preyed on the Wailing.

Renee slowly sat up and addressed the team. “It’s currently distracted, so now’s our best chance at taking it out without direct confrontation.” She indicated to the rifle, before turning back to the team. “But you’re here to experience the real thing, so, who wants to take the shot?”

Spence raised her hand frantically, as Harley lowered it again for her.

“None of you have firearms experience?”

Julia kept quiet, her anxiety getting the better of her, as Sola raised her hand.

“You wanna take a shot, Sola?”

“No, but Julia’s a firearms expert.” Sola exclaimed, throwing Julia off.

Renee smirked to herself. “You should’ve told me you were an expert.”

“I-I-I didn’t want to i-impose, or…screw up…” Julia admitted, as Gates leaned against the gun.

“Come on, kid. It’s not the end of the world if you miss.” Gates clarified, as Julia looked to her team for input, before realising they would all encourage her anyway.

Julia crawled up to the gun, making herself comfortable and getting used to it in her hands, before nearly fumbling with the trigger.

“S-sorry…I’m usually better with this…” Julia excused, as Renee helped her aim the shot.

“It’s okay to feel stressed. This is a tough situation, and not letting yourself process your emotions will be worse off in the long run.” Renee advised. “Tell yourself you’re scared, and work through it.”

Julia nodded back, taking a few calming breathes, as an idea hit her in the moment. “Can I…try something?”

“You got a cool technique?” Gates asked.

“W-well…my Whil lets me speed things up and slow them down…so if I sped up the bullet…”

“By all means.” Renee allowed. “This is a learning experience above all else.”

Julia returned to the rifles scope, lining it up with the Wailing again, and focusing her breathing.

Speed it up…speed it up…faster…quicker…just like the Behemoth Wailing…

Julia pulled the trigger, firing the shot across the valley, focusing her attention on the bullet just as it left the barrel, trying to send it even faster, before it started slowing instead, enough for the Wailing to start to notice.

The Wailing popped its head up and dodged to the side, slinking back as the bullet soared past where it was just standing and into the pond. The Wailing looked back at Julia through the scope and strafed into the forest, disappearing from sight again.

“Dammit…” Julia muttered.

Renee patted Julia’s shoulder. “It’s alright. We didn’t expect you to take it out this early anyway.” Renee said, now addressing the group. “But it’s a good reminder that we don’t normally get it the first time around. Failure’s always an option, as long as you can learn from it.”

Gates pointed her scope in the Wailing’s direction, indicating to Renee that they should head right down the hill to follow it, as Renee stood back up. “We’re going to try to intercept it directly now. Don’t engage unless we indicate so.”

Team Swift gathered their equipment, heading down the sloping pathway running down the cliffside, as Essex approached Julia by the cliff.

“We should continue to follow.” She said, getting Julia’s attention.

“Thanks, Essex. I’ll be a minute.” Julia said, as the rest of the team and Spence followed Team Swift down, Julia still looking out over the cliff.

She picked up a small rock in her hand, throwing it once or twice, before throwing it high into the air and attempting to slow it down as it fell. Instead, the rock landed faster into her palm, stinging it a little, and leaving a small red mark in the middle of her hand.

“…come on, Julia…”

———

The wind was starting to pick up, as the group entered more unfamiliar territory through the hiking trail, the road opening out to a large circular clearing.

“Stay with us. If it attacks, you should be as close to us as possible.” Renee warned, brandishing her knife. “If it gets close, keep your guard up and evade. We’ll protect you.”

“R-Renee, is th-there really anything to be worried a-about?” Spence asked worriedly. “Maybe i-it ran away?”

“So much for excitement.” Harley remarked “I thought you desperately wanted to see it?”

“N-not this close.” Spence admitted. “Not if it’s going to s-slice and dice me.”

“Wailing are more defensive fighters, but they aren’t runners.” Renee explained. “And this happens to be our job.”

“Right, job…job…” Spence repeated to herself, slowly calming down, before something rustled in the bushes nearby. “Aaggghhhh!!!”

Harley clamped her hand over Spence’s mouth. “Spence! Shut up!” Harley warned her, as Spence freed her mouth.

“Don’t tell your teacher to shut up!” She complained.

Renee turned on the spot. “Spence, shut up!”

“Yes, ma’am.” Spence replied, sinking downward, Renee going back to her cautious demeanour.

Team Valiant hang back, as Renee indicated for Gates to check the bush out.

Gates slowly approached, rifle at the ready in case of trouble, as she used the barrel to push the bush apart, finding nothing there other than the strong breeze from earlier.

“False alarm.” Gates called, as the wind grew even stronger. “It’s probably furthe-“

TTHHHHRRRRAASSSHHHH!!!

Gates was thrown back, crashing into the ring of trees around the clearing from a sudden gust of wind, as Team Valiant stayed beside Renee.

“Is that the Wailing?” Julia asked.

Renee nodded. “Gates, you good?” Renee asked.

“Peachy!” She cried, lying against the trunk’s base. “Finally worked that knot out!”

Before Renee could respond, she felt the breeze against her from the left, as she yelled for Team Valiant to move out of the way and took the brunt of the Wailing landing against her knife, deflecting off it gracefully.

“Found ya…” She muttered.

Julia led Team Valiant and Spence to the side of the clearing, needing to pull Essex along with them, as Gates got back up to assess the Wailing in its entirety.

“Go Renee! Take it out!” Sola cheered.

“She can’t do it on her own.” Gates reminded her. “I think that thing has wind magic. That wasn’t just a breeze earlier, it was the Wailing throwing me back.”

“We’ve gotta go save her then!” Harley declared, as Gates grabbed her arm.

“Don’t be stupid. You’ll get in her way. She can hold it off for now.” Gates explained, taking out her rifle, before pain shot through her left arm. “Shit! Ow ow ow…”

“Are you hurt?” Julia asked, assessing the wound.

“Well, my arm was the part that hit the tree…” Gates clarified. “Sorry, this probably isn’t very impressive…”

“At least you aren’t running away.” Wess pointed out. “Or cowering in fear…”

She looked down at Spence, shaking fearfully with her arms over her head, as Harley reached for her wallet and slipped Sola her twenty caps.

“Julia…” Gates said, nearly backing out once she said it. “…you’re gonna need to use my rifle.”

Julia stopped in place. “No, no no, I can’t…”

“Kid, I can’t shoot right now, and unless anyone else knows how to fire a gun as well as you, it’s up to you.” Gates said.

Julia looked back at Renee, deftly holding off the Wailing while dashing around it in circles, as it swung itself toward her violently.

“…okay.” Julia said. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Great.” Gates replied, reaching for the rifle. “Just hit it in…where’s the rifle?”

They both looked down to find it wasn’t there, before the rest of the team realised that Essex was now charging at the Wailing, having left the backpack behind, with the rifle in hand.

“Essex! What’re you doing?!”

Essex ran even faster, catching up to Renee and the Wailing’s conflict, as she leaped into the air, changing her skin to metal with her Whil, and bashed the Wailing’s face with the back of the gun. It flew back a fair way, as Essex landed on the ground, still breathing heavily.

Renee needed a second to react, before breaking her trance and hurrying to Essex. “Essex! What the hell was that?!”

Essex took a second, making sure the Wailing was really down, before turning to Renee. “I was protec-“

“Never engage when you aren’t prepared!” Renee yelled. “I could’ve stabbed you!”

Essex slowed down her breathing and put down the gun. “Gates is indisposed. You were in need of assistance.”

In the corner of Renee’s eye, the Wailing’s mass started to get up and reconfigure. “And a fat lot of good it did. The Wailing’s still moving.”

As the Wailing got back up on its feet, it quickly ducked into the forest’s foliage again, disappearing into it and leaving the clearing silent again. Renee remained on guard, as Essex decided it was best to stay behind her.

“Protecting citizens comes before confronting the Wailing for a reason.” Renee argued.

“You would not have survived fighting it alone.” Essex argued back.

“I can handle myself. Where’s your team?”

“Th-“

The duo heard a yelp from the distance in the direction of Team Valiant, as they rushed over and found the team scattered, and the Wailing in the middle of them, and with the backpack on its claws.

“You brute!” Wess yelled, having been knocked to the ground, as Julia and Sola rushed to pick her back up.

Renee used her Whil and dashed forward to hold the Wailing off again, as Essex met up with Gates and received a furious glare.

“Why’d you take it?!” Gates yelled.

“I was protec-“

“Don’t use it to hit the thing!” Gates complained, handing it to Julia with her good arm.

Renee fought the Wailing back out of the clearing, the Wailing ducking behind the sturdier trees to avoid getting cut, as Julia lined up her sights again.

I can do it…just one shot…but…

Julia dismissed the thought, aiming her sights and firing the shot without her Whil, making sure it travelled through the dense forest and connected with the Wailing.

The bullet flew right into the Wailing’s back leg, momentarily stunning it, but not doing nearly enough damage on its own to kill it.

Shit…of course that wasn’t enough…

Julia chased after Renee and the Wailing, moving further and further through the forest’s interior, as the rest of Team Valiant looked after Gates and Spence, save for a furious Wess.

“Wess! Where are you going?!” Harley called out while helping Gates back up.

“I’m getting my glass back!” She cried, disappearing with the others.

As the trees opened up to the fresh air, the shear cliff-face became more apparent to an emerging Renee and Wailing, as the Wailing hooked its claws onto a nearby tree to avoid falling, and Renee did her best to follow.

She took one good stab at the Wailing, before it blocked with a torn off piece of wood it was holding.

“You’re smarter than I thought you’d be.” Renee remarked.

Catching the Wailing off guard, it felt a bullet graze past its hand, making it drop the wood and giving Renee another chance to attack, as Julia eventually joined up with them, reloading as she ran.

Wess slowly caught up, as the backpack that had been hooked on the Wailing’s claws had split open, spilling the tea towels and wine glass onto the ground.

Renee took a second to recover her stamina, as the Wailing reached down and grabbed the glass between its claws, carefully inspecting it, staring directly at its own reflection, fixated.

Julia aimed her shot, taking it once she had the chance, as the bullet hit the Wailing’s eye, sending it reeling in pain.

The glass dropped from its claws, fortunately landing against the soft grass, as the Wailing’s attention moved from Renee to the person who’d shot it three times now.

As it leaned forward, Julia and Wess bolted, Wess grabbing the backpack and scooping the glass in time, and heading out of the way, to unfortunately come face-to-face with the cliff they had been edging during the fight.

The Wailing emerged with them, somewhat dragging itself, as the rage it had been fighting with was now turned to spite and annoyance, making it want to rid itself of the plague that had been following it all day.

Wess tripped, now just by the cliff’s edge, as Julia leaned down to help her up.

The Wailing used its magic to create a gale behind it, hoping to push the two off, and letting it move even faster toward them, leaping at them to finish the job.

As the Wailing careened toward Julia, claws outstretched and the gale behind it, Julia outstretched her hands, focusing her intent, and sent it even faster toward her.

Too fast.

As it looked to nearly scrape by, it flew right past her, just missing the target, and flying far off the cliff just behind Julia, only going faster as gravity started to take over as well.

It did its best to hook into the cliffside with its claws, frantically flailing more and more as it fell, but with the added and continued pressure from Julia, the Wailing could only watch as the cliff became more distant, and eventually hit the ground with the forces combined.

In all the commotion, the backpack flew right down with it, nearly meeting the same fate the Wailing did, as Wess leaned over to try and grab it as soon as possible.

Of course, the gust of wind only meant she went further than she intended, as the ground beneath her betrayed her, and she started to fall along with everything else.

Julia did her best to switch from speeding up the Wailing to slowing down the backpack, but as Wess began to fall beside her, she immediately turned her attention to Wess and stopped her fall dead in its tracks.

Wess could feel herself still moving, but barely making any distance from Julia’s influence, as Renee re-emerged from the forest and reached out a hand to grab her, pulling her off the crumbling ground and back onto the cliff.

Julia finally let go, falling backward onto the grass, severely out of breath.

…I…did it…I did it…

Julia sat back up, assessing the situation around her, and noticed Wess in a state of shock.

She ran up to her in a frenzy. “It didn’t hurt you, did it? We can get you help i-“

Wess jumped over to Julia and hugged her. Wess kept up the hug longer than she normally did, as Julia wrapped her arms around too. Both of their breathing slowed down, as the gust of wind subsided and finally let them be.

“You two want a room?” Harley remarked, as Wess’ eyes shot open, forcing her to slowly break up the hug.

“It’s just like you to undercut an earnest moment.” Wess said.

The rest of the group joined up with them, Team Valiant celebrating amongst themselves, apart from Essex, who was inspecting the Wailing’s remains over the cliff’s edge with Team Swift.

“Is it possible that it survived?” Essex asked, almost ready to inspect it in person.

Gates looked through her scope and whistled. “Nope. It’s definitely dead. Of course, us industry veterans always double check for posterity.”

“And for the previously mentioned professionalism.” Renee corrected, as Gates shrugged it off.

Renee watched over the cliff, as Essex got her attention, before bowing.

“Relias votelagra. I apologise for my previous actions. I should not have endangered myself.”

Essex waited for a response, hoping for some kind of forgiveness, as Renee sighed out loud and dismissed it. “I’ll be honest, you did way better then most first year teams. Hell, our first mission ended with a broken arm and way more crying.”

“And mine’s only sprained.” Gates pointed out.

“While your judgment wasn’t the soundest, you handled that mission impressively well.” Renee said, now addressing the team. “This was a great success overall. Everyone should be really proud of themselves.”

Amongst the cheering and celebration, Spence re-surfaced from her cowering state, still very much on edge, even with the Wailing having been disposed.

“C-c-can we go b-back now?” Spence asked, still shaking a fair bit.

“Oh, right.” Renee said, pulling out her tablet again and marking the mission on Activ as…

—-—TEAM VALIANT/TEAM SWIFT MISSION—-—

—-—TRACK DOWN/KILL THE WAILING STALKING THE SHANLIN HIKING TRAIL—-—

—-—COMPLETED—-—

“That should do it. Spence can…” Renee started, before looking at Spence, still thoroughly freaked out. “…we’ll call the academy and get you guys back.”

After finishing that up, Renee approached Gates, casually watching Team Valiant together.

“What happened to not running into danger?!” Harley complained.

“It made it personal!” Wess argued. “And it might have hurt Julia!”

“But you lost the glass.” Sola pointed out, by the cliff with Essex. “Should we get another one?”

“I’ll get another one.” Julia said, as Wess hid her face.

“…that’s…I can get a new one. You more than made up for breaking the last one.” Wess admitted.

“As long as you stay away from any more cliffs.” Harley remarked, getting a laugh from the others.

“Considering it’s our first shadowing gig, you reckon we did a good job?” Renee asked.

Gates shrugged, as she rested her arm on Renee. “They’re still laughing, right?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Renee sighed. “I just hope they keep that kind of optimism up.”

———

“Finished the job!”

“With a total success!”

“I think it’s fair to say!”

“That we’re part of the best!”

Harley, Sola and Julia grinned to each other, still in high spirits, as they headed back to the academy on the cargo helicopter, as Wess and Essex sat beside them, deliberately not joining in.

“They can’t let a moment stay quiet, can they?” Wess asked.

“I do not see the point in celebration.” Essex said. “But I am sure this is not going to be common.”

“Don’t count on it…” Wess sighed, as Julia noticed from the sidelines.

“Sorry about the glass again, Wess.” Julia apologised.

“I think weighing it against my life, you made the right call.” Wess commented. “I may just have to use Sola’s mug…”

Julia grinned. “But I’d say that made up for our last Wailing encounter, right Sola?”

Sola jumped up. “Yeah! And this time you learned a new Whil thing!” Sola cheered, picking up her jacket. “Slow it down! Slow it down!”

“Can we slow you down?” Harley wondered, as Julia caught the jacket with the ease of her Whil, exciting Sola all over again.

“I’m glad you guys had fun…” Spence moped. “That…thing was…so freaky…”

“So? How well did we do?” Harley asked, as Spence just sat there.

“Yeah…uhh, soaring grades, good job…” She mumbled, staring out the helicopter’s window.

Essex leaned over to Harley. “I believe we have ‘broken’ Miss Spence.”

“It was bound to happen.” Harley pointed out, looking to Julia for confirmation. “Right?”

Julia looked out the helicopter window. “There’s a first for everything.”