Julia finally made it.

That’s what she believed, at least.

Along with the rest of the team, she’d finally confirmed the existence of a third party, one manipulating the Wailing conflict for unknown purposes.

She’d risked everything confronting Vice-Principal Coatsworth, only to realise his innocence.

She’d realised the Wailing attack on the academy was a front, hiding something nefarious from wary eyes.

And she’d found a figure breaking into the science labs before they single-handedly ruined Team Ferocity and left her standing alone against them.

To Julia, this was the price of her discovery, her safety.

The figure held out their sword, their intentions made very clear, as Julia stared back at the opening to the alleyway they were both occupying.

Running was her best option, but she knew they were faster.

She could fight back, but without her rifle, she’d be taken out in seconds.

Her Whil could slow them down, but also leave her exhausted, rendering the whole thing mute.

“No team, huh? Where’s your Venator camaraderie?” The figure asked, displaying their arms. “Or bravery?”

Julia looked out, starting to truly panic, before stepping back subtly.

“Not a smart move.” The figure responded, stepping forward as well, as Julia peered around each corner, looking for potential avenues.

Just anything…

Staring back at the figure, she noticed they were still bare foot and spotted them about to step over an out-sticking rock thrown around from the previous fight. Feeling her safest option was heading closer to the main academy structure, she used her Whil to slow the figure’s leg, causing them to jam their foot into the rock, before slowing their other leg and tripping them over.

She bolted to the left, running as fast as she could, knowing full well that the assailant had more then likely recovered and was chasing her down. She refused to look back.

The figure managed to get up, struggling to stand on their pained foot at first, before picking up the rock and nearly melting it out of rage. Instead, they rounded the corner, sprinting after Julia, then threw the rock at her leg, knocking her to the ground with a painful thud.

Julia barely had enough time to feel pain before the figure leaped above her, embedding their sword into the ground right next to Julia’s neck.

“Scream.”

Julia stayed tight-lipped, fumbling to grab her tablet, as the figure turned the blade toward her.

“Bad answer.”

———

“Does anyone see her?” Harley asked, the team still on their way. “Her text said the science department, right?”

“I still don’t get why she’s there. Could she be tracking that figure too?” Wess asked, rounding the corner cautiously, Belvedere and her shield on full display.

“I hope she’s not in trouble.” Harley lamented. “Who knows what we’r-“

“Over there!” Sola yelled, pointing off into the distance, terrified stiff at the sight of Julia under an unknown figure. The others quickly noticed the sword.

“Julia!” Wess cried out, as Essex leaped into action, sprinting over and aiming her scythe at the assailant again, before they defensively jumped off of Julia’s body.

“Forseca!” Essex barked, the figure sizing her up.

“It’s you again.” They said, circling Julia’s body. “You’re persistent as ever.”

The figure started assessing their options, before the rest of Team Valiant arrived, causing them to back off.

The others surrounded Julia on the ground, walling her off from them, as they looked over the suddenly heavily armed team staring daggers in their direction, ready to repay Julia’s pain tenfold.

With visible frustration, they slowly stepped back, before jumping onto the wall, using their Whil to melt holes into it to help climb up, before leaping to the roofs and running back to the front of the academy.

“I will find you again!” Essex yelled, raising her scythe. “This injustice will not be unpunished!”

“Julia?” Harley asked, slowly helping Julia up with Sola’s help.

Julia shook her head, the adrenaline and stress leaving her woozy. “…they didn’t g-get to me, don’t worry.”

“You’re okay, right? They didn’t hurt you?” Wess demanded, checking Julia for wounds.

“I’m fine, really.” Julia assured her, Wess refusing to let go.

“I swear if that creep even touched yo-“

“Wess, look!” Julia said, holding her hands back. “I’m fine, really. You guys saved me just in time…”

“Of course we saved you.” Wess replied. “You’re our leader. We’ll never let anything happen to you.”

Julia blushed profusely, before a couple tears started rolling down her cheeks.

“…I’m sorry…” She professed. “…I wanted to keep you a-away…I thought you’d get hurt…but then I n-nearly got hurt, and I-I-I almost-“

“Hey, it’s okay.” Harley said, hugging her. “You were trying to keep us safe, even if it meant getting hurt yourself.”

“We were really worried about you too.” Sola said, joining in on the hug.

Wess decided to rest her hand on Julia’s shoulder, as Julia now noticed her shoulder and cheek wound. “We work in a dangerous industry. You can’t take on the burden of everything dangerous for us. We’re all bound to get hurt.”

“Pain is only temporary.” Essex added, smiling back at Julia. “All wounds heal with time.”

“Guys…” Julia let out, a few more tears escaping. “…you’re right. I don’t need to do this on my own.”

Julia was let go from her hug and got up properly, finally taking in her surroundings, before spotting the figure off in the distance.

Julia turned to address the team, still mid-preparation. “Okay, you’re just gonna need to believe me about this because I don’t have time to explain. Coatsworth is not behind this, it was all a big misunderstanding.” Julia explained, the others taking a second to process this. “I think that person stole something from the labs and may be the answer to ending the attack for good, so we can’t let them get away.”

The team was collectively confused, before Harley felt the need to speak up. “Fuck me, really?”

Julia nodded, before turning to Harley and Sola. “First off, Team Ferocity are injured in the alleyway. I need you to get them to the arena and find them medical help.”

“Roger that.” Sola saluted back, following behind Harley as they headed for the alley.

“Wess, Essex, I need you to protect me while we hunt that person down.” Julia explained, Wess and Essex nodding along. “They may try to blend into the attack and sneak out somehow, so be prepared for that. I don’t want to have to fight them if we don’t need to.”

“I will aid you in this endeavour.” Essex expressed, bowing and laying out her scythe, as Wess settled for an affirmative head nod.

“Okay. Okay…” Julia assured herself. “We can do this. We’ve got this.”

Wess casually swung Belvedere, patting Julia on the back. “You’re damn right we do.”

“We will make them regret this.” Essex promised, as the trio headed out in the direction of the assailant, the battle in the academy raging on with seemingly no end in sight.

———

For everything he wanted to do, and everything he was trying to get away from, that day had been a painful reminder of just what Florey was trying to escape.

It was hard enough for Florey returning to the academy after leaving. He was dreading running into Team Vanguard on the way, but officially, he’d yet to fully leave his enrolment, so returning was a must.

Fortunately, Cecil had been able to smooth things over with Faller in terms of transferring to EHM. Faller planned on checking in with Team Vanguard to confirm his departure on their end, but…

…well, everything happened.

But Florey felt he was doing the right thing. The team got along well without him, and he didn’t want to distract them before the final exams of the year.

At least, that was his excuse.

All he had left to do was fill out some forms.

Just a few incidental forms. Nothing too serious.

So why of all days was this the one the academy was attacked on?

Florey ran back down the hallway, peering through the archway outside, only to find more Wailing and Venators locked in combat. An arrow flew by his head, as he pulled himself back into the building, panting heavily.

He calmed himself, making sure to keep his eye out for anymore danger nearby, before continuing his stride back through the main structure, trying to find any exit free of conflict.

He caught a glimpse of the Behemoth Wailing through the window again and grimaced, watching it thrash about violently.

“Mark my words, you won’t stop me anymore.”

He continued trudging, coming up empty with exit after exit, before he was distracted briefly by his tablet buzzing in his pocket.

Stopping in the hallway, he pulled it out to check who it was.

…dad.

Florey stared back down at the screen, holding his finger above it fervently, before rejecting the call and hurrying along, desperate to find another exit out of this place before the building came down.

Just get me out of this god damn academy…

———

“Which…way…” Julia started, catching her breath, as Essex scouted around the walkway between buildings, pointing to their left.

“The quickest route to the main entrance is down here. They may attempt to blend within the crowd.” Essex reasoned, as she ran ahead of the other two, Wess helping Julia along.

Running through the walkway, they stopped by the large window overlooking the battle, catching the security and teams fending off the Wailing with their lives. Visible damage was already running through the front of the building and Dulce was doing everything she could to hold back a mass of Wailing trying to break through the entrance.

However, Julia noticed Wess’ gaze was focused instead on the Behemoth, still planted firmly on the academy walkway, blocking off any exit, a couple news helicopters now flying around it at a safe distance.

“It’s still yet to move.” Wess realised.

Julia sidled up to her. “What do you mean?”

“It’s only been sitting there, never getting any closer. This attack would be over in minutes if it only stepped ahead and hit the building itself.” Wess analysed, the Behemoth roaring out at the helicopters, swatting at them violently.

“Maybe it’s being strategic.” Julia said. “Maybe it heard about the other Behemoth that attacked the academy.”

“I don’t think so.” Wess said, staring back at it. “Sola said this earlier about the other Wailing. They weren’t stalling, they were apprehensive.”

Julia nodded along, before the connection made sense, shocking her still. “…like they were waiting for orders.”

“Pelonos Decu!” Essex cried from down the hall. “Do not wait! We must find the assailant!”

“Oh, sorry Essex!” Julia yelled back, following behind with Wess after regaining her stamina.

Rounding the corner and heading down the stairwell, they found the exit out into the parking lot.

A few slash marks ran across the wall, before they spotted the figure moving about the cars, slamming the side of each of them.

“How dare you! Why you little…!”

“There they a-“

Julia cried out, Essex and Wess already heading out into the parking lot to confront them, until Julia stopped suddenly, turning to face down the hall and far away from the action.

Florey looked back, out of breath from having navigated the campus over and over, now standing on the other side of the hall, just in eyesight of Julia.

They both stared at each other intently, Florey taking the time to rest, and Julia apprehensive about trying anything.

“Julia!” Wess cried.

Julia snapped out of her state, remembering their pursuit, before turning back to Florey.

Florey stared at her, waiting to see what decision she’d make, if any, as she wavered between which path to pursue.

“Julia, they’ll get away if we wait!” Wess demanded, stepping out the exit, having not noticed Florey, as Julia held her tongue and balled up her fists.

Sorry, Florey.

Julia followed behind Wess, stepping out into the parking lot and out of the building, as Florey stood right where he was, barely managing to hold back his disappointment and frustration.

“You little bitch!” The figure yelled, bashing the side of one of the cars. “You stay with the fucking vehicle! Wicker’s a goddamn dipshit for even thinking you co-“

“That is enough!” Essex announced, closing in and brandishing her scythe. “Return what you have stolen now and we will not need to fight!”

The figure turned to her and flipped her off. “You think I care?!”

“Essex, be careful!” Julia yelled. “They’re not afraid to hurt you!”

“Kill is more like it!” The figure yelled back, melting off a chunk of the car and chucking it at Essex. “Don’t test me, kid!”

Essex looked ready to pounce, as Julia felt they were beyond talking at this point. Even if she could calm Essex down, the figure surely wouldn’t hear it.

Do I…do I have to…

Tentatively and carefully, she lifted her rifle, preparing to fire, before shaking profusely, her conscience refusing her from pulling the trigger.

Wess saw the struggle she was going through and rested a hand on the barrel, lowering it and smiling back at her.

“We’ll take care of this. I’ll make sure they give back what they stole.”

Julia stared at her in awe, as she ran out and joined Essex’s side in the lot, giving Julia some peace of mind.

Wess and Essex shared an understanding nod while the figure pulled out their sword.

“Okay…this just got interesting.” The figure admitted, laughing a little. “You guys are finally taking thi-“

Essex didn’t give them another word and jumped them. She swung her scythe toward theirs legs, as they jumped up onto the car, only for Wess to thrust Belvedere right as they landed.

The figure managed to press Belvedere against the hood with their foot, now swinging at Wess with their sword, Wess managing to just block it with her shield.

Still trapped underneath the figure, she noticed Belvedere’s edge turning orange, its metal heating up the longer it touched them, as panic started to cross Wess, until Essex took another swing, the figure dodging off the car and freeing Belvedere just before it started to melt.

Essex’s scythe was embedded in the windscreen, as she tried to pull it out desperately. The figure let out a tired breath, just as Wess attempted to shoulder-bash them with her shield.

Managing to hold their own, they slowly grabbed the sides of the shield, before ripping it away from Wess’s arm, throwing her to the ground, then heating up its metal, slowly turning it orange as well, before ripping it in half right in front of her, the shield’s metal puddling on the ground.

Wess huddled to the ground in shock, and while she couldn’t see the figure's face, she could tell they were smirking.

“Shitty shield.”

Having freed her scythe, Essex managed to get another swing in at the briefly distracted figure, them nearly dodging, before a loud static sound rang out amongst them, everyone present covering their ears.

Essex had managed to cut near the figure’s neck, a few sparks flying out from the slit in their bodysuit, as they grabbed at it frustratedly.

“You piece of shit!” They yelled, their altered voice starting to dissipate, revealing the voice of a woman. “Of course one of you kids would aim for the neck!”

Grabbing at the slit, the figure was visibly desperate, just as Coatsworth’s car swung around the corner, heading back through to let him gather more of his work. The figure realised an opportunity to leave after their identity was compromised, running from Wess and Essex and stepping in front of the car, swerving him off course.

Coatsworth managed to park it, and before he knew what was happening, had a sword pressed to his neck, the assailant shielding herself with his body.

“If you kids are smart, you’ll let pencil-neck here live.” The figure announced, Essex and Wess now closing in on her. She started backing up into the car, before jumping in, slamming on the accelerator and tearing off, circling her way through the car park.

Essex attempted to swing at the car, but missed it by a hair, as Coatsworth’s car sped down the road, the others now giving chase.

The figure would’ve left then and there, she’d retrieved the item, she’d done her job, plain and simple, but lo and behold, Jules had just exited the building, looking around incredibly nervously.

“Of course, it’s you again…”

Slamming the break, she pulled up to her quickly. “Get in, dipshit.”

Jules’ spine crawled, as she did so, only for the figure to smack her upside the head, Jules reeling in pain.

“You stay with the car! You goddamn moron!” She yelled, rubbing her temple. “You’ve fucked up this whole thing!”

Jules stayed quiet, rubbing her head in pain, before she spotted three figures rounding the corner, now chasing them down.

She grabbed her partner’s shoulder and shook her, pointing desperately at their pursuers, before she picked up on it.

“Shit.” She said, starting up the car again and trying to circle around, only for the car to stay almost motionless, despite the wheels spinning profusely.

Having caught up to the assailant’s vehicle, Julia was now holding out her hands, using her Whil to slow the car’s body, trying desperately to keep a grip.

Julia tried to hold it back, the wheel’s screeching loudly across the asphalt, until it was too much to the bare, letting the car race off down the road, only to swing back around in the direction of the conflict consuming the main entrance.

Wess and Essex only caught up in time to watch it race off down the road, but not before Essex spotted the person in the passenger seat, staring back at her in abject horror, until the car was too far out of sight.

“Dammit!” Wess yelled, breathing out heavily. “That scum-sucker just had to get away!”

“That is the girl…” Essex realised, forcefully tightening her grip of her scythe. “…who aided us earlier. She was an accomplice to this. That forseca was in on it…”

Julia sat by the side of the road, having recovered from using her Whil so much, but feeling no need to get up after such a harrowing experience, as the car roared down the road, too far to pursue.

“You take it.” The figure said, taking her hands off the wheel, as Jules urgently grabbed it, trying hard to steer while still in the passenger seat.

The figure pulled out her tablet, hurriedly dialing, as the car looped around the roads, crossing in front of the Behemoth Wailing.

“Call that thing back now!” She yelled into the tablet. “Jules screwed up and we can’t wait on campus anymore, so we need an exit!”

She waited as the other person responded. “…yes! We have the-of course the mask is on! Get us out or this is all on you!”

Jules bit her tongue. He rarely talked this much if he didn’t need to.

“How about a lecture once we’re face to face again?” She remarked, now just interrupting him. “Either you bring that thing back, or they find this on our dead bodies and your plan goes to shit!”

There was more silence, until Wicker’s voice said a few more words, letting the figure hang up.

“I’m gonna kill him.” She said. “I want to make him burn alive while damning my name…”

Jules was still driving, her arms only getting more tired, as her partner realised and grabbed the wheel again, before a collective roar was heard across campus, shuddering through everyone present.

“And…there we go…” Harley panted, letting Baron down, as the medical staff in the tournament arena carried him off to the makeshift sickbay. “You better thank me for this!”

The arena was packed with people at this point, but Harley was lucky that most had avoided the fighting, meaning Team Ferocity could at least be treated sooner.

Duke and Edward limped out with a bandaged chest and arm respectively, as Sola pointed their teammates Henry and George in their direction before meeting up with Harley.

“All done.” Sola acknowledged, checking her tablet. “Should we check on the others?”

Harley stretched her neck. “Yeah, just give me a minute. I had to carry two of them, after a-“

SCCCRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

Everyone in the arena jumped in shock, a few covering their ears at the shrieking cry echoing over the academy. The sound was far shriller than any of the other cries.

Harley and Sola caught the Behemoth Wailing’s mass flailing passed the main building, more frantic and rapidly then before.

“I guess the security did a number on it.” Harley posited, Sola’s ears still ringing.

“What?!”

“I guess the security did a number on it!” Harley repeated, yelling to Sola, who gave a thumbs up back.

Sola looked back at it again. “But it’s not slowing down!”

Harley noticed it too, before the arena all caught wind of the Behemoth’s actions and collectively gasped at what they were seeing.

Grabbing it by the horns, Dulce held back the Wailing, throwing it back into the moat to stumble around, as a third-year electrified them, causing it to keel over for good.

“One more down!” Dulce yelled, the new Wailing emerging from the forest seeming endless. “Come on! We can hold!”

“Dulce!”

One of the security yelled back to Dulce, pointing at the Behemoth Wailing, who was thrashing about more violently, before taking out large chunks of the walkway with each swing of its tentacles.

“It’s started getting more agitated!” They informed, Dulce noticing it starting to close in.

She bit her tongue, running her hand over the radio looped in her belt, before grabbing it and turning it on.

“Vick, we’re desperate! I need you to activate the IF’s and aim them at the Behemoth Wailing! It can’t touch the building!”

“Understood.” Came a voice over the radio, Dulce staring expectantly at the sides of the academy, until large hatches opened in the ground, emerging two massive, unmanned gunner towers, each pointed directly at the approaching Behemoth.

“Start charging now and fire on my signal! We haven’t used these yet, so we’re only getting one good shot in!” Dulce yelled into the radio, as light started gathering around the barrels of each of the gunner towers, the Behemoth Wailing still flailing about, Dulce needing to dodge out of the way as a tentacle came crashing down.

“Now?”

“Not yet!” She said, the Behemoth closing in.

It was moments away from crossing over into the academy proper, as Venators and Wailing alike started backing off to avoid its reckless path.

“Almost…”

It slid ever closer.

“And…”

SCCCRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

The Wailing cried out, echoing across the academy once again, before sliding back and forth, grabbing at and swatting near its head, almost hitting the news helicopter circling around it.

The other Wailing present froze stiff, listening out to its cries, before looking about awkwardly, almost without purpose.

The Behemoth thrashed and cried out, stepping back over the walkway as it struggled to maintain ground. Part of it looked to be dragging itself back into the waterway, letting its body fall over the edge, as the rest of it clung to the walkway, desperate to continue the fight it had yet to finish.

As it lost more and more ground, it slinked back into the water one tentacle at a time, slowly disappearing into the murky depths, before nothing was left of it, leaving the other Wailing without direction or guidance.

Dulce took a second to take it in, shocked with how sudden everything had become, before noticing that the Wailing present were starting to leave, running off back into the forest or flying into the distance. A few security tried to get a few more hits in, but eventually, found the point mute.

“Do we pursue them?” An officer asked Dulce, as she briefly forgot her role in this.

“Uhh…no, we stay here and…and clean up.” She said, assuring herself as she spoke. “We don’t know if that Behemoth is gone for good or…”

Their conversation was interrupted as a car roared down the road, swinging just in front of the entrance and speeding down the walkway, swerving to avoid all the fallen debris.

Dulce blinked. “Was that Coatsworth’s car?”

“Are you okay, sir?” Wess asked, helping Coatsworth up after returning to the car park with Julia and Essex.

“Don’t worry. She didn’t hurt me.” He assured, managing to get up. “I was shocked, not injured.”

“That’s good.” Wess said, stepping back and clearing her throat. “Julia told us of what your intentions actually were. I want to apologise for jumping to conclusions.”

“As do I.” Essex added, bowing to him. “We have assumed the worst of you, and it is not warranted.”

Coatsworth smiled back to them. “It’s been a difficult time for all of us. Not many people would own their mistakes so candidly, though.”

“It’s not like lying would help us anyway.” Wess remarked under her breath, before spotting Julia off to the side and staring in the direction of the academy entrance.

She approached her side. “Is something wrong?”

“It’s gone.”

Wess took a second to process what she meant, before realising the cacophony of noise and panic was gone, and that the Behemoth Wailing had disappeared seemingly without cause.

“Oh my goodness, I barely even noticed.” Wess said, as Julia kept staring, fixated on that point.

“If the Wailing were being controlled, and them leaving means they weren’t needed anymore…” Julia asked, turning to Wess. “…does that mean we failed?”

Wess rested a hand on her back. “We didn’t fail. We protected the academy. And if the Wailing don’t return, that means we were able to hold off whoever’s behind this.”

“But they probably got away with whatever they stole.” Julia argued. “…I don’t feel good knowing I could have stopped them.”

“There is nothing more you could have done.” Essex added, joining them. “There is only so much we can accomplish at this time. While the attack was not prevented, it may have been ended sooner by our intervention.”

Julia found herself agreeing with Essex, while still feeling terrible about everything that’d happened before a memory hit her like a truck.

“Florey!” She yelled, heading back into the building, followed by Wess and Essex.

She sprinted to the other side of the hallway, looking around frantically. “He was here earlier!”

“On campus?” Wess asked, peering around too. “How did we not find him?”

“I don’t know, but I have to keep looking.” Julia declared, cupping her hands. “Florey! Florey?!”

“Julia.” Essex said, grabbing her arm. “He is not here.”

“You can’t leave! Not again, please!”

“Julia!”

“FLO-“

“He is not here!” Essex said, raising her voice and turning Julia to face her. “We will find him, but you need to rest. This is a stressful experience, and you cannot keep pushing yourself.”

Julia kept looking around, Essex’s grip iron-tight, before she calmed down and sighed out.

“…yeah, okay, okay. I’m sorry.” Julia let out, running her hands over her face. “I guess if he wanted to stay…”

Julia silently walked off, turning the corner, as Wess found herself shedding a tear, getting some comfort from Essex as they watched their leader dealing with one of the hardest days of her life.

———

“…nd by the looks of things, the Behemoth Wailing disappeared back from the waters in which it emerged. Officials from the Venator Academy state the intentions of the Wailing, and how they managed to avoid detection, are still unknown, but that the number of fatalities in the student population were fortunately zero, with the worst injuries still being considered treatable. However, many security officers and bystanders were unfortunately killed in the attack, with the numbers estimated around twenty-three, with five still unaccounted for. It’s fair to say that this is a warning cry from the Wailing saying they are not afraid to go after our youngest and brightest, and feel no mercy in showing Daysend just what they intend to do if we let them. Back to you, Tim.”

“Thank you, Dana, for that report. Later on, we’ll be interviewing persons present about their exper-“

The figure muted the TV, now lounging back in her couch, still having yet to remove her outfit from earlier in the day.

She rested her head, splayed out with her legs over the coffee table before her tablet started buzzing beside her with an unmarked caller.

“Are you watching the news report?”

“Yeah, I am. I knew you were gonna ask, so I’m sitting through it.”

“Good job avoiding detection.”

“Fuck off.”

“I’m serious.”

“You’re never serious unless you feel like bragging about your stupid plans.”

There was a pause over the call. “Stupid? Well, which do you think plays better? Mysterious device disappears from campus without explanation, or device gets lost during an unprecedented attack?”

The figure unzipped her bodysuit, holding the tablet with her shoulder. “That’s a lot of effort for one little chip. And wouldn’t they just find more on the dead Wailing still there?”

“They didn’t have any. The only one that was chipped was the Behemoth Wailing. The rest simply followed its direction out of respect.”

“Or fear.”

“I don’t care which. What’s done is done. Another attack on the academy, along with some extra security on our end.”

“I don’t suppose that means I get a day off?”

“Oh, don’t think you’re off the hook.”

“Can’t blame me for trying.” She replied, taking off her mask, before digging around in her pocket and pulling out a lollipop.

“You still failed to secure the device without complication.”

“Kinda hard with Venators around.”

“Venator students. Students. You even had trouble with a couple first-years.”

“They’re pretty well-armed for first-years. That one with the scythe knew what she wa-“

“I don’t care about excuses, I want some reassurance. I need to know they won’t get in the way in the future.”

“…they won’t stop me again.”

There was a pause.

“…okay. That’ll be all.”

She hung up the call, throwing the tablet to the couch, before looking over her sword again, propped up on the wall, still with some scuffs from the conflicts prior in the day.

She picked it up, bringing it to the couch, before grabbing some weapon polish and unmuting the TV, just as the news crew was interviewing witnesses at the scene.

“Of course I was scared. Fear is only natural when faced with something like this, but that’s only more reason to do our jobs well. I’m thankful for those on our force that…sacrificed their lives to defend this academy, and I want them to feel honour in their actions wherever they are now.”

“Pretty sure they’re dead.” The figure brazenly stated, cleaning off the buffed metal.

“While this was unprecedented, Security Chief Dulce teamed up with Venator students in order to hold off the invading force. While some have raised the ethical debate over whether this was the right call, students say they were enlisted of their own free will and were only asked to defend out of desperation. Many Venator teams were also busy saving lives on campus too, including this team of young women.”

“We ran about the campus helping evacuate those that were still in the buildings. It was pretty tough running through the flights of stairs over and over, but it was worth it even to save just a few folks.”

The figure dropped the lollipop out of her mouth, now crouching ahead on her couch as Essex took centre stage.

“We are Venators, and Venators aid others. It was only natural that we help those in need when something drastic is occurring. This will not be the last incident, but we shall only improve with time.”

“While she isn’t here right now, I would like to credit our leader, Julia Alpine. She took charge and managed to lead us and keep us all safe while this attack took place. I think it’s fair to say Team Valiant couldn’t ask for a better team leader.”

“Were you four scared at all? This sort of thing is very unheard of.” Dana asked, as Sola grabbed the microphone.

“Totally! I kinda felt fine taking on the Wailing, cause we’ve done that a bunch already, but then this mysterious figure showed up and tried to steal something from campus, so we were busy fighting her off. Hi Mum! Hi Dad! Don’t worry, I’m safe now!”

“I-I’m sorry, a mysterious figure?” Dana asked for clarification.

“Yeah, some lady wearing all black sneaking around.” Harley replied, bringing everyone in for a group hug. “So look out, jerkwad! You got the better of us this time, but don’t you dare pull that kinda stunt again! You’re messing with the wrong Venator team!”

The figure picked up the remote, shaking furiously, struggling to turn it off.

“That team is Team Valiant, again!” Wess repeated, struggling to fit, as Dana attempted to worm her way out, cleaning herself up.

“W-well, with young Venators like these, I think it’s safe to sa-“

The figure turned it off, throwing the remote away and running her head through her hands, nervously glancing at her tablet.

In a matter of seconds, it started ringing again, as she lifted it up and took a deep breath.

“…yeah?”

“…care to explain what was just reported on the news?”

The figure felt herself going flush, the image of Team Valiant hugging each other burned into her mind, until she felt she could respond.

“What report?”

“…don’t play dumb.”

“…this is a minor setba-“

“See that this never happens again.”

Wicker hung up.

The figure got up, pacing around her room in frustration, before picking up her sword, its sheen noticeable and clean once again.

She shoved it into her TV, shattering the screen and leaving it jammed in there, as a few sparks flew out of it.

“…Team Valiant…”

———

“Good afternoon, students.”

Faller leaned back, rubbing is face, before clearing his throat and trying again.

“Good…I’m wishing you well on this…no, just say the first one…”

Faller looked around his room, playing idly with the broken ‘bug’ on his desk, a few more littering his bin, as he spotted a couple strands of sunlight cracking through his window. The weather had cleared up over the last few weeks, but that hardly made up for the decimated walkway and war-torn entrance to the academy.

Cleanup was underway, but…

He checked his watch again, nervously tapping the bug against the table, before sighing out and turning on his intercom.

“…good…afternoon, students.” He started, pausing briefly. “I have a small address for you all before the end of semester. This isn’t what I wanted to be saying by the end of the year, but I figure you all need to hear this.”

He tried to get comfortable, before giving up and continuing.

“This is not a kind world. At this point, you should all know that firsthand. If you look for it, there is danger and deceit around every corner. There’s those willing to make our lives worse for their own personal gain, and willing to play on our most vulnerable aspects in order to divide and conquer us. This has always been true, and no amount of action can make that disappear.”

He paused again. “But I am proud of what I’ve seen from you. I’m proud of how you have all acted in these recent events, and what traits you embody. It’s difficult to do the right thing, but it’s even harder to admit when you’ve done wrong. We didn’t ask for you to defend this academy for us, but you have. You stepped up when we thought we were in the right, and for that, I want to apologise. If we were the great academy we promised to be, then it shouldn’t have come to this.”

Faller looked out his window at the cleanup before continuing.

“This is not a conflict we will win through bloodshed. This is not a conflict that should be won through bloodshed. We do what is required, but don’t let violence be your sole guide. This is a combat school, yes, but I encourage practicing compassion and reason above all else. A small act of kindness now will always be worth more than any bullet fired. Protect those close to you. Reach out an olive branch. Take a chance on those you may not see anything in. It’s those actions that count for so much more.”

He sat back down, before finally putting the bug down.

“That’s enough rambling from me. I encourage you to enjoy yourselves over the semester break, get some use out of your Bestalow gifts. Trust me, you’ve earned it. And…don’t feel disheartened. After all, you’ve made it this far…”

“…so let’s see how much farther you’ll go.”

The intercom cut out, as Joleicia looked up at it, twiddling her thumbs frantically.

“I’m still really nervous…” Joleicia admitted, Julia patting her back.

“I know what you mean.” Chops agreed, rubbing her neck. “Couldn’t we’ve put this off for a bit?”

Saxin wandered around the empty classroom to let out some anxiety. “We can’t have our new team member waiting on a confirmation for months on end. Ripping off the bandage and all that…”

“I’m just worried we might get someone like Baron.” Lenin admitted, shuddering. “Or Avalon…”

“…we didn’t even get to say goodbye.” Joleicia confessed, closing into herself. “He left before we could say anything…”

The rest of Team Vanguard came to comfort her, as Team Valiant was off to the side with them, Wess offering Joleicia a hand too.

“I’ve heard he has a tendency of doing this sort of thing. You shouldn’t blame yourself.” Wess added, looking back at Julia.

“How’re you holding up?” Harley asked, sitting next to Julia.

“Okay…” She admitted. “…not good, but okay.”

“Did the board game night help?” Sola asked, getting a smile out of Julia.

“Yeah, it did.” She admitted.

Essex leaned in closer to her. “If you wish, we will attempt to track him down agai…” Essex suggested, before Julia raised a hand.

“He’s made his decision. If he doesn’t want to come back…”

Julia realised what she said and crouched down.

“…he’s really not coming back.” Julia muttered, Harley hugging her side.

“Yeah…sorry.” Harley said. “You’re probably taking this the worst…”

“You know, if he really was a friend, he wouldn’t have just ditched like that.” Sola pointed out, sitting beside Julia. “Friends don’t do that to other friends.”

“Can we…stop talking about it?” Julia asked, getting up and joining Team Vanguard. “This should be about welcoming Team Vanguard’s new member.”

Joleicia nodded. “Thanks for joining us, you guys. I know you didn’t need to come, but you being here is really appreciated.” She said, Wess leaning against a desk with her.

“It wouldn’t be right. You guys have been there for us, so it’s only right we’re here for you.” Wess explained.

“I would agree.” Essex said, before clearing her throat. “After all, we will need to approve of them as well.”

The others laughed to themselves, as Vent popped his head into the classroom.

“He’s just outside now.” Vent said. “Are you guys ready?”

Joleicia needed a second, before she nodded back somewhat frantically. Team Vanguard huddled around each other, each with a worst-case scenario in their head of who this could be.

“Don’t worry, guys. We’re here for you.” Julia assured, patting Joleicia’s shoulder.

With bated breath, the door swung open, and an unknown new member stepped his way through.

“…”

“…”

“…oh, uh, s-sorry…”

He fumbled through the door, trying to stand up straight, while holding out a piece of paper in front of him awkwardly.

“He-“ He started, squeaking his voice, before clearing his throat. “Hello. M-my…my name is…oh boy…is Nathaniel. I’m, uhh…r-really excited…to…be here…w-w-with Team…Vanguard? And…oh man, this is a lot…uhh, you welcome, no wait, I welcome…I hope you will welcome me into your Venator…team!…for the next y-years…to come!”

Nathaniel posed extravagantly, trying to make up for his profuse sweating and quivering lip, as Team Vanguard watched on in utter surprise, trying to make sense of this new person.

All eyes were on Joleicia, as she looked stunned and started to well up with tears.

“He’s perfect…”

Immediately, she jumped out and hugged him, followed by the rest of Team Vanguard, all celebrating Nathaniel’s inclusion, even if Nathaniel himself was thoroughly nervous being a part of it.

Team Vanguard laughed to themselves, joining in on welcoming him, Nathaniel making himself known to them, as Julia stood on the sidelines, her mood improving drastically.

It was okay.

Everything was okay.

Despite everything, things were working out and the worst had been forgotten in favour of the new. All of a sudden, a breath of fresh air had cleansed the room, as Wess waved for Julia to join them in welcoming Nathaniel to the group.

They were okay.

Even with everything going on, the sun still pierced through the clouds, clearing up the remainder of the cloudy sky, until all that was left was bad memories and a feeling of romance, of preparedness for the new and unknown.

For great things to come.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————

The semester was finally over. After such a harrowing last few weeks, Team Valiant and Vanguard thought it best to spend a night on the town to forget their troubles and celebrate with Nathaniel. While they were ecstatic about this, not everyone was in the mood to party the night away.

Julia decided to stay back and sleep in instead. There’d been enough excitement recently, and with everything swimming around in her head, a stress-free night at home was everything she needed.

Julia closed the dorm door behind her, grabbing herself a refreshing soft drink from the fridge and falling onto the couch, hand pressed to her forehead.

I hope I’m not coming down with something…

She opened the can and took a sip, finally letting herself relax without the pressure of anymore classwork.

“How was this year even harder than high school?” Julia remarked. “At least I’m not failing my classes…”

“Hello.”

Julia opened her eyes, catching what sounded like another door opening in the hall and dismissing it as nothing more.

She lay back down, prodding the bags under her eyes and nursing her drink quietly, noticing a few insects bumping against the balcony window.

“Hello, Julia. I’m your talking alarm clock.”

Okay, she definitely heard that one.

Julia sat up, her anxiety flaring up again, as she looked around for where she’d propped her rifle in case of any more danger, before realising it was nowhere to be found.

“Ahem.”

Julia turned around, as her rifle was now in the hands of a complete stranger, standing upward in the middle of the room.

“I read your mind. You’re really scared right now.” He admitted, throwing the rifle back to her. “I’m sorry, but that won’t work.”

Julia shakily held up her gun, as she inspected the figure in front of her. Despite invading her room unannounced, he was about her age and surprisingly casually dressed, with a bucket hat and floral shirt t-

“It’s a Hawaiian shirt, by the way.” He admitted, vibrating up and down. “But Hawaii doesn’t exist in Daysend, does it?”

Julia blinked profusely. “Hawe…? W-what’re you talking about?”

“Oh, I’m sure they know.” He confessed, before miming zipping his mouth shut. “Oops! Not meant to cross that threshold.”

He cupped his hands and yelled at the ceiling. “SORRY HUNNYBUN!!!”

Julia was slowly lowering her gun, even though she was still just as terrified of this person.

“W-who…”

“I’m a sudden mysterious figure appearing out of nowhere…ooo…” He said, wiggling his fingers. “But call me Adam if it makes you less kill…kill. Kill. Kill kill kill…what a word. Got distracted.”

In an instant, he started levitating off the ground, floating above Julia’s head. Julia refused to make eye contact, at least to make the conversation more bearable.

“Y-y-your name’s Adam?”

“In three years, I guess it is.”

Julia shook her head. “What…why are…are you a halluc-“

“Shut up.” He said, landing in front of her. “All this talking’s giving you wrinkles. You’ll end up in your mid-forties before we know it! Riding a horse and spouting about gods! Nay and pray! Na~ay!”

Julia refused to respond, as Adam appeared in the floor, shooting up to face her again. “What time is it?”

Julia stepped back a little, before looking at the wall clock. “It’s…four thirty.”

“It’s not late?” Adam asked, confusing Julia.

“I…guess not.” Julia said, starting to get angry again. “Hey, wait! You changed the time on the clock! And what’re you doing in my room?!”

“Julia, you complete idiot! You’re meant to say, ‘It’s just early, early, early!’ Like the Spin Doctors song.”

Julia raised her rifle again and pointed it back at him. “I-I really don’t want to hurt you, but I expect some answers! Why’d you break in?”

“Cause I can move through walls.” He answered, moving through walls to illustrate his point.

“Are…are you working with those people? From the attack?” She asked, struggling to speak. “…are you Wicker?”

“I can’t remember.” Adam replied. “I’ve either killed them, or not, it’s hard to remember…no, I haven’t. I’m not even old enough to legally drink yet.”

Julia stared him in the eyes. “…are you going to hurt me?”

Adam shrugged. “Physically, mentally, or emotionally?”

“…any of them?”

“No, not yet. Again, you’ll have to wait three years.” He looked to the kitchen. “You should mark it on your calendar to prepare yourself, Captain.”

Julia lowered her gun a bit, before opening her mouth. “…this is the last question. Why’re you here?”

“Because I want to be!” He admitted, bouncing around the room. “Because we’re friends!”

In another instant, Julia was whisked to the couch, turning to face the middle of the room, as Adam materialised a microphone.

“I’m lucky to be the maid of honour at this beautiful occurrence. It’s so hard not to cry here. I find most of existence antiquated, but I look so damn pretty in this dress!”

He jumped away from the mic. “You’re a lesbian, aren’t you?”

Julia nodded, finally feeling…well, not comfortable, but content enough to put her rifle down.

“Would you prefer if I were female?” He said, excitedly jumping up and down. “I’ll be just like your friend Chops! Positive trans representation is very important, after all.”

Adam tapped his chin and turned away. “You’d probably prefer if I was six times the me I am now, though. I don’t know if I’m capable of that. Maths is like a…”

He turned back to Julia. “Oh yeah, sorry again about suggesting I kill your dad.”

“Wha-what?!” Julia yelled. “What’d you mean kill my dad?!”

“Julia, there’s no time for that!” Adam yelled back, grabbing her shoulders. “Imma drop some cryptic shit on you, bitch!”

He stood up straight, waggling his finger.

“Fire is the birth of change…and the wind will fuel its growth, slowly but surely.” He warned, dancing around the room now. “Beware when arrows are dipped in flame, and when 6+1=-1. A sun will be broken, and a word barely spoken, as a robot man skyscraper’s a face. The spectrum will be made clear and divorced, and this last rhyme will be very forced.”

Adam closed in for the last part. “When going to war, fight with arrows, spears and swords. When going to peace, mountain.”

Adam spun around wildly, as he seemed to be looking for an answer. “Oh yeah, and before I forget.”

He stared Julia dead in the eyes. “The harmony is now seven. Meow!”

Adam closed in again, before hugging Julia unprompted. “I’ll finally go now. I’ve done all I didn’t need to do.”

“Bu-“ Julia stammered. “You didn’t do anything!”

“Yes! And you really should’ve written that down.” Adam said, before turning to the camera. “Maybe you can help out! That’s right, you! Now, you might want to get an adult to help for this part. All of my answers had one thing in common. Can YOU guess what it is?”

Dropping the bit, Adam leaped into the broken fish tank and pretended to use a steering wheel. “See you when your narrative gets a drivers license!”

“Wait, you’re going?” Julia asked, Adam slowly floating into the ceiling. “Were you real? Am I hallucinating?”

“Is this the Captain’s bridge?” He said, before ducking his head back down. “Obviously not, dipshit. I love you!”

And with that, he was gone. Like, actually gone this time.

Julia’s fear had turned to confusion, but also hadn’t really left. She wanted to sit back on the couch, but didn’t know what would happen if she did, leaving her to sit on the floor, then lie on the floor.

“What the hell was that…” She mumbled, staring out the window again, as Adam popped his head up one last time and winked.

She saw the half-finished can on the ground and picked it back up, before putting it down again.

“No more soft drink after midday…”

Needless to say, she didn’t get much sleep that night.