“…n more recent developments, there’s been a noticeable spike in Favour lab raids by authorities, with sources saying that consumption of the substance has only increased with the recent large-scale ‘Behemoth’ Wailing attacks. Similar drugs have also been noted as highly widespread and dangerous, with a recognisable sign of addiction being puncture wou-“

“Dammit.”

Julia picked her glass up off the floor, noticing the slight layer of dust that had built up over the carpet, before putting it back on the coffee table and acknowledging the spilt drink.

“Hold on, I’m gonna grab something to clean this up.” She said, as Wess pointed toward the TV.

“This has been going on for ages, and how often is it acknowledged by the media? Almost never.” Wess insisted, just as Julia came back with some paper towel, dabbing at the spill.

“Well, it’s a touchy subject.” Julia pointed out, acknowledging it sinking into the carpet. “I don’t know much about Favour, and frankly, I don’t think I want to. Even the idea of a drug that dulls every sense in your body scares me.”

Wess incredulously stared down at Julia trying to get the stain out, before the dorm door opened up, letting in a frustrated Harley, concerned Sola and curious Essex.

“Is everything alright?” Julia asked, as Harley trudged onto the balcony.

“FEROCITY!” She yelled, storming off and sitting down.

Julia and Wess looked to Sola and Essex, as Sola just shrugged.

“She’s just been saying that on the way back here.” Sola admitted, going to join her. “I’ll check what’s up.”

Essex watched as Julia struggled to clean the stain, before cocking her head.

“Do we not have the room inspection coming within a few days?”

“Yeah, that’s why I’m really…giving this…a red-hot go!” Julia tried, putting in noticeable amount of elbow grease, before giving up. “Dang. That’s just not going anywhere.”

“Hold on, I’ll just get…” Wess started, before a realisation hit. “That’s right. We don’t have cleaners here.”

Wess thought back to her manor in Mareau. “I’m surprised this hasn’t happened more often…”

Essex watched the duo doing their own thing and decided to join Harley and Sola out on the balcony, as Harley had managed to calm herself down.

“Can you say more words now?” Sola asked, Harley nodding in response.

“Yeah, sorry. I just…” Harley said, before sighing out. “So, you know how I’m taking that architecture unit?”

“Yeah.” Sola nodded, as Harley scratched her face.

“Well, the unit’s great, Cecil’s a damn good teacher, but I’m stuck sharing it with Baron, Duke and Edward from Team Ferocity.” Harley pointed out, with a noticeably disgusted face. “Fortunately, they’ve kept to themselves, but Cecil just invited us on an excursion to the Ruins of Revs, and only so many people can go.”

Harley touched her fingers together. “And I…kinda forgot it was happening.”

“Were you excited to go?” Essex asked, getting an efficient nod from Harley.

“Yeah! I’ve never been! It’s right on my bucket list.” Harley elaborated. “So now there’s only one slot left, and I want it, but so do Team Ferocity. Cecil didn’t want to get involved, so he told us to work it out ourselves, and…now I’ve got to win against all three of them in a sparring match.”

“What?!” Sola exclaimed. “I get why you were angry now! That’s so not fair! Why do you have to fight all three?!”

“Duke and Edward said they’d give their spot to Baron if they got it, so I’ve got to beat them too.” Harley explained, clenching her fist. “It’s so spineless of them.”

“If this is to be fair, then we shall aid you in this.” Essex offered. “Three on one is not a reasonable match.”

“Thanks, Essex, but I couldn’t do that.” Harley excused. “I’m the one who screwed up in the first place by not signing up quicker. This isn’t something I want you getting hurt over.”

Harley sat back up and stretched. “Plus, Baron wouldn’t allow it anyway. Knowing that guy, he’d just go behind my back and pull some cheap trick. At least this way, there’s a chance that he’ll respect our deal and give it to me fairly.”

Harley palmed her forehead. “I still hate that I have to fight those freaking guys, but at least I tried talking it out this time...”

“Can I watch the matches? The least I can do is cheer you on while you’re pummelling them.” Sola encouraged, as Harley grinned proudly at her.

“Of course! I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Harley beamed, looking to Essex. “The invite’s open to you too, if you want.”

“I…will see how I am. I do not feel comfortable around Team Ferocity.” Essex reminded her, as Harley gave a thumbs up.

“Whatever works for you.” She said, playfully picking Sola up and carrying her. “Alright, you’re coming with me. I’m gonna need some motivation while I train.”

“H-Harley! Put me down!” Sola laughed, as Harley charged out of the room, leaving the remaining trio to themselves.

“Well, they were in quite a hurry.” Wess pointed out, looking to Essex. “Lover’s appointment?”

Essex shook her head. “Harley has been challenged to another match with Team Ferocity. She’s now training with Sola.”

“Again? Those guys don’t know when to quit.” Julia remarked, before thinking things over. “Wait, does that mean they can’t help us clean the dorm for the inspection?”

Essex realised Julia’s point and nodded. “I believe so. However, I will still offer my aid where needed.”

“You’re too good to us, Essex.” Wess insisted. “Honestly, it might be better if you follow them. Last time they trained together, Harley nearly fell off the Spir-“

Just as Wess finished her anecdote, the dorm door opened back up to show Harley now in Sola’s arms, being carried along, as Harley showed visible pain on her face.

“Ow, ow ow ow ow ow!” Harley let out, jerking her left foot up as it touched the ground.

“Oh, of course I jinxed it.” Wess groaned, with Sola now lying Harley on the couch and raising her foot with a few stacked pillows.

“What happened to her?” Julia asked, leaning down and inspecting Harley’s leg.

“Well, Harley was being really fun and flirty by carrying me, but she tripped on the way down to the grounds…” Sola said, just as Harley groaned. “…and sprained her ankle.”

“Nope, nope, it’s not sprained, I just scraped something.” Harley insisted, as Julia helped take off her shoes and socks. “I can’t-oww!”

“Oh, s-sorry.” Julia apologised, carefully removing the sock.

“I can’t have a sprain, I need to win against Team Ferocity!” Harley reiterated, before idly looking down at the carpet. “Was that stain always there?”

Julia managed to pull off Harley’s sock, before noticing the growing red mark on her foot and tentatively inspecting it.

“No, that’s definitely a sprain. Wess, can you get some ice?” Julia asked, as Wess promptly did so, only for Harley to try and sit back up.

“I’m not sitting on my ass while I miss out on my ruins trip. I missed my first chance, I’m no-oww!”

Wess pulled back the ice pack, before placing it on Harley’s foot more gently. “Oh, quit complaining.”

“I’ll do that when it stops hurting!” Harley groaned, as Sola held her hand. “Am I gonna be okay?”

“I hope so…” Sola let out, as Wess rolled her eyes behind them. “I guess that means you can’t fight after all. I’d take your place, but I’m still not very good at sparring…”

Harley held her hand comfortingly, as Essex cleared her throat behind them.

“If the excursion is this important to you…” Essex started, brandishing her scythe. “Then I will take your place.”

The team looked at Essex inquisitively, as Harley turned her head. “You mean on the excursion?”

Essex looked a bit confused. “No…with fighting Team Ferocity.”

“Oh, that makes more sense.” Harley said, before she double-took. “Oh no, I can’t have you do that.”

“I am offering. You are indisposed and unable to act, so I shall defeat them for you.” Essex said, re-brandishing her scythe.

“Essex, please. We have an opportunity to avoid fighting them now. Harley can visit the ruins another…” Wess pointed out, only to get a devastated look from Harley. “…you agree with me, right Julia?”

Julia shared a glance with Wess, before turning her attention to Essex proper. “Has Harley tried talking them out of it?”

Essex nodded briefly, as Julia sighed out and shrugged.

“If Essex is offering, I say go for it.” Julia allowed. “I trust her to do well.”

“Jesalo Mosori. I refuse to falter.” Essex declared. “This will be swift and skilful.”

“I like hearing that.” Harley admitted, sitting up a little. “Alright, fine. If Ferocity agrees, you can take my place. But I’m definitely going down to watch.”

“Me too! I wanna see you wallop them!” Sola expressed. “And so I can make sure Harley doesn’t try to take them on anyway.”

“I wouldn’t…” Harley said, before really thinking on it, as Wess shot up.

“Hold on, that means only Julia and I will be cleaning the room.” Wess pointedly noted, as Sola looked away sheepishly.

“Oh, wow! I’m feeling so much better.” Harley played up, grabbing the ice pack from Wess. “I think I’ll be able to make it to the infirmary and get a wrap for my ankle. Care to help me, Sola?”

Sola took a second, before realising Harley’s plan. “Oh. Oh! Yes, I will very much do that.”

“Hey, wait a-“ Julia said, just as Harley and Sola quickly dashed out of the door, Essex following behind in order to help where she could. “…huh.”

“Honestly, they can be so rude.” Wess admitted, looking around them and noticing the sheer workload. “Oh lord, this one’s going to be rough…”

“It’s no problem. We can do it together.” Julia encouraged, slinging an arm around Wess. “We’ll just plan out our time and take it in stages. Sure, it’s a dorm room for five, but it’s still fairly small.”

“And I have almost no experience with cleaning, in case you forgot.” Wess noted. “You’ll be herding me like a sheep dog for the whole sorted affair.”

“Should I put on some dog ears then?” Julia joked, as Wess gave a tepid smirk and decided to change into more appropriate cleaning clothes in the group study.

Julia looked around and mapped a couple things out, before acknowledging the daunting presence of the main room. “I think we should start in here. Maybe clean around the beds first and then move onto the lounge area.”

“Is that so we can put off touching your drink stain?” Wess remarked, leaning out mid-change from inside the closet, as Julia looked to the side.

“Maybe…” She said, before noticing Wess hadn’t closed the door and was missing a noticeable amount of clothing. “W-Wess! Close the door!” Julia insisted, as Wess looked down and drooped her eyes.

“Oh, grow up. We live together.” Wess pointed out, re-emerging with a more practical shirt and jeans combo. “You’ve already seen me bathing.”

“Not on purpose…” Julia mumbled, as Wess’ eye was drawn to the broken fish tank by their shared bunk bed.

“Do you think they’re going to find that odd?” Wess asked, as Julia walked over to it.

“They didn’t mention anything in the last inspection.” Julia said, now glancing at the sword hanging above it. “Got to hand it to the dorm staff, they’ll let a lot of stuff slide. I thought they were gonna have your head when you put nails in the wall.”

“I think losing an arm would be a more fitting punishment. That way I couldn’t add more nails.” Wess remarked, before pointing to their bed. “Shall we start?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

———

“Hey, Harley?”

“Yeah?”

“What’s she doing?”

Harley and Sola looked down at Essex from the spectator stands, as she was sat down at one side of a sparring court, having removed her suit jacket, while slowing breathing in and out. She ran her fingers over the edge of her scythe handle, repeatedly changing her skin to the same steel as the rod inside the handle with her Whil.

“I think she’s getting in the right headspace. Considering she’s fighting three guys one after the other, she’ll need all the help she can get.” Harley said, her leg resting against the stands and her head resting in Sola’s lap, as Sola watched Essex’s skin change from metallic silver to brown over and over.

“It was really nice of her to take your place.” Sola mentioned. “I’m sorry I’m not the one doing it.”

“It’s cool. You’ll be here for moral support.” Harley said, slightly adjusting her leg. “Plus, now I’ve got some eye candy while I watch Team Ferocity lose again.”

Sola giggled cutely, distracting Essex from her focus, before she stood back up and stretched, anxiously waiting for Team Ferocity to arrive.

“You have confirmed with Team Ferocity the replacement?” Essex asked, as Harley lifted her head and nodded.

“They were surprisingly cool with it. I thought Baron would be ready to take me down after losing last time.” Harley acknowledged. “Though, I guess he technically won after I lost my cool…”

“No, you totally won that!” Sola insisted.

Harley lifted her head from Sola’s lap and faced Essex. “How do you think you’ll fair, considering how you tend to react to them?”

“Oh yeah. Don’t you get all quiet and withdrawn when Baron's around?” Sola pointed out, getting an unfortunate confirmation from Essex. “Won’t that make fighting difficult?”

“…I will figure that out.” Essex declared, tightening her stretch. “I have to…”

Almost on cue, she spotted four silhouettes approaching from the distance, as Baron, Duke and Edward made themselves known, along with Mr Cecil accompanying.

Just as they made it to the court, Essex bowed in their direction, both in order to be polite and to avoid looking at them directly.

“Calias. I thank you for allowing my replacement of Harley. This will be a match worth having.” Essex promised, as Baron hunched his shoulders.

“It’s not a real bother. You guys tend to blend together for me.” Baron remarked, getting a low chuckle from Duke.

Essex chose to ignore the remark, before forcing herself to lift her head and stare them in the eyes, only to immediately regret her decision.

Baron glared back at her, gently balancing his sword on his shoulder, as Essex’s confident stance was slowly sacrificed to her anxiety.

“Now, please, don’t mind me.” Cecil insisted, going to sit down by the spectator stands. “I’m just here to oversee things and make sure you guys don’t get seriously injured. Remember, you’re here to fight Wailing, not each other.”

“What a buzzkill…” Edward let out, only to notice Essex staring back at him and jumping. “U-Uhh, forget you heard that.”

“If Essex manages to win all three matches, then Harley gets to go on the excursion. But if she loses, then the winner takes the spot. Got it?” Cecil asked, getting a nod from the participants.

“No point wasting time then.” Baron said, indicating from Duke and Edward to head up to the stands, as they sat somewhat close to Harley and Sola.

“I guess Baron’s going first.” Harley commented, resting back on Sola, as Edward noticed their closeness and squinted.

“What, are you two an item?”

“Damn right we are!” Sola yelled back, scaring Edward, as Harley calmed her down, turning their attention back to the field.

Baron gripped his sword, holding it out in a combative stance, as Essex quickly took a similar stance with her scythe, both seemingly ready to start their match, before Baron moved out of his stance and stood up straight.

“Actually, nevermind. Edward, get down here.” Baron corrected, pointing to Edward, as he swiftly jumped out of his seat and onto the field, only confusing Essex.

“Same old Baron.” Harley remarked under her breath, as he joined them on the stands. “You just did that to throw her off, didn’t you?”

“Hey, it works.” Baron pointed out, slumping back in his seat while noticeably readjusting his right arm.

Harley spotted his manoeuvre. “…how’s the hand doing?”

Baron glanced back at her, before sighing to himself. “It’s still a bit stiff after the cast was removed. But I've gotten back into the swing of training, thanks to Joleicia.”

Harley winced. “I forgot you guys were dating.”

“She's a keeper.” Baron remarked, grinning slightly to Harley.

“And you still challenged me to a fight just after it’s healed?” Harley pointed out.

“I didn’t think it would hold me back.” Baron remarked, turning his back to her and ending the conversation, as Edward pulled out a large metal sheet from his side, using his Whil to manipulate the metal in mid-air.

“You’d best get ready, Essex. I’m the best fighter in Team Ferocity.” Edward bragged, before locking eyes with Baron and losing his composure. “O-Obviously excluding Baron. And maybe Duke.”

Well…that was pointless. Essex noted, as Cecil stood up from his seat.

“First one to knock down the other wins. No serious damage, if it can be avoided.” Cecil insisted, waving his hand and sitting back down with a book. “Begin.”

Edward immediately started firing large blocks out of his metal sheet, attempting to knock Essex’s scythe out of her hand, as she dodged around them, closing in on him in a near instant.

The spectators had trouble keeping up, just as Essex went to sweep out Edward’s feet with her scythe, only for him to quickly block the move with a wall of his metal.

He regathered the fired chunks of metal, continually blocking Essex’s further swings, before sliding a thin layer of it under her feet, lifting up one higher than the other.

Essex nearly toppled over, before jumping back and re-centring herself, as Edward allowed himself a moment to catch a breath.

She doesn’t quit! He thought, testing his Whil with some subtle flexing. I’m already at my wits end!

“Edward! Don’t lose this!” Baron yelled, making both combatants jump. “Go for heavy attacks! She’s light on her feet, so she can’t defend against them!”

“Hey! Don’t give him advice!” Harley yelled, indicating to Cecil. “Teach! Baron’s giving Edward an advantage!”

“Baron, refrain from interfering.” Cecil insisted, not lifting his attention from his book, as Baron sat back casually, seemingly satisfied with what he’d done.

Edward quickly put his words into action and summoned a large wall of metal, sending it sliding toward Essex, as she swiftly dodged, refocusing on Edward, only for the wall to come back around and block her again.

She did her best to avoid getting hit, but the wall still clipped her, scratching her arms and nearly knocking her scythe away. Before he could get the upper hand, she waited for the wall to swing at her again, only to swing her scythe into it, hooking herself onto the wall and climbing on top.

Edward tried to respond by pulling it down and regathering it, but was just too late, as Essex used her height advantage to jump off the top of it and land right beside Edward, before knocking his feet out proper.

She spun her scythe in her hand and slammed it down, as Cecil lifted his attention for a moment to acknowledge the victory.

“The first match goes to Essex.” He said, with Harley and Sola clapping to her in the stands, while Edward slinked back up to his seat, avoiding looking at Baron.

“Rough loss.” Duke mentioned, sitting back comfortably, as Baron just stared off into the sky.

Edward felt he should speak up. “I-I swear I should have ha-“

“She won. Get over it.” Baron insisted, giving him a dismissive look. “Don’t complain when you lose. Demand a rematch or stay quiet.”

Edward shut up again, proverbially licking his wounds, as Essex went up to Harley and Sola to take a small break.

“How’re you holding up? Need a drink?” Sola asked.

“I will be fine. That was a light workout.” Essex remarked, as Harley looked impressed.

“Whoa, trash talk from Essex. I never thought I’d see the day.” Harley said. “Love the confidence. Very sexy.”

Essex blushed gently, while trying to keep her demeanour up as best she could. “Th-That was not my intention, but I am glad it had a positive outcome.”

“Next match in five minutes. Use the break well.” Cecil said, as Essex eyed Duke up, preparing for her next challenge.

———

“Alright, hold it up for me.”

“Is this the most practical way to clean?”

“No, but it’s fun.”

Wess barely held up the bin, deliberately giving Julia some attitude, before Julia chucked a wad of paper toward her, only to watch it bounce off the rim.

“Oh, come on marksman, I thought you were good at aiming.” Wess taunted, as Julia threw another one, only for it to go soaring and smack Wess in the face.

Julia grabbed her chest in laughter, as Wess tried not to look embarrassed. “Oh no. I was trying to slow it with my Whil, but it looks like I accidentally sped it up. Clumsy me.”

Julia struggled to hold back laughter, just as Wess picked the paper ball back up and chucked it back at her, to minimal results. Regardless, Wess smiled along with Julia, as they went about cleaning normally, scouring through the team’s study in meticulous detail.

“Essex does a good job of keeping this place clear.” Julia pointed out. “I’d hate to be cleaning Chops’ room right now.”

“Oh, poor Joleicia. She’s probably drowning in sketchbooks.” Wess added, just as Julia poured through the team’s shared drawers of clothes, before pulling out a lovely winter coat.

“Isn’t this the coat Chops got for you on Bestalow?” Julia asked, as Wess gave it a brief side-eye and nodded.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t had many opportunities to wear it. Central Point is nowhere near as cold as the Northern Wayside, after all.” Wess said, with Julia jumping up and down excitedly.

“Are you gonna wear it with your formal outfit? I bet it’d look really pretty.” Julia exclaimed, as Wess scoffed beside her.

“Nice try, but you’re not seeing my formal outfit just yet.” Wess said, frustrating Julia.

“Come on. I wanna see it already! You’re easily the most stylish of the team.” Julia encouraged, causing Wess to chuckle.

“Flattery will get you nowhere.” Wess commented. “But I greatly appreciate it.”

“I can’t help it. Your hair’s really pretty, so I can’t help but think about it flowing over an evening gown.” Julia complimented, surprising Wess as she went for a broom.

“…Julia, please. All the compliments will go to my head.” Wess insisted, as Julia grinned back.

“Alright. But you can’t blame me for being honest.” Julia said, flustering Wess even further, as she ran her fingers through her hair to compensate.

“…you’re an awfully giving person, aren’t you?” Wess pointed out, turning Julia’s attention toward her.

“What do you mean?”

Wess faced her and laughed a little. “You don’t even know you’re doing it…”

Julia’s confusion only continued, as Wess dismissed the point and went back to sweeping. “Nothing, just thinking aloud.”

Julia shrugged and grabbed a broom to join her. “Alright.”

Julia kicked up a bit of dust, before catching Wess gently humming to herself, only for Julia to join in, causing another pleasant laugh between the two.

In a moment of comfort, Wess pulled back her hair a little to see where she was sweeping better, still humming quietly, as Julia looked over to her and noticed something on the now exposed part of neck.

“Hey, Wess?”

“Yes?”

“What’re those little dots?”

Wess squinted and laughed. “Little dots? What a…”

Only realising too late, Wess acknowledged that she subconsciously moved her hair away from where it normally sat, before frantically returning it to where it was, as Julia closed in.

“Is it some kind of ras-“

“Julia, let this go.” Wess demanded. “Just keep to yourself and clean.”

Julia looked shocked, before reaching out a hand. “Is it something you wan-“

“I said to leave it alone.” Wess urged, dropping her broom as her frustration started to build. “What part of that don’t you understand?”

Julia backed off worriedly. “S-Sorry, I just though-“

“You needn’t prod me for every little detail of my life! So just shut up and focus on cleaning!” Wess let out, breathing heavily, while still trying to keep her mannered demeanour, as Julia found herself breathing heavily as well.

“…okay.” Julia said, slowly picking up her broom. “…I’m sorry. I’ll shut up now.”

Wess watched as she went back to cleaning, calming herself down a little and rechecking her hair thoroughly, before grabbing her broom and returning to cleaning in dead silence.

———

“Are you two ready?”

Essex jumped a little as Cecil called out for her, watching as Duke stood up as well, taking slow, deliberate steps with his large ball and chain dragging behind him.

Duke looked back at Baron and smiled. “What, no advice?”

“You don’t need it.” Baron admitted, upsetting Edward next to him.

“You’ve got this, Essex. Don’t let his Whil throw you off.” Harley advised, propping her leg back up on the seat.

“And don’t be intimidated cause he doesn’t talk that much.” Sola added, before looking back at Essex properly. “Actually, you don’t talk much too, so try to use it to your advantage!”

Essex nodded back to her, before stepping down the stands, only to make momentary eye contact with Baron, freezing her in place with his intimidation.

Baron looked back at her, locking eyes with her motionless body, before leaning on his hand and smiling casually, waving to her as if she wasn’t struck with fear, only throwing her off more.

She managed to push through, heading down and meeting Duke on the field, as Cecil held up a hand to get their attention.

Duke casually checked the weight of his steel ball and chain, as Essex started tapping her foot on the ground rhythmically, before Cecil raised his hand and lowered it.

“Begin.”

Duke started by chucking his ball across the field, before sinking it into the ground with his Whil and grabbing the chain, then using his Whil to propel himself through the ground around the submerged ball in a radius.

Essex quickly dodged out of the way as he started to build up speed, only just missing crashing into her, as he started to go around again. Essex stood just outside the radius, trying to find an opening to attack from.

She settled on striking as he next went past, as she aimed the flat of her scythe toward him, only for Duke to sink further into the ground and duck under it.

Essex backed off again, as she thought about going inside the radius, before remembering Wess’ fight with him and acknowledging what a bad idea that was.

“She can’t do anything.” Harley pointed out, Sola holding her hand for comfort.

“Is he waiting for her to get impatient?” Sola asked, as Essex felt the pressure to try attacking again.

She waited for him to pass once more, only for him to stop suddenly, slowing down in an instant, giving Essex another chance to attack.

She went in to take him out, only to notice that his chain was still moving, as the once submerged spiked ball was now hurtling toward her through the ground, crashing right into her, as she fell backward, nearly stumbling onto her knees.

Duke returned the ball to himself, as he lifted it up playfully, showing off to the downed Essex.

“I thought you’d be tougher.”

Essex instinctually growled, as her temper started dragging her over to him, only to stop herself and think things over, as he frowned and sunk the ball again, restarting his radius spinning.

This will not end well if I continue to miss attacks. Essex thought, watching as he spun around. He will only need a few to fend me off.

Essex noticed him spinning around, recalling Wess’ last fight with him, before remembering a manoeuvre she used in the middle of his radius.

Closing in will not work. He will merely trip me with his chain, or sink the ball and shrink his rotation to catch up with me. Essex acknowledged, clenching her fist. …I will use his strength to my advantage. This will not stand.

Essex strapped her scythe to her back, watching as Duke waited for her to interrupt him, just as she spotted where the ball had submerged and where the chain was emerging from.

Waiting for him just to pass her, she ran toward the middle and waited for Duke to unsettle the ground, sinking the ball down further and shortening his radius to reach her.

However, just as the ground was loosened, she grabbed at the chain, using her Whil with it to change her hands to steel, and pulled up, ripping it out from the ground along with the ball.

Watching as Duke lost control of his momentum, she dodged as he flew past, just as he tripped over his steel ball, landing directly on his face.

Essex let out a steady breath, as Duke slowly got back up, noticeably dizzy, before shaking it off and looking around frantically, trying to make sense of what happened.

“Oh my god…” Edward let out, turning frantically to Baron. “Did you see that?”

“…yeah.” Baron admitted, laying back against the stands.

“This round also goes to Essex.” Cecil announced, just as Duke stared back at his ball and chain, picking it up in frustration.

As he got ready to exit, Essex bowed toward him. “That was a worthy match. I commend you for yo-“

“Lucky bitch…” He muttered, slumping back onto the stands, as Essex was left stunned, trying not to take the words personally.

“Forseca…” She muttered back, before calming herself down, only to lock eyes with Baron again, stunning her stiff, as he milked the eye contact for all he could.

Essex ripped herself away, joining Harley and Sola back on the stands, as she cautiously waited for her last challenge.

———

“Alright, that should be everything.”

Julia wiped a bit of sweat away, as she finished wiping off the kitchen counter, just as Wess emerged from the bathroom with a few spray bottles.

“The shower’s clean.” She said, returning the bottles to the cupboard, before awkwardly facing Julia and trying to navigate out of her way and onto the couch.

Julia decided not to speak up, before doing a once over of the kitchen, making sure everything was as clean as it could be, only to remember the stain still on the carpet.

Of course. She thought. Maybe I can move one of the chairs over it?

As Julia thought over her options, Wess flipped through channels on the TV, but without paying any attention to what was on it. Her mind kept floating back to Julia and how she must be feeling, as she realised just how long they’d been cleaning for at this point.

She noticed the sun just about to set over the Eldos Mountains in the distance, before finally turning off the TV and turning to Julia.

Julia kept inspecting the kitchen, before noticing Wess looking at her, only to worry that she was in trouble again. “Y-Yeah?”

“…can you come over?” Wess asked, patting the couch cushion next to her, as Julia tentatively did what she said, still trying to assess the situation.

“A-Are we going to have a talk about boundaries?” Julia worried, as Wess shook her head.

“…I wanted to apologise for yelling at you earlier.” Wess said. “I…shouldn’t have…you did nothing wrong. And…I really shouldn’t be hiding this…”

Julia tried to get a read on Wess, noticing the clear amount of effort it was taking to say all this, before Wess straightened out her back and properly faced Julia.

“Alright. I’m just going to tell you, and…please don’t react poorly.”

Julia nodded insistently, as Wess took a heavy breath.

“I…used to be a Favour addict.”

Julia reeled for a bit, surprised at just what Wess was admitting, before Wess waved her hands.

“Well, technically, I still…am. Addiction isn’t so easily…” Wess started, before noticing Julia’s expression and worrying. “I-I don’t still take it if that’s wha-“

“No, no, sorry. I…just needed a second.” Julia admitted, trying to keep herself composed. “Th-This is a pretty big thing to take in.”

Julia shook her head. “Sorry, you were talking.”

“Right, yes.” Wess replied.

There was an uncomfortable silence just as she said that before Julia felt she had to speak up.

“I-Is it okay if I ask a question?”

Wess nodded, as Julia touched her fingers together.

“Wh-When did…well, how…uhh, I can’t talk.”

“It’s…alright. I get it.” Wess said, letting herself breath again. “It was…back in Mareau…I was having a particularly difficult time at home. I was still attending my parents ‘Venator classes,’ all while they insisted I accompany them to social functions and live out their little fantasies, belittling me every chance they…so…”

Wess found the next part difficult to say, as Julia reached out and held her hand, helping her through.

“…so, I won’t go into details, but I acquired some…Favour.” Wess continued. “It…numbs the body and mind so that you don’t have to feel anything, which meant I could sit through those Venator classes and my parent’s lectures without taking any of it in. And what a welcome change that was. For a brief moment, life was so much easier…”

Wess sighed out again. “…but it became less and less effective with each dose, and meant I was…almost catatonic for most of the day. While it meant I didn’t have to take in those nonsense classes, I also couldn’t properly train with Belvedere either.”

Wess took another few moments to herself, before mustering up the courage and pulling back her hair again, showing Julia the side of her neck.

“…and, in order for the doses to be effective, they need to be injected…through the neck.” Wess said, indicating to what Julia could now see were puncture wounds.

Once Julia got a good look, Wess quickly moved her hair back and ran her hands through it quickly. “E-Eventually, Graham found out about it and put a stop to it. He…we both worked on my recovery.” Wess confessed, fiddling with her fingers. “It was a difficult process, but I was much better for it.”

Wess nervously held up three fingers. “As of now, I’ve been three years sober.”

Julia let herself take this all in, going back to holding Wess’ hand comfortingly, as Wess felt prompted to speak this time.

“I-I hope you don’t think any less of me because of this.” Wess let out, as Julia shook her head and closed the distance between them.

“No, no, of course not. I wouldn’t look down on you for this.” Julia said, smiling back at her. “What you went through was clearly rough, but it’s not your fault. What’s important is that you got help.”

Julia went in for a hug. “Thank you for telling me. It was clearly a difficult thing to admit to, so I’m glad you…felt comfortable letting me know.”

“Yes, eventually…” Wess let out, breaking the hug, before noticing Julia staring at the couch. “You look like you have something on your mind.”

“Oh, no, I was just curious…” Julia said, before jumping a little. “Can I ask another question?”

Wess chuckled a little, before holding her finger up. “Alright, you’re permitted one question.”

Julia avoided eye contact. “Feel free…not to answer.” She said. “Do…you still get cravings? Or something similar?”

Wess pressed her finger to her chin. “On occasion. It’s faint, but it’s there. All that can really be done is the selfcare I’ve been employing already.” Wess admitted. “Actually, wine tasting has been a great way to stave it off.”

“Really?” Julia asked. “Huh. Go figure.”

Wess nodded back, before looking a little nervous again. “You would…understand if I didn’t tell the others, right?”

Julia gave a thumbs up. “Absolutely. Only tell them if you’re comfortable with that. I’ll keep this between us for now.”

“Thank you…” Wess said, sighing back out and sinking into the couch. “What an exhausting day…”

“I know…I’m so sick of looking at this place…” Julia said, joining her. “…you wanna go see Essex’s fight?”

“…oh, why not.” Wess agreed, getting up and grabbing her things, before heading out with Julia to watch the last match.

———

“Are the participants ready?”

Baron glanced back at Essex, still nervously staring back at him, as he scratched his neck. “Yeah, I’m good to go.”

Cecil looked over to Team Valiant, still seated right at the front of the stands. “Essex?”

Essex jumped, shakily grabbing for her scythe, looking toward Baron and shrinking from their height difference, as he stood right at the back of the stands, straightening his back.

“Essex? Are you feeling okay?” Harley asked, grabbing her shoulder, as Essex backed up a little, shaking her head.

“Y-You need not worry. I-I shall d-defeat him.” Essex stuttered, desperately trying to convince herself, as Baron saw his opportunity and laughed.

“You’re actually scared, aren’t you?” He asked. “And you think you’re ready for the Wailing?”

Essex tried stepping forward, before finding herself backing off instead.

“Come on, you took on Duke and Edward. What’s one more?” Baron teased, visibly enjoying himself. “What’s so different about me?”

“Baron, just shut it already.” Harley groaned, as Sola held Essex’s arm.

Baron swung his sword casually. “Just one match. And then one of us…” Baron prefaced. “…gets to push the other down.”

Essex flinched, falling back to the stands, as Baron sneered and walked down to the field, patiently waiting for Essex to join him.

“That douchebag.” Sola let out, patting Essex’s back. “Don’t worry, you can take him.”

“…I d-do not believe I can.” Essex admitted. “I-I will freeze up and fail. I am not ready…”

“Hey, don’t let him get to you. He pushes buttons, that’s all he’s good at.” Harley assured, as Essex looked unconvinced.

“…Harley, I must confess…I did not do this just to aid you.” Essex admitted. “I had…other motives for fighting today.”

Harley looked back at her in confusion, as Essex stared to the ground.

“…I-I…am worried about the person. The one we fought at the attack on the academy.”

Sola held onto her arm. “Don’t worry, I think we all are.”

Essex shook her head. “It isn’t so simple. I have fought with her personally and failed to defeat her. Wess had nearly lost Belvedere because I could not handle her. Coatsworth was almost attacked...”

Essex tried to avoid looking at Harley and Sola. “I could not defend against her, and I…needed to know whether I could match her skill.”

The idea hit Harley. “Oh shit. That’s why you wanted to fight Team Ferocity. The figure demolished all three of them without breaking a sweat, and…”

Essex nodded in response, as a small tear rolled down her cheek. “B-But I cannot take them, even when it’s only one on one. I struggled with Duke, and I cannot do something as simple as look Baron in the eyes. H-How useful am I if I can’t defend this team…”

Harley quickly embraced Essex, along with Sola, before sharing a glance together. “Nobody said you had to fight her alone. We’ll have your back.”

“You might not be able to take her out, but there’s no way she can handle all five of us.” Sola assured. “And you really need to lighten up on yourself. You wiped the floor with Duke, literally.”

“Baron’s just some dumb jerk. Don’t let him dictate how strong you are.” Harley advised. “You’re still the strongest of us, and if anyone can take him down a peg, it’s you.”

Essex found herself speechless at Harley and Sola’s passionate declarations, before wiping her eyes clear. “Th-This was a momentary lapse in emotional control. I apologise.”

“Oh, don’t say that. You’re allowed to feel bad.” Harley said, punching her arm. “Just don’t bottle it up next time.”

Essex nodded again, managing to stand up on her own, as she looked back at her team.

“I-If it is alright with you, I would still like to challenge Baron.” Essex asked, carefully holding her scythe. “While I do not need to worry about the figure, I would still like to give you that excursion.”

“Aww, you sweetie.” Harley cooed, blushing. “Go for it. Kiss his ass.”

“Smack that grin off his face!” Sola insisted, before Harley remembered something and leaned down to Essex.

“Oh, and if you want to get a few cheap shots in, his right hand’s still recovering.” Harley grinned, as Essex looked offended.

“I would not debase myself with that!” Essex declared, Harley shrugging in response, as Cecil looked up at the trio with a stare of disinterest.

“Are you finished?” Cecil asked, as Essex realised how long she’d kept everyone waiting and quickly hurried along to the other side of the field.

Once again, she locked eyes with Baron, staring deeply at his piercing yellow gaze, before pulling herself away, looking down at the ground instead.

“Y-You’ve got this, Baron! Th-This’ll be a cinch for you!” Edward cheered, not joined by Duke, as Baron sighed out and rubbed his temple.

“Thank you for that, Edward.” Baron stated, testing his grip strength on his sword.

Just as Essex prepared herself, she noticed Julia and Wess coming in from off field, joining Harley and Sola in the stands to watch her match, as she equipped her scythe proudly, taking a combative stance.

“If both participants are ready…” Cecil asked, getting a nod from Essex and Baron. “…begin.”

Baron started by pressing the handle in his sword hilt, releasing his whip sword, before he charged at Essex, aiming directly for her.

Essex went to block with her handle, only for Baron to leave his sword dragging behind him, not taking the chance to strike, but choosing to share another glance with Essex, throwing her off once again.

During her stunned silence, Baron used the moment to swing at her from behind, which she narrowly blocked with her scythe blade, trying to pry Baron’s sword off of him.

Baron pointed his fingers at Essex’s handle, using his Whil to create a small flame above it and heat it up, which she blocked by using her own Whil to turn her hands to the steel in the handle, before breaking off from him again.

Essex still looked away from him, trying to recover some breath, as Baron glanced over his sword, stretching his stiff right hand.

Essex could already tell avoiding him would be her biggest priority but struggled to find a way that didn’t involve clumsily blocking him from view with her scythe. However, upon looking at her scythe handle, she noticed the reflection of the nearby forest, just adjacent to the training grounds, and started to get an idea.

Before Baron could continue the fight on his own, Essex hurried off the field, locating the nearest tree and climbing up it with her scythe, leaving everyone present stunned as to her intentions.

“Wait, where’s she’s going?” Julia asked, just as Cecil got out of his seat.

“What the heck is she trying to do?” Harley wondered aloud, watching as Baron stared at her, before intently following behind her on foot, desperate to continue the fight. “Come on, we’ve got to follow.”

“Honestly, we just got here…” Wess pointed out, helping to lift Harley up, as Team Valiant, Team Ferocity and Cecil followed the fight into the woods.

The group gathered in a nearby clearing, surrounded on all ends by indiscernible foliage, as Baron stood directly in the middle with his sword out, staring up at the tops of the trees.

“…Baron.” Cecil let out. “This is…grounds for disqualification…you can just call it off…”

“No. We’re finishing this.” Baron declared, flexing his right hand more fervently. “Finally…”

Baron cupped his hands around his mouth. “That’s why you moved to the woods, right?! So you wouldn’t have to look at me!”

Essex hid herself amongst the leaves, watching the group from a distance, as she planned out her next move.

“You’re clever, I’ll give you that!” Baron yelled, quickly noticing one of the branches gently rustling, before deciding to subtly burn it at the base with his Whil. “But you’re delaying the inevitable! It’s useless to run!”

Essex readied herself, taking out her scythe while using the leafage as cover, before realising the branch she was on was starting to crack, only to notice Baron was pointing at it with his Whil.

It plummeted to the ground, landing suddenly, only without Essex, before Baron noticed her swinging around the base of the branch’s tree with her scythe, and launching herself into him, knocking him over.

He managed to get back up quickly, releasing his whip sword once more, and watched as Essex hurried up the tree again, breaking off branches as she ran and throwing them at him.

Baron sliced at a few, before lighting his sword on fire with his Whil and more effectively taking them out, as he ran up to the branch Essex was running across and cleanly cut through it, hoping to trip Essex up.

Essex just managed to land on the next tree, trying to hook into its base with her scythe, only for Baron to slice through the trunk, standing back as the tree slid over and toppled to the ground.

“This is getting out of hand.” Julia let out, turning to Cecil. “We’ve got to call this off.”

Cecil stared intently at the duel on display, before registering Julia’s comment. “Oh, yes, we should.”

“Come on, Baron! Keep up the pace!” Duke shouted, with Edward cheering beside him.

“Take him out already!” Harley added, only to be backed up by Sola, as Cecil looked back down at Julia.

“Public opinion would say otherwise.” He remarked, turning back to the conflict with fascination, as Essex hid amongst the foliage again, regaining some stamina.

“Essex!” Baron yelled, causing Essex to jump. “Come on out! Let’s finish this!”

Essex took his words to heart and stared back down at her scythe, before pressing the button in the handle and changing the blade of her scythe to magnesium, finally making the decision to end their fight for good.

She got up, before re-emerging from the bushes and charging at Baron, attempting to trip him as she passed with her scythe, only for Baron to dodge. She hid back in the bushes and did so again, only for him to dodge a second time, now trying to swing at her with his flaming whip sword.

Essex waited a second in the foliage, checking in on him to make sure he was waiting for her, before charging ahead with her scythe, aiming to trip him, only to pull her scythe back up and clash with his swung sword.

The blades clashed, as the magnesium in the blade reacted to the heat and brightly sparked, catching Baron off guard and tripping him up, giving Essex enough room to go in for the finishing blow.

Baron saw his defeat coming and tried to recover with another swing of his sword, only for his right hand to finally cramp up after so much action, leaving him defenceless as Essex pulled her scythe out from under him, sending him to the ground with a final thud.

It took Baron a second to recover, as his eyes adjusted to the gentle light coming through the tops of the trees, with all he could register being Essex above him, holding out a hand to help him up.

He attempted to ignore it, trying to push himself back up, only to push on his right hand and have it shoot out pain across his body, before sighing and reaching out with his other hand.

Essex quickly helped him up, pulling him to his feet, before bringing him in roughly and holding him in place, tightly clasping his hand.

“You will not harass my team any longer. They are under my protection.” Essex declared, closing her steel grip. “I held back in order to avoid hurting you. This will not happen again.”

Baron backed off and pulled his hand away, as he avoided looking back at Essex. “Get over yourself.”

“Essex, I think that was a clear victory for you.” Cecil announced, before turning to Harley. “Which means I’ll get to see you at the Ruins of Revs.”

Harley pumped her fist, while staying perfectly still. “I wish I could celebrate more, but my ankle’s killing me.”

“Then, I’ll leave you to it.” Cecil assured, taking his leave, before addressing Team Valiant, and mostly Essex. “With you girls handling things, I have a feeling the Wailing won’t be around for much longer. Keep this up, and I may just have some work for you down the line.”

“Thanks, sir.” Julia called back, watching as Cecil left to handle his business, before joining up with Essex in celebration.

“You’re so awesome, Essex!” Sola cheered, hugging her side. “You won all three like it was nothing!”

“That…is not true.” Essex pointed out, before sharing a glance with Sola. “But having encouragement helped.”

“H-Hey, do you need ice for your hand? The nurse said…” Edward asked, only to get a disapproving look from Baron, giving him his answer. “Right, it’s your hand.”

“Come on, this place is giving me bad vibes…” Duke said, leaving with the rest of Team Ferocity, as Baron looked back to Essex, only feel his gaze drift as she didn’t flinch.

“That Essex…” Baron mumbled, strapping his sword to his back. “I’d almost respect her if I didn’t hate her so much.”

———

“I hope this stupid ankle heals up in time for the excursion.” Harley said, getting carried by Wess and Sola through the dorm door, before getting lain back down on the couch and addressing Sola. “Actually, if it doesn’t, I can use that as an excuse to bring you along.”

“To the ruins?” Sola asked, Harley nodding emphatically. “I dunno…”

“Wha, how can that not excite you? They’re centuries old!” Harley exclaimed, as Wess went to grab herself a drink, offering one to Julia as well.

“Sort of like your hobbies.” Wess remarked, causing Sola to giggle, as Harley groaned and lay back on the couch.

Julia went for her drink, before spotting the carpet again and grunting, quickly remembering the stain that, at this point, was only there to taunt her.

However, in a flash of brilliance, she hurried over to the carpet and lined herself up opposite of the stain, drawing the attention of the room.

“What are you doing?” Essex asked, as Julia tipped her drink over where she was standing.

She looked back proudly and showed it off. “There! Now the stain looks like it’s part of the carpet's pattern.”

Wess sipped hers and smirked. “We could have just rolled up the carpet and moved it to the study to be cleaned later.”

Julia thought about it for a second, before losing all the energy she’d just given to that action, as Wess patted her shoulder assuredly.

“I guess it can just appreciate the company.” Wess said, sharing a smile with Julia, as they rolled up the carpet, ready for the inspection, even if the room wasn’t quite spotless.