Julia ran back to the security room with all her energy, hurrying as fast as she could down the halls. She tried her best to avoid mindlessly sprinting past any potential guards, while still maintaining her speed throughout.

She seemed to be making good headway, until her tablet buzzed in her pocket again, freaking her out briefly. Expecting a text from Wess warning about guards, she pulled out her tablet, only to be even more shocked by what came up.

Harley [They know Venators are in the building. We’ve gotta leave.]

Julia nearly dropped her tablet again, only to grip it tightly and stop herself, as her panic from before started to come back in.

Where the hell’s that roo-

Before Julia could even think, a loud, blaring alarm rang out throughout the hallway, piercing her ears with its suddenness, only kicking in her flight response even more, as she went back to running down the halls desperately.

Gotta...make sure...they’re okay...

———

Rosalind stared Essex down, admiring her stance, as she took her time to appreciate the visible fear in Essex’s eyes.

Rosalind slowly rested her hand on her sword handle for a second, before lifting it and deciding to bow a little instead.

“Rosalind Castello.” She greeted.

“I know of you.” Essex admitted, preparing herself for an attack. “You were at the attack on the Venator Academy.”

Rosalind smirked a little. “Yeah, that was me.”

She playfully tapped her fingers on her neck. “You nearly finished me off then and there.”

Essex steadied her stance, before Rosalind spoke up. “I’m curious, actually. Was that intended to kill me?”

“If you are who I believe you are, then it’s a fitting punishment.” Essex declared.

“But you didn’t know it was me at the attack, right?” Rosalind pointed out, catching Essex off guard. “I was just a random perso-”

“Who held a weapon to Julia’s neck.” Essex declared. “No good person would have such ill intent toward someone like her.”

“Wow. You’re the real honourable type, huh?” Rosalind remarked, pulling out her katana and spinning it a few times in her hand. “Well, go on, hero. Defend her honour.”

Rosalind held her arms out, accompanied by a wide grin. “Finish the job.”

Essex felt her rage boiling over, ready to indulge in Rosalind’s threats, before the image of Julia came back to her, making her rethink.

“I can’t do that.”

Rosalind’s grin turned to a placated grimace.

“If possible...I wish to avoid unnecessary fighting.” Essex confessed. “I have made a point not to harm people if an understanding can be reached. That is how I will honour her.”

Rosalind’s face sank, as she rested her palm on her face. “Oh, come on...I thought you, of all your team, was really itching for a good fight after your tournament fuck up. I got my hopes up and everything...”

Rosalind sighed and shrugged. “Whatever. It usually takes some convincing anyway.”

Before Essex could understand what she meant, Rosalind dashed straight at her, slashing by her head, as Essex backed up immediately, holding out her textbook to block it, only for the sword to cut right through effortlessly.

Essex realised her back was to the wall, and that the only exit out of the room was back up the stairs behind Rosalind and out into the hall, as Rosalind slowly encroached.

Essex chucked half of the textbook at her, as Rosalind just grabbed it mid-air and burned it to nothing with her Whil, before holding out her sword.

“Want me to give you a head start?” Rosalind joked. “Let’s say ten seconds.”

Essex eyed up the exit, as she realised her best strategy to get out.

“How about an I.O.U? I get to cut off a body part now, and you get to bitch and moan about it later.”

Rosalind waited for a response, only for Essex to lean in like she was about to speak, before spitting in Rosalind’s eye, throwing her off slightly.

“...okay.” Rosalind said, using her Whil to evaporate it immediately, before swinging her sword at Essex, as Essex did her best to dodge out of the way, before ducking past Rosalind.

Before she made much distance, Rosalind grabbed onto her arm and used her Whil to burn through Essex’s suit, singeing her skin and causing her to reel back.

“I give you credit for putting up a fig-” Rosalind started, only for Essex to quickly recover and chuck the other half of the textbook off the ground and into Rosalind’s face, before jumping up the stairs and sprinting directly for the door.

Rosalind took a second to recover and burn the remainder of the textbook, before chasing after Essex again, feeling her desire for revenge fuel her as she sprinted down the familiar halls.

———

“Shit shit shit shit shit shit!!!”

Harley ran down the facility, desperate to find the security room again, as the blaring alarms did everything they could to panic her.

“Please be okay...please...” Harley let out, just running out of breath, right as the security room came into sight.

She hugged the wall, tentatively looking inside and noticing that the place seemed abandoned. She slowly stepped inside, as her senses kept trying to alert her that something was wrong.

“Wess?” She whispered, stepping in quietly. “Wess...?”

Harley wandered over to the security terminals, struggling to find anything, only for a bit of rustling to come from under the nearby desk.

Harley peered down and noticed a large bag taking up space underneath, only for Wess to pull it away from herself, letting her breath go.

“Wess!” Harley exclaimed, helping her get out. “Thank Whilit. The place was so empty...I thought...”

“Some of the security came in right before the alarm went off...” Wess admitted, stretching out her arm and taking a deep breath. “They ransacked the place, so I just sort of improvised and hide myself.”

Harley’s eyes fluttered for a second, before she bowed in front of Wess.

“I-I’m sorry...”

Wess cocked her head. “What for?”

“I-I tripped the alarm, I know I did, like a freaking idiot.” Harley complained. “I got us dragged down here, and then all of this shit happene-”

“Harley, it wasn’t you.” Wess assured, grabbing her shoulders. “I overheard them earlier. The staff found the discrepancy with the card we used to get in.”

Harley looked a bit surprised, as Wess smiled back at her. “It wasn’t you, trust me.”

Harley blinked suddenly, before prying Wess off her. “R-Right...right. Sorry. Where’re the others?”

“It’s hard to say. They shut down the security feed before leaving. They must’ve realised we were using it to our benefit.” Wess said, indicating to the blank screens. “Julia and Essex were somewhere in the hallways, but Sola mana-”

“Guys!”

Harley and Wess turned back to the door, as Sola waved to them with her arm cannon, visible excitement on her face.

“Sola!” Harley let out, as Sola went to hand Harley her Buster Knuckles, only for Harley to ignore them and bring her into a hug. “I was so worried! I’m so glad you’re safe...”

“Whoa...” Sola let out, as she went to hug Harley back. “Same here...did you find anything?”

“Only douchebags.” Harley admitted. “I love you so much.”

Sola blushed profusely, as she tried not to look too embarrassed. “G-Geez. What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”

Harley eventually broke up the hug, only to notice Jules standing behind Sola, holding some weapons as well, causing her to back up.

“Sola...” Harley let out, pulling Sola back for safety, as Wess noticed her holding Rosalind’s sword.

“I-Is that Rosalind?” Wess worriedly asked, as Sola showed her palms and stepped back in front of her.

“No, it’s Jules. Remember? From the attack on the academy.” Sola said, as Harley and Wess gave her a once over.

Jules stepped forward, letting the weapons down onto the ground, before signing. [Sorry...]

Harley and Wess looked at each other, before Harley folded her arms. “Weren’t you working with Rosalind?”

Jules’ eyes widened, as her signing got far more aggressive. [I-I despise her more than anything! That was not my decision!]

Jules stopped herself, as Sola stepped forward. “She wants to get out of here. Wicker’s forcing her to do stuff, so I told her we could break her out.”

“She’s working with Wicker too?” Wess realised, facing Jules fine. “Fine. We’ll help you escape if you tell us who Wicker is.”

Jules looked shocked, as she started waving her hands in protest.

[I-I can’t do that! He would have me killed for that!] Jules let out, as Sola went to protest.

“Wess! We can’t force her to bribe us for a rescue!” Sola complained.

“The last time we were together, she left alongside Rosalind. Frankly, I don’t trust her.” Wess stated, before going over and taking back Belvedere and Artisan. “And considering the situation, who’s to say she wouldn’t lead us into a trap?”

Harley huffed up, before equipping her Buster Knuckles. “Do you trust her, Sola?”

Sola pumped her fists. “You bet I do!”

“Alright. That’s all I need.” Harley said, turning back to Wess. “We’re finding Julia and Essex, and we’re getting the hell out of here.”

Harley pointed to Jules. “We’ll do what we can to get you out, but the moment you double cross us, you lose out on our protection. Got it?”

Jules sighed out and slowly nodded, as Harley led the charge out of the room. “Where’d Julia say she was headed?”

“That workshop. There seemed to be a small room somewhere in the facility...” Wess started, just as Jules perked up and stood in front.

[I know where that is. I can show you.] Jules insisted, excitedly grabbing up Julia’s rifle and Essex’s scythe.

Harley made a point to take the scythe from her before speaking. “Alright. Lead the way.” Harley insisted, as Jules hurried down the hall, followed by an excitable Sola.

“Where do you think Julia might be?” Wess asked, as Harley thought to herself.

“...knowing her, she’s either staying out of trouble, or running right into it...” Harley admitted. “...we need to find her soon.”

———

“Come on, it had to be this way...”

Julia turned another corner, only to find more halls she didn’t recognise. The alarm overhead kept ringing out, which only further drew her concentration away, as she stumbled onto what looked to be a larger hallway, almost like it was the main one used for the facility.

She carefully made her way through, hoping to find some kind of map or landmark to orient herself, only for her attention to be drawn by a few voices somewhat off in the distance.

“...ould I be concerne...”

“...o, it’s just an alarm test. We’ve been mea...”

Julia slowly turned her head.

A room.

A small room, seemingly meant for meetings, just off the main hallway.

With its door slightly ajar.

And laughing, coming out with audible merriment.

It drew her in.

It was all Julia could do to listen in on what they were saying, even if her instincts were blaring at her to leave as soon as she could.

“…knew I could trust you with this. You’re a life saver.”

“Please, think nothing of it. If your end of the deal wasn’t so generous, we’d be having a very different conversation right now.”

“I’m sure that isn’t true.”

“No, I’m sure he’s right. Wicker, thank you, truly, for your generosity.”

Julia’s eyes widened.

W-W-Wicker?

Julia was standing just by the edge of the door, as another round of laughter rang out, seeming to come from at least three people.

It was clear they were proud of themselves.

Julia was being pulled in two directions. Her earlier impulse to leave was dragging her away harder, only being emboldened by her close proximity to…Wicker.

But her curiosity was drawing her in, eventually overpowering her sense of safety in order to finally put a face to the name.

To finally unmask her threat.

And it was all she could do to stay silent, as she peered into the meeting room, only to find Cecil, Head Scientist at the Venator Academy, shaking hands and laughing with two other men, joining him in their joyous display.

N-N-No...

Julia forcefully covered her mouth.

I-i-it...i-it c-couldn’t…be…

Julia stumbled backwards, still staring into the room, as she failed to even form thoughts about what she was bearing witness too.

She hit the wall of the hallway, sliding just out of view, as the last thing she saw was Ce…Wicker laughing, almost as if gloating to the scared, helpless girl he didn’t even know was there.

It was all she could do...

———

Jules jogged down the hall, only to stop herself and hug the wall right as a couple guards ran past with Salaire in tow, complaining loudly.

“...nd I swear, she punched me. Right here! I’m not built for this stuff, gu...” He yammered on, before Jules noticed the coast was clear and indicated for the others to follow.

Team Valiant hurried behind, keeping an eye out for either Julia or Essex, even with the distraction of the alarms constantly drawing their attention.

[The workshop’s just down here.] Jules clarified, indicating further down the hall, before a small room made itself known, clearly the workshop in question.

Harley hurried inside and started turning everything over, scouring the room for Julia, only to come up empty, as Wess kept checking the hallways.

“Is there anywhere she could be hiding that’s close by?” Sola asked, as Jules shook her head.

[The facility’s built so that important and sensitive equipment is kept far apart.] Jules explained. [If too much of it was easily discovered, we wo-]

“Julia!” Wess cried, as she shot her head around the corner and spotted Julia stumbling through the hall, before she ran up and hugged her. “You’re okay, right?”

“W-Wicker...h-he...” Julia managed, before realising Jules was there and stepping back. “W-What’s she doing here?”

“Jules helped us find you.” Sola clarified, just as Harley came back out of the workshop. “We’re busting her out of here!”

Jules stepped forward and tentatively handed Julia her rifle, as Julia shakily took it, before shying away from her again.

“Was Essex with you?” Harley asked, as Julia shook her head. “Dammit. Where the hell...”

“She said she was off to the storage rooms.” Wess wondered, scratching her chin. “Any help there, Jules?”

Jules looked a bit puzzled. [...there are a few here, but they’re mostly unused. Unless she...]

Jules thought on this for a second, before connecting the dots in her head and reeling back.

[D-Did this room have cages in it?]

“Yes, it did.” Wess replied, as Jules shook her head frantically.

[...I-I believe Rosalind went down there.] Jules explained, causing the team to panic. [I heard her planning to corner you down there from my room, if you ended up coming here in the first place. The security must have let her know you were in the building.]

“A-And Essex is there a-alone?” Julia let out, just as Sola started running around.

“W-We’ve gotta get her out of there! She’s gonna take Rosalind head on!” Sola exclaimed.

Jules’ attention was grabbed by Harley, as she spun her around and grabbed her shoulders.

“Which way.”

Jules nervously pointed to the hallway behind them. [T-Take two lefts and head straight for a while. You’ll see it open out.]

“Got it.” Harley declared, strapping Essex’s scythe to her back and punching her fists together. “You guys head to the carpark. I’m gonna go get her.”

Sola blinked. “Alone?!”

“H-Harley, let’s be sensible here. We know what Rosalind is capable of.” Wess insisted. “If we all head dow-”

“There’s no time. If we leave this too long, none of us are getting out.” Harley stated. “Take Jules and get out. Me and Essex are right behind you.”

“No way, I’m coming too!” Sola begged. “You don’t have to do this alone!”

“I’m not risking you getting hurt!” Harley demanded, crouching down to Sola’s height. “I couldn’t do that.”

“But we’ve been training! We love her!” Sola insisted, as Harley reeled. “You can make it up to her later, when we’re all okay! Jus-”

Sola was stopped by Julia, as she rested her hand on Sola’s shoulder, before stepping forward.

She took a needed breath.

“Get her back to us.” Julia managed, as Wess and Sola turned to her in surprise. “You’ve got this, right Harley?”

Harley put on a brave face and nodded back. “Of course I do. She’s part of the team.”

“...okay then.” Julia said, facing the rest of the team. “I saw the carpark a bit ago, so I can take us there. I’ve only got my safety proofed bullets from the tournament, so Wess, Sola, you guys keep us protected if any guards show up.”

Jules watched on as Wess and Sola slowly agreed with Julia’s leading, right before Sola shook her worries away and rushed over to hug Harley again.

“Both of you better come back.” Sola said, sniffling slightly. “Okay?”

“Hey, don’t worry. I’m a badass.” Harley insisted, breaking the hug and booping Sola’s nose. “Rosalind’s just another bully for me to bash.”

Sola put on a brave face and nodded, before splitting off and joining up with Julia and Wess.

Right as Jules went to join up with the trio, the image of Harley trying to defend against Rosalind flashed before her, causing her to trip up and stop herself.

She watched as Harley hyped herself up, readying herself for the upcoming fight, before doubt started to cloud her mind.

...she doesn’t know what she’s up against...

“Jules!” Sola shouted, waving to her from down the hall. “Are you coming?”

Jules stopped herself, before trying to sign back. [You go ahead! I have to do something before I go!]

“...okay! Get back soon!” Sola called out after reading her signing, just as Jules ran into the workshop, looking around.

She started rummaging around, searching for what she needed, as the thought of Rosalind harming anyone on this team filled her with painful dread.

———

“Where’re...you running?!” Rosalind called out, feverishly chasing Essex through the facility. “I...basically own this place!...you’re not getting anywhere!”

Essex just ignored her and tried her best to navigate her way back to the others, only for Rosalind to eventually catch up and trip her up, causing her to crash to the floor, with Rosalind pinning her down soon after.

“Oh no...you’re done.” Rosalind said, sitting on top of her, as Essex tried throwing her off, even with her badly burnt arm.

Before she could get any momentum, Rosalind held her sword to Essex’ throat, grinning proudly just above her.

“You’re...an exception in that team of yours, you know?” Rosalind remarked, laughing a bit between breaths. “They want to become Venators. You just want to kill Wailing, huh?”

Rosalind leaned down smugly. “That’s why you fight as viciously as you do. Why the tournament didn’t work out. Why Harley fucking hates you.”

Essex’s eyes widened, as Rosalind was visibly giddy at having struck this nerve.

“Oh yeah. I’ve been watching you guys.” Rosalind snickered. “You’re nowhere near as subtle as you think you are. All those awkward glances and seething little asides...I’ve had enough bad breakups to know where that’s going.”

“You don’t...” Essex tried, only for the sword to get slightly closer.

“But why should you care? That’s not what you’re in it for, huh?” Rosalind remarked. “You in it for the thrill of the hunt. A killing machine in the most literal term.”

Rosalind made a point to pull out a lollipop from her pocket. “And so am I.”

Rosalind glanced back at her excitedly. “And you’ve been the most fun I’ve had in a while. No one else here even matches your passion. Whilit knows the Wailing aren’t doing it for me either.”

Rosalind laughed to herself again, before shrugging. “I guess your girlfriend gets to wai-”

Just as Rosalind had gotten comfortable, Harley came hurrying in from further down the hall, as she realised the situation, sprinted up to the duo, reeled back, and knocked Rosalind across the floor with her Buster Knuckles, launching her back with as much pain as she could inflict.

Harley took a second to breath, before checking in on Essex, who was still firmly on the floor.

“She didn’t get to you, did she?” Harley let out, falling to one knee. “I swear, if she touched a hair on your hea-”

Harley was shut up by Essex grabbing her into a hug, holding her tightly as she felt a rush of warmth flood over her.

Harley was caught off guard by the affection, but found herself forcing a smile, as she eventually hugged her back, caressing her hair while tearing up.

“I-I...know this isn’t the right place for it...” Harley admitted, struggling to get out the words. “...I’m so sorry. I t-treated you...I treated you so bad...and just thinking about what might happen to yo-”

“FUCK!!!”

Harley and Essex shot around to Rosalind, as she pulled herself up from the ground and inspected her bleeding cheek, spinning her sword again a few times.

Essex broke the hug and grabbed Harley’s hand suddenly. “Thank you.”

Harley felt pure elation flowing through her body, just as their attention was drawn to Rosalind, slowly approaching.

Harley started preparing herself for a fight, only to realise that Essex had grabbed her scythe during their hug, as she stepped forward, holding back the pain still present in her arm.

“There we go...it’s an even match now.” Rosalind remarked, spitting out her lollipop. “I was gettin' kinda sick of taking you down so easil-”

Rosalind was cut off by Essex running up to her, before swinging at her head, just as Rosalind ducked down and took a stab at Essex in return.

She jumped back, trying to find room to move, only for the confined hallway to make it near impossible to dodge.

Rosalind smirked and kept trying to get low blows, just as Harley leaped forward and grabbed her arm, before activating the jets in her Buster Knuckles, and forcing Rosalind down with a suplex.

Rosalind lay there for a second, before suddenly swinging at Harley’s leg and just managing to catch it.

Harley grabbed at it in pain, just as Rosalind used the opportunity to focus on Essex again, right as she reached out her hand to grab onto Essex’s leg and burn it with her Whil...

...only for Essex to spin her scythe handle around in front of it, right after having changed the metal in the handle to magnesium, as Rosalind grabbed onto it, causing it to spark.

Rosalind reeled back, as Harley used her distraction to join Essex’s side again, aimlessly palming at her fresh leg wound.

“I d-don't think we can beat her like this...” Harley admitted, right as Rosalind got back up again. “Oh, come on!”

Harley and Essex prepared for another scrappy fight, only for Jules to appear right after them, stepping forward and pointing frantically back at the hallway.

“Jules?!”

Jules rolled her eyes and turned around. [Get out of here!]

Essex stared in shock, as Harley noticed Rosalind slowly recovering. “You said you were coming with us!”

[You’ll be stuck here if I don’t stop her.] Jules insisted, pointing even more frantically.

Essex could hardly keep up with what they were talking about, only for Harley to grab onto her hand and pull her back the way they came, leaving Jules alone with Rosalind.

Rosalind managed to pull herself back up, as her eyesight slowly adjusted and she realised her opponents had left, with Jules now in their place.

“...oh, for fucks sake...” Rosalind let out, pushing her hair back. “Do your job, Jules. The Venators ar...”

Rosalind stopped herself, as she noticed just how angry Jules looked, and that she was holding out her hand with a blue gel smeared across it.

“...what are...”

Rosalind’s eyes widened.

“...well, I'll be.” Rosalind said, finding herself laughing. “You finally became a turncoat.”

Rosalind pointed with her katana. “That’s the tranquiliser, right? For the Wailing?”

Jules kept holding her hand up, grounding herself and trying to look menacing, as Rosalind snickered again.

“Are you gonna use it on me?” Rosalind asked, slowly stepping forward. “And let your pals escape?”

Jules started to hesitate, as she backed up a little, terrified from all the threats Rosalind had laid her way over the years.

“What’s Wicker gonna think?” Rosalind let out, tapping her chin. “What am I gonna think? Cause I’ll tell ya, I’m gonna be gunning for your head.”

Jules tried to hold her ground, as Rosalind got dangerously close.

“The moment you try it, I’ll have the excuse. You won’t have Wicker’s protection anymore.” Rosalind bragged, right as she started to loom over Jules, putting her squarely in her place. “So? Got anything to say?”

Jules bit her lip, before eventually lowering her hand and looking away from Rosalind, as Rosalind made her way past her.

She smirked to herself, ready to keep hunting Team Valiant down, just as she felt a tug on her sleeve.

She turned back around, expecting some kind of tepid apology from Jules, only to find her sticking up her middle finger, before taking her other hand and shoving it into Rosalind’s mouth, right as the tranquiliser vaporised and filled her throat to bursting.

Rosalind started coughing profusely and ripped Jules away, as Jules fell to the floor, watching as Rosalind clawed at her throat in a desperate attempt to remove the tranquiliser.

Jules tried to get up and run away, only for Rosalind to bash her leg in with the handle of her sword once she got the chance, sending her to the floor.

“You bitch...” Rosalind let out, trying her best to get back up. “...that’s what I get for giving scum like you a chance to live...”

Rosalind went to finish the job on Jules, even as her body slowly gave out, only to remember that Team Valiant were on their way to escape, and if Rosalind wasn’t on top of this...

...Wicker’s gonna kill me...

Going against her better judgement, she pulled herself back down the hallway in the direction of the carpark, trying her best to hold off the tranquiliser from slowing her down any more than it already had.

———

“Are you okay?” Essex asked, hurrying along while helping Harley carry herself.

“Yeah...that girl from the tournament did way worse.” Harley remarked, trying to keep weight off her injured leg, even as the duo booked it. “Of course she went for the same leg...”

“I will aid in recovery.” Essex assured, only to realised Harley was still bleeding and stopping, before ripping off part of her burnt shirt and wrapping it around Harley’s leg.

Essex checked to make sure it was tight, before looking up and realising Harley was staring at her, as she quickly looked away. “...it will help make up for...what I have done as well...”

Harley looked surprised. “What’d you do?”

“...I confessed to you, and it led to all of this...” Essex admitted, standing back up. “...I knew it was an incorrect choice...I should have kept to myself...relias...”

Essex started heading down the hall again, only for Harley to hold her up.

“Come on, don’t talk like that.” Harley said, before trying her best to smile. “...it took a lot for you to say that...I know I put on this air of having it all figured out, but I don’t think I could’ve done that.”

Harley went and caressed Essex’s hand. “And, I mean...you know...we haven’t even given it a shot yet...”

Essex nodded solemnly, before realising what Harley had just said and blinking suddenly. “W-What?”

“...it’s just a suggestion...if you still wanna try it.” Harley confessed, trying to hide her blush. “I know Sola would be down, and...”

Harley quickly registered the alarms above them and the situation they were in, before grabbing Essex’s hand again. “Let’s talk about it later.”

“...okay.” Essex let out, letting Harley take her further down the hall, only for a truly excited smile to cross her face, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy coursing through her despite her better judgement.

Harley and Essex finally managed to find the carpark again, as they ran inside, only to find Julia and Wess trying to pry open a massive blast door that was now blocking the exit.

“When did this get here?!” Harley yelled out, trying to run up to it, as Julia and Wess pulled back.

“It...came down...with the alarm...” Julia confessed, panting heavily. “We can’t...get out...”

“Is it possible to break through it?” Essex asked, only to notice Sola lying on the ground, panting as well.

“...already tried that.” She said, pointing at the large burn mark from her cannons covering the blast door.

Harley took Julia’s place and attempted to pull it up, only for her leg to immediately act up and throw her off.

“Dammit!” She yelled out, falling backward, as Wess just noticed the injury.

“Goodness, Harley. Don’t push yourself.” Wess asked, hurrying over and inspecting the wound.

“Where’s Jules?” Sola asked, getting back up, as Harley shook her head.

“Holding back Rosalind.” Harley admitted, just as Essex started searching for another exit. “She won’t make it back in time. Sorry, Sola.”

Sola’s eyes darted to the entrance of the facility, as she realised it would be dangerous to go back in now, while Julia wandered around lost in thought.

“...this can’t be hopeless.” Julia tried, trying her best to stay calm. “We got in, we can get out. Start spit balling options, guys.”

“...there is one option, but it’s a long shot.” Wess admitted, grabbing the team’s attention. “On the surveillance cameras, I noticed there was a large tunnel stretching under the facility that seemed to be some kind of alternate exit from the building.”

Wess folded her arms. “Unfortunately, it seems to run for several kilometres, so even with a head start on our assailants, we’d be caught the moment exhaustion kicked in.”

“And my leg can’t take that.” Harley admitted, slamming her fist on the ground. “Shit...”

Julia immediately jumped to attention. “Guys.”

Everyone looked at her.

“We’re in a carpark.”

The realisation hit everyone, as they suddenly felt stupid for missing the obvious.

“But how would we drive out? We don’t have access to these cars.” Essex noted.

“Unless someone can hotwire one.” Wess said, turning to Harley. “Harley?”

“Why’d you look at me first?” Harley asked, looking offended, just as Sola called out.

“Guys, look!” Sola yelled out, with her face pressed against the window of Rosalind’s ute.

The team noticed Rosalind’s keys lying right on the passenger seat under a few strewn about items, as Sola started exclaiming. “She was dumb enough to leave ‘em right there! Sucks to be her!”

“Goodness gracious, what a careless person.” Wess remarked, just as Essex stepped forward.

Immediately, she grabbed her scythe, before smashing the window in with the handle and grabbing the keys triumphantly.

She opened up the car and let the others in, as Harley sat herself at front of the wheel, with the others doing their best to fit.

“Oh-okay...” Wess let out, being squished in the middle, only for Julia to come over and sit on her lap.

Julia turned around. “Sorry, there’s only so much room.”

Wess realised the position she was in, before getting comfortable. “I’m hardly complaining.”

Julia blushed slightly, just as Sola and Essex took up the third seat together, with Sola in Essex’ lap.

Sola quickly brought in the rest of the team’s weaponry and fit it under the seats, including the bag holding their spare sword and Rosalind’s spare as well.

“You managed to disarm her?” Wess asked Essex, as Sola shook her head.

“We found a spare sword in her room.” Sola said, smirking as she admitted to it.

“When I see her next, I shall personally disarm her. She will know true payback.” Essex declared, as Wess found herself getting a little flustered at the comment.

“My my, Essex. That was a very impressive declaration...” Wess let out, just as Julia reached over to Harley.

“Are you fine to hit the pedals?”

“Yeah, I got it.” Harley said, getting the engine running, before smiling back at the others. “Let’s get the hell out of here.”

“Yeah! Drive it, babe!” Sola called out, getting similar excitement from the others, as Harley pulled out of the park.

“Alright, which way, Wess?” She asked, as Wess pointed to the right exit leading to the lower parking levels.

“...god...son of a...come on already...” Rosalind grunted, pulling herself through the halls toward the carpark, even as her leg fell asleep again. “Fuck off, leg!”

She managed to hit a crossroads, as a few security guards and Salaire came down another hall, right as Salaire noticed Rosalind’s state.

“My goodness, Rosa. What’ve you be-” Salaire exclaimed, only for Rosalind to shove him out of the way and keep walking.

“Don’t touch me, rat.” Rosalind complained, dragging herself while pointing behind her. “And go find Jules! That bitch is getting what’s coming to her!”

Salaire was helped up by the security, before dusting himself off and turning around. “What about the Venators?”

“I’m on it!” Rosalind yelled, hurrying up her attempt at a sprint, as Salaire subtly pointed for the other guards to follow her instead.

Rosalind finally came across the entrance to the carpark, hoping to find the team floundering around without a clue of what to do, only to be surprised at just how empty it was.

They’ve gone down to the lower levels. They have to b... Rosalind thought, just as her arm started to go numb.

She tried using her Whil to heat up her body and slow the tranquiliser somewhat, as she made her way into the carpark. She noticed the massive burn marks on the blast door, as well as...

...the lack of her car.

Rosalind slowly realised it was missing, before frantically checking for her keys, only to remember where she’d dropped them.

“...I left them in when I went to grab their weapons.” Rosalind recalled, slamming her foot, as she looked around for another car desperately, just as Wicker’s company car came into view.

Immediately, she pulled herself over and bashed the window in, before jimmying the door open and getting inside, just as she started hotwiring the car.

“Come on...” Rosalind groaned, right as the engine whirred to life, even if she could feel her body giving out.

She ignored it as best she could and pulled the car out, just as the other security guards made themselves known by the entrance, only to see Rosalind driving off further down the carpark, determination staining her eyes.

“Exit...exit...” Harley recited to herself, just as she drove down to the third level. “It’s gotta be here somewhere...”

“Are any guards approaching?” Essex asked, just as Julia looked behind them through the window.

“I don’t think they know we’re down here.” Julia said. “They probably regret turning off the security cameras now that we’re trying to leave.”

Wess did her best to scan around them. “We should come across it soon. It was on-”

“There! Right there!” Sola called out, pointing to what looked to be an exit off to the side, as Harley drove up to it excitedly, only to realise the exit was closed off by a steel gate.

“Shit. They blocked it up.” Harley let out, as Wess leaned forward over Julia.

“The tunnel looked unused, so they must’ve sealed it for now.” Wess reasoned, just as Julia pointed.

“Wait, what’s that?” Julia asked, indicating to a small light next to the gate. “I think there’s a button to open it.”

“Alright. Someone get out an...” Harley started, going to open the door, only to spot something in her rear-view mirror, before recognising it as another car, roaring down the carpark and charging right for them.

“Guys, I think they found us!” Harley exclaimed, getting ready to manoeuvre away if needed, just as Julia quickly reached down under the seats, grabbed out her rifle and aimed out the window.

She lined up her sights with the button, before firing, as the bullet collided with the button, opening up the gate to the tunnel.

Julia turned to Harley.

“Drive.”

Harley pumped the gas, as the car started tearing down the now free tunnel, right as Rosalind raced behind them, following suit in Wicker’s borrowed car.

Harley threw on the headlights, just as Rosalind did the same, giving the rest of the team a great look at Rosalind’s violent and embittered face speeding behind them at dangerous levels.

“It’s Rosalind! She’s following us!” Sola yelled out, right as Rosalind sped up and rammed the back of the ute.

She kept doing so over and over, as Harley kept her focus on driving, and Wess led her in the right direction.

“Just slightly to the left!” Wess called out, as Julia crawled over her. “Hug the wall, and we should straighten out soon enough! Someone take care of her!”

Julia braced herself and bashed the back window in with her rifle, before lining her sights with the wheels of Rosalind’s car.

She fired repeatedly, managing to get clean hits, only for the bullets to bounce off harmlessly.

“Dammit! I’ve only got the safety-proof bullets!” Julia called out to the others, before sticking out her hands and trying to slow them with her Whil, just as Sola went to grab her arm cannons.

She realised she couldn’t fit them through the window, as she tried to aim out the side, only to nearly fall out of the speeding car.

Essex quickly grabbed onto her and pulled her back up, as Sola’s heart started to race, before she got an idea and tried crawling into the back of the ute.

Essex realised what she was doing and held onto her, using her Whil to turn her other hand to metal and grab onto the car’s interior for support, right as Sola sat herself in the back, the wind rushing past and rustling her hair.

Rosalind rammed the car again, far more violently this time, as she nearly launched Sola off, right as Julia nearly gave out from trying to slow the car. Quickly, she reached through the window to hold onto her as well, letting her line up a shot.

The tunnel started to open out, giving the cars a lot more space, as Sola charged up her cannons, aiming for Rosalind’s tires, as Rosalind recognised the attack from the tournament and drove out of the way, causing the shots to miss.

Sola recharged and fired a few more times, only to miss one after the other, just as Rosalind started to gain some ground and drive up next to the ute.

Harley started hugging the wall, only for Rosalind to bash the side of their car, scraping them against the side of the tunnel, tearing up the side of the ute.

Harley kept up their speed, as Essex and Julia kept their grip on Sola, while Wess reached under the seats, looking for something to hold Rosalind back.

Eventually, she came across Rosalind’s spare sword, as an idea started to form while she pulled it out.

“Essex!” She yelled, grabbing her attention, before handing her the sword. “Throw it out toward her!”

Essex picked up on the idea and let go of Sola, before opening out the door, only to see Rosalind’s face again, staring her down with unbridled hatred.

“You’re not getting away again!!! I’m finishing you myself!!!”

Right as Rosalind got ready to ram the car again and finish them off for good, Essex glared her down, before throwing the sword out in front of Rosalind’s tires, as she drove over it and burst them, slowing her down significantly.

It took a second for her to register what had happened, only for her to understand too late, as the ute started to gain far more ground, before surpassing her entirely into the darkened tunnel.

“Guys, she’s slowing down!” Harley called out, as Essex and Julia managed to pull Sola back in.

“No way...” Julia let out, before pumping her fists. “It worked!”

“We totally did it!!!” Sola cheered, jumping around, before kissing Essex in a bout of excitement, causing Essex to let out a faint smile.

“Be careful with those swords, dear! They can be quite dangerous!” Wess mockingly called out, waving to her through the window, just as Rosalind slammed on the car horn far off into the distance.

“Team Valiant for the win!!! In your face, Rosal...” Harley let out, as the team kept cheering to themselves while Rosalind watched them start to disappear down the tunnel, before vanishing from view entirely.

Rosalind’s car sputtered to a halt, as she slammed her foot on the pedals over and over, to no result.

Quickly, she got out of the car and ripped the sword out of her tire, before going to chase them on foot, only for her foot to lose feeling.

She kept pulling herself along, only to fall to the ground, with the tranquiliser slowly taking a hold of her body and pulling her down further and further.

It was all she could do to keep going.

“Team...”

“...team...”

“...Valiant...”

———

“Smooth sailing from here, guys.” Harley assured, driving them through the rest of the tunnel, as everyone attempted to get comfortable.

Julia sunk into Wess’ lap, as Wess wrapped an arm around her for comfort, letting Julia lie against her to calm herself.

Meanwhile, Sola poked her head out of the window, checking behind them for any trace of Rosalind, as Essex watched her intently, analysing the joyous smile she had, before turning her attention to Harley, driving with the exact same expression.

She let out a relieved breath, as she sat back in her seat and felt a serene calm wash over her, only for Sola to jump back into her lap, embarrassing her all over again.

Just as the tunnel started to stretch on, a few rays of moonlight appeared in the distance, as the exit made itself known.

Harley drove up to it, taking the fairly tall ramp out of the tunnel and into a dense wooded area, fairly removed from civilisation.

“Wait, where’d Detu City go?” Sola asked, as Julia peered her head out.

“This looks like the Central Forest.” Julia admitted, as Harley managed to find a makeshift path through the forest. “Why’s the tunnel lead out here?”

“Don’t care. We can worry about that later.” Harley assured, right as they came across a proper road again. “I’m getting us back to the Venator Academy.”

“Thanks, babe!” Sola let out, climbing over Julia and Wess to kiss Harley’s cheek, before climbing back to Essex. “And thanks for making sure Essex got back to us.”

“Yeah, well, you know...” Harley let out, shying away. “...she’s part of the team.”

Essex faintly smiled, just as Harley drummed her hands on the wheel. “And you guys missed it, but she totally held her own against Rosalind.” Harley bragged, as Essex avoided the rest of the team’s proud staring.

“I-I was only so competent due to Harley’s aid...” Essex confessed. “She is a difficult opponent...”

Essex thought on it, before facing everyone again. “And one I shall protect us all from. You have my word.”

“Essex...” Julia let out, tearing up a little, as she leaned over to hug her. “I’m so glad we’re okay...”

“And we got our weapons back!” Sola cheered, right as Wess reached under the seat.

“We hardly even used this thing.” Wess said, bringing up the bag with their spare sword. “Maybe all it’s good for is hanging up on our wall.”

“Venator Academy, next stop on the right!” Harley joked, driving up to the entrance of the academy. “Man, Wicker sure must by riled up right now.”

Julia froze in an instant, as the memory of her discovery came crashing back in, right as Harley parked the ute out front, letting everyone get out of the car safely.

Before they could make much distance, Julia pulled herself out of the car.

“Guys, wait!”

The team turned around to her.

“I...I-I think I saw Wicker.” Julia admitted, shocking the others. “Back there...I thin...”

Julia was just about to continue, only for her attention to be drawn behind the team, as they all slowly turned around to see what she was focusing on.

“Well.”

Faller let out a breath, with his hands on his hips, as Ferris stood directly behind him, glaring at the team.

“It seems you’ve got some explaining to do.”