*bzzt* *bzzt* *bzzt*

Julia rustled out of her sleep, as her tablet’s alarm rang beside her head, waking her up. She pulled it over to herself and smiled, as the screen displayed a prominent Monday underneath the time.

It was finally the first day of classes.

Julia mustered all her energy and jumped out of bed, stretching her limbs and checking out the weather from the balcony window.

Clear skies. She grinned. During her stretch, she noticed Wess and Sola still in their beds, sleeping the morning away, but noticed Harley’s bed was empty, her sheets slightly hanging over Sola.

“Maybe she went out clubbing.” Julia wondered, heading to the kitchen to whip up breakfast, before spotting Harley by the small communal table in the kitchen.

“Hey Julia.” She waved. “You’re an early riser too?”

Julia smiled. “I can’t really help it. All the best things happen in the morning.” Julia hummed, idly looking through the fridge. “But the first day of our course units is pretty special too.”

“You seem awfully happy about classes.” Harley pointed out, taking a sip of her coffee. “You big nerd.”

“Aren’t you excited too?” Julia asked.

“Duh.” Harley said. “But I’m not being a nerd about it.”

“Uh huh…” Julia droned, as Essex came through the front door, scythe on her back and exercise gear on. “Oh, hey Essex.”

“Cali.” She replied, heading off to her room to change.

Harley stood up to get herself a refill. “Hey, do you know what that means?” Harley asked.

Julia shrugged. “I just assumed it meant ‘hello’ or ‘good morning.’”

“I can’t pin down the language.” Harley explained. “I’ve asked her, but she said it has no official name. It clearly shares roots with the Western Waysider language…”

Julia started snickering to herself. “You called me the nerd, and yet you’re dissecting the origins of a language? You want some glasses and a pocket protector to go with that?”

“Shut up…” Harley pouted, going back to her notepad of word origins, as Essex re-emerged from her room with her trademark suit and ponytail.

“I am hoping my entrance did not startle you.” Essex said, joining Julia and Harley in the kitchen.

“The scythe surprised me. I would’ve thought an early morning run was tough enough without a heavy weapon on your back.” Julia remarked.

“If I cannot travel with my weapon, then I cannot be a proper Venator.” Essex said. “As the team leader, you should understand this.”

Julia gave a good natured laugh. “Yeah, good point. I guess I take not having a weapon for granted.”

“Are you three quite finished talking?” Wess grumbled, moving her head around the corner, rubbing her eyes, as Sola poked out behind her, just as exhausted “Some of us want to use sleep to our advantage.”

“Oh, sorry guys.” Julia said. “But hey, now that we’re all up, we might as well get ready for class together.”

Sola slinked into the kitchen, yawning loudly, as Wess took a heavy breath. “I’m not about to go back to sleep, now am I?”

The team took turns getting breakfast, packing their things, and getting changed in the bathroom one by one, except for Harley, who openly stripped in the main room to no ones complaint, before the time for their classes was nearly upon them.

“Harley, please move.” Wess sighed, brushing her teeth and trying to inspect herself in the bathroom mirror.

“It’s not my fault the bathroom’s so small.” Harley argued, trying to brush her teeth as well.

“Well you aren’t making it easier!” Wess complained, thrusting her toothbrush down and leaving in a huff, as Harley smugly took up as much space as she could.

“Alright, almost ready to go.” Julia said, as Sola and Essex lined up in front of her, with Wess joining in a huff.

“That Harley…” She complained, adjusting her dress and hair as best she could without a mirror. “She's fortunate I know how to present myself properly.”

“You look really nice today, Wess.” Julia said.

“I don’t fish for compliments, Julia.” Wess stated, shutting down Julia immediately.

“Can I get breakfast?” Sola asked.

Julia blinked. “You already had breakfast.”

“I meant brunch.”

Julia blinked again. “Just grab something from the fridge.”

Sola hopped back into the kitchen, as Wess pulled out her tablet to distract herself.

“Vonodo.” Essex said, heading off to her room, as Julia started to feel her enthusiasm wain.

“We’re never gonna leave…” She realised.

“Like herding cattle.” Wess dryly remarked, to Julia’s lack of amusement.

After a few more minutes, the team was finally ready and out the door, idly chatting as they headed to their shared team class together.

“Ferris is teaching? Seriously?” Harley complained. “Can we just throw her in the academy moat and be done with it?”

“Come on, Harley. Classes are only just starting. For all we know, she could be a great teacher.” Julia reasoned.

“She gives off a weird vibe.” Sola commented. “Like she might be an evil ghost haunting the academy. Or a banshee.”

Harley snickered to herself, as the group noticed Team Vanguard waiting outside the lecture hall, alongside groups of other teams all anxious to get in.

“Hey guys!” Joleicia called out, waving to Team Valiant. “We didn’t see you leave.”

“Getting out the door was a little tough.” Julia said, as the others all paired off with the rest of Team Vanguard. “How’re you guys?”

“Pretty good, all except for this guy.” Joleicia said, indicating to Florey beside her, clearly annoyed. “Ferris really lay into him about something a few days ago. I tried talking to him, but…”

“He shut himself off?” Julia finished, realising that Florey would do something like this sooner or later.

“Can you talk to him? I know you guys were friends for a long time, so maybe you’d have better luck helping him.” Joleicia asked.

Julia peered over Joleicia’s shoulder, looking at him and smiling. “No problem. We’ve been meaning to catch up anyway.”

“Julia, darling!” Saxin called out, butting in and hugging Julia against her chest. “How are you?”

“G-g-good.” Julia replied, trying not to look too happy. “Y-you seem well.”

“We spent all week hanging out together.” Lenin clarified, joining in. “My little Saxin here is so insatiable.”

“Oh, stop it~” Saxin cooed, finally letting Julia go and laughing to herself.

In an instant, the sound of the opening lecture hall door rung out through the hall, drawing everyone’s attention forward. Teams started filing in one after the other.

“Ooo, my heart’s racing!” Joleicia exclaimed. “Onward, Team Vanguard!”

The rest of the team gave a well meaning eye roll, following Joleicia inside, as Team Valiant made their way in one by one.

The lecture hall was breath-taking. Not only the size of it, but the architecture and view that accompanied it. It was impressive enough that the main building supported up to one hundred floors, but being up on the thirtieth and getting to see the view of the forest and Eldos Mountains all at once was something else. A large window accompanied the front wall, as the seating faced toward it and the stage, where Ferris stood up, fiddling with the slide projector.

Julia idly scanned the other teams present, recognising a few students from around the school sitting in groups of five. Some had brought weapons with them, others were just chatting, a few were flexing to each other in the background. One group looked particularly unenthused about being there, almost like…

If Wess was every member of a team. Julia thought, before realising she was still standing in place, as Harley waved her over to an empty seat beside the others and Team Vanguard. After a few more minutes, Ferris finally got the projector to work and tapped her mic.

“This fucking thing…how the-oh, I’m on.” She realised, before clearing her throat. “Welcome to…dammit, what’s it called…”

She shuffled through a few papers in front of her, before finding her answer. “Welcome to…Team Orientation and Fundamentals. I’m Miss Ferris.”

The room stayed silent.

“…moving on. This will be your primary course for semester one, and where you will get most of your team and on-the-field experience. This will run adjacent to your personal electives, which I may be teaching if I’m unlucky. However, don’t expect much of that this semester. We’ll mostly be doing pretty boring intro stuff that you don’t need to know.”

“She’s terrible at this.” Julia whispered to Harley.

“You’re telling me. Way to suck out the fun.” Harley added.

“She’s like a bag of gravel in human form.” Sola interjected, now leaning over Wess.

“Stop talking over me!” Wess muttered, now with both Julia and Sola leaning over her.

“Why are you all whispering?” Essex asked, just a little too loudly, as Ferris took notice and looked up at the team, folding her arms.

“Am I boring you girls?” She loudly asked, tapping her pen against her podium.

The team shut up, as Harley scratched her head. “To be honest, yeah.”

Ferris squinted at her and shrugged her shoulders. “Fair enough…” Ferris changed to the next slide. “We’ll officially start the course with some basic team introductions. Everyone gets a chance to come up on stage and present their team, but please don’t give us your life story. A few names’ll do…”

Julia eyes bulged. “W-we’re presenting? I-in front of…”

Julia started to panic, as Sola reached a hand over and patted her back. “There, there.”

“It’ll be fine, Julia.” Harley added. “It’s just, like, a minute of talking. I don’t think anyone’s paying attention anyway. Don’t get cold feet now.”

Julia nodded to her, forcing her mind to think of anything other than the nerves creeping in the recesses of her mind. She had it under control for now.

Ferris pulled out a clipboard and tapped it with her pen. “Team…Beefcake? Oh for gods sake…”

Out of the crowd, a group of horrifically muscular men climbed onto the stage, all in various stages of flexing and posing. Each one seemed to be a walking army of their own, as Ferris sat with the crowd and pulled out her pocket flask. One of the members stood in front, his shirt struggling to stay on. “I’m Brad!” He pointed behind him to another member.

“Chad!”

“Thad!”

“Lad!”

“And my name is Efrem!” Called the fifth member, revealing himself to be far smaller and daintier than his counterparts. “I’m a poet by trade, but the duties of a Venator called to me like a song from the heavens!”

The other four members of Team Beefcake took turns presenting, showing off their absurd physique, leaving Julia in a state of bewilderment.

“You all good, Julia?” Joleicia asked.

“Well, I’m a bit confused.” Julia truthfully replied. “I mean, the academy has systems in place so that every team has diverse fighters with different skills. They look like a team of four physical melee attackers and one…other person. No ranged, no support, what’s up with that?”

“The academy has reported several first year students pulling out of enrolments after the Behemoth Wailing attack.” Essex explained. “I would estimate this is what is left, so they will have formed teams with whomever was still available.”

“I feel sorry for that Efrem guy.” Harley said, looking down at the other four flexing far too much.

Julia looked down at him too, and noticed he actually seemed quite happy in spite of his teammates, as his team kept showing off beside him.

“Yes, thank you, Team Beefcake.” Ferris called out. “You can stop now.”

The team exited the stage, as Ferris grabbed her forehead again and looked over her list. “Team Crater, you’re up.”

The class carried on through several more teams, all a little nervous about presenting to their peers and unsure how to display themselves, as a few stand out teams managed to break through that kind of awkwardness and find a new one.

For example…

“We’re what you’d call the best!”

“I mean, what can we say?”

“A cut above the rest!”

“Excelling everyday!”

“Feel free be jealous!”

“Just try to look away!”

“You’ll remember the name!”

“We’re Team Exemplary!”

After what felt like several minutes of prep, Team Exemplary presented themselves to the class with an impromptu motto and accompanying level of theatrics. Needless to say, no one was impressed.

“Ouch.” Harley commented, as the leader of the team stepped forward and made himself known.

“I go by many names, as a future legendary Venator…” He preceded, giving himself a lengthy pause. “But for now, you can refer to me as Avalon McAlister.”

Harley felt her jaw drop to the ground, as the rest of Team Valiant, minus Wess, took notice. “What’s up, Harley?” Julia asked.

“That’s that douchey guy that hit on me a few days ago.” Harley remembered. “He’s the team leader?”

Avalon left the stage holding the microphone, leaving the rest of the team still on stage, annoyed as they’d yet to present themselves.

“Not a very good one…” Sola remarked, as Team Exemplary dragged Avalon back on stage and took their time to present, before leaving with far less confidence then they’d brought in.

“…I was about to say thank you for that, but…” Ferris started, before she abandoned her sentence. “Next up, Team Instinct.”

Julia noticed the disinterested team from earlier standing up to present, as she looked over at Wess to see her reaction to the team. To Wess’ credit, she’d been diligently paying attention to each and every presentation, and had yet to pull out her tablet. Not everyone had been impressive, but a few had caught her eye as teams to look out for in the future. That being said, Wess wasn’t about to contribute to the rest of the teams casual remarks. She was taking this seriously, after all.

Team Instinct made their way up, somehow both quickly and slowly at the same time.

“A greeting to you all.” Presented the leader of Team Instinct, as they stood up straight to the rest of the class. “My name is Donovan, and this is Team Instinct. If you’ll excuse us.”

And with that, the team left by the other side of the stage and exited out the lecture hall door, mumbling to themselves as they did so, leaving the rest of the class in utter confusion.

“Was that it?” Julia asked.

“I guess the team didn’t want to be here.” Harley noted.

Ferris found herself slightly impressed. “Now that’s my kind of team.” Ferris remarked, clicking her pen again. “Team Valiant, get up here.”

Julia heard the word ‘Valiant’ finally get called out, as her nerves started to attack her body again. She’d managed to hide them for now, but she could only hold them off for so long. “W-w-we’re u-up?” Julia quivered. “W-we’re already at V?! The last letter was I!”

“Julia, calm down, it’s okay.” Harley assured her, tugging her arm. “Come on, lets go rip off the bandage.”

“Do we have to go up? Can’t we just say it from here?” Julia argued, trying to pry herself from Harley’s grip, as Wess, Sola and Essex made their way down without a hassle.

Harley struggled to pull her along, before just picking her up and carrying her down toward the stage. She propped Julia in front of the microphone, and subsequently, the entire class, before standing behind her with the rest of the team.

“Must we do this so free form? They could have at lea-“ Wess complained, before Sola shushed her and looked to Julia.

“U-uhh…” Julia stuttered, finding her mouth far too dry. “H-hi…”

The class laughed a little at Julia’s awkwardness, as Harley took over the mic to fill the silence. “She’s Julia, our team leader.” Harley announced, taking the reigns. “And I’m Harley. Howdy y’all.” She walked back and stretched an arm around Wess. “This sourpuss is Wess. She doesn’t want to be here.”

“Not on stage, at least.” Wess clarified into the mic, getting a few more laughs, as Harley moved to Sola.

“This is Sola. She can shoot lightning, an-“

“Real quick!” Sola yelled, grabbing the mic. “I saw a bug near my seat! It looked cool, but it might be dangerous! It could have venom!”

The few classmates idly looked, as Harley giggled to herself and slipped over to Essex, still proudly standing beside her team.

“Aerlo Decali. My title is Essex.” She said into the mic. “A pleasure.”

“I think the folks at home want to here a little more.” Harley announced, waving the mic nearer to her. “Tell us, why’d you come to Venator Academy in the first place?”

“To eliminate all Wailing.” She replied bluntly.

A small silence hung over the room.

“…thank you, Essex.” Harley finished, scooting away from her. “And just to remind you we’re…”

She handed the mic back to Julia, still frozen in place, as she gulped and did her best to speak clearly. “T-team…V-Valiant.”

A polite applause broke out in the room, as Team Valiant made their way back up the stairs to their seats.

“See? Not so hard.” Harley told Julia, who nodded back to her.

“Can you do that from now on?” Julia asked, causing Harley to chuckle.

“You guys were adorable!” Joleicia praised, wrapping Julia in a hug. “I want to put you all in my pocket!”

“Next up, Team Vanguard.” Ferris called out.

“Oh, here we go!” Joleicia cheered, getting up along with her team.

“I’m gonna bring up what Wess said. Do we have to do this?” Florey complained.

“We’re professionals, aren’t we?” Chops suggested, as the team made their way to the stage.

“A warm welcome, my fellow Venators-to-be!” Joleicia announced over the microphone. “My name’s Joleicia McCarthy. I hope to make the academy proud in the coming years!”

She handed off the mic to Chops. “Hey, my name’s Chops. Don’t fall in love with me too fast.”

The class laughed, as Saxin took the mic. “I’m Saxin, and I mirror Chops’ sentiments.”

Lenin grabbed it next. “I’m Lenin. I don’t have much to say, but you keep your hands off Saxin.”

Finally, the mic landed on Florey, who took a second before talking, as he let out a small breath. “I’m…Florey. Hi.”

With that, he handed the mic back to Joleicia, who took a polite bow with her team. “To a successful three years.”

The class clapped for them again, as Ferris went up and grabbed the mic from them, before Team Vanguard headed back up to Team Valiant.

“Did you rehearse that?” Harley asked once they were back.

Joleicia found herself both proud and embarrassed. “No, it just sorta happened that way…”

“Oh, stop being modest. Joleicia’s confidence carried me through that.” Lenin said.

“She’s like the cheerleader and coach in one.” Chops added.

“You guys…” Joleicia cooed, blushing profusely, as Julia looked over at her in slightly ashamed jealousy.

Ferris tapped the mic. “I checked the list, and that looks like the last one. Unless we have some teams out there starting with Z?” Ferris asked, to no reply. “…since this is the first class, we’ll be cutting it off here, but team leaders should expect course material and assignment updates through their tablet, so it’s your job to get that to your teammates.” Ferris explained, as the teams started filing out one by one. “I’ll unfortunately see a few of you later in the day…”

“Pretty easy class to start off with.” Harley said, as Julia took a well earned breath after exiting the lecture hall.

“I hope that bug doesn’t hurt anyone…” Sola mentioned, as Wess pulled out her tablet.

“What’s everyone’s schedule like?” Julia asked, taking out her tablet as well. “I know I’ve got a class later today.”

“I have ‘Representation and Team Marketing’ in fifteen minutes. Fairly wordy title…” Wess assessed, checking over her timetable.

“Oh, hey, me too.” Harley said, waving her tablet. “Guess we get to share.”

Wess felt a certain headache coming on, as Julia flipped through her timetable. “Okay then, I’ve got…’Whil Application and Practical…Principles.’ Huh.” Julia said. “That’s a bad name.”

“Same here.” Sola replied.

“As do I.” Essex added.

“Really?” Julia beamed, wrapping her arms around Sola and Essex. “Oh, this is gonna be great! Let’s get ready for our class, while these two head off on their way.”

“Understood.” Essex replied, as Sola nodded in agreement.

“Sounds like a plan, team leader!” Harley exclaimed, giving a thumbs up to the trio as they headed off down the hallway. “Alright, Wess, betting time! Who’s getting high grades, me or you?”

Wess stared Harley down, before turning on her heel and leaving down the hall, as Harley tried to follow behind.

———

Julia walked a little ahead of Sola and Essex, as Sola leaned over to Essex and whispered into her ear.

“What do you think of Julia?” She asked.

Essex mulled for a second. “So far, she has been a competent leader, with respectable combative technique and a positive disposition. However, she appears to struggle with large social functions and self presentation when not with people she is familiar with.”

“No arguments here.” Sola replied, looking over at Julia’s joyous waltz through the halls. “I’m worried she might freeze up when we need her, though.”

“I have considered that.” Essex said back. “We will have to assess whether that will be a problem.”

The trio found the classroom, set up almost like a workshop with a large window looking out at the training grounds, as a few students were already dotted around, talking about this and that.

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“Looks like we’re here.” Julia commented, taking her seat and encouraging Sola and Essex to join her.

“I like the stools.” Sola said, jumping onto the stool next to Julia and nearly falling over.

Essex looked hers over and cautiously poked it, before taking her seat and finding her balance to be terribly off. “This seating is proving to be difficult.”

“It’s okay, Essex. It’s just a stool.” Julia assured her. “It’s not gonna hurt you.”

“How am I to be ready for an encounter like this?” Essex reasoned, trying to hold herself up with her scythe.

“You could throw the stool.” Sola suggested, getting a laugh out of Julia.

Essex looked unamused, as she tried to distract herself by peering around the classroom at the other students, and noticed the very noticeable presence of Team Beefcake, taking up an entire ten person table to themselves. “Those men were present at our previous class.” Essex said, getting Julia and Sola’s attention.

“It’s Team Beefcake. Wait, those guys have Whils?” Julia asked in bewilderment. “They’re already walking tanks.”

“Maybe their Whils made them super beefy?” Sola suggested, rocking back and forth on her stool.

Julia peered around them and noticed Efrem sitting next to them, writing something down in his journal.

“Even Efrem has one?”

“Hey, Julia?” Sola asked, borrowing Julia’s attention.

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for being our leader.” Sola thanked. “I know it’s probably hard having to navigate us all around, but…” Sola leaned in. “… between you and me, you’re doing a really good job.”

Julia smiled back at her and gave her a quick hug. “Thanks, Sola. I’m glad you appreciate it.”

Julia let go and started getting her things out, along with Sola and Essex, as the time for class officially passed.

“Who do you guys think we’ll get as our lecturer?” Julia asked.

Sola rested a finger against her chin. “Principal Faller.”

Julia cocked her head. “Why?”

“I need to ask him something.” Sola answered.

“But that wasn-“ Julia started, before the lecturer walked in, and revealed herself to be none other than…

“Good, uh, morning, I guess? Welcome to…shit, I looked this up.” Ferris complained, pulling out her notes again. She looked even more tired than the last class.

“We’re getting her again?” Julia asked, as Sola looked to Julia with a shared pain.

“Alright…uhh, ‘Whil Application and Practical…Principles. Man, that’s a bad title…” Ferris muttered, getting out from behind her podium. “Before we get to the administrative nonsense, I wanna see what everyone’s got to show. I’m assuming you all have a Whil. If not, this class will be just as pointless as I suspect, so feel free to leave now.”

Ferris took a beat, as the students present looked around for anyone leaving.

“Huh. We usually get at least one.” Ferris remarked. “Alright, grab your things, we’re heading out to the training grounds to hit stuff.”

Essex was perfectly ready to get off her stool, as the trio hopped along with the class.

“What do you think Harley and Wess are doing right now?” Sola asked Julia as they walked.

“Probably arguing.” Julia suggested. “What do you think, Essex?”

“I would assume them to be focusing on classwork.” Essex said. “...Harley less so.”

“Let’s just hope those two don’t tear each other’s heads off.” Julia wished.

———

Wess trudged down the hallway, as Harley fairly easily caught up behind her.

“So…you excited for class?” Harley asked.

“I’m hoping to sit and listen quietly. Take some notes. Maybe work off this headache…” Wess clarified, turning a sharp corner and throwing Harley off.

“You, uhh, know you way around.” Harley remarked.

“Unfortunately, I’ve had to navigate this place the hard way, but now I’ve got the layout down.” Wess stated, before nearly running into a wall. “…mostly.”

Wess continued, finding the right lecture hall, as she firmly took her seat amongst the other students, with Harley sitting right beside her.

“Lotta folks around.” Harley remarked, peering around them, as Wess started getting ready for class.

“It is a classroom, Harley.” Wess dryly remarked.

“Hey, aren’t those guys from Team Exemplary?” Harley realised, pointing them out in the crowd. They looked to be standing on top of their seats, trying to impress the students around them, to little avail. “I hope they aren’t too loud during the lecture.”

Wess didn’t reply, but did notice Harley kicking her legs back and forth impatiently in her side eye, and started to groan. “Harley?”

“Hmm?”

“While this class is going on, I would prefer if you wouldn’t move around or give any inane remarks like you did the last class. I’m here for an education, not your commentary track.”

Harley looked Wess over seriously, studying her expression and nodded. “Sure thing.”

Wess didn’t know whether Harley’s word could be trusted, but assured herself that she could always leave and watch the lecture on her tablet. After waiting a few more minutes, the lecturer arrived through the main door, a small briefcase by his side.

“Apologies for being late, class.” He said, taking his place on the stage in front of the present students. “It’s ironic that the PR teacher is leaving a bad first impression. But if you’ll allow me, I’ll spend the next hour or so trying to fix that.”

Wess subtlety glanced to Harley to make sure she was behaving. To her surprise, she noticed Harley’s attention was entirely on the lecturer, following his words with a clear focus. She even had a spare book out, ready to take notes.

She’s better prepared than I thought… Wess realised.

“My name’s Mr Vent. You’ll want to get on my good side if you want a job after your course.” He remarked. “Of course, I can always be bribed into sweetening your chances.”

Alright, she’ll have to say something witty about this…

Wess turned to Harley, and realised she was still staring forward, focus and manner intact.

…huh.

“Now a quick show of hands to gauge the audience, who here has an Activ account?” Vent asked.

In an instant, all of the class stuck their hands up, including Wess and Harley, as Vent counted to himself.

“Okay. As I expected. You can put them down now.” Vent said, going to grab some papers, as everyone except Harley lowered their hand. “Oh, do you have a question?”

“Yeah, just a quick one.” Harley said. “I actually don’t have an Activ account, but I was wondering what it is.”

Vent felt a smile coming on, as he tried to hide it as best he could. “You don’t have one?”

“Yeah.”

“And you’re taking a marketing unit?”

“Yeah.”

Vent leaned against his desk. “Can I ask your name?”

“Harley Baroke.” Harley replied proudly.

“Harley. I’m gonna let you guess what it is. Take your time.”

Harley thought for a second, as Wess tried to hide her embarrassment from the other students looking at them. Her worse suspicions were starting to come true, as an answer hit Harley. “A dating app.”

The class laughed at her answer, as Vent stood back up and tried to quiet them down. “Now, come on class, that was a good effort.” He walked forward and looked over at Harley again. “Would you like me to explain it?”

Harley found herself a little embarrassed as well, as she blushed and nodded to him.

“Okay then. For the benefit of Harley, I will explain the purpose of Activ.” He continued, strutting around the stage. “Activ is both by and for Venators and acts as an informational hub for all Venators. Features include personal contacts, recent Venator news, warnings about danger areas, potential job offers and a payment system, and exclusive pages and websites devoted to Venators and Venator teams. The public has access to some of these features, but this allows us to function within a well defined system with built in rules and regulations.” Vent explained, turning back to Harley. “Does that clear things up?”

Harley found her blush coming back. “Y-yes, sir, thank you.”

Vent chuckled to himself a little. “Okay then. Moving on to more substantial matters…”

Wess noticed Harley sink into her seat, still hurting from being told off in front of the whole class, as the students from Team Exemplary looked back at Harley, mocking her to themselves. Harley tried her best to pay attention, but from the people still making fun of her, she was starting to lack the motivation.

Wess glared back at them angrily, scaring them and forcing them back around, before scooching over to Harley’s side and letting out a quiet sigh.

“I can help you set up an Activ account.”

Harley eyes lit up. “Really?”

Wess nodded. “But promise you’ll keep taking notes and focus. No slacking off.”

Harley nodded back to her and sat up, as Wess closed the distance between them and let her copy some notes from her book.

“Thanks.” Harley said.

“I’m just doing the right thing.” Wess replied.

———

“Impressive display, Essex.” Ferris called out, shielding her eyes from the sun, as Essex removed her metal skin with her Whil. “Team Valiant’s a lot better composed then their introduction would’ve suggested.”

Julia tried not to take the comment personally, and decided to take it as a complement about Essex’s impressive Whil.

“Great job, Essex. You really know what you’re doing.” Julia praised.

“It is nothing exceptional.” She replied. “I have trained well. This is the natural result.”

Julia smiled to her, as Ferris recorded her information about Essex. As the class waited, Julia inspected the grounds, as she caught a brief glimpse of Team Instinct, training together underneath the scorching sun. Their leader Donovan was directing them here and there, joining in as much as possible, as the team caught up with them, hanging on their every command.

“So that’s where they went…” Julia realised, as Ferris finished up her scribbling.

“Alright…Sola. Get up here.” Ferris projected, reading over her list, before noticing Sola wasn’t beside Julia and Essex. “Dammit, where is she?”

The class peered around for her, as Julia spotted her off beside the classroom door, touching her fingers together nervously.

“Can you go get her?” Ferris asked Julia. “Think of it as a…leader…mission. Something like that.”

Julia was off anyway, as Sola saw her coming and shied away a bit more.

“You okay, Sola?” Julia asked.

“There’s a lot of people in our class…” She murmured.

“Yeah…I noticed.” Julia said, trying to block the others from Sola’s view.

Sola bunched up a little tighter. “I’m worried I might accidentally hit someone with my lightning. And then I’ll get expelled. And then my parents’ll unadopt me and leave me to die. Then who knows what might happen…”

Julia realised Sola’s point. “I guess you would be pretty scared.”

Sola nodded, as Julia looked back at the class and Essex waiting, before crouching down so she was Sola’s height.

“How do you feel right now?” Julia asked.

“Nervous.” Sola admitted. “Shaky and nervous.”

“You saw me on stage earlier. I had it just as bad.” Julia said. “I’ve been dealing with that for a while, and truthfully, I haven’t gotten much better about it. Though that isn’t for lack of trying.”

Sola looked up to Julia as she talked.

“But when I was frozen in place, Harley took over and worked the crowd like I couldn’t. I was struggling to say even a few things, but after seeing how great she made our team look, I managed to speak on stage. And I’ve never done that before.”

Sola nodded along with what Julia was saying, feeling her confidence come back a little more.

“So, if you screw up really bad, then Essex and I will help you through, or take the blame if you need. I’m gonna look after you.” Julia promised her. “Or, if you want, I can just screw up really bad on my demonstration to make you look better.”

Sola giggled a little, as she wiped her nose and looked back at the class.

“You want to let a couple others go before you?” Julia suggested.

Sola looked happy about Julia’s idea and nodded. “Maybe just a few…”

“Come on, I think Essex is waiting.” Julia said, standing up and looking back at Sola, as she stretched out her hand. Sola tentatively grabbed it, as they walked back and joined up with the class.

“You two ready yet?” A classmate called out.

“Sorry, guys. Sola just didn’t want to hurt anyone.” Julia explained. “Miss Ferris, can Sola go a little later? I promise it’s worth it.”

Ferris looked down at them and shrugged. “Sure. There’s no schedule or anything. Who else wan…”

Ferris scanned over the class and saw Team Beefcake, still flexing far too much, clearly trying to grab her attention. Unfortunately, it worked.

“…Team…ugh, Beefcake. Would you like to go now?” Ferris asked.

“I thought you’d never ask!” Brad exclaimed, flexing a bit more, before rushing to the front of the class and striking another pose.

“Bare witness! I called this: Angel’s Ascent!!!”

And with a graceful leap, Brad soared into the air, as out from his back, two large angelic wings sprouted and sent him higher into the sky, gentle feathers fluttering down, as he looped through the air with the elegance of a dancer. The class gasped in awe at his display, expecting something closer to a giant explosion or the ability to create earthquakes, but this was just as impressive.

“I did not think he would be so light off of his feet.” Essex remarked, getting a little laugh out of Julia. “Julia? Have I done something amusing?”

“Essex, that was a play on words.” Julia said.

“Was it?” Essex asked. “I merely meant he looked to not be putting any wei-“

“Oh! I just got it!” Sola added, silencing Essex, as they looked back at Brad landing back down.

“…huh.” Ferris said. “Well…okay then.”

Brad rested his hands on his hips. “Should I demonstrate aga-“

“No, once was enough.” Ferris interrupted. “Thank you, Brad.”

“Alright team, you’re up! Do the Beefcake name proud!!!” Brad cheered, hyping up the rest of Team Beefcake.

“WHOOOAAAAHHHH!!! YEEAAAAAHHHH!!!”

“Indeed.” Efrem chimed in, joining the group for a five-way high five.

Ferris massaged the brim of her nose. “Fun display…hurry up already.”

One after the other, the members of Team Beefcake each took their turn presenting their Whils in as grandiose a fashion as possible. Chad created streams of energy around him, like a ribbon dance and light show in one, Thad produced clouds around him, carrying him gently through the air and shrouding him from view, Lad called out into the nearby forest, as several small animals and creatures gathered around him, waiting for his command, and Efrem…

“If you all wouldn’t mind standing back.” Efrem advised, as the class took a few paces backwards. “I also don’t recommend staring into it directly.”

With that, Efrem aimed his finger in a gun formation toward the edge of the forest, just where the training grounds ended, as a small collection of blackened light swirled around his finger, before firing in a blink, landing against the ground, and expanding, enveloping the area around it in a controlled consuming vortex that was felt throughout the training grounds and then some. Peering into it gave no sign of life or warmth, only a shroud of emptiness that’s purpose was to destroy.

After the darkness ceased to exist, Efrem turned to the class with a prim politeness.

“I call that Death Cannon.” He said.

Ferris was having trouble comprehending…anything. “D-d-death…?”

“I admit, it’s not the most elegant name, but I believe it gets the point across.” Efrem stated. “However, while this may be far more flashy and resplendent, I would regard my mightiest weapon to be the written word!” Efrem exclaimed.

“…Efrem, I’ve never told a student this before.” Ferris prefaced. “Never use your Whil. Not here, not in the city, not as a party trick. Keep it to yourself and work on anything else.”

Efrem sighed. “I suppose that’s an appropriate response. I shall take you words to heart!”

He rushed back over to Team Beefcake. “What did you think? Did it hit the mark?”

“YYYEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHH!!!” Team Beefcake cheered, carrying Efrem on their shoulders joyously in celebration, as we cut back to Team Valiant, still reeling from Efrem’s display.

“He is worrying to me.” Essex said. “I may have to eliminate him at some point.”

“I think I’m scared of Efrem.” Julia said, getting a sympathy nod from Sola.

“…okay...Team Valiant, you wanna finish up now?” Ferris asked, shaking her head a little.

Julia broke her trance. “Oh! Sure.” She looked down at Sola. “You feel ready to demonstrate yet? I mean, if Efrem didn’t hurt anyone, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Sola looked back up as Julia, before staring down at her hands again. “Could…you go first?”

Julia smiled back at her. “Sure thing.” Julia replied, before quickly realising just what that meant, as she looked back at the large crowd behind her nervously.

Julia stepped forward, becoming the centre of attention for the class very fast.

“Don’t choke like the intro, okay?” Someone called out, getting a laugh from some of the students.

Julia felt her spine crawl, before looking back at Sola with a gulp and a reassuring nod.

“C-can I borrow something…throwable?” Julia asked the class, with a noticeable lessening of her stutter. “Preferably…s-something that’s not valuable.”

Chad raised his hand and headed up to Julia, as he reached into his bag and held out a dumbbell.

“Go ahead. I’ve got plenty.” Chad grinned.

How in character. Julia thought.

Julia grabbed the dumbbell, before testing its weight in her hand and reeling her arm back in a pitching position. She aimed the dumbbell upward, throwing it decently far into the air by her strength alone, before concentrating deeply and using her Whil to speed up its velocity until it reached near triple its speed, sending a small shock wave out as it did so, as it flew further than anyone could even see.

The class gave an impressed clap, as Julia made sure to turn around slowly, mostly from exhaustion, but also to make sure the clapping wasn’t sarcastic.

“V-Velocity Control.” Julia said, using the name Chops suggested. “I can speed up and s-slow down anything I see. Th-thank you…”

Julia felt she was going to collapse, as the physical toll of using her Whil and her anxiety were pincering her body in the worst ways. But looking at Sola, she saw her not cowering, but determined; encouraged to do just as good, if not better, all thanks to Julia’s impressive display.

“Alright, Sola, it’s about time.” Ferris asked. “Show us your stuff so we can leave sooner.”

Sola gave a confident nod to Julia, as Julia joined back up with her and Essex. Sola took a few steps forward, standing in front of the rest of the class, grounding herself in place, as she felt her fingers start to generate sparks between each digit. Electricity built up around her, lifting what it could into the air, and starting to connect in front of her. And just like before, strands of sparks, then currents, then lightning crashed against the ground one by one, before forming a large chaotic burst of electricity originating from Sola’s body alone.

She let the currents die down, as Ferris checked to see if the coast was clear to step forward.

“Well…” Ferris said. “You’re lacking some direction, so we’ll have to work on that, but that was well worth the wait. Holy shit, Sola.”

“Hey, can I have your Whil instead of mine?” A classmate called out, as a few students agreed with them.

Sola looked back at the crowd, specifically Essex and Julia, and turned to that student happily. “No!”

She skipped back to Julia’s side, bobbing back and forth excitedly, as Julia appreciated what she’d accomplished today.

———

“Alright, that’ll do it for today. I expect great things from you.” Vent declared, before playfully looking back at Harley. “Most of you.”

“Would it be okay if I punched a teacher?” Harley asked Wess through gritted teeth, as Wess turned Harley’s attention back to her tablet.

“He’s trying to goad you on. Don’t let it phase you.” Wess said, tapping a few more options, then handing the tablet back to Harley. “Now all you need is a few personal contact details, and your Activ account will be finished.”

Harley grinned to Wess. “Thanks for helping me out. You’re a real friend.”

Wess wasn’t used to being appreciated and shied away from Harley. “It was nothing…”

“Hey, how’s the account going?” A student asked, as Harley quickly recognised them from the intro as Leandra and Roman from Team Exemplary. Leandra looked a bit ahead of herself. “It must've been hard to fill in details with those meaty bone fingers.”

Harley thought about wrapping said fingers around her neck, as Wess rested a hand against her shoulder to calm her. “Actually, she now has one. One of professional quality too.” Wess replied. “And if you’re going to insult someone, don't debase yourself with an oxymoron.”

“M-moron?! You take that back, you hoity princess!” Leandra yelled, as Roman held her back from flailing.

“Geez, Leandra, keep it together.” Roman sighed. “Besides, Harley’ll be lost within the hour.”

“I have a map of the school, genius.” Harley shot back, as Wess facepalmed behind her.

“I meant using Activ.” Roman clarified. “You haven’t used the account yet. You probably don’t even know what donquing is.”

As Harley drew a mental blank from the unfamiliar term, Wess leaned into her ear subtlety. “It’s short for ‘dividing and conquering.’ It’s when only a few members of a team are hired fo-“

“It’s when only a few members of a team do a job!” Harley yelled mid explanation, as Roman looked unimpressed.

“Yeah, I saw her whispering to you. Nice try.” Roman drawled, dragging Leandra by the collar. “Come on, this stopped being fun.”

“I’ll get you back for that moron comment, princess!” Leandra yelled, as Wess and Harley turned to each other in a shared exasperation.

“Those two were exhausting…” Wess sighed.

“Leandra’s a piece of work. She looked ready to tear your head off.” Harley commented. “I probably would’ve gone for the throat of you hadn’t stopped me.”

“The last thing I need is an associate of mine attacking another. First rule of marketing; converse with all, even the detestable.” Wess advised, packing up her things, as her and Harley headed out.

“I could never talk to annoying kids. My dads had to pull me out of a lot of lunches for starting fights. Davidson especially.” Harley remarked. “He was always nice about it, though.”

Harley turned to Wess. “What’s your dad like?”

Wess sighed. “Nothing you’d like to hear about.”

“Oh, sorry. Didn’t realise that was a sore point.” Harley apologised. “We can just walk in silence.”

After a bit more walking, Wess stopped suddenly and looked at Harley, confused as to what Wess was doing.

“Harley…I want to apologise.” Wess said. “You proved to be competent in that class, despite Mr Vent’s condescending remarks.”

Just competent? Harley wondered.

“…and you worked really hard throughout and committed yourself to learning. So, thank you, for exceeding my expectations.” Wess declared, a little out of place now that her point had been made.

I don’t think they were very high anyway… Harley thought, before noticing the clear amount of personal pride Wess had to put aside. …I guess that’s big for now.

“So I guess you could say I’m the brains and the brawn now?” Harley joked, before getting the expected disappointed response from Wess. “Sorry, just lightening the mood.”

“And right back to it…” Wess acknowledged, as Harley wrapped an arm around her playfully, which Wess accepted.

———

“Who would’ve expected such powerful Whils from Team Downplay?” Sola remarked, as her, Julia and Essex headed back down the halls after their class.

“Yeah, they kept saying ‘it’s not that impressive,’ then that one guy blew up that tree!” Julia recounted.

Essex nodded along. “Should we meet up with Harley and Wess?”

“You guys go ahead, actually.” Julia said. “I’ve been meaning to catch up with Florey, and if I don’t do it now, I might forget. I’ll meet back up with you once I’ve found him.”

“Okay. See you later, leader!” Sola exclaimed, waving to Julia as they departed.

Julia started searching, looking through every hall she could, before she turned the corner and spotted Florey off to the side, sitting against a window.

What’s he doing?

Julia approached slowly, as to not startle Florey too bad, before finally getting into his field of view.

“Hey stranger.” Julia greeted. “You okay? Joleicia said you had a rough few days.”

Florey flashed a well meaning smile. “Yeah, that’s the half of it…I argued with Ferris in class.”

“Yeah?” Julia said, taking a seat next to him.

“She opened up our Wailing History class by suggesting most Wailing’s legs had anatomy close to birds.” Florey explained. “Everyone knows they’re far closer to canines than anything!”

“Everyone?”

Florey looked a little embarrassed. “Okay, I did, but she wouldn’t let the point go, even though I had the proof.”

Julia chuckled to herself. “I bet you did. But I don’t think that’s all that’s bothering you.”

Florey acknowledged her point and looked off to the side.

“You won’t do any good keeping this to yourself.” Julia said.

“Yeah, I know…”

“Can I guess where you’re at?” Julia asked.

Florey sighed. “Do you have to?”

“I’m gonna assume that you got called out on something, and because you’re very prideful, it hurt like hell. You haven’t talked to your team yet because you only just met, and you don’t want to burden them with your problems, so you’re suffering in silence.” Julia suggested. “How close did I get?”

Florey waved his hand. “About eighty percent. You starting to lose your touch.”

Julia laughed a little. “I’m just out of practice.”

Florey smiled back to her. “…you’re right about Team Vanguard, and my…pride, but…it’s not just them, or Ferris. It’s the academy.”

“How so?”

Florey blinked in confusion. “How so? It’s been two weeks since the biggest Wailing disaster Detu City’s ever seen, and everyone’s already forgotten about it! Why aren’t we fighting back?”

“They’ve increased security around the campus.”

“I mean taking the fight to the Wailing, rather than sitting around, waiting for the next one.”

“The academy’s not ready to fight back. It’s still recovering after the Behemoth Wailing.” Julia tried to reason.

“But it’s not even trying. Our first day was spent doing, what, extended introductions? What if another one comes? What if we get caught in another massive Wailing attack we didn’t predict because we weren’t trying to? No, instead, we’re learning how to say hi and I’m getting yelled out because the teacher won’t admit she’s wrong. Some academy…”

Julia conceded his point and tried to look at his face again. “You said it yourself, Florey. It’s only been two weeks. Isn’t it a good thing that everyone’s already moving on and not letting it scare them?”

Florey didn’t reply, but was clearly thinking about her argument.

“I’m sure the academy’s working on something. Remember, the Venator Academy isn’t military, it can’t just throw resources around, especially with two support buildings out of commotion. If a retaliation’s going to happen, it’s gonna take time.”

Florey tried taking Julia’s words to heart, as he kicked the wall to let out some frustration.

“Feel better?” Julia asked.

Florey looked down at the floor. “…I forgot how good you were at this.”

“I’m pretty great.” Julia smiled.

“…I’ll give the academy more time to work on it. But I better see some results, or I’m causing a fuss. Then I’ll drown stupid Ferris in that damn moat as a symbol of my rebellion.” Florey said.

Julia caught herself laughing. “Pretty sure they’d lock you up for that.” Julia pointed out.

“Well if I’m arrested, you can get my bail.” Florey joked, laughing to himself afterwards.

“If you get arrested, then you probably deserved it. I might just let you rot.” Julia added, snickering into her hand.

“Wow, Julia. Why would you do that to a dear friend?”

“Cause you’ll come out on top.” Julia said, flashing a smile. “Like you always do.”

Florey blushed a little at Julia’s compliment, scratching his face awkwardly. “You don’t mean that…”

Just out the corner of her eye, Julia noticed Sola and Essex, now joined up with Harley and Wess, waving to her.

“Oh, my team’s here. I gotta go.” Julia said, getting up. “Talk to your own team more, okay? I’m not gonna be your free therapist whenever you feel angsty.”

“Not with that attitude.” Florey said, as Julia’s playfully punched his arm and headed off, leaving him to look back out the window in reflection.

———

“Is the day over yet?” Harley asked, stretching her arms behind her.

Julia looked out at the training grounds, as groups of students started heading back inside as the sun hid behind the horizon. “It’s certainly winding down.”

Julia turned around and walked backward in front of her team. “How was your class, guys?”

“Piece of cake.” Harley cheered, as Wess turned to her, annoyed.

“Anything but. I had to coach Harley throughout the whole lecture. She didn’t even have an Activ account before I helped her.” Wess complained.

“You weren’t on Activ?” Julia asked Harley in astonishment.

“I got one the moment I got here.” Sola chimed in.

Harley started to pout. “I grew up in a small town! We didn’t need social media.” Harley justified. “You could just yell down the main street and get the attention of everyone you knew and then some.”

“Relias, but what is an ‘Activ account'?” Essex asked.

“See? Even good ol’ professional Essex doesn’t know!” Harley exclaimed, leaving Essex without an answer.

“Sorry, I guess I’m just surprised.” Julia apologised, looking back out the window idly, before spotting a few familiar figures still on the training grounds.

She stood in place to look at them, as the rest of the team noticed she’d stopped and looked out with her.

“What’re you looking at?” Harley asked.

“I think that’s Team Instinct.” Julia replied, spotting the figures in the middle of physical training. Four of them looked to be in a sparring match, three against one, as the leader Donovan stood on the side lines, yelling commands at the others and dictating their strategy.

“They’re still out?” Sola added, now climbing over Julia’s head to see.

“They’re obviously quite dedicated to training.” Wess pointed out. “It would explain why the team left during their introduction.”

Julia looked back down at Team Instinct, as the rest of Team Valiant started heading back to their dorm room.

“You coming, Julia?” Harley asked.

“I’m gonna hang back, actually.” Julia admitted. “I want to have a talk with Donovan. You guys wanna join me?”

“No thanks. That marketing class took it out of me.” Harley reasoned, as Wess and Sola both shook their heads.

“I must begin my own routine, which includes nightly running that I will need to start soon. I will examine their routine at another time.” Essex excused, waving goodbye to Julia. “Dovono.”

“See you guys back at the dorm.” Julia waved back, as she headed down to the training grounds.

———

“Come on Judy! Keep up the pace!” Donovan yelled. “You’re sinking behind Jordan!”

“Yes…Donovan!” Judy replied, pushing herself harder and managing to catch up with the rest of the team, as Julia approached and watched from the side lines, sidling up to Donovan’s side. Each of the members seemed to be carrying weapons on their back, all fairly generic and clearly from the academy’s Weapon Reserves, but adding just enough weight to make the run look excruciating.

That reminds me, I gotta get a rifle before my Tracking and Hunting class. Julia remembered.

Donovan took a minute before noticing her staring at their team. “Can I help you?”

Julia realised she hadn’t said anything yet and jumped back a little. “Oh, n-no, sorry. I just wanted to check out your team.”

Donovan turned back and folded their arms, as the rest of Team Instinct took another lap.

“…s-sorry, but can I ask something?” Julia said, as Donovan sighed openly.

“Sure. What it is?”

“Why’d you guys…leave during your intro?” Julia asked.

Donovan faced their team again. “We’re here to become stronger, not socialise. People are gonna admire us for our accomplishments and strength. Rayjon! Your left leg’s dragging!” Donovan yelled, as Rayjon fixed it up as soon as they said it. “Venators need strength and courage above all else.”

Julia thought about that sentiment. “I guess I see your point. You could b-“

“Rayjon!!! Stop dragging!!!”

“…you could be a bit more social though. And maybe not yell at your team…” Julia suggested, before immediately regretting it, as Donovan stared her down.

But, to Julia’s surprise, Donovan sighed. “They’re here to get stronger too. If I’m not firm, they’ll fall under the pressure. The best I can do is encourage them when the job’s well done.” Donovan said, as the team came back around and finally finished running, panting heavily. “Great work today, everyone. This should be a standard for further Monday training.”

“Yes…Donovan…” They all panted, grabbing water bottles and towels to cool off.

“See?” Donovan replied, as Julia understood their point.

“You guys are really impressive.” Julia said. “You’re already acting like a real team.”

“We’re certainly putting in the hours for it…” Rudy chimed in.

Donovan turned to her, glare fixated, as Rudy shut up and kept packing her bag.

“You can join us for our training programs.” Donovan asked. “You could use a bit more muscle.”

“Oh, n-no thanks, I’m not a…physical brawler.” Julia excused. “I’m fine with my guns and my Whil…”

“You have a Whil?” Asked Jordan, with the rest of the team now staring at her, as Julia suddenly became the centre of attention for the team.

“Yeah?” Julia said, as the team approached her excitedly.

“What does it do? Tell me!” Rudy asked.

“I can…speed up and slow down…velocity…”

“Whoa!” Rudy cheered, frantically turning to Donovan. “Can we keep her?”

“Alright, back off.” Donovan declared, as the team went back to packing, still giggling to themselves. “Sorry about them. I’m the only one with a Whil in the team, so they seem to get overly excited about it.” Donovan took a breath and sat against the log seat beside the training grounds running track.

“You look really tired.” Julia said, joining them on the log.

“You probably missed it, but I was running with these guys earlier. I’m totally buggered…” Donovan moped, lying against the log now.

Julia nodded a little, as she watched Team Instinct talking amongst themselves, joking around and pumping each other up, wrapping their arms around each others necks playfully.

“How’ve you found being a leader?” Julia said, as Donovan sat up.

“It’s…a little difficult at first. Your first impulse is to act like you know what’s best for the whole team, but when that doesn’t work, you double down in the other direction and give them too much freedom. It’s a balance.” Donovan reasoned. “Are you a team leader too?”

Julia smiled a little. “Yeah. I’m not…like you though. No offense.” Julia apologised, as Donovan waved it okay. “At least with the commanding part.”

“What’s your relationship with your team like?” Donovan asked.

“We’re pretty good friends already.” Julia explained. “Wess is a little…but, she’s getting there.” Julia lay against the log as well and looked back at the foliage behind them. “I keep remembering those interviews with Team Spectrum where X-Ray would pal around with his team like they were best friends, then it’d cut to them out on the field, where he’s yelling commands and directing everyone around. I never felt great about the second part, and living it’s even harder…”

Julia sat back up. “But everyone keeps doing their own thing, and I’m not gonna force them to stop, but I also want us to be a team together. I just wish they’d let me…”

Donovan heard Julia out before laughing to themselves a little. “It sounds like they don’t need a leader right now.”

Julia blinked. “Huh?”

“My team wants to keep going forward, get stronger and always improve on yesterday’s work, so they need a strong guiding voice for that.” Donovan said. “Your team sounds more individual and personal than that. You’re worried about hurting their feelings, but you’re also giving them space to be themselves and letting them learn on their own. They need a bit of simple routine, not rigid structures.”

Julia reflected on what Donovan was saying. “I guess that’s a good thing.”

“But don’t be afraid to push them a little. You’re still the leader, even if you don’t need to be one.”

Julia laughed a little. “I get what you mean. If you want, I know two of my teammates that might want to join your training. Maybe three, if I could convince Wess…”

“Of course. As long as they’re fine with being ordered around.” Donovan said.

Julia looked a little embarrassed. “…maybe not then.”

Both of them laughed to themselves, as Julia got up and brushed herself off. “I know we just met, but thanks for a surprisingly good talk.”

“Good luck with your team.” Donovan wished. “You’ll grow into it, I’m sure.”

Julia grinned back to them, before saying goodbye to the rest of the team and leaving for her dorm room.

I’m sure I’m doing fine. Just cause I’m not a walking charisma fountain like Joleicia or as strong willed as Donovan doesn’t mean I’m doing something wrong. I’ll get to know them better, even if I only have to push the gas occasionally. Julia thought over, as she opened up the dorm door to see Harley and Sola on the couch, with Wess and Essex clearly off doing their own thing.

“Hey, Julia.” Harley called, as Sola waved too.

“Hi. You guys had dinner yet?” Julia asked.

“I did!” Sola announced, as Julia went to open the fridge. “Also, we’re out of cheese.”

Julia made herself a quick sandwich and joined Harley and Sola by the seating area, as they watched some show on the TV about extreme sports.

“Hey, Sola told me what you did for her today.” Harley said, grinning to Julia. “That was really awesome of you.”

“Really?” Julia said, as Harley and Sola both nodded. “T-thanks…”

“We got a littl-whoa!” Harley cheered, as the athletes on screen collided in a violent display. “Sorry, we got a little worried that you might’ve felt bad from the intro today. But from what Sola told me, you handled it really well.”

“I even showed off my Whil to Harley when we got back!” Sola cheered. “Also, we need a new toaster.”

Julia now spotted the totally burnt toaster beside their feet and pieced together what might’ve happened “Huh.”

“So don’t feel ba-what the?! Ref, ref!!! Call that!!!” Sola yelled at the screen, with Harley joining in, as Julia happily looked on at their display.

She sat back and watched the show with them, enjoying the carnage of the athletes from the side lines, and was happy with where she was.