Wess still wasn’t used to waking up above another person. The slight vertigo of stirring awake a few metres in the air was already difficult, but feeling a person rustling underneath her getting out of the bottom bunk was just enough to give her the abrupt awakening of seven o’clock. She turned her head back into the pillow and pretended not to be awake, at least for another hour. This was a Saturday, for goodness sake. She had earned the right to sleep in.

“Huh.” She heard Julia remark from the kitchen, as Wess tried to block her out as best she could. Wess heard the steady steps of Julia approach her bed, before stopping suddenly.

“Wess?” Julia asked.

“…yes?” Wess begrudgingly replied, her face still in the pillow.

“Sorry to wake you. Did the fridge have any food in it when you got back last night?”

“I don’t remember.” Wess answered, now finished with the conversation.

“Well, it’s running a bit low.” Julia said. Wess avoided replying, her head buried as far as it could go into the pillow. Julia didn’t seem to pick up on the hint.

“And I was thinking…” Julia suggested. “We could go and get some groceries at that mall down in the city centre.”

“We?” Wess felt inclined to ask.

“Well, you and me, and the rest of team, if they wanted to.” Julia explained.

“What’s this about a trip?” Harley asked, just coming through the front door with her shoes in her hands.

Oh gods… Wess thought, disengaging as quick as she could.

“Were you out…” Julia asked, pointing to the shoes. “…you know?”

“Oh yeah.” Harley grinned, sitting against the couch. “Two times, actually.”

“…so anyway, I noticed we’re nearly out of food, and I thought we could head to the mall as a team.” Julia repeated.

“Hell yeah!” Harley exclaimed. “We desperately need some decorations for the room, especially some stuff for the balcony. It’s way too display home for my tastes.”

“What’s this about a trip?” Sola asked, still rubbing her eyes from having just woken up. Wess started thrashing her legs against the bed, as Essex also entered from her room, currently in her exercise gear, ready to start her morning run.

“We’re going on a trip to that mall in the city.” Julia said. “We need groceries and Harley wants some balcony furniture.”

“Can I come too?” Sola excitedly asked. “I really want a plant.”

“I have need of a new tablet charger.” Essex explained, showing her charger to be torn in half. “This one was broken easily.”

“Alright, that’s everyone! Let’s get ourselves ready.” Julia exclaimed.

“Leave me here to exist in peace…” Wess bemoaned, trying to lie perfectly still without starting anymore conversations.

“Alriiight, team, it’s time for the mall. We’re gooona get, a really good haul.” Julia sang, pumping up everyone except Wess, still in her bed.

“My goodness, stop that incessant noise…” Wess complained.

“Come ooon, Wess, team exercise! Come ooon, Wess, it’s time for team time!” Julia continued, slowly and excitedly approaching Wess’s bed.

“For the sake of my sanity, cease your singing!” Wess cried, covering her ears.

“Sincerely.” Julia smirked. “If you come along and hang out with the team.”

Wess sighed to herself, before leaving her bed and death staring Julia.

“This trip will last no more than two hours. I want to rest after my first week of classes, not dawdle around a mall with nothing to do.” Wess reasoned.

“Two hours is fine. This shouldn’t take long anyway.” Julia agreed.

“…thank you.” Wess sighed, grabbing her handbag and clothing. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Quickly, she headed into the bathroom to change, as the rest of the team started chatting amongst themselves, before Wess rejoined them to head off to the academy train station.

The train station was set up fairly close to the academy entrance, with train seats divided into three forward facing against three back facing seats to better accommodate teams sitting together. A few teams were already seated, passing the time together, as a message rang out from the train.

“Next stop: Detu Central. Five minutes to departure.”

“I’ve never been on a train before.” Sola commented, as she tentatively stepped onto the vehicle with the rest of her team. “It better not hurl me through a wall.”

“No worries.” Harley said, parking herself down by the window seat. “If you want, I can hold my arm over you like a seatbelt.”

Sola frantically nodded and sat next to her, as Harley stretched her arm across, with the rest of the team joining them soon after.

“How’d you get to the academy if you didn’t go by train?” Julia asked, sitting next to a displeased Wess and silent Essex.

“My parents drove me here, all the way from the Eastern Wayside.” Sola answered. “Didn’t yours?”

Julia went to answer, but stopped herself, shying away from the question.

“Don’t ask something like that, Sola. It’s awfully rude.” Wess defended.

“No, it’s fine.” Julia said, indicating she didn’t need defending. “My parents split up when I was young. Dad could have driven me, but he would’ve missed a shift at work, so I came by train.”

“Oh, sorry.” Sola apologised. “I didn’t-“

“It’s fine, Sola.” Julia sighed, before breaking into a smile. “Let’s focus on the trip.”

“Oka-aahh!” Sola shrieked, as the train started lurching forward to depart, with Harley’s arm instinctively holding her back. Sola started breathing heavily.

“You’re okay.” Harley said. “Trains do that.”

“Often?!” Sola panicked, holding the arm rests and Harley’s rested arm for stability, as Harley giggled to herself at Sola’s cuteness.

The train rose off the ground, slowly climbing up the connected rail into the air, nearly thirty metres high, before shooting off down the railing at unbelievable speeds. The ride lasted a mere five minutes, despite the city being a noticeably long way from the academy. It passed through the city’s skyline, skyscrapers flashing by for the briefest of moments, as passengers nearly caught a glimpse into the occupant’s lives. Occasionally, the train would pass above an intersection, revealing gorgeously lain out street side stores and wandering people, all lavish and professional in its construction.

“Whoa.” Harley said, staring out the window and being graced with a view so meticulous.

Sola quickly followed, her face pressed against the glass, as she admired the passers by, having seemingly forgotten her previous panic.

Julia giggled at the two of them, as Wess kept to herself, still frustrated that she was being dragged off for something so monotonous. Essex inspected her scythe, idly passing the time, as she was already familiar with the city from her initial arrival.

“Detu Central.” Rang the speaker. “Stopping at Detu Central.”

“That was so quick.” Julia commented. “And I barely felt it.”

Wess refused to engage, as Sola was still staring out the window. “I've never been to the city either.”

Harley slung an arm around her. “We need to get you out more. You’ve been too cooped up in the academy.”

“I’m good.” Sola replied, worming her way out and taking her seat back.

“Looks like you got over your nerves, Sola.” Julia mentioned.

Sola quickly realised and smiled. “Oh yeah! Good on me-aaahhh!!!”

The train sped down the end railing and pulled into the station, slowly crawling to a halt by the side of the mall, as Sola jumped for the exit as soon as she could, with the rest of the team following behind her.

“I don’t wanna do that again! That was so stressful!” Sola cried, turning to her team for sympathy.

“We will need the train to get back to the academy.” Essex reminded her.

“Dammit!” Sola yelled, kicking into the air, then into a trash can by accident. “Ow!”

“Sola, stop kicking things.” Julia complained, before realising they were already in front of the imposing mall, hanging over the entire team.

A large arch graced the entrance, as several people waded in and out, carrying bags and groceries and all in somewhat of a hurry. The mall was dimly lit and seemed to go farther than the eye could see, with stores lining each wall, ranging from clothing and food, technology and home accessories, hobbies and all sorts, and even an entire store devoted to Venators.

“Hyper…Mall?” Wess read, squinting at the garish sign above the entrance.

“Everyone brought their wallets?” Julia asked.

“Yeah, but I don’t think it’ll be enough.” Harley said. “We’re feeding and decorating a whole room of five.”

“Then no unnecessary expenditure. Food and furniture are the main priority.” Julia clarified.

“How are we gonna carry our stuff? Especially the furniture.” Sola asked, her hand unnecessarily raised.

Julia spun around dynamically, revealing her backpack, filled with pockets of other bags. “No way was I moving to a dorm without grocery bags to spare. Plus, Harley can totally lift everything we need.”

“Consider it done.” Harley bragged, cracking her knuckles.

“Alright, who wants to do what?” Julia asked.

“I shall finish my task quickly. I will meet with you soon.” Essex said, already walking into the mall, leaving the team standing where they were.

“…okay then. How about Harley and Sola go get us furniture…”

“Yeah!” They both exclaimed, high-fiving each other.

“…and me and Wess can go get food.” Julia suggested, looking to Wess for approval.

Wess avoided eye contact, but was still visibly listening. “…if I must.”

“Thank you, Wess.” Julia said kindly, passing off some bags to Harley and Sola. “If you need anymore, just come find us.”

Sola looked back at the building and started wobbling, as Harley took her shoulder. “Relax, I downloaded a map of the mall before we left the academy.”

“Thanks...” Sola sighed, now a walking bundle of flippant nerves, as her and Harley headed to the sizeable furniture section of the already sizeable mall.

“Where do you want to go first, Wess?” Julia asked.

“…since I’ve been so graciously dragged along, I will want some luxury items before leaving. While I understand we have a budget, I won’t be stomaching cheap bargain foods and packeted starch.” Wess explained, still rubbing some sleep from her eye.

“Absolutely. Nutrients are important, but flavour’s the heart of good food.” Julia pleasantly agreed.

Wess felt a slight kinship. “I appreciate the understanding.” Wess said. “Shall we find somewhere worthwhile?”

“Lead the way.” Julia said, letting Wess take the lead into the labyrinth that was the HyperMall.

———

It looked innocuous enough.

No one noticed anything about it that seemed out of place, minus a couple scratch marks on the side, or the heavy breathing coming from within. Of course, the whole point was to remain undetected, but anyone paying attention to the truck wouldn’t have noticed anything wrong.

“…”

“Jules?”

“…”

“What? You keep tapping your foot against the dashboard.”

Jules started signing to Rosalind, before Rosalind put her hands up to stop her.

“You know I can’t understand that.” She said, as Jules huffed out in frustration. “You’re antsy, huh? What, you scared of the Wailing? Think it’s gonna rip your face off?”

Jules rolled her eyes and flipped her off.

“Alright, that translated.” Rosalind snickered. “We’ll take care of it once we get the signal. Sit tight, we’ll be here a while.”

Jules lay back against her seat and stared out the window, watching security guards go back and forth, patrolling the malls loading bay. Her best guess was a few more hours, if Wicker knew what he was doing.

“I’m with ya, though.” Rosalind said, leaning back. “I’m bored as shit right now. I wanna cut something so bad…”

Rosalind got an idea and pulled out her sword. “Hey, try balancing this on your nose. Better yet, do it with your tongue, since you don’t use your mouth anyway.”

Jules started frantically waving her arms back and forth, clearly telling Rosalind ‘no way,’ as Rosalind sheathed her sword and scoffed.

“Pussy.” She moped, resuming her watch of the entrance. “Gods, just hurry up already…”

———

“This looks to be the place.” Wess said, standing outside of a fairly busy bottle shop near the malls centre. Patrons were coming and going, wine racks and beer cases were displayed outside, and plenty of friendly faces were ready to greet patrons inside.

“Interesting first stop…” Julia commented, heading inside along with Wess, grabbing a cart for them both, as she was immediately dazed by the numerous brands and bottles on display.

“Wess, I’ll be honest. I don’t know much about wine, so I might just let you take the reigns here.”

Wess turned to her. “Julia, nobody knows about wine.” Wess admitted. “All anyone really needs is a good red to pair with dinner, and the rest sorts itself.”

“Really?” Julia said, as Wess started scanning through the lengthy aisles of wine bottles on display.

“Which flavours do you prefer? Fruity or tannin?” Wess asked, her attention on the racks.

“Uhh, fruity, I guess. I’m not even sure what tannin is...” Julia said, as Wess pulled a bottle off the shelf and handed it to her.

“A 5012 Welland Zinfandel. Truth be told, I am shocked with how high-quality Welland wine is, but I assure you, this is worth the higher price. Remind me to get some well-aged cheddar to go with it...” Wess explained, mumbling more information to herself.

Julia grinned excitedly. “Confident choice.” Julia remarked, looking over the bottle. “But, while this is fun, is this really top priority for our trip?”

Wess looked to Julia dismissively. “I shan’t be setting foot in that room again without a proper storage of wine. I’ve been coping poorly without it for the last week, but now I want to indulge myself.” Wess explained, grabbing a bottle from the rack. “And I promise that I will pay for this part with my own money. We’ll have plenty left over for proper ingredients.”

“Alright, but we’re getting some bottles for the whole team, not just you and me.” Julia reasoned.

“Of course, of course.” Wess assured, scanning the bottles label. “A 4997 Mareau Cabernet. Oh, I’ve missed these flavours. This is culture at its finest…”

“And it’s marked down.” Julia noticed, looking over the prices. “We can totally get some.”

Wess squeed in delight, dropping two bottles in the cart with bravado, before dashing down the aisle to find any good white wines to add to their collection.

Julia looked on, as Wess happily mumbled to herself, comparing bottles to each other, even calling a clerk over to ask their opinion. She truly looked to be in her element.

“I’m glad she’s enjoying herself…” Julia said to herself, before joining back up with Wess’ Chardonnay crusade.

———

“Whoa…”

“Yeah…”

“It’s…”

“So big…”

“And spacious…”

“Like the boobs on a model…”

Harley cracked up at Sola’s joke. Sola smiled at Harley’s joy and inspected the store’s exterior.

“The…J Shop. Looks kinda cheap.” Sola said, noticing the stores prominent size and bargains. “What’s our budget on furniture?”

“Well…oh boy…not a lot.” Harley wheezed, just recovering from her laughing fit. “I’ve only got a hundred and fifty caps on me.”

“I’ve got a hundred.” Sola said, pulling out her wallet to check. “But I think I spent four on that drink earlier…”

“What dri…?” Harley asked, before now noticing the bottle in Sola’s hand. “…huh.”

“Ninety six caps.” Sola said, counting on her fingers. “That’s two forty six all together.”

“Alright then. Let’s go shopping!” Harley cheered, charging into the store with a caught off guard Sola in tow.

The store was as huge as it felt. Aisles and aisles of clothes, homewares, bathroom accessories, birthday cards? It had it all, and whether that was a good thing or not was up for debate. It felt like most of the mall was leading up to this place, and the amount of people shopping there was evidence enough to that.

“You ever been to a store like this?” Harley asked, nervously observing her surroundings.

“Nuh uh.” Sola admitted, somewhat disoriented by the wide-open space. “Where do we start?

Harley scanned around and noticed a section with ‘Homewares’ written above it, pointing Sola in its direction. They headed off, trying to follow any clear path toward where it might be. In just a few minutes, they both seemed to be getting lost amongst the copious amounts of clothes racks and cookware, as Harley somehow ended up near the bike racks holding a dog bed and pressure cooker.

“What the…?” She said, as she heard a distant yell to her right.

“Help!” Sola cried, stuck in the middle of one of the many toy aisles. “I don’t know how I got here!”

Harley jumped in and pulled Sola out, as they finally made a speedy egress to the homewares section, both of them panting heavily.

“The stores…tryna kill us.” Harley panted, hands on her knees.

“Why…aren’t there any…Venators to help us? We…could’ve died.” Sola coughed, her body huddled on the ground in exhaustion.

“We’re…here at least.” Harley said, looking around the decently packed homewares section of the store. Basic furniture and decorations were displayed, with plenty of chairs, tables, fisht-

“Fishtanks!” Sola yelled, running over to the tanks on display. “We can get one for Wess!”

Harley cocked her head. “Wait, does Wess have a fish?”

Sola scratched hers. “I’m pretty sure. I remember her saying fish at some point.”

“I don’t remember seeing a fish though.” Harley recalled, as Sola waved her off.

“Nobody remembers fish cause they’re always in the background. If it was there, then we probably didn’t register it.” Sola explained.

“That’s a good point…but she would’ve told us, right?” Harley asked, leaving both of them puzzled. “So, she must’ve at some point?”

“We should get it.” Sola said. “It’d be rude if we didn’t get her anything for it.”

“Right, yeah, and if not, now she’s got a glass box for…” Harley started, before realising she didn’t have an end to her sentence. “How much is it?”

Sola read the tag. “Sixty fi…ooh. That’s tons.”

“Let’s hope her fish really likes it.” Harley wished.

———

Essex realised a very quick and effective truth once she’d made her way into the mall.

She didn’t know where tablet chargers were sold, and even if she did, she didn’t know which type would work for her tablet. She could have looked up the map to the mall, but as expected, her tablet didn’t have any charge, and her teammates tablets were on them, and too far away as a result.

“This was a lapse in judgement.” She remarked, now in the middle of the HyperMall, her scythe on her back, surrounded by consumers wandering this way and that. She managed her way through the crowd, struggling to reach a nearby bench and take a breath, before assessing her situation.

“There would be an electronics store somewhere nearby to accommodate this many people…” She rationalised, before spotting a large gathering of people outside what looked to be a store, all huddled around a few notable bodies.

Her curiosity peeked, Essex made her way over to see whether the fanfare could lead her to her destination. The crowd seemed restless, almost grateful in a way, as the figures in question came into view.

“May I please welcome…Team Vivisect, everyone!” Cheered a boisterous man with a microphone, pointing to a group of three, dressed in fairly stylish clothes. “Defenders of the Western Wayside! Slayers of the Waygone Wailing! They slice, dice, and don’t play nice! Come one and all!”

“Woooo!!! Dicer, I love you!!!” Cried a member of the crowd, followed by a cheer from the whole crowd, as they fawned over the heroic figures presented before them. Getting a better look, Essex noticed they were outside the Venator memorabilia store, with what looked to be the owner announcing their presence.

A waste of time. Essex decided, leaving the crowd to continue her task, before the announcer pulled her over for an aside.

“Hey, you don’t happen to be a Venator, do you?” The man asked.

“Yes. I am studying at the Venator Academy. How did you know this?”

The man blinked. “The giant scythe on your back.”

“Oh.” Essex said.

“Listen, my sparring guy pulled something the other day and I reeeeally need someone to fight with Team Vivisect for the closer. I’m willing to pay you handsomely.”

“Handsomely?” Essex questioned.

“They won’t go hard on you, just a couple swings here and there! Come on, you’d be doing me a great favour!” He asked again, looking noticeably desperate.

Were the others not concerned with finances earlier? Essex remembered, making her decision.

“I will aid you.” Essex said, as the man cheered to himself.

“Thank you, thank you! This is gonna be so good! Alright, in about ten minutes, Team Vivisect will head to the back room to change, then I’ll call them out to the makeshift stage, yada yada yada, you get it! Actually, head to the back room too. I want you to be a grand reveal to the crowd!” He declared, standing dynamically.

“Understood. Dovono.” Essex answered, bowing politely and slipping through the crowd, behind Team Vivisect, and into the store.

Essex didn’t know for sure, but she had a feeling Julia would’ve loved this place. Posters, biographies, mock weapons, figurines, all of prominent Venators throughout history, painting a tapestry of culture condensed into merchandise, all on display for some shockingly high prices. Essex inspected a few of the crude figurines, recognising members from Team Buster, Team Avalanche, even the rarely seen Team Whisper, all rendered in a simplistic, toy-like model to be displayed.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“This craftsmanship is lacking.” She noticed, running a finger against the toy, before putting it down, heading into the back room, and taking a seat. She listened to the crowd outside, cheering like their lives depended on it.

“Is this the duty of a professional Venator…?” Essex wondered, taking off her scythe and lying against her seat, as she rested her head to the side in contemplation. “Would that be asked of me?”

She closed her eyes and rested. “I would think not.”

———

Jules’ estimate was right. One hour had turned to three, and now Rosalind was tapping her foot against the dashboard loudly, impatiently waiting. Jules noticed the irony, but decided not to point it out.

Just then, Rosalind’s tablet buzzed in her hand.

“Finally…” Rosalind groaned, kicking the side door of the truck open. “Let’s get this bitch out already.”

Jules nodded back to her, before they both pulled down their masks, hiding their faces, and headed to the back of the truck.

“You make sure it’s still in there. I’ll take care of the guard.” Rosalind said, pointing to the guard patrolling the mall loading bay.

Jules looked visibly panicked, as Rosalind sighed in anger.

“Well, I’m not gonna do it! Just…tempt it out somehow. Give it something to eat.”

Jules gave Rosalind a knowing look and displayed empty hands.

“I meant use yourself, moron. Hurry up.”

With that, Rosalind ran straight to the guard, her actions too fast for him to react to, as he was pinned to the ground with Rosalind’s sword pressed against his neck, a clean line of red running down its side.

“Don’t scream or I’ll finish the job.” Rosalind threatened, turning back to make sure Jules was holding up her end.

Jules was just about to open the back, before noticing a few new claw marks by the bottom of the truck’s backdoor, and rightfully hesitating. Eventually, she mustered up the courage and lifted the back, shedding fresh light onto the inside, but only finding an empty container with a few gnashed bones and bloodstains against the walls. Rosalind realised the problem, as Jules turned to her with a deep fear.

“Oh gods…” Rosalind let out.

———

“Oh gods…” Wess sighed, looking over the supermarket brand cheddar. “Is this really the best we can get?”

“Dairy production’s been hit hard by the conflict. Wailing find cows and goats very appealing for some reason.” Julia explained. “Sorry, but that’s the best of it.”

“…I suppose it will have to do.” Wess agreed, putting it in her basket and continuing down the aisle with Julia. “I wish we could’ve tried some Southern Wayside cheese while I was here…”

“I know…it’s bitter, but still palatable, and the bread they sell with it…” Julia gushed.

“Now, come on, Julia. Don’t tempt me.” Wess playfully whined. “You know we have a strict budget.”

“Yeah, I know.” Julia said with cheeky smile.

While looking through the preserved foods, Wess found herself smiling, very much despite herself. “I’ll be honest, Julia. I’m enjoying myself far more than I thought I would.” Wess admitted. “I didn’t know I would like shopping this much.”

“That’s good to hear.” Julia beamed, as a little reminder beeped on her watch. “Oh, and the two-hour mark’s about to come up, so we can start heading back soon.”

“Yes, of course.” Wess said, before thinking about it and hiding behind her hair. “…but we should make sure we get the best prices, though. These places do tend to upsell.”

Julia playfully grinned. “Whatever you say. I’m glad you could join us for a team outing. It would’ve felt wrong to leave you out.”

“Yes, I…suppose so.” Wess said, clearing her throat. “Wrong indeed.”

“Did you shop much back home?” Julia wondered.

Wess’ joyous expression slowly turned, as she recalled her home life. “I…tried to, but my parents rarely let me indulge in ‘servant’ activities. They mostly let Graham and the others handle the groceries when he wasn’t minding me.”

“You couldn’t even tag along?” Julia asked in disbelief.

“I had duties to attend to. Usually social functions set up by my parents.” Wess clarified, her mood slightly soured. “I swear, it only ever felt like distractions…”

Julia concernedly looked to her, as Wess noticed the mindset she’d crept into and attempted to regain some composure. “Apologies. There’s no need to talk about family life.”

“Bottling up these issues isn’t gonna help.” Julia said. “If you ever need to talk about something, just let me know.”

Wess looked displeased. “Please, Julia. I’m the last person who needs any pity from you.”

“Pity?” Julia asked, confused.

“I’m a perfectly competent adult who can deal with her own issues. I don’t need you looking down on me like I’m the black sheep of the team in need of coddling.”

Julia couldn’t reply, as the olive branch she’d extended had been batted away with such spite.

“The team can help you with your problems.” Julia reasoned. “If you let them, that is.”

“You’re sounding a bit like Faller.” Wess pointed out. “It’s not like you’re talking to the team about your parents. Just this morning, you stopped Sola the moment they were mentioned.”

Julia didn’t have a rebuttal, but tried to hold firm.

“And what help do I need from you? Why can’t you just focus on class work, or yourself for that matter? I needn’t always be your priority.” Wess criticised.

Julia stood her ground. “Our team is the most important part of my life right now. I wouldn’t hesitate to help any of my teammates, and that’s supposed to include you.”

“But I didn’t want it to, now did I?!” Wess yelled, before realising the other customers were looking at them arguing, and returning to her dignified demeanour. Wess went back to looking through the aisle shelves, picking up a can or two, as Julia turned her attention back to the cart, trying not to start anything again.

“Would you risk your life for the team?” Wess asked, still scanning the aisle with her full attention.

“Of course I would.” Julia answered, facing her with unwavering conviction.

Wess looked over to her with resignation, before placing the can in the cart and continuing down the aisle.

“It must be interesting to live like you.”

———

“Sola?”

“Uh huh?”

“Where are you?”

Unbeknownst to Harley, Sola was standing nearby, right behind a giant ficus, completely obscuring her from vision.

“I got the biggest one they had!” Sola exclaimed, popping out from behind the plant.

Harley inspected it, giving it a keen once over. “An audrey ficus? Really?”

Sola looked at the tag and did a double take. “That’s what the label says!”

“You don’t grow up on a farm an-“ Harley said, before Sola shoved another plant in her face.

“Do this one!” Sola said, excitedly shaking.

“Well, this is a ficus too, but it’s part of the cyathisti-“ Harley explained, before Sola added more plants onto her pile. “Sola! That’s enough plants!”

Sola held the next plant in place, before putting it back down. “Sorry.”

Harley smiled and patted her head affectionately. “That’s okay. I’m pretty forgiving.”

Sola stared at her in genuine amazement. “Wow.” Sola let out. “How do you do it?”

“Do what?” Harley asked.

“Everything so well.” Sola said, causing Harley to blush profusely. “I wanna do that.”

“You don’t need to be like me.” Harley smiled. “Just own being you. If we’re gonna be on a team together, I don’t want you looking at me like I’m some perfect superhero. I’m Harley, your friend, teammate, and a person.”

Sola beamed at Harley’s sentiment. “You’re just so cool, and awesome, and we’re on a team together, so it’s almost too good to be true, and also you’re smart and pretty, and beefy as all hell.”

“Okay, okay, I’m not thaaat great.” Harley remarked.

“Can we be friends forever?”

“Of course!” Harley said, grabbing Sola into a friendly noogie. “As long as you don’t make me use my botany powers for evil.”

“You can do that?” Sola asked, cracking Harley up again.

“Alright, lets meet up with the others.” Harley said, gathering their supplies, mostly the fish tank, into their cart and lifting a couple chairs onto her back. “I want to decorate our new balcony!”

“If we make it out of here alive…” Sola worried, recalling the nightmare that was travelling through the J Store. “I don’t want to get lost again.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll help you out.” Harley said, grabbing Sola’s hand reassuringly and guiding her on their journey together.

———

The lights were too bright to take in. Its eyes had yet to adapt after being trapped in darkness for who knows how long. Its legs stung from misuse and its hunger felt unending. A creature of such large mass needed more than what those humans provided, and fortunately, a large collection of said humans were gathered in one place. No one could do anything, as it crawled through the warehouse, devouring everyone it saw left and right, knocking over anything that got in its way, out of frustration and pain. The humans knew what they’d done to it, what they’d stolen.

It was vengeful now.

———

Essex had been counting to herself as she waited, and quickly realised that the ten-minute deadline had been ten minutes ago.

“Is this common for professionals?” She dryly commented, as the door to the back room opened up, revealing a few friendly faces.

“…ut you saw how excited he was. How could I say n…oh, I’m sorry. I thought the room was empty.” Said the first man coming in.

“There is room.” Essex said, standing up. “Are you Team Vivisect?”

“Ah, I see our reputation preceeds us.” He exclaimed, as the second member of the team made her way in too.

“Give it a rest, Mike. You’ve been kissing ass all day.” She said, sitting across from Essex. “You helping the owner out?”

“I am here to spar with you later.” Essex explained. “I am staying here until I am required.”

“Great! You don’t mind if we change, right?” The man said.

“Mike, she’s clearly a Venator. She’s used to changing with others.” Said the woman. “I’m Vanessa, by the way.”

“Calias.” Essex greeted, bowing in her seat.

“Don’t you mean ‘Decapitator?’” Said the third member, now coming in.

“Don’t start! Rusty’s already on my nerves, and I don’t want to add you to my hit list.” Vanessa remarked, playfully batting his arm.

Essex was visibly confused, as the three members filed in, all with changes of clothes on hand. Vanessa took notice and stuck her hand out to Essex, who shook adamantly.

“I’m guessing you’re still a student, huh?” She said. “This is probably pretty jarring.”

“Somewhat.” Essex admitted. “So, your title is Vanessa?”

“Yep, though our manager Rusty keeps trying to push ‘Decapitator’ onto me.” Vanessa explained.

“Come on, it’s good branding for the team. Helps people differentiate us.” The leader said. “I’m Mike, or ‘Jumpcut’ if you feel inclined.”

“Dicer.” Said the third member. “Man, that sounds dumb. Call me Andy, please.”

Essex looked them over. “Why are there not two more members of your team?”

“There are, but they’re dealing with a pest problem down south. We’re on a PR tour of Central Point right now.” Mike explained. “Thus, the new nicknames.”

The team started changing out of their more stylish clothes into their professional Venator gear, as Essex took stock of everything they were saying.

“Why do you need to do PR?” Essex asked.

“So people know we exist.” Vanessa explained. “We can’t be Venators if the public don’t know about us. Plus, we wouldn’t get any grants, job offers, government work…and Activ helps, but it’s not enough for a whole team.”

“It’s necessary stuff.” Andy said. “There’s lots of teams out in the industry. You saw the store’s stock. I can’t even name half the teams on display!”

“Wendy could though.” Vanessa joked, as the other two laughed to themselves. “It’s a tough market for Venators. We won’t get handed work just for existing. What year are you, by the way?”

“First year at the Venator Academy.” Essex explained, getting a resounding reaction of expectance from the team.

“Yeah, that tracks.” Vanessa said. “Credit though, the suit does make you look older. Trust me, final year will be way more of this stuff. Get use to brown nosing.”

“Vanessa, please.” Mike said, adjusting his gauntlets as he spoke. “We’re greeting the public. They wanna thank us for the hard work we put in.”

“Some more than others.” Andy remarked, getting a laugh out of Vanessa and shock from Mike.

“You two, I swear…” Mike said, chuckling, despite himself.

They act casual, despite their professional status. Essex noticed. Just how effective would they be…

“Hey! You guys ready yet? The crowd’s a little restless.” The store owner asked, popping his head in.

“Yeah, yeah, we’re good. Tell ‘em we’ll be out right away.” Vanessa said, getting a thumbs up from the owner.

She turned to Essex with a smile of pride. “You ready to put on a show?”

Essex took a moment to process. “If that is required.”

“Good on ya.” She said, jabbing Essex’s arm, leaving through the door with her teammates.

Essex grabbed her scythe and stepped out after them, being greeted by the crowd from earlier, now cheering for her as well.

“Now, as a little demonstration for all you lovely people, Jumpcut and his wonderful sparring partner will take to the stage and duke it out! A clash of blades, and a crash of fates!” The owner cried, as the crowd parted for the team, revealing a makeshift stage in front of the store.

Mike saluted to Essex, and using his Whil, teleported to his side of the stage, getting an uproarious cheer from the masses. Essex headed to her side, her hand against her scythe as she walked by the onlookers, making her way to the other end.

“This is it, folks! Newcomer verse trailblazer!” The owner announced. “Who’ll come out on top? Who here will seize the day?”

“Hey, no need to go easy on me.” Mike said to Essex.

“Understood.” Essex replied, readying herself into a fighting stance.

“Ready…”

Mike smashed his gauntlets together, as blades swung out every which way.

“And…”

The crowd watched on with baited breath, as Essex started counting to herself.

“G-“

In a brief moment of lowered guard, a loud crash came from down the mall, reverberating throughout the walkway and through the crowd, as everyone stopped what they were doing in an instant. Mike broke his formation to inspect the crowd, as Essex took note and joined him.

The crashing continued, the sound noticeably faint, but still heavy enough to leave onlookers unsettled, as anyone tried to make sense of what it could be. Customers started running down the halls away from the sound, panicked and rushing to the exits, dropping their bags and falling over themselves.

“Something’s wrong.” Mike mumbled, jumping down from the stage. “Stay here with Vanessa and Andy and keep the crowd safe. I’ll inspect what’s going on.” He said, as he teleported ahead of the runners, leaving Essex with the rest of Team Vivisect.

———

“Wait.”

Julia turned on her heel. “What?”

“…sorry, I thought I’d dropped something.” Wess corrected, going back to pushing their cart out of the store.

“I’m glad it wasn’t too expensive by the time we got to checkout.” Julia said, trying some small talk.

“Did you decide on a meeting place?” Wess asked, clearly not engaging.

Julia stopped and groaned. “I guess I didn’t…”

“Oh great…” Wess sighed. “Well, I’m not pushing this thing around the entire mall looking for them.”

Julia side glanced her, unimpressed, before noticing people running down the mall’s corridors in a panic, all heading to the main exit.

“Wha-“ She asked, before a crashing sound shook through the mall violently, sending a chill through both their spines.

“W-what was that?” Wess worried, looking around for any sign of danger.

“Clear out! Clear out right now! A Wailing’s attacking the Southeast wing of the mall! Everyone evacuate!” Yelled Mike as Jumpcut, teleporting back and forth to lead citizens to the exit. “The Venators will deal with it, just protect yourselves!”

“A Wailing?! In the city?!” Julia exclaimed, as she turned to see Wess booking it with the others, cart in tow.

“Come on! We’re taking these to the entrance!” She yelled, as Julia bolted over to join her.

“This is crazy…this is crazy, right? Wailing can’t get into the city. I mean, they’ve never gotten in before…” Julia tried to rationalise. “Why’s it here…”

“Julia!” Wess yelled. “We’re meeting with the others by the entrance and letting the Venators handle this.” Wess reasoned, grabbing Julia’s arm. “Come on already!”

A few passers by hurried past, clearly carrying less than Wess and Julia, as Jumpcut teleported back and forth with the same warning to the public.

“Come on, let’s get out of here!” One of the crowd members yelled.

“Did you get a good look at it? I heard it was near the furniture stores!” Another added.

“It’s okay, those two girls were holding it off! That’ll buy us some time!” A third yelled, as Julia stopped dead in her tracks.

“Julia, what a-“ Wess started, before realising Julia was booking it in the other direction, clearly toward the Wailing. “Julia!”

Wess ran up to her, abandoning the cart, and grabbed her shoulder. “Don’t run toward danger!”

“Those guys mentioned some girls were holding the Wailing off! Who do you think that could be?” Julia yelled, thrusting her hand off.

“Julia, we’re leaving, in case you didn’t hear the Venators warning.” Wess argued.

“We can’t. The others might be in trouble.” Julia stated. “We can’t leave them here.”

“The Venator told us to leave, so it’s safe to assume he was able to warn the others as well.” Wess reasoned. “I’m not going to take any chances.”

“But they might be with the Wailing! It could have them pinned down and hurt for all we know!” Julia yelled. “We don’t know where they are, and this kinda situation is too unpredictable.”

“It’s a Wailing, Julia!”

“They’re our teammates, Wess!”

“And that’s my problem?!” Wess yelled back. “I can barely fight, let alone defend! We go in there as unprepared as we are, without our weapons, without Whils, and we’re dead! You know as well as I do that we’re nowhere near qualified enough to be taking on a Wailing!”

“And you know that they’d jump at that Wailing without hesitation to protect the public! Because that’s what we should do!”

Julia picked up the pace again and started heading to the source of the crashing.

“What are you hoping to accomplish?” Wess shouted. “They aren’t there, Julia!”

“But they might be!” Julia yelled. “And that’s worth the risk!”

Julia took her leave, following the sound of the destructive Wailing, as Wess headed back to her groceries and gripped the cart with both her hands, needing something to support herself on, or maybe something to take out her frustration on.

She looked to the people running riot through the mall, all scared for their lives, the security guards guiding people to safety with what they had, and the cart full of groceries she’d spent all day buying, instead of sleeping in her bed and letting the day go by the wayside.

She was ready to run away.

Again.

“…”

———

“Alright, everyone, we just got word from Jumpcut. Apparently, a Wailing has been spotted by the Southeast wing of the mall.” Vanessa explained, as a collective panicked murmuring rang out from the crowd. Essex stood next to Team Vivisect as they addressed the group from the stage.

“How'd a Wailing get into the city?” Called out a crowd member in disbelief.

“I understand how strange this must be, but we need to act with caution and safety in mind. Dicer, Essex and I will escort you to the exit. Take whatever you need with you.”

The crowd escaped amongst themselves, as Jumpcut teleported back to address Vanessa, Andy and Essex. “Alright, I’ve warned everyone I can, and I’ll double check in a bit. I trust that you two can help herd the crowd out.”

“On it.” Replied Vanessa and Andy, jumping down to start moving the crowd to the mall entrance.

“Essex, you follow what they’re doing. I’d tell you it’s Venator training, but remember your personal safety. You’re not a Venator yet, so don’t feel that you need to risk your own life.” Mike explained, resting a hand on her shoulder.

“Understood.” Essex said, jumping down to escort the crowd of onlookers.

“We didn’t even get to see the sparring match…” Someone from the crowd said.

“And now a Wailing’s tearing up the mall?” Someone groaned. “Who could live like this?"

“Weren’t we gonna go to the J Store later?” A crowd member mentioned to another, slightly disappointed. “Man, this really sucks. I save up all this money to redecorate the balcony, and now a Wailing’s tearing through the store.”

Essex took notice of the crowds chatter and stopped.

Balcony? Essex heard. Wasn’t Harley getting…

As she thought to herself, the realisation hit Essex in an instant, trapping her in place with shock.

“Harley and Sola…” She mumbled, before she broke formation and dashed for the J Store at top speed, ready to save her teammates.

“Hey! Hold it!” Yelled Jumpcut, teleporting in front of her, stopping her in her tracks. “Stay in formation, Essex!”

“Move aside.” Essex declared, her hand on her scythe. “My teammates will be killed, and I will not let that happen.”

“And we’re the professionals.” Jumpcut argued. “Our first priority is the safety of the public, especially those that can’t fend for themselves. If you’re friends are there, then I’m sorry, but they have to wait.”

Essex growled in protest, as Jumpcut held his ground. “We can’t waste time rescuing a few when hundreds need us to help. That’s the job.”

Essex gripped her scythe and dashed past him toward the Wailing, as he tried to reach out and get her.

“Shit.” He murmured, turning back to his team. “Get them to the entrance, then meet up with me! I’m going after her!”

Jumpcut followed Essex in her sprint, trying to teleport closer, as she ran off toward her team, ready to defend.

———

“Hyaaah!!!”

With a well-placed punch, the Wailing was thrown into another aisle, sliding about a metre afterwards, as Harley stepped back and rested her fist.

“C-come on! Move it!” Sola nervously yelled, escorting the other J Store customers past the disoriented Wailing and out of the store, trying not to freeze in place from fear. As the last few people passed by, Sola joined back up with Harley.

“Keep it up! Kill it with more punches!”

“Sola, I love your faith in me, but there’s no way I can kill it on my own.” Harley panted, readying herself for when the Wailing regained its footing.

It picked itself back up, its large, curved back lurching upwards, as it charged toward her, bounding with its powerful legs, directing all its forward momentum into Harley.

“Aagggh!!!”

Harley grunted, as it launched her into another set of aisles, smashing them to pieces around her, as the Wailing backed away from recoil.

“Harley!” Sola cried, running up to her. “Don’t be hurt!”

“Kinda…hard to…manage that…” Harley coughed, as the Wailing, still recovering, started creeping into view, dragging its front claws over the rubble on the store floor as it walked, its form wolf-like and sharp.

“They…got out…right?” Harley asked, trying to stand up.

“Yeah, they’re okay.” Sola assured her, pointing to the last couple customers running down the corridor and out of the store.

“Then…we did a good job.” Harley smiled proudly. “Lets…” In an instant, Harley’s legs gave out again, sending her straight to the floor.

Sola did her best to raise her up, but could hardly manage picking up someone as muscular as Harley. In a moment of sudden protective instinct and base fear as the Wailing inched closer, Sola began to raise her hand, as small cracks of electricity started sparking against her fingertips, pointed toward the encroaching beast, before Harley lunged forward and lowered her arms.

“You can’t…” Harley said through struggled breath. “There’s…too much you could…accidentally hit…and the mall might lose its power…you have to hold off…”

“But we…” She managed, before she started to cry, the Wailing’s scraping getting closer and closer with each second. As it stepped closer, the duo heard the products it had smashed through turning to dust under its weight.

“It’s okay.” Harley said, wiping a tear from Sola’s eye. “I trust we’ll be okay.”

Hoping to finish the job, the Wailing lunged at them, fangs bared, as Harley closed her eyes and jumped in front of Sola to hold it off in anyway she could.

...

Harley opened her eyes at just the right moment to see Essex careen through the air, catching the Wailing’s neck with her scythe, and launching it into the back of the store, bursting through wall after wall as it flew backwards against the coarse ground, slowing as it crashed.

Off to the side, Julia was nearly out of breath, having just sped up Essex’s velocity with her Whil, then concentrated just as hard to slow her down, as she collapsed to her knees.

“Guys!” Sola yelled. “That was perfect!”

Essex was still in her combative pose, ready for the Wailing to rise up again, which after some visible struggling, it managed. “That was not enough to kill it.” Essex explained. “We need to fall ba-“

As she was speaking, a flurry of daggers flew by Essex’s head, slicing into the side of the Wailing’s hide, as it screamed out in pain.

“Get back!” Yelled Vanessa, entering the scene with more daggers resting against her fingers.

The Wailing cried out, renewing its bloodlust charge, now in Vanessa’s direction.

Before it could get any further, Jumpcut ran past her and teleported in front of it, puncturing its eye directly with his bladed gauntlet and pushing it even further back. It renewed its charge at Jumpcut, catching his arm with its claw, and thrusting him off to the side.

Vanessa took the opportunity to throw a few more daggers against it legs, stunning it in place, as Dicer appeared from behind her, aiming his sword for its now exposed stomach and cleaving it in two.

There was a brief moment of caution amongst the two teams, watching the Wailing’s body settle and expecting it to re-emerge in some way, clawing at them from the grave, before the top half slid off and landed against the ground, allowing everyone to let go of their collective breath.

The teams took a minute to recover, with a few double and triple checks to make sure the Wailing wouldn’t come back around somehow.

“The Wailing’s been dispatched.” Jumpcut said into his tablet, as Dicer came and bandaged up his wound. “We’ll sweep the area for survivors and potential further dangers. Otherwise, the mall is all clear.” Jumpcut hung up on the mall owner and sighed to himself, before turning to his team. “Thank the gods that was a small one.”

“That was small?!” Sola yelled, her adrenaline still pumping.

“And that it didn’t have magic. A Wailing’s only made harder when it’s breathing fire as well.” Andy remarked, finishing up with the bandages.

“Are you two okay? You seem pretty banged up.” Vanessa advised, her and Sola helping Harley to her feet, as Julia and Essex joined them.

“I’m okay.” Sola said, still panting. “Harley took most of it.”

“But I wear it well…” Harley joked, coughing a little after she spoke.

“We can take her back to the academy infirmary.” Julia suggested, as Jumpcut grabbed her and Essex’s shoulder.

“You aren’t getting off that easy.” Jumpcut said, holding their attention. “I don’t care if you’re Venators in training, unless defending, you never engage if you aren’t prepared! What if we weren’t here to save you? What if you became bait that the Wailing used against us? What i-“

“They get it, Mike. They aren’t stupid.” Vanessa interrupted, turning to Essex specifically. “But that was reckless and childish of you. You should know that the first task of being a Venator is never endanger more people than you have to. Not only did you needlessly put yourselves at risk, but you made it harder for us to do our jobs properly. This could have been much worse.”

Julia realised the danger she’d created and hung her head in shame, kicking herself, as Essex reflected, resting herself and her scythe against the ground and bowing toward Vanessa.

“Muerbetra. Relusa tinue.” She recited, looking up at her. “I have let my ego guide me today. I apologise, and refuse to do so again in the future.”

“Well, truth be told…” Andy spoke up. “We didn’t know where to find you at first, what with the Wailing crashing through just about everything recognisable, so one of your teammates pointed us in the direction you were heading.”

In a show of humility, Wess revealed herself from around the corner of the J Store, red faced and pale, clearly unsure how to address her team after such an ordeal.

“Wess…” Julia mumbled, as Wess grabbed the hem of her dress in embarrassment.

“…you needed help, so I brought in professionals.” Wess admitted. “What you did was still stupid and suicidal. Idiots…”

Julia ran up to Wess, hugging her suddenly, as Wess hesitated for a second before breaking it.

“Don’t do that again.” She said, still bitter at Julia.

“No promises.” Julia grinned, as Sola and Essex carried Harley over to meet up with Wess.

“Wess! We’re okay, and we got things!” Sola exclaimed, pointing to a cart off to the side of the store, thrown asunder in the chaos. “I think it’s okay…”

“The ficus!” Harley yelled, the ficus’ soil spilled across the floor, as Sola ran over to fix it up.

“It’s not dead!” She cheered, holding it above her head, before nearly dropping it on herself, to the amusement of everyone except Wess.

“Julia, we bought a bunch of good stuff before the attack.” Harley said. “We also spent a lot, but it’s totally worth it.”

“And we got a fish tank for Wess’ fish!” Sola said, rushing over with it in her hands, several large chunks of the glass missing from its exterior. “Well, it’s broken now…but I’m sure your fish’ll still really like it.”

“…I don’t have a fish.” Wess said.

Sola blinked. “Really? I knew Harley was right!”

“It was still a safe bet.” Harley joked, coughing a bit more. “We can return it if you want. I’m sure they’ll give us a few caps as a refund, considering we helped save the store…”

“I think that’s only fai-“ Wess said, before Julia elbowed her arm, indicating to Harley and Sola’s generosity, and subsequent disappoint. “…no, it’s fine.” Wess sighed, taking the tank in her hands. “I…appreciate the gesture.”

“Sorry to say, but you’ll have to clear out of here.” Vanessa said, carefully stepping over the rubble to address Team Valiant. “We’ve got procedures in place for this sort of thing and can’t really have bystanders hanging around for the more...sensitive parts.”

“Understood.” Essex announced. “We promise not to impede on your work any further.” Essex started escorting the rest of her team out hastily, turning away from Team Vivisect, before Vanessa grabbed her shoulder to talk.

“What you did was reckless, but you did help us out, and you really did a number on that Wailing.” Vanessa admitted. “If you want to make it up to us in some way, don’t do that again. Let the professionals handle these matters, or the consequences’ll get much worse. Most teams aren’t as forgiving as we are, and most Wailing are far deadlier with more up their sleeve.”

Essex listened and nodded in understanding, with the rest of Team Valiant behind her listening in too.

“Please become a Venator someday. I want to see you use your courage right.” Vanessa said, getting up and heading back to her team. “Hey, Mike, what’s the pay like for this one?”

“Just coming in now…five thousand caps.”

“That’s it? That’s their thank you?”

“I think most of it's going to covering damages. It’d be different if they hired us straight up.” Andy acknowledged.

“I guess…” Vanessa said, before catching Team Valiant leaving the store from the corner of her eye, helping each other out of the wreckage “I wish more Venators were like them.”

“Ready to take this thing back?” Mike said, pointing to the Wailing carcass still on the ground.

“Always.” Andy grinned, rushing over to him along with Vanessa, ready to help out as much as they could.

———

“Heyo.” Harley cheered, coming through the dorm door with Essex and Sola.

“Harley!” Julia exclaimed from the kitchen, heading over to her. “How was the recovery?”

“Easy. Three days flew by like nothing.” She said, collapsing onto the team couch.

“The infirmaries pretty boring, though.” Sola pointed out. “Just a bunch of beds and medicine cabinets.”

“Sola, that’s what an infirmary is.” Wess replied, stepping out of the kitchen to join the team.

“Vonodo.” Essex announced, showing off her bag full to the brim with items. “I returned to the Venator memorabilia store to receive my payment, but since we had helped out Team Vivisect, the owner gave me merchandise for free.”

“Really?!” Julia exclaimed, running up to her. “I was never able to afford anything from there! Whatcha get?”

“There is a Team Spectrum poster for Jul-“ Essex said, as Julia yanked the poster out of her hands to fawn over it.

“I love it!” She cheered, displaying it proudly beside her bed. “Essex, I could kiss you!”

Essex blushed at the sentiment, before rummaging through the bag again to distract herself. “…Harley, this is a Hammerbrazen figuri-“ Essex said, as Harley just as quickly grabbed the figure and started scanning it frantically.

“He gave you this for free?!” She exclaimed, sweeping over its details. “This is crazy valuable! Hammerbrazen’s a gold level rarity!”

“…okay.” Essex replied, as Harley carefully placed it on her bedside table and gave Essex a thumbs up. “Wess, there is a...novelty Team Vivisect t-shirt. The owner has assured me tha-“ Essex started, before Wess gave her an unsatisfactory look.

“…I’m not about to wear that. Adorning that might just be the death of me.” She replied, heading back to the kitchen.

Essex looked over the shirt. “I suppose I can use this…t-shirt…for myself.” Essex sighed with a slight distaste in her mouth.

“You could use it as pyjamas.” Julia suggested, as Essex placed it back into her bag, likely for a while.

“And Sola has this…” Essex said, bracing for Sola to rip it from her hands. “…Team Superfluous mug.”

Sola respectfully took the mug and looked it over. “Thanks. I needed another mug.”

“Excuse me.” Wess called out, getting the teams attention. “Can all of you please take a seat by the new balcony furnishings?” Wess headed back to the kitchen, the team smiling surprisedly to each other.

“Furnishings?” Sola asked, as the team headed out to the newly constructed table and seats, Sola’s ficus proudly displayed against the sunlit sky.

“Redecorating was a really good idea, Harley. This is something special.” Julia complimented, staring out at the sunset.

“It better be.” Harley replied. “I nearly croaked getting this stuff.”

Essex chuckled to herself, lightly leaning against the wall, as Julia looked offended. “Harley, can you please not joke about that? It's really insensitive.”

Harley and Essex stopped laughing, as they quickly remembered the new report detailing the people the Wailing had killed, and re-evaluating the joke in their heads. "...right. Sorry."

"Wailing are way scarier up close." Sola added, bundled up in her chair, as Julia patted her back.

"Let's be thankful we're all here. Not everyone's as lucky as we are." Julia stated.

Harley looked out at the sunset. "I'll say. That ficus was really cheap." Harley cracked, causing Sola to laugh and Essex to smile.

"Harley!" Julia complained, as the others kept up their amusement.

"I'm just lightening the mood!" Harley excused. "You should be thankful. That fish tank nearly cost me an arm and a leg."

The team kept laughing, as Wess made her way out of the kitchen with a tray of food, but not before stopping in place. She looked over to the broken fish tank resting on her cabinet, perfectly framed right beside her bunk bed. Why the others insisted on keeping it was beyond her.

She sighed to herself and met up with the team outside, leaving the plate of finger foods on the table for the team to enjoy. Sola nearly jumped the whole plate immediately.

“Whoa, what’s this for?” Harley said, pleasantly surprised.

“It’s a…balcony welcoming gift, I suppose. For your effort.” Wess said, looking off to the side while addressing Harley. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Wess bowed to the team a little, somewhat unsure of the action, before heading out the door like normal.

“Aren’t you going to join us?” Julia suggested.

“I’d rather spend my evening reading in the library. Good night.” Wess said, exiting the dorm room to an unclear silence.

“Geez.” Harley remarked. “Every time I think I have her figured out.”

“I really thought she’d join us…” Sola said saddened, her face nearly full of Wess’ platter.

Julia looked back out at the sunset. “She needs time.” Julia acknowledged. “We’ve all been through a lot lately, so we should let her process.”

“Yeah, I guess…” Harley admitted. “Hey. Let’s enjoy the view while it's here.”

Sola nodded as she filled up on more food, as Essex slowly breathed in and appreciated the moments serenity. Julia smiled at the pleasantry, going for some of Wess’ food before Sola vacuumed it all up.

As she reached for the plate, her eyes spotted a bottle of wine next to the platter, one of the ones her and Wess had picked out at the mall, with a colourful bow strung around it as an added decoration put on by Wess herself.

Julia picked up the bottle and grinned.

———

“I’m blaming this on you.”

Jules looked offended.

“I think losing a Wailing takes first place for royal fuckups.” Rosalind said, lowering her head in exhaustion. “Wicker’s gonna rake me over the coals for this…”

She kicked the side of the truck, then kicked it a few more times to release some stress. Just then, Rosalind’s tablet buzzed in her hand, coming up with a blocked number.

“Wicker? Yeah…okay, so you saw…what? It worked?” Rosalind asked, catching Jules’ attention. “…I’m never gonna understand your methods, but I guess this is a job well done.”

Rosalind hung up and turned to Jules. “Apparently this worked out great. The Wailing thrashed the mall and did just enough damage to the stores.”

Jules was just as confused with Wicker’s intentions, but she knew better then to question him at this point. He wasn’t about to listen.

Rosalind gave her a cocky smile. “Sometimes you do nothing right and everything works out anyway. Come on, the authorities are gonna show up soon.”

The duo headed back to the truck, Rosalind kicking the unconscious guard as she passed him, as they drove off down the loading dock. They heard sirens gathering off in the direction of the mall, as Rosalind kicked the dashboard in excitement, and Jules kept her thoughts to herself.

And no one was any the wiser about what that truck had held, because after all…

It looked innocuous enough.