This was a big day for Julia.
“…okay…”
“You got this, remember?”
“…y-yeah…”
She and Sola had made the trip back to the academy. With this year’s tournament wrapped up, campus was a lot less active than usual, meaning there was a good amount of empty space in the training grounds.
“Nobody’s here, so you’re safe to do it.”
“…Sola?”
“Yeah?”
“…can you…” Julia said, pointing behind her.
“Totally get it. No problem at all.” Sola said, comfortably stepping back, before jumping forward and giving Julia a quick hug. “You got this! Remember!”
Julia happily sighed, as she took a needed breath, staring out at the empty grounds in front of her, stretching into the Central Forest, with the Eldos Mountains drowning the horizon.
She looked back down at her gloves, the same ones she scrambled to put on right after the attack. After she used her Whil…in that way…
And she hadn’t taken them off since.
A small breeze ran over the grounds, sending a slight chill up Julia’s spine and reminding her of what had happened that night.
But…
At least in this moment…
It was just her.
In a much better place, and a better mindset.
She certainly wasn’t thankful for that night, but…after everything that went down, this was the best she’d felt in a while.
The chill of the breeze was replaced with a warm ray from the sun, letting her take a comfortable breath, as she gripped one of the gloves, holding it.
After keeping herself stable and grounded in the moment, she lifted it up, closing her eyes as she did so…
…before opening them…
…with her hand now free.
It was still…just her hand.
“…ha…”
Julia took a second to inspect it, the warmth of the sun still shining down on her, with the only distraction being Sola behind her, hugging her back after what she’d managed to do.
“Okay, so you push square, square, triangle…”
“Square…square…”
“That’s too slow. Real fast, one after the other!”
“…squaresquaretriangle!”
Essex’s character performed a combo, as her eyes lit up at the action on the screen, then back down to her controller.
“That was my combo?”
“Yeah it was!”
“That was because of my action?”
“I don’t see anyone else here pulling off sick combos.”
Percy cleared her throat from up on the couch, drawing a glare from Harley, as Wess chuckled from the other side of the couch, even with her attention on a novel.
Essex’s stared starry-eyed at the screen, trying the combo over and over, before the front door opened up, with Julia coming in first.
“Ahem…” She started, before lifting up her now glove-free hands. “Hey guys.”
“Dear!” Wess exclaimed, jumping up from the couch, as the others followed suite. “Look at you.”
“Uhh…” Julia prefaced, stepping back a bit now that everyone was huddled around her. “I don’t wanna get too hasty. I got rid of the gloves, but I haven’t used my Whil yet. Or washed my hands.”
“Hey, no pressure from us.” Harley insisted, right as Sola jumped out from behind Julia. “Sola, Essex did the combo!”
“No way!” Sola replied, pumping her fists, before running over to the TV. “Show me show me show me!”
“…I will show you!” Essex exclaimed, running over to join her, as Percy carefully took Julia’s hands into her own.
“…t-this is…a big step…” Percy managed, still visibly straining her voice. “…y…yay…”
Percy took her hands back, before quickly signing to Julia. [I wanted to say congratulations, but I don’t think my throat wants a word that big.]
[Sentiment understood.] Julia replied, sweetly hugging her back, as Percy jumped back onto the couch, before Julia locked eyes with Wess again.
Before she could speak, Wess leaned in for a very long kiss, moving to lock her hands with Julia.
“You…have come so far.” Wess assured after parting, now holding her hands like Percy had and smirking. “As…someone who’s gone through a lot of adversity, I would also like to say congratulations.”
Julia laughed a little, as Wess got a bit closer. “…and I know we haven’t spoken about it, but I don’t think we’ve been as…close recently. Aside from the lodge trip, of course…”
Julia’s smile faded, as she nodded in acknowledgment. “…we’ve both been going through a lot. I’m sorry, I think I put our relationship on the backburner.”
Julia shook her head. “But I can safely safe, that stops today. You are getting all my sweet sweet lovin’.”
Wess chuckled. “I should hope so, after all…”
She leaned into Julia’s ear. “…it’s been so long with those gloves on, I want to get used to the feel of those hands again.”
“…W-Wess…” Julia let out, blushing brightly, before facing her again. “…okay, you’ve convinced me. As long as you’ve got the stamina to keep up.”
Wess was taken aback but such a brazen comment, as she found herself flustered and without a follow-up remark.
“…y-yes, well…I was…a book?”
“Go on.” Julia teased, as Wess went back to the couch, only for Julia to slap her butt as she turned around, giggling to herself.
Well then…back in full swing. Wess acknowledged, as Julia headed to the bathroom and wash up, only to stop right at the door.
“Oh, and just a reminder, we’ve got those pre-graduation interviews with Vent tomorrow.” Julia informed, as Harley groaned from her seat.
“Are those mandatory? I don’t wanna see that guy before graduation.” Harley insisted, as Sola popped up.
“And didn’t we already do an interview with him before coming to the academy?” Sola asked, as Julia nodded.
“We did, but this one’s different.” Julia explained, as Essex looked to Julia.
“Julia, allow me to take Harley’s place.” Essex offered, as Harley stared at her with stars in her eyes.
“And I’ll take Essex’s place!” Sola added, as Julia’s eyes drooped.
“…they’re solo interviews. And who’d take your place, Sola?” Julia noted, as Percy quietly raised her hand, getting a hearty chuckle from Wess.
Julia shook her head. “Just stick it out. It’s one last thing before graduation. I’m sure it’ll pass by without any hassle.”
———
It was the start of Vent’s day.
He always looked forward to these interviews, so much so he had a little routine of bringing his suitcase and setting up a few knick knacks on the desk beside him, grabbing out a personalised pen and notepad, and getting comfortable in his office’s armchair. It was the perfect excuse to use it, after all.
Right as he got settled, he checked his watch again, waiting for it to tick over to eight. The moment it did, a knock rang out from the door, as he subtly rolled his eyes and prepared himself.
“Come in.”
Very tentatively, Julia stepped through the door, looking around anxiously.
“S-Sorry, am I too early?”
“I start at eight.” Vent insisted, indicating to the armchair across from him. “If you would.”
Julia jumped to attention a little, as she hurried over to the seat and sat down, running her hands over her legs nervously.
“Do you mind giving me your name?”
“O-Oh, right. Julia…Julia Alpine. That’s…the full name.”
“And your residence?”
“…resi…? Oh! I thought…” Julia started, avoiding eye contact. “…here. Detu City. Do you need the street address?”
“City’s just fine.” He replied, scribbling a few things down, before noticing Julia’s twitchy demeanour. “You’ve gone through the hard part, Julia. You don’t need to be nervous.”
“U-Uhh, right, duh.” Julia let out, still feeling the pressure, as she sat forward. “I’ve just…if this goes well, I could finally start studying to become a Venator.”
Vent smiled. “Well, I’ll assure you off the bat that you passed the physical. That’s the biggest hurdle for most people. Now all that’s left is a few questions from me to assess your character.”
Julia found herself grinning briefly, before stopping herself and shrinking back down. “O-Okay, easy enough.”
“First question, what type of Venator do you want to be?”
“…hunting. Hunting Venator. They’re the best ones, r-right?”
“I’m not allowed to speak on that.” Vent replied, clicking his pen. “Do you have a Whil or personalised weapon?”
“Umm…yes Whil, no weapon. My Whil lets me speed up and slow down things, but…I’m not very good with it.”
“No problem, that’s what we’re for.” Vent said, noticing Julia opening up a little. “Last question. What kind of team are you looking for?”
Julia was visibly stumped, as she leaned back into her seat, trying to think of the best answer.
“…I guess…a nice team.” Julia insisted. “Just a…you know, not a bunch of…gung-ho muscleheads. People…easy to get along with. You can share a laugh with. And you know they’ve got your back in the tough times.”
Julia really started opening up now. “And they want to get better. I want people who can look at themselves and say…’hey, that could use work,’ or ‘maybe I should do this instead.’ Is there a term for that?”
“…self-actualisation?” Vent threw out there, as Julia started getting embarrassed and hid away again.
“…y-yeah, that…”
“…I was aiming more for skillset, but I can work with this.” Vent assured, before standing up. “Julia, this is an easy recommendation. I won’t speak too soon, but we can’t wait to see you in the spring.”
Julia stood up as well, before jumping into a handshake.
“Y-Yes sir, thank you!” She exclaimed. “I promise, I’ll try my best! Count on it!”
———
“This is his office, right?”
Wess stared up at the door. “Well, that’s Vent on the door, so unless he’s stolen someone’s identity…”
“His first name’s Duncan?” Harley let out, resting her hands on her hips. “Huh. Okay then.”
The team took up space outside of his office, getting comfortable in the seating area, with Percy feeling a touch out of place.
[I don’t really need to be here…] Percy admitted, still feeling a bit nervous being back at the academy, as Julia waved her hand.
“Don’t be silly. We want you here.” Julia said, patting the seat next to her and grinning. “You’ll help pass the time.”
Percy couldn’t help feeling elated by this, as she eagerly took up the seat, struggling to keep still.
She eventually rested her head on Julia’s shoulder, surprising Julia, though not causing her to pull back, as Sola got up to use the vending machine.
“It’s one on one, right?” Harley asked across from Julia, as Julia nodded.
“He’ll be asking some questions and where we want our careers to go after graduating.” Julia said, as Sola grabbed a coke.
“…he is the PR teacher.” Essex prefaced. “…will they be marketing questions?”
“Don’t worry, dear, they won’t be too hard.” Wess assured, resting her hand on Essex’s leg. “Just stick to your instincts. They’ve gotten you this far.”
Essex found herself smiling, as Harley rested on Essex to match what Julia and Percy were doing.
Julia let Percy get comfortable, as she stared at the clock in anticipation.
It was the start of Vent’s day.
As usual, he started his little routine, something he could only ever indulge in two times a year. Fortunately, interviewing so many students took up a lot of time, meaning he could really appreciate the little things, even if it was mostly the same advice by the end of the day.
As was pretty familiar at this point, he checked his watch again, waiting for it to tick over to eight, his eyes on the door this time. The moment it did, a knock rang out from the door.
“…shouldn’t be too surprised…” He muttered under his breath. “Come in.”
Julia opened up the door and walked right in, giving Vent a little wave.
“Sorry, was I too early?”
“…you’re punctual.” Vent said, indicating to the armchair across from him. “Just to start off, your name and team?”
“Oh, right.” Julia started, sitting down and getting comfortable, before taking a breath. “Julia Alpine, leader of Team Valiant.”
“And you’re from…?”
“Detu City. The suburbs.” Julia clarified, tilting her head. “I probably didn’t need to clarify, did I?”
Vent shrugged. “I won’t dock you any points. Now…how have you found your studies?”
Julia really thought on this. “Uhh…good…for the most part. Umm, my team and I…well, you know about the attack this year…”
Vent snapped his fingers. “That’s right. You’re the ones staying off campus on Faller’s request.”
“R-right, right.” Julia agreed, waving her hand. “O-Other than that, it’s been…pretty good.”
“Okay. And how much do you feel you’ve improved?” Vent asked next, as Julia leaned back and stroked her chin.
“…w-well, I don’t want to…you know, brag or anything…” Julia prefaced. “…but if you asked the rest of the team, they’d say I’ve come really far. I’m way better with my Whil, and my marksmanship has only improved.”
“And your role as a leader?”
Julia threw her hands up, before giving a good-natured laugh. “I didn’t think I’d take to it at all, but…I feel really comfortable in it now. It helps that the others are so easy to get along with.”
Vent found himself subtly smiling, as he scribbled a few notes down beside him.
“…now, here’s the big one. Where do you see your career going from here? Are you staying with your current team, and are you still planning on becoming a Hunting Venator?”
Julia looked a bit stunned at the question, as she took a few moments to respond.
“…well, at this point…I don’t really see myself with any other team.” Julia admitted, nodding her head. “And I’m definitely becoming a Hunting Venator. We’ve got a few plans to stick around Central Point before spreading out to more of Daysend, seeing where work takes us. Eventually we’ll save up and get an RV to work out of, or something a bit more…industrial? I guess that’d be the word?”
Julia smiled back at him. “There’s a good bit in place, but we’ll just see where the wind takes us.”
Vent tapped his pen a couple times, finding he didn’t need to take any further notes, before standing up and offering his hand to Julia.
“O-Oh, right, this part.” She remembered, standing up to shake it, as Vent went to speak.
“Once again Julia, this is very easy for me. I’ll wait until I’ve interviewed the whole team to give my final conclusions, but rest assured, that growth you mentioned is very evident.”
Julia found herself beaming, not expecting such an earnest compliment, as she started to blush and take her hand back. “T-Thanks.”
Vent indicated to the door, as Julia gave a slightly awkward thumbs up before leaving, as Vent took a second to sit down and breathe, taking it all in.
“…one down, four to go…”
———
“…somebody once told me, you’ll end up old and lonely…I never listened to what they saaaaaid…”
Cassidy sung casually, swinging her keys around her finger, as she flicked on the seventh floor lights for the EHM building, the morning light just starting to crack through the windows.
“I was feeling kinda done, pulled the trigger on my gun…with the barrel pointed to my forehead…” Cassidy sung, drumming with her fingers, as she turned on the lights to the break room. “Well, the days stop comi-“
Cassidy stopped once she saw someone lifting themselves up from the break room seats, rubbing his head from exhaustion.
“Florey?” She asked in shock, putting her bag down. “What’re you doing here?”
“…sleeping, mostly.” He replied, struggling to sit up, as Cassidy walked to the kitchenette.
“Sleeping? Why didn’t you go back to your apartment?”
“…my apartment was wrecked a few weeks ago by that Wailing.” Florey explained, yawning loudly, as Cassidy went to grab a coffee and stopped herself.
“Wait, what?!” She let out, resting her hands on her hips. “So you’ve been staying here ever since?”
“Well…not here, the lab.” Florey said, pointing upwards, as Cassidy started digging around the fridge for milk. “I’m still looking for somewhere to stay.”
Cassidy grimaced a little. “You should’ve told me. I could’ve helped you find a new place. Or at least offered you my couch instead of using the break room chairs as a bed.”
“I wasn’t planning on falling asleep here…” Florey admitted, his eyes still half-closed, as Cassidy started looking for ice. “I ran out of freezer space for my petri dishes.”
Once Cassidy opened the freezer, she could see what he meant, as several stacks were piled on top of each other, taking up the whole thing.
“…uhuh.” Cassidy let out, reaching around them to grab the ice cube tray, as Florey waved his hand.
“And I can’t show my face to Marcus until I’m done…I’ll get rid of them though…they’re just more duds anyway…” Florey offered, slowly getting up and wandering over, clearly still exhausted.
“You look worse for wear. Why don’t you get a proper rest before working to the bone again?” Cassidy insisted, as Florey stuck his head in beside her, ready to pull the dishes out.
Once he got a good look though, his eyes shot open in shock, before he pushed Cassidy to the side and dug around for one of the dishes, inspecting them feverishly.
Before she could protest, Florey took a single one out, shakily holding it and putting it up to the light, as he shared a hopeful glance with her.
Cassidy could piece together what it meant.
“…is that a breakthrough?”
Florey slowly nodded, not really believing it himself, as he looked back down at the dish, before running out of the break room, nearly tripping through the doorway.
“THIS IS IT!!!” He exclaimed, running past the other employees heading to their workspace and toward the elevator.
———
“…okay, next up is…Harley Ba-“
A loud banging knock came from Vent’s door, causing him to shudder, as he took a second to breath and recollect himself.
“…come in.”
The door burst open a little loud as Harley pulled herself into the room, a bag slung over her shoulder.
“…where’s the interview?”
“You’re looking at it.” Vent said, indicating to the seat, as Harley dropped into it. “Name?”
“Harley Baroke.”
“And where are you from?”
“Uhh, Denilee Town! Heard of it?” Harley asked, leaning forward, as Vent pursed his lips.
“…I’ve been meaning to visit.” He pivoted, scribbling some notes down. “…now, your results in the physical were exceptional. Even with raw strength alone, you were comparable to the applicants with Whils, and in some cases exceeded them.”
“Hell yeah I did!” Harley bragged, kicking her feet up on the coffee table, before putting them back down. “Oh, probably shouldn’t…”
Vent gave her the side-eye. “…I’m assuming you don’t have a Whil?”
“Nope. Got a bit of Whilvin in me, but no Whil.” Harley explained, shrugging. “Not that I plan to be held back by that.”
“Uhuh…” Vent muttered, already assuming the answer to the next question. “What type of Venator are you planni-“
“Hunting Venator, easy.” Harley insisted, folding her arms, as Vent nodded along.
No surprise there. He thought. “And do you have a personal weapon?”
“Yeah, my Buster Knuckles! Had ‘em since I was…” Harley started, before thinking back on it. “…I don’t remember when actually, but they’re good.”
“…right.” Vent said, sighing out, before resting his head. “Now, important question. What kind of team are you looking for?”
Harley looked a bit thrown by the question, as she took a minute to really think on it herself. Vent had a note scribbled down saying ‘the strongest team there is!’
I should really make a bingo sheet for these. Vent pondered, as Harley slammed her hands together, ready with her answer.
“…good integrity. Real hard workers.” Harley replied.
Vent was stumped with such an unexpected answer, as Harley continued. “I don’t really need strength, I’ve got that covered, but a lot of heart.”
“…could you be more specific than heart?” Vent asked, as Harley spun her hands.
“Like, good people. A team you could have drinks with.” Harley insisted. “And ones that’ll think before throwing a punch.”
Vent lifted his head. “Really?”
Harley nodded proudly. “I’m still working on that myself, so it’d be good if they could remind me.”
“…okay then.” Vent surmised, before standing back up and indicating to the door. “We’ll let you know about the results soon enough.”
“Sweet!” Harley exclaimed, jumping up and heading out, before giving a quick salute to Vent. “Thanks, teach!”
Harley closed the door, as Vent fell back into his chair, massaging his forehead.
…we get them every year. He reiterated. …what are the odds she takes any of my classes?
———
Sola was casually wandering around with her coke, taking occasional sips, as the others waited for Julia to finish up her interview.
She briefly passed Wess, as they locked eyes for a second, before Sola leaned in.
“Hey…did you get it ready?”
Wess gave a subtle thumbs up, just out of eyeshot from the others. “Should be arriving just around graduation. Remember, it’s a secret until then.”
Sola held a finger to her mouth, smiling behind it, right as Julia stepped out of Vent’s office.
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Harley sat up to acknowledge her. “So? How was it?”
Julia rubbed her neck, before sitting back down, as Percy took her place on her shoulder again. “Uhh, good. Soft ball questions. Nothing too out of the ordinary.”
“Did he give you attitude?” Harley insisted, leaning forward.
“No, a lot of…kind words, actually.” Julia explained, shrugging. “He may just be saving it for you?”
“He better not!” Sola exclaimed, sitting back down. “Harley’s making it big!”
“Hey, we’re all making it big!” Harley insisted, as Sola pumped her fists up.
“We’re all making it big!” Sola agreed, as Harley stood up to wait outside of Vent’s door.
“Gimme your worst, Vent…”
Vent comfortably waited for the clock to tick over, as he marked off a couple things on one of his bingo sheets, mostly just gimmes at this point.
“Should pick up with the next few…” Vent muttered, before seeing the time turn over and calling out. “Come in.”
Somewhat tentatively, Harley opened the door, peering inside to get a view of what she was walking into, before Vent got a good read of her.
“…Harley.” Vent started, growing a slow smile. “Come, sit. Let’s talk.”
“…let’s talk…” She muttered under her breath, making her way to the seat.
“…now, remind me of your name and team.” Vent started, before Harley leaned forward.
“Oh, you know. You know.” Harley insisted, as Vent put his notes away, expecting a conversation. “Don’t give me that. I’ve been on your shitlist since day one.”
“Have you now?”
“Yeah, I have for, like, no reason.” Harley declared, pointing right at him. “What the hell did I do to you to carry around this weird…macho grudge you got going on? Did I dare to take your class?”
“…well, that was part of it.” Vent prefaced, as Harley huffed out, before falling back into her seat. “Do you really want to know?”
Harley frustratedly nodded, as Vent got comfortable.
“There’s a lot of applicants that come here…like you.” Vent explained, as Harley raised an eyebrow. “Muscular, massive, and ready to fight the Wailing minute one. No care for safety, or a well-balanced team. Just power and more gung-ho energy to match their own.”
“…uhuh.” Harley replied, as Vent waved his hand around.
“They’re the Venators that die the most.” Vent brazenly said. “Often throwing themselves into situations they think they can win and painfully learning they can’t, then leaving other Venators without a teammate and plenty of trauma. I make a point to turn them away if they’re too…stupid, for lack of a better term.”
You used gung-ho two seconds ago. Harley thought, as Vent turned to her again.
“But…you said just enough right for me to let you in.” Vent answered, as Harley sneered at him.
“Oh, good for me then.”
“Yes.” Vent replied. “…but then you started taking my classes, and quite simply…I thought you were taking the piss.”
Harley blinked. “Huh?”
“Your teammate, Wess, she was a natural, but you didn’t even know what Activ was. I…I guess falsely assumed…you took my class as a challenge, showing you were more than…”
“…muscular, massive, ready minute one.” Harley finished, as Vent indicated back to her.
“Right. You’ll be happy to know it worked, and you exceeded my expectations.”
“That’s not why I did it…” Harley insisted, folding her arms, as Vent threw his palms up.
“Regardless, good job, but it left a sour taste in my mouth.” Vent decided, as Harley looked offended. “So, I took some easy pot shots.”
“…wait, that was it? You were fucking with me cause you thought I was fucking with you?” Harley complained, as Vent let out a small laugh.
“Really misjudged that, huh?” Vent tried, only to see Harley wasn’t taking it at all, before clearing his throat. “…so, I figure we can blitz through the last of these.”
“Yeah, you better…” Harley muttered, sinking into her seat, her arms still folded. “…I’m only doing this so I don’t screw over my team.”
“Understandable. Name and team?”
“Harley Baroke. Team Valiant.”
“Residence?”
“Denilee Town.”
“How have your studies been?”
“Fine.”
“Do you feel you’ve improved?”
“Yes.”
“Happy with your career? Are you staying with your team?”
“Yes and without a doubt.”
“Alright, we’re all done.”
“Great.” Harley said, standing up immediately and heading out, only for Vent to speak up.
“Harley?”
“Uhuh?”
“…good job.” He stated. “…thanks for not throwing a punch.”
Harley gave him the side-eye before leaving. “Yeah yeah…”
As he left, Vent found himself looking down at his bingo sheet, before realising there wasn’t actually anything to tick off after that.
“…huh.” He let out, fairly surprised. “…well, okay then.”
Essex silently watched over Sola as she finished her drink, kicking her legs out of boredom. Essex looked back at the vending machine, blinking, before deciding to get up and try to use it.
“…w-what’s…V-Vent’s deal?...” Percy asked, sitting up a bit. [Why’s he so rude to Harley?]
Julia simply shrugged. “Beats me. Wess, you guys had classes together. Why’s he being a dick?”
“…because he is?” Wess surmised. “Harley did well enough in his classes. She had plenty of gusto, but that’s just what she’s like.”
Just as they finished talking, Harley emerged from the office door and trudged over.
“So, got it out of the way?” Julia asked.
“Uhuh. He thought I was stepping to him.” Harley explained, falling into her seat and folding her arms. “He’s lucky I wasn’t. I’d break him like a toothpick.”
“An ice toothpick!” Sola insisted. “Or a…balsa wood toothpick.”
“…paper toothpick?” Julia offered, as Sola went to sit in Harley’s lap.
“Glass toothpick, that’s also an option.” Wess suggested, while Essex started to struggle with the number pad.
“…b-bread toothpick?...” Percy added in, as Harley nodded along.
“All good options and all true.” Harley stated, playing with Sola’s hair. “He seemed impressed though, so I don’t think we’ve got to worry about him failing me or something.”
“I don’t think that’s even his job.” Wess noted, resting a hand on her chest. “But you needn’t worry. We’re on good terms, so I can smooth things over if need be.”
“When have I heard that before?” Harley joked, getting some chuckles from the others, as Wess rolled her eyes.
“Hahaha, you’re very charming…”
———
“…so she’s the kid of a noble? Is that the second one this year?”
Interrupting Vent, a gentle and rhythmic, almost practiced knock came from the door, as he sat up in his seat.
“Come in.”
As to be expected, Wess carried herself into the room, poised and presentable, before making a beeline for Vent.
“Mr Vent.” Wess greeted, going to shake his hand. “A pleasure.”
“Likewise.” Vent remarked, not really expecting it, before indicating to the seat opposite and sitting down himself.
Wess sat down and crossed her legs, facing Vent with a certain stiffness, as Vent checked over his notes.
“Name?”
“Wess Delacroix Nouvel.”
Impressive name. Vent thought. “And you’re from…?”
“Mareau, of the Northern Wayside.” Wess answered, putting on a pleasant smile.
“Okay…” Vent muttered, writing some things down. This is going very smoothly.
“What type of Venator are you hoping to become?”
“Hunting Venator. If not, Dueling would be my second choice.” Wess replied, as Vent nodded along.
“Do you have a Whil or weapon? If not, what’s your weapon preference?”
“Uhh, no Whil.” Wess insisted, smiling. “And I do have a weapon, Belvedere.”
“…which is…?”
“A broadsword.” Wess answered. “It’s not arrived yet, but once it has, it should be the only weapon I use.”
“Naturally…” Vent said, before hitting the last question. “And what kind of team are you looking for?”
Wess blinked a little in surprise. “…I’m sorry?”
“…your Venator team?”
Wess looked somewhat lost, before clearing her throat. “Right…capable, I would say.”
“…a few more details, please.” Vent insisted, as Wess was visibly offended.
“I don’t know what you want from me. Skilful? Physically gifted?”
“I was talking more about personality, camaraderie. What sort of team would you work best with?”
Wess smiled. “Well, what’s the strongest team you have?”
Vent blinked in surprise, before crossing off that note he made during Harley’s interview, as Wess waved her hand dismissively.
“I’ll have you know I’m a very good judge of character. Once we pick our teammates, I’m sure our natural abilities would work well with each other. I hardly see why that’s of concern to you.”
Picking teammates? Should I correct her? Vent wondered, with Wess openly smirking, feeling she’d managed to one up him. …maybe not. Might be a good reality check.
“…Wess? Can I give some advice?” Vent asked, as Wess kept her smile up.
“I hardly think I need it.”
“…I’m gonna give it anyway.” Vent stated. “I can tell the smile’s forced.”
Wess dropped it a little, as Vent leaned back in his seat.
“Your results in the physical were good, and you clearly have a sharp mind, so you’re getting my recommendation. However, maybe when you’re meeting your team, try not to force it. Find reasons to smile for real.” Vent offered. “Okay?”
Wess looked a bit miffed, as she stood up, doing her best to keep her composure.
“W-Well, that’s your opinion. I shall take it with a grain of salt.” Wess let out, turning to the side. “Are we finished here?”
“We are.” Vent said, inviting her to the door, as she tried staying quiet as she exited, before Vent heard a little muffled grumbling coming from the hallway.
In his notes, he simply wrote ‘attitude problems’ under her name.
“Seems like a team to humble her would be best…”
———
“…who’s next…oh, the star pupil of my classes. This should be fun.”
Interrupting Vent, a gentle and rhythmic, very much practiced knock came from the door, as he sat up in his seat.
“Come in.”
As to be expected, Wess carried herself into the room, poised and presentable, before making a beeline for Vent.
“Mr Vent.” Wess greeted, going to shake his hand. “Seems we’re back here again.”
“That we are.” Vent agreed, pointing to the seat, as Wess sat down, getting properly comfortable in it. “Let’s get right into it. Name and team?”
Wess smiled. “Wess Albalux, of Team Valiant.”
Vent looked a bit confused, before pouring over his sheets and finding a note attached to Wess’ document regarding a name change.
“…right. Albalux now.” He remarked, thinking on how he preferred her previous name. “And you’re from…?”
“Mareau, still.” Wess remarked, as Vent raised his eyes at her.
“…gotcha. How have you found your studies?”
Wess gave this some consideration. “…if I’m being honest, a mixed bag. I’ve certainly learnt a lot and gotten some much needed experience. However, certain teachers and the attacks have hindered things, both for my team and I.”
“Feel like naming any of those teachers?” Vent asked, as Wess smirked.
“Oh, I’m not falling for that one.” Wess let out, sitting back. “Don’t worry, you’re not one of them. I’ve actually found your marketing classes to be some of the most engaging during my education.”
“Well, that’s greatly appreciated.” Vent replied. And it looks like you’re putting them to good use.
Vent scribbled a few things down. “Do you feel you’ve improved over your education?”
Wess went to answer, before smiling to herself and cupping her hands together.
“…unquestionably.” Wess replied. “There’s been a lot of growth over the last few years. I’m aware of…how I was first coming here. Needless to say, my team has been…”
Wess grinned.
“…the best influence in my life. I love them dearly.”
Vent took a second to let that sink in, briefly forgetting he still had a question for her, before snapping back to reality.
“…w-well, I was about to ask whether you’re staying with your team, but that seems to be covered…” Vent muttered, jotting a few things down. “Where do you see your career going?”
“Well, that’s simple.” Wess prepared, counting down on her fingers. “We’re starting with a tour around Daysend, beginning in Central Point, possibly heading to the Southern or Northern Wayside after that. There’s a plan in place for transport, but I’m keeping that somewhat secret for the moment.”
“Even to me?” Vent questioned, as Wess wagged her finger.
“I can’t risk you telling the others. Rest assured, it’s covered. We’ll start off with some smaller work, enough to get our names out there, combined with our presence in the tournament and news on a few occasions. Possibly get some brand deals, use our few connections to professional teams for collaborations, keeping on top of Activ to engage with fans…”
Wess checked off a few things in her head. “We’re keeping the structure somewhat loose at first, but consistent. There are possibilities of hiring an agent or joining an agency at some point, but we’ll have to see what works best at the time.”
“…well, that hardly surprises me.” He said, standing up and holding his hand out. “I had a feeling you’d have this part figured out, considering your results in my classes.”
“Naturally. I’m quite gifted in this area.” Wess insisted, standing up to shake his hand, before resting her other hand on his. “And…I don’t know how much control you had over the decision, but I want to thank you deeply for pairing me with my current team.”
Vent chuckled. “Merely a recommendation. I like to say they chose you and I’m merely the one who put it into action.”
“Regardless, I’m eternally grateful.” Wess thanked, before heading out of the office, giving a small wave as she did.
Vent had to take a second in his seat, as he fell back into it, before taking off his glasses and covering his eyes.
He looked over his notes again to distract himself, sniffing a little.
He found himself crying a few tears, doing his best to keep it to himself and not make it look too obvious.
“Come on, you’re almost done…” He muttered, before shaking his head. “I guess there had to be one at some point…”
———
“…Florey…just for, like, a minute, indulge me.”
“…okay?”
“I need you to break it down in laymen terms.”
“I-“
“And not cause I’m stupid, you just talk fast when you’re excited and I don’t know biology shit.”
“That’s…fine, most people don’t.” Florey reasoned, strapping on a pair of goggles, before taking a heavy breath and entering the Wailing storage room, as he handed a pair to Rosalind as well.
The Wailing was visibly agitated in its cell, somehow looking malnourished even without a fully composed body. Its form was slumped over, barely acknowledging the duo, as Florey clapped his hands together.
He steeled himself, his back to the Wailing, as he showed the petri dish off to Rosalind.
“I found a way to keep the Wailing’s body together while I dissect it.” Florey explained. “Since its body still produces an obscene amount of water, I can partially freeze it at the right temperature, combine it with this non-destructive chemical compound of so…”
Florey noticed he was losing Rosalind, before shaking his hands. “That part doesn’t matter. But…it means I can keep its body stable without interfering with my results.”
Florey moved over to a small control panel over on the wall, connected to the cell, and pulled up a few options, plugging in some numbers.
“There’s a few downsides, though.” Florey explained, as Rosalind started to notice how confident he seemed now that he was talking about something he knew. “I’ll need to perform the autopsy at the same temperature, so I’ll be absolutely freezing for most of it. Also, I can only repeat this for Gelatinous Wailing tied to water-based magic.”
“Pretty lucky find then, huh?” Rosalind remarked, as she pointed to the boxes behind her. “And these?”
“Coolers for moving the substance up to the lab.” Florey explained, now staring back at the Wailing in the cell, then back at the panel. “…I mixed some of the compound into the filtration system for the cell. Once I put in the prompt, the cell should freeze over and the Wailing should…it’ll…”
“Die?” Rosalind finished, locking eyes with him. “It’s okay, you can say big boy words.”
“…yeah, die.” Florey said, noticing himself hesitating, as the Wailing was now staring at what he was doing, trying to study his face.
Florey tried to keep his cool, holding his hand up in front of the screen, still not pressing it.
Rolling her eyes, Rosalind reached over and pressed it for him. A white mist started to roll into the cell, filling it up completely, and giving the Wailing just enough time to react.
It could feel its body fighting itself, finally giving it some of the feeling it was meant to have, before betraying that feeling with pain, running all through it.
It was dying, and it knew it.
In a burst of energy, it slammed its massive head into the glass, shuddering it, doing it a few more times for good measure. Florey stepped back, but nothing was budging it.
As it had before, it turned its head into a massive spike, just visible within the mist, and ready to drive into the glass, fully with the intention to shatter.
It reeled back, ready to do it, as its body kept pulling it inward, telling it to stop.
Eventually, its strength gave out, as it collapsed to the floor, huddled over and losing all the intimidation it’d had.
Lastly, it looked to Florey again, as Florey, despite it not having a face, was able to register one last action across the featureless body.
Pleading.
Only once Florey saw this, the Wailing fell limp, its body shuddering for a brief second, before it finally gave out and split apart into smaller chunks, spreading out across the cell in one last death rattle.
The chunks stayed intact, holding their shape in the way Florey had promised, as Rosalind eventually let herself blink.
“Went out swinging. Can’t help but respect that.” Rosalind remarked, before pointing back at the coolers. “So, right up to the lab?”
“…yeah. They’d be best fresh.” Florey reasoned, looking back at the cell, the mist now dissipating, before reminding himself of what he was doing…
…this was a Wailing…
…and it had it coming.
———
Vent patiently tapped his foot, watching the clock tick over to the next minute, waiting for a knock at the door.
Is she late? Vent wondered, rearranging his things to pass the time. Is this a prank?
Suddenly, he caught some footsteps outside his office, as he turned around, looking out the window, before seeing Sola standing out in the courtyard, glancing around aimlessly.
Vent stuck his head out. “Sola?!”
Sola turned to him. “Yeah?!”
“Your interview started two minutes ago!”
“…with who?!”
“Me!”
Sola took a second.
“…oh! Hold on!”
It took another few minutes for Sola to finally find where Vent’s office was, as she sheepishly sat down across from him.
Vent pouted his lips. “…there is a map, you know.”
“Really?” Sola asked, before taking out her tablet to check, as Vent groaned and moved on to the questions.
“Name?”
Sola kept checking her tablet, before lifting her head up. “Huh?”
“What’s your name, Sola?”
“Oh. Sola Lusagi.”
“And where are you from?”
“An orphanage.” Sola replied, before realising what he meant. “Oh! Mykonori town.”
Oh boy… Vent realised, as he scratched the side of his head with his personalised pen. “What type of Venator do you want to be?”
Sola blinked in confusion, as she looked down at the floor.
“…the Wailing one? The one that fights Wailing?” Sola posited, as Vent kept his face stiff.
“…okay then.” He said, marking down ‘Hunting Venator’ before moving on. “Do you have a weapon at all?”
“Nope!”
“A Whil?”
“Yeah! I shoot lightning out.” Sola said, rubbing her head. “That’s kinda the only reason I passed the physical…”
Vent was starting to piece everything together, as he began making conclusions in his head. “…and what kind of team are you looking for?”
“I get to choose?”
“No, I just make the recommendation based on your preference.” Vent explained, throwing his hands up. “Or whoever I think would help balance you out.”
“Oh.” Sola let out, scratching her chin. “I thought we were meant to go solo…is that an option?”
“After you graduate. You still have to conduct your studies as a team.” Vent explained, giving Sola more to work with.
“…then can you help with that?”
Vent tilted his head. “How so?”
“Who do you think I need?”
Vent looked a bit put on the spot, as he grabbed his notebook and pushed it to his legs.
“…well, from your answers, you don’t seem very…put together.” Vent blatantly stated. “So…a stable team…of diverse personalities. Ones to balance out your eccentricities.”
“…is that a weird way to say electricity?” Sola asked, as Vent shook his head.
“No, it’s a completely different word.”
“…alright, then that.” Sola said, nodding happily. “And make them fun!”
“…you want to be a Venator, right?” Vent rightfully asked, as Sola nodded happily again.
“Yeah!”
“…alright, we’ll be in touch.” Vent said, indicating to the door. “And use that map.”
“Oh yeah! I nearly forgot about that.” Sola exclaimed, pulling her tablet out as she left, happily waving to Vent.
Vent fell back into his seat, looking over his numerous notes about Sola and just how unfit she seemed for the position.
Despite her talent, easy no. He realised, before acknowledging a small note he made about her when she was talking about her team.
…potential to grow.
…silently, and somewhat despite himself, he found himself leaving a small tick next to her name.
———
“Does he have to take so long between interviews? It’s only, like, five questions.” Harley insisted, still a bit miffed, as Sola looked back at her.
“Maybe Wess is really selling us in there?”
“Is Vent meant to be hiring us at some point?” Harley asked, getting a polite laugh from Percy, while Essex groaned after getting the wrong drink from the machine.
Harley and Sola quickly noticed, as Sola sat up. “You need help, babe?”
“I’m good…babe.” Essex insisted, still staring at the machine as she bit her finger. “And thank you for the offer.”
The team settled as Vent’s door opened again, with Wess stepping out, looking visibly proud of herself.
“Nailed it?” Julia asked, as Wess grinned back at her and sat down.
“What do you think?” Wess assured, as Harley grabbed her shoulder.
“Atta girl Wess, show that jerk who’s boss!”
Wess jumped back in her seat, staring at Harley until she let go of her shoulder. “…don’t do that, and yes, he’s easy to butter up.”
“Me next!” Sola announced, jumping up excitedly. “Gimme that butter!”
Sola held her hands out in front of Julia, as Julia looked around awkwardly, with no idea what to do.
She seemingly mimed…handing Sola some butter?...as Sola turned around to Harley and Wess to do the same.
“There you are.” Wess responded, ‘handing’ her some, as Harley quickly did the same.
“You little weirdo.” Harley chuckled, as Sola stood right outside of Vent’s door.
“Let’s do this!”
Vent checked himself in the reflection of his tablet, making sure his eyes weren’t too red, before trying to get back into the right mindset.
“Honestly…I always said I’d be ready…”
He almost missed the start of the interview due to his distraction, before calling out.
“Oh, come in!”
Clearly hyped up, Sola jumped through the door, skipping over to the seat, before immediately getting into it.
“Let’s do this!”
“…someone’s eager.” Vent remarked, glancing up from his notebook. “I assumed you found your way here without too much trouble?”
“Huh?” Sola replied, not really getting it, as Vent cut his losses.
“Name and team?”
“Sola Lusagi of Team Valiant! Yeah!”
“And you’re from…?”
“Mykonori, Eastern Wayside!” Sola exclaimed. “Go on, give me the big questions!”
“…alright…how have your studies been?” Vent asked, as Sola pumped her fists.
“Studying’s boring, but my classes were fun!” Sola insisted, before dropping the energy a bit. “Well, some of them. Others weren’t, but that’s okay. I still learned stuff.”
“Good, good…and do you feel you’ve improved over your education?” Vent asked, as Sola nodded happily.
“Yeah, I totally have!” Sola exclaimed, counting on her fingers. “I’m better with my Whil, I’ve got cool weapons now, I’m part of the best team ever, I’ve got a whole bunch of friends, I’m doing a super secret project with Wess for the others, but you can’t tell them! It’s really secret!”
Vent blinked. “About the secret I don’t know?”
“Don’t even hint at it!” Sola insisted, before counting again. “And I put on a play! It’s been awesome!”
“…sounds like it.” Vent remarked, scribbling something down. “Now, you mentioned wanting to go solo when I first interviewed you. Is that still your desi-“
“Nope!” Sola plainly answered, shaking her head, as Vent quickly crossed something out.
“Alright then. You’re staying with your team?”
“Duh. I’d be a complete dingus to leave them.” Sola stated. “They’re the best!”
“Yes, you’ve mentioned that.” Vent commented, before standing right up. “I respect your efficiency. It’s a testament to your improvement. You look a lot more focused these days.”
“I am!” Sola assured, sticking out her hand. “Thanks for putting me with the best team ever!”
Vent went to quietly shake it. “…I’ll give my recommendation to the whole team, but I’ll just say, your growth has been the most impressive.”
Sola started to blush profusely, before hugging Vent quickly and leaving right after, exclaiming loudly to the others in the hall.
“Guys! I’m the best, he said I’v…”
The door closed, as Vent ran his hands over his face.
“What’s with all this…positivity? I’m not used to it…”
“…e had the most impressive growth!” Sola exclaimed, jumping into Harley’s lap, who immediately hugged her.
“Way to go, babe!” Harley cheered, right as Essex sat down next to her, holding fifteen cans of lemonade, a sunken expression over her face.
She slowly put them on the ground, as Harley leaned over the seat.
“Hey Essex?”
“Yes?”
“You want me to show you how to get a coke?”
“…I should finish these lemonades.” Essex said, staring down at the cans, before Sola leaned over the seats.
“But do you want those lemonades?”
“…no.” Essex insisted, before standing straight back up and holding her fists up. “I wish for a coke!”
“Uhh, Essex?” Julia said, holding up her tablet. “You’ve still gotta talk to Vent.”
Essex slowly and disappointingly lowered her hands, before Harley gave her a squeeze on the arm. “I’ll get you one for when you’re done.”
“…okay.” Essex said, assuring herself, before leaning over to kiss Harley’s and Sola’s cheeks and heading for Vent’s door.
“Knock him dead.” Wess assured, scrolling on her tablet, as Essex confidently strode over.
I have got this.
———
“…and last one for the day. Can’t say I’ll miss it, but it’s sure been interesting.”
A firm knock came from the door, as Vent stretched out, preparing for his last interview of the day.
“Come in.”
Upon request, Essex opened the door and entered the room, briefly struggling to fit her scythe through the doorway before making her way in.
“Ms Essex.” Vent greeted, sticking out his hand, as Essex went to shake it. “Thank you for meeting with me.”
“Grelo. I thank you for the education.” Essex stated, as Vent went to sit back down.
“You can thank Faller. He’s the one who received your letter about enrolment and offered the scholarship.” Vent explained, indicating for Essex to sit down, as she propped her scythe beside the chair. “Seems you’ll be the second Venator from the Segaru Clan in history.”
“…dal, it is an uncommon desire for us.” Essex clarified, as Vent pointed to the scythe.
“Even with the provided weapon?” Vent remarked, getting no reaction from Essex, before turning his attention down. “Now, this interview’s usually a test of character, but with the scholarship guaranteeing enrolment, we’re just looking for certain details before your education starts.”
“Understood.” Essex replied, sitting up straight.
“Name?”
Essex stood up on instinct and bowed. “Relias, I did not introduce myself properly. Aerlo Decali, my title is Essex.”
“…no last name?” Vent asked, as Essex nodded back. “Okay, just Essex…I guess asking where you’re from wouldn’t make sense…what type of Venator are you wanting to study as?”
Essex blinked. “Which are responsible for killing Wailing?”
“Hunting Venators. Professionals in every sense.”
“…professionals?”
“Yep.”
“…then Hunting Venator.”
“Easy enough.” Vent said, tapping his pen and checking the other questions. “Personal weapon’s sitting right there…do you have a Whil?”
Essex touched her scythe blade and changed her hand to metal. “Dal.”
Wish they were all this efficient. He thought. “And…what type of Venator team are you looking for?”
Essex tilted her head in confusion. “I wish to go solo.”
“Right, but you’ll need a team to study with.” Vent clarified, as Essex thought on it.
Eventually, she came up with an answer.
“Unintrusive.”
Vent blinked a few times, before making a quick note and standing up. “…I’ll see what I can do.”
“Grela. I thank you for the assistance.” Essex stated, standing up and bowing again.
“And we thank you for choosing our academy. Faller said he would send a care package back to the clan before the semester starts.” Vent informed, sticking his hand out again. “I have faith you’ll do well in your studies, Essex.”
Essex shook it back. “Relias, but it will not be faith that will aid me.”
———
Vent found himself tapping his foot on the ground rhythmically, shaking his head back and forth in confusion.
This wasn’t the first time it had happened. Teams got close, that was the nature of Venator education. Often plenty of teams would have relationships in them, or end up forming lifelong connections.
But, that was usually sequestered to only a few members at a time.
Not the whole team.
And certainly not by graduation.
“…sweet Whilit…”
Vent didn’t bother to check the time, but he saw Essex’s shadow underneath his door and sat back up.
“…oh right, come in.”
Upon request, Essex opened the door and entered, managing to fit her scythe cleanly through the doorframe, before heading over to Vent and sticking out her hand.
“Mr Vent.” She greeted, as he got up to meet her in kind.
“Essex, great t…” He said, only to feel cold metal as he went to shake it.
It took him a second to register her metallic hand, then another to realise it was a prosthetic.
He noticed Essex staring at him, before he pulled back awkwardly.
“S-Sorry, I thought you were using your Whil for a second.” He remarked, before recalling the memory. “That’s right. You were…”
“Mr Vent?”
“Yes?”
“The interview?”
Vent blinked, before shaking his head and sitting back down. “Right, sorry. Your teammates…are interesting. I’m a bit thrown off.”
Vent breathed out, before looking back to his questions as Essex sat down, getting comfortable in her seat.
“Name and team?”
“Essex. Team Valiant.”
“And I don’t need to ask where you’re from…how have your studies been?”
Essex considered the question in full, before leaning forward. “Underwhelming.”
Vent looked a bit shock. “Really?”
Essex nodded. “From an institutional perspective, I feel we’ve been limited and set back due the numerous Wailing attacks, as well as personal circumstances involving our team specifically.”
“In what way?”
“…I would ask Faller personally.”
Vent clicked his pen a few times. “…I know you took more combat focused classes, were they at least informative?”
“…I feel I learned more from my team than any educator.” Essex blatantly stated. “But that might be personal bias. We fought a lot of Wailing.”
“More than most teams in your year.” Vent pointed out, looking back to his notes. “Do you feel you’ve improved at least?”
Essex cocked her head. “As a Venator in training or as a person?”
Vent shrugged. “I guess either one’s fine in this case.”
Essex nodded. “Then as a person is more meaningful.”
“I did notice you’re missing your ponytail.” Vent mentioned. “That’s quite important in Segaru Clan culture, isn’t it?”
“…the ponytail is not significant itself, but it’s tied back to the philosophy of Muer and what it holds.” Essex clarified, resting her hand on her scythe’s handle. “As of this year…I’ve stepped back from their teachings. A little. To know myself better.”
“…really.” Vent stated, not expecting a response, as he went to move on. “You’ve previously mentioned going solo after graduation. Is that still your decision, or…?”
“It isn’t.” Essex replied, as Vent crossed off a square on his makeshift bingo sheet. “I have found much worth with my current team, as well as love and security. Individual justice was my old desire, this is my new one.”
Five for five… Vent realised, tapping his pen over and over, before briefly forgetting Essex was there, only to jump to attention and stand back up.
“G-Great, thank you. I-I’ll give my evaluation when…oh, you’re the last one.” Vent realised, clearing his throat. “Give me a few minutes, then I’ll call your team back in for my conclusion.”
“Dal.” Essex said, bowing and grabbing her scythe, before heading out. “And…thank you. My team is very unintrusive.”
Vent stared blank at her as she left, before sinking into his seat once the door closed, unsure how to feel at such a rare phenomenon.
“…once in a blue moon…it’s just like Team Spectrum all over again…”
———
It had been a labour-intensive few hours.
The transporting of the remains was already a hassle, and the autopsy itself wasn’t much better. Florey sequestered himself in the autopsy room with the remains, meaning Rosalind had to wait outside in the lab, minding her own business until he was done.
She’d resorted to balancing a few beakers on the end of her sword, holding it out in front of her and nearly dropping them a few times.
“I could never do this.” Rosalind remarked to herself, looking back at the door to the autopsy room. “Credit to the nerd, he knows what he’s good for…guess that’s why Wicker likes him…”
Right before the beakers were about to fall, the door opened up, with Florey slowly stepping out, his body sunken with exhaustion.
Rosalind propped the beakers up on the nearby counter, giving him time to wind down, as he found the nearest stool and quietly sat down, staring into nothingness.
“…so, how’s the goo going?” Rosalind asked, as Florey shook his head, visibly in disbelief.
He stayed silent for a while, before finally deciding to speak up.
“…there’s nothing.”
Rosalind squinted her eyes, as she pulled out a lollipop. “Nothing? What do you mean nothing? Didn’t you say you were looking for a disease?”
Florey ran his hands over his face. “…they don’t have it. The…its body…it was just that.”
“Florey, don’t talk like a dipshit.” Rosalind insisted, as he threw his hands out.
“It was the same!!! The same physiology as a regular Wailing!” Florey insisted, pivoting to Rosalind. “Nothing to e-even indicate why it’s gelatinous!”
“Bullshit, it can’t be nothing.” Rosalind insisted, jumping up on the counter, before Florey started to get pissed.
“Rosalind, get the fuck off my counter.” Florey demanded, as Rosalind caught his tone and gave him the side-eye, before doing so. “…that’s it. I’m a failure. I spent a year of my life pursing nothing. I hitched my wagon to a stupid theory that wasn’t even right…”
Florey let out a nervous laugh. “And Cecil’s gonna come out of physical therapy, desperate to hear about my brand-new research! My breakthrough, that’s what I called it! That’s what Marcus insisted it had to be!”
“…Florey, I dunno shit about science.” Rosalind offered up, grabbing her sword, before starting to head out. “But not every idea’s a winner.”
Rosalind held up her sword. “I’m good with this. Really good.”
Then she tapped her metal connecter. “But I still picked the wrong fight.”
Florey stared in surprise, his mouth hung open, as she continued to clear out.
“Well, it was fun, but my obligations are donezo. Knowing my luck, we’ll get paired up again in the future.” Rosalind insisted, mockingly saluting to him. “See you in the next life, nerd boy.”
“…”
With her gone, Florey started to feel just how empty the lab really was, as he looked back at the autopsy room, his frustration still getting the better of him.
In a fit of rage, he grabbed the beakers Rosalind had been playing with and smashed them on the floor, before grabbing a few more things and chucking them around, just trying to make a mess.
He grabbed a nearby cabinet and toppled it over, as various files and notebooks were strewn about the floor. He ripped his lab coat off his back, bundling it up and throwing it across the room, breathing wildly as he did so.
Once he did, he got a good look at his lab, now partially in ruins after his outburst, before starting to breathe again, the night sky bleeding in through the skylight.
He passed by the nearby wash station and saw his face in the mirror. Massive bags under his eyes, some stubble he hadn’t bothered to shave. The days spent without an apartment to go back to really showed…
He took a second, as he ran his hands through his hair to destress, before a bit of the broken beakers crunched under his shoe, drawing his attention.
He sighed out, before digging under the sink for some paper towels, as he got down and started to clean up the mess, feeling sorry for himself as he did so.
It was going to be another long night in the lab, it seemed.
———
Vent had been pacing around his room for a good while. He’d meant to call Team Valiant in a few minutes ago, but couldn’t until he’d collected himself.
Taking several heavy breaths, he walked over to his door and opened it, sticking his head out into the hall.
“Valiant, if you would.”
He headed to his desk proper, as Team Valiant all came into the room, taking up space where they could and filling out the room.
Vent drummed his fingers on the table, as he turned to address everyone, trying not to make direct eye contact.
“…most times when I’m doing this, I have the benefit of seeing students as individuals, meaning I get to see them outside of the ‘team.’” Vent explained. “Also meaning if anyone is lagging behind or doesn’t feel comfortable, I can make a recommendation on their behalf.”
Julia nodded along intently, as Harley and Sola took up the armchairs, Wess leaned on the bookshelf, and Essex stood beside Julia.
“It also lets me see interpersonal team dynamics, or ‘problem members’ in some cases. Plenty of members also want to go solo, or change their Venator preference after graduating.” Vent carried on, sighing out. “…usually, I have more to say at this point.”
Vent leaned forward to address everyone.
“Valiant, please keep doing what you’re doing.”
Julia let out a surprising sigh of relief, as Wess was a bit stunned by the bluntness of the statement.
“You all seem set on your career path, you get along very well, and you’re all very accomplished. No notes.” Vent assured, standing up now. “I could make a recommendation, but your instincts should fare better.”
“U-Uhh, th-thank you, Mr Vent. That’s really nice to hear.” Julia assured, sticking her hand out for him to shake. “I-I don’t think we were gunning for that, but we’ll take it.”
“Hey, no notes is fine by me.” Harley insisted, now standing up, as Wess went to shake his hand too.
“We’ll be sure to write once we make it big.” Wess insisted, as Vent laughed despite himself, with Sola jumping up too.
“Are we the first team to get no notes?!” Sola asked excitedly, as Essex joined her side.
“Is that of great accomplishment?” Essex asked, with Vent smiling, before shaking his head.
“I can’t speak to the teams that came here before I started, but you’re the first of the ones I’ve assessed.” Vent insisted, as Julia started blushing.
“O-Oh geez…okay, I think we’ll leave on that.” Julia bashfully replied, as the team started heading out, waving to Vent as they left.
Right as Vent thought he was in the clear, Julia stuck her head back in and grinned.
“And thanks for everything!”
Vent felt his eye twitch, as she closed the door, and he fell back into his chair, balling up into himself, before finding himself crying again, now letting himself get it all out.
…in all my years…
BAM!!!
Faller jumped a bit, as a large sound rung out from his desk, and Vent let go of the few hundred capitals he’d laid onto it.
He put his hands in his pockets, as Faller went to check the wad.
He glanced up at Vent. “…so you finally got one?”
“Uhuh.” Vent replied, grabbing the brim of his nose. “You know the team.”
Faller took a second, before putting it together and smiling.
“I can’t say I’m too surprised. They’ve had quite the impact on those around them.” Faller remarked, taking the capitals and pocketing them.
“…hey. This is pretty small, all things considered…” Vent prefaced, looking away. “…I don’t care what the investors say, I think your teaching style’s a lot better.”
Faller found himself a bit caught off guard, before resettling in his seat. “Well…that’s very kind of you, Vent. Thank you.”
Faller tapped the capitals in his pocket. “Doubly.”
Vent sneered, before turning to leave, as he shook his head and muttered to himself.
“…do well, Team Valiant. I think the industry needs you.”