…it was time.

It was finally time to head out into the industry.

Three years of education.

Several attacks on the academy.

More classes than she could remember.

And a team to back her all the way until now.

But, after all that hard work…

It was time.

Time to graduate.

Anticipation built in the air, as she rustled around in her bed, having woken up right before the alarm went off.

She quickly grabbed her tablet to stop it, before seeing the notification for ‘Graduation’ on Activ and smiling.

Rose could barely contain the excitement.

“After all these years…” She let out, before hugging her tablet to her chest. “Me and Liddy can finally be in a team together!”

Liddy was having just as much of a tense morning. Her eyes kept flicking to her tablet by her bed, waiting for the notification she’d set up the night before like that would make it come faster.

The moment it popped up, she went to grab it, before blushing and rolling around on her bed, overwhelmed by happiness.

“Team Rose and Liddy…it’s perfect…” She sighed, taking a second to breath and sit in the moment, before rolling around on the bed again. “This is going to be so much fun!”

“Guys, we all knew this day was coming, so I don’t wanna belabour the point.” Rose insisted, addressing all the other members of Team Champion, still groggy from having just woken up after being dragged from their beds. “I just wanna say thank you for the last few years. I know I was kinda grouchy at first cause I wasn’t with Liddy, but…you guys were pretty alright too.”

No one was really paying attention, save for the leader Jake, who was more just taking it in cause he probably should.

“But…with it being graduation today, we finally get to be in the same team, meaning I’ll have to leave you behind. It’ll be a big lose for both you and me, but I’m willing to accept that.” Rose admitted, looking pretty remorseful. “…also, if it’s cool, I promised to meet up with her this morning, so…”

The other members all looked at each other, before eventually to Jake, who just sighed in an expected sort of way.

“…okay. Have fun.”

“Oh, thank you guys! I really mean it!” Rose exclaimed, already dragging her suitcases out of the door. “And don’t worry, I’ll put in a good word with Faller! You’re a-okay in my book!”

She closed the door behind her, leaving the rest of the team awkwardly sitting in the lounge area, before Jake broke the silence.

“…did anyone ever figure out what her deal was?” He asked, as everyone collectively shook their heads.

“…and it’s painful, and it’s sad, and I’ll really miss all of you. But I need to be with my Rose. She’s the dearest, most wonderful, most perfect love of my life, and I won’t hear protests about it!”

Team Glory all stared at each other across the room, each going through their own morning routine separate from each other, as Liddy was only really addressing the leader at the kitchen table, Tom.

“Li-“

“No, I need to make a clean break! Don’t try to stop me from going!”

“I d-“

“I won’t hear it! Goodbye, everyone! And good luck on your future endeavours! You won’t hear from me again!”

“Li-“ Tom tried, only for Liddy to slam the door behind, as he lowered the earring of hers he found on the coffee table, before groaning to himself.

“…alright, fuck me I guess.”

“Rose!”

“Liddy!”

“Rose!”

“Liddy!”

“Rose!” Liddy exclaimed, running across the hall to her, before jumping into her arms. “It’s finally here!”

“I know, I can’t hold back the joy!” Rose insisted, swinging her around. “You look incredible!”

“You look amazing!” Liddy replied, as Rose let her down, before they both went in for a quick kiss. “Did you break it off with your team?”

“I did. I know they’re gonna miss me a lot, but it had to be done. You?” Rose asked, as Liddy pursed her lips.

“They really fought me on it, but I stood my ground and left. I couldn’t bear to be without you a second longer.” Liddy insisted, as Rose started blushing profusely.

“…oh, there I go again. Blushing at the most beautiful woman in the world complimenting me…” Rose remarked, as Liddy hid her giggling in her scarf.

“After all these years…” Liddy started, before shivering a little. “I’m getting nervous now.”

“You’re telling me.” Rose agreed, as they both started wheeling their luggage down the hall. “I think I’m ready for it though.”

Liddy grinned back at her. “Ditto.”

———

It was a pretty groggy wake up for Julia.

Nothing too unexpected. Harley was out clubbing with Saxin and Lenin until pretty late, only getting back close to midnight, and closing the door just loud enough to accidentally wake Julia up.

It took a bit until Julia could fall back asleep, especially when she remembered what the next day held in store.

She woke up, stretching out and finding Harley asleep across from her, having thrown the bedsheets off, splayed out on the floor.

Julia lightly chuckled, before looking across the bed and seeing the calendar her sister had bought her after her last one was burnt at the academy.

Today was circled in red.

“…after all this time…”

“Pancakes!” Milo exclaimed, holding his spatula to his mouth. “Pancake time!”

“It’s pancakes!” Julia followed up, holding her own spatula. “Looking fine!”

“Flip ‘em!” Milo sang, dropping one on a plate. “On a plate!”

“Flip ‘em!” Julia continued, dropping another on. “Looking great!”

“Are these done yet, dear?” Wess asked, going to grab the plate and head to the kitchen table with the others, before Julia held up her finger.

“Hold on.” Julia said, before laying a slice of butter on top. “There we go, perfection for the perfect lady.”

Wess rolled her eye and smiled. “Buttering me up in two senses.”

Wess went to take her seat at the table, before pulling out her tablet, as everyone else was in the middle of breakfast too, with Julia quickly joining them.

“So, what’s the plan for today?” Milo asked from the kitchen, as Julia leaned over her seat.

“We’re gonna head back to the academy for the graduation celebration and ceremony and say goodbye to everyone.” Julia admitted, as Sola shot up from her seat, quickly swallowing her mouthful of pancakes.

“Mmm…and I’m quitting my job!” Sola announced happily. “So I’m heading into Detu City.”

“And I’m making a brief stop to Denilee.” Harley explained, waving her fork around. “Angie insisted on coming to the graduation, at least to get out of Denilee. But she doesn’t like travelling alone, so I’m biting the bullet.”

“Which leaves me with some last-minute networking.” Wess followed up, still working on her tablet. “Updating Activ, finding some work in the area, the usual.”

Essex nodded along, quietly taking her time with her pancakes, right as Percy stepped out of her room, wearing an oversized shirt and clearly having just woken up.

She started to register the scene, as Essex waved to her, beckoning her over.

“Hey, Percy!” Julia exclaimed, pulling out a seat. “We made pancakes to celebrate graduation! You want some?”

Percy’s mouth immediately started watering, as she quickly hurried over and took her seat, kicking her feet in anticipation, before Milo handed some off to her.

“Well, that sounds like a fun day! And Julia, just a heads up.” Milo said, as she spun around. “Me, Bell and Madelyn are probably going too, to see you off.”

“M-Mum’s gonna be there?” Julia let out, as Milo chuckled.

“Are you surprised? Don’t worry, we’ll be at the back. We’re not gonna cramp your style.” Milo teased, as Julia started to blush.

“…y-you can…come see me there. I’m not too cool for that.” Julia confessed, hiding herself a little, as Milo took the chance to hug her behind the chair, giving her a loving noogie.

“I should hope so. You’re gonna be off living it up in your big fancy Venator mansions, sipping on diamond champagne…”

“Mansion?” Sola let out, as Milo let a giggling Julia go.

“Yeah, what Venator’s living in a mansion? RV’s more like it.” Harley remarked, as Sola started laughing, with Essex cocking her head.

“Do Venators live in cars?”

Harley shrugged. “Some do. We probably will at some point.”

Wess and Sola very quickly shared a glance, before Wess went back to messaging on Activ, as Percy delighted in her pancakes.

“…s-so good…I need more b-before we go…” Percy let out, joyously sinking into her seat, as Julia finished hers and grinned.

“Don’t worry, Percy. You’ve always got a seat at the table here.” Julia assured, as Percy found her heart genuinely warmed, locking eyes with Julia, before deciding to keep to herself, as the rest of the team started to chat.

…I don’t have to bring it up if they won’t. Percy admitted, sighing quietly. I know what they’re gonna say. I might as well live in this for as long as I can…

Right as the chatting died down, Julia sat up in her seat, before sticking her hand in the middle of the table. “Alright everyone, let’s give it all we’ve got today. No do overs.”

The others happily joined her, leaning across the table in order to get ready for the day, as they all looked to Julia expectantly.

Julia smiled, looking back at them, before realising they were waiting on her, as the obvious hit.

“…oh, I forgot to countdown…again…” Julia realised, as everyone started cracking up at Julia’s cuteness, with Julia not really minding, as the thought of spending as much time with these people was all she could think about.

I’m the happiest person ever.

———

“…”

“…”

“…Florey?”

He didn’t feel like eating.

“Hey…don’t get so down. It’s not gonna be your last research project.”

He just kinda picked at his meal, staring off into the distance.

“And I know Ryan at this point. Even if he’s disappointed, he doesn’t show i…wait, sorry. That’s not reassuring…he won’t be disappointed.”

He finally dropped his fork, before addressing Cassidy proper, as the rest of the break room finally came into view.

“…it was the reason…” Florey admitted, visibly exhausted, as he leaned onto the table. “…that Cecil even hired me. He thought it had merit.”

“…well, not every scientist knocks it out of the park with every theory.” Cassidy reasoned, taking a bite of her salad, before pointing the fork at Florey. “Okay, I’m gonna give some perspective. How old are you?”

“…twenty one.”

“Great, I’m thirty four.” Cassidy stated. “I’m nearly twice your age, and if I’m being honest, I only started getting good at my job a few years ago.”

Cassidy waved her fork around. “It seems like the whole world, but remember, you’re young. You’ve got a lot of room to screw up in. And here’s the secret…”

Cassidy leaned in, cupping her hand to her mouth. “You don’t stop doing that. Nobody does. You just get better at bouncing back.”

Florey was doing his best to take her advice in, but the sleep deprivation and already sour mood made it difficult.

Cassidy picked up on this and kept eating. “Different topic. How’s house hunting going?”

Florey blinked awkwardly, before running his hands over his face. “…I haven’t even started…got too caught in the research…”

Florey went to start picking at his food again, as Cassidy felt a tinge of pain in her chest, before reaching a hand out.

“Hey…” Cassidy prefaced, before showing her hands. “And it’s cool to say no, but I’ve got extra room at my place. You could stay there while looking for somewhere else to live.”

Florey’s eyes widened, as he went to shake his head on instinct.

“And before you say anything, I offered…and frankly, it would put my mind at ease…” Cassidy said, before leaning in again in a hurried whisper. “If you weren’t sleeping in the break room.”

“…I-I’d be…mooching off of you. I don’t…” Florey started, as Cassidy shook her head.

“Just until you get off your feet. You’re still doing chores and paying rent.” Cassidy reasoned, before throwing her hands again. “If you take the offer. Think on it, please.”

Florey had forgotten about his meal at this point, as Cassidy’s kind offer really threw him off.

Is it bad that this feels so alien?

“…I-I’ll think on it. Thank you, really.” Florey insisted, as Cassidy smiled, before getting up and batting his arm.

“If I was really putting myself out, I wouldn’t have offered, okay?” Cassidy insisted, before checking her watch and heading out.

Florey watched her leave, still in his own head, despite it throbbing from the stress.

Talking with her and talking with Rosalind… Florey realised. It’s like night and day…

———

“Where’re the IF’s at?!”

“Two minutes to prep!”

“Okay! We watch these skies all day, no one in or out of the forest, and the moment the alarm goes off, evacuate EVERYONE! No more students getting caught in the mix!”

“Yes, Dulce, right away!”

“And you tell me if Ryan Cecil shows up on campus!”

Dulce inhaled and took a deep sigh, shaking her head in exhaustion.

“How is everything?”

Dulce lifted her head and saw Coatsworth approaching, as she snapped her fingers. “Coming along. Doing as much as we can after the attack this year.”

Coatsworth took a second to approach with his cane, before staring back up at the main building.

Dulce noticed the silence. “…what if he’s not even alive?”

Coatsworth turned back to her.

“Or…he’s still outta commission. What’re the chances he’d even attack the graduation?” Dulce pointed out, as Coatsworth gave a small shrug.

“I can’t say I understand where he was coming from. Hardly that rational for a scientist…” Coatsworth remarked, as he gazed back at the building, still mostly under repair, contrasting nicely with the celebratory events taking up most of the campus, and the students and visitors passing through the entrance.

He couldn’t help but smile.

“Despite all the damage, it’s still beautiful…”

“Hey! Dulce, Coatsworth!”

The duo turned to face Julia, Wess, Essex and Percy, all coming from the direction of the Flash-Rail station, as Dulce waved back.

“Hey, there you guys are! Where’s Harley and Sola?” She asked.

“Taking care of personal things.” Essex clarified, before stepping forward. “And looking good while they do it.”

Dulce found herself cracking up at the delivery, as Julia beelined for Coatsworth. “Is everything taken care of?”

“We’re doing everything we can to avoid another disappointment. Your orientation was ruined, we’d rather not hamper your graduation too.” Coatsworth informed, before bowing back to the team and noticing Wess intently on her tablet. “We-“

“Yes, there was a recent name change!...no, our team doesn’t suddenly have a new member also named ‘Wess’…how would I know? Oh for…”

Wess pulled her tablet away, before Essex saw her frustration and took the tablet herself.

“Wess doesn’t wish to speak with you anymore.” Essex replied, before hanging up the call and giving Wess a thumbs up.

Wess took her tablet back. “Thank you, dear. That’s the Energia Agency off the list…how do you think Aurora would fair?”

Essex avoided eye contact, as Coatsworth looked at Julia again.

“I merely wanted to ask how she’s been.”

“She’s been good.” Julia assured, as Coatsworth subtly indicated to Percy.

“And her?”

“Also really good.” Julia insisted, waving back to Percy, who was distracted staring at the masses of people flooding into the academy here to celebrate. “Have you guys met?”

“…a little. Admittedly, I’m asking on behalf of Faller.” Coatsworth clarified. “He wanted to see you, but he understood today was an important day and didn’t want to…impose.”

Julia nodded solemnly. “Right…” Julia let out. “Out of curiosity, is Ferris with him?”

“She’s off campus, actually.” Dulce interjected. “For the last several weeks.”

“Really?” Julia let out, as Dulce nodded.

“Taking care of her alcoholism. She was weirdly receptive to it.” Dulce explained, still scouting around. “Faller said she’s still planning to come to the graduation event.”

“Great, that’s really good to hear!” Julia beamed, before spotting a few people emerging from the crowd and recognising them.

She gave a quick wave, before grabbing the others attention. “Sorry, we’ve gotta split. Good luck with event security!”

“You’re a peach!” Dulce yelled as they ran off into the crowd. “…man, you don’t see a lot of teams like them.”

“I think that speaks to good things.” Coatsworth insisted, resting a hand on Dulce’s back. “Let’s make sure today goes smoothly for them.”

Julia and the others cleared through the crowd, finally getting into the main event itself, very reminiscent of the orientation day celebrations. They stopped once they spotted Joleicia, joyously jumping up and down, standing beside Chops.

“Hey! Over here!” Joleicia called out, as Julia ran up to her and hugged her very suddenly. “Whoa, friendly greeting.”

“Hey, where’s my hug?” Chops complained, as Julia reached an arm out and pulled them both in.

“It’s nice seeing you guys…” Julia assured, while the others filtered in behind her. “I haven’t said it enough, but I really value your friendship…”

“Aww…” Joleicia let out, as Julia broke the hug, and she started fanning her face. “C-Come on, Julia. Don’t make me cry before the g-graduation’s even happened…”

“I’m not crying. Heart of stone.” Chops joked, sharing a smirk with Julia, as Wess came into view. “Hey. How’s biz with you?”

“The usual. Everyone’s a nitwit except for me.” Wess grumbled, hanging up another call, before turning to Joleicia. “You wouldn’t happen to have some industry connection you could share?”

“Of course I do. Anything for you, Wess.” Joleicia said, chucking her tablet Wess’ way, as Wess felt her heart flutter.

“Joleicia, I love you.” Wess insisted, scrolling through her contacts, before Joleicia spotted Percy, almost looking like she was hiding herself.

“Hey, Percy! Didn’t know if you were coming.” Joleicia exclaimed, as Percy looked a bit caught off guard, before giving a friendly wave. “Are you still staying with Valiant?”

Percy took a second to understand what she meant by the question, before she saw everyone looking at her and panicked to answer quickly.

[Y-Yes, I’m living with…Julia’s house.] Percy replied, as Joleicia nodded, before going back to chatting with Julia, as Percy let out a sigh.

Sweet Whilit…I shouldn’t have come…

Essex, while not wanting to admit to it, was doing her best to casually stand guard for a possible worst-case scenario. The only thing she didn’t predict, despite its familiarity, was the feeling of Saxin suddenly hugging her from behind.

“Good morning, Team Valiant!” She sang, with Lenin hanging back behind her. “Essex, how are you this day?”

“Deeply cautious.” Essex confessed, trying to turn around in the tight hug, as Saxin cooed.

“There’s that beautiful honesty.” Saxin admired, before pulling back and joining Lenin’s side.

“You reckon Wic-uhh, I mean…evil man’s making an appearance?” Lenin asked, as Essex grabbed her scythe.

“I refuse to let my guard down regardless.” Essex insisted, before looking around. “Where’s Nathaniel?”

“Oh, he volunteered for the dunk tank out of panic.” Saxin explained.

“Poor fella. He thought it meant for the whole day, so until he realises he can leave, he’s stuck there.” Lenin clarified, as Essex grimaced, before Chops clapped her hands.

“Hey, who wants candy apples?” Chops insisted, as Julia and Percy both started salivating.

“I-I mean…we had some plans.” Julia started, before shrugging. “They can wait though. Lead the way.”

“Lead it I shall.” Chops said, now leading the group, before subtly spying on Percy, noticing her general apprehension, but continued closeness to the others.

…oh. I see. Chops realised, before smiling. I think she worries too much.

———

“Hey, check it!”

“Tyson, you look dumb as shit.”

“Shut up, no I don’t!”

Virgil kept a very close eye on the front entrance of his shop, as a few teens made their way inside, dressed in…

…hooligan clothing? I feel ancient using that word. Virgil noted, as they immediately went to the counter, before pointing at the spray paint sitting behind Virgil.

“Hey, uhh, w…shut up, man, I’m doing it!” Tyson laughed, as his friend kept trying to distract him. “Yeah, just the spray paint.”

Virgil kept a close eye on them. “…are you older than eighteen?”

“Tch…yeah.” Tyson replied, loudly chewing some gum, before fishing his ID out of his pocket.

Virgil could immediately tell it was a fake, as he simply shook his head and turned around.

Business is business. They’d probably steal some otherwise. He reasoned, grabbing a can, as Tyson’s friends started to clear out.

“Hurry up, Tyson! Fuckin’ loser!” They called out, as Tyson flipped them off, before chucking some capitals on the counter and going to grab the can from Virgil.

The moment he did, Virgil gripped the can tightly, holding him in place.

“…kid, listen.” Virgil said. “…we both know what you’re going to do with that.”

Tyson started to sweat, as he kept chewing his gum. “…yeah?”

Virgil took on a completely serious expression. “What you do is your business, but I encourage you to at least be smart about it.”

Tyson smirked a little, as he looked like he was about to chat back, only for Virgil to tighten his grip and yank the can back.

“Don’t just throw up your bullshit tag on a tucked away overpass cause you can, do something with meaning behind it.” Virgil insisted, refusing to break eye contact. “If you’re sloppy, the cops will find you in an instant, and you’ll just be a typical vandal in cuffs, no more impressive than anyone else.”

Virgil ripped the can away, before gently placing it back in Tyson’s hands.

“So do something worth getting caught over, alright?”

Tyson gave him the once over, genuinely thrown off by Virgil’s stare, before silently nodding and pulling himself away.

“…fuckin’ weirdo.” Tyson mumbled, heading out, as Virgil watched him leave, before sighing out.

“Never the right spirit…” Virgil bemoaned, just as the doorbell rang again, with Sola hopping through, holding a few rolled-up papers.

“Hey Virgil! How’s business?”

“…it’s business.” He bemoaned, grabbing the papers from Sola. “I’m surprised you’re here today. It’s graduation.”

“I know, I’m quitting!” Sola exclaimed, as Virgil had to take a second for the bluntness.

“…r-right, right, I shouldn’t be surprised. You’ll be heading out soon.” Virgil clarified, as Sola noticed his saddened expression.

“…I’m really sorry.” Sola apologised, as Virgil was visibly surprised.

“What for?”

Sola touched her fingers together. “I started working here so you’d have time to train and join the Venator Academy. But it hasn’t happened yet…”

“…I know. But I greatly appreciate the effort you’ve put in.” Virgil insisted, smiling a little. “I didn’t even ask for the help, you offered it. You’re one of great quality.”

Sola started blushing a lot, as she tried to cover her face.

“Aw shucks…” Sola let out, as Virgil shook his head, before placing his hand on his chest.

“I mean it. I don’t feel like taking you for granted.” Virgil insisted. “So I, Virgil Blacklock Abandonal, solemnly promise to be a dear friend for life. If you ever need any help, feel no hesitation in reaching out.”

Sola was actively tearing up now, as she tried wiping it away with her jacket sleeve.

“D-Dangit, the waterworks were meant to s-start at graduation.” Sola admitted, cleaning herself up, as Virgil found himself chuckling, before finally getting into the papers Sola had grabbed.

“We can talk about your uniform deposit and references after your graduation. I don’t want t…” Virgil started, before noticing an envelope in the middle of the papers, with the Venator Academy logo over it.

He went silent briefly, as he opened it up and started reading the letter inside, before gasping and nearly falling backwards.

The letter dropped to the floor, as Sola’s happiness switched to panic.

“What?! What is it?!”

Virgil shakily grabbed the letter, before holding it up and starting to smile.

“…I-I-I got in…”

“WHAT?!” Sola exclaimed, before jumping into a hug. “Actually?! You did it!”

“It’s finally here…seven years of waiting…I passed my tests…” Virgil managed to get out, looking back at Sola. “I-I don’t really know how to take it.”

“Celebrating, that’s how!” Sola exclaimed, before gasping loudly and jumping up. “You should come to the graduation! It’s basically a big celebration at the academy already!”

“O-Oh, right. That makes sense.” Virgil agreed, standing back up, before staring at the acceptance letter again, still taking it all in.

He held himself up on his counter. “Well then…it seems only appropriate you quit today, since I’m…going to have to shut down the store anyway.”

Sola blinked in shock. “Really?”

Virgil solemnly nodded. “Well, I can’t keep running it alone and training at the same time. Just one was enough to exhaust me.”

Virgil rubbed his chin, starting to think through his options. “I have enough savings to get me through my education, but…it’ll be a shame to shut it down. I’m grown quite comfortable here.”

Sola pumped her fists in annoyance. “Man! If I wasn’t becoming a Venator, I’d totally take over for you!”

“Another very nice gesture, Sola.” Virgil stated, running his hand on the wall, before sighing out. “…thank you, pops. You made it all a bit easier.”

Sola could see Virgil was having a moment and made the conscious decision not to pry, as Virgil headed into the backroom, turning to Sola.

“I’m gonna start cleaning it. It’ll help me think through shutting down the shop.” Virgil said. “You’re free to stay, but I wouldn’t want to hold you up on such an important day.”

He left Sola alone, as she tried to peer into the backroom to check on him, before sighing out.

“I wish it could stay open, at least to make him happy.” Sola moped, before pumping her fists. “One more kind deed! Let’s do it!”

———

To put it simply, it was certainly the perfect day for it.

Baron rarely painted the sky. He liked to take his time, but the sky had a tendency to change frequently, and he could barely keep up with it. He liked observing it but could never capture its beauty, or even do his best to emulate it.

“Hey, Baron!”

However, with it being graduation day, it felt like the right time to try. A great change, something that, admittedly, felt like it was never gonna come, but was an inevitable as the weather. The perfect metaphor.

“Baron, what’re doing?”

Maybe it’s right t-

“Baron!”

“Edward, shut your goddamn mouth.” Baron demanded, as Edward promptly backed down.

“Oh sorry B-“

“Apologising counts as not shutting up.” Baron stated, as he slowly counted down on his fingers, before pointing to Edward.

“…u-uhh, I just didn’t know if you noticed Duke isn’t here.” Edward let out, as Baron looked back from the balcony, observing the mostly empty room. “Henry and George too, but that’s pretty typical.”

“He hasn’t been here all day.” Baron noted, before staring at Edward. “He’s probably out playing those carnival games they set up.”

“I-I know, it’s just that it’s graduation, so…”

Baron refused the blink, before turning back around to his canvas. “Are you saying you want to go find him?”

Edward scratched his neck awkwardly. “Not especially, but I can.”

“…do whatever you want. I don’t feel like dictating today.” Baron admitted, as Edward gave a quick salute, even though Baron’s back was turned.

“You got it, boss! I’ll drag him if I have to!” Edward insisted, leaving right out the door, as the room suddenly deafened with how quiet it was.

Baron gave it a second to make sure Edward didn’t stick his head back in, before letting out a breath.

“If he was smarter, he’d used his Whil to make handcuffs…” Baron remarked, staring at the canvas.

He did his best to get back to painting, only to feel the enthusiasm leave his body with the sky changing on him again.

“…maybe another day…”

———

“We’ve gotta get the name out there!”

“Our names?”

“Yeah! They’ll be our team names after all!”

Liddy tilted her head, as they walked down the academy halls. “Won’t that be enough?”

Rose paused briefly, before scratching her chin. “…yeah, I guess so.”

“I’m more curious where we should go first. You wanna stay in Central Point?” Liddy asked, walking with linked arms, as Rose scratched her chin.

“…nah, it’s gonna be way too competitive with all the new graduates.” Rose reasoned, before facing Liddy again. “Let’s go to the Southern Wayside! That place is teeming with Wailing!”

“Y-You wanna fight them right away? We’ll only be a team of two.” Liddy pointed out, as Rose quickly kissed her.

“And they won’t suspect a thing!”

Oh boy… Liddy realised, staring back at Rose hyping herself up. So pretty, so dumb…

As they carried on with their walk, Team Valiant and Team Vanguard passed by them, walking in the opposite direction back outside, as Julia spun around to talk to the others.

“Alright, anyone else have things they wanna do before the graduation?” Julia asked, as Chops raised a hand.

“As a show of good will, we should probably free Nathaniel from that dunk tank.” Chops noted, as Joleicia eyes widened.

“I totally forgot that! Poor Nath!” She insisted, now running off. “First priority, sorry guys!”

“It’s cool!” Julia called out, facing the others, as Wess sighed in disappointment.

“I was going to go visit that reading spot Joleicia and I have, but I guess this is more important.” Wess noted, as Saxin sprung to life, before bumping Lenin’s arm and pointing in Wess’ direction.

Lenin took a second to understand what she meant, before realising and spotting a good moment.

“A-Actually, Wess, since you’re free, can we…talk for a second?” Lenin asked, as Wess looked up from her tablet curiously.

“…sure?”

Lenin looked around for an empty classroom, before pulling Wess and Saxin in there, as Chops clicked her tongue.

“I should go help Joleicia. Nath’s weirdly stubborn when he wants to be.” Chops said, grabbing Julia’s attention, before waving her tablet in Julia’s face. “Hey.”

Julia read over it and realised Chops had set up a group chat on Activ for both teams.

“We’re not gonna see each other as much, but I swear to Whilit, we’re not losing touch.” Chops insisted, smiling very genuinely. “So if you’re in the area, or vice versa, reach out and let’s meet up.”

Chops looked around, before leaning into Julia’s ear. “I’m only saying this cause Wess is gone, but you guys are the coolest people I know.”

Julia found herself too touched to respond properly, as she pulled out her tablet and opened up the group chat.

Chops took the moment to wave and split off, heading in Joleicia’s direction, before getting a message.

She opened up the group chat.

Julia [Let’s hang out real soon, you nerd.]

Chops cracked a smile, blushing despite herself, before shaking her head.

“Oh Chops. What did you do the deserve friends like that?” She let out, before continuing on her trek, right a-

“WHAT?!”

Julia, Essex and Percy jumped at the sudden shouting coming from the classroom.

“Y-Y-Y-Y-You’re the…th-the former…” Wess blurted out, struggling to even compose herself, before going to bow on instinct.

“No, stop it. Don’t do that.” Lenin insisted, rubbing his face. “This is why I didn’t wanna tell…”

“She can take it. Yes…he’s the former prince.” Saxin explained, as Wess shook her head in disbelief.

“Th-This is so strange…Graham e-even had a plate with your face on it…” Wess admitted, as Lenin threw his head back.

“Yeah, everyone did.” He said a bit loudly, before Saxin squeezed his arm. “…sorry. I didn’t want things to be weird, cause we’re friends, but you also deserved to know as a…former Northern noble.”

“…I’m more shocked I didn’t pick up on it before.” Wess bemoaned, as Saxin raised a finger to her lips.

“But we would appreciate if you kept this to yourself. We don’t really want this being public.” Saxin stated, as Wess nodded along.

“I perfectly understand. And…thank you for trusting me with this.” Wess said, as Lenin started putting his contacts back in.

As he held his head back, Wess found herself wincing slightly, visibly in pain.

“…I’m sorry, this is still so strange.” Wess admitted, as Lenin chuckled.

“Don’t I know it.” Lenin said, as Julia popped her head in the door.

“Wess? Are you good in here?”

“Very good, please leave!” Wess insisted, trying to cover Lenin as quickly as possible, as Julia took the hint.

“A-Alright.” Julia let out, before sighing and joining back with Essex and Percy. “Something private. She’s okay.”

“That’s good. Wicker has not made an appearance, but this would be an ideal time with Harley and Sola still away.” Essex reasoned, grabbing her scythe out, before noticing Percy’s apprehensive face.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

She lowered it, as Julia rested a hand on Percy’s shoulder. “And if any of us can hold their own perfectly fine, it’s Harley and Sola.”

Percy quietly nodded, not directly looking at Julia, as Julia noticed, but decided not to say anything. While looking over Percy’s shoulder, she quickly spotted a good friend in the distance, walking beside their team.

“Hey, there’s Donovan.” Julia let out, turning back to the two. “I’m gonna go meet up with them before the event. I’ll catch back up later.”

Julia gave Essex a quick hug, before running off toward Team Instinct while Percy went to join with Wess, only for Essex to grab Julia’s sleeve and hold her in place.

“A-Actually…” Essex prefaced, blushing slightly, as Julia stopped and turned around. “Just…before you go…”

Julia waited as Essex sheepishly reached into her bag slung over her shoulder, before pulling out what looked like…

“…wha…”

“I…made this…for you…” Essex admitted, holding out a plushie for Julia.

Julia slowly took it into her hands. To her surprise, it looked just like…

“M-Maxie…” Julia let out, already tearing up slightly. The craftsmanship wasn’t nearly as sharp as Maxie’s, and the proportions were a bit off, but Julia truly didn’t care at all.

This was one of the nicest gifts she’d ever received.

“…I have been getting better in my textile classes…and plan to keep improving said skills, even outside of the academy.” Essex confessed, visibly embarrassed. “While I am still working on our Venator outfits, I have been making this in my spare time…”

Julia found herself stunned into silence again, hugging the plushie to her body, as she tried to clean herself up, at least to properly thank Essex.

“…d-does it have a name?” Julia asked, as Essex shook her head. “…do you wanna name it?”

Essex looked a bit put on the spot, before bowing her head in thought.

“…Lesse-“ She started, before forcibly stopping herself.

Giving it a bit more thought, she ruminated on the best name she could come up with.

She let out a breath.

“…M-Maxie…” She said, before pointing right at it. “…two.”

…

There was a moment of silence between them, as Essex worried that she’d made a mistake, before Julia lifted it up in her arms and held it above her.

“Welcome to the team, Maxie Two.” Julia grinned, looking back at Essex, before hugging her deeply. “…thank you for everything…”

Essex found herself welling up as well, before spotting Donovan ducking from view and breaking the hug to indicate it to Julia.

“R-Right.” Julia realised, still blushing heavily, as she tried to remember where she was.

Essex found herself laughing a little at Julia’s cuteness, before waving and joining back up with the others. Julia still found her thoughts lingering back to Essex, as she stared back down at Maxie Two in her arms.

With a renewed vigour, she turned around to continue her previous goal. She sprinted down the hall, trying to keep pace before Donovan disappeared into a nearby classroom, catching them at just the right time.

“Donovan, wait!” Julia called out, taking a second to catch her breath, as they turned around the face her.

“Hey, Alpine. I thought you’d be with your team today.” Donovan insisted, before pointing at Julia’s arms. “Where’d you win that?”

Julia stood back up, holding Maxie Two with one hand and placing her other on her chest.

“I-I just wanted to catch you and say I really valued your friendship over these last few years and that you’re a real inspiration to me as a leader!” Julia blurted out, causing Donovan to freeze in place. “I know our leading styles are pretty different, but I have so much respect for you and wanna wish the best for the future! And I know it’s weird hearing all of this at once, but I’m trying to get better at emotional honesty and letting people know I care about them!”

Julia finally finished, letting herself breathe, as Donovan mostly just stood there, taking everything in.

As Julia noticed the awkwardness seeping in, the classroom door opened up, with the rest of Team Instinct staring blankly at Julia, having caught most of that.

Donovan soon noticed, before rolling their eyes and ushering them back in.

Right as Julia thought they were going to leave without a word, Donovan stepped back a bit, with a slight hint of nervousness.

“…I’m…not very good with emotional honesty either.” Donovan admitted, avoiding eye contact. “You know me, pretty stiff. So…”

Donovan let a breath out.

“Thank you…for being my first real friend…let’s keep it up.”

Donovan ducked into the class right after, as Julia only now realised just how much she was breathing.

She took a second to calm herself, acknowledging just how…

…happy she was.

A far cry from a few years ago.

An emotional outburst like that and a gift from Essex would’ve left her a stuttering mess, unable to even offer up a decent thank you.

…is this what growing up is? Julia wondered, looking back in the direction of Team Valiant. Is it fair to say I earned this? I feel like I haven’t even done much yet…

Quickly, she remembered her sessions with Ms Winters, before focusing on her breathing.

…no, I did earn this. People can love you, and you can love yourself. You love your friends, you love your family, you love your team. Same you, better life…

———

“…”

“…”

“…”

He didn’t feel like doing his work.

“…god dammit…”

Compared to what he was doing before, it felt so mundane. Purposeless. Just tasks to keep him busy.

“…no…no…ugh, come on already…”

He finally got out of his seat and walked around, trying to take his mind off things. The lab felt noticeably empty without Rosalind to bounce off of, or stimulating work that kept him thinking.

He passed by the mirror and noticed his facial hair coming through, still having not bothered to shave it.

…so scruffy…I look like dad… Florey realised, just as the lab doors opened up, with a surprising face coming through.

Cecil.

“C-Cecil.” Florey blurted out, as he made his way further into the lab, now walking with a cane, and Marcus beside him, helping him walk along.

“Florey…how’ve you been?” Cecil asked, slowly making his way inside. “I’m sorry I haven’t checked in sooner. Recovery’s been slow going.”

Florey rubbed his neck. “Th-That’s fine, take your time. I’m not…s-sorry, should I…?”

Florey went to help him walk, only for Marcus to raise a hand, insisting he had it under control. He eventually led Cecil to a nearby seat, giving him a rest.

Once Marcus was sure he was okay, he quietly left soon after, only sharing a brief glance with Florey as he did.

“I’m not interrupting work, am I?” Cecil asked, as Florey waved his hands profusely.

“N-No no, you’re fine.” Florey insisted, as Cecil nodded.

“That’s good. Marcus caught me up on the state of your research project.” Cecil admitted, getting comfortable and laying his cane across his legs, as Florey started to shrink into himself.

“…y-yeah…it was a bust…” Florey admitted, still standing uncomfortably, as Cecil noticed but didn’t say anything.

“…I’m sorry I haven’t been more present.” Cecil stated, looking away. “I’ve been quite busy here and at the academy, but you’ll happy to know I’m no longer working there, so…I can oversee your work more personally.”

Florey was still distracted by his disappointment and forgot to respond for a second. “…oh, g-great, that’s good to hear.”

Cecil tilted his head, as what he had suspected was very much happening, before going to stand back up.

Florey instinctively went to help him up, before he raised his hand similarly to how Marcus had.

“Florey, do you feel like going on a trip with me?” Cecil asked, as Florey found himself short of an answer.

“R-Right now?”

“You said you weren’t busy.” Cecil insisted, smiling, before beckoning him to follow out of the lab.

———

Sola<3 [HEY! I QUIT MY JOB!]

Cutie @}->-- [Good work? Was Virgin cool with it?]

Sola<3 [Yeah! He also got into the academy1 And hes shuttin down the store since he’ll be to busy!]

PillowPrincess [Are you coming straight back to the academy? -Wess]

Cutie @}->-- [*Virgil, sry, that’s a really embarrassing typo]

Sola<3 [Yep ill be right back!]

<3Steeler [Good job babe. I hope Virgin was cool with it.]

PillowPrincess [We’re currently exploring the food stalls with Team Vanguard. Text us once you’re back and we can meet up. -Wess]

<3Steeler [Virgin.]

<3Steeler [Virgin.]

<3Steeler [Virgil.]

Harley caught her tablet buzzing in her pocket, before reading back over the group text and smiling. Denilee was just starting to approach in the window, as she replied back.

“On ya…babe…show Virgin…who’s the boss…” Harley typed, cracking herself up, as the Flash-Rail pulled into the station.

Harley got up and headed to the doors, reading to duck out, only for them to open, and for her to come face to face with Angie.

“Angie, he-“

“Nope, back inside. We’re heading straight back.” Angie insisted, pushing Harley back into the carriage and sitting down. “I need OUT of Denilee, like, right now!”

“Did something happen?” Harley said, sitting across from her, as Angie threw her hands out.

“No, I’m just SO cramped! There’s nothing to do, and all my money’s going into freakin’ nursing school, and it’s, like, forever until I graduate.” Angie complained, sinking into her chair.

“Isn’t it an online degree? Can’t you take it anywhere?” Harley asked.

“…yeah, but there’s in person stuff I need to do for it that’s out of town. So money goes to travelling for that, then staying the night, then basic living things, then I go back and spend all my money back at home again. It’s…ugh, I’m just so tired.”

“I’ll bet. If you need, I’ve got some extra funds.” Harley offered, as Angie threw her hands up.

“Nope, you’re graduating. That money’s for Team Valiant, not sweet old me.”

“You just sai-“

“Harley, I know you’re worried about me, but I can still take care of myself.” Angie insisted, before leaning forward. “In fact, I just lined up a really good opportunity, one that lets me travel and make money.”

Harley’s eyes lit up. “Great! Did you get a new job?”

Angie nodded. “I don’t wanna brag or anything, but I just got in on a startup that’s, like, so gonna make it big. Really fun company, they sell supplements for health and stuff, and it’s all about being your own boss and taking control of your life.”

Harley’s excitement started to die down, as she pursed her lips. “…uhuh.”

“So you go around, selling the product, and while you’re selling, you also get to recruit more people for the company. So you’re selling and growing the business at the same time.” Angie suggested, as Harley’s concerns were immediately validated. “It’s like, a really smart business model.”

Angie started twirling her hair. “I haven’t recruited anyone yet, but they encouraged I do with family members or ‘people desperate to invest in their future,’ their words not mine.”

“…okay.” Harley started. “So…just out of curiosity, if you were to describe the…structure of the business…?”

“Well, there’s the founder, he’s at the top.” Angie said, counting on her fingers. “Then there’s the executives below him, then there’s the first layer of recruiters, the second layer…so I guess a big triangle?”

“Or…a pyramid?” Harley offered, as Angie thought about it for a second.

“Yeah I gu…” Angie said, only to stop herself, as the realisation washed over her. “…oh. Oh no…”

Angie started counting in her head, as her eyes started to well up, before immediately bursting into tears and falling over toward Harley’s lap.

“Aww, come here.” Harley said, reaching over to hug her. “There there…”

“I-I’m so stupid!” Angie cried, sniffing loudly and lifting her head. “You l-leave me alone long enough and I’ll just j-join a flipping pyramid scheme! W-Why do I suck at having money?!”

“Hey, hey, don’t talk about my friend that way.” Harley insisted, grabbing Angie’s shoulders. “Look at you. You’re smart, sexy, and you’ve got a big heart. Those kinda schemes always prey on nice people like you.”

“But I didn’t have to fall for it!” Angie insisted, falling back to Harley’s lap. “I just wanna finally move out and make something of myself!”

Angie was consumed in her grief, as Harley rubbed her back comfortingly.

Geez, Angie. You’re just too giving. Harley thought. There’s gotta be somew…

In that instant, Harley shot out of her seat, before dancing around happily.

“Wait! Wait wait wait, I’ve got an idea! I know somewhere you can work!” Harley insisted, as Angie faced her again.

“R-Really?” Angie sputtered, before leaning over in her seat. “I’ll take anywhere, really. I’m desperate.”

“Well luckily…” Harley grinned. “We’re heading there right now.”

“EEEEE!!!” Angie squeed, hugging Harley again. “Finally! I’ll get to start helping people…”

———

“…”

“…hey Av…it’s been a bit. To be honest, I was busy…with team stuff, which feels weird for apologising for…”

Leandra pinched her nose and shook her head. “I’m just gonna start over…”

Leandra sighed out, as she faced his picture again. “…we’ve been really good recently. Still kinda…finding our footing, but spirits are high. I know I was pretty vocally against your leadership skills, but admittedly, I think you were better at uniting the team. I’m still working out…gods, being a leader? Is that the right phrase?...whatever, close enough. Everyone else makes it look so easy. You did, Donovan’s all effortless, Baron freaks me the fuck out, but he’s got sway.”

Leandra grimaced to herself. “Julia’s fine too. Could afford to throw some more weight around, bu-“

“Hey, you nearly done in there?!”

“Just a second!!!” Leandra shouted back, before facing the picture again. “Yeah, it’s just tough sometimes…”

Leandra got up from the ground, before stretching her arms out. “I think I’m getting the hang of it. Once we’re in the industry, I should get more comfortable. Out of the pan…”

Leandra looked back at Avalon’s picture again, before sighing out. “And I shouldn’t need as much consoling from a photo…”

Leandra stepped out of the study, as Roman, Acadia and Claudius were all patiently waiting around the dorm, with Acadia getting up first.

“There you are. Ready to go yet?” She asked, as Leandra pivoted to her bed.

“Just grabbing something first.” Leandra said, while Roman hopped off his top bunk above her.

“Did you have a nice chat?” Roman asked, as Leandra glared at him.

“Were you listening in?”

“Yeah.” Roman admitted, as Leandra groaned, before dropping it.

“Yeah, whatever, helped me work through some stuff…” Leandra said, as she dragged out a box from under her bed, before opening it and taking out Avalon’s cape.

She draped it around herself, as Claudius cocked his head in confusion.

“You gonna wear that to the graduation event?” He asked, as Leandra folded her arms.

“Yeah, what of it?”

“…n-nothing, it looks nice. You wear it well.” Claudius insisted, as Leandra blushed profusely, before pointing back at him.

“D-Don’t throw me off with a compliment! This is a big event!”

“Which is why we should leave now and get good spots!” Acadia insisted, running in place beside the door. “Come on, come on, come o-“

“Leandra, I really hate to admit this, but you’re smoking hot.” Roman offered up, as Leandra pointed at him now.

“AHA! I know you only said that to mess with me, so it won’t work!” Leandra insisted, only for Roman to blow a kiss her way, stunning her in place. “H-Hey! Not fair!”

“I-I wasn’t trying to be weird, I can admit when someone looks nice!” Claudius defended, as Acadia facepalmed to herself. “Honestly, I think you wear the cape better than Avalon did.”

Leandra’s blush consumed her face again, as she stared daggers at Claudius.

“Stop l-laying it on!” She insisted, jumping onto him and pinning his arms behind his back, with Roman joining the pile, as Acadia gave up and sat down, resting her head in her hands.

“I’ll let them wear themselves out…”

———

“Come on, Lola, it’s gonna start soon!”

“Hey, hey…volume down…”

“Oh, sorry.” Spence insisted, grabbing Ferris’ hand, as Ferris used her other one to shield herself from the sun. “If the event’s too much, just grab my attention and we can split.”

“I should b…oh gods.” Ferris let out, turning away from the sun. “…this is sobriety right, not punishment?”

“You’re adjusting. This is good for you.” Spence said, before taking off her sun hat and placing it on Ferris’ head.

Spence pleasantly smiled at her, as Ferris went to protest, despite shielding her face with the brim.

“…this is worse.” Ferris grumbled, before getting a glimpse of the sun again and immediately shielding herself with the hat. “…thanks…or something…”

Spence giggled, before jumping ahead. “I’ll take it.”

Ferris happily hung back, massaging her forehead, as they headed toward the campus courtyard.

Little bastards are lucky… Ferris thought. I wouldn’t be dragging myself out here for just anyone…

“Well?”

“…from where I can see, it looks like they’re almost done setting up.” Julia explained, ducking out of the walkway surrounding the academy Spire and into the courtyard, as Wess sighed out contently.

“That’s certainly a relief.” Wess replied, before hanging up her call, as Julia joined her.

“So? Anything?”

“…maybe.” Wess replied, deliberately being coy.

“Is it good?” Julia asked.

“Well, it depends…” Wess muttered. “How does as a particularly notorious Wailing hunt right after graduation sound?”

Wess could barely hide her pride, as Julia jumped into her with a hug.

“Wess, that’s incredible!” She exclaimed, kissing her cheek over and over. “I love you so much!”

“Alright, you’re laying it on a bit thick.” Wess insisted, as Julia backed off, only for Wess to start playfully kissing her now. “Now it’s my turn.”

Julia could hardly protest with Wess’ mouth covering hers, briefly distracting Essex on the sidelines, waiting patiently beside Percy.

Breaking her concentration on the two, Essex found Percy staring off into the middle distance, her attention toward the Spire.

Noticing a spare moment, Essex gently cleared her throat, as Percy turned to her.

“…how’re you doing?”

“…o-okay…” Percy replied, scratching her neck, before deciding to speak up. “…h-how about you?”

“…there is an excitement and worry.” Essex answered. “We’re leaving the confines of the academy for the outside world.”

Essex found herself resting her hand on her hip in an effort to mirror Harley. “One could say it’s very ‘romantic.’”

Percy quietly nodded, as Essex leaned on the wall beside her.

“…I rarely find myself scared these days.” Essex admitted. “But this feeling of the unknown is still new and…raises alarm bells. I am at least happy I didn’t choose to go through it alone.”

Julia and Wess’ flirting was only getting more audible, as Essex and Percy happily stared back at them.

Easy for you to say… Percy thought, as Essex faced her again.

“To me, that has made me feel the most prepared. Not the combat training, the time spent with them.” Essex confessed, holding her breath slightly, as Percy lifted herself off the wall, wandering around to avoid looking at anyone.

Unfortunately, her eye was drawn to Harley and Sola running in their direction, waving their arms about.

“Hey!” Harley called out, grabbing everyone’s attention. “How were the festivities?”

“Pretty festive! Sorry you guys had to miss it.” Julia insisted, as Sola quickly grabbed Julia’s hands, before spinning her in a circle.

“Who cares! We’re gonna make magic happen!” Sola declared, as a confused Julia looked to Harley for clarification.

“Magic, Julia.” Harley followed up, failing to answer any questions she had.

“Shall we head over?” Wess suggested, holding her arm out and pointing to the large crowd now gathered in the courtyard.

The rest of Team Valiant decided to follow, only to realise Percy wasn’t staying with them.

[You guys can go without me. I’m gonna go clear my head.] Percy insisted, giving a small wave. [I’ll meet up with you after.]

“…okay. Have fun.” Julia called back, before turning to the others, shrugging her shoulders.

“You doing good buddy?”

“Y-Y-Y-Y-Yeah…th-th-th-th-thanks g-g-guys…” Nathaniel managed, still visibly soaked and shivering. “Th-Th-Th-Th-There d-d-didn’t s-seem t-t-to be an e-e-end point…”

“You know there’s a door handle on your side. You could’ve gotten out at any point.” Joleicia informed, tightening the towel around him with a hug, as Nathaniel stared up at her in surprise.

“R-R-Really?...I f-f-feel like th-th-th-th-they should a-a-advertise that m-m-more…”

“Or you panicked and missed the instructions?” Chops joked, rustling his hair, right as the crowd around them in the courtyard started to settle down as Ferris approached the mic.

She gripped her head in pain, before leaning down onto her script.

“…congrats to the 5021 graduating year, your accomplishments have been a sight to behold, you should be proud of coming this far and excelling further, now please welcome principal Faller.”

Ferris finished her portion and sat down as fast as possible, before getting a reassuring shoulder pat from Spence.

Right as she finished, Team Valiant made their way into the crowd, finding their way beside Team Vanguard as they waited patiently for Faller to arrive on stage.

Somewhat overwhelmed, Julia found herself looking around, hoping to distract herself or spot him early, only to catch the familiar faces of her family in the back, as well as Harley and Sola’s parents standing pretty close by them.

It took a second for Milo to catch her gaze, before grinning and waving back to her, followed by a wave from Bell and Madelyn.

Julia sheepishly waved back, finding herself a little embarrassed…

…before finding herself confused as Adam was standing right behind them, giving two big thumbs up and jumping around wildly.

Julia quickly turned back around, pretending she didn’t see him and returning her attention to the stage, as Faller finally arrived, walking past the line of teachers sitting on the stage behind his podium.

He read over a few cards in his hands, mumbling a couple words from his speech, before stopping as he passed Ferris.

“…what, nervous?” Ferris remarked, as Faller read his notes again.

“Of course. Good to see you here. How’re you holding up?”

“…don’t feel much different, the sun’s just brighter now.”

“In a good way?”

“A blinding kinda way.”

Faller finished reading and pocketed his cards. “I guess that can be good in certain lights.”

Ferris felt herself boiling at the bad pun, as Faller finally took centre stage, looking out over the crowd of waiting, eager students.

Sighing out, he grabbed the mic.

“I’ll…make this brief.”

Before starting proper, he laid his hand out, indicating to the rides and pleasantries that’d been set up for the graduation.

“You may have noticed the lack of ceremony for this year’s graduation. I want to apologise, but with a budget stretched thin after the attack this year, we chose to invest in festivities to keep things fun as opposed to needless grandeur. You’re welcome to Team Instinct.”

A light laugh rang out from the crowd, as Donovan admittedly smiled, giving a thumbs up from the crowd to play along with the bit.

“You’ll also be happy to know the main building is mostly finished repairs, just in time for you all to leave.”

More laughter rang out, as Faller got settled, grabbing his cards back out from his pocket.

“That’s enough pleasantries. I want to start my speech with a deep thank you, for…indulging in our teachings and taking our words to heart. I’ve seen exceptional students enter these halls, truly going above and beyond in their duties toward ending the Wailing Conflict. You should all be proud of yourselves.”

“He’s talking about me.” A student loudly whispered to another just in earshot of Wess, as Faller continued.

“You would’ve only known me as the principal, but I was the head of the Engineering Department before Ms Jovie took over the position.” Faller explained, indicating to her, as she lifted her hand up in recognition. “And one of the main lessons I’ve tried to impart is…good maintenance. Of weaponry, but also of character, life, wellbeing. Learning to embrace the support of your team, but also admit to mistakes and let failure encourage you to do better. As cliché as it sounds, you only truly fail when you don’t try.”

He went silent for a second; a second longer than he normally would at this moment, before taking his time to speak back up.

“…and…I’ve been a poor example of that.”

A whisper of confused murmuring washed over the crowd, as Faller moved to put his cards away.

“Your education has been haggard, inconsistent, and needlessly dangerous at far too many points. This academy, and myself, have put you in harm’s way, not as preparation, but as poor judgement on our part.”

Faller gripped the podium to hold himself up, visibly getting emotional.

“This is not okay. You placed your trust in us, and we should have been better prepared. It isn’t fair that you were roped into our mess.”

Faller was decidedly not looking at Julia in the crowd during this, as Julia noticed this, but chose to keep listening.

“And I don’t fault our wonderful staff. Chief of Security Dulce has decidedly handled every attack coming our way, even dealing with a Behemoth Wailing on her first day on the job. Jovie continues to carry the academy on her back, Coatsworth saved several students by taking a Wailing head on, despite in no way being a trained Venator, and…”

Faller looked back behind him, seeing Ferris staring forward, her sunhat blocking Faller’s view of her face, despite her knowing exactly where he was looking.

“…I’ve yet to thank Ferris for saving my life on multiple occasions.”

Ferris kept staring forward, but pulled into herself slightly, at least acknowledging the comment got to her.

“…the fault lies with me.” Faller admitted, his hand to his chest. “I was not the strong leader I…needed to be…”

In a surprisingly out of character move, Faller stepped away from his podium, moving away from the mic, before lowering himself to his hands and knees and bowing forward.

“…I-I…want to deeply a-apologise…”

Faller tried to hold back some tears, while doing everything he could not to cover his face.

“…I-I’ve been a f-failure of a principal…over th-these years…you all deserved s-so much better…”

Spence nearly got up to help him, only for Ferris to hold out her arm, stopping her from getting up.

“…a-as of next year, I’ll be r-resigning as principal…and C-Coatsworth will be taking over the role. I-I’ve overstayed my welcome…”

Faller stayed there, letting himself appropriately get out all the shame he needed to, as the students all stared up at him, the murmuring only continuing and getting louder.

He stayed like that, preparing to get back up and finally hand the mic to Coatsworth to speak, only for a voice to ring out from the crowd.

“Hey, come on, man! It’s okay!”

Faller, in pure befuddlement, lifted his head up in the direction of the voice in the crowd.

“Don’t beat yourself up so bad!”

“Yeah, the Wailing do that plenty already!”

“I don’t envy the position you were in!”

“Yeah, three attacks in three years! What the hell were you meant to do?”

Faller found similar sentiments carrying through the crowd, completely going against what he thought he was going to hear.

“You’re not a superhero!”

“Yeah, for a guy that spouts off about teamwork so much, you’re sure taking all the blame!”

“How about the Wailing that attacked the place, huh?”

“Yeah, I think they did more damage than you!”

At this point, he was just standing, showing none of the…well, principal-ness he usually carried around the students.

His mind was still made up in his head, but to hear such positivity was…jarring.

In a blinding kind of way.

Finally managing to pull back some composure, he went back over to the mic, before holding out his hand to Coatsworth.

“…thank you, truly. I don’t deserve it…and now, Vice-Principal Coatsworth.” He introduced.

He went to step back down, with Coatsworth patting his back as he passed, before sitting next to Ferris, still feeling the redness in his face.

There was a notable silence, as Ferris refused to speak, and he took a moment to recover and breathe, before he finally started to address her.

“…”

“…”

“…we’re starting a mental health program.”

Ferris gave Faller the side-eye. “…huh?”

“We’ve got one year to pull it off before I’m kicked out of the position.” Faller admitted, folding his arms and leaning back. “We’ve needed one for a while.”

“…investors aren’t gonna like that.” Ferris reasoned.

“Well, they don’t need to know it’s happening.” Faller insisted, shrugging. “It’s about time we start being the change, Lola.”

Faller sat back, with Ferris seeing a surprising amount of energy coming from a man who was on his knees crying just a minute ago, before finding herself…

…moved, she would have to say.

“…yes sir.”

After a few lengthy speeches from the other staff, the graduation was basically done. Diplomas would be sent through the mail, again, to cut costs where needed. The students didn’t really mind, but the fact there was no real celebration was a bit of a letdown.

Especially for Team Beefcake.

“I don’t like this.” Brad insisted, folding his arms and staring at the still fairly quiet crowd. “I don’t like this one bit.”

“We need something to get people excited.” Thad declared, as Efrem elbowed his side.

“Are you suggesting we juice things up?” Efrem encouraged, as Chad slapped a hand on his back.

“Took the words right out of my mouth!” He exclaimed, before pointing to Lad, holding a massive boombox on his shoulder. “Hit it!”

“…kind of a wet fart to end things on, huh?” Harley admitted, getting a similar vibe from the others, as they stared around the fairly lifeless crowd.

“I am usually not one for ceremony…” Essex confessed. “…but really? Nothing?”

Just then, a slowly building cheering could be heard from the middle of the crowd, as a small circle formed.

Team Valiant made their way over, before spotting Team Beefcake in the middle of the crowd, break dancing and hyping the crowd up with their admittedly very impressive dancing.

“Holy shit! Team Beefcake’s busting it down!” Chops cried out, enamoured with their performance.

“Go! Go! Go! Go!” Leandra cheered from the side.

“Work those bodies!” Donovan encouraged, as Brad pulled off a very impressive lift with Efrem.

Before Team Valiant could get too suckered in, Julia’s attention was grabbed away.

“Julia! Hey!”

Julia spun around, right as her dad swooped her up in a giant hug, with Madelyn and Bell following behind.

“Y-You guys are still h-here?” Julia managed, as Milo waved her around.

“I’m not leaving without a goodbye! I’m so proud of you!!!” Milo cried, refusing to let her go, as Bell stepped around him to talk to her.

“Way to go, sis. You really stuck it out.” Bell let out, before blushing. “Th-That makes it sound like you weren’t prepared. I mean…dedication, let’s go with that.”

Julia laughed a little, right as Milo put her down, before she looked behind him back at Madelyn.

“Th-Thanks for showing up, mum.” Julia said, as Madelyn sighed, before shrugging.

“It’s a big day for you. And Bell would’ve killed me if I didn’t.” Madelyn remarked, as Milo chuckled.

Julia did one last sweep to see if Adam had stuck around for whatever reason, only to catch Harley in a similar position with her dad.

“My baby’s…all grown up!!!” Davidson exclaimed, squeezing Harley into a hug. “You finally did it!”

“I’ll hug you better!” Harley insisted, doing her best, as William stayed beside them, not wanting to get in between them, before Davidson rolled his eyes and roped him in.

“A-And you’re doing okay, right? You made the right call with your team?” William double-checked, as Harley grinned back.

“Best team around! Don’t worry, dad. We’re keeping each other safe.” Harley assured.

William sighed in relief, only for Sola to run past them into Maxine, before jumping into a hug and nearly toppling her.

“Sola, stop! I’m too old to hold ya!” Maxine insisted, trying to pawn her off to Wayne, who just threw his hands up.

“Don’t give her to me, I’m too old too!” Wayne complained, before Sola only just noticed him.

“Dad, you came all the way here?!” Sola realised, landing on the ground.

“I’m not missing this for world, kid. This is one of the biggest days of your life!” Wayne assured, as Sola pumped her fists.

“You coulda watched from home! I wouldn’t be mad!”

“Nope, not hearing it. I’m here and you can accept that.” Wayne insisted, as Maxine rolled her eyes.

“He sat in the car and refused to get out.” Maxine explained, sighing. “And he forgot his medication…”

“I did? Oh well, I guess I can’t choke it down now.” Wayne ‘complained,’ smiling to Sola, as she laughed a bit.

Meanwhile, Essex did her best to not look too desperate, glancing around the crowd and hoping to find Kent anywhere there, before inevitably reaching the conclusion she of course wasn’t.

Right as the realisation sunk in, Wess lowered a hand on her shoulder, sharing an understanding glance as they watched the others happily spend time with their families.

“…I am glad I’m not alone for this.” Essex admitted, smiling to Wess, who sighed out and nodded.

“You and me both.” Wess agreed, taking a second, before spotting a coy Cyrus a bit away, giving a small wave.

Wess smiled and waved back, before he walked over, shaking his head.

“I heard through the grapevine…” Cyrus admitted. “I’m sorry those pieces of shit were pieces of shit.”

“As is as one does. Hardly spared them a thought.” Wess confessed. “Frankly, I much prefer the company I have now.”

“…wait a minute, that’s me!” Cyrus joked, as Wess started laughing. “And I thought you’d still be mad about the breakup.”

“Well, kicking your ass in the tournament certainly picked up my mood.” Wess remarked, as Cyrus waved his hand about.

“That was an off day. I didn’t stretch beforehand, shoulda known better.” Cyrus joked, getting another laugh from her, as Essex felt some loneliness creep in, only to get another tap on her shoulder.

She turned around to face Milo, with Julia behind him.

“Essex! Julia told me you made this.” Milo exclaimed, pointing at Maxie Two in Julia’s arms, as Essex nodded.

“Yes, I-“

Milo immediately grabbed her into a hug, swinging her around.

“You…are the best ever!!!” Milo insisted, as Essex merely accepted it. “Julia, if you don’t marry her ASAP, we’re gonna have a serious talk!”

Julia blushed profusely, still holding Maxie Two in her arms, before locking eyes with Essex, only for both of them to quickly look away in embarrassment.

Milo eventually let her down, before joining back up with Madelyn and Bell and waving to Julia as they headed out.

Right as the team had a free moment to themselves, a familiar voice rang out behind them.

“Hey, did I miss all the fun?”

The team all turned around at once, before gasping in excitement at who’d shown up.

“Dorothy!!!”

Julia ran over to her excitedly, as Dorothy flared out her leather jacket, readjusting her sunglasses. “We thought we were gonna miss you! Did you come to see us off?”

“I sure did. As I always say, gotta see people to appreciate them. Couldn’t graduate myself without seeing my favourite team off.” Dorothy explained, as Harley clapped her hands together.

“Hey, glad you could make it.” Harley grinned, as Dorothy nodded happily.

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…well anyway, I best be off.” Dorothy said, before leaving and waving, as everyone waved back to her.

“Bye Dorothy!” Julia called out, before happily sighing to the others. “Man, she’s so cool!”

“She’s the absolute coolest!” Sola agreed, right as she caught Virgil in the distance, looking around curiously.

She sprung to life, before turning to Harley, who gave a big thumbs up.

“I’ll go grab her!” Harley insisted, sprinting off into the crowd, as Sola ran over to Virgil.

“Hey!” She called out, as he gave a small wave back. “Wait right there!”

Virgil simply stood in place, doing exactly what he was doing already. “…alright.”

Sola jumped up to look around for Harley, before catching her dragging Angie over to them.

“Okay, this is gonna be great!” Harley exclaimed, before showing Virgil off to her. “Angie, meet Virgil.”

“…are you tryna set me up?” Angie asked, before giving Virgil a once over and biting her lip. “I mean, he’s not too bad on the eyes…”

“I might say the same to you.” Virgil offered, before Sola jumped in between them.

“Virgil’s got a store you can work and live at in the city!”

“Wait, really?!” Angie exclaimed, running over to grab his hands. “Are you hiring?!”

Virgil gave a nervous glance to Sola. “Sola, what…”

“You said you’d have to shut the store cause you couldn’t work there anymore. So now you won’t have to shut it.” Sola explained, beaming proudly, as Virgil found himself welling up a little.

“You were gonna shut your store?” Angie asked, holding his hands up. “Well I have to work there now! Is the pay good?”

“…the pay’s fine.”

“I’ll take it!” Angie insisted, before hugging him happily. “You’re, like, my third best friend already!”

Virgil didn’t really know how to react, before turning to Harley and Sola.

“Get used to this energy. It’s not going anywhere.” Harley clarified, before resting an arm around Sola. “Nicely done, babe.”

“Nicely done you too!” Sola insisted, before spotting Julia confusedly staring at what was happening between these two seeming strangers.

She quickly ran over, as Julia pointed at Virgil and Angie.

“…so…”

“Angie’s gonna work at Virgil’s shop so he doesn’t have to close it!” Sola explained, as Julia finally put two and two together.

“…okay, that makes more sense. I thought they were, like, distantly related and you guys were reuniting them or something. That’s a pretty friendly hug.” Julia explained, as Sola shook her head.

“Nope. I think Angie’s last name is Prilia, and Virgil’s is Abandonal.” Sola clarified, before thinking on it. “No wait, it’s Virgil Blacklock Abandonal. Who knew he had such a crazy name?”

Julia’s eyes widened, her eyes darting between Sola and Virgil.

“Wait, what?!” Julia let out, as she grabbed Sola’s shoulders.

“Yeah, that’s his name.” Sola replied.

“Virgil?!”

“Yeah.”

“Your old boss?!”

“Yeah.”

“Sola, that’s him!”

Sola cocked her head. “Use more words.”

“He’s the Blacklock Bandit!!!”

“…use better words.” Sola asked.

“No wonder he took down Alani and Devon like it was nothing…” Julia muttered, before returning her attention to Sola. “He was a vigilante in Detu City when I was a kid. He cleaned up crime in the city since Venators couldn’t deal with a lot of that stuff, and the police were barely doing their job.”

Sola nodded in understanding, not really taking in the meaning, before starting to freak out like Julia. “HUH?!”

“Nobody knew who he was.” Julia admitted, cautiously staring back at Virgil, still very much in his hug. “But the name matches…”

They both stared at him going over the details of the position with Angie, as Sola started to run over to him.

“I’m gonna ask him ab-“ She started, before noticing her parents about to leave and pivoting to them. “Hey, wait up!”

“So-!” Julia attempted, before dropping it. “…I guess we’ll deal with it later.”

“Mum, dad, wait!” Sola yelled out, as they turned around. “I’ve gotta show you my Whil before you go! I’m actually good with it now!”

“Hey, that’s right, you were gonna show us! Well go on!” Wayne realised, as Sola started walking them over to the training grounds, out of the way of most of the crowd.

The rest of the team decided to follow, as Sola propped herself up near the moat, aiming her hands just above the tree line.

“And get this! I’m not gonna burn any trees this time!” Sola promised, as Maxine folded her arms, bumping Wayne’s side.

“She looks so happy.” Maxine remarked.

Meanwhile, running by the moat, Spence was walking with Ferris, who was massaging her forehead now that they were away from the crowd.

“You did really well! I’m sure the students loved seeing you there.” Spence encouraged, as Ferris sneered.

“I’m sure it gave some of them a real warm, fuzzy feeling in their hearts. Let’s just thank Whilit none of them wanted to talk to me.” Ferris admitted, only just noticing Sola on the other side of the moat.

Before she could register what was going on, Sola’s Whil started to charge up, slowly building like usual, before bursting out in front of her as a clean, massive blast of lightning firing into the sky.

Ferris instinctively went to duck, only for her footing to slip slightly on the edge of the moat and cause her to fall in.

“You weren’t kidding. That’s the cleanest shot I’ve ever seen you make, kid!” Wayne encouraged, before spotting Spence balling her fists on the edge of the moat.

Once Sola’s Whil wound down, the team noticed Ferris laying solitarily in the moat, her hat somehow getting lodged in her mouth as she fell.

With a loud sigh, she made no real effort to get back up, instead lying down in the moat and facing the sky, before spitting the hat out.

“…I’d complain, but this feels kinda nice actually…” She muttered, before splashing could be heard from Team Valiant’s direction.

She lifted her head and spotted Sola wading through the water, her clothes getting soaked, before reaching Ferris and holding out a hand.

“Are you okay?”

Ferris took a second, staring up at her, before reaching out and taking the hand, pulling herself up.

“…truthfully, I think I’m the best I’ve ever been.” Ferris admitted, as Sola helped her get out of the water.

To no one’s surprise, most of Team Valiant were desperately trying to hold back laughter from Ferris’ tumble, as Ferris admittedly found it pretty funny too.

Which was perfect timing for Percy to make her way around the moat too, having decided to head back after taking a needed long walk. What she came back to was Team Valiant, doing what they did best.

Helping someone.

Enjoying themselves.

And having a laugh.

…should I expect anything less? She admitted, finding herself smiling despite her still present worries.

———

Meanwhile, as this was all happening, it had been the better part of a long drive for Florey and Cecil.

Having gotten in Cecil’s limo, Florey was given no details as to where they were going or why. He noticed Salaire driving them, but even the usually talkative guy was tight lipped today.

The ride had been completely silent, with Florey mostly in his own head, before Cecil finally broke the silence.

“…Florey.”

Florey lifted his head quickly. “Y-Yeah?”

Cecil kept his gaze out the window. “…how do you feel about the Wailing?”

Florey felt his voice catch a little, as he tried to answer as clearly as he could.

“…they’ve been terrifying me my whole life. All the worst moments are tied back to them.” Florey admitted, looking surprisingly calm now. “And they’re also a genetic marvel of interesting questions…I hate them, but I’m fascinated by them.”

Cecil watched over his demeanour, as Florey noticed the slight menace in his gaze, before it turned back to normal.

The limo turned a corner and headed in the direction of Heiamimi, as Cecil turned his attention to the window.

“…and does the name Wicker mean anything to you?”

Florey was a bit lost for words, as he squinted in thought.

“…umm, not really…I think that was a criminal…like, a famous criminal back in the day? I think most people write him off as a rumour.” Florey reasoned, shaking his head. “I don’t know what he did, but if I remember the name, it was probably something big.”

Cecil kept his incredulous look up, before getting comfortable and facing Florey properly.

“That’s relatively true.” Cecil replied, placing his hand on his chest. “…I’m…Wicker. The current Wicker.”

Florey took in the sentence, not really grasping the nature behind his statement, as he visibly tried to figure out what he meant by that.

“He was real. My…the former CEO of EHM was the Wicker before me, and I’ve taken over the position.” Cecil clarified, as Heiamimi appeared in the distance. “I’ll explain more once we arrive. I’m sure this doesn’t make much sense right now.”

Florey kept to himself, unsure whether Cecil was admitting to being a criminal. The thought had crossed his mind recently, especially with a lot of what Rosalind had hinted at. He didn’t want to make waves at his first job and brand-new position, but he wasn’t stupid. He knew something was up.

After a bit more time, they arrived at Heiamimi, still just as deserted and undeveloped as when Florey was last here. The limo cruised through a few streets, before pulling up outside of what looked like a greenhouse, one built into the ground.

Florey and Cecil stepped out, as Florey got a better look, seeing the greenhouse was practically empty, much like the rest of Heiamimi. No plantlife was in it, just a glass roof and another glass floor at the bottom.

“This is RC, the Retention Centre.” Cecil explained, approaching Florey’s side. “This is just a cover, though. The real facility’s below here.”

Before Florey could ask what he meant, Cecil indicated to a small stairway outside of the greenhouse, which lead to an elevator.

“After you.” Cecil insisted, as Florey nervously glanced back at him, before taking a step inside the elevator.

Cecil joined him and pressed a small sequence in the number pad, as the elevator started to head down.

The ride felt so much slower for Florey, as he squirmed uncomfortably, trying not to seem desperate for answers, but also wondering what was taking Cecil so long.

“…okay, I n-need to know.” Florey blurted out, turning to Cecil exacerbated. “What does that mean? Th-That you’re Wicker? What, you’re a c-criminal?”

Wicker sighed out. “It’s a reductive way to look at it.”

Wicker could see Florey’s frustration, before feeling the moment was right.

“…I’ll stop beating around the bush and tell you the truth. It’s about time you knew.” Cecil started. “…the Wailing are a plague, we both know this. Despite the Wailing Conflict going on for over two centuries, their numbers don’t seem to be diminishing. You’ve noticed this, right?”

“…yeah, they’re about as active as they’ve always been.” Florey reasoned, as Wicker nodded along.

“And despite being built for this purpose, Venators aren’t as effective as they should be.” Wicker added. “Systems aren’t perfect. This much is evidently true throughout history, but you’ve seen firsthand. They’re underperforming.”

“I mean, that’s why I left the academy.” Florey agreed, as Wicker patted his back, right as the elevator reached their floor. “I really started to lose faith in Venators as the…‘best way’ to handle the Wailing.”

“But…legally speaking, the only way someone can kill Wailing…”

“…is to become a Venator.” Florey finished, as they started walking out into the hall. “Meaning…”

“If you wanted to deal with them in other ways, you would be labelled a criminal.” Wicker clarified, as Florey nodded his head, now getting the bigger picture. “‘Wicker’ is a title meant for the leader of the Organisation, a group with the sole purpose to end the Wailing Conflict…by any means necessary.”

Florey started stroking the few errant hairs on his chin, before stopping for a second. “The Organisation? That’s the name?”

“Yes, it is.” Wicker noted. “Were you expecting something flashier?”

“…I guess?” Florey asked, as Wicker chuckled a little.

“The name is deliberately innocuous. We’re technically breaking the law, so the less attention we can draw, the better.” Wicker reasoned. “Best not to have a name that’s easily traceable.”

Right as he said that, the duo stepped into what looked to be a large viewing room, holding a giant window with a few lights streaking through.

“…so, you’re breaking the law where need be…to end the Conflict properly?” Florey tried to understand, still mostly figuring it out, as Wicker shrugged.

“Basically.”

“…so, what’s the point of this place?”

Wicker started to smile, as he indicated to the window Florey had yet to look out of. Florey stepped forward, letting his eyes adjust to the light, before taking in what he was seeing.

…Wailing.

Tens, maybe hundreds of them, all in massive cells lining the walls of an enormous room just outside the window. The glass floor he noticed earlier was actually a ceiling, obstructing what was underneath, while letting only enough natural light into the facility.

“This is where most of the experimentation happens.” Wicker said, as Florey’s eyes were still glued to the cells.

“…w-what kind?”

“Any kind, really. We keep Wailing here to see what’s most effective on them, or test out equipment. It’s very helpful for EHM research, but its main purpose is testing for the Organisation.” Wicker explained, before catching the light in another room and beckoning Florey along. “Come here.”

Florey followed behind, as Wicker showed off a small room that looked to be a workshop, similar to one Florey had noticed on his trips to EHM’s lower floors. Wicker pulled off a blueprint from the wall to show him.

“This is a device I was able to develop here. A chip.” Wicker noted, as Florey scanned over it. “One that allows control over a Wailing’s actions and can send a shock through their body to kill them.”

Florey’s eyes widened, as Wicker took the blueprint back. “Instead of people fighting the Wailing, t-“

“They’re fighting themselves.” Florey realised, as Wicker nodded very proudly. “And if they get out of control, then you just kill them. You made something like that?”

“Sure. You could to.” Wicker offered, shocking Florey with his bluntness, as he looked down at the floor.

“…s-sir?” Florey let out, as Wicker sighed.

“…Florey, you have a brilliant mind.” Wicker said. “One that would’ve been wasted on Venators. One that, with the right nurturing, could be responsible for ending the Conflict.”

Florey started backing up, tripping over his own words, and almost himself. “I-I-I don’t…I mean, th-that would be…of c-course I’d want to do that, but that’s n-“

“Florey.” Wicker repeated, grabbing his shoulders. “I’m already in my fifties. I don’t plan to retire anytime soon, but I’m in a dangerous line of work, and I’m not the only criminal element in Daysend. There’s plenty of people going for my head.”

Wicker lowered his hands to Florey’s arms. “I need someone who can take over if I’m gone. And who knows the Conflict won’t be ended if things keep going the way they’re going.”

“Th-This is a lot to take in…” Florey confessed, avoiding much eye contact. “A-Are you…asking me to be the next Wicker?”

“At some point. Don’t worry, you’ll have time to get used to it.” Wicker assured, smiling back at him. “Can I trust you with this?”

Florey could see just how serious Wicker was in his conviction, keeping an iron grip on him, making sure he made the choice. It all sounded too appealing, too convenient, but…

…it’s what he wanted to do for his whole life.

And this was by far the best chance he had to do it.

With the help of someone who truly believed in him.

The one responsible for ending the Wailing Conflict.

…that was certainly quite the title to possess.

Florey swallowed.

“Y-Yes…yes you can.”

———

“I love you.”

“I love you twice.”

“I love you thrice.”

“I love you…what’s the next one?”

Rose scratched her chin. “…I don’t know.”

“…oh.” Liddy let out. “…I love you infinity times.”

“Dammit!” Rose complained. “You always get me with that one!”

“Cause it’s true!~” Liddy sang, kissing Rose’s cheek, as they sat atop of the main building roof, staring out at the Eldos Mountains on the horizon.

“…hey?”

“Yeah?”

“…you reckon we’ll be okay?” Rose asked. “Just the two of us?”

Liddy could see some apprehension in Rose’s eyes, as she couldn’t help but smile and rest on Rose’s side.

“Of course we’ll be okay. We’ll make it if we try.” Liddy insisted.

“Yeah, but just the two of us?”

“Yep, you and I.”

Rose started shaking her head, only for Liddy to dip her back, before lying her down on the roof.

“You worry too much. We’ve gotten out of worse scrapes.” Liddy assured, caressing Rose’s face. “Is there anything I can do to assuage your mind?”

Rose started grinning. “Something’s coming to mind, perfect for just us two…”

“I’ve talked to so many people…my lips are gonna fall off…”

“Damn, poor Wess…”

“…charming, Harley. I think I’ll be able to manage.”

“You can have my lips instead, Julia!”

“…are propositioning another kiss between you two?”

Percy snickered at the exchange, watching as she and Team Valiant idly wandered down the Venator Academy halls, seemingly for the last time in a while.

She didn’t let the melancholy of the scene linger with her for too long. There was already a well of sadness building up in her, one she promised only to let out when she was alone again.

…so it goes…

“I never thought I’d be this social.” Julia admitted, stretching her arms. “Look at me go.”

“We’ll have to be once we’re in the industry.” Harley noted, as Wess raised a finger.

“And you’ll be taking the reins on most of it, as our fearless leader.”

Julia’s pupils shrank, as she darted her gaze away. “Let’s not…put that pressure on right now…”

“We shall apply it later.” Essex clarified, getting a chuckle from Harley and Sola. “For now…I want to rest…”

“You said it…” Harley let out, throwing her arms back, only for Wess and Sola to step in front of the group.

“WAIT! WAIT WAIT WAIT!” Sola insisted, holding her arms out, as Wess lowered them.

“Sola, we needn’t yell.” Wess remarked, as Percy tilted her head. “We actually have a surprise.”

“Oh.” Julia let out. “A…graduation surprise?”

Wess pursed her lips. “Somewhat. Come on.”

Wess and Sola jumped for the nearest stairs as the others followed, all looking to each other in confusion.

“Did you guys know this was happening?” Julia whispered to Harley and Essex, who both shrugged.

“Did you?” Harley asked right back, as Julia threw her hands up, before turning to Percy.

“What do you reckon?” Julia asked, as Percy was a bit too in her own head to throw out a remark.

“…can’t really…guess…” Percy confessed, as Wess and Sola stepped outside into the carpark.

The others stuck behind them, waiting to see where they’d be taken next, only to realise the duo were stopping right there.

“…oh, we’re…here?” Julia let out, looking around curiously.

“Did you hire a party bus?” Harley genuinely asked, as Wess glared at her.

“No, of cour-“

“Wait, we totally should’ve done that!” Sola let out. “That’s such a good idea, babe!”

“Sola!” Wess insisted, before recentering herself. “…as I was beginning to say…”

Wess cleared her throat.

“We wanted to start our careers off on the right foot. We know the plans from here are quite loose, but…”

“…we also wanted something to help out! So, I put some of my money away.” Sola explained, pointing to Wess.

“And I made sure she saved it and didn’t get stiffed on pricing.” Wess said, before Sola pulled out a set of keys from her pocket and chucked them to Essex.

Essex caught them, before staring down at them blankly, then back at Sola.

“…what do I do with these?”

“Psst, press the button!” Sola ‘whispered,’ as Essex took a second to find the button and press it, before the lights on a vehicle parked a bit further into the carpark lit up.

She shot her head up, before looking down and pressing it again, and again, and again and again, before Wess took the keys off her.

“Okay, please stop, you’ll wear them out.” Wess insisted, as Essex looked a bit embarrassed, while Julia got a closer look.

“Wait…i-is that…?”

Yep, it was.

A van.

A clean, fairly standard, but also fairly roomy van. Not too much decoration to it, save for a giant image of the team’s logo plastered on each side. Two, three if we were being generous, seats in the front, plenty of room in the back, and a small, retractable cover from the shade. It really felt like the van was using all the space it could.

It was…

…you know what, it was just okay.

And it was perfect.

“Y-You guys!!!” Julia exclaimed, hugging both Wess and Sola deeply. “Y-You didn’t have to g-go out of your way like this!!!”

“Well, I didn’t have anything else to do with my money.” Sola pointed out, smiling. “You guys mean the world to me. What else would I spend it on?”

Julia beamed with overwhelming pride, before leaning down and kissing Sola’s cheek, then going for Wess’ too, before checking out the van proper.

“I don’t know what is, but I think she likes it.” Wess remarked, as Sola giggled to herself.

“Whoa, there’s already stuff back here!” Harley exclaimed, pulling out a few sleeping bags. “You stocked it up too? You guys!”

“Well, yeah! We had to put the essentials in!” Sola clarified, joining Harley’s side, before indicating to the broken fish tank tucked further inside, as Harley started cracking up.

Essex was running her hand on the outside of it, before using her Whil, as her hand briefly turned to a sheen white steel.

She retracted it right after, before staring up at it and smiling.

“…a place of our own…”

Despite not wanting to get sucked into it, Percy was already in the driver’s seat, checking out the specs and how it handled. She hated to admit it, but the seat and wheel were comfortable as hell.

Dammit…I can’t keep this up… She thought, trying not to get emotional, as she gripped on the wheel tighter, while Julia whistled from outside the van.

The rest of the team gathered up, as Julia rested her hands on her hips and smiled.

“Okay…let’s make a promise as a team.” Julia prefaced, as Percy nervously stepped out of the van. “Before we do anything and head out on our own, I just wan-“

“J-Julia!!!”

At the sudden loud cry, everyone turned to Percy, doing everything she could to hold back emotion, before she stepped in front of the others to address them.

It was a slow walk over, as the others stared at each other in confusion.

Before saying anything, she bowed.

[T-Thank you…] She signed, her hands noticeably shaky, as she faced everyone again. [I-I don’t know how to properly thank you for everything you’ve done for me. W-Without you, I would still be working for Wicker, and t-terrified of everything around me…]

Percy gulped, as her throat began to dry. [Y-You’ve given me safety and comfort, without expecting a-anything in return. Even when I was a b-burden, you didn’t cast me out…]

Percy finally wiped some tears away. [I-I overstayed my welcome. I knew I was d-doing it, but I couldn’t bring myself to end it…it’s…been fun, but I knew this wouldn’t last long…you’re off to go work as Venators, and…]

Percy shook her head, trying not to look at the confused faces of the team, before bowing again.

“…t-thank you…” Percy finished, tears streaking down her face. “F-From the b-bottom of my heart…”

She turned to leave, with no idea where she was going to go, or who she could rely on.

But the last thing she was going to do was burden the team any longer.

This was her choice.

At least…

The team watched as she turned from the academy, still looking away from everyone and desperately trying to clean her face from tears as she walked away, before Julia cupped her hands around her mouth.

“Percy!!!”

Percy refused to look back, trying her best to make a clean break and avoid any further heartbreak, as Julia kept calling out to her.

“Where’re you going?”

Percy lifted her head, still not looking back, as Harley joined in.

“Yeah, the van’s right here!”

Percy blinked.

She turned back around, her eyes still red, as the rest of the team stared back at her, waving their arms for her to come over.

“You just started walking off towards Whilit knows where for no reason.” Wess remarked, leaning back on the van, as Sola ran up to Percy, grabbing up her hands.

“You’re coming with us, silly billy!” Sola insisted, as Percy was truly lost with the request.

“It…wouldn’t feel right without you.” Essex added, as Sola walked Percy back over, only for her eyes to start watering up again.

…b-but…

She felt Sola’s hand resting against hers, catching the smiles of the others as she came back.

…w-what…

Before she could make her way back, she fell to her knees and started bawling her eyes out.

W-What did I do to d-deserve them…?

Percy was overwhelmed with happiness, as the rest of the team finally came around to her, comforting her as she kept crying.

They helped her up to her feet, as she latched onto the closest person, being Julia, and hugged her tight, nestling into her neck.

“…t-thank you…s-so much…”

Julia warmly hugged her back, watching as the sun started to set behind them, before indicating to the others to wait a bit.

It took a few minutes for Percy to work through her feelings, as the rest of the team were patient, assuring her the whole time, before she finally felt a bit better, and Julia decided to address everyone again.

“Okay…what was I saying?” Julia started, as everyone laughed at her awkwardness, even Julia herself. “Uhh…promise, that’s it! Okay…”

Julia held her hand out, before holding it into a fist, a fierce look of determination on her face.

“From this point…we’re gonna become the best.” Julia insisted, as Sola cocked her head.

“The best?”

“Best team in the industry.” Julia assured, smiling proudly. “Team Daybreak aren’t holding the top spot forever, not with us coming around. We’re knocking Victoria off her perch and claiming that spot for ourselves!”

“Dear, where’d all this newfound confidence come from?” Wess insisted, smiling a little, as Harley grinned beside her.

“I love it. Fuck yeah, Julia, no rolling over!” Harley cheered, as Sola jumped onto her shoulders.

“No rolling over! The best is what we get!”

“Is the plan to ‘wipe the floor’ with them?” Essex asked enthusiastically, as Julia gave a thumbs up.

“And anyone else who gets in our way!” Julia declared, with Percy now standing up and silently cheering, still a bit woozy from crying. “I doubt Wicker’s gonna leave us alone.”

“…f-fuck that guy…” Percy managed, cracking everyone up, as Sola jumped onto her now.

“Yeah, fuck that guy!” Sola agreed, before an idea hit. “And don’t forget the Wailing!”

“How could we? That’s our job, after all.” Wess remarked, now happily joining Julia’s side and wrapping her arms around her, as Julia pointed to the sky.

“No Wailing stands a chance against us! We’re six strong, with a van of our own and nothing holding us back!” Julia cried. “If we don’t end the Wailing Conflict, no one will!”

“YEAH! THAT’S OUR LEADER!!!” Harley cheered, scooping Julia and Wess up in a massive hug. “Team Valiant, for the win! Team Valiant, for the win!”

Sola saw the opportunity and tried jumping back onto Harley, only for Harley to tilt back from the weight of holding up three people and fall to the ground. Misunderstanding the situation, Essex jumped onto her as well, joining the pile now, as everyone started weeping with laughter. Percy rolled her eyes, before walking over and playfully sitting on Harley’s overturned back.

Underneath everyone, Julia caught the light of the sunset again, glinting off of the van and back onto her.

It’s strange.

By all definitions, this had been one of the hardest years of her life. And yet, she was the happiest, and most excited, she’d ever been.

Wicker was almost certainly coming after them for what they’d done to him. And yet, she wasn’t worried in the slightest.

They were leaving the relative safety of school and heading out into the world, with no safety net or guarantee they’d…

…they…

…they were okay.

Despite everything, they were still okay. Despite everything, they were still happy, and they still loved each other.

And now there was one more.

That feeling of romance, of things on the horizon, yet to come, but very much welcome.

So, care to continue with us on this intrepid adventure?