CRAAASH!!!

Harley flew backwards, landing on her back against the dusty ground, as she tried to regain her footing as best she could. She managed to maintain some level of balance, before getting back up and straightening herself.

Dammit…that’s not gonna work…

“What’s wrong, Harley? Finding it hard to get through? You might as well say yes and get it over with!”

Harley inspected her Buster Knuckles, seeing that the metal casing was still intact, but some of the wiring inside was frayed and scratched. Another hit like that would do some pretty bad damage long term.

“It’s only a matter of time before you give up. It’s hopeless to try and win against a prodigy like me!” Her adversary taunted. “This will only be another victory for the great Team Exemplar-“

“Oh my gods, shut up!” Harley yelled. “You didn’t even hit me! You just sat there and let your Whil do all the work!”

Avalon stopped talking and looked a little pouty. “N-no! My Whil requires a lot of skill! I had to think really hard about that move!”

“That must’ve been difficult for you!” Sola called out from the stands.

“Shut up! Stop intervening!” He yelled back, stamping his foot. “You’re all distracting me!”

“Oh geez…he’s not gonna cry again, is he?” Roman groaned beside Team Valiant, looking back at his team leader.

“Avalon’s so soft…” Leandra remarked, sitting beside him and shaking her head.

It was mid-afternoon by the academy training grounds, as Team Valiant and a few of the members of Team Exemplary watched the match from the spectator stands, neither really that engaged in the fight.

“I hope Harley can win this…” Julia wished. “I don’t want that slimeball Avalon to get his way.”

“Harley has more developed technique and better instincts. She will win, even without the advantage of a Whil.” Essex assessed.

“Couldn’t this have waited until tomorrow?” Wess complained. “I’ve finally finished classes for the day, and then Avalon decides to start an argument. What’s this even about again?”

“Avalon asked Harley out again, but since he wouldn’t take no for an answer, he challenged Harley to a fight.” Julia explained. “If she falls over, she has to go on a date with him.”

“Oh gods…” Wess groaned. “I should hope we’d grown out of that behaviour by now…”

“Come on Harley!!! Knock his teeth in!!!” Sola yelled, as Roman and Leandra looked on in utter annoyance.

Roman rubbed his forehead tiredly. “I guess she’s the loud one…” Roman droned, slumping into his uncomfortable spot in the stands.

“Hey Wess! Bet it’s hard to watch your teammate get her ass kicked so bad!” Leandra stood and yelled, as Wess only just noticed her and popped her head up.

“Sorry, what was that?” Wess asked, having missed what she said.

Leandra stamped against the stands angrily. “Listen to me when I’m insulting you!” Leandra grunted, taking her seat and folding her arms. “I’m gonna get you one of these days, princess…”

“Never mind, you’re just as bad…” Roman groaned.

Leandra gave her attention back to the fight, as Harley looked to have recovered.

“What’s wrong? Can’t even manage to hurt me?” Avalon taunted.

“At least I actually hit you.” Harley pointed out. “Your Whil’s just a glorified electric fence.”

Avalon was about to argue her point, but looking around him at the suspended electricity he’d created to protect himself, he realised that was kinda true, which only upset him all over again.

“Y-you’re just jealous that I have a Whil and you don’t!” He defended. “You’ve gloves are just glorified…fists!”

“It’s a wonder why I don’t wanna go out with you.” Harley remarked, turning Avalon red.

“Whatever! Prepare yourself!” Avalon yelled, before planting his feet on the ground, as his ‘electric fence’ moved downward, now covering the ground around him in a large circle. “Can’t get close now!”

Shit…he’s actually got some tricks… Harley acknowledged, shaking her hand and readying her running stance. Guess I’m just busting through.

Harley ran toward him, hitting the electric ring surrounding Avalon and doing her best to wade through, before the pain became too much and jumping back, trying to regain her stamina.

“Remember, Harley, no falling down.” Avalon reminded her. “Unless you’ve suddenly had a change of heart?”

Harley’s eye twitched, as she started charging, running head first at Avalon again, reaching the electric field around him and leaping over it. She wound her fist up, letting her momentum carry her, as Avalon tried desperately to raise the electricity back around him to block her attack.

TTHHHHRRRRAASSSHHHH!!!

Avalon was sent sailing, flying backwards through the air, then against the dirt ground, before toppling a few times and finally landing on his back, staring up at the sky in pain.

“…ow…” He let out, as Harley straightened herself up and rested her fist, the metal of her Buster Knuckles holding intact and taking the force of the blow.

Team Valiant headed over to Harley, as Leandra and Roman got up and checked on Avalon.

“Well, thanks. That was totally pointless.” Roman complained, leaning over Avalon and blocking out the sun.

“Next time you wanna win an argument, maybe don’t pick a fight with the walking artillery.” Leandra suggested, as they both took one of Avalon’s arms and pulled him to his feet.

Team Valiant celebrated their victory amongst themselves, as Avalon, Leandra and Roman made their way over, with Avalon clearing his throat to get their attention.

“What? You wanna fight again?” Harley frustratedly asked, as Avalon stuck out his hand.

“That was a good fight. I wanted to pay my respects.” He said, as Harley looked back at his hand cautiously.

He held it out, waiting.

“You aren’t gonna electrocute me, are you?” Harley asked, as Julia elbowed her side, insisting she be polite and shake it back. Harley sighed and grabbed his hand. “Fine. You surprised me with some of those moves. You did a good job.”

“Enough to win you ove-?”

“Nope, you ruined it.” Harley said, pulling her hand back, Avalon taking a second to readjust from the surprise.

“Okay, so since Harley won, that means no more asking her out, right?” Julia asked.

“That’s right. No more for the whole week.” Avalon confirmed, as Harley looked back at him in shock.

“Week?! Since when was it only a week?!”

“…well I may have mumbled that part…” Avalon admitted, smiling to himself.

Harley raised her fist again, ready to start swinging, as Julia and Sola held her back before she could accidentally kill Avalon.

Avalon and his teammates headed off again, gleefully laughing to themselves. “Just you wait, Harley! I’ll win your heart for sure!”

“Don’t think I won’t get you back too, Wess! This isn’t over between us!” Leandra yelled, as the team finally left the training grounds.

Team Valiant was left in a stunned silence, as Julia looked to Wess. “What’d you do to Leandra to make her so mad?”

“So that’s her name?” Wess realised. “Honestly, I haven’t any idea. I almost forgot about her entirely.”

“I want him dead so bad…” Harley mumbled, Julia resting a hand on her shoulder.

“Come on, you already won the fight. No need to desecrate his memory.” Julia said, as Harley conceded her point.

“I’m going back to the dorm room. This has already taken much more time than it should have.” Wess groaned, the rest of the team joining her.

“Why’s Team Exemplary so mean to us? What did we do wrong…” Sola said, hopping along with the rest of the group.

“We’re in an academy built for combat. Conflicts are bound to pop up while we’re here.” Julia pointed out. “The best thing we can do is befriend who we can and avoid any more needless fights.”

“Totally with you there.” Harley agreed, checking the quality of her weapons. “My Buster Knuckles have seen better days…”

Essex peered over her shoulder to inspect them. “I am trained in weapon maintenance. I can assist in any needed repairs.”

“Really?!” Harley exclaimed, grabbing Essex into a hug. “You’re so cool, Essex!”

“P-please put m-me down.” Essex asked, as Harley graciously let her go. “Elia, do not throw off my centre of balance.”

“Sorry, boo.” Harley winked. “You just got me so flustered with your weapon talk.”

“Flustered?” Essex asked, as they caught back up with the rest of the team.

“Well, I’m taking the Weapon Maintenance course with Miss Spence, but I love getting to do it with someone experienced!” Harley grinned.

Essex somewhat understood what she was saying. “I am glad that I can help.”

The day was mostly over, save for some assignment work the team planned to do over a shared dinner, but other than that, the week was starting off fairly quiet. Almost too quiet. Like someone was just ab-

“No slacking, gentlemen! You’re working on academy time, not yours!” Came a voice down the hall, its booming presence grabbing everyone present without much effort.

“You guys heard that?” Julia asked.

“My goodness. This day is far too eventful…” Wess complained, as the others peered around the corner to see who it was.

“You’re representing the academy when you wear those uniforms. Wanna explain yourselves?” Asked Chief of Security Dulce, as the two security guards she was chewing out looking visibly embarrassed.

“W-we were just taking a breather for a minute. Sorry Dulce…”

Dulce sighed openly. “Okay, but you’ve got breaks for a reason. Keep up your patrol, for the sake of the students.”

“Yes, ma’am.” They replied, before continuing their patrol down the hall.

Dulce watched them head off, making sure they weren’t slacking off behind her back, before spotting Team Valiant by the corner of her eye and freezing. She looked around a bit awkwardly. “You guys didn’t see that, did you?”

“No, we did.” Sola said, as the team stepped into sight.

“Sorry. I don’t like students seeing our guards sitting on their asses.” Dulce admitted, with a good natured laugh. “Just pretend you didn’t see that.”

“All good.” Harley replied, before Dulce quickly recognised her and stopped.

“Hang on, you were at the attack, weren’t you?” Dulce noticed. “With the Behemoth Wailing?”

“Yeah?”

Dulce strode up to her and vehemently shook her hand. “I’m so glad you stayed at the academy! You were a great help to us! I’m sure those two girls you saved were very thankful!”

Harley shook it back welcomingly. “The name’s Harley, and I’m glad I could help!”

Dulce then noticed Essex behind her, the scythe on her back making her hard to miss. “And you!”

“Me?” Essex asked, as Dulce shook her hand just as frantically.

“You’re a legend in the security team! Keep taking down the big fellas, and we might just have a spot on the team for you!”

“B-but I w-wish to be a V-Venator.” Essex managed, as Dulce refused to stop shaking her hand.

“Nonsense! Security sees way more action than the Venators do!” Dulce grinned, wrapping a friendly arm around Harley. “If not, we’ll just take blondie over here.”

“I’m up for more action.” Harley replied, grinning alongside her.

Wess was a little disappointed in the chief’s attitude, as Julia was just thrown off with how friendly she was, especially after seeing her on the day of the attack.

“She was so serious that day.” Julia said to Wess.

“I should hope so. We can’t have our Chief of Security coming off as weak willed.” Wess said, watching Dulce pick up Sola on her shoulders. “Or too social…”

“Isn’t it good that she’s a people person? Didn’t you say a Venator is only as good as how they sell themselves?” Julia replied.

Wess stood in silence, utterly surprised with what Julia had remembered her saying.

“…yes, well…” Wess stumbled, before giving up. “I’ll concede your point.”

“Technically, it’s your point.” Julia joked, as Dulce pulled out her wallet.

“Whoa! He’s so small and cute!” Sola exclaimed, staring at the photo she was displaying.

“That’s your husband? Really?” Harley asked, as Dulce smiled proudly.

“I know. Scrawny guy, and can’t fight for shit, but he sure knows how to show a lady a good time.” She beamed. “Sometimes at parties, he lets me bench press him.”

“Sounds pretty ideal.” Harley smiled, as Julia and Wess joined back up with them.

“Hi there, Chief Dulce. Sorry we’ve taken up so much of your time.” Julia apologised.

Dulce kept laughing, before finally spotting Julia and going silent for a moment. “Wait.”

“W-what?” Julia asked, her anxiety starting up again.

Dulce slowly walked up to her and grabbed her into a hug. “Finally! You’re that kid we heard so much about!”

“K-kid?” Julia wondered, getting swung back and forth.

“We didn’t know if you were still going here or not! You took that Behemoth thing down for good!” Dulce cheered. “What’s your name?”

“J-J-Julia A-Alpine.” Julia replied to the best of her ability.

“Damn good name!” Dulce said, finally putting her down. “We’d heard about someone with a sniper rifle getting the last shot in, but no one could make out the shot in the moment. A few guards caught a glimpse of you, but couldn’t get to you before you left.”

Julia was still focusing on her breathing, as Dulce continued. “They shoulda let you graduate on the spot for that!”

“…t-thank you.” Julia said, having caught her breath. “Can you not pick me up again?”

“Oh, sorry!” Dulce apologised. “Got excited there. Just know you’re a real lifesaver to the security team. Without your Whil, most of the security team might have perished back there.”

“Don’t you guys have Whils too?” Harley asked.

“Well, me and few other members, but usually if you got a Whil, being a Venators more glamorous than security.” Dulce admitted. “But we get by on our own.”

“I hear that.” Harley grinned, as Dulce spotted the same guards from before on their route, now glaring at her for socialising when she should’ve been working.

“Oh, sorry guys, I gotta get back to my job. Practice what you preach, you know?” Dulce excused, heading out. “Make me proud!”

“Will do!” Harley yelled back, as the team waved to Dulce as she left. “She’s awesome.”

“A bit chatty.” Wess interjected. “But I can see the appeal.”

“Oh, come on…” Harley said, slinging her arm around Wess’ neck. “She’s fun. You could learn a thing or two from her.”

“That’ll be the day.” Wess remarked. “I’m plenty fun.”

“Ahuh…” Harley said, letting go, as the team walked back to their dorm room to sleep the rest of the day off.

———

“I can’t believe it!!!”

Harley stormed down the hall, paper in hand, as Sola, in a similar state of shock followed behind her. Considering how uneventful most of the week had been up until this point, something this bad happening on a Wednesday really worsened the already sour news.

Just around the corner, having left her Venator Media and Literature class, Wess had met up with Julia and Essex, just finishing their Tracking and Hunting class with Ferris, as all three spotted Harley and Sola down the hall, running up to them frantically, despite the fact that other teams were in the hall too and could clearly see them.

“Harley looks really mad.” Julia said.

“Well, there goes my afternoon nap…” Wess sighed.

“Guys!” She called out, hurrying over with her sheet in hand. “It’s terrible!”

“It’s just the worst!” Sola added, the duo joining up with the group, as Harley handed Julia the sheet.

Julia quickly skimmed over it, realising it was an assignment sheet for Harley and Sola. The rubric explained it was a group project for them and…

“No way…” Julia exclaimed, handing the sheet to Wess and Essex, as Harley nodded in agreement.

“Exactly! Me and Sola were at our Venator History class!”

“Learning about Venator History!”

“Yeah, and then our lecturer, Cecil, joins us up-“

“With Team Exemplary!”

“Avalon and Roman!”

“Roman and Avalon!”

“Now we have to work with them for three tortuous weeks!” Harley cried.

“We didn’t even get a say!” Sola exclaimed, throwing her hands up.

“I didn’t know they were studying history.” Julia remarked, as Wess rolled her eyes at the sheet.

“Oh, come on, you two. Surely you can suck it up and bare through it.” Wess said. “If you’re to be professional Venators, you’ll have to get used to working with people you hate.”

“But why those two?” Harley complained. “Even Leandra would’ve been more bearable…”

“Work through it to the best of your abilities.” Essex suggested. “Accomplishments should act as a driving force.”

Julia smiled. “Essex has it right on the money. And, maybe if you do well enough, you can win Cecil’s favour and he’ll fudge the names next time.”

Harley turned to Sola excitedly. “Sola! We’ve gotta beat them now!”

“I’m with you, one hundred percent!” Sola agreed.

Essex didn’t want to cause a fuss, but raised her hand regardless. “That is not wh-“

Essex was about to make her point and hopefully steer the others away from their plan, but was halted in her tracks by another student, noticeably taller and broader, pushing past her forcefully and knocking her to the ground with little effort. In a rare moment of unpreparedness, Essex fell to the floor, and froze for a brief second as she tried to process what had happened to her and how best to recover.

The student kept walking, before looking back at Essex on the ground, staring blankly up at him like a deer looking down the barrel of a hunter's gun.

“What?”

Essex kept staring, caught off guard in every way, as Team Valiant stood back and assessed what they might have to do.

“…Duke, come over here.”

Another guy from behind the team showed up and joined his side, as they both looked down at Essex dismissively.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“I think you hit her too hard.”

He smirked. “Probably.”

He leaned down to Essex, too out of her element to respond, before pushing a finger against her forehead forcefully. “She might just break if I’m not careful.”

“Back off.” Harley declared, now standing over him angrily, as Julia helped Essex to her feet.

“Alright, calm down, blondie.” He said. “Someone’s got a temper.”

He looked back to Duke so that they could leave together, before noticing the black hair and dress of a figure he recognised behind Harley.

“Wess Delacroix Nouvel.” He said, as her expression remained frustrated. “I heard you were looking for a new team. I’m starting to see why.”

Harley’s nostrils flared, as Julia looked back to Wess. “Do you know him?”

“Not personally, but our fathers have conversed.” Wess answered. “Baron Devatta. He’s apparently the leader of Team Ferocity.”

“You’ve done your homework.” Baron said.

“I’m a good student.” Wess argued.

“Oh yeah?” Baron replied, walking a little closer. “Since you’re hunting for better teammates, why not join up with us? I’m sure Faller can move some people around.”

Julia worriedly looked to Wess, her paranoia overpowering her trust, before Wess merely scoffed at the offer. “Pathetic. Your team has been underperforming the entire semester. I’m not about to sink down with you.”

“Worth a shot. Though, you’re only really good for your family name anyway.” He dismissed, drawing Wess’ immediate ire, as Harley stopped his approach and blocked him from the team. He looked vaguely back at her, before standing straight up and slouching his shoulders. “You some kinda bodyguard?”

“They don’t need one.” Harley said. “Are you gonna apologise to Essex already?”

He straightened his back a little more. “Now, why should I?”

“Cause I’ll break you if you don’t.” Harley threatened, causing Baron to smirk to himself.

“Whoa, whoa, come on guys. Let’s not start throwing punches.” Julia mediated, leaving Essex with Wess and Sola and stepping in between the feud. “Violence won’t solve anything.”

“You hear that, blondie? Don’t go throwing punches.” He repeated, before ignoring the increasingly angry Harley and looking to Julia. “I’m guessing you’re the leader?”

“Yes, I am.” Julia answered. “My name’s Julia.”

Baron refused to reply.

“Okay, Baron. While I don’t want a fight, I think Essex deserves an apology. You did bump into her without a second thought.” Julia asked.

Baron scratched his neck. “It’s not my fault she was in my way. You saw it, Duke. She got in my way.”

Duke nodded his head, as Baron slouched down to meet Julia’s height. “Maybe she should apologise to me. Go on, leader. Tell her what to do.”

Julia felt her instincts pulling her back, as Harley stepped in front of her team again.

“I told you to back off.” She stated, matching his eye line.

“But I didn’t listen, did I?” He retorted.

As Harley and Baron glared each other down, seemingly both ready to tear each other limb from limb, Julia fortunately noticed Chief of Security Dulce patrolling down the hall. Dulce saw the commotion, as Julia subtlety indicated for her to come over and help them out.

“Is there something wrong with her?”

“Stop talking about Essex like that.”

“Excuse me.” Dulce interjected, Harley and Baron refusing to break eye contact. “What’s the problem here?”

“Baron shoved Essex and won’t apologise.” Harley said.

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

“Blondie here can’t take a joke.” Baron said.

“Blondie?” Harley asked.

“Would you rather I call you bloated?”

Harley felt her tempers flare up, as Julia held her back, while whispering into Dulce’s ear. “Can you get them to talk it out? I don’t want to start another fight.”

Dulce looked down to Julia with an inappropriate smile. “Julia, these two aren’t about to talk their issues out.” Dulce advised.

She walked in between the two and rested her hands on their shoulders. “I know the best way to work out your differences.”

“I don’t need to hear it.” Baron sneered.

Dulce continued anyway. “I suggest a sparring match. Get out your frustration and lay this thing to rest. I’ll function as the referee and make sure you two don’t kill each other in the process. If Harley wins, you apologise to Essex and leave this feud alone, and if Baron wins…”

“I get to shove her again.” Baron joked, as Essex reflexively flinched and Harley nearly jumped him right there. Dulce stared him down before continuing.

“If Baron wins, you can clean his team's weapons for a week. Is that fair enough?” Dulce asked, Harley and Baron tacitly agreeing. “Okay the-“

“Hold on.” Baron said, raising a finger. “I’ve got one request.”

“Yeah?”

“We’re studying in teams, right? Why not make it two-on-two?” Baron suggested. “Me and Duke can spar against Harley, and…”

He lowered and pointed his finger back at…

“Wess.”

“Now, come on, Baron, that’s not fair. The fight’s between you two, no-“

“Fine.” Wess answered, drawing everyone’s attention. “I accept your challenge. I need to reclaim some honour after you besmirched my name anyway.”

“Good to hear.” Baron said, forcing Harley’s hand into a shake. “See you on Friday by the training grounds. I’ll go easy.”

“Good for you.” Harley replied, shoving him off, as Baron took the hint and walked off with his hands in his pockets, and Duke hopping along behind, eyeing Wess up for their fight.

As soon as they left the scene, Harley and Julia rushed back over to the others and formed a makeshift embrace around Essex, with Essex still shaken by the whole event.

“Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?” Julia asked, carefully checking Essex’s arm.

“N-no, I am…fine.” Essex said, even if she may not have meant it.

“If you wanna talk about it, just let us know. We’re here for you.” Harley said, checking back to see if Baron was bothering to show his face again. “We’ll make sure he doesn’t get close.”

“Do you wanna go back to the dorm room?” Sola asked, as Essex slowly nodded.

“What a vile man…” Wess groaned, comfortingly rubbing Essex’s shoulder. “I’ll make sure to do plenty of damage on Friday.”

“Julia?” Essex asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry, did I hurt you?”

“No, I was…wondering…” Essex said. “…may I borrow Maxie for tonight?”

“Yeah, of course.” Julia smiled. “Whatever you need.”

“Grela.” Essex thanked, as Dulce approached from the side.

“Harley, I know I said I’d mediate this thing…” Dulce leaned in. “…but if you wanna take a few swings at his privates, I may just look the other way.”

“Thank you.” Harley said. “I’ll make him hurt for this.”

Dulce smirked. “The little shit definitely deserves it. Best of luck on Friday.”

The team waved her off, as they escorted Essex back to their room to help her recover from the incident.

———

The night after was somewhat restless for the team. Essex went to bed early and only came out the next day to get food and train. She even asked Harley to join her training routine in case she crossed paths with Baron or Duke again. The rest of the team helped however they could, but until the match on Friday was finished, it was hard to stay settled for long.

“Mind passing the flathead?”

Essex reached over into Harley’s toolbox and handed it to her. “Dal.”

“Thank…you! How’s the left glove holding up?”

Essex latched the metal frame back and showed the now untangled wiring, as Harley whistled at the job well done.

“You do some damn clean work. I could never get the wiring to stay in place.” Harley remarked.

“It is difficult to manage.” Essex added, going back to fixing the frame.

The duo sat in silence, as Harley looked back over at Essex, still diligently helping Harley out. Harley almost never went into the team’s study, so fixing her Buster Knuckles with Essex while the others were out was a weird tone, to say the least.

Harley finished tightening the bolts, before putting the glove down against the table. “Hey, how’re you doing?”

“This gauntlet should be finished soon enough.”

“No, no…” Harley said, laughing a little. “I mean…after yesterday.”

Essex momentarily lost her concentration, before returning her attention to the glove. “I am currently fine.”

“…do you wanna talk about anything?”

“No, but I thank you.” Essex assured her. “Yesterday was a momentary reaction. Emotions like that are temporary, and are of no concern.”

Harley glanced back at Essex and her incredibly difficult-to-read face, before leaning over and hugging her.

“What are you doing?” Essex asked.

“Letting you know I’m here for you.” Harley promised. “I’m gonna hit Baron extra hard.”

Essex waited for the hug to finish, before finishing up with the gauntlet. “Do what you think is necessary. I have finished.”

Harley stared back at the gauntlet proudly, before putting it back on and getting up to do some practice punches in the air. “Whoa! You got rid of the drag! I’ve been tryna work that out for years!”

“It was no trouble.” Essex said, smiling a little at Harley’s joyous display. “I have done what I could.”

———

“Why do we have to have a team that hates us?” Sola worried. “We’re here to fight Wailing, not other students.”

Julia prepared a couple things in the kitchen, mostly to take her mind off of yesterday’s events, before joining Sola out on the balcony with a food platter. “…it may not be the whole team. Just those two…”

“I doubt that.” Sola said. “If Baron’s their leader, then I don’t want to meet the people that chose him.”

“Can we stop talking about them, please?” Julia said, looking back at Essex’s door to make sure it was still closed. “I don’t want to freak her out anymore.”

Sola looked back too and sighed. “I hope she’s okay…you know, actually okay.”

“I never thought she’d get so shaken like that. Everyone keeps saying how calm and collected she was during the Behemoth Wailing attack.” Julia mentioned.

“Maybe she’s had a hard time with bullies before?” Sola posited.

Julia checked again, more out of paranoia than anything, before returning her attention to Sola. “Maybe…”

Just as the moment went silent, Julia and Sola spotted Harley and Wess walk out onto the training grounds with their weapons in hand, Harley setting up the training post they borrowed from the academy weapon storage. Julia and Sola waved to them, as Wess waved back and Harley got her weapons ready.

“I hope they’re all right too.” Julia said. “I don’t know what those Team Ferocity guys are like out on the field.”

“We’ll totally win, no doubt!” Sola exclaimed. “Ferocity won’t know what hit ‘em!”

Julia giggled a little. “I’m with you there. Harley’s weapons look better than ever, and she did win against Avalon without breaking a sweat.” She said, returning her attention to the grounds. “Though he’s kinda pathetic…”

Harley readied her gauntlets, as she ran to the training post and took her first blow, the post staying rigidly in place while she kept up her attacks. Wess sat on the log seat by the sidelines, dressed in her function-over-form combat outfit, her sword, Belvedere, resting against her seat, as she watched Harley take some frustration out on the post.

“Don’t break it before I get my turn.” Wess reminded her, knowing full well that it was near unbreakable.

“No…promises…” Harley said between punches.

Wess looked out at the other teams dotted around the training grounds, a few she recognised from her spare time networking and a few still new to her, before getting up and standing by Harley’s side.

“How much experience do you have?”

Harley took a breather and faced her. “With fighting?”

“With fighting people.” Wess clarified. “You’ve told me you grew up on a farm, so I assume you’ve fought off pests and wildlife once in a while.”

Harley smiled. “Glad you were listening.” She dabbed at her forehead with her towel. “I got into fights a lot at school. I wasn’t always starting them, but I usually ended them. Why? You nervous?”

“…a little.” Wess admitted. “I’ve never fought against another person before.”

Harley stared at her in disbelief. “Never?”

“Well, not seriously. I sparred with Graham once in a while. My parents didn’t want me becoming a Venator, so all my ‘training’ was purely theoretical.” Wess groaned. “So I wanted some pointers. Just enough to help me against that Duke fellow.”

Harley sat against the log and took another deep breath. “I mean, sure, but I don’t know much about swords or…slashing things.”

“I’m sure they’ll translate well enough.” Wess acknowledged. “We don’t exactly have Whil’s to fall back on, and I’m sorry to say that I don’t know whether Baron or Duke have Whil’s either.”

“They probably do.” Harley grumbled. “Douchebags like that would…”

“Yo, Harley!” Called out a voice from the sidelines. “What’re you up to?”

“Oh, it’s Chops.” Harley said, her mood turning around immediately. “Hey!”

Chops trotted over to them, waving up to Julia and Sola on the balcony once she spotted them.

“What’s Little Miss Attitude doing here?” Chops asked, pointing to a miffed Wess and just noticing her outfit. “Whoa! Finally got rid of the dress, huh?”

“It’s Wess.” She corrected.

“Oh, yeah…” Chops said, not really committing to it. “You getting ready for something?”

“We’re fighting another team tomorrow.” Harley explained. “Team Ferocity.”

“Those guys?” Chops said, instinctively losing energy. “Ugh, gross. They nearly picked a fight with Lenin over Saxin.”

“Please, we already despise them enough.” Wess added, taking a seat.

“That being said, I’m not about to go fighting them.” Chops corrected. “You guys are braver than most.”

“Their leader pushed Essex for no reason and nearly made her cry.” Harley explained, re-strapping her Buster Knuckles a little tighter to get out her anger. “I’m making him pay.”

Chops was slack jawed.

“Fuck that guy.”

“Exactly.” Harley agreed.

“If it’s cool, I might just sit in for your fight.” Chops asked. “I wanna see you make him cry.”

“You little sadist.” Harley joked, grabbing Chops into a playful headlock, before she broke out with an impressive strength.

Chops leaned back on the log with Wess. “So how’s training going? Broken the training post yet?”

“No, but we’ve got a problem. Wess doesn’t have much experience with her sword.” Harley said, pissing Wess off.

“I have plenty of experience with my sword, just not with fighting others!” Wess corrected. “Don’t make me sound so inept.”

“You know, Chops is a sword user too.” Harley explained, with Chops proudly looking to Wess. “She could help you spar. You up for it?”

“You know I am.” Chops said, grabbing Wess’ cautious attention.

Wess looked back at Chops hesitantly.

“Come on. I won’t bite.” Chops teased.

“Are you sure about that?” Wess asked, before sighing to herself. “I suppose I’d be remiss not asking you. This is for my honour, after all.”

“…is that a yes?”

“Yes, Chops. I would greatly appreciate the help.” Wess moaned, rubbing her forehead. “Can we please hurry up? There’s only so much daylight left.”

“If you lose the attitude.” Chops snickered. “I’ll run back to the dorms in a bit and get my sword. I’d bring Joleicia too, but she’s busy with that Venator History assignment. Get this, she got paired up with Team Beefcake of all people.”

Wess looked back to Harley. “Weren’t you grouped up with Team Exemplary? You may want to get on top of that sooner rather than later.”

Harley took a few more well earned swings at the post, refusing to break eye contact with it. “This is more important.”

———

Dulce had contacted both of the teams before to negotiate a time and place, leading to a meeting at 2:00pm on the west-most sparring court. Team Valiant had arrived on time, plus Chops and minus Essex, who was back at the team room, ready for the others to come back when they were done. About twenty minutes had passed, and Team Ferocity still hadn’t shown up.

“Lazy assholes…” Harley grumbled, kicking some dust off the ground, as Wess impatiently checked her watch.

Chops blocked her eyes from the sun. “I had a feeling they’d do this…” Chops groaned, leaning back in her seat next to Julia.

Julia sighed. “They didn’t look like the punctual type.”

“No, they’re doing this deliberately.” Chops confessed. “They’re psyching us out.”

Chops indicated to Harley and Wess, still impatiently waiting. “Ferocity’s putting them on edge before the fight even starts. The less we can predict, the better for them.”

“That’s dirty.” Sola moped. “I didn’t think I could hate them more.”

“You reckon they’ll be okay?” Julia whispered to Chops. “I’d ask them how they’re doing, but I don’t wanna distract them if I don’t need to.”

Chops scratched her chin. “Wess might be alright, but Harley’s never been good with this stuff, especially when we were dating. She really lets her emotions flare up during fights.” Chops clarified. “But if anything, that’s why the sex was so good.”

Julia’s face went red, as she distracted herself by looking to Dulce on the sidelines, about as annoyed as Harley and Wess. “D-did you make sure they got the right time?”

“I’ve sent over a dozen messages. The nerve of them…” Dulce said back. “If they aren’t here in the next five minutes, I’m calling you guys the default winners. I can’t bel…”

Just as she was about to go on a tirade, a trio of figures appeared from the distance talking to themselves casually, before taking their sweet time to show up to the sparring court.

“You’re late!” Dulce yelled, as Baron shrugged his shoulders. “Get your act together! You’re here to be Venators, not sleep in!”

“Yeah yeah…” Baron ignored, showing off his broadsword strapped to his back. “I hope you don’t mind that I brought my teammate Edward along.”

Edward waved a hand behind Baron, as Duke punched his side once he found the chance, leading to a little laughing fit between them.

“No excuses, Baron.” Dulce warned. “We’ll start with Duke against Wess first, then we’ll finish off with Harley and Baron. Any complaints?”

“None from me.” Duke boasted, staring Wess down aggressively.

Wess glared back at him with far more intention, as he quickly turned back around to avoid her gorgon-like stare.

Harley sat with the others, as Baron and Edward slinked to the spectator stands, Baron sitting far enough away from Team Valiant, and Edward deciding to sit between him and Chops, giving her ‘subtlety’ ‘affectionate’ glances.

“Hey.” He greeted.

Chops looked at him, before pulling her sketchbook from her bag and ignoring him completely.

“Tch, whatever…” He grumbled, as Duke and Wess met in the middle of the field to fight.

“The first one to knock the other over wins. No lasting damage, got it?” Dulce said.

“Understood.” Wess replied.

Duke nodded as well, as both parties turned and took paces to each side of the court, before facing the other on each side.

“Don’t forget my advice!” Chops yelled, as Wess rolled her eyes. “Got it?”

“Yes, thank you, Chops.” Wess droned, focusing back on the fight.

“10…9…8…” Dulce counted, Wess gripping her sword, and Duke moving his hands to his pockets, almost looking a bit distracted.

What could he be up to? Wess wondered, moving to a running position. Best be cautious. He’s clearly planning something.

“…3…2…” Dulce paused for a second. “…1.”

Wess sprinted forward, refusing to give Duke a moment to think, as Duke side-glanced Wess with a slight disinterest. Wess gripped her sword, aiming the flat end toward his legs to knock him over as she went past, before feeling her footing betray her, and careening off to the side, nearly stumbling over as she did so.

What the…?!

Wess held her ground, as Duke turned back to her, still as disinterested as before, and with seemingly no action on his part. Wess stood firm as she analysed his movements.

…I missed something…he’s trying to confuse me…

Wess held her sword by her side and slowly circled Duke, with him following suit, both maintaining the same distance from each other, as the others watched from the sidelines nervously.

“Come on, Wess…” Julia hoped, Chops grabbing her hand instinctively. “You okay?”

“Just a bit of reassurance.” Chops said, clearly hiding a few nerves. “She’ll be fine.”

Wess tried to look for an opening, or any clear tell, as Duke stared her down, lumbering each step as he did so. As Wess got a little too comfortable in their routine, Duke slowed his step for a second, shifting his foot a little, before Wess felt the ground under her shift and deform. Her instincts kicked in, as she spotted his moving foot and stepped back, narrowly avoiding the ground crumbling under her while regaining a little stability and clarity.

Of course he has a Whil… Wess realised, watching his movements intensely.

Duke realised she might have caught onto his Whil, as he dropped the act and made his presence a bit more clear to her. His hands were still in his pockets, but Wess had a feeling that he didn’t need them.

So he creates small controlled tremors in the ground from his body. Wess assessed. But the range and intensity are still unknown. However…

Wess backed up a little, making sure to check his footing so that she wasn’t tripping over once he got the chance, before running up to him like last time. However, once she felt the ground start shifting, she leaped into the air, aiming the flat of her sword now at his chest and using his pocketed hands and inability to block her attack to her advantage.

Just as she reached him, Wess noticed his hands stay where they were, not even trying to block her instinctively, and that despite it not being possible, he seemed to dash off to the side right past her attack, almost sliding into the ground as he did so. Wess did her best to stick the landing, before looking back to try and figure him out again.

How did he dodge that so quickly? Does he have two Whils somehow? She thought, before dismissing the idea. No, that’s not possible. I’ve missed something again…

Just as she tried to piece it together, she noticed Duke lifting and sinking the ground under his feet playfully, dragging himself side to side through the ground with ease, a vicious grin on his face as he did so, as Wess realised what he’d done to avoid her.

“Are you kidding?!” Harley complained. “He can move the ground?! How’s she supposed to knock him over?! He can’t even hit the ground!”

“You’d have had a better chance tryna kill him.” Baron mocked, riling Harley up again.

“Oh, shut up already! Don’t you dare show up late and then sit there le-!” Harley yelled, as Sola grabbed her arm, stopping her, and indicating for her to calm down and sit.

Harley realised the issue, with Chops and Julia looking back at her concernedly, as she sat back down with the others and quietly watched Wess try to plan something out.

Duke swayed side to side, the ground following along with him, clearly trying to tease Wess and drop her guard. Wess maintained her footing well, despite her growing tiredness.

“Aren’t you planning on taking any swings?” Wess asked, readying her sword again.

“I haven’t needed to so far.” Duke replied. “But I’d say I’m still winning.”

Of course. Wess realised. He’s toying with me while tiring me out.

“Take some more pointless swings. They’ve work for you so far.” Duke joked, kicking a bit of dust in the air.

I could always shove the sword down his throat. Wess thought. I should attempt that manoeuvre Chops suggested. It may just be the way out of this rut.

Wess tapped her sword on the ground a few times, catching Chops’ eye, before running back to Duke, now arching around to his side rather than running at him head on.

“She’s forcing him to dodge right!” Julia exclaimed, as Chops bit her nails nervously.

Wess aimed her sword again, ready for the ground to shake, before making it over to him and realising the ground was perfectly still as she ran. Regardless, she leaped through the air again, aiming lower and swinging her sword further to compensate for his dodging, as Duke tried to dodge out of the way, before being caught by the side of the sword and getting pushed to the right instead of dodging.

He managed to catch himself before falling over, as in Wess’ brief moment of triumph, she noticed the reason the ground was solid while she was running.

Because just below her landing was the unsettled ground, ready to catch her as she fell.

Wess’ feet sunk into the earth, with the rest of her body being pulled forward by her momentum, and forced against the hardened ground with a painful thud. The ground reformed around her legs, spitting them out and leaving her lying against the dirt in a near unconscious state. It was a little hard to make out her surroundings, but she could clearly see the silhouette of Duke standing over her, either smiling or grinning.

“…nice…careful next…”

Wess gave herself a second, trying to find her footing, as the others rushed over to her to check on her wellbeing.

“Are you okay, Wess?” Julia asked, helping her to her feet along with Sola. “How many fingers am I holding up?”

Wess focused her vision and moved Julia’s hand out of the way. “Th-three…fortunately, I can still count.”

“Hold up! Duke, what did I say?” Dulce yelled, coming over to the group. “No lasting damage! You nearly knocked her unconscious!”

“She jumped at me! I was tryna be delicate.” He justified. “I wasn’t about to cradle her with my Whil.”

Dulce sneered a little. “…you better watch it. Wess, unfortunately, the victory goes to Duke.”

“…yes, I felt that was the case.” Wess said, finding she could now stand on her own.

“Do you need to go to the infirmary?” Julia asked.

“No, no, I should be fine to stay and watch.” Wess said, straightening her back. “What a disgraceful display…I couldn’t even hit him without falling over.”

“Wess, you were great! Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Sola cheered.

“You even used my curve technique well. Not perfectly, but you really threw him for a loop considering you only learned it yesterday.” Chops said. “His Whil’s totally cheating, though.”

Just as Chops finished, Duke walked over and stood in front of Wess, his slouched height still present.

“Good match.” He said, sticking out his hand.

Wess approached him and shook it, predicting his tight grip and responding in kind with one of her own.

“Would you have offered the handshake if I won?” Wess asked.

“Probably not.” Duke grinned.

Wess let go and wiped her hand on her already messy workout clothes, as Julia patted her back assuringly.

“Come on, I brought drinks for us.” Julia beamed, motioning the others over to their spot on the seats.

“They aren’t cheap soft drinks, are they?” Wess complained, as Julia pulled out a gorgeous Chardonnay and showed it off to Wess. “…that might just do.” Wess graciously sighed, heading over as Julia poured her a glass.

“Alright. Harley. Baron. Get over here.”

Dulce stood firmly in place, as Harley and Baron each took their time getting down to the court, eyeing each other up as they did so. The others looked to Harley as she walked down, as Julia’s nerves started to get to her.

“Do your best, Harley!” Julia wished. “You’ve got this!”

Harley and Baron met in the middle, Harley ready with her weapons and Baron stretching his neck, as Dulce stood above them.

“You know the rules, but I feel I still have to repeat them. Knock the other over. No lasting damage. Got it?”

“I heard you the first time.” Baron grumbled.

Harley stared him down.

“Harley, have you got it?”

Harley breathed out slowly. “Yeah, I got it.”

Dulce looked to her again, just to be sure. “…head to each end of the court.”

Duke turned to Team Valiant and snickered. “I feel sorry for you guys. You’re gonna watch two team members lose in one day.”

“More like lose horribly.” Edward corrected, laughing to himself, as Wess focused on the fight.

Before Harley made it to the court’s end, she and Wess shared an understanding glance, as Harley readied her gauntlets, and Baron pulled his imposing broadsword from its sheath.

“10…9…8…” Dulce counted.

As Baron waited, he held his sword in front of him, running his fingers across its edge, the sword slowly catching fire with his touch, eventually becoming enveloped as he reached its end.

“Guess he lights things he touches…” Chops remarked, reluctantly filling in the details of his Whil in her sketchbook. “I don’t want to admit that that’s kinda cool…”

“…3…2…” Dulce paused a little longer before saying…

“1.”

Both Harley and Baron stayed perfectly still, clearly sizing each other up, as neither wanted to be the first to step forward.

The others watched on with baited breath, tempted to yell something out to get the fight going, as Harley finally stepped forward, tentatively. Baron retaliated, stepping forward as well, as they both continued their walk carefully, before getting close to each other and stopping just a few metres apart. Neither broke their gaze, Baron’s face just as stoic and serious as Harley’s, as both looked for a window.

In either a moment of hindsight or frustration, Baron glanced back at his sword for the briefest of moments, as Harley took her chance and jumped him, propelling herself forward and aiming her fist at his chest. Baron saw this coming and managed to dodge out of the way, leaving Harley soaring past him, as she was slightly burnt by what felt like the residual heat of his sword.

“Aaggh!” She gritted, holding herself together to land, as her and Baron repositioned. She inspected the top of her hand, clearly burnt, but not too badly.

“Tricky bastard…” She mumbled, before going in for another swing with her other fist, with the same predictable result. Despite Baron not swinging it yet, and Harley being further away from the sword, her hand still managed to get burned, as Baron’s neutral expression was starting to piss her off.

“Fight back! Why aren’t you swinging?!” Harley yelled, rubbing her hand aggressively.

“Don’t lose your head.” He grumbled, aiming his sword in order to swing.

Harley stood back up, as she started her run again, aiming with her right fist to catch his interest, before faking out with her left fist and managing to get a clean hit in. Just as the fist connected, Harley noticed Baron now pointing his fingers at her fist, as a small fire burst onto her hand with no contact from Baron.

Harley flew back, the burn getting her far worse this time, as the onlookers finally caught what had happened.

“Wait! He didn’t touch her!” Sola yelled, turning to Julia. “How’d she get burned?”

“…because he doesn’t need to touch to use his Whil.” Julia realised. “He did that manoeuvre with his sword at the start just to trick us.”

“Scum…” Chops mumbled, erasing the details she’d just written about his Whil.

Harley flailed her hand to disperse some of the pain, as Baron rested his now tempered sword against his shoulder. “Guess you picked up on my trick. Had you going, though.”

Harley gritted her teeth and tightened her fist, Baron shrugging his shoulders. “Took you longer than most, though. Guess all the working out went to your body and not our brain.”

“Shut up.”

“Dumb blonde kinda fits, huh?”

“Shut up!”

“Worthless moron.”

“Shut up!!!” Harley screamed. “Shut up already!!!”

Harley trudged toward him, no regard for her own safety, as Dulce felt she had to intervene.

“Harley!”

Harley slowed down, as Baron started to crack a little smile.

“Do I need to pull you out of this match?”

Harley breathed out, before waving her hand dismissively.

“Alright then.” Dulce said. “You get a minute to recover. If you can’t control yourself, then I’m calling off the match.”

Team Valiant and Chops ran up to Harley. “Are you okay?” Sola asked.

“The little shit keeps talking about me…” Harley said, staring at Baron and the others in Team Ferocity off to the side. “I can’t let him win.”

“Then stop making this fight about you.” Julia declared. “You’re doing this for Essex. Don’t just win to justify your own personal pride.”

“But you heard hi-“

“Harley!” Julia yelled, before breathing out in a huff. “Win the fight. He’s just trying to get you mad so you’ll have to forfeit.”

Harley’s eyes widened, as she looked back at Baron, still smugly grinning to himself.

“You can win this if you stop letting him get to you.” Julia said. “Don’t think about how he hurt Essex, think about how you defended her.”

“You’re smarter than this, Harley.” Chops added. “Start fighting for real already. We all know you're capable of it.”

Harley stared back at her team, before taking a large breath and nodding her head. “Okay.”

“Are you ready, Harley?” Dulce called out.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m good…” She said, walking back to her side of the field, before mouthing ‘thank you’ to her team again.

“Alright, on my mark.” Dulce said, as both parties got back in position. “3…2…1.”

Harley started running, aiming her Buster Knuckles by her side, as Baron started to tap his sword on the ground, looking almost distracted b-

Harley ignored him, refusing to slow down, as Baron’s ego caught him off guard, and Harley connected her fist with his chest, launching him back in an explosive show of force. Baron slid against the ground, having braced enough to stop himself from falling over, but not enough to stop the pain from permeating through his chest.

He took a second to collect himself, as Harley shook her hand after such a strong blow.

“About time you hit me.” Baron sneered. “I guess all that bloated weight slo-“

Harley stopped listening, instead rushing in for another punch, as Baron quickly caught on and managed to dodge this time. Harley kept up the barrage, as Baron kept trying to throw insults at her over and over.

After Harley felt herself getting tired, Baron finally ceased with the goading and raised his sword to Harley.

“I guess we’re actually fighting now.”

Harley raised her weapons to, as she mustered her strength into a painful downward swing, blocked nimbly by Baron’s sword, before swinging the other to his chest, which Baron managed to avoid, jumping back to recuperate.

“She’s got him now!” Sola cheered, clinking her glass with Wess’ unexpectedly, as Chops shook her head.

“But she’s just as tired.” Chops realised, pointing to Harley’s heaving breathing and slouched back.

Harley ran up and grabbed his sword, holding it in place while trying to sweep his leg, as Baron pointed his fingers and used his Whil to start a small fire near Harley’s feet. Harley endured the pain, as she pulled Baron’s sword from his grasp, throwing it to the ground, and locking him into a headlock.

Harley kept knocking at his legs, as Baron broke free with a shocking amount of strength he was clearly hiding and quickly grabbed his sword again.

The duo inflicted blow after blow, drawing each other to their limits, as by the end, both parties were exhausted, ready to collapse.

“Come on, Harley! Just one more push!” Julia yelled.

Harley raised her fists again, panting wildly, as Baron raised his sword with a shaky arm, before both parties felt their legs give out and collapsed to the ground. Dust flew up from both of their masses, as everyone present allowed the moment to breathe before intervening. As Dulce waited to see if either got up, she went over to them both and helped them to their feet.

“That was real impressive, you guys.” She grinned.

“…but…who won?” Harley asked, struggling to stand.

“Well, from what I saw…” Dulce deduced. “Sorry to say, but that was a tie.”

“…one more round…” Baron managed. “…just one.”

“No permanent damage, you guys. Letting you both go on would be irresponsible.” Dulce reasoned.

Team Valiant and Chops ran up to Harley, helping her recover some strength, as Duke and Edward met up with Baron and grabbed his arms.

“I can’t believe you lost…” Duke said.

“You really made us look bad, leader.” Edward complained.

Baron turned to them both, before shoving their arms away. “Shut up.”

As Baron managed to stand on his own, he saw a hand outstretched in front of him belonging to Harley. He looked her right in the eyes.

“Good match.” She said, waiting for him to shake it.

Baron looked to the hand, before putting his hands in his pockets and walking past her. “I don’t shake hands with people who accept a tie. You really are a dipshit…”

Baron walked off, Duke and Edward following behind, as Julia looked up at Harley to study her expression, worried she might chase after him an-

“He’s just the absolute worst.” She groaned, before turning to the others. “Sorry to worry you guys.”

Julia sighed happily, as Sola ran up to Harley excitedly. “You were so cool! You could’ve totally broken his face in, but you didn’t!”

“I really wanted to.” Harley joked. “But that wouldn’t have been right. I don’t just fight to hurt people.”

Dulce slapped Harley on the back. “Great effort. I tried to be impartial, but he was really making that difficult.”

“It’s a shame.” Harley said, looking at his figure slowly disappearing into the distance. “The Wailing are bad enough, but I don’t want to start fighting with other Venators.”

“Not everyone has our best interest at heart. You should prepare for this to happen more in the future.” Wess stated, grabbing her sword. “With that said, I desperately want to rest off this loss.”

“I should get back to duty, too.” Dulce said, offering Harley a hearty handshake. “Do good out there.”

Harley shook it proudly. “Thank you. And if I can, I’ll try and avoid fighting next time. Who knows, maybe he’ll be open to talking it out if I don’t threaten to bash his face in?”

Julia just caught that, before frantically looking to Dulce in shock. Dulce was smiling right back at her, as Julia realised that while it wasn’t obvious, convincing Harley of this had been her plan all along.

“Later!” Dulce waved, as the team waved her off and headed to the dorms themselves.

“I’m gonna split. If you beat up anyone else, let me know in advance.” Chops said, waving to Team Valiant, as she headed into her team’s room just adjacent to theirs.

As Harley opened the door, she found Essex standing in the middle of the room, clearly waiting for them to come back.

“How did the match go?” She asked, a slight hint of desperation in her voice.

“Were you just waiting right there?” Julia asked.

“…as of nine minutes ago, yes.” Essex admitted. “I attempted to watch from the balcony, but the court was too far to observe.”

Harley rubbed her neck awkwardly. “Sorry, Essex, but it was a tie. I hit him hard, but the bastard got me just as bad.”

“…I see.” Essex replied.

“Just know that he won-“

In a very sudden moment, Essex bowed in front of a now very shocked Harley.

“Grela. I did not know what to do, and you intervened on my behalf. I am indebted to you for your service.”

“Oh, no, don’t do that…” Harley dismissed, lifting Essex up. “You don’t owe me. You needed help, so I helped.”

“But how will I pay you back?”

Harley smiled and pulled Essex into a warm, embracing hug. “This’ll do.”

Essex decided to reciprocate, as the rest of the team watched on in pride, and was happy knowing they were just a little bit safer.