Alcione was buried under a mountain of work, sifting through countless virtual files to compile a list of potential participants for the Isosceles Trials.
While it was encouraging to see so many eager students ready to represent the academy, it also meant more stress for him as the vice captain. Lucien Canmore, the captain of the Ventures and Alcione's best friend, had entrusted him with this responsibility, and Alcione was determined to meet those expectations, even if it meant sacrificing sleep.
With a weary sigh, he reached for a bottle of mineralized water from the mini fridge in the meeting room, hoping it would fuel him for the next three hours. Just as he was about to take a sip, a loud, impatient knock at the door interrupted him.
He didn't need to guess who it was—only Claudette would knock with such enthusiasm. Alcione's grandmother used to say you could learn a lot about someone just by the way they knocked, and after years of working with Claudette, he understood exactly what she meant.
Glancing at his virtual watch, he sighed again, running a hand through his unkempt silver hair, that lacked its usual lustre. "I hope she isn't here to waste my time," he muttered.
Summoning his remaining patience, he called out for her to enter. Claudette burst into the room without a greeting, launching straight into a torrent of questions that further frayed Alcione's nerves.
"Why did you take me off the mission? Why am I just hearing about overseeing the screenings for the trials? How am I supposed to handle tougher missions if you keep pulling me out?" she complained.
Alcione studied her fiery green eyes, feeling the irritation bubble inside him. He forced a strained smile and began to explain. "I know you're capable, but it's been three months, Claudette. This mission is a Rank Dearg for a reason. Instead of wasting your time, the captain suggested you oversee the trials, and I agreed. Use this opportunity to step back and focus on something else."
"But the mission will still be ongoing! Who's going to take my place?" she pressed.
"Lee will take charge," he replied cautiously.
Claudette's expression morphed into a mix of anger and embarrassment at the thought of Sooyun stepping in for her. "Of course you'd pick Sooyun. She's talented, and it doesn't take her months to finish a task, right?" she spat, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Alcione remained silent, as he accepted her tantrums. He had already anticipated her reaction and was prepared to ride it out.
"Fine. Who else is overseeing the screenings?" she asked, her anger starting to fade.
He couldn't help but chuckle at how quickly her mood shifted. Claudette knew it was futile to argue about Sooyun, and once Alcione made a decision, it was difficult to sway him.
"You'll be working alongside Lafayette, Brauer, Rowan, and me," he said.
Claudette raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Wait, Ehioze is back? Since when?"
"He returned a few days ago," Alcione answered.
"What? Why didn't that idiot tell me? Never mind. Sorry for barging in," she said, her tone softening.
"It's fine," he replied, grabbing his virtual pad. "I just sent you the schedule. The screenings start in five days, so prepare yourself."
"Will do. See you later," she said, leaving the room and closing the door behind her.
Once alone, Alcione sighed, "She really is just like a storm."
Slumping into his chair, he finally took a sip of the mineralized water, feeling his energy return. The fatigue that had plagued him lifted, leaving him refreshed and ready to tackle his work. He was almost grateful for Claudette's visit; it made that sip feel well-deserved.
*
As Claudette exited the building, she made her way to the pavilions, knowing that with Ehioze back, he would likely be recovering from his mission. His pavilion was tucked away in a quieter part of the academy, a fitting choice for someone who valued solitude, despite his outgoing nature.
Arriving in the afternoon, she was confident he would be awake, probably indulging in games or movies. She was glad he was back; she needed someone to vent to. Her frustration about her current situation demanded an outlet, and Ehioze was the perfect person to lift her spirits.
Knocking on his door, it swung open almost instantly. Ehioze's surprised expression turned to one of shock as she smacked him playfully on the head.
"Ow! What was that for?" he exclaimed.
"That's for not telling me you were back," she replied, irritation simmering.
Ehioze's pout quickly transformed into a sheepish grin. "Sorry! I was just so tired from being away that I crashed for a couple of days."
Claudette's anger waned as warmth returned to her eyes, and she couldn't stay mad at him.
Relieved, Ehioze pulled her into a tight embrace, inhaling her familiar scent. The comfort of their friendship melted away her frustrations. They held each other for what felt like an eternity before reluctantly pulling apart.
"Come in!" he invited, and she immediately started nagging him about not checking the cameras before opening the door.
"You should be more vigilant," she chided.
Ehioze rolled his eyes. "Why? It's a secure place. Who would dare cause trouble?"
"Those fan girls of yours will be back now that they know you're here. You should always check the cameras unless you want another incident like last time," she warned.
He shuddered at the memory of the chaos those girls caused. After that experience, he had resolved to keep his distance from the opposite gender, except for Claudette, of course.
"Right. I'll be more careful next time," he said with a solemn nod.
A concerned expression crossed Claudette's face. "I heard from Alcione that we'll be judging contestants for the Isosceles Trials this year."
Ehioze's smile brightened. "Yeah, I heard about it right after I got back. I didn't expect to be put to work so soon."
"True, the captain can be a tyrant, but Alcione isn't much different," she remarked.
"True, but I'd still prefer taking orders from Alcione," he agreed.
Claudette nodded. "I hope we get some good contenders this year."
"Yeah, I heard a first-year will be participating too," he added.
Her eyes widened in surprise. "A first-year?! Seriously?"
"Yeah, I heard it from Herys. I don't know who they are, but they must be impressive if the captain is letting them in," he said.
"Interesting! It sounds like we'll have something to look forward to this year," Claudette exclaimed, excitement sparking in her eyes.