01.43 - The Afterparty Before The Party

The meeting went on for what felt like an eternity but was probably no more than half an hour.

Finally, Grant dismissed the group.

Terra and Aer stayed behind for further briefings.

Aqua followed Mary and the nine specters on their way out.

“So… what now?” asked Hannah.

“More formalities,” said Mary, “then a little time to rest, followed by a celebration of House Stellaris officially welcoming you as retainers. After that, you might get your first official assignments or start hunts of your own.”

“But before all that,” Aqua began, “I know a few people who would like to celebrate with you all today.”

“I don’t remember adding that to our schedule,” said Mary. “And you were supposed to keep their identities secret.”

“Well,” said Aqua, “let’s just say that I am not as good at keeping secrets as some other people I know. Besides, we are just talking about my little darlings and the three girls. Draco or you would have told Vega about it sooner rather than later anyway.”

“Fine,” said Mary, “I didn’t have further plans for today anyway.”

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After closing the waterpark annex’s main door behind them, the group finally took off their masks for good—at least for a while.

Party poppers, released by Vega, Merope, Kass, and five excited Cuddle-Fish, welcomed them as they entered the main living room.

“Congratulations on passing the hunter exam!” they sounded in almost unison.

Cuddles jumped from Vega’s shoulder onto Luc’s and patted his white hair while Vega went in for a short embrace.

On a table to the side were a homemade chocolate cream cake, as well as strawberry shortcake and a few dozen cinnamon muffins.

The sweet treats were a welcome change from the more practical, meaty meals they received at the hunter’s guild during the exam.

Luc had his fill of the chocolate cream cake before splitting half a muffin and sharing the other half with Cuddles, who insisted that Luc at least try one after he helped Vega with the dough the day before.

After the congratulations were over and everyone had their share of the treats, they dispersed into smaller groups. Luc, Sascha, Hannah, Gabe, Vega, Merope, and a few Cuddle-Fish sat on two couches around a table.

“Those last fights were so cool,” said Snuggles, sitting wide-eyed next to Hannah. “The way you and Sascha took down that whole pride of Greater Sand Lions made it look so easy.”

“Luc took out those Greater Sandstorm Elementals swiftly too,” said Puddles. “If the three of you would fight, who would win?”

“Dunno,” said Sascha with a grin, “but I know Luc would lose.”

“Hey,” said Luc, “we almost tied, you know?”

“Doesn’t matter,” said Sascha. “You lost to me, and you were far from catching up to Hannah. So much for your bet before the exam.”

Luc pouted slightly.

Vega patted his head, ruffling his long white hair in the process. “Don’t listen to her; you all made it through the exam. And you passed in third place with only thirteen—that’s amazing, you know? I’d bet that was a first.”

“But no one knows about it,” said Luc with hanging shoulders.

“We know about it,” said Vega with a smile.

“I did get what I wanted,” said Luc. “But I didn’t want it like this.”

“But you all are amazing,” said Vega. “Maybe a bit too amazing. If you were a little older, I am sure Mary and Grandpa Draco would have agreed to let the public know.”

“But we weren’t, and they didn’t,” said Luc.

“Hey, cheer up,” said Vega. “You are great as you are, except…”

“Except what?” asked Luc.

“You are probably aware of it already,” said Vega, “but your group is missing a healer. You were lucky to have Glaucus from Imbrius’s team with you; without him, you might not have been able to save the other team.”

“Yeah, I know,” said Luc. “Hannah and Sascha’s team has Rafe, and Rem is looking after Uriah and Rogue. The only one on our team with the right disposition is Gabe. But he is a bit too focused to compete with Mirai and…”

“Hey,” said Gabe after overhearing the conversation, “you are in no position to lecture anyone about sibling rivalry.”

“Vega’s right though,” said Sascha. “You’d be better off with some healing option. Mirai’s future sight and your position exchange won’t keep you safe forever.”

“They have a point, you know?” said Luc.

“Maybe I’ll look into it someday, okay?” said Gabe.

“I could help you with the basics,” said Vega. “And Grandma Evangeline is visiting for the party and staying for a few weeks. I am sure she could help out too before she departs for Avalon II again.”

“It’s not like I can’t learn it on my own,” said Gabe. “I just have better things to do for now. As long as the enemy can’t get us, we are fine.”

“You sound almost like my sister,” said Merope. “Electra, I mean, not the other five.”

“Don’t compare him with that weirdo,” said Luc in protest.

“She is not weirder than the rest of you,” said Merope, earning herself a few critical gazes.