Liang Yue: When I take on a case, I see it through.
Liang Yue: Anything this might have to do with me is ... It's not important. You're just overthinking things.
Poitier: …
Just like that, the girl slips back behind her mental wall.
Poitier: sigh
Poitier: Alright, well, we've got a lot of work left to do before we can get anywhere near our case again.
A knock at the desk window ends their conversation.
Poitier shifts to her feet and opens the window with a saccharine smile.
Poitier: How can I help you today?
Patrolman: Hey, Poitier, I need the file for case number 19770109A-02C. I think it was at the top of that rack last time.
Poitier: Hah, you got it. That's what we're here for.
She whistles sarcastically.
The patrolman glances somewhat blankly at Poitier, then over to Liáng Yuè, as a puzzled look creeps over his face.
Patrolman: Wait, I recognize her. That's our Vigiles cadet, right? Why are you guys stuck in the archives?
Poitier sneaks a smile over at Liáng Yuè before breaking out into a laugh.
Poitier: You're in luck, rookie. You get to behold the consequences of pissing off the Deputy Chief. Listen up, and you might just avoid the same sad fate.
Liang Yue: …
Patrolman: So, that's why you're stuck sorting files in the archives.
Patrolman: Still, that's really cool.
Patrolman: Sorry. I don't mean ... I just think it's really cool that you have a mythical beast that you can summon as an arcane skill. Like, that power has gotta be unbelievable!
Liang Yue: You think so?
Patrolman: Yeah, but that's gotta be a big responsibility, too, right? Like all that history and tradition gathered together, and it's all on you.
Patrolman: If-If I were you …
Patrolman: I think it'd be tough.
Patrolman: I don't know if I could ever feel like my own person.
Liang Yue: …
As the awkward choice of words begins to sour an already overlong conversation, Poitier jumps in with a much-needed rescue.
Poitier: We've got a long night ahead. Let's wrap this up. Here's your file, rookie. Just need a signature and your fingerprint here.
Poitier: Liáng, help me log his file into the system.
Liang Yue: …
Poitier: You got a problem, cadet?
Liang Yue: Nothing.
Liang Yue: Copy that.
She blinks softly.
???: …
Silent. Speechless.
The world turns empty.
Liang Yue: …
Liang Yue: You ...
Liang Yue: Who are you?
Liang Yue: Are you leaving?
Part 3 Light Snow
Poitier: Still awake, cadet? Come on, burning the midnight oil's not so bad, is it? Least this way we get a bit of a break before this place gets busy.
In the narrow hallway, the buzz of radios fills the air. A churning sea of busy officers stop and turn toward the new arrivals.
A few eyes lock on Liáng Yuè before quickly going back to their work.
Chameleon Comms: I repeat, no evidence of an explosion on-site. All residents have been evacuated safely.
Arcane Affairs Officer I: Another collapse on Adams Street, Number 13? Copy, we're on our way.
Poitier: See, cadet? Super calm.
There is a silent tension in the office as they make their way to their desks. Eyes dart, and silent, hesitant expressions are shared.
Arcane Affairs Officer I: …
Arcane Affairs Officer II: Ahem.
Poitier: Great. Why do I feel like a goddamn rookie on her first day again?
An officer stands up and blocks Liáng Yuè's path forward.
Arcane Affairs Officer II: Liáng, you led the investigation into the first collapse two days ago, yeah?
Liang Yue: Yes. Why?
Arcane Affairs Officer II: There've been three more incidents in the same area just last night. It's getting worse, too. Five injuries, three in the ICU.
Poitier: Holy ...!
Arcane Affairs Officer II: Everyone's been working around the clock since then.
Liang Yue: Understood. I have some leads. We'll resume our investigation immediately.
The officer rubs his mouth then scratches his head, hesitating to continue.
Arcane Affairs Officer II: Actually, uh—
A feigned cough, the words stick in his throat.
Arcane Affairs Officer II: We just have some doubts about your ... objectivity on this case.
Liang Yue: What doubts?
Arcane Affairs Officer II: We need a report of your progress so far, all the details, your leads, so we can collaborate.
Liang Yue: No problem, I'll—
Poitier: Hold on a minute. Don't spit in our faces and call it rain. I know what this is.
She is about to speak, but Poitier cuts her off.
Poitier: First, we're taking our findings to the chief. He can make the call on what to do with it.
Poitier: Cause "collaborate" sounds a hell of a lot more like "take over" to me.
Poitier scans the room, taking in the pricked ears and lowered eyes.
She clears her throat and speaks firmly.
Poitier: Last time I checked, this was still our case. Until that changes, I need a hell of a lot less "doubt" from the rest of you.
Poitier: Besides, what have you got for us? Because unless you have a solid lead like we do, I think you can back off.
Arcane Affairs Officer II: A solid lead?
Arcane Affairs Officer II: How about that based on our evidence, this creature is more than likely to be Cadet Liáng's mythical beast, the Qiángliáng?
Poitier gives her colleagues a meaningful scan.
The knowledge does not seem to be a shock to anyone present.
Poitier: …!
Liang Yue: …
Poitier: Didn't think anyone else would figure it out.
Poitier whispers to Liáng Yuè, and halfway through, her eyes widen.
Poitier: Oh—!
Poitier: Never trust a rookie.
Arcane Affairs Officer II: What's your deal, Poitier? We're all on the same team here.
Arcane Affairs Officer II: We all respect Cadet Liáng's abilities, and yours, obviously.
Arcane Affairs Officer II: But with her close connection to this lead, if there's any truth to it ...
Liang Yue: Please don't worry about that.
Poitier: Hey, kid. Don't let them get to you.
Liang Yue: I don't believe Qiángliáng would cause all this destruction.
Liang Yue: Even if, hypothetically, it did—
Deputy Chief Elden: Liáng! My office, now.
Elden's sharp voice cleaves through the room, forcing all eyes back on the cadet.
She stands in the center of it all, chest heaving.
Deputy Chief Elden: This is the third time I've had to haul you in here, cadet. Why don't you just move in here? It'll save me some time!
Elden slams a newspaper on the desk.
"Menacing Mastermind?—Liang Yue and Qiangliang"
Deputy Chief Elden: An anonymous report filed against you.
Deputy Chief Elden: I don't think you need to guess my feelings about this getting into the press.
Deputy Chief Elden: What the hell did you think was going to happen? That we wouldn't find out? That we'd just let you hunt for your lost pet in secret?
Deputy Chief Elden: Now, it's not your fault someone leaked this out. That's someone else's head. But what I can't accept is you two not trusting your fellow officers with this lead.
He pauses for a moment, letting the words sink in, almost daring her to speak.
Deputy Chief Elden: …
Deputy Chief Elden: I know what this case must mean to you, and why you missed your exam.
His tone softens, becoming almost fatherly.
Liang Yue: Deputy Chief, I need to investigate this case, because I'm the best person.
Deputy Chief Elden: So, you've learned how to grow a spine! Good! But this isn't a test!
Liang Yue: …
Deputy Chief Elden shifts his stance a little more.
Deputy Chief Elden: You can't trust us with the truth, is that it?
There's a color of disappointment in his voice.
Liang Yue: No, Chief!
Deputy Chief Elden: You thought if you told me, I'd take you off the case.
Liang Yue: No, Chief!
Deputy Chief Elden: That if I knew, I'd doubt your ability, that I wouldn't let you be the one to handle your beast.
Liang Yue: No, Chief!
Liang Yue: My beast ...
Deputy Chief Elden: So, tell me. Why should I? Now that I know you've been keeping the whole division in the dark? How do I know you'll follow my orders and stay objective?
Liang Yue: I will follow my orders.
Deputy Chief Elden: Really? And if you're ordered to imprison this creature? Or destroy it?
Liang Yue: I …
Liang Yue: I …
Liang Yue: I …
Liang Yue: I will follow my orders.
Deputy Chief Elden: Prove it. That last call, Adams Street. I want you there now. If the call is anything to go by, your beast might still be around.
Deputy Chief Elden: We need you.
Liang Yue: Understood.
