3.24 – Oceania

The next day at school was a slog that passed surprisingly slowly, and this was despite more fun conversations with Sarah, Maria, and Derrick. Leona was distracted and antsy about how her first formal interview would go. Sarah and Leona kissed a few times, but even that wasn’t enough to quell her nerves too much. It wasn’t until she flew home as Aurora that she felt as though she’d been released from a prison.

The rest of the day, she whiled away playing Final Star Online 2. If anything dramatic happened, Holly was always monitoring online feeds across the two cities for any incidents needing of Aurora’s intervention. Besides, she’d reached around level 30 by now. Much of the time was spent doing the long but funny Mobot questline. She laughed and grinned, her head hanging over onto her shoulders a few times, only to be followed by more giggles.

Bing boop bing boop! Holly’s voice chimed in cheerfully. Your alarm just went off, Leona! Her communicator buzzed at the same time.

Leona scowled at the less-than-convenient timing. Holly’s cuteism didn’t do much to help, though Leona’s lips still twisted faintly in response.

It had gone off during a cutscene, and she had a feeling there was a fight coming up sometime soon. If only she’d had more time, she was sure she could reach a better stopping point, but she couldn’t be late because this was what she had been looking forward to all day.

She had countless daydreams about how she’d gallantly fly in, scoop the reporter off her feet, and take her for a magical flight, in the process gaining a steadfast ally.

She had just as many portentions of doom where she swept in to find a crowd of reporters lying in wait for her, ready to barrage her with questions like:

“What were you thinking about when you used that stupid jackhammer?”

“Isn’t it true that Vanguard was giving too much of the credit to you for taking down the last rare giant monster?”

“Leona! That guy you dropped from ten-thousand feet gave us a great story. Can you fill in the rest of these few remaining blanks for us so we can figure out this overrated and mysterious new hero?”

“How does it feel to be fighting crime when you’re just fifteen? This has to come to an end.”

“Mistral refuses to comment on your relationship, but it’s all but a known thing. What was it like to be a real superhero’s booty call?”

“Why am I even here?”

Those negative ones in particular had Leona zoning out.

The kisses from Sarah had helped her through them.

When Aurora arrived at the Oceana Ballroom, the night’s three-quarter full moon lazily ruled the skies above. It was more than bright enough to find her way there by sight alone. 

Before leaving home, she had taken a break between questlines to contact Oceana as Aurora and negotiated with them to see what they could do to help her first interview go smoothly.

“We here at the Oceana are honored to have you with us tonight, Aurora. We’ll have a special table ready for you, compliments of the house. However, if you don’t mind, we’d appreciate it if you would allow us to capture a photo or two for use on our website to help advertise the ballroom. With your phenomenal reputation as the best hero the duopolis has had, your choosing to dine with us will more than offset the cost of any food or drink you would wish to order.”

Aurora had agreed to the impromptu ad deal without any hesitation since, despite Goonie’s promise to cover the expenses, she wasn’t about to break the bank when an offer like that presented itself to her.

It wasn’t difficult to find her landing zone, as the terrace was ringed by a small water garden filled with night-blooming water lilies and soft, golden lighting. This fixture was the most distinctive decoration in Oceana and certainly did justice to its name. The first thing Aurora thought upon laying her eyes on the lovely balcony was that she wanted to bring Mistral or Sarah here. Soft music drifted through the perfumed air, courtesy of a live band’s lively but dignified performance.

This was most likely why Goonie recollected this place so fondly, assuming it hadn’t changed much since her last visit.

She spotted the lovely Valerie North waiting at a table off on its own in the midst of the sophisticated décor, cordoned off from the rest with velvet rope. She was sipping wine idly, her head resting in her palm. Her hair was in an updo, held in place with an Asian hair spear—if that was what it was called. Maybe it was like a pretty chopstick, but Aurora wasn’t sure. The ornament was elegant rather than excessive.

She wore a black cocktail dress that slung over one shoulder, baring the other like Aurora’s own toga dress, clinging tightly about her bosom. The dress skirt flowed around her chair, and something like an obi was tied about her waist in a lighter shimmering fabric with a subtle texture of its own, knotted in a bow that rested on her hip.

Perhaps she had heard something or sensed eyes on her, but Valerie finally looked up and spotted Aurora in the air above the balcony, who had transformed her costume into a shimmery and silvery white dress ahead of time.

Aurora had created frills along the neckline, leaving her arms and upper back bare so her wings would be free. Her skirt was poofy, thanks to three rows of ruffles. To match the dress, she also created herself a pair of strappy shoes with ribbons on them. She had to adjust her pocket to rest on her shoulder beneath the ‘fabric’ since the neckline plunged, revealing just enough cleavage to enhance her elegance without being provocative.

With Goonie’s help and plenty of time in front of a mirror, Aurora had worked hard to apply just the right amount of makeup to her face for the kind of intimate meeting the two were about to have.

Others had spotted Aurora approaching, and the full band music quieted, leaving behind only the soft melodies of the piano.

Everyone’s attention shifted toward the stage, and as Aurora glanced around, she realized more and more eyes were drawn to her.

The music had heralded her arrival.

The soft tunes that had been drifting up on the breeze changed subtly. Although it remained elegant, it took on a grander, more dramatic tone—almost as if it had been arranged specifically to suit the entrance of a hero.

She had not arranged for any such thing, so she blushed as she landed on the balcony.

“Aurora!” Valerie called with a grin.

The table was roped off, but that didn’t stop onlookers from rising from their seats to get a closer look.

Some, apparently appreciative of Aurora’s heroics, applauded her. Valerie, ever the professional, spoke loudly to cut through the din.

“I was hoping I didn’t get the time wrong. I probably came too early. Thanks for agreeing to an interview, although I will say I didn’t expect something this… well… showy. You didn’t seem the type.”

Aurora stopped by Valerie and smiled, more than a little embarrassed by how extravagant the setup had turned out.

A waiter stepped through an opening quickly, holding a tablet.

“Welcome to Oceana. Madame, may I get you a drink?”

He asked with a deep bow.

Oh… so posh!

Aurora suddenly felt like she was in too deep already.

“I’ll have a water to start things off.”

Valerie grinned self-deprecatingly at the waiter.

“Just a little goes a long way with me.”

Aurora laughed, finally getting some of the nerves out of her system.

“Ah, I’m sorry if all that was overwhelming.”

Oh, it almost certainly was a tad excessive, but Valerie North, unflappable reporter, kept her cool.

“It was a friend’s idea, actually. This ballroom sounded very interesting when they told me about it. It’s not quite as private as I might have liked, but it does make for a fine place to make an entrance.”

Aurora grinned, folding her wings snugly behind her as she glanced at the waiter.

Now this was where Goonie’s advice came in.

Aurora had been shocked that her mom had insisted on this, but Goonie had said it would make a good impression.

She could have simply ordered water, but Goonie told her that wouldn’t reflect well—it was better to accept hospitality with grace.

“If you come home drunk for the first time, I’ll call Quinn on you,” she had joked.

Aurora hesitated but then spoke, “Please bring us each a single glass of champagne. After that, the lady reporter here can have whatever she would like.”

Her mom was really being permissive in the interest of her success. It was crazy to think that she would be having her first champagne right now!

Goonie had pointed out that partaking in a little bit of alcohol tonight would hopefully make her look more adult and counter the popular ‘thoroughly pure and angelic’ impression people had of her.

Showing this side of herself would do nothing bad for her image.

That was, unless she got stinking drunk.

Aurora, I have some mild concerns about tonight. This is your first time drinking, right? Holly’s voice murmured in her mind, a faint note of concern laced into her usual composed tone.

That’s right, Aurora admitted.

…Would you like me to monitor your metabolism for any unexpected reactions?

As half Empyrean, your physiology may not process alcohol as a standard human’s would. I don’t have any medical data on your race in my database.

Aurora fought the urge to react outwardly. I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s just one glass, Holly. It’d be embarrassing if I was that much of a lightweight.

Very true. It would be amusing to see how you behaved, Aurora, but I don’t think it would be a good idea for you to learn how many glasses it takes to make you drunk as a skunk. Holly’s tone remained smooth, but there was an undeniable edge of amusement.

Anyway, statistically speaking, excessive confidence leads to miscalculations—overestimating one’s own limits, Holly continued. Not that I am questioning your ability to regulate yourself—I’m merely offering assistance should you require it.

Aurora was grateful for Holly’s insight.

Thanks, Holly. If I seem to be getting more than tipsy, please do warn me.

But part of me wishes I could allow you to let loose… Holly’s voice took on a wicked note.

Aurora snorted, amused despite herself, and let her focus return to her conversation with Valerie, lest she start looking crazy.

Anyway, regardless of Holly’s efforts to help her, she planned to sip delicately, just as Goonie advised, carefully watching how she handled it over time.

An immature side of her was kind of excited for this.

“My treat, of course.” Aurora smiled.

“All right?” Valerie chuckled. “You won’t catch me saying no. I usually have to pay my own way, right down to my own parking!”

Oh, jeez. Her parking too?

Aurora didn’t have much money on her, but Goonie had given her a tidy sum just in case. Optimistically, Val wouldn’t see any offers as an attempt to bribe her, and Aurora could maintain her image—maybe even add to her gracious mystique.

The waiter nodded and bowed deeply before heading inside.

The velvet rope cordoning their table off from the rest was just that—velvet; it wasn’t some valor substitute like you usually saw, and it was lovely.

People continued to watch out of the corner of their eyes, even though they returned to their tables.

Valerie began the conversation simply and with a smile.

“You seem a little tense, Aurora. Do you need to relax first, enjoy your drink, or should we get right to the questions?”

She winked, stepping around the table to gracefully take her seat while lifting her tablet from the table.

Aurora hadn’t noticed it until then, but a clutch purse hung over the back of her chair. It was fashionable, too—not that she was much for purses or judging them.

Aurora smiled. “It’s all right… feel free to ask right away, if you’d like. All appearances aside, I’m focused on business.” She laughed softly. “When the Midnight Avenger says to you, ‘think about doing an interview’, you don’t ignore the advice.” She extended her index finger and laughed softly. “Or anything else he says for that matter, really.” She grinned, clasping her hands in her lap and waiting.

Valerie nodded, laughing. “Well then… here we go. I guess the first question I have is, where did you come from exactly? What are you doing here? What are your intentions?”

The opener was actually a barrage. Sweatdrops.

Aurora thought about the questions and answered. These were mostly things she’d already told Valerie, but she repeated what she’d already said, more or less the same.

“I’m half-human and half an alien race who strongly resemble classic angels. Thankfully, not the really old biblical ones, more Renaissance era.”

Aurora winced comically. She couldn’t even create convincing constructs that might resemble them, what with all those eyeballs, rotating rings, wings, and whatnot. Some of them looked like technology beyond even modern imaginations to Aurora when she’d seen the pictures.

“Very possibly, they were the source of the stories and myths circulating about, but that’s just my own speculation. I don’t want to go too in-depth about where I’m from, but what I’m doing here is pretty much what you’ve seen.”

She smiled and moved on.

“I’m doing my utmost to be the best hero this area has seen in a long time, and I'm glad that some seem to think I’m succeeding. It’s an interesting job. Honestly, a dream come true. Even if I see some things I would never have imagined could really exist. Seaside City doesn’t seem to think that they need a hero as much as San Isidro does, and given the difference between the crime rates, I’d have to agree. The grittier, grander sister city of the two is where I patrol most, as you know. I fly very fast, though I’ve never formally clocked it. Up in the Society of Sentinels, they hadn’t yet bothered to calculate it, or if they had measured my speed, they’ve yet to tell me.

“I’m fairly sure I can break the sound barrier if I really pushed myself. All that to say, it doesn’t take long at all for me to go back and forth across the bay area, so if I’m needed there, I won’t be long. The whole radius within four hundred miles of here is pretty much my neighborhood.”

Aurora moved on to fielding the remaining question she’d posed.

“My intentions are pretty much as you’ve seen or surmised. My role models are Mistral, Vanguard, the Midnight Avenger…” she hesitated to add this one, “and Bombshell. But I pattern my ethics and stance on superheroing mostly on Vanguard.”

Aurora extended an index finger and waggled it with a smile. “To me, he sets the bar for everyone else, and to be able to attain even a fraction of his reputation for honesty and justice, well, honestly, I’d be glad if I managed to faintly echo his esteemed career.”

“Well, you’ve certainly achieved that much so far, Aurora! From halting a blimp heist to saving the people of Seaside City from a collapsing construction crane, to taking down a band of chemical thieves and their armor-suited leader, saving a suburban family from a break-in, to joining the Society of Sentinels and shutting down a group of crooked folks out in Junker—catching their scheme to abuse the kids in their care in some kind of religious cult—and even proving to be so indispensable to the Sentinels that Vanguard would make a statement regarding your contribution to resolving that strange Kaiju incident over in Japan.”

Valerie took a deep breath and grinned, adding,

“I followed that story, in particular, and wished that I had taken a vacation over there just so that I could be the one to report everything.”

Aurora blushed. The flavor exploded in her mouth, momentarily distracting her from how flattered she felt.

Valerie had been following her activities this closely?

Interesting, Holly mused through their link, her voice smooth and contemplative. This level of familiarity with your exploits suggests she has been tracking you beyond just professional obligation. Her phrasing implies personal investment.

She’s a journalist, after all. They’re inquisitive and sometimes nosey. It’s her job to keep up with this kind of thing.

Certainly, Holly agreed, but the nuance of her delivery suggests admiration—or at the very least, a greater degree of respect than she is verbally conceding.

Valerie exhaled, shaking her head slightly before continuing, “Anyway, despite our new metahuman liaison officer’s comments in her interview earlier with my colleagues, I don’t share her opinion about you. An informal poll run by the Chronicle shows you with an approval rating in the low eighties—but that’s actually pretty impressive, considering.”

She tilted her head slightly, watching Aurora with interest.

Holly’s presence in Aurora’s mind remained quiet for a beat, as if processing. Low eighties is a strong figure, especially considering your short tenure. The way she framed that statement suggests she expected worse.

I noticed that too. She’s trying to get a read on me.

Likely so. She is leaving space for your reaction. If she anticipated defensiveness, she may be gauging whether you are affected by outside scrutiny—or if you have internalized the expectation of proving yourself.

Valerie continued, “Do you have another identity, or are you like… this… all the time?”

Aurora grinned, pleased. “I can’t blame you for asking that question. And I am sad to say that I’ll have to decline to answer that directly. I will say this: I do have a life beyond being a superhero, but that’s all that anyone needs to know. What you see is pretty much what you get with me, though. I might be more daring when I’m doing the superhero thing, but not by very much.”

“Oh, I see. You do have a secret identity. Interesting. So when you’re Aurora, you’re a risk taker, but you play it safer in your everyday life,” Valerie replied, her gaze sharp with curiosity.

You revealed more than intended, Holly noted smoothly through their neural link. Implying a divide between Aurora and your civilian self invites further scrutiny. She will likely keep pressing to define whatever boundaries you try to set.

Aurora kept her expression neutral, though internally she winced. Yeah. I’ll be more careful.

Advisable, Holly agreed. She’s perceptive. Any contradictions will only encourage more curiosity.

The waiter returned with a small ice bucket on wheels. When he came to a stop, he opened it, revealing a bottle of champagne nestled in the ice like a model at a photoshoot. Aurora idly wondered what it would taste like. 

Saved by the bell!

“Compliments of the house,” he said grandly, producing a cork extractor. He proceeded to open the bottle for them and poured each a half-glass.

Holly laughed softly. Alcohol has been known to loosen tongues. When talking to a perceptive person like her, you’ll have to work extra hard to protect your secrets.

Aurora accepted hers with a composed smile, pushing aside any lingering nerves. She needed to stay mindful and very careful—Valerie was watching closely, and she couldn’t afford to let another slip happen.

“If there’s anything else, please don’t hesitate to let us know,” he said, bowing again as he backed up and away.

Side-eying the waiter’s genuine behavior, Valerie looked across at Aurora and smiled gently. “I’m impressed. I guess a lot of us think highly of you, by which I mean people here in Seaside. How do you like our side of the pond?”

Aurora blushed deeply at the compliment and smiled thankfully after the waiter. She wondered if her superhero form would help her out or not.

“Aha…” She laughed, embarrassed. “I’m not used to the attention, honestly. I haven’t really asked anyone for anything. I mean, taking advantage of people’s generosity doesn’t sit well with me, and even asking somehow feels like taking advantage when they’re so inclined to say yes to anything. I guess that’s why I’m so fine with giving the Ballroom a photo op in exchange for hosting us—to balance the scales out a bit.”

Aurora cleared her throat and eyed the champagne glass. Should she raise her glass and toast at this point? Would that be too formal?

I think that you’re overthinking this, Holly noted through their link, her tone light but perceptive. A simple gesture of acknowledgement will suffice.

“And to your question, yes,” Aurora spoke softly. “I do like Seaside City. It’s very clean, aesthetically appealing, and clearly prosperous. I like to fly through once in a while. But I also enjoy the charm of San Isidro at night. Seaside can be a touch too bright, day or night, while San Isidro is a little easier on the eyes.

“I think the light I shine suits that city best. Still, flying in either city is quite an experience—gliding between the skyscrapers, comparing the nightlife in both.”

Aurora took a risk a moment later and lifted her glass, signaling a toast. At her prompting, Valerie mirrored her, raising her own. They clinked, and Aurora grinned before taking a sip.

She had always wanted to do that with more than a glass of juice or a can of soda. The gesture seemed to carry more weight when they were drinking champagne.

Swishing the champagne in her mouth for a brief moment, her nose wrinkled.

This stuff was really bitter, but also super bubbly, so it didn’t stay put on her tongue and hit all the different receptors at once.

She looked out at the bay towards San Isidro, glowing in the distance as a cooling breeze played through the balcony.

“Wow, this is good stuff,” Valerie commented.

Aurora wouldn’t have known, but that told her they weren’t sparing any expense.

She took another sip, this one a bit more pleasant than the first. So far, so good.

Valerie chewed her lip before leaning forward secretively.

“Off the record… this is just an interview, isn’t it?”

Aurora blinked and smiled wryly. “All appearances aside… that was the intention. Honestly, this hasn’t exactly gone how I had seen things going, but it has been a wonderful experience. Kind of magical, really. I hope people don’t get the wrong idea in general. When faced with the choice of doing something like this or meeting you in a random hole-in-the-wall coffee shop, I thought about which would be the more interesting experience. It was a no-brainer.”

You revealed more than you intended again, Holly noted through their link, her tone measured but keen. That comment about the café. She might infer a personal connection to a restaurant in your life—one she could investigate.

Aurora schooled her expression, keeping her smile in place even as her mind ran over her own words. Right. I should’ve phrased that differently.

It is a minor slip, Holly assured her, but one worth keeping in mind. She’s carefully cataloging everything you say.

Well, that was before Goonie had practically forced her to come here. She also wouldn’t much appreciate her café being referred to as a ‘random hole-in-the-wall coffee shop.’

Aurora leaned her head back and closed her eyes, feeling the breezes rustling and shifting her dress’ skirt and ruffles.

“Haah, a balcony like this suits me the most. It’s open, the wind caresses my body. If only the sun was up, this would be an even more pleasant experience. But, well, the night breezes across the bay are sweet and refreshing too.”

She opened her eyes and took another sip.

Well recovered, Holly murmured, shifting the focus back to the moment. A natural redirection.

“Besides giving you this interview, I had the thought that it’d be worthwhile to make a friend in the media, and you don’t make many friends over a salad.”

She grinned.

Goonie would kill her for saying that.

“Bad example, maybe.” She laughed.

“Guessing that was an inside joke,” Valerie laughed along politely.

Aurora suppressed a wince.

Holly chimed in thoughtfully. Once again, she has latched onto a tiny but possibly critical piece of information about you. It’s possible that she might make a connection and think that you’re connected to a restaurant in either of the twin cities.

I know… Aurora thought back sourly. Holly was practically Captain Obvious.

“My boyfriend is lucky I don’t have an interest in the same team,” Valerie said, “because aside from having questions to ask, this is the best date I’ve been on in a long time.”

Interesting statement, Holly remarked. Her references to her boyfriend suggest that she’s enjoying this engagement beyond just professional obligation. That may work in your favor. But Sarah will be jealous if you let this go too far. What about Mistral?

Mistral’s alright with Sarah, although she doesn’t personally know her rival. But I’m not so sure that she’d approve of… well, it’s a good thing Valerie doesn’t swing that way.

I’m not so sure that’s true, Holly noted. I didn’t realize that I’d signed up for a front seat to a yuri drama when I decided to ask to stay in your ID communicator.

Aurora could practically see Holly smirking.

Valerie had a boyfriend, and she was calling this a date? Sweat drops. Holly might be right.

Val spoke up again, “Well, you’ve certainly gone a long way in making a friend here, and I think if you don’t mind my contacting you when weird things happen, I can certainly see my way to making sure the good you do is reported.” She smiled warmly.

After another sip of champagne, she lifted her tablet again, and they returned to being on the record.

“Okay, now for some softball questions to change up the pace a bit. Favorite color, food, time of the day. Are you seeing anyone?”

Oh, how the thick plottens! Holly mused through their link, her tone laced with intrigue. How interesting. I estimate the chances of Valerie ‘swinging for the same team’ later tonight at around 70%.

Aurora nearly choked on her champagne but quickly masked it with a casual sip, forcing herself to maintain composure.

Holly, what the hell?!

Merely an observation based on her phrasing, tone, and behavioral cues, Holly replied primly. Would you like a more detailed analysis?

Absolutely not.

Aurora fought to keep her expression neutral, though she couldn’t stop the slight warmth creeping up her face. She set her glass down, feigning contemplation before responding to Valerie, already bracing herself for how much deeper this conversation was about to go.

“I’m fine. Your questions just took me a little by surprise.”

Oh, jeez… Was she trying to confirm if she had any super relationships with anyone, or was she checking for herself?

“Quite the hard ‘softball’ you threw in there too.” Aurora chuckled.

“For my favorite color, most shades of blue. Sky blue, robin’s egg blue above all. The color speaks to me emotionally for whatever reason. Where food is concerned—and I know this doesn’t sound very angelic—but it would have to be a hearty cut of beef. I love a good steak most when cooked medium. Not too bloody, not too dry.”

She didn’t elaborate further, careful not to give away too many clues. She didn’t get to eat steak very often, so it wasn’t a big giveaway or anything.

“Very interesting… There was a report over in Junker from eyewitnesses at a steakhouse. You made an appearance there. I’ll assume that was connected with your investigation of the Padua Realignment Camp?”

Valerie said thoughtfully, making notes in a notepad she removed from her purse.

Oh shit… I thought I’d been careful.

Not nearly enough apparently, Holly sighed. At this rate, if you stay in her company too long, she’ll winnow everything out of you. It’s only a question of how long it would take her. She’s too inquisitive, and you’re entirely too open.

Aurora had no comment for Holly, working to keep her expression even.

“For the time of the day, I never really thought about it. Noon, probably. The sun is at—or thereabouts—its highest point around then. But then I also love sunsets and sunrises. They’re beautiful. Honestly, I don’t have a preference exactly.”

“And for the hardest question so far, am I seeing anyone?”

Aurora paused, choosing her words carefully.

“I don’t really want to disclose any personal information regarding this person for the sake of their privacy, but I will say that I am seeing one person, and that I love her very dearly.”

She blushed, thinking of Mistral. Sarah came to mind too, although when it came to love, it was difficult to say which was nicer. She leaned more toward her all-time heroine. Who wouldn’t?

“Ah, so you’re a lesbian! How refreshing! Well, she’s probably a very lucky girl,” Valerie said with a foxy grin on her face.

Oh dear, Holly purred through their link, clearly entertained at this point. The deeper she dug herself, the more fun she seemed to be having. This interview has taken quite the turn. Shall I prepare statistical probabilities on how far she might push this line of questioning?

Aurora resisted the urge to groan. Just… let me handle this.

You’ve been doing such a wonderful job so far! But as you wish, Holly replied smoothly. Though I do wonder if she expects you to correct her assumption—or if she’s hoping you won’t.

Aurora kept her expression composed, taking another slow sip of champagne as she considered how to respond.

“We can consider that part as left out of our conversation. Just that you’re seeing someone. Moving along, what do you consider the toughest part about being a hero?”

That’s very sweet of her, Holly seemed surprised. And kind of boring.

Aurora sighed in relief and smiled wistfully. She was relieved that Valerie might not share every piece of information she got on her.

“The choices you have to make,” she said simply.

“When you’re a superhero, you have to make tough decisions constantly. I don’t want to make any mistakes, although I know I inevitably make them, so I do the best I can to make decisions with the ideals of the Sentinels in mind. With Vanguard’s.”

She tilted her head thoughtfully.

“I know that eventually I’ll have to make even harder decisions, and mistakes will happen. Mistakes that other people might have to pay for… and myself.”

She paused for a moment and almost left it at that.

“I just want to make sure that when the time comes, I’ll have the knowledge, wisdom, and experience to make the best possible choices.”

Val nodded thoughtfully, making notes and moved on.

“So how did you choose the name Aurora? Was it your choice? Is it a given name? Both? Does it have any meaning other than the obvious?”

“In a way. It’s a name that I chose for myself.”

Aurora waved her hand in the air, showing her a miniature version of the aurora borealis for a few moments.

“It’s like this. It’s more than a superhero name or a mask. Aurora is me, Aurora is who I am. What I feel.”

“Hmm. Do you have any rivals or enemies?” Val asked, pursing her lips.

“None that I’m aware of. Not yet. Blue Max was put in prison, although he’s appealing. There isn’t really anyone else.” Aurora smiled.

“Even when I went to train with the Sentinels and met more people with powers and abilities, rivalry wasn’t really a part of it. A good bit of the focus was on teamwork, actually, so I didn’t make enemies during my training with them.”

I’m touched that you trust me so much, Aurora. Holly said.

Aurora made a cute face.

“Can you imagine someone hating widdle ol’ me?” she asked with a cheeky grin.

“…really lucky…” Val muttered almost too low to be audible.

Aurora barely had time to process that before Valerie coughed, pretending to clear her throat.

Oh my, Holly noted, her voice tinged with amusement. Flustered. How fascinating. Also, I might add that her alcohol percentage in her blood is rising. Although I can’t sense others as well as yours, I can tell that she’s getting tipsy.

“Well, you certainly seem very charming and cute,” Valerie said, making Aurora flush in embarrassment at her widdle joke.

Holly laughed. I find this situation highly entertaining.

Aurora internally groaned.

“Are you planning to join the Sentinels full-time at this point, or can we expect to see you around here for a while?”

Aurora was now convinced that Val was definitely ‘batting for the same team’, as she had put it.

She was really cute when she was tipsy and would make for an even cuter lesbian.

But, Aurora loved Mistral far too much to hurt her by straying so easily.

Who Leona chose as a partner was one thing, but Aurora was something entirely different.

She sipped more of the champagne to get herself off that train of thought and answered the question.

“First, it’s not really my decision. I can plan all I want, but that doesn’t mean that I’m owed that degree of respect from my peers, and I’m new. I’m not sure how to put it exactly. But it’s entirely up to them. If they respect my work and me, I’m eager to be an asset to the team, but it isn’t my choice, and I would never resent them even if I never rose higher than a Recognized Member.”

“I understand that even Associates still protect their cities. The Full members just prioritize the Sentinel business more, which is understandable. When you’re a full Sentinel, your neighborhood grows to become the whole world... and maybe beyond.”

Aurora smiled.

“All that said, I would be very honored if they called me up to join them.”

Valerie took a sip of her own, writing on her tablet as she finished her glass.

“Well, I just have a few more questions for you, but do you have any for me before we continue?”

She smiled, a slight blush showing on her face.

Aurora’s first interview was going far better than she expected, considering all the slips and faux pas aside and an unexpected friendship seemed to be in the offing.