Chess sat up straight.

“Ah, he'll forgive me eventually. That's Sage's defense mechanism. I've known him for nearly ten years now, and, as you've seen by his family issues, he likes to keep to himself. Nearly every time he got involved in a matter... it didn't end well. Now, he fights things off with cynicism and sarcasm. I rarely see him get involved in matters anymore, especially one of this scale. I think…"

Chess looked at Tenny.

"...that may be thanks to you."

Tenny looked at Chess in surprise, not knowing she could truly influence anyone.

“I don't think I did anything."

Chess laughed.

“On the contrary. He grew up with poor circulation, so he did activities to get his blood pumping. I actually met him at a martial arts class. We both eventually became black belts, beating everyone in the class.”

Chess laughed again, his smile slowly turning a bit solemn.

“But those were dark times.”

Chess leaned back in the chair, staring up at the ceiling as Tenny listened.

"He shed a lot of tears… waiting for his father to pick him up. He rarely came. Too busy helping Mr. Wenge establish lofty connections for his partners at his old firm, a year before GNW came to fruition…”

Chess froze, sitting up.

"Ah, sorry. I get in the zone and can say too much sometimes."

Tenny was not sure what to say, and was especially taken aback at Sage's sad history. But when it comes to dark days, she can more than relate.

“We all have our struggles… but that does not undermine the way the individual experiences it. We can never, in this lifetime, fully understand how another feels, and it doesn't help when we judge them on their shielded exterior. I thought I had him figured out the moment I saw how disinterested he acted. I have a lot to learn, it appears…”

“Don't limit that lesson to yourself. We all are guilty of such things on a daily basis, and we all have a lot to learn. And I've already seen a change in him, and he has you to thank for that. This freshman year may look up for him now."

“He helped me, too, in a way. To be a good lawyer, I can't be hesitant to get on a path to solve a situation."

Tenny smiled at Chess.

“You're a really good friend to him. I hope he knows that as well."

“With all the visits to my house and my mother making sure his circulation isn't weak, I think he may have an inkling that I care. He's gotten a lot better, too. I just hope it stays that way.”

Chess leaned on his knees, staring at the floor.

“I don't think his heart can handle too many more dark days. I hope you can look after your roommate when I'm not available.”

Tenny nodded.

“Of course.”

About fifteen minutes of silence pass by as Tenny and Chess spent their time on their phones.

The dorm door lightly swung open, and Sage came in with a medium-sized pizza pie.

“Here it is! One plain medium-sized pie. Tenny, you want in on this?”

Tenny smiled, getting an idea out of the ordinary. After the soul-clearing therapy she and Chess unintentionally gave each other, she sat up, feeling purified.

“I hope you don't mind if I invite some friends over to help us out?”

“It's no problem. Who?” Sage asked.

A few minutes later, Blake and Mark ran up to the room's open entrance.

“DID SOMEBODY SAY PIZZA PARTY?” Mark roared.

"Dear God,” Sage replied.

“You're, like, the tenth person to say that to him today,” Blake said.

Sage looked at Tenny.

"What did I do to you? I thought we struck a friendship.”

Tenny started laughing as everyone grabbed a slice.

A sight. Quite the sight to fully wake the students this morning.

Around fifteen professors were in a line against the wall. It looked like something out of a movie, like the apprehending of a group of criminals.

Tenny and Sage, having left the dorm at the same time, joined a group of staring students. They glanced at each other, looking back at the shocking scene.

Something went through Tenny’s mind: The e-mail! 

Tenny immediately withdrew her phone, scrolling to see if Juniper responded.

She did.

Tenny read it while students spoke lowly with each other.

[Dear Tenny Hale,

I fully understand the situation. You will be under the watchful protection of GNW, and the Fallow Police Department. - Juniper Na]

It actually worked. Tenny successfully found a way to convey the truth.

Tenny looked back at the scene, two Fallow Precinct cops facing the many professors. One Fallow cop approached the first professor.

“Hold out your wrist.”

The professor listened, calling the situation humiliating. The cop examined it, walking over to the next professor.

The whispering of the students increased in volume, and the other Fallow cop told them to keep quiet.

The first Fallow cop continued the process, two full minutes passing by. The Fallow cop reached the ninth professor in line, Professor Bolt Thuron.

“Hold out your wrist."

"Utterly demeaning. You'll be hearing from your supervisor.”

The other professors applauded him, as the Fallow cop rolled Professor Thuron's sleeve up. He stared for a moment, immediately pulling the radio on his chest towards his mouth.

"Requesting backup.”

The students and other professors speedily go into an uproar of shock. The other cop tried to silence them, pulling out a taser and telling the students to back up.

Sage was completely taken by surprise, while many students covered their mouths. Tenny stared ahead, happy that the right suspect was found, but she was also full of disappointment that a professor could attack a freshman student in her own dorm room, for whatever reason.

“THIS IS PREPOSTEROUS! I'LL BE HAVING ALL OF YOUR BADGES! EVERY. SINGLE. ONE!”

The two Fallow cops restrained him while directing him to their police car.

The students applauded while not too far from Tenny, Marian began to sob violently, her friends comforting her.

“I wonder what's to become of the wrong guy they convicted…” Tenny said.

“Best case scenario? He doesn't sue the city,” Sage replied.

A teacher walked in front of the students, carrying a bullhorn. She lifted it to her mouth.

“During this time of trauma, classes are canceled for the next five days. Take this time to recover, but you will still have assigned readings to cover. Please, call your loved ones if you need to. Enjoy the rest of your week.”

The students clapped at a moderate volume, showing appreciation for the conduct of the cops and faculty.

It felt like the nightmare was finally over, although it had quite an impact on the campus.

Bit by bit, three days swim by.

Tenny was falling asleep at a table, chin resting on her palm. She sported a ponytail today, with a lavender top and jeans. A red-colored case study textbook laid open in front of her.

Mark and Blake approached the table. Both wore jeans as well, but Mark wore a green shirt, and Blake with a long-sleeved white shirt. Mark held a finger in front of his mouth to Blake, wanting him to keep quiet. Blake rolled his eyes at whatever immature thing Mark was about to do.

Before he got any closer, Sage placed a hand on Mark's shoulder. Sage wore a gray shirt with dark red pants. Mark thought he was in trouble until he saw Sage smirk.

Chess followed from behind, lightly scoffing. He wore an indigo shirt with jeans.

“These two fools."

Blake laughed at Chess' words, Sage sneaking over to Tenny.

He grabbed Tenny's textbook, slamming it loudly in front of her.

Tenny shot up.

"WHAT THE-”

Sage and Mark fell on each other, laughing hard. Chess covered his smile while Blake shook his head at the two.

Tenny was slightly irritated.

"Dear GOD, I need new friends…"

Sage and Mark only laughed harder, while even Blake struggled not to laugh.

The group talked amongst themselves while the minutes passed by. Tenny tried to stay awake as she scanned her textbook.

“Have you been reading since last night?” Mark asked.

“No. I've also been looking at a transfer of schools from the moment I met you,” Tenny replied.

Mark laughed, taking out his phone.

"That whole scandal three days ago, and you're the same old Tenny. Does anything affect you?"

“You sure come awfully close."

Blake laughed, Mark elbowing him.

“You always laugh when she does that!”

“What do you want from me?” Blake said between laughs.

“So, what's the problem? Is Mr. Glint taking the case?” Chess asked.

“Looks like it,” Sage replied. “It looks like one of the firm's assistants, Juniper Na, had an impressive lead on a distinct mark that the offender had. Judging how Professor Thuron was acting, it doesn't look like he's going down without a fight.”

“Can't blame him. He has a lot to lose. Benefits, teaching, respect; the list goes on.”

“This University should be the one losing respect. Do they not know the meaning of background checks?” Sage replied.

“Very common for these sorts of schools, especially Vellichor, to value intelligence above all else. A teacher's list of accomplishments when applying for this type of school is like waving a slab of meat in front of a dozen starving tigers.”

“Nonetheless, Chess, at least he gets to come face to face with his actions. I mean, who even attacks a freshman in her own dorm room?”

Sage sighed, leaning back.

“I guess some sickos just get past the radar."

Several phones across the campus went off, including Sage, Chess' and Mark's. They all looked at their phones, catching Blake and Tenny's reactions.

“Whoa, whoa WHOA! BIG party tonight! At the main hall!” Mark exclaimed.

“That figures. The moment the impromptu break starts,” Blake said.

Mark looked at Blake.

“You're coming, right?”

“…Eh, sure. I've had it up to here with cafeteria food, anyhow.”

Sage smiled.

“Gotta call my girl for this one. She's been aching to show off a new dress or something. While I'm at it, Chess, we can show you what actual partying looks like.”

“We drink at the spools of your knowledge, oh mighty one.”

Chess mocked a curtsy, and Mark found it funny and joined in. Blake slapped a hand to his forehead.

Sage faked a teary voice.

"This… this is a beautiful moment."

The group stood from the table, Tenny looking up from her book to the four, closing it and standing as well to send them off.

“This may be corny, but I honestly did not expect to interact with a large, cool group like this. Tenny, it's really cool being your roommate. I never got the chance to say it,” Sage said, smiling.

Tenny smiled back.

“You too. You helped me a lot in ways I didn't consider.”

Sage looked at Chess.

“Never thought my 'brother' would join me here. Thanks for going along with our, 'detective work’."

He gave Chess half a hug, and Chess hugged back.

"You don't even have to ask.”

Chess looked at Mark and Blake.

“You guys are hilarious, by the way. Very cool to meet you."

“When there's pizza, there's joy. Thank Tenny for inviting us over. I didn't know this many people could tolerate me,” Mark grinned.

"Barely. Just barely. But…” Tenny began, placing a hand on Mark’s shoulder.

“You're pretty cool.”

Mark's eyes lit up, being very happy.

Tenny looked to Blake.

“And I've never met someone calmer than I am. You're a miracle to meet, and I know you'll be a great lawyer. Partner with me in the future?”

Tenny laughed lightly as she and Blake gave a high five and a handshake.

“Dude, you're the first one I'd call.”

Mark pointed at himself in shock.

“And you're the last."

Mark pouted as everyone, including Mark, laughed.

Sage looked over at the dorms.

"Well, party's tonight. Gotta get some more reading out of the way at lightning speed. Later, guys!”

Each of the five gave each other light high fives and handshakes, taking turns and making sure each person got one.

Tenny gave a high five and handshake to Sage after Mark and Blake, smiling. Tenny and Chess approach, giving each other the final high five and handshake.

Tenny smiled, noticing something while shaking his hand.

A 'y'-shaped mark.

Immediately, Tenny's entire motor functions shut down.

She stared down, not having a choice in the matter.

That was when Tenny realized she had forgotten a core part of her 'Trust' ability.

It ignites the moment she realizes the true culprit.