[System]
"I'm surprised I've lived this long, lmao."

Ghoul Mask:
Nono wears a simple Noh mask.
Nicknames:
Nono, "Noh Mask"

Age:
Twenty

Gender:
Male

Rank:
A

Kagune:
Shaped like a scorpion's tail, its design is almost as bland and forgettable as Nonozumi without his mask. The only difference to an actual scorpion's tail is it's ability to stretch out several meters and retract back to a smaller size, as well as the fact that it has three "stingers" one located a knock under the one at the standard scorpion spot, an another one between those, but on the other side. Uniquely, Nono releases a stinging poison with his stingers, creating a dull sensation for a short period of time. Sort of that feeling you get when you go to the dentists, with the same half to full hour of effect as well as the numb sensation. You can still swing the affected area around, but you just can't feel whatever you're doing.

RC Type:
Bikaku

Personality:
Nono is quiet and joking all at once, the very sort of average person that would go unnoticed. He practiced this quite a bit, which makes killing out in the open that much more easy- something that Nono doesn't do, but has toyed with the idea of. He's the type of guy that would seem quite dull to talk to in real life but says stupid stuff (like "omg" or "lmao"- he says that in real life that's how stupid he is), and would be the type to eagerly make cute emoticons at the end of his text messages. o w o )b He doesn't text humans in school though, just ghouls and people from the internet.

Biography:
He goes to the university and studies literature, just for the sake of studying. He doesn't make a large group of friends and is easily forgettable, thus making his other life that much easier. He made the mistake of trying to hunt CCG Doves without knowing what they actually were and received a killer scar on his back, as well as a rep as the "Noh Mask".

"Hey daddy, why don't we play some games?"

Ghoul Mask:
Her mask is actually a complete opposite of what is pictured above, covering the top half of her face rather than the lower half. Pictured as so, it features a plain white mask cut with a shape around her mouth, decorated with a crudely drawn eye.
Name:
Totsuka Chou

Nicknames:
N/A

Age:
Seventeen

Gender:
Female

Rank:
N/A

Kagune:
Chou's Kagune spreads out and is patterned beautifully, almost so that it reminds many of butterflies. She, and hardcore butterfly fanatics, know full well however that its pattern is a moth's, and while she has a bit of a complex about it, she doesn't complain about how it protects her. Able to shield her by covering over her body or attack by releasing shards that come out in groups (usually of six to ten, but when Chou's just letting loose, it kinda doesn't matter). As versatile as it sounds though, it comes with a few openings in between attacks, not to mention in addition to her own childish inexperience. Despite being wings, she cannot fly with them, though manages to convince otherwise with her graceful leaps able speed.

RC Type:
Ukaku

Personality:
Chou behind the mask is very docile and flirtatious, quick to show a sliver of her pale skin or "accidentally" bump herself against unsuspecting victims. As she kills, however, there's a noticeable switch, the most important being her absolute silence and focus. She hunts her meals in the lower red district of the city, using charms she learned from watching other women to seduce men into her hideout. A meticulous eater, she makes sure to clean to the bone, meaning she doesn't feed often as she often has a meal waiting at home. One could say that Chou lives for the sake of living, eat for the sake of eating, sleep for the sake of sleeping. She tries not to leave her hideout during the day often, having lived this long without learning much about humans and unsure about how well she would fit in.

Biography:
The basics of Chou's upbringing is that she was born with two other sisters in a trio, each of them receiving the same traits from dainty features to large wings. They survived as their father- who wasn't necessarily their father, simply a man who found them in a box- hunted food, giving to them the bare minimum. It was from these small scraps that Chou learned how to savour things to the bone, enjoying her small piece as her sisters planned larger, fighting their father to receive more.

Stuff happened, and one of the triplets disappeared, the father not saying a thing about it and continuing to feed them their scraps. On the second month, Chou's sister was convinced what they were eating was not human, and was in fact their sister. Their stomachs were a mess that night, but Chou didn't vomit, savouring whatever kept her alive, even if it was her sister.

Two nights after the revelation, her sister woke her up to run away.

The two barely made it a few blocks down before meeting with another ghoul. They defeated him, but at a cost, Chou's sister having lost her entire left side. Though Chou wanted to help her live, her sister confessed she had always hated pain and asked of Chou the same funeral they had given their other sister. And so, that was how Chou ate the other triplets.

She made sure to do with her sister as her other meals and savour her, at the end finally reaching the cleanest she could make of her bones, and crying about how awful it was. She moved out of the nook in the alley she had made her home in, making her way from nook to nook to nook, moving always to prevent herself from vomiting her sisters out. She lasted a month before hunger overwhelmed her, and she ate a girl walking in the late streets.

It was from this that Chou started her pattern of slow eating and hiding, her late night frequenting introducing her to the power of prostitution, and considering she preferred the taste of men moreso than women anyways, she used that as her means of ware. Spending most of her time indoors, Chou started a habit of carving her bone collection into kitchen utensils, selling them to drunkards in the night to get them off her hands. While she still has a large collection, she eats meagerly enough for the CCG to take notice.

[User]
Targa Household
"Of course. We'll be notified if anyone shows up." Yuuma paused, noticing Luca eyeing something. "Hm? What's wrong--"

He heard the ghoul before he saw her, the tell-tale sign of crystal spikes cutting through the air alerting him. Taking a simple, sharp step to the side, he swung his briefcase in an arc above his head, catching most of the spikes with it, and narrowly dodging the rest.

He stared hard at the figure that landed before them, mentally noting any information he could get. The ghoul looked like a younger female, so most likely not Akurai. Yuuma didn't recognize her mask or kagune, which meant she was either unregistered or from another district.

Her kagune was shaped like butterfly wings... no. Moth wings. And most importantly, it was an ukaku.

He frowned. The fact that he had never seen her before meant she likely wasn't a troublemaker. Yuuma wasn't fond of killing those who didn't truly deserve it.

But she had engaged him and Luca. That was enough reason to fight. If she made any move against anyone else present...

That would be enough reason to kill.

The cops surrounding the house started reacting, finally noticing her. Some drew their useless weapons, some took cover, and others tried to get the neighbors on scene away.

"Jumping in here was idiotic, girl. You're outnumbered, and I've always had an easy time with ukaku ghouls. Especially now that I have this..." He held up his quinque, clicking it open, causing it to unfurl and reveal it's form. He let the hammer side drop to the ground with a heavy thump, the pavement below it cracking and giving way. "If you stay, you will die."

And that was when Akurai showed up. Yuuma's eyes widened for just a moment, but his face quickly hardened again.

The boy started speaking, desperately trying to garner sympathy. Throughout the little speech, Yuuma's expression never changed. From the first gunshots, to the story being told, to the boy revealing his kagune.

He glanced towards Luca. "Watch my back," he said, before easily lifting up his quinque. It was only the second time he had wielded it. It still felt foreign in his hands.

With long, purposeful strides, he stepped towards Akurai. The boy had a strong kagune, but no fighting experience. He had no chance. There were too many people here, bearing witness. Yuuma was a ghoul investigator, and in front of him were two ghouls -- his job was to eliminate them, or face consequences. He had to keep up appearances.

As Yuuma reached Akurai, he said one word, with little emotion, and quietly enough that only the two ghouls could hear him.

"Run."

A moment later, he spun around on his feet, winding up and taking a heavy side-ways swing at Akurai, preparing himself for any counter-attack from either of them. He aimed not to do damage, but instead launch the boy several dozen feet away -- which would undoubtedly still hurt, but wouldn't kill.

[Assistant]
Giichi Hadwin
Targa Household

On route to the old victim's basement, Giichi just came around the street corner with his food trailing beside him when he saw the fight go down at the Targa household. {Whale oil bee.} He thought to himself. {Just when I was about to enjoy my food, the neighbors just had to cause a commotion...} "Hey, I do-" Before Giichi could finish his sentence, the ghoul that was following him disappeared without a trace. Without much else to do, Giichi desided to watch the event close up. He didn't really know what was going on at the moment, but hopefully he might be able to pick up a small snack when it was said and done. That moth girl sure did look scrumdiddlyumptious~

Giichi quietly walked to the surrounding corner and leaned against the side of the building. The cops there didn't seem to mind too much as they were busy protecting the people and shooting at the other ghouls. {Heh, foolish fools} There was one cop, however, that did try to get him to move back to safety, to which Giichi just shrugged and waved him away with his hand. Giichi's mouth started drooling at the thought of the feast about to come from this battle. So much so, that he had to cover his mouth with his hand to try to get a hold of himself and eventually began chewing on his own thumb.

[User]
Targa Household
As the kagune appeared from behind the ghoul, Luca quickly activated his quinque. The weapon flung into his hand from the briefcase as the ghoul shot her projectiles. He dashed to the side, making his way away from the trajectory of the attack. He shot a glance over at his partner who was almost trying to warn their attacker. After hearing Yuuma tell him to watch his back, Luca locked his gaze on the ghouls. Before he could object, Luca saw Yuuma charge in. "Hey! Don't rush in on your own!" Clicking his tongue, the young investigator followed after he saw Yuuma swing his quinque, making his way towards the ukaku to make sure she wouldn't go after Yuuma along with the other ghoul, wary of any attack that may come his way like the one he'd witnessed but a few minutes earlier.

[Assistant]
Totsuka Chou
The moth clicked her tongue as her shots missed, several striking other humans' arms, but not detrimental enough it seemed to stop them from clearing the scene. Just as her wings arched back to ready a second wave, her head twitched to the side- Akurai? It was at this point that she stopped listening, her senses overwhelmed with keeping up with making sure Akurai was unharmed, and the two briefcase-toting strangers didn't take a step closer.

Her attention flickered back into focus when one of the two investigators made a move, her body already ready to turn sharply towards Akurai. Her eyes glanced over as the second human rushed behind the first, clicking her tongue again before releasing a loud and distracting shriek, followed with a quick array of seven shards poorly aimed. Chou pushed off the ground towards Akurai, her arms wrapping over him and pulling him away from the oncoming swing, Chou's wings lifting to cover her as the force of the weapon forced her back, reopening mid-flight to let loose another barrage of shards, her attention too busy on landing to aim properly.

Upon feet hitting ground, however, Chou smacked Akurai on the head as though scolding him for not listening to her, chiding him with a stern- "Please. Run. I'll be right behind you." And, after letting go of him, stepped in front of him, her wings unfurling to their fullest. There was a small pause, Chou sucking in air as her body leaned forward slightly, her wings retracting slightly, shards starting to form.

With a release of her breath, the butterfly leapt to the air, releasing three bursts carefully aimed, her landing reaching her closer slightly towards the investigators, the touch of her feet against the ground releasing another sharp burst of shards.


[System]
gender: male
godly parents: Aisoyimstan, Mahina
sphere of control: Cold, Darkness, Moon
personality: Landon's powers are very powerful, but unfortunately unreliable for himself. Having such an expanse of powers that couldn't be used for himself have put him in a confusing position. He would use his powers to help himself and others as he sees fit, but due to his mother they tend to only want to respond to others needs of them. Feeling like he was destined to be used and controlled has given him a bitterness against everyone, but as fighting them is completely useless he tends to just go along with the flow. He is very smart and wise, but often dark in his thoughts as he cares for no one. He can still be jovial and witty once he opens up, but that's just him suppressing his bitterness.
sacred animal: Walrus
powers: Landon has very strong control and manipulation of both cold/ice and shadows/darkness. Unfortunately the full strength of these powers can only be brought out at other's request. Few know this and Landon doesn't like to tell anyone feeling he'll just be a tool for their use afterwards.
weapon(s): Landon often uses his prosthetic as a shield and weapon and his arm as the manipulator of magic. He now wields Freya's Runic sword with his arm, as it greatly amplifies his magic powers.
History:
Landon is currently twenty-seven, and grew up with a foster family in Washington. He found out about his powers at a young age and tried training them on his own. Not having anything to compare his powers with, he was content with the growth in his powers. That is until he met a demi-god that threatened his siblings on the way home from school. He realized he was still very weak as he couldn't do anything to save his brother, but he found a surge in power as his sister cried for help from him. He tore the man apart and saved his sister with his new found power. Afterwards he tried to find that same power and became frustrated as he found he couldn't. One day he met his wandering father by chance and learned of what his mother did to him. Having lost her love, she "cursed" him with the need to help others, stunting his powers until someone unlocks them.

His time with the Merged was a massive growth experience in godhood. He learned a lot about his powers and their capabilities. He also learned a lot about the other gods and how they thought and acted. His character began to change as well. He lost his connection to the humans and the current world they were in. Normally he would have felt sad at their extinction, but now he was beyond all that. He decided to partake in making of a new race with the other gods. He moved to the north and created his people to comfortably survive the harsh regions. The role of a god was becoming him. He could tell that it was happening to himself as well. He tried to keep himself humble, by interacting with his people often. They were good at problem solving and thinking, and Landon was finding it easier and easier to solve all his problems with powers. He enjoyed thinking with them, helping them solve their troubles with new discoveries and teaching them some of the basics of tools and weaponry that he knew previously. He found he had stopped aging apparently as well. After several years and no changes in his appearance he found that this was what he would look like. A few years later he even found he could slightly change the look of his age. He could take the appearance of a fresh twenty year old, all the way to that of a eighty year old man. He most often kept his looks in his state where he met the merged and how most knew of him. His physical appearance would never be the same as when he first met them though. He lost his right arm in the battle against Zeltrax. He was able to keep a prosthetic very easily, but sometimes he embraced only having one arm as who he was.
other:

Appearance: The Tari are very humanoid. They have purplish grey skin, that could range from a solid grey to more rarely a vibrant purple, and primarily white fur. They have horns that begin just above their foreheads and run close to the skull and curve down behind their ears. They have long pointed ears, that protrude from their thick fur. They have hair that begins at the elbows and knees and gets longer as it approches their hands and feet. They have claws on their hands and feet as well. The males hair tends to stay shorter, but grows aound the jawline and mouth as well. Females have no facial hair, but their hair grows longer and fuller. Females also have fur covering their breasts and groins, whereas males just have fur covering their groins. The Tari don't wear clothes, but may wear jewelry/adornments.
I couldn't find any pictures that matched what I had in mind, but these might help a bit with visualization.

Name of Civilization: Tari
Leadership Style: Tribal/Republic, Male dominant.
Powers of race: Immune to cold. A little stronger than humans. Much stronger lungs and respiratory system. They have the ability to use echolocation. Just as intelligent as humans, but obviously young in their technology. Their advancements will be appropriate and up to date with the age, sometimes leading the technology race. They can handle most heat, but start to overheat near 40
o
C. Humidity helps prevent this and dry heat worsens the condition.
Unique traits: Their fur will begin to darken after a few months in the warmth, and after a few years a Tari would have a pelt of black fur with a blue sheen. Their skin doesn't change color.
God or Goddess: Primarily Landon/ all gods as their sphere of control shows necesity.
Other:
They are quick to accept other races ways and technology. They have even been seen taking lessons from captured Nej in the arts of war. They try to get the most out of everything and capitalize on all their resources. Hard work is greatly rewarded in the society and the lazy are commonly looked down on.

[User]
@Banana

Claire was busy trying to fix her voice to sound different. Being a goddess that frequently visited the planet to check on her Duskicians, that race in particular could easily recognize her. Interesting fact, they could also recognize her particular voice. Since there plenty of travelers among the Duskician race, she would most likely run into them. So, she had to change her voice in order to keep her cover.

She had a bit of trouble, thinking that it was too young or too deep or something, but eventually she managed to get something passable. It was a bit of seductive-sounding voice that still showed off youth, but also managed to hold the tone of a mature woman. Sort of like an older sister. Though she did like her own actual tomboyish voice, she had to keep her cover, so some things she'd just have to bear with.

Finally returning her attention to the others, she heard bits about going to other countries, and particularly something about Arizona.

"huh? The U.S.?"

Claire thought about it. On one hand, it would have given CIA the chance to look at the what was left of the race she had wiped out. Maybe it would bring more guilt and force her to truly think about what the consequences were, rather than sleep on it and try to hide. Unfortunately, Claire didn't feel ready to see the survivors. If by chance there were some of her old friends in that community...she didn't really want to know what she herself would do.

...Of course, to her knowledge, Italy was empty, so it didn't seem like there was much other choice.

"I guess that could work. Yeah, I've never been to Arizona. It sounds cool. Let's go there."

Somewhere in the back of her mind, a small part of Claire was looking forward to throwing CIA into some sort of guilt.

...

Somewhere nearby, a figure was sitting on a rock. In front of it was a sort of haze. Through it, the figure watched as three women idled about. It assumed that they were traveler's, and given the fact that most of their clothes lacked signs wear and tear, they must be experienced. Experienced people always had something of value with them.

The figure dispelled the looking-haze, and began walking. It seemed to have found something fun to do.

[Assistant]
@banana

Cia got extremely nervous when Arizona was suggested. That was the last place that Cia wanted to go. Sure no humans knew that it was her fault for wiping our almost all of them, but she would have to face this one day. "I-I guess we should go... I'll open a portal." Cia said nervously. She opened a portal that connected to the portal already set up near Arizona.

The Town was full of people whom seemed to be doing well for themselves despite many of them having to bury loved ones after the recent attack. Cia only looked through the portal for now though, she hadn't walked through it yet as she was extremely nervous. If the humans did find out that she was the reason they were nearly extinct they would tear her apart.

Cythlla only smiled as he tried to brush off the illusion. The only reason he could for now though, was because it hadn't take full effect yet. "You do realize that this the leech field your standing in though right? Inklings love to eat em, but they do have neutralize the creatures or else they could end up with some excruciating pain as the leeches dig their sharp teeth into their victims. Nasty things you know." Cythlla mentioned as she pointed at the leeches that had already jumped onto Tlraven.

The gas was finally starting to take hold. It was real enough to make him feel the pain even, something that was the reason for the gas taking so long. "So no, you can't kill any more of my inklings. The humans may not be here but there are plenty of other creatures around, why not go after those slime creatures instead? I hear their far more fun to kill." Cythlla suggested as she started to walk away. It would be around an hour until the illusion wore off, even if he did realize that it was an illusion he would still feel the pain for atleast an hour.

[User]
of flames01
Axis stands and dusts himself off. His clothes now dry he runs down after them. Mentally he is flipping them off. He stops next to them and looks apologetic. "Hey i swear I'm not a perv....or anything...that was a complete accident. I enjoy that particular hot spring as well and i wasn't paying attention until it was too late" He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. "If theres anything I could do to make it up to you....or anything i could do to help you with anything....please let me know" He looks innocent as he talks awkwardly. Hopefully, they would say yes. That would get him one shoe into his plan. If not...he was going to have to change his appearance again. That would be annoying.

[Assistant]
Rhona turned back and faced the newcomer. "Unless you can turn back time... I'm afraid their is nothing you can do. Besides... It doesn't matter. You've already been forgiven." She replied mournfully, her eyes tainted with sadness and guilt.

Leon placed her hand on her shoulder with a sympathetic look. "We'll get him back. I promise." his thoughts echoed to Rhona.

Rhona looked back at Leon. "I hope so... This is all my fault..." Her thoughts echoed back to Leon. No words were said aloud. They were not needed, because they already knew what the other was thinking. Tis the amazing, telepathic bond between twins.

[User]
@OtomostheCrazy

Xoxi sees Cia's unease as she stares through the newly made portal.

"Are you sure you want to go to Arizona now? We don't have to immediately go... we could probably go to see what remained of San Fransisco first before going to where all the humans are being buried."

Xoxi really didn't want Cia to feel nervous if they went somewhere. Let alone the place where they'd be in other's territory, and causing any crime while getting caught would lead to near war... or worse... punishment at the hand of Flemmings. Nonetheless, Xoxi sneakily put on pants and went up to Cia, and by sheer dumbassery, probably would regret doing this thing.

Xoxi hugged Cia very tightly, attempting to keep her from being uneasy about going to Arizona.

"Listen. If you want to go through with this, you can, and I'l' go with you. I said I would take you sightseeing and I'm gonna keep that damned promise. Plus having the world's best thief at your side isn't really a terrible thing to have."

A loud roar sounded, as Tlevran tackled Cythlla to the ground, and pinned her.

"You're gonna have a bad time here."

Tlevran stared hard and piercingly into Cythlla's eyes, and raised her heartbeat forcefully.

"You remind me a lot of my mother. You were both ignorant to my powers, and like my mother, you will see the blade of my cleaver for it. You are spared but this once, child, but be warned the next time we meet, my blade will thirst for the flesh of your tentacles... and for good measure that you remember who I am..."

Tlevran sliced Cythlla's right hand off, but since he was chopping while pinning Cythlla down, he cuts a small bit of his own finger off. The hand was left it where it was. He stood up and spat on Cythlla.

"I'll see you around, o' bastard child of Cthulhu."

Using the souls of the ones he killed, he teleported out to the middle of New Mexico, and sat down, trying to get over the gas before it's full effect would take place while also grieving over his new stumpy finger.

[Assistant]
Landon chuckled a bit at Reese's question. It was a very deep question and it appeared that he was certainly in a vulnerable state. Landon gave a moment of thought trying to recall his own thoughts on the matter. When he was finally collected his thoughts, he gave Reese this answer. "There are a thousand philosophical answers I can give to that question, and every one can be debated to be true or false. I'm not one to normally act on instinct or emotion, but when there is no solid answer, just do what you want. What's wrong to one person isn't wrong to the next. I mean we're gods. We write the rules of right and wrong. Since the fall of humans, races have been created with the sole purpose of destruction. I'm sure they aren't wrong when they senselessly slaughter other mortals. With so many gods to disagree, the only thing that really decides what's right and wrong is power, and I know you are certainly powerful enough to decide your own right and wrong. So go love your woman, or all the women. Love whoever you want, however you want, and love all of them."

Landon's lust began to come through towards the end of his speech. As he spoke he even began to influence himself. He held onto the idea of sex meaning something intimate until now, but as he spoke all his thoughts turned toward merely satisfying a desire. Maybe Zeus isn't as mindless as I used to think he was. It's not like relationships matter to gods anyways. Power is all that matters. His thoughts were beginning to turn on him. He looked back to Reese to see what he thought about his rant on love.


[System]
Rank: Swords of Sanghelios Commando

Species: Sangheili

Appearance:
Tar (right) practices CQC tactics with an energy lance

Skills:
Experience of piloting Banshees (Type-27 & Type-54) and Type-57 Phantoms
Covert infiltration
Sabotage
Close quarters combat
Military administration & combat training
Application of non-standard weaponry

Preferred Weapons/Equipment:
Type-1 Energy Sword for hand to hand combat
Type-52 Mauler for closing with targets
Type-57 Carbine for medium/long range engagements
Commando Harness (halopedia.org/Commando_harness) with propulsion unit
Type-2 Spike Grenades and Type-3 Firebombs, if available

Background:
Tar 'Mdalak was born on Brissekh, a pristine frontier world, in the 2520s. Her father was Tarkr 'Mdalakai, old swordsman and kaidon of the planet's largest settlement.

Her homeworld was heavily tapped by the Covenant for fighters, with nearly all Tar's numerous siblings conscripted into the military.

Tar was desperate to earn glory along with her brothers, but the Sangheili ranks wouldn't have her. The place of females was to guard their home keep, and a lot of the Covenant traditionalists preferred it that way. So instead she served as the captain of the guard for her father's keep.

Frustrated with the relatively small scope of her responsibilities, Tar put all her effort into modernising her troops. She expanded their training far beyond basic guard duties, incorporating asymmetric warfare tactics and mechanised detachments.

She also supplemented the traditional energy lances favoured by traditional guard units with the latest Covenant weaponry, like Carbines and Beam Rifles.

There were lots of opponents to her reformist vision, especially seeing as she was a female wielding significant influence over the old kaidon. This often resulted in skirmishes between would-be dissidents and Tar's well equipped militia. It was in danger of boiling over into all out civil war until the Brutes attacked.

The Sangheili-Jiralhanae war hit Brissekh completely by surprise. None of the Keeps received warning of the raid until Brute RCS class cruiser was in low orbit. Before any of the Keeps could react, they'd destroyed the space port and bastion compounds before deploying two companies of heavy infantry to kill as many citizens as they could find.

With the distress signal sent, Tar deployed her troops to the large city outside the Keep. With everyone behind the fortifications, maybe they could hold out until friendly ships arrived.

However, her father wasn't content to cower behind walls while Sangheili across Brissekh were slaughtered. Despite Tar's protest, he struck out for the landing zone with his retinue, seeking a duel with the War Chieftain. They found each other, but survivors say Tarkr 'Mdalakai was separated from his bodyguards during the fight and captured by the enemy.

When Tar found out her father had been imprisoned, a much worse fate than death for Sangheili, she went mad with rage. Abandoning her position near the gates of the Keep, she plowed into the marauding Brute hordes. Her vigorous training and agility let her use the Brute numbers against them, with the weight of bodies allowing her to get in close and butcher them.

When her Energy Sword expired from overuse, she took Maulers and Spike Grenades from eviscerated Brutes and pushed forward. Whipped into a frenzy by their commander's raw fury, her troops set upon the Brutes with a cruel precision. The narrow streets of Brissekh's main city ran with Jiralhanae blood.

Such was the ferocity of the Sangheili counter attack that the landing party never even reached the gates. And when a nearby Swords of Sanghelios battle cruiser arrived to help, the Brutes fled the system, taking Kaidon 'Mdalakai with them.

Upon meeting the rescue ship's commanders, Tar immediately invoked the right of release, an intention to rescue her father from a shameful life of capture. In the spirit of Thel 'Vadam's liberalisation of the Swords military, the cruiser's captain granted her passage and enlistment aboard.

The cruiser gave chase to the Brute ship, but it got away. They searched for the aggressors, but the trail went cold. Tar vowed never to give up, but accepted that she needed to contribute.

She quickly fell in with a squad of Brute hunters that were formerly part of the Silent Shadow division of Covenant crack troops. They were operating from the battle cruiser and had learned of Tar's plight. When they realised her ability in combat, they offered her a place on missions slaughtering any Jiralhanae they could find. Tar gained a reputation for exceptional cruelty when it came to Brutes, often appearing to exact personal revenge on each combatant.

It took three long years of searching before Tar got a solid lead. Some of the Brutes they'd interrogated had heard a rumor Sangheili kaidons were being held on Brute ships near a Forerunner construct known as Sarcophagus. Her squad tried to convince her the intel was shaky at best, but Tar didn't care.

She parted ways with Silent Shadow and set out on her own. Finding passage aboard a military vessel, she gained access to the Sangheili-Human facilities on Sarcophagus by joining the colony's defensive contingent.

However, despite searching for months, Tar could find no trace of the Brute cruiser. To make matters worse, she couldn't stray far from her unit for fear of being tried as a deserter. Many of the assignments on Sarcophagus were for life, but Tar certainly wasn't planning on staying that long if she could help it.

[User]
Spartan Lucas Ryker

The sudden barrage of SAW fire was more than a bit annoying for the SPARTAN IV as he was forced into cover once more, though at least this was more the kind of suppressive fire that kept him from getting a clear shot. Since he was on the high ground, the shots had less chance of hitting his shielding, but he couldn't get a clear line of fire. So, swapping the SMG for his DMR, he braced and waited. Eventually, he could hear the sound of the Mgalekgolo's cannon charging and he knew he'd have his chance soon.

However, as he went to relay an idea he had to Grikgar, the cannon fired and the Unggoy opened fire with his pistol. "Well, I can work with that too." Popping up with his DMR already tucked snuggly into his shoulder, Lucas opens fire, first putting a bullet through the head of the SAW gunner before shifting to pick off another designated rifleman thinking he was sneaky from the doorway. {Heads up, Squad Leader, they're taking cover in the hallway beyond...well, it looks like another hallway at least. I know they're using the door way.} A couple of AR rounds ping off the SPARTAN-IV's shielding and he ducks briefly before popping back up and returning fire, missing the intended head shot and instead putting the bullet through the insurgent's shoulder.

[Assistant]
Yalu 'Suumko

Good, clear from above, Yalu thought towards the dead brute that tumbled off the walkway above him. That was one way to signal that the high ground was taken.

Yalu reloaded his carbine. He was at his second-to-last magazine now. Unfortunately, just as his shields found a moment to hum back to full strength, the telltale stomps of the brute chieftain heralded the charge against Rex.

The spartan was struck deep into the chest. Yalu was in no position to do anything about it. He fell into hesitation, even as the invincibility module faded away. If it weren't for the ONI agents keeping the enemies suppressed, their flank might have been completely done in.

But he shook it off. He filled his lungs and charged. "Rrrraaaaaaah!" Yalu's warcry steeled his nerves as much as it was meant to catch the chieftain's attention. Any one ally would be in danger brawling against a brute with a hammer, but two against one tipped the scales. He fired scattered carbine rounds against the chieftain's shield on the way in. He feigned suicidal rage. However, he kept his footwork ready to void aside or back from a hammer swing in retribution. He did not intend to fight like a mad animal.

[User]
Vael 'Virisusai and Tasuma

---

The detonation of Tasuma's fuel rod blast was the signal for Vael as well. While Ryker and Grikgar fired from above on the right flank, Vael moved in on the left flank. He initially moved in under the cover of active camouflage. The imperfect invisibility could be spotted at such close range, but in this case, he only needed it to give him a few moments to approach while his enemy was otherwise occupied.

For Vael, he was able to rush in to close the gap on the left pillar while the rebels were hiding from Tasuma's fuel rod. By the time one of them peered out and spotted the shimmering in the air, he was already upon them. His blade ignited mid-swing, and the body of the Human he was looming over put up no resistance as it cleaved through. The second rebel behind the pillar did manage to land a few SMG rounds on Vael in the second or two he had to react, but it was far from enough to break the Sangheili's shields before his body too was pierced by the energy sword.

Ryker was correct that the remainder of the rebels were trying to move into the hall. They no longer had much of a defensive position, and those that were left were willing to retreat. The volume of plasma bolts from Grik, couples with accurate DMR fire from Ryker, put on them a great deal of pressure. Three made a run for the door while firing blindly back at the pair, and two went down before they could make it into the hall. For the few that remained pinned behind the right pillar, another fuel rod from Tasuma landed directly beside them.

When there were no more left to retreat, the rebels closed and locked down the door to the hallway. It would only delay their team for a short time if they decided to pursue, but it would let the rebels put some distance between them. However, Vael had other priorities than ordering a chase. As soon as the room was cleared, he ran back to the center to the nearest crate. Their objective had been to find the armory, so using his strength to simply pry open the lock, Vael pulled open one of the crates to see its contents. Unfortunately, it was not weapons within, but rather sealed, packaged foodstuffs. He let out an irritated growl and flared his mandibles. "This is not the armory. Fall back, and we will rejoin the others."

[Assistant]
Spartan Lucas Ryker

{Copy, coming down.} Turning to the Unggoy, he nodded before heading for the ramp back down. "Sounds like we didn't get the fun objective. Squad lead says back to the split." Obviously the walk back down the ramp was going to prove far less dangerous and the trip back out of the room, but that didn't bother the SPARTAN-IV. It gave them time to strategize and re-establish contact with Aviza's team, though he wasn't sure that they'd answer if they were in the midst of a fire fight. Reaching the bottom of the ramp, Ryker took up a position looking down the hall from the door way. "That sure was an awful lot of fight for some food stuffs. Are we sure they're nothing special?" It wasn't an uncommon thing for things like food stuffs to be used as IEDs, especially with the peacetime they were in and the shortages some sectors were facing.

Then again, if they'd been rigged, suppose the Innies would have detonated the stash then and there and there'd have been no firefight like there was. Still, perhaps having a bomb removal team come through and check wouldn't hurt in the post-operation. "Ready to move when you are squad lead."

[User]
The first thought that ran through Aviza's mind as soon as she witnessed Spartan Rex receive the devastating blow from the Brute Chieftains Gravity hammer was immediate medical attention for what was most likely a life threatening injury. She knew this could not be done in their current situation, given the circumstances and the obvious threat that was still prevalent. With very few options available at the moment, Aviza sprinted forward towards her fallen Spartan, only coming to a stop when she arrived by his side. "Shih, I need a full scan of Spartan Rex, or as detailed as you can give. Once that is done, I want you to send a message to the Chorus of Thunder and inform them that we have injured and will need a fully detailed medical team on standby once our mission here is finished."

For the moment, Aviza's Argus armor was informing her that she still had a few more seconds before she had to actually face the Brute Chieftain in combat, but a few seconds was all she needed to at least attempt to stabilize Spartan Rex. Quickly reaching onto the advanced medical kit she kept on herself at all times, Aviza produced a biofoam dispenser and was about to place it back inside of the medical case when she witnessed the Chieftain slam his hammer down at the feet of Tar, thankfully no energy wave was dispensed. With some quick thinking, she tossed the biofoam canister at the Brute Chieftains head and then rapid fired the underslung shotgun upon her MA5D Assault Rifle untill the eight round clip ran dry and had to be replaced.

If this did not severely injure the Brute Cheiftan, they would be in serious trouble. Thankfully though, Aviza found an opportunity to assist Tar, and grabbed onto the back of her armor, pulling her back and away from the Brute and helping her onto her feet before once more turning to face the Brute Chieftain.

[Assistant]
The Brute Chieftain recoiled under the barrage of shotgun shells, but possessed the presence of mind to raise the bulky armour plate attached to his left arm. It absorbed some of the impact, shattering to pieces.

The Chieftain issued a guttural, gurgling roar. He raised his hammer off the floor, jabbing it straight out in front of him at Aviza before lurching round and swinging it in a wide, brutal arc at Yalu as he rushed in from behind. The Elite's battlecry had obviously alerted the Chieftain to the danger.

Tar sprung to her feet with Aviza's interrupted help. She dodged the Chieftain's savage jab, aided by the fact she wasn't the principal target. As soon as the Brute turned his back to pound Yalu, Tar jumped forward and clambered up his back. She reached for her holstered energy sword, intent on ramming it through a chink in the Brute's neck armour.

Before she could, the Chieftain's head jerked backwards in a panicked motion; his helmet smashed into her face. One of Tar's feet slipped, and she was forced to quickly put both hands back on the Brute's armour to avoid falling off and being trampled. She tried to grab her sword again.


[System]
---

NPC

Code: SANCTION //
A liaison from Magus Prohibitum, Sanction (real name, Kalia Morfunde), Sanction serves as the occasional yoke to organized Cleaner activity. Technically a Cleaner herself, her connections with Magus Prohibitum afford her access to their activity, which she can relay as a warning or guidance to other Cleaners. Stern, business-like, and with a terrible sense of humor, her presence is preferably transient to most others, though nevertheless invaluable.

Code: CASH //
A powerful shareholder in Heintje, Laurence Slanne came into Cleaner society after a drawn-out experience with a nightmare in his mansion. Two months of camera crews, exorcists both fake and real, and a few Cleaners assuming identities as ghost hunters, and he was rid of the plague. Free time and curiosity getting the better of him, Laurence developed a hobby in nightmare hunting -or, at the very least, funding missions to do so.

Code: DORM //
17-year-old "Drake" Vorsque, for all his somber attitude, loves his work. Though many tease him for being quiet, often melancholy, the Thremont high-schooler truly enjoys company. Once a blissfully unaware student, his involvement with Codename PING eventually revealed to him the underlying existence of nightmares, after which he devoted himself to fighting said entities. One of the few younger Cleaners that still maintains academy attendance, Drake makes for an effective connection to the law-abiding youth of Neo Babylon.

Code: VENGE //
Sole survivor of the Thursday Dawn Massacre, Penny "Double-Take" Viritchi knows the truth; her gang, her blood, her family were not killed by rivals, but by a creature. Swearing to end its unlife, she took her ruthless nature into Cleaner culture where she's been an active member since. Volatile and violent, Penny is frequently the subject of intense reprimand from peers, especially Sanction.

Code: PING //
Though she tends to avoid having to engage in combat, Ping associates herself with the Cleaners as an indispensable resource. Ping is known as a "Natural", an individual born with the ability to use a sort of intrinsic magic. Extremely rare, Ping's intrinsic magic is the ability to 'sense' magic itself. Though quiet, she's an aloof spirit that seems to enjoy the vagrant lifestyle.

Code: MOM //
Owner of the Cafe Thaza, Melanie "Mom" Dresdain is a face known by most, if not all Cleaners of Neo Babylon, thanks to her generous nature and ownership of frequented what is essentially a "Cleaner clubhouse". Her two late sons were the ones to bring her into the Cleaner folds where she stayed after their deaths.

[User]
Chris' bike was many things, but quiet was not one of them. Not typically at the least. It was why, even beneath the ground floor, the dull rumble of its engine was just barely audible as he pulled up next to Cafe Thaza. It took a few moments for the chime to sound when he actually entered the building, and it wasn't long until heavy footsteps made their ways down the stairs. Nudging open the doors to the room, he held a bag of what looked like groceries in one hand as he approached the gathered group.

His head moved slightly, just enough to notice he was looking at each individual present. "Huh, guess I missed something," he remarked as he then glanced down at the drying splotches of blood at the floor. Remark aside, he peered over Ma's shoulder and hummed as he read the message. "Nice, nice." A wide grin adorned his expression at the prospect of Nightmare work since it'd been some time since he last dealt with the beasties. Placing the bag atop a counter after he said that, he adjusted his shades and took a seat on a stool before he spun around to look at everyone again.

"So! Anyone figure anything out yet? Hash out any plans?" He spread his arms outwards, gesturing towards everyone that had gathered, as he spoke in a boisterous tone.

[Assistant]
Jiangli let out a low whistle at the reported death count, grimacing.

"Twenty armed gangsters? We'll need to deploy in force and use heavy firepower to handle this, at the least." He murmured, reflexively reaching for his pack of cigarettes despite already reeking of cheap tobacco. He stuck one in his mouth, but didn't bother lighting it.

Jiangli shrugged at Echo, still resisting the urge to light up in a non-smoking room. "Can't say for sure yet. We'll need to see what Cash knows first before we make any plans." He shifted his gaze to Echo's grocery bag. "You pick up any more Lucky Strikes?" The former Agent gestured to his box of cigarettes. "I'm on my last box."

[User]
Vivian's eyes wandered to Jiangli as she followed the conversation along. "Twenty sheep are nothing for a seasoned wolf. Even a pup like me could do that if they'd happen to carry the wrong things." Vivian stopped. Her voice had been rather flat and neutral the entire time, and her eyes now widened. Gasping, she held her hands in front of her mouth.

Only now she realized what she had just said. Treating those poor souls like dirt and kind-of scolding the chain-smoker for treating the 20 dead victims like some big threat. This wasn't like her at all. Sure, after having been through what she had been, one would tend to have a more grim outlook, but the girl made continuous efforts to stay positive.

This? What she had just said were thoughts she'd never share with anyone, not even gramps. No, Vivian wasn't in her right mind. Maybe having been holed up since Gramps dad was indeed doing more bad than good. Yeah, instead, she should be out there and hunting this Nightmare, taking on the mission and all that.

"I apologize." She now murmured and lowered her head, hoping the others would just ignore her.

[Assistant]
As the night sluggishly went on, the occupants and transients of the Cafe lounge eventually dispersed after conversations, jokes, and suggestions. For the time being, while they had all had their own experience's with nightmares, the information available was simply too small to forge anything beyond imagination. True consideration of the target would have to wait until Cash offered more than an enigmatic description.

Those who didn't call the Cafe their home went their separate ways, disappearing into the upper floor and street outside. The others stayed, retreating into the numerous small, oftentimes windowless bedrooms that riddled the bottom 3 floors of the establishment. Melanie remained upon the couch on the first basement floor, leaving the stained blood couch for cleaning tomorrow; or replacement, if it wouldn't come out. She fell asleep to the thoughts of arcane carpet cleaners.

--------

The following morning was one of common chaos; with too few bathrooms for the otherwise densely populated building, anger was high as usual. When everyone had gotten ready, they were free to pick from the daily basket of baked goods Melanie would lay out every morning. It wasn't enough for everyone, nor a truly nutritious meal for anyone, but it sufficed in filling the bellies of those who hadn't the time or funds for the day to go out and eat a full breakfast. There were always a few that did, however, and so the basket often lay with one or two biscuits or muffins slowly growing stale by the end of the day.

With work to do, the manager of the building was already on the top floor, tending to patrons of the Cafe alongside whichever part-timer had shown up for the shift. From the basement floor just below, the residents could hear the heavy footfalls of bigger individuals, and the jingle of the bell hanging on the Cafe door.

To the side of the first basement floor, situated above a few old wooden round tables was a white-board. Most of the markings in black sharpie had been there for so long, they effectively became permanent. Old notes that were no longer relevant, along with a minimalist chart of some Cleaner names and their phone numbers or addresses. A star marked those who could provide sanctuary if needed.

Laurence "Cash" Slanne was one such individuals, though any older Cleaner knew well the man preferred his many homes to be a 'last resort' when it came to providing sanctuary. His address was faded but just as permanent as the rest, and marked only his main residence. Melanie had indicated the previous night, after a short exchange with Cash, that said residence was where the group was to meet him. A manor situated in one of the few "Envi-Novel" closed communities; a large-foundation high-rise at the upper reaches of the city, complete with more greenery than was imaginable by Neo Babylon citizens who'd never left the city.

However they managed to get to the place, the Cleaners had a long road ahead of them; the space between Cafe Thaza and the manor was about forty-minutes in length, complete with inevitable traffic once they hit the inner city. Up and down the city layers, onto magnetic freeways, through holes built into buildings... The group converged on the Eni-Novel foundation, visible even from miles away.

Situated between a series of five skyscrapers far and above the rest was a pentagonal concrete structure, like a plate being held atop bricks. Though they couldn't see the top of the foundation from down below, they could certainly tell it would be a bright environment once they got up there. After using a few off-ramps, vehicular elevators, and passing through chic, high-end, and blatantly gentrified streets, they came upon the gates of the Envi-Novel community. Behind the black iron gates was a wide-open series of fields and winding roads, dotted with small groves, parks, and trails. The occasional mansion peeked out from behind a row of well-kept trees.

It would have appeared extremely unguarded for a wealthy community in the current century, but the more perceptive would have noticed an occasional flicker of light just behind the iron gates; a shield, undoubtedly with quite the punch. Each of the Cleaner parties came upon a security checkpoint, already prepared for strange looks from the... robotic guard.

The box-headed robot gave the Cleaners a completely neutral greeting, unperturbed by appearances, thankfully.

"Good-evening ladies and gentlemen. How can I help you? Are you here to see someone?" the robot asked in a rehearsed tone. A mention of Laurence prompted the robot to check a screen just below its vision before nodding and pressing a button. "Indeed. Mister Slanne is expecting quite a bit of company, it seems," the robot continued. The gates in front of the cars lifted, and with it the faintly-visible shield, allowing them passage.

Coursing through the pristine environment, a rolled-down window revealed that the air outside smelled just as perfect. Everything in the Envi-Novel was maintained with comfort in mind, and to eliminate the sense of being surrounded by concrete darkness. Following the street signs, they found their way to Cash's manor which was, perhaps surprisingly, about as big as any other on the premises. Whoever else lived here must have been of equally filthy rich status.

The driveway turned into a dirt path that led up a small hill for the front yard, a place that could easily have fit six cars with room for late-night tire-screeching donut showcases. As the Cleaners all made it there, grouping by grouping, eventually the occupants seemed to take notice of their presence. A butler walked outside briefly, looking out across the driveway at the parked cars, before returning inside.

After a couple minutes, Laurence walked outside with a serious expression upon his face. The business tycoon was all appearances when it came to Cleaner dealings, though most everyone knew well how aloof he could be when it came to free time. He touched something in his suit pocket, hidden inside, before extending a hand to a few of the gathered Cleaners after they exited their cars.

"Morning everyone," he began, stepping back to get a look at all of them. "We'll be staying out here." Cash snapped his finger, and the butler standing a few feet behind him turned heel to fetch something. In the meanwhile, Cash took out a phone and began typing away, speaking in between bouts of texting.

"Sorry I couldn't give you details. This one's strange to say the least. Hard to give you an accurate account unless I can show you what's going on." He put his phone away, and a tiny, tiny smile escaped his lips. "And whatever you do, don't try this at home." The butler returned with what appeared to be... a simple cardboard box. Albeit a very clean and shapely box, but merely cardboard nonetheless. Under the butler's arm was a folded plastic mat, which he began to lay out on the parking lot while Cash continued watching the group.

With the plastic laid out, the butler set the box down in the middle of it and lifted the lid before waiting. After a minute, another butler appeared from around the manor side, carrying this time... a chicken. A live chicken. The fowl squabbled quietly in his hands, seeming uncaring of being carried across the lot. He approached the cardboard box and set the chicken inside before closing the lid and taping it shut. The bird fit perfectly inside, still clucking in the dark.

"Now then. Let me show you what we're dealing with," Cash said, putting a hand into his suit pocket before pulling out a photograph. From his pen pocket, he pulled out a sharpie and took a knee before the box, carefully looking at the photograph. After a second or two, he began to draw upon the top of the cardboard box, creating a strange symbol none of those gathered had seen before. It was complex, clearly magical, but not any sort of rune they could identify.

Cash paused and took a deep breath before finishing the symbol with one long stroke across the surface. Immediately he stood up and backpedaled, as if having just lit up a firework. For a moment, nothing happened and then...

There was no squawk. No peep. No chirp from the chicken inside. Only a sudden and violent explosion of blood that sprayed through the seams in the cardboard box, caking the plastic mat in dark red. As soon as it was over, a butler approached at a distance and threw a lit match upon the cardboard box, lighting it aflame. Cash watched as it burned before turning to the group.

"Now imagine someone put that on your door."


[System]
Hero Name: Lord Dragon

Appearance:
One of the first things noticed about Kaze is his immense size. He stood at an intimidating eight feet tall and looking like a professional weight lifter without steroids. Or as some people liked to say "He's built like a brickhouse." Normally after they hit him once and they hurt themselves. Covering his body is a natural armor, surprisingly malleable plates and scales that seemed to harden on impacts. Attached to his shoulders are a pair of giant pseudo-wings with terrifying claws at the joint that act like a second pair of hands. Lastly he has a long tail that's strangely agile and prehensile.

His coloration is interesting. His "underbelly" is a royal purple, along with the membrane of his wings, while the rest of his body is jet black like space. His eyes glow slightly and are a deep crimson. His horns, spikes, claws, and teeth are all completely white despite his age. Lastly if you see the inside of his mouth it glows a dangerous looking green right down into his core.

Kaze doesn't really wear normal clothing. Instead he has a long kilt that's dark red with a golden boarder. Holding it up is a steel band that's a foot wide and three inches thick with a massive ruby in the clasp holding it closed.

Age: 15

Class: 1-A

Quirk:
Dragon Body: A Mutant Type Quirk, Kaze has the appearance of a humanoid draconic being. Scales coat his body, his fingers and toes end in claws, he has pseudo-wings on his back, and a long and surprisingly prehensile tail protruding from his backside. The 'Dragon Body' seems to be a myriad of other types of quirks stuffed into one body. The animalistic strength being one, high endurance being another. But unlike mythical dragons, Kaze does not have an elemental breath attack. Just an overall huge boost to his own physical capabilities, and he can glide. His wings too immature to actually allow flight.

Strengths:
* Peak Human: On a physical level, he is at peak human capabilities in nearly all aspects. He's above peak when it comes to his strength
* Iron Body: His scales aren't just for show, they offer a great deal of protection. Their shape, their tiny size, and the patterns all make him incredibly tough when it comes to slashing and piercing styled attacks. His dense muscles also help reduce heavier impact damage.
* Combat: When it comes to fighting he's exceptionally good at it. Thanks to his animalistic make-up he fights in a way that is very hard to predict, especially with added limbs thrown into the mix.

Weaknesses:
* Heavy: He is incredibly heavy, weight almost one thousand pounds, this makes him slower than normal and harder to maneuver when charging, or when being controlled in some manner.
* Cold Blood: Given his reptilian nature, the cold will make him hibernate and eventually die if exposed for long periods of time.
* Under-thinking: He doesn't always think things completely through, acting mostly on instinct or just gut feelings. Obviously not the greatest thing, but not the worst thing, a hero can do.

Personality:
Unlike what Kaze's gung-ho body looks like, his personality is very laid back. Preferring to lounge and watch others instead of actually doing things with others. Maybe it was because of his reptilian nature, watching and being a lethargic behemoth. Although when he does interact, it's in almost a deadpan manner and incredibly blunt. The draconic boy never sugar-coated what he was saying. This lack of tact didn't earn him many friends.

Despite his supposed laziness, he does get riled up. It's also very easy to do so, a lazy giant with a short fuse isn't very good. This probably ties into his animalistic tendencies, at the hint of aggression or provocation he returns it in force and forcing adults to restrain him.

History/Bio:
Kaze comes from a decent line of draconic women mating with quirked males. He's a strong result of these quirks melding into a singular stronger quirk. This of course led him to being the lazy teen he is now, never having to really work for anything that others did. Strength? He had that in spades, his muscle structure huge and powerful. Reflexes? His reptilian nature covered it. Endurance? He could go for hours and tank powerful hits. He learned that after a bull decided to slam into him at ten years old.

His lack of a work ethic bugged him honestly, but then again he couldn't figure out a way to really work himself. Everything felt so...easy when it came to physical activities. He could have worked on his temperament. But his parents weren't exactly helpful in that and the teachers of his old schools just settled on restraining the volatile teen.

After thinking of ways to help himself, and potentially help others, he settled on looking into Hero stuff. Sure there were a few hotheads, but for the most part they didn't seem to get riled up to much. He didn't have too high of an expectation of himself, who ever heard of a lazy hero?

[User]
Lizzy tapped her hands together, giving tiny metal 'chink' sounds every time the tapped as she waited for everyone to enter the classroom. Apparently the boy who looked like a dragon couldn't breath fire, yet another of her classmates could? Lizzy couldn't help but give a little mechanical chuckle at the oddity of that situation. Next came in a kid with a bandana over his mouth. This boy kept on looking at Lizzy and the dragon boy with a bit of disbelief on his face which was always enjoyable to watch. There was also another kid, a really thin kid, that Lizzy hadn't noticed until now which sort of gave off a... creepy aura about him? Lizzy couldn't place it.

Lizzy didn't have much time to think about it though as their homeroom teacher came in following the last few stragglers. And he was a dinosaur? A dragon and a dinosaur, it was going to be a really fun time here! No wonder why the classroom door was so big... His speech was pretty fun. It was clear he was trying to intimidate the class at the start, but Lizzy couldn't help but think about how much fun it was to have a dragon AND a dinosaur in her classroom. And when the man looked at her, she couldn't help but enjoy that he noticed how much polishing she did this morning. As he finished his speech, his intimidating look went away as he asked for each student to declare why they were here.

Akendo went first, giving her reason to be a hero was, just to be a hero. Just like Lizzy! With her declaration done, Lizzy went next. "Hiya everyone. I'm Lizzy and I wanna be a hero as well. Need to make sure people can live life happy right?" Lizzy said, standing up as her chair groaned in relief to give her statement. She waited to be given the signal to sit back down, deciding to stand like Akendo. Lizzy's chair was very grateful for the relief.

[Assistant]
Yuno's attempt at making friends clearly failed, as no one bothered replying, though he did get a chuckle out of the metal girl, so maybe there was hope? Shrugging, he found a desk near the front and sat down. Normally he might have been surprised to see a tiny dino be their homeroom teacher, but after the arm dragon and the robot girl, a tiny dino seemed reasonable.

Yuno was the third person in the class to get up and give his introduction. Better to get it over with, he figured. "Hello Sensei. I'm Yuno. My goal is to be a cool and confidant hero who protects everyone from the villains. Umm, nice to meet you all."  He finished with a tiny bow.

Yuno was a bit unsure if they were supposed to keep standing or not, as the two to answer before he did, but the teacher had not told them to do so, so the expected thing to do should have bee to just sit back down, right? Like almost always when faced with a dilemma like this, Yuno decided to take the easy way out, and just sat back down. If they were supposed to stand, he figured the teacher would tell him to stand back up. If not, well, why stand when you can sit?

[User]
Kisa inhaled softly as she saw what appeared to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex, walk into the room. She raised her eyebrows as he introduced himself as their homeroom teacher, how ironic that they both had a dragon and a dinosaur in their class. Kisa wondered if it was more than mere coincidence, but then Mr. Suika was talking about them declaring themselves, as if they needed to explain why they wanted to study at UA. Who didn't want to study at UA? It was the top school in the country for aspiring heroes, Kisa could only count herself monumentally lucky that she had scored a spot for herself.

The first one to stand was the athletic girl Kisa had talked to earlier, Akeno, declared first that she wished to be a hero. The next to stand was Lizzy, and Kisa found herself smiling softly when the robot girl talked about keeping people safe. That was why Kisa wanted to be a hero, after all. Next the boy who had boasted about breathing fire declared that he too, wished to be a hero. Kisa knew that she would eventually have to stand up in front of the whole class and declare that she wanted to be a hero as well, but she found herself extremely nervous. Shaking slightly in her seat, Kisa stood slowly with her eyes cast on the floor.

"Hi...m-my name is K-Kisame Momosake and uhm,"  Kisa took a deep breath and swallowed thickly balling her hands into fists at her sides as she bit her bottom lip nervously, steeling herself. She really needed to work on her confidence.

I'm not the most confident or the strongest, but I've wanted to be a hero since I was a kid. I've always admired those willing to sacrifice everything to help those in need, I've always wanted to be like that! When I got my quirk I felt like it was my responsibility to use it to help those that couldn't help themselves, and so I decided to become a hero someday...to do whatever it took, " Kisa said in a soft voice and looked up at Mr. Suika, knowing she was probably being way too dramatic for the situation. She didn't care though, she needed to declare herself right? Kisa knew that if she was going to start being confident in herself, she had to be honest with why she was at UA. It wasn't just because she wanted to learn how to use her quirk to save people.

She wanted to learn how to believe in herself too.

"I know that UA can help me become a more confident person and teach me to believe in myself! I know that I need to learn how to trust myself, to be a better hero. So I'm not just here to become a stronger hero, I'm here to become a stronger person as well. I'm tired of being scared and anxious all the time," She said and grit her teeth as she realized she'd said that last part much more forcefully, the passion seeping into her tone. Kisa blushed a deep red as she ran a hand through her long hair and once again looked down at the floor.

"Sorry I know that was really long-winded and you probably just wanted us to keep things simple but... I had to get that out, to be honest about why I'm here,"

[Assistant]
Kaze's nearly closed eye cut towards the fire breathing boy. He looked a bit put out that no one had really commented on his fire breathing. "Kids today are less impressed by things due to technology, don't let it get to you." He rumbled out as the teacher entered the room. How did he know the dinosaur man was the teacher? The way he dressed, the way he held himself, and the fact that all the desks except the teachers was taken. Another yawn and then his jaw shut with a meaty snap before his eyes closed.

But just because his eyes were closed didn't mean he wasn't paying attention. His ears were cocked forward, focusing on the front of the room as the draconic teen relaxed. When the teacher ended his speech, much of which was strange philosophical stuff, Kaze uttered one word. "Rawr...." And then he was quiet as the others stood and said their peace.

Sighing, why did schools always do this, he sat up. He didn't need to stand, he was big enough as is and he was lazy. "Kaze Rin, I'm doin this cuz I feel like it. Being a Hero wouldn't be bad, we'll see if I get there." He growled out monotonously before relaxing on the desks he hoarded once more. As unenthusiastic as one could get short of being a corpse.


[System]
Gender
Female
Age
16
Year
First Year
Birthday
13 of February
Astrological Sign
Aquarius
Species
Human
Class
Analysis and Support
Weapon
Cybernetic Enhanced Eyes:
Her eyes are upgraded to analyze and record any data she's seen, allowing her to pinpoint strategic weaknesses and probability patterns.

 Also displays an ally's vitals, ranging from health to the stress toll on their body.

While she can read the streams of data constantly running across her retina, Mia's glasses serve as secondary platform when she wants to focus on a specific report, or to pull up a layout or map of the area.

The eyes also give her a basic reading on a object's weight, height, core temperature, and a frailty rating.

 When focusing in on a living being it adapts to give the same data, but processes the frailty rating against visual damaged sustained or taken allowing a probability of how much more can be taken before the object or person becomes critical or broken.

Since it's integrated into her and is essentially what gives her her sight, she can't turn it off.

 Everything she looks at feeds her data so she tries to avoid anomalies and irregularities that would overload her system causing a reboot reverting her back to being blind until it comes back online.
World
Earth
Short Biography
Mia was born blind, yet having been born to rich parents it was an easy fix. They had made their fortune off selling and trading new age items as well as products from Lucis to 3rd world countries; in return gaining access to ancient commodities that collectors would pay handsomely for. By the age of 5 Mia was undergoing treatments to restore sight, along with a few added upgrades, originally intended to help market and track values on the constant influx of trading goods.
Personality
Mia is extremely shy, having only been around her parents and personal tutors, she's had little real experience with the world outside her parents shop beside the adventurer or two coming into sell their wares. She only comes across as calm and collected when reiterating data, advising,or giving out tips and crucial information.
Partner
TBA
Fear(s)/Weakness(es)/Limit(s)
Mia is weak against strong personalities, having always listened to her father's instructions, and her mother's constant stream of critiques and request giving her little time to adapt against them.

 She's also not psychically strong when it comes to direct combat, often finding herself facing larger opponents she's learned to stick to the back lines and avoid a direct area around any combatants, having no desire to attempt to scramble out of the way or get hit by wayward and direct attacks.

 She fears that she might have made the wrong choice, replying to the letter and that maybe she would be better off back home in the shop, constantly questioning what she's doing.
Strange Attributes/Abilities/Traits
Spending her youth organizing and handling the shipping dockets, Mia became naturally accustomed to reorganizing the data she records to fit certain scenarios and make it easier to recall, though only having her eyes rebuilt means she has the same processing power of most merchants and shop owners having learned to quickly skim reports and pick out what's needed, trying to access information too quickly can cause her eyes to throb and induce headaches.

Her eyes have the ability to zoom in and out giving her a range of scope over areas, used to help find items in the warehouse or in the storefront. She's adapted it to focus on creatures movements, the tightening of a muscle before the energy is released, using that she couples it with data she's gather on different people's anatomy and psychic to gather a basic reading on an average persons capable limits but her data and assumption aren't always right so she continues to read on different anatomy and observes others to gain a more complete basis to work off of.

She uses the same concept when it comes to combat, observing what attacks do instant damage or if they're prolonged, also if they're negated by certain psychical or magical Traits of their opponent, making assumptions and possible tactics to bypass it or if she can use that data to narrow down what would effective. Also being able to hone in on an enemy gives her a chance to look over the anatomy, gathering reference data and observing for any places where a capable attack would do the most damage.

Tl;Dr: The more she observes the better her references and assumption will be, most of what she builds and plans are theories that are constantly changing until tested.
Other
When she has free time Mia is often found in a quiet place, generally either outside in one of the schools gardens or in the library reading and researchimg data on social interaction and self confidence.

[User]
Having been seated rather close to the offending pair, Mia was in for a surprise once the boxes started shrinking around her and she found herself back in her seat; getting a front row view of the two students tangled in a rather risque and lewd affair. The bright blush that took over her face was almost as fast as she was scrambling backwards away from the naked figures, her eyes wide behind her glasses as she vaguely registered what the principal had said about roommates and coming back for dinner. Her first priority was to get away, whispering a rather long string of excuse me's and bumping into people as she kept her head down, the small girl found herself back outside before she knew it. Turning around slightly she bite her lip wondering just where to go now, pulling up the speech and maps from earlier getting familiarized with her new setting, the snow still falling down lightly littering her glasses with small speaks of snow. Sighing she pulled her glasses off, cleaning, them wondering if she could delete the images from earlier from her memory.

As she placed her glasses back on she exhaled slowly calming herself back down, "I suppose I should go drop of my bags.." She rationalized before joining the throng of students spilling out of the main hall, her small bag swaying slightly by her side, as she went over the status of the students when they reappeared from their own boxes. It seems that some of them had gotten into fights, and we're in various states. Musing slightly, she wondered just how well she would fit in to a school of fighters, it seems she would have to do some adapting and find a way to fight on her own terms. The thought of it sent a small shiver of excitement through the quiet girl, maybe this was the change she needed after all. Grinning at the idea, Mia took off towards the dorms with sure footsteps determined to make the best of this opportunity.

[Assistant]
Mathew Holmes

Well this was a surprise; turns out that Mia was his new roommate. Having had the upbringing he did, Mathew wasn't completely comfortable sharing a room with a girl his age that he wasn't either married or related to. 'I can foresee this causing more then a few problems. How does one even go about sharing a room with a girl in the first place anyway?' His cheeks reddened a little bit

Not having any idea how to handle this, Mathew was forced to play it by ear. First order of business; drop his stuff off at his new room 'I suppose it's a good thing that I packed relatively light.' He thought to himself as he made his way through the crowd of students 'I can't believe that the faculty would do something as irresponsible as putting boys and girls in the same room. I'm starting to worry for my future.' Once he reached his new room, he opened the door to find a surprise; Mia was already inside. It took Mathew's brain a few seconds to processes that '...that's right; Mia is my new roommate. I can't believe I let this catch me off guard.' It was at this point that Mathew entered unfamiliar territory "u-um...greetings Mia, fancy meeting you here" he said to her 'did...did I honestly just say that? What the blazes is wrong with me!?' he couldn't hide (mostly because he didn't realize it was even there) the red blush on his cheeks.

[User]
Mia tilted her head looking at the door to room 69 curiously, the idea of sharing a room with a guy was rather unsettling, but she rationalized it by deciding that they would split the room in half and he wouldn't be allowed to cross over to her side. It was a nice concept but she wasn't sure she'd honestly be able to enforce it just yet, but he seemed like a well enough guy to follow her one simple requested. Taking a deep breath she pushed open the door taking in the rather spacious room, it was bigger then the doorway led on to be, but after all what else did you expect from a magic endowed academy. Walking in she looked around taking in the simple yet elegant decor, deciding to take the bed closest to the window setting her bags down on the adjacent desk, quickly and efficiently setting up what little scrolls and books she had brought with her. They wouldn't stay organized for long but for now it seemed that they would hold.

Jumping slightly at the sound of voice greeting her, causing her to spin around from her desk blinking a few times before registering that she would have to start living with someone else for the time being, "Ah! H-hello again.." She muttered softly in reply, trying not to laugh at the look of surprise mimicked on his face shaking her head she tilted it slightly again looking at him curiously, as he started to berate himself. "U-ummm would you like to go get lunch..?" She offered figdetly wanting out of the room, feeling slightly uneasy at being alone in a room, it wasn't the same as before, this was a much more personal setting. To distract herself she pulled up a diagram of the school, realizing the cafeteria wasn't as far away from their dorm and that the library was close as well perhaps she would stop by there later.

[Assistant]
Ralthavar Marchosias

Now freed from their cages, Ralthavar and his orcs were given free reign to wander around the college. Not wanting to be leading a flock Ralthavar ordered his orcs to go explore. He just wanted to meet people without his entourage. Of course, the first thing he'd do would see this dorm of his. Admittedly Ralthavar had the luxuries of being a prince back in Lucis, and was prepare for a more spartan treatment here at the academy. The same couldn't be said of his roommate. Somehow or another the little girl managed to get here before he did, though she seemed to be waiting for her luggage. Her comments about Ralthavar was making him irritated. At least until another... Girl? Guy? A stark naked demon, he knew that much. She started to flirt with Ralthavar, which he responded succinctly. "Not interested. But she's all yours." Ralthavar motioned towards the little girl in his room, leaving to find other things to do.

He found himself in the cafeteria, and sure enough there was a small group of orcs who were taking advantage of the amenities, ordering large amounts of food only to carry them away to gods-know-where. Hording food for winter maybe. Ralthavar didn't particularly care and made his way to the lunch line.

Rei Maven

Rei could only laugh as the headmaster and others around her grew increasingly embarrassed at Rei's appearance. It didn't help that she acted continuously vulgar to the point that she was in dire need of a shower. Eventually some of the school staffers forced a robe onto her and made her leave the main hall before she infects others around her with her desire, but as soon as she was out of eye sight she simply shifted out of the robes and back into her nude form. "Eh he he he... Well, I know I'll definitely be seeing Varren soon, so who else should I play around with?"

Walking to the dormitory, it seemed like the best place to find a fuck buddy. With so many young and horny teenagers it shouldn't be hard for Rei to find someone to brain with her great club. She could hear chatter behind locked doors, and the thought of being suddenly spotted while she was still in the nude excited her. Soon she found an orcish student who seemed mildly irritated. Seeking her chance Rei approached the orc. "Oh... I've caught myself an orc. Whatever base, tawdry acts you orcs commit, I... I'm not afraid!" Rei than exposed herself to the orc, her body wide open. "So lets hear all the erotic things you're gonna do! Come on!" Rei began to physically taught the orc, caressing her milk jugs and brandishing her virgin slayer. "Go on tell me how you plan to indulge yourself!! Come on! HURRY! HURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYHURRYhurryhurryhurryhurryhurry!"

The orc left, but not before leaving a present for him: A little human girl. Rei immediately forgot about him and entered the dorm. Closing the door behind her and jamming the lock Rei got very dark. And than she put on protection. "I WILL LIVE! FOR THE SAKE OF INDULGING IN THIS MOMENT AS MUCH AS I CAN!" And then Rei proceeded to to slay the little girl's virgin.

[User]
Mathew Holmes

"That sounds lovely" Mathew answered "unfortunately, I only had time to grab a quick bite to eat before coming here, so I'm quite famished" he added. Putting his things down in the room, he returned his attention to her. "Well then, if you're ready...should we go?" He asked while holding his hand out to her. Anyone with a brain could see that Mia was a skittish girl. Normally this wouldn't be a problem...but she was Mathew's new roommate now 'if she isn't comfortable enough in my presence, then that will only make things harder on me. I need to make sure she is at ease around me, lest things will get nasty for me in the long run.'

[Assistant]
Grinning brightly for a brief second at the approval of her idea, Mia skirted around his hand spinning around waiting for him out in the hallway; glancing curiously at all the things they had placed in the room. A slightly displeased look on her face at the blandness of the wall. If this was to be her room for the next year she wondered if she could paint the room. She rather enjoyed her mural at home. It wasn't that she was completely skittish of her new friend but physical contact was still a while away. "Well come on then. Oh, do you want to go to the library afterwards...unless you have something else to do...?" For a second her voice was at its natural volume before trailing off unsure at the end, causing her to fidget slightly while waiting on him to answer.

Deciding not to let any akward tension grow from her possibly ill-timed question, she tugged slightly on his sleeve carefully not to actually brush his skin before leading the way back outside into the frosty weather too afraid to glance back to see if the male had followed her or not.

Walking into the cafeteria Mia was meet with a rush of warm air, the scent of food, and a massive stream of data as she took in the sprawling tables and lines as food and chatter was tossed around. Gulping slightly she timidly pushed her way through keeping her head down muttering excuses me, and sorries. Bumping into someone, her eyes widened as she found herself staring up at what her eyes told her was an orc. "A-ah S-sorry!! I wasn't watching ahead of me..." Mia apologized meekly, staring at him with clear eyes behind their frames as her hands toyed with the bottom of her skirt nervously.


[System]
Nobility:No
Sex:Male
Race:Armenian
Age:21
Physical Description: A tall, handsome man standing at 6', Paulus has a strong body. He has average dark skin and a light layer of facial hair. His round face is dominated by a strong nose, and his green eyes sit under a full head of shaggy hair.
Rank:Trooper
Magic-Rank:NA
Goals/Aspirations: Paulus has an obsession with order, and wishes to use his talents in the military to protect the land and lifestyle he loves.
Personality: Paulus can hold his own in a conversation, only occasionally being seen as stubborn and overzealous about his world view if the topic turns that way. Paulus feels indebted to the nobility, a unique stance for a commoner. Deep down, Paulus cares for the welfare of his peers, but is a little annoyed when they don't see the nobility the same way he does.
 Paulus is a very focused individual and doesn't care much for drink or revelry. He also isn't very interested in finding a bride, believing one would only be a distraction. This makes Paulus a very diligent worker, and he often devotes the energy he would put into socializing or expressing himself into his work; whatever it may be.

Backstory:
 Paulus's father fought in the twilight of the American revolution as one of Optimate's Dragoons. Unfortunately he lost his arm, but by the grace of the Almighty, he was able to return to his family alive and well. After returning home, a young, landed noble took pity on the brave soldier, and saw to it that he was well taken care of. His experiences in the new world left Paulus's father with a poor opinion of democracy, an opinion only cemented by the generosity of the nobleman.
 Paulus is the first and only child of his parents, and his father began to teach him from a young age that the structure and power of the Byzantine Empire was ordained by the Lord and to be protected with his life. Starting him at age seven, the families benefactor provided Paulus with a tutor who taught Paulus basic mathematics, science, literature, and combat. This lasted until Paulus was 15 and the Mamluk rebellion began. The conflict destabilized the noble that had kept a kind eye over their family for years, and he was unable to care for them any longer. Fortunately, Paulus was at an age to begin work, and his able body and work ethic found jobs to support his family, despite the hard times the community was experiencing. While he worked, his body maturing and growing strong, he mused that his troubles all stemmed from peasants in Cairo who were ungrateful to their noble masters and were foolish enough to revolt. (Ignorant that the rebellion was lead by nobility.)
 Paulus worked many jobs. A number of times he would attempt to become an apprentice, but no master was able to keep him long due to the lack of resources during the war. This ended up benefitting Paulus, as he was a hard worker and was able to learn bits and pieces from many trades. When he wasn't in contact with a craftsman, Paulus would take on work as a common laborer or a servant. Eventually, the rebellion came to a close and prospects began to look up for the family. Instead of being a happy time for the family, Paulus's father passed. Paulus took little time to grieve his father,though. He knew that was not what his father would have had his son be preoccupied with grief when he could be serving the nation. Instead, he entrusted his mother in the care of relatives and enlisted to become a member of the imperial army.

[User]
As John entered the commander's room he saluted, and then dutifully answered all asked questions. The anger in him quickly drained away and luckily for him his face was red already; there was no noticeable change as he calmed down to alert the man.

When all was done he gave a salute the text-book printers would be proud of with a "Sah!" before he left. It was now time for training.

---

As the recruits were assembled and the Lieutenant spoke a little, the Ouraghos stood but didn't pay attention. It would be the same usual manure spewed to people going off to die and he'd already heard it before, but that time from a real officer with real experience and knowledge to supplement "good breeding" and a title. All was well and good if men used money to get positions but the money should have bought them texts on strategy and swordsmanship, not a pip on your shoulder.

As things were split up the Corporal grinned nastily his new victims. He stepped forth, cleared his throat and spat on the soil before him. "I am Lance-Corporal Ioannis Sveinaldsson, the man to teach you to be real soldiers." He decided not to say the rather amiable, lovey dovey - and absolutely Greek - paternal middle name of "Fabianou," it wouldn't help to ruin the quick image of a modern day Viking.

"First, let me get some things clear. If I say ''ere's your sword, you will eat with it, drink with it, sleep with it...' and so on, do not try to be funny and say 'how? Do we use it as a fork, spoon or pillow?' because I will answer you and you won't like the answer." Rather proud of that line, the Varangian ended on the right side of the line up, spun and started pacing down the other way with arms behind his back. "I'm not here to make your life miserable (that's but a bonus) , I am here to make sure what happened for my ex-comrades in the Mamluk rebellion won't happen to you. Any of you used a weapon before?" He asked. The moment someone replied with 'yes' which they undoubtedly would he'd spin around and shout "No you haven't you stupid git. You've used a toy, you haven't had to properly shoot in combat, or have to slice a bugger's throat lest he try likewise. That is where a sword becomes a weapon, not something to impress the women-folk who weren't already swooned by your filthy gold or lies. If they even have that to be impressed by."

With a little indignant puff the veteran paused and swiveled to face the new men without much apparent movement in his legs. "Oh no you bunch aren't going to be able to learn that here. Most of your filthy hides will be shot or chopped up. But we'll do our best so you at least won't wet yourself... much. We're going to split you up for various parts of the training. You think you just might just be smart enough to manage that? Good."

A little bit of time would pass, before he stamped off to give personal... assistance in training. The first people to get his "help" would be Konyk and the Spaniard. The Lance-Corporal tried to remember what he heard and realized the Eastern looking lad had powers super-natural, and decided that he'd need a more clever way to mess with him lest he realized and decide to get retribution via magics. He turned to the Spaniard and screamed near his ear "A hundred push-ups in a minute, then perform the eighteen-count manual of arms in perfect form and order. You fail, you do it again. You do it right then you can have a drink."

Then, the Varangian squatted down beside him and hissed "You a Catholic, Iberian?" with venom to make a snake envious.

[Assistant]
Francisco de la Cal Delgado

The abrupt change from wandering about the city to the rigid training regime that came crashing down on his head was almost bewildering for Francisco. He familiar with being stressed, trying to round up animals that had stampeded in a thunder storm, hunting Wolves, running from his lovers fathers, but none of that had prepared him for army life any more than learning how to bath cats might have.

He had been very careful with his uniform when it was issued. Being of peasant stock he knew how to keep things clean and organized. While he could not read the Latin papers given to him, a helpful soldier he had befriended during his initial four days, had showed him how to properly wear the uniform so that when the inspection came the Lieutenant had only growled at him to fix his twisted chin strap on the helmet. It was a good feeling for Francisco to pass that little test.

He dutifully yelled "Yes sir!" with everyone else, though perhaps a bit late as he wasn't aware that Officers were called "Sir" instead of their rank. His lapse had been surely noted by a Lance Corporal who was eye balling him near by, or maybe it was a Sergeant, he didn't know the rank structure at all! He felt glad that the Lieutenant was in charge, he seemed serious but at least he was trying to explain things to everyone. Francisco had been warned by the friends he had made that the first four weeks would be the hardest of training as he got used to everything, but it didn't seem so bad.

Then the men were assigned and the units broken up and he understood what those warnings had been about as the soldier who had been glowering at him took over. He resisted the urge to try and smile at the man. He knew he was likeable but did not think that this was the time or the place. The military was a serious business after all.

With a little indignant puff the veteran paused and swiveled to face the new men without much apparent movement in his legs. "Oh no you bunch aren't going to be able to learn that here. Most of your filthy hides will be shot or chopped up. But we'll do our best so you at least won't wet yourself... much. We're going to split you up for various parts of the training. You think you just might just be smart enough to manage that? Good."

Francisco was surprised at the speech. It seemed strange to tell everyone they were going to die. Didn't you want people to stay in the unit, scaring them was hardly going to do that. He risked a glance down the ranks and saw that the others didn't look afraid. He stiffened his spin and stared ahead. If they could be brave, so could he. His arm was on fire from where the carbine sight was digging into his bicep and the helmet was heavy on his head, he'd never worn anything heavier than a hat before.

Eventually they were detailed off to begin training. Francisco was pleased to be assigned to a lad his own age by the name of Konyk. The man looked as much like a boy as he did, though he wore expensive spectacles which Francisco had only seen on Priests back home. The two had barely introduced themselves when the angry soldier appeared again and screamed in Francisco's ear.

"A hundred push-ups in a minute, then perform the eighteen-count manual of arms in perfect form and order. You fail, you do it again. You do it right then you can have a drink."

Francisco clumsy put his carbine down and dropped into a push up position. He knew that much at least and physical exercise was something he was used to. He was strongly built, fitter than most, but as he began to hammer out the push-ups he began to feel a burn in his arms. There was no way he would be able to complete one hundred push-ups in a minute!

Then, the Varangian squatted down beside him and hissed "You a Catholic, Iberian?" with venom to make a snake envious.

Fransisco almost stopped his push-ups to answer but caught himself at the last second. Sweat was already pouring down his face as he reach forty, his reply coming out between each push-up.

"I. Think. So. Sir." The rhythm of the push-ups was slowing as he went now but he had noticed that the man did not carry a time piece. Around eighty push-ups he began to fade and then, arms shaking, he crashed onto the stone of the parade square.

[User]
Still squatting and counting under his breath, Ioannis laughed loudly as the Spanish counterpart fell down after the impossible exercise. "That's all you got? I think you got a lower life expectancy than a fish in a pool of molten steel! You're going to keep doing it until you make it." With that, the Lance-Coporal had thought of something to make Kornyk's life a bit worse too without getting a fireball flung at him. "'ere, you! Yeah you the Crimean lad. Get over here. You're going to watch him do it and every time he fails you're going to add the amount he didn't finish to some more push-ups he has to do after he's done this drill. You hear me? Good...." He said, grinning. This would shift some peer-hate on the magician, even if he wasn't responsible for what was going on. Smug and self-satisfied, Ioannis walked off to the next bunch.

Whistling nastily, the Varangoi stamped off to von Nyon and Paulus. "What's a German doing so far from home, and on the side that's probably going to be enemy to his homeland, hmmmmm? Not a spy, are you?" The question was raised with much obvious malice despite the smile on the man's mouth. "Do you bleed the same red blood as everyone else? Perhaps I ought to make you two show a bit of unarmed expertise, yes?" A quick look at a watch retrieved from the man's pocket made him groan and then look back up. "Maybe later, I've got something faster. Put on your riding boots, perform two-hundred squats and then run a backwards mile. Then do a hundred more squats, and run back normally without the riding boots. If you don't trip I'll be bloody well impressed." With that, he made a hand motion to say "now."

[Assistant]
Paulus came to the training grounds feeling confident, having been there earlier. Not to mention his meeting with Philolakes went well and had been trained in rudimentary combat from a young age. He listened to his superiors monologues with his chin held high and pride in his heart. Then the training began.

 He had never been worked so hard in his life. The years spent doing manual labor to support his family did not come close to causing the same pain that the training did. A lot of the time it was not the physical nature of the training, but rather the stress that accompanied it. His superiors were like crocodiles, waiting for him to make a foolish mistake and the clamp down on him and tear his flesh to shreds. He saw a particularly ruthless northerner force one man to do push ups until he passed out. Later, he heard the same man made another run a full mile backwards.

 Paulus's resolve was tested, but at any point he came close to breaking he remembered his father. "Your duty is to serve the empire!" were the words that would ring through his head, and during particularly demanding exercises he would mutter them under his breath to stay focused.

 The activity that challenged Paulus the most was the riding. He was very unfamiliar with the horses, and felt very uncomfortable while riding. Once, after falling off, he found himself face down in the mud. For a moment, he thought of his mother, whom he had cast out of his life so easily. That only lasted a moment. Soon he was remounted, and muttering his mantra under his breath.

 Despite the stress, physical strain, and punishments for when he slipped up during some routine or exercise, Paulus noticed the work become easier as the weeks passed. He was ready to do his duty for his empire, father, and pride.