[System]
Age: 19

Gender: Female

Appearance: Onyx has black hair and green cat eyes. The skin of her entire body is covered in short, soft cheetah-patterned fur, except her wings and face. She is missing her left ear and has a scar on her left cheek from a fight she was in a while back. Her wings are like the wings of a brown hawk, and her wingspan is twice her arm span. She usually wears a shawl so that her wings are hidden unless she is flying.

Equipment: 3 or 4 small knives (and other tools), a pair of restored Twin Pistols, and a basic med-pack.

Physical Abilities: Flight, 6th sence(hunting/tracking), Speed & Agility, Stealth.

Background: Onyx's species, the Elissics, live in the mountains and old cities found there. They could be categorized as a frightening predator and enemy to all creatures, as they have barely any ability to distinguish one race of creature from another from the air, and there's barely any escape once they swoop down on their prey. They are not a particularly smart race, they can't understand old human language and can just barely manage to put back together the few relics they find from humans. They can only make crude weaponry, and are fairly simple with the other things they make as well. Their society is broken up into many nomadic tribes across the region, each having their own unique color of wings, and they have no unified head of power, so they will often fight with each other when the different tribes meet.

Onyx herself is a bit different from the others in her tribe… she likes to be alone, rather than hunting in a group, and will keep trying towards her goal until she figures out how to get there. Instead of trying to fly over the tallest mountain and tiring herself out, possibly even getting sick, she'll look for the shortest path around. She's better with strategy and quick moves than drawn-out fights and trying to compensate for a group. Because of this, she is sort of left out of everything, and she doesn't care because she doesn't want to have to feel like she can't say what's on her mind. She is often given solo missions that really don't make much difference around the tribe, and whenever she's not on a mission will fly in random patterns around the mountains, usually ending up at a large lake (or small sea) where she likes to fish using an old net she had found nearby the first time she had gone there. Onyx, just like the rest of the Elissics, doesn't worry much about the state of the world or how it got that way. They all live completely in the moment.

[User]
"That sounds...terrifying. I think I'm glad I don't have wings now; being pushed off of a cliff doesn't sound appealing. Anyway, I'll try to look for some redeeming quality in all of this. That, or I'll just close...or, well, no, closing my eyes won't get me any closer to overcoming this. Maybe I can just focus on the view; I'm sure it will be spectacular." Tarentek commented. When Onyx grabbed him, he felt himself become more nervous, if that was even possible. His mind was screaming at him that this was a bad idea, but for his own sake, he had to get over this fear.

Tarentek let out a deep breath. "Okay, I'm ready."

[Assistant]
Onyx took off the second she heard Tarentek say he was ready. He was a little heavier than he had been the first time she had carried him, and she took that as a sign of his health. She wouldn't tell him that though, it would probably just scare him more. He was not any harder to carry because of it, although his tenseness and nervousness might prove to be a problem. He was scared stiff, as he'd said he probably would be, and that was making Onyx nervous.

"Hey, loosen up. I'm supposed to be helping you get over this, but I cant do that if you're made of stone. Focus on the horizon, see how far we are from the mountains already?" Onyx turned in midair so that Tarentek would be able to see the hazy blobs in the distance that were the mountains her Tribe lived in. Going back to her course, Onyx sped up as she flew. "It's easier to fly the faster I go sometimes, I promise I'm not trying to scare you even more than you already are. Calm. Down." Onyx kept up her little babble of 'calm down's and 'relax's all the way to the sea, too busy trying to keep Tarentek calm to even think about her own fear that she was about to face.

[User]
Tarentek managed not to close his eyes as they took off. In fact, they were about as wide open as they could possibly be from fear. As Onyx suggested, he kept his eyes fixed on the horizon, apart from the brief moment she turned him to look at the mountains behind them. "Ah this is...okay, okay, okay, just...okay. I need to...okay." Tarentek repeated, unable to collect his thoughts into rational sentences. His heart was absolutely racing, but he tried to follow Onyx's advice as best as he could.

"You don't want me to be as stiff? Okay, I'll try, but you also said not to move around as much. How much should I be moving, or...not moving? This is all just....I can see everything from here. It's terrifying and amazing. Seeing the world like this is beyond beautiful, but if you let go of me right now, I would die. I just can't get that thought out of my head." He said, putting his focus into the conversation instead of the flight.

[Assistant] Onyx sighed. "Don't be made of stone, and don't force yourself to move. Relax enough that you feel almost detached from your body, almost as if you were asleep. That would make it the easiest for me to carry you. Honestly, I find your reaction to this quite hilarious, it seems as if you can't even think straight." Onyx slowed down as she saw the sea ahead of them. "I'd say you're doing well, we're almost there now. I think calming down is the key, you may not have noticed but I have. A few minutes ago you couldn't form sentences, then you calmed down enough to talk to me."

[User]
"I, uh, I wouldn't call this calm, really. I'm not exactly panicking, but..." Tarentek responded. His breathing felt almost as rapid as his heart rate, but he as least wasn't completely frozen anymore. He saw the sea ahead of them, though he still found it best to keep his eyes on the horizon.

Now that he was in a marginally better state of mind, he was able to focus on something other than the thought of falling. At this height, he could see in quite a far distance in all directions, enough to spark a thought in his mind to keep him distracted. "How high can you go? From the Human works we translated, we learned that the Earth is like a ball; rounded. If you go high enough, you can actually see it. Have you saw the curving of the horizon before? I'm not sure how high you have to go, or if you can even reach that height." He asked. Although this was the first time since they took off that he had said anything not related to his very present fear, it was obvious from his tone that he was still quite nervous.

[Assistant]
He was still really nervous, just his voice told Onyx that, but he was also alot more relaxed than he had been so far. "I've never tested just how far up I could go before, I've never thought to try. But what you say about the Earth being like a ball makes sense. I suppose that's why a mountain seems shorter from further away, because the ground curves away from you and covers the bottom." Onyx realized that Tarentek might be using the conversation to keep his mind from his fears, if only just a little, and tried to expand the topic.

"So, what else do you know because of these translations? Actually, before I ask that, what are Humans? Are they the ones who left behind the ruins and relics we find scattered around everywhere?"

[User] "Yes, that was their name for themselves. Many races have many different names for them, but that was their own word, so it is what we call them. From all we have found, they once controlled all of this planet, and had a masterful command over the natural world. They needed to move faster, so they built machines that could move themselves much faster than any person could naturally. They did not have wings, so they built machines that could fly. They even flew above the Earth itself to the moon above our heads. In short, they were all that my people aspire to be." Tarentek explained. Speaking about history and technology was perhaps the best way to distract him, given its importance to himself and his people. He could see the sea growing closer below them, but did his best to ignore it. The fear was still very present in his mind, but holding a conversation such as this helped to give a sense of normality to being higher in the air than his people were ever meant to go. As well, Onyx had not seemed even remotely like she was close to dropping him at any point, which did help calm him marginally.

[Assistant]
"They went to the moon?! But that's... How did they make a, machine, fly? Nothing can fly without wings, so they made themselves wings? Wouldn't they have had the same problem as you are now?" Onyx was now very curious, almost enough to make her forget to pay attention to how she was flying. She noticed herself slowing down greatly, so she did a dive to pick back up on speed, weaving through the last few standing ruins to the sea. They were close enough now that she could put Tarentek down if he asked, so now Onyx slowed down on purpose and decided to tell him.

"Hey, I can put you down now if you want, we're pretty much there already."

[User]
Tarentek would certainly be lying if he said he was not frightened when Onyx started to dive. His first reaction was to scream, but he managed to keep himself quiet. Onyx had already proved she was more than capable of flying like this, but that rational thought was in conflict with his innate fear of heights. Fortunately, he did manage to avoid any outward panic.

"Yes you can...actually, no, I can do this. Just go ahead and carry me all the way to sea. I can't stop now." Tarentek answered with an interesting tone consisting both of fear and resolve. Given how close they were, it only took a minute or two to reach the sea, and finally set down on solid ground. Tarentek wanted to collapse to his hands and knees at that moment, but he kept himself standing

"Oh thank Jhala we're here. That was...Karisskan were never meant to fly. But...I guess that could have gone much worse, and there is still the trip back to get through. I didn't like it but...maybe I can actually do this. Maybe if we just keep flying, it will get better; maybe I'll even start to like it." Tarentek commented, staring out to sea for a few moments before glancing back to Onyx. "Anyways, do you want to go ahead and start the lesson now, or take a break first?"

[Assistant]
After Onyx had put Tarentek down by the water, she flew back a ways and landed there, not making any move to go closer to the water. "I think you forget that I won't be able to fly for a while if my wings are wet, so you don't have to worry too much about the way back. That flight will be considerably shorter than the way here had been."

She looked around at the horizon for a little bit, judging the time of day by the sun's height in the sky. "I want to stay as far from the water as possible, maybe even just fly away now and leave you here to swim on your own, but I made a promise. Even if it's a reckless promise, I'll keep it as I try to keep all my promises." As she spoke, she forced herself to walk closer to Tarentek, her heartbeat getting more rapid with every step. "The sooner we start, the sooner it's over, right?"

[User]
"Don't worry, Onyx. You will be as safe in the water as I was in the sky, perhaps even more so." Tarentek responded as he started to undo the belts holding his pouch and machete in place. "I'm glad you agreed to this. Swimming is a useful skill, and it can even be fun, just as I'm sure flying can be for you. I promise I won't rush you into anything, and I'll be right beside you the entire time in case you have trouble. You know how strong I am, and it is even easier to carry something in the water, so you'll be in no danger. Now, I'll let you get ready. Once you have your belongings situated, just step into the shallows beside me."

Tarentek found a spot on the shore sufficiently far from the water and placed down his pouch and machete, then removed his robe. He carefully laid out his robe flat on the sand, then set down his rifle on top of it to prevent sand from finding its way inside the weapon. Walking into the shallows, he stopped once the water reached about ankle high. "Since you spoke before about liking to fish, I'm going to assume you're not completely terrified of touching the water, at least not just a section that barely covers your feet. I have an idea of how to ease you into it."

[Assistant]
Onyx watched as Tarentek got ready and stepped into the water. She walked over to where he had put his belongings and took off her shawl, wrapping it around her med-pack and placing it carefully on the sand so that no sand would get into the pack. "I don't touch the water when I fish. I fly over it with a net and scoop up anything I can." Onyx paused and looked at Tarentek, trying to will herself closer to the water, and failing.

"The only water I touch it the water I drink, because that can't hurt me. I don't trust this realm of nature." Onyx managed to focus enough on her words that she walked all the way to the edge of the shore before noticing where she was and freezing in place, staring at the dark water.

[User]
"Water doesn't have a will, or a desire; it simply exists like the air around us. And just like the air, you can master it to glide through it with ease. If you're anything like my people, you will float in water, as long as you have a decent amount of air in your lungs. I this salty water in particular, you'll have a hard time sinking. The water where I'm standing right now is so shallow, you couldn't drown in it if you tried." Tarentek said, trying to encourage Onyx as best as he could. He took a few steps forward, still keeping his feet in the water, and extended his hand, offering it to her.

"I'll be right here with you." He added.

[Assistant] Onyx forced herself to look at Tarentek and not at the water as she took his hand. "I don't believe that anything simply exists. The wind is the breath of the spirits, a gentle embrace. The ground is the bodies, for everything does eventually return to the ground, they support us when we cannot. I would say that water is like the vengeful thoughts we all have, free-flowing and everywhere, inescapable as it weighs us down in a way that takes the most freedom from us." Onyx sighed and closed her eyes, her voice now shaking a little. "You promise you won't make me go any farther than I can force myself to?


[System]
Hero Name
Quake

Nicknames
N/A

Gender
Female

Age
23

Date of Birth
July 20th

Physique
5'7/147 pounds. Jamie is a fit, pretty young woman. She has straight, honey blonde hair of medium length. While down, her hair reaches to her chest. She has bright blue eyes and tanned skin.

Blood Type
O-

Occupation
Superhero

Side
Hero

Affiliation
H.E.R.O

Tier
S

Personality
Jamie is the definition of heroic. She's kind, brave, and has a strong moral compass. She believes that all people are inherently good, but, in order for people to remain that way, bad people must go down. She views the world in an inherently black and white way- for her, there is no grey area. You are either bad or good, not both. Needless to say, thinking this way leads her to being incredibly naive and short-sighted. She is ridiculously trusting in others and extremely gullible, having fallen for multiple Nigerian prince scams. She's rather ditzy, too, having trouble remembering simple things. She often goes overboard on the battlefield, forgetting just how much damage she can cause in the pursuit of a villain. Although not a thrillseeker at all, she's extremely irresponsible and often causes massive damage to surrounding areas, having collapsed several structures and caused several earthquakes.

Backstory
Before her powers, Jamie had led a relatively normal life. She grew up in an upper middle class, white-picket fence suburb somewhere outside of Castleburg, with a mom and a dad. She was the youngest of three. She went to high school- planned on going to university before it was all derailed. She was popular at school, but not the mean kind. Got decent grades. Life was good- if boring.

Her normal life changed when her powers emerged. Her mom had powers, too- a minor form of telekinesis, helpful for getting the television remote and not much else. The catalyst was a fight with her older sister. It was about something stupid, Jamie remembered later. The TV channel. They were fighting over the TV remote when the house started to shake, to shiver, to tremble- and as Jamie's anger rose, so did the shaking. She felt the tremors like an extension of herself, like she was shaking too. It was almost... euphoric. Until the house fell on her head, that is. The emergency workers managed to get her and her family out of the rubble, fortunately- no one died. But her father and sister were both terribly injured, whereas Jamie only ended up with a broken arm.

Being the age of heroes, this freak event was thoroughly investigated. Nobody believed that this event was due to an earthquake, of all things. It didn't match up. Investigators traced the event back to Jamie, and it was determined that she had powers. S-Tier. She was put on a watchlist, of sorts, and strongly encouraged to join H.E.R.O. Of course, she did so promptly. Now having earned the disdain of both her family and the opportunity to join a career where she would be able to truly help people, there was no clearer option to her. This was where she belonged.

Power
 Tremor- Jamie has the ability to manipulate the vibrations surrounding her. In short, she can make things shake, and intensely. She does so on a fairly massive scale, having the ability to cause destructive earthquakes and shockwaves. When her powers are focused, she can create directed concussive blasts of vibrational force, which have a wide variety of uses. However, her power has one major weakness- it affects herself. If her powers are over-used, it has a very negative affect on her body. Her power has caused broken bones and even internal bleeding. She also doesn't have much control over her power, especially when feeling emotional.

Other

Name of Person
Blake von Brandt

Relationship Status
Good Friends

Quick Quote
"Ooh, Blake! He's super fun. Always down to do something- whether it's a mission, or just something super fun! Although everything always seems to end badly when I'm around him… huh…"

Relationship Description
Jamie can say with complete certainty that hanging out with him is an absolute blast. Even though their version of 'having a blast' more often than not ends up with getting dragged down to the police station or screamed at by Director Powers. She's been in a jail cell with him multiple times, so that has definitely bonded them. Even if most of the incidents weren't her fault.

---

[User]
---

Merely hours after Seraph's address, Starbright held a live stream toward his fans. 'Tears of sadness' ran down his face as he address the matter of Eagles. "So *sniffle* by now you all have heard about Eagles. *sniffle* I am sorry to say but I, Starbright, was not invited to join. Seraph has ended my hero career, I will keep producing my music but it will *sniffle* be tough with this weight on my heart. All I wanted to do was *more intensive crying*, save... people. But that isn't even the worst part."

Starbright had to try his absolute hardest not to smile at this next part. Although it was his duty to help keep Patty safe, he couldn't lie and say he wasn't about to enjoy what he was about to say. "A good friend... no, one of my dearest friends in HERO, Patty Donnelly, is being hunted down by Seraph. *sniffle* She couldn't be capable of murder she is only a teen and that isn't even all of it. She was my... biggest fan. Now, thinking about her on the run, all I can think about is that it could have been any one of my fans *sniffle* in her situation. So yeah, thats the main reason I am in tears. Please don't let this go unnoticed, I started a hashtag, #savestarbrightsbiggestfan, it up to all of you to be the heroes now." Well there you go Patty, Starbright thought. Until you start putting yourself in the spotlight, everyone will think you're my biggest fan.

---

Later on mainstream Castleburg news, a much more composed and serious Starbright made his address to those who aren't teenage girls.

"I think Seraph and Eagles are going in the right direction, Castleburg certainly needs change and has needed it for a long time." Starbright cringed at how vague the term 'change' was. He knew better than anybody that is was merely a buzz word people like himself and Seraph use to get blind support on an empty promise of progress. "However, the dispanding of HERO has gone under the notice of every employee there until Seraph's address. I think everyone would like a few things cleared up first, which is why I, Starbright, will be looking to produce an exclusive interview with retired legend, Hugo Powers. The problem is he has gone dark for the past week, so if anyone has any clue on his whereabouts let me know immediately. Not that I want to throw any accusations of course. Now where were we, ah, my new albu..."

The interview continues with non-hero matters for the entirety of the broadcast. Starbright added in that line about accusations, this should spark some conspiracy wack jobs to start speaking about a potential Powers kidnapping. Whether Seraph had been responsible for that or not was irrelevant, right now Eagles just needed as much doubt on them as possible without directly confronting them.

---

[Assistant]
Rumi was calmly arguing with a particularly confrontational hero about the lack of evidence between him and Patricia's mass murder case, and was soon able to get the hero to back off, having succeeded in convincing her. Almost immediately after, a peculiar-looking fellow barged into the lobby, shoving his way through the crowd, and emitted an EMP. It made contact with Rumi's energy shield, which flashed blue and disappeared as its power supply was depleted, rendering it inactive. Rumi knelt down, as if hurt by the sudden burst of energy. He wasn't, of course, but the pose would be helpful to him in the near future.

"Damage report," Rumi muttered under his breath. His suit's systems ran a quick diagnostic and displayed the information onto Rumi's glasses, confirming Rumi's devices had not failed him yet. The shield was down for the time being, but it had done its job absorbing and deflecting the EMP's energy, protecting Rumi's electrical equipment, including the hidden nanosuit within Rumi's three-piece. Rumi had thought it to be a good idea to Faraday cage the important areas of the Polamor Inc HQ, such as the labs and workshops, so those were also left unharmed. The same could not be said for the rest of the lobby, however. Much of the news reporters' equipment and any electrical gadgets the other heroes had were down, as well as many of the gadgets on display in the lobby. Rumi grimaced, thinking of just how much was being wasted due to this fool.

Rumi raised his hands up to appear as if he was surrendering, which seemed to do the trick as Snake Pitt walked forward, clearly confident about his current position. When he got close enough, Rumi muttered, "Suit up," activating his nanobots to form his suit. As they began to form around his body, Rumi went for Snake Pitt's gun arm, grabbing it as he twisted himself so Rumi's back was against him. Rumi then proceeded to pull Snake Pitt over his shoulder, flipping him over and smashing him onto the ground. While he was still disoriented, Rumi kicked away Pitt's gun and planted his knee on Pitt's chest to keep him from getting back up. Rumi also constructed a taser-like device over his right hand, stabbing it into a glowing portion of Pitt's suit in an attempt to overload any power supplies the suit contained.

"Emitting an EMP? In the middle of Polamor Inc. HQ? Idiot," Rumi scoffed. He switched to a grave, serious tone of voice and added, "Now, no more games, you slithering simpleton. Tell me everything you know about EAGLES' plans."


[System]
* Like black clouds at the edge of the sky, men need only see Hrífa to know he is dangerous, and at least half-mad. His eyes, dull grey, are wild and animal, and they betray the stillness of his tongue; for he speaks seldom, except in selfish little murmurs and mumbles, always seeming to tell himself a story.
* He was declared a níðingr many years ago for the practice of witchcraft. He has been accused too of using poisons, a coward's tools, to settle a feud; though they say that about most seiðmenn.

Before that he was trusty with a spear, and though few songs told of his exploits in battle, even hardy warriors came instinctively to fear the beast which slumbers within that slender body. They've probably heard too many campfire rumors, which are sure to be exaggerated—probably. In any case, the king never bothered to exile him not because he was to be feared, but because he never really hurt anyone; his social ostracism drove him beyond the village, where he delighted himself with masturbation, fishing, and of course, conversation with the draugar and other spirits.

[User]
Ásdís was taken aback by those words. Forsaken? She was not forsaken! Surely she was untested...It was true...But only because no one had deemed her worthy of testing. That was purely a miscalculation on THEIR part, not hers!

Looking about she finally realized that many felt the same way as their Chieftain: that this was a gamble. Feeling her cheeks flush with displeasure Ásdís had the misfortune to look in the direction of her father and see the same discontented look in his features.

Even he did not think she would succeed!

Ásdís was spared the opportunity to speak out against the naysayers as a mother in the back finally cried out "And what of our children!? Who will tend to the fields if they do not return?" Many around the woman, more mothers, nodded in agreement.

[Assistant]
Fjalfar searched the crowd desperately for this outburst. As the whispers and mumbles around her grow bolder, they worked to obfuscate her voice; but he saw her, and he smiled. Amidst his sharp and manly features the warmth of his smiling cheeks could strike some off balance.

"'Who,' indeed," he murmured, quietly enough that he may have said it only to himself. "Yet no matter who we send, we may find salvation or doom. Only the gods can know. I am blind to the ways of fate, and so I must throw my lot, and make my gamble. I will pray; I will make my sacrifices to Óðinn; and then I will send them forth."

He knew she was right, even if she wasn't; that wary old mother, who cared far too much for the welfare of her child (as all mothers ought). But so was he. It was a risk, but so was sending the raiders, or sending no one whatever. When night set upon this story, only the valkyries could judge his soul's worth; only the nornir could say whether his choice was wise.

Abruptly, through the tumultuous resistance of the mead-hall's naysayers, his hand lashed viper-like from his bosom. "Rise up, heroes! I want to see who among you seek the glories of other lands."

[User]
Just as Ásdís was wondering if the old woman had been right, was she abandoning her people to seek glory only for herself? Was she ultimately being selfish and a coward by not staying and helping…? Fjalfar's words had her instantly on her feet.

She wanted to be a hero so badly, to be more than just Ásdís , to be more than just a small girl in a family with many girls. Was that so wrong?

The grim look of determination in Ásdís' eyes made Adlif feel some relief. Ásdís was clever enough, bold enough. She'd fare well...She'd survive surely and bring honor to her own name. And then the wandering and the wondering would end and his last child would know her place in the world.

This might be a fool's mission but that did not mean Ásdís could not find her way. Uncomfortably Adlif nodded in acquiescence to his daughter's wishes, trying to find pride for this choice but finding only misgivings.

Uneasily Adlif watched as his daughter strode up to the gaggle of youth and the likes forming around Fjalfar, she was smaller than many, her shoulders and hips narrower, her arms slender in her plain wool dress. Immediately Adlif had the urge to rush forward, to grab Ásdís by the neck and haul her back home. She was too rash! Too young! Too small! She couldn't do this.

Grappling with his own insecurities Adlif stood unmoving, braced against the wall.

Be reasonable… He told himself. Ásdís was not the youngest nor the smallest. She was a woman grown really, she was no fool. Surely she was over zealous at times and passion gripped her tightly, but his daughter was capable of more than just wandering around the pastures, chatting with the swine…

Ásdís herself had none of these worries or doubts. Their great leader asked for heros and she had stepped forward, pride bursting from every pore of her.

[Assistant]
Too far away to properly hear the chieftain—though it was something vaguely related to ships and sailing, Hrífa knew—he squinted, as if his hearing and his vision were somehow symbiotic; he leaned back and forth in his seat, trying to look past all the bare heads and skullcaps and bonnets, too. He decided he needed to get closer, and as he stood, he was the second person to do so, after a particular spunky farm-girl. But as there came a third, a fourth, a tenth, and beyond, it struck Hrífa as just mildly odd.

I suppose the chieftain needs to speak louder, he thought; look at how many people couldn't hear his speech! Even a few from the front!

The chatter of the crowd did not grant the chieftain any boons in that regard, naturally.

Hrífa was going to slip along the wall and catch the chieftain's words from a sideline vantage, but as these children and ne'er-do-wells gathered in the center of the mead-hall, near the hearth, he realized he probably ought to fit in. Further, he feared the hound-like bloodthirst of that huskarl, who would suspect him perhaps of trying to get too close.

As he joined the crowd he pushed along its side, hoping to be close enough, or else getting up at all was a damned waste, he knew. By happenstance Ásdís acknowledged his presence before he hers, and without having to turn around…

[User]
Ásdís initially pleased to have been the first to stand and join the chieftain was now slightly vexed by the press of bodies around her, easing back she found more space and glanced around. A tall man was near her. She didn't recognize him immediately and wondered how that could be, their tribe was not so large as to not know one another, at least by sight.

These thoughts did not trouble Ásdís much and she smiled excitedly up at the fellow who, since he was in the queue to join the ship, would be her fellow shipmate.

"I am going to make a great warrior!" She proclaimed breathlessly, cheeks hot with a flush and eyes wide. Feeling generous in the moment she added "You will too." and clapped the man, her brother in arms, on the arm.

[Assistant]
Hrífa needed a moment to realize the girl was talking to him; he'd seen her face, pretty and just slightly plump, in his sharp peripherals, and as he turned to face her, he blinked. It took much too long to blink, as he squinted his eyes and pried them open again in jagged motions, as if coercing them from his own body.

"That's nice!" said the Rat-eater, and she sensed no sarcasm in his enthusiastic reply; nor did he intend any. "Is that what the crowd is about?" He tried to gesture sweepingly around him but found he lacked the room. He only ended up bumping someone in the back, which thankfully this person appeared not to notice; for indeed, they were smashing themselves all up toward the throne like a longship dashed on the rocks jutting from the sea.

[User]
Ásdís gaped at the man for a moment before a jubilant laugh escaped her. Too loud and too harsh, neighbors turned to glare at the noise but quickly turned away. How could he not know what he was signing up for!?

Grinning at the silliness of it all Ásdís ignored the press of bodies forcing her closer and closer to her companions. On the ship they'd be this close anyway; quarters would be tight.

"Of course that is what we are lining up for!" She piped eagerly. "Honor! Bravery! A chance to win our names and shields…" She had a dreamy look in those bright round eyes, as if being strapped into a wooden death trap was the finest thing she could ever dream.

Adlif had lost track of his daughter for a moment, only a moment. But when he found her again she was socializing with the seiðmann of all people! The damnable girl was too friendly, too trusting! Had she no brain? No wits?

"Ásdís!" He shouted above the den, determined to tell her that no daughter of his would consort with a witch. But the dozy redhead was animatedly gesticulating to her companion, pushed closer and closer to the man as the crowd around her compressed. Of her father's cries she heard naught.

"Isn't it glorious?" She wanted to know, beaming up at her companion. "I've never left home before…" The smallest frowns curved her lips as a knot of worry gripped Ásdís tightly. But just was quickly as it came it was gone, replaced with good natured enthusiasm. "Have you?"

[Assistant]
"Once or twice," the Rat-eater said. "There are lots of trees and rocks." He appeared sincerely convinced that this detailed description would be of value to her.

He was peering over his shoulder now; if he was not already so drained of his colorful humors, he would have been seen to pale in his epiphany. He had realized, at last, that as he stood, in his current predicament, he was volunteering to become a raider, and to earn oníðingr status through blood, steel, and the salt of the crooning sea. Strangely this prospect did not excite him much—mayhap he had acclimated to hermeticism, and in fact had grown quite fond of all the privacy and silence he commanded all for himself—but as he tried to push back through the crowd, he found that he could not.

"Oh—oh, dear."

The people behind him prevented his escape. Like a finger-trap toy, he could enter but not leave, not without great struggle. And suddenly it was already too late to leave, for Fjalfar had thrown out his arms in a great embrace for all his saviors.

"Today the ship is packed and loaded. Tomorrow she raises her sail, and embarks for the kingdom of the Franks!"

Probably too few people cheered, clapped, and otherwise celebrated for Ásdís' tastes; for Hrífa it was far too many. The cruel reality had struck him that he just made an oath, and to break it might earn him a proper outlawry, ousted from his little home in the woods, driven away from all his animal friends! As most of the crowds left, the heroes were ordered to stay, and meet their new captain.

"Well, I was good with a spear once," Hrífa said to his new friend. His smile was not very assuring, but he clearly seemed eager to take his situation in stride.

[User]
Adlif shifted uncomfortably on his feet as the rest of the people started filtering out of the mead-house. It was expected he would as well. If he stayed and warned Ásdís off her current companion the contrary creature was likely to disobey him purely to prove she could.

If he left, and let her learn on her own the erroneous nature of her choices…

But it was not in her father to just let his child walk alongside unsavory characters such as the witch… The crowds pulled and pushed until Adlif gave in and went with the tides of people training out of the hall. His daughter would not leave today. He still had time to tell her.

Blissfully oblivious to her companion's distress Ásdís was glad the bystanders would be leaving. She could meet their captain and make a good impression, show him she'd be a strong arm given the proper tutelage.

It did strike her as odd that the tall man was ONCE good with a spear but considered himself no longer able… For the first time she really looked at the man. He was tall to be sure, but of a more lanky set than most men she knew. His clothes sat oddly on his frame and while Ásdís wouldn't think them dirty, neither would she think them clean. She hadn't seen him limping but then she hadn't seen his approach...Perhaps he was one of the ill or crippled joining the crew?

"If you were once handy then you shall be again!" She proclaimed assuredly. "I am Ásdís Bright Eyes. I will help you regain your renown with the spear…" Her eyes narrowed in wicked humor "And you will help me distinguish between the rocks and the trees…" Her confidence while misguided was apparent, and while she barely could handle a spear with any particular effect Ásdís felt no fear of the unknown. At least not at this very moment. Perhaps a foolish trait for a girl barely into womanhood to have, but then Ásdís had never been considered particularly wise.

[Assistant]
"All right. Looks like it's time to go," said the man, looking around as the people diffused away. He did not need her approval or her permission; he started walking to the exit even before she noticed and tried to catch up.

"Wait!" she said. "Didn't you hear him? We're supposed to stay, and—!"

Hrífa had swiveled on his heels, scanning the room once more. He shrugged. "I reckon we'll get more than enough of him once we're on a boat with him. Right?"

And so he appeared to vanish; of course. Because Ásdís fancied herself a good girl, now a loyal and obedient soldier, she knew she had to stay, whether she wanted to or not. Yet eagerness nonetheless continued to imbue her actions. So she stayed, and Hrífa was gone behind the doors of the mead-hall.

Outside there were parents waiting, women armed with hugs and kisses and men with their shirts of mail, their helmets polished to a mirror sheen. If they were wealthier men they offered their adventurous relatives swords, seaxes, and good axes; if poor, these children and undesirables could only afford to take their wood axes, their sickles, and their pitchforks.

Inside, meanwhile, the last man in the mead-hall who was not plagued by níþ or by old festered wounds had stayed behind, leaning cockily against the throne still warm with Fjalfar's scent. Tall, strong, and beautifully blond, with his hair and beard done up in elaborate death-braids, he was Hralding, their new ship-captain.


[System]
Runan Isles Savior Corps

---

Established in the wake of Westwel's destruction, the Runan Isles Savior Corps is by no means the most impressive program on Illun, but it's well-funded and well-run by a few survivors of Westwel's own Corps.

Character Info

Name – Besca Darroh
Age – 35
Affiliation – R.I.S.C.

Originally from Westwel, Besca Darroh has been around Saviors her entire life. Her grandfather had helped fell the Modir who would become "Dragon," and her father had headed Westwel's burgeoning Savior program. She met dozens of pilots, watched as their connection to the Modir ate away at their minds and bodies. Other nations treated their pilots like a resource to be burned through, kept at arm's length in all but public affairs. Besca, however, went out of her way to engage with Westwel's pilots and even piloting candidates, caring after them with a degree of humanity which was, frankly, missing in the programs of other nations. Her methods were derided as frivolous and naïve by her peers, but the pilots appreciated it, which, to her, was all that mattered.

She lost many things in Westwel's fall; her home, her father, her friends, and no small piece of her faith in humanity, but ironically enough she didn't lose her job. When Runa took in her country's refugees, and subsequently acquired their first Savior, they came to the last living member of Westwel's program for help in founding their own.

Nowadays, Besca doesn't often involve herself in the politics of the program. Technically speaking she isn't even chief of operations—a position occupied by the Runan government—but rather, her duties revolve around "pilot maintenance." While she hasn't lost her desire to make life easier for the pilots, she isn't nearly as incorrigibly optimistic or sunny as she once was.

Character Info

Name – Dahlia St. Senn
Age – 18
Affiliation – R.I.S.C.

Dahlia was a toddler when her home was destroyed by the Modir, spirited away from Westwel in the arms of a family friend. She spent the first fourteen years of her life in the quiet, lakeside town of Hovvi. She was, like many children, absolutely enthralled by the Saviors, so when she tested positive and was whisked away into orbit, Dahlia thought her dream had come true. She missed her friends, and her adoptive father, but this was her opportunity to do something important. This was her chance to help.

She had no idea.

Runa's Savior, Dragon, had not been phased by a single pilot until Dahlia entered the cockpit. With its potential finally unleashed, she was able to end invasions within minutes—which was crucial, because she couldn't remain connected for much longer than that before the giant's neural regeneration reached critical levels.

Dahlia has become Runa's WMD, and as such, she actually doesn't pilot as much as she did before R.I.S.C. acquired its two other Saviors. Besca has become rather protective of her, not wanting to risk putting her in situations where she may be forced to over-exert herself, or risk being overtaken.

Character Info

Name – Hadrian Ghaust
Age – 38
Affiliation – R.I.S.C.

Hadrian Ghaust is Helburke personified. He is strong, unrelenting, stoic to a chilling degree, and utterly devastating in the cockpit. Ghaust is also a veteran pilot, having commanded the Savior Marrowman in service of the Helburken crown for 20 years, and despite a phasing speed so slow that he rarely deigns to use his magic at all, he was well on his way to becoming one of his country's most accomplished pilots.

However, Ghaust's priority has always been the fight against the Modir, and Helburke's clamor for political power is something he viewed with silent disdain. To him, using Saviors to settle diplomatic disputes isn't just wasteful, it's shameful. So, when Helburke ordered him to bring Marrowman to bear against the newly-risen Runa's Dragon, he refused. When, then, he was given the ultimatum of going through with the duel or forfeiting his rank and position, he looked his general in the eye, ripped the pilot's medal from his collar, and left his home behind.

Overnight Ghaust was made a Pariah in Helburke, and his home turned against him. He was forced to leave, and though several foreign programs sought him out, Ghaust denied them all, even passing up a pilot's seat in Eusero. Instead, he went straight to the burgeoning program in Runa, who was more than happy to take him.

Character Info

Name – Safie Calhan
Age – 22
Affiliation – R.I.S.C.

R.I.S.C.'s newest pilot, Safie has spent the past year earning her place at Dahlia and Ghaust's sides. Born and raised in Runa's largest city, Queenshand, Safie was one of countless starry-eyed youths who dreamed of the day she'd get to step inside the cockpit of a Savior. A positive connection-test put her on the path, but it was the months upon months of personal training, rigorous study, and nights spent running sims until dawn that pulled her ahead of the other aspirants. With a phase potential speed just above average, she was a perfect fit between Runa's other two pilots.

While Dahlia has accrued something of a heroic mythos about her, she's often reclusive and hesitant to make many public appearances. Safie on the other hand loves to meet the people she's helping, be that with personal visits, answering fan-mail, or simply getting her hands dirty cleaning up after the messier invasions. Some see her approach as distinctly Euseran, but Safie didn't become a pilot for the attention, she became a pilot because it was the right thing to do.

Character Info

Name – Lucis Abroix
Age – 25
Affiliation – Casoban, on loan to the R.I.S.C.

Casoban's sole effort to save Westwel, while ultimately futile, planted the seeds of goodwill between it and Runa. Casoban has always lived in the influential shadows of Helburke and Eusero, but allied with Runa, the two manage a strong presence on the world stage.

As a show of solidarity, Casoban has even begun sending a Savior of its own as backup to Runa's invasions. Enter: Lucis Abroix.

Lucis is perhaps one of Casoban's most beloved pilots, despite having only a handful of deployments to his name. Handsome, personable, with a poetic flare and the voice of an angel, many people back home already consider him the face of Casoban's Savior program—a role he is more than happy to play. Lucis makes regular public appearances, seemingly never missing an opportunity to espouse his love for the beauty of the world, and his burning desire to protect it from the Modir.


[System]
Age: 31 (born in March)

Human Appearance: Lee is a tall woman, a bit less than six feet tall and even taller in heels. Her regimen of dance and self defense have made her solid and athletic, but her muscles are softened by generous curves. Her hair is cut in a layered bob just past her chin, and her bangs are just long enough to get into her eyes, something she doesn't really notice. Her eyes are milky hazel and tend to wander, focusing on nothing. Her lips are full, but she rarely wears any sort of lipstick with the exception of a simple and nearly colorless gloss. She does not wear much makeup at all, aside from a little foundation and a smidge of blush, since putting it on is difficult for her. Her face is somewhere between an oval and a heart, with a strong nose and round cheeks. Her clothes tend to be of a certain set of colors, picked so that if she grabs the wrong one they won't clash too badly. This means nothing too bright, nor any particularly loud patterns.

Oddly enough she does have preferred colors, even though she can't tell what they look like. Lee has formed strong associations for various colors based on things described by that color. Pinks and oranges like the sunset appeal to her because of a certain quality to the air once the sun goes down. She also likes the green of grass or a walk in the woods, and the yellow of sunshine.

She has a distinct preference for comfortable clothing, and a fondness for textured fabrics like velvet, suede, silk, fleece, and knits. She is as comfortable in skirts as jeans or yoga pants and a sweatshirt, and what she wears depends a lot on what she is doing that day. While teaching she wears close-fitting clothing, though she puts something over it before heading home on all but the hottest days, in which case she often changes.

Personality: Lee is a polite young lady, and generally composed. She is usually softspoken and an excellent listener. She is generous by nature, and had to learn where to draw the line so as not to overextend herself. She can be a bit gullible if presented with someone in need of assistance, and she doesn't like saying no, even when she knows it's in her best interests to do so. She has minor social anxiety, and she values her time alone, even though she loves people and loves spending time with a wide network of friends. She tries to project a confidence that she does not always feel, especially in a social situation where her discomfort might negatively impact the enjoyment of others. She is sensitive to noisy environments and large amounts of chaotic motion, and either can be overwhelming. Lee has clinical depression, though she's had it more or less in hand for some time. On bad days she can be moody and irritable, and she does need to take a break from doing things to focus on herself now and then, but overall she's doing well.

Occupation: dance instructor

History: Cecilly's mother Emily Krichilsky was young -- only twenty, and not yet married. The man she was seeing vanished before she even knew she was pregnant, and she eventually married another man, Dave Roseberg. Lee's half-brother Ruben is several years younger than she, but the two are still close.

Lee was born blind, though she was otherwise a healthy baby. However what neither her mother nor the ob/gyn realized was that her father had been infected with miasma when she was conceived, and she'd inherited some of the...changes. Her spatial perception was the only active aspect of her infection, and it is in theory possible that a high sensitivity to air currents and sound could account for most of it. It is not uncommon for those lacking a given sense to have greater discernment with others, and while her ability is a bit odd and certainly unusually precise, Lee never exhibited any other signs of infection, and the miasma itself was in a dormant state.

Her life was generally uneventful, the usual mix of good and bad. She was a good student but not exceptional, and she took up dance as an alternative to sports (specifically gymnastics). As a young teen she picked up martial arts, deciding that the mental discipline taught with many of the eastern systems would help her deal with her increasing struggle with depression. This is also when she started seriously pursuing a career in dance. Initially she picked a performing arts major, but after helping with an informal dance class over a break Lee realized that she liked teaching just as much as dancing itself, possibly more. She switched performing arts to her minor and graduated with a Master's in dance education.

She initially started as a junior instructor at a fairly large studio in town that specialized in ballet, but Lee wanted to offer something a a bit less formal -- and something closer to where she lived, where it wasn't a long walk from public transportation to get there. A few of her college friends had a similar desire, and they pooled their funds and purchased an old theatre in a historic part of town, where the city council was trying to lure leasers. With some grants, some help, and a lot of fundraising, the group fixed the place up to suit their needs. While they often come close to the wire on repaying loans, they've managed to weather every time money was short thus far. An older dancer fallen on hard times has since joined them, and the little studio has built up a reputation for excellence, variety, and reliability.

Infection Status: Infected (dormant, possible aberrant incubation)

Miasma Abilities: Cecilly exhibits an odd form of spatial perception. She is able to tell where things are around her, though her range is far less than that of most people's vision. She can sense perhaps as far as a large classroom (her preferred studio is one where she can stand by one wall and see most of the way to the other). The closer something is, the more detail she can make out. This perception extends in a full sphere around her; she is not hindered by the direction she is facing. She cannot see through windows, and screens are meaningless surfaces. If there is a large object between her and something else -- such as the corner of a building -- Lee can pick up somewhat more beyond it than would be visible, but still experiences a sharp dropoff in level of detail. Smaller objects are less of an issue and for something like a tree trunk of moderate size they do not block her senses. A lot of debris in the air can distract and disrupt her abilities, though things like mist and light rain are far less of an issue.

Following her encounter with Smile, her awareness has begun to reach beyond the surface of objects, though not all the way through them. If someone put their face by a window she was near, Lee can pick that up, and she can detect things like broken bones, thin ice, and other issues of structural integrity. Thus far, that is the only noticeable change.

Miasma Appearance: none
Lee has yet to exhibit the ability to transform.

Other:
Lee is Jewish, and she attends Shabbat and holiday services regularly at the conservative synagogue where she is a member.

She has a good relationship with both her mother and her stepfather, but in terms of family Lee is closest to her half-brother and her maternal grandmother. Ruben is away at college, though the two stay in touch via phone and the internet. Leah Krichilsky lives in assisted living just a few blocks from Lee's apartment building and is always delighted when her granddaughter comes to visit, at least once a week and often more. Leah is over ninety but still possessed of a sharp mind, and while she often relies a great deal on her cane she is quite active -- often to the consternation of everyone who knows her. The old lady has never really accepted that she's not as capable as she was at merely fifty, and at her age a broken bone or a turned ankle could be a serious problem.

Lee speaks fluent Yiddish, taught by her grandmother.

She owns an orange tabby by the name of Freddie.

Cecilly really dislikes elevators and any sort of enclosed vehicle. She does use bus and subway extensively, as she cannot drive, but if at all possible she prefers to walk places. She loves walking in general, and often if she doesn't have anything to do she'll just go for a wander in a nearby park or subdivision.

She takes an aikido class once a week, and is good enough at self defence that she believes she could hold her own in a hand-to-hand fight if someone tried to mug her -- so long as they didn't have a gun.

She has an especial fondness for tap.

[User]
It was hard to make out details, but when the strange woman took out what seemed to be a needle, Lee backed away and ended up falling right out of the bed. She could feel a trickle of blood making its way across her hand as she lay dazed for a moment, and quickly returned pressure to the insertion site of the IV she'd removed. She leaned against the bed as she got to her feet, trying to process what the man was telling her.

"So...after whatever happened, now people are after me. And I'm just supposed to trust the two of you?" Had she been sure of her balance she would have backed away -- as it was she*shrank back. Private security...no company name offered, not even their names, some unknown employer. And she was supposed to bring them home to her apartment? But what if she was being targetted because of...whatever that thing had been. They were being polite enough, but they were armed, and -- how could she sense the heavy scarring of unexposed skin?!

There was too much she didn't understand, and far too few answers to go around. She didn't think they were actually private security, but they were armed, and she was not in any shape to be resisting. She could call someone, let them know....

Her belongings. She was going to need them, and something other than the hospital gown she was in, not to mention shoes. And...even if it did incapacitate her later, it was her best option for the moment. "Fine. Does one of you know how to give shots?" Lee wouldn't be able to administer it herself, and her breath hissed out impatiently as the strangers exchanged glances. She tried to relax as the woman inched her way closer, but she felt as nervous as the other two appeared. She needed to get out of this place. The injection began to take effect at once, and soon she could stand on her own. The moment she was able, Lee made her way over to the cupboard where she sensed her things -- it was uncanny, being able to tell her shoes were beyond the closed door, but sure enough, there they were.

What the hell is going on?!

The faded smell of dried blood reached her, and her clothing felt stiff. "...Do either of you have something I can wear? Even just a large overcoat?" she asked, just fishing her things out of the pockets. Her shoes and purse she grabbed. They would just have to do. "The hospital gown is a bit obvious, and my things...." She grimaced, and tried not to shudder. As she spoke, she was already jamming her feet into her sneakers. "Oh, and yes -- I am very much going to want answers." I just hope someone has them. Dear God.

[Assistant]
The well-dressed man was nodding, gesturing. "She's trained," he said, as his companion approached. She was shaking, Cecilly knew, trembling like a leaf in high winds until she took a breath, and then another breath, and then - startling the man - slapped herself full across the face. Her body calmed and steadied, and it was with what was almost practiced ease that she approached Lee with the needle. Growing clarity brought the woman into sharper relief. Short hair, dyed with something - the unnatural texture was a giveaway - features too drawn and twisted with fear to be pretty. Well-muscled, not just a gym body. Sweater and slacks. Sneakers, incongruous with the outfit. She was in her early thirties; the man was older but not by a lot. Businesslike now. Efficient. Had they done this before?

"Here," said the woman, jogging, almost running to the door to retrieve a duffle bag and bring it to the bed. Clothing - shirts, jeans, socks and sneakers, underthings, the works - a first aid kit, various items. A flashlight, ironically.

And another gun. Heavy, again, a serious caliber. The woman was laying out clothes across the bed; she placed the gun without comment, an offering. It was loaded.

"It might help with trust," the man said. "I'm Caleb, by the way. It's our h-" The hesitation was brief but unmistakable. "Our pleasure to make your acquaintance. My associate is-"

"Jane," she said suddenly, seeming to startle herself with her own voice. Lee could feel her cheeks color as she leaned past to arrange more clothing. Jane smiled, then, a small and private thing.

Vanishing at noises from the direction of the elevator. The tension flooded back into the pair. Jane took her gun out of her purse, checked it, and flicked the safety off. "I'm sorry, ma'am. You're probably still a little woozy, but you're going to have to hurry."


[System]
Username: Vongola_Hasayo
Age: 14

Gender: Male

Country of Origin: Italy/Japan

Role: Soon-to-be Vongola XI

Flame: Sky

Weapon/Fighting Style:

Appearance:

Personality: In some ways Luca is similar his predecessor in middle school and in others they are complete opposites. Luca isn't the most socially adept, spending a lot of time by himself in the schools music room or his own at home. He's not as poor a student as Tsuna was but he's not making the honor roll anytime soon. His confidence is lacking and he has a fear of leadership that rivals that of Tsuna's fear of Reborn. Their similarities aren't all negative though. Despite all his short comings Luca has incredible perseverance. His confidence may be lacking but that doesn't mean he won't try and give everything he can. He has a good-heart and wouldn't wish harm upon others. At the same time he doesn't like to see others get hurt. That's were the similarities end.

Luca is a much more reckless and impulsive person, throwing himself in the middle of trouble. Though somewhat timid he can be quite the hothead around certain people. More over his aggression towards those he sees as enemies and scum comes as an intimidating glare that only targets them and only reassures the people he cares about. He's not as forgiving as Tsuna but given time he'll come around. While he's never quite sure if he can do something it never stops him from giving his all. There are only two things Luca refuses to do though: try to lead and play the piano inn front of others.

Luca can be somewhat oblivious but her it's actually very sensitive to the hidden feelings in a person's heart. In the end though he might try and keep his distance his warm and inviting air is ever present revealing his own true feelings in the moment.

History: Luca was born in a small town in Italy known as Trespiano to Katsuo and Felicita Yuuki.

Other: Luca is a talented pianist and enjoys writing music though he'll never perform in front of anyone.

[User]
"WAH!"

The football slammed into the back of the net with a impressive thwack, a few strings even coming undone from the force. The poor girl that had avoided the ball, despite being the captain of the team and current goal keeper for this little end of semester match, gave out a thankful sigh. "Yuki, you can hold back, we are just meant to be playing around you know" The captain gave out a chuckle with a few others of the team as she went to get the ball.

"I know, and I was holding back"

Yuki was gracefully bouncing on the spot, the boundless energy that she was showing was in contrast to her expression. She had been here for only a month and yet she made a good amount of friends on the athletics teams of the school, it was rather a shame she joined so late in the year. It was the very reason she was annoyed at that moment, the fact that she was enjoying herself and yet..

The bell tolled and signaled the end of the semester, but just as Yuki was about to sprint off to her new source of excitement, her captain called out to her. "Yuki! I need you to help me clean up" She said it with a smile but Yuki was looking more annoyed than ever before as she started to make her way back, kind of hoping she could have caught Luca before he left.

A hour or so passed before she could make her way home, her spats and training hoodie still on as she did not waste any time changing out of them. Raising her gaze form the floor, her ice colored eyes locked onto a familiar form, causing her to go into a full on sprint! A few steps away she flung her arms around Luca from behind, of course she couldn't see his bruises and scraps so the hug may have been more painful than she intended...

"You're going home late Luca, did you wait for me?~"

[Assistant]
"I gotta admit Taiga's not all talk..." Luca muttered, flinching as he rubbed his cheek. After the skirmish all Luca wanted to do was take a bath and drop dead o onto his bed. Unfortunately, he knew that wasn't an option. As soon as he stepped through the door his parents were going to drag him out to the summer festival. Speaking of people who were probably going try and get him out to the festival.

Luca grunted in pain as he suddenly felt someone jump him from behind. "You're going home late Luca, did you wait for me?~" His face redened slightly as he looked back at the snowy haired girl. "H-Hey, come on..." Luca squirmed uncomfortably in Yuki's embrace. It was a stark contrast how Luca could go from being so bold and aggressive around guys like Taiga to being timid and unsure of himself with everyone else. "Actually, I was held up by Taiga..." His dwindled as he spoke knowing how Yuki got when it came to Luca and fighting. He didn't understand out but how she had become quite attached to him and could be somewhat...protective.

[User]
Tack......... Tack......... Tack.........

An echo of a bamboo sharply clacking against a rock reverberated throughout the serene, traditional Japanese garden, as the sōzu (water fountain) repeated its upwards and downwards motions with the filling and emptying of the bamboo fountain piece. The water in the pond stirred, koi fishes of different variety of colors decorated the viridescent waters, from orange to white to black, and even blue. A faint summer breeze blew past the now green cherry blossom tree, lightly rustling its leaves as a few number of them were carried away by the wind, eventually descending upon the ground. The only other sound that broke the tranquil silence was the shrilling of a cicada, which truly marked the beginning of the burning heat season.

A raven haired male was seated in a kneeling position on the wooden floor of a veranda with the scenery of the aforementioned garden. Still as a tree, the male sat down in silence with minimal movement, his blue eyes shut closed and hands firmly placed atop his lap. A wooden sword rested on the floor beside him as if it had recently been used. He was adorned in a kendogi, the appropriate uniform worn when one practiced kendo, which exactly hinted what he had been doing previously. Ren, the said male, was in the middle of his meditation after a strenuous sword practice session. Clearing one's mind of unnecessary thoughts in a relaxing environment was how he favored to take his breaks. How old geezer-like as it may sound, Ren was still a middle schooler but the influence of the people around him caused him to be this way. Being tutored at the comfort of his home without peers from his age group did not make the matters any better.

A set of footsteps from the hallway approached the young heir before it was revealed to be from his old butler. Ren stayed in his initial position with no reaction whatsoever, knowing well enough that it was possibly one of his servants. The old man upon being at a certain distance, deeply bowed as a greeting to his master and gently set a serving of green tea beside the boy before parting his lips to speak.

"Pardon me for my intrusion young master, but Master Kanesada has instructed me to inform you of your compulsory attendance to the summer festival this evening being held at the city."

"............... Is it truly necessary?"

"He has mentioned of an heir being announced tonight for our allied group, Vongola."

"..... Understood. Make haste preparations."

[Assistant]
It was truly a beautiful day. The kind of day one would hope for, or rather expect, on the last day of school before summer vacation. Not to mention the coming festival. These days were particularly busy for Asuka. But she handled it all without batting an eye. It was simple really. In her words, If I couldn't do at least this much, I wouldn't be fit as Student Council President. That was usually her response when it came to matters like the amount of work she took on. Today. Today she was making a few rounds, seeing how the last day was going. She'd had a few meeting and appointments with future club heads regarding the budgets for next year. She could rework those over the summer. So confident she was that she wouldn't be losing her position.

Though this wasn't where her interest lied. No, her interest was in Luca. Sleeping throughout the end of class again was he? She supposed she could let it slide on the last day. Besides she had other things to attend to. Even so, she nearly butted in when he and Taiga decided on holding a little brawl on the roof after Taiga's announcement. She would have done something about this self-proclaimed successor to legendary Hibari Kyoya, but it was another matter that could be let slide. Especially, since the bell had already rung. She was technically off duty, but the StuCo President never officially clocked out, so to speak.

Still, here she was. Walking home while thinking of the next responsibility she would hold. She'd had a meeting with some teachers. The Student Council would be holding a booth at the festival. Rather they were requested to help with one. It seemed a local shop owner who had already paid the festival admission fee to run a booth had ended up getting hurt. She agreed to help, but the other council members all had vacations or other things to do. Sometimes it seemed as though she may as well be the only member. "Rice balls and chocolate bananas huh?" That was it. Making and selling rice balls and chocolate bananas. This shop was getting popular because of some of their special ingredient in each product. Which was why such simple things were their primary sellers.

"Hm?" She looked up, coming back from her thoughts when she heard two familiar voices. "Ah! Luca! Yuki!" She called out as she approached the two. "It's so good to see you two. It's especially good to see you awake." She spoke to both and then more specifically to Luca. "Though I do wish you and Taiga would keep your childish fights off of the roof. Somebody could get hurt." She added to him. "Or maybe don't fight on school grounds at all if you can avoid it. Would be much better than walking home bruises and hurt like this." She giggled looking him over once more. "Oh and how are you doing Yuki? I hope you've been adjusting nicely after joining us here." She was standing just a bit away from them now so as not to be too close, her bag held firmly in her hands in front of her skirt. These two would work. Even one of them would be find to pull into helping at the stand.

[User]
Victoire walks around curiously around town, smiling slightly at the sights Namimori has to offer. It was very refreshing for her to be in this place, the place where the Vongola Decimo grew up. While Victoire is wondering why the Vongola Family has to send someone from the Varia instead of their own agents to observe the next generation of the Vongola, but it's not like Victoire to question orders, so she didn't. The minute Victoire stepped out of the airport, anyone would figure out that she is not Japanese. The nineteen-year old woman was wearing what is to be presumed as the modern fashion trends in France, and can be assumed that she was just a simple tourist. Not a cold-blooded assassin, she brightly thought as she enthusiastically checks out the shops here in Namimori. Even though it's her first time here, she managed to speak good enough Japanese. After all, you need to speak at least seven languages to be a part of the Varia.

Victoire beamed when she heard about the summer festival tonight. "Hm...it sounds fun. Maybe I should go there tonight," she muttered gently to herself as she heads to a neighborhood. She blinked when she noticed two girls and a boy, all of them probably in middle school. Victoire silently hid herself from their view when she recognized the boy's face. Luca Yuuki, potential next boss of the Vongola Famiglia, she curiously studied his face, her eyes slightly softening. He's so young, but I heard the Vongola Decimo was about the same age when he started his training.

Of course, Victoire on the other hand, started training the life of a mafioso when she was about six or seven. She smiled fondly at those memories, kind of proud of herself now that they don't have to move house by house to avoid those who were chasing them. She shook her head, driving out the memories of the past. She turned around and went the other way, this time heading for the apartment building she will have to live in in her stay here in Namimori. Or I should buy a yukata for tonight. And the potential next Vongola might be there as well.

[Assistant]
Yuki's face darkened slightly as she finally noticed the bruises on Luca's face, and when he mentioned the name she knew all too well she looked back to the school. "I wonder if it is too late to go back..." She muttered under her breath, though being so close Luca would have been able to hear her plan to go back, likely just to scare the guy as she had never really interfered with Luca's fights.

"Ah! Luca! Yuki!"

However it seemed like her little revenge would have to wait as Asuka made her way over to the pair, Yuki turning with Luca so that she didn't have to let him go for the time being... What? She was nursing him back to health, and for some reason she had the feeling that they were being watched, strange... "Yeah, it is a shame I didn't have more time this year, I wanted to try out for one of the school sports teams" Since she joined just a month away from the end of the semester it was sadly not possible this time. "That reminds me, are you going to the festival miss president? Luca and I are" Of course if Luca said otherwise she would give him just a little squeeze to make sure he understood he was going...


[System]
Margrave
Alias: Margrave
Age: 17
Alignment: Wannabe Antihero, formerly Wannabe Villain
Loyalty: Unofficial Ward
Appearance: A white male of lanky proportions, 6'1", most often clothed in dark colors. His features, from his nose to his jaw to his cheekbones, are angular, and his nose itself is rather prominent. By nature his brown hair is poofy, and he keeps it styled upward. His earlobes are attached, his eyes are a murky brown, and he has slightly yellowed teeth. His favorite attire includes a dark green high-collared trench coat that belonged to his grandfather and a black baseball cap.
History: Elliot came into the world in a rough period for his family. Poor, without a house, and constantly on the move, his parents did their best to love him and raise him while teaching him important lessons about life. Elliot learned quickly, becoming a very serious and reserved child. As the years went by, his family persisted in a state of continuous change. For a few months he and his parents might be living in an apartment or condo, and immediately after be back on the road in a station wagon. When Elliot was four, the trio finally settled, and Elliot went to school. Though not very social at all, he excelled in his classes, displaying streaks of perfectionism. Knowing that he needed something else to work on, his parents enrolled him in a kickboxing class, and he took to it like a fish to water. Eventually he found himself on the receiving end of some bullies, but rather than silently put up with their abuse he displayed a newfound confidence. One bully provoked him into punching, but even though Elliot missed, his enemies decided to find easier prey. All throughout middle school, nothing really changed.

Only in high school did he start to open up, his defensive shell cracking to allow dry humor and the occasional hilarious remark to seep through. Meanwhile, he continued to study, balancing a life of school, video games, and hanging out with friends. He saw no problem in trying beer or a cigarette when pressured to but, finding neither remotely to his liking, he never tried them again. Elliot instead dedicated himself to a new goal: scholarship. Though his family's condition had improved immensely from his early youth, there was not a single sliver of a chance he'd be able to attend college. In scholarship, though, he found a solution: a full-ride to a local university, if only he continue to excel. In his sophomore and junior years he did exactly that, but a dark and brooding foe lay on the horizon. Confronted with Calculus II, a college-level course, in senior year, he was stumped for the first time. Having become accustomed to overcoming every obstacle easily, Elliot grew uncharacteristically distraught disturbingly quickly. He grew more and more crazed in his desperation, knowing that his future lay on the line. Yet his pride would not allow him to cheat. Though he enlisted the teacher for help, he continued to struggle, and at the end of the second semester opened a yellow envelope with shaking hands to discover that he'd fallen afoul of the cutoff for the full-ride scholarship by only a small margin.

Elliot stared at the paper, mouth agape and eyes wide. In his quest to get a passing grade, he'd practically severed ties with all of his friends. He'd staked everything on this—and now he'd failed. With a shattered confidence, knowing that he'd doomed himself to a rotten life and disappointed everyone who knew him, he went berserk. Before, he'd made certain to keep excelling by punishing himself when he failed, so what came next seemed obvious. Seizing a metal pan, he smashed it against his own forehead. The impact dazed him and the held-back tears poured forth, but he did it again. Two more times he cracked the pan against his head, not really caring if he lived or not. The fourth time, however, the pan broke off. Elliot didn't discover why until he awoke an hour later to the sound of his mother coming into the apartment. Deaf to her shriek of fear, he touched the broken, plastic pot that lay before him before passing out again.

After recovering, Elliot was advised to go to therapy, but he shrugged it off. With school over with, he took to spending a lot of time outside, exploring the city. He'd discovered something new about himself, and in doing so he changed. A new attitude had taken him over, forming a sort of persona. He acted strangely and extravagantly without any restraint. He continued to work as a junior instructor for his kickboxing studio, albeit with a shocking new persona that the kids thought was pretty awesome, and he earned enough money to live off of. Out of the studio he sought something different. After a painstaking search, he attempted to get in with the local supervillain gang, only to be conspired against and brutally kicked out for his lame attitude and power. With no other options, he sought the local Wards. Perhaps its leader took pity on Elliot, but nevertheless he finally found somewhere he felt as if he belonged, though he'd never show it.

Personality
Motivations: Elliot wants, more than anything, to be recognized. The road starts with getting attention and ends with getting famous—preferably infamous. He wants people to know his name, and to respect him.
Sexuality: Straight
Likes: * Looking cool
* Beating others at petty competitions
* Taking advantage of others
* Company
* Potato crisps
* Exercise
* Flaring up with no real reason
* Playing 'lone wolf' DPS characters in games
* Action movies, especially martial arts movies

Dislikes: * Being alone
* Being ignored
* Being wrong
* His lame power
* People who are full of themselves
* Goody-goodies
* Artificial sweeteners
* Support players who whine a lot in games

Derangement: To Elliot, the only way to become renowned and respected is to be respected through fear. To that end, he goes to frequently absurd lengths to speak and act mysteriously and threateningly, though more often than not this comes across as acting confusingly and obnoxiously. He cannot conceive of a different way to get famous and is completely ignorant of his own shortcomings.

Parahumanism
Skills: Elliot is a fast runner, with somewhat higher than usual stamina. He's pretty smart, and can produce a sense of humor from time to time, but what he's really good at is pissing other people off. When it comes to ideas, schemes, plots, plans, and so forth that might bamboozle, infuriate, or enrage others, Elliot's the guy. He's also got a hint of a British accent that tends to intrigue people who aren't familiar with it. From kickboxing lessons he's taken since he was eleven, he's got notable fist-fighting ability, as well as the strength to go with it, though his pain tolerance is surprisingly low.
Classification: Striker
Details: Upon touching an inanimate object, Elliot can turn it into a toy version of itself. This may include substance change (for instance, to plastic) size change, and so forth. The rate of toyification is tied to his mental state; when he's calm, the transformations go at an unremarkable speed, but if he's excited or scared, the process can be sped up by several times depending on intensity. Objects will tend to turn into toy versions of themselves that replicate or at least resemble existing toys. Someone's mech suit might, then, turn into a Transformer. A few traits are shared among all of the toys created by Elliot's power: they are simple, they are destructible, and they are harmless. An anvil, turned into a plastic toy, could be easily crushed. Elliot has some control over the change; IE he could choose whether to turn a gun into a Nerf gun, a Super Soaker, or a tiny action-figure accessory.
Limitations: This toy-transformation power can only emanate from Elliot's hands. He wouldn't be able to defend himself from anything threatening to harm his body if he couldn't physically touch it with his hands. Additionally, if one of his toys is moved out of close proximity to him, it will quickly begin to revert to its original form. This also applies to toy versions of things he might want to use himself, like vehicles or hidden weapons. Of course, this power is also of very little use in direct combat with other parahumans.
Equipment: At all times, Elliot has in some pocket or another handfuls of foam knives and action figure weapons. He's also got a little canteen and a bag of beef jerky, which he enjoys. His heavy clothing might also provide a little defense, but it's no substitute for anything resembling actual armor. However, he does wear cloth shin-guards and forearm guards beneath his clothes when out and about, which are valuable when fighting unarmed. As a Ward, he's also got a Protectorate Communication Earpiece and a holographic computer interfacing tool, courtesy of Decoy.

[User]
The PRT Building@Eklispe

Ruben stared at the curtain with a rather curious face, confused whether or not it was an actual trick or just nonsense. He guessed it was nonsense and treated it as such until he instinctively flinched backwards as Jackson shot a fist out at his ear. That genuinely surprised him, as he was expecting something like a rabbit just appear under the curtains. Ruben recovered to a sitting position, clearly agitated, and he responded to Jackson with an appropriate line. "What the heck?!"

[Assistant]
WispSheila Hopkins

Rocker Warehouse

---

Was he telling the truth? That it had been just luck? That would… be extremely relieving, it just meant she had suffered the consequences of staying in a villain-district a bit too long. There was always the possibility that he was a good liar, but he had spoken about it so confidently, she felt it was the truth. Or maybe she was just easy to trick, but she didn't want to consider that.

That said, if that was it, then her initial purpose with coming here was complete. They wouldn't be able to find her again. Their new place was a lot harder to find for the Rockers. So, she could just vanish right now, and then that was it. No more trouble with villains. There was a numerous second silence and nothingness for Shatterpoint as Wisp considered this.

… … … No. Not yet. She had a unique opportunity here. She had to look into what she could find out on this road. Just in case she found an opportunity to cause real damage to the world of villains in Denver. Unearth some conspiracies or so. If it turned bad, she'd just vanish. Yeah. She could always vanish.

As for the difference between Wisp and the robber…

i will say that while i'm invisible myself
i don't have the means to find someone else who is invisible as well

That said. Onto the matter about communicating.

i will not permit you to have a technological link to me
as it could be traced
and so i cannot permit immediate communication
we will meet up at predetermined times
ensuring i know the next time and place before i leave

as such, when and where would you like to meet next?

It was possible for them to put a trap for her if they knew where they were going to meet up. Wisp was aware of this, but, this'd have to do. She wanted no links whatsoever with this team. She didn't know what kind of orders they'd have for her, but their nature would determine her future with this cooperation. There was a very real chance they'd say her orders and then never hear from her again.


[System]
Gender: Female
Age: 22
Appearance:

Rank: Private
Class: Lancer

Weapons and Equipment: Lancaar-SH M01 and an old, far eastern sword

Personality: A peace-loving, flirtatious woman with a fierce sense of justice. She carries with her mannerisms from a foreign land, though her heart embraces the peaceful land of Gallia.
Bio: Regan emigrated from her home to Gallia some years ago, her family seeking to escape involvement in the war. Their home country was one that had decided to take a side in the war. Regan agreed with the move, but for her own reasons. Her father was originally a Gallian citizen, smoothing over their immigration into the country. It's where she obtained her mortar lance.

RP Sample: Fwoosh, fwoosh, fwoosh, fwoosh. A young woman stood in her yard, swinging a wooden sword overhead and shuffle-stepping forward and back as she did. She'd been at it for ten minutes now, and with a final step forward and swing, she took a deep breath while resting her sword against the ground, her hands laying over each other on the end of the hilt. "Huff... huff... whew." She takes a moment to gaze out over the grassy fields that surround her home now. The change of scenery was really pleasant, but at the same time, it was strange to be in a foreign land. Well... she supposed it wasn't foreign anymore. She was a citizen of Gallia now, this was her home. Though, the foreign martial clothing she wore would have most people fooled. Now that she's done with her morning practice, perhaps she should change and go into town? Bathing might be good, too, before she goes.

"Mama, I'm going to town!" The young lady calls as she slips her shoes on at the door and steps out of her home. They didn't live far, and the walk was very pleasant. She wondered who she'd find out and about today... though she should probably go with some purpose in mind, instead of just aimlessly wandering. She'd start by going to the bakery and purchasing herself something to eat, after her workout. From there... eeeeh... something would probably happen? She'd figure it out, but she had something to start with.

As the young lady walks, she gazes at the river along the road, admiring the clear waters and the fish within. Such a beautiful, peaceful place...

[User]
Corporal James Hunt|Battle of Vasel
@Little_ninja@Kitsune

James had been leading his fireteam behind the tank when he heard the telltale sound of artillery shells falling. And unfortunately, he had no way to warn Snider. "OFF THE STREET NOW!" He tackled the person next to him down and hoped the other two listened. He scrambled for a doorway and kicked it open, pulling his tackled fire team member inside. As the artillery rained down, he watched the tank flip and listened for something, anything, from it's commander and the others under his command. Soon enough, radio chatter came in and he frowned. Snider and his crew needed help, but he wasn't going to let any one else get hurt. "This is Corporal Hunt to all Gallian units that can hear me. Keep pressing the attack and stay in cover. I'll get our downed tanker and his crew." Rushing out at the end of his address, he scooped up Snider first and got him inside, realizing for the first time that the person he'd tackled was none other than Fairglaive. Thank the Valkyrur.

"Start patching him up, I'll be back." He ran back out, avoiding the artillery and getting blown up by the Valkyrur's grace only. Reaching the tank once more, he climbed inside and started working on freeing the other two tankers.

[Assistant]
PFC Colin Nelson

Colin's world exploded, the fiery immolation and shudder of impact drove him into the ground a few feet away from where he had been standing not seconds earlier. He did his best to collect himself and follow Hunt and the rest into the building next to them. He gritted his teeth and let out a few yelps of pain. He nearly dropped his rifle, and needed to reload it. He began to do it methodically as the next events transpired.

Colin gave Hunt an unsteady salute as the Corporal went out to grab the Tank crew. "
Come on, come on, come on,
" he breathed, fumbling for the bullets as he reloaded his gun too slow for his liking. A sudden and swift cocking action, and grasping the handle of the weapon just in time. Crack Crack. Two enemy soldiers that had been advancing upon the fallen tank were shot and killed.

[User]
Private Glaive
@POOHEAD189@Little_ninja

Alex was walking in formation with the other two, her hands clasped onto the claimed SMG tightly as she looked around for any ambushes. However how could she have possibly been on guard for steel rain falling from the sky, sending explosive death down onto their very location! Her ears picked up on the far off tell tale sound of cannons firing, but before she could even make a move she was suddenly tackled to the ground. This combined with the shell shock that rocked the very earth had her dazed for a moment, before she looked up towards James. A small blush had formed over her face from the embarrassment of having to be saved like that, though a glare was also clear as she waited for him to get off of her! "Enjoying yourself Corporal?" She asked before she soon got up after he got off of her.

Straightening her uniform she released the safety on her weapons and then dashed off after Hunt to the end of their address, kneeling down and covering him with some spraying fire down the street. The feeling of the imperial weapon in her hand was familiar, like it was just the right weapon to be holding... She knew why it was, the higher caliber and more kickback was something her body had built a resistance too, that was why she thought Galian weapons to be so light... Shaking her head she looked down to Snider and then nodded to Hunt "Understood." Moving into the near by building she would apply whatever first aid she could, though she was no medic that was for sure, she was designed to be a commando after all.

Grabbing a near by chair she set it up by the window facing the tank, using it to prop her leg so that she could give covering fire down the street without having to lean out too far for support. However of course someone had to try and be clever, as her eyes drifted to the glass of the window she could see a imperial sneaking across the street wall from the other building! The shelling meant that there was no need for knives and silence, so she fully expected a nade soon enough. Pulling back her gun as if she was reloading she readied herself, and sure enough he tried just that! Reaching out with both hands she gripped the hand attempting to peek from the side of the window and drop the explosive. Yanking it free from the unsuspecting hand she tossed it outside while at the same time she pulled the man right through the window using her toned and muscular figure! Drawing her pistol she shoved it into the mans mouth as she leaned down to him, glaring down to him intimidatingly as the nade exploded outside sending glass and shrapnel over her harmlessly. For a moment her finger twitched but... it took pause "Stay, there." Too scared to do much else, she went about stripping him down and wrapping his own belt around his wrists to bind him. With that she would go back to providing covering fire.

[Assistant]
Private First Class Cecilia Rousseau
@Zarkun@Kitsune

Following Hunt behind the tank, Cecilia heard the piercing cry of the artillery shots and instinctively dive rolled towards a building. After closing a lot of distance, and seeing Hunt kick open a door, Cecilia hurried in behind him. The thundering explosions of the artillery shots rung Cecilia's ears. The tank had been flipped, and requested for help. Hunt started by securing Snider. Cecilia started off with returning fire at some of the Imperials in the windows.

As Hunt went to help the other two members in the tank, Cecilia followed, providing fire cover. The artillery was still going, and the the shockwaves upon impact were making her feel unpleasant. The shots were still covering the general area they were in. "Oi Hunt! Can you hurry it up!?" Cecilia cried out, ducking behind the tank for cover, before appearing on the other side to shoot the Imps.